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Consumer expo draws global exhibitors keen on China's vast market

Xinhua) 09:26, April 14, 2026

HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) kicked off on Monday in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, attracting more than 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions.

Themed "Opening Up Drives Global Consumption, Innovation Empowers A Better Life," this year's expo runs from April 13 to 18. Meanwhile, the 2026 "Shopping in China" International Consumption Season was launched simultaneously.

The sixth CICPE has expanded in scale, with an exhibition area of 143,000 square meters, up 13,000 square meters from the previous edition. International exhibits account for 65 percent of the total, an increase of 20 percentage points from last year. Meanwhile, over 200 new products are expected make their debut, double last year's number and spanning fields including healthcare, jewelry and digital technology.

Since its launch in 2021, the CICPE has become an important platform for multinationals to stay abreast of consumer trends in China's gigantic market, with over 3,800 enterprises and more than 12,000 brands from 92 countries and regions participating over the past five editions.

Canada, this year's guest country of honor, has organized its largest-ever delegation, with around 40 companies participating in sectors including cosmetics, agricultural products, health products and pet food.

Russia and Bulgaria are among nations setting up national pavilions for the first time, while official delegations from 12 countries and regions, including Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Ireland, are attending the event.

Beyond the main venue in Haikou, a health exhibition area in Hainan's Boao features 120 international pharmaceutical and medical device companies, while a yacht show in Sanya in the province is hosting over 200 yachts, with international brands accounting for 70 percent.

Committed to building an international, professional, and market-oriented multilateral economic and trade cooperation platform, the CICPE has become a "bridgehead" for high-level opening up. It has attracted over 230,000 domestic and overseas buyers in the five expos to date.

This edition, for the first time, has set up a buyer service center on site, providing exhibitors and buyers with full-process, all-round supply-demand matchmaking services. Additionally, an online supply-demand matchmaking platform has been established, leveraging digital technology to enable one-click matching of needs.

"An estimated 65,000 professional buyers will attend this year's expo, a 10-percent increase from the previous edition," said Lu Min, director of the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development. "We also plan to hold more than 10 supply-demand matchmaking events to effectively enhance the sense of fulfillment for both buyers and exhibitors."

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
The United States is facing what multiple analysts describe as a deepening and structural housing shortage, with affordability challenges now stretching across major metropolitan areas, smaller cities and growing suburban corridors.

A recent White House-linked assessment reported by Al Jazeera suggests the country could be short by as many as 10 million homes. The report points to a prolonged period of underbuilding, rising household formation and demographic pressures as key drivers behind the widening gap.

Building on that, industry analysis from Propmodo notes that the scale of the shortage may have been consistently underestimated for years. It highlights structural barriers such as restrictive zoning rules, high construction and land costs, and persistent financing constraints that continue to slow down new housing supply.

At the same time, the policy debate around how to address the crisis has become increasingly divided. According to Associated Press reporting on housing proposals linked to President Donald Trump's economic agenda, some policymakers are pushing for deregulation and faster approval processes in an effort to stimulate construction and increase supply.

However, this approach has sparked pushback. An opinion analysis published by USA Today argues that tying housing policy too closely to immigration enforcement risks oversimplifying the affordability crisis. It suggests that such framing may distract from deeper structural issues in the housing market, particularly the long-term imbalance between supply and demand.

Economists and policy researchers argue that the solution must go beyond short-term political fixes. The Center for Economic and Policy Research has called for expanded public housing investment, stronger tenant protections, and coordinated zoning reform at the state and local levels, stressing that affordability cannot be restored through market adjustments alone.

In a similar vein, a Forbes commentary argues that housing should be treated as a system-wide policy challenge rather than a simple supply-and-demand issue. It emphasizes the need for coordinated action across federal, state and municipal governments to ensure that housing outcomes improve in a meaningful and sustained way.

Adding to the policy complexity, a Realtor.com report on regulatory debates details that while some stakeholders believe easing regulations could unlock new development, others caution that supply growth also depends heavily on labor availability, material costs, and infrastructure capacity, all of which remain significant bottlenecks.

Taken together, these perspectives point to a housing market that is not simply experiencing cyclical pressure, but one increasingly defined by structural imbalance.

Originally published on IBTimes
King Charles and Queen Camilla will not meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during their US state visit, a source has reiterated, dismissing claims of a private gathering.

The four-day trip, scheduled for the end of the month, unfolds amid a worsening UK-US relationship, described as "more fractious than special" following past verbal attacks by Donald Trump on the British military, Nato allies, and Sir Keir Starmer.

While Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for the trip's cancellation, fearing Charles might be embarrassed by Mr Trump, the Prime Minister told the Commons on Monday that the visit, from April 27-30, would instead build "bonds".

This historic visit, the King's first to the US as monarch, will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence, heralding celebrations across the nation.

Charles and Camilla are expected to mark the milestone at a "block-party".

The royal couple, who will begin their visit with a private tea hosted by the President and First Lady, will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that brought down New Yorks Twin Towers.

This historic visit, the King's first to the US as monarch, will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence (Getty)

There have been repeated calls by US congressman Ro Khanna and the family of Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre for a meeting with the King and Queen, and the Mail on Sunday reported that the Queen had been approached by victims rights groups.

The legal implications of Charles and Camilla coming into contact with any survivors of paedophile financier Epstein, and the Kings constitutional position, make a meeting impossible while there are ongoing UK police investigations into matters related to Epstein.

The royal family has been dealing with the issue of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for years, disgraced by his association with Epstein and recently arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, over his connection with the paedophile, and released under investigation.

Andrew, stripped of his titles by his brother the King, has long-faced separate accusations of having sex with Ms Giuffre three times, including when she was 17, and also during an orgy after being trafficked by the financier.

The former prince has denied the allegations.

A source said: There is no deviation from the guidance that weve previously issued, that it will not be possible during this state visit for a meeting to take place of the kind that has been suggested.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been disgraced by his association with Epstein (PA)

We fully understand and appreciate the survivors position, but can only reiterate that our position is clear that anything that could potentially impact on ongoing police inquiries and assessments and any potential legal action that could result from that would be to the detriment of the survivors themselves in their pursuit of justice.

Youll be aware of his majestys clear constitutional position, not least with regards to the judicial process, and even though the risk may be small that a meeting or any public comments could impact on those inquiries, or the proper course of the law, that is a risk that we simply cant take, for the best interest for the survivors themselves.

The Queen has been a long-term supporter of abused women and sexual violence survivors and during the state visit will engage with organisations advocating for survivors of domestic abuse.

The monarchys soft power diplomacy is its strongest weapon in support of the UKs overseas interests, and there will be hopes that Charles and Camilla can help put the special relationship on a firmer footing.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: So, yes, we are close allies, we do disagree on things, but that doesnt detract from the value that both sides get from this relationship and have done over many decades.

The Prime Minister told the Commons in response to Sir Ed Daveys comments: The relationship between our two countries is very important on a number of levels, and often what the monarchy is able to do, through the bonds that they build, is reach through the decades in a situation like this.

President Donald J. Trump announces Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the United Kingdom, will visit the United States for a Historic State Visit from April 27-30th. pic.twitter.com/dMFwwNp4rI  The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 31, 2026

Highlights of the trip will include Charles acknowledging the challenges the UK and US face in only the second address to both houses of Congress by a British monarch, after Queen Elizabeth II delivered the first in September 1991.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: The visit also recognises the challenges the United Kingdom, the United States, and our allies face across the world; this visit is a moment to reaffirm and renew our bilateral ties as we address those challenges together, in the UKs national interest.

Charles and Mr Trump will sit down for a bilateral meeting and Camilla and Melania Trump will carry out an engagement together, with the president hosting a state dinner in their honour.

The royal couple will also travel to Virginia to meet residents and community organisations and watch performances by Appalachian cultural groups and attend the 250th anniversary celebration block party.

At the end of the state visit, Charles will travel solo to Bermuda for a three-day royal visit  his first as King to a British Overseas Territory.

He will attend a range of events, from meeting youngsters taking part in a living classroom preserving local habitat, to touring a museum exhibition dedicated to the history of Bermuda furthering his own understanding of its connection to the transatlantic slave trade, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said.
The Kremlin has declared that it was never friends with outgoing Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban, as it braces for a new era of relations with Budapest following his landslide loss to a pro-EU candidate.

Mr Orban, who enjoyed warm relations with Russian president Vladimir Putin and was a persistent thorn in Ukraines side as it sought financial backing for its war effort from a divided Europe, was swept aside by Peter Magyar and his centre-right Tisza party.

What the future holds for the Russia-Hungary relationship is unclear, but in light of Mr Orbans collapse in public support, Moscow now appears to be distancing itself and playing down the loss of its most influential ally in the European Union.

We were never friends with Orban, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to The Guardian. Hungarys official designation is as an unfriendly country, he added, explaining that Russia therefore did not congratulate Mr Magyar on his election win.

Russias president Vladimir Putin meets with Hungarys prime minister Viktor Orban at the Kremlin in Moscow on 28 November 2025 (AFP/Getty)

The remarks came despite several meetings between Putin and the hardline former Hungarian prime minister throughout the war. During his tenure, Mr Orban allowed Russia to start work on building a new nuclear power plant south of Budapest, and often spoke out against sanctions on Russia while flatly opposing Kyivs bid to join the 27-nation European Union.

Mr Orban was key to blocking a 78bn EU loan to Ukraine, after accusing Kyiv of sabotaging Russian oil deliveries to his country by dragging its feet over the repair of the Druzhba oil pipeline, something it denied.

As for the incoming government, the Kremlin has thus far been cautious in its approach, issuing a statement indicating that Moscow will look to retain good relations with the new Hungarian government.

Moscow is looking forward to continuing our highly pragmatic engagement with Hungarys new leadership, Peskov said.

New centre-right prime minister Peter Magyar is not expected to have such warm relations with Putin as his predecessor (Reuters)

We noted Magyars statement regarding his willingness to engage in dialogue. Naturally, this will be beneficial for both Moscow and Budapest, he said, adding that Russia was not sure what the stance of the new leadership would be.

In this instance, there is mutual willingness on our part, and we will then proceed to take our cue from the specific steps taken by the new Hungarian government.

Mr Magyar, for his part, said he would not immediately call Putin after his win. But during the campaign he publicly recognised that he would need to hold talks with the Russian president and that Budapest would need to continue buying Russian oil and gas, at least for the time being.

Addressing a media briefing a day after his landslide election victory, Mr Magyar said he hoped Moscow would be forced to end the war soon and affirmed that Ukraine is the clear victim in the conflict.
Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold their first direct diplomatic talks in decades this Tuesday in Washington, following more than a month of intense conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group, which has severely impacted the Mediterranean nation.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio will participate, alongside Israels ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanons ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad.

The war has exacted a devastating human toll. The Health Ministry reports at least 2,089 fatalities from Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including 252 women, 166 children, and 88 medical workers. A further 6,762 individuals have been wounded, and over one million people are now displaced.

Ahlam Badawi, mother of Hassan Ali Badawi, 31, a paramedic of the Lebanese Red Cross killed in an Israeli strike, cries pictured at his funeral (AP)

The Lebanese government hopes these negotiations will pave the way to an end to the hostilities. While Iran has made ending regional conflicts a condition for its own talks with the United States, Lebanon insists on representing itself.

Hezbollah and critics are sceptical and believe Lebanons government in Beirut has no leverage and should take advantage of the position of Iran, the groups key ally and patron.

The Israeli military continues an invasion into southern Lebanon, which some Israeli officials have said aims to create a depopulated security zone from the border to the Litani River, some 30km (20 miles). Iran-backed Hezbollah, though weakened in its last war with Israel that ended in November 2024, still fires drones, rockets and artillery daily into northern Israel and on ground troops inside Lebanon.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in the southern Lebanese village of Qlaile (AFP/Getty)

The Israeli and Lebanese governments are meeting to discuss ways to ensure long-term security on Israels northern border and support for Lebanon seeking to take control of its territory and political future from Iran-backed Hezbollah, a US State Department official said.

They will be the first talks between the two since 1993, according to the official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Lebanons top political authorities, critical of Hezbollahs decision to fire rockets towards Israel on 2 March in solidarity with Iran, quickly proposed direct talks in a bid to stop the escalation, hoping that Israel would not launch its ground invasion.

Israel did not respond positively until last week, after it launched 100 strikes across the country, including in the heart of the Lebanese capital.

Beirut wants a truce as a prerequisite to talks, similar to Pakistan-brokered negotiations between the US and Iran.

A woman reacts at the site of a damaged residential building after it was struck by a projectile fired from Lebanon (AP)

Israels destruction of Lebanese territories is not the solution, nor will it yield any results, said President Joseph Aoun Monday, who came to power vowing to disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah. Diplomatic solutions have consistently proven to be the most effective means of resolving armed conflicts globally.

Israel has ruled out a ceasefire.

"We will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which continues to carry out indiscriminate attacks against Israel and our civilians, Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Monday.

Hezbollah and its supporters have been critical, calling it a free concession to Israel.

Hezbollah secretary-general Naim Kassem delivered a fiery speech calling on Lebanon to cancel the talks. Hezbollah wants a return to the 2024 agreement under which talks were conducted indirectly with the US, France and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon as mediators.
Controversial influencer Clavicular walked out of a 60 Minutes Australia interview after he was questioned about his connection to manosphere influencer Andrew Tate.

The 20-year-old social media star, who maintains an online presence among manosphere circles as a so-called looksmaxxer, was filmed earlier this year with far-right commentator Nick Fuentes and Tate, in which the three men chanted along to the Kanye West track Heil Hitler.

In an interview with 60 Minutes Australias Adam Hegarty, Clavicular  born Braden Eric Peters  was questioned about his looksmaxxing theory, self-improvement and his views on women, but Peters grew agitated when he was quizzed on his relationship to Tate.

Hegarty asked Peters: Youve shared company with Andrew Tate and other controversial figures, why do you spend time with people like that?, to which the influencer replied: I see you want to make this political You want to end [this interview] and talk about politics.

As Hegarty tried to defend his line of questioning, Peters asked the journalist if he had watched his February interview with the British commentator Piers Morgan. In the interview, the influencer insulted Morgans wife when he felt the interview was becoming too political.

Braden Peters, from Hoboken, New Jersey, found viral fame through TikTok and Instagram clips of him mogging other men (60 Minutes Australia)

Peters is known for popularizing the term looksmaxxing, which is the theory that maximising ones physical appearance is the key to overarching superiority (Clavicular Live/YouTube)

Peters warned Hegarty: Too bad I didnt have time to look into anything about who your wife cheated with, but dont try and go down that line of questioning with me.

Im not married, replied Hegarty. I could teach you about looksmaxxing then, responded Peters, getting up from his chair and walking out of frame. Maybe you could switch that up thanks for the time appreciate the interview.

Peters is known for popularizing the term looksmaxxing, which is the theory that maximizing ones physical appearance  often through aggressive methods and surgical intervention  is the key to overarching superiority and success with women.

Clavicular insulted Piers Morgans wife during an interview with the British commentator (TalkTV)

In an interview with The New York Times published in February, Peters revealed that he had injected and ingested dozens of substances, including testosterone replacement therapy, to ascend, which is a looksmaxxing term for becoming more handsome.

His name is based on the clavicle (the collarbone), a highly prized feature within the online community.

Elsewhere during the interview, Peters denied connection to incel communities, saying, Im not linked to that group in any way. Looksmaxxing is self-improvement, right? So its about, uh, potentially even ascending out of that category one of the goals is to disassociate from being an incel and overcome that.

During his interview with Morgan, Peters addressed the video in which he was captured singing along to Yes Heil Hitler alongside Tate and claimed he had nothing to do with it. Peters has repeatedly claimed he is not political.

Peters, from Hoboken, New Jersey, found viral fame through TikTok and Instagram clips of him mogging other men  which means standing next to someone to make them look less attractive by comparison  and brutally rating other peoples appearances. He spends up to eight hours per day livestreaming on the site Kick from his residence in Florida. He receives more than 10,000 concurrent viewers.

Last month, Peters was taken into custody by Osceola County authorities and faces one count of battery. He was released on bail for a $1,000 bond, and he is scheduled to face charges in Central Florida.

The arrest came a day before the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced in a statement that it had launched an investigation into a viral clip showing Peters opening fire on a floating reptile. It is not clear if Peters arrest is related to the video.
Politicians tend to fall into four categories. There are some who will speak about anything, the rent-a-quote types for whom nothing is off limits.

In the second group are those who make considered judgements on specific issues, while there are others who will readily give briefings but wont put their name to a quote.

Finally, there are those who always keep their counsel, and seldom speak out publicly; any interventions are made behind closed doors.

Until today, George Robertson, Labours former defence secretary and an ex-secretary general of Nato, fell firmly into that last category.

He is a man of enormous political integrity, and commands huge respect, partly because he uses his wealth of knowledge to make his critical interventions, to leaders like Keir Starmer, largely in private.

His loyalty to the Labour Party was certainly tested during the Corbyn years, but no one has ever doubted his commitment to the party.

George Robertson (right) discusses his defence review with Keir Starmer in 2024 (PA)

So the fact that this Labour grandees frustration has reached the point where he finally feels the need to speak out publicly, and in such a damning way, will have set alarm bells ringing in Downing Street and throughout government.

Robertson has clearly reached peak anger on the issue, as the world descends into multiple conflicts and the UK appears powerless and ill-equipped to respond to them.

The debacle around sending a warship to defend Britains bases in Cyprus as they were under bombardment from Iran was perhaps the tipping point.

As HMS Dragon waited in Portsmouth to be refitted, and there were doubts about another ship sailing because it had still not received an upgrade to make it suitable to operate in warm waters, both the Greeks and the French were able to send ships to protect the Mediterranean island and UK bases.

Robertsons thesis cuts to the heart of the matter, though. The UK is spending vast sums of money essentially keeping people at home on welfare, while being parsimonious about defence spending.

No 10s claims of increases in spending are actually not true on the front line, where the military services are making in-year cuts because the Treasury refused to fund the pay rise given to military personnel.

But in the end, what this is about is exposing the sheer paralysis of the Starmer government.

Since the humiliation of the welfare rebellion last summer, Starmer has been unable to get any major change through. He is certainly not able to significantly reduce welfare spending to fund the extra expenditure on defence that is required.

With his future as prime minister persistently in doubt, and little political authority to rely on, inaction has become the only course of action open to him. That sometimes works out well, as we saw in his decision not to join in the bombing of Iran, but generally it leaves his government  and the country  adrift.

HMS Dragon finally leaves Portsmouth for Cyprus in mid-March (UK MoD/Crown copyright)

This is why the Defence Investment Plan has been sitting on his desk for so long. The PM does not have the clout or the gumption to adjudicate between the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence.

Without that plan, the UK cannot move forward on rearming and preparing for a turbulent and increasingly volatile world.

This is why it is now, of all times, that the consummate loyalist Robertson has chosen to speak out. The rarity of his intervention makes the impact all the more stinging for a government that has lost its way.
Not a chicken nugget in sight - Andrew Crowley

As I write, the world is yet again on the geopolitical brink  the United States is preparing to blockade Iranian ports, setting up the potential for an epoch-defining confrontation with China. At home in Britain, talk is of war; and of the nations humiliation on the world stage as a result of our complacency and unpreparedness. It is against the backdrop of this menacing horizon that the Prime Minister has decided to ban chicken nuggets in school canteens.

Not only will chicken nuggets be banned, but pizza and sausage rolls will be severely limited. This is not in order to prepare children for the privations they will face in wartime, but instead, to limit obesity. Many people clearly find this a rather prosaic priority to be concentrating on at the moment, given everything else that is going on in the world, but I for one think that the government should be congratulated for staying in their lane. It would be very easy to get carried away with all of the drama of high politics, and develop delusions of statesmanlike grandeur. It is almost reassuring to see that, even in the darkest of moments, a Labour government can still find time for lifestyle micro-management.

If we must have a government led by the likes of Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and Ed Miliband, then I am far happier that they operate at this level of ambition in terms of their policies. The devil makes work for idle thumbs, and with all of the mischief abroad in the world at the moment, we can be glad that they have found things at home to keep them occupied.

Personally, I dont favour a ban on nuggets; in the portion-controlled environment of a school dinner room, there is only so much harm they can do, and they seem like a pretty sensible way of conveying protein and energy. But the essence of politics is knowing when to pick your battles, and I am willing to take the loss on this one if it stops the Prime Minister trying to get involved with grand strategy at sea.

It bears pointing out at this point that the British state has already conceded the point that chicken nuggets are a human right, under certain circumstances. Last year, an Albanian man who was being deported after a string of convictions successfully appealed his deportation on the grounds that his child might not accept the nuggets back home. I do not imagine for a moment that the courts would be anywhere near as receptive to the idea that access to mechanically separated deep-fried poultry would constitute a human right if it didnt give them the chance to prevent a deportation, but the ban is not as straightforward as it first looks.

The anonymity and uniformity of the chicken nugget makes it the preserve of the studiously picky eater, especially among the neurodivergent. A number of conditions, from those on the autism and Aspergers spectrum, to a range of sensory sensitivities and anxieties, might prove grounds for a reasonable adjustment. We may never know how many tens of thousands of man hours in Whitehall may be dedicated to working out the myriad carve-outs and exemptions to the ban, or to ensuring that undue leniency is not afforded to impostors. But we can sleep more easily knowing that the effort is at least keeping them from doing anything even worse.
Representative Mike Lawlers town hall descended into chaos Sunday night as he tried to defend President Donald Trumps war in Iran.

The MAGA congressman from New York faced his constituents in yet another controversial town hall at Mahopac High School in Putnam County.

As the audience, frustrated by the Iran war that started on February 28, began to heckle Lawler, the congressman suggested they were acting like children.

"We're in a high school auditorium, and high school students act a lot better than you are acting," Lawler said, per the New York publication, The Journal News. "Actually act like an adult, and stop."

Representative Mike Lawlers town hall descended into chaos Sunday night as he tried to defend President Donald Trumps war in Iran (Getty Images)

Lawler expressed his support for the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, arguing, We need to do everything we can to ensure that this regime never gets a nuclear weapon.

Shortly after launching the war, Trump said Iran posed an imminent threat to Americans with its nuclear ambitions and development of long-range weapons. Peace talks in Pakistan fell through at the weekend as Vice President JD Vance, who was leading the U.S. delegation, said Iran refused to give assurances it would not seek a nuclear weapon.

One audience member at Sundays town hall said it wasnt enough for Lawler to merely tell Trump when he disagrees with him, demanding that the congressman must impeach the president.

He's a fraud, he's corrupt, he's an incompetent psychopath. The Republican Party and you are enabling him. You're all cowards, and you're spineless, the man, who was later escorted out, said.

Representative Mike Lawler expressed his support for the Iran war, arguing, We need to do everything we can to ensure that this regime never gets a nuclear weapon (Getty Images)

Lawler was specifically asked about his opposition to a war powers resolution, largely led by Democrats, that wouldve curbed Trumps ability to launch further attacks without congressional approval.

The congressman argued Trump is well within his authority to conduct the strikes that have been conducted, according to The Washington Post. If, at the end of these 90 days, the conflict is not done, then yes, Congress should take steps to authorize continuing force.

Another point of contention was the endangering of U.S. troops in the conflict. Thirteen American service members have died, and more than 300 have been injured, according to reports.

You have in fact endangered our young people, our service members of our country and killed civilians by not standing up to Trump on this unjustified war, a woman who identified herself as a military mother and daughter said at the town hall.

Shortly after launching the war, Trump said Iran posed an imminent threat to Americans with its nuclear ambitions and development of long-range weapons (Getty Images)

Around 1,700 civilians, including more than 250 children, have been killed in the war, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency.

When reached for comment, Lawlers team directed The Independent to his campaign kickoff event in Pearl River on Sunday, where Rabbi Shmuel Gancz from the Chabad Jewish Center of Suffern praised the congressmans support for Israel during the growing conflict in the region.

His leadership reflects a broader vision in his work in addressing the complex challenges in the Middle East, Gancz said.

He has helped confront serious threats, the rabbi continued. We are especially proud of the courage that our congressman has shown in standing up for Israel.

Lawler also faced a rowdy crowd at a town hall in February after the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis in January.

Republican town halls have become particularly chaotic since Trump took office for the second time. Republican leadership went as far as to advise GOP lawmakers to stop holding in-person meetings with constituents last year.

Lawler serves the highly competitive, politically divided 17th Congressional District of New York. He is up for reelection this November.
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Surveillance video showed a suspect tossing the Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altmans home (Getty Images)

The man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altmans home had written about AI's purported risk to humanity and traveled from Texas to San Francisco intending to kill Altman, authorities said Monday.

Authorities allege 20-year-old Daniel Moreno-Gama threw the incendiary device about 4 am Friday, setting an exterior gate at Altmans home alight before fleeing on foot, police said. Less than an hour later, Moreno-Gama allegedly went to OpenAIs headquarters about 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) away and threatened to burn down the building.

Moreno-Gama is opposed to artificial intelligence, writing about AIs purported risk to humanity and our impending extinction, according to a federal criminal complaint.

This was not spontaneous. This was planned, targeted and extremely serious, said FBI San Francisco Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo during a press conference.

No one was injured at Altman's home or the company offices, authorities said.

The home of Daniel Moreno-Gama is seen after the FBI raided his home in Spring, Texas, Monday, April 13, 2026 (Houston Chronicle)

Moreno-Gama faces charges including two counts of attempted murder and attempted arson in California state court, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. He tried to kill both Altman and a security guard at Altman's residence, she alleged. He is set to appear in court Tuesday, and online state court records do not yet show if he has an attorney.

Jenkins said the state charges carry penalties ranging from 19 years to life in prison.

On Monday morning, FBI agents went to Moreno-Gamas home in Spring, Texas, a suburb of Houston, where they spent several hours before leaving. He has been charged by federal prosecutors with possession of an unregistered firearm and damage and destruction of property by means of explosives. Those charges carry respective penalties of up to 10 years and 20 years in prison.

The federal court documents do not list an attorney for Moreno-Gama, and he has not yet had his first appearance in federal court.

Authorities allege Moreno-Gama traveled from his home in Texas to San Francisco and visited Altmans home early Friday morning.

When Moreno-Gama was arrested Friday, officials found a document on him in which he identified views opposed to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the executives of various AI companies, court documents say. The document discussed AIs purported risk to humanity and our impending extinction, according to the criminal complaint.

Surveillance video images included in the criminal complaint show a person dressed in a dark hoodie and pants that the FBI alleges is Moreno-Gama approaching the driveway of Altmans home. In various images, the person can be seen tossing the Molotov cocktail, which landed at the top of a metal gate and started a small fire.

Surveillance video images from outside OpenAIs headquarters allegedly show Moreno-Gama grabbing a chair and using it to hit a set of glass doors. Authorities said Moreno-Gama was approached by the buildings security personnel, who told investigators he stated in sum and substance that he came to the headquarters to burn it down and kill anyone inside, according to the complaint.

Matt Cobo, F.B.I. San Francisco Acting Special Agent in Charge, right, speaks next to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins during a news conference (AP)

San Francisco police arrested Moreno-Gama and recovered incendiary devices, a jug of kerosene, a blue lighter, and a document. Moreno-Gama was being held Monday in the San Francisco County Jail on the state charges, and was expected to appear in court on Tuesday.

U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian said authorities will treat this as an act of domestic terrorism, and together with our partners, prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.

The document in which Moreno-Gama discussed his opposition to AI also made threats against Altman, officials said.

Also if I am going to advocate for others to kill and commit crimes, then I must lead by example and show that I am fully sincere in my message, Moreno-Gama is alleged by authorities to have written in the document.

Advocacy groups that have issued grave warnings about AIs risks to society condemned the violence.

Anthony Aguirre, president and CEO of the Future of Life Institute, said in a written statement Friday that violence and intimidation of any kind have no place in the conversation about the future of AI.

Another group, PauseAI, said in a statement that the suspect had no role in the group but joined its forum on the social media platform Discord about two years ago and posted about 34 messages there, none containing explicit calls to violence but one that was flagged as ambiguous.

Discord said Monday that it has banned Moreno-Gama for off-platform behavior.

Open AI CEO Sam Altman (Getty)

Hours after the attack on his house, Altman posted a photo of his husband and their toddler in a blog post addressing the threats against him.

Normally we try to be pretty private, but in this case I am sharing a photo in the hopes that it might dissuade the next person from throwing a Molotov cocktail at our house, no matter what they think about me, Altman wrote.

He added that fear and anxiety about AI is justified but it was important to de-escalate the rhetoric and tactics and try to have fewer explosions in fewer homes, figuratively and literally.

Altman has become a preeminent voice in Silicon Valley on the promise and potential dangers of artificial intelligence. The attack comes days after The New Yorker published an in-depth investigation that touched on concerns some people have about him and the company.

The attack came at a time of growing debate about the societal effects of AI assistants like OpenAIs ChatGPT that millions of people are turning to for information, advice, writing help and to do work on their behalf.

An annual report published Monday by Stanford University called the AI index found that most people believe AIs benefits outweigh its drawbacks, but nervousness is growing and trust in institutions to manage the technology remains uneven.
Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, secured the countrys first majority government since 2019

Mark Carney secured a majority in Canadas parliament on Monday after three by-election wins, handing the prime minister a boost amid a trade war with Donald Trump.

Mr Carneys Liberal party won the most seats in elections last year, but fell just short of a majority. Since then, he has improved his partys fortunes by focusing on standing up to the US president.

Canadians voted in three districts to fill vacated seats, and the Liberals easily won two Toronto strongholds.

The Liberal candidate also narrowly clinched victory in Quebecs Terrebonne district against a separatist candidate.

With a new total of 174 MPs out of Canadas 343 parliamentary seats, the by-elections give Mr Carneys party full control.

The prime minister congratulated his new MPs  Tatiana Auguste, Danielle Martin and Doly Begum  on X, saying they would make Canada stronger.

Tonight, voters have placed their trust in our new governments plan, he added. This is a time to come together so we can build a strong Canada for all.

Supporters of Liberal Party candidate Tatiana Auguste react as preliminary results are posted after the by-election in Terrebonne, Quebec - Peter McCabe/Reuters

As of tonight, Mark Carney and our entire incredible Liberal team have earned an even more powerful mandate to continue building a better Canada, Ms Martin told her supporters.

This is not a mandate to be quiet. It is not a mandate to take our time. It is a mandate to get to work on housing, on affordability, on health care and climate change and infrastructure, on the future of our economy and the public services that are more important to this country than ever.

Mr Carney has argued that Mr Trump has upended the world order and that Canada needs to take bold action in response.

He has announced large increases in military spending  insisting Canada can no longer rely on Washington for security  and has travelled the globe seeking new trade deals in Asia and Europe.

The by-election results give Mr Carney Canadas first majority government since 2019, when the Justin Trudeau-led Liberals controlled parliament.

Since then, Canadians have been rattled by Mr Trumps return to power. The US presidents tariffs in key sectors have forced job losses in Canada and slowed growth, even if the majority of bilateral trade remains tariff-free.

Mr Trump has threatened to annex Canada and mocked both Mr Carney and Mr Trudeau as the governor of a US state.

Credit: Reuters

The Angus Reid Institute found last month that concerns over the high cost of living are higher than they have been in recent memory for lower-income Canadians.

Grocery prices are up more than 20 per cent since 2022 and unemployment is at 6.7 per cent.

Liberal poll numbers are higher than they were a year ago, and the party has pulled off a series of defections from the opposition benches  poaching four Conservatives and one Left-wing New Democratic lawmaker into the Liberal caucus.

Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader, charged on X that the Liberals had won their majority through backroom deals and said the floor-crossers betrayed the people who voted for them.

The Carney Liberals did not win a majority government through a general election or todays by-elections, he said. Instead, it was won through backroom deals with politicians who betrayed the people who voted for them.

Liberals expect Canadians to give up, get complacent and go away, so Carney can have total power without any accountability. That will not happen. Our country and its people are worth fighting for.
People stand by a makeshift memorial outside the "Le Constellation bar" in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, January 31, 2026.

Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud said Monday he had not known that safety checks had not been carried out for six years at a Swiss ski resort bar where a fire killed 41 people during New Year celebrations.

Feraud was questioned for the first time by public prosecutors investigating the blaze that swept through Le Constellation bar in a disaster that shocked Switzerland.

He had said the day after the fire on January 1 that safety inspections had not been carried out at the bar in upscale Crans-Montana since 2019, despite a requirement for annual checks from local authorities.

The mayor is one of nine people under criminal investigation over the tragedy, which left 115 people injured, many of them badly burned, in addition to the dozens killed.

Read moreYou killed my brother': Bereaved families confront Crans-Montana bar owners

Feraud's lawyer Christian Delaloye said his client had not been informed about the lack of inspection "before January 2" and had provided his staff with the resources to carry out checks.

The investigation aims to determine the exact circumstances of the fire, the owners' compliance with regulations and the potential criminal responsibility of local authorities.

Those under investigation include the bar's French owners  husband and wife Jacques and Jessica Moretti  who face charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence.

Several of the plaintiffs' lawyers said they were frustrated at a lack of clear explanations.

"We didn't get answers to the key question  why there were no inspections for six years," said Alain Viscolo, one of the lawyers representing the civil parties, ahead of the hearing.

"We were given information about the public safety system in Crans-Montana, but we end up with a whole plethora of people in charge who are ultimately responsible for very little," he said.

Read moreCrans-Montana fire: hearings continue with Morettis under questioning

'Negligence'

"I can't say I'm satisfied with the answers that have been given," said lawyer Romain Jordan, who represents several victims' families.

"However, the reality is that we're getting a closer look at the dynamics of negligence that led to this tragedy."

Prosecutors believe the fire started when champagne bottles with sparklers attached were raised too close to the ceiling in the bar's basement level, igniting the sound-insulation foam.

The Wallis public prosecutor's office began a new round of hearings in Sion last week, summoning former and current local council officials for the first time.

Read moreHandling of Crans-Montana investigation sparks diplomatic spat with Italy

Last week, the former head of the Crans-Montana council's fire safety department exercised his right to remain silent because, his lawyer told AFP, he did not yet have access to the case file.

The deputy to the council's former head of public safety and a current member of the public safety team were able to be questioned.

A former town councillor is scheduled to be interviewed on Wednesday.

Co-owner Jacques Moretti was due to be questioned again last week but the hearing was postponed indefinitely on medical grounds.

Following the fire, seriously wounded patients were airlifted to various hospitals and specialist burns units throughout Switzerland and Europe.

The Federal Office for Civil Protection told AFP that as of Wednesday, 38 patients were still in hospitals and rehabilitation clinics in Switzerland and neighbouring countries.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has again defended Pope Leo after escalating attacks from President Donald Trump.

Right-wing Meloni, who is normally an ally of the US leader, rebuked Trump on Monday but again spoke out during a visit to Verona on Tuesday (April 14) after widespread outrage across Italy.

"Frankly, I would not feel at ease in a society where religious leaders do what political leaders tell them to do; let's say, not in this part of the world," she told reporters.

Trump, responding to Melonis Monday comments, told the Corriere della Sera he was shocked by her. I thought she was brave, but I was wrong.

Trump has repeatedly clashed with the American pontiff, most recently over the Iran war.
More than 1,000 phones seized in raid on London shop in theft crackdown

More than a thousand suspected stolen mobiles have been seized by police as part of a crackdown on phone theft across London.

Metropolitan Police raided a convenience store in Kilburn High Road, north London, last Tuesday as part of a week of action in Brent focusing on tackling theft, robbery and e-bike related crime.

Around 1,161 phones were seized as part of the raid, the force confirmed today, double the amount of phones initially suspected. The force had originally reported that hundreds were found in the store last week.

Four men, aged 22, 25, 34 and 63, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, possession of drugs and intent to supply.

More than a thousand phones were stacked on shelves (Metropolitan Police)

Bodycam footage of the raid showed a number of armed officers move through the shop towards the back of the store, where they used bolt cutters to unlock a door into a room where multiple shelves were stacked high with smartphones.

Police procured a warrant after intelligence led them to believe the venue was being used to supply Class B drugs.

Three of the suspects were released on bail, while one was released under investigation.

Inspector Yu Zhang, from the Mets local policing team in Brent, said last Thursday that the force was not only targeting phone snatchers, but those who profit from the stolen devices.

The force is using new technology to tackle the crime wave (Metropolitan Police)

We understand mobile phone theft remains a major concern for Londoners and thats why we have worked hard to drive down offending, Inspector Zhang said. Seizures such as this show that we are not only targeting individual phone snatchers, but also those who handle and profit from stolen devices.

Londoners deserve to feel safe and we are committed to relentlessly disrupting the organised criminal networks fuelling this crime

The arrests come as fewer than one per cent of mobile phone thefts actually result in a charge, The Independent revealed in March via freedom of information request. Nearly nine in 10 cases were closed without a suspect being identified, with the Met Police closing 95 per cent of their investigations.

The force has said mobile phone theft offences dropped from 81,365 in 2024 to 71,391 last year across the capital as part of its focused crackdown on the crime.

Earlier this year, the force arrested 248 individuals and seized 770 stolen phones as part of four weeks worth of intensified activity to combat mobile phone theft across London.

Officers are using intelligence, drones and high-powered Sur-Ron electric bikes, to catch offenders and disrupt the stolen mobile phone market.
Two neo-fascist leaders have pledged their support for Rupert Lowes political party, Restore Britain.

Steve Laws is the head of the Remigration Now organisation, which has called for the removal of non-white people from the UK. He claimed to be in daily contact with the team advising Mr Lowe, the Times reported.

Laws, who has said he is a proud racist and has called Adolf Hitler a misunderstood politician, urged Remigration members to become members and branch organisers at Restore to create a stronghold in that party and really hold some weight over the direction, the newspaper reported.

His team around him are literally our guys. Ive met them all, Laws said. I speak to some daily. Im in because of them.

Laws has also said in a post on X that it was incredible the lengths that r*****s are going to try and claim I have influence over Restore Britain.

Steve Laws has said Hitler was misunderstood (Remigration Now via YouTube)

He added: Sure, my voice has influence amongst the membership but I have no official role or position.

Simon Birkett is the leader of The Woodlander Initiative (TWI), which is buying land to build white-only communities in Britain.

Birkett, who has been a member of a number of fascist parties, including the National Front, has said the next general election is our last shot and urged his supporters to back them.

Birkett has said there is a world of difference between Reform UK and Restore Britain.

There has never been a political party to go from inception to power in three years in this country, " said Birkett, who has previously said he had given up on change through democratic means in a video last year. It would be a very difficult thing to achieve, however this is our last shot at a political route.

Birketts Woodlander Initiative has ties with Patriotic Alternative, a far-right group led by Hitler-admirer Mark Collett.

Simon Birkett (The Woodlander via YouTube)

Among Restores policies are proposals to abolish the asylum system, end political Islam and mass deport all illegal immigrants in the UK.

When contacted by The Standard, Mr Lowe and Restore Britain did not directly respond to questions over the support of far-right extremists.

A statement from Mr Lowes parliamentary office said: It is wonderful to hear from the Standard for the first time, following absolutely no mention of our historic growth, the quickest in British political history.

This is a pathetic smear campaign. It won't work. Ordinary Londoners are looking for a political party that represents them One that will deport all illegal migrants, reverse mass legal migration, and ensure that the British people are put at the top of the agenda, each and every time.

He continued: This is what Londoners across the capital want, and that's what Restore Britain is unapologetically offering.

I will defend Restore Britain's position, and only Restore Britain's position, he added.

Mr Lowe has been the MP for Great Yarmouth since he was elected as a representative of Nigel Farages Reform UK party in 2024. He was suspended from Reform in March 2025 and reported to the police over alleged serious bullying and derogatory remarks about women, which Mr Lowe has strenuously denied.

Mr Lowe launched Restore Britain as a political party in February this year, receiving backing from the worlds richest person, Elon Musk. It had previously been set up as a pressure group and political movement by Mr Lowe in 2025.

YouGov polling from April 6 to 7 found 4% of Brits said they would vote for Restore Britain in a general election.
Emergency services met the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on arrival in New Zealand (Getty Images)

Police are investigating the sudden death of a woman during an overnight Qantas flight from the US to New Zealand.

The air passenger passed away on the first leg of flight QF4  a 17-hour journey from New Yorks JFK to Sydney via Auckland on Monday evening.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Auckland police said that officers had attended a sudden death, which occurred on an inbound Qantas flight from New York to Auckland overnight, reported New Zealand news outlet Stuff.

They added that inquiries are being made into the womans death on behalf of the coroner.

Emergency services met the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on arrival in New Zealand.

A Qantas spokesperson said: Medical assistance was provided to a passenger onboard QF4 on Monday by crew and doctors onboard.

Our thoughts are with the passengers family and loved ones.

The Independent has contacted Auckland Airport for comment.

Last month, passengers travelling on a 14-hour British Airways flight to London complained of a foul smell after a woman passed away on board.

A woman in her 60s died shortly after take off on a flight from Hong Kong to London Heathrow on 15 March.

Following the decision to store the body in a heated galley towards the rear of the plane, passengers claimed they could smell a bad odour.

A source told The Sun that the family and several crew members were distraught following the incident.

They added: A discussion was had about what to do with the body, with the flight decks request to lock it in a toilet rejected by crew.

A British Airways spokesperson said: A customer sadly passed away on board, and our thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time.

We are supporting our crew, and all procedures were correctly followed.

Read more: British Airways passengers complain of foul smell from dead body on 14-hour flight
A group of undercover female police officers in India masqueraded as employees at one of the worlds largest IT services companies to expose an alleged sexual abuse and religious conversion scandal.

Police arrested at least seven people after multiple women came forward with similar allegations of sexual harassment, molestation, stalking, and pressure to enter sexual relationships at an office of the Tata Consultancy Services in Nashik in western India.

Among those arrested were six men and a female human resources official. Investigators said there was no evidence of a wider organised conspiracy or the influence of outside actors on the allegation of religious influence on employees.

Authorities have registered nine formal complaints, mostly by women but including at least one man, at police stations in Nashik, a city about 180km north of Mumbai in the state of Maharashtra.

The alleged incidents span four years, from February 2022 to March 2026.

Nashik police launched a covert operation after they received a tip-off about a woman being influenced to adopt Islamic practices in the office and allegations of sexual abuse, according to The Indian Express.

Six female officers went undercover for around 40 days from mid-February, taking up roles within the office to monitor the behaviour of the accused.

We got some of our constables hired there as housekeeping staff to keep an eye on what was happening, an officer told the newspaper, adding that the operation yielded sufficient evidence to proceed.

Investigators said the first case was registered by a woman accusing a man of rape. She alleged that the senior employee had entered into a sexual relationship with her on the pretext of marriage.

Subsequent questioning led to additional complaints involving molestation and alleged attempts to influence religious beliefs with more than a dozen women, aged 18 to 25, coming forward with similar complaints.

Police said the accused men targeted women who were seen as vulnerable, including those facing marital or emotional difficulties.

Female colleagues were allegedly used as intermediaries before male employees initiated direct contact, while multiple WhatsApp groups were created to engage and influence victims, police said.

Some complainants said the harassment at times occurred openly within the office, but repeated complaints to HR failed to produce effective action.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Sandeep Mitke is leading the investigation into the nine cases. The investigation is also examining whether the company complied with mandatory provisions under the Indian law that protects women from sexual harassment at the workplace.

The people who have been named by the police are Nida Khan, Shafi Shaikh, 34, Asif Ansari, 22, Tausif Attar, 36, Shahrukh Qureshi 34, Raza Memon, 35, Danish Shaikh, 34 and Ashwini Chainani. Police said Ms Khan and Mr Attar were the masterminds of the harassment case. Ms Khan, who is on the run, allegedly used to introduce the victims to Mr Attar.

Mr Mitke said it is not an organised gang or conspiracy and they were not connected to any group to carry out religious conversions.

Tausif, after undertaking a religious visit two years ago, became religious and influenced the other accused, who then influenced others still. It was their own religious zeal that led them to influence those working around them. There was no external factor or conspiracy driving them.

Lawyer Baba Sayyad, who is representing four of the accused, called the claims flimsy allegations that do not stand up to scrutiny.

During Eid, even my non-Muslim friends who visit home come dressed in sherwanis (a long coat mainly worn by men). That does not mean that they are being converted, he said.

TCS, which has over 500 offices across 55 countries, including the UK and the US, has suspended all seven of the accused.

The company, owned by India's largest multinational conglomerate, the Tata Group, said an internal investigation has been launched to investigate the matter.

N Chandrasekaran, the Tata Sons chairman, said the complaints and allegations emerging from the Nashik branch have been gravely concerning and anguishing.

This incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness. Action has already been initiated against the accused employees, and the company is extending its full cooperation to the ongoing investigations, he said in a statement.

The group maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of coercion or misconduct by its employees. A thorough investigation is underway to establish the facts and identify all individuals responsible for this situation.
Pope Leo XIV leads a mass at the basilica of St. Augustine in Annaba on the second day of an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa on April 14, 2026.

Pope Leo XIV arrived Tuesday in the Algerian city of Annaba, the one-time home of Christian theologian Saint Augustine, on day two of a historic trip marred by two suicide attacks.

While the authorities have yet to comment, an informed source on Tuesday confirmed the bombings, and widely circulated videos of the bodies of two suicide bombers in the city of Blida were verified by AFP.

No other deaths were confirmed.

Monday's attacks rocked Blida, some 45 kilometres (28 miles) southwest of the capital Algiers where the pontiff began the first visit by a pope to the North African country.

The trip was already at risk of being overshadowed by a spat with US President Donald Trump, who said he was "not a big fan" of the pope after Leo called for peace in the Middle East.

Aboard the papal plane en route to Algiers, the 70-year-old American pontiff told reporters: "The Gospel says... blessed are the peacemakers."

Read moreTrump deletes image of himself as Jesus as feud with pope dismays US Catholics

"I have no fear, neither of the Trump administration, nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel," he said.

The US president has also accused the pope of "toying with a country (Iran) that wants a nuclear weapon", and on Monday doubled down on the criticism, saying he had "nothing to apologise for".

Overnight, US Vice President JD Vance urged the Vatican to "stick to matters of morality" amid the escalating row, "and let the President of the United States stick to dictating American public policy".

Italian and American bishops expressed their support for the pope, as did Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known to be close to Trump. She called the US president's remarks "unacceptable".

'Son' of Augustine

The controversy aside, in northeast Algeria in Annaba  formerly the ancient Roman city of Hippo  Leo visited vestiges of the city's past, and a reception centre run by Catholic nuns for impoverished elderly people, mostly Muslims.

The city was the one-time home of Augustine, whose autobiographical "Confessions" is a seminal work within the Christian tradition.

The pontiff has previously referred to himself as a "son" of the saint, and belongs to the Augustinian order.

Leo also celebrated Mass at the hilltop Basilica of Saint Augustine in the presence of clergy from across Africa. The Arab-Byzantine-style church draws some 18,000 pilgrims each year, including Muslims and Jews.

Among those in attendance was Sister Rose-Marie de Tauzia, who has lived in Algiers for two decades. She said she was happy with the pope's visit, adding he had come to "proclaim peace" at a time "when everything is difficult" and "the world is in tension".

Delivering his homily in French, the pontiff told Algeria's Christians they were "a humble and faithful sign of Christ's love in this land".

"Bear witness to the Gospel through simple gestures, genuine relationships and a dialogue lived out day by day: in this way, you bring flavour and light to the places where you live," he said.

In his first speech in Algiers on Monday, Leo paid tribute to victims of the country's 1954-1962 war of independence from France and called for "forgiveness".

His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Algeria and France, and followed a meeting days ago with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Vatican.

Read more'Insult to injury': Whats behind the rising tensions between France and Algeria?

The pope also urged Algeria's leaders "not to fear" greater public participation in political life, calling for a "vibrant, dynamic and free civil society".

Since the pro-democracy Hirak protests in 2019, which called for sweeping reforms and greater transparency, human rights groups have reported shrinking freedoms and greater controls over public space.

"Authorities are called not to dominate, but to serve the people and foster their development," Leo said.

The pope is due to leave Algeria on Wednesday for Cameroon, before travelling on to Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
The Japan Rail Pass includes travel on bullet trains (Getty Images)

Tourists will soon pay more to travel by train in Japan as a railway operator increases its prices.

From 1 October, the Japan Rail Pass will increase by 3,000 yen (14) to 53,000 yen (247) for an adult week pass in a standard train carriage.

Seven-day adult passes for premium Green Car carriages will also increase by 4,000 yen (19) to 74,000 yen (345).

The convenient pass allows tourists visiting Japan unlimited train travel, including most bullet train services, said the operator, the JR Group.

Three-week passes will rise by 5,000 yen (23) to 105,000 yen (490) for adults in standard cars, and by 7,000 yen (33) to 147,000 yen (685) for those travelling in premium seats.

Anyone who enters Japan under a 14-day or 90-day tourist visa is eligible to use a Japan Rail Pass.

Prices for child tickets have increased from between 2,000 (10) and 4,000 yen (19) across all ticket classes.

The JR Group said: Since the last price changes of the Japan Rail Pass on October 1, 2023, some JR companies adjusted their ticket prices. As a result, we have decided to revise the Japan Rail Pass prices accordingly.

Japan rail passes can be purchased online or through designated JR sales offices and agencies.

Online prices will remain unchanged for a limited time to encourage the use of our online purchasing service.

Concerns have recently been raised at a Mount Fuji Unesco World Heritage site over tourists tossing coins in crystal-clear ponds.

Tourists have been tossing coins into the famous ponds at the base of Mount Fuji, causing both residents and visitors to become worried about the water quality.

The eight ponds, found in the village of Oshino Hakkai, are known for their mineral-rich spring water fed by an underground reservoir created by Mount Fujis melted snow and often teeming with koi fish.

The Yamanashi Prefecture Government told The Independent that it is strongly asking visitors to stop throwing coins into the ponds and urges all visitors to Oshino Hakkai to recognise the importance of the natural environment and to act responsibly during their visit.

Read more: Tourists asked to stop tossing coins in Mount Fuji ponds
Referee Maurizio Mariani overturns Liverpools penalty (Getty)

Liverpool could not produce another famous European comeback at Anfield as they were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain - but had their second-half penalty not been controversially overturned, things could have been very different.

The hosts were trailing 2-0 on aggregate but still had the second leg finely poised at 0-0, knowing the pendulum could swing heavily in their favour if they made PSGs net bulge.

It looked like they had secured the golden opportunity to do just that as Alexis Mac Allister went down under the challenge of Willian Pacho to earn Liverpool a penalty on 64 minutes.

Former referee Mark Clattenburg said on Prime Videos coverage of the match that he expected the call against what he branded a clumsy challenge to stand, but to his and the commentators surprise, match official Maurizio Mariani was ordered to the pitchside monitor and promptly overturned his decision.

We talk about clear and obvious every time we talk about interventions, Clattenburg, bemoaning the decision. When we see the contact on Mac Allister, people will say its soft but its not wrong. There is contact. Once the referee gives it, I expect the penalty to be upheld.

Alan Shearer then added: Im surprised as well because Mac Allister does ever so well to protect that ball, inviting the challenge in from Pacho and once he tries to get the ball and doesnt, and does make contact with him and the referee gives it, Im really, really surprised hes overturned it.

It proved the beginning of the end for Liverpools hopes of a fightback, with PSG going up the other end and scoring through Ousmane Dembele eight minutes later, taking the aggregate score to 3-0.

Dembele then doubled his tally and PSGs lead on the night in stoppage time to compound Liverpools woes.

Alexis Mac Allister goes down under the challenge of Willian Pacho in the box (Getty)

Speaking after the match, both Liverpool manager Arne Slot and defender Ibrahima Konate expressed their frustration at the penalty decision.

"If you look at our season I am completely not surprised because so many decisions have gone against us, Slot said, bemoaning his sides luck with penalty call this season.

For me it is quite simple, if the referee did not give a penalty the VAR would never have intervened. As I said I don't think it is a surprise this season, not just the Champions League but also in the Premier League many decisions have gone against us.

Konate added: "Last season we had a penalty like that. For me it was a clear penalty and was just behind the referee but he did not blow the whistle and we have to deal with that. If we got the penalty and score it would be completely different."

And echoing their annoyance, Wayne Rooney was the first to highlight how he felt the referee was wrong to reverse his call, even if the original decision was soft.

Liverpools second-half penalty was contentiously overturned (PA)

I think after giving it, I don't think it should go to VAR, he said. It should have stood. It should be the penalty.

Liverpool are really not to get that penalty at that 0-0 in tonight's game. If they get that and they score, I think that it's a different game, maybe a different outcome. You can see theres clear contact on Mac Allister and I think that was the wrong decision.

Robbie Fowler added that he felt  VAR has probably not done its job there, while Daniel Sturridge was resolute on the fact it was penalty offence.

Theres clear contact. If its on VAR and you can see the contact then it's a penalty, Sturridge said.

You can say that the action is to get his body across, which as an attacker, that's what you do normally. So if the contact's there and the ball's coming to me, then it's a penalty. Simple as that.
Tony Gonzales in Washington last month. Photograph: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images (Photograph: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images)

Representative Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, announced on Monday he was stepping down from Congress after acknowledging an extramarital affair with a staffer.

Gonzales, who was facing a growing threat of expulsion by his colleagues, admitted last month that he had an affair with an aide who later died by suicide.

There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas, Gonzales wrote on X.

Related: Democrat Eric Swalwell to resign from Congress over sexual assault allegations

His announcement came hours after Eric Swalwell, a Democratic representative, said he was resigning from Congress following multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

Gonzales spoke publicly of the affair after the House ethics committee opened an investigation into his conduct. Bipartisan leaders of that committee said at the time that a panel would investigate whether the congressman, now in his third term, had engaged in sexual misconduct toward one of his employees and whether he had engaged in discriminatory practices.

His former staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, died by suicide in September 2025 at her home in Uvalde, Texas, at age 35.

In an interview with a conservative media personality, during which Gonzales admitted to the affair, the representative said he had not spoken with Santos-Aviles for a year before her death. He said he had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing, saying of the affair: I made a mistake  I had a lapse in judgment and it was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions  Since then, Ive reconciled with my wife, Angel. Ive asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever.

After the allegations became public last month, Gonzales announced he was ending his re-election campaign, but said would serve out the rest of his term.

Its unclear if his retirement would be effective immediately this week. His spokesperson did not immediately respond to an inquiry.

After Santos-Aviless death, her husband shared text messages with the Texas Tribune and San-Antonio Express that allegedly showed the congressman had asked Santos-Aviles for a sexy pic, and that at one point, she responded that he was going too far. The congressman did not comment on the texts to those outlets at the time, but accused a lawyer for Santos-Aviless widow of trying to shake me down for money.

The lawyer for Santos-Aviless husband said the congressman was mischaracterizing his clients legitimate claim under the Congressional Accountability Act, which stipulates penalties for workplace mistreatment.

Gonzaless departure from Congress comes after Teresa Leger Fernandez, a Democratic representative, said she would introduce a resolution to remove him from his seat, saying in an earlier statement: Gonzales and Swalwell are not fit to serve in Congress given their sexual transgressions against women who work for them. They should resign or be expelled.

Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican from Florida who was leading calls to expel Swalwell, told Politico earlier that she would vote to expel Gonzales.

Before his resignation, Swalwell had suspended his campaign for governor of California after the San Francisco Chronicle reported on the account of a former staffer who said he had sexually assaulted her.
MAGA influencer Riley Gaines has defended President Donald Trump despite his attacking her amid the controversy surrounding the AI meme he posted of himself as Jesus Christ.

I love the president and Im so grateful hes in the Oval Office. Of course, Ill continue to support him and the America First agenda, Gaines wrote on social media Monday evening. At the end of the day, I do nothing for the approval of man. Our purpose on this earth is to glorify Him in all we do. The Truth Social post missed the mark. Its now deleted. Amazing!

She continued: Were imperfect people. I know I am. I dont get my feelings hurt easy and I know with the president its really not personal. I want to spend eternity in a real place called Heaven. Id love for Trump to be there too.

Her post came after the president dismissed her criticisms during a White House event hour earlier saying: I didnt listen to Riley Gaines. Im not a big fan of Riley, actually.

Trump and Gaines have been at several events together over the years as she is a critic of transgender women in sports. Trump called her a tremendous athlete at a 2025 signing of an executive order against transgender athletes. He added: She really has been in the forefront. People that arent that well-versed in this would say that she was the leader. And great job, Riley. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

MAGA influencer Riley Gaines, who has defended President Donald Trump despite him saying he is not a fan of hers after her criticism over his Jesus-like post (Getty)

Trump set off a firestorm with his Sunday post, where he appears in an AI-generated image as a Jesus-like figure. The president subsequently took down in the face of a growing backlash and accusations of blasphemy, claiming he had meant it as a vision of himself as a doctor healing the sick, not posing as the Messiah.

Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why hed post this, Gaines wrote on X Monday, initially being outspoken over the meme.

Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this? Either way, two things are true. 1) a little humility would serve him well 2) God shall not be mocked.

Trump subsequently gave a phone interview to CBS News correspondent Norah ODonnell, where he downplayed Gaines comments.

Normally I don't like doing that, but I didn't want to have anybody be confused. People were confused, Trump contended.

The offending meme posted and then deleted by Trump, depicting himself as Jesus Christ (Reuters)

Trumps surprise attack on Gaines was his latest attempt to rebuke MAGA critics of his decisions as commander-in-chief, last week issuing a lengthy post on his platform in which he took Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens and Alex Jones to task over their objections to the Iran war, calling them losers.

The uproar over Trumps latest meme followed his attacking Pope Leo XIV, whom he called WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy, an astonishing attack on the head of the Catholic Church that risked offending a huge segment of his base, a week on from issuing a foul-mouthed threat against Tehran on Easter Sunday.

While the Pope himself brushed aside the insult, the presidents latest feud with a prominent world figure made life awkward for his deputy, Vice President JD Vance, an enthusiastic convert to Catholicism who has a new book out in June about his path back to faith.

Vance assured Fox host Bret Baier on Monday that Trumps post had been a joke.

And, of course, he took it down because he recognized that a lot of people werent understanding his humor in that case, the VP said. I think the president of the United States likes to mix it up on social media.

He also advised the Vatican to stick to matters of morality and let the president of the United States stick to dictating American public policy.
Keeping up with a cats litter box is one of those daily tasks that rarely skips a beat. For many pet parents, its a constant cycle of scooping, cleaning and checking in between busy schedules. When life gets hectic, even small routines can start to feel like one more thing competing for time and attention.

Thats where a growing wave of smart pet care products is stepping in. Designed to reduce hands-on maintenance while offering more insight into a pets habits, these tools are reshaping how people approach everyday care. A new launch from Lesure aims to do exactly that, combining automation with health-focused features to make litter box upkeep more manageable.

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A Smarter Approach to Litter Box Maintenance for Modern Cat Homes

Lesure (Lesure)

Lesures newly introduced self-cleaning litter box is built around a simple idea: make daily care easier while giving owners a clearer picture of their cats routine. The device uses automatic cleaning technology to sift and manage waste after use, reducing the need for constant scooping.

Beyond convenience, the system also connects to a companion app that tracks litter box activity over time. This allows pet parents to monitor patterns such, as frequency and timing, which can be helpful when spotting subtle changes in behavior. Cats are known for hiding signs of discomfort, so even small shifts in routine can offer valuable clues about their health.

The launch also comes with a broader mission. Lesure is partnering with Bodega Cats of New York, a group that advocates for the care and protection of the citys well-known shop cats. As part of the initiative, the company is donating self-cleaning litter boxes to bodegas across New York City. The goal is to support cleaner environments and make care easier for small business owners who look after these animals.

Related: Parrots Dancing to Music Has Surprising Explanation

For many cat owners, convenience is only part of the equation. Products that blend into a homes aesthetic while still being functional tend to stand out. Lesure leans into that balance, positioning its litter box as both a practical upgrade and a design-forward addition to modern spaces.

Its a shift that reflects the overall evolution of pet care. Todays pet parents are looking for tools that not only simplify routines but also support long-term wellness. Whether its monitoring behavior or maintaining a cleaner environment, smart features are becoming less of a luxury and more of an expectation.

At the same time, everyday cat care still includes small touches that make a difference. Items like a simple claw clip can help keep grooming in check, while playful finds like these quirky pickle-themed cat toys can bring a bit of fun into a cats routine. Even something as small as a stylish cat claw accessory can make daily care more convenient.

With its latest launch, Lesure is stepping further into the smart pet care space, offering a solution that meets both practical needs and modern expectations. For cat owners juggling busy schedules, that kind of support can make a noticeable difference.

Related: Rare Dancing Bird Captivates Crowd in New York Park

This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Apr 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The chairman of South East Water has admitted the company failed in its primary duty to supply customers with water after recent outages left thousands without drinking water.

Bosses of the company were grilled by the Parliamentary Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee on Tuesday about their response to the multiple supply interruptions in Kent and Sussex.

Tunbridge Wells suffered a sustained outage in November and December, with around 24,000 properties in and around the Kent town left without drinkable water for almost two weeks.

Then thousands of properties in Kent and Sussex saw their supply disrupted for days in January, with South East Water (SEW) blaming the outage on Storm Goretti causing burst pipes and power cuts.

Customers were left with no tap water, unable to shower or bathe and could not flush their toilets, while a number of schools were forced to close.

South East Water staff hand out bottled water (Gareth Fuller/PA) (Gareth Fuller)

Chairman Chris Train told MPs that the company failed on the basic objective of delivering water to customers and therefore that is a failure and we recognise that failure.

We failed our customers, he continued. We worked very hard to rectify that situation, and since the events and independent review, we have undertaken a lot of actions to improve the resilience of the operations.

Committee chairman Alistair Carmichael asked Mr Train to score his teams performance out of 10, arguing that customers deserve that degree of accountability from a non-executive director.

The chairman refused to do so, saying the situation is complex but added: That degree of accountability is that we accept that we failed in our primary duty and we could have done better with all of the factors.

Challenged on why it is important for customers that the chairman understands the extent of the firms failure, Mr Train said: Failure is failure, and we have failed, and whats important is that we as an organisation learn from that in order that we dont fail at any point in the future.

It is absolutely untenable for customers to be without water, he said.

Chief executive David Hinton was also asked to give a score out of 10 for the companys response to the January outages after he previously marked it as eight out of 10 for the November incident.

Mr Hinton also refused to do so but admitted that the performance was disappointing after many vulnerable customers were left without an alternative supply of water.

My expectation is that we deliver to all priority service customers and that the bottled water stations are completely resourced the whole time, and customers can get access to alternative water at all times.

So whenever we do not meet that particular yardstick, then Im disappointed.

Screen grab of (left to right) Chris Train, chairman, South East Water, David Hinton, chief executive, South East Water, and Caroline Sheridan, non-executive director, South East Water, appearing before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, for a hearing on reforming the water sector (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA) (House of Commons/UK Parliament)

The chairman later revealed to the committee that chief executive David Hinton, who receives a 400,000 salary, has surrendered any bonus the board may have chosen to pay him this year.

However, MPs went on to repeatedly question Mr Train on why there had been no changes in the leadership team, highlighting the major failings as well as criticism from the Prime Minister, its shareholders, customers and a whole range of public and private bodies.

Asked how bad performance would need to get to change the companys leadership, Mr Train said: We have looked as you would expect us to do at what the appropriate leadership of the organisation is going forward.

The board has given its commitment and its backing to Dave and the executive team going forward as the right solution for delivering what is best for South East Water customers.

He added that the firm is bolstering the executive with a number of external hires that will cover a broader spectrum of leadership across the organisation.

Pressed repeatedly on customers no longer having confidence in the companys leadership, he continued to defend the team.

He said: We are accountable for where we are. We as a board, we have to step back and ask the questions that youre asking.

We have to look at the broad context of the organisation.

We have to look at the context of the industry and the sector and we have to do what we think is best in the best interest of South East Water customers.

Labour MP Jenny Ridell-Carpenter said: We might be asking the right questions but youre coming up with the wrong answers.

It comes after Ofwat announced in March that it plans to fine SEW 22 million over water supply failures between 2020 and 2023 impacting more than 286,000 people.

The watchdog said the firm lacked ownership for fixing the root cause of supply failures and did not maintain important infrastructure.

Its investigation found that the companys response to these issues was slow and disorganised and highlighted shortages of bottled water, saying said there were not enough tankers or support for vulnerable customers.

Mr Hinton was grilled by MPs in for his companys handling of the November and December supply failure.

But days later, Mr Carmichael said he and his colleagues remained deeply sceptical about SEWs version of events presented to MPs.
Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron will co-host a summit in Paris this week to continue efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The prime minister has made efforts to reopen the Strait a priority after its closure amid the US-Iran war prompted oil prices around the globe to soar.

International leaders will gather on Friday in an effort to come up with a plan to ensure the vital trading route can remain open to shipping amid Donald Trumps blockade.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: The summit will advance work towards a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping once the conflict ends.

Sir Keir told MPs on Monday the UK-French initiative would involve military planning to provide assurance to shipping as well as diplomatic efforts.

French president Emmanuel Macron, left, and prime minister Sir Keir Starmer will co-host a summit on Friday (PA Wire)

Mr Macron has previously said the countries participating in the initiative would work on a strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties to the conflict, which is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances permit.

He said the summit would bring together countries prepared to contribute alongside us to the peaceful multinational mission.

The route was initially blockaded by Iran in response to US-Israeli attacks on Tehran, a move which has sparked global instability and prompted concerns about the cost of living in the UK.

After ceasefire talks between Tehran and Washington broke down over the weekend, Trump said the US military will now block Iranian vessels and any ships that have already paid Iran tolls coming through the Strait.

Nato allies, including Britain and France, have already said they would not be drawn into the conflict by taking part in Mr Trumps blockade, stressing instead the need to reopen the waterway.

Donald Trump has said the US military will now block Iranian vessels and any ships that have already paid Iran tolls coming through the Strait (Getty)

The war has driven up energy prices, caused stock market turmoil and exposed deep divisions between the US and its traditional European allies.

Oil prices retreated back below 100 US dollars a barrel in Tuesday morning trading on hopes that US-Iran negotiations may be revived and that an agreement could be reached over the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, in Westminster, the new Middle East Response Committee has been established to deal with the fallout from the Iran conflict and to deal with the domestic and international impacts of the war.

No 10 insiders compared the new panel to the committees set up under Tory prime ministers to deal with Brexit preparations and the Covid-19 pandemic.

A source said the new central structure would focus on medium-term scenario planning to respond to developments in the region over the coming weeks and months.
Susanna Reid has said boxer David Hayes comments about ugly birds do not bear scrutiny.

The TV star appeared unimpressed by the remarks made by the boxer on Im A Celebrity South Africa when discussing his girlfriend Sian Osborne.

In a group chat with the rest of the camp, Haye said of Osborne: Shes got a personality of a proper ugly bird.

When fellow campmate Scarlett Moffatt told him you cant say that, Haye continued: Most ugly girls realise theyre not pretty enough theyve got to have a personality to banter and tell jokes to overlook that theyre not aesthetically amazing straight away.

Most ugly girls realise theyve got to have a personality, its called Ugly Duckling syndrome, when girls are ugly when they start off, they get pretty as they get older, but theyve still got the personality of when theyre ugly.

You get a girl who was pretty from day one, everyone tells her shes amazing, so she grows up thinking Im amazing, everyone loves me, I can open up any door, I can go anywhere I want. They dont have to have a personality because most super pretty girls are idiots.

But their ugly friend, theyve got to work a bit harder. Theyve got to be more personable, theyve got to be nicer to everyone.

Reacting to a clip of Hayes monologue on ITVs Good Morning Britain, presenter Reid said: I love that Scarlett just sits there going, You cannot say that. Hes completely unfiltered.

Susanna Reid presents Good Morning Britain (Ben Whitley/PA) (Ben Whitley)

Asked what she thought he meant by the comments, Reid dismissed them, saying: I just dont think it bears scrutiny.

Co-host Ed Balls then weighed in, saying there are very many attractive women who cook well, which prompted showbiz correspondent Richard Arnold to tell him: Oh Ed, minefield!

Hayes comments were met with disbelief in camp, with Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts shaking her head, and soap star Beverley Callard questioning: Does that mean handsome men have shit personalities?

Haye responded by saying he does not pay attention to men.

Im A Celebrity South Africa continues on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm.
Turkish security forces and emergency staff stand at the courtyard of a high school where an assailant opened fire, in Siverek, south east Turkey (AP)

A former student opened fire at a high school in southeastern Turkey on Tuesday, wounding at least 16 people, before killing himself, an official said.

The 18-year-old attacker, armed with a shotgun, fired randomly inside a vocational high school in Siverek, Sanliurfa province. He later killed himself with the same shotgun after being cornered by police, Gov. Hasan Sildak said.

The attack left 10 students, four teachers, a canteen employee and a police officer hurt, Sildak said. While most of them were being treated in Siverek, five of the teachers and students were transferred to a hospital in the provincial capital because their conditions were more serious, the governor said.

The motive for the attack remains unclear. School shootings are rare in Turkey.

The attacker did not have a criminal record, Sildak said. The school had been declared safe and no permanent police officer was assigned to protect it, he added, calling the shooting an isolated incident.

Turkish security forces and emergency staff stand at the courtyard of a high school where an assailant opened fire, in Siverek (AP)

NTV television and other media reports said the assailant had threatened an attack on the school on social media prior to the shooting.

One student told the state-run Anadolu Agency that he and a friend jumped out of their classroom window to flee the attacker.

He suddenly entered the classroom and fired. He fired four or five times. Two people were hit. He then went into the next classroom, Anadolu quoted Omer Furkan Sayar as saying. We first threw ourselves to the ground and then two of us jumped out of the window.

Sayar continued: He didn't say anything, he entered and started to shoot directly.

Earlier, media reports said all students were evacuated and police special operations units were deployed after the assailant refused to surrender.

The individual was cornered inside the building through police intervention and died after shooting himself," Sildak told reporters, adding that a comprehensive investigation into the shooting would be carried out.

Video footage showed dozens of students running out of the school toward the gate and onto the street.
Trumps blockade appears to be turning back tankers in the Strait of Hormuz  but Iran has a trick up its sleeve

After high-stakes peace talks in Islamabad collapsed over the weekend, the future of a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran now appears to rest on a 100-mile waterway between the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.

The United States imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas east of the Strait of Hormuz, which came into effect at 3pm BST on Monday.

US Central Command warned that vessels will be subject to interception, diversion and capture regardless of their flag. More than 15 US warships are in place to support the operation, a senior official told The Wall Street Journal.

President Donald Trump threatened that ships sailing from Iranian ports would be subject to the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea, referring to the administrations controversial attacks on boats off the coast of Venezuela.

Oil prices surged in response to the threats, but the US military insisted that the action would not impede the movement of ships carrying humanitarian goods, such as food, through the Strait of Hormuz.

A US-sanctioned Chinese tanker, the Rich Starry, appeared to sail straight through the Strait on Tuesday in apparent defiance of Mr Trumps blockade. But it later made a U-turn in the Gulf, with US Central Command saying some merchant vessels had complied with direction from US forces to turn around.

A ship is seen off the coast of the Ras al-Khaimah emirate, a day after the failure of US-Iran peace talks, on Monday 13 April (AFP/Getty)

What does Trumps blockade involve?

In practice, President Trumps blockade will impact vessels departing from Irans ports and coastline, regardless of their country of origin. The US has explicitly said it will not target vessels that arent linked to Iran or its ports, but those that are will be intercepted, diverted or captured.

However, the US leader has also ordered the navy to hunt down vessels that have paid Iran a transit toll, which includes Chinese tankers and Indian bulk carriers that are not parties to the conflict, according to Professor Barry Appleton, co-director for international law at New York Law School.

You have a narrow, mine-threatened strait, active hostilities, and now the US Navy is being asked to police every vessel entering or leaving Iranian ports, he told The Independent.

Thats not a blockade. It is more akin to a traffic enforcement operation in the middle of a war zone.

Donald Trump has demanded that Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz (Reuters)

How has Iran prepared for the blockade?

Iran appears to have a number of tricks up its sleeve to circumvent the impacts of the blockade, including floating storage, shadow fleet tankers, and the use of alternative ports.

According to marine traffic data analysed by Kpler, five liquid tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz in the first two days of the blockade, for all categories  liquids, LNG, LPG, and dry bulk  a total of eight vessels crossed between 13 and 14 April.

On Tuesday, a further five vessels crossed the Strait, but it is important to note that the blockade is not within the Strait but further outside the Gulf of Oman. Kpler told The Independent that four tankers carrying Iranian crude are idling in the Gulf of Oman. One ship passed through on Wednesday.

The objective is to constrain Irans ability to export crude and condensate, which could eventually lead to production shut-ins, Kplers senior crude analyst Johannes Rauball told The Independent.

Rich Starry, a Chinese-flagged ship, made a U-turn after passing through the Strait of Hormuz (MarineTraffic)

But Tehran appears to already have copious stores of oil offshore, ahead of the restrictions, and the volumes of its oil in transit also remain elevated, according to Kpler.

This week, floating storage of Iranian crude  a method of storing oil and gas on open waters away from land or ports  rose to 42 MMbbl (or 42 million barrels) up from 38 MMbbl on Sunday, 12 April.

Floating storage is defined as crude-carrying tankers that have remained idle and reduced their speed for at least seven days, essentially waiting for instructions on water.

Because the Iranian oil supply is exceeding demand, some tankers have been unable to discharge their load and find buyers.

While any reduction in Iranian exports would primarily impact China, which absorbs the vast majority of these flows, overall availability of Iranian crude is expected to remain ample, explained Mr Rauball.

A photo taken on 7 April shows a floating production, storage and offloading vessel built for Brazilian oil producer Petrobras, being towed out of the dock by tugboats in Yantai, China (AFP/Getty)

We are observing significant concentrations of floating storage near China, including roughly 15 MMbbl in the Yellow Sea and around 7 MMbbl in the South China Sea.

Mr Rauball suggests that this could mean up to 120 days of availability of Iranian crude for China, suggesting Iran is unlikely to be impacted by the blockade anytime in the near future due to substantial volumes already on the water.

In total, Iranian crude on water  including both floating storage and cargoes in transit  stands at approximately 190 MMbbl, he explained.

With China typically importing around 1.5 MMbbl/d of Iranian crude, this implies roughly 120 days of cover under current conditions.

Four ships carrying Iranian crude oil are idling in the Gulf of Oman since before the US blockade in a map of maritime activity dated 15 April (Kpler)

As such, even if Iranian crude exports decline, near-term availability is unlikely to tighten significantly, given the substantial volumes already on water.

Furthermore, Irans shadow fleet of tankers poses a further challenge to the US Navy, shipping experts have warned in comments to The Wall Street Journal, allowing vessels linked to ports to transit undetected using sophisticated methods. According to Lloyds List, a falsely-flagged, US-sanctioned tanker linked to China exited the strait early on Tuesday.

Its important to note that we should expect more AIS manipulation in the region where ships coming from Iran may pretend to be sailing from different countries to mask the country of origin, says Noam Raydan, an analyst at the Washington Institute. AIS refers to a maritime tracking system that broadcasts a ships identity, position and speed.

The Strait of Hormuz before the Iran war and after the US blockade (MarineTraffic)

Chatham House analyst Neil Quilliam says it is too early to tell whether Mr Trumps blockade has been effective.

He said: It certainly complicates the movement of vessels that Iran permits to pass through Hormuz. The passage of the Chinese tanker shows that some ship owners and their crews have a high risk tolerance and are willing to test the US, making it a test of who blinks first. It is a high-stakes game.

Unmanned underwater vehicles  which can loiter underwater for up to 96 hours  can also pose a threat to billion-dollar US naval assets, according to the political analyst Safi Ghauri.

After nearly half a century of sanctions, further structural pressure may not hit Iran as hard as other nations, according to Ashok Kumar, associate professor of political economy at Birkbeck, University of London.

Trumps plan to blockade the blockade is strategically incoherent, he said. Its a gesture of desperation, not strength. Iran has already moved vast quantities of oil offshore, so much of its supply simply sits beyond the reach of any naval cordon.

On Wednesday, it was reported that Tehran will use alternative ports to those in southern Iran to bypass the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, according to the semi-official Iranian news agency Mehr News.

Transit figures reflecting tankers transporting liquid cargoes through the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of war on 28 February (Kpler)

Could the blockade force a confrontation?

Prof Kumar says that the strategy escalates a confrontation in one of the worlds most fragile chokepoints, where the US and global economy are far more exposed than Iran itself.

Iran has threatened to attack US partners in the Gulf if what it calls piracy continues.

It seems to be a tit-for-tat move by the US, explains Dr Quilliam. At best, if it remains benign, then it will prevent Iran from exporting its crude, but [it] will lead to an increase in the price of oil. In this scenario, the US aims to increase Irans economic pain and bring it back to the negotiating table. This move alone will not persuade the regime to reopen talks, as it has resisted sanctions for over 20 years.

At worst, Iran will challenge the blockade, leading to renewed military confrontation and include new Iranian strikes against energy infrastructure in the Gulf states, notably Saudi Arabia and export facilities in Yanbu on the Red Sea. This will lead to an even bigger hike in oil prices.
The US president, Donald Trump, welcomes Giorgia Meloni to the White House in April last year. Photograph: Andrew Leyden/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock (Photograph: Andrew Leyden/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock)

Donald Trump lashed out at one of his closest allies on Tuesday, saying Italys Giorgia Meloni lacked courage in light of her failure to join the US in attacking Iran.

Im shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong, the US president said in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

The attack came as Meloni said that her far-right government would suspend the automatic renewal of its defence cooperation agreement with Israel in light of the current situation.

Giorgia Meloni doesnt want to help us in the war. Im shocked, Trump said. Do people like the fact that your president isnt doing anything to get the oil [in Iran]? Does she like it? I cant imagine.

Tensions between Italy and the US have intensified in recent days after criticism from Trump directed at Pope Leo, marking a dramatic shift in relations between the US president and Meloni, whose political alliance and personal rapport had long been openly embraced  with the Italian leader having said earlier this year that she hoped he would one day receive the Nobel peace prize.

Trump said he did not think the Chicago-born pontiff was doing a very good job, while also suggesting he should stop catering to the radical left.

Meloni criticised remarks by Trump targeting the pope, calling them unacceptable. She added that she would not feel comfortable in a society where religious leaders were expected to follow the direction of political leaders.

She is the one who is unacceptable, Trump replied, because she doesnt care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if it had the chance.

Despite the diplomatic strain, Meloni described Washington as a priority ally. But, she added, alliances require candour: When you are friends, particularly strategic allies, you must also have the courage to say when you disagree.

Italys government has entered a turbulent phase in recent days after its defeat in a justice referendum backed by Rome. According to several analysts, the outcome was less a rejection of the proposal itself than a broader vote of no confidence in Melonis leadership.

The Italian prime minister has faced mounting criticism, including from segments of her own electorate, over her alignment with Trump and her reluctance to openly condemn Israels actions.

The backlash comes at a time of growing unease among the Italian public with the wider implications of the conflict, particularly fears of economic fallout. Concerns have intensified in recent weeks over disruptions to global energy supplies, with the effective blockade of the strait of Hormuz contributing to a sharp rise in diesel prices.

Its a repositioning, Lorenzo Castellani, a political historian at Romes Luiss University, told Reuters. Shes afraid that a sizeable portion of the electorate, even among the centre-right, will become highly critical of Trump and Netanyahu and of the effects of this war on Iran on the economy.

Trump appears to be losing the backing of European allies as the Iran war escalates, exposing fractures within Nato. He previously called the alliance a paper tiger after members ignored calls for military support in the strait of Hormuz.

The US president also threatened consequences for countries such as Spain, including troop withdrawals, and accused allies including the UK of not stepping up, saying they were abandoning the US. He added that those unwilling to support Washington should go get your own oil.

Related: JD Vance defends Trump amid spat with Pope Leo: Stick to matters of morality

Alongside rising tensions with Washington, relations between Italy and Israel also risk deteriorating after Romes decision to suspend the memorandum on defence cooperation. In 2003, Italy and Israel began expanding defence ties through arms deals, technology sharing and joint industrial projects.

The memorandum, which has governed defence cooperation between the two countries, was formally signed in April 2016 and provided a framework for military exchanges, technological collaboration and had previously been renewed automatically every five years.

Melonis decision marks the first time her government has intervened directly to halt the agreement, despite months of mounting criticism over Israels conduct and alleged violations of international law. Until now, the Italian prime minister had limited her response to condemning specific incidents, including Israeli strikes affecting churches and Italian troops serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, while continuing to defend the broader framework of bilateral cooperation.

Italys ambassador to Israel, Luca Ferrari, was summoned by Israels foreign ministry after Italys foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, during a visit to Beirut, condemned Israeli air raids that have caused thousands of casualties in Lebanon since early March.

Just days earlier, Tajani had himself summoned the Israeli ambassador after an incident in southern Lebanon in which Israeli forces fired warning shots near Italian UN peacekeepers, with one round landing metres from a soldier.
Mr Trumps AI-generated image, which he later deleted

Donald Trump posted and then deleted a picture of himself as Jesus Christ during an extraordinary row with the Pope.

The United States president said the leader of the Catholic church was terrible and weak after the pontiff criticised the American-Israeli war against Iran as inhumane.

Leo, the first US-born pope, said he had no fear of the Trump administration and would continue to speak the gospel.

In a forceful speech in Algiers, he denounced neocolonial world powers violating international law, without naming the US.

Earlier on Monday, Mr Trump posted an AI-generated image that appeared to depict him as Jesus.

I thought it was me as a doctor

The US president later deleted the post, which showed him in a white robe with a hand on a mans head, claiming that the picture actually depicted him as a Red Cross doctor.

I thought it was me as a doctor, and had to do with the Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support, Trump told reporters outside the Oval Office.

In the image, rendered like a painting, Mr Trump held a glowing orb in one hand and touched a sick mans forehead with the other, emitting beams of light. The Statue of Liberty, fireworks, a fighter jet, angels and eagles soared in the background.

He later said he believed the image had been made by a very beautiful, talented artist.

Discussing why he deleted it, he told CBS News: Normally I dont like doing that, but I didnt want to have anybody be confused. People were confused.

In a separate post on Truth Social, Mr Trump wrote: Leo should get his act together as Pope, use common sense, stop catering to the radical Left, and focus on being a great Pope, not a politician.

Its hurting him very badly and, more importantly, its hurting the Catholic Church!

He added: Pope Leo is WEAK on crime, and terrible for foreign policy.

The Pope replied to Mr Trumps outburst as he travelled to Africa - Alberto Pizzoli/Reuters

The Christ-like image and Mr Trumps remarks drew widespread condemnation from some of his biggest supporters, including Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister.

I find President Trumps words towards the Holy Father unacceptable. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to condemn every form of war, she said in a rare rebuke of the president.

American Catholic leaders criticised Mr Trumps remarks, with Paul S Coakley, the Archbishop of Oklahoma City, saying he was disheartened that the president chose to write such disparaging words.

Masoud Pezeshkian, the president of Iran, also rebuked Mr Trump, saying: His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I condemn the insult to your excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person. I wish you glory by Allah.

The US is home to approximately 60 million Catholics, who make up roughly 20 per cent of the adult American population.

Mr Trump won large majorities of Christian voters in the 2024 election. He made gains among Catholic voters and has sought to lean into the Christian vote throughout his second term.

After he narrowly survived an assassination attempt in July 2024, the president repeatedly suggested he survived thanks to divine intervention.

In a speech two weeks before the 2024 election, he said: I would like to think that God saved me for a purpose, and thats to make our country greater than ever before.

Mondays remarks could create a rift between the president, the religious Right of his supporter base and Catholic members of his own administration, including JD Vance, the US vice-president, and Marco Rubio, the secretary of state.

Despite the condemnation, Mr Trump refused to apologise on Monday. Asked by a reporter if he would say sorry to the Pope, the president said: No, because Pope Leo said things that were wrong, he was very much against what Im doing with regard to Iran. Hes weak on crime. He went public. Im just responding to Pope Leo. Theres nothing to apologise for.

Mr Trump later added that the pontiff should avoid getting involved in politics.

Hes wrong on the issues, he told CBS News. I dont think he should be getting into politics. I think he probably learned that from this.

Asked whether the Pope would visit the US during his presidency, Mr Trump said: Its up to him, not up to me.

Mr Vance, who identifies as a Catholic, also told the Vatican to stick to matters of morality on Monday.

He told Fox News: I certainly think that in some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality... and let the President of the United States stick to dictating American public policy.

After failing to secure a permanent ceasefire deal with Iran over the weekend, Mr Trump imposed a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz from 3pm on Monday, in an effort to choke Irans economic lifeline.

Mr Trump warned that it would not be pleasant for Iran if the two sides failed to strike an agreement before the two-week ceasefire expired next week. Iran condemned the blockade as piracy.

Negotiations to end the war collapsed as Iran refused to give up its nuclear programme or remove nearly 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, the material needed to build a nuclear bomb, from the country.

After the White House threatened to capture any vessels that approached its blockade, an Iranian armed forces spokesperson said: The criminal actions of America in restricting maritime transit in international waters are illegal and constitute piracy.

Starmer and Macron refuse to join blockade

After refusing to join Mr Trumps blockade, Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, the French president, announced Britain and France would lead a conference in the coming days discussing a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation.

The Prime Minister also said Mr Trump was wrong to threaten to destroy a whole civilisation in Iran in comments last week before the two-week ceasefire was announced.

On Monday, David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, met with Mr Vance and Mr Rubio in Washington to discuss the war and reopening the strait.

In recent weeks, the Pope has become one of the most prominent critics of the war in Iran, even making an unusual direct appeal to Mr Trump to find an off-ramp.

I have no fear of the Trump administration, he said on board the papal plane as he departed for a four-nation visit to Africa, insisting he was not directly criticising the US president by calling for peace in the Middle East.

I will not enter into debate. The things that I say are certainly not meant as attacks on anyone. The message of the gospel is very clear: Blessed are the peacemakers, he added.

I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems.

In recent comments, the Pope said that Jesus could not be used to justify war and that God rejects the prayers of those who start conflicts.

Those remarks were widely seen as a rebuke to Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, who likened the rescue of a US airman inside Iran to the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday.

It is not the first time Mr Trump has criticised the Catholic Church. During his first term, he clashed with Pope Francis, who publicly opposed Mr Trumps deportation campaign and said the construction of the border wall was un-Christian.

Mr Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself in the pontiffs garb after Pope Francis died - REUTERS

Last year, after the death of Francis, Mr Trump posted an image showing himself as pope, prompting outrage from many Catholics.
Donald Trump has reiterated his call for Britain to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, urging Sir Keir Starmers government to drill, baby, drill.

The US president added that Aberdeen should be booming in his latest social media rant aimed at Britain, while repeating his demand for there to be no more windmills in Scotland.

The prime minister has been under pressure to rethink his governments position on oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, as oil prices continue to soar amid tensions in the Middle East.

Prices have fluctuated wildly as Iran and the US have each announced blockades of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Mr Trumps insistence that US warships would stop vessels bearing Iranian oil, at least one Chinese tanker sanctioned by the US passed through the chokepoint, shipping data showed.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Mr Trump said the UK could  and should  be producing more oil.

He wrote: Europe is desperate for Energy, and yet the United Kingdom refuses to open North Sea Oil, one of the greatest fields in the World. Tragic!!! Aberdeen should be booming.

Norway sells its North Sea Oil to the U.K. at double the price. They are making a fortune. U.K., which is better situated on the North Sea for purposes of energy than Norway, should, DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! It is absolutely crazy that they dont... AND, NO MORE WINDMILLS!

Donald Trump has repeatedly called on Keir Starmer to expand domestic oil and gas drilling in the North Sea (PA Archive)

Mr Trump has repeatedly called on Sir Keir to expand domestic oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, having accused the government earlier this year of making it impossible for oil companies to develop domestic reserves.

During his state visit to the UK last year, the US president called wind energy an expensive joke and urged Sir Keir to exploit the great asset of North Sea oil and gas.

It marks Mr Trumps latest swipe at Sir Keir, as the pair continue to be at odds with each other over the presidents approach to war in the Middle East.

Last week, at a White House Easter event, he likened Sir Keir to Neville Chamberlain, telling reporters that the UK had a long way to go.

He also mimicked the prime minister in a recent speech at the White House, and recounted Sir Keir saying he had to ask his team about sending two old broken-down aircraft carriers to the Middle East. Last month he made another jibe about Sir Keir, saying he was not Winston Churchill.

The question of whether to allow more drilling in the North Sea has piled pressure on Starmer in recent weeks (PA)

The question of whether to allow more drilling for domestic oil and gas in the North Sea has piled pressure on Sir Keir in recent weeks, with calls growing for him to back the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields after Mr Trumps war sent oil prices soaring.

Last week, Tony Blair called for Labour to expand drilling in the North Sea, saying the war in Iran had exposed the UKs structural vulnerability to global fossil-fuel shocks.

Earlier this month, the government denied that Ed Miliband was expected to give the green light to the first major North Sea oilfield project in almost 10 years. However, chancellor Rachel Reeves said she would be very happy to support exploration at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites.

Oil prices retreated back below $100 (74) a barrel in Tuesday morning trading, on hopes that negotiations between the US and Iran might be revived, and that an agreement could be reached over the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

A person familiar with Tehrans deliberations told Bloomberg that the regime is trying to avoid escalation, with negotiating teams said to be urgently working to restart talks in Islamabad.

Limiting the number of Iranian ships crossing the strait for a few days is seen as a possible lever for Tehran to prevent an incident that could undermine talks.
Donald Trump speaks with Sharon Simmons as she delivers McDonald's to the White House on Monday. Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

The DoorDash delivery driver who had a turn in the national spotlight on Monday by bringing a fast-food order to Donald Trump at the White House has publicly touted the presidents so-called no tax on tips policy before  causing some to question the encounters authenticity and the company to confirm it was a stunt.

Sharon Simmons had lobbied in July 2025 in favor of the policy, which DoorDash supports, testifying in Congress that she was based in Nevada and driving for the delivery platform because her husbands cancer treatments had made it difficult to make ends meet otherwise.

That fact drew Simmons some skepticism after she delivered a McDonalds order to the White House on camera on Monday  along with her being described as a resident of Arkansas.

Related: McDonalds CEO blames mothers etiquette training for awkward burger bite in video

Commentary was metaphorically loud enough that DoorDash issued a statement confirming Simmons delivery  and a $100 tip that Trump gave her  had been arranged to celebrate the congressional law into which the no tax on tips policy had been enshrined a year earlier. The company also maintained that Simmons had moved from Nevada to Arkansas in late 2025 to be closer to family.

Separately, a spokesperson rejected accusations that DoorDash and the White House had somehow misled the public, though many users insinuated that the delivery had been treated as authentic in media coverage.

No one is claiming it was a real delivery, DoorDashs Julian Crowley wrote on social media.

The rhetorical temperature around the scene escalated even more when the White Houses rapid response X account quoted Simmons  dubbing her the DoorDash grandma  as asserting that she had saved more than $11,000 in tips by not having to claim them on her taxes.

But the no tax on tips policy is only a temporary deduction of up to $25,000 in tips for eligible workers annually. Tipped workers still have to report their tips as income.

According to the Tax Policy Center, only about 2% of all households  equating to 60% of households with tipped workers  would receive a tax cut because many tipped employees already pay little to no federal income tax. The estimated average tax cut savings for those eligible employees is $1,800 a year.

The White Houses post about Simmons drew a community note saying that the amount of savings claimed would not be possible under the policy.

Asked by the Guardian about the discrepancy, a DoorDash spokesperson replied that Simmons had earned $11,000 in tips in 2025  all of which was tax-exempt thanks to the presidents policy. It is unclear, however, if Simmons earned enough money to have had to pay federal income tax on her tips, which are also still subject to Arkansass state income tax.

DoorDash did not comment on whether it compensates Simmons  and how much, if so  for her lobbying on behalf of the company.

The companys statement after Mondays White House delivery quoted Simmons as saying the final version of no tax on tips would have looked much different without the advocacy of more than 40,000 [DoorDash drivers] who worked tirelessly to ensure independent workers were included in the final language of the law containing the policy.

Labor advocates, however, have criticized the no tax on tips policy given its limited benefit and the risk it poses in expanding tips as income for low-wage workers and reducing base wages.

Other parts of the law championed by Trump that created the tipped income deduction simultaneously enacted massive cuts to health care, energy, and food assistance programs that will cause tremendous harm for millions of low-income households, including some with tipped workers  all to finance tax cuts for the ultrawealthy, wrote researchers with the Economic Policy Institute in a February 2026 report.

One Fair Wages president, Saru Jayaraman, criticized the publicity stunt and the no tax on tips policy as providing negligible support to workers, especially compared with wage increases.

Its sad, and its a sign of a failing society  not something to celebrate or turn into a photo op, Jayaraman said. The fact that a term like DoorDash grandma even exists should be a wake-up call.

Corporations are paying poverty wages while policymakers offer Band-Aid solutions like no tax on tips instead of raising pay. At the same time, cuts to Medicaid and food assistance are stripping away the safety net workers rely on to get by.

Workers dont need gimmicks  they need living wages, corporate accountability and real economic security.
HOKKAIDO, Apr 13 (News On Japan) - IKEA, the Swedish furniture giant, is set to open its first outlet in Hokkaido in mid-May, marking its long-awaited entry into the region not in the major city of Sapporo but in the neighboring town of Tobetsu, where deep historical ties with Sweden have helped pave the way for the project.

Known for its blue and yellow branding, IKEA offers a wide range of products from storage solutions and kitchenware to household goods, attracting customers with its affordable prices and Scandinavian design, and has steadily expanded its presence across Japan since entering the market 20 years ago.

The new outlet will operate as a limited-time pop-up store from mid-May through mid-November, featuring a container-style setup next to a roadside station in Tobetsu, rather than in Sapporo, which has a population of around 2 million.

Approximately 200 items are expected to be available, including the popular "Poang" chair designed by Japan-born designer Noboru Nakamura from Hokkaido, along with furniture, lighting, and miscellaneous goods.

Local residents welcomed the announcement, with one saying they were delighted after waiting more than a decade, while another visitor from nearby Iwamizawa expressed interest in purchasing stylish furniture or small items.

The choice of Tobetsu as the location is closely tied to its longstanding relationship with Sweden, which is reflected in the design and operations of the roadside station, where IKEA products are already widely used, including in seating areas, children's play spaces, and nursing rooms.

The town also maintains a sister-city relationship with Leksand in Sweden, spanning around 40 years, and has incorporated Nordic influences into its urban development, including the Sweden Hills residential area characterized by wooden homes and open landscapes.

A Swedish resident who moved to Tobetsu last year said the town strongly resembles Sweden and expressed joy at IKEAs arrival, noting that living without the retailer would feel incomplete.

Masaki Miyaji, a former mayor of Tobetsu who now heads the company operating the roadside station, has spent more than a decade working to attract IKEA, emphasizing the towns proximity to Sapporo and its cultural ties to Sweden as key advantages.

While the current store is temporary, Miyaji said the town aims to eventually secure a permanent location, though IKEA will first assess demand in Hokkaido and evaluate whether sales can offset higher logistics costs in the region.

The pop-up store, made possible by decades of exchange between Tobetsu and Sweden, is expected to bring new energy and visitors to the town.
Donald Trump speaks to members of the media outside the Oval Office of the White House on 13 April. Photograph: Salwan Georges/Pool/Salwan Georges - Pool/CNP/Shutterstock (Photograph: Salwan Georges/Pool/Salwan Georges - Pool/CNP/Shutterstock)

Donald Trump managed to pull off a bit of a miracle on Sunday: he offended and upset many of his conservative Christian followers.

Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself to Truth Social on Sunday depicting him as a Jesus Christ-like figure, with divine light emanating from his hands as he heals a stricken man in a hospital bed with a demon from hell floating in the background.

The president has since deleted the post, which also followed a lengthy tirade about Pope Leo XIV on the site the same day in which he called him weak on crime while also suggesting he should stop catering to the radical left.

Trump made the comments after Leo suggested over the weekend that a delusion of omnipotence was fuelling the US-Israel war on Iran. Pope Leo later said he did not fear the Trump administration and would continue to speak out against war.

Trump faced the wrath of some of his most high-profile and loyal supporters, some of whom called his post disgusting and OUTRAGEOUS blasphemy, urging the president to ask for forgiveness from the American people and then from God.

The fact that Trump deleted the post is noteworthy, since he rarely walks back anything he blasts out on social media, such as his Easter Sunday post yelling at Iran to open the Fuckin Strait [of Hormuz], you crazy bastards and praising Allah.

Trump deletes post with AI image of himself as Jesus-like figure after outcry

When reporters asked Trump whether he posted a picture depicting himself as Jesus Christ, Trump said it wasnt a depiction, it was me, though he insisted: Its supposed to be me as a doctor making people better.

Read the full story

US starts naval blockade of Iranian ports after deadline passes

The US blockade of ships using Iranian ports in the Gulf began on Monday evening, turning the six-week-old conflict between the US-Israeli coalition and Iran into a test of economic endurance.

Read the full story

Orbans defeat holds lessons for US: Autocrats may rise, but are not invincible

For US Democrats seeking a ray of light in the dark landscape of Trumps authoritarian onslaught, illumination has arrived from the unlikely source of Budapest.

Viktor Orbans stunning defeat in Hungarys general election  ending 16 years of unbroken rule for his governing Fidesz party  carries symbolic and psychological significance for American politics out of all proportion to the central European countrys modest size and distance from the US.

Read the full story

Trump Media drops lawsuit against the Guardian

Trumps media corporation has dropped a defamation claim against the Guardian and two other defendants over a report that federal prosecutors were investigating $8m in payments the company received from entities with ties to Vladimir Putin as possible money laundering.

Read the full story

Trump administration agrees to keep flying Pride flag at Stonewall monument

The government revealed the decision as it seeks to settle a lawsuit filed by LGBTQ+ and historic preservation groups who had sought to block the removal. A judge must still approve the agreement.

Read the full story

What else happened today:

Catching up? Heres what happened on 12 April 2026.
A team of Trump administration officials called in to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development last year told employees they had assumed it just did abortions, according to a whistleblower.

When President Donald Trump returned to power in January 2025, he unleashed Elon Musks quasi-governmental organization DOGE on USAID, considering it a prime target for his mission to eliminate excess federal spending.

Musk had baselessly called USAID a criminal organization and a radical-left political psy op while influential podcaster Joe Rogan branded it a money-laundering operation with no oversight, no receipts.

USAID was a government agency involved in global humanitarian aid projects and deadly disease initiatives since 1961 until it was abruptly shuttered by the Trump administration last year (AFP/Getty)

However, Musk and Rogan were not alone in their ignorance of USAIDs vital contribution, according to the new book Into the Wood Chipper by Nicholas Enrich, who was the bodys acting assistant administrator for global health when the hatchet men were sent in.

An extract from Enrichs book excerpted in The Handbasket recounts a shocking meeting that took place at USAIDs headquarters on February 5, 2025, during which he and two colleagues met with newly-installed Trump officials in the hope of explaining their agencys functions and why they remained crucial.

Entering an eerily empty conference room in the Reagan Building in Washington, D.C, the trio sat down with an official named Joe Borkert and his leadership team, who, Enrich writes, looked tired and bored, with Borkert himself picking at a microwaved Indian meal.

In full transparency, were drawing down USAID, he quickly told the trio. Wed like you to walk us through your mission-critical functions so that we can close things out smoothly.

When Enrich began to speak, he was soon interrupted and told to just stick to the lifesaving stuff.

Recalibrating, he described the agencys role in tackling emerging pandemics, diagnosing and treating tuberculosis, malaria and HIV, while also immunizing millions of children against deadly ailments.

His comments caused a stunned silence, after which Borkert remarked: I had no idea you did all this. As a Republican, when I think of what USAID does in global health, I assumed it was just, you know, abortions.

The agency also played a crucial role in malaria prevention and treatment, which even the cost-cutting officials could see the value in (AFP/Getty)

Enrich says he did not know whether to laugh or cry at finding the leadership so unapologetically ignorant.

Another member of the Trump team, a White House liaison, said that Enrichs explanation of drug-resistant tuberculosis was too complex for non-health sector professionals to understand and suggested that a Barney-style set of slides might help, alluding to the popular childrens dinosaur character, and proposed referring to the disease as Super TB instead for ease of comprehension.

He later asked if they could make one of those maps like they have in Outbreak [the 1995 blockbuster movie], where it shows the red growing over time as the disease spreads? You know, like the zombie apocalypse?

When Enrich did manage to press upon the cost-cutters the importance of the groups malaria response effort, which had just been shut down by DOGE at the cost of thousands of jobs, even Borkert expressed frustration, exclaiming: See, this is why, just because it might work at Twitter does not mean you can do it here!

Nevertheless, he subsequently reiterated to the USAID experts: Youre going to have to cut things, its going to have to be draconian. Youre only going to get things that are priority number one; that is all were going to be able to do, so dont even send up the things that are priorities number two, three, or four.

When a colleague mentioned lifesaving interventions for mothers to prevent pregnancy-related deaths, she was arbitrarily told that work would only be considered a second-tier priority.

After leaving the meeting, the trio was shocked and dismayed, feeling that the officials chosen to make crucial decisions with real-world ramifications were not real policymakers, but impostors, sitting in big chairs and pretending to grapple with complex issues that required teams of experts, who they had just off-loaded.

Theyre asking us to dig our own grave, one of Enrichs colleagues observed bitterly.
On Easter morning, President Donald Trump fired off a Truth Social post critics said was so unhinged that it reignited the debate around his mental health.

Open the F***in Strait, you crazy b*****ds, or youll be living in Hell, he raged at the Iranians on his Truth Social platform amid the deeply unpopular war in the Middle East.

Less than 48 hours later, there were calls to invoke the 25th Amendment  an extreme measure allowing for the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to declare the president unfit for office  after Trump threatened to wipe out 93 million people.

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again, Trump, who will turn 80 years old in June, posted on April 7 ahead of a deadline for Iran to make a deal with the U.S. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will.

While critics have long claimed that Trump is mentally unfit for office, the concern over his recent social media outbursts, which appear to have gone beyond his usual bluster, has reached new heights amid the war with Iran.

One of the things that we need to consider is that he is drifting more into a natural state, being fed by the sycophants that are around him, and developing almost like this delusional level of narcissism, Dr. Geoff Grammer, a Maryland-based psychiatrist and retired Army colonel, told The Independent.

Grammer, who describes himself as anti-MAGA, is one of a growing number of mental health professionals sounding the alarm about Trumps erratic behavior.

In recent days, Trump has attacked Pope Leo after the U.S.-born pontiff said that a delusion of omnipotence triggered the Iran war. A day later, Trump was forced to delete an AI-generated image that appeared to depict him as Jesus. The president stretched credulity when he tried to explain Monday that he thought the image was depicting him as a doctor  he took it down after about 12 hours, facing backlash from far-right Christian figures.

While critics have long claimed that Trump is mentally unfit for office, the concern over his recent social media outbursts has reached new heights (Getty)

While experts cannot diagnose someone they have never assessed, they have mused that Trumps recent behavior is perhaps rooted in a deeper insecurity.

The reality is, theres a large differential of things that it could be, including him feeling trapped and developing narcissistic rage, Grammer said. It could be that hes becoming disinhibited, but it could also be that he is just drifting to who he naturally is.

Trumps foul-mouthed Truth Social last week wasnt the first f-bomb he has dropped publicly in his second term. Last June, Trump vented to reporters about a failed ceasefire between Iran and Israel. We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they dont know what the f*** theyre doing, he said, appearing exasperated.

In October, when a reporter quizzed Trump about tensions with Venezuela, Trump said of its now-ousted leader, Nicolas Maduro: He offered everything. You know why? Because he doesnt want to f*** around with the United States.

Shari Botwin, a Philadelphia-based trauma therapist and author, said the presidents use of profanities and threats suggest some possible narcissistic traits.

It could suggest that he is having a heightened emotional reactivity, which could indicate that he is experiencing anxiety, fear, or his own frustration, Botwin said. His threats to wipe out a civilization demonstrate his own projection to maintain strength and control.

Ultimately, Botwin said the language could reflect a need for validation and recognition.

Trump was forced to delete an AI-generated image that appeared to depict him as Jesus, which critics said suggest some possible narcissitic traits ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social)

The lack of empathy that comes through in his posts can be alarming and indicate that he has no regard for the suffering of other human beings, Botwin said. In many cases, when someone is using aggressive rhetoric, it often serves as a defense mechanism to mask ones own vulnerability or insecurity.

The provocative language that he is using also suggests some possible narcissistic traits, she added, where he is drawing attention to himself and overriding the possible consequences of his messaging.

Prominent Democrats issued fresh calls last week to invoke the 25th Amendment.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on a key congressional oversight committee, urged White House Physician Captain Sean Barbabella to immediately perform a comprehensive cognitive assessment on the president after the congressman called warning signs that the president has been exhibiting signs consistent with dementia and cognitive decline.

And in a letter to Vice President JD Vance last week, Rep. Jasmine Crockett claimed the president is deranged, likely suffering from dementia, and has now brought the United States to the precipice of committing one of the largest war crimes in modern history.

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle took aim at Raskin and Trumps predecessor in a statement to The Independent.

Lightweight Jamie Raskin is a stupid persons idea of a smart person, Ingle said. President Trumps sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility stand in stark contrast to what we saw during the past four years when Democrats like Raskin intentionally covered up Joe Bidens serious mental and physical decline from the American people.

Experts in conflict resolution, meanwhile, said that the president has backed himself into a corner with Iran.

Experts in conflict resolution said that the president has backed himself into a corner with Iran, and his extreme language could be interpreted as a sign of frustration (Reuters)

His extreme language could be interpreted as a sign of frustration that the conflict has not been as seamless as Januarys military operation in Venezuela, said Paul Fritch, a former U.S. diplomat and senior NATO official.

I think we can understand the Presidents increasingly extreme language as a sign of frustration, as he finds himself embroiled in a crisis he does not have the unilateral ability to end, Fritch told The Independent. Hes also spent much of the past year dismantling the very diplomatic tools that would be most useful in finding an exit strategy, Fritch said, adding that cuts to the federal workforce had played a part in this.

The professional Foreign Service has been cut by more than 20 percent, and offices dedicated to engaging with Iranian civil society and countering Tehrans disinformation were eliminated, he explained. The abolition of USAID led to the end of a program to provide internet access and VPNs to Iranian dissidents. The nuclear negotiations that attempted to forestall the conflict, as well as last weekends talks in Pakistan that attempted to end it, did not include regional experts from State or nuclear experts from Energy, Fritch added.

This leaves him overly reliant on military threats and coercion, which are ill-suited to achieving the main strategic objectives of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and containing Irans nuclear ambitions, concluded Fritch, a current senior fellow at the Middle East Institute Switzerland and the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

There are those who argue that Trump is playing to his base and employing the madman theory in negotiations with Iran.

But Trump said himself that he was ready to act on the threat to wipe out Irans civilization.

I think that we have a phenomenal military that I rebuilt during my first term and I used in my second term, and I was willing to use it, he told The New York Post.

I was willing to do it.
Giorgia Meloni, seen here with Patrizia Scurti, her doppelganger secretary, leapt to the defence of the Pope after Donald Trump called him weak - LaPresse/Alamy Live News

Donald Trump has turned on Giorgia Meloni over her reluctance to join the war on Iran and her defence of the Pope.

Mr Trump said he was shocked by the Italian prime minister, who had been one of his closest allies in Europe.

Shes no longer the same person, and Italy will never be the same country again, said the American president.

On Monday, Ms Meloni leapt to the defence of the Pope after Mr Trump had called him weak and said he should stop catering to the radical Left.

Ms Meloni said: I find President Trumps words towards the Holy Father unacceptable. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to condemn every form of war.

Ms Meloni met the Pope at the Vatican last year - Francesco Sforza/Handout via Reuters

In response, Mr Trump told the newspaper Corriere della Sera: She is the one who is unacceptable, because she doesnt care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow Italy to smithereens in two minutes if she had the chance. Im shocked by her. I thought she was brave, but I was wrong.

Mr Trump criticised Ms Meloni, the only European leader to attend his inauguration, for refusing to heed his demand for help from Nato allies in the war.

He said: We havent spoken in a long time. She simply says that Italy doesnt want to be involved. Even though Italy gets its oil from there, even though America is very important to Italy. She doesnt think Italy should be involved. She thinks America should do the work for her.

Mr Trump added that immigration is killing Italy and all of Europe, but Ms Meloni is credited with cutting illegal immigration by 60 per cent since coming to power through a combination of strict policies and return deals with other countries.

The US president also took the opportunity to renew his attack on Pope Leo, saying: He doesnt understand and shouldnt be talking about war, because he has no idea whats going on. He doesnt understand that 42,000 protesters were killed in Iran last month.

He repeated his accusation that Nato was a paper tiger after allies including Italy refused to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

Ms Meloni was the only European leader to attend Mr Trumps inauguration - Brendan Smialowski/AFP

Mr Trump also said he was sorry that Viktor Orban, Hungarys pro-Russian prime minister, had suffered a landslide defeat in Sundays election.

He had sent JD Vance, the US vice-president, to Budapest to campaign for Mr Orban, who is  like Ms Meloni  a favourite of Maga conservatives.

He was a friend of mine. It wasnt my election but he was a friend of mine, a good man, he did a good job on immigration. He didnt let people come and ruin his country as Italy did, said Mr Trump.

Ms Meloni, a hard-Right nationalist has been a political soulmate of Mr Trump and his Maga movement, and in January called for him to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prizey. At the Gaza summit, he called her a beautiful young woman and plugged her memoir.

Mr Trumps war on Iran is very unpopular in Italy. Ms Meloni lost a vote on judicial reforms, which became a referendum on her leadership last month.

It has made her appear vulnerable for the first time since she became prime minister in 2022, and she faces elections next year. She has said the war is illegal and that Italy will not be joining it.

On Tuesday, she said that she was suspending Italys defence agreement with Israel, the USs ally in the war. The agreement involves the exchange of military equipment and technology research.
President Donald Trumps war of words with Pope Leo XIV and his subsequent posting of an AI image of himself as Jesus Christ have sparked a rift among Republicans in the Senate just when the GOP needs to circle the wagons for the midterms.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who is Catholic, criticized the presidents attack on the leader of her faith, wherein Trump called the pope WEAK on crime and terrible on foreign policy in a lengthy Truth Social screed that he reaffirmed in comments to reporters.

I found the president's comments to be offensive and inexplicable, Collins told The Independent. He should not be treating the pope as a political rival.

Collins is by far the most vulnerable Republican running for reelection in November and she is the only incumbent GOP senator running in a state that Kamala Harris won. She also voted to convict Trump for his actions on January 6. But shes taken a more conservative tack in Trumps second term.

By contrast, Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, who is also Catholic, defended Trump  and instead lambasted the Pope.

Donald Trump deleted this image depicting him as Jesus after posting it on his Truth Social account (AFP/Getty)

I was incensed to watch the Pope's comments, Moreno told The Independent. I think what the Pope is doing is a disgrace.

Trumps words about the Pope came after Leo criticized Trumps war in Iran. Moreno said Leo should have criticized the Iranian regime that had killed its own citizens rather than the president.

It's a shame that the Pope has made the Catholic Church political, Moreno said. Thank God my moms not alive to watch that.

Morenos words mirror those of his fellow Ohioan and political ally Vice President J.D. Vance, who, despite writing a book about his conversion to Catholicism, said on Fox News: it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality.

Trump also received criticism from some Christian conservatives including Riley Gaines, the former college swimmer who has become an ardent opponent of transgender athletes in womens sports, and a poster girl for his stance on the subject, who critiqued: God shall not be mocked.

I found the president's comments to be offensive and inexplicable, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) told The Independent. He should not be treating the pope as a political rival. (Getty)

Conservative commentator Cam Higby said on X, Blasphemy from the Oval Office is not a funny troll and called on Trump to correct it and move on.

The president subsequently told CBS News, Im not a big fan of Riley, actually, and insisted that he thought the AI image iof him was epicting him as a doctor, not the son of Man.

Some Republicans responded by avoiding the question altogether.

Why dont you ask me a question about E-15, thats what I want to get passed, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa told The Independent in reference to the sale of gas that is 15 percent ethanol.

Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska said she did not follow what the president said.

I was incensed to watch the Pope's comments, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) told The Independent. I think what the Pope is doing is a disgrace. (Getty)

I'm a senior member of armed services, and that's what Im focused on, she told The Independent when pressed.

The Catholic Church has occasionally clashed with the Trump administration, despite the church sharing the Republican Partys opposition to abortion, specifically on the issue of immigration, given the large number of Hispanic Catholics and undocumented parishoners in the United States.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune dodged when asked about Trumps posting an image of himself as Christ.

I dont have any observation on that, Thune told The Independent. My observation is its been taken down.
Lorraine Griffin, a single mother from Dudley Wood, in the West Midlands, has two autistic teenage sons (Lorraine Griffin)

A mother caring for two severely autistic sons is now fearing for their future as some young people living with health conditions could face losing vital support under new welfare reforms.

On Monday, the government cut the health element of universal credit by nearly half for new claimants. The move is expected to save taxpayers 1 billion, but experts warn it will push already indebted disabled people deeper into poverty.

This means teenagers with health conditions or disabilities that prevent them from working will see their payments drop to 217.26 a month when they turn 18, down from the current rate of 429.80 that existing claimants will continue to receive.

Lorraine Griffin, a single mother from Dudley Wood, in the West Midlands, has two autistic teenage sons, including her nonverbal 13 year old Ben, who she said is unlikely to ever be able to get a job.

He's still in nappies. He is aggressive and can't really communicate. He hurts people around the vicinity, throws things at people, she told The Independent. Ben won't be able to work.

Lorraine cares full time for her son Sam, 14, and Ben, 13 (Lorraine Griffin)

Under the changes, only those deemed to have the most severe, lifelong conditions will continue to receive the higher rate.

Lorraine fears that a broad lack of understanding about what it is like to live with autism means Ben, will miss out on the higher rate. In that case, she would be forced to go back to work, and he would largely have to be cared for by someone else.

Her 14 year old Sam has moderate autism and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). On paper, he will go to university and get a job, she said.

I don't want him to be thrown in the deep end, because they see the word moderate on a piece of paper and completely ignore it. In reality, depending on how he feels that day, those moderate needs can turn quite severe in a matter of seconds.

The health element of universal credit supports anyone with a health condition or disability that limits how much work they can do.

The reforms aim to put a stop to what the government said were perverse incentives that encourage people to stay on benefits.

Lorraine worries her son Ben will never be able to work (Lorraine Griffin)

But research from Citizens Advice has said the changes will still have a devastating impact on disabled people and create a two-tiered system, where new claimants of the UC health will receive a lower rate of support than existing claimants.

Lorraines family currently receives a total of around 215 a week from the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). She cannot work because she needs to take care of her children, so she also gets 750 through the housing element of universal credit and 86.45 a week through the carers allowance.

According to the latest data, there are 863,983 children receiving the DLA in the UK.

When they reach 16 or 18 or 21, they will still be autistic. Ben will still be in nappies and nonverbal, Lorraine said. We still need the care that we've got now, because their disability doesn't just magically disappear.

Money is already tight for their family as there are many additional expenses that come with raising autistic children. Lorraine said: You wouldn't believe the amount of hand wash and cleaning supplies I have to buy just for Sam to feel safe in the home.

These kinds of things are necessities for me, so of course, I go without myself.

Daily living is very expensive, and Ben damages things, he vandalises my house.

I just need the support to live how I need to live. I'm not moaning about doing it, I will gladly do it. I just need the resources to look after the children I've got.

More than 860,000 children currently receive DLA (Alamy/PA)

Evan John, a policy advisor at national disability charity Sense, said: It is not disabled people's fault if they're not able to work. What needs to change is that the labour market becomes more accessible to them, and there needs to be more support from the government to help them find work.

We found that over half of disabled job seekers with complex needs didn't have the support equipment they needed to look for work.

And so this approach of cutting benefits to try and incentivise people to go into work, we think is the wrong approach. It will make people poorer and it won't help anyone into work.

Mr John said that for many people, the current health benefit payment will only cover essentials. Around 43 per cent of disabled people with complex needs on benefits say they're in debt already because they can't afford the basics, Sense research has found.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: "Protecting and supporting people is at the heart of our reforms  including those with severe, lifelong conditions, people nearing the end of life, and existing UC health claimants who will all continue to receive the higher rate of the UC health element.

"But too many people have been written off, left behind, and denied the opportunities to build better lives for themselves and their families.

Thats why weve brought forward these reforms, ensuring sick or disabled people can access genuine support, while bearing down on the cost of living by boosting the standard rate of Universal Credit.
Two US lawmakers stepped down Monday and two more faced possible expulsion over a series of scandals that have rattled both parties and thrown the House of Representatives into turmoil.

Democrat Eric Swalwell of California, who had already ended his bid to become governor, announced his resignation from Congress on Monday via X, after multiple women accused him of sexual assault or misconduct.

Hours later, Texas Republican Tony Gonzales announced plans to retire from office in an X post, amid mounting pressure after acknowledging an affair with a former aide who later died by self-immolation. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders had already urged him not to seek reelection.

Lawmakers are still zeroing in on separate controversies involving two Florida lawmakers  Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Republican Cory Mills  in an unusual push for disciplinary action.

"Congress should not tolerate representatives who abuse staff, betray public trust for personal gain, and generally violate their oath of office," New York Democrat Nydia Velazquez posted on X, calling for all four to resign and adding "if they refuse, they should be expelled".

Read moreUnhinged, insane: US lawmakers call for Trumps removal via 25th Amendment

Threshold

Expulsion from the House requires a two-thirds majority, a threshold so high that Congress has wielded the sanction only in the gravest cases, removing just six members in its 237-year history.

Swalwell's troubles escalated rapidly over the weekend as reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detailed allegations from four women, including a former staff member who said he sexually assaulted her twice while she was too intoxicated to consent.

Swalwell has apologized for what he called "mistakes in judgment" while insisting the accusations are false.

He suspended his campaign to become governor of California but this did little to calm the uproar in Washington, where calls for him to resign from the House spread across party lines. Late Monday afternoon he announced on X he was resigning his seat.

"I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make," Swalwell said.

Republican Anna Paulina Luna had been set to introduce a resolution Tuesday to expel Swalwell, and support for votes to oust the other three, beginning as early as this week, has come from an ideologically wide group of lawmakers.

Read moreTrump seeks massive $1.5 trillion defence budget amid Iran war

'Despicable'

"These allegations are despicable and they demean the integrity of Congress," Florida Republican Byron Donalds told NBC, adding that both Swalwell and Gonzales "need to go home".

The Swalwell and Gonzales cases in particular have fed talk on Capitol Hill of a politically symmetrical purge: one Democrat for one Republican, or perhaps two from each party.

"Gonzales and Swalwell exploited their staffers' ideals and commitment to public service as a vulnerability. These staffers work incredibly hard and instead of being treated with respect, they were preyed upon," Democratic New Mexico Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez said.

Cherfilus-McCormick is already facing a sanctions hearing after an Ethics Committee subpanel found she committed 25 violations tied to campaign finance and related conduct, and she is also due to face a federal criminal trial next year.

Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty in her criminal case.

The Ethics Committee, a bipartisan but notoriously slow-moving body that handles misconduct cases in the House, was investigating Gonzales and on Monday opened a new file, on Swalwell  but the committee's jurisdiction only extends to sitting members.

Mills, meanwhile, is under investigation over allegations ranging from sexual misconduct and domestic violence to campaign finance and gift violations, all of which he denies.

Many lawmakers remain skeptical the chamber will act as soon as this week.

The House is already operating with an exceptionally thin Republican majority, and any vacancies would trigger special elections whose timing would depend on state governors.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
Former defence secretaries and Labour grandees have rowed in behind a former Nato secretary general, who has warned that the UKs security is in peril as a result of the corrosive complacency of Sir Keir Starmer.

George Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary who was appointed by the prime minister to write the governments Strategic Defence Review (SDR), will use a speech on Tuesday to accuse non-military experts in the Treasury of vandalism and claim Sir Keir is unwilling to make the necessary investment in Britains defence.

Piling in on Lord Robertsons criticisms, Malcolm Rifkind, a former defence secretary, argued that the governments prime responsibility is defence, and called for ministers to fund this through a cut to welfare or an increase in income tax.

Jack Straw, who was foreign secretary under Tony Blair, praised Lord Robertsons intervention, telling The Independent: As George points out, there is a great urgency to settle the defence spending programme at a level which meets our needs, now and in the future, and with that make necessary decisions to cut non-essential welfare spending.

Former Nato secretary general Lord George Robertson (AFP/Getty)

And former Tory defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace said: Lord Robertson, like the rest of us, has become increasingly frustrated with a prime minister who talks the talk but doesnt follow it up with funding and action. The PM needs to show leadership, not spin, on our defence.

Downing Street hit back at Lord Robertsons assertion that Britain was underprepared and underinsured, with the prime ministers official spokesperson saying: I completely reject that. Our armed forces, as I say, are working around the world every minute of the day to keep us safe at home.

The development comes just days after Sir Ben told The Independent that the government was taking the public for fools after the defence secretary, John Healey, insisted that the UK was ready to defend itself.

Sir Bens predecessor, Penny Mordaunt, told The Independent that the former Nato secretary general was absolutely right. The Treasury must realise that it cant have growth if our data, energy, trade and interests arent protected.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, another of the SDRs authors, General Sir Richard Barrons, agreed with Lord Robertson that theres an enormous gap between where we have to be to keep the country safe in the world we now live in and where we actually are. He had earlier warned that the military is so depleted it could only seize a small market town on a good day.

The government has promised to publish a 10-year defence investment plan to fund the SDR, but it has been beset by repeated delays and warnings that the military is facing a 28bn black hole in its funding over the next four years. In a damning intervention on Tuesday, Lord Robertson will take aim at Sir Keir Starmers failure to tackle the growing benefits bill, warning: We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.

The speech has come as a major shock, in part because Lord Robertson has until now kept his advice and any criticisms strictly private and rarely speaks out.

With turbulence in the Middle East and Ukraine, Lord Robertson will say: We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe . . . Britains national security and safety is in peril.

There is a corrosive complacency today in Britain's political leadership. Lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the bright red signals of danger, but even a promised national conversation about defence can't be started."

Sir Malcolm told The Independent he fully agrees with Lord Robertson. The government must decide what is its prime responsibility, he said. It is the defence of the realm. That means they must increase the resources available to the armed forces paid for either by a reduction in the welfare services or an increase in income tax or VAT; or a combination of these sources. They must have the courage to explain this to the public. They will have to make this judgement at some time, the sooner the better.

The government has committed to spending 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product on defence by 2027, increasing to 3 per cent in the next parliament and a Nato-agreed target of 3.5 per cent by 2035.

Sir Keir told MPs on Monday that the government was working to finalise the defence investment plan, but he did not want to repeat the mistakes of previous administrations because we inherited plans that were unfunded and not deliverable.

Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire for failing to prioritise defence (Getty)

MPs on both sides of the Commons have already expressed concerns over the failure of the government to publish its defence investment plan.

Meanwhile, in-year savings were blamed for a delay in sending HMS Dragon to Cyprus weeks after the Iran crisis began and the UKs base on the island came under attack from Tehran.

There are also ongoing questions about the reduction of the size of the army, which is down to around 70,000 personnel and using poor and outdated heavy vehicles and tanks.

Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, said she agreed 100 per cent with Lord Robertsons damning criticism. She said: We used to spend one in every seven pounds on welfare. Now it's one in every three pounds, and a lot of that money has basically been swapped for defence. The world is not as peaceful as it used to be. The peace dividend that existed after the fall of the Berlin Wall is gone. We need to spend more money on defence. This is a former Labour defence secretary, former Nato secretary general, saying what Ive been saying for the past few weeks.

A government spokesman said: We are delivering on the strategic defence review to meet the threats we face. It is backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, with a total of over 270 billion being invested across this Parliament.

We are finalising our defence investment plan that we will publish as soon as possible, putting the best kit and technology into the hands of our forces, rebuilding British industry to make defence an engine for growth and doubling down on our own commitment to Nato.
Natasha Cochrane de la Rosa and her father, Nick, in London. Photograph: Nick Cochrane (Photograph: Nick Cochrane)

A British woman has told how she fears being stranded in Spain for months after being refused boarding a on flight back home to London because she was not aware of new Home Office border rules.

Natasha Cochrane de la Rosa, 26, was born in the UK to a British father and a Spanish mother, but because of archaic laws she was not entitled automatically to British citizenship because her parents were not married. Other women born to unmarried parents have called the rules an illegitimacy tax.

Before Brexit, Cochrane de la Rosa could enter and leave the country on her Spanish passport under free movement laws. But she learned that this was no longer the case after taking a short break in the Netherlands, where she was forced to sleep in the airport overnight.

She later booked a flight from there to Spain, where she had relatives, but said the experience had left her petrified as a woman travelling alone.

I had left on 2 April from Luton airport using my Spanish passport, as I had always done throughout my whole life, said Cochrane de la Rosa. When it came to the return, I had no problems getting through passport control or security.

I was at the departure gate when the easyJet worker asked for my documentation, which I was obviously surprised about. I had no idea what she was referring to.

It was then that she learned of the new border rules that came into force on 26 February requiring British dual nationals to present a British passport before boarding a flight or to buy a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the UK at a cost of 589.

A member of easyJets ground crew contacted the Home Office but she was still refused, despite having access to her British birth certificate and a British driving licence. It was pure shock, Cochrane de la Rosa said.

She said the British embassy had refused an application for emergency travel documentation because it didnt meet the threshold of what they consider to be an emergency.

Her father, Nick, said it was ludicrous that his daughter was being refused entry to the country of her birth. How is it that someone can be born in the UK, go to school in the UK and now pay taxes in the UK and be refused entry to their home country? he said.

Shes legally allowed to work here but its like shes not legally entitled to travel into the country, he said. They have written to their local MP, Catherine West, for help.

The government has rejected all calls for a grace period to allow British dual nationals the time to get British passports. Mike Tapp, the immigration minister, told parliament in February it was absurd to suggest the Home Office had not communicated the border rule change effectively.

A Home Office 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.

They also said that guidance for dual nationals had been available since October 2024 on the government website.

However, critics have said travellers do not look at gov.uk before they book flights and that the Home Office failed to run media campaigns at airports and ports or to tried to alert dual nationals in other ways.

Cochrane de la Rosa is one of several people who have been left stranded since the rule came into force on 26 February. Hundreds of others have protested that they did not know about it and have missed visits to elderly parents from Canada or Australia, weddings or special birthdays.

One woman in Australia told the Guardian she had missed her fathers funeral because her child, a dual national, did not have a British passport. Another elderly woman in the US told how she and her husband had planned a trip a year ago for a family reunion with hotels booked in the Lake District. They cancelled their trip.
A former adviser says the government should encourage people to work from home to tackle energy shortages in the wake of the war in Iran.

Professor Nick Butler, once an adviser to Gordon Brown when he was prime minister and former vice-president for strategy and policy at oil giant BP, said it would be perfectly sensible for ministers to tell workers to stay at home, warning that the price of diesel could still go a good deal north of 2 per litre.

US-Israeli military action in Iran since February has seen the price of oil reach record levels, with prices up more than 60 per cent so far this year as the blockade of the vital shipping route Strait of Hormuz continues.

Some countries, I think particularly in Asia, where the crisis has hit earliest, theyre taking an extra day a week at home, he told Times Radio.

People are being encouraged to work at home and I think you have to test now whether theres a willingness.

And as I read the behavioural science, people do respond. They dont all do it perfectly, but they respond if other people are responding.

Professor Nick Butler warns the price of diesel could still go a good deal north of 2 per litre (AFP/Getty)

Asked if the government should issue recommendations to work from home, Prof Butler said: Yes, I think that that would be a perfectly sensible measure.

Prof Butler also said that the price of diesel could surge higher still, warning that the worst is yet to come.

He said: The real crisis for Britain and for Europe will come at the end of April and in early May, when the real shortage will translate into both a physical shortage and a sharp rise in prices.

I dont think weve yet seen the full impact on prices of this loss of supply.

Asked if the price of diesel could climb higher than 2 per litre, he said: It could go a good deal north of that.

The jet fuel prices doubled, and I think that could go further north as well.

I think theres been a degree of complacency and a belief that Mr (Donald) Trump would always come back into line and there would be a deal, and then everything would be OK.
TOKYO, Apr 15 (News On Japan) - A large and extremely strong Typhoon No. 4 (Sinlaku) was tracking north-northwest near the Mariana Islands as of April 15, with forecasters warning of high waves exceeding 4 meters around the Ogasawara Islands later this week despite a low likelihood of a direct approach to Japan.

According to the latest weather data, the typhoon was located near the Mariana Islands at around 3 a.m. on April 15, moving slowly northward. Its central atmospheric pressure stood at 925 hectopascals, while maximum sustained winds near the center reached 50 meters per second, with gusts of up to 70 meters per second, maintaining its status as a large and very strong storm.

After passing through the Mariana Islands, the typhoon is expected to gradually shift course from northward to northeastward. From Thursday, April 16, through around Sunday, April 19, it is forecast to accelerate while curving farther to the northeast, eventually moving away from the Japanese archipelago and steadily weakening.

Typhoon No. 4 is expected to move gradually northward and weaken somewhat by around Friday, April 17. Although forecast to pass some distance from the Ogasawara Islands, the storm is still likely to bring significant coastal impacts.

Swells generated by the typhoon are expected to intensify around the Ogasawara Islands, with wave heights exceeding 4 meters forecast between April 17 and April 18. Strong winds are also expected to affect the area.

Meteorologists warn that the incoming swells could create hazardous sea conditions, including sudden and dangerous surges. Authorities are urging caution for maritime activities, including marine leisure and shipping operations, as rough seas and gusty winds may persist.

Residents in the Ogasawara Islands and those planning marine travel are advised to monitor the latest weather updates and exercise heightened caution as conditions develop.

Source: 
Ukrainian forces have seized a Russian position using only drones and ground-based robots for the first time, Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Ukraines president claimed that the enemy soldiers surrendered during the operation without any of his troops being put at risk.

In an address to mark Ukrainian Gunsmith Day, he said: For the first time in the history of this war, an enemy position was taken exclusively by unmanned systems  ground systems and drones.

The occupiers surrendered, and the operation was carried out without infantry and without losses on our side.

The proliferation of drones and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) on the battlefield, which can be piloted by human soldiers from a safer location miles away, is rapidly superseding the use of infantry in Ukraine.

UGVs are used for a range of missions, including assault operations, evacuating wounded troops from so-called kill zones where the risks to human life are almost untenable, detecting and neutralising mines, logistics and supply runs, and reconnaissance.

1601 Droid TW 12.7 machine gun drone

More than 280 companies have been developing ground robots in Ukraine. From just hundreds of units in 2024, Kyiv aims to produce more than 20,000 this year, with 99 per cent domestically made.

They have a range of up to 31 miles, and many front-line models cost the equivalent of 7,500 to 22,000.

More than 22,000 missions have been carried out in the last three months using ground robotic systems such as the Ratel, TerMIT, Ardal, Rys, Zmiy, Protector and Volia, according to Mr Zelensky.

The number of tasks they are able to perform increases every month.

Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Ukrainian army chief, said recently that robotic complexes completed 50 per cent more military tasks in March compared with the month before. Some brigades have even launched UGV-dedicated units.

In other words, lives were saved more than 22,000 times when a robot went into the most dangerous areas instead of a warrior. This is about high technology protecting the highest value  human life, Mr Zelensky said on Monday.

He did not specify where the incident took place or what the circumstances were.

The role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the battlefield is established, but UGVs, a comparatively recent development, have completed increasingly daring missions in recent months.

In December, an unmanned ground vehicle known as the DevDroid TW 12.7, armed with a .50-calibre M2 Browning machine gun, held off Russian soldiers from a Ukrainian position for 45 days on its own while soldiers operated it some 15 miles away.

It received maintenance and reloading from human soldiers every 48 hours.

Credit: 3rd Army Corps

In January, three Russian soldiers were shown in footage setting down their guns and surrendering to an armed UGV near Lyman, in the first recorded instance of such an incident.

The same month, Ukraines 3rd Assault Brigade also released a clip depicting a kamikaze UGV carrying 12 TM-62 anti-tank mines advancing on Russian troops sheltering from the droid.

In March, Ukraine managed to rescue two prisoners of war from a soldier escorting them using several strike drones, which chased the Russian while the captives escaped his grasp.

Earlier this month, members of the 12th Special Purpose Brigade Azov deployed a Zmiy UGV for the first time to put out a fire in Kramatorsk.

The turn to robots comes as Russia increases its use of double tap strikes targeting emergency responders, with more than 100 such incidents in 2025, according to Truth Hounds, a human rights organisation investigating war crimes in Ukraine.

The first recorded robot-only assault on a Russian position took place in 2024.

Last month, Andriy Biletsky, the commander of Ukraines 3rd Army Corps, said that up to 30 per cent of Ukraines infantry could be replaced by UGVs this year, and up to 80 per cent in the future.

Other commanders have been more reticent, cautioning that they remain vulnerable to electronic warfare, terrain constraints, weather conditions and attacks by Russian drones.

Current unmanned and autonomous systems remain short of abilities required to replace humans at scale, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the former Ukrainian army chief, said late last year.

Russia also uses a range of home-made UGVs in Ukraine, most prominently the Courier combat UGV. The Courier has been extensively commended on state television, which claims it can travel up to 16 miles for up to five hours autonomously.
Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the strait of Hormuz. The US has said the blockade applies to ships entering or leaving Iranian ports or coastal areas. Photograph: Reuters (Photograph: Reuters)

The US blockade of ships using Iranian ports in the Gulf has come into effect, turning the six-week-old conflict between the US-Israeli coalition and Iran into a test of economic endurance.

US Central Command (Centcom) made no formal announcement of the start of the blockade but had said it begin on Monday at 5.30pm Iranian time and would apply to any ships entering or departing Iranian ports or coastal areas, while ships using non-Iranian ports would not be impeded.

Donald Trump claimed that 34 ships had passed through the strait of Hormuz, the gateway to the Gulf, on Sunday, but there was no supporting evidence for the claim. Speaking to reporters at the White House, the president also claimed: Weve been called by the other side, who he said would like to make a deal very badly.

Throughout the conflict, which began with a US-Israeli attack on 28 February, Trump has made frequent claims that Tehran had been in direct contact, desperate for an agreement, but the claims have never been substantiated.

Iran warned that ordinary Americans would pay the cost for Donald Trumps latest move in the shape of higher petrol prices, and also vowed that if the US went back to bombing, the Tehran regime was ready to retaliate. For his part, Trump said any Iranian attack boats approaching the US flotilla in the region would be immediately eliminated.

It appeared on Monday that US naval forces were going to try to enforce the blockade east of the strait of Hormuz, in the Gulf of Oman, beyond easy Iranian missile and drone range. It remained unclear how Centcom intended to stop any oil tanker attempting to break the blockade. A missile attack could cause an environmental disaster, leaving open the possibility that US forces could seek to board and take control of any vessel not obeying US instructions.

Related: Why is the US threatening to block Iranian ports and how would it work?

UK Maritime Trade Operations issued an advisory to seafarers to maintain heightened situational awareness pending updates giving details on how they were expected to navigate through the new conditions in the region.

Trump said any Iranian fast attack ships would be eliminated if they approached US vessels enforcing the blockade with the same system of kill as the US has used to sink nearly 50 small boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, killing at least 168 people who it has claimed without evidence were involved in narco-trafficking.

Trump ordered the blockade following US-Iranian talks in Islamabad that ended after 21 hours without agreement.

The tactic is aimed at strangling the heavily oil-dependent Iranian economy, and forcing Tehran to meet US demands to reopen the Hormuz strait to ships from the ports of Gulf allies, and to accept a complete ban on uranium enrichment.

Miad Maleki, a former US treasury official now at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said on X that the US naval blockade would cost Iran approximately $276m a day in lost exports and disrupt $159m a day in imports  representing combined economic damage of $13bn a month.

The Iranian regime has insisted that it would in effect still have control of the Hormuz strait and can determine which ships would be allowed to pass, and has claimed that the US blockade would result in higher oil prices, which climbed back to above $100 a barrel since the diplomatic breakdown in Islamabad.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Irans parliamentary speaker who also led his countrys delegation in Islamabad, told Americans in a post on X on Sunday to enjoy the current pump figures, taunting Washington with historical US political sensitivity about petrol prices.

With the so-called blockade, soon youll be nostalgic for $4-$5 gas, Ghalibaf added. The current average petrol price in the US is $4.13 a gallon, up from $2.98 before the US and Israel launched the war on Iran on 28 February.

The president conceded on Sunday that petrol prices could be the same as they are now or more when the nation votes in congressional elections, telling Fox News they could go a little bit higher.

The Iranian embassy in Thailand posted a mock election poster on Monday, emblazoned with the words Trump: $20.28 a gallon, under the question: Are you ready folks?

On Monday Iran inserted itself into Trumps continuing spat with Pope Leo XIV over the conflict.

Related: I do not fear Trump, says Pope Leo after US president calls him weak

The US president had reacted angrily to the American-born popes criticisms of the administrations use of religious language to justify its war in Iran. Trump called him weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy, and posted an AI-generated picture of himself as a Christ-like figure tending the sick, an image widely condemned as blasphemous. On Monday, Trump claimed the image (in loose red and white robes and light emanating from his hands) was intended to portray him as a doctor.

Irans president, Masoud Pezeshkian, spoke out on Monday against what he called the desecration of Jesus.

I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person.

The pope told reporters on Monday that he had no intention to debate with Trump over Iran and added he would continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems.

The US-Israeli bombardment of Iran has stopped under a two-week Pakistani-brokered ceasefire, which began on Wednesday. Trump has said US forces remained locked and loaded and ready to finish up the little that is left of Iran.

Iran has also said it is ready to go back to battle. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, an Iranian military spokesperson, said on Monday that if Iranian ports were threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe.

Related: Trump badly needs a way out of this war. Right now, thats everyones problem | Gaby Hinsliff

Despite Trumps claims that other countries would help enforce the US blockade, none has come forward. The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, was adamant that his country did not support the blockade and that we are not getting dragged into the war.

Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland and Greece have all ruled out sending naval forces to support the blockade. Frances president, Emmanuel Macron, has said Paris would organise a conference with the UK and other countries to create a multinational mission to restore navigation in the Hormuz strait but made clear that would come after the conflict.

This strictly defensive mission, distinct from the belligerents, will be deployed as soon as the situation allows, Macron said on X.

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said that restoration of freedom of navigation in the strait of Hormuz was of paramount importance.
A screenshot posted on X by US Southern Command shows a boat strike in the eastern Pacific. Photograph: U.S Southern Command/X (Photograph: U.S Southern Command/X)

The US military said it killed two people in a strike on a vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Monday, claiming the targets were involved in narco-trafficking operations.

The announcement, like most of the militarys statements on the dozens of strikes it has conducted in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, did not provide evidence to support its claims that the targets were engaged in narco-trafficking.

The US Southern Command said in a social media post that the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes and alleged that the vessel was operated by designated terrorist organizations. The statement described the two people killed as male narco-terrorists, and did not provide further detail on their identities.

The US Southern Command, which oversees military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, said it was applying total systemic friction on the cartels and said no US military forces were harmed in the operation. The post included grainy video showing the explosion of a vessel from above.

Related: Five killed in strikes on alleged drug boats in eastern Pacific, US military says

The lethal strike came one day after the military said it had blown up two boats it alleged were smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific, with explosions that killed five people and left one survivor. The military said the US coast guard activated a search and rescue system for the survivor. The military also shared footage of that explosion and did not provide evidence to support its claims.

The military has killed at least 170 in boat strikes since the Trump administration began targeting vessels in the region in early September, according to the Associated Press.

The US government has faced widespread scrutiny over the strikes, with critics arguing it was illegal under US and international law to kill civilians suspected of crimes.

In December, Adam Schiff, a Democratic senator, called on Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, to resign over the boat strikes, which the senator said were unlawful and unauthorized.

In January, civil rights lawyers filed a federal lawsuit against the US government on behalf of the families of two men killed in an airstrike on a small boat in the Caribbean on 14 October. The men were from a fishing village in Trinidad and were returning from Trinidad to Venezuela when they were killed.

The suit said the premeditated and intentional killings lack any plausible legal justification, saying the strike was simply murder, ordered at the highest levels of government and obeyed by military officers in the chain of command.

The administration has argued the strikes are lawful under the rules of war, saying the US is in an armed conflict with traffickers, but legal experts have rejected that rationale.
Manning was arrested by police at an anti-war protest in New York - Andres Kudacki

US military whistleblower Chelsea Manning was among scores of demonstrators arrested in New York City while protesting against the war in Iran.

The organisers of the protest, Jewish Voice for Peace, claimed that as many as 300 people had taken part in the demonstration outside the offices of Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and his colleague Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

From personal experience, I understand that the cruelties of war are not inevitable, Ms Manning said in a statement shared with The Telegraph.

Our actions matter in shaping the course of history. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have repeatedly supported weapons sales to Israel that are being used to commit atrocities across Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran.

Ms Manning added: We call on Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to follow the will of New Yorkers and vote to block weapons and bulldozer sales to Israel.

Chelsea Manning at the anti-war protest in New York - Andres Kudacki

Video captured at the scene and shared on social media showed the whistleblower wearing a three-piece grey suit with a pink tie, being arrested by police.

It was not clear what Ms Manning said, if anything, but the crowd could be heard chanting: Free, free Palestine.

The crowd could be heard chanting free, free Palestine - Olga Fedorova/EPA/Shutterstock

Organisers said the protest was held to put pressure on the senators ahead of a vote on Capitol Hill spearheaded by independent senator Bernie Sanders.

It would block the sale of $600m (440m) in munitions to Israel.

Scores of demonstrators were arrested at the anti-war protest - Olga Fedorova/EPA/Shutterstock

Ms Manning, 38, formerly Bradley Manning, was convicted in 2013 by a court-martial of leaking classified material to Wikileaks, the group established by Julian Assange.

The trial heard up to 750,000 documents and other materials were leaked by the former army intelligence officer while stationed in Iraq.

Ms Manning was sentenced to 35 years in jail, and served seven of them, a lot of the time in solitary confinement, before the sentence was commuted by Barack Obama in one of his final acts as president.

The US had also wanted to pursue Mr Assange, an Australian citizen, under the 1917 Espionage Act, and he spent almost four years in Londons high-security Belmarsh Jail after being removed from Londons Ecuadorian embassy, where he had been taking refuge for seven years.

With the involvement of the Australian government, a deal was agreed in 2024 in which he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified national defence information. He then moved back to Australia.

A spokesperson for the New York Police Department said they could not immediately confirm the number or identity of those arrested on Monday.
(Francesca Pagliai)

An ornate minaret rises over the shoreline of Lake Orta, the Cinderella (immense beauty shrouded by a reputation for industry) of the Italian lakes.

And it is a sight about as unexpected as a pumpkin on wheels amid the Alpine chalet architecture of the northern Italian foothills.

This fantastical notion is the crowning glory of Villa Crespi, the nineteenth century summer home of Italian textiles scion and avid art collector Cristoforo Crespi who commissioned it in 1879 to remind him of the buildings he had seen during his business trips to the Middle East.

He dedicated it to his wife, Pia and it became the summer residence for one of Italys most powerful families (Cristoforos son, Silvio, signed the Treaty of Versailles on behalf of Italy at the end of World War One).

(Francesca Pagliai)

In 1999 the building was taken over by Italian celebrity chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo who turned it into a spectacular luxury hotel and the base for a restaurant, which boasts three of his nine Michelin stars.

Style

Unlike anywhere else youve stayed. The Middle Eastern theme is a loose reimagination of Islamic architecture, rather than a faithful rendition but the ornate decoration runs throughout the meticulously restored building, from the grand exterior to the bathrooms in the rooms.

Think Brighton Pavillion and then dial up the saturation.

(Francesca Pagliai)

The common areas are all Moorish colonnade, fancy carved stucco and tiling. The 14 bedrooms (eight suites) feature elaborate parquet flooring, damask wallpaper, antique furniture, chandeliers and painted ceilings.

Youre a guest in an Orientalist nineteenth-century fantasy so strap in, embrace the maximalism and enjoy  easy enough thanks to the consummate Italian hospitality, peaceful lakeside location and access to the lake club and wellness facilities at nearby sister hotel, Laqua by the Lake.

Good to know

The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so you will have to make your own dinner arrangements.

(Francesca Pagliai)

Thanks to its Michelin stars and easy distance from Milan  just 45 minutes from Milan Malpensa airport  dinner can get booked up so do be sure to reserve a table if you are planning to incorporate a meal into your stay.

Tasting menus start at 290. The breakfast buffet is suitably laden with fruit, pastries, cheeses and cold cuts.

Be warned that on a quieter evening the bar was empty at 10pm when we returned from a stroll to Orta San Giulio in search of a nightcap and we had to search out a staff member who could rustle up a cocktail.

Shopping

You wont capture the more-is-more of Villa Crespi with a gift shop purchase but you can buy into a little of the Cannavacciuolo culinary magic with a selection of branded foodie bits such as pasta and sauces and chocolates.

Theres also a selection of Alessi cookware (the legendary design brands factory is just around the lake).

How to book

From 384; villacrespi.it
Its easy to feel gloomy about the state of the world, so, alongside quietly prepping, Ive been thinking about what Id have done in my old job if Id had to contend with the uncertainties caused by war in the Middle East  and the certainty of an oil crisis.

Back when I was deputy cabinet secretary, the question that often bothered me was: what hadnt we done? What hadnt we thought of? I never regretted the effort involved in anticipating problems and trying to make them smaller in advance. The first work to do when the winter floods were over was to get ready not to be in the same place the following year  which is why, mid-eurozone crisis, I had five banks for British holidaymakers ready to go on Greek islands. Not needed in the end, but ready nevertheless.

The short answer is that, right now, I would be worried. I am worried. In all likelihood, Whitehall wont be anything like worried enough.

When my co-host Cleo Watson asked me on our In the Room podcast last week how Id try to handle this, my first thought was to make the problem bigger  and do the hard work now.

Its very human to want to think it will all be OK. But hoping and thinking its going to be OK is not the job of government. The job of government is to be ready for the worst and to head trouble off at the pass wherever possible.

Whats coming will be a challenge of statecraft. Governing in a sustained crisis is like rubbing your stomach and patting your head at the same time, while also doing algebraic manipulation and managing an unruly two-year-old. Easy! And while there have been plenty of short-term fuel crises, weve not faced an energy crisis on this scale since the 1970s. So this has the extra dimension of being novel.

Sometimes in government its about being brave enough to stop the things that dont matter now  or that could wait. When I had to trawl through my emails from the middle of March 2020 to give evidence to the Covid Inquiry, one of the striking things I noticed was the amount of normal work that was still being commissioned, and how much even very senior ministers and civil servants assumed that preparing for and responding to the coming disaster would be someone elses job. Lets not do that again.

Here are five things that could be done now. Its not exhaustive, but its a start.

One: overdo the preparations, the practising and the checking of the plans that are already in place. The exercise of working together on the planning is worth it, even if the plans themselves arent perfect. In spring 2019, the cabinet secretary, Mark Sedwill, forced his reluctant permanent secretaries to do a full exercise on what a no-deal Brexit would mean in practice.

Inevitably, the plans prepared didnt stand up to what the humans in the room actually did and said when they were sitting together in the Cabinet Office briefing rooms (Cobra suite), arguing about whether food or medicine should take priority. But there was time to adapt the plans, and while we didnt have to cope with a no-deal Brexit, those exercises turned out to be incredibly useful learning for 2020. The same is true now. Civil servants know their ministers and know each other  they should practise a full-system crisis with a backdrop of fuel scarcity. It wont be a waste of time, even in the best-case scenario.

Two: dont assume we can cope with disruption because we just lived through Covid. It might be harder. This disruption will have a different character, and people will respond differently precisely because of the Covid experience. Were not the same population in 2026 as we were in 2020. Im not sure any of us has really got to grips with the scarring from the pandemic, and we dont have the same reserves we once had in any sense  financially across the board and in terms of individual and societal resilience. We are poorer, sadder, more anxious and less trusting.

Three: do what you can now. This is so obvious, and yet still hard to put into practice. There are hundreds of things the government can do to make what is coming less bad. Take farming. The price of diesel has more than doubled; fertiliser is around 50 per cent more expensive, in part because supplies are disrupted around the Strait of Hormuz. This changes the basic economics of planting crops. Across the country, in farmhouse kitchens, decisions are being made about what, how much and whether to plant. Farmers dont have to do any of it. A fallow year might be better than risking a big loss. Supporting farmers to plant more now is far cheaper than trying to fix sky-high prices in the winter. The same goes for keeping industrial production going: it is vastly cheaper to keep things running than to let them shut down and have to restart.

Farmers and holidaymakers face a crisis as war in the Middle East continues (PA)

Four: find opportunities to support the UK economy. For instance, targeted government support for places that want to develop their tourism income is one of the easier paths to growth. Air travel is going to be much more expensive; holidays will cost more. Many of our coastal communities are deprived, yet they are attractive places to visit in the summer and could be so much nicer with only a little bit more money. Done well, regeneration and rejuvenation builds communities as well as economies. Win-win.

Five: literally fix the roof. Some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our country live in the worst accommodation. Take Awaabs Law, which came into force last autumn and forces social housing landlords to fix problems with mould and health hazards in their tenancies. Awaab Ishak was a two-year-old who died because of mould in the flat he lived in in London, one of the most prosperous cities in the world. In a world where the worst is possible, so is the best. We have the gift of the summer months. Building supplies that are in stock now are likely to be the cheapest they will be for some time. Rather than wait for complaints, social housing landlords should ensure their properties have adequate insulation and ventilation. Its not just the right thing to do, but the economically sound one: tenants are less likely to get sick, and buildings will last longer.

Sometimes its about taking advantage of the crisis to do the right thing anyway.

Helen MacNamara is a former deputy cabinet secretary and co-hosts The Independents politics podcast, In the Room, with Cleo Watson, a former deputy chief of staff to Boris Johnson. New episodes come out every Friday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube
The Prettiest Star is on track to return to Newmarket for the Betfred 1000 Guineas after a pleasing piece of work on the Rowley Mile ahead of the opening day of the Craven meeting.

The Starman filly, owned like her sire by David Ward, ran twice as a two-year-old when winning a Nottingham maiden and then finishing second by half a length in the Rockfel Stakes.

She worked alongside Queens Reign, a mare with Listed form, and readily pulled clear of her stablemate to please connections ahead of her Classic tilt on the same course in May.

That was very good as she has worked to a good level there with Queens Reign, who is a solid yardstick and a consistent filly at Listed level, said Walker.

She has had a nice blow, which is exactly what she needed. She has not had much of a blow at home as she has been going through the motions a bit.

It is her second away day and hopefully that will put her spot on for the Guineas.

She was very good at Kempton Park last time, but she was a bit fresh today over the first couple of furlongs, but hopefully that will blow the cobwebs away.

It has been a worthwhile exercise. She has stepped forward from Kempton Park, and on grass that would have been harder work than bouncing off the polytrack.

The Oaks may be the key goal but Charlie Johnston is still willing to roll the dice in the Guineas with Venetian Lace after her racecourse gallop.

The Masar filly was consistent last year but excelled when second to Precise in the Group One Fillies Mile which sparked Classic plans that were then supported by her work with two stablemates.

She actually worked with Timeforshowcasing the week before she (Timeforshowcasing) won at Newcastle so we were quite confident she would go and do that there, said Johnston.

It made us wonder if this filly would have the speed for the Guineas or if we should be working back from the Oaks and thats what made us come here, to figure it out a bit.

Jason (Hart) was very happy with her and even though my gut feeling is that shes a lot more likely to win an Oaks, the Guineas is still the best trial for the Oaks and the aim will be to come here.

She might not have the sexy profile that others have but she showed in October that shes right up here with the best of them.
Novo Nordisk, the maker of the popular weight loss drug Wegovy, and OpenAI, known for its AI chatbot ChatGPT, are partnering to accelerate the search for new medications.

The Danish drug manufacturer announced the partnership in a Tuesday press release, noting that the goal was to bring new and better treatment options to patients faster.

Novo Nordisk has already made strides in the healthcare industry with its Wegovy pill becoming the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 drug for weight loss last December.

Within the new partnership, Novo Nordisk will use advanced AI capabilities to analyze datasets, identify drug candidates, and speed up the overall timeline from researching a drug to introducing it to patients, according to the release.

Novo Nordisk, the maker of the popular weight loss drug Wegovy, and OpenAI, known for its AI chatbot ChatGPT, are partnering to accelerate the search for new medications (AFP via Getty Images)

Novo Nordisk has reassured the public that the data being analyzed will be protected and the partnership will be overseen by humans to ensure ethical and compliant use.

The drug maker will also use OpenAIs technology to make its manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution and corporate operations more efficient.

There are millions of people living with obesity and diabetes who need treatment options, and we know there are therapies still waiting to be discovered that could change their lives, Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar said in a statement.

Integrating AI in our everyday work gives us the ability to analyze datasets at a scale that was previously impossible, identify patterns we could not see, and test hypotheses faster than ever, Doustdar added.

The Danish drug manufacturer announced the partnership Tuesday, noting that the goal was to bring new and better treatment options to patients faster (AFP via Getty Images)

Pilot programs within the partnership will be fully integrated by the end of the year.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised the partnership, saying AI can help people live better, longer lives.

This collaboration with Novo Nordisk will help them accelerate scientific discovery, run smarter global operations, and redefine the future of patient care, Altman said in a statement.

According to a poll released by health policy organization KFF last November, one in eight U.S. adults said they are taking a GLP-1 drug such as Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss, diabetes or another chronic condition. Nearly one in five adults said they have taken a GLP-1 drug at some point.

Novo Nordisk has already made strides in the healthcare industry with Wegovy becoming the first FDA-approved GLP-1 oral drug for weight loss last December (Getty Images)

Results of a study by Cleveland Clinic published last month found 14.6 percent stopped taking weight-loss drugs because of side effects.

The Independents Rhian Lubin heard firsthand from patients who experienced devastating side effects after taking Wegovy and Ozempic, including a nurse practitioner who said she woke up to find she was blind in her right eye and a California man whose wife suddenly died after she suffered a series of violent vomiting episodes.

If someone would have told me there was a chance that a drug I was taking could make me blind, I would never, ever, have taken the first shot, Diane Wirth, who went blind in her right eye after taking Wegovy for weight loss, told Lubin.

A Novo Nordisk spokesperson at the time did not comment on the plaintiffs individual cases when approached for comment by The Independent, but said that patient safety is the companys top priority.

While some patients claimed to The Independent that they were not warned about the life-altering conditions they have experienced when they started taking weight-loss drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic both warn on their websites of changes in vision and severe stomach problems as possible serious side effects.
Wes Streeting talks to staff during a visit to Queens Hospital in Romford, east London - PA

What is wrong with the NHS? If you were a doctor trying to diagnose its ailments, where would you look? What would you do?

You might consider it has not got enough money but that is no longer true, even if it once was. It has as much per capita as many other health systems yet has shown no signs of improvement commensurate with the levels of spending. Perhaps you would judge it to be too bureaucratic, too top-heavy with managers at the expense of clinicians. The primary care side of the NHS is overwhelmed in some towns by population growth fuelled by immigration.

Hospitals have far fewer beds than in the past, yet they keep patients on wards unnecessarily because the post-operative care system is so inadequate and they often have nowhere else to go.

You might also think that we have known all of this for many years and governments have tried to do something about it but nothing has worked. Even the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has conceded that the system is broken.

So you might look elsewhere for a cause, perhaps to the fact that the NHS is essentially a nationalised industry and operates under the same taxpayer-funded dispensation laid down in 1948. As Albert Einstein said, doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result is insane. So lets look at another possible explanation.

The Left-leaning Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) set out to do just that. In its report, Bismarck versus Beveridge Revisited, they asked whether the funding model shapes the outcomes of the NHS, which they acknowledge to be universally awful.

Yet it is immediately apparent on reading their report that they had no intention of concluding anything other than that the NHS as it is currently established is the right model.

In an introduction, Prof Lord Darzi, a former Labour health minister who has carried out several studies of the NHS, wrote: An old question has re-emerged with renewed force: whether the NHSs funding model is itself the problem. In parliament and in the press, senior figures  some of whom should know better  have reached for structural answers before consulting the evidence.

That some of whom should know better is the giveaway. How could anyone sensible possibly question the way the NHS is set up. After all, is it not the envy of the world? Yet Lord Darzi goes on to point out that when he investigated the NHS last year: I found a service in serious trouble.

Why is that? The IPPR report compares tax-funded systems with insurance-based systems and finds no evidence that the latter outperforms the former.

But they are not comparing like with like. Take Swedens taxpayer-funded system: it is highly decentralised, a bit like the NHS used to be prior to the 1973 reforms. Moreover, it can only be accessed with a citizens number and is not a free-for-all like ours.

Or take Ireland, which the IPPR identifies as taxpayer-funded. In reality, it is a mixed system with GP charges and health insurance. These largely taxpayer-funded systems with which the NHS is compared are really nothing like the NHS.

Many of the 22 countries  including France, Germany and the Netherlands  examined by the IPPR have social insurance systems based around compulsory contributions towards collective health financing.

What did the researchers find? The insurance systems had more than double the hospital beds of tax-funded systems, more diagnostic equipment, lower waiting times for specialist care and more satisfied users. Only on the question of equity do tax-funded systems win out because insurers tend to put barriers in the way of entry.

It is for this reason that the great British public is expected to support the continuation of the NHS because it is free at the point of delivery. There are no charges for visiting the GP and neither are co-payments and top-ups encouraged. This means many people with private insurance get superior  and certainly quicker  treatment than those without private insurance. How is that equitable?

Ask people if they would be happy paying, say 20, to see a doctor and most would say no. Ask whether they would do so if it meant the system working better and you might get a different answer.

Few who favour funding reform suggest moving to a US system, nor are they rapacious capitalists seeking to profit from privatisation. They want our health service to work for everyones benefit.

Most European countries operate a mixed approach combining taxation, insurance, co-payments and the like. They all work better than the NHS, as the IPPR itself demonstrates. The insurers inject a commercial element into the system that ensures there are enough intensive care beds and that waiting times are kept down.

There are no similar incentives in the NHS. It was established in the heyday of nationalisation and has remained largely unchanged in its fundamentals ever since. It suffers from the sclerotic decision-making that bedevilled the car industry or shipbuilding and led to their demise. It even has the industrial relations problems that brought British manufacturing to its knees, only this time it is the British Medical Association rather than the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) causing the damage.

The report is right on one thing. A transformation from where we are now to a new system would cost billions (it always does in this country) and take decades. It should have been done many years ago, as in Australia in the 1970s.

No system, whether taxpayer-funded or insurance-funded, works perfectly. They are all under huge demographic pressures. But the NHS is worse than the rest of them and the way to make it better cannot just be more of the same.

The IPPR analysis of 22 wealthy nations placed it at the bottom (apart from the US) of a league table for so-called treatable mortality, or premature deaths that should be avoided with timely and effective care. But what does that matter so long as we cling to the notion that we have the fairest and best system in the world, even when it isnt true?

Any doctor looking to diagnose the ailments of the NHS can see that drastic surgery is required. However, it is so ideologically wedded to the concept of free at the point of delivery that the patient will be dead before the necessary incisions are made.
The wife of Spains prime minister has been charged with corruption in a long-running case that her allies have branded a political smear.

Begona Gomez, the wife of Spanish leader Pedro Sanchez, is accused of using her position to secure a top job at a prestigious university in Madrid and using public resources to advance her own interests.

She was charged on Monday with influence peddling, the embezzlement of public funds, misappropriation of funds, and private corruption. Her personal assistant and a businessman also faced charges in connection with the case. All three have denied wrongdoing.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado said his two-year investigation had turned up enough indications of criminal conduct to prosecute, and gave all parties five days to request the opening of oral proceedings or to submit their defence briefs ahead of a possible trial.

Mr Sanchez, who has dismissed the case as an attempt to undermine his coalition, told reporters on Tuesday that he only demands the courts do justice.

I am convinced that time will put everything and everyone in their place, as I dont have to say anything else, he said on an official visit to China with his wife.

In comments to La Sexta TV channel, sources from Mr Sanchezs party, the left-wing PSOE, described the process as a baseless strategy of character assassination against the prime minister.

Xiaomi boss Lei Jun (right) speaks to the Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez and his wife Begona Gomez on 13 April during the visit to China (AFP/Getty)

We have been faced with an investigation that is, to say the least, astonishing, a source told the broadcaster. In our opinion, it is completely baseless and is part of a strategy by the right and far right and their political and media outlets. This strategy is nothing less than the harassment and character assassination of the prime minister, using every means at their disposal, including his family. Not everything is fair game in politics. The right and far right have crossed a line never before crossed in Spanish democracy.

The conservative Peoples Party, in opposition, described the situation as absolutely unbelievable.

Alma Ezcurra, the partys deputy secretary for sectoral coordination, criticised the decision to indict Ms Gomez while she was abroad, saying: Theres only one thing to say: the tetraprocesada [four-time defendant] is in Beijing.

Begona Gomez has been charged with influence peddling, the embezzlement of public funds, misappropriation of funds, and private corruption (AFP/Getty)

Ms Gomez has been under investigation since 2024, when Judge Peinado sought to determine whether she had used her position as the prime ministers wife for her own gain, following a complaint from anti-corruption campaigners Manos Limpias (Clean Hands).

Manos Limpias, a self-styled trade union whose leader has links to Spains far right, said Ms Gomez had used her influence as the wife of the prime minister to allegedly secure sponsors for a university masters degree course that she ran at the Complutense University in Madrid.

Judge Peinado expelled the group from the case late last year for failing to pay the required bail, but proceedings continued as other plaintiffs joined. Spains Public Prosecutors Office has also called for the case to be closed on several occasions.

The prime ministers brother, David Sanchez, was separately indicted in an investigation into alleged influence peddling linked to his hiring by a regional government.

Former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos also faced trial earlier this month over alleged kickbacks linked to public contracts.
OSAKA, Apr 14 (News On Japan) - A dense maze of narrow alleys packed with small eateries continues to define the area known as Ura-Tenma, located just north of JR Tenma Station, preserving the postwar legacy of a black market that once stood on the site.

Ura-Tenma has become one of Osakas most popular nightlife and dining districts, with small bars, izakaya, and casual eateries clustered along its narrow, winding streets. The areas intimate atmosphere and close-knit layout create a sense of discovery for visitors moving from one establishment to another.

Despite its location in a prime urban area, the district retains a maze-like structure rooted in its postwar history. Following World War II, the area was reduced to ruins, and a black market quickly emerged among the debris.

To bring order to the growing market and support local recovery, Tenma Market was established in 1949. The market served as a key distribution hub, supplying fresh produce from across Japan, and at its peak hosted more than 200 vendors.

Although the market later declined and was reorganized into Plala Tenma in 2005, the original layout of its narrow corridors remains intact. Today, those same pathways are filled with restaurants and bars, preserving the spatial footprint of the former market.

Calls for large-scale redevelopment have remained limited, as the areas unique charactershaped by its black market origins and long-standing role as a marketplacecontinues to attract crowds and sustain its reputation as a lively dining destination.

Source: Television OSAKA NEWS
Women are waiting too long for care because of medical misogyny within the NHS, the UKs top gynaecologist has warned.

Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (RCOG), warned that womens health conditions are often prioritised differently to mens, with chronic and debilitating conditions such as endometriosis not being given the attention they deserve.

She also warned that A&E was being clogged up with women who need emergency treatment because they are waiting too long for routine procedures.

Speaking to The Independent ahead of the governments new health plan for women, published by health secretary Wes Streeting on Wednesday, she said: Misogyny exists across society... sadly, Im having to say this in 2026.

Women are not prioritised as they should be across the board, including when it comes to the health service. We, as gynaecologists, often have to really push for women to get a place in the operating theatre.

Womens health conditions are often prioritised differently to mens in the NHS, an expert has warned (PA)

She added: An example [a colleague] gave me recently was of a man who had a testicular torsion, which is often treated as an emergency and taken to the operating room very quickly.

Whereas, when a woman has a similar equivalent of torsion of her ovary, its not always treated as an emergency in the same way.

Dr Wright claimed that robots were brought into hospitals very quickly for male urology surgery, while gynaecologists had to jump through hoops for the same technology.

Figures show that as of January 2026, at least 565,134 women were waiting for gynaecology services in England, up from more than 279,000 in 2019.

Just 56 per cent of women are being seen within the national NHS target to start treatment within 18 weeks of a referral  one of the worst performances of any speciality.

Waiting lists for gynaecology in England are the fifth highest of any speciality, although women represent 51 per cent of society.

Dr Alison Wright, president of the Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (RCOG)

Meanwhile, emergency admissions for women within gynaecology have soared from 162,000 in March 2020 to 196,000 in March 2025.

Dr Wright said women are having to go to A&E for emergency care, such as blood transfusions, while not receiving proper treatment as a result of the long wait.

According to a report from RCOG in 2024, a quarter of women surveyed said they had attended A&E as a result of their symptoms.

She said: Were seeing women in A&E who really should be seen in gynaecological clinics, and this means that they are presenting [to emergency departments] with acute symptoms such as anaemia or in need of blood transfusions when the condition is getting worse.

She added that women with conditions such as fibroids and endometriosis should not need A&E, but they are attending due to long waiting lists.

The top gynaecologist explained that these conditions have historically been dealt with in the NHS as benign, despite them being chronic and debilitating conditions. A recent report from Endometriosis UK revealed that women are waiting almost 10 years for a diagnosis for their conditions.

Im talking a lot about fibroids and endometriosis because they are the things that we really worry about at the moment in terms of gynaecology waiting lists that need specialists, she said.

These conditions are advancing, and thats my concern. These people should not be having to present to A&E. But there are also increasing numbers of women now with gynaecological cancers who are being diagnosed in A&E.

A report from the Women and Equalities Committee of MPs concluded that women face medical misogyny and are being left to suck it up and endure pain for years because of a lack of awareness of womens health conditions.

Vicious cycle

Dr Wright warned that medical experts were facing huge challenges to overcome the issue.

We are working tirelessly to try to do our best to listen to women. Weve heard loud and clear that historically, collectively, women have not been heard, and we are really absolutely committed to making sure that we listen to women. But that is quite challenging in the current system, she said.

According to a recent survey of gynaecologists by RCOG, 80 per cent showed signs of burnout.

Dr Wright said: Thats quite worrying to me  not only in terms of the wellbeing of the workforce, but also if they are burnt out, it manifests itself in terms of care for women. What were seeing is a vicious circle where our members are really keen to do more for women in this situation, both to speed up the work of their waiting list, but also to care better for women on the waiting list.

But the system currently is not allowing that to happen, and we think thats one of the contributors to burnout and frustration and pressures on the staff, not being able to deliver care [they would like to].

The government has unveiled a renewed Womens Health Strategy on Wednesday. Launching the plan, Wes Streeting said the NHS has a problem with basic, everyday sexism and is failing women and girls on even the most basic measures of healthcare.

The plan pledged to eliminate the diagnostic odyssey facing women with conditions such as endometriosis and fibroids. and have shorter waits for gynaecology care.

It also promised there will be fewer painful procedures without informed consent or a choice of pain relief, and easier access to contraception and abortion care.

Dr Wright said the national plan from the government will give the NHS the opportunity to reprioritise womens health.

She called for the introduction of womens health hubs, which can combine GPs, specialist gynaecologists and sexual health specialists, to which women can be referred, without the need for hospital treatment.

One womens health hub in Tower Hamlets, opened in December 2023, showed that of the 3,500 women referred by December 2024, only 25 per cent needed hospital care. Before this, 85 per cent of women needing specialist gynaecology care were seen in hospital.

Previous research by RCOG also revealed that within gynaecology waiting lists, there are further inequalities for Black and Asian women who are left waiting longer than their white counterparts.
Albanian criminals who used Rightmove to plan dozens of break-ins have been jailed.

The gang carried out almost 60 high-value burglaries across the UK in which they stole about 1m worth of goods, including designer watches and handbags.

The burglars, who set weekly targets of how much gold they wanted to steal and posed for photographs with the stolen valuables, were caught after leaving behind a footprint of a Primark trainer at several crime scenes.

The distinctive shoe print of a Primark trainer was identified at several crime scenes - CHESHIRE POLICE/UNPIXS

Four of them  Kristian Gropcaj, 31, George Pepa, 31, Krisjian Dedndreaj, 29, and Sidorjan Lleshi, 27  were jailed at Chester Crown Court for between nine years and 10 years and nine months each.

Another man, Endrit Nikolli, 27, will be sentenced at a later date.

Four of the gang members were jailed at Chester Crown Court for between nine years and 10 years and nine months each - CHESHIRE POLICE/UNPIXS

Jade Tubb, a 33-year-old British national and Nikollis partner, was handed a suspended sentence for conspiracy to possess criminal property.

The investigation against the gang began in October 2024 when Cheshire Constabulary became aware of a series of burglaries across the eastern area of Cheshire, including in Macclesfield, Prestbury, Weston and Willaston.

The court heard the gang searched for affluent areas on Google to identify potential targets before using Rightmove, a property website, to establish the floor plans of properties.

They would typically use a ladder to break in through first-floor windows and balconies to avoid triggering burglar alarms.

Once inside, they would ransack the properties, stealing jewellery, designer handbags, watches and cash, ripping sheets off beds to use as makeshift bags to carry stolen items.

In CCTV footage, they were captured stealing an entire safe from one property.

Two of the burglars with a safe taken from a house they had broken into - CHESHIRE POLICE/UNPIXS

After collaboration with Derbyshire Constabulary, Nottinghamshire Police and Staffordshire Police, detectives were able to link the incidents in Cheshire to several others across the UK.

The gang, originally from Albania, was linked to eight burglaries in Cheshire, two in Middlesbrough, nine in Derbyshire, two in Leicestershire, five in Nottinghamshire, seven in Staffordshire, two in Warwickshire, three in Birmingham, three in Worcestershire, two in Hereford and one in Shropshire.

The court heard that a crucial part of the evidence was a shoe print of a Primark trainer with a distinctive sole, which was identified at several crime scenes.

Detectives discovered that a red Ford Focus insured to Gropcaj and a hire car booked by Tubb had been present at many of the burglaries.

Telephone checks of Gropcaj revealed he had been in regular contact with Nikolli, Dedndreaj and Pepa. Further enquiries revealed the four men had been meeting regularly at a coffee shop in Birminghams Jewellery Quarter.

Couple called themselves Bonnie and Clyde

Traces of DNA from Nikolli had also been found at the scene of a burglary in Staffordshire and officers were able to establish that he was in a relationship with Tubb.

Detectives retrieved letters exchanged between the couple in which they described themselves as Bonnie and Clyde, the American outlaws who were ambushed and shot dead by police in Louisiana in 1934 after a two-year string of crimes.

On July 2, officers from Cheshire Constabulary led a series of raids at addresses in Walsall, Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham, leading to the arrests of Nikolli, Pepa, Gropcaj and Tubb.

Sidorjan Lleshi, whose DNA was linked to a crime scene in Staffordshire - Cheshire Constabulary

Dedndreaj was later arrested in Surrey by officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit at Cheshire Constabulary.

During the raids, officers recovered 13 designer handbags, along with 14 watches worth almost 17,000.

Several mobile phones were also recovered and officers found hundreds of images of the stolen items, along with messages that contained links to Google Maps locations that correlated with the scene of the burglaries.

They also recovered messages that showed there was a sixth member of the gang  Lleshi  who was arrested following a raid on his home in Sheffield on Sept 3.

All six defendants were later charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to possess criminal property.

Between Monday and Tuesday this week, Lleshi was sentenced to 10 years and nine months in jail and Gropcaj for 10 years. Dedndreaj and Pepa were both jailed for nine years.

Sidorjan Lleshi pictured with items and money the gang stole from the homes - CHESHIRE POLICE/UNPIXS

Tubb was handed a 12-month sentence, which was suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service.

Det Sgt Laura Fox, from Cheshire Constabulary, said the group had been members of a high-level organised crime gang responsible for at least 59 high-value burglaries across the UK.

She said: The gang specifically targeted wealthy victims, with the aim of stealing as much high-value property as possible.

Nikolli, Gropcaj, Dedndreaj, Pepa and Lleshi were all responsible for conducting the burglaries, while Tubb was happy to spend their ill-gotten gains.

Judge Patrick Thompson said the gang had been stealing with no mercy and left their victims suffering paranoia and anxiety.

You have taken something from them that cannot be replaced, he said.

You have taken their sense of security in their own homes and left them feeling vulnerable and uneasy.
Manchester Strangeways has seen a flood of drone-delivered drugs as windows are left insecure - Bardhok Ndoji/Alamy

Organised crime gangs are operating with impunity at a high-security jail by using drones to import drugs through broken and insecure windows, the watchdog has revealed.

Charlie Taylor, HM chief inspector of prisons, said drones were used to bring large quantities of drugs into Manchester Prison, which holds dozens of criminals linked to organised crime and county-lines gangs.

He blamed the flood of drugs on the failure to fix the windows for two years, which was the result of absurdly bureaucratic planning processes and prison service bosses failing to take control of the problem.

The Telegraph has previously revealed that lengthy planning rows have held up the installation of specially designed reinforced grilles over the windows because of heritage concerns about the Grade II-listed prison.

The drone drops have meant 38 per cent of prisoners at Manchester, also known as Strangeways, were testing positive for drugs, one of the highest rates for all 120 jails in England and Wales. It also has one of the highest rates of violence, with 30 per cent of inmates saying they feel unsafe.

Charlie Taylor, HM chief inspector of prisons, is concerned about the flood of drugs at Manchester jail - Andrew Crowley

The supply of illicit items, often linked to organised crime and county-lines networks, remained a serious threat to the prisons stability, said the inspectors.

Drug use was very high and the rate of positive random mandatory drug tests was one of the highest in all prisons.

There were ongoing physical security weaknesses and the prison continued to be plagued by drone activity. Leaders were frustrated at the slow progress in installing secure windows, grilles and upgraded CCTV.

The prison, which houses the highest-risk offenders, was placed in special measures 18 months ago after a visit by Mr Taylor and his team of inspectors.

He revealed prisoners had used filaments from their kettles to burn through secure windows, providing access for a catastrophically high level of illicit drugs to flood into the jail.

Mr Taylor warned that drone-flying drug gangs had had seized control of the airspace over the jail in a move that threatened national security.

Security experts have designed the impenetrable grilles, but efforts to install them have been bogged down with planning concerns about fitting them on to the facade of the 158-year-old building.

It emerged in January that Manchester city council had yet to grant planning permission for the metal grilles, more than two years after inspectors highlighted the drugs crisis at the jail, which had contributed to the dangerous levels of violence.

After their latest visit, the inspectors said: Drones continued to bring large quantities of drugs into the jail, which was leading to high levels of violence and instability.

A failure by leaders in the prison service and absurdly bureaucratic planning processes meant just a handful of windows had been replaced, with the consequence that organised crime gangs continued to operate with impunity in the prison and the safety of prisoners and staff was compromised.

High levels of drug availability, restricted time out of cell and limited access to purposeful activity continued to undermine prisoners motivation to behave well. The level of serious assaults was among the highest in the adult male estate and violence against staff had increased.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: This is a prison operating under immense pressure after this government inherited a prison system at the peak of its crisis.

We took immediate action to bring the system back from the point of collapse and while we welcome inspectors recognising the strong leadership now in place at HMP Manchester, we are taking urgent action to stop drones, upgrade security and tackle the flow of drugs which fuels violence behind bars.
Duane Owusu told jurors that he had not appreciated that his victim was seriously injured at the time - Metropolitan Police/PA Wire

A man has been jailed for life for fatally punching a deaf woman in the neck and abandoning her in the street.

Duane Owusu, 36, forced Zahwa Mukhtar out of an overcrowded Mercedes car and killed her with a single blow after a rave in east London.

Rather than calling for help, Owusu told his friends no one cares about her before leaving Mukhtar on the pavement with a fatal head injury at 4.30am.

At the Old Bailey, Owusu was found guilty of murdering Ms Mukhtar, 27, who had worked at the Young Vic theatre as a finance assistant.

Judge Richard Marks KC handed Owusu a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years and six months in jail.

Zawha Mukhtar became profoundly deaf at the age of three after contracting meningitis - Metropolitan Police

The judge told Owusu he had struck Ms Mukhtar with a forceful blow for which there was absolutely no justification.

The judge said: I accept you did not know that she was gravely injured, nor indeed the injuries were so severe they were unrecoverable, but the point is you could not have cared less.

Whatever her condition, you were content to leave her there, flat out on her back on her own at 4.30am, clearly under the influence of drink and drugs and, for all you knew, miles from home and no means of getting there.

More callous and selfish behaviour is difficult to imagine.

In a statement read to the court, Jamaluddin Mukhtar, the victims brother, said: Zahwa Mukhtar was a daughter, granddaughter, sister and niece, a remarkable young woman whose life was shaped by both hardship and extraordinary perseverance.

He said his sister became profoundly deaf at the age of three after contracting meningitis but never allowed her disability to hold her back.

In mitigation, Michael Borrelli KC said Owusu was deeply sorry for the hurt Ms Mukhtars family must feel.

Previous convictions

Jurors were not told that Owusu had been jailed for eight years in 2010 for being the getaway driver in a robbery in which a Matalan shop manager was fatally stabbed.

Owusu was released in 2013, but was on bail relating to an allegation of supplying class A drugs at the time of Ms Mukhtars death.

Ms Mukhtar had never met Owusu before she came across his group in the early hours of Aug 16 2025, and inhaled laughing gas balloons with them in Stoke Newington.

When they decided to return home to Dagenham, she joined them in their overcrowded car.

On the journey, she had argued with one of Owusus female friends, pulled her hair and threatened to stab someone, jurors were told.

The prosecution said that Owusu had grabbed her phone and thrown it out of the car before ejecting her and aiming two kicks at her face as she sat on the pavement.

When she got up, Owusu punched her in the neck, causing her to fall to the ground, the court was told.

He was just rage

The incident was captured in CCTV footage and witnessed by Owusus friends.

Paige Allen, a witness, described Ms Mukhtar pleading with Owusu to stop before he landed the fatal blow.

She told jurors: He was just rage. He looked like a monster. His behaviour was just wrong. She just fell. Just fell backwards.

I went to help her but he screamed at me to get in the car.

On leaving the scene in Chadwell Heath, Owusu and his group were stopped and searched by police a short distance away.

They were detained before officers investigated reports from the public of a woman on the pavement in the area.

Ms Mukhtar was found unresponsive at 5.31am.

Despite the efforts of police and paramedics at the scene, she was pronounced dead at 6.21am, having suffered a fractured skull and brain injury.
The new standards ban deep-fried food and sugar-laden puddings in favour of healthier alternatives. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA (Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA)

A pilot of Englands new school food standards triggered a 15% decline in uptake of meals, with children rejecting healthier options in favour of a packed lunch, a caterer has revealed.

The results of the six-week trial, which took place at a Brighton primary school, have prompted concerns that the governments proposals, though well-intentioned, could end up having a negative impact on childrens health.

The new standards, which ban deep-fried food and sugar-laden puddings, were launched with fanfare on Monday and welcomed by chefs and campaigners including Jamie Oliver, Emma Thompson and the former government food tsar Henry Dimbleby.

Luke Consiglio, chief executive of The Pantry, an education catering company based in Middlesex which feeds children in 170 schools, led the new food standards pilot on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) at Glebe primary school in Brighton.

He agreed the changes to school food standards were a positive step forward, but warned: Despite these good intentions, theres a real risk that this will actually have a negative impact on childrens health.

At the end of the pilot with amended menus, Consiglio said uptake had dropped by 15%. Children did not like the loss of ham and cheese sandwiches, baked desserts and cheese jacket potatoes, opting for packed lunches instead.

When Consiglio and his team carried out a spot check on a dozen packed lunches, all of them included crisps and a chocolate bar. Catering costs also went up by 20p a meal, due to more expensive ingredients.

Related: Fried nuggets and steamed sponges off menu in school food overhaul in England

By making standards more prescriptive and rigid, we could see many familiar and well-liked foods fall off daily menus and subsequently push away the very parents and children were trying to support and attract with healthier options at mealtimes, said Consiglio, who is also on the board of the School Food People, which represents the school food sector.

Another school food caterer, Philippa Terry, whose company provides meals to 70 London primary schools, said the new standards did not address the funding gap that already existed in the school meals sector.

The government currently gives 2.61 for each free school meal in England  rising to 2.66 in September  compared with 3.40 in Wales, 3.30 in Scotland and 3.10 in Northern Ireland.

The question weve been asking is why there is this disparity  that the other UK nations are able to fund their meals at a much-increased rate? The 2.61 doesnt come anywhere close to what the cost is.

Like Consiglio, she is worried that pupils would vote with their feet, especially in secondary schools. Its got to be food that children want to eat. If we put these standards in, and its not well loved or understood by pupils and parents, thats going to drive them to packed lunches which have no nutritional content.

From there, uptake of school lunches would drop, costs would rise and more catering companies would go to the wall. By July theres six more caterers that are going to close down because they cant make the service commercially viable, said Terry.

There are also concerns about monitoring compliance. The former governor and school food campaigner Andy Jolley said: Its positive that they are doing something, but unless theres proper monitoring its not going to make any difference.

School food standards were widely ignored, he said. To ensure that schools are complying with the revised standards, the government would need to set up an independent body to carry out checks. The problem is no one wants to commit money to it.

Related: School dinners in England dominated by grab-and-go foods such as pizza and sausage rolls

The governments proposals, which are out for a nine-week consultation, promise a robust national enforcement system, full details of which will be announced in September. Schools will also be required to publish their menus and food policy, and appoint a lead governor to be responsible for school food.

The way to improve school meals is to increase the funding so you can provide better quality food in greater quantity. Children are going hungry because the portion sizes have got smaller. Without the extra money, its not going to make any difference. Its doomed to fail, said Jolley.

A DfE spokesperson said: Our new school food standards were thoroughly tested with caterers, schools and nutritional experts to make sure they are deliverable, realistic and dont have detrimental knock-on effects to parents and pupils.

Throughout this process we found that many schools across the country are already creating affordable, delicious meals that meet these standards, with some seeing increases in uptake of up to 220% following improvements to the menu. Several saw the cost of meals fall.

Different schools trialled different options, as you would expect of any trial, and the findings informed the proposals we published this week  including a phased approach that will give caterers time to adapt. We want to hear from as many schools, parents and caterers as possible through the consultation to make sure we get this right.

Russ Ball, the head chef at Pokesdown community primary school in Bournemouth, said uptake of his school dinners tripled in his five years there. Ive always believed that great school food doesnt have to cost the earth  by cooking seasonally from scratch and buying smart, we serve over 300 fresh, nutritious and delicious meals that the children love every day, within budget.
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of a sluggish response to the crisis facing the Armed Forces - Finnbarr Webster/AFP via Getty Images

Sir Keir Starmers military advisers have turned on him over his defence plans, warning that his corrosive complacency is putting the country in peril.

In a significant intervention, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, Sir Richard Barrons and Fiona Hill  the three authors of Sir Keirs strategic defence review  accused the Prime Minister of leaving the UK vulnerable.

They were backed by senior Labour figures including three former cabinet ministers, in a sign of the rising anger facing the Government from its own side.

The war in Iran has raised fears about Britains readiness for conflict after the Royal Navys sluggish response exposed the crisis facing the Armed Forces.

Sir Keir has failed to say how the Government will meet its pledge to spend 3 per cent of GDP on defence, and his defence investment plan for military spending over the next decade  promised six months ago  has still not been published amid wrangling between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Treasury.

Lord Robertson, a former Nato secretary-general who served as a defence secretary under Sir Tony Blair, highlighted a gap between Sir Keirs rhetoric and action on defence in a lecture in Salisbury on Tuesday night.

He said: There is a corrosive complacency today in Britains political leadership.

Lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the bright red signals of danger  but even a promised national conversation about defence cant be started.

We are underprepared. We are under-insured. We are under attack. We are not safe.

Lord Robertson added: Britains national security and safety is in peril, and we need the whole country to wake up. The clock is ticking.

The Labour peer attacked Sir Keir for lacking the wherewithal to meet his own promises and accused non-military experts in the Treasury of economic vandalism.

He said that Britain needed to raise taxes or cut its ever-expanding welfare budget, which has now ballooned to 344bn.

Are we certain that this is the right priority? Lord Robertson said. Jeopardising peoples future safety and security whilst maintaining an increasingly unsustainable welfare bill.

Lord Robertson said that this criticism had made John Healey, the Defence Secretary, extremely angry but he felt he had to speak out because he believed the country was in danger.

The intervention by the Labour peer  who until now was working constructively and privately with the Government  is one of the most serious rebukes of the Prime Minister by a Labour politician to date.

Lord Robertson pushed for higher spending in his strategic defence review, which found that the UK would need to spend about 68bn to prepare its Armed Forces for modern warfare and recommended an uplift in the number of soldiers to 100,000, including reservists.

While the Government has promised that defence spending will hit 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, 3 per cent in the early 2030s and 3.5 per cent by 2035, Sir Keir has failed to specify when the 3 per cent target will be met.

Sir Richard, the retired Army general who led Joint Forces Command and was one of six chiefs of staff leading the Armed Forces between 2013 and 2016, serving in the Army for more than four decades, said he agreed with his co-authors concerns.

He said: I completely share them. He and I have been saying this through the review and since the review was published.

But I think its a mark of how serious it is that someone who has been a Labour Party activist for more than 60 years and was a Nato secretary-general has now had to say it in these terms today.

Sir Richard said there was an enormous gap between Sir Keirs current plan for defence and the levels of spending and resources needed in a dangerous world.

He warned the Prime Minister that he must deal urgently with a 28bn black hole in the defence budget, saying: The choice thats on the Prime Ministers desk is he either finds more money to implement this, in my view, de minimis review at the speed we agreed last year, or hes going to announce 28bn worth of cuts.

Sir Richard added that he could not disagree with comments by Pete Hegseth, Mr Trumps secretary of defence, mocking the big, bad Royal Navy.

He told the BBC: I hung my head in sorrow, but I couldnt argue with him because although the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Army are in their bones outstanding institutions, they are simply too small and too undernourished to deal with the world that we now live in.

And the review says this and the review charted a course of not just revitalisation but transformation for war in the 21st century. So all the ideas are there.

The Army is at its smallest for 200 years, with roughly 72,000 soldiers, and the Navy faces a shortage of ships.

The most visible sign of strain on the Navy has been HMS Dragons delayed deployment to Cyprus, where Britains sovereign base came under attack from Iran-linked proxies.

The third author of the review, Ms Hill, a former chief adviser to the White House on Russia, told the Guardian that No 10s lack of urgency in putting Britain on a war footing was bizarre.

She said: What George [Robertson] is saying, very bluntly, is there is basically a lack of resolute leadership on this. Because everybodys worried about votes and, you know, reactions, and all of this on the Left and on the Right.

The political situation, you know, for the [Labour] party, is not good, but as George has been saying, this is a UK strategic defence review and, frankly, if anybody wants to make political points, I would suggest that its shame on them. Big time.

Other senior Labour figures to back the criticism included Lord Hutton of Furness, who served as defence secretary under Gordon Brown and said he agreed with everything Lord Robertson had to say.

Lord Hutton told LBC: The time now is to see concrete results, that sees the size of the Army grow, its equipment and capabilities grow. Same with the Army and the Navy.

We need a really clear, positive commitment from both the Prime Minister and the Chancellor to do something about this because it will be a terrible indictment of the Labour Government if it continues to prevaricate and not commit the resources that we need now.

Gen Lord Richard Dannatt, who was the head of the Army during both Sir Tony and Mr Browns premierships, accused Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, of resisting increasing military spending, warning: Were drinking in the last-chance saloon and there is not much time left.

He added: Clearly Rachel Reeves has so many pressures in the Treasury she has resisted allocating a higher proportion of public expenditure to defence when analysis after analysis is saying... that the threats to our security, not just here but to Europe, have significantly ratched up.

Other former Cabinet ministers also called on the Prime Minister to cut the welfare budget to raise the 17bn needed to meet Sir Keirs 3 per cent spending target.

Jack Straw, a former foreign secretary under Sir Tony, told the Independent: As George [Robertson] points out, there is a great urgency to settle the defence spending programme at a level which meets our needs, now and in the future  and with that make necessary decisions to cut non-essential welfare spending.

Lord Blunkett, a former work and pensions secretary, agreed that welfare spending needed to be curbed.

He told The Telegraph: Im already on the record as indicating that we cannot continue with an exponential rise in payments for welfare, rather than investing in stopping people finding themselves dependent on welfare in the first place.

There isnt a clear trade-off between welfare and defence because much of the increases needed in the defence budget would be capital not revenue, and we need to be looking to the kind of bond or re-armament bank  which has been much talked about but not yet implemented.

Last week, an exclusive poll for The Telegraph asked voters whether they would prefer to spend more money on benefits or the defence budget.

The question produced near-equal splits in all three nations, with defence spending winning narrowly in England, and welfare winning narrowly in Scotland and Wales.

Baroness Harman, a former Labour social security secretary, suggested means testing the pensions triple lock to pay for defence.

She told BBC Radio 5 Live that the triple lock  which guarantees that the state pension rises each year in line whichever is highest out of inflation, earnings or by 2.5 per cent  is one place to be looking if we need to divert some money to defence.

She said that if youre strapped for some cash and need to divert some money to defence, that is one place to be looking.

At the moment its a sacred cow, she added. Its one of those things where everybody feels theyve got to agree to it, and that, you know, youll just be thrown out if you so much as touch a hair on the head of it. But I think it, it does need to be looked at.
A woman walks her dogs in Fairlington Green, a part of the Fairlington neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia.

When it comes to buying a home, you might be laser-focused on what your monthly mortgage payments will be, and how you'll build a budget around that expense.

But there's another housing cost you might need to consider, and it could take a huge bite out of your budget. Homeowners association and condo association fees are on the rise, and those costs can add up.

Must Read

The Wall Street Journal reported that for single-family homeowners, median HOA fees jumped 26% from 2019, to $63 a month, according to Realtor.com data (1). And for condo owners, the median monthly condo fee was $420 in 2025  a 29% increase since 2019.

An analysis by LendingTree found that in 2024, across the 100 largest metros in the U.S., about 17.5 million homeowners said they paid HOA or condo fees. And about 2.6 million of those people, nearly 15%, said they paid at least $500 a month in fees (2).

When you add these fees to the high mortgage rates and home prices Americans have been facing, along with higher costs for utilities and insurance, it's a combination that could leave some homeowners struggling to keep up.

What are HOAs?

HOAs are also becoming more common, with U.S. Census Bureau data showing that in 2024, 81% of new single-family homes sold belonged to homeowners associations (3).

HOAs are made up of volunteer homeowners in a real estate development, including condos, townhomes or single-family homes (4). HOAs typically set rules for the development, and they can also oversee amenities and shared spaces, charging dues to residents.

One California resident told The Wall Street Journal that his condo association fees have more than doubled since 2015 (5). Donald DeFesi said he pays $1,500 a month in fees; when those fees are combined with his insurance and property taxes, the total is more than what he pays on the principal and interest for his mortgage.

And a Colorado couple told The Wall Street Journal that their monthly condo fees were about $600 when they bought their home in 2019, but now they pay almost $1,300.

Read More: Almost 50 with no retirement savings? Heres why you shouldnt panic

What you can do

If you're ready to buy a home, make sure you look into whether the property is part of a homeowners association.

Advertisement

If the property is part of an HOA, research what the fees go toward, and what the fee increases have been in recent years.

According to HomeLight, HOAs may also require you to pay an upfront fee toward the HOA reserve, which is an emergency fund the association keeps in case of major repairs (6).

Condo and home buyers will also want to look into special assessments  whether there are any incoming special assessments, or if there have been in the recent past. Special assessments are one-time fees for maintenance or improvements that can't be covered by the association's reserve fund (7).

HOAs are required to declare special assessments to buyers (8), but it's worth talking to the HOA about whether there are any major infrastructure or repair projects coming down the pipeline in the future, and whether there are any discussions about upgrades or changes to shared amenities as well.

You can also look at the HOA's bylaws to see how special assessments are levied, and check out the financials of the HOA  if the reserve fund is low, it could mean the potential for a special assessment in the future (9).

HomeLight also recommends that you look into the CC&Rs (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) of a prospective HOA, as these are the rules that the HOA will enforce, which can sometimes be far-reaching.

CC&Rs can restrict things such as landscaping, paint colors, whether you can park an RV or boat, fences, pets and whether you can use your property for rentals (10).

If you already own a property that's part of an HOA or condo association, and you're unhappy with the fees, look into whether you can join the board of the association, to help steer future spending.

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 ethics and guidelines.

The Wall Street Journal (1),(5); LendingTree (2); U.S. Census Bureau (3); HomeLight (4),(6),(10); Forbes (7),(8),(9)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Jeff Bezos at the American Business Forum

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos once asked former Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett why more people don't copy his investing strategy.

During the 62-year-old's talk at the last America Business Forum (1) in November, Bezos told then-Miami Mayor Francis Suarez that playing the long game is not a difficult principle to understand.

Must Read

"(Buffett) said, 'Jeff, that's easy, my approach is a get-rich slowly scheme. And people don't like those'," Bezos recalled, with a laugh. "But there's a lot of truth in that for everything."

He pointed to a simple example, suggesting that investors who think in terms of seven years rather than three can gain an edge over their contemporaries in the investment game.

What the 'get-rich slowly' mindset means for investors

When Bezos brought up Buffett's line, he wasn't just talking about patience in the abstract. He was highlighting a competitive advantage most investors ignore.

The Blue Origin founder was in Miami in November 2025 discussing his latest project, but his answer to Suarez's question tracked directly back to what made Amazon successful in the first place: customer obsession, an eagerness to invent, taking pride in operational excellence and, above all, long-term thinking.

That last point was where Buffett's patience comes into play. Both men have built fortunes by resisting the urge to chase quick wins. Instead, they focus on decisions that may take years to pay off but compound over time.

Bezos started Amazon in July 1994 in his Bellevue, Washington, home's garage with just $10,000 (2). Buffett has amassed his $150-billion net worth (3) through value investing, which is buying undervalued companies and holding onto them for the long term, and living a frugal lifestyle.

"If you can defer gratification and think long term, that will give you a head start against all of your competitors because most people can't do that," Bezos said.

Advertisement

Read More: Almost 50 with no retirement savings? Heres why you shouldnt panic

How to apply Warren Buffett's long-term strategy

Bezos' pivot from thinking in the short-term to the long-term allows investors to extend their own timelines. Instead of thinking within three years, the longer your plan, the less short-term volatility matters. That's the strategy Buffett has employed throughout his career.

"When we own portions of outstanding businesses with outstanding managements, our favorite holding period is forever," Buffett once wrote in a letter to shareholders in Berkshire Hathaway's 1988 annual report.

Buffett has long advocated buying quality assets and holding on to them for years. He refers to the businesses he seeks as "moats" (4). They can be anything from brand names, infrastructure or even the lowest-cost producer in a market. Berkshire Hathaway recently invested in 5.04 million shares in UnitedHealth.

Staying invested allows gains to build up over time. That also means avoiding selling off during downturns or jumping into hype-driven stocks, which can undermine long-term returns.

Still, this long-term strategy doesn't require picking the next Amazon, as Bezos did. It starts with changing how you think about time and risk.

By zooming out, investors can sidestep the trends that may derail many portfolios.

What To Read Next

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Article Sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.

YouTube (1); Investopedia (2),(3),(4)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Todays headlines: North Korea has conducted further missile tests; In Pakistan, diplomatic talks between the US and Iran are continuing despite the countrys instability; In Thailand, the Songkran celebrations have been marred by hundreds of road accidents; Philippine President Marcos jumps up and down to prove he is in good health.

CHINA

Hui Ka-yan, founder and former chairman of China Evergrande Group, the worlds most indebted property developer, has pleaded guilty to embezzlement of corporate assets and corporate bribery, according to a court in Shenzhen. The trial took place on Monday and Tuesday, but the sentence will be handed down in the coming days. The Chinese authorities had arrested Hui in September 2023 and subsequently penalised him for inflating sales figures.

NORTH KOREA

In recent days, Pyongyang has conducted another test of cruise and anti-ship missiles, the state news agency KCNA reported today, whilst two further destroyers are reportedly under construction. Dictator Kim Jong Un attended the test alongside senior defence officials and naval commanders. According to experts, North Korea is accelerating its weapons development, taking advantage of the fact that the worlds attention is focused on other issues, such as the conflict in the Middle East.

RUSSIA

A court in St Petersburg has handed down sentences ranging from 12 to 6 years in a labour camp to members of the pacifist movement Vesna (Spring), whose leading figures, Anna Arkhipova of Novosibirsk, Jana Ksenzepolskogo from Tver, Pavel Sinelnikov from Barnaul, and Vasilija Neustroeva, Evgenija Zateeva and Valentina Khorosenina from St Petersburg, are accused of forming an extremist association, causing public disorder, rehabilitating Nazism and other offences. In court, Anna Arkhipova spoke out, declaring, Your Honour, Vesna has decided to forgive you.

PAKISTAN

Whilst US and Iranian delegations may soon resume talks, as indicated by several diplomatic sources, yesterday in the Pakistani district of Hangu, part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on the border with Afghanistan, armed men opened fire on police officers assigned to protect workers carrying out polio vaccination campaigns. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but suspicion falls on the Pakistani Taliban.

THAILAND

Celebrations for the Buddhist New Year, known as Songkran in Thailand, have begun. Last Friday alone saw over a million people on the move, despite rising fuel prices in the country. Furthermore, during the first three days of the holiday, more than 500 road accidents were reported, resulting in at least 95 deaths  an issue local authorities have attempted to tackle by restricting the sale of alcohol.

PHILIPPINES

Over 17,000 military personnel will take part in the largest joint exercises ever conducted by the Philippines and the United States, with Australia, Japan, Canada, France and New Zealand also participating. The Balikatan 2026 exercises (which means shoulder to shoulder in Tagalog) will take place from 20 April to 8 May, the US Marine Corps announced yesterday. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. responded to his critics who claim he is ill by doing jumping jacks on the spot at a press conference: I challenge anyone who says I am ill to come and train with me. Well see who is stronger. Come to the gym with me. Well see who can lift more weight, he told journalists.

KAZAKHSTAN

Four new airports are to be built in Kazakhstan by 2028, along with further infrastructure for the implementation of 11 major airport projects, as Prime Minister Olzas Bektenov announced during a presentation on developments in the transport sector. Already this year, the network of international routes will be expanded to 135 destinations across 30 different countries, compared to a total of 115 routes in 2024, to Uzbekistan, Armenia, the Netherlands, the USA, Turkey and others.
by Mathias Hariyadi

A distinguished scholar of philosophy and a mentor to religious and lay leaders, he died in the Netherlands at the age of 87, having spent over 50 years serving the Church in Indonesia. Among his legacies is a foundation that cares for orphans in Jayapura.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The Catholic community in Papua is currently mourning the passing of Fr Nico Syukur Dister, of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans), who died aged 87 on 12 April 2026 in the Netherlands, his homeland, after spending over 50 years in Indonesia. He was known as the last Dutch Franciscan missionary and a prominent professor of philosophy, active for decades at the Fajar Timur School of Philosophy and Theology in Abepura, Jayapura, Papua, where he had taught since 1983.

Before his mission in Papua, he had taught philosophy at the Driyarkara School in Jakarta, an institution founded through collaboration between the local archdiocese, the Jesuits and the Franciscans. His work in Indonesia lasted almost 53 years: 12 in Jakarta and 41 in Papua. In 2024, he returned to the Netherlands for health reasons and due to his advanced age.

Born in Maastricht in 1939, after entering the Order of Friars Minor, he studied philosophy and theology in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, specialising in the psychology of religion. He obtained his doctorate in philosophy from the University of Leuven in 1972, with a thesis on the coincidence of opposites in the thought of Nicholas of Cusa.

Arriving in Indonesia in 1973, he began teaching fundamental theology, metaphysics and the psychology of religion in Jakarta. From 1983, he was then assigned to Papua, a region where he devoted the rest of his life to academic and pastoral formation.

In 2024, upon his departure from Indonesia to return to the Netherlands, the Franciscan friars of Papua paid tribute to him with a Mass of thanksgiving in Jayapura, in the presence of the local bishop and numerous religious, students and faithful. During the celebration, his missionary service was compared to that of the Apostle Philip, due to his commitment to teaching and spiritual formation. In his final farewell, Fr Nico invited everyone to think positively of others, emphasising that this attitude leads to salvation.

He is remembered by all with gratitude for his contribution to the formation of many leaders, both religious and lay. During his time in Papua, he contributed to the development of the Franciscan mission and was among the founders of Yayasan Putri Kerahiman, a foundation that cares for orphans. Through his writings, he enriched the philosophical and theological debate in Indonesia, publishing works on the philosophy of religion, Christology, freedom and systematic theology.

His legacy of faith, intellectual depth and tireless dedication will continue to live on in the Church and in Indonesian academia, especially in Papua.
by Shafique Khokhar

Activists call this a "long-awaited step" that ends a process that began three years ago. The goal was to ensure that non-Muslim children could also study their own religious tradition in school. However, issues related to the practical application of the policy remain. Teacher recruitment, training, and budget allocations are among the "significant challenges.

Lahore (AsiaNews)  Pakistani activists welcome this long-awaited step" in a process that began three years ago to ensure that minority children could "study their own religions, part of a "positive and necessary reform aimed at promoting inclusiveness in the education system.

On 6 March 2023, the National Curriculum Council approved the publication of textbooks for students from seven minority religious groups attending public and private schools in the country.

Following the federal directive, the government of Punjab, the province with the largest Christian population in the South Asian nation, chose textbooks for six minority communities and began the process of printing them.

Started by federal authorities in 2021, the initiative had already seen progress in two provinces before Punjab, reigniting the debate over the federal government's role in education, a field under provincial jurisdiction since the 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan.

Despite provincial autonomy, federal authorities have continued to influence curriculum decisions, including textbook development through institutions such as the National Book Foundation.

Although the policy has been praised, experts and members of civil society groups have raised several concerns about its practical implementation.

A concerned citizen, Danny Waqas, questions how the government intends to ensure effective teaching of minority religions in schools that already face severe resource shortages.

In many public schools, there is a one-teacher, one-classroom system where a single teacher handles all subjects. How will they manage to teach different religious subjects without trained teachers? he told AsiaNews.

The activist also highlighted infrastructural difficulties, noting the lack of adequate classrooms in many schools. If minority students are to study their own religions, will the government establish separate classrooms for each group? Without proper space and facilities, the policy may remain symbolic, he explained.

Beyond logistical concerns, experts and academics have raised more objections regarding the curriculum. They argue that while the introduction of textbooks on minority religions is a positive step, it fails to address a long-standing issue within the broader curriculum.

They continue to call for the removal of religious content from subjects such as languages, social sciences, and other non-religious textbooks, where such material is often included despite being irrelevant to the subject matter.

They argue that the inclusion of such content not only undermines academic integrity but also puts undue pressure on minority students.

They contend that this practice violates Article 22 (1) of the Pakistani constitution, which clearly states that No person attending any educational institution shall be required to receive religious instruction, or take part in any religious ceremony, or attend religious worship, if such instruction, ceremony or worship relates to a religion other than his own.

Unless these elements are removed from mainstream textbooks, minority students will continue to face indirect coercion and exclusion within classrooms, one academic expert noted.

Addressing such concerns, Danish George, head of the Christian Religious Studies section at the Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training, and Assessment Authority, explains that the provincial government has collected data on minority students and teachers.

In addition, the authorities are preparing measures to recruit teachers from various religious backgrounds to support the implementation of the curriculum.

Despite official assurances, education experts counter that "significant challenges" remain, including teacher recruitment, training, and budget allocation. They warn that without addressing these systemic and structural gaps, the initiative may struggle to achieve its intended goal.

The introduction of minority religion textbooks marks a notable policy shift in Pakistan's educational landscape, but its success will ultimately depend on how effectively provincial authorities translate policy commitments into meaningful changes in classrooms across the country.
During his meeting with Prince Mohamed bin Zayed in Beijing, the Chinese president called for the creation of a shared security system for the Middle East, as well as respect for the principle of sovereignty and international rules (which Beijing itself, however, does not respect in the South China Sea). According to UNDP estimates, 8.8 million more people are at risk of poverty in the Asia-Pacific.

Beijing (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The world's eyes are on the Strait of Hormuz, following the announcement of a US naval blockade, which also indirectly targets ships bound for China.

Today, at least four ships linked to Iran, including two that had stopped in Iranian ports, passed through the Strait.

Chinas Foreign Ministry condemned the blockade, calling it dangerous and irresponsible, arguing that it will only "exacerbate tensions" in the region.

Today, Chinese President Xi Jinping personally addressed the crisis, presenting a four-point proposal to promote peace and stability in the Middle East during a meeting in Beijing with Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

First, Xi stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence, proposing the creation of a shared, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable regional security system for the Middle East and the Gulf.

Second, he reiterated the principle of national sovereignty: all countries in the region must have their territorial integrity and security respected, as well as the protection of their people, infrastructure, and institutions.

The third point concerns respect for international law. Xi emphasised that the authority of international rules must be defended to avoid a return to the law of the jungle, and that such norms cannot be applied selectively.

Finally, he insisted on the need to coordinate development and security, calling on the parties to work together to create favourable conditions for regional economic growth.

It is worth noting that, for now, these are still general principles, in many ways similar to the 12-point peace plan for the Ukraine crisis China presented in 2023, which remains a dead letter precisely because it failed to address the actual steps needed to achieve the stated objectives.

The third point deserves specific comment, regarding the authority of international rules, which in this case concern the right of navigation governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It is impossible to ignore that the People's Republic of China practises the same law of the jungle it condemns today when it attempts to impose its Nine-Dash Line in the South China Sea, and does not recognise the arbitration of UNCLOS.

It should also be remembered that the Gulf crisis is an extremely delicate test for Beijing. It is no coincidence that during the meeting, Xi expressed China's desire to boost its strategic partnership with the UAE, making it more solid, resilient, and dynamic.

Concrete signs of cooperation are visible. Etihad Airways announced an expansion of flights between Abu Dhabi and several Chinese cities, while key representatives of the UAE government and business community accompanied the delegation in Beijing to promote investment and trade.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang also proposed new collaborations in innovative sectors such as energy, hydrogen, and electric vehicles, encouraging greater UAE investment in Chinas advanced sectors.

At the same time, China will host a summit with Arab countries later this year to conclude talks on a free trade agreement with all the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes the UAE as well as Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, just today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) released a report on the potential economic impact of the Middle East crisis on the entire Asia-Pacific region.

The study estimates that 8.8 million people are at risk of falling below the poverty line, while output losses could range from US$ 97 billion to US$ 299 billion, equivalent to 0.3 per cent to 0.8 per cent of the regions GDP.
14 April 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Poladova Read more

Viktor Orban has long stood at the center of Europes political tensions, shaping Hungary into one of the most controversial actors within the European Union. Since returning to power in 2010, Viktor Orban has pursued a strategy that blends nationalism, economic pragmatism, and geopolitical balancing.

During Orbans premiership, Hungary achieved a major milestone in foreign policy. In 1999, alongside Poland and Czech Republic, Hungary was officially admitted into NATO, marking a significant step in its integration into Western political and security structures.

Orbans believed that the traditional Western system, rooted in individual rights and multiculturalism, has failed to preserve national identity and social stability. Instead, Orban promoted a strong, centralized state that prioritizes sovereignty, Christian values, and national interests.

This ideological divergence has inevitably led to conflict with the European Union.



Orbans foreign policy further illustrated his strategy of balancing competing powers. Within the EU, Hungary has often been an outlier in its approach to Russia. While most European states moved to isolate Moscow after the Russian war in Ukraine, Orban maintained relatively cooperative relations with the Kremlin. Hungary continued energy cooperation and resisted some EU sanctions, emphasizing the countrys dependence on Russian gas and the importance of maintaining economic stability.



At the same time, Orban has actively expanded Hungarys relations beyond Europe through what he calls the "Eastern Opening" strategy. A key partner in this direction was Azerbaijan. Relations between Budapest and Baku have grown steadily over the past decade, encompassing energy cooperation, educational exchanges, and diplomatic alignment.

Beyond Azerbaijan, Hungary has also deepened its relations with the Turkic world. As an observer in the Organization of Turkic States, Hungary has cultivated ties with countries such as Turkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Orban has emphasized historical and cultural connections, while also pursuing economic and strategic opportunities.

Following the outcome of the April 12 elections in Hungary, opposition figure Peter Magyar has emerged as the winner, signaling a major shift in the countrys political landscape.

Magyars political platform has been built around promises of institutional reform, anti-corruption measures, and closer alignment with European democratic standards. A central pillar of his policy agenda is restoring the independence of key state institutions, including the judiciary, media regulators, and anti-corruption bodies. He has emphasized the need to strengthen the rule of law and rebuild public trust in governance.

In a speech to supporters following his landslide victory, Magyar reiterated to rebuild ties with Brussels and NATO.

"We will join the European Public Prosecutor's Office and guarantee the democratic functioning of our country. We will never again allow anyone to hold free Hungary captive or to abandon it," he stated.
14 April 2026 14:06 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A distinctive and impressive concert by the Irevan folk instruments ensemble has taken place at the International Mugham Center, becoming a major cultural event that brought together lovers of national music, members of the creative community, and the general public, AzerNEWS reports.

The event opened with remarks by the ensemble's artistic director, Professor Maya Gafarova of the Baku Music Academy. She welcomed guests and spoke about the ensemble's founding, its artistic journey, and its core mission, preserving and promoting the musical heritage of Western Azerbaijan. She also expressed gratitude for support to MP Aziz Alakbarli, Chairman of the Western Azerbaijan Community, and MP Malahat Ibrahimgizi, Chair of its Women's Council. Gafarova stressed that the region's musical and literary traditions represent a centuries-old cultural legacy rooted in deep attachment to ancestral origins.

Aziz Alakbarli highlighted the importance of preserving national identity and safeguarding the cultural heritage of Western Azerbaijan, praising Gafarova's contributions and awarding her an honorary certificate from the Community. Deputy Chairman Hikmat Babaoglu also underlined the role of music as a universal language in preserving historical memory.

The concert program then featured works based on poetry by prominent literary figures from Western Azerbaijan. Traditional melodies and rich national harmonies created a strong emotional impact, evoking a sense of nostalgia among the audience. The performance was widely received as a vivid reflection of the spiritual heritage of Western Azerbaijan.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.
14 April 2026 12:05 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia is entering a new phase of economic development, pointing to the recently established peace framework with Azerbaijan and the upcoming launch of the TRIPP connectivity project, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking at a meeting with leading business executives, Pashinyan said the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) would play a transformative role in unlocking Armenias economic potential.

We expect major developments in the near future, primarily related to the launch of the TRIPP project, which will ultimately allow Armenia to fully emerge from its state of blockade, he said.

The prime minister noted that Armenia has already partially overcome its logistical isolation, citing ongoing rail freight transportation through Azerbaijani territory. He added that exports are currently conducted via Georgia, while future railway links with Azerbaijan, expected under the TRIPP framework, would provide a more direct and reliable route.

According to Pashinyan, the political understanding ensures that the future railway connection will remain permanently open, offering long-term stability for both imports and exports.

Highlighting broader economic progress, Pashinyan said that since he took office in 2018, Armenias GDP has grown by 53 percent in real terms. He argued that the country has now reached a stage where economic relationships between businesses, the state, and employees must evolve to match new realities.

I believe that today Armenia has horizons before it that it has never had in its entire history, he said, describing the current period as unprecedented in terms of opportunities.

The TRIPP initiative, developed within the framework of a US-brokered agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan signed in Washington, is expected to enhance regional connectivity, attract infrastructure investment, and integrate Armenia more deeply into regional trade networks.

An Armenian-American joint enterprise is expected to lead the development of the route, which is seen as a key pillar in reshaping economic dynamics in the South Caucasus.
14 April 2026 10:22 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

A new shipment of fuel is set to be exported from Azerbaijan to Armenia, marking the continued expansion of cross-border trade following the easing of transit restrictions.

AzerNEWS reports that 22 rail tank cars loaded with diesel fuel will be dispatched from Azerbaijan to Armenia today. In parallel, four railcars carrying fertilizer from Russia will transit through Azerbaijani territory en route to Armenia.

Cumulative exports highlight the growing scale of energy deliveries between the two countries. To date, Azerbaijan has supplied Armenia with 6,312 tons of diesel fuel, 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline, and 2,955 tons of AI-95 gasoline.

The shipments follow a policy shift announced on October 21, 2025, when Ilham Aliyev stated in a joint press briefing with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev that Azerbaijan had lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had been in place since the period of occupation. The first such transit cargo under the new framework involved the delivery of Kazakh grain to Armenia.

Subsequent shipments have steadily increased in volume and frequency. On December 18, 2025, SOCAR delivered 1,220 tons of AI-95 gasoline to Armenia.

On January 9, 2026, a total of 2,698 tons of cargocomprising 48 railcarswas sent, including 1,742 tons of AI-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel fuel. Two days later, on January 11, an additional 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline were transported in 18 railcars.

Fuel exports continued in the following months. On February 25, Azerbaijan shipped 4,500 tons of diesel fuel. On March 5, another consignment included 1,984 tons of diesel fuel across 31 railcars, along with two railcars carrying 135 tons of Russian fertilizer.

Grain shipments also formed part of the transit corridor. On March 9, seven railcars of Russian grain were delivered, followed by an additional shipment on March 11 totaling 1,023 tons (770 tons net) across 11 railcars.

Later in March, on the 24th, Azerbaijan sent four railcars carrying 271 tons of fertilizer and one railcar with 68 tons of buckwheat. On March 25, a further five railcars transported 350 tons of wheat to Armenia.

The steady flow of fuel, agricultural goods, and fertilizers underscores the gradual normalization of economic links in the South Caucasus, as Azerbaijan positions itself as a key transit hub connecting regional markets.
14 April 2026 13:22 (UTC+04:00)

Ulviyya Poladova Read more

Azerbaijan and Latvia have explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic ties, focusing on expanding cooperation across several key sectors, the Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his X page, AzerNEWS reports.

"During the meeting with Armands Krauze, Minister of Agriculture of Latvia and Co-Chairman of the AzerbaijanLatvia Intergovernmental Commission, we underscored the prospects for economic relations between our countries," he noted.

Both sides highlighted the prospects for developing economic relations between the two countries. They also discussed opportunities to expand joint activities in trade, energy, investment, transport, and agriculture.

According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Latvias direct investment in Azerbaijan totaled $6.945 million in 2025. This represents a decrease of $17.5 million, or 3.5 times, compared to 2024.

In the reporting year, Latvia's investments accounted for 0.1% in the total volume of foreign direct investments in Azerbaijan.
14 April 2026 12:34 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Abdinur Dahir Fidow, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Azerbaijan, on April 14, AzerNEWS reports.

The ambassador presented his credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev held a conversation with the ambassador.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Abdinur Dahir Fidow conveyed the greetings of President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Recalling last years official visit of the President of Somalia to Azerbaijan, which opened a new chapter in friendly relations between the two countries, the head of state noted that productive discussions were held during the visit on the development of bilateral ties, and that several documents were signed aimed at expanding cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev hailed the political relations between the two countries and emphasized the importance of expanding economic cooperation.

The President wished the ambassador success in his future activities.

Abdinur Dahir Fidow expressed satisfaction with his appointment as ambassador of Somalia to Azerbaijan and stated that he would spare no effort to further develop relations between the two countries.

During the conversation, the sides praised successful cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats, including within international organizations. The importance of recent high-level contacts and increasing reciprocal visits was also highlighted.

The meeting underlined the strong potential for expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, and other areas.

It was noted that work is ongoing on the application of the ASAN Khidmet experience in Somalia, in line with the document signed during the official visit of the President of Somalia to Azerbaijan.

Cooperation in the fields of science and education was also discussed. It was recalled that during the Soviet period, a large number of Somali students studied in Azerbaijan, and this tradition continues today. In this context, it was noted that Somali students are currently studying in Azerbaijan under the Heydar Aliyev Scholarship program.

The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.
14 April 2026 12:35 (UTC+04:00)

AzerNEWS Staff Read more

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Nelsy Raquel Munar Jaramillo, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Colombia to Azerbaijan, on April 14.

The ambassador presented her credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev held a conversation with the ambassador.

The head of state noted that, despite the geographical distance between Azerbaijan and Colombia, bilateral relations have been established at a good level and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in various fields.

President Ilham Aliyev underlined the significance of deepening relations in the economic, investment, tourism, and other spheres based on existing political ties.

The President wished the ambassador success in her future activities.

Nelsy Raquel Munar Jaramillo said she was honored to be the first female ambassador of Colombia to Azerbaijan and stated that she would spare no effort to strengthen political dialogue and bilateral relations, as well as to identify new opportunities for cooperation.

The ambassador noted with satisfaction that Colombia organizes Spanish language courses in Azerbaijan to promote the Spanish language, with Azerbaijani students and specialists actively participating in the program.

During the conversation, the sides recalled that a Memorandum of Understanding on the application of the ASAN Khidmet model in Colombia was signed last year.

The meeting included an exchange of views on expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and Colombia in the fields of agriculture, demining of territories, education, culture, and other areas.

The successful cooperation between the two countries within international organizations was highlighted. In this context, mutual support within the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, and other multilateral platforms was praised.

The sides also exchanged views on strengthening interparliamentary cooperation, increasing mutual contacts and visits, and other issues of mutual interest.
14 April 2026 12:44 (UTC+04:00)

AzerNEWS Staff Read more

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Sibusisiwe Mngomezulu, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Eswatini to Azerbaijan, on April 14.

The ambassador presented his credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev held a conversation with the ambassador.

The ambassador conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Mswati III of Eswatini to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to King Mswati III.

The head of state fondly recalled the visit of the King of Eswatini to Azerbaijan during the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement held in Baku in 2019. He also expressed hope that the King would participate in the upcoming session of the World Urban Forum to be held in Baku next month.

President Ilham Aliyev lauded the level of political dialogue between Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Eswatini and noted that there is strong potential for expanding cooperation in various fields.

The head of state wished the ambassador success in his future activities.

The ambassador, highlighting President Ilham Aliyevs successful leadership of Azerbaijan, conveyed his congratulations on the restoration of the countrys territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as on achievements in economic development. He also congratulated the President on his diplomatic efforts and role in advancing peace in the region.

The ambassador stated that he would spare no effort to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

He emphasized that Eswatini, as Chair of the African Union Peace and Security Council, continues its consistent efforts to promote peace on the African continent.

During the conversation, the sides praised mutual support between Azerbaijan and Eswatini within international organizations. They highlighted favorable prospects for cooperation in the fields of energy, science, education, humanitarian affairs, tourism, environmental protection, culture, and other areas. The importance of organizing reciprocal visits at various levels to explore cooperation opportunities was also underlined.

The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.
14 April 2026 15:20 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Mines continue to pose a deadly threat in Azerbaijan, with 422 citizens killed since the end of the 2020 war, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

The latest incident occurred on April 14, when an employee of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency was killed after stepping on an anti-tank mine in the village of Ashagi Abdurrahmanli in the Fuzuli region.

We express our deepest condolences to his family, relatives and colleagues, the MFA said in a statement shared on the social media platform X.

The ministry emphasized that the tragedy highlights the ongoing humanitarian risks posed by landmines, particularly in territories liberated after the war, where clearance operations remain underway.

Officials emphasized that those involved in demining efforts face daily danger, calling for increased international support to accelerate mine clearance activities and improve safety conditions on the ground.
14 April 2026 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

Hungary's incoming prime minister, Peter Magyar, reaffirmed his country's support for Israel on Monday, stating that there is a "special relationship" between the two countries, AzerNEWS reports.

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14 April 2026 14:43 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Bangladeshs only state-owned oil refinery, Eastern Refinery PLC, has suspended operations due to a shortage of crude oil, according to officials familiar with the situation, AzerNEWS reports.

The last refining activities took place on Sunday afternoon, as imports of crude remained disrupted amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Authorities indicated that refinery operations are unlikely to resume until at least the first week of May, when the next shipment of crude oil is expected to arrive. Despite the halt, Bangladeshs Energy Division has assured that existing reserves of refined fuel are sufficient and that domestic supply will not be affected in the short term.

Prior to the shutdown, ERL had been maintaining limited operations by relying on approximately 5,000 tonnes of crude trapped in the Single Point Mooring (SPM) system in Maheshkhali, Coxs Bazar, along with so-called dead stock from storage tanks. Normally processing around 4,500 tonnes of crude per day, output had already been reduced to roughly 3,500 tonnes amid declining reserves.

Officials said usable crude stocks had fallen below operational thresholds, forcing the suspension. While an estimated 33,000 tonnes of crude remained in storage tanks, much of it was classified as dead stock, containing impurities that could damage refinery equipment if used.

According to data from the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, the country imports between 6.5 and 6.8 million tonnes of fuel annually. Of this, around 1.5 million tonnes of crude oilprimarily sourced from the Middle Eastis refined domestically at ERL, which produces a wide range of petroleum products including LPG, petrol, diesel, and furnace oil.

Bangladesh also relies heavily on imports of refined fuel, bringing in approximately 4.5 million tonnes each year from countries such as India and China, highlighting the countrys vulnerability to external supply disruptions.
14 April 2026 12:11 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

An armed attack at a high school in Turkiye has left multiple people injured, including a teacher, AzerNEWS reports.

The assailant opened fire with a rifle, wounding seven individuals before reportedly taking his own life at the scene.

Security forces, including special operations units and police, were quickly deployed to the area, along with emergency medical teams to assist the injured.

Authorities have not yet released further details on the identity of the attacker or the motive behind the incident, as investigations continue.
14 April 2026 20:20 (UTC+04:00)

by Alimat Aliyeva

Iran has condemned YouTubes decision to ban the channel of a pro-Iranian animation group called Explosive Media, which produces AI-generated LEGO-style videos. The suspension reportedly came after the group published a clip mocking U.S. President Donald Trump and declaring Iran has won in a fictionalized conflict scenario, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

According to Explosive Media, their YouTube account was abruptly suspended for violent content, even though the videos are fully stylized LEGO-like animations with no real-world imagery. The group also noted that their other social media accounts remain active and unaffected.

Seriously! Are our LEGO-style animations actually considered violent? the creators wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei criticized the ban, claiming it reflects an effort to suppress the truth about U.S. and Israel Israel actions in the region. He argued that such decisions limit alternative narratives, despite the fact that major animation studios like Pixar and Disney operate freely in the United States.

An interesting angle is that LEGO-style AI animation has recently become a popular medium for political satire and commentary online. As a result, platforms like YouTube are increasingly facing a difficult question: where is the line between creative expression and harmful or misleading political contentespecially when the content touches on real-world conflicts and propaganda narratives.
14 April 2026 19:13 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Germany and Ukraine said on Tuesday they agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, pledging closer cooperation in security, defense, and economic recovery, AzerNEWS reports.

Berlin will expand cooperation in defense, including air defense and drones, while supporting Ukraine's EU membership bid. Germany is set to provide up to 233 million in new development funding, alongside efforts to support reconstruction and economic recovery.

The two countries said they are "united in countering the Russian aggression" and will work toward a "comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine, underpinned by robust, credible and legally binding security guarantees for Ukraine."

Germany reaffirmed its "unwavering support" for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
14 April 2026 22:57 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar says Hezbollah is the problem between his country and Lebanon, AzerNEWS reports.

Saar claimed before talks between officials from both nations in Washington, DC, later today that Israel is seeking peace and normalisation with Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon dont have any major disputes between them. The problem is Hezbollah, Saar said at a news conference.

The problem for Israels security is the problem for Lebanons sovereignty, the minister said, adding that the same problem is Hezbollah.

More than 2,000 people in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli attacks since early March, and more than one million people have been displaced.

Todays meeting  the first such talks since 1993  will be mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and include the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the US.
Juba, South Sudan (PANA)  South Sudan's military and opposition forces are blocking humanitarian access and unjustifiably ordering civilians to evacuate populated areas, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said
14 April 2026 17:16 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Media outlets affiliated with Hezbollah have reported that an Armenian-origin commander, Manuel Babikian, also known as Mano the Armenian, was killed in a strike attributed to Israel, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the reports, Babikian was considered part of the first generation of militants within the group and played a role in developing its military infrastructure.

He was said to have commanded the sixth operational sector in Bourj Hammoud, an area near Beirut.

Sources indicated that initial plans were to bury him in the groups pantheon in Dahiya, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut. However, the plan was later changed, and preparations are reportedly underway to transport his body to Armenia.

There has been no immediate official confirmation from Israeli authorities regarding the reported strike.
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Members of the Security and Governance working groups of the structured dialogue facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) met here Monday for the third round of in-person discussions on priority reforms in the country
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PITTSFIELD  An investigation has cleared a Hinsdale police officer in the fatal shooting of Biagio Kauvil, finding the officer acted in self-defense and used lawful force.

Kauvil, 27, was shot and killed Jan. 7 during a well-being check. He was experiencing a mental health crisis and had called 911, according to Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue.

Shugrue announced the outcome of the monthslong investigation at a news conference held early Tuesday afternoon. Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Berkshire District Attorneys Office concluded that Hinsdale Police Officer Jeffrey Spratt was acting in self-defense when he fired the shot that killed Kauvil.

Another officer at the scene, Dalton Officer Chelsea Eichstedt, was found by investigators to have lawfully deployed her Taser in an attempt to restrain Kauvil. She has returned to active duty, Dalton Chief Deanna Strout said.

While Spratt will not face criminal charges, Shugrue said the investigation team did find considerable concern regarding how the officers carried out the Hinsdale Police Department and town's use-of-force policies.

"I strongly recommend that the town of Hinsdale hire an investigator that is completely independent to the agency and the town to conduct a formal review of their internal policies and their applications to the events of Jan. 7," Shugrue said during the press conference.

Shugrue also said he met with members of Kauvils family for about two and a half hours and spoke with Spratt and Eichstedt earlier Monday, before the report was released.

Biagio Kauvils mother, Jen Kauvil, listened to the news conference live rather than attend in person, according to Julia Sabourin, a spokesperson for Shugrue.

My thoughts remain with the Biagio family during this very difficult time, Shugrue said.

Since the fatal shooting, Kauvils family and friends have worked to focus memories of him on the person he was and sought for justice for his shooting death.

A pure soul like Biagio didnt deserve this," said Myles LeVardi, Kauvil's cousin. He wouldnt hurt a fly," adding that Kauvil would "befriend a nuisance before ever harming it."

The investigation was conducted by the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Berkshire DAs Office, with cooperation from the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Councils use of force investigation team. Shugrue authored the reports findings of fact and conclusions of law. It included interviews, 911 transcripts, an autopsy report, body-worn camera footage and ballistics reports.

In the incident, a .380 Smith and Wesson handgun in Kauvils possession discharged as officers tried to subdue him, despite the fact it was under Kauvils body. The single shot went through Hinsdale Sgt. Dominick Crupis hand and struck Chief Shawn Boyne in his bulletproof vest.

It was at that point that Spratt, who pulled his weapon when Crupi said Lauvil was armed, fired his service weapon twice  first hitting Crupi in the elbow, then hitting Kauvil in the head.

The investigation found that Spratt "acted in lawful self-defense and defense of another."

Shugrue said the ballistics investigation returned on Friday and confirmed Kauvils handgun fired only once. As to how it went off, or whether Kauvil intended it to fire: We dont know that and well never know that, he said.

A message left for Hinsdale Town Administrator Robert Graves seeking to determine if Boyne, Crupi or Spratt have returned to active duty, or how the town will respond to Shugrues call for an independent investigation, was not immediately returned. Earlier this year, town meeting voters unanimously approved spending $25,000 to retain a consultant for a professional evaluation and audit of the department.

The investigation and report were broken into two phases: The events before police breached the locked bedroom door, and what happened in the 43 seconds between when police entered the room and Kauvil was shot.

While only the second phase of the investigation addressed potential criminal charges, Shugrue remains concerned at how decisions were made with regard to calling mental health experts and deciding to breach the bedroom door.

I think there has to be an investigation into those policies and procedures and what they did, he said. There are some concerns.

Family members had tried to obtain mental health services for Kauvil, a New York state resident, in the days leading up to the shooting. The morning of Jan. 7, he had called 911 three times and hung up. The wellness check at 53 Off South St., just south of the Hinsdale village center, was to have led to his being transported for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation.

Eichstedt and Boyne were the first to respond at 10:12 a.m. Biagio Kauvils mother, Jen Kauvil, had told Eichstedt on the phone that she did not believe her son, who was licensed to carry a firearm, had access to a weapon.

Later, when officers were speaking with Kauvil through the bedroom door, his mother asked if he had any weapons on him, and he said he did not. She reminded her son he had a license to carry and asked OK, do you have it upstairs?

Well, why? he replied.

Because [the officers] need to know, she said, to which he responded none of that matters" and accused his mother of trying to gaslight me to say Im crazy.

Dalton Officer Jacob Tiffany and Spratt were the next to arrive, followed by Crupi, who reported despite being off duty. Crupi had recently helped Kauvil free his car from a snowbank, and knew him as an employee at the Aldi supermarket in Pittsfield.

During the incident, Eichstedt asked if police should reach out to Pittsfield Police for a mental health clinician. According to the report, Chief Boyne [did] not respond to her suggestion.

The Hinsdale Police Department's policy directs officers to de-escalate where possible, including approaching in a quiet, nonthreatening manner and reducing factors that can heighten agitation. It also says if violence or destructive acts have not occurred, officers should avoid physical contact and take time to assess the situation.

Officers did take steps to de-escalate the situation, including moving cruisers and an ambulance away from the house, turning off a ceiling fan and a television, turning down their radio volumes to reduce noise and asking responders not to use sirens or lights, according to the report.

After about 30 minutes of speaking with Biagio through a locked bedroom door, police decided to enter the room.

It was Boyne who, at 10:57 a.m., upon learning an ambulance was waiting and ready, asked Crupi to force his way through the door.

Crupi forced his way in, followed by Spratt, who had his Taser unholstered, Tiffany, Boyne and Eichstedt.

At that point, Kauvil started yelling, Just kill me.

Once in the bedroom, Crupi saw that Kauvil had a small, black object in his left hand, according to the report. He was the only officer who saw the object, which is visible on Tiffanys body-worn camera footage.

Crupi wrapped his arms around Kauvils waist and pushed him onto the bed near the wall. They fell to the floor, but Kauvil managed to get back onto the bed, with his arms underneath his torso.

At that point, Crupi felt the gun in Kauvils hand and alerted his colleagues: Gun, gun, gun.

The officers in the bedroom were surrounding Kauvil at this point: Boyne pinning his right arm, with Spratt next to him; Tiffany restraining Kauvils legs; and Eichstedt, Taser drawn, near his head.

It was about 20 seconds after entry that a muffled pop was heard, and Crupi and Boyne realized theyd been hit by gunfire. Ow, my hand, Crupi said.

Eichstedt shouted Taser and deployed the weapon, connecting with Kauvils back. But as soon as the Taser stopped making noise, Kauvil resumed struggling and yelling kill me. A second Taser deployment seven seconds later also had limited effect.

Thats when Spratt fired his first shot, hitting Crupi in the arm. As Kauvil began rise to a kneeling position, Spratt changed position to his right.

I knew that if I ... if I didnt press the trigger, that somebody else was going to get shot," Spratt told an investigator. "So I fired one more round.

Eagle reporters Amanda Burke and Dylan Thompson contributed to this report.
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DALTON  The town has selected a specialized technology and digital services company to build a new municipal website.

At its meeting on April 6, the Select Board unanimously approved commissioning Town Web, based in Madison, Wis., for the project. The town will pay an upfront cost of $25,400 for the companys services, with an annual support cost of just over $14,000.

Town Manager Eric Anderson  who started on Nov. 17  has prioritized improving the town's overall ability to communicate with residents. Along with a new website, Anderson has been pushing to launch a Facebook page and a push notification system in 2026.

Anderson said the town hopes to have a contract finalized with the company in the next month or so, in hopes of having the website up and running by December.

The town, which put out an request for proposals in December 2025, had been seeking a firm with extensive experience developing and hosting municipal websites and a history of website implementations that have increased community engagement.

Town Web, founded in 2007, helps small and mid-sized municipalities build websites that are easy to manage and easy for residents to use. It has now partnered with more than 800 municipalities across 42 states, according to its proposal.

Anderson said that the website will function as part of a larger communication strategy. He added that the goal is to have a website thats adaptable and functional, that can be modified and kept up to date fairly easily and that interfaces with the towns social media account and push notification system.

The town received nine proposals, Anderson said, adding that the final two options were Town Web and Civic Plus. He said that Town Web turned out to be considerably less expensive, as the upfront cost of Town Web was $9,492 cheaper than Civic Plus, and the total annual support cost was $6,953 less.

In December 2025, the Select Board unanimously voted to approve an request for proposals seeking a qualified firm to build the new municipal website. Board member Tony Pagliarulo stressed the need for a new website and said that he would support the cost.

People complain regularly that the website is difficult or a maze of sorts, he said.
Mary Kay McCloskey, longtime principal of Becket Washington School, will retire at the end of the school year after 26 years in education, including nine years in the leadership role. She leaves behind a close-knit school community and looks forward to spending more time with family while the district searches for her successor.
Vice premier hails CICPE as vital platform sharing China's market opportunities

Xinhua) 09:35, April 14, 2026

HAIKOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) has become a signature event of the Hainan Free Trade Port and a vital platform for China to share market opportunities with the world, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng said on Monday.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while addressing the opening of the sixth CICPE in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province.

He noted that China remains committed to expanding domestic demand, driving industrial upgrades via technological innovation, fostering high-quality development and expanding high-standard opening up. These efforts, he said, will continue to unleash market potential and consumer vitality, injecting more certainty and new momentum into global economic growth.

The vice premier welcomed global enterprises to fully utilize platforms such as the CICPE, and encouraged them to deepen their engagement in the Chinese market and seize development opportunities.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Conference focuses on responsible AI adoption and leadership decision-making amid increasing regulatory scrutiny

DALLAS, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in healthcare operations, leaders across home health, hospice and home care are navigating increased complexity and heightened regulatory scrutiny tied to oversight and technology governance. The 2026 Axxess Growth, Innovation and Leadership Experience (AGILE) being held May 4-6 will equip care at home leaders to apply technology responsibly while strengthening oversight and accountability.

"Artificial intelligence is now part of daytoday operations in care at home," said Andrew Olowu, Chief Technology Officer at Axxess. "Leaders need a clear understanding of how AI systems work, how decisions are generated, and how to apply safeguards that support compliance and protect patients and organizations. That understanding is essential to using technology responsibly at scale."

"Leaders need a clear understanding of how AI systems work, how decisions are generated, and how to apply safeguards" Post this

Conference sessions will explore how leaders can evaluate AI tools, strengthen internal controls and ensure technology is deployed in ways that support ethical decision-making, reduce misuse, and strengthen protections against fraud. AGILE emphasizes applied learning and leadership judgment, bringing together provider executives, industry experts and technology leaders for focused education and peer discussion centered on real-world challenges.

"Care at home leaders are managing more complexity than ever before," said Tammy Ross, Executive Vice President of Professional Services at Axxess. "AGILE is designed to help leaders better understand risk and build confidence in the decisions they make every day. The sessions are structured to give leaders space to examine real scenarios, pressuretest their thinking, and leave with greater clarity about how to lead through complexity."

AGILE 2026 will be held May 46 at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas and is open to professionals across home health, hospice and home care. Additional details and registration information are available at www.axxess.com/agile.

About Axxess

Axxess is the leading global technology platform transforming how care is delivered in the home. Trusted by more than 9,000 organizations worldwide, its robust ecosystem empowers healthcare professionals to deliver exceptional care to more than 7 million patients. As a true partner committed to its clients' success, Axxess listens, adapts and innovates alongside them to meet today's challenges and prepare them for tomorrow's opportunities. Recognized nationally as a "Best Place to Work," Axxess fosters a collaborative culture that fuels innovation and excellence.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Axxess
The filter was first supposed to be done by August 1, 2025, but was delayed to March 1, 2026, becasuse its bank wouldn't lend the company more money until pending litigation with two of its service towns was settled.
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.


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Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno.

Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi.
A slow-moving convoy of tractors has caused traffic disruption in Belfast as several fuel protests are due to be held in the North.

The traffic disruption took place near Belfast City Airport, hours after the airport warned passengers that there may be traffic issues and to leave more time to travel to the airport.

It comes after similar demonstrations south of the border disrupted fuel supplies, port operations and traffic in Dublin city centre and on motorways for a week.

Traffic disruption occurred near Belfast City Airport. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA.

Although blockades at Irelands only oil refinery and elsewhere were cleared at the weekend, smaller protests continued on motorways around Dublin on Monday and a protest is due to be held at Leinster House on Tuesday, to coincide with a confidence vote in the government.

Social media posts have called for similar fuel protests at several locations in Northern Ireland on Tuesday.

First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly last week wrote to UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer urging him to bring forward a package of support measures for people in the region.

Fuel costs have soared globally as a result of the US-Israel war with Iran.
Motorists have been warned not to expect to see fuel prices fall at forecourts immediately.

Fuels for Ireland has said that the excise cut will feed through, but not every pump price will change at once.

In a statement, the organisation's chief executive Kevin McPartlan, said that although the reduction may not be at every forecourt immediately, it "should not be misunderstood as a failure to pass on the tax cut".

The reason is "practical", he said.

"Excise is applied when fuel leaves a terminal or refinery, not when it is sold at the pump. In recent days, the industry has been operating under disrupted conditions, and the priority has been to keep fuel moving and forecourts supplied where possible."

The impact of that is that some of the fuel arriving at sites in the immediate aftermath of the change will still have left facilities at the old excise rate.

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This means that there may be limited movement at some pumps immediately after the new rate takes effect from midnight on Wednesday.

"The reduction is coming through," McPartlan stressed, "but there will be a lag as lower-duty fuel works its way through the system.

"Some sites may update quickly, while for others it may take 48 to 72 hours, with the overwhelming majority expected to reflect the lower rate by the weekend.

"Customers should also be aware that international wholesale fuel prices are continuing to move independently of tax changes.

"That may reduce some of the visible impact at the pump in the short term," he added.
Fuel protesters have brought disruption to a number of major roads in Northern Ireland.

Slow-moving convoys of tractors and other vehicles formed in Belfast and several other areas as part of protests against rising energy bills.

While the protests led to significant traffic jams in some areas, the disruption was not on the scale of recent fuel protests in the Republic, where motorways were brought to standstills and fuel depots blockaded.

At around noon, a convoy of slow-moving tractors clogged up the Sydenham bypass near Belfast City Airport, hours after passengers were warned there may be disruption.

Vehicles on the Sydenham bypass in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

It then travelled down the bypass in the direction of Bangor towards Belfast City Airport, with some cars undercutting them on the cycle route to get past on the inside.

A number of people were seen walking at the side of the road in an effort to get to the airport.

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Later in the day, scores of tractors, trucks and lorries took part in a convoy along the A1.

The tractors and other vehicles, many with flashing lights and blaring horns, travelled past Hillsborough in Co Down in the direction of Belfast before turning at the Sprucefield roundabout and moving south.

In Omagh, in Co Tyrone, around 15 tractors and other vehicles moved through the centre of the town.

Dozens of vehicles also took part in a convoy at the Ballygawley roundabout.

There were also reports of a smaller protest at Nutts Corner in Antrim.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) attended the protests but were a low-key presence.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt had asked protesters not to block roads, warning that the lives of those seeking medical treatment could be put at risk.

Vehicles in Main Street, Omagh, Co Tyrone (Claudia Savage/PA)

Mr Nesbitt said: I would be very concerned if roads were to be blocked, so my plea is do not do that.

Just engage in legitimate legal protest.

Today, as is the case every day, there will be well over 100,000 engagements or interactions between the HSC and the public.

Thousands and thousands of them depend on the workforce getting from A to B, or for patients or service users getting from B to A in a timely manner.

Ultimately, the logic to that is disruption threatens life.

My plea is, let the health and social care system work as it is supposed to work.

Lorries and HGVs on the Ballygawley roundabout in Co Tyrone (Claudia Savage/PA)

Ballygowan farmer Sam Hanna was joined by his border collie Roy in the cab of one of the lead tractors in the protest on the Sydenham bypass in Belfast, and said the protest isnt about farmers.

This is extortionate what were getting charged in taxes throughout life  not just fuel, petrol, everything, were being extorted, he said.

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Technically, its not us thats blocking the hard shoulder. We have kept the hard shoulder open.

The cars are underpassing the whole way, the police are sitting watching them underpass.

Its the cars that are blocking the hard shoulder.

There was a couple of emergency vehicles went down, theres a few there coming, and we pulled over straight away.

Airport passengers were warned there may be disruption (Liam McBurney/PA)

He described the rising price of fuel as the final nail in the coffin.

The south have got 505 million out of it, to the farmers and all, he said.

Its probably a few pounds per litre but its still money getting back, and its only figures on a page for them boys, theyre not living in the real world like us and trying to scrimp and scrape.

Nobody has savings nowadays. Any money you get its to keep you going and keep things ticking over and just joining the dots.

Mr Hanna said: The UK Government have to act and realistically what were doing here, they dont care what were doing. They dont give a damn about us here and that will show in their response to this.

First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly wrote to the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week urging him to bring forward a package of support measures for people in the region.

(PA Graphics)

They asked Westminster to look at reducing fuel duty, targeted support for hauliers, farmers and small and medium enterprises, and a comprehensive cost-of-living support package.

Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows said there should be an emergency meeting of the Stormont powersharing Executive to discuss rising fuel prices.

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He said: When people block roads for whatever purpose, it has a lot of unintended consequences.

Right now, there will be emergency services who will struggle to get to calls, there will be key workers who will not be able to get to work.

Mr Burrows said: I understand the concern about the cost of fuel, about the cost-of-living crisis, but we need to have calm leadership and cool heads.

I would ask the people involved in blocking roads to stop.

Traffic disruption occurred near Belfast City Airport (Brian Lawless/PA)

This Executive needs to stand up and deliver in terms of convening an emergency meeting to decide what we are going to do about the cost-of-living crisis.

The Belfast disruption comes after similar demonstrations south of the border disrupted fuel supplies, port operations and traffic in city centres and on motorways for a week.

Although blockades at Irelands only oil refinery and elsewhere were cleared at the weekend, smaller protests continued on motorways around Dublin on Monday  and a protest was due to be held at Leinster House on Tuesday, to coincide with a confidence vote in the Government.

The cost of petrol, diesel and marked gas oil (green diesel) has soared since the war in Iran.

The US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28th, after which the Iranians began an effective blockade of vital trading route the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting energy and fuel supplies.

A PSNI spokesperson said: Police are advising of delays leaving Belfast country-bound on the Sydenham bypass due to slow-moving traffic.

Road users are advised to avoid if possible and to leave extra time for their journey.
The Government has been accused of arrogance over the way it handled fuel protests, as a motion of confidence in the coalition was debated.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called the Government brazen and said it was time for an election.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said it was manifestly untrue to suggest the Government has done nothing to help people amid rising fuel prices, and said it was dishonest for the opposition to suggest there are no hard choices.

Ministers also criticised politicians who backed the blockading of critical infrastructure last week by protesters.

The Dail is debating a confidence motion in the coalition Government, triggered by Sinn Fein, after a week of widespread disruption caused by protests and blockades of fuel supplies.

The Government announced a 505 million package of support on Sunday to respond to rising fuel prices caused by the war in Iran, but the political fallout from the protests continues as the Dail returned from the Easter break on Tuesday.

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All opposition parties have said they would vote against the Governments vote of confidence in itself.

It is unclear how several independents who have supported the Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition Government will vote  including Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae, the brother of junior minister Michael Healy-Rae.

Speaking in the Dail on Tuesday, Martin said the coalition Government had taken significant action that goes beyond anything being done elsewhere.

Nobody has the right to prevent people from getting to cancer treatment, to be visited by their carer, to distribute vital supplies  the House needs to face up to the fact that these actions were very directly threatening the basic fuel supplies of the country Taoiseach Micheal Martin

Martin said it would be dishonest for the opposition to suggest there are no hard choices to be made.

He criticised the destructive blockade of critical national infrastructure last week, which he said went far beyond past protests.

Everybody has a right to protest, but nobody has a right to appoint themselves as the voice of the people and to threaten the jobs and livelihoods of many thousands of families, he said.

Nobody has the right to prevent people from getting to cancer treatment, to be visited by their carer, to distribute vital supplies  the House needs to face up to the fact that these actions were very directly threatening the basic fuel supplies of the country.

Martin also said he condemned the sinister targeting of gardai and oil lorry drivers, and threats against politicians.

Parliamentary democracy is something we should all affirm and defend. The great majority of people who have protested have done so reasonably and democratically.

Fuel protesters block the N7 motorway in Rathcoole near Dublin on Sunday (Niall Carson/PA)

We all saw that this was not the case for some other elements  and everyone here should understand you cant share platforms with them, express your support for them, call them the voice of the people, and then deny your responsibility for legitimising them.

Tanaiste and finance minister Simon Harris said a planned Sinn Fein motion of no confidence was a stunt and if it succeeded, the financial measures announced by government at the weekend would fall away without parliamentary approval.

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Harris said Sinn Fein had decided on the motion before they ever saw the details of the Governments package of supports, and that it was far more comprehensive and strategically responsive than anything they have proposed.

McDonald described the coalition as brazen and said it was time for an election.

Your own arrogance, your lack of judgment, your lack of any empathy has left people with no conclusion other than this - your time is up May Lou McDonald, Sinn Fein

She also criticised the two-week Easter recess of the Dail during the fuel crisis and said the Government could not hide behind global events, adding that issues in Ireland began out of the Governments budget.

Your own arrogance, your lack of judgment, your lack of any empathy has left people with no conclusion other than this  your time is up.

McDonald told Mr Martin: Today, as you backslap, congratulate, flatter each other, just know that beyond your bubble people see a government out of touch.

Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and your Independent backers, time is up.

It is time to go back to the people. Time for an election.

Let the people have their say. Your government no longer commands the confidence of the people  its time to go.
HAIKOU, China, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Hainan International Media Center:

Canada, this year's Guest Country of Honor, brought the largest delegation to date, featuring nearly 40 companies.

On April 13, the 6th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) opened in Haikou, Hainan Province. The first major exhibition held during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first major event of its kind since the Hainan Free Trade Port launched island-wide special customs operations, this year's Expo is more global than ever. International exhibits now make up 65% of the total, with over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions on display. The massive turnout underscores Hainan's broad outlook and wealth of collaborative opportunities.

Spanning 143,000 m2up 13,000 m2 from last timethe massive venue is bustling. Canada, this year's Guest Country of Honor, brought the largest delegation to date, featuring nearly 40 companies. Twelve countries, including Switzerland and the Czech Republic fielded official delegations, while nations like Russia and Bulgaria debuted their own national pavilions. Due to a packed schedule of product debuts and supply-demand matchmaking events, the Expo has drawn roughly 65,000 professional buyers.

Thanks to the zero-tariff and streamlined trade policies of the FTP, overseas goods cleared customs seamlessly and were approved for immediate sale at the Expo. A dedicated duty-free shopping zone was set up, allowing for purchase and immediate pick-up. The Haikou National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone showcased over 300 products from 43 local companies, highlighting developments in sectors like healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

Over 200 new products made their debut, from AI-powered smart glasses and modular flying cars to the global premiere of a high-tech wellness chair. Familiar industry giants like Huawei, Estee Lauder, and TCP Group returned, joining many first-time exhibitors. This strong turnout reflects global confidence in China's consumer market and Hainan's expanding openness.

To convert exhibitors into long-term investors, a global industry investment promotion conference and specialized matchmaking sessions for multinational corporations are also being held. Several companies, including Switzerland's Clinique Lemanic, signed on-site agreements to deepen their footprint in Hainan.

SOURCE Hainan International Media Center (HIMC)
Circuit Court powers should be increased to allow 600-hour community service orders due to "inhumane" overcrowding in Irish prisons, a judge has said.

The remarks came during the sentencing of Sifoso Mpobole (39), of Alverno Drive, Willow Park, Athlone, Co Westmeath.

Mpobole had pleaded guilty at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court to money laundering involving 62,100 in crime proceeds.

He claimed he was forced to act as a courier and collect the cash to pay off a drug debt, while in the throes of cannabis addiction.

On Tuesday, Judge Keenan Johnson imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-year, six-month prison sentence.

He welcomed new legislation increasing the limit to 480 hours, which he said would have been more appropriate in this case.

However, Judge Johnson revealed he had lobbied for a 600-hour ceiling because current prison conditions, where three prisoners are sometimes held in a single cell with an open toilet, were "unconscionable and inhumane."

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Garda Sean Barrett told the court that on March 4th, 2024, he stopped a suspicious 2007-registered Mercedes on the Dublin Road, Mullingar.

A search led to a bag containing bundles of cash in the back seat. The accused initially claimed the money was his; he later told gardai he was acting under threat to cover a 5,000 cannabis debt.

He had driven to Dublin to collect the crime proceeds and was to hand the cash over to another person after an arrangement to meet in Mullingar.

However, they were intercepted before the exchange took place.

The investigating officer accepted that the father-of-three, who moved to Ireland from South Africa as a child, had been forthright, and the garda agreed with Delia Flynn SC, defending, that he believed Mpobole's account that he had been under duress.

When asked whether he had tried to stop communicating with those directing him, the court heard that Mpobole replied it was "not easy to ignore them" as he was receiving "lots of threats."

The court heard he is now drug-free and working in the building trade, though the incident cost him his relationship with his partner.

The Probation Service deemed him suitable for the non-custodial sanction. Mpobole has seven prior convictions dating back to 2010 for motoring and criminal damage offences, but Judge Johnson held they were not relevant to the money laundering case.
A 28-year-old man who sexually assaulted a teenage girl while she and her friends were drinking has been jailed for four years and three months.

The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, sexually assaulted the then 14-year-old by intimately touching her when she was having a sleepover at a friend's home, where he was subletting a room.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard evidence that the defendant, then aged 26, was the only adult in the house at the time as the other adults had gone out and that he provided alcohol to some of the girls.

Detective Garda Rebecca Doyle told prosecuting counsel Lisa Dempsey that one of the girls was worse for wear and was sick.

Two of the victim's friends were taking care of this girl in an upstairs bathroom, leaving the victim alone with the defendant in a bedroom.

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The defendant began to kiss the victim and then brought her to a room downstairs where he sexually molested her. Her friends came in to get the victim away from the defendant and saw her standing in front of him, Dt Gda Doyle testified.

The victim immediately told her friends what had happened. When he was later arrested the defendant denied any sexual contact and told gardai that the three girls were making it all up because they had been caught drinking.

He told gardai: I tried to help them, and look what happened, I found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time...I should be the one suing them for this.

After being charged the defendant left Ireland to return to his native Romania, breaching the conditions of his bail. He was arrested on foot of a European Arrest Warrant on April 16 2025 and has been in custody since.

After a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court a jury convicted the man by unanimous verdict of sexual assault at a place in north Dublin on May 11th, 2024.

Dt Gda Doyle read the victim impact report out in court. In her statement, the girl said that she didn't understand what was going on when the defendant assaulted her.

She said after the attack I had to have my entire body checked by strangers and found this very difficult. She said for a year after the attack she dropped out of school and tried to forget about it by drinking, cutting herself and starving herself.

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I used to feel guilty that I had ruined a mans life by telling authorities. That thought was eating me alive before I finally realised I did the right thing, she stated.

She said she blamed herself for not reacting faster to what the defendant was doing, but said she knows not it's not my fault.

Colman Fitzgerald, defending, asked the court to consider that his client had a good work record for the eight months he lived in Ireland. He said his client had only ever planned to live here for a short period in order to work and earn money for his marriage back in Romania.

He said when his client left while out on bail, it was to get married.

Ireland Man jailed for attacking fellow homeless service user over 100 debt Read more

Judge Martin Nolan said that the defendant was a lodger in the house when people were drinking and he took advantage of this situation. He said the defendant was probably also drinking on the night but that did not excuse his behaviour.

He said main aggravating factors were the disparity in age and serious level of sexual assault. He said the victim has understandably sustained long lasting trauma and damage.

He imposed a headline sentence of seven years. Taking the mitigation into consideration, including the lack of other criminal convictions, he reduced this to a prison term of four years and three months, backdated to April 2025.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
A man who attacked a fellow homeless services user with a knife and a hatchet during an incident of harrowing violence has been jailed for five and a half years.

Stephen Crosbie (44) told the victim he would chop him up during the sustained attack over a 100 debt, which occurred in Peter McVerry House in Dublin last year, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard on Tuesday.

He attacked the victim with a hatchet and a flick knife, causing a severe laceration to his head and puncturing his kidney, among other injuries.

Staff members initially tried to de-escalate the situation before they too were threatened by Crosbie, with one staff member ringing gardai from a locked toilet.

When armed gardai arrived at the scene, they found blood spatters along the corridor of the hostel, a detective garda told Simon Donagh, prosecuting. The victim required emergency surgery.

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Crosbie, with an address at Santry Lodge, Ballymun, Dublin, came forward on signed pleas from the District Court comprising assault causing harm, threats to kill and possession of a flick knife and a hatchet on August 6th 2025.

He has 120 previous convictions, including for assault, firearm charges and violent disorder. He was on bail for another offence at the time of the attack.

Sentencing him on Tuesday, Judge Orla Crowe said this was a deeply serious, brutal attack involving the use of weapons.

She said it involved a 45-minute offence of brutality, both physical and verbal, as young staff members tried to calm things down. But she noted this had no impact whatsoever on the impunity of Stephen Crosbie who went back to his bedroom to produce a hatchet before attacking the injured party.

She noted the serious injuries suffered by the victim who was left very shaken in the wake of the attack and spent five days in hospital.

Taking into account the seriousness of the offence, the judge set a headline sentence of nine years, which she reduced to six years, taking mitigating factors into consideration, including Crosbie's early guilty pleas.

In order to incentivise rehabilitation, the judge suspended the final six months of this sentence on a number of conditions, including that Crosbie engage with the Probation Service for one year upon his release, attend mental health services and engage in offence-focused work.

She backdated the sentence to when Crosbie went into custody last August.

The court heard the dispute started when the victim knocked on Crosbie's door and repaid him 100 from a 200 debt. Crosbie became angry that the entire loan was not being repaid and the stand-off ensued.

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During the incident, Crosbie told the victim he had already served 20 years, and he didn't care if he was locked up for killing him.

CCTV footage of the incident was played in court. The victim eventually managed to make his way to reception where staff locked the door, leaving Crosbie locked inside.

He was still gesticulating through the glass door with the knife and hatchet until armed gardai arrived, when he retreated to his bedroom.

After he was arrested, he was in a heightened state in the garda station and made threats to gardai, including that he would throw urine at them, the court heard.

No victim impact statement was handed into court, but photographs of the man's injuries were handed in with his consent. As well as the facial and kidney injuries, he was stabbed in the leg, arm and upper back.

Ireland Man to be sentenced for manslaughter of mother of one in May Read more

In his plea of mitigation, Garret Baker said this was an incident involving harrowing violence and that his client accepts he acted in a grossly disproportionate manner.

He deeply regrets his actions, wanted to apologise to the injured party and wishes him well, the court heard.

Defence counsel said Crosbie had a difficult childhood and a chaotic background, suffered a number of personal losses and developed a drug addiction from a young age. He has no qualifications and has suffered from psychosis in the past.

He has been in custody since the date of the offence.
Patients have been warned about the need to carefully monitor the use of prescription medicines with dangerous, known side effects following the death of a Waterford man from the toxic effect of a drug he was using to treat a chronic facial condition.

A sitting of Dublin District Coroners Court heard that John Walker died on September 21st, 2024 in St Vincents Hospital in Dublin from complications which were linked to his use of carbamazepine to treat a facial nerve pain known as trigeminal neuralgia.

The drug is commonly prescribed in Ireland under the brand name Tegretol as a medication to treat epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia and bipolar disorder.

An inquest into his death heard the 68-year-old former soldier with the Irish Army from Lower Grange in Waterford city had a long history of suffering from trigeminal neuralgia.

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A friend of the deceased, Margaret Kennedy, gave evidence of formally identifying his body to gardai.

Kennedy told the coroner, Clare Keane, that she had last seen Walker about six weeks before his death when he appeared fit and healthy.

However, she also acknowledged that he had ongoing health issues at the time, although he never really spoke about them.

The coroner noted that Walker had been attending the South Infirmary-Victoria University Hospital in Cork for treatment for the condition since 2012.

Medical records showed he was admitted to Cork University Hospital in April 2024 with a severe exacerbation of facial pain, which had caused him huge distress and impacted his mental health.

The inquest heard that doctors commenced him on carbamazepine and increased the dose over the course of a week, during which time he was regularly assessed.

Walker was continued on the medication at home after he was discharged from hospital on May 8th, 2024.

He was reviewed a week later when all his blood tests, including liver function tests, were normal with no sign of any side effects from carbamazepine.

Doctors increased the dosage of the drug, and Mr Walker was reviewed again on a regular basis with his blood tests being recorded as normal.

Medical records noted that he had minimal pain and was in a stable mood when checked on July 2nd, 2024.

Although he was noted to be slightly groggy at times from the medication, he was reported to be happy overall.

Dr Keane said his next review was not due until four months later.

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However, he was admitted to University Hospital Waterford on September 10th, 2024 when he complained of feeling nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion and dizziness for several days.

Walker told doctors he had food poisoning a few days earlier and began experiencing poor balance and difficulty coordinating limbs.

Blood tests showed signs of significant liver injury and raised carbamazepine levels.

Although he showed signs of slight improvement at first, Walker became more agitated, restless and sometimes very aggressive over the following days, and a decision was taken to transfer him to St Vincents University Hospital in Dublin on September 16th, 2024.

Audrey Dillon, a consultant hepatologist at SVUH, told the inquest that her first impression when she examined the patient the following day was that he was jaundiced and slightly confused.

Dr Dillon said she suspected he was experiencing liver failure, possibly from exposure to carbamazepine over a number of months, and he was uncooperative and unable to follow instructions.

The consultant said Walker met the criteria for an urgent liver transplant.

However, Dr Dillon said she had concerns about the surgery because of the uncertain diagnosis and uncertain social supports for the patient which resulted in a decision being made that he was not a suitable candidate for a transplant and would instead be given maximum support and treatment.

The inquest heard he suffered increased liver failure and passed away on September 21st, 2024.

In reply to questions from the coroner, Dr Dillon said carbamazepine would be graded as a drug that is very likely to cause liver disease.

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The consultant said it was a side effect that had been described in thousands of cases, although she believed the level of toxicity as experienced by Walker was quite rare.

She said the patient had suffered a very, very unfortunate sequence of events.

Dr Dillon said it was not clear what might make some patients more vulnerable than others to this known side effect of the drug.

She said the toxic effect of carbamazepine generally occurs within the first 6-12 months of starting the medication.

The inquest heard a postmortem showed Mr Walker died from multiple organ failure due to acute liver failure caused by carbamazepine toxicity, while coronary artery disease was a contributory factor.

Dr Keane said there was no evidence of the patient having any pre-existing liver disease.

She also noted that Walker had been checked regularly and his blood tests were normal on every occasion.

The coroner said it was clear that he had suffered an acute event of a recognised complication of carbamazepine which she acknowledged was not overly common.

Recording a verdict of death due to an adverse drug reaction, Dr Keane said there was a clinical reason for prescribing the medication to Walker.

She noted that he was checked regularly, while the drug was withdrawn as soon as he came to medical attention.

Dr Keane said the case was a reminder to people on medications which require monitoring to ensure they get necessary checks.

The coroner said she would also notify the Health Products Regulatory Authority of the inquests findings.

As part of a pilot project BreakingNews.ie has used AI to suggest headline options for this article. The final headline was chosen and edited by BreakingNews.ie journalists. Find out more
Opposition TDs have labelled the Justice Minister Rambo for his statements during fuel protests last week.

On Thursday, Jim OCallaghan said the Defence Forces would assist An Garda Siochana in removing vehicles from the blockade.

In a statement, he said: The blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue, and the assistance of the Defence Forces has been requested.

Garda watch protesters on OConnell Street in Dublin on the fifth day of a demonstration against rising fuel prices (Niall Carson/PA)

Speaking during a confidence motion in the Dail, Social Democrat TD Cian OCallaghan said: When calm leadership was required, we got chaos.

Instead of pursuing a strategy of de-escalation, ministers decided to fan the flames.

GI Jim OCallaghan arrived on the scene thinking that he was Rambo.

Speaking in Irish, he asked: Where is he now?

Sylvester Stallone played the character John J Rambo, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, in five action films.

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Mr OCallaghan said: The last thing that the country needed was that approach.

Protesters on OConnell Street in Dublin on the fifth day of a demonstration against rising fuel prices (Niall Carson/PA)

Thankfully, a very effective, professional police response brought the country back from the brink.

Speaking to reporters at Leinster House earlier on Tuesday, Labours Ged Nash also referred to Mr OCallaghan as Rambo saying there had been disputes between him and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee, adding he is a guy thats really hard to take seriously at the moment.

He said: This is why I said the authority is drained from this Government.

When you start questioning legitimately, individual, collective competence of governments, legitimately so, then we have a real problem.

Also speaking outside Leinster House was the Social Democrats Garry Gannon.

He said: When people were seeking resolution, guidance of voice and calm heads, Minister OCallaghan was seeking to get in front of the Morning Ireland news bulletins by announcing that the army would be on the street.

Ireland Michael Healy-Rae resigns over Government handling of fuel protests Read more

What that led to was an entrenchment in the positions, more people were called to the protest.

More lorries and tractors arrived because resolve kicked in, and that was a failure of Mr OCallaghan.

His comments last week escalated the protest to beyond any measure that Ive seen previously.
A junior minister in the Government has resigned over its handling of the fuel protests, saying he has grave reservations about the Taoiseach's leadership.

Michael Healy-Rae was among several independent TDs who supported the formation of a coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, but told the Dail on Tuesday he was stepping down as a minister of state over the handling of fuel protests.

He also voted against the Government in a confidence motion on Tuesday.

The Taoiseach had no prior warning before Healy-Rae announced his resignation in the Dail, a spokesperson for Micheal Martin said.

Spokespeople for Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris said the development was disappointing.

Speaking outside Leinster House, Healy-Rae was asked if Martin was the right man for the job. He replied: I have grave reservations, and thats why I did what I did today.

When asked if the coalition government would survive, he said that is up to people supporting the Government.

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During his speech to the Dail he criticised Martin and said he should have listened to the concerns of people who protested about the impact of fuel costs on the agricultural and transport sectors.

Healy-Rae also announced his resignation as minister of state with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture within the Department of Agriculture.

He had supported the Government formation alongside his brother Danny Healy-Rae, both independent TDs for Kerry, and who both voted against the Government.

Danny Healy-Rae (Brian Lawless/PA)

The outgoing minister said he had listened to protesters and canvassers as he thanked his family, friends and constituency workers.

Ive always looked at myself as a gauge of the people of rural Ireland, and I really believe that I am, he told the Dail.

When I see people on the side of the road, when Ive seen grown men crying when I met tractor men, lorry men, farmers and when they were telling me how unhappy they were, the leader of the country should have listened.

Because of the fact that I believe this Government have let the people of Ireland down, I will be voting no confidence in the leader of the country, and I will be tendering my resignation as a minister of state from now.

I would ask that future governments and this Government that they would listen, that they would be kind, that they would be understanding.

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There are farmers that are really suffering so much at present. There are agricultural contractors that are really suffering.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Speaking from the Government side of the Dail, he said: There were people that cried at the protests. And these were workers, these were respectable people.

They are the people that I represented since the first day I started.

Healy-Rae said the people of Kerry are telling him they are unhappy with Government and do not want to see any Healy-Rae supporting it.

He referenced his father Jackie Healy-Rae who entered into confidence and supply with Fianna Fail and said: Im thinking of my late father today, and he supported government when things were bad and things were tough, and I asked him, I went to bed, I said What should I do?

And the feeling that I have is the Government and the leader particularly have not listened.

Its a lesson for people in the future. I adored being a minister in the Department of Agriculture and I thank you all very, very much.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said he regretted the resignation of Healy-Rae, whom he described as a good colleague within the Department.

Ireland What was said in the Dail as Government survives no confidence motion Read more

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill also paid tribute to him.

Asked if Healy-Raes junior minister position would be replaced, a spokesperson for the Taoiseach said Government would consider next steps.

A spokesperson for Simon Harris said the Tanaiste respected the decision, describing Healy-Rae as a good colleague and good minister.
Sinn Fein tabled a no confidence motion in the Government following fuel protests that brought Irish roads to a standstill.

The Dail debated the motion and discussed the protests on Tuesday. The Government won the Dail confidence vote by 92 votes to 78.

The Government was accused of arrogance over the way it handled fuel protests, with Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald calling the Government brazen and said it was time for an election.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said it was manifestly untrue to suggest the Government has done nothing to help people amid rising fuel prices, and said it was dishonest for the opposition to suggest there are no hard choices.

The Government announced a 505 million package of support on Sunday to respond to rising fuel prices caused by the war in Iran, but the political fallout from the protests continues as the Dail returned from the Easter break on Tuesday.

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Michael Helay-Rae, a junior minister, resigned over the Government's handling of the fuel protests.

Healy-Rae was among several independent TDs who supported the formation of a coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

He told the Dail on Tuesday that he would be voting against the Government in a confidence motion relating to the fuel crisis on Tuesday.

He also announced his resignation as Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture within the Department of Agriculture.

Opposition TDs labelled the Justice Minister Rambo for his statements during fuel protests last week.

On Thursday, Jim OCallaghan said the Defence Forces would assist An Garda Siochana in removing vehicles from the blockade.

Ireland Opposition TDs label Jim OCallaghan Rambo after Defence Forces statement Read more

In a statement, he said: The blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue, and the assistance of the Defence Forces has been requested.

Speaking during a confidence motion in the Dail, Social Democrat TD Cian OCallaghan said: When calm leadership was required, we got chaos.

Instead of pursuing a strategy of de-escalation, ministers decided to fan the flames. GI Jim OCallaghan arrived on the scene thinking that he was Rambo.

Speaking in Irish, he asked: Where is he now?
Diplomats have been working through back channels to arrange a new round of talks between the US and Iran after Washington enacted its blockade of Iranian ports, while Tehran threatened to strike targets across the war-weary region.

US President Donald Trump said a second round of talks could happen over the next two days, telling the New York Post the negotiations could be held again in the capital of Pakistan.

United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres concurred, saying it is highly probable that talks will restart. He cited a meeting he had with Pakistans deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar.





Meanwhile, in Washington, the first direct talks in decades between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the US concluded on an productive note, according to the US state department.

Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the two countries were on the same side of the equation in liberating Lebanon from the militant Hezbollah group.

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Lebanese ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad called the meeting constructive but urged an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

An initial round of talks aimed at permanently ending the US-Iran conflict failed to produce an agreement last weekend. The White House said Irans nuclear ambitions were a central sticking point.



Marco Rubio opened talks between Israel and Lebanon at the US State Department in Washington (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

A US official said on Tuesday that fresh talks with Iran were still under discussion and that nothing had been scheduled.

Though the ceasefire appeared to hold, the showdown over the Strait of Hormuz risked reigniting hostilities and deepening the regional wars economic fallout.

The war, now in its seventh week, has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as shipping has been cut off and air strikes have torn through military and civilian infrastructure across the region.

The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,000 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen US service members have also been killed.

The blockade is intended to pressure Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil, mostly to Asia, since the war began. Much of it has likely been carried by so-called dark transits that evade sanctions and oversight, providing cash flow that has been vital to keeping Iran running.



(PA Graphics)

US Central Command said on Tuesday that no ships had made it past the blockade in the first 24 hours, while six merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around and re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman.

Tankers approaching the strait on Monday turned around shortly after the blockade took effect, although one reversed course again and transited the waterway.

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The tanker Rich Starry had been waiting off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to shipping data firm Lloyds List, which cited data from the energy cargo-tracking firm Vortexa.

It was not immediately clear whether the tanker had earlier docked in Iran. Yet it was listed by the US treasurys office of foreign assets control as linked to Iranian shipping.

Lloyds List, citing ship registry and tracking data, reported that the vessel is owned by a Chinese shipping company and was ultimately bound for China with a stopover in an Omani port, south of the strait.

The vessel updated its broadcast signal on Tuesday evening to no longer show it was headed for Sohar, Oman, according to tracking data reported by maritime analytics firm MarineTraffic.



President Donald Trump speaks outside the Oval Office of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said Chinese tankers will not be allowed passage through the strait.

So theyre not going to be able to get their oil, he told reporters on Tuesday on the sidelines of IMF-World Bank meetings.

In rare public criticism seemingly directed at Mr Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping said nations should oppose the worlds retrogression to the law of the jungle. Speaking during a reception for the Spanish prime minister, Mr Xi said nations should work to jointly safeguard genuine multilateralism.

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Since the start of the war, Iran has curtailed maritime traffic, with most commercial vessels avoiding the waterway.

Irans effective closure of the strait, through which a fifth of global oil transits in peacetime, has sent oil prices skyrocketing, pushing up the cost of fuel, food and other basic goods far beyond the Middle East.

Mr Trump said on Monday that Irans control of the strait amounted to blackmail and extortion as the US blockade took effect. He said in a social media post that Irans navy had been completely obliterated, but it still had fast attack ships.



A man flashes a victory sign as he carries an Iranian flag in front of an anti-US billboard (Vahid Salemi/AP)

He warned that if any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED.

Iran threatened to retaliate against Persian Gulf ports if attacked.

If you fight, we will fight, Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a statement addressed to Mr Trump.

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will co-chair a conference on Friday for nations willing to deploy warships to escort oil tankers and container ships through the strait.

The deployment will happen when security conditions allow, Mr Macrons office said on Tuesday.

The talks in Washington between Israel and Lebanon were expected to be preliminary, focused on setting parameters rather than resolving core issues.



Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter speaks to reporters in Washington (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who is facilitating the talks, downplayed expectations for any immediate agreement. He called the talks a historic opportunity but said the process was working against decades of history and complexities that will not be quickly resolved.

Mr Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the US, said after the talks that both countries saw eye-to-eye in several areas.

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The Lebanese government made it very clear that they will no longer be occupied by Hezbollah, and Iran has been weakened. Hezbollah is dramatically weakened, Mr Leiter said. This is an opportunity.

After the ceasefire in Iran, Israel pressed ahead with its air and ground campaign, insisting that the truce does not apply to fighting in Lebanon.

It has, however, halted strikes in the countrys capital since April 8, after a deadly bombardment that hit several crowded commercial and residential areas in central Beirut and killed more than 350 people in one day.

The deaths sparked an international outcry and threats by Iran that it would end the ceasefire. Overall, the fighting has killed more than 2,100 people and displaced in excess of one million others, according to Lebanese authorities.



Damage is visible on the facade of a residential building in Iran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

Lebanese officials have pushed for a ceasefire. Israel has framed the negotiations around Hezbollahs disarmament and a potential peace deal, without publicly committing to halting hostilities or withdrawing its forces.

Israel wants Lebanons government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much as was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades and said on Monday that it will not abide by any agreements that may result from the talks.

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday floated the idea of co-operation with the Lebanese government to dismantle Hezbollah.
Lebanon and Israel have opened their first direct diplomatic talks in decades in Washington following more than a month of war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio called the talks a historic opportunity but made clear no breakthrough agreement was immediately expected.

In a statement after the two-hour session ended, the US state department praised the two sides for what it called productive discussions on steps toward launching direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

Hezbollah opposed the direct talks and was not represented, appearing to step up its fire on northern Israel as the discussions began.



US secretary of state Marco Rubio, third left, made clear no breakthrough agreement was expected immediately (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

The United States affirmed that any agreement to cease hostilities must be reached between the two governments, brokered by the United States, and not through any separate track, the state department said.

Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter hailed what he called a convergence of opinion about removing Hezbollahs influence from Lebanon, saying he was encouraged by a wonderful exchange.

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The Lebanese government made it very clear that they will no longer be occupied by Hezbollah, he said. Iran has been weakened. Hezbollah is dramatically weakened. This is an opportunity.

Lebanese ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad reaffirmed the urgent need for an end to the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, underscoring the principles of territorial integrity and full state sovereignty.

She also called for a ceasefire, the return of displaced people to their homes, and concrete measures to address and alleviate the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict.



A woman who fled Israeli air strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut holds her baby daughter inside the tent she uses as a shelter (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

Despite Hezbollahs outright rejection, the talks are a major step for two countries with no diplomatic relations that have been officially at war since Israels inception in 1948.

The latest round of fighting was sparked by Hezbollah firing rockets into northern Israel on March 2, days after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, Hezbollahs key ally and patron.

As the talks began, Mr Rubio said the Trump administration is very happy to be facilitating the discussions, while noting that we understand were working against decades of history and complexities that will not be quickly resolved.

But we can begin to move forward with a framework where something can happen  something very positive, something very permanent  so that the people of Lebanon can have the kind of future they deserve, and so that the people of Israel can live without fear, Mr Rubio said.

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The Lebanese government hopes the talks will pave the way to an end to the war. While Iran has set ending the wars in Lebanon and the region as a condition for talks with the United States, Lebanon insists on representing itself.



Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon on Sunday (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Hezbollah and other critics maintain that Lebanons government lacks leverage and that it should instead back the position of Iran. Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of the militant groups political council, told the Associated Press that it will not abide by any agreements made in the talks.

On the day of the talks, incoming fire triggered non-stop drone and rocket alert sirens in Israeli communities near the Lebanese border. Hezbollah so far on Tuesday has claimed 24 attacks on northern Israel and on Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.

At least 2,124 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the health ministry said, including hundreds of women and children. More than one million people are displaced.

The deadliest day of the war took place last week, when Israel launched 100 air strikes across Lebanon in 10 minutes, including in the heart of the capital, killing more than 350 people.

The Israeli military has invaded southern Lebanon, a move some Israeli officials have said aims to create a security zone from the border to the Litani River, some 20 miles (30km) to the north.

Israels defence minister says hundreds of thousands of people uprooted from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return home until the area is demilitarised and Israel believes its northern communities are safe.



Lebanese Civil Defence workers search through the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli air strike on central Beirut (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Hezbollah, although weakened in its last war with Israel that ended in November 2024, still fires drones, rockets and artillery daily into northern Israel and on ground troops inside Lebanon.

Hezbollah enjoys wide influence in Beiruts southern suburbs, as well as large swaths of the countrys southern and eastern provinces.

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Hezbollah-allied politicians hold two cabinet minister positions, although the groups ties have soured with Lebanons top political authorities, who have been critical of Hezbollahs decision to enter the war last month and who have since criminalised the groups military activities in the country.

The talks are the first between Israel and Lebanon since 1993.

Hezbollah wants a return to the 2024 agreement under which talks were conducted indirectly with the US, France and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon as mediators.
Lebanon and Israel are set to hold the first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington following more than a month of war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio will take part in the talks in Washington with Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad.

Hezbollah opposes the direct talks, and will not be represented. Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of the militant groups political council, told the Associated Press that it will not abide by any agreements made in the talks.

At least 2,089 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the Health Ministry said, among them 252 women, 166 children and 88 medical workers, while 6,762 others were wounded.

More than one million people have been displaced.

A woman who fled Israeli air strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut holds her baby daughter inside the tent she uses as a shelter (Emilio Morenatti/AP)

The Lebanese government hopes the talks will pave the way to an end to the war. While Iran has set ending the wars in Lebanon and the region as a condition for talks with the United States, Lebanon insists on representing itself.

Iran-backed Hezbollah and other critics are sceptical of such direct talks, maintaining that Lebanons government in Beirut lacks leverage and that it should instead back the position of Iran, Hezbollahs key ally and patron.

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Hezbollah enjoys wide influence in Beiruts southern suburbs, as well as large swathes of the countrys southern and eastern provinces.

Hezbollah-allied politicians hold two Cabinet minister positions, though the groups ties have soured with Lebanons top political authorities, who have been critical of Hezbollahs decision to enter the war last month and who have since criminalised the groups military activities in the country.

The Israeli military has continued an invasion into southern Lebanon, which some Israeli officials have said aims to create a depopulated security zone from the border to the Litani River, some 20 miles.

Israels defence minister says hundreds of thousands of people uprooted from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return home until the area is demilitarised and Israel believes its northern communities are safe.

Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon on Sunday (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Hezbollah, though weakened in its last war with Israel that ended in November 2024, still fires drones, rockets and artillery daily into northern Israel and on ground troops inside Lebanon.

The Israeli and Lebanese governments are meeting to discuss ways to ensure long-term security on Israels northern border and support for Lebanon seeking to take control of its territory and political future from Iran-backed Hezbollah, a US State Department official said.

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They will be the first talks between the two since 1993, according to the official.

Lebanons top political authorities, critical of Hezbollahs decision to fire rockets towards Israel on March 2 in solidarity with Iran, quickly proposed direct talks in a bid to stop the escalation, hoping that Israel would not launch its ground invasion.

Israel did not respond positively until last week, after it launched 100 strikes across the country, including in the heart of the Lebanese capital.

Beirut wants a truce as a prerequisite to talks, similar to Pakistan-brokered negotiations between the US and Iran.

Israels destruction of Lebanese territories is not the solution, nor will it yield any results, said President Joseph Aoun, who came to power vowing to disarm non-state groups including Hezbollah. Diplomatic solutions have consistently proven to be the most effective means of resolving armed conflicts globally.

Lebanese Civil Defence workers search through the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli air strike on central Beirut (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Israel has ruled out a ceasefire.

Foreign minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday denied having disputes with Lebanon, and said the problem is Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has also its financial roots, there are a lot of dimensions holding this organisation, practically keeping Lebanon under Iranian occupation, Mr Saar said.

Hezbollah and its supporters have been critical, calling it a free concession to Israel.

Hezbollah secretary-general Naim Kassem delivered a fiery speech calling on Lebanon to cancel the talks.

Hezbollah wants a return to the 2024 agreement under which talks were conducted indirectly with the US, France and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon as mediators.
LONDON, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ACG Metals Limited ("ACG" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the release of its Annual Financial Statements and Report for the period ended 31 December, 2025, approved by the Board of Directors on 13 April, 2026.

The full financial statements are available on the LSE website at https://www.londonstockexchange.com/stock/ACG/acg-metals-limited/company-page. The document will also be made available on the Company's website at https://acgmetals.com/regulatory-news/ shortly.

Artem Volynets (Chairman and CEO) and Patrick Henze (CFO) will provide a live presentation via Investor Meet Company on 14 April 2026, at 13:00 BST. To attend, investors can join via this link: https://www.investormeetcompany.com/acg-metals-limited/register-investor

Artem Volynets, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ACG, said:

"2025 was a year of strong execution for ACG, with consistent operational delivery, ongoing optimisation across the business and robust financial performance. A disciplined, safetyled operating culture and a continued focus on cost control underpinned strong margins and high levels of cash generation, while enabling us to advance the expansion of copper sulphide production at the at the Gediktepe mine in Turkey, on time and on budget.

Looking ahead, our focus remains on operational excellence, disciplined project delivery and prudent capital allocation. The planned transition to copper production in the middle of 2026 represents an exciting and transformational next phase for the Company, and the progress achieved in 2025 provides strong confidence in our ability to deliver this transition and create longterm shareholder value."

FY2025 Highlights

Strategic Milestones

Safety performance remained a core priority, with an LTIF of 0.66 achieved across approximately 1.6 million hours worked

Delivered FY2025 AuEq production of 39.2 koz; 3% above the top end of revised guidance (c.17% above original guidance)

Strong operational execution delivered an 18% reduction in C1 cash costs to US$499 per ounce AuEq, strengthening margins

Gediktepe Sulphide Expansion Project advanced on schedule and within budget, positioning the group for first copper and zinc concentrate production in mid2026

Enriched Ore Treatment Project progressed, enhancing nearterm value generation from existing enriched ore and stockpiles.

Adjusted EBITDA of US$76.3 million generated for the year; reported net loss of US$43 million driven by noncash accounting fair value adjustments of US$81.7 million related to significant warrant price increases and upwards movements in the copper price.

Ended FY2025 with net debt of US$55 million 1 , reflecting disciplined capital allocation and active balance sheet management.

, reflecting disciplined capital allocation and active balance sheet management. Optimised Gediktepe royalty terms effective 1 January 2026 to support the copper transition, reducing oxide royalty from 10% to 2.25%, increasing sulphide royalty from 2% to 2.25%, and eliminating $6 million of sulphide commissioning milestone payments.

Commenced trading on the OTCQX Market in September 2025, broadening access for U.S. investors and supporting improved secondary market liquidity.

Appointed Peter Carter as Chief Operating Officer in June 2025, bringing additional operating depth to support production growth and asset optimisation.

Full-Year 2025 Gediktepe Mine Operating Performance

Operating KPI

FY 2025 FY 20242 Safety LTIF 0.66 - Ore Processed t 354,472 801,600 Average Gold Grade g/t 2.56 2.53 Average Silver Grade g/t 94 71.8 Gold Equivalent Production oz 39,188 55,374 Gold Sales oz 32,884 49,165 Silver Sales oz 570,870 670,130 Gold Equivalent Sales oz 39,416 57,072 Realised Gold Price $/oz 3,321 2,387 Realised Silver Price $/oz 37.69 28.56 C1 Cash Costs $/oz AuEq 499 606 All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) $/oz AuEq 1,244 1,139

ACG Financial Summary

Financial KPI (US$ million) FY 2025 Consolidated 20242 Revenue 135.6 57.7 Adjusted EBITDA3 76.3 13.0 Year-End Cash Balance 145.1 9.7 Net Assets 49.8 58.3

Note: (1) Refers to Financial Net Debt ("Financial Net Debt") as at 31 December 2025, showing long term borrowings at their contractual value of $200m, removing IFRS timing effects. It includes cash in bank and cash in escrow. It excludes any financial derivatives, taxation, trade payables or accounting provisions. (2) The financial results presented reflect only 4 months of operations at the Gediktepe Mine from 3 September 2024, the date of acquisition. Full year mine operational data, however, is provided for reference. (3) Adjusted EBITDA adds back shared-based payments, depreciation, and amortization.

Capital Structure Highlights

Completed a US$200 million senior secured bond issuance in January 2025, refinancing acquisition debt and fully funding the Gediktepe Sulphide Expansion Project; the bonds are listed on Nordic ABM and the Company has made all payments to date and remains in full compliance with the bond terms

Reduced the effective interest expense on the bonds significantly due to active cash management and high interest income on Turkish Lira deposit accounts

Simplified the capital structure through a tender offer completed in January 2025 for 70% of all outstanding warrants

Completed an oversubscribed equity fundraise in November 2025, raising approximately US$16 million through an institutional placing and retail offer to fund the Enriched Ore Treatment Project

Ended FY2025 with net debt of US$55 million1 and a strong cash position of US$145 million, including US$46 million of restricted cash

Post Year-End Events

Construction activities on the Gediktepe Sulphide Expansion Project continued through early 2026 in line with the approved schedule and budget, maintaining the target of copper and zinc concentrate production in the middle of 2026.

Amendments to the Gediktepe royalty agreement became effective on 1 January 2026, reducing oxide royalties (from 10% to 2.25%), aligning sulphide royalties (at 2.25%) and removing sulphiderelated milestone payments ($6m) to support the transition to copper production.

In January 2026, awards relating to 2025 performance were granted under the Company's Value Creation Plan and Employee Incentive Plans, supporting retention and alignment during the construction and rampup phase.

During February 2026, warrants, including sponsor warrants, were exercised, resulting in an increase in issued share capital and updated total voting rights, as announced on 4 February and 19 February 2026.

In March 2026, ACG Metals was added to the MSCI World Micro Cap Index, increasing the Company's visibility within the institutional investment universe.

The person responsible for the release of this information on behalf of the Company is Artem Volynets, Chief Executive Officer.

For further information please contact:

Thirty Three Communications

Communications Advisor

[email protected]



Berenberg

Research Analysts

Richard Hatch

+44 (0) 20 3753 3070



Joint Broker

Jennifer Lee

+44 (0) 20 3207 7800



Canaccord

Research Analysts

Tim Huff

+44 (0) 20 7523 8374



Joint Broker

James Asensio /Rory Blundell / Charlie Hammond

+ 44 (0) 20 7523 4680



Stifel

Research Analysts

Alex Bedwany

+44 (0) 7788 392045



Joint Broker

Ashton Clanfield / Varun Talwar

+44 (0) 20 7710 7600



Cantor Fitzgerald

Research Analysts

Puneet Singh

+1 (416) 350-8153

About the Company

ACG Metals is a company with a vision to build a global, high-margin, copper-focused producer with safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.

In September 2024, ACG successfully completed the acquisition of the Gediktepe Mine which is expected to transition to primary copper and zinc production from 2026 and will target annual steady-state copper equivalent production of 20-25 kt. Gediktepe produced 39.2koz of AuEq in 2025.

ACG's team has extensive M&A experience built through decades spent at blue-chip multinationals in the sector. The team brings a significant network as well as a commitment to ESG principles and strong corporate governance.

(LON: ACG) (OTCQX: ACGAF) (LON: ACGW) (Xetra: ACG) (Bond ISIN: NO0013414565)

For more information about ACG, please visit: www.acgmetals.com

SOURCE ACG METALS LIMITED
Pope Leo XIV has walked in the footsteps of his spiritual father, St Augustine, during his tour of Africa.

Leo made a pilgrimage to the archaeological ruins in Algeria where the fifth-century titan of early Christianity lived, died and wrote some of the most important works in western thought.

Leos visit to Annaba, the modern-day Hippo, was a spiritual homecoming for the American pope on his second full day in Algeria.

He arrived on Monday on a first-ever papal visit, against the backdrop of his calls for peace that have sparked a feud with US President Donald Trump over the war in Iran.



Pope Leo visits a nursing home in Annaba, Algeria (Andrew Medichini, Pool/AP)

It is the first stop on Leos four-country Africa tour.

The Pope arrived at the ruins in a rainstorm and with tight security, with police officers stationed every few metres along roads leading to the site.

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Leo prayed under a tent looking out over the ruins of the ancient city, including its theatre, market and basilica where Augustine preached. In a sign of peace, he planted an olive tree and watched as white doves were set free.

Accompanied by the current head of his Augustinian religious order, the Rev Joseph Farrell, Leo then walked amid the muddy ruins for a few minutes, pausing to listen to an Algerian choir.

Leo proclaimed himself a son of St Augustine on the night of his election and has cited Augustine prolifically in his first year, making clear that he is the guiding inspiration of Leos pontificate.

For this trip, Leo is focusing on Augustine as a bridge-builder as he aims to press a message of peace and Christian-Muslim coexistence.



Leo proclaimed himself a son of St Augustine on the night of his election as Pope (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Gods heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice and lies, Leo later told a small gathering of nuns and elderly people in Annaba.

The visit also draws attention to the North African origins of Augustine, who spent only five years in Italy but is often seen through a Eurocentric lens as one of the greatest western thinkers of Christianity for his writings on truth, evil, creation and grace.

Leos Augustinian religious order was founded in Italy in the 13th century, inspired by the saint.

St Augustine was born in 354 to a Berber mother and Roman father in Thagaste, today the Algerian city of Souk Ahras near the border with Tunisia. At the time, the swathe of North Africa was part of the Roman Empire, including Carthage in todays Tunisia, where Augustine was educated.

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He left North Africa for Rome in 383 and then Milan, where he converted to Christianity. He returned to his homeland soon after, founded a monastery at Hippo where he developed the rule of his order in use today, emphasising community life.



The Basilica of Saint Augustine in Annaba, Algeria (Andrew Medichini/AP)

He became a bishop and in Hippo wrote some of the most important works in the western canon, including Confessions and The City Of God.

A new book, Augustine The African by Catherine Conybeare, an Augustine scholar at Bryn Mawr college in Pennsylvania, explores Augustine from his perspective: As a North African, looking to Rome as the centre of his universe but feeling insecure there about his Punic-accented Latin.

One of the most important thinkers in the western intellectual tradition actually came from Africa, spent almost his whole life in Africa, Ms Conybeare told the Associated Press. How does that change things?

Of course, because his successors  the people who carried on his heritage  were in Europe, they got to tell the story, she said.

And Europe got his body: After Augustine died in Hippo in 430, his body was taken eventually to Pavia, Italy, though a forearm remains in the basilica dedicated to him in Annaba.

In welcoming Leo, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed the immense pride Algerians feel over St Augustine. He called him a cherished son of this land, which having been his first cradle, proudly became his initial resting place.





Pope Leo arrived in Annaba and, despite the rain, was welcomed by children in traditional dress with flowers as well as the Bishop of Constantine-Hippo and the Algerian ministers of foreign affairs and culture. pic.twitter.com/Ee9QA6wbyy  Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 14, 2026

Leo made clear en route to Algeria and in remarks to Algerian authorities how deeply personal and important this visit is to him, because of his spiritual connection to St Augustine. He had visited twice before, while he was superior of the Augustinian order.

This journey, which is very special for several reasons, was supposed to be the first of my pontificate, Leo told reporters on the papal plane. As early as last May, I had said that on my first journey, I would like to visit Africa. Several people immediately suggested Algeria because of St Augustine.

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In the end, other trips intervened, but he kept the appointment.

The saint, he said, represents a very important bridge in inter-religious dialogue that the world could use today.

We must always seek bridges to build peace and reconciliation, he said. This journey, then, truly represents a valuable opportunity to continue with the same voice, with the same message, that we wish to convey: to promote peace, reconciliation, respect and consideration for all peoples.
US vice president JD Vance said negotiations with Iran made some progress on nuclear issues.

Mr Vance said the talks in Pakistan, which ended without an agreement on Saturday, stalled after Iran refused to accept American terms on refraining from developing a nuclear weapon.

He told Fox News that he felt Irans negotiators could not make a deal without approval from Tehran.





They moved in our direction, Mr Vance said, adding that President Trump would be very happy if Iran was treated like a normal country, if it had a normal economy.

There really is, I think, a grand deal to be had here. But, its up to the Iranians, I think, to take the next step.

Irans ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said the main sticking points for Tehran were its nuclear programme, war reparations and sanctions relief.

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Discussions about a second round of in-person negotiations are underway, two US officials told the Associated Press, while a diplomat from one of the mediating countries said Tehran and Washington have agreed to more talks.

The White House was not responsive to queries about new talks.

President Trump, vice president Vance and the negotiating team have made the US red lines very clear, said press secretary Karoline Leavitt.



A man flashes a victory sign as he carries an Iranian flag in front of an anti-US billboard (Vahid Salemi/AP)

The Iranians desperation for a deal will only increase with President Trumps highly effective Naval blockade now in effect, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Mr Trump said the American military had begun a blockade of Iranian ports on Monday as part of his effort to force Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and accept a deal to end the war that has raged for more than six weeks.

Iran responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, taking aim at US-allied countries.

We cant let a country blackmail or extort the world because thats what theyre doing, Mr Trump said of Iran.

Speaking outside the Oval Office, Mr Trump suggested the US is still willing to engage with Iran.

I can tell you that weve been called by the other side, Mr Trump said.

Weve been called this morning by the right people, the appropriate people, and they want to work a deal.

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Mr Trump did not say who called or what was discussed.



President Donald Trump speaks outside the Oval Office of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said the blockade restricted the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure.

Its notice to mariners said transit through the strait to or from non-Iranian places was not reported to be impeded although ships may encounter military presence.

The US militarys Central Command announced that the blockade would be enforced against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas.

It said that would include all of Irans ports on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

Iran issued threats of its own.

Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for NO ONE, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported on Monday.

NO PORT in the region will be safe, read a statement from the Iranian military and the Revolutionary Guard.

The threats halted the limited ship traffic that resumed in the strait since the ceasefire, according to a report from Lloyds List Intelligence.

Marine trackers say more than 40 commercial ships have crossed since the start of the ceasefire last week, down from roughly 100 to 135 vessel passages per day before the war.
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CultureCelebrityGrief Nicole Kidmans next role is one few expected. Even she admits its a little weird Nell Geraets April 14, 2026  11:07am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Though Nicole Kidmans time on the silver screen is far from over, the Australian star has announced an unexpected career move  she is becoming a death doula. The Academy Award-winning actor revealed her pivot while speaking at the University of San Francisco at the weekend. She said her decision was largely inspired by her profound grief following the death of her 84-year-old mother, Janelle Kidman, in September 2024. Nicole Kidman is taking on an unexpected role: Shes becoming a death doula. Getty Images As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide, Kidman said, per the San Francisco Chronicle. Between my sister and I, we have so many children and our careers and our work, and wanting to take care of her because my father wasnt in the world any more, and thats when I went, I wish there was these people in the world that were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care. Kidman admitted her decision to become a death doula may sound a little weird, but said it was part of her expansion into the future.

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Nicole Kidman with her mother, Janelle. Instagram Though the actor did not mention how this new role would impact her future time on-screen, she did note that stamina, which she believed to mean taking care of [her] health and taking care of [her] mental health and being able to show up and give it [her] all and not ever coast, was the most challenging part of her job. Kidman has been particularly busy recently. Last year, she featured in the buzzy erotic thriller Babygirl and psychological thriller Holland. This year, she has dominated the small screen, appearing in Margos Got Money Troubles and Scarpetta, a mystery-thriller in which the actor faces death head-on as a forensic pathologist. According to Go Gentle Australia, a national charity that works to promote choice at the end of life, death doulas provide non-medical assistance to healthcare or hospice care. They can provide emotional, spiritual and practical support to terminally ill people and their families. Demand for death doulas has been increasing around the globe, including in Australia, alongside the growth in the death-positive movement. There has been an uptick in events designed to facilitate healthy and open conversations about death, including Melbournes The Death Salon which took place last month.

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Loading Kidman joins a string of other celebrities who have made surprising career moves, including Tom Selleck, who became an avocado farmer following his success in Magnum P.I., and Sixteen Candles star Michael Schoeffling, who opened up a woodworking shop. However, most of these shifts came after largely retiring from Hollywood, something Kidman has not suggested shes doing. Related Article Nicole Kidman My heart is broken: Nicole Kidman confirms mum Janelles death Elsewhere in Kidmans speech at the weekend, she mentioned her love of classic literature and said Stanley Kubrick, who directed her in Eyes Wide Shut, as one of the greatest teachers and mentors of her career. She did not, however, mention her recent divorce from musician Keith Urban, and also deftly avoided a joke made by the moderator about her ex-husband Tom Cruises height. Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter.
For anyone actually interested in Super Rugby, the Waratahs v Moana Pasifika game has been paused due to the risk of lightning from the storm thats been sweeping across Sydney.

Coincidentally (or maybe not) Harry and Meghan have now also left Allianz Stadium.

So, for your enjoyment, here are a few more photos of the royal couple enjoying the game before the players left the field (the Swans-Giants game is also off for the moment).

Harry enjoying the game before it was paused. Alfred Naupoto/RA
Harry and Meghan touch down for first Australian trip since royal exit

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have landed in Australia ahead of their non-royal tour of the eastern seaboard.
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Updated NationalNSWMedicine NSW pharmacists to prescribe contraceptive pill Kate Aubusson Updated April 15, 2026  9:28am ,first published 7:28am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

NSW pharmacists will be able to prescribe the contraceptive pill directly to women without a GP appointment. The reform, announced on Wednesday by the state government, will give women faster, more convenient access to contraception and take pressure off GPs. NSW pharmacists have also been able to prescribe treatment for uncomplicated UTIs and common skin conditions. Getty Being able to go to your local pharmacy and sort it out quickly just makes sense, Premier Chris Minns said. This is basic healthcare for millions of Australian women, and this is about making it easier to get that care, without extra cost or hassle.

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It follows a clinical trial that began in September, which allowed pharmacists to offer women resupplies of their contraceptive pill. To date, 773 pharmacists are registered with Healthdirect to provide the resupply service in NSW. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said this would address gaps for essential reproductive healthcare, particularly for women where cost and location limit access to care. The NSW government will pay for the first 5000 consultations with a trained pharmacist with a $4.5 million investment, after which, women can expect to pay between $20 and $60 for the consultation. The Royal Australian College of GPs has strongly opposed similar moves in Victoria, arguing pharmacists lacked the clinical experience to differentiate between similar-looking conditions in the pressure of a retail environment.

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Related Article Healthcare GPs reveal dossier of pharmacy blunders as prescription fight ramps up In March, the college released a dossier of 64 alleged medical blunders involving pharmacists misdiagnosing patients, including patients being prescribed antibiotics to treat suspected urinary tract infections that turned out to be herpes and cancer. Pharmacists who have undertaken a graduate certificate course from James Cook University and completed a NSW induction to reproductive health course will be able to prescribe the contraceptive pill for women over 18 years old who have a lower risk of complications. The state government expects 60 pharmacists will be eligible to start prescribing by June 1, and more will do so once they have completed the certificate. Contraception is not a nice to have for women, Youth Minister Rose Jackson said.

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Its a fundamental part of our lives. When you are empowered to control your reproductive health, you are able to take control of your life. Related Article Analysis

Weight loss Ultra-cheap Ozempic is coming. Thats a mixed blessing for Australians For too long, young women have had to jump through unnecessary and expensive hoops to access routine prescriptions for the oral contraceptive pill. In addition to the new prescribing powers, pharmacists will also be able to resupply more contraceptive options, including additional oral contraceptives, the medroxyprogesterone acetate injection, and the combined hormonal contraceptive ring. Health Minister Ryan Park said expanding contraceptive options would help communities access fast and convenient healthcare across NSW.

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Catherine Bronger, senior vice president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australias NSW branch, said the announcement recognised that trained pharmacists could safely deliver the service, which would improve access, particularly for women who faced barriers to seeing a GP. The Pharmacy Board of Australia will release national guidelines for endorsed pharmacist prescribers. Once all health ministers endorse the guidelines, universities will be able to apply to have similar courses accredited. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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It was touted as the best of seniors living  a 10-apartment designer complex with curved balconies and palm trees, nestled between Bellevue Hill and Rose Bay in Sydneys east. Unless you live next door. Neighbours problems began when excavation for the OSullivan Road complex started in 2023. The homes of Reina Nicholls and neighbour Hugh Woodgate have been affected by construction next door. Janie Barrett Neighbour Hugh Woodgate says residents found the windows would rattle; things would shake off the shelves; tiles were slipping off the roof. Reina Nicholls, who lives in a 1920s Californian bungalow on the eastern edge, says: This starts at 7am and goes until 5pm, six days a week. It just makes your own home an intolerable environment.

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The builder, Thomas Cull, has a history of regulatory issues, construction mishaps, lawsuits and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Cull is the director of Alta Vale as well as Alta Vale Residential, a building company whose licence was suspended late last year. Cull is to be disqualified from being a director of a corporation holding a licence from May. Alta Vale promises timeless results, its website says. Plus, were perfectionists  its our secret to building the best in Sydney. One of the sub-penthouse apartments was sold for $6.9 million in June 2024 and boasted a private sanctum experience with a TV room, designer kitchen with marble island benchtops, a lushly layered terrace and an elegant glass-fronted walk-in pantry. Ten apartments designed by architect Luigi Rosselli would be built over three storeys with 20 basement parking spaces, the development application lodged with Woollahra Council shows.

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The demolition, excavation and construction of the estimated $11.3 million build caused the garage wall of a home on the western side to collapse, alleges Woodgate, a neighbour and Woollahra councillor. In February 2024, SafeWork issued an improvement notice to Alta Vale for the damage at Woodgates property. You must, so far as is reasonably practicable, minimise the risk associated with the potential structural collapse of the garage structure, the notice stated. Hugh Woodgate in his garage, which is unusable after being damaged by construction next door on OSullivan Road in Bellevue Hill. Janie Barrett On her property, Nicholls alleges damage stemming from the construction includes the collapse of a boundary wall shared with the building site, and cracking along interior plaster walls and exterior brick walls. Cull has denied responsibility for any of the neighbours damage. He is seeking to overturn his suspension in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

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In Waterloo and Northbridge In October 2023, the Building Commission found Alta Vale Residential breached statutory warranty by failing to undertake compliant building work and failing to comply with a rectification order at a George Street apartment block in Waterloo. Alta Vale Residential was fined $50,000, while Cull was fined $40,000. One of the 12 serious defects discovered in the Waterloo apartments included uncontrolled cracking up to four millimetres wide in the rooftop slab, resulting in water leaking through to the units. In 2020, Alta Vale Residential was named as the first defendant in a case brought by the owners corporation of a Northbridge apartment building which alleged the builder and developer were responsible for $5.1 million in defects. Alta Vale Residential brought a cross-claim against its nine subcontractors.

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Alta Vale Residentials licence was suspended on December 18 last year. Last month, orders were issued by the NSW Supreme Court for liquidators to wind up the company. Work continues in Bellevue Hill Despite the suspension, construction on OSullivan Road continued over the new year. The neighbours were confused. How could tradies still be operating under the supervision of a head contractor whose licence had been suspended? I have spoken to the builder and developer and they are licensed. The confusion is that the licence under Alta Vale Residential does no longer exist and it is just Alta Vale, the developments private certifier told Woodgate in a January 30 email. I also need to be very clear, this has nothing to do with my role as the principal certifier. This would be a Fair Trading matter.

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Alta Vales construction site on OSullivan Road. Janie Barrett A Building Commission NSW spokesman said the conditions applied to Culls licence were based on his overseeing rectification of the Waterloo property before his qualification is cancelled from May. Thomas Bernard Cull is disqualified from being a director of a corporation that holds a licence from May 1, 2026. When this decision comes into effect the associated licences of Alta Vale Pty Ltd, of which Mr Cull is a director, will be automatically cancelled, he said. Based on new information against Mr Cull and Alta Vale Pty Ltd  including that he could be acting outside of the conditions placed on his licence  Building Commission NSW has commenced additional disciplinary proceedings. Cull said he was not the nominated supervisor or licensed builder on OSullivan Road: I am not acting outside the conditions placed on my licence. I moved to northern NSW and do not supervise any building work in Sydney or northern NSW.

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Related Article Construction Some home builders are about to get more expensive  but not all His failure to rectify the defects in the Waterloo property was caused by a four-year legal dispute with his former business partner, Vaughan Blank, Cull said. If I was not in that dispute, I should have had the money to comply with the [rectification order]. I tried to explain that to the Building Commission and asked them for more time, but they commenced disciplinary action. Blank did not respond to the Heralds inquiries. Cull was the nominated supervisor for Alta Vale Residential. Steven Ho-Chung is the supervisor for Alta Vale. Chung was a director of Alta Vale Residential for 13 days in 2021.

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Alta Vale Residentials building licence was obtained under the name TC Build, another company of Culls. That company was constructing a house on Curlewis Street in Bondi in late 2020 when the neighbouring property collapsed while two people were inside. SafeWork NSW concluded it was the builders excavation that compromised the site and led to the collapse. It also found TC Build did not follow advice to stop work until structural engineers could assess the site. Both project manager Cull and site manager Neil OBrien pleaded guilty and were fined $30,000 and $15,000, respectively. In a separate incident five years ago, Cull came under scrutiny for another project in Bondi at Lamrock Avenue. Cracks appeared on properties neighbouring a building site, which prompted the builder to fill in a giant hole dug for an underground car park. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
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NationalRoberts-Smith case Opinion The Ben Roberts-Smith saga is a test for Australia Chris Masters Investigative journalist April 14, 2026  11:30am

April 14, 2026  11:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Immediately following WWII, French author and philosopher Albert Camus  a perceptive witness to inhumanity  wrote: In such a world of conflict, a world of victims and executioners, it is the job of thinking people not to be on the side of the executioners. The Ben Roberts-Smith saga is a test for Australia. Which side do we choose? As one of the reporters to expose the war hero as a war criminal, you know where I stand. Ben Roberts-Smith has been charged with multiple war crimes, eight years after this masthead first reported on allegations relating to his time serving in Afghanistan. Matthew Absalom-Wong I have never seen reason to doubt that pushing a defenceless Afghan to his knees and shooting him dead is not only morally wrong, but unlawful. It was also militarily and strategically counterproductive, turning a wary population further against Australian soldiers. And the psychological impact on junior soldiers bullied into pulling the trigger by a looming Victoria Cross recipient proved devastating.

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These offences  proved to a civil rather than criminal standard, after lengthy court hearings and prolific media coverage  have not swayed masses of Roberts-Smith supporters, including high-profile advocates such as One Nations Pauline Hanson and former prime minister Tony Abbott. Related Article Exclusive

Roberts-Smith case A cop once shot by a jailbreaker and a stickler for detail: The crime fighters who built the case against Ben Roberts-Smith I agree Roberts-Smith deserves a fair trial and adjudication has a way to go, but I struggle to understand the unswerving nature of BRS allegiance in the face of compelling evidence. If supporters are unable to contest the facts, what are they saying? That the murder of defenceless victims is not a war crime if it was committed by an Australian? The Ben Roberts-Smith case exposes many fault lines in the national discourse. Another to ponder is that of the greater sin  committing a war crime or ratting on a mate? Much of the support for Roberts-Smith within the defence diaspora champions the notion of sacred loyalty: the Anzac tenet that what is special and different about the Australian soldier is a sacrificial determination to have each others back. So, are the mateship trumps all proponents contending that loyalty enables misconduct, that a mate should never call out behaviour that contravenes hard-earned values, even conduct which garners national shame?

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On one score, I agree with my detractors. They are right to ask why junior soldiers  a trooper and a corporal  are in the dock while their officers are nowhere to be seen. It burns bright and may well go unresolved. While there is legal argument under a should have known statute that the command structure is open to criminal prosecution, charges seem unlikely to proceed without clear evidence. Related Article Roberts-Smith case Ben Roberts-Smith exhibit at Australian War Memorial updated after arrest When Special Air Service Regiment patrols closed with the enemy, the convention was for the officer to keep one tactical bound to the rear so they would not get in the way, which meant they were conveniently out of the way. All inquiries by our reporting team and investigators for the Brereton Report by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force found no evidence of direct knowledge by officers of misconduct. But failure of accountability, yes. Some SAS commanders appeared to develop a talent for suspending curiosity. And those who cheered on the kill squads, actively promoting direct action over kinetic restraint, should have a case to answer. And here a disconnect emerges.

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In a bid to confront failures of accountability, medals awarded for exemplary leadership have, in some cases, been withdrawn when the standard was not met. This has led to widespread protests. Related Article Investigation

Roberts-Smith case Kill boards, trophy hunting and blooding: What courts have already heard about Ben Roberts-Smiths alleged crimes The what about the officers? critics appear to have formed an alliance with the how dare you take away our medals mob. It is a test, calling for patience and reason among us all. Liberal MP and former SAS captain Andrew Hastie, a commander unafraid of the truth, said it well when he outlined in evidence the moral and cultural challenges the war crimes debate inflicts upon the nation. As to this new chapter of process before the criminal court, we should be confident of respect for the facts.

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Within the media, I am not so sure. A parallel battle within the court of public opinion has proved exhausting from the beginning. Both the Murdoch press and Kerry Stokes West Australian have advocated for Ben Roberts-Smith; in doing so, turning on its head the precept that journalism speaks truth to power. The misinformation, disinformation and madness persist in social media. So many keyboard warriors who have never been near action and have not the courage to read past the headline, feverishly embracing the opportunity to claim their rightful place in step with a war hero. I remain admiring of the SAS operators who put thinking above action. Who believed in courageous restraint. Who understood the importance of the shot not fired. I wish that presence of mind upon the national conversation. Chris Masters is a Gold Walkley award-winning journalist and author. He is the author of Flawed Hero, Truths, Lies and War Crimes, about Ben Roberts-Smith. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform. Sign up here.
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NationalVictoriaCrime Death of man shot nine times while strangling his sister could not have been avoided: coroner Carla Jaeger April 14, 2026  2:06pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The police officers who fatally shot a man experiencing a psychotic episode nine times have been commended for saving the life of his sister. Justin James Filardo, 45, had stopped taking his antipsychotic medication at least a week before he attacked his sister, Bianca, then 48, last year at their family home in Melbournes outer east, the Victorian Coroners Court heard on Tuesday. Police at the scene in Yarra Junction on July 30 last year. Nine Upon arriving at the Yarra Junction home on July 30, police found Justin in a blood-stained bedroom, leaning over his sister with his hands clasped around her throat. Biancas arm appeared to be twisted behind her back and was nearly severed.

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When the police attempts to intervene, including deploying Tasers, failed to stop Justin, one officer fired his gun  but it took until the eighth and ninth shot for Justin to fall. In total, Justin was shot nine times. He died at the scene. Coroner David Ryan, presiding over the coronial inquest into Justins death, concluded on Tuesday that the police actions likely saved Biancas life. Im satisfied that Justins death could not have been avoided, given the serious and ongoing threat to Bianca and the ineffectiveness of non-lethal options, Ryan said. Police arrived at the family home about 15 minutes after the siblings mother called Triple Zero to report the attack, Jessika Syrjanen, the counsel assisting the coroner, told the court.

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Related Article Coroners Court of Victoria Police shot man nine times while he strangled his sister The siblings mother told authorities her son was keeping a sword under his bed and had recently gone off his medication. Syrjanen said one police officer recalled Justin gritting his teeth and appeared to be pressing Biancas throat as hard as he could. Before they used any force, the members clearly and repeatedly directed Justin to get on the floor and let go of his sister. When he did not comply, they used non-lethal force first, in the form of a Taser, Syrjanen said. One officer then pulled his gun from his holster, pointed it at Justin and ordered him on several occasions to let go of Bianca. When Justin did not obey, the officer fired.

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After the third shot, Justin yelled  Ah, nup  but did not remove his hands from around Biancas neck, Syrjanen said. Justin fell to the floor after the eighth and ninth shots, the court heard. The coroner described as remarkable the rapid transition one officer made from discharging his firearm to administering first aid and providing comfort to Bianca. A police forensic officer at the house after the shooting. Nine Ryan said he was satisfied with Syrjanens submission that Justin had received adequate mental health treatment for his schizophrenia, which included monthly appointments with his GP and check-ins with his psychiatrist at Eastern Health every six months.

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At his final appointment at Eastern Health in March last year, clinicians found Justin to be alert, awake and co-operative, with no evidence of hallucinations, delusions, or suicidal and homicidal ideation. Related Article Coroners Court of Victoria Half a century after Veronica disappeared, her family is still waiting for closure Justin also appeared stable and well at his last GP appointment on July 4  almost four weeks before he attacked his sister  at which point he was still taking his medication, the court heard. Until shortly before his death, Justins condition appeared to be stable and had been for many years, and there was no indication that Eastern Health needed to adjust their treatment regimen, Syrjanen said. Justin was remembered by his family as a cheeky, mischievous child who grew up with a love for swimming and playing the cello. He started exhibiting symptoms of schizophrenia in his late teens.

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The circumstances of Justins death had devastated the family, Ryan noted. It must be acknowledged and remembered that he suffered from a significant mental illness and was very unwell at the time of the incident, the coroner 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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Updated PoliticsVictoriaVictorian Parliament I dont just ditch my mates: New minister defends CFMEU links Kieran Rooney Updated April 15, 2026  12:03pm ,first published April 14, 2026  11:36am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Premier Jacinta Allan has locked in a wide-ranging reshuffle of her frontbench team, shifting senior figures to new portfolios to prepare Labor to fight Novembers state election. The partys caucus on Tuesday elevated Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke, Eureka MP Michaela Settle, Box Hill MP Paul Hamer and Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch into cabinet, with Grigorovitch immediately forced to head off criticism about her ties to controversial former CFMEU boss John Setka. Loading Harriet Shing has taken over the crucial health portfolio from the retiring Mary-Anne Thomas. Three weeks out from the state budget, Enver Erdogan has claimed the environment portfolio from Steve Dimopoulos, who has assumed outgoing minister Danny Pearsons responsibilities for economic growth. 

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Colin Brooks, a qualified electrician, has taken over the portfolio of TAFE and skills. Police Minister Anthony Carbines has become the governments leader of the lower house. Edbrooke, who has been appointed cost-of-living minister, was first elected to parliament when Labor came to power in 2014. Hamer, the new minister for local government and youth justice, and Settle, who now handles the regional development and agriculture portfolios, were elected in the landslide election in 2018. Grigorovitch, who picked up the youth ministry, entered parliament in 2022. Hamer emerged as a late contender for the fourth spot, pitting him against Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson, before ultimately securing enough support to be elevated. Backers of Hamer and Richardson were frantically trying to shore up support before Tuesdays vote. Before being elected, Grigorovitch was the state secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union from 2014 to 2022.

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She has also been a friend of Setka, prompting internal attacks that her connection to the ex-CFMEU chief could damage the governments reputation in the wake of The Ages Building Bad investigation into corruption on construction sites. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Grigorovitch said she had never hid from the fact that she been a union secretary for nearly a decade and had working relationships with multiple union leaders. Jacinta Allan and Ben Carroll (second from left) with the governments new ministers. Simon Schluter Im not walking away. I dont just ditch my mates when things get tough, but I have not spoken to John in a very long time, she said. When asked if she would answer a phone call from Setka, Grigorovitch said it would depend on what the call was about.

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I have a very strong, proud record of standing up for working people, day in, day out, and I continue to do that every single day in the west. And now Ive got the opportunity to step up as a minister, she said. Shadow attorney-general James Newbury immediately attacked Grigorovitchs promotion, arguing she should have been denied the position. Luba Grigorovitch ahead of the caucus meeting. PENNY STEPHENS Grigorovitch said the opposition should be focused on other matters important to Victorians. To me, James Newbury is completely irrelevant, she said.

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Edbrooke has worked as a firefighter and teacher. He made headlines in 2023 when he survived an emergency landing in a light aeroplane and weeks later helped resuscitate a man who was having trouble breathing. The Frankston MP said he had a keen interest in education, even though he was unlikely to secure that portfolio from Deputy Premier Ben Carroll. Ive always wanted to make a larger contribution, though, and I think this is the way to do it, he said. Frankston MP Paul Edbrooke has a reputation as one of Labors most vocal during question time. Penny Stephens Edbrooke once had a reputation for being one of the MPs most likely to be ejected from the chamber by the Speaker. The Age revealed in 2024 he had been booted nine times that year, while Settle was ejected on 12 occasions.

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Ive not been removed from parliament in question time for quite some time, at least three weeks, Edbrooke said. I have been made aware that the Speaker can hear my voice crawl on the frontbench a little bit louder. A long-time regional Victorian, Settle owned and operated a family sheep farm in Ararat for a decade, and Hamer was a civil engineer before winning what was once a safe Liberal seat in Melbournes eastern suburbs. Settle said portfolios were ultimately decided by the premier, but Allan knew she was passionate about improving services outside Melbourne. Member for Eureka Michaela Settle said the premier was passionate about regional issues. PENNY STEPHENS Certainly around the cabinet table, I will always be waving the flag for regional Victoria, she said.

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Hamer said he was honoured to become a minister and was passionate about education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. Related Article Victorian Parliament As more MPs exit Jacinta Allans cabinet, the government is showing its age If you asked me, 10 years ago, did I see myself being in this position? I would have told you probably to stop smoking, whatever you were smoking, he said. Allan will now assign these MPs with portfolios as part of a broader reshuffle of cabinet positions, which will be confirmed on Wednesday. The new ministers replace Thomas, Pearson and Water Minister Gayle Tierney, who stood down on Monday and confirmed they would not recontest their seats in November. Natalie Hutchins had earlier announced her retirement.

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Allan and Energy Minister Lily DAmbrosio are now the only two ministers remaining from Daniel Andrews original cabinet, which was sworn in after the 2014 election. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
Blockbuster Reports Allege Undisclosed Ties Between CEO Marc Rowan and Jeffrey Epstein; Lawsuit Claims Prior "No Business" Assurances Were False as Stock Sheds Over $12B in Market Cap

SAN FRANCISCO, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- National shareholder rights law firm Hagens Berman notifies investors of the filing of a securities class action against Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE: APO) following a series of investigative reports. The litigation seeks to represent investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Apollo securities between May 10, 2021, and February 21, 2026 (the "Class Period").

The firm urges Apollo investors who suffered significant losses to contact the firm now to discuss their rights.

The lawsuit, Feldman v. Apollo Global Management, Inc., et al., No. 1:26-cv-01692, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleges that Apollo and its top executives made materially false statements regarding the firm's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

Apollo (APO) investors are encouraged to visit our dedicated case page to review the allegations in the suit: www.hbsslaw.com/cases/apollo-global-management

"For years, Apollo assured the market that its ties to Jeffrey Epstein began and ended with Leon Black," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation of the pending claims. "The recent reports and the complaint suggest a deeper level of professional entanglement involving current CEO Marc Rowan."

Apollo Global Management (APO) Securities Class Action:

The litigation alleges that Apollo's leadership misled the public by claiming the firm "never did any business" with Epstein. This narrative began to unravel in early 2026:

The FT "Tax" Bombshell (Feb. 1, 2026): The Financial Times reported that CEO Marc Rowan and other top executives held wide-ranging discussions with Epstein regarding the firm's tax arrangements and potential "inversion" deals throughout the 2010s.

reported that CEO Marc Rowan and other top executives held wide-ranging discussions with Epstein regarding the firm's and potential "inversion" deals throughout the 2010s. SEC Investigation Calls (Feb. 17, 2026): Two major teachers' unions, representing over $27.5 billion in capital commitments to Apollo, urged the SEC to investigate Apollo's "lack of candor" over its ties to Epstein.

Two major teachers' unions, representing over in capital commitments to Apollo, urged the SEC to investigate Apollo's "lack of candor" over its ties to Epstein. CNN "Tangled" Report (Feb. 21, 2026): CNN published new details alleging Epstein received internal financial documents and hosted meetings between Apollo executives and international private banks at his Manhattan townhouse.

CNN published new details alleging Epstein received internal financial documents and hosted meetings between Apollo executives and international private banks at his Manhattan townhouse. $12 Billion Value Erosion: Following these reports, Apollo's stock plummeted more than 15% in three weeks, wiping out approximately $12 billion in market capitalization.

Critical Deadline: May 1, 2026

If you purchased Apollo securities during the Class Period (May 10, 2021  Feb. 21, 2026) and suffered substantial losses, you have until May 1, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff.

If you'd like more information and answers to additional frequently asked questions about the Apollo case and the firm's investigation, read more 

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Apollo should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
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Analysis TechnologyData centres $3.1m per job: does the employment case for data centres stack up? David Swan April 15, 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

As tech giants and local data centres operators race to transform Australia into an Asia-Pacific hub for artificial intelligence, they are demanding access to the nations energy grid, water supply and prime land, backed in part by a big number: 935,000. Thats how many jobs some in the industry say they are indirectly supporting. One operator said data centres underpin 935,000 jobs; its chief lobbyist said that many roles were enabled by the sector. But theres good reason to be sceptical. The jobs boom argument is central to how the data centre industry has been securing planning approvals and political support. iStock The statistic on data centre employment appears to come from consulting firm Mandala Partners October 2024 report Empowering Australias Digital Future, commissioned jointly by five of Australias largest data centre operators: AirTrunk, Amazon Web Services, CDC, Microsoft and NextDC. One of the reports infographics places 9600 data centre operational jobs alongside a figure of 935,000 broader tech sector jobs under a title reading: Growing Australias data centre workforce will meet future demand and support jobs in the broader tech sector.

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The presentation implies the wider tech workforce depends on data centre expansion here. Related Article Analysis

Data centres For every $100 in data centres, $80 leaves Australia almost immediately It does not. The 935,000 figure is simply the Tech Council of Australias estimate of total technology sector employment, a count that includes everyone from software developers to graphic designers to HR managers and PR staff at internet publishing companies. The report does not demonstrate that these roles depend on data centres being physically built in Australia. Stela Solar, chief executive of Stone & Chalk, Australias largest innovation hub, says the nature of those jobs was being misrepresented.

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The data centre jobs described in the report dont map onto the widely accepted definition of tech jobs, Solar says. The majority of roles created by data centres are in facilities management: electricians, HVAC technicians, clerical staff, admin workers, and executives overseeing building operations. The Mandala reports figures on that kind of job creation are more modest. It projects 17,900 operational data centre jobs by 2030, requiring 8300 new workers on top of the current 9600 data centre jobs. The report forecasts $26 billion in baseline investment in Australian data centres over that period, equating to roughly $3.1 million in capital for every permanent operational job. Of course, much of that capital might be foreign investment in Australia, or come from a super fund earning a strong return for Australians retirement, so it is being put to a clear use. Solar argues too that the real economic value for Australia lies not in the data centres themselves but in building a domestic software and AI industry on top of them.

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If the commercial value generated on top of Australian infrastructure flows mostly to foreign owners, Australia will fail to capture the lions share of the benefit of having data centres onshore, she said. The wealth will only be realised locally if we grow our domestic tech sector and support the next generation of Australian tech companies. Related Article Exclusive

Data centres The energy vampire next door: Life next to an AI mega-factory Tom Sulston, head of policy at Digital Rights Watch, said the industrys claims warranted scepticism. The tech industry in Australia is laying off workers at a rate of knots: Atlassian, WiseTech, Telstra. Largely, employers claim that this is due to AI efficiencies making those jobs redundant, he said. Belinda Dennett, chief executive of Data Centres Australia, the industrys peak body, defended the sectors broader value in an interview.

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I dont know that weve made the connection that 935,000 jobs are dependent on data centres being built here, she told this masthead. But we would say that data centres enable us to have a digital economy in Australia. And if we didnt have a digital economy, we wouldnt have those tech jobs. Data Centres Australia chief executive Belinda Dennett inside NextDCs West Footscray facility. Eddie Jim If we dont have that infrastructure here in Australia, then all we are going to do is be importing the tools. And weve seen that where we just import tools we dont capture Australian culture, Australian language, and Australian values. Dennett also rejected the premise that opposing data centre construction would protect Australian jobs from AI displacement. I get that people are fearful of it and have concerns about [AI], but were not going to stop it, she said. Were not going to stop it by not building the infrastructure here. I think if we build the infrastructure here, we are capturing more of that value chain, creating more of the jobs here.

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The Tech Council of Australia, which is responsible for the 935,000 figure, said the statistic did not represent the jobs that are directly dependent on data centres being physically located in Australia, and that many of those jobs would exist regardless of where data centres are located. Related Article AI Labor split over renewed push for AI to be able to harvest Australian art Mandalas managing partner Amit Singh said the firm firmly stands behind the report and its findings and that the 935,000 figure was used as contextual reference only. Our work utilised conservative estimates of data centre construction and operations jobs, Singh said in a statement. While there can be legitimate concerns about aspects of data centre development, the evidence is clear that data centres represent a significant economic and technological opportunity. The e61 Institute, a non-partisan economic research body, has separately described data centre operators as capital-intensive and relatively small employers, citing data showing only around 11,500 data centres workers in Australia nationally.

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International research from the US advocacy group Food & Water Watch found that the investment required to create a single permanent data centre job in Virginia  Americas largest data centre market  was nearly 100 times greater than for a job outside the industry. Sulston raised a broader concern about whether the economic model underpinning the expansion was sustainable. Will we be left with VC-funded white elephant AI data centres, stuffed with expensive and rapidly depreciating Nvidia chips, that no one can afford to use? he said. We need to proceed with caution, taking care not to sacrifice our land, water, electricity and data to corporations that will either leave us in the lurch or bleed as much money out of us as they can. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
TIANJIN, China, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Asymchem, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has unveiled an integrated commercial supply matrix for TIDES (Peptides and Oligonucleotides) at its TJ4 site, combining expanded API manufacturing capacity, established drug product facilities, and advanced fitforpurpose TIDES process technologies spanning synthesis, purification, and commercial scaleup to forge a world-class TIDES flagship site.

Scaled API Capacity: From Volume Expansion to Supply Assurance

Asymchem's World-Class TIDES Hub_ Scaling Innovations for the Future Speed Speed

With the installation of new SPPS (solid-phase peptide synthesis) reactors at its TJ4 site, Asymchem has commissioned a comprehensive manufacturing network, increasing its total SPPS reactor volume to over 45,000 L and enabling an annual peptide production capacity exceeding 22.5 metric tons. In response to accelerating global demand for peptide-based therapeutics, total SPPS capacity is expected to expand further to approximately 69,000 L by the end of 2026, reinforcing long-term commercial supply assurance.

In parallel, Asymchem continues to advance and scale its oligonucleotide manufacturing platform to support growing clinical and commercial demand. Current oligonucleotide production capacity stands at a minimum of 180 mol/yr, with additional capacity expansion options available through clearly defined, phasebased deployment, enabling efficient scaleup to accommodate program progression, increasing batch size, and longterm commercial supply commitments.

Aligned Drug Product Capacity: Closing the Gap between API and Patient

To accommodate the expansion of its API manufacturing footprint, Asymchem has brought its drug product capabilities into strategic alignment to ensure seamless progression from API to finished dosage form. A newly commissioned 6,000 m2 (2,000 m2 footprint) drug product manufacturing facility at its TJ4 site, is dedicated to the manufacture of pre filled syringes and cartridges.

The prefilled syringe line is fully GMP-operational, supporting batch sizes of up to 150,000 units and an annual production capacity of approximately 45 million units. Complementing this capability, the cartridge manufacturing workshop, designed to handle complex formulations for both peptide- and oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, is on track to commence production by June 2026, with an annual capacity of up to 100 million units.

Next-generation Technology: The Engine behind Capacity

Capacity alone does not tell the full story. To unlock the full potential of its expending manufacturing footprint, Asymchem has embedded next-generation process technologies into its capacity expansion strategy - completing the last mile of its fully integrated TIDES commercial supply matrix.

Upstream Technology Toolkit: Asymchem has strategically developed a robust upstream technology portfolio to support the future of TIDES manufacturing. This includes Tag-assisted liquid-phase peptide / oligonucleotide synthesis (Tag-LPPS/LPOS) , enabling continuous and solvent-efficient synthesis, as well as Stirred-Bed Technology (SBT) as an emerging and scalable approach to oligonucleotide manufacturing. In parallel, Asymchem's chemoenzymatic platform further enhances yield and purity for structurally complex TIDES constructs, strengthening process robustness and manufacturability.





Asymchem has strategically developed a robust upstream technology portfolio to support the future of TIDES manufacturing. This includes , enabling continuous and solvent-efficient synthesis, as well as as an emerging and scalable approach to oligonucleotide manufacturing. In parallel, Asymchem's further enhances yield and purity for structurally complex TIDES constructs, strengthening process robustness and manufacturability. Downstream Processing for Efficiency: To match the scale of its upstream capabilities, Asymchem has expanded its downstream processing infrastructure with an emphasis on efficiency, control, and commercial readiness. Key technologies include Multicolumn Countercurrent Solvent Gradient Purification (MCSGP) , an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted Process Analytical Technology (PAT) platform , and continuous cleavage and precipitation operations. Notably, Asymchem is among the very few organizations globally to have successfully implemented commercial-scale MCSGP , reinforcing its leadership in advanced purification technologies for TIDES.





To match the scale of its upstream capabilities, Asymchem has expanded its downstream processing infrastructure with an emphasis on efficiency, control, and commercial readiness. Key technologies include , an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted , and operations. Notably, Asymchem is among the very few organizations globally to have successfully implemented , reinforcing its leadership in advanced purification technologies for TIDES. AI-empowered TIDES solutions: AI is embedded across the full TIDES development and manufacturing continuum at Asymchem - from route selection and reaction modelling to enzyme engineering, analytical method development, INDenabling activities, and beyond. Guided by our partner-first mindset, Asymchem leverages AIenabled decisionmaking to reduce development uncertainty, accelerate timelines, optimize Cost of Goods (CoGs), and deliver predictable, scalable outcomes from development through commercialization.

Capacity meets Capability: Steadying the Whole Journey

Asymchem operates a globally coordinated R&D and manufacturing network across China, US, and UK, delivering fully integrated TIDES upstream and downstream capabilities. With in-house control of critical supply elements, including enzymes and amino acids, Asymchem ensures robust supply chain security and operational resilience from development through commercialization. Backed by a diverse team of scientists, Asymchem has successfully translated its proven small-molecule excellence into the TIDES arena, emerging as a professional, technology-leading One-stop partner. With comprehensive capabilities across design, development, and commercial manufacturing, Asymchem is ready to collaborate, co-develop, and navigate the shared journey with partners from laboratory innovation to reliable commercial supply.

About Asymchem

Founded in 1995, Asymchem is a leading global CDMO specializing in integrated solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. With advanced R&D and manufacturing sites in China, the US, and Europe, Asymchem delivers a broad range of services including small molecule, TIDES, biologics, synthetic biology, and more. The company's ongoing investments in innovation and sustainability continue to drive value for its global client base. For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.asymchem.com

SOURCE Asymchem Laboratories
RIVERSIDE, Calif., April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- California Baptist University will launch the Center for Biblical Principles in Business this fall to equip and guide faith-driven business leaders. It will provide professionals, students and scholars with tools to integrate biblical wisdom into modern business practices.

CBU Business Center

The center will serve current and aspiring business professionals through a speaker series and practical resources that demonstrate how to apply biblical principles in the workplace. It will support faculty at CBU and elsewhere through curriculum resources, faculty symposiums and research with real-world application.

The Center for Biblical Principles in Business is being established through the Jack Hawkins Sr. Endowment. Gaye Hawkins donated $250,000 to create the endowment in honor of her late husband, providing long-term funding and stability for the center.

"It provides a legacy for what was important to Jack  his character and commitment to the work of business while reflecting biblical principles," Hawkins said.

Dr. Natalie Winter, professor of business administration, is director of the center. She said many businesspeople separate their professional lives from their faith, a gap the center aims to bridge.

Over her years of teaching, Winter has found that students who learn to apply biblical principles in business make better decisions.

"They're not only considering the pragmatic aspects of cost-benefit analysis, but they're considering things from an eternal, God-centered perspective," she said. "That affects how they treat people, steward finances and launch businesses in ways that matter both now and for eternity."

The center will strengthen the university's mission to equip business leaders.

"This support will make a lasting impact by strengthening CBU's ability to equip business leaders with biblical wisdom," said Kim Cunningham, senior director of development for University Advancement.

The center reflects the legacy of Jack Hawkins Sr. In the 1980s, Hawkins became friends with Dr. Robert K. Jabs, founding dean of the School of Business. When Jabs asked how the business department could help business owners, Hawkins told him evening classes would serve working professionals. Hawkins graduated in 1984 as part of the second cohort of evening classes.

Hawkins owned J.D. Diffenbaugh Construction and Inland Concrete Companies, served on CBU's Board of Trustees and received the 2013 Lancer Medal for Lifetime Achievement.

"He would be pleased if the center helped a business professional guide their practices with integrity," Gaye Hawkins said.

SOURCE California Baptist University
CARLOW County Council members voted narrowly yesterday afternoon in favour of an emergency motion supporting the governments 505 million fuel support package, passing it by 11 votes to seven.

The package would extend temporary measures to reduce excise duty on petrol, diesel and green diesel from the end of May to the end of July; reduce mineral oil taxes by 10c a litre on diesel and petrol, and 2.4c per litre on green diesel; postpone the scheduled increase in carbon tax from May until the budget in October; support haulage operators, local link providers and school transport providers; and introduce a fuel subsidy support scheme for farmers and fisheries.

Independent councillor Will Patton described the governments reductions as a drop in the ocean, labelling them tone deaf to what people on the street are thinking.

I cant believe the anger thats out there. Ive had elderly people contact me to say that theyve never rang a councillor before looking for anything. People are seriously concerned about the overall rise in cost of living and this government is simply not listening, he said.

Cathaoirleach Ken Murnane pushed back. I would not disregard 750 million plus in credits, he said, to which cllr Patton replied: Thats mainly going to the haulage sector and the farmers. What about the ordinary people? Independent councillor John Cassin was unequivocal in his opposition. I will not be supporting this. This is a disgrace that the government thinks that this is going to solve the problem of the fuel crisis.

We have farmers who are very anxious about being able to sow their fields. We have lorry men who are very anxious with the cost of fuel rising. We have couriers. We have everyday people driving up and down to work. And then we have buses pulling away from contracts with Bus Eireann because they can't afford to put fuel in the tanks because it's just not cost effective.

This is a pathetic attempt by the members of the Fine Gael and Fianna Fail parties today  And I really hope that you reconsider this as a motion because it's not gone far enough, he added.

People Before Profit councillor Adrienne Wallace was equally scathing. Youre giving yourself a clap on the back for doing the bare minimum here.

Its six days into these massive protests that have really put people out, have fires. Nearly everyone in society is struggling. Theyre telling you that theyre out on the streets shouting and crying about it. Its had a knock-on effect on a lot of different industries and people. And you want a round of applause, is it? For doing the bare minimum?

You should have met with these protesters after day one. And the fact that he didnt even let four representatives from the grassroots movement into the meeting to have a proper discussion shows your arrogance and how far away the parties are removed from the genuine distress that comes across from many people in this country.

Youre trying to make it look like youre doing something when youre doing nothing. Its not enough. People all over this country are struggling. This is the worst global crisis weve had, I think, ever. You have not done enough and it is too little, too late, she added.

Cllr Murnane replied: Thanks, cllr Wallace. Maybe you can give us a country thats doing more. Sinn Fein councillor Jim Deane was also critical. I think this motion doesnt really go far enough and Im not going to stay talking here about it  everyone is aware of the crisis at the moment. Its a piecemeal deal that will help some people, but I would like to see more. Fellow Sinn Fein councillor Andy Gladney turned his attention to the treatment of protesters at the Whitegate oil refinery in Co Cork, condemning the use of pepper spray and force by gardai.

Besides this package at all, I think that in relation to the men and women and children that were standing up for their rights  the way they were treated. Farmers being dragged from their tractors and kicked along the road. Whoever could stand up and put their hands up and say it was right to do this, the guards to do what theyve done to these people who are standing up for their rights.

They were there not to cause any trouble. They were just standing up for their rights and the way they were treated was a total and utter disgrace. Fine Gael councillor Tommy Kinsella argued the protests were being directed at the wrong target. I think the protest is being put in the wrong place. Its the American embassy. Mr Trump caused all this, he said, adding that further actions by the US president could lead to fuel becoming unavailable in Ireland.
Gordon Deegan

The largest broccoli producer in the country has stated that Government strategy concerning targets for solar farms is fatally flawed if our food security is threatened by placing solar farms on the best land in the country.

Paul Brophys specialised family-owned farming business, Brophy Produce Ltd, produces 70 per cent of the countrys fresh broccoli needs.

The Naas-based enterprise is one of scores of third parties to raise concerns over plans for a 168 million 140MW solar farm on a 338-acre site at Ballindrum, Co Kildare.

The site for the land currently comprises 16 fields of agricultural land used for both arable and pastoral farming and is located 5.1km northeast of Athy and 2km southeast of Kilmead village.

A total of 86 third-party submissions have been lodged with the council on behalf of Brophy Produce Ltd.

Brophy said, We (as food producers) do not have a choice but to source the best available land and solar farms do and if they were committed to proper values of sustainability, they would be seeking out the least productive land to site solar farms on it".

A planning report lodged with the application by Ballindrum Solar Ltd stated that the proposed development will generate a range of economic benefits both in terms of its construction and operation, generating jobs for installation, maintenance and its eventual remediation.

The planning report by Neo Environmental states that the solar farm will deliver a significant saving of approximately 57,945 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to equivalent fossil fuel generation, equating to c. 2.3 million tonnes over the 40-year project lifetime.

Neo Environmental stated that an estimated 40,170 homes could be powered per annum, and the solar farm will help Co Kildare fulfil its aims of increased renewable energy production, improve energy security for Irish consumers in a volatile marketplace and provide local economic benefits in the form of rural diversification.

For the landowners concerned where the solar farm will be located, Neo Environmental stated that the solar farm will provide a stable and diversified source of revenue over a sustained period.

In a submission, Labour TD Mark Wall and party colleague, Cllr Aoife Breslin stated that "we support the genuine planning concerns of locals as expressed to us at the public meetings and in subsequent emails, calls.

Local farmer, Noel Lawler from Killeen, Narraghmore, stated that his primary concern relates to the loss of prime agricultural land.

He said: The lands proposed for this development represent some of the most fertile and productive agricultural land in Ireland. Converting this land into a solar farm would remove it from food production for at least 40 years, which is effectively a full generation.

He added: Agricultural land is a finite resource and once it is removed from production it cannot easily be replaced. At a time when there are increasing concerns about food security, sustainable agriculture and supporting local farming communities, it is difficult to justify taking such a large area of productive farmland out of use.

Beef and dairy farmer, Niall Grufferty from Ballindrum, has also expressed concerns over the loss of productive land from the agricultural catchment.

Kieran OToole of Fontstown, Athy, is objecting, contending that the proposed development spans approximately 137.7 hectares and introduces industrial-scale infrastructure into open countryside.

A decision is due at the end of this month.
Vivienne Clarke

The chief executive of the Construction Industry Federation has expressed concern that the increase in fuel prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East will have a major impact on the cost of doing business for the sector and, as a result, will cause developments to stutter and stagnate.

Action was needed urgently to address the issue and mitigate the situation, Andrew Brownlee told RTE radios Morning Ireland.

The construction industry welcomes the pause on the carbon tax and the excise reductions, we certainly called for them.

"But look, when those changes are implemented this evening, we estimate that the price of petrol has increased by about five per cent since February, but if you look at that MGO green diesel which fuels the construction industry, that's gone up by 83 per cent.

Now the fuel support subsidy scheme is partly designed to offset the costs incurred through use of MGO green diesel, but that seems to be specifically targeted at the agriculture sector, so it's not clear to us how it's going to support the construction industry.

The initial indications the Construction Industry Federation have got is that the subsidy scheme will probably apply to large trucks, "but when you think about the excavators, the dumpers, the mobile cranes that we use to build homes and develop infrastructure, the signs are that that is not currently part of the package.

"I know government is still working on the detail, but we do really need clarity and we do need to see that included and specific acknowledgement of the fact that the construction industry is in the eye of the storm right now.

The construction sector needed the government to recognise it was facing severe pressures because of what had happened in recent months, he said.

I think in the construction industry we need to work collaboratively with government if we're going to tackle our massive housing and infrastructure challenges. That's the way we've worked in the past, that's the way we intend to continue to work in the future.
Sarah Slater

Gardai are investigating the death of a woman in suspicious circumstances in Co Carlow.

Mother-of-two Linda Costello, who has been named locally, was found at a house in Graiguecullen, Co Carlow on Thursday, March 26th shortly after 6am.

Costello, who was in her 50s, was rushed to St Lukes General Hospital by ambulance and subsequently to Beaumont Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Despite efforts by medical staff, Costello died last Friday in hospital.

A garda spokesperson said that they, along with emergency services, attended a domestic residence on Bridge Street, Graiguecullen, Co Carlow shortly after 6am.

The Coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination has been conducted.

A man aged in his 40s was arrested in connection with this investigation and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Garda added that the man has since been released and a file will be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It is understood that Costello suffered a number of injuries to her body when she was found unconscious, including bruising to one of her eyes, chest, arm, and abdomen, along with blood around her mouth and bedclothes.

Gardai said their investigations are ongoing.

In her death notice, Costello, formerly from Castledermot, Co Kildare and Ballyboden, Dublin is described as dying tragically.

She is survived by her children Ben and Amy, their father Larry, parents Ronnie and Patricia, sister Samantha, brother-in-law Keith, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, relatives and friends, especially her good friends Emma and Siobhan.

Costellos funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
Tom Tuite

Circuit Court powers should be increased to allow 600-hour community service orders due to "inhumane" overcrowding in Irish prisons, a judge has said.

The remarks came during the sentencing of Sifoso Mpobole (39), of Alverno Drive, Willow Park, Athlone, Co Westmeath.

Mpobole had pleaded guilty at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court to money laundering involving 62,100 in crime proceeds.

He claimed he was forced to act as a courier and collect the cash to pay off a drug debt, while in the throes of cannabis addiction.

On Tuesday, Judge Keenan Johnson imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-year, six-month prison sentence.

He welcomed new legislation increasing the limit to 480 hours, which he said would have been more appropriate in this case.

However, Judge Johnson revealed he had lobbied for a 600-hour ceiling because current prison conditions, where three prisoners are sometimes held in a single cell with an open toilet, were "unconscionable and inhumane."

Garda Sean Barrett told the court that on March 4th, 2024, he stopped a suspicious 2007-registered Mercedes on the Dublin Road, Mullingar.

A search led to a bag containing bundles of cash in the back seat. The accused initially claimed the money was his; he later told gardai he was acting under threat to cover a 5,000 cannabis debt.

He had driven to Dublin to collect the crime proceeds and was to hand the cash over to another person after an arrangement to meet in Mullingar.

However, they were intercepted before the exchange took place.

The investigating officer accepted that the father-of-three, who moved to Ireland from South Africa as a child, had been forthright, and the garda agreed with Delia Flynn SC, defending, that he believed Mpobole's account that he had been under duress.

When asked whether he had tried to stop communicating with those directing him, the court heard that Mpobole replied it was "not easy to ignore them" as he was receiving "lots of threats."

The court heard he is now drug-free and working in the building trade, though the incident cost him his relationship with his partner.

The Probation Service deemed him suitable for the non-custodial sanction. Mpobole has seven prior convictions dating back to 2010 for motoring and criminal damage offences, but Judge Johnson held they were not relevant to the money laundering case.
By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

Opposition TDs have labelled the Justice Minister Rambo for his statements during fuel protests last week.

On Thursday, Jim OCallaghan said the Defence Forces would assist An Garda Siochana in removing vehicles from the blockade.

In a statement, he said: The blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue, and the assistance of the Defence Forces has been requested.

Garda watch protesters on OConnell Street in Dublin on the fifth day of a demonstration against rising fuel prices (Niall Carson/PA)

Speaking during a confidence motion in the Dail, Social Democrat TD Cian OCallaghan said: When calm leadership was required, we got chaos.

Instead of pursuing a strategy of de-escalation, ministers decided to fan the flames.

GI Jim OCallaghan arrived on the scene thinking that he was Rambo.

Speaking in Irish, he asked: Where is he now?

Sylvester Stallone played the character John J Rambo, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, in five action films.

Mr OCallaghan said: The last thing that the country needed was that approach.

Protesters on OConnell Street in Dublin on the fifth day of a demonstration against rising fuel prices (Niall Carson/PA)

Thankfully, a very effective, professional police response brought the country back from the brink.

Speaking to reporters at Leinster House earlier on Tuesday, Labours Ged Nash also referred to Mr OCallaghan as Rambo saying there had been disputes between him and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee, adding he is a guy thats really hard to take seriously at the moment.

He said: This is why I said the authority is drained from this Government.

When you start questioning legitimately, individual, collective competence of governments, legitimately so, then we have a real problem.

Also speaking outside Leinster House was the Social Democrats Garry Gannon.

He said: When people were seeking resolution, guidance of voice and calm heads, Minister OCallaghan was seeking to get in front of the Morning Ireland news bulletins by announcing that the army would be on the street.

What that led to was an entrenchment in the positions, more people were called to the protest.

More lorries and tractors arrived because resolve kicked in, and that was a failure of Mr OCallaghan.

His comments last week escalated the protest to beyond any measure that Ive seen previously.
By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

Sinn Fein stands with fuel-cost protesters, including those who were blockading critical infrastructure, the partys finance spokesman has said, as opposition parties remained divided on the issue.

Irelands only oil refinery and major depots that are key to fuel distribution were blockaded by protesters for a number of days last week in coordinated action by hauliers, farmers and agricultural contractors seeking Government intervention on their operating costs.

The action was an escalation of protests which began as slow-moving convoys on motorways, and was not anticipated by the State, Taoiseach Micheal Martin conceded on Tuesday.

The blockades strangled fuel distribution throughout the country, with hundreds of filling stations running dry and curtailment of the operations of emergency responders, and concerns over the provision of healthcare and other vital services.

Gardai and protesters outside Whitegate oil refinery (Brendan Gleeson/PA)

The Garda Public Order Unit launched major operations to clear blockades at Whitegate oil refinery, Galway docks and Dublin city centre over the weekend.

The Defence Forces were also involved in clearing the blockade in Galway, after Justice Minster Jim OCallaghan announced on Thursday that they would be called in to respond to protests.

Separate blockades near Rosslare Europort and a depot at Foynes, Co Limerick, were also stood down.

After the end of the blockades, the Government announced a fuel-cost package worth more than 500 million  largely targeted at the agricultural and transport sector.

Speaking to reporters before Cabinet, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the approach taken by protesters did not make sense and admitted: The blockade, certainly as a tactic, was not something that was anticipated.

He said ministers accept fully the rights to protest and freedom of assembly, adding that these had not been undermined by the policing response to fuel blockades.

Theres always a balance, and one has to distinguish between the blockading of absolutely critical national infrastructure and protest.

Tanaiste Simon Harris agreed, saying: I draw the line between protesting and other activities that, in the words of An Garda Siochana, were illegal, like blocking the mobility of people.

Asked on Tuesday if Sinn Fein supported the blockades, Pearse Doherty told reporters the party absolutely supports the protesters.

Pressed multiple times on whether he specifically supported the blockade action, he answered: We stood with the protesters, including those who are blockading.

However, Doherty said the party did not want to see more protests or blockading, adding: What we want is government action.

People Before Profit defended the blockades as a tactic, with leader Richard Boyd Barrett saying that disruptive protest can force the Government to do things as he called for a new phase of protest and mobilisation.

Richard Boyd Barrett of People Before Profit (Niall Carson/PA)

Asked if he was advocating for blockades, Boyd Barrett said: While the Government is unwilling to act to prevent people from suffering real hardship where they cant pay their bills, simply saying wait for the next election isnt good enough, and we need to put it up to them  and weve seen over the last week that protests work.

The Dun Laoghaire TD said the trade union movement could not stand by and let workers be left behind.

Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger described the blockades as absolutely justified and legitimate as she criticised trade unions for being virtually silent except for a statement from Unite.

However, Labour TD Ged Nash said the trade union movement will be stepping up to the mark and will have a much more muscular presence in seeking a fair share for workers.

Ruth Coppinger (Niall Carson/PA)

Asked what he meant by a muscular presence, Nash, who said Labour did not support the blockades, replied: One of the reflections I think that everybody in Leinster House needs to take out of this is, how effective are we?

When people look at the kinds of alternatives that we saw on our streets last week, that are not very appealing to ordinary working people who want to see a decent society, a respectful society, a sustainable economy, we need to ask ourselves the questions why working class people and why people in low and middle incomes believe and are so desperate in the situation theyre in that they feel that people like that have answers.

Nash said the Governments package was designed to placate what he described as narrow sectoral interests.

Aonti leader Peadar Toibin said his party did not want to see a blockade but the reality was it was happening and said the Government should have engaged with protesters.

He said he would encourage everybody to abide by the law and added: I dont want to see any blockades in the country ever again.

Independent Ireland TD Richard ODonoghue said he had stood with hard-working people who were protesting peacefully at Foynes, Co Limerick.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Coty Inc. (NYSE: COTY) faces a securities class action lawsuit which seeks to represent investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Coty common stock between November 5, 2025 and February 4, 2026.

The lawsuit follows Coty's February 5, 2026 Q2 2026 earnings report, depicting serious operational issues, and the abrupt departure of its CEO (Sue Y. Nabi).

This news drove the price of Coty shares down over 8% that day.

The developments have prompted national shareholders rights firm Hagens Berman to investigate claims that Coty violated the federal securities laws.

The firm urges investors in Coty who suffered significant losses to submit your losses now. The firm also encourages witnesses who may be able to assist in the investigation to contact its attorneys.

Class Period: Nov. 5, 2025  Feb. 4, 2026

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: May 22, 2026

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/coty

Contact the Firm Now: [email protected]

844-916-0895

Coty Inc. (COTY) Securities Class Action:

Coty is one of the world's largest beauty companies, with brands across fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care. The company operates through two segments  Prestige and Consumer Beauty.

The lawsuit is focused on the propriety of Coty's disclosures about business trends within these segments.

Specifically, on November 5, 2025, in connection with the company's Q1 2026 financial results, Coty assured investors that it expected improvement in sales trends over the course of fiscal 2026. Nabi specifically assured investors that "we remain laser focused on strengthening our profitability and balance sheet, with our fiscal year 2026 business trends steadily improving in line with our expectations." The company reaffirmed its FY 2026 adjusted EBITDA target of $1 billion.

The complaint alleges that Coty made false and misleading statements while failing to disclose that the Consumer Beauty market was underperforming, margins were compressed by increased marketing investments, and Prestige fragrance growth was slowing.

Investors began to learn the truth a few weeks after the Q1 report when, on December 12, 2025, Coty announced without explanation the departure of CEO Nabi, driving the price of Coty shares significantly lower.

Then, on February 5, 2026, the company announced its Q2 2026 financial results, revealing that Consumer Beauty's operating income plummeted over 70% from the year earlier period. In addition, though less severe, Prestige's operating income fell over 18% from the year earlier period. Coty also withdrew its FY 2026 EBITDA and free cash flow guidance.

Management said during the earnings call that day, "[f]or Q3, we expect like-for-like revenue trends to decline mid-single digits, driven primarily by bigger declines in Consumer Beauty[]" and revealed "we estimate that the headwinds from retailer destocking significantly reduced in the quarter, the promotional environment intensified as we moved through the holiday period and remains elevated, which is a headwind to net sales and, by extension gross margin."

This news drove the price of Coty shares down over 8% that day.

"We're investigating whether Coty may have intentionally misled investors about its segment business trends and, if so, whether the year-over-year softness might be related to earlier reported destocking issues. We're also looking at the circumstances surrounding Ms. Nabi's abrupt and unexplained departure. " said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you invested in Coty and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now 

If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Coty case and the firm's investigation, read more 

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Coty should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
Cement dispatches in Peru advanced by 16.8 per cent YoY to 1.117Mt in March 2026 from 0.957Mt in March 2025, according to the countrys cement association, ASOCEM. Of this total, 1Mta was supplied by its members.

Domestic producers manufactured 1.027Mta of cement, up 17.2 per cent YoY when compared with March 2025 when 0.876Mt was produced. Clinker output edged up 1.9 per cent YoY to 0.779Mt from 0.764Mt over the same period.

Cement exports increased by five per cent YoY to 12,800t in March 2026 from 12,200t in the year-ago period, while clinker exports surged 188.5 per cent YoY to 105,200t from 36,500t in March 2025.

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However, there was also a significant increase in cement imports, which were up 31.1 per cent to 70,718t in March 2026 from 54,000t in the equivalent month of the previous year. Approximately 89.7 per cent of cement imports came from Vietnam and 10.3 per cent from Chile.

The average CIF import price via the land terminal of Tacna reached US$146/t, up 13.6 per cent YoY. In the port of Chancay, the average CIF import price declined 6.3 per cent to US$65/t when compared with January 2025 while in Matarani port, it rose by 61.8 per cent YoY to US$124/t when compared with October 2025.

Clinker imports advanced by 249.4 per cent YoY to 156,536t in March 2026 from 45,000t in March 2025. Approximately 56.1 per cent of this volume was imported from China via the port of Callao, where the average CIF import price increased 33.4 per cent YoY to US$56.74/t. An additional share of 28.3 per cent was imported via the port from South Korea. Imports from South Korea were also imported via the port of Matarani (15.7 per cent of total clinker imports), where the average CIF import price was up 25.5 per cent YoY to US$68.51/t.
A Paris court has convicted former Lafarge executives over payments made to armed groups to maintain operations at its Jalabiya cement plant in northern Syria.

The case relates to activities between 2013 and 2014, when Lafarge Cement Syria allegedly paid intermediaries to secure raw materials and ensure the movement of staff and goods as conflict escalated. The plant, commissioned in 2010 at a cost of around US$680m, continued operating until it was abandoned in 2014.

Former CEO Bruno Lafont was sentenced to six years in prison, while former deputy managing director Christian Herrault received a five-year sentence. In total, eight former executives and intermediaries were convicted, with sentences ranging from 18 months to seven years. One intermediary, Firas Tlass, received a seven-year sentence in absentia.

The court also imposed a fine of EUR1.125m on Lafarge, the maximum penalty.

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The ruling follows a 2022 US case in which Lafarge pleaded guilty to providing material support to designated groups and agreed to pay a US$778m fine.

Lafarge has since merged with Holcim, which has stated it had no involvement in the Syria-related activities.
NEW YORK, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Coty Inc. (NYSE: COTY) between November 5, 2025 and February 4, 2026, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important May 22, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

So what: If you purchased Coty common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the Coty class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47083 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 22, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or concealed material adverse facts concerning the true state of Coty's slowing growth in the beauty market, notably, the Consumer Beauty market was underperforming, margins were compressed by increased marketing investments and there was slowing growth in its Prestige fragrance segment. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Coty class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47083 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

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SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.
Cleveland State Community College invites the community to the annual spring concert performed by the colleges Vocal Rhapsody Choir and the Choir Club on Tuesday, April 28, 6 p.m. in the auditorium of the George R. Johnson Cultural Heritage Center on the Cleveland campus.



The program will consist of tunes from Broadway shows both new and old including Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music, Tomorrow from Annie, and Opening Up from Waitress.



Broadway songs have been a favorite for decades, said Andie Phillips, Vocal Rhapsody Director. Were excited to share them with our audience. Please bring your loved ones, both young and old, and join us for this special event for all ages. We look forward to seeing you there!



The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Andie Phillips at andie.phillips@cscctn.edu.
For years we drove past the exit on the way either to or from Ohio. Each time wed say, We need to go there. Finally, we did. Last week we joined a group from our church for a bus tour to the Ark Encounter in northern Kentucky, just south of Cincinnati. We werent disappointed.

Most of us have read or at least heard about Noahs Ark. In case youre somehow unfamiliar with it, the account is found in Genesis 5-8. After deciding He could no longer tolerate the utter wickedness and depravity that pervaded the earth, God said, I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth  men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air  for I am grieved that I have made them. But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:7-8).

Why was Noah the exception? The next verse tells us: Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God. Noah alone was worth saving from His righteous wrath. The Lord instructed him to build an ark and gave specific instructions for its design. Some translations say the vessel was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits wide. But as comedian Bill Cosby used to ask in one of his old skits about Noah and the ark, Whats a cubit? Since a common cubit is roughly 18 inches, many biblical translations state the ark was 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high.

When we arrived at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Ky., we found a replica of the ark every bit as large  and then some. Based on the royal cubit which archaeologists have determined was used for large projects in the ancient world, the life-size model is approximately 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high  a towering seven stories in height.

To those of us who heard stories about Noahs ark, perhaps in Sunday school or vacation Bible school, it was an object for our imagination. How big a boat would it take to house not only Noah and his wife, three sons and daughters-in-law, but also many thousands of animals of all kinds, birds and insects? Entering the ark replica, which includes three decks, helps to transform what weve imagined into reality.

Inside visitors find numerous exhibits, reasonably conjectured compartments to house the animals, storage areas for food and supplies, and ideas about what living quarters might have been like for Noah and his family. There are also explanations for how provision could have been made for feeding procedures, ventilation, capturing and distribution of water, waste removal, and other necessities. Even the perpetual question, But what about the dinosaurs? is addressed.

Those in technical professions  whether theyre believers in what the Bible teaches about the ark or not  will find the explanations for how the original ark was constructed interesting at the very least. But even for non-technical minds like mine its clear the ark was a project of mammoth proportions (pun intended).

This was no fanciful endeavor; it was the result of extensive research and consultations with engineers, scientists and architects to ensure the Ark Encounters presentation was as plausible and scientifically accurate as possible.

What struck me most during my self-guided tour of the replica ark were two things. First, skeptics might argue that such a thing is fantasy, that no vessel could possibly be constructed to contain everything the Bible says it did, not to mention weather such a vast global catastrophe. However, if one sets aside biases and gives honest consideration to whats presented and how, it no longer seems impossible.

Second, I was greatly impressed by the quality of the work, from conception to execution. Colossians 3:23 instructs Gods people, Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. This project, which has been amazing visitors since it opened in 2016, truly was done with a desire to bring glory to God and offer believers and non-believers alike much to consider.

Time after time without fail, archaeological discoveries have confirmed what the Bible states about history in ancient times, and the building of this replica ark gives credence to the biblical account, dispelling notions that its merely a myth or fable. As Psalm 119:160 declares of God and His Word, The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.

* * *



Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor, and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 20 books. These include Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. He writes and edits a weekly business meditation, Monday Manna, which is translated into nearly 20 languages and distributed via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for Bob's blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net.
The City of Red Bank announces its acceptance into Round Ten of the Tennessee Downtowns Program, a competitive statewide initiative designed to strengthen historic downtown districts through preservation, economic development and community revitalization.Administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, the Tennessee Downtowns Program supports communities in enhancing their downtown areas by building on existing assets, encouraging investment and fostering long-term economic growth.Participation in the program represents a significant milestone for Red Bank as city leaders, local stakeholders and community partners work collaboratively to strengthen the vitality and identity of the citys downtown district.The program will officially begin with the Round Ten Cohort Kickoff Meeting on May 6 at the Tennessee State Library and Archives in Nashville.The session will provide Red Bank representatives an opportunity to connect with peer communities, meet program staff and learn about the next steps in the two-year initiative. Up to five representatives from Red Bank will attend the kickoff, where training orientation and networking opportunities with previous program participants will take place.The Tennessee Downtowns Program spans approximately two years and engages multiple stakeholders across each participating community. During the first year, Red Bank will receive extensive training based on the nationally recognized Main Street Four-Point Approach, focusing on organization, promotion, design and economic vitality within historic downtown districts. Training will include in-person sessions, virtual instruction and additional learning opportunities through the Main Street America platform.In the programs second year, the city will apply this training to develop a strategic downtown project and will be eligible to receive an innovation grant to help implement improvements that enhance Red Banks downtown experience.City officials view participation in the Tennessee Downtowns Program as an important step toward strengthening Red Banks economic future while preserving the unique character that defines the community."Red Banks acceptance into the Tennessee Downtowns Program is the culmination of over five years of tireless dedication to strengthening our citys foundation and proactively planning for the future, said Red Bank Mayor Stefanie Dalton. This often included the 'invisible' but necessary work of recruiting highly competent and visionary leaders to our staff, investing in strategic planning efforts and creating a multitude of opportunities to engage our neighbors and businesses around the long-term vision for our shared community. Our citys many small and locally owned businesses bolster our economy by keeping our tax dollars hyperlocal, and we want to see them continue to grow and thrive.Mayor Dalton stated that the Tennessee Downtowns Program will help the city of Red Bank do just that.We are incredibly grateful to be welcomed into the program this year and cannot wait to see how far we can go together, said Mayor Dalton.Additional updates about Red Banks participation and opportunities for community involvement will be shared as the program progresses.
The Greater Chattanooga Council of the Navy League of the United States welcomed Commander Thelmar Rosarda back to his hometown this week in a series of events celebrating his distinguished military career and his upcoming role as executive officer aboard the USS Gravely (DDG).CDR Rosarda, a graduate of the Chattanooga School of the Arts and Sciences, was sponsored by the U.S. Navy for a three-day visit. This homecoming brought together local military organizations, youth leadership programs and community supporters.The primary day of events last Tuesday began at the Medal of Honor Heritage Center, where NJROTC units from Howard High School and Walker Valley High School participated in a full educational program beginning at 9 a.m.At 1 p.m., the cadets had the opportunity to meet CDR Rosarda in person and hear his remarks on service, leadership and community.A midday luncheon at Pucketts Restaurant brought together council members and members of the MOHHC Board. Greater Chattanooga Navy League members in attendance that morning included Council President Rear Admiral (Ret.) Spivey, Stacy Kehoe, Lisa Pressley and Adam Thorn. The day concluded with a dinner reception welcoming CDR Rosarda alongside Jon Wright and his wife, Ms. Kehoe, BJ Keepers and Mr. Thorn.This visit has opened a meaningful relationship with both Howard and Walker Valley NJROTC," said Rear Admiral (Ret.) Spivey.The Greater Chattanooga Navy League coordinated the event in partnership with the Medal of Honor Heritage Center and the U.S. Navy, with additional support provided to the NJROTC units.Next event: America 250 care package assembly  April 18The community is invited to join the Greater Chattanooga Navy League for an America 250 Community Care Package Event this Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m. at Elks Lodge 91, 91 Graysville Road in Chattanooga.This family-friendly event will assemble 250 care packages destined for U.S. troops serving overseas. Attendees are encouraged to bring new, unopened items, including: Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, jerky); Hygiene items (travel-size toiletries, wipes, lip balm); Comfort items (socks, cards, notebooks); and Letters or handmade cards of encouragement.Attendees are also welcome to write a personal note to include in a care package. The event is open to all ages and free to attend.To participate in the GCNLC Scavenger Hunt running alongside the event, visit here
Walter Mason Richard, 90, of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2026.

Born on Feb. 28, 1936, in Memphis, Mason lived a life defined by dedication, service, and a passion for education.

Mason proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. Following his military service, he returned to Memphis, where he worked full time at Ivers and Pond Piano Company while attending night school. Through determination and perseverance, he earned both his bachelors and masters degrees from Memphis State University, where he also discovered his lifelong calling for teaching.

Over the course of his career, Mason inspired countless students at Eastern Kentucky University, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Alabama, where he served as a teaching assistant while pursuing his PhD. He later continued his teaching career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Dalton State College. For decades, he stood before classrooms sharing knowledge, encouraging growth, and fostering curiosity in all who had the privilege of learning from him. He was known for his clarity, patience, and genuine commitment to his students success.

In addition to his academic career, Mason was a certified public accountant and built his own practice in Hixson. He served his clients with integrity and care, forming lasting relationshipsmany of whom became close friends.

Mason is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Matil; his daughters, Michelle (Keith) Holland of Soddy Daisy, and Teri (Scott) Lakes of Fishers, In.; and his grandsons, Hunter Holland, Cole Holland, Harrison Lakes, and William Lakes.

A private family funeral was held on April 13, at Chattanoogas National Cemetery.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, respected educator, and trusted friend. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched through his teaching, his service, and his kindness.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The German chemical industry is facing another year of crisis: last year, turnover in the German chemical industry fell by 2.9%, and by as much as 22% since the record year of 2022. The employment curve is also pointing downwards: The number of employees shrank by two percent in 2025 and by four percent since 2022. In total, more than 13,000 jobs have been lost in the chemical industry since 2022.

One of the reasons for the chemical industry's weak sales performance is shrinking exports: German companies' foreign sales fell by 3% last year and by as much as 21% since 2022. Exports by German chemical companies to China were particularly weak, falling by ten percent in 2025 - while imports from China increased by almost six percent at the same time.

In view of the current sharp rise in energy prices, Germany's most important locational disadvantage - high energy costs - is likely to become even more significant in the current year and lead to a further worsening of the industry crisis. These are the findings of a recent analysis by EY-Parthenon, EY's strategy and transaction consultancy, on the development of the German chemical industry. The study, which only analyzes companies operating in Germany, is based on current figures from the Federal Statistical Office, the EU statistics authority Eurostat and EY's own company research.

The reasons for the deep crisis in the German chemical industry are manifold, says Jan Kummel, Partner at EY-Parthenon: "There is a global oversupply of important basic chemicals, particularly because China has massively expanded its production capacities in recent years. Chinese manufacturers are increasingly pushing cheap exports to Europe, threatening the traditional foreign markets of the German chemical industry." Last year, the EU imported chemical products from China for almost 55 billion euros - an increase of almost 23% compared to 2024. The EU's trade deficit with China thus widened significantly: from 9.2 to 22.5 billion euros. "Chinese suppliers are increasingly competing with German producers in Europe - with prices that are not feasible for Germans," says Jan Kummel.

As a result, the structural disadvantages of the German chemical industry are becoming increasingly apparent, adds Max Dressler, Partner at EY-Parthenon: "The high energy costs in Germany in particular represent an immense competitive disadvantage. In addition, important customers of the chemical industry are themselves in a deep crisis - above all the automotive industry. The order situation is correspondingly thin." The renewed sharp rise in energy prices as a result of the Iran war is further exacerbating the situation, says Dressler: "The air is getting thinner and thinner for the German chemical industry."

Number of insolvencies at a high level since 2023 Medium-sized companies in particular are already struggling to survive, says Dressler: "Many are trying to take countermeasures - for example by cutting costs, reducing staff or specializing - but are reaching their limits. There is a risk that a wave of company closures will roll through the industry if demand does not pick up and there is no relief in terms of costs or taxes."

Last year, 45 insolvency proceedings were filed by companies in the chemical industry, compared to 44 in the previous year, and 48 insolvency proceedings were filed in 2023. In the three previous years, however, the number averaged 30 insolvency proceedings per year. "Insolvencies are no longer an abstract threat, but an everyday occurrence in the industry - and in hardly any other industrial sector are insolvencies as problematic as in the chemical industry," observes Dressler: "If a chemical company goes out of business, this often leaves a gap in existing supply chains, threatening domino effects. Customers lack essential primary products, while suppliers are suddenly faced with sales gaps. Chemical products are often system-critical and customers are usually supplied on a just-in-time basis, i.e. without the need for large inventories. If a supplier drops out, customers in the automotive, construction or pharmaceutical industries cannot easily switch to alternatives. What's more, no other industry bears as great an environmental risk in the event of a plant closure as the chemical industry. Chemical plants work with hazardous substances and often leave behind contaminated facilities and soil. The efforts of all those involved to prevent insolvencies are correspondingly intensive. The fact that the number of insolvencies is currently particularly high shows how difficult the situation is."

Employment: Retaining skilled workers vs. cost pressure Despite the ongoing crisis, the employment trend in the chemical industry has been comparatively stable in recent years: despite a significant double-digit decline in turnover over the past three years, the number of employees has only shrunk by four percent, which is less than in other industrial sectors. "Companies have so far shied away from major waves of redundancies - mainly to avoid losing their qualified specialists," says Jan Kummel. "Well-trained staff is still in short supply and is an important asset for Germany as an industrial location. Many companies see their specialists as a critical resource that is urgently needed for the upturn in better times. However, hopes for better times are waning - and this makes cost-cutting programs, which also include job cuts, increasingly likely."

Outlook: Industry is falling deeper into the crisis A positive trend reversal is not currently to be expected, says Kummel. On the contrary: "The industry's turnover is likely to fall further in 2026 - which would make 2026 the fourth year of crisis in a row. Economic stimulus effects - for example from the German infrastructure package - are too weak and too slow to bring about a turnaround in the short term. The current sharp rise in energy prices is likely to have a negative impact on economic development, lead to falling demand and also further increase cost disadvantages."
Seasoned Operators Roll Out Their Second CML Truck

SAVANNAH, Ga., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Maine Lobster (CML), the industry-leading fast-casual lobster roll brand, is expanding into Georgia with the launch of its newest food truck, set to serve Savannah and the surrounding markets. The truck will be operated by local franchisees, Damon Cole and Mandy Ottesen, who plan to bring the irresistible flavors of Maine lobster directly to the South. With a growing demand for high-quality seafood across the state, the new truck will offer local seafood lovers the opportunity to enjoy CML's world-famous Maine lobster rolls, mouthwatering lobster tacos, savory lobster grilled cheese, and delicious whoopie pies.

A taste of Maine meets Savannah sunshine  our iconic Maine lobster rolls makes its debut in Georgia.

Ottesen and Cole are expanding their footprint with a second Cousins Maine Lobster food truck, building on the success of their Jacksonville, FL, launch in 2024. Ottesen, an experienced entrepreneur with 15 years of running a successful Healthcare franchise, brings sharp business acumen and a deep commitment to community-focused operations. Cole, who spent nearly two decades as a marine engineer traveling the globe, developed a passion for authentic Maine lobster early on, inspired by his father's work along the East Coast. Together, their shared drive and connection to the brand have fueled their growth as they bring Maine's iconic flavors to Georgia.

"What started as our love for lobster quickly became something so much greater, a chance to share the Maine culture and experience with communities across the region," said Ottesen and Cole. "We've been deeply involved from the start, and we're eager to keep growing with more trucks in Florida and our first in Georgia, always staying true to the quality and experience Cousins Maine Lobster is known for."

Cousins Maine Lobster is set to make its official debut on Friday, April 24, with a grand opening event at the Service Brewing Co., 574 Indian St., Savannah, GA 31401. The event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., inviting customers to join them as they celebrate the arrival in the market with an official ribbon cutting and launch party. For more information on the Savannah food truck calendar of events, check out our Facebook page: Cousins Maine Lobster Savannah. Download our mobile app to order ahead, gain loyalty rewards, and keep track of our schedule CML Mobile App.

"Damon and Mandy have demonstrated incredible passion and leadership since launching their first Cousins Maine Lobster truck," said Lindsay Herberger, Director of Franchise Development at Cousins Maine Lobster. "As they expand into Savannah with their newest truck, we're confident they'll see the same excitement and fan following, and we're eager to support their growth as they introduce even more communities to the authentic taste of Maine lobster."

As one of the fastest-growing seafood concepts in the U.S., Cousins Maine Lobster continues to expand its national footprint through both food trucks and brick-and-mortar locations. The brand is actively seeking qualified owner-operators interested in bringing high-quality seafood to their communities through a flexible, scalable business model.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Cousins Maine Lobster, visit https://www.cousinsmainelobster.com/franchise.

About Cousins Maine Lobster:

Cousins Maine Lobster is a leader in fast-casual seafood, partnering with local entrepreneurs to bring the highest quality Maine lobster rolls to neighborhoods everywhere by way of their famous food trucks, brick & mortar restaurants, and a shore-to-door online shop that delivers the highest quality live Maine lobsters directly to your home. In 2012, Cousins Maine Lobster was co-founded by real-life cousins Sabin Lomac and Jim Tselikis with the desire to bring their local Maine family traditions to the West Coast masses. They later appeared on Shark Tank, where they partnered with real estate mogul and shark Barbara Corcoran. Since then, Cousins Maine Lobster has franchised to expand their footprint across the U.S. and has become one of the top Shark Tank investments of all time. For more information, visit www.cousinsmainelobster.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube @cousinsmainlobster and Twitter @cousinsmainlob. To find a location near you, visit www.cousinsmainelobster.com.

DISCLAIMER: This news is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy a franchise. Any actual offer or solicitation can only be made through a Franchise Disclosure Document. If you reside in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, or Wisconsin, we may not be able to offer you a franchise until it has been registered in your state.

CONTACT: Lindsay Herberger

Cousins Maine Lobster

[email protected]

SOURCE Cousins Maine Lobster
Pro-life activist Mark Houck (right). | Screenshot: YouTube/ 40 Days for Life

Pro-life activist Mark Houck has secured a settlement exceeding $1 million, nearly four years after an FBI raid on his home sparked widespread backlash among supporters.

In a statement released Thursday, the 40 Days for Life Institute of Law & Justice confirmed the outcome, highlighting the resolution of a long-running legal battle tied to the early morning federal operation.

Houck, a Catholic father of seven, had been charged in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Justice under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, commonly known as the FACE Act.

The law allows for federal prosecution of individuals who intentionally injures, intimidates, or interferes with or attempts to injure, intimidate or interfere with any person involved in providing abortion services.

The case centered on a 2021 incident in Philadelphia, where Houck and his son were praying outside an abortion clinic.

Federal prosecutors alleged that Houck twice assaulted a man because he was a volunteer reproductive health care clinic escort, claiming the individual required medical attention.

However, a fundraising account created to support Houcks legal defense presented a different version of events.

Last year, Mark and his son were praying in front of the PP at 12th and Locust. When one of the escorts began harassing Marks son they walked down the street away from the entrance to the building. When one of the escorts began harassing Marks son they walked down the street away from the entrance to the building. The escort followed them, and when he continued yelling at Marks son, Mark pushed him away.

Although Houck was acquitted by a jury in early 2023, he and his wife later filed a civil lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution, abuse of process, false arrest and assault by federal authorities.

In a video message last Thursday, 40 Days for Life CEO Shawn Carney described the outcome as a bigger victory for the pro-life movement at large, as well as a huge victory for free speech and a huge victory for all Americans who want our right to speak our minds peacefully in a law-abiding way without fear of our own government.

Carney further argued that the case reflected broader challenges faced by pro-life advocates, stating they had endured so much persecution from the DOJ under Biden, while adding appreciation that President Trump has corrected that.

The settlement comes as reports indicate the DOJ is preparing to release findings that the Biden administration shattered the publics trust by weaponizing the FACE Act to advance a pro-abortion agenda.
Home News Alabama will allow public school students released time for religious instruction

Alabama has approved a law permitting public school students to attend off-campus religious instruction during school hours, a program commonly known as "released time."

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 248, or the Alabama Released Time Credit Act, last Wednesday.

The State Board of Education and each local board of education shall allow a parent or guardian to choose for his or her student to attend a religious released time program conducted by a sponsoring entity, the law states.

Released time instruction and activities are not sponsored by the local board of education and do not fall under the supervision, control or authority of the local board of education or its employees.

The legislation states that school officials may prohibit released time instruction if they have a reasonable belief based on objective evidence that permitting a student to attend a released time program would pose a substantial risk of physical harm to the student or that the sponsoring entity is in violation of state law in a manner that poses a substantial risk of physical harm to a student.

Additionally, released time may be denied if it would cause the student to be excused from the minimum instructional time for any course or subject as prescribed by the State Board of Education, or from any student intervention required under state or federal law.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to ... endorse any religious belief, practice, or instruction by the State Board of Education or any local board of education [or] limit the authority of local boards of education to tailor the policies addressed in this section to meet their specific needs, the act states.

Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Greg Chafuen commended Alabama lawmakers for their actions.

Parents have the right and responsibility to guide the upbringing and education of their children, Chafuen said in a statement. The government shouldnt stop families from raising their children in their familys faith.

S.B. 248 respects parents educational decisions, allowing public school children to be briefly excused from school to receive free, off-campus religious instruction taught by private charitable organizations.

In 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Zorach v. Clauson that released time programs were constitutional, stating that there was no constitutional requirement which makes it necessary for government to be hostile to religion and to throw its weight against efforts to widen the effective scope of religious influence.

When the state encourages religious instruction or cooperates with religious authorities by adjusting the schedule of public events to sectarian needs, it follows the best of our traditions, the opinion states.

To hold that it may not would be to find in the Constitution a requirement that the government show a callous indifference to religious groups.

Critics of released time argue that the practice disrupts the learning environment and that such religious instruction could instead take place after school hours.

In October 2024, the Ohio-based Westerville City School Board voted 4-0, with one abstention, to discontinue its local released time program. Board President Kristy Meyer said at the time that she had significant concerns about the distractions caused by pulling kids out of school during the middle of the day.

I want to make one thing very clear: the concern around this policy has nothing to do with any specific religion or religious programs in general, Meyer said.

Its about utilizing the time we have with students in school to focus on educating them and minimizing disruptions to the school day for students, teachers and staff.
Home News Bunni Pounds talks leading with courage of Nehemiah, America Reads the Bible event

We are currently living in a nation that desperately needs leaders who are resolute in standing upon the principles created by our Founding Fathers. It is these tenets of freedom and liberty that have forged a nation of opportunity and promise.

But long before foundational leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison shaped the constitutional framework that defined our American Ideals, there was a fifth century Jewish cupbearer who was renowned for his leadership, relying on prayer, courage and integrity to rebuild Jerusalems walls in just 52 days.

Author Bunni Pounds is calling on Christians to reclaim their influence by following the leadership principles of that aforementioned Jewish leader, Nehemiah. She points out that God uses ordinary people like him to respond to national challenges with extraordinary courage.

We look so often to lead the charge, says Pounds, who has a background in politics, having run for Congress in 2018. But we're all called to share the Gospel. We're all called to disciple people.

"Nehemiah was the one who tested the wine and made sure that the king didn't keel over. But he was in the room when they were making key decisions in the court. So, he was in strategic places that when God put a calling on his life, he was willing to step out in obedience. God granted him the favor to do it. And I think sometimes we overlook those moments in our lives because we think it's everybody else, but not us. And God's tapping us on the shoulder and saying, No, I'm calling you.

In her forthcoming book, Stepping Up to Lead: Building a Nation in the Footsteps of Nehemiah, Bounds challenges believers not to retreat from cultural and civic arenas, but to engage them boldly  rebuilding what is broken and shaping the future with godly conviction. The book serves as both a guide and a practical roadmap for those ready to step up and lead in their communities and beyond.

As a former political consultant who spent 16 years in politics and government, Pounds launched Christians Engaged in 2019 to mobilize believers to pray, vote and engage biblically in every election.

In her latest initiative, coming April 1825, the Texas native has rallied more than 450 Christian leaders to come together for America Reads the Bible, a week-long Bible reading event to celebrate our nations 250th birthday at the Museum of the Bible.

You're going to see our national leaders, whether it's a cabinet member, members of Congress, Hollywood folks, all sharing their personal testimonies related to the Bible and the importance of the Bible in their life, Pounds shares. We are calling the American people back to daily Bible reading and discipleship (through this event). We will go for seven full days, 12 hours a day, 84 hours in total.

Pounds joins us to discuss why the story of Nehemiah is especially relevant to Americans right now, what biblical leadership should look like at this moment, and the value of coming together to read the Bible in anticipation of Americas 250th birthday.
Home News Catholic Church leader resigns after investigation finds evidence of financial misconduct Catholic Church leader resigns over financial misconduct investigation

Father Kenneth Anderson, who led the St. John Henry Newman Parish in Evanston, Illinois, has resigned after an investigation found he misappropriated church funds for personal expenses.

The announcement of Andersons resignation came last Friday in a letter from the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Blase J. Cupich. The archbishop, who previously revealed on March 30 that Anderson had been placed on administrative leave while a review of parish finances was conducted, said Anderson misappropriated substantial parish funds.

That review has revealed that Father Anderson violated a number of core archdiocesan policies pertaining to the proper exercise of good stewardship of parish resources. These violations included the creation and maintenance of a separate bank account into which he deposited substantial parish funds, Cupich wrote in his letter. Some of these monies were used to cover costs unrelated to parish needs, including his personal expenses.

The archbishop said that when Anderson was presented with the findings, he chose to resign and committed to refunding the money used for his personal expenses.

[H]e accepted my instruction that, when the full accounting is complete, he is to make restitution for any funds clearly identified as covering his personal expenses, Cupich told parishioners in the letter.

[W]e take seriously our duty to steward the resources you provide and uphold best practices in their management. Your trust means a great deal to me, and I appreciate the patience you have shown as we conducted the review, he added. We will take steps with the parish leadership to remedy any deficiencies or lack of controls. You continue to be in my prayers, and I ask for yours.

Kelly Foyle, principal of St. Athanasius, the Catholic school associated with St. Athanasius Parish, which became part of St. John Henry Newman following a 2022 parish consolidation, addressed Andersons resignation in an email to school families and community members on Sunday, the Chicago Tribune reported.

We recognize this news may bring a range of emotions. These feelings are valid, and we hold them together as a faith community, Foyle said. Please know we will continue to keep you apprised of updates as we learn them. Let us continue to hold one another and our St. John Henry Newman Parish community in prayer.

Retired Pastor Gerald Gunderson is expected to temporarily oversee the parish until a new pastor recommended by the archdioceses placement board takes over permanently by July 1, according to Cupich.

Since the announcement of Andersons actions and subsequent resignation, some parishioners have praised the internal investigation.

While he was shocked by the charges against Anderson, longtime St. Athanasius member Paul Tolson said the investigation by the archdiocese was excellent, and reflects accountability, the Evanston Roundtable reported.

Other parishioners, like Joel Dykstra, said the police should have been called in since the misconduct involved theft, but Catholics like Beverly Hand of St. Joan of Arc Church told the publication that Anderson needs prayers.

As a Catholic, I believe were all sinners, and we all fall down and should have a chance to get up, she said. What Father Anderson really needs right now are our prayers.
Home News Jeremy Shoulta, who pastored Jimmy Carters church, dies of cancer at 42

The Rev. Jeremy Shoulta, the senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia, who previously served as pastor of the church attended by former President Jimmy Carter, has died after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 42.

Shoulta died Sunday at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, surrounded by his family, First Baptist Church of Gainesville said in a statement. He had been in the hospitals intensive care unit in the days before his death. Funeral arrangements are not finalized and will be announced by Memorial Park Funeral Home, according to his obituary.

"Jeremy served as a faithful, caring, and creative pastor who cared deeply for this church as you all have cared deeply for him," the church said in a statement. "The Shoulta family remains grateful for the immense and generous care you have offered him and his family through his cancer journey."

He is survived by his wife, Valarie; his daughters, Maggie and Macy; his parents; and his siblings.

Shoulta revealed his cancer diagnosis in July 2025. By August, the church announced on its Facebook page that he had been diagnosed with a blood cancer and was receiving treatment at Emory Hospital, having already undergone two blood transfusions and awaiting a bone marrow biopsy.

Before coming to Gainesville, Shoulta served from 2014 to 2016 as pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, the congregation attended by the late Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter. Carter taught Sunday school at the church one to two times a month until stopping because of health complications. He and the former first lady also participated in Sunday evening services and church events.

It was a joy to walk with [Carter] on this Christian journey and to experience his teachings up close, Shoulta said in 2020, according to The Gainesville Times. Also, to see him live out his faith locally and with his neighbors in Plains was inspiring as well. Thats something Ill never forget.

After Plains, Shoulta served for three years as pastor of First Baptist Church in Black Mountain, North Carolina, before being called to Gainesville in April 2020, a process that unfolded amid the opening weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The call weekend, ordinarily an in-person process in which a candidate preaches to the full congregation and the membership votes, was converted to a virtual format. Shoulta filmed his sermon on March 29, 2020, in a nearly empty sanctuary and recorded a video answering questions about his ministry philosophy.

Shoulta, who was raised in Louisville, received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Georgetown College and a Master of Divinity from the Baptist Seminary of Kentucky. He also completed the Doctor of Ministry program at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

In January, Shoulta spoke with BBC News about his years in Plains, describing how Carter once noticed a broken stair rail at the church, carried it to his home workshop, repaired it and returned to reinstall it.

And thats just one example of the way that he served his church, Shoulta said. When the cameras were not on, he took joy and found meaning and purpose in even doing those seemingly small tasks.
Home News House Speaker Mike Johnson says Trump didn't think 'doctor' post was 'sacrilegious at all'

House Speaker Mike Johnson says he spoke with President Donald Trump about his now-deleted social media post in which he compared himself to a Christ-like healing figure.

The Sunday evening Truth Social post depicted Trump, wearing a white robe covered by a red shawl, touching his right hand to the forehead of another man lying in a bed wearing a hospital gown. Surrounding Trump and the bedridden man were several Americans in various roles: a nurse, and a woman praying.

The image background included an American flag, the Statue of Liberty and other classic American iconography along with several figures in the clouds above him, including a winged, three-horned figure descending from the heavens.

By noon Monday, the post was deleted from Truth Social.

When asked by a reporter Tuesday on Capitol Hill about whether the presidents post constituted blasphemy, Johnson said, I talked with the president about it as soon as I saw it and told him that I dont think it was being received in the same way he intended. He agreed and he pulled it down.

Johnson, a former professor, lawyer and former trustee for the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said the president agreed with his assessment and pulled [the post] down. The House speaker added that doing so was the right thing to do and that he doesnt believe Trump intended to disrespect the Lord Jesus or Christians in general.

He explained how he saw that, and I don't think he thought it was sacrilegious at all, he said.

At a White House media briefing Monday, Trump revealed that he posted the image himself because he thought it was me as a doctor.

"I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with the Red Cross, the president said. There was a Red Cross worker there, which we support.

The image shared on social media did include a nurse, but there was no indication of a Red Cross worker in the image.

Trump blamed the fake news for alleging the image compared him to Jesus. It's supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better, and I do make people better, he said. I make people a lot better."

The post drew condemnation on social media from a number of former Trump supporters, including former Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green, who wrote: Its more than blasphemy. Its an Antichrist spirit."

Christ Church Pastor Douglas Wilson said he was very grateful for Christians who pushed back on the post. I was very grateful to see how many conservative Christians immediately denounced the blasphemous Jesus/Trump image, Wilson wrote. I was also grateful to see how many center/left Christians suddenly agreed that public blasphemy is a thing we should all be concerned about. A bit late, but still good.

Conservative influencer Riley Gaines wrote: Seriously, I cannot understand why hed post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this? Either way, two things are true. 1) a little humility would serve him well 2) God shall not be mocked.

The controversial post comes just days after Paula White-Cain, who serves as the senior advisor to the White House Faith Office, compared Trumps 2024 presidential campaign  including surviving two failed assassination attempts  with the persecution of Jesus leading to His crucifixion.

In remarks she gave during a private Easter lunch at the White House with other Christian leaders, White-Cain claimed God told her to tell Trump how thankful she is for him, according to footage of the ceremony that was uploaded by the White House to YouTube before being taken down.
Home News Pastor Robert Jeffress warns Christians of 'intensely corrupt' political parties ahead of America's 250th anniversary

As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, Pastor Robert Jeffress says the nation needs to remember its roots as it looks toward the future.

In a message titled "America at the Crossroads, the First Baptist Dallas senior pastor told his congregation that in 1787, just over a decade after America won its independence from Britain, the nations Founding Fathers gathered for the Constitutional Convention, where, said Jeffress, they had no shortage of disagreements.

Jeffress said, Benjamin Franklin stood up in that room and he addressed the president of the convention, George Washington, with these words: In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for divine protection. Our prayers, sir, were heard and they were graciously answered. Have we now forgotten this powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance?

Drawing from John Adams' famous 1776 letter to his wife, Abigail, which erroneously predicted July 2nd  not July 4th  would be celebrated with "pomp and parade... bonfires, and illuminations," Jeffress celebrated America's Christian foundations, citing Franklin's call for prayer during the Constitutional Convention and Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving proclamation amid the bloody Battle of Chickamauga, where nearly 35,000 soldiers lost their lives or were seriously wounded or missing in what was called the river of death.

And yet, in spite of those massive losses, just a few weeks later, on October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued his first proclamation of thanksgiving, the first time America was called to offer thanks to God, said Jeffress. Why would you offer thanks to God in a time of such loss? He said we need to look heavenward and remember God's blessings.

Despite Americas rich Christian heritage, however, he warned that Scripture offers no prominent role for the U.S. in End Times prophecy, unlike other nations. In what dispensationalists describe as a seven-year tribulation under the Antichrist, freedoms and democratic institutions would vanish, he said, as nations from Babylon to Rome rise and fall.

Jeffress said he sees three key factors that could accelerate Americas demise: moral disintegration, military confrontation and Israeli isolation, for which he cited a Gallup poll in July 2025 that found 59% of Americans have an unfavorable view of the Israeli government  up from 51% just the year before that.

It's not hard to see at all how America will ultimately desert Israel and other nations of the world will have, he said. The interesting thing is that desertion of Israel, that isolation of Israel will impact other nations like the United States and others. It will decimate those nations. But Israel has the promise of endurance because her defender is Almighty God.

Despite those trends, Jeffress rejected fatalism and pointed to Moses' call to "choose life" by calling on Christians to take a stand for religious liberty, vote for leaders who fulfill government's biblical roles, such as protecting the nation from evildoers, pray for the nation's welfare and share the Gospel.

He called it tragic that U.S. Christians today are more comfortable talking politics than sharing Jesus. Can I just tell you what I know to be true? Both political parties, Democrats and Republicans, both parties are intensely corrupt, he said. They cannot change anything. It is only the Gospel that can do that. We have the message that will change the world.

And that's what we're trying to do here at First Baptist Dallas, sharing the truth of God's Word to transform the world.
Home News Trump's Religious Liberty Commission gathers for final hearing: 'No such thing as separation of church and state'

WASHINGTON  The seventh and final hearing of the White House Religious Liberty Commission gathered at the Museum of the Bible on Monday to discuss the past, present and future of religious liberty in the United States.

Chaired by Republican Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the capstone hearing spanned five hours and featured panels that also touched on the history of religious freedom in the U.S. and the legal separation of church and state, which Patrick repeatedly dismissed during the event as a lie that is being politically weaponized.

"It is time to set the record straight: there is no such thing as 'separation of church and state' in the Constitution," Patrick said in a statement. "For too long, the anti-God Left has used this phrase to suppress people of religion in our country."

The lieutenant governor, who leads the commission with Vice Chair Dr. Ben Carson, noted that in all seven hearings of the commission since its establishment via executive order last May, "witness after witness testified that the so-called 'separation of church and state' was used to take their God-given religious liberty rights away."

'The biggest lie'

At one point during the hearing, Patrick called the idea of the separation of church and state, a phrase that emerged from an 1802 letter Thomas Jefferson wrote about religious liberty to the Danbury Baptists, as "the biggest lie that's been told in America since our founding."

Patrick made his remark in response to testimony from witness Helen M. Alvare, a law professor at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School who specializes in the religious freedom provisions of the First Amendment. She opened the hearing by framing religious liberty as an "objective good" for the country, emphasizing that government overreach poses a greater problem in American religious practice than any interfaith tensions.

"From time to time, this suffering is the result of malice; and recently, from governmental preoccupation with sexual expression," she said. "Quite often, however, it arises from a misunderstanding of that unfortunate, historically and culturally inaccurate, and constitutionally inapposite Jeffersonian phrase, 'separation of church and state.'"

Over the next few hours, the commission heard from two panels of other witnesses, some of whom testified how the supposed separation of church and state has been weaponized against people of faith. One witness included Sister Mary Elizabeth, SV, who detailed the legal battle the nonprofit Sisters of Life have faced from the state of New York, which she said "passed a law targeting our ministry to pregnant women."

"It allowed government officials to force pregnancy centers, but only those that do not perform abortion, to turn over internal documents, including sensitive information about the women we serve," she said.

Elizabeth also raised concerns regarding the case involving the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, New York, who run a Roman Catholic hospice for the poor. The group filed a lawsuit alleging the state violated their constitutional rights by requiring them to affirm the transgender identity of their patients.

'Dictatorship of relativism'

Commissioner Robert Barron, a Roman Catholic theologian who serves as bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota, discerned that the major spiritual battle taking place in the U.S. is between traditional religious faith and the culture's prevailing moral relativism, which he suggested is ultimately the worship of self.

Barron said during a personal statement at the close of the hearing that "the principal enemy of religious liberty in our country is what I call the 'ideology of self-invention.'"

"This is the philosophical program that denies the objectivity of moral values and the stability of human nature, and which proposes consequently that individual choice alone is the determiner of purpose and meaning," he said.

"This dictatorship of relativism has taken hold in many of our institutions of government, education and health care, and its advocates correctly recognize that their most important intellectual opponents are precisely those who subscribe to traditional religion," he continued.

Barron warned that the self-worshiping, relativistic ideology has become culturally entrenched and that its proponents "want religion out of the pivotal institutions of our society."

He said their worldview lies at the heart of many of the problems the commission aimed to address, such as the dramatic rise of anti-religious violence in the U.S., attacks against parents seeking religious education, the surge of antisemitism from both sides of the political spectrum, and hostility toward healthcare providers who believe in objective biology or morality.

"Religious liberty is rightly called the first of our freedoms and the linchpin of our fundamental rights," he said, adding that he would urge the president to consider allowing the commission to continue beyond its charter, which will end on July 4.

"Threats to religious freedom, both at home and abroad, are not disappearing anytime soon, and I believe it's very much in the national interest to persevere in monitoring them," he added.

Barron also expressed concern at the unprecedented number of religiously unaffiliated Americans, warning that widespread ignorance of the Bible carries political implications in a system of government that emerged from the embers of Christian thought.

"That's dangerous for our democracy because people start forgetting. They don't hear the story of the Good Samaritan, they don't hear about the Ten Commandments, they don't hear the Beatitudes," he said. "That affects our democracy; it's not just a religious problem."

'Just stop-gap solutions'

Christian author and broadcaster Eric Metaxas, who spoke immediately after Barron, echoed the bishop's concern regarding ignorance of religion and history, warning that the commission's efforts are "just stop-gap solutions" if Americans fail to remember the Judeo-Christian heritage that made their religious liberty possible.

Metaxas stressed the historical fragility of religious freedom, noting that his mother came from East Germany, where liberty was lost to communism, and that his Greek father was cognizant of the centuries of religious persecution that followed the Islamic conquest of the Christian East.

"I think the reason we have this Religious Liberty Commission today is because we have, for many decades, failed to articulate what it means to be an American, what liberty is and is not, what religious liberty is and is not," he said.

"My principal recommendation to the commission and to everyone in America is that we must know our story. We must know what liberty is. We have to be able to articulate why it is that some faiths hate liberty and some faiths love liberty."

Metaxas, whose book about the American Revolution will be published in June, said he was struck while writing it by how deeply a biblical framework guided the founding of the United States. He noted the idea that human beings are endowed by a benevolent Creator with certain inalienable rights is "fundamentally a biblical idea."

"You don't have to like that, but it's a fact," he said. "So at the heart of America, at the heart of American liberty and religious liberty, is faith in the God of the Bible. And I think part of the reason we're in this mess is because that used to be assumed, but secularists in the last 100 years or so have undermined this."

"These things cannot be wiped away, but we've forgotten them. So I would say the more Christian faith we have in our culture, the more liberty we have," he added.

Metaxas urged his listeners to remember that religious liberty in the U.S. emerged from a Christian worldview, but that people of all beliefs benefit from its tolerance, even if their beliefs are in fundamental opposition to freedom.

After Metaxas spoke, Patrick said respecting different faiths was one of the things he and President Donald Trump spoke about when forming the commission, and that militant secularism serves as a common enemy to them all.

"And it's interesting, the secular movement attacks all of us. They don't just attack the Christians, they don't just attack the Jews, they don't just attack the Hindus. They go after everyone," he said.

'They're really afraid'

The commission is slated to wrap up its official duties next month when it delivers a report to the president on its findings, though Patrick echoed Barron's desire that it be extended.

"Yes, we would like to continue. Our charter expires in a couple of months, and I think if we all sent a letter and signed it to the president, we'd like to continue to monitor the outcome; and to continue to have hearings as needed, as stories break and news breaks, would be a great privilege," he said.

The commission has been fraught with controversy and infighting in recent months as religious questions increasingly take center stage in the national conversation.

In February, conservative Catholic activist and former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean Boller was removed from the commission following a tense exchange with Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon about Gaza, Zionism and the definition of antisemitism. Sameerah Munshi, a Muslim adviser to the commission, subsequently resigned in protest of Boller's removal and the war in Iran.

That same month, a lawsuit filed on behalf of The Interfaith Alliance, the Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, Muslims for Progressive Values, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund and Hindus for Human Rights alleged the commission was unlawfully biased toward Christianity.

Patrick touched on the lawsuit during the hearing, suggesting its intention is to keep the commission from releasing their report, which contains months' worth of testimony from witnesses warning about the rising encroachments against religious liberty in the U.S.

"Really, all these groups should be titled, 'We're the group trying to stop good things from happening,' because someone doesn't want us to even turn in our report. That means they're really afraid," he said. "What are they afraid of?"
Trumps AI Christ Image, SBC ERLC Names President, Anthropic Hosts Christian Leaders For AI Ethics

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:37 06:37

Top headlines for Tuesday, April 14, 2026

President Donald Trump says he personally shared an AI-generated image portraying himself as a Christ-like healer, Evan Lenow is unanimously elected as the new president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, and Anthropicthe company behind Claudebrings together Christian leaders for a summit on AI ethics.

00:11 President Trump says he personally posted now-deleted image

00:59 Brandon Lake says doors were open to Christian Buddhist query

01:41 Evan Lenow elected new president of ERLC

02:30 Anthropic seeks Christian leaders help in shaping AI ethics

03:21 DOJ report ot accuse Biden admin of 'weaponizing' FACE Act

04:15 Sadie Robertson Huff recalls terrifying moment baby choked

04:57 Lawrence Jones sees spiritual comeback as Gen Z turns to faith
Home Opinion Is the war on conversion therapy over?

Recently, a landmark ruling on the constitutionality of so-called conversion therapy bans was handed down, sending shock waves throughout the countrys mental health community.



With the help of religious-liberty law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, Colorado licensed counselor Kaley Chiles filed suit in federal court over a 2019 state law prohibiting licensed therapists from assisting clients under the age of eighteen from seeking voluntary counseling to change or reduce unwanted same-sex attractions or gender identity conflicts. After losing in the District and Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court took up her case last October.

The primary question the high court needed to decide was whether counseling should be considered medical conduct subject to professional regulation or speech protected by the First Amendment. Colorados statute allows a counselor to facilitate acceptance and support for a minors lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trans (LGBT) identity exploration and development, but makes illegal the view that same-sex attractions or gender identity expressions are fluid and subject to change, claiming that such therapeutic efforts are ineffective, harmful, and fall outside of the so-called medical consensus.

Justice Neil Gorsuch  joined by seven of the eight other justices  addressed this in his majority opinion: Colorados law regulates the content of her speech and goes further to prescribe what views she may and may not express. Her speech does not become conduct just because a government says so or because it may be described as a treatment or therapeutic modality. The First Amendment is no word game, and the exercise of constitutional rights cannot be circumscribed by mere labels.

Even two of the Courts liberal justices, Sotomayor and Kagan, joined the 8-1 majority opinion, criticizing the lone dissent, Justice Ketanji Jackson, for reimagining settled First Amendment law in what Justice Kagan described as a textbook viewpoint discrimination case. Jackson opined: Conversion-therapy efforts have historically included aversive therapeutic modalities, including inducing nausea, vomiting, or paralysis in patients or subjecting them to severe electric shocks, although they have fallen out of fashion in favor of talk therapy.

Bait and switch: Separating fact from fiction

In my 2019 book The War on Psychotherapy: When Sexual Politics, Gender Ideology, and Mental Health Collide, I document the movement behind laws to ban conversion therapy, the major players involved, their strategies, and the indoctrination tactics employed in the media, educational system, and healthcare industry.

Fourteen years ago, California passed the first conversion therapy ban into law, which strategically sought to restrict licensed practitioners from assisting minor clients in an effort to paint a sympathetic picture to an increasingly accepting public that LGBT-identified youth should not be forced to change their sexuality or gender identity.

In late 2012, I assembled a group of about 10 colleagues. We were a small but determined group. Our goal was simple: make some noise and expose the fraud of the political lobby attempting to silence and eliminate our stories. We called ourselves Voice of the Voiceless and formed a 501(c)3 non-profit to advocate for our clients who were being marginalized.

We immediately started testifying in front of state legislatures. In a New Jersey Senate hearing committee hearing, trans Brielle Goldani claimed she was sent as a teenager  by her parents and Christian church  to an Ohio-based conversion therapy torture camp called True Directions that forced her into hetero-normative dating while subjecting her to electric shock therapy and intravenous fluids to induce nausea and vomiting at the sight of same-sex erotic material. She said: Twice a week I was hooked up to electrodes on my hands ... I, a child, was shocked repeatedly by people who had my parent's permission to torture me. This is nothing more than legalized child abuse.

However, this horror story turned out to be stranger than fiction, as our investigation revealed that True Directions existed only in the 1999 satire film But Im a Cheerleader starring drag queen RuPaul; and as the battle to ban conversion therapy moved across the country, our coalition began to notice a familiar narrative with similar therapy torture stories.

Every January, state LGBT-rights coalitions would partner with well-funded national groups to employ an elaborate Bait and Switch strategy that would result in roughly two dozen blue states, and many liberal cities, passing very similar legislation. Just a few days prior to the opening of any particular states session, a news story would drop in a local paper and suddenly gain regional attention: Teen sent to conversion therapy torture camp: Concerned lawmakers grapple with legislation to protect vulnerable youth.

Following the interest story would emerge a courageous local lawmaker carrying the banner to protect young, vulnerable members of the LGBT community from being subjected to the conversion therapy torture. But behind the scenes were not a group of victims, but a well-rehearsed cadre of activists being funded by the sexual rights political lobby. The most infamous among them was Samuel Brinton.

Sam made a career out of telling his story to legislatures across the country, got paid to train executives in Corporations like Google on gender diversity and sexual equality, and even made it as far as the United Nations to testify about his therapist placing hot coals and ice on his hands, coupled with electrodes, as a technique to steer him away from being gay. The main problem for Sam, like many of his counterparts, was that he always seemed to suffer from temporary amnesia when asked for specific details about his so-called conversion therapist, the dates he underwent the therapy, and other key details like the state and location he received the treatment.

Much like Goldani, Brinton had a penchant for stealing sensational stories  but stories were not the only theft Sam was found guilty of. After a short stint working for the Biden presidential administration, Brinton was arrested and later pleaded guilty to felony theft of womens luggage in multiple airports across the country. We still cant verify if Brintons counselor was licensed or if he received the conversion therapy as a minor  all facts that are relevant to this debate  and as my colleague Peter Sprigg, former senior fellow at the Family Research Council, once wrote  when it comes to the (conversion) therapy debate: the truth matters.

For several years, I lobbied federal and state lawmakers to expose the fraud our coalition uncovered. Most of the politicians I spoke with saw this issue as polarizing; the solution was too complex and too controversial. Our coalition worked with conservative policy organizations on the state and national level to try to find common ground with LGBT activist groups, naively thinking we could work together to end harmful aversive therapeutic practices while keeping talk therapy legal.

One such example occurred in the state of Washington in 2015, where conservative lawmakers attempted to reach a compromise with conversion therapy ban advocates by prohibiting harmful aversion techniques such as electric-shock therapy while maintaining the freedom to practice talk therapy. But to the extreme left, this compromise did not go far enough and served to illustrate the sad reality that political activists were more interested in regulating conversations they disagreed with, rather than curbing child abuse.

Is the war on conversion therapy over?

While the Supreme Courts ruling may be the beginning of the end, the war on conversion therapy seems far from over. It has yet to be determined how the remand of Colorados law, as well as the dozens of other state and city ordinances, will be nullified or rewritten in light of the high Courts decision.

At the same time, activists such as the National Center for Lesbian Rights Shannon Minter have recently made statements indicating their intention to pursue other legal and legislative avenues to restrict therapy. I think the most important thing to understand about the decision is that it only takes one way of regulating conversion therapy off the table. For example, California Senate Bill 934, if passed, would open the door for former clients who were harmed by conversion therapy to file lawsuits against their licensed practitioners.

While every client struggling with their sexual or gender identity should have the right to pursue counseling, we should never tolerate any type of coercive therapy, mistreatment, or abuse towards youth embracing an LGBT identity. Both sides of this debate must acknowledge that our values are diverse, and we are not all the same; and if we approach one another honestly and compassionately  whether its in the policy arena, therapeutic context, or in our families and communities  we can realize that respect and love for each other has room for disagreement.
Mercury Insurance Highlights Upgrades That Improve Comfort, Performance, and Long-Term Home Resilience

LOS ANGELES, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As homeowners look for ways to manage rising utility costs, Mercury Insurance (NYSE/NYSE Texas: MCY) is highlighting energy-efficient home upgrades that can lower monthly expenses while improving comfort and long-term property resilience. With Earth Month placing a spotlight on sustainability, now is an ideal time for homeowners to evaluate how their homes use energy and where improvements can make a meaningful difference.

Energy costs are not just rising; they are becoming a growing financial burden. The average U.S. household spends roughly $2,000 per year on energy, and as much as $200 to $400 of that can be lost due to drafts, air leaks, and outdated systems. Meanwhile, energy insecurity is increasing, with about one-third of U.S. households now struggling to afford energy bills.

"Energy efficiency is one of the most practical ways homeowners can take control of both costs and comfort," said Adam Bakonis, Director, Product Management at Mercury Insurance. "Upgrades like insulation, efficient HVAC systems, and smart home technology not only reduce monthly bills, but they also help protect the home itself by reducing strain on critical systems and improving overall performance."

Where homeowners see the biggest impact

Heating and cooling systems represent the largest share of home energy use, accounting for as much as 35 to 50 percent of annual energy costs. That makes HVAC upgrades and maintenance one of the highest-impact investments homeowners can make.

Additional high-value improvements include:

Insulation and air sealing

Poor insulation and air leaks can waste hundreds of dollars annually. Addressing these gaps improves indoor comfort and reduces energy loss.

Poor insulation and air leaks can waste hundreds of dollars annually. Addressing these gaps improves indoor comfort and reduces energy loss. Energy-efficient windows and doors

Upgraded windows can lower household energy bills by about 13 percent by reducing heat transfer.

Upgraded windows can lower household energy bills by about 13 percent by reducing heat transfer. Smart thermostats and energy management

Behavioral changes and smart technology can reduce energy use by 20 to 30 percent without major renovations.

Behavioral changes and smart technology can reduce energy use by 20 to 30 percent without major renovations. Lighting and appliances

LED lighting uses at least 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs, offering one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades.

LED lighting uses at least 75 percent less energy than traditional bulbs, offering one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades. ENERGY STAR appliances and systems

Households that adopt ENERGY STAR solutions can save about $450 annually on energy costs.

Efficiency that adds long-term value

Energy efficiency is not just about lowering bills. It can also increase property value and improve long-term durability. Energy-efficient homes have been shown to sell for more, reflecting growing buyer demand for lower operating costs and sustainable features.

At the same time, reducing strain on heating, cooling, and electrical systems can help extend the life of key home components, lowering maintenance costs and reducing the likelihood of costly repairs.

A smarter approach to homeownership

Mercury Insurance encourages homeowners to start with a home energy audit to identify the most effective upgrades for their property. From there, prioritizing improvements with the highest return on investment can deliver both immediate savings and long-term benefits.

"As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners are looking for solutions that make a real difference," Bakonis added. "The right upgrades can improve daily comfort, reduce expenses, and help ensure the home performs the way it should for years to come."

For more tips and information about energy efficiency, visit the Mercury Blog .

About Mercury Insurance

Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto, homeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including commercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing, ride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.

Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their insurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340 independent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an "A" rating from A.M. Best, as well as "Best Auto Insurance Company" designations from Forbes and Insure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com or follow the company on LinkedIn , Instagram or Facebook .

Media interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the Mercury Newsroom .

SOURCE Mercury Insurance
A trustee resignation letter at the centre of a dispute between Prince Harry and a charity he co-founded has been published for the first time.

This week, the Times published the resignation letter from Sentebales five former trustees, who stepped down in March last year after expressing concerns about chair Sophie Chandaukas behaviour.

The letter alleges that with their resignation, Chandauka had forcibly taken over control of the charity, formed in 2006 to support young people in southern Africa, and created irreparable damage.

Harry and fellow co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho quit as patrons of Sentebale last year in solidarity with the former trustees, saying their relationship breakdown with Chandauka had created  an untenable situation .

The Charity Commission opened a compliance case into the charity, which concluded with the regulator criticising all parties to the dispute for allowing it to play out publicly last year.

However, on Friday, Sentebale announced that it had brought legal proceedings against Harry and its former trustee Mark Dyer following a coordinated adverse media campaign.

A spokesperson for the commission told Civil Society that it is aware of the charitys plans to take legal action and has been engaging with its trustees to understand how this action furthers their charitys purposes.

Blocked board meeting alleged

In their letter, the former trustees including Dyer said they had resigned after calling on Chandauka to step down due to concerns about her conduct since she became chair in July 2023.

The letter says there had been a breakdown in her relationship with other trustees, staff and funders and that she had attempted to manipulate board minutes.

In response to that request [to step down], you further diminished the trust by levelling vague and deeply troubling allegations to threaten and intimidate the board, its patrons and a donor, it reads.

As a result of your refusal, we called a board meeting to vote on the issue, in accordance with the articles and applicable law.

According to the letter, Chandauka sought a High Court injunction to prevent the meeting from going ahead, which the trustees described as damning evidence of your failure to act as a leader capable of putting the charity's best interests first.

The trustees said the extreme measures Chandauka took to stay on as chair led them to feel that they had no alternative but to resign from the board.

Although we continue to believe that itd be in the best interests of the charity for you to step down, weve come to the difficult decision that if youre unwilling to do so, then we must step down in order to avoid a protracted dispute and significant expense which the charity can ill afford, their letter reads.

In response, a spokesperson for Sentebale said: This matter is subject to active legal proceedings. It would therefore be inappropriate to comment on any aspect or share documents that are not in the public domain.

We can confirm that Sentebale is acting in accordance with its legal and regulatory duties, including proper governance and oversight. The charity has been in full dialogue with the Charity Commission for months, including in advance of filing this claim.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
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In December of 2025, after widespread massacres were reported in the city of El-Fasher, in the western Sudanese region of Darfur, a journalist named Nadia Taha was invited, along with other experts, to share her insights at a congressional briefing in Washington, DC.

Taha, who was born and raised in El-Fasher, began by describing the city and its society and culture, and related how a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had seized control of El-Fasher on October 26 after a nearly two-year siege. Once inside, the RSF reportedly targeted non-Arab residents for atrocities ranging from torture to rape, killing tens of thousands of people, including many of Tahas relatives and neighbors. The perpetrators boasted about their acts in videos posted on social media. As she spoke at the briefing, Taha choked up. I used to work for the Voice of America, she said, with evident frustration. She had been laid off a few months earlier, after Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for the near-elimination of the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which includes VOA. I feel like my hands are tied.

Called the forgotten war because of how little media coverage it has received, the conflict in Sudan has displaced twelve million people; some estimates put the death toll as high as four hundred thousand, making it the largest humanitarian crisis in the world today. The devastation has made ground reporting nearly impossible in much of the country; it has also coincided with Americas inward turn, marked by the Trump administrations dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and its decision to place more than a thousand USAGM employees on administrative leave, as well as layoffs in February at the Washington Post that disproportionately affected foreign coverage. Sometimes I just want to scream and cry, Taha told me. I see a lot of stuff not covered the way I want it to be done.

The fall of El-Fasher and its aftermath are another episode of mass atrocity in a power struggle that has been raging in Sudan since April of 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. A February 2026 United Nations fact-finding mission confirmed that the atrocities committed by RSF fighters in El-Fasher show the hallmarks of genocide. As in Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine, and Iran, analysis of open-source intelligence (OSINT)publicly available material such as social media posts, geolocation data, and satellite imageryhas proved crucial. Satellite imagery of El-Fasher analyzed by the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab shows evidence of mass killings by RSF fighters. The labs first report, published in October of 2025, grabbed global media attention when it revealed objects consistent with the size of human bodies on the ground near RSF vehicles, including at least five instances of reddish earth discoloration.

The fact that blood was visible from space, that was a moment that captured international headlines, Shaina Lewis, a Sudan specialist and adviser for Preventing and Ending Mass Atrocities (PAEMA), an advocacy group, told me. I think El-Fasher was a breakthrough moment for all of the wrong reasons. We saw this massive uptick in attention that we had been calling for for the entirety of the war.

El-Fasher is the historical capital of Darfur, where, in the early 2000s, the Janjaweed militia, established by the Sudanese governments security apparatus, fought armed rebel groups and committed mass atrocities against Black, non-Arab communities accused of supporting the rebels. Around three hundred thousand are believed to have died from fighting, hunger, and disease in that conflict. Human rights activists also called it a genocide.

As a reward, Omar al-Bashir, Sudans former dictator, gave the Janjaweed control of gold mines in Darfur and elevated the groups status within the military establishmentin part as a shield against political rivals. The Janjaweed, led by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, were rebranded as the RSF. In 2015, Bashir sent them to Yemen as mercenaries to fight Houthi rebels alongside the armies of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

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In April of 2019, four months of pro-democracy protests brought down Bashirs government in what was celebrated as the Sudanese Revolution. A civilian-military coalition formed a transitional government. But in 2021, before the end of the transitional period and elections, the military sidelined the countrys civilian leadership and the internal rivalry between the RSF and army leaders linked to the old regime escalated. In April of 2023, fighting began in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and spread throughout the country, including to Darfur. Since then, control of Sudans major cities has been a contest between the Sudanese army, which largely rules the countrys east, north, and center, and the RSF, which remains strong in the south and west.

By May of 2024, El-Fasher was the last of Darfurs big cities under the armys authority. For the next eighteen months, RSF fighters besieged the city. They dug ditches around it and fired mortars at military and residential areas. Locals starved, and tens of thousands left to seek refuge elsewhere.

During the siege, some local journalists stayed to report on the unfolding tragedy. But in October of 2025, the Committee to Protect Journalists said that thirteen journalists and media workers, whom it called among the last sources of independent information from the besieged city, had gone missing under a communication blackout. At least two had been abducted by the RSF, including Muammar Ibrahim, a stringer for Al Jazeera Mubasher, the networks C-SPAN-like public affairs channel, who was recognized, captured, and detained by RSF fighters on October 26 as he tried to leave the city. In a video posted on social media, an RSF officer sitting on a desk accuses Ibrahim of being biased and misrepresenting the group in Facebook posts as a militia and Janjaweedcharacterizations the RSF has dismissed as it tries to market itself as a legitimate political and military force. A visibly distraught yet measured Ibrahim responds: I confirm I used these descriptions in past social media posts, but not in my reporting to official and media outlets.

Beyond the fighting, obstacles to covering El-Fasherand Sudan at largehave included electricity and internet outages, armed parties denying media access to survivors of the conflict, media funding cuts, and competing global crises. We can go places journalists cant go, said Nathaniel Raymond, the executive director of the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab. We dont replace witness testimony, but we can operate when there is no ground access.

Sudanese journalists connected to El-Fasher have been at the forefront of trying to make sure the world knows what is happening. Tahas journalism career began in 2010, when she worked from Nairobi with the Sudan Radio Service (SRS), a network funded by USAID that was later known as Eye Radio. She was a host and Darfur specialist, reporting in Arabic and Zaghawa, the language of the Zaghawa ethnic group living mainly in northeastern Chad and western Sudan. Later, she worked as a reporter and communications director for independent media outlets Ayin Network and Nuba Reports, training journalists to produce short documentary videos in underreported-on conflict zones in Sudan, including Blue Nile State, the Nuba Mountains, and Darfur.

A 2016 Atlas Corps fellowship brought her to Washington, DC, to intern with VOA, which hired her a year later to be, as far as she knew, the first Sudanese woman and Darfurian journalist to work full-time for the organization. I started bringing new voices to Voice of America, interviewing IDPs, people from El-Fasher, experts on Darfur, she told me, using the initialism for internally displaced person.

The hope of bringing local, in-depth knowledge of the region is what, around the same time, motivated a journalist named Adam Mahdi to establish Darfur 24, a bilingual Arabic and English online platform, with a colleague, Mohamed Elfatih. Initially based in the city of Nyala, in south Darfur, the website aimed to cover events that were not being covered in Darfur, places far from the big cities, population movements, tribal conflicts, shortages in services and development, Mahdi told me. Soon, Darfur 24 expanded to employ five reporters in the Darfur regions five states, including three video journalists in the major cities of El-Fasher, Nyala, and El-Geneina. It also had reporters covering refugees in Chad and South Sudan, and later grew its team to cover all of Sudan.

But when the war erupted in 2023, Mahdi and many other journalists had to relocate. It became impossible for them to live or work in an area, he said. Our reporters were always in army areas. RSF never let anyone who didnt support them work freely. Those in army and Joint Forces areas didnt have much freedom, either, but were at least from the city and could move around. One Darfur 24 reporters house was struck by a mortar, Mahdi recalled. (The reporter wasnt home at the time.) Mahdi and Elfatih tried to recover lost ground by training non-journalists, including volunteers, activists, and human rights observers, to provide updates.

Hafiz Haroun, a journalist who is originally from El-Fasher, had been closely following the tensions, as well as the arms and mobilization race between the Sudanese army and the RSF, even before the fighting broke out. It was clear a war was on its way, Haroun told me.

After the fall of Bashirs dictatorship, in 2019, Haroun had begun reporting for an independent newspaper, Al-Tayyar, in Khartoum, and was inspired by the countrys hopeful transition to democracy. In 2021, he was arrested by security forces; he subsequently relocated to Nairobi with support from Frontline Defenders, an international human rights group, and began freelancing for outlets such as Ayin, Le Monde, and later the Washington Post. While working on a documentary with the BBC on the Sudan-Chad border in 2024, he saw Facebook posts about the death of his younger brother back in El-Fasher. Weeks afterward, another brother was killed. They died defending our neighborhood against the RSF, Haroun told me.

From afar, in Nairobi, Haroun contributed to reports about the fighting around El-Fasher, including in the Post. I did reports on the siege, starvation, rape, and kidnappings, he said. Usually with WhatsApp, but sometimes it was hard to get in contact when Starlink was down. He sometimes used a satellite phone to contact and interview community and military leaders.

International journalists, meanwhile, reached out to advocacy groups such as PAEMA for contacts on the ground. Journalists often get in contact with me to connect with Sudanese civilians, Lewis, the groups Sudan specialist, said. Through a network of civil society activists, she found interviewees who, for security reasons, would record voice notes somewhere, then send them at a Starlink access point.

Darfur 24s local photographer had left El-Fasher in mid-2025. One writer in the city stayed on. When it became too dangerous, along with food and water shortages, we forced them to evacuate, Mahdi said.

When RSF fighters stormed El-Fasher, the city was disconnected from the world. On the day of the fall there was absolutely no access, and I am someone who has wide connections in El-Fasher, Haroun said.

For an entire day, Haroun couldnt reach anyone. He was certain most of his sources had died. He turned to satellite imagery and contacts in the RSF. On October 27, he spoke to people who had made it to Taweela, a town along the Sudan-Chad border to the west, who explained what happened. It was difficult. I had an interview with people I knew, including childhood friends, he recalled. That was one of the most painful stories.

Darfur 24 hasnt been able to report from El-Fasher since the RSF takeover. Starlink internet service is no longer available there, so connecting with sources is difficult. Its correspondents have instead focused on survivors who fled, relying on social media posts supportive of the RSF or visits by international humanitarian delegations that produce video reports to cover the city itself. There is no independent reporting from the ground, and no verifying of sources, Mahdi said.

This has made for missed stories, which frustrates Taha. When an RSF commander, Abu Lulu, claimed on TikTok to have killed two hundred peoplethen said hed lost count and vowed to start from zero next timeTaha was horrified that no one interviewed the families of victims or followed up on RSF claims that he was being investigated.

At least one journalist, Tsabih Mubarak of Sky News Arabia, based in the UAE, who is married to a senior official in an RSF-backed parallel government, has drawn considerable controversy for her coverage. Days after the RSFs takeover, she traveled from Abu Dhabi to El-Fasher, where she was criticized for whitewashing the level of atrocity as well as for taking theatrical selfies with children and a photo hugging a female RSF commander.

Taha, who in February cofounded Sudan Action Hub, an advocacy and humanitarian group, was excited when a federal judge ordered the reinstatement of the VOA workers who had been put on administrative leave. The ruling, however, didnt include Taha, who worked for the agency as a contractor. Nevertheless, she remains hopeful. We are still waiting for clarification from the lawyers, she said.

The recent mass layoffs at the Post, which gutted many foreign bureaus, have left Haroun in limbo as well. The Post was interested in regular reports, Haroun said. Work seems to be frozen. I dont know what is going to happen.

Reliable independent news from El-Fasher is still hard to attain, according to journalists and advocates close to the city. The RSF now controls Starlink stations, and the residents who remain are scared to talk. The latest information comes from those who fled most recently or from RSF-sponsored propaganda. El-Fasher was the first time we saw the international media come close to what was warranted, Lewis said. Too little, too late.
The top US trade official said restrictions on foreign technology will likely keep Chinese carmakers out of the US for the foreseeable future, throwing cold water on the prospect of those manufacturers establishing a foothold in the domestic auto market.

Rules prohibiting connected vehicle technology and software made by so-called foreign entities of concern pose a steep barrier for many Chinese companies, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told reporters Thursday. Those rules are taking effect over the 12 to 18 months, he said.

We dont see any change in that, Greer said during a tour of a Stellantis NV plant in Michigan. It would probably be difficult for certain countries to establish new production here, given those sets of rules.

Related: Xiaomi Launches Safety Advisory Committee After EV Accidents in China

The prospect of Chinese carmakers entering the US market has become a closely watched topic for the domestic auto industry this year, particularly after President Donald Trump indicated in January that he would be open to arrangements that employed American workers. That would be a watershed moment with major implications for US manufacturers and consumers.

Led by the likes of BYD Co. and Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd., Chinas automakers have rapidly gained market share in Europe, Mexico and South America with lower-cost models that feature advanced electric-vehicle batteries and infotainment systems. They also receive government subsidies and can offer technology at low prices in part because they tolerate slim margins or even losses, giving them a competitive edge that western rivals struggle to match.

Canadas government recently agreed to allow 49,000 Chinese vehicles into the country each year.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
Alphabet Inc.s Google is facing billions of dollars in potential damage claims as part of mass arbitration tied to the companys online search and advertising technology businesses, which courts have ruled were illegal monopolies.

Advertisers are banding together to seek payouts through mass arbitration proceedings. While many companies that displayed ads purchased through Google  including USA Today Co. and Advance Publications Inc.  have sued for damages since the rulings in 2024, advertiser contracts with the search giant require mandatory arbitration over legal disputes.

Related: Meta Pulls Ads Aimed at Recruiting Plaintiffs for Social Media Addiction Lawsuits

In arbitration, legal disputes are handled by a mediator, a process that tends to favor companies in individual claims. Mass arbitration  where 25 or more claims against the same company are pooled together  have become more common and provide a greater likelihood of settlement awards for claimants.

Ashley Keller, a Chicago lawyer whose firm has handled mass arbitrations against DoorDash Inc., Postmates Inc. and TurboTax-maker Intuit Inc., said hes already signed up a significant number of advertisers to participate in claims against Google. The first of those are expected to be filed this week.

Two federal judges have already adjudicated Google to be a monopolist, Keller said in an interview with Bloomberg. It seems sensible to seek redress.

Related: Perplexity AI Machine Accused of Sharing Data With Meta, Google

Keller, who is also representing Texas and other states in a lawsuit against Google for monopolization of advertising technology, estimates potential claims for online search and display ads could reach $218 billion or more, based on calculations from an economist his firm has hired. Similar mass arbitrations have lasted 12 to 24 months between the filing of claims and resolution, he said.

Google didnt immediately respond Monday to a request for comment.

In a recent corporate filing, the company said it faced private damage claims over antitrust cases brought by regulators around the world. Given the nature of these matters, we cannot estimate a possible loss, Google said. We believe we have strong arguments against these open claims and will defend ourselves vigorously.

Illegal Monopolies

A Washington federal court found in 2024 that Google illegally monopolized the online search market. The company is appealing. A different federal court found Google illegally monopolized the advertising technology that helps connect advertisers to website publishers. The company is expected to appeal.

In 2024, there were 82 mass arbitrations over consumer issues and 10 related to employment claims, according to the American Arbitration Association. The Google mass arbitration may be the first to seek to represent corporate plaintiffs, as most of the group legal proceedings to date have sought to arbitrate consumer or labor-related claims.

Keller said arbitration clauses Google has in its advertisers contracts effectively prevents damages via class action litigation. Instead, they can join together to make claims as part of a group arbitration, which is usually handled by a single law firm and gives them more leverage in settlement negotiations.

Over the past few decades, companies have increasingly sought to enforce arbitration accords with consumers and employees. Supporters say arbitration is cheaper and more efficient than traditional litigation. Critics say companies are trying to strip individuals of important rights, including the ability to band together on claims that as a practical matter are too small to press individually.
New vlog of Shenzhou-21 crew details advanced in-orbit medical experiments

Xinhua) 09:48, April 14, 2026

BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has released a new video diary offering a detailed look at the daily work of the three Shenzhou-21 astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station, with a focus on a series of advanced aerospace medical experiments conducted 160 days into their mission.

In the video released on Sunday, astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang can be seen conducting a variety of in-orbit tasks. Wearing blue short-sleeved polo shirts, they move with practiced ease between equipment racks, handling samples and inspecting hardware.

The crew members remain in good physical condition and continue to work with high coordination and motivation, the CMSA said.

The astronaut trio has completed a series of cognitive function and emergency decision-making tests, as part of ongoing efforts to monitor how long-term spaceflight affects human performance in isolation and microgravity, according to the CMSA.

In the video, a key highlight is the crew's use of a space Raman spectrometer to analyze the metabolic components of urine samples. The data collected will help refine metabolic indicator systems and evaluation criteria for astronaut health during long-duration spaceflight.

The three astronauts also collected and froze saliva samples, which will be analyzed on the ground to help researchers study gut flora and digestive function.

The astronauts completed blood sample collection according to experimental plans covering bone metabolism regulation, integrative omics and sleep rhythms in space. They used a centrifuge to process the samples before storing them for return to Earth.

In the field of microgravity physical sciences, the crew replaced samples in the fluid physics experiment cabinet, exchanged burners and gas cylinders in the combustion science cabinet, and cleaned samples from the containerless experiment chamber.

The astronauts were also seen maintaining their health by exercising on a treadmill and using resistance bands in the microgravity environment.

The Shenzhou-21 manned spacecraft was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Oct. 31, 2025. The Shenzhou-21 crew completed their mission's first series of extravehicular activities (EVAs) on Dec. 9 last year and the second on March 16.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
WASHINGTON, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Marlinspike Partners today announced that Ellen M. Lord, former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment at the U.S. Department of Defense, has joined the firm as a Strategic Advisor. In this role, Lord will support Marlinspike's investment strategy across aerospace, defense, and frontier technologies, with a particular focus on scaling next-generation industrial capabilities and advancing the adoption of autonomy across the defense ecosystem.

Ellen Lord official portrait

Lord brings decades of experience at the intersection of defense, industry, and innovation. During her tenure at the Department of Defense, she oversaw acquisition, logistics, and sustainment efforts, managing one of the largest procurement organizations in the world. Prior to her government service, she served as CEO of Textron Systems, where she led advanced aerospace and defense programs.

Her appointment reinforces Marlinspike's thesis-driven approach to investing in the technologies reshaping the physical economyspanning AI-enabled design, advanced manufacturing, and autonomy-enabled operations.

"We are building Marlinspike around a very clear view of where the world is goingfrom a human-centric to an autonomy-centric economy," said Mislav Tolusic, Managing Partner at Marlinspike. "Ellen has operated at the highest levels of both government and industry, and she understands better than almost anyone how to translate technological capability into real-world deployment at scale. Her perspective will be invaluable as we back companies that are redefining the industrial base."

Lord will advise the firm on investment diligence, portfolio support, and strategic engagement with government stakeholders, helping portfolio companies navigate complex procurement environments and accelerate adoption pathways.

"Marlinspike is one of the few firms taking a truly systems-level view of the transformation underway in defense and industrial markets," said Ellen Lord. "Their focus on integrating design, build, and operate capabilitiesparticularly through AI and autonomyaligns closely with where I believe the future of national security and industrial competitiveness is headed. I'm excited to contribute to that mission."

Neil Keegan, CEO at Marlinspike, added: "Ellen's track record speaks for itself. She has led through some of the most complex acquisition and industrial challenges in recent history. As we work with founders building the next generation of defense and industrial companies, her guidance will be a major force multiplier."

Marlinspike invests in companies operating at the intersection of aerospace, defense, and frontier technologies, with a focus on enabling the transition to an autonomy-driven world. The firm partners with founders building critical capabilities across AI-enabled engineering, advanced manufacturing, and autonomous systems.

About Marlinspike

Marlinspike was founded in 2020 and, following successful co-investments in companies such as Palantir and Shield AI, launched a series of venture funds focused on dual-use technologies addressing national security needs. Marlinspike Disruptive Technology Fund I (MDTF I) launched in 2022 with positions including Anduril, Armada, and Elroy Air. MDTF II followed in 2024 with positions in Gambit Defense and Gecko Robotics, among others. The firm invests across Aerospace, AI & Machine Learning, Autonomy & Robotics, and Cybersecurity, and has achieved exits including Voyager Technologies and Kodiak Robotics. Marlinspike is headquartered in Arlington, VA.

For full biographies and photographs, please visit Marlinspike's website at https://marlinspike.us.

SOURCE Marlinspike
Albertsons Cos. announced a $774 million settlement to resolve all opioid-related claims, making the grocery chain one of the last major retailers to reach such a deal.

Due to the settlement, the company recorded a charge of about $600 million last quarter, net of tax, that left it reporting a loss of roughly $480 million. The payout will take place over nine years.

Shares of Albertsons fell roughly 3% in premarket trading. The stock declined by about 2% this year through Mondays close, compared with the S&P 500 Index being little changed.

Albertsons is the latest big retailer to reach a settlement in the wake of the opioid crisis. Retailers with pharmacies were sued in thousands of complaints over multiple years for not properly monitoring opioid prescriptions.

CVS Health Corp., Walmart Inc. and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. started payouts amounting to more than $13 billion after proposing settlements in late 2022. Kroger Co. agreed to pay as much as $1.2 billion to states and subdivisions and $36 million to Native American tribes as part of a nationwide settlement in 2023.

Albertsons forecast same-store sales for the fiscal year that began in March to be in a range of little changed to a gain of 1%. Analysts on average expected an increase of 1.2%. Adjusted earnings per share for this year will be between $2.22 to $2.32, in-line with the average estimate.

Top photo: An Albertsons grocery store in Texas. Photographer: Shelby Tauber/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.
STAMFORD, Conn. and NEW YORK, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus Partners ("Olympus") announced today the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire a majority ownership stake in NTI Connect, LLC d/b/a Network Connex ("Network Connex") from ORIX Capital Partners, the private equity arm of ORIX Corporation USA ("ORIX USA").

Headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill., Network Connex is a national provider of fiber installation and other mission-critical digital infrastructure services to hyperscalers, cloud operators, and large enterprises supporting the buildout of AI infrastructure and next generation data centers. Network Connex operates a nationwide footprint, with a strong presence in the largest and fastest-growing data center markets across North America.

"Network Connex has established itself as a trusted partner to hyperscalers and data center operators, delivering a unique combination of scale, speed, and quality nationwide," said Matt Boyd, partner at Olympus. "We are thrilled to partner with the entire Network Connex team to support their continued growth and expansion. Network Connex's expertise in fiber installation and digital infrastructure is unparalleled, and we believe they are uniquely positioned to capitalize on the explosive growth in the AI and data center markets," added Matt Bujor, principal at Olympus.

Christopher Larocca, president and CEO of Network Connex, added, "This partnership with Olympus marks an exciting new chapter for Network Connex. Olympus brings significant experience investing in and scaling infrastructure businesses. We believe their strategic support will accelerate our growth, expand our capabilities, and further strengthen our position as a leading provider of mission-critical services to the data center ecosystem. We are proud of the national platform we have built and the long-standing relationships we have with our customers, and we look forward to building on that foundation together."

"Partnering with the Network Connex team during such a dynamic period of growth and operational advancement has been a privilege," said Matt Scullion, managing director at ORIX USA. "The sale of Network Connex marks a significant achievement for the ORIX Capital Partners portfolio, reflecting an outcome aligned with the interests of the business and our investors. We are excited about the future for the business with Olympus Partners."

The transaction is expected to close upon customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The Olympus team included Matt Boyd, Matt Bujor, Marty Durkin and Jack Denning. Olympus was represented by Matt Goulding and Mark Keohane from Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Candice Lockhart from KPMG LLP. Lazard Freres & Co. acted as sole financial advisor to ORIX Capital Partners and Network Connex, and Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer acted as legal advisor to ORIX Capital Partners and Network Connex.

ABOUT NETWORK CONNEX

Network Connex is a leading provider of mission-critical digital infrastructure services to hyperscalers, cloud operators, and large enterprise customers. With a core focus on data centers, Network Connex delivers end-to-end integrated infrastructure solutions, including fiber installation, splicing, testing, validation, and maintenance. Network Connex's services are the essential link that enables data to flow across the entire digital infrastructure ecosystem. For more information, please visit www.networkconnex.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS PARTNERS

Olympus Partners is a private equity firm focused on providing equity capital for middle market management buyouts and for growing companies. Olympus manages in excess of $12 billion mainly on behalf of pension funds, endowment funds and state-sponsored retirement programs. Founded in 1988, Olympus is an active, long-term investor across a broad range of industries including industrial and business services, food services, healthcare services, financial services, consumer and manufacturing. For additional information, please visit www.olympuspartners.com.

ABOUT ORIX CAPITAL PARTNERS

ORIX Capital Partners, the operationally-focused private equity team of ORIX Advisers, LLC and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ORIX Corporation USA, manages a fund of direct equity investments in established middle-market companies throughout North America, spanning a variety of industries, including industrial services, business services and general industrials. For more information, visit www.orixcapitalpartners.com.

SOURCE Olympus Partners
SINGAPORE, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SUPCON (688777.SH, SUPCON.SW) is a global leader in industrial automation and industrial artificial intelligence. Experience the future of smart industries at Hannover Messe 2026 (April 2024) where SUPCON will showcase next-generation technologies empowering autonomous operating plants, from Advanced Physical Layer (APL) instrumentation to Online Analyzers, from Software-defined control systems to Unified Namespace (UNS) data platform and Industrial AI large models, SUPCON's portfolio of products and solutions are designed to transition industrial facilities from automated to autonomous operations.

SUPCON Booth @ Hannover Messe 2026

As global industries face mounting pressure to improve efficiency and resilience, there is a pressing need to embrace technologies enabling the shift from traditional automation to systems capable of autonomous operations.

The exhibit features six integrated technological pillars:

1. Universal Control Systems (UCS): SUPCON's Universal Control System (UCS) is a next-generation, software-defined control system that decouples control functions from proprietary hardware. By eliminating traditional control cabinets and leveraging cloud-native architecture, UCS reduces physical footprint while enhancing system flexibility, scalability, and readiness for autonomous operations.

2. TPT2 Universal AI Platform: SUPCON's TPT2 (Time-series Pre-trained Transformer) is a large-scale industrial AI platform designed to understand and model complex time-series process data. By enabling closed-loop AI optimization (AIO), TPT2 allows plants to analyze, predict, and autonomously execute operational decisions in real time.

3. Tier0 Industrial Data Platform: SUPCON's Tier0 platform is a cloud-native industrial data platform built on a Unified Namespace (UNS) architecture. It enables seamless data integration, contextualization, and application development, allowing organizations to transform fragmented data sources into scalable, reusable industrial applications with reduced integration complexity.

4. Advanced Physical Layer (APL): SUPCON's APL solutions harness Ethernet-APL to deliver high-speed, reliable, and intrinsically safe communication from field devices to control systems. This foundational connectivity enables real-time data access, supporting advanced applications such as predictive analytics and digital twins.

5. Autonomous Industrial Robots: SUPCON's industrial robotics solutions are designed to augment plant operations with autonomous capabilities. By combining mobile robotics, advanced sensing, and a centralized robot management platform, these solutions enable real-time inspection, monitoring, and intervention, forming a key component of an autonomous workforce.

6. Hobre Intelligent Analyzers: Hobre intelligent analyzers deliver advanced, real-time gas analysis for the energy and chemical industries. Designed for high accuracy and reliability in harsh environments, these analyzers enable continuous measurement, supporting closed-loop optimization, faster decision-making, and improved process efficiency while minimizing reliance on manual sampling.

Visit SUPCON at Hannover Messe 2026:

"Hannover Messe is where global innovation meets real-world industrial transformation," said Mercy Zhang, VP of R&D at SUPCON International Business. "We are moving beyond simply providing traditional autonomation to defining a transformational roadmap to Autonomous Plants and Agentic Operations. By unifying advanced sensing technologies with software-defined controls, industrial data platforms and large industrial AI models trained on real-world datasets, we are empowering our customers to achieve unprecedented levels of autonomy."

Dates: April 2024, 2026

April 2024, 2026 Location: Hall 16, Booth B16

Hall 16, Booth B16 Experience: Live demonstrations and expert-led technical sessions

Live demonstrations and expert-led technical sessions Showcase: SUPCON's products and solutions in Hannover Messe (YouTube Link)

Register HERE for complimentary visitor passes and more information on the future of autonomous operating plants and industrial intelligence.

About SUPCON

SUPCON (688777.SH, SUPCON.SW) is a global provider of industrial automation and industrial AI, offering control systems, digital platforms, robotics, and software solutions that power the world's process and energy industries. Headquartered in Hangzhou, China, with the SUPCON Internal Business Headquarters in Singapore and the regional hubs around the globe, SUPCON is well-positioned to elevate industrial intelligence and drive customer success. Trusted by more than 250 leading enterprises and 39,000+ customers worldwide across major process industries such as oil & gas, chemical and petrochemical, as well as other industries such as power, pulp and paper, building materials, and more, SUPCON is driving the evolution from automation to autonomyenabling safer, smarter, and more sustainable industrial operations.

For more information, please visit https://global.supcon.com/

Media Contact:

Kenneth Lim, Strategy and Marketing Director

SUPCON International Business Pte Ltd

[email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2954510/SUPCON_Booth_annover_Messe_2026.jpg
A man accused of throwing a lit Molotov cocktail at the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home last week was trying to kill him, and was motivated by hatred of artificial intelligence technology, prosecutors said Monday.

The suspect, Daniel Moreno-Gama, is being charged with attempted murder in the case, the San Francisco District Attorney said on Monday. Moreno-Gama is also facing federal charges, including attempted damage and destruction of property by means of explosives and possession of an unregistered firearm, according to a release from the Department of Justice.

"The charges announced today reflect a deeply concerning escalation from intent to action targeting a private residence and a technology company with violence," FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo said in a statement.

In a press conference on Monday, Cobo said, "This was not spontaneous. This was planned, targeted and extremely serious."

After Moreno-Gama was arrested following his attack on Friday, San Francisco Police Department officers recovered a document in his possession that detailed his intentions, according to a complaint filed in San Francisco federal court on Monday. Moreno-Gama expressed his aim to kill Altman and warned of humanity's "impending extinction" from AI.

Altman is not directly named in the filing, but it describes "Victim-1" as the chief executive of "a research company that deploys and develops artificial intelligence (AI) and operates in interstate and foreign commerce."

In the first section of the document, titled "Your Last Warning," Moreno-Gama "stated he 'killed /attempted to kill' Victim-1." He also listed the names and addresses of several additional AI executives, board members and investors, the complaint said.

The second section of the document explored the purported risks that AI poses to humanity, and was titled "some more words on the matter of our impending extinction," according to the filing. Moreno-Gama closed the document by writing a letter directly to Altman, according to the filing, stating that, "if by some miracle you live, then I would take this as a sign from the divine to redeem yourself."

FBI Director Kash Patel said Monday that the agency and its partners conducted an operation in Texas that was related to the attack on Altman's home.
Vice President JD Vance, after returning from unsuccessful negotiations with Iran over the weekend, said Monday that it is up to the Islamic Republic to make the next move on peace talks with the U.S.

"Whether we have further conversations, whether we ultimately get to a deal, I really think the ball is in the Iranian court, because we put a lot on the table," Vance said in a Fox News interview.

He stressed that if America's "red lines" on Iran's nuclear ambitions are met, "then this can be a very, very good deal for both countries."

The remarks came hours after the U.S. started blocking ships from entering or exiting Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, in what President Donald Trump says is an attempt to pressure Tehran's leaders back to the negotiating table.

The blockade was announced shortly after U.S. negotiators departed from peace talks in Islamabad without securing a deal to end the war.

It was also aimed at forcing Iran to reopen the strait, a vital pathway for oil shipping whose de facto closure during the war has since global energy prices soaring.

"We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world, because that's what they're doing," Trump said of Iran on Monday.

Vance told Fox, "We need to see the Strait of Hormuz fully open. And this is, frankly, one of the things where the Iranians tried to move the goalposts during the negotiation."

The fragile 14-day ceasefire with Iran, which began last week, was premised in part on Tehran agreeing to reopen the strait, Vance said.

"But we haven't seen that full reopening. So our expectation is that the Iranians are going to continue to make progress to opening the Strait of Hormuz, and if they don't, it's going to fundamentally change the negotiation that we have with them," he said.

The blockade provides "additional economic pressure" on Iran, he said.

All of America's "red lines" for a peace deal stem from the position that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, the vice president said.

Washington and Tehran could not reach final agreements, Vance said, on Trump's two non-negotiables: removing Iran's enriched uranium from the country, and implementing verification measures to ensure that they cannot obtain nuclear weapons.

The U.S. negotiating team of Vance and special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner made progress with Iran during the Islamabad talks, the vice president said.
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A version of this article appeared in CNBC's Inside Alts newsletter, a guide to the fast-growing world of alternative investments, from private equity and private credit to hedge funds and venture capital. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox. Fears of rising defaults and a systemic crisis from private credit don't reflect the underlying fundamentals of private loan portfolios and returns, according to Blackstone's head of private wealth. A wave of redemptions is causing fresh concerns about the risks of private credit, with Ares Management, Apollo Global Management and others capping investor withdrawals from their funds last month. Joan Solotar, global head of Blackstone Private Wealth, which manages over $300 billion, said the capital flight isn't justified by the likely returns and potential losses in individual funds. "In my view, you've had all these calls that the house is on fire, when what we see is maybe a piece of burnt toast," she said. Solotar said investors and clients are asking important questions about transparency, loan losses, portfolio exposure to software and liquidity. She said some funds may see lower returns. Yet she said the broader case for private credit and access to private capital remains stronger than ever. Some of worst-case scenarios published by Wall Street analysts, she said, call for loan defaults of up to 15%. Spread over three years, the loss of total annual return would be about 300 basis points. If credit spreads widen, she said the returns for private credit funds could fall to around 3% to 5%, down from the current 6% to 9% that is common for many funds. "Is 3% to 5% return a disaster?" she said. "And what's happening in the public equivalents? Because when I look at the public equivalents, they're actually down. So we're still outperforming, and that's the key. I think it's a matter of staying calm, understanding what you own, what the real downside is."

Get Inside Alts directly to your inbox The Inside Alts newsletter with Robert Frank and Leslie Picker is your guide to the fast-growing world of alternative investments. Subscribe here to get access today.

Of course, many bank CEOs, analysts and investors disagree, saying private equity firms are understating the potential risks and exposure. The most cited risk is software firms, which make up a large share of private credit lending and are now seen as vulnerable to disruption from artificial intelligence. The Wall Street Journal recently found that large private credit funds managed by Blackstone, Apollo, Ares and Blue Owl had more exposure to the software firms than their filings suggest. Solotar said less than 5% of the assets in Blackstone funds are vulnerable to AI. While some investors and commentators have criticized the lack of transparency and disclosure in private credit funds, she said the funds often disclose more loan information than banks. "The word 'private' only relates to the fact that these aren't publicly traded," she said. "But it doesn't mean secret or shadowy. I was a financial institutions analyst for many years, and I will tell you the banks do not let you know how they're carrying any of their loans. We actually show you at the single, individual loan level. There is so much transparency, and we report that every single quarter." Solotar likens the current period in private credit to real estate funds after the pandemic. In 2022, Blackstone limited withdrawals from its $60 billion flagship real estate fund as investors worried about the decline in commercial real estate. Over time, withdrawals stabilized, all redemptions were honored and the property market rebounded. She said the current "stress test" in private credit will actually prove its value in portfolios over the longer term. Institutional investors have proven for years that private investments provide important balance in a portfolio, with less volatility, longer time horizons and often better long-term returns than publicly traded investments.
NANJING, CHINA - APRIL 14, 2026 - An aerial view of a Evergrande property in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China on April 14, 2026. (Photo credit should read CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

The founder of China Evergrande Group , the world's most indebted property developer, pleaded guilty to charges including misuse of funds, fundraising fraud and illegally taking public deposits, a court in China's southern city of Shenzhen said.

The company has defaulted since 2021 on most of its $300 billion in liabilities as well as billions of dollars of wealth management product payments, in troubles emblematic of China's property sector woes that have long dragged on economic growth.

Founder Hui Ka Yan "pleaded guilty and expressed remorse" in trial proceedings on Monday and Tuesday against him and Evergrande, the court said in a posting on its official WeChat account.

The liquidators of Evergrande declined to comment on the case.

Reuters was unable to seek comment from Hui, who has not been seen in public since Chinese authorities detained him in 2023, following the default of Evergrande.

In 2024, China's securities regulator fined Hui $6.6 million and barred him from the securities market for life, after finding Evergrande's flagship unit had inflated earnings and committed securities fraud.

Hui and the company also face charges of illegally extending loans, fraudulently issuing securities and bribery by units, the the Shenzhen Municipal Intermediate People's Court added, with verdicts to be handed down later, though it did not set a date.
Market wobbled, then rallied on signals that Tehran might still want to talk, with investors assessing the blockade as brinkmanship as expectations for a possible deal rise.

Oil has dropped below $100 per barrel on signs that diplomatic efforts for resolving the Mideast conflict are ongoing, even as the U.S. started blockading Iranian ports.

The dominant story is still the Strait of Hormuz, and it's getting more complicated by the hour.

Hello, this is Anniek Bao writing to you from Singapore. Welcome to another edition of CNBC's Daily Open.

The U.S. Navy began enforcing a blockade against vessels entering and departing Iranian ports on Monday, after peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend ended without a deal.

Tehran has been using its partial control of the Strait of Hormuz to negotiate safe-passage deals with several countries reliant on energy flows through the strategic waterway and continuing oil supplies to its major buyer, China.

"We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world, because that's what they're doing," Trump said of Iran on Monday.

Asked if the goal of the obstruction was to force Iran to reopen the strait or come to the negotiating table, Trump said, "Both of those things, certainly, and more."

While Trump had announced the blockading of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. Central Command clarified that it will not impede vessels transiting to and from non-Iranian ports.

The West Texas Intermediate was 2.37% lower at $96.73 per barrel as of 8:00 p.m. ET, while Brent crude declined 1.82% to $97.51 per barrel, having gained during US trading hours.

U.S. stocks, meanwhile, climbed overnight, with the S&P 500 rising 1% to its highest level since the war began in late February, after Trump said he had heard from "the right people" in Iran who still want a deal with the U.S., signaling that diplomatic channels haven't fully closed.

Asset management BlackRock upgraded its outlook for U.S. stocks on hopes that contained impacts from the war and strong corporate earnings will create a favorable backdrop for domestic equities.

The coalition picture around Trump's blockade effort appears messy. The U.K. pushed back on Trump's claim that Britain was joining the effort, saying it was working with France to build a "wide coalition" to safeguard freedom of navigation.

And lurking in the background: U.S. intelligence assessment reportedly suggested that China was prepared to supply new air-defense systems to Iran, a development that could complicate relations between Beijing and Washington.

China is expected to release its import-export data for March later on Tuesday, which would offer a glimpse into how the economy has fared under the shadow of the war.

And on the Fed front, the clock is ticking uncomfortably. Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh has submitted the required paperwork to the Senate, clearing a major hurdle to a confirmation hearing, according to people familiar with the matter.

But whether Warsh gets there before Jerome Powell's May 15 term expiration is another question entirely.

 Anniek Bao
Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Tuesday's key moments. 1. The stock market extended Monday's strong session, led by investor optimism for an end to the Iran war despite a breakdown in peace talks over the weekend. West Texas Intermediate crude fell 5% to $93 per barrel, while March's producer price index rose less than expected. Meanwhile, the S & P Short Range Oscillator moved deeper into overbought territory, which means "we have to be very careful not to buy today," Jim Cramer said. Instead, the Club has been looking for positions to trim. On Monday, we booked gains in Broadcom after last week's rally made it the largest position in the portfolio. 2. Jim Cramer said he would trim our Amazon position if we weren't restricted. The reason is two-fold: first, we like to protect profits after parabolic moves, and Amazon is up more than 20% since March 27, when the stock hit its lowest close since the start of the Iran war; and second, the rally has pushed the stock to a weighting of more than 5%, above our maximum threshold. Jim's call to trim is not a reflection on the fundamentals, which have been solid. Just this morning, Amazon announced an $11 billion deal to buy Globalstar to bolster its Amazon Leo satellite internet venture. Jim said Leo could turn out to be a real needle-mover down the line. 3. Alphabet was named an "upside 90-day catalyst watch" by Citi analysts, who also raised the stock's price target to $405 from $390. The firm cited multiple upcoming events and product launches, including the Google Cloud Next event next week, earnings on April 29, and the Google I/O developer conference in May. "You want to hold on to this one [stock]," said Cramer, who has especially high hopes for next week's conference, where Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian is scheduled to speak. "They're doing so much that's right," Cramer said. Last week, we bought more of the Mag 7 stock. 4 . Stocks covered in Tuesday's rapid fire at the end of the video were: JP Morgan , BlackRock , Dow Inc. , Ford , General Motors , and United Airlines . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AVGO, AMZN, GOOGL. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Gas turbines are visible at an xAI data center on Riverport Rd in Memphis, TN on April 25, 2025.

The NAACP filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's xAI on Tuesday, accusing the artificial intelligence company of violating the Clean Air Act with its use of natural gas-burning turbines to power data centers in and around Memphis, Tennessee.

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, alleges that between August and December 2025, xAI and its subsidiary MZX Tech, LLC, installed and operated 27 gas turbines in Southaven, Mississippi, "without an air permit or regard for the health and safety of people living nearby."

The turbines emit smog-forming pollutants and particulate matter that can lead to increased health risks and an unpleasant odor, among other things.

The NAACP is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief for the companies to "cease operating the Colossus Gas Plant unless and until they obtain the required permits; to apply the necessary pollution controls; and to pay appropriate civil penalties for each day of violation."

"Our right to clean air is not up for negotiation, especially when companies prove expediency not people is their priority," Abre' Conner, NAACP Director of Environmental and Climate Justice, said in an e-mailed statement.

xAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
General Motors is looking more attractive following a recent pullback, according to Deutsche Bank. The bank's research arm upgraded the automaker to buy from hold. It also hiked its price target to $90 from $83, implying 17.1% upside from Monday's close. Shares have edged down more than 2% since the Iran war began, fueled by concerns about rising shipping costs and potential supply shocks. But analysts Edison Yu views this "an attractive entry point to gain exposure to a potential multi-year re-rate story." "Undoubtedly, the near-term volatility can be attributed to geopolitical developments, but our thesis is built on GM's operational resilience which it has demonstrated multiple times in recent years," Yu said. However, those worries are likely overblown, he said. GM mountain 2026-02-27 General Motors stock has dipped about 2% since the beginning of the Iran war. "While the 2026 outlook is naturally less stable than a few months ago, we continue to believe many of GM's profit drivers are within the company's control," Yu wrote. The analyst added that changeups to General Motors' vehicle lines, including the roll out of some next-generation trucks in 2027, could drive further gains. In addition, the automobile firm's accounting adjustments should reveal lower electric vehicle losses. General Motors' software and services are also on track to gain ground, according to Deutsche Bank. "And while this isn't a meaningful part of the [profit and loss statement] currently, we think its growth trajectory can only help the multiple," Yu wrote, referring to the business vertical. Deutsche Bank's call is in line with consensus on Wall Street. Of the 30 analysts covering General Motors, 21 have a buy or strong buy on the stock, according to LSEG data. Shares are down nearly 6% since the beginning of the year, underperforming the overall market.
The Iran war could end up costing U.S. taxpayers far more than official figures suggest, according to the analysis of one Harvard academic.

The first 6 days of the the joint U.S.-Israeli operation against the Islamic Republic, beginning February 28, racked up costs of $11.3 billion, according to the Pentagon's briefing to Congress.

While a fragile ceasefire is still in place, efforts to reach a lasting settlement have so far proved elusive, with U.S. forces starting a blockade of Iranian ports on Monday after peace talks over the weekend failed.

"I am certain we will reach $1 trillion for the Iran war," said Professor Linda Bilmes, public policy expert at the Harvard Kennedy School, in an internal interview.

Her research, published two days before the temporary ceasefire announcement on April 8, identified several reasons why this military operation could have catastrophic consequences for the U.S. national debt well into the future.

She estimates the short-term, upfront costs as totaling around $2 billion per day during the 40 days of live conflict. This includes the price of munitions, troops, and damage to military assets  such as the shooting down of three F-15 fighter jets due to friendly fire from Kuwait.

Bilmes believes the short-term costs are higher than they appear on paper, as the Pentagon reports figures based on the historical value of inventory, rather than the actual price of replacing those assets today  which is typically far higher.

"These gaps are one reason why the reported $11.3 billion is closer to $16 billion, and they reflect a persistent gap between what the Pentagon reports in real time and what the war actually costs," she said.

Bilmes added that large, multi-year contracts with Lockheed Martin and Boeing for interceptors and missiles mean the cost of replenishment to the U.S. will be far higher  at $4 million per interceptor  than the cost of drones fired from Iran, which can be produced for just $30,000 each.
Jamie Dimon, chief executive officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co., right, departs the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said Tuesday that while artificial intelligence tools could eventually help companies defend themselves from cyberattacks, they are first making them more vulnerable.

Dimon said that JPMorgan was testing Anthropic's latest model  the Mythos preview announced by the AI firm last week  as part of its broader effort to reap the benefits of AI while protecting against bad actors wielding the same technology.

"AI's made it worse, it's made it harder," Dimon told analysts on the bank's earnings call Tuesday morning. "It does create additional vulnerabilities, and maybe down the road, better ways to strengthen yourself too."

When asked by a reporter about Mythos, Dimon seemed to refer to Anthropic's warning that the model had already found thousands of vulnerabilities in corporate software.

"I think you read exactly what is it," Dimon said. "It shows a lot more vulnerabilities need to be fixed."

The remarks reveal how artificial intelligence, a technology welcomed by corporations as a productivity boon, has also morphed into a serious threat by giving bad actors new ways to hack into technology systems. Last week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent summoned bank CEOs to a meeting to discuss the risks posed by Mythos.

JPMorgan, the world's largest bank by market cap, has for years invested heavily to stay ahead of threats, with dedicated teams and constant coordination with government agencies, Dimon said.

"We spend a lot of money. We've got top experts. We're in constant contact with the government," he said. "It's a full-time job, and we're doing it all the time."
- 7th Informatics Olympiad took place at the Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU) in Da Nang

- Enhancement of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) track, advancing into a platform for AI talents

- Campus tour programs offered to residents and students, supporting career exploration and future vision planning

SEOUL, South Korea and DA NANG, Vietnam, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 7th Informatics Olympiad, exclusively sponsored by Hanwha Life, was successfully held from April 10 to 12 at the Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU).

Lim Suk Hyun (first from the right), Head of Corporate Planning Division at Hanwha Life, presents a certificates and trophies to the grand prize-winning team in the AI Challenge category of the Vietnam Informatics Olympiad and taking a commemorative photo with them.

As one of Vietnam's leading IT competition, the Olympiad brings together talented middle and high school students from across Vietnam to demonstrate their skills. Hanwha Life has been sponsoring this event for three consecutive years as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, Future Plus, for fostering outstanding talents in finance and ICT.

Lim Suk Hyun, Head of Corporate Planning Division at Hanwha Life; Huynh Cong Phap, President of the VKU and Chairman of the Organizing Committee; and Shin Jung Won, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility of ChorogUsan for Children, attended the finals.

The competition featured three tracks: AI, IT Major and Non-IT Majors. This year, the most notable change was the advancement of the AI Track, which was introduced last year. Through this enhancement, the competition has evolved into a platform for nurturing AI talent.

Hanwha Life also conducted campus tour programs for local residents and students during the event. At career exploration booths set up across the VKU campus, participants were offered career counseling and hands-on job experiences, helping them explore their interests and plan for their future.

Hanwha Life further supports outstanding talents discovered through the competition, helping them pursue broader opportunities. As part of this commitment, last year's competition winners were invited to participate in the "Hanwha Life Training Program for Vietnam's Outstanding FinTech Talents" in South Korea, providing them with an opportunity to broaden their global perspectives.

Lim Suk Hyun, Head of Corporate Planning Division at Hanwha Life said, "The Informatics Olympiad is becoming more than just a competition. It serves as a gateway for talented individuals to enter the IT ecosystem. We will continue to support participants so they can grow into key drivers of Vietnam's financial and ICT industries."

Huynh Cong Phap, President of the VKU and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, added, "The Informatics Olympiad offers an opportunity for next-generation IT talents who will lead Vietnam's future to fully showcase their potential. Thanks to Hanwha Life's support, the competition has established itself as a platform for AI talent in Vietnam."

Meanwhile, Hanwha Life plans to hold an exchange program for Vietnamese university students this August, featuring academic conferences, hackathons, and fellowship opportunities. Through this initiative, the company aims to build a network of outstanding talents and further strengthen its support for digital talent in Vietnam.

Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU):

Vietnam-Korea University of Information and Communication Technology (VKU) is a key institution for training talents in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) under Da Nang National University. Established in 2007 as a specialized IT university and supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), it was later upgraded to a 4-year ICT university, recognized for its high level of specialization. It is currently striving not only to become the leading ICT-focused university in Central Vietnam, but also one of the leading universities throughout the country.

SOURCE Hanwha Life
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Europe's airline industry is at risk of a "systemic" jet fuel shortage in the next few weeks if the Strait of Hormuz blockade continues, with the potential of hundreds of flight cuts, according to experts. Claudio Galimberti, chief economist at Rystad Energy, told CNBC's Ritika Gupta on "Europe Early Edition," on Tuesday that the situation facing airlines "pretty much depends on how many barrels will be flowing through the Strait." "The situation within the next three, four weeks can become systemic, so you can have severe cuts of flights in Europe already starting in May and June," he added. Traffic through the strategically vital waterway ground to a halt after Iran closed it during the war with the U.S. and Israel, sending oil prices surging. After peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran collapsed at the weekend, the U.S. began a naval blockade of ships entering and leaving Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to cut Iran's oil exports and increase pressure on Tehran.

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Rico Luman, senior economist at ING, said: "There are many warnings of looming shortages in the weeks ahead, if there's no supply coming again." "We've seen these vessels now stopping, so supplies from the Middle East have run out, and we need replacements," Luman told CNBC's Steve Sedgwick and Ben Boulos on "Squawk Box Europe." ACI Europe, which represents airports across the EU, said last week that a shortage could hit as early as three weeks, disrupting peak travel season with "harsh economic impacts." Several EU member states rely on the economic boost from the summer travel season, with air travel generating 851 billion euros (nearly $1 trillion) in GDP for European economies a year and supporting 14 million jobs, per the group. "We've seen already constraints in Asia, so Asia is linked to the Middle East, the most dependent on the Middle East, especially for jet fuel. So we've seen constraints in countries like Vietnam and Thailand on air travel, but this is also spilling over to Europe, because it's a global market," Luman said. The U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, which began on Feb. 28, sent oil prices soaring to over $100 a barrel, causing an energy shock, with airlines most severely impacted. Jet fuel prices soared 103% month-on-month as of March, according to the International Air Transport Association. In the U.S., the price of jet fuel nearly doubled, increasing from $2.50 a gallon on Feb. 27 to $4.88 a gallon on April 2.

West Texas Intermediate futures for May delivery were down 1.86% to $97.24 per barrel as of 7:09 a.m. ET on Tuesday, while the International benchmark Brent Crude for June delivery was down 0.33% at $99.03 per barrel. Rystad Energy's Galimberti said that markets were expecting a "quick resolution" to the crisis but, with the development of the U.S. blockade over the weekend, "it does look like this is a long process." He referenced the Russia-Ukraine war, saying: "If you look at the history of conflict, the longer it takes to solve them, but past the first eight weeks, nine weeks, the more likely it is that they become a protracted conflict."

Airlines are responding to the crisis

European airlines are already cancelling flights and lowering profit expectations as the conflict continues. "We've seen several announcements of ticket price increases already," ING's Luman said. "So there's more to come if this remains the same situation, and we don't expect the oil prices to come down to previous levels... so this is relevant for customers, of course, in their travel."

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Aurigny, a carrier based on the island of Guernsey, announced at the end of March that it would reduce flight capacity on certain routes between April and June due to "heightened global instability," as well as adding a temporary 2 ticket surcharge. Scandinavian airline SAS said it was cancelling 1,000 flights in April, while Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary said the carrier would look to cancel some flights and reduce capacity over the summer if the fuel shortage continued. Wizz Air's CEO warned in March that it expected a 50 million euro hit to its 2026 net profit, while Virgin Atlantic's CEO Corneel Koster told the Financial Times on Tuesday that the airline will struggle to turn a profit this year even after adding fuel surcharges. "No matter what happens in the Gulf going forward some of this disruption to global energy prices will be here to stay," Koster told the FT.
A sign on the exterior of a Louis Vuitton luxury boutique operated by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis SE is pictured in Paris, France, January 25, 2024.

Shares of LVMH dropped Tuesday after it flagged a hit to sales from the Iran war, overshadowing underlying improvements.

The luxury conglomerate missed sales expectations with organic growth in the quarter amounting to 1%, missing FactSet estimates of 1.5%.

LVMH also flagged a 1% negative impact from the Iran war in the quarter.

"When the conflict started, and in the month of March, there was a shortfall and a deterioration of demand between 30% and 70%, depending on the malls, depending on the businesses," LVMH CFO Cecile Cabanis said on a call with analysts late Monday, referring to the Middle East region which accounts for about 6% of group sales.

It's "anybody's guess" what the outcome of the conflict will be, Cabanis said. "What we have not seen yet is repatriation, and what we know is that the wealth has not evaporated, so there will be a time where we'll see that coming, probably elsewhere, and mitigate the impact, should the conflict continue."

"Party postponed," said Berstein analyst Luca Solca in a note. The luxury sector had begun to show signs of recovery after a years-long slump prompted by soft demand from Chinese consumers, formerly one of the sector's main growth drivers.
Here are the names making headlines in midday trading. CarMax  The online marketplace for autos plunged 15%. Fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of 34 cents per share and revenue of $5.95 billion surpassed analysts' estimates, but reflected declines from the year-ago period. CarMax also paused its share repurchase program during the quarter. Bitcoin-linked stocks  The flagship cryptocurrency jumped nearly 3% as investors continued to embrace a risk-on sentiment. Bitcoin was last trading above $75,000. Shares of stocks tied to the crypto also jumped. Robinhood advanced nearly 10%, while Coinbase and bitcoin treasury company Strategy rose 6%. Dell , HP  The makers of PCs were both down after Nvidia denied an unconfirmed report that it was weighing a deal for a large PC-focused company. Dell shares fell more than 3%, while HP tumbled nearly 2%. Energy stocks  Oil prices tumbled Tuesday after the White House said another round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are under discussion, but nothing has been scheduled yet. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures were last down more than 6%, and Brent futures were off 4%. The energy sector of the S & P 500 fell more than 2%, with APA down more than 5% and Occidental Petroleum losing 4.7%. Travel stocks  Shares of cruise operators and airlines rose as energy prices slid. Cruise companies Carnival and Royal Caribbean were last up 4% and nearly 1%. Southwest Airlines gained almost 6%, while Delta Air Lines rose 7%. Novo Nordisk  U.S.-listed shares popped 3% after the company announced a partnership with OpenAI . "Integrating AI in our everyday work gives us the ability to analyse datasets at a scale that was previously impossible, identify patterns we could not see, and test hypotheses faster than ever," Novo CEO Mike Doustdar said in a statement. JPMorgan Chase  The banking giant posted better-than-expected first-quarter results . JPMorgan Chase earned $5.94 per share on revenue of $50.54 billion. LSEG data shows analysts had penciled in a profit of $5.45 per share on revenue of $49.17 billion. However, the stock quickly gave back an initial gain and was down nearly 1% after it lowered its net interest income guidance. Wells Fargo  Shares slid almost 5% after the company's first-quarter results failed to impress investors. The bank earned $1.60 per share, though that number was not comparable to an LSEG estimate of $1.58 as it includes a tax benefit. Revenue, meanwhile, was just below the analyst consensus at $21.45 billion. Johnson & Johnson  The pharma giant reported slightly better-than-expected results for the first quarter, sending shares up around 1%. J & J earned an adjusted $2.70 per share on revenue of $24.06 billion. Analysts expected a profit of $2.66 per share on revenue of $23.63 billion, per LSEG. Full-year earnings guidance was also slightly better than expected. BlackRock  The asset management giant climbed 4% on first-quarter earnings and revenue that beat the Street . BlackRock earned $12.53 per share on an adjusted basis and revenue of $6.7 billion. Analysts polled by LSEG expected a profit of $11.54 per share on revenue of $6.46 billion. United Airlines , American Airlines  United shares gained 4% following reports that CEO Scott Kirby had pitched a merger with American during a meeting with President Donald Trump. American Airlines shares advanced nearly 9%. Ford Motor  Shares rose about 4% after an upgrade from UBS to buy from neutral. The bank said the auto company's potential earnings power is underappreciated, and that it can handle the headwinds of higher aluminum and gas prices from the U.S.-Iran war. Globalstar  Shares advanced nearly 11% after Amazon announced it would acquire the satellite operator for $11.57 billion as it looks to challenge Elon Musk 's Starlink. Amazon's stock rose 3.6%. Credo Technology  Shares jumped 18% after the semiconductor company said late Monday it agreed to acquire DustPhotonics, a developer of optical transceiver technology. Credo will pay $750 million in cash and 920,000 shares of its stock as part of the deal. Bloom Energy , Oracle  Shares of the two companies rose after Bloom Energy, a maker of solid oxide fuel cells, said it's expanded a partnership with Oracle to build out its AI and cloud computing capabilities. Shares of Bloom Energy rallied 23%, while Oracle gained nearly 5%.  CNBC's Davis Giangiulio, Michelle Fox, Liz Napolitano, Sarah Min and Nick Wells contributed reporting. Markets shift and headlines fade, but the core principles of building long-term wealth remain constant. Join us for our third CNBC Pro LIVE, where investors of all backgrounds - from financial professionals to everyday individuals - come together to cut through the noise and gain actionable strategies for smarter, more disciplined investing. No matter where you're starting from, you'll leave with clearer thinking, stronger strategies. Enter your email here to get a discount code.
A second round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran is currently under discussion, though nothing has been officially scheduled yet, a White House official told CNBC on Tuesday morning.

President Donald Trump later told the New York Post that the next U.S.-Iran talks "could be happening over next two days" in Islamabad.

He had initially told the outlet in a phone interview that additional negotiations could be "a little bit slow" and would likely happen in Europe, but called back about 30 minutes later with updated information, according to the Post.

The confirmation that the Trump administration is mulling further talks with Tehran followed prior reporting that the stalled peace negotiations could restart before a fragile two-week ceasefire is set to expire.

Officials from both countries could return to Pakistan to resume those talks, Reuters reported earlier Tuesday morning, citing Pakistani and Iranian officials.

"The coming rounds of talks can come sometime later this week or earlier next week. But nothing is finalised as of now," an official at the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad told Reuters.

CNN and NBC News also reported that in-person negotiations could resume soon. The Iranian Embassy in Islamabad did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment on the reporting.

Talks between U.S. and Iranian negotiators in Islamabad last weekend ended without a deal in hand, as key sticking points on Tehran's nuclear ambitions remained unresolved and each side accused the other of shifting the goalposts.
People seldom find success by following a linear career path, says Zillow CEO Jeremy Wacksman.

"It's not really a straight line or ladder," Wacksman tells CNBC Make It. "It's often taking on new assignments that stretch you in new and different ways that lead to the most growth."

In Wacksman's view, most people would benefit more from taking unexpected jobs or out-of-wheelhouse projects, rather than tying themselves to a strict, linear career path and never deviating. Let yourself pursue a path more akin to a "career jungle gym," he says.

You can take a non-linear career path without leaving your industry, or even your company. Wacksman uses himself as an example. He initially joined Zillow as a vice president of marketing, but around the time he took the job, Apple launched the iPhone and its app store. Despite having no experience with mobile apps, he was tasked with spearheading his company's mobile real estate shopping efforts, he says.

"Zillow had no mobile anything," says Wacksman. "We were a desktop-only search engine." Though he had no experience with mobile apps, he had to "go figure it out," he says. "That was not the job I was hired to do, but it was a huge opportunity to learn and to take a little bit of what I'd done in my career, apply it in a new space and figure it out with smart people."

DON'T MISS: The leadership skills that can help you stand out at work

Roughly nine months later, in April 2009, Zillow announced the launch of its mobile app. In 2010, following the app's launch, Zillow became profitable and users collectively looked at homes 20,000 times per hour using its app, according to the company. As of November, it's the most visited real estate app in the U.S., according to data from the company and analytics firm Comscore.

Zillow's stock hit a year-to-date high point of $68.85 per share on Jan. 26. The company, which celebrated its 20-year anniversary in February, has a market capitalization of $9.78 billion, as of Tuesday morning. But it has struggled in recent months, with its stock price dropping to a current $40.63 per share.

Some of the drop followed guidance issued by Zillow for investors on Feb. 10, and real estate investors are cautious about artificial intelligence-driven industry disruption, analysts say. Buyers and sellers alike have also exited the housing market amid economic blowback from the Iran war, CNBC reported on April 7.
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Webcast Conference Call Scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 9 a.m. CT

MILWAUKEE, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) will host an audio webcast to provide an investor discussion of Harley-Davison Financial Services (HDFS). Harley-Davidson, Inc. and HDFS senior management will discuss the HDFS business with a focus on the updated HDFS business model since entering into strategic partnerships with KKR and PIMCO, in late 2025. A slide presentation supporting the discussion will be available prior to the audio webcast.

The public is invited to attend an audio webcast starting at 9:00 a.m. CDT. An interactive Q&A session will not be part of the presentation. The event is expected to conclude before 9:45 a.m. CDT.

Webcast participants should log-on and register at least 10 minutes prior to the start time and can access the slide presentation here: https://investor.harley-davidson.com/events-and-presentations/default.aspx. A replay of the audio webcast will be available approximately two hours after the call concludes.

Company Background

Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

### (HOG-OTHER)

SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Local 377 Members Demand Fair Contract, End to Company's Unfair Labor Practice

ASHTABULA, Ohio, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of Teamsters Local 377 at INEOS in Ashtabula have been forced to strike over the company's failure to bargain in good faith. The union has met with INEOS management numerous times, but the company has refused to negotiate a fair contract.

"INEOS is just going through the motions," said Steven Anzevino, President of Local 377. "They show up to the table not to negotiate, but to stall, offering nothing but insulting proposals in a classic display of surface bargaining. By reneging on our 2022 agreement, they've shown they aren't serious. We aren't here for games; we're here to secure a contract that finally respects the hard work these members put in every day."

The 43 Teamsters are on strike alongside 66 chemical workers, represented by International Chemical Workers Union Council (ICWUC) Local 1033C, with whom they have a joint collective bargaining agreement.

"We remain concerned that the company's approach at the bargaining table has not reflected a genuine effort to reach an agreement," said Kyle Painter, a five-year warehouse worker at INEOS. "Our hard work should be recognized, and we deserve a bargaining process grounded in good-faith negotiations. We will remain on the picket line until a fair agreement is reached."

Teamsters Local 377 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Northeastern Ohio.



Contact:

Maura Drumm, (215) 510-3735

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 377
The community is invited to a Community Builder Summit in Cut Bank on Tuesday, April 21 for a day of connecting and learning with others working to make positive things happen in your town. The event is a collaboration of the Montana Nonprofit Association, Montana Community Foundation, and MSU-Extension Community Vitality.

The event will be held at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 602 E. Main Street, Cut Bank, MT from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The day will include the following sessions:

Panel Discussion: Local Community Impact Stories

Rural Challenges and Opportunities, with MSU Extension

Setting Yourself up for Large Gifts, with Montana Community Foundation

Lunch and Community Discussions

Storytelling for Fundraising and Collaboration, with Montana Nonprofit Association

Tangible-Takeaway Table Conversations

Community Foundation Connections & Conversations (optional for community foundation leaders)

This event is ideal for community and civic leaders, non-profit organization members and those simply desiring to make a difference in their community.

The event is just $35 which includes a light breakfast and lunch. Local community foundation members can attend free of charge. Registration is available at Community Builder Summit: Cut Bank - Montana Nonprofit Association. For more information, please contact the Glacier County Extension Office at 873-2239 or [email protected] or [email protected] for agents, Kari Lewis or Lisa Terry.
Mystery and laughter take center stage as Alec and Karen McIntosh present Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, the fast-paced comedy thriller by acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig. Montana Actors Theatre returns to Shelby on April 19 with this inventive adaptation of the classic Sherlock Holmes tale by Arthur Conan Doyle, transforming The Hound of the Baskervilles into a wildly theatrical experience filled with suspense, humor, and high-energy performances.

When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on the fog-shrouded moors of Devonshire, rumors swirl about a legendary supernatural hound said to haunt the Baskerville family. Enter the brilliant Sherlock Holmes and his steadfast companion Dr. Watson, determined to separate superstition from science and uncover the truth. As the investigation unfolds, audiences are swept into a whirlwind of clues, red herrings, disguises, and delightful deception.

This imaginative production is a theatrical tour de force. In a dazzling display of agility and comic timing, a small cast portrays more than 40 characters, racing through lightning-fast costume changes and inventive staging that keeps audiences guessing and laughing from start to finish. Ludwigs signature wit masterfully blends suspense with comedy, offering a fresh, accessible, and thoroughly entertaining take on one of literatures most iconic detectives.

Veteran MAT director Audrey Barger leads the production of Baskerville which features long time MAT actors Trevor Mork as Sherlock Holmes, Patrick Leeds as Dr Watson, and Justin Lickfold, Brandon Bergren, and Caroline Tuss as the rest of the characters.

Known for bringing professional live theatre to rural Montana communities, Montana Actors Theatre continues its tradition of delivering high-quality productions with broad audience appeal. Baskerville promises an evening that combines classic storytelling with modern comedic flair perfect for longtime Holmes enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

This years show is a dessert matinee at the Sagebrush Center (formerly known as the Elks) on Sunday, April 19, 2026; doors open at 130 pm, show begins at 2 pm. The Tap Room will be serving drinks for sale, and dessert will be served at intermission courtesy of Albertsons, Tickets are $25 at the door, or $20 if purchased in advance at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=315659.
According to a panel of judges, Valier has the best tasting water in the state of Montana. This was determined in a blind taste test at the Montana Rural Water Systems 46th Technical Conference & Exhibition in Billings, MT late last month.

Josh Clifford, Valier Public Works Supervisor, and Grant Malinak attended the conference as part of their ongoing training for management of water and wastewater systems. According to the MRWS website, the conference is a "three-day event bringing together water and wastewater professionals from across the state for training, networking, and industry updates. Attendees have access to expert-led sessions, exhibitor showcases, and opportunities to earn CEUs."

Montana Rural Water Systems, Inc. is an association of water and wastewater systems within the State of Montana.

"We are not connected with the State agencies. We do, however, work with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, local Health Districts, USDA/Rural Development, EPA, and any other agency that can provide help to our small member systems." mrws.org

Included in the event was a Best Tasting Water Contest! About twenty Montana towns were represented in the contest and Valier's water was chosen as the overall winner.

"We took a gallon of water in a glass container," explained Clifford. The water was collected from a residence in Valier.

"A panel of three judges tasted all the samples. No one knew which town's water they were drinking," continued Clifford.

Valier's municipal water is supplied by wells. When the Public Works report states "all samples were good" residents can be confident that not only is the water safe, but the flavor is good as well.

Clifford indicated the next competition is the Waterpac Conference in Washington DC sometime in February 2027. Will Valier make a showing there? That will be up to the mayor and town council to decide. Congratulations to Valier Public Works and the Town of Valier.
Lloyd "Whimpy" David Wentworth, a man known for his radiant smile, infectious laugh, and legendary collection of "Whimpy-isms," passed away peacefully in his Shelby, Mont., home on March 23, 2026, just one week shy of his 86th birthday.

Born in Valier, Mont., on March 30, 1940, to Connie and William Wentworth, Whimpy grew up alongside his siblings, Don, Bobby, and Gayle. After graduating high school, he headed to Spokane to master the craft of barbering. He eventually returned to his roots, opening his own barbershop in Brady. Whimpy later pivoted to a 33- year career at DeVoe's Builders Service

In Valier, where he raised his three children: Todd, William, and LeAnnette, Wimpy was at his happiest in the rugged Montana wilderness. An avid hunter and fisherman, he spent countless weeks deep in the mountains on horseback, setting up camp in pursuit of "the biggest and the best."

Beyond the outdoors, his heart belonged to his family. In 2009, his circle of love grew when he married Lola (Reid) Wentworth, welcoming her children-Arne, Aric, and Amy-as his own. Wimpy was the first to volunteer for any project, always ready to pick up a tool to help his kids build something new or simply create a lasting memory. His catchy sayings remain a staple in the vocabularies of everyone who knew him, ensuring his spirit lives on in every conversation.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lola Wentworth; his sister, Gayle; his children, Todd Wentworth, William "Kim" Wentworth, and LeAnnette (Wentworth) Presciti; stepchildren, Arne Hammer, Aric Hammer, and Amy (Hammer) Freel; and a legacy of many beloved grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Connie and William, and his brothers, Don and Bobby.

A Celebration of Life hosted by Lola and the family will be held on Saturday, June 6 at the Comfort Inn in Shelby, Mont., from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Following the service, the family invites friends to share stories and a toast at The Tap Room from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Condolences can be made to www.asperfh.com.
March Lorraine Upham Sellars was born on March 11, 1947 and died on March 12, 2026. She was youngest of eight children; born to Donald William 'Doc' Upham and Eva Kathryn Guardipee Upham in Browning, Mont.

In her early high school years she shared her life with Margie and Harold and their kids, living with them in Brockton. She returned to East Glacier for her final high school years and graduated from Browning. March loved her music, the Supremes, Dionne Warwick, Lesley Gore, Petula Clark, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. When Margie and Harold would go bowling, March was the babysitter, she'd make popcorn, turn on the stereo, and everyone would dance. She was the 'fun' babysitter. She was more like an older sister than an aunt.

She and Peter married and Peter went to Vietnam. Prior to Peter being shipped to Vietnam, they lived in Monterey, Calif. March then moved to Helena to again live with Margie and Harold and their kids. She remained with them until Peter returned home from Vietnam. March and Peter spent the majority of their years in East Glacier.

March was an incredible artist with endless talent. Her charcoal work was definitely gallery worthy. She shared a lot of her artistic pieces as gifts to family members.

Dogs were March's love; she cared for her dogs with utmost care and respect. They have all been her companions over the years. For the years March and Peter lived in Bellingham Wash., Margie and Bill were always bailing her dogs out of doggie jail. Her St Bernard, Brandy, was notorious for escaping into the city. After her sister Margie died March took on the role of 'surrogate' Mother to Margie's kids. Even though all are grown, she still could make sure each were ok and doing what was best. She did weekly check in to see how each was doing.

March's husband, Gerald 'Peter' Sellars died April 23, 2023. Life was difficult after Peter died. It was a daily effort to get up each day without him. March and Peter were certainly lifelong mates.

One of March's last wishes was for all of us to gather for a Family Reunion 2026. She would say to let everyone know now so they could start saving and planning for a family gathering. We will gather in her honor.

March's parents Doc and Eva, both preceded her in death; siblings who have died prior to her were Lucille 'Fritzie' Fish, Donald 'Manny' Upham, Barbara 'Bobbie' Pepion, Marjorie 'Margie' Boyd-Young, Dennis Upham, and Galen Upham.

She has one surviving sister, Mary 'Tootsie' Powell of Cut Bank, Mont.; and many nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephew as well.

March's Celebration of Life will be at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Browning. The date is yet to be determined. Another publishing will be made when a date is set for her Celebration.
DURHAM, N.C., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Society of Automation (ISA)  the leading professional society for automation  will celebrate its fifth annual International Automation Professionals Day on 28 April 2026.

The digital event honors automation professionals working across all sectors  including manufacturing, engineering, cybersecurity, supply chain operations and critical infrastructure  whose expertise keeps critical industries running and enhances daily life around the world.

ISA invites individuals at all career levels, as well as students, to participate by sharing images and testimonials on social media. Anyone can join the global conversation by featuring themselves on the job, studying for their automation-related major or by giving statements about why they believe automation is changing the world for the better.

International Automation Professionals Day is celebrated each year on 28 April to recognize ISA's founding on that date in 1945. The Day serves as a tribute to the society's founders and their long-lasting contributions to the industry while celebrating the modern-day professionals who continue to advance automation and improve lives.

"Automation professionals improve life as we know it," said Claire Fallon, CEO of ISA. "Not only do automation professionals bring deep expertise that drives efficiency and reduces cost, they also help avert disasters, design life-saving alerts and safeguard people every day. Their work has a real human impact."

ISA President Ashley Weckwerth emphasized the importance of celebrating the field. "Automation professionals are working around the clock, every single day," she said. "This celebration gives us an opportunity to thank and honor the people whose contributions make modern life possible for communities around the world."

Weckwerth added that she hopes to see broad participation from individuals and companies from all over the world on 28 April: "This year on International Automation Professionals Day, let's come together to share our stories and uplift the next generation of automation professionals through mentorship and support. It's a meaningful moment to celebrate all that we've achieved!"

International Automation Professionals Day 2026 will also feature a webinar with speakers from across the automation community discussing the subject of "The Future-Ready Automation Professional." Learn their thoughts on the skills, mindset and cross-functional capabilities that will matter most in the coming years, and listen in afterward for a snapshot of recent ISA activities, strategic direction and the upcoming election for the ISA Executive Board.

The webinar will take place 28 April 2026 at 9 a.m. ET, with live translations into multiple languages being offered via Zoom. The speaker lineup includes:

Moderator: Ashley Weckwerth, ISA President

Panelists:

Riddhi Padariya, The Boring Company





Chad Paxson, Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority





Olawale Akande, DEM Controls





SZ Lin, ISA Taiwan Section

Speaker: Claire Fallon, ISA CEO

ISA members as well as non-members interested in attending the webinar may register for the event at programs.isa.org/iapd-webinar.

International Automation Professionals Day takes place on 28 April. In addition to the webinar, you can join in this year's celebration by using #IAPD or #AutomationProDay on social media with your testimonial about why you think automation is making the world a better place. To learn more about how to participate in this year's celebration, visit www.isa.org/iapd.

About ISA

The International Society of Automation (ISA) is a non-profit professional association founded in 1945 to create a better world through automation. ISA's mission is to empower the global automation community through standards and knowledge sharing. ISA develops widely used global standards and conformity assessment programs; certifies professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; hosts conferences and exhibits; and provides networking and career development programs for its members and customers around the world. Learn more at www.isa.org.

SOURCE The International Society of Automation
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HSINCHU, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 International Symposium on VLSI Technology, Systems and Applications (VLSI TSA), hosted by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), is taking place in Hsinchu, Taiwan from April 13 to 17. Now in its 43rd year, the symposium remains a leading global forum for semiconductor innovation, bringing together over 800 experts from around the world. Discussions this year focus on generative AI inference acceleration, wafer-scale computing, and terahertz (THz) wireless communications. Leading the plenary sessions, Cerebras Systems Distinguished Engineer Bendik Kleveland will outline the evolution of wafer-scale technology. The event also features its first dedicated exploration of quantum computing architectures and the growing role of semiconductors in smart healthcare, particularly AI-enabled cardiac rhythm analysis.

Industry leaders and academic experts gather at the 2026 VLSI TSA to exchange insights on emerging semiconductor technologies.

"This year, we focus on advanced process technologies, heterogeneous integration, AI and quantum architectures, next-generation memory, and advanced packagingall key to enhancing AI chip performance and semiconductor innovation," said Shih-Chieh Chang, Vice President and General Director of ITRI's Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories, who is also Chairman of the 2026 VLSI TSA. "Amid evolving global trade dynamics, Taiwan must strengthen frontier R&D, advance localization of equipment and materials, and build resilient supply chains through regional collaboration, trusted partnerships, and transparent governance, while deepening international academia-industry cooperation to cultivate talent and sustain global leadership," he noted.

The symposium opened with a deep dive into transformative applications at the intersection of AI and healthcare. Professor Shih-Ann Chen of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Taipei Veterans General Hospital explained that the complexity of cardiac rhythms cannot be fully captured by surface electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements alone. He demonstrated how electrophysiologic testing provides detailed intracardiac signal data, enabling AI models to improve predictive accuracy and enhance clinical diagnostics.

Memory technology was another focal point. Alessandro Calderoni, Fellow at Micron Technology, noted that logic throughput is scaling far faster than memory bandwidth, necessitating advanced 3D integration and heterogeneous packaging to enable high-bandwidth memory solutions to deliver substantial performance gains and superior energy efficiency. As DRAM scaling approaches atomic limits, he emphasized that breakthroughs in process control, sensing, and reliability will be critical to sustaining high-performance semiconductor computing capacity.

In next-generation communications, Professor Minoru Fujishima of Hiroshima University presented new possibilities for THz technologies. Drawing inspiration from optical satellite communication systems, he proposed leveraging the 300 GHz wideband and electronically steerable phased arrays to enable high-data-rate mobile connectivity over medium ranges, bringing ultra-fast wireless applications closer to reality.

Looking ahead to the future of computation, Shu-Jen Han, CTO of SEEQC, outlined a roadmap toward utility-scale quantum systems. He emphasized that realizing practical quantum computers will depend on advances in quantum error correction and scalable system design, providing a blueprint for the next-generation computing architectures.

Celebrating Industry Excellence: ERSO Awards

The opening ceremony featured the presentation of the ERSO Award, established by the Pan Wen Yuan Foundation to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Taiwan's high-tech sectors. The 2026 recipients include George Yi, Director and CEO of Skytech; Shang-Hung Shen, Chairman of Ta Ya Electric Wire & Cable; and Charles Lee, Chairman and CEO of PlayNitride.

Chin-Tay Shih, Chairman of the Pan Wen Yuan Foundation, noted that over the past two decades, the ERSO Award has recognized 65 distinguished entrepreneurs. This year's laureates represent key sectors including semiconductor equipment, manufacturing, and electrical machinery, highlighting Taiwan's strong cross-disciplinary industrial capabilities.

In addition, the symposium presented the Chenming Hu Award, sponsored by Professor Emeritus Chenming Hu of the University of California, Berkeley, a pioneer of 3D FinFET technology. This year's award recipients, namely Ming-Hua Tsai, Director at UMC, and Juin-Ming Lu, Deputy General Director of ITRI's Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories, were recognized for their significant contributions to semiconductor innovation.

About ITRI

The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is a world-leading R&D organization dedicated to innovating a better future. Founded in 1973, ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan's industries from labor-intensive into innovation-driven. Over the years, ITRI has incubated hundreds of startups and spinoffs, including well-known companies such as UMC and TSMC. Headquartered in Taiwan, ITRI also operates offices in the U.S., Germany, the UK, Japan, and Thailand. For more information, please visit https://www.itri.org/eng.

SOURCE Industrial Technology Research Institute
American-Founded K-Beauty Brand Projects $100M in Revenue by 2026

MIAMI, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- JiYu, a Korean skincare brand formulated and manufactured in South Korea, today announced its expansion into the emerging category of longevity-focused skincare, combining advanced Korean formulation with innovations in cellular skin health. As the global skincare market shifts toward preventative, science-backed approaches, JiYu is positioning itself at the intersection of Korean beauty and longevity.

JiYu Skincare (PRNewsfoto/JiYu Skin)

"The rest of the world is starting to catch up to what Korean skincare has always understood. Longevity is the next frontier  and we've been building toward it from the start."  Jen Chierotti, Co-Founder, JiYu

JiYu is a K-beauty brand formulated and manufactured in Korea, built for a global audience, with offices in Miami, Austin, and Seoul's Gangnam district. Founded by American female entrepreneurs, JiYu has become one of the fastest-growing K-beauty brands in the United States, tracking toward $100 million in revenue in 2026 on the back of triple-digit year-over-year growth.

WHERE KOREAN BEAUTY MEETS LONGEVITY

JiYu is built on the same principles that define the best Korean skincare: ingredient precision, skin health over time, and formulations that go deeper than the surface. But the brand has taken that philosophy somewhere most K-beauty brands haven't gone yet. Longevity.

The idea is that skin can be supported at the cellular level, not just the surface. JiYu brings Korean ingredient science and formulation precision to actives and delivery systems increasingly studied in cellular health research, working at the level of how skin actually repairs and regenerates over time. The brand integrates Korean ingredient innovation with emerging research in skin regeneration, barrier repair, and long-term skin health, extending the conversation from anti-aging skincare to skin longevity.

NAD+ is one example of that thinking in action, a coenzyme tied to cellular energy and repair processes, incorporated into formulations using advanced Korean delivery systems designed to improve bioavailability. Alongside this, JiYu's proprietary K8-Rejuvenate complex combines clinically studied ingredients including Snail Mucin, Centella Asiatica, Niacinamide, Alpha-Arbutin, and a multi-peptide complex to target multiple aspects of skin health simultaneously, from tone and texture to barrier strength. Rather than positioning individual hero ingredients, JiYu formulates its products as systems designed to work cohesively over time.

"The best anti-aging products in the world come out of Korea. JiYu exists to bring them to everyone everywhere."  Jen Chierotti, Co-Founder, JiYu

MADE IN KOREA, BUILT FOR WHAT'S NEXT

Every JiYu product is formulated and manufactured in South Korea by one of South Korea's leading cosmetics ODMs, whose clients include several of the world's most recognized luxury beauty brands. JiYu's Korea-based product development team maintains deep relationships within the Korean beauty supply chain, giving the brand access to active ingredients and delivery systems that require direct relationships within the Korean manufacturing ecosystem. The brand is actively growing its Seoul-based team, with ongoing hiring across product development, formulation, and market operations as part of its expanding Korean presence.

JiYu products are imported directly from South Korean manufacturing facilities to U.S. consumers, with no domestic reformulation, co-packing, or third-party repackaging at any stage. The formulas consumers receive are identical to what is developed and produced in Seoul.

JiYu products are manufactured to the highest international standards, holding certifications including CGMP, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 22716. The brand has committed a portion of its recent $6.5 million capital raise to independent clinical research, building the evidence base that the longevity skincare category will increasingly require.

"Korean formulation science has always been built around long-term skin health  that philosophy is in the DNA of how we develop every product. What JiYu is doing is bringing that depth of formulation to the longevity conversation happening in the West. No one else has really connected those two worlds yet at scale."  Jen Chierotti, Co-Founder, JiYu

GROWTH DRIVEN BY PRODUCT

JiYu's rise has been driven almost entirely by product performance and creator-led content rather than traditional marketing. With a strong presence across TikTok Shop, Amazon, and its own Shopify storefront at jiyuskin.com, with meaningful revenue contribution across all three platforms, the brand has built a loyal customer base through repeat purchase and word of mouth, a signal of both product efficacy and growing consumer alignment with its approach to skincare.

With five new products expected in 2026  each building on the brand's longevity-driven formulation approach  JiYu is preparing for its next phase of growth, including retail distribution and direct entry into the South Korean market.

A NEW DIRECTION FOR SKINCARE

As consumers increasingly move toward preventative health, biohacking, and longevity-focused wellness, skincare is evolving alongside it. JiYu represents a shift in how beauty brands are built, combining global supply chain access, Korean formulation expertise, and a long-term view of skin health.

For a brand that launched with a clear thesis of K-beauty science meets longevity thinking, JiYu has found an audience that responds to both.

JiYu products are available at jiyuskin.com, Amazon, and TikTok Shop.

U.S. Offices: Miami, FL  Austin, TX

Seoul Office:   354, 11F, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

MEDIA CONTACT

JiYu Skincare

[email protected]  jiyuskin.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2954201/JiYu_Skincare.jpg

SOURCE JiYu Skin
CHENGDU, China, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("Kelun-Biotech" or the "Company", 6990.HK) announced that results from both the ovarian cancer cohort and the cervical cancer cohort of Phase II study SKB264-II-06/MK-2870-002 of the TROP2 ADC sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT, also known as SKB264/MK-2870) (), in combination with MSD's[1] anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA[2]), were selected for oral presentation at the 2026 Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Annual Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The data were presented by Professor Xiaohua Wu of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center.

Ovarian cancer

This presentation reported, for the first time, important data on sac-TMT as maintenance treatment in breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) wild-type, second-line platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer. Among the 40 patients enrolled in the ovarian cancer cohort, 27 received sac-TMT (4 mg/kg, every other week (Q2W)) in combination with pembrolizumab, and 13 received sac-TMT (5 mg/kg, Q2W) in combination with pembrolizumab. Among the enrolled patients, 70% had prior bevacizumab therapy, and 58% had prior PARP inhibitor therapy. The median follow-up was 22.2 months (data cutoff date: November 17, 2025).

The data showed that median progression-free survival (PFS) in the overall population was 20.9 months; median overall survival (OS) was not reached; and the 12-month OS rate was 92%. Additionally, the adverse events of sac-TMT in combination with pembrolizumab were manageable. The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were anemia, stomatitis, and decreased neutrophil count. No deaths or discontinuations due to sac-TMT-related TRAEs was reported.

The study results showed that sac-TMT in combination with pembrolizumab as maintenance therapy for platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer demonstrated positive efficacy signals and a favorable safety profile, providing important evidence for further clinical exploration of this combination regimen in the ovarian cancer population.

Cervical cancer

A total of 68 patients with previously treated second-line or third-line recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer were enrolled in the cervical cancer cohort to receive sac-TMT at doses of 3 mg/kg, 4 mg/kg, or 5 mg/kg Q2W in combination with pembrolizumab. Among the enrolled patients, 57% had prior bevacizumab therapy, and 51% had prior immunotherapy. The median follow-up was 24.7 months (data cutoff date: November 17, 2025).

The data showed that after treatment with sac-TMT in combination with pembrolizumab, the objective response rate (ORR) in the total population was 51% and 54% in IO-pretreated population. The median PFS was 7.3 months and the median OS reached 18.9 months in the total population. Furthermore, the safety profile of sac-TMT in combination with pembrolizumab was manageable, with no new safety signals identified and no deaths due to TRAEs.

The study results demonstrated promising and durable antitumor activity with a manageable safety profile in patients with pre-treated second-line or third-line recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer receiving sac-TMT in combination with pembrolizumab, providing robust data to support further clinical development.

About sac-TMT

Sac-TMT, a core product of the Company, is a novel human TROP2 ADC in which the Company has proprietary intellectual property rights, targeting advanced solid tumors such as NSCLC, breast cancer (BC), gastric cancer (GC), gynecological tumors and genitourinary tumors, among others. Sac-TMT is developed with a unique, bifunctional linker that maximizes payload delivery to tumor cells both through its irreversible connection with the anti-TROP2 monoclonal antibody sacituzumab and its pH-sensitive cleavage from a belotecan-derivative topoisomerase I inhibitor in the lysosome, with a drug-to-antibody-ratio (DAR) of 7.4. Sac-TMT specifically recognizes TROP2 on the surface of tumor cells by recombinant anti-TROP2 humanized monoclonal antibodies, which is then endocytosed by tumor cells and releases the payload KL610023 intracellularly. KL610023, as a topoisomerase I inhibitor, induces DNA damage to tumor cells, which in turn leads to cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, it also releases KL610023 in the tumor microenvironment. Given that KL610023 is membrane permeable, it can enable a bystander effect, or in other words kill adjacent tumor cells.

In May 2022, the Company licensed the exclusive rights to MSD (the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA) to develop, use, manufacture and commercialize sac-TMT in all territories outside of Greater China (which includes Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan).

To date, four indications for sac-TMT have been approved and marketed in China for: EGFR mutant-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC following progression on EGFR-TKI therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy; unresectable locally advanced or metastatic TNBC who have received at least two prior systemic therapies (at least one of them for advanced or metastatic setting); EGFR mutant-positive locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous NSCLC who progressed after treatment with EGFR-TKI therapy; unresectable or metastatic HR+/HER2- (IHC 0, IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) BC who have received prior ET and at least one line of chemotherapy in advanced setting. The first two indications listed above have been included in China's National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL). This inclusion is expected to bring clinical benefits to a greater number of patients with BC and NSCLC. Additionally, sac-TMT has been granted six Breakthrough Therapy Designations (BTDs) by the NMPA.

Sac-TMT is the world's first TROP2 ADC drug approved for marketing in lung cancer. As of today, Kelun-Biotech has initiated 9 registrational clinical studies in China. MSD is evaluating 17 ongoing Phase III global clinical studies of sac-TMT as a monotherapy or with pembrolizumab or other anti-cancer agents for several types of cancer. These studies are sponsored and led by MSD.

About Kelun-Biotech

Kelun-Biotech (6990.HK) is a holding subsidiary of Kelun Pharmaceutical, which focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and global collaboration of innovative biological drugs and small molecule drugs. Kelun-Biotech focuses on major disease areas such as solid tumors, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases, and in establishing a globalized drug development and industrialization platform to address the unmet medical needs in China and the rest of world. Kelun-Biotech is committed to becoming a leading global enterprise in the field of innovative drugs. At present, Kelun-Biotech has more than 30 ongoing key innovative drug projects, of which 4 projects with 8 indications have been approved for marketing, more than 10 projects are in the clinical stage. Kelun-Biotech has established one of the world's leading proprietary ADC and novel DC platforms, OptiDC, and has 2 ADC projects with 5 indications approved for marketing, and multiple ADC and novel DC assets in clinical or preclinical research stage. For more information, please visit https://en.kelun-biotech.com/.

[1] MSD is the tradename of Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA. [2] KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is a registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (MSD), a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.

SOURCE Kelun-Biotech
To read our interview with Barbara Stone sign up to our newsletter HERE

'The crime was viewed to be evil, and it was, but it doesn't mean to say my brother did it.'

Barbara Stone has never stopped believing her brother Michael was innocent of one of Britain's most shocking double murders.

Stone was jailed after being found guilty of the horror slayings of Lin Russell and her daughter Megan in a country lane near the village of Chillenden in Kent in 1996.

He's spent nearly 30 years in some of the country's highest security prisons ever since but has continued to profess his innocence and Barbara has been there every single day with him.

Now in an exclusive interview with The Crime Desk Barbara Stone reveals how the case changed her life, how her brother spends his time behind bars and the family's never-ending fight to clear his name.

The Crime Desk will be re-examining the murders of Lin and Megan Russell as part of a new series on Crimes That Shocked Britain.

Our expert journalists will deliver exclusive interviews and gripping features from all the angles of the case to put YOU in the picture.

We also invite you to give your opinion and theories on the Chillenden Murders and whether Michael Stone was guilty. Let us know in the comments or at: crimedesk@dailymail.co.uk

We will share our favourite posts in The Crime Desk newsletter next week.

---

To read our exclusive interview with Barbara Stone sign up to The Crime Desk newsletter HERE.

Each week our team will bring you unrivalled insight, expert analysis, and in-depth reporting on the cases you can't stop thinking about.

Every newsletter will be packed with exclusive features, interviews and the breaking stories dominating today's headlines.

Delivered to your inbox every week, completely FREE.
A former boxer who murdered a retired postmistress before evading justice for 12 years boasted about being nicknamed 'The Shovel' while in his police cell.

David Newton, 71, was jailed for at least 21 years in February 2025 for murdering Una Crown after DNA which matched his profile was found on her nail clippings.

Mrs Crown, 86, was found with her throat cut, stab wounds to her chest and her clothing burnt in her bungalow in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, in January 2013.

Newton was interviewed as a suspect at the time and later arrested on suspicion of murder, but was told he would not be charged on the evidence that was available.

However in 2024 he was finally charged after a DNA breakthrough on nail clippings from Mrs Crown's right hand using techniques that were not available in 2013.

Newton was found guilty of her murder and jailed for life at Cambridge Crown Court, and the case features in a '24 Hours in Police Custody' episode on Channel 4 tonight.

Footage in the documentary shows Newton - who almost escaped justice after police initially treated the incident as 'non-suspicious' - in a police cell after being arrested.

Asked by a producer whether he was worried about being held, he replies: 'No. What's going to happen is going to happen. I've told them the truth of what I know.'

He then chuckles while explaining how he is protective of his daughters, adding: 'No one touches them. That's why they call me "The Shovel", the size of my hands.'

Una Crown, an 86-year-old widow, was found with her throat cut, stab wounds to her chest and her clothing burnt in her bungalow in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, on January 13, 2013

Ex-boxer David Newton was found guilty of Mrs Crown's murder by majority verdict in 2025

Newton was charged after scientists made a DNA breakthrough, having tested nail clippings from Mrs Crown's dominant right hand using techniques that were not available in 2013

Police outside Una Crown's home in Wisbech after she was found stabbed to death in 2023

The episode follows Detective Superintendent Iain Moor and the Major Crime Unit as they re-open the investigation into the murder of Mrs Crown, who was found dead by family members and a neighbour in her bungalow on Magazine Lane in Wisbech.

Mrs Crown died from stab wounds to her neck and chest  before Newton set her clothing on fire in an attempt to disguise her injuries and destroy evidence.

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I'm Rachel Sharp, US Crime Desk Editor, and I have learned shocking details about Marilyn Monroes longlost diary  details that change everything we thought we knew about her mysterious death. For decades, her missing diary has belonged to the realm of hollywood myth. But now, an investigator I spoke to not only insists it's real, but that he found it. Sign up to read exactly what he found.

Police had not initially considered Mrs Crown's death suspicious and there was a two-day delay in preserving the scene because of what one prosecutor previously described as a 'grave error of judgment by police officers who went to the house'.

But new forensic techniques in 2013 revealed male DNA under Mrs Crown's nails, protected under her body and in her clenched fist when she fell to the floor.

The DNA matched Newton, who still lived nearby - but detectives had to travel across the UK to rule out all male relatives in his paternal line.

They then pieced the DNA breakthrough together with new evidence to form their prosecution case.

In February last year, Newton was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years, with judge Mr Justice Neil Garnham telling him he had launched 'a ferocious and sustained knife attack on a defenceless old lady in her own home'.

Detective Superintendent Moor said: 'For more than a decade David Newton thought he had gotten away with this most horrendous crime.

'He was hiding in plain sight but jurors saw through his lies and, as this programme highlights, you cannot hide forever.

'Also demonstrated in the two episodes is the police commitment to continually reviewing unsolved cases and seeking new lines of enquiry.

'No unsolved murder case is ever closed. When I joined the Major Crime Unit, the first thing my wife said to me was, 'you've got to solve this murder'.

A smear of what appears to be blood on a lightswitch inside Una Crown's home in Wisbech

Errors by police meant the house was not closed off immediately after her body was found

David Newton lived close to the bungalow Una Crown called home (both highlighted by arrows)

'I'm immensely proud of bringing Newton to justice after more than a decade, and finally getting justice and closure for Una's family. Una, by the actions she took on that night, solved her own case as she fought her attacker.'

Mr Moor previously revealed that after Newton was found guilty of murder, Cambridgeshire Police had apologised to Mrs Crown's family for 'mistakes made during the initial investigation in 2013'.

Jurors found Newton guilty by a majority of 10 jurors to two following a month-long trial at Cambridge Crown Court and 29 hours and 13 minutes of deliberations. He was sentenced at the same court.

Mr Justice Neil Garnham found as a fact that Newton 'had a copy of her back door key made' for himself when helping her with her lock months earlier.

The judge said it was 'far from clear' why Newton 'decided to enter Mrs Crown's house that night', adding that he took 80 from her purse after he killed her in a theft he described as 'opportunistic'.

He said there was a 'confrontation' and Mrs Crown's phone hanging off its cradle suggested she had tried to call for help.

'I accept you hadn't brought a knife with you into the property but faced with Mrs Crown's anger and resistance I find you took a knife from the kitchen and attacked her with it,' the judge added.

'24 Hours in Police Custody: The Cold Case Murder' is on Channel 4 tonight at 9pm
Only now do we see the utter smallness of Sir Keir Starmer, the short-term, petty, tactical calculations that rule him.

Scrambling around to save his leadership, the Prime Minister has decided to give his Euro-fanatic backbenchers something symbolic.

Britain will automatically download EU rules in the fields of energy and food in return for well, in return for nothing much beyond Europhile vibes.

Eurocrats couldn't believe their luck. Here was a British government agreeing to something that they had barely dared ask for during the disengagement talks in 2017. No, not just agreeing to it: actively proposing it.

Rubbing their eyes in disbelief, EU officials decided to push their luck further. If Starmer wanted unilaterally to adopt various EU rules  a process known as 'dynamic alignment'  that was fine. But he would need to pay for the privilege.

'The agreement would establish a permanent mechanism for an appropriate financial contribution of the UK towards reducing economic, social and territorial disparities between the regions of the EU,' they said. 'The financial contribution of the UK should appropriately reflect the relative size of the UK's economy.'

We can only imagine their incredulity when the Prime Minister, who is fighting to find savings in every other budget, said yes to that, too.

It is important to be clear about what Starmer means by 'dynamic alignment'.

What is proposed is not that Britain and the EU recognise each other's standards in certain areas. That is the normal way in which trade agreements happen and the normal way in which the EU negotiates deals. Brussels, for example, has a mutual recognition agreement with New Zealand.

Nor is it proposed that Britain and the EU should jointly agree in advance to certain standards on, say, animal welfare or food safety.

No, what Starmer is offering, quite disgracefully, is something very different, something almost unprecedented among sovereign nations. What he proposes is to write a blank cheque. Whatever standards the EU might adopt in future, Britain will automatically copy them.

What Starmer is offering, quite disgracefully, is something very different, something almost unprecedented among sovereign nations. What he proposes is to write a blank cheque, writes Daniel Hannan

They might be ludicrously expensive. They might be inappropriate to our conditions. They might make the environment dirtier or food less safe. Whatever their content, we would have no option but to copy them.

There would be no debate in Parliament, no vote in the House of Commons. Brussels would dictate and Britain would scramble to obey.

Such arrangements are almost without precedent in the world. Tiny San Marino adopts Italy's regulations, and Lesotho adopts South Africa's. But for a nation of 70 million people, a nuclear-armed global power, to invite a foreign government to set its rules, has until now been unthinkable.

Starmer, tellingly, is leaning into the anti-democratic nature of what he is doing, talking up the sidelining of Parliament in the hope of picking a fight with the Eurosceptic parties in the run-up to the council elections.

As a Labour spokesman put it yesterday: 'Reform and the Tories are stuck with the ghost of Brexit past, happy with the broken status quo. But in a world of rising global tensions, we need politicians who can build bridges rather than burn them.'

Did you ever hear such content-free fluffiness? In order to sound more pro-EU, Labour is proposing a terrible deal. In order to shore up Sir Keir Starmer's collapsing leadership in advance of what promise to be disastrous local election results next month, ministers will ensnare their successors for decades. It is not only the Eurosceptic parties that are upset by the way the House of Commons is being ignored.

'We need a closer relationship with Europe, but we also need parliamentary democracy,' the Lib Dem MP Munira Wilson ingenuously told the BBC yesterday.

Well, fine, but there is a trade-off between those things, which is why we had the referendum in the first place. What is proposed now, incredibly, is even less parliamentary control than we had as full EU members.

I write, by the way, as someone who has argued for closer commercial relations with the EU. I was, and remain, a committed Brexiteer, but my Euroscepticism was always political rather than economic.

I wanted Britain to live under its own laws, not to put up trade barriers against its neighbours. My ideal is of a sovereign, global Britain, trading freely with every continent including Europe.

The EU rules we are being signed up to might be ludicrously expensive. They might be inappropriate to our conditions. They might make the environment dirtier or food less safe

That, though, is not what this is about. If Starmer simply wanted easier trade in food products, he would continue to push for a mutual recognition agreement.

If the EU is unwilling to grant us one out of spite, then we should wait until it signs a trade deal with the Pacific bloc, the CPTPP, of which we are members. Since it could not then uniquely penalise Britain, any outstanding trade obstacles would be removed.

If Starmer doesn't want to wait that long, there is another alternative. We could recognise EU food standards in parallel to our own, as we do with medicines.

In other words, British producers could choose between following UK rules (which smaller companies would generally do) and EU rules (which the relatively few number of companies that export to the EU might prefer). There are arguments for introducing such a dual system anyway. It would give us regulatory competition, ensuring British standards did not become too onerous.

But, to repeat, Starmer is not interested in practical solutions. His policy is vibes-driven, designed to show how different he is from the awful, nationalistic Tories.

The Growth Commission has calculated that the cost of unilateral alignment (as opposed to offering EU standards alongside our own) is 15billion a year.

It adds that this figure does not take account of the opportunity cost  that is, how successful Britain might become if it were free to experiment outside one of the most risk-averse regulatory regimes on the planet.

The rest of the world is forever bringing cases against the EU on grounds that its food rules have nothing to do with science and are driven by protectionism. Britain would find itself at odds with several of the countries with which it has just signed trade deals, including Australia, India and Japan. It would also have to drop the idea of a treaty with the US.

Britain would be foregoing trade with parts of the world experiencing economic growth, to copy the regulations of a shrinking bloc. Since 2009, the US economy has grown two thirds faster than that of the EU. Why tie ourselves to the Europoors?

What a betrayal. Brexit was an opportunity for Britain to be more competitive and more global, to embrace cheaper energy and ambitious trade deals. The previous Conservative government, through a combination of feebleness, civil service inertia and Covid distractedness, failed to seize those opportunities. Now a Labour government is ensuring that they will never be seized.

British ministers and Eurocrats are working to ensure their deal is 'Farage-proof', meaning a future administration could not withdraw from it without triggering sanctions in unrelated fields.

Shame on Keir Starmer. And shame on the rest of us for putting up with him.

Lord Hannan of Kingsclere is President of the Institute for Free Trade
The Southport Inquiry makes grim reading: grieve afresh for Bebe, Elsie and Alice, for their families and all those injured on the terrible day when Axel Rudakubana took a knife to the dance class.

Grieve too, more angrily, at the almost blackly comic failures of all our anxious, bossy, heavily regulated public agencies to prevent it.

Rage at society's failure to organise simple safety, just as we did after the killings by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham.

The inquiry says that Rudakubana's brutality was not some 'bolt from the blue' but unambiguously signalled over years to numerous bodies in a diabolical 'merry-go-round of referrals, assessments, case closures and hand-offs'. Failures were made by police, mental health professionals in the NHS, social services and even counterterrorism officers  he was repeatedly referred to Prevent.

On top of that, he was able to buy lethal knives with no trouble at all, not on some mysterious dark web but Amazon, the most familiar and homely of online markets. Which has, by the way, not even been fined for its lackadaisically inadequate 'safeguards' (it said the teenager was 'visibly over 25', as if such a glance was of the slightest use).

There are parallels with the case of Valdo Calocane, though he at least had a diagnosis of serious mental illness, albeit badly supervised and allowed to ignore his medication. There, the failure to identify his dangerousness was partly because some box-ticking fool worried about the 'over-representation of black men in custody'.

In the case of Rudakubana, another social taboo left him free to act: though on the autistic 'spectrum' and preoccupied with violent online videos, he was not seriously ill. But he was 17: thus still officially a child and so more likely to be regarded as 'vulnerable' than dangerous.

As one social worker explained, his assaults in the home would always be 'viewed through the lens of child protection'. There may, of course, also have been anxiety about condemning and restraining him because of his race.

Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were murdered by Axel Rudakubana

Though on the autistic 'spectrum' and preoccupied with violent online videos, Rudakubana was not seriously ill. But he was 17: thus still officially a child and so more likely to be regarded as 'vulnerable' than dangerous

We need, both at an official level and a private one, to stop it happening again  however young the potential killer, whatever their race or background.

If prevention sometimes leads to unwelcome, seemingly unfair questions by public officials  or to periods of confinement which at the time distress families  we must face that discomfort, hoping it is brief and turns out to be unnecessary (the majority of people with serious mental conditions are harmless, take their medication and are safely loved).

Some who have been almost as crazily obsessed with violence as Rudakubana have channelled it safely and grown into better mental health.

But when there are signposts, those with a professional duty to follow them must do so, and be blamed if they don't.

And the parents? At the inquiry, Sir Adrian Fulford spoke harshly about the Southport couple, citing 'considerable blame' at their failing to defy their terrible son, and being 'manipulative and harmful' in dealing with agencies involved in his care. This raises mixed feelings.

When we first heard Alphonse Rudakubana's testimony at the inquiry and his regret that 'love overruled good judgment', I expressed some sympathy: a churchgoing man, he paid for private counselling for the boy, he took parenting lessons and denied getting in the way of social services. 'It's me who called them,' he claimed.

He added that when the police caught Axel with a knife in 2022, rather than detain him, they brought him home and lectured his mother on 'securing knives in the home'.

But, fair enough, the inquiry has concluded that Axel's parents share the blame. And certainly the detail that Axel's mother discovered the knife packaging hidden in their home on the fatal day, but did nothing about it, suggests some culpability.

And yet if you try, as a parent, to put yourself in their place it is horrifying. From the first nursery encounters you hope and pray that your children are benign: not biters or bullies, or not more than once, and that they are sorry. Nobody willingly thinks they've nurtured a psychopath. You hope everything is a phase. It must be bleakly lonely. When I wrote about this I had heartbreaking letters from people who have lived through assault by a child and got little support even when, feeling like traitors, they actually called the police.

One more thing. As children get older you lose touch with their influences, and may also lose awareness of what chemicals they are ingesting. All over the country there are kids left alone for hours with online horrors, staring at screens built to be addictive, children who know the local dealers of pocket-money-cheap drugs.

Few will become Rudakubanas but some, when a random provocation taxes their weakened self-control, will explode. Their parents may be the last to expect it.

We are sentimentally fond of quoting 'it takes a village to raise a child', but too often there's no village watching, no villager willing to report and judge. That's not good enough. Whatever the embarrassment, community upset or risk of misunderstanding ordinary high-spirits and being demonised as a busybody for speaking out and reporting, we must do so. It's worth it.
Donald Trump has a strange habit of adding insult to injury. About 40 minutes after publishing a hostile rant against the WEAK Pope Leo on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, he decided to post an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ, laying his miraculous healing hand on a hospitalised patient.

A minute later, as if to signal he was only having fun, he shared an image of a Golden Trump Tower on the Moon, but nobody cared about that.

His gratuitously blasphemous artwork has deeply offended swaths of his Christian support base and led to calls for him to remove the post and apologise.

I implore you, repent, said Fr Joseph DeMarzo, a conservative Catholic priest. We are Christ first, not Maga first.

Michael Knowles, a hugely popular Catholic pundit, also weighed in. I assume someone has already told him, but it behoves the President both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent, he said.

But Trump never apologises for his online shenanigans. Instead, he told reporters that their eyes deceived them and he wasnt purporting to be Christ.

It wasnt a depiction. I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with Red Cross, he explained, before finally deleting the post.

Online sleuths quickly discovered that the AI picture first appeared in February courtesy of the Trump superfan Nick Adams, who is now the Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism and Values.

Bizarrely, however, the copy Trumps account posted had one disturbing alteration from Adamss original: An ethereal soldier figure in the clouds had been replaced by a horned creature, which some say might be a satanic representation of Baphomet, a goat-headed figure from the occult.

Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ, laying his miraculous healing hand on a hospitalised patient, on his Truth Social platform on Sunday

After attending the funeral of Pope Francis last year, a picture of Trump in white papal regalia appeared on his Truth Social account, though he later insisted he had nothing to do with it

This has only fed into a growing paranoia on parts of Americas religious Right that their former hero Trump, who they once supported, has become the opposite of Christ-like  that hes now a demonic force. Its more than blasphemy, said Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Maga darling-turned-fierce Trump critic. Its an Anti-Christ spirit.

On election night in 2024, Trump declared: Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason [following an assassination attempt at a campaign rally], and that reason was to save our country and to restore America to greatness. Yet he now seems to be almost deliberately debasing himself in the minds of so many Republican Christians.

This is by no means the first time Trump has dabbled with controversial religious imagery of himself.

After attending the funeral of Pope Francis last year, a picture of Trump in white papal regalia appeared on his Truth Social account, though he later insisted he had nothing to do with it. During one of his fraud trials in 2023, he reposted a fake court drawing of himself sitting in the dock next to Our Lord and Saviour.

Neither is this the first time he has criticised a Supreme Pontiff. He called Pope Francis disgraceful when the then-Vicar of Christ criticised his stern immigration policies. But for some, Trumps latest AI-affront  combined with his decidedly un-Christian rebuke of Pope Leo and the Catholic Church  represents a sinister new low.

Paula White-Cain, the plastic-faced televangelist who is Trumps spiritual adviser, gave the President and his war a weird Easter blessing

And it is striking that Trumps harshest domestic critics have not been the Democrats, who dont seem to be surprised, let alone horrified, that Trump might view himself as God. No, the angriest voices belong to the same Right-wing Republicans who used to adore the Donald.

Figures such as Taylor Greene, and the conservative commentator Candace Owens, have felt increasingly betrayed since last year, when the White House appeared to cover up the Jeffrey Epstein story  which some Maga elements truly regard as evidence that the world is controlled by a cabal of Satanic paedophiles.

Taylor Greene and Owens are obsessed, too, with the extent of Israels influence over Americas foreign policy and are furious that their President has launched a war on Iran, apparently at the behest of the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

For America First purists, the problem is not just that the President is making bad mistakes. Its that he has been co-opted by evil, anti-religious forces which are trying to hasten the apocalypse by starting a nuclear war.

Trump, indeed, has become an almost uniquely divisive figure who draws praise and criticism from across the religious spectrum.

A surprisingly large number of evangelical Maga fans, for example  including Christian Zionists  believe that the Commander-in-Chief is doing Gods work by taking out evil Ayatollahs in a joint effort with the blessed nation of Israel. A growing range of Catholics, Orthodox and Episcopalian believers, meanwhile, believe that Trumps actions are not merely regrettable but evil.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Maga darling-turned-fierce Trump critic, believes the US President is the opposite of Christ-like  that hes now a demonic force. Its more than blasphemy, she said. Its an Anti-Christ spirit

When Trump warned the world that a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back, his former friend, the influential podcast host Tucker Carlson, was outraged: Christians need to understand where Trump is taking us, he said

The fact that the President chose Easter Sunday morning of all days, to issue an aggressive message to Tehran only confirmed to them that Trumps faith has warped into something menacing.

Open the F****n Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hell, he said on the joyful day of Our Lords resurrection. Praise be to Allah.

Two days later, he warned the world that a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back.

Trumps more nihilistic admirers chortled at his provocative barminess. But his former friend, the influential podcast host Tucker Carlson, was outraged: Desecrating Easter was the first step toward nuclear war, he intoned. Christians need to understand where Trump is taking us.

Carlson drew special attention to Paula White-Cain, the plastic-faced televangelist who is Trumps spiritual adviser, and the weird Easter blessing she gave the President and his war.

Mr President, you were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused, she said. Its a familiar pattern that our Lord and Saviour showed us, but it didnt end there for Him and it didnt end there for you.

And I believe that the Lord said to tell you this: Because of His victory, you will be victorious in all you put your hand to.

Carlson had a different take. How could any Christian watch that and not feel revulsion? he asked, denouncing the spiritual war being waged in the White House and what he described as the perversion of the New Testament.

Has the criticism got under Trumps skin? Last Thursday  on the same day that his wife Melania issued a rather confusing statement about Jeffrey Epstein  the President delivered a furious 372-word Truth Social post attacking Tucker Carlson and another former supporter-turned-critic Megyn Kelly, as well as Owens and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, calling them stupid people and insisting that nobody cares about them.

But in his desperation to offend his Maga critics, the President may end up alienating a large number of God-fearing Americans.

There are some 53million Catholics in the United States, and the so-called Catholic vote is often said to be the decisive swing factor in elections. It is an intriguing fact that Trump won a majority of Catholic votes in his successful campaigns of 2016 and 2024, but not in his defeat to the Irish-Catholic Joe Biden in 2020.

As with so many other Trump stories, voters may soon forget all about the time the President posted a Christ-like picture of himself. It wouldnt be the first time hed got away with online excess.

But there is a broader concern among Republicans that, under the strain of his second term, the 79-year-old is starting to overstep the mark  badly.

His boasts about killing Iranians have left most decent people cold. In February, when film director Rob Reiner and his wife were brutally murdered in their home, Trump made an astonishingly crass and irreverent statement gloating that Reiner had suffered from Trump derangement syndrome.

And when Robert Mueller, the man who investigated Trumps ties to Russia in his first term, died late last month, Trump responded: Good, Im glad hes dead.

While the vast majority of Americans wont believe that their President has been possessed by the Anti-Christ, they do know that its wicked to speak ill of the recently deceased.

Freddy Gray is deputy editor of The Spectator
For decades, the Washington foreign policy establishment - the 'Blob' - has operated under a dangerous, persistent delusion: that American military might is a magic wand capable of reshaping the Middle East without consequence. But that comfortable belief is now clashing with physical reality on the ground in the Middle East.

The Iranian regime's 'asymmetric' retaliatory doctrine was no secret. They never needed a blue-water navy to win or even an air force to match America's. Instead, if the US chose a war with Iran  something the leaders in Tehran had envisioned was possible for decades  Iranian strategy would primarily need to do two things: survive as a political entity and maintain a sustained rate of fire of its missile and drone inventories.

That's it.

America, on the other hand, would have a much higher threshold: once the US launched a war of choice, the requirements became winning a military victory. President Donald Trump at various times set objectives such as regime change, the destruction of the Iranian Navy, the destruction of the Iranian Air Force, the dismantling of their nuclear enrichment capacity, the decimation of Iranian long range missile program, and decoupling of Iran's so-called 'Axis of Resistance,' or regional proxies, from Tehran's control.

And the US sought to do all that on the cheap, without a ground force.

Absent the credible threat of an invasion, there was virtually no chance Iran could be bombed into submission to such an extent that Trump could compel compliance to that extensive list of military objectives.

More than one week into a two-week ceasefire and following the failure of peace talks this weekend in Islamabad, Pakistan, between Vice President JD Vance and the speaker of the Iranian parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, President Trump is attempting another gambit.

The Commander in Chief has ordered a naval blockade of oil tankers going to and from Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. But this tactic is no more likely to compel Iranian compliance than the first six weeks of war did. Iran was aware from the beginning that a naval blockade from the US was a possibility, so in one sense, they got a six-week reprieve.

Following the lead set by Iran, President Trump ordered a naval blockade of oil tankers going to and from Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz

The blockade came after the failure of peace talks this weekend in Islamabad, Pakistan between Vice President JD Vance and the speaker of the Iranian parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Vance, above on left, with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz in Islamabad

But there is pressure on Trump from allies in Asia  where some rationing is already taking place  as well as Europe, and even domestically in the United States due to increased gasoline, diesel, and related commodity prices.

China is already testing the effectiveness of the blockade, as one Chinese-flagged tanker passed through the Strait on Tuesday.

The question is this: who can sustain the cost of a full blockade longer, the US or Iran? Odds are, the cost to Trump will be greater and come more quickly than it will for Iran.

One could have reasonably argued that the President should not have chosen to launch this war, but he did. The crucial question now, however, is what next? Unfortunately for President Trump, there are some major headwinds against achieving an exit to his liking.

First is the clear ineffectiveness of the US bombing campaign.

The United States has attacked over 13,000 targets in Iran, dropping enormous tonnage of bombs all over the country, destroying significant military and civilian targets and inflicting serious harm on Iran's war machine and economy.

But there is no evidence the damage has had a crippling effect on the Iranian government or military capacity. To the contrary, Iran had foreseen a day when they would be at war with America and had spent decades building underground 'missile cities' to both produce and launch missiles, from locations nearly impenetrable by conventional US weapons.

Many of these underground facilities are bored into the side of mountains, hundreds of meters under granite rock, enabling some to withstand nuclear blasts. Even when American missiles destroy identified tunnel entrances, Iranian engineering units move quickly to repair the damage and the facilities return to operational status. In short, there is no practical way for the US to militarily destroy or disable these 'cities.'

Second, America's allies haven't exactly been rushing to come to our military aid.

Our Middle Eastern allies such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar have been attacked by Iranian missiles and drones, but so far have been very reluctant to get personally involved. They want the war over and a return to the free flow of oil into global markets  and a return to the revenue streams they depend on for their survival.

However, it's unclear what these Arab allies would do to hasten the fall or surrender of the Iranian regime. Saudi Arabia, for instance, boasts a significant air force, but  as stated above  it's clear that Iran cannot be bombed into submission. Recall that Saudi Arabia tried to destroy the smaller Houthis for nearly a decade beginning in 2015 and failed. Even combined with the US Air Force, they won't succeed in taking out the much bigger entity of Iran.

The Chinese tanker Rich Starry (above) managed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the US -imposed blockade

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Europe has likewise dithered and delayed. France, UK and Germany have considered military action but have done little more than talk about sending naval assets to help with opening the Strait. Former UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace went so far on Saturday as to suggest it was 'fantasy' to send any British naval assets to try and force open the Strait, because doing so would risk 'leaving our troops dangerously unprotected and overstretched.'

Ground forces? There aren't any available. I was part of the massive US and allied buildup of a half million troops in the 1991 invasion of Iraq and was an operations officer in the Pentagon during the buildup for the 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom. It took America more than a half year to get that many troops mobilized, equipped, outfitted, and trained to be ready for those invasions - and in 1991, the US had an army of 750,000. Today you'd be lucky if you could muster 90,000 total combat troops out of the approximately 450,000 on active duty.

Finally, is the issue of key ammunition. As has been widely reported, the US military has burned through significant percentages of its long-range offensive missile inventories, especially Tomahawk cruise missiles and JASSM-ER long range cruise missiles, which have ranges of about 1,300 miles and 500 miles respectively. These are long range, very accurate missiles that can be safely fired by US aircraft beyond the range of enemy air defenses.

On the defensive side, the US and Israel are running low on THAAD interceptors, PAC3 interceptors, and Arrow 2 and 3 interceptors. These are the primary missiles that can knock down enemy offensive missiles and strategic drones. Without them, the US and Israel could be near-defenseless to a range of Iranian offensive missiles and drones. And that is after barely six weeks of war.

The US military has burned through significant percentages of its long-range offensive missile inventories, especially Tomahawk cruise missiles, which have ranges of about 1,300 miles

The US and Israel are running low on THAAD interceptors (above), PAC3 interceptors, and Arrow 2 and 3 interceptors

Lt Col Dan Davis is the host of the podcast Deep Dive. He retired from the US Army after 21 years of active service

President Trump thundered in a Truth Social post on April 8 that if the ceasefire doesn't hold and negotiations don't open the Strait to unfettered oil flow, 'then the "Shootin' Starts," bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before.' Problem is, without a credible ground threat, without allies, without sufficient offensive cruise missiles and without enough interceptor missiles, the American striking power against Iran will continue to dwindle over time.

Therefore, if this conflict continues to drag even another six more weeks, I can foresee a scenario where the US and Israel run out of sufficient number of long-range missiles and are unable to defend against Iranian drone and missile attacks.

Of course, Trump does not want that to happen, opening the way for two potential outcomes: either the US ends the war on terms the Iranians can live with or the US escalates the war in one of the only remaining ways that might be militarily effective  the use of tactical nuclear weapons.

In short, though it is nearly impossible for most Americans to believe, Trump does not have the military power to compel Iran to surrender to his terms. Trump variously demands that Iran open the Straits and that they comply with his positions on zero nuclear enrichment, limited long range missiles, and an end to regional proxy support. If the President doesn't acknowledge that force of arms cannot force Iran to submit to his requirements, and continues trying to bomb his way to success, America may suffer both a strategic and military defeat.

Now is the time to acknowledge reality and begin making serious efforts towards reaching a negotiated settlement that preserves at least some of our objectives. Continue pressing for full submission by Iran, however, may deplete our Armed Forces to such an extent that our ability to meet our global national security obligations collapses.

Lt Col Dan Davis is the host of the podcast Deep Dive. Davis retired from the US Army after 21 years of active service and four combat zone deployments. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and a Bronze Star Medal in Afghanistan
Despite hundreds of drug trials costing millions, a cure for dementia remains elusive. But have scientists been looking in the wrong place for a treatment to tackle this modern-day epidemic?

Recent evidence suggests the key to beating Britains biggest killer may not be a drug  but surgery.

And the operation is not a complex neurological procedure that requires risky access to the brain. Instead, its a relatively straightforward technique, which doctors liken to clearing a blocked drain, in order to flush out toxic proteins linked to dementia.

Called lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), this type of treatment is already used on the NHS to help women with breast cancer who develop lymphoedema, swelling of the arms and legs due to a build-up of fluid.

The condition  which affects an estimated 400,000 people in the UK  develops when surgeons remove lymph nodes (tiny bean-shaped nodules that filter out waste products from the bloodstream) to stop cancer spreading.

Although it can be life-saving, removing the lymph nodes can lead to swelling in the limbs which makes everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, difficult.

With the LVA procedure, a tiny incision is made under the armpit, then surgeons stitch the lymph vessel thats full of fluid to a nearby vein  allowing the excess fluid to drain into the bloodstream and get flushed out through the kidneys. The benefits are well-established, although the NHS tends to reserve the procedure for severe cases.

Now researchers are experimenting with a similar technique  attaching lymph vessels in the neck to veins  to treat dementia.

The key to beating dementia may not be a drug  but surgery. And the operation is not a complex neurological procedure that requires risky access to the brain  instead, its a relatively straightforward technique

The brain has its own lymphatic drainage system to dispose of waste. As we age, this system becomes sluggish, allowing harmful proteins in the waste fluid to accumulate in the brain.

These proteins can lead to the formation of deposits  amyloid plaques  which start to harm cognitive function, eventually leading to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, language problems and personality changes.

Around 2,000 patients with dementia have so far undergone the procedure, with claims that in some cases theyre once again able to recognise loved ones and regain memories lost to the disease.

The surgery involves making a small incision in the neck just below the jaw. This accesses the deep cervical vein  which drains blood from the neck  where it runs parallel to a lymphatic vessel, which carries waste products from the brain.

A hole is then cut into the vein and the lymphatic vessel is stitched into place. Almost immediately, plaque-causing proteins start to drain away. The operation, which is done under general anaesthetic, takes a couple of hours.

Its pretty much the same principle as that behind many of todays newer drugs, which is basically to try and flush out the bad proteins, says Pat Kehoe, a professor of translational dementia research at the University of Bristol.

The drugs in question  lecanemab and donanemab  are designed to bind to the damaging proteins so they are transported out of the brain.

However, the drugs are not approved on the NHS due to their cost (up to 80,000 a year), limited benefits and side-effects, which include brain bleeds.

But the new surgical approach is controversial.

Almost all of the 2,000 or so procedures on dementia patients that have been carried out so far have been done in China, where  critics say  surgeons have been able to operate without first establishing that the procedure is even safe (let alone effective).

Although LVA for cancer-related lymphoedema carries little risk (theres a small chance of infection or abnormal scarring), its not clear if operating on the neck is as safe.

Pat Kehoe, a professor of translational dementia research at the University of Bristol, warns that even if patients do benefit from the procedure, its almost certainly not a cure

In fact, the Chinese government became so concerned at the surge in these dementia operations that, in July 2025, it banned the procedure unless part of a research project.

Most of the evidence on whether it works comes from individual case reports or press releases from hospitals.

For example, in June last year, the Chinese PLA General Hospital in Beijing announced it had successfully performed LVA surgery on an 80-year-old woman who was previously unable to recognise her family members and relied on others for daily activities.

The hospital said: She has shown significant improvements in memory. She can not only accurately say relatives names and occupations, but also engage in conversations.

There have been two small studies that purport to show the surgery is effective.

One, at the Army Medical University in Chongqing, China, monitored 26 patients with Alzheimers whod had the controversial operation.

One month later, according to results published in the International Journal of Surgery last year, all patients registered significant improvements on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a questionnaire that measures cognitive decline generally by assessing memory, attention, language and orientation.

The second study, also published last year, by Zhengzhou University in China, involved 41 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimers.

Writing in the Journal of Alzheimers Disease Reports, researchers said that three months after surgery, there were similar improvements in MMSE scores, as well as in a test called Activities of Daily Living  a measure of how well dementia patients can manage simple everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing and eating.

However, the second study did not report on all the participants, so its not known how many improved.

Even if patients do benefit, its almost certainly not a cure, warns Professor Kehoe.

The likelihood is that the procedure only buys you time because all youre doing is helping to flush out the system, while whatever is driving the production of those proteins is still happening, he says.

That said, if it slowed down progression of the disease by ten years or so, then that would be a huge benefit. But the proof of that will only come in proper, large-scale trials.

He adds that an overstretched NHS would struggle to cope with all those needing the procedure (nearly one million people in the UK have Alzheimers).

Other experts are more scathing. Robert Howard, a professor of old-age psychiatry at University College London (UCL), says any apparent improvement is almost certainly due to wish fulfilment.

People with dementia are desperate to see some improvement and the placebo effect is very powerful, he told the Daily Mail. There is no good evidence that surgery has any effect on amyloid plaques. Ill only believe it is effective if and when there is evidence from proper clinical trials.

Gill Livingston, a professor of psychiatry of older people at UCL, adds: There is too little evidence that it works at all.

Nevertheless, research teams outside of China are launching trials. In January, doctors in Singapore began recruiting ten patients with mild to moderate dementia to undergo the surgery. Results are due in 2030. And at Yale University in the US, there are plans to operate on five volunteers over the next few years.
Can taking a multivitamin reverse ageing? No, but there is emerging evidence that it can slow it down.

And after reading and analysing the latest study, COSMOS, published in the highly regarded journal Nature Medicine, Im now taking a multivitamin myself  and will be recommending others do so, too.

Weve come a long way as doctors since the days when the idea that vitamin pills could help people stay healthy was dismissed as a joke.

As a medical student, I remember the phrase expensive urine being confidently used by one of our professors to settle the argument.

Anyone suggesting supplements might have a role was seen as naive.

And to be fair, much of the evidence at the time was observational: people who took vitamins tended to be healthier in general  they exercised more, smoked less, drank less and ate better. So you could never be sure whether it was the tablet making the difference, or the type of person taking it.

And no one wanted to fund the kind of expensive study needed  where a group taking a pill is compared with a group on a placebo. A cheap multivitamin isnt going to make drug companies a lot of money.

That is why the COSMOS trial matters  showing most doctors have got it all wrong when it comes to multivitamins.

Professor Rob Galloway, who at 48, has started taking a daily multivitamin, a sensible, low-risk decision to improve his cognition as he ages

In the study, which was carried out in major academic centres in the US, including Harvard University, participants  men aged 60 and over and women aged 65 and over  were randomly assigned to take either a daily multivitamin or an identical-looking dummy pill (a placebo).

Those taking the multivitamin were given a standard product you can get off the shelf (the UK equivalent is Centrum 50+, 28 for 180 tablets, but there are plenty of others that are similar).

Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was taking what, which removes bias and makes the results far more reliable (if you see a difference between the two groups, you can confidently say its because of the tablet theyre taking).

Truth be told, the first major results  published in 2022 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition  were disappointing, suggesting the multivitamins had no effect on cancer and cardiovascular illness.

For while there was a 7 per cent reduction in deaths in the multivitamin group, the study simply wasnt big enough to prove this wasnt due to chance.

The study involved 20,000 participants  but to be confident that a difference that small is real, youd need a trial of well over 100,000 people. To my thinking, however, if there was even a small chance multivitamins reduce the risk of dying early, I would argue its reasonable to take them, as theyre cheap  costing around 10p a day  widely available and generally very low risk.

But what changed the debate was what came next: cognitive studies from the same trial  also published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, but a year later  showed a statistically significant slower decline in memory and overall cognitive function compared with the placebo group.

Then came the most recent analysis, published this year, which looked at biological ageing.

This involved analysing blood samples taken from a subgroup of participants at the start of the study and then years later  using newer techniques not widely available originally.

The researchers looked at patterns of DNA methylation, small chemical changes that occur on our DNA over time and are strongly linked to ageing.

To my thinking, writes Professor Galloway, if there was even a small chance multivitamins reduce the risk of dying early, I would argue its reasonable to take them, as theyre cheap  costing around 10p a day  widely available and generally very low risk

You can guess whats coming  people taking multivitamins aged more slowly over the two-year study, so they were biologically three months younger than the placebo group.

And those who had older biological clocks than their chronological age benefited even more.

The most likely explanation is not that the vitamins and minerals are doing something magical, but that they are correcting small, cumulative deficiencies that we do not routinely measure or even recognise.

Over time, even subtle shortfalls in micronutrients can affect cell function, repair mechanisms, inflammation and brain health. None of this is dramatic in the short term, but over years it may contribute to the slow decline we see with ageing.

There is growing evidence from other studies that other nutritional factors may influence ageing and health  for instance, omega-3 fatty acids, compounds in coffee and anti-inflammatory nutrients (such as those found in turmeric) have all been associated with potential benefits.

The bigger point is, its likely that nutrition itself is a far more important determinant of long-term health than doctors traditionally acknowledged.

For years, we have tended to focus on genes and drugs and surgery, as though they are the main drivers of outcome.

But increasingly, that view looks outdated and weve now finally caught up with what those in the complementary nutritional world have been saying for years.

But it is important to be honest about the limitations of the study  these were older adults.

We do not have the same level of evidence in younger people  although theres no clear biological reason to think the effect would suddenly disappear in younger people. Which is why, at 48, Ive started taking a daily multivitamin.

I dont think it will transform my health overnight. However, the balance of evidence has shifted just enough to make it a sensible, low-risk decision to improve my cognition as I age and potentially help me live longer and in good health.

Meningitis B jab must be given to teens

The information thats emerged since the recent meningitis outbreak in Kent supports teenagers being vaccinated against meningitis B  and the Government should urgently review its current position, which is to offer the jab only to babies.

If the bacteria are spreading more easily, then the risk of catching meningitis has increased.

At the same time, we are dealing with a generation whose immune systems are not what they were  reduced exposure to infections during the pandemic, combined with the potential longer-term damaging effects of Covid, means young people are more vulnerable than assumed.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises the Government on which vaccines should be offered.

For years, it has concluded that vaccinating teenagers against meningitis B is not cost effective, even though the vaccine itself is clinically effective (i.e. it cuts the risk of catching meningitis B and of becoming seriously ill with it).

The Government must ask the JCVI to look again at this in light of what were now seeing  because once the risk shifts, the economics shift as well.

Meanwhile, we are seeing the emergence of a two-tier system. Families who can afford it are going privately for vaccination  and those who cant are exposed to a heartbreaking risk.

We cannot wait for slow bureaucracy as the meningitis risk evolves. The new university term is imminent, and soon young people will mix and live in close quarters, which is exactly how meningitis spreads.

We must prioritise the health of those who have not yet started to live their lives.
can help spot the signs of dementia

Women diagnosed with osteoporosis may have a higher chance of carrying a gene linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to new research.

Scientists found that APOE4 - the most common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's - can weaken bone quality in women, even when standard scans appear normal.

The study, carried out by researchers at the Buck Institute for Research on Ageing in California, US and UC San Francisco, suggests the gene may damage bone at a microscopic level long before any visible signs.

These changes can emerge as early as midlife and remain invisible to routine imaging tests used to assess bone strength.

The findings, published in the journal Advanced Science, suggest a link between Alzheimer's risk and skeletal health - and could help pave the way for earlier detection of both conditions.

Doctors have long observed that people with Alzheimer's suffer higher rates of bone fractures, while osteoporosis in women is known to be one of the earliest predictors of the disease.

Now scientists believe they may have uncovered why.

Researchers led by Dr Charles Schurman carried out a detailed analysis of proteins in aged mouse bone and found that tissue was unusually rich in molecules linked to neurological disease, including those associated with Alzheimer's.

Women with osteoporosis may be more likely to carry a gene linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to new research

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In particular, long-lived bone cells known as osteocytes showed elevated levels of APOE, with levels twice as high in older female mice compared with younger or male animals.

Further experiments using genetically modified mice revealed that APOE4 had a strong and sex-specific impact on both bone and brain tissue.

The disruption at the protein level was even greater in bone than in the brain.

However, the bone structure itself appeared completely normal under scans.

Instead, the gene interfered with a key maintenance process inside bone cells, preventing them from repairing microscopic channels that keep bones strong and resilient.

Everyone experiences dementia differently. Use this checklist to help you make a note of your symptoms before you talk to your GP. Symptom Checklist

When this process breaks down, bones become more fragile - even if they look healthy on standard imaging.

'What makes this finding so striking is that bone quality is being compromised at a molecular level that a standard bone scan simply will not catch,' said Professor Birgit Schilling, a senior author of the study.

'APOE4 is quietly disrupting the very cells responsible for keeping bone strong - and it is doing this specifically in females, which mirrors what we see with Alzheimer's disease risk.'

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These results suggest bone cells could potentially act as early biological warning signs of cognitive decline in women carrying APOE4.

'We think targeting these cells may open a new front in preserving bone quality in this population,' said Professor Lisa Ellerby, another senior author.

Experts say the findings highlight the need to view the body as an interconnected system rather than treating diseases in isolation.

Dementia - of which Alzheimer's is the most common form - remains one of the UK's biggest health challenges.

Around 900,000 people are currently living with the condition, a figure expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. It is already the leading cause of death, responsible for more than 74,000 deaths each year.

There is currently no cure, making early detection and prevention more urgent than ever.
Chinese scientific groups launch initiative on open, fair global AI governance

Xinhua) 09:51, April 14, 2026

BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Multiple Chinese scientific groups on Monday jointly issued an initiative, calling for establishing an open, fair, inclusive and effective global artificial intelligence (AI) governance system.

A total of 16 societies affiliated with the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), including those in the fields of automation, electronics, computer science and AI, issued the Initiative of the Global Science and Technology Society on AI Governance.

The initiative underscores the beneficial outcomes of AI and the imperative of security, saying that increasing the well-being of humanity should be the fundamental guiding principle for AI academic research, while ensuring security should be the baseline requirement for research and governance.

Fairness and balanced development are also highlighted in the initiative, which stresses that all countries should participate equally in AI research and governance. "We strictly oppose technological hegemony, academic barriers, exclusive 'small circles,' and unreasonable technological monopolies," the document reads.

Guiding the public to accurately understand the current stages of technological development and its potential risks is also necessary, it says, stressing the need to conduct AI science popularization and public dialogue through diverse channels.

Noting the cross-border nature of AI development and the shared responsibility for its governance, the initiative calls on scientific and technological societies to enhance international academic exchange and cooperation with an open and inclusive posture. It urges the advancement of "AI for good" via pragmatic and effective measures, to contribute wisdom and strength in promoting AI technologies to benefit humanity and in building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Liang Zheng, director of the AI governance research center at Tsinghua University, said China has consistently placed equal emphasis on development and security in AI global governance.

As major drivers of innovative research, concept dissemination and practical advancement, scientific and technological groups have the responsibility of building consensus, defining boundaries and offering solutions to promote the development of global AI for good, Liang explained.

In late March, the CAST and several Chinese scientific groups announced boycotts of a top-tier international AI conference after the event cited a U.S. sanctions list in barring certain Chinese scholars from submitting papers. These Chinese groups said that politicizing academic exchange undermines the core values of openness, inclusiveness, equality and cooperation, and runs counter to the widely recognized norms of the international academic community.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
China and Europe's automotive industries explore new avenues for cooperation

PARIS, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from ChinaToday.

Paris, April 14 (local time) - Maison internationale in Paris buzzed with energy this morning as the Electric Vehicle Forum and Exhibition: Seeking Sino-European Cooperation and Partnerships got underway. Gathered by the Seine, more than 150 automotive executives from China and Europe exchanged ideas and explored opportunities in new energy vehicles, intelligent connected vehicle technologies and industrial supply chain collaboration.

Made-in-Wuhan Makes Debut in Paris

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former prime minister of France and co-chairman of the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), attended the event and delivered remarks.

Participants agreed that the automotive industries of China and Europe are mutually interdependent. They underscored the importance of open collaboration and harnessing complementary strengths to safeguard the stability and resilience of industrial and supply chains in the face of global transformations.

Liu Ziqing, member of the Standing Committee of CPC Wuhan Municipal Committee and secretary of the WEDZ Party Working Committee, said in his address, "We have brought outstanding 'Made-in-Wuhan' products to Paris not only to showcase our latest achievements but more importantly to join hands with our European partners to move forward together." He noted that WEDZ was established to serve as the base for the Sino-French joint venture Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile (DPCA), which led to deep cooperation with the French automotive industry spanning more than three decades.

More than 30 years ago, French automaker PSA Group (now Stellantis) partnered with Dongfeng Motor Corporation in WEDZ to establish DPCA, becoming one of China's earliest joint venture automakers with over 6.5 million cumulative customers. "Today, Stellantis is once again joining hands with Dongfeng Motor Corporation to explore a new model for Sino-French joint ventures with DPCA at its core. This aligns perfectly with our vision of relaunching our second entrepreneurship journey," Liu added.

Just over a month ago, on March 3, Robert Peugeot, vice chairman of Stellantis, led a delegation on a visit to WEDZ. At that time, Liu and the delegation reached a consensus that Stellantis would deepen its presence in China and return to Wuhan, helping DPCA achieve a strong comeback.

The current Paris exchange serves as a continuation and expansion of that cooperative momentum.

In his remarks, Raffarin also highlighted the long history and achievements of China-France automotive cooperation. Noting that amid profound transformations in the global automotive industry, both sides hold tremendous potential in frontier areas such as new energy and intelligent connectivity, he encouraged more Chinese enterprises to enter the French market and European companies to actively participate in China's open and cooperative industrial chains.

During the exchange, representatives from Stellantis, Dongfeng and Lotus Cars delivered brand presentations, showcasing their latest electric and intelligent vehicle models and technological achievements. Star models including the M-Hero 917, Voyah Dream, Voyah Courage, Nammi Box, Lotus Eletre and Lotus Emeya made their collective debut, drawing interest from numerous guests.

The automotive industries of Wuhan and France have deepened cooperation over time. Global leading automotive component supplier Valeo Group serves as a strong example. In 1995, Valeo established its first lighting factory in China within WEDZ. Over three decades and through four expansions, Wuhan now hosts not only an advanced manufacturing base but also Valeo's largest global lighting R&D center and global software technology center. Wuhan has become a crucial engine for Valeo's development in electrification and intelligent technologies.

This deeply embedded cooperative ecosystem was further validated by agreements reached during the Paris event. Multiple leading French automotive dealer groups reached preliminary agreements with Chinese enterprises, and WEDZ signed cooperation agreements with European automotive industrial chain leaders including Fiamm, Valeo, and ZF, covering areas such as components, technology R&D and market expansion.

Representatives from French automotive industry platforms including the French Automotive Industry Platform, French Equipment and Parts Manufacturers Association and the Organizing Committee of Paris Motor Show, leading French dealer groups such as Emil Frey Group, COSMOBILIS Group and Bernard Group, as well as financial and energy network enterprises including Credit Agricole Consumer Finance and EDF Group attended the event.

This "Made-in-Wuhan, Global Journey" event in Paris marks a significant milestone in accelerating the global expansion of Wuhan's automotive industry. Wuhan is expected to host a series of roadshows and promotional activities under the "Made-in-Wuhan" banner in multiple key cities at home and abroad this year, enhancing the global reach of its products.

SOURCE ChinaToday
More than a dozen types of cough drops have been urgently recalled due to undisclosed 'quality issues.'

China-based firm Xiamen Kang Zhongyuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., voluntarily initiated the recall last month after a 2025 FDA investigation showed observations 'that may bear on product quality.'

Specific conditions or details were not disclosed in the agency's enforcement report.

The recall included 15 cough drop products containing menthol, a natural compound derived from mint oils that soothes throats with a cooling sensation.

It's unclear exactly how many lots were recalled. Affected products were sold in 25-, 30-, 80- and 90-count bags with expiration dates ranging from May to October 2026.

The recall was given the Class II designation, which signifies 'a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote,' according to the FDA.

No illnesses or other adverse effects have been reported.

The FDA's full list of recalled products can be found below.

More than a dozen types of cough drops were recalled due to possible product quality issues, the FDA said (stock image)

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A product quality issue in a recall generally means a product fails to meet mandated safety, manufacturing or labeling standards, which could pose health risks for consumers.

This could mean the conditions in the facility caused contamination with bacteria, fungi or foreign materials.

Additionally, equipment may have been broken or defective or conditions in the facility may have been unsanitary.

The FDA has not yet sent a warning letter to Xiamen Kang Zhongyuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. related to its facility inspection.

The agency has also not issued specific guidance to consumers who may have purchased the products.

The recall is the latest in a recent series of medications and supplements being pulled from shelves.

Earlier this week, more than 350,000 bottles of iron supplements were recalled due to not having child-safe packaging.

And last month, Strides Pharma, Inc. pulled 89,592 bottles of its Childrens Ibuprofen Oral Suspension, USP, 100mg per 5mL, from shelves after the FDA received complaints of foreign substances in the medication, including a gel-like mass and black particles.
Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure over how the Government is balancing national priorities after a former Nato chief accused him of 'corrosive complacency' and warned Britain risks becoming 'unsafe'.

Lord Robertson said the Government must rethink its spending choices and that rising global threats mean defence should be prioritised over an 'ever-expanding welfare budget'.

What do you think should be the Government's top priority right now?

Vote now and you'll find the final results in tomorrow's Morning Mail newsletter.
Australia is often seen as the ultimate fresh start - a place to build a better life, with strong job prospects, a relaxed lifestyle and world-famous scenery.

But one international student has revealed how quickly that dream can unravel, after moving to Sydney and realising the reality of life here - from soaring costs to unexpected loneliness - was far removed from the version they experienced on holiday.

After spending a month travelling around Australia in 2024, the student said he became determined to move permanently.

'I decided that I wanted to immigrate there,' he wrote on Reddit.

Originally from South Korea, the young man moved to Sydney as an international student at the end of last year, with plans to complete a master's degree and improve his chances of staying long-term.

'My goal was to stay in Australia, earn a master's degree  and explore better job opportunities,' he said.

But within months, the reality began to set in.

'After only four months, I found myself unable to cope with the high rent, tuition fees, and loneliness.'

Australia is often seen as the ultimate fresh start - a place to build a better life, with strong job prospects, a relaxed lifestyle and world-famous scenery

Just one month into the semester, he made the decision to withdraw from his course and return home to Seoul.

'For the past one year and three months, I had been so focused on immigrating to Australia that I found many things about life in Korea frustrating,' he said.

'But after experiencing life abroad, even for just a few months, I came to appreciate many aspects of the place where I was born and raised.'

Even everyday routines began to feel different once the novelty wore off.

'In Australia, going to Woolworths for groceries became part of my daily routine,' he said.

'When I was travelling, going to Woolworths had been such a fun experience, but as an international student, it became something I dreaded.'

He pointed to the convenience of life back home, where grocery delivery is faster and cheaper, as something he had taken for granted.

'I realised how convenient and valuable it is in Korea to be able to get fast grocery delivery  for free with purchases over only $30.'

Beyond cost and convenience, it was the absence of a support network that proved most difficult.

'I also came to understand the importance of family and friends.'

The story struck a chord online, with many saying it reflects a broader truth about life in Australia - particularly in major cities like Sydney.

'Going somewhere for a fun holiday is very different to living there,' one person wrote.

'Life is not a bed of roses in Australia - I wish more people realised that,' another added.

Others pointed to the cost of living and social isolation as ongoing challenges.

'The cost of living is insane, and the loneliness is not fun at all. None of my friends are happy ... they only get to see their mates once a month or so,' one commenter said.

Some noted that while Australia remains an attractive destination, it doesn't suit everyone - particularly those without an established support system.

Some noted that while Australia remains an attractive destination, it doesn't suit everyone - particularly those without an established support system

'Sydney is lonely, expensive, and definitely doesn't suit everyone,' another wrote.

Experts say the disconnect between expectation and reality is common, particularly for those who first experience Australia as tourists.

On holiday, the country's lifestyle is easy to romanticise - long lunches, coastal views, and a slower pace of life.

But living in Australia often comes with high housing costs, competitive job markets, and, for newcomers, the challenge of building a social circle from scratch.

In cities like Sydney, where rent is among the highest in the country, international students and new arrivals can feel the pressure almost immediately.

At the same time, Australia's sprawling geography and work-focused culture can make regular social connection harder than expected - especially compared to countries where daily life is more densely connected.

Despite the disappointment, the student was clear that his experience wasn't a reflection of Australia as a whole.

'Australia is certainly a great country to live in,' he said.

'But I realised that it simply wasn't the right fit for me.'
Every time I pull back the curtain on what really goes on in Sydney's cocaine-soaked upper-middle-class social scene, I get flooded with DMs, emails and comments, all saying the same thing: surely, Jana, it can't be that bad.

And I always think to myself I'm barely scratching the surface.

Cocaine is so ingrained in the social scene here that turning up to a party where a plate with a few neatly chopped lines isn't doing the rounds would almost feel odd.

Take a dinner I once went to. Six of us knocking back martinis and beef rigatoni, casually clocking an outrageously good-looking actor sitting at the table next to us.

Now, while the rest of us were gossiping and enjoying ourselves in a relatively innocent fashion, two people at our table were on a very different mission.

They were hunched over their phones, frantically trying to find 'a bag'. For anyone not across the Aussie lingo, that's a gram of cocaine.

With their regular dealers nowhere to be found - perhaps courtesy of a police raid? - they resorted to texting everyone in sight. Friends, acquaintances - even the dentist wasn't off-limits. What began as an ordinary dinner soon became an exercise in desperation.

Frankly, it got irritating. Four of us were sitting there in carb heaven and the other two were carrying on like the world was about to end because they couldn't get high.

Daily Mail columnist Jana Hocking writes about the last taboo among upper-middle-class cocaine users: doing lines at children's birthday parties

Eventually, they were successful.

Then came the debate over who would pay. Apparently, $300 is outrageous but only after you've already decided you want it.

Off they went to 'do a block' with a dealer. Which, once again, for those not familiar, means that they hopped in a random drug dealer's car, while he drove around the block, exchanging drugs for cash - in a bid to ward off watching police.

I thought that would be the end of it. It was not.

They spent the rest of the night doing laps to the bathroom, popping back to the table louder, faster and increasingly unbearable with every line.

Because that's the thing about coke. You think you're fascinating, but really, you're just talking in circles, and no one can get a word in. It's all loud, chaotic gobbledygook.

Look, I understand a cigarette break.

But leaving a perfect plate of pasta to take something that kills your appetite and turns you into a ranting bore... that was only going to be fun for two people: the ones snorting it.

For the rest of us, it was a punish. Night ruined.

And the thing is that's not even surprising anymore. That's a pretty standard eastern suburbs gathering: two-thirds of the guests just want to have a good time, and the other third are hellbent on making it a 'session'.

Annoying, yes. But standard.

What is shocking is where it's turning up now.

Because these are people who never quite left cocaine behind in their 20s and 30s. And instead of growing out of it, they've simply brought it with them - into adult life, into grown-up events: New Year's Eve with families. A random Tuesday trivia night. Even children's birthday parties.

Yes, I've witnessed this - more than once.

While the kids are playing in the backyard, Mum and Dad are sneaking into the house to do a quick line in the walk-in wardrobe.

And when I wake up in my lovely, quiet bedroom after a big night out with friends who have families, I find myself thinking: how are those couples coping this morning? Dealing with kids, a hangover, and a comedown?

A woman rang me one Sunday morning, laughing about how the night was still going. When I asked about the kids, she breezily replied, 'They're at the neighbours.'

A few days later, I dropped over to pick up some sunglasses I had left at their house - and I caught the mother snapping at the kids. I thought nope. That's not on.

Sure, they were being boisterous, but nothing wild. And yet, because she was coming down hard, they were the ones copping her lack of patience. It didn't sit well with me.

Because for all the rock 'n' roll, glitz and glamour people think cocaine brings, no one talks about the aftermath.

A big Saturday night becomes a short fuse on Sunday morning, and by Tuesday, something people call 'the comedown blues' really kicks in. Cocaine floods your brain with feel-good chemicals on the night, but a couple of days later, those levels drop right down. You're tired, a bit flat, more anxious than usual, and suddenly everything feels harder than it should.

Hence, the yelling at the family dinner table.

'While the kids are all playing together in the backyard, Mum and Dad are sneaking into the house to do a quick line in the walk-in wardrobe,' writes Jana (stock image posed by model)

And all of it comes with a price tag. Not just physically or emotionally, but financially. Hundreds of dollars disappearing in one night, while real-life responsibilities stack up in the background.

I'm noticing it even among financially stable acquaintances who are paying ridiculously high private school fees. But has it stopped their cocaine use? Of course not. Because there's always one person who'll cover it. There's always someone willing to foot the bill in the moment.

I've even seen friendships fall apart over it. One guy I know was given the nickname 'Snuffleupagus' - yes, like the Sesame Street character with the long, elephant-like snout - because he had a habit of sniffing up everyone else's cocaine and never once reaching for his own wallet.

Perhaps it was his way of budgeting?

What unsettles me now isn't the drug-taking itself, but just how routine it has become among those with families and responsibilities.

What was once associated with the underground party scene is now seamlessly woven into everyday life, hidden in plain sight.

If you want to understand why Australia has the highest number of cocaine users per capita in the world, don't look to our wild nightlife scene (you won't find it). Instead, the ones keeping the habit alive are the 40-somethings with the most to lose.

The ones raising kids, servicing mortgages and juggling highpressure careers.

The ones who should have grown out of it by now, but haven't. They've just become far better at hiding it

You sometimes don't notice it in the moment - when the music is pumping and the champagne is flowing. It shows up the next day: frayed tempers at the dinner table, raised voices, everyday moments inexplicably tipping into drama because someone can't quite handle life that morning.

And if that isn't enough to make you slow down, I'm not sure what will.
Phones are not permitted during the Duchess' on-stage appearance

Meghan Markle's headline appearance at the Her Best Life retreat in Sydney is just days away - and attendees now have access to the full itinerary of events planned for the weekend.

The entry price for this 'girls' weekend like no other' starts from $2,699 for a Standard ticket and $3,199 for a VIP pass.

Up until now, there had been intense secrecy surrounding the full weekend schedule and timings. Even the dress codes for various activities had been tightly under wraps.

The official reason for this radio silence was reportedly due to 'security reasons', as per the website, presumably linked to the royal special guest.

Now, however, the full itinerary has been revealed to ticket holders. It has turned up a few curious details - and reveals just how involved the star attraction Meghan Markle actually is.

You can read the itinerary in full below.

The good news? Her Best Life attendees won't have to wait long to hear from Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, as she is set to participate in a live conversation on the first night of the retreat.

But any guest hoping to sneak a cheeky selfie or video with Meghan during her on-stage appearance will be disappointed, as all attendees must undergo a rigorous security clearance before the 'inspiring live conversation' evening event commences.

A section of the itinerary concerning the 'Her Best Life Gala Dinner featuring Conversation with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex' explains: 'To ensure a safe and seamless experience for all guests, entry to the dinner will include a security screening.

The Daily Mail has obtained the itinerary details for the Her Best Life retreat in Sydney

The event website offered a general overview of the itinerary for the retreat, but now exact details, timings and dress code information have been made available to ticket holders

'Please bring your event lanyard and valid photo ID, and allow time for a bag check and brief body-wand scan upon arrival.'

And as for the dress code for the gala dinner? 'Cocktail'.

'Think evening elegance - something that makes you feel confident and special,' reads the dress code description.

The strict measures around phone use at the gala event are also reiterated in the opening section of the itinerary details.

It reads: 'Much like our previous events, and in keeping with our usual policy, this is a strict no phones, no recording moment for the duration of the interview.'

'We promise it's worth it - this is about being fully present, soaking it all in, and it's also a non-negotiable security requirement. Phones away, eyes up, and enjoy the magic!' the message continues.

An added note reads: 'Don't worry! There will be a dedicated moment at the end when you can take out your phones and capture a photo of Gemma with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on stage.'

However, it's a different case for ticket-holders who have splashed out on the VIP tier, who are assured of 'VIP Group Photos with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex'.

Her Best Life co-founder Gemma O'Neill will host the live 'Conversation with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex' on the first night of the retreat

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry touched down in Melbourne on March 14 and that same day paid a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital

The itinerary explains that full details on the workings of this photo op 'will be provided to our registered VIP guests upon check-in'.

The opening section of the itinerary also reminds guests that 'only registered and paid Her Best Life Retreat attendees will be allowed entry to the hotel for the duration of the retreat.'

The rest of the itinerary is otherwise typical of a ladies' weekend wellness retreat - with no sign of Meghan beyond her high-profile appearance on the first evening.

The agenda includes highlights such as morning yoga classes, panel speaker events with inspiring women, free time to enjoy the pool and beach, shared meals, and even a high-energy disco party on Saturday night - 'because your best life deserves a proper dance floor moment'.

Heres the itinerary in full:
A woman who faked her pregnancy and continued the lie that she had given birth using a plastic doll has stepped back from her deal with documentary makers.

Former supermarket worker Kira Cousins, 23, from Airdrie, Scotland, is said to have tricked her boyfriend and family into believing she was to become a mother, even holding a gender reveal party to celebrate.

But just days after claiming to have given birth, she told the 'baby's father', Jamie Gardner, that the infant had died when in reality there was no baby.

It is understood that her mother discovered the lifelike doll in her bedroom.

Last year, Glasgow-based Two Rivers Media and Soho Studios confirmed they had teamed up to make a documentary about Ms Cousins and her 'fake baby' scam.

Kira revealed on Monday via Instagram, however, that she decided, after discussions with the producers, to withdraw from the documentary.

'While I may choose to share my story at some point in the future, I may equally decide not to,' she wrote.

'At the moment, I don't feel that this is the right time. I acknowledge that my actions may have caused confusion or upset and have apologised privately to those closely affected, and now online to those who it also may have caused upset or distress.

Kira Cousins, who is said to have tricked her boyfriend and her family into believing she was pregnant, and even held a gender reveal party (where she is pictured) to celebrate, has stepped back from her documentary

'It is most important that those closest to the situation are given the time and space to heal. I am focusing on myself and prioritising the mental health of both myself and others involved, which has informed my decision.

'I would also like to thank everyone who has been involved and who has offered me support and guidance during this time.

'I will continue to work upon myself to be the best version I can be for myself, family, and friends.

'I apologise to my ex and his family, I wish them all the best and hope this decision brings them peace. Thank you for understanding.'

When Kira's story hit headlines last year, many expressed outrage at her actions.

In a social media statement, she seemingly admitted her mother found the doll and insisted that her family did not know what she had done.

She added at the time: 'While I'm not condoning any behaviour led by myself, I'd like to clear some things up for the people who were involved.

'Maybe in time I will come out and address the sadness once the right help etc. has been sought.'

Pictured: The Reborn doll Kira used to convince friends and family she had given birth to a baby named Bonnie-Leigh

Kira told her followers that she's stepped back from the documentary to prioritise 'the mental health of both myself and others involved'

It is claimed she bought a 'pregnant tummy' prop, had a baby shower thrown for her and marked the pending birth with the gender reveal party in Caldercruix, near Airdrie, Lanarkshire.

She initially posted photos of her 'daughter' following the birth, but after refusing to allow anyone near her, suspicions grew.

The 'mother' eventually claimed the baby had died, and it is understood it was her mother who discovered the life-like doll in her bedroom.

Her friends believe she'd paid a 'fortune' for the doll, with one claiming Kira 'stole' pictures of her daughter and used them to deceive her family.

A source who knows the family well said last year: 'It's the talk of Scotland. She took the doll in to show her workmates and wouldn't let them touch the baby.

They added: 'Her mum bought a pram for her, 1,000, her gran bought car seats and everything, and one of her cousins from Wales supposedly sent her 500.'
When I tell my husband Harry that I will be going on strike from all of my domestic duties for a week, his response is brutal, blunt and exactly why I need to down tools for a bit and allow him to fend for himself.

But what do you actually do? he sniffs, as he goes to unload the dishwasher  a task he likes to complete only when theres at least one person present to congratulate him on his courageous ability to put a cup back in the right cupboard.

Less than 24 hours later, he will discover exactly what it is I do, when we arrive almost three hours late for a weekend away with his exceedingly annoyed best friend.

The carefully prepared lunch is cold and ruined. His young children are tired and fractious, having spent the best part of a day impatiently waiting for their promised playdate  with our 12-year-old daughter Edie, who is herself pretty cross about the hours she has spent on the M4, listening to her parents bicker.

An entire day of everyones precious weekend is wasted, and all because I turned my back for five minutes and left my husband in charge.

I wake up that Saturday morning, packed and ready for the three-and-a-half-hour-long journey from London to Herefordshire, where his friend Jonathan moved a few years ago.

Despite John and Harry having known each other for decades, the weekend has been organised entirely by me and Johns wife Justine, a 48-year-old mother of three who has her own busy interiors business.

And despite informing Harry, a 45-year-old man who has somehow forged a career as a serious and successful journalist, of said plans on several occasions, here I am watching him walk out of the house at 7.30am  not to go to the car to pack up our things, but for an hour-long CrossFit class.

For an entire week, Bryony Gordon did not perform any of her endless household roles  those invisible chores that working mothers end up doing even when their job is as demanding (if not more so) than their partners

I could say something. But reminding him of the timings surely breaks the strict rules of my experiment.

For an entire week, I am not to perform any of my endless household roles  those invisible chores that working mothers end up doing even when their job is as demanding (if not more so) than their partners.

For the next 90 minutes, I pace around the house nervously, fretting obsessively about what to do  even though I know I must do nothing. Should I call Justine, to let her know we are going to be late? Should I make sure that Edie, currently watching Stranger Things in her room, has packed?

I think this all counts as caretaking behaviour, so I try and distract myself by tinkering with the weekly supermarket order... only to realise that even this is now off-limits, too.

By the time Harry returns, I am a ball of raging, anxious energy.

Whats wrong with you? he asks, as I stomp around the hall.

Im just keen to get going to Hereford, I say.

Oh yeah, what time are they expecting us? he asks.

In about two hours, I reply.

What! Why didnt you say?

By the time we arrive, extremely late and extremely cross with one another, I have to remind myself why it is I am doing this. And the reason I am doing it is because  like many women in their forties  Ive had enough of all the unpaid labour I am expected to carry out without any thanks or acknowledgement. Ive had enough of washing my husbands clothes in a heady mix of Persil and resentment, feeling as if I have an extra child to care for.

Figures released last year by the Office for National Statistics found that women spend almost an hour a day longer than men doing unpaid work, such as cooking, cleaning and caring for both adults and children.

But its not just physical work: a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family earlier this year found that women overwhelmingly carry the burden of cognitive household labour  thats all the mental tasks, such as planning and managing household finances, required to keep family life running smoothly.

Its a problem that even Hollywood actresses such as Claire Foy struggle with, the 41-year-old admitted this weekend that being a working mum meant things were an absolute s***show in her house.

Working and trying to do anything else at the same time is pretty harsh, especially in the modern world, she said, while promoting her new movie, The Magic Faraway Tree, in which she plays a professional woman who moves her family to the country after suffering burnout.

Actress Claire Foy has admitted that being a working mum means things are an absolute s***show in her house, adding: Working and trying to do anything else at the same time is pretty harsh, especially in the modern world

So much is required of us to succeed in all sorts of different areas, and were told were supposed to succeed, otherwise were getting it all wrong.

Despite classing myself as an ardent feminist  one who writes endlessly in this very newspaper about the need for women to believe in themselves  I have found myself 13 years into a marriage where I do almost everything.

In our house, I am not just a journalist, an author, a mother and a wife, but also: the (somewhat terrible) cook; the meal planner; the manager of everyones diaries; the booker of all holidays; the only person capable of remembering birthdays.

Harry unloads the dishwasher, makes the bed and sometimes puts away clean clothes  all tasks which can crucially be done while watching a podcast on YouTube.

To be fair to him, he does deal with the household accounts and all the bills, but as the main breadwinner, Im the one who pays them. He doesnt even do the traditionally blokey DIY activities around the house, like putting up the shelves in the kitchen that Ive been asking him to do for two years now.

My irritation has been building for quite some time, just as my hormone levels have fallen off a cliff with perimenopause.

The fluffy, nurturing power of oestrogen has worn off and in the process it seems to have revealed just how much I am doing, and just how little it is appreciated. This could be why Ive felt compelled to write a novel called People Pleaser, about a woman so desperate to keep everyone happy that she ends up having a sort of breakdown, leaving her unable to please anyone but herself.

One morning, Olivia Greenwood wakes up and finds she no longer cares about upholding the status quo in her home or at work.

She stomps around telling everyone what she really thinks of them, and goes on strike, leaving her husband and two children to pick up all the slack at home.

Writing the novel was a little like wish fulfilment, based mostly on conversations I had with female friends who were also sick to the back teeth of trying to uphold the you-can-have-it-all fantasy that was foisted on us in the name of feminism, one which we are slowly realising was just another form of patriarchy in disguise.

Nobody is asking men if they can have it all, commented one friend. Its just assumed that they will, while we all run around enabling it as we try and prove that were perfect.

I know my friends and I arent alone in feeling this, because for some time Ive been seeing similar sentiment expressed on social media. For a while now, Ive been running a weekly Fresh out of f**** Friday post on my Instagram, where I encourage my followers to list all the things theyre fed up with.

In our house, I am not just a journalist, an author, a mother and a wife, but also: the (somewhat terrible) cook; the meal planner; the manager of everyones diaries; the booker of all holidays; the only person capable of remembering birthdays, writes Bryony

Each week Im amazed at the response  hundreds of thousands of women engage with these posts, sharing what theyre no longer willing to put up with (fresh out of f**** for having to decide what is for dinner EVERY day, wrote one woman on the most recent post, and feeling like me time is just a concept from a science fiction novel.)

When we finally arrive at our friends house in Herefordshire, I leave Harry to do all the apologising, staying resolutely mute as he lies about the traffic being terrible. My strike extends to the endless emotional smoothing that falls to women too.

The next day, as Justine serves up delicious food we really dont deserve, it occurs to me that my husband is extremely lucky that the first two days of my strike are taking place while we stay at the home of someone who isnt walking away from all the work in protest.

But on day three, during the drive back to London, he realises he is going to have to start pulling his weight.

What time is the Ocado coming? he asks, of our usual Sunday night delivery.

Its not, I reply, bluntly.

What happened? Did they cancel?

No, it never got ordered in the first place, I reply. Im on strike, remember?

We arrive home to an empty fridge, and only half a roll of loo paper.

Half an hour later, a Deliveroo driver appears at the front door, holding bags full of provisions  toilet roll, Haribo, and a selection of frozen pepperoni pizzas that I assume are to be eaten as dinner.

See, its not that difficult! Harry gloats, but given that said delivery cost him 45  almost a third of our weekly Ocado shop  Im not sure this is a financially viable way for us to live.

As time goes on, it becomes clear that Harry has little understanding of the military precision it takes behind the scenes to ensure everyones life runs smoothly.

Hes not aware, for example, that our daughters school has an app that enables us to plan things like her extracurricular activities and pay for her lunches  and so I receive a terse email to tell me we owe the school 14.78, and need to top up her balance as a matter of urgency.

(Of course, he doesnt get the email, something I remind myself to change when I come off strike.)

Nor does he know who to add to the WhatsApp group I ask him to set up for Edies 13th birthday party to share details with the parents of her friends.

As a result, two dont get invited, which is the equivalent of starting World War Three when youre in year eight. I spend an evening mopping up many tears, and promising Edie that it is all easily rectified, which  thankfully  it is.

Can I just check weve got her presents sorted? he asks, alarmed, once Ive calmed things down. And by we I can only assume he means me. Fortunately for him, I ordered them all months ago. Were lucky enough to have a cleaner who comes for a couple of hours a week (organised by me) but he seems unaware that the house doesnt just tidy up after itself in the intervening days.

That said, nor does he seem that bothered when dishes start to stack up in the sink and fluff accumulates on the carpet. He doesnt notice the hairs in the shower, the toothpaste stains on the hand towels, nor the gone-off milk in the fridge.

I begin to wonder how feral he might become without me.

He does notice when he runs out of clean shirts for work and has no gym kit for CrossFit.

It really does pile up quickly, doesnt it? he says, marvelling at the mountain of dirty laundry in the basket.

I explain to him that I do at least one wash a day to keep on top of everything, with specific days for towels and bed linen. He looks at me in a sort of startled awe. I had no idea, he gasps.

He begins to cook dinner  bland meals like pesto pasta  and starts doing the washing. He shrinks things, mixes white with colours, destroys a 59 hand-wash-only top of mine by putting it in the washing machine.

By the time we are due to leave for an Easter holiday to Spain on day five, my nerves cannot take it any more. I hate flying as it is, but what I hate more is the knowledge the day before that Harry hasnt checked us in, found our passports, booked a taxi to the airport, or told our daughter to start packing.

I break the strike and check us in online, terrified hell forget and we will miss our precious holiday.

I want to scream in frustration. But its at that point that I realise I am as much to blame for this sorry state of affairs as he is. I am a control freak, and I have enabled his domestic incompetence by deriving some weird pleasure in trying to do it all myself.

I sort the holidays because I dont want to spend Easter hiking up a mountain in Scotland, which is exactly the kind of holiday Harry would book.

I am in control of the school apps, because I want to know exactly what Edie is up to (down to the last croissant shes ordered at break). And I do all the laundry, because its easier (and less depressing) than trusting he will bother to separate the whites from the colours.

Enough! I cannot spend all this time asking him to pull his weight and then complain when he doesnt do it exactly the way I want him to.

Hes trying, and that counts for something. Has my decades-long habit of pathological people pleasing made me forget that progress is so much more important than perfection?

Im grateful that youve made an attempt to do more around the house, I say to him, through extremely gritted teeth on the last day of my strike.

Im grateful that youve shown me how much you do, he replies, through equally gritted teeth.

Like all the most successful strikes, we seem to have come to a begrudging resolution: I need to get off the cross, because my husband needs the wood.

After all, how else is he going to manage to put those shelves up in the kitchen?
A campaign image from a Melbourne fashion label has sparked widespread confusion online, with shoppers calling out one bizarre detail they can't get past.

Independent and ethical brand Leonard St has built a loyal following for its playful prints and artistic edge.

But it is now facing backlash after a promotional photo for its $128 'Diamond Top' began circulating, with many questioning why the garment appears to be worn incorrectly.

Shared online, the image quickly drew a wave of confused reactions, with viewers struggling to work out exactly how the top is meant to sit on the body.

Rather than being worn as intended, the sheer mesh design appears draped loosely over the model's shoulders, almost like a cape, with her arms seemingly nowhere near the sleeves.

The top itself is described as a slim-fit, long-sleeve style with a short funnel neckline, crafted from textured stretch mesh in a diamond print and designed to be worn on its own or layered for a pop of colour.

But viewers were quick to point out that the campaign image does little to demonstrate any of that.

'I love Leonard St, but this is Zara levels of ridiculous styling,' one commenter wrote, adding that the look resembled 'the worst parts of a cape and a jumper tied around your shoulders put together'.

A campaign image from Melbourne fashion label Leonard St, has sparked widespread confusion online, with shoppers calling out one bizarre detail they can't get past

Others were more direct, with one noting: 'Her arms aren't even in the sleeves!?', while another questioned whether they were 'completely missing a trend'.

As the thread grew, users began analysing the image in forensic detail, with one pointing out that the garment didn't even appear to be sitting straight on the model's body, suggesting it was awkwardly hanging both in front of and behind her arms.

The unusual presentation quickly sparked a broader debate about fashion marketing, with many arguing that the styling may be masking how the top actually fits when worn properly.

'I'm guessing the actual answer to 'why?' is that this top looks terrible actually on a human body,' one Redditor speculated, adding that brands often rely on overly 'arty' images when a product doesn't photograph well in a standard front, side and back view.

Another agreed, saying it had been their experience that if something looks off on a model, 'there is no way it's going to look good on me'.

Several users also noted that the product listing appeared to feature multiple images styled in a similarly unconventional way, alongside a handful of shots of the garment unworn - doing little to reassure potential buyers about its real-life fit.

'If the top worn properly doesn't look good on her, it's going to look terrible on me,' one wrote, referencing the model's slim frame.

Others took a more tongue-in-cheek approach, dubbing the look 'strait jacket chic', while some even questioned whether the image had been digitally manipulated, with one suggesting it could be 'AI assisted' given how little sense the styling appeared to make.

The ethical brand is now facing backlash after a photo of its $128 Diamond Top sparked confusion online (pictured), with many questioning why it appears to be worn incorrectly as a 'cape'

For a brand known for its artistic approach, the bold styling may have been intended to push boundaries, but as the online response shows, it has instead left many wondering whether the look is innovative or simply impractical

Another Redditor pointed out that fashion shoots often involve garments being pinned or draped to achieve a certain look. Pictured: more garments from the Leonard St campaign

Another pointed out that fashion shoots often involve garments being pinned or draped to achieve a certain look, describing this as a 'less competent version' of that long-standing industry trick.

While Leonard St notes on their website that the piece has been styled 'as a cape' in the campaign, the reactions suggest many shoppers aren't convinced by the creative direction.

For a brand known for its artistic approach, the bold styling may have been intended to push boundaries, but as the online response shows, it has instead left many wondering whether the look is innovative or simply impractical.

Because while fashion has always thrived on experimentation, the overwhelming sentiment remains clear that if shoppers can't work out how to wear it, they're unlikely to be adding it to their cart.

Daily Mail has contacted Leonard St for comment and clarification on how the garment is intended to be worn but had not received a response at the time of publication.
Sina Klug said past year had pushed her business to breaking point

A Sydney bakery owner has lifted the lid on the harsh economic reality facing small businesses, revealing the 'relentless' pressure that forced her to shut down her once-thriving shop after a decade.

Sina Klug, co-owner of popular bakery Nutie, told the Daily Mail the past year had pushed her business to breaking point.

'It's been relentless. We are being squeezed from all sides,' she said.

Klug said the financial strain wasn't driven by one factor, but by a steady rise in costs across every part of the business.

'The cost of literally everything we use has gone up - ingredients, packaging, electricity, transport, maintenance, even garbage disposal,' she said.

She revealed those additional charges alone are costing the business hundreds each week.

'Additional fuel levies are currently roughly $200 a week to pay our suppliers on top of minimum orders being increased,' she said.

At the same time, she said customer behaviour has shifted as households tighten their budgets.

Sina Klug, co-owner of bakery Nutie, told the Daily Mail the past year had pushed her business to breaking point

In a teary post on Instagram, Klug urged customers to continue supporting local businesses where possible

'We're in a cost-of-living crisis. People are struggling to pay rent and basic groceries - so supporting a small business or eating out has become a luxury,' she said.

'We feel that shift every single day. Regulars come in less, buy less.'

Despite navigating lockdowns and restrictions, Klug said the current climate has proven even more difficult - largely due to the lack of support.

'It feels like COVID again, but without any government support. Back then, there was at least a safety net, spending vouchers, rent relief. Now small businesses are just expected to absorb everything and keep smiling.

'We had a thriving business at Nutie for 10 years. We made it through COVID and lockdowns - but this is what broke us.'

Klug said one of the biggest challenges has been balancing rising costs with customers' ability to spend.

'We're getting hit from all sides. Wages, superannuation increases are all rising - which are important - but we are not able to increase our prices at the same pace.

'Customers are already stretched. We can't just keep putting prices up when people can barely afford to support us as it is.'

Klug said the financial strain wasn't driven by one factor, but by a steady rise in costs across every part of the business

Join the discussion What should be done to stop small local businesses from disappearing in Australias economic crisis?

She also raised concerns about upcoming changes to credit card surcharge rules, warning they could place further pressure on small operators.

'In theory, great - but only if payment providers actually stop charging them. We all know that won't happen,' she said.

'So the cost just gets pushed back onto us. We'll be the ones absorbing it.

'It's everything we have talked about this week between small business owners. If we raise prices, we lose customers. If we don't, we lose the business. We just can't win.'

Klug said there is a widespread misunderstanding about why businesses shut their doors, particularly on social media.

'There's this narrative that businesses "choose" to close on a high note or "move on to the next chapter". That's not the truth. No one I know closes a profitable business,' she revealed.

She described the emotional toll of running a business under sustained pressure to be one of the most difficult things she has managed.

'Behind those "positive" posts are people who are exhausted, overwhelmed, and often completely broken. We cry ourselves to sleep so many nights. We dread the bills. Our mental health is not okay.

Klug believes more structural support is needed to help small businesses compete and survive

'We didn't close Nutie because we wanted to end on a high. We closed because we had no other choice.'

Klug believes more structural support is needed to help small businesses compete and survive.

'If small businesses make up around 98 per cent of all businesses in Australia but only contribute about a third of GDP, while two per cent account for the remaining two-thirds - how is that a fair or competitive system?' she said.

'We need stronger competition policy. That would help both small businesses and consumers.'

She also pointed to the difficulty of competing with large chains.

'Our donuts will never be able to be priced like Krispy Kreme or the Coles bakery section, but each one is made by hand, with love and premium ingredients,' she said.

'Relief on rising operational costs and reconsideration of mandatory credit card fee absorption would make a real difference.'

While Nutie has closed, Klug said her Marrickville bakery, Miss Sina, remains open - though only through constant effort.

'We didn't close Nutie because we wanted to end on a high. We closed because we had no other choice,' she said

'If small businesses make up around 98 per cent of all businesses in Australia but only contribute about a third of GDP, while two per cent account for the remaining two-thirds - how is that a fair or competitive system?' she said

'We are pouring absolutely everything into it. Day and night, creating new ideas, running community initiatives, supporting local animal rescues, hosting events. It's not just a business, it's our life. It's everything we have.'

Klug's experience reflects a broader trend across Australia, where small businesses - particularly in hospitality - are facing mounting pressure from rising costs and reduced consumer spending.

With profit margins already tight, many operators are finding it increasingly difficult to absorb higher expenses without passing them on to customers - a move that risks driving those same customers away.

The result is a growing number of closures, often quietly framed as new beginnings, but driven by financial strain behind the scenes.

For many owners, the reality is far less optimistic - and increasingly unsustainable.

In a teary post on Instagram, Klug urged customers to continue supporting local businesses where possible.

'Go and support your local small businesses if you can,' she said.

'Fight for the little places. The corner shops. The bakeries, the cafes, the florists  the tiny stores that make your suburb feel like a community instead of just a postcode.'
An urgent warning has been issued to Australians after a household item designed to save lives was recently found to be the very cause of a dangerous house fire.

Firefighters from a Fire and Rescue Station in New South Wales were recently called to a residential blaze, only to discover the culprit was something they, unfortunately, have witnessed time and time again.

In a Facebook post, the station revealed the source of the ignition was none other than a residential smoke alarm - that was a whopping 25 years out of date.

The 'alarming' discovery has sparked widespread concern online, with many shocked that a device designed to protect could pose such a risk.

'Ironically the one thing designed to save you also tried to kill you,' one person wrote.

'How ironic, a smoke detector that could start a fire. This is the reason they have expiry dates,' another added.

'What? How did I not know this already?' a third wrote.

Fire safety experts said the incident was a stark reminder that outdated or poorly maintained alarms can be just as dangerous as having none at all.

An urgent warning has been issued to Australians after a household item designed to save lives was recently found to be the very cause of a dangerous house fire

According to Fire and Rescue NSW data, more than 3,300 house fires were attended in 2025, resulting in 29 deaths and over 360 injuries.

In nearly half of those incidents, there was either no smoke alarm present or the alarm failed to activate.

Brooks Australia, a leading provider of residential smoke alarm systems and fire safety technology, said many households are unknowingly putting themselves at risk by neglecting basic household maintenance.

'The latest data reflects that, despite many of us having smoke alarms installed in our homes, a significant number of us aren't doing the necessary maintenance or checks to ensure fire and smoke alarms are doing their job - saving lives,' said Brookes' CEO Cathy Brand.

'A faulty alarm is just as dangerous as no alarm at all.'

Experts say smoke alarms should be less than 10 years old, yet many households continue to rely on outdated devices long past their expiry date.

Firefighters on the front line say maintaining smoke alarms is surprisingly quick and simple - with cleaning and testing each taking less than 10 seconds - yet these small steps are often overlooked.

They also recommend testing alarms monthly and cleaning them every six months to remove dust, insects and cobwebs so smoke can reach the sensors effectively.

Firefighters were called to a residential blaze in New South Wales, only to discover the shocking cause was a smoke alarm that was 25 years out of date (pictured)

'I have one of these [old] alarms in my house,' a member of the public commented.

'Thank you for this post as I have been meaning to contact my local station for a safety visit, so have just done so with the link provided.'

For models that rely on replaceable batteries, these should be changed at least once a year across the lifespan of the device.

You'll typically hear a single, regular beep when batteries are running low, but experts warn you shouldn't wait for that signal.

As this latest incident has shown, a simple check could be the difference between safety and a devastating fire

'It is recommended that you change the battery every year before this occurs, especially if you do not want to be woken in the early hours of the morning,' Ms Brand said.

The warning comes as authorities encourage Australians to tie smoke alarm checks to seasonal habits, such as when Daylight Saving ends, making it a routine part of household safety.

Fire and Rescue NSW also offers free Home Fire Safety Visits, where crews can inspect and replace outdated alarms at no cost.

As this latest incident has shown, a simple check could be the difference between safety and a devastating fire.
Collaboration will deliver previously unavailable nuclear-grade chemistry monitoring capability

ABILENE, Texas, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Natura Resources LLC (Natura), a developer of advanced, liquid-fueled molten salt reactors, today announced a strategic agreement with HiFunda LLC (HiFunda), a developer of novel materials and electrochemical solutions, to develop a commercial-grade sensor capable of directly monitoring the chemistry of molten salt inside a nuclear reactor. The sensor will enable operators to measure and reduce corrosion in real time, which is critical for the safe and efficient operation of molten salt reactors (MSR).

Natura and HiFunda partner to develop molten salt sensor technology.

Monitoring the chemistry of a molten salt reactor is one of the most technically demanding challenges in advanced nuclear development. Chemical conditions inside the reactor directly govern corrosion rates, which in turn affect the integrity, longevity, and performance of the reactor system. Until this point, the industry has had limited tools available to probe reactor chemistry. This agreement marks a significant development in both Natura's progress and reactor evolution.

Under the agreement, Natura will work with HiFunda to engineer an electrochemical sensor, leveraging HiFunda's deep expertise in precision instrument development and their proven capabilities in testing and failure analysis for this class of probes. The sensor will be designed to meet stringent quality standards on precision, durability, and reliability for deployment in a nuclear reactor environment.

In-reactor electrochemical sensors will allow operators and researchers to directly probe molten salt chemistry without removing samples  a critical safety advantage. Equally important, the in situ nature of the measurement delivers real-time data, providing an enormous operational benefit by allowing continuous visibility into reactor chemistry as conditions evolve. This capability will significantly simplify and accelerate the understanding of what is occurring inside a molten salt reactor.

"Developing a nuclear-grade electrochemical sensor for molten salt is no small task, but the potential impact is enormous," said Dr. Michael Stoddard, Director of Fuel Cycle & Reactor Chemistry at Natura Resources. "HiFunda has already done the work of proving out a key component of an electrochemical sensor for molten salt systems. Together, we aim to deliver a complete, deployable solution that gives the industry an entirely new window into reactor chemistry."

"We are excited to partner with Natura to leverage our extensive experience in developing high-temperature reference electrode technologies, including innovations advanced through a multi-phase DOE SBIR project," noted Dr. Balky Nair, Founder of HiFunda. "Coupled with our enhanced, vertically integrated manufacturing capability and supported by state of Utah funding and internal investment, this partnership strengthens our ability to support the development of an electrochemical sensor for molten salts while advancing our mission to commercialize SBIR-derived technologies."

About Natura Resources

Natura Resources LLC is a leading advanced small modular reactor developer committed to answering increasing domestic and global demands for reliable energy, medical isotopes, and clean water. Natura's reactors are liquid-fueled and molten salt-cooled, which enhances safety and reduces waste. With the first construction permit for a liquid-fueled reactor from the NRC, Natura has established itself as a leading force in the advanced nuclear industry, fueled by a commitment to support America's energy future. The company is privately owned and has secured more than $120 million in private funding and a commitment of $120 million from the State of Texas. For more information, www.naturaresources.com.

About HiFunda

HiFunda LLC is a technology incubator company that specializes in the development of new technologies and products for applications that utilize advanced materials and electrochemical methods. HiFunda is privately owned, was founded in 2008, and has a 5,500 sq. ft. facility in SLC, UT. For more information, www.hifundallc.com.

SOURCE Natura Resources
Megyn Kelly is adding three new shows to her podcast lineup, the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal.

The shows all center around crime and feature either lawyers or former law enforcement as hosts, the conservative commentator said on Monday.

The MK True Crime Show will be the slate's two-day-a-week flagship, Kelly explained.

In The Well, with Mark Geragos and Matt Murphy, and Positively Legal, with Mark Eiglarsh and Jonna Spilbor, will supplement a steady stream of expert commentary and guest interviews.

Trial coverage, analysis, and investigations are also in store, the 55-year-old said.

'As a former lawyer who has covered legal and true crime stories for decades, going back to my time just starting at Fox News, I'm thrilled to expand our legal coverage with MK True Crime on the MK Media podcast network,' she said of the new push.

'Some of these hosts have been a part of Kelly's Court segments since the beginning, while others have become new friends through The Megyn Kelly Show.

'But all bring true expertise and will deliver unique, fun coverage of the biggest legal stories in the news.'

The shows all center around crime and feature either lawyers or former law enforcement as hosts, Megyn Kelly exclusively told the Daily Mail this week

The MK True Crime Show will be become the slate's two-day-a-week flagship, Kelly said

The MK True Crime Show will be manned by former assistant district attorney Phil Holloway and Ashleigh Merchant, a well-known Atlanta defense attorney who stomped out her state's attempted election racketeering case against Donald Trump in 2024.

Dave Aronberg, a Florida attorney who prosecuted Tiger Woods for DUI in 2017, will also host, Kelly said.

The trio will provide viewers with the latest legal and true crime news and live trial coverage.

Interviews with newsmakers from across the industry and looks at the country's biggest cases are also in the cards, according to Kelly.

Additional contributors and content will be announced soon, she said.

In The Well, with Mark Geragos and Matt Murphy, is the block's more in-depth dive into the country's biggest cases.

The former defense lawyer and prosecutor once faced off in California's courts as adversaries but now team up to walk audiences through the most complex cases via guest interviews and constant expert analysis, Kelly explained.

The Well is a reference to the area of a courtroom that the public is not allowed in, she said.

California jurists Mark Geragos and Matt Murphy will host a new show for Kelly's podcast company, MK Media

Ashleish Merchant, an accomplished Atlanta defense attorney who stomped out her state's attempted election racketeering case against Donald Trump in 2024, will aslo host

Former Miami prosecutor Mark Eiglarsh, former assistant district attorney Phil Holloway and Merchant on The Megyn Kelly Show in November

Positively Legal, with Mark Eiglarsh and Jonna Spilbor, meanwhile, is hosted by two accomplished lawyers and cable news veterans.

Both were featured guests on Kellys Court back when it was just a Fox News segment in the 2000s.

Today, the two will tag-team to focus on the most interesting legal cases with a little more color. Personality, candor, and even a little humor can be expected.

Kelly worked for both Fox News and NBC before going independent in 2020.

Her coverage has continued to evolve ever since.

The 'Megyn Kelly Show' was signed by SiriusXM in 2021. Episodes can be found every weekday on YouTube, as well as on Apple and Spotify as a podcast.
Megyn Kelly slammed both Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth a day after the President feuded with Pope Leo XIV and posted an AI image of himself appearing to look like Jesus.

Though Trump eventually took the likeness down from his Truth Social page, The Megyn Kelly Show host, herself a Catholic, still hammered him for going after the pontiff.

'It was predictable. And no Catholic loves this, but you could see it coming, and it's hard to say that Trump is completely out of line, because whenever he gets attacked, whether it's by a journalist or a talking head or a pope, he punches back,' she said.

She also disputed Trump's notion that the pope was criticizing him 'because I'm doing exactly what I was elected in a landslide to do.'

'Are you, Mr. President? Were you elected to start another Middle East war? I don't think so,' Kelly said.

Kelly was much angrier at Trump for the 'absolutely absurd, offensive' AI post, which eventually got taken down by Trump himself.

'It is obviously him purporting to be God. That is what he's doing. And it is blasphemous by any definition of that word,' Kelly claimed.

The host also noted his pattern of upsetting members of various religions following Trump's reference to Allah the week before.

Megyn Kelly slammed both Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth a day after the President feuded with Pope Leo XIV and posted an AI image of himself appearing to look like Jesus

Though Trump eventually took the likeness down from his Truth Social page, The Megyn Kelly Show host, herself a Catholic, still hammered him for going after the pontiff.

'I know you love getting a rise out of people. I know you're really enjoying being subversive. You upset all the right people. I get it, but, why? Last week it was Muslims. Now it's Catholics. Who's next?'

'I bet you it's not going to be the Jews. It's not going to be the Israelis, promise you that. That's not coming,' she added.

Kelly said she didn't understand why she would go after members of religions who, in many cases, 'have done nothing but support' him.

'We would appreciate not being mocked for our religious beliefs, something you seem to be increasingly fond of doing across most but not all religions.'

The host also went after Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth for praying at press briefings as if the Iran War is 'all in the name of God.'

'The bombing of Iran, in which, 170 young girls were killed, that was, that's not in the name of God. Okay? Definitely not in the name of Jesus. I wish you would just check the Jesus talk, the God talk at the Pentagon briefings. All right?'

Kelly understands that Hegseth has a job to do but the references to religion are 'not appropriate' at the Pentagon.

'You pray on Sunday, pray every morning on your knees to God, but while you're updating us on the number you've killed, which necessarily has included some civilians,  don't mention Jesus, don't talk about God. Don't act like he's sanctioning what you're doing. Okay?'

The host also went after Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth for praying at press briefings as if the Iran War is 'all in the name of God'

Trump deleted a viral post comparing himself to Jesus Christ after it drew accusations of blasphemy from some of his right-wing supporters

Kelly has been a consistent critic of the war efforts, going as far as to suggest that Israel dragged Trump into Iran.

Trump defended his now-deleted post depicting himself as Jesus Christ, claiming he believed the AI-generated image showed him as a doctor.

Trump deleted the post on Monday morning after it drew accusations of blasphemy from his own right-wing supporters. The Presidents stunning defense came as he stood outside the Oval Office holding two bags of fresh McDonalds fast food.

'It wasn't a depiction. I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor. And had to do with red cross as a red cross worker, which we support and only the fake news could come up with that one,' Trump told reporters. 'It's supposed to be me as a doctor making people better and I do make people better.'

The AI-generated image, posted to his Truth Social account, showed Trump draped in white with a red shawl, hands glowing with divine light, as he healed a sick patient in a hospital bed while a soldier, a nurse and others looked on in adoration.

It was posted Sunday evening and by Monday morning had sparked a furious backlash from Trump's own base.

Trump, a Christian, has previously questioned his own salvation, saying: 'I think I'm not maybe heaven-bound' and 'I'm not sure I'm going to be able to make heaven.'

Trump had attacked Pope Leo XIV, 70, hours earlier, posting: 'If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican.'

Pope Leo has traded barbs with the President over Trump's war with Iran

During his Oval Office press conference on Monday, the President refused to apologize to the Pope.

The President's posts sit awkwardly against the devout Catholic and Christian beliefs of his inner circle, not least Vice President JD Vance.

The feud with the Pope began after Leo criticized the US offensive against Iran, without naming Trump or Washington directly.

Trump responded with a volley of broadsides against the head of the Catholic Church.

'Pope Leo is weak on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy,' Trump posted on social media on Sunday, adding, 'I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.'

The Pope responded that he had 'no fear' of the Trump administration and will continue to speak out against the war with Iran.

'I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the Church is here to do,' he told reporters during a flight to Algeria.

'I don't want to get into a debate with [Trump],' he added.

'Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say: there's a better way to do this,' Leo said.
A longtime Georgia morning radio host is fighting late-stage pancreatic cancer just months after retiring from a legendary career.

Mark Robertson, the retired voice of Savannah's 98.7 The River, has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, friends wrote this week on social media.

Robertson, 73, retired in July of last year. He hosted for 48 years.

One of his cohosts, The Mark and Sandy Morning Show's Sandy McCloud, sat down with Savannah's NBC affiliate Monday to react to her friend's diagnosis.

McCloud told WSAV she was 'devastated to hear' the news and 'just wished there was something [she] could do to help.'

'We used to always have as much fun as you can getting up at 5:30[am] to be with somebody. He was great,' she stated.

Robertson's impact during his half-century of broadcasting is also not to be underestimated, his friend said.

She recalled how Robertson's wakeups came off more like friendly conversations.

Mark Robertson, the retired voice of Savannah's 98.7 The River, has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, friends wrote this week on social media

One of Roberston's cohosts, The Mark and Sandy Morning Show's Sandy McCloud, sat down with Savannah's NBC affiliate WSAV Monday to react

'I think when youre on the radio, especially on a morning show or afternoon show, when youre in the car with people, youre trying to take the burden of them being angry in traffic. I think a lot of people got to know Mark,' she said.

McCloud also cited her longtime colleague's well-known love of animals. Robertson regularly publicized news of missing cats and dogs over the course of his career. McCloud said Robertson would often work to make just one persons day better.

'I think that he would appreciate just knowing that people do care,' she said of his recent struggles.

'He used to tell me when he was growing up, he would listen to his old transistor radio with a little earpiece. He used to lie in bed and just dream about wanting to be a DJ,' she added.

Friends further told the station that Robertson is currently at home surrounded by caregivers, loved ones, and his pets.

'The only thing you can do is pray and remember good things and share the good moments,' McCloud stated.

The nature of Robertson's illness is dire. Stage IV pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of 3.2 percent, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

The Daily Mail approached Robertson for comment. He's conducted charity work for families impacted by cancer for years, according to his profile on The River's website.

Robertson, 73, delivered his final broadcast for the Savannah soft rock station in July of last year. He hosted for 48 years

The nature of Robertson's illness is dire. Stage IV pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of 3.2 percent, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. He retired over the summer following a 48 year career

He joined 98.7 in 1977 after moving from Brooklyn, New York. He stayed for the soft rock station until his retirement last year.

'98.7 the River, the best variety of the eighties, nineties and today. Luke Combs is remaking the old Tracy Chapman hit fast car. Its Mark Robertson! Good morning, mine isnt very fast, but itll take me home today. Final day on the radio after 48 years its kind of bittersweet,' he told his audience as he leaned into his mic one last time.

Friends are now offering their best wishes to the host on social media. Robertson did not speak with WSAV for their report.
A financier shocked a CNN panel with an alleged conspiracy by Pope Leo XIV and Barack Obama to bring down President Donald Trump.

Point Bridge Capital boss Hal Lambert peddled the Chicago-centric conspiracy during his Monday appearance on the NewsNight with Abby Phillip program.

The MAGA-supporting executive accused the pontiff, the former president and CNN chief political analyst David Axelrod, who previously served on Obama's White House staff, of trying to take down the Republican Party ahead of the next election.

'This is 100 percent political, ok? This is all about trying to hurt President Trump's Catholic vote during the midterms and Republicans in the midterms,' Lambert said.

'If you look at what - play out the dots here David Axelrod goes and visits Pope Leo last week. They're talking about Obama going to visit Pope Leo.'

Lambert, citing how the leader of the Catholic Church is also a Chicago-native, continued: 'All of a sudden, now, Pope Leo is out attacking Trump and the policies of the United States and Israel

'You have three cardinals come out today, attacking the immigration policy. This is all about trying to get the Catholic vote against Trump.'

Phillip interrupted Lambert to criticize his argument, pointing out that it had a 'lot of flaws'.

Point Bridge Capital chief executive Hal Lambert peddled a conspiracy on CNN's NewsNight with Abby Phillip, alleging that Pope Leo and Barack Obama were working together to take down the Republican Party ahead of the midterm election

Pope Leo XIV holds a holy Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine in Algeria on Tuesday

But the financier was relentless, telling her: 'There's no flaws. Axelrod is the chief strategist for Obama. The pope is saying he's not political. Why is he meeting with the chief strategist for both Obama's campaigns and in the White House?'

CNN commentator Bakari Sellers chimed in, suggesting that the pontiff was meeting with them because 'he's from Chicago.'

Phillip also pointed out how one of the late Pope Francis's final meetings before his death was with Vice President JD Vance.

'Pope Francis met with,' she said. 'Pope Francis was extremely critical of-'

Lambert interrupted her again: 'JD Vance is the Vice President of the United States.'

Trump on Sunday launched a scathing attack against the Pope, calling him 'weak' and captive to the 'Radical Left,' even suggesting he owed his position to the president.

'Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise,' Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

'He wasn't 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.'

'If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican,' he added.

President Trump has been in a public feud with Pope Leo after he called him 'weak' and captive to the 'Radical Left,' even suggesting he owed his position to the President

The President went on to say that he prefers the Pope's brother Louis because he is 'all MAGA.' Trump added: 'He gets it, and Leo doesn't!'

The feud began after the pontiff criticized the US offensive against Iran, without naming Trump or Washington directly.

Trump responded with his volley of broadsides against the head of the Catholic Church.

The Pope responded that he had 'no fear' of the Trump administration and will continue to speak out against the war with Iran.

'I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the Church is here to do,' he told reporters during a flight to Algeria.

'I don't want to get into a debate with [Trump],' he added.

'Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say: there's a better way to do this,' the pontiff said.

Popes have disagreed with the US before, with John Paul II notably having been strongly opposed to the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Join the discussion Do you buy this theory?

The late Pope Francis meets with Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican on April 20 last year

Just weeks before he died in April 2025, Pope Francis described Trump's migrant deportations as a 'major crisis', drawing a rebuke from the president's border czar Tom Homan, who said that he should 'stick to the Catholic Church'.

Many of Francis's critics dismissed him as anti-American - something that cannot be said for Pope Leo.

Trump's criticism is seemingly unprecedented, as most US presidents have been wary of alienating Catholic voters by speaking out too much against a pontiff.
Jon Stewart noticed something conspicuous about the AI-generated image Donald Trump shared of himself resembling Christ on the Daily Show this week.

The image, which has since been scrubbed from his social media, depicts Trump holding a glowing hand over an older man in a bed.

The sickly man being healed in the image, Stewart conceded, is a dead-ringer for himself.

'Oh my god. Wait, the the guy in the bed- can I just...' Stewart said as he brought his broadcast to a halt Monday just to make the comparison.

'Am I okay?' he joked after several seconds of studying and squinting. The comic jokingly craned his neck to get a better look.

Once satisfied - or sufficiently horrified - Stewart, 63, let out a swift 'What the f*ck.'

The comic went on to admit that he is indeed aging and may lack the 'the vigor and spunk' of his 'MTV days.'

'But I didnt know we were here already,' Stewart said, acknowledging the AI generated man's plight.

'It looks like it was touch and go for a while. Thank God, in my time of need, I was surrounded by family,' Stewart joked. He expressed relief 'that Jesus-Trump brought his healing orb' for the AI-generated occasion.

Jon Stewart stopped Monday's Daily Show to study a particular aspect of he AI-generated image Donald Trump posted and deleted on Sunday

Trump, 79, said the post - which he deleted - was meant to depict him as a doctor

'I didnt realize my look had reached leper territory,' Stewart further joked.

The other principal of the AI-artwork, 'Trump-Jesus', as Stewart put it - is seen healing the other man in the image as orbs of light emanate from his hands.

The piece was posted by the president late Sunday night before being swiftly deleted.

Still, the post was immediately met with pushback. Trump told critics from both sides of the aisle it was meant to depict him 'as a doctor.'

He admitted Monday that he published the post, but did not specify why it was deleted.

Stewart's riff was preceded by a recap of Trump's ongoing criticism of the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV.

The comic recalled how Trump on Sunday said he sees the religious leader as too liberal and 'weak on crime' for the position.

'I am really starting to sour on this president,' Stewart joked. He went on to make a quip that knocked the administration's handling of the so-called 'Epstein files.'

Stewart, however, was more interested in the other AI-generated man in the image - which his admitted was his de facto doppelganger

'Thats you as a doctor? Why dont you own it, you big puss bag? Stewart joked further, highlighting Trump's excuse.

'Do you even care about lying to us any more? Is it over? Has this relationship gone stale?

'Your lies used to have a real spark,' he continued, rattling off a series of Trump soundbites.

'"Theyre eating the cats and dogs," "Venezuela stole the 2020 election." And now the best you've got is: "Oh, it wasnt Jesus. Im a doctor,"' Stewart said.

'You need to find your happy place, and fast. We expect better lies, sir.'

Christians already perturbed by Trump's promise to wipe out Iran's civilian infrastructure were left similarly skeptical of the president's story.

The post comes weeks after Trump received heat for an AI-generated video he posted in February that depicted former first couple Barack and Michelle Obama both as apes. Trump blamed a staffer for the post at the time.

Stewart, meanwhile, has long been a critic of the conservative commander-in-chief. For his part, Stewart is a self-professed atheist.
Joe Rogan appeared to throw some not-so-subtle shade at the president this week while discussing the latter's errant social media post that appeared to depict himself as Jesus Christ.

Rogan was joined by former Navy SEAL Andy Stumpf for the podcast when the AI-generated artwork came up in conversation roughly halfway through Tuesday's 'Joe Rogan Experience'.

The pair had been pondering a purported solution for perceived flaws in the US healthcare system when Rogan jokingly volunteered 'AI God.'

'AI God has to come alive. Take over the system,' Rogan said.

Stumpf sarcastically asked for clarification, to which Rogan obliged.

'AI God - the one that created that Jesus meme that Trump just posted,' the host riffed.

'Joe, I told you, he explained it, he was a doctor,' Stumpf replied, again in a mocking tone. Trump made the excuse to reporters at the White House on Monday when asked if he meant to frame himself as the Prince of Peace.

The quip caused Rogan - a self-professed centrist - to immediately crack up off-screen. He decided to play into the bit.

Joe Rogan appeared to throw shade at the president once again on Tuesday's edition of the Joe Rogan Experience

Rogan laughed off Donald Trump's claim that the image he posted - and deleted - this week was meant to depict him as a 'healer'. Critics, Rogan included, saw the AI art as depicting Trump as Jesus

'That's what they called him, that's what AI God calls Jesus - Jesus is a doctor,' he joked.

The pair moved on from there, after more than a day of outrage over the post.

The image depicted a cloaked figure bearing Trump's likeness healing another man in front of fervent US imagery, all as magical orbs of light emanate from his hands.

The 'healer' is also shrouded in a divine light in the image. The post was deleted Monday morning after being posted overnight.

When asked who was responsible, the president pointed to himself on Monday.

'I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor, and had to do with the Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support,' Trump told reporters at a White House event meant to promote his 'no tax on tips' initiative ahead of Tax Day.

He blamed 'fake news' for the outrage that followed.

The post was published as Trump continued a criticism campaign against Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the Catholic Church. Trump called the Holy Father 'weak' on Sunday, after the pontiff spoke out against the war in Iran.

Trump made the excuse to reporters at the White House on Monday after accepting a DoorDash order meant to tout his No Tax initiative on tips

Rogan was joined by former Navy SEAL Andy Stumpf for the podcast. Both lampooned Trump's claim

Pope Leo, 70, responded to Trump's remarks during the first day of his trip to Africa on Monday, telling reporters he had 'no fear of the Trump administration'.

'I will continue to speak out strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems,' he said.

The US and Israel began the conflict on February 28. Pope Leo has made several general appeals for peace since.

Rogan, meanwhile, had been expressing his frustrations with Trump for the course of several months.

He endorsed the Republican at the eleventh hour back in November 2024.

At first, Rogan balked because of the conservative's approach to immigration, and has since soured over Trump's use of the US military.

In December, Rogan told comedian Shane Gillis any type of war 'would be a terrible idea'. The conversation occurred just before the US's invasion of Venezuela.

Last month, Rogan called Trump's military aspirations in Iran 'insane' just days after the US's initial strikes in the region on February 28.

Rogan maintained Trump supporters should 'feel betrayed' by those strikes. Trump, 79, campaigned on an 'America First' foreign policy.
Chinese car makers are often accused of imitating popular European models. But the latest family car from China to arrive on Britains roads is a little different. That's because it's a copycat of another Chinese motor.

It has been unveiled this week as an electrified SUV rival to popular mainstream family choices like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage - and Britain's latest best seller, the Chinese-made Jaecoo 7.

Jaecoo's SUV has become a massive sales hit in the UK, topping the March registrations chart as it firmly cements itself among 2026's most-bought motors.

The 29,000 Jaecoo has been dubbed the Temu Range Rover for its striking resemblance to the British car makers 55,000 Velar SUV and it now has its own doppelganger - the Lepas L6.

Lepas is owned by the Chery Group  also Jaecoo's parent company - and its new L6 shares much of its architecture with the big-selling 7.

But unlike the popular Jaecoo, it will be offered as a fully electric model when it arrives later this year.

The Chinese copycat of another Chinese car: This is the new Lepas L6 - an electrified family SUV that should look pretty familiar...

 Slide me  Lepas is owned by Chery, as is Jaecoo. And the L6 from the new brand uses the same platform as the Jaecoo 7, which last month was Britain's best-selling motor in showrooms

Lepas is the fourth Chery brand to debut in the UK in the last 18 months.

Omoda came first in late 2024, followed swiftly by Jaecoo in January 2025 and the Chery standalone marque last summer.

The L6  which arrives around October  shares underpinnings with both the Jaecoo 7 and Omoda 5.

When it hits Cherys extensive dealer network later in 2026, it will be sold with the choice of a long-range self-charging hybrid or an all-electric powertrain.

It will be the second Lepas model available in the UK, following closely in the tyre tracks of the larger L8 SUV, which arrives a month or two earlier.

Lepas - a name made up of the combination of 'leopard' and 'passion' - will be positioned as the most luxurious of the four Chery pillars and be tuned for European roads.

UK specifications remain under wraps for now, but we do know that the self-charging hybrid system will be the same as the one deployed in Chery's similarly sized Tiggo 4.

The Super Hybrid System in that car combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a small onboard battery and single electric motor. Married together, it delivers 201bhp of propulsion.

With a full tank of fuel and the battery charged to 100 per cent, Lepas says the L6 will be good for 700-mile journeys without needing to stop.

Unlike the popular Jaecoo, the Lepas L6 will be offered as a fully electric model (pictured) when it arrives on Britain's roads later this year

 Slide me  The Jaecoo (right) that has been a big sales hit in the UK, topping the March registrations chart. Given its popularity, it's no surprise to see the Lepas emerge as a like-for-like rival

For a premium, UK customers will also be able to choose a full EV variant  an option not available for the Jaecoo 7 to date.

It will have a 67kWh high-voltage battery at its heart, which is claimed to be capable of delivering 270-mile journeys between charges, according to the official European test cycle.

Its not confirmed how powerful the L6 EV will be, though during its unveiling at the Bangkok Motor Show the vehicle on display used a 239bhp electric motor sending power to the front wheels.

Despite its more elegant swooping lines and rounder wheel arches, there's no disguising the Jaecoo 7's DNA that lies beneath.

The more svelte design is claimed to embody the 'agility of a running leopard'. We'll let you decide whether it has achieved such a bold statement or not.

The hybrid and EV versions will look extremely similar, with the former getting a chrome-studded grille, while the fully electric variants will have a flush front end.

Inside, it boasts a large tablet-style portrait touchscreen that blends into the centre console.

One notable cabin inclusion is its wood-style trim on the dashboard, which is more evocative of luxury British motors of the 1970s rather than a modern-era Chinese gadget fest.

It also has a simple two-spoke steering wheel.

But while it might have some retro appeal, it's promised to be a tech haven - like most Chinese cars entering the market in the last 18 months.

Lepas - a name made up of the combination of 'leopard' and 'passion' - will be positioned as the most luxurious of the four Chery pillars and be tuned for European roads

 Slide me  The L6 (left)  which arrives around October  shares underpinnings with both the Jaecoo 7 (right) and Omoda 5

Inside, the Lepas L6 boasts a large tablet-style portrait touchscreen that blends into the centre console. It also has a modern two-spoke steering wheel

Ray Wang, Lepas UK's managing director, says it will be 'as clever as your smartphone, with intelligent technology woven into every journey, and as sophisticated as your home, delivering comfort, safety, and connectivity at every turn'.

He added: The Lepas L6 marks an exciting step for our brand in Europe and, of course, the UK market  as we confirm this will be the second model sold.

'Combining our proprietary LEPAS Super Hybrid and fully electric powertrains, the L6 delivers exceptional efficiency, impressive range, and rapid charging  all tailored for British roads.'

Showcased at Milan Design Week, full UK specification details will be revealed closer to order books opening in the final quarter of 2026.

The hybrid is expected to ring in at around 28,000 - significantly undercutting legacy rivals - while the EV should start just above the 30k threshold.
Just a couple of years ago there was barely a Chinese car on our roads. Now their popularity is soaring  and many bear an uncanny similarity to the European models most loved by British drivers.

Chinese cars from makers such as BYD and Chery have a similar aesthetic and feel to brands such as Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Mercedes, for example.

And they rival popular European models on features, safety, fuel economy and battery range.

Some are so similar to European models they are being referred to as dupes  a label that even the Chinese car manufacturers themselves sometimes embrace.

Cherys new 30,000 Jaecoo 7 SUV caused a storm on social media as users dubbed it a Temu Range Rover due to its similarity to the Range Rover Velar but at a fraction of the cost.

Car makers are even leaning in to the dupe trend. Chery's sister brand Omoda did this by booking a Kate Moss lookalike to front its copycat inspired London Fashion Week campaign.

But while some buyers are embracing this dupe label, are their neighbours secretly looking down on them for having the knock-off version?

After all, car ownership is an area fraught with snobbery and, even if your fellow British drivers know youve picked up a bargain, can they avoid turning their nose up at your cut-price car?

Chinese cars from makers such as BYD and Chery have a similar aesthetic and feel to brands such as Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Mercedes

Despite the risk of being known as the person who bought the bargain lookalike rather than the real deal, Chinese car sales are flying.

As drivers look to save money, its no wonder that one in seven new cars registered in Britain this year was sold by a Chinese carmaker, according to figures from industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

As a motoring reporter, I review the latest Chinese models and test drive them extensively to see if they are worth parting with your cash  and switching your loyalty from your favourite European brand.

I know every car buyer is after something different. It could be seven seats for a school run, compact size and strong fuel economy for nipping around town, or a luxury interior to feel pampered.

So here Ive reviewed seven Chinese cars that would suit different types of driver  and compared them with the European model they most resemble. I also reveal how much you could save by opting for the Chinese version.

And we look at what owning one of these cars says about you and whether your fellow drivers will judge you for getting the dupe.

City runaround

BYD Dolphin Surf  18,675

 18,675 Vauxhall Corsa Electric  26,780

 26,780 Saving  8,105

BYD is now the biggest electric car maker in the world, dethroning Tesla. Small, cheap EVs are having a moment, and BYD has taken on European marques with its little Dolphin Surf.

It goes up against Vauxhalls Corsa Electric which costs almost 27,000, while the Surf starts from under 19,000.

Vauxhall Corsa Electric: The Vauxhall, which costs almost 27,000, has 220 miles of range

BYD Dolphin Surf: The Surf comes with a 308-litre boot, a 10.1 in rotating touchscreen and heated seats in the top trim

Yet the Corsa has 220 miles of range  how far an EV can go between charges, as measured by industry benchmark figures. To rival that youll need to pay more for your Dolphin Surf.

The more advanced 21,975 Dolphin Surf Boost takes the range up to 200 miles.

Thats not a huge amount, but you can easily spend a week whizzing around town before it needs to be plugged in.

The Surf comes with a 308-litre boot, a 10.1 in rotating touchscreen and heated seats in the top trim. Its more about fun and function than thrills, but sometimes thats all you need.

Verdict: If you want to jump from a well-known petrol car to a copy-and-paste EV version, get the Corsa. If youre going on value alone, get the Dolphin Surf.

What does it say about you? The Surf might be the car on this list with enough personality and fun appeal to let your neighbours overlook the Chinese bargain hunter label. Its a cheap car in a cheap car category, so own it.

Small family EV

MG4 Urban  23,495

 23,495 Volkswagen ID.3  30,860

 30,860 Saving  7,365

Since its debut in 2022, the MG4 has become the UKs fourth bestselling EV, with 49,000 on our roads.

Its no surprise the car maker decided to capitalise on the MG4s success this year by giving it a facelift and bringing out the MG4 Urban.

Volkswagen ID.3: A Volkswagen ID.3 is between 30,860 and 48,360 and struggles to match its Chinese rival

MG4 Urban: The MG4 has become the UKs fourth best-selling electric vehicle, with 49,000 on our roads

To my eyes its a little less cool and sporty looking than the angular 4, but the Urban is more practical. I was particularly impressed with the 479-litre boot. Plus, you get an extra 98 litres of storage under the lift-up boot floor.

This means the MG4 beats rivals such as VWs ID.3 (385 litres) and the new Nissan Leaf (435 litres) in the practicality stakes.

I found it an appealing EV, balancing an interior with a premium feel with functional and smart technology (a 7 in driver display and 12.8 in central screen) and good comfort features, such as heated front seats in some trims.

The MG4 offers a drive that is enjoyably responsive. Its good on twisting roads and excelled in tight, urban environments.

Verdict: The MG4s range of between 201 and 258 miles isnt massive but is enough for town and city drivers. Youll pay between 23,495 and 27,995, whereas a Volkswagen ID.3 is between 30,860 and 48,360 for a less practical car.

What does it say about you?

The MG4 Urban isnt a cool car, and I dont think MG would even try and pretend it is. Its unlikely anyone would buy one to impress the Joneses. But then owning an ID.3 isnt that cool either. It does comes with that VW badge though, which is considered premium, and therefore other drivers will think its classier than its Chinese counterpart.
Shortly after I started a new job, my firm announced it was moving to a new city. I dont want to commute. The contract says the job is hybrid and that when not at home, my working location is the current office. Do I have the right to work from home permanently?

Name and address supplied

Dean Dunham replies: This situation turns primarily on your employment contract, as that document defines both your rights and your employers obligations under English law. Where a contract specifies a particular office location and describes the role as hybrid, meaning that you spend some time working in the office and some at home, that is not incidental wording, it is a contractual term. A requirement to relocate to a different city is therefore not a minor adjustment, but a proposed variation of a fundamental term.

As a general rule, an employer cannot unilaterally impose such a change without your agreement. If it attempts to do so, it risks committing what is known as a repudiatory breach of contract. In practical terms, this means the change is sufficiently serious to entitle you to treat the contract as terminated. If you resign in response, you may be able to bring a claim for constructive unfair dismissal  but this would require you to have at least two years continuous service. Without that qualifying period, your options are more limited, though other claims such as breach of contract may still be relevant.

A hybrid working arrangement does not equate to a right to work exclusively from home (picture posed by model)

That said, your position is not absolute. A hybrid working arrangement does not equate to a right to work exclusively from home. It typically implies a balance between home and office attendance. Your employer may argue that requiring attendance at a new office still satisfies the hybrid nature of the role. Whether that argument succeeds will depend on the precise wording of the contract and the surrounding circumstances, particularly whether a relocation of this scale was reasonably contemplated.

A critical factor is whether your contract includes a mobility clause. Such clauses allow employers to require employees to work at different locations, sometimes across a wide geographic area. If clearly drafted and reasonable in scope, a mobility clause can significantly strengthen the employers position. Before taking any action, especially resignation, it is essential to show an employment law specialist your contract of employment and to obtain legal advice on its precise meaning. Acting prematurely could undermine a potentially valuable claim.

Two years ago I got a 65 penalty charge notice from a London council for driving down a road in a Low Traffic Neighbourhood. Ive recently seen that the High Court ruled this particular LTN unlawful and the council has been forced to scrap it. Should the council refund me and can I claim interest?

D.H., Kent

The High Court case you refer to was brought by local resident, Karen Lawrence and the campaign group Open Our Roads, in March 2024. As a consequence, six LTNs across Croydon have been quashed on the basis that the main purpose of the schemes was to raise revenue, which falls outside the lawful scope of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

If the penalty charge you received was for driving down a road within one of these LTNs you will be entitled to a refund. My advice is to write to the council immediately, reference the High Court judgment by name, state that your PCN was issued under the now-quashed traffic order, and formally request a full 65 refund. Keep the letter concise and firm. This should result in a swift refund as Croydon Council has stated that it will not be challenging the High Court judgment.

You are also entitled to request interest from the date of payment, and while the amount accrued over two years on 65 will be relatively small, including it in your request demonstrates awareness of your legal position. You may wish to include a simple calculation to support this.

If the council refuses or fails to respond within a reasonable timeframe, you can issue a claim in the small-claims court.

Write to Dean Dunham, Money Mail, 9 Derry Street, London, W8 5HY or email d.dunham@ dailymail.co.uk. No legal responsibility can be accepted by the Daily Mail for answers given.
As hopes of resolution in the Middle East hangs in the balance, working out what the conflict means for your long-term savings can feel impossible.

Investors watching with trepidation will wonder whether now is a good time to head back in to profit from a potential market recovery.

Others with their long-term savings in global stock markets are considering if they can stomach another round of terrifying volatility such as weve endured in recent weeks.

The swings have been enormous. The price of gold has swung by as much as 29 per cent in the past three months, the FTSE 100 index of the UKs 100 largest listed companies by 10 per cent over the same period.

So whats the answer?

Well, tempting as it is to take heed of the latest announcements from Donald Trump or Iran, experts suggest these may not have the biggest influence over our wealth over the long term at all.

In fact, the best investors know not to pay attention to short-term movements. They understand that finding the enduring themes that will drive the planet for decades to come is the best way to grow wealth over time.

Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest, says: It is all too easy to have your investment decisions clouded by current events or market volatility, but that will merely be a blip for those investing for the long-term.

Instead of worrying about what has and hasnt done well over the past week or month, look to the future: what are the trends that are changing the world?

Whether its how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the way we work or how an ageing population is driving up demand for medication and healthcare, some themes are undeniably here to stay.

What will Trump say next and what will it mean for your wealth? Looking at long-term themes can help filter out the noise triggered by short-term volatility

How to invest in themes

Perhaps the most foolproof way of investing through all market conditions and volatility  and the bedrock of most portfolios  is holding a large range of assets.

In other words buying bonds and shares in countries and companies across the globe and in a range of sectors.

That way, if one type of investment takes a hit, it shouldnt have a catastrophic impact on your portfolio because you have others that have not been so badly hurt.

Low-cost global tracker funds can be a great starting point as they give you access to thousands of companies across the world at a reasonable price. For some investors, this approach is sufficient on its own.

> Read more: Investing for beginners

Alice Haine: It is all too easy to have your investment decisions clouded by current events'

However, for those who wish to go one step further, choosing themes can be a more exciting and lucrative way to invest, providing a tangible way to make a profit.

However, because they are sometimes niche areas, it is best to only invest a small part of your portfolio in any given theme.

Expert fund managers, who have really researched a specialist area of the investing world may be able to help you narrow down on firms set to do well. They may have specific skills or qualifications - not to mention a team of analysts  to deploy to separate the winners and losers, and target the companies best placed to benefit over the long-term.

Equally, you may be able to invest in a tracker fund that matches the return on a particular sector, such as AI or healthcare.

> How to work out when it's time to ditch your fund manager for a tracker

Once you have decided where to put your money, it can be a good idea to set up a regular plan that automatically invests a specified amount each month by direct debit.

This means you will keep putting money into the market even during a dip and enjoy the benefits of something called pound-cost averaging, where your money buys more of your chosen investment when it has fallen and is cheaper, giving you a better deal over time and a greater chance to benefit when the stock market recovers.

It also helps to take the emotion out of investing, removing the temptation to sell after a market fall or chase the latest crazes.

Darius McDermott, managing director at Fund Calibre, says: Anchoring your investment portfolio around long-term themes can help you cut through short-term noise and ignore market fads.

Here are five themes the experts think are here to stay.

Many countries are already on a drive to move to greener and renewable sources of energy such as solar

Future energy security

The Middle East conflict has brought into sharp focus much of the worlds reliance on fossil fuels that come from parts of the world that can suddenly be cut off..

Many countries are already on a drive to move to greener and renewable sources of energy, and this could gain further momentum after the latest oil price spike.

Renewable energy investment funds such as Greencoat Wind are an obvious choice here. This fund, which has returned 13.5 per cent over five years, owns and operates onshore and offshore wind farms, generating around 6 per cent of the UKs electricity.

However, Ben Kumar, head of investment strategy at the wealth manager 7IM, thinks nuclear power could see a resurgence.

European countries have realised that nuclear power has to be part of any future plan for energy independence, he says.

The likes of Germany, Serbia and Denmark are restarting their nuclear programmes, while others such as Poland are embarking on the process for the first time.

He likes the Global X Uranium exchange-traded fund (ETF), which invests in around 50 companies in the industry across the US, Canada, South Korea and other countries. Its biggest holdings include the Canadian uranium miner Cameco and California-based Oklo, which designs nuclear reactors. The fund has returned 117 per cent over the past 12 months, and 25.4 per cent over five years.

The Asia powerhouse

The worlds largest continent is also home to some of the biggest and fastest-growing economies on the planet, and investors would do well to pay attention to them.

Darius McDermott, managing director at FundCalibre, says: Asia is still one of the most attractive long-term regions, with stronger economic growth, better demographics and more resilient government balance sheets than the West.

A young, growing population and rising middle-class consumer makes India a particular favourite in the region. Already the fifth largest economy in the world, its government has been investing in infrastructure and pushing reforms to boost manufacturing and make it easier to do business.

Kumar says: Indias middle class is currently around 30 per cent of the population and will be 60 per cent in 20 years time. Thats a lot of growth, aspiration and spending power coming down the pipeline.

As a major importer of oil, the Middle East conflict has been a blow to the country. But for those who believe in its long-term potential, that could mean now is a good time to buy.

McDermott likes the Ashoka India Equity Trust, whose top holdings include telecoms firm Bharti Airtel and Eternal, the parent company of food delivery company Zomato and Hyperpure, which supplies ingredients to restaurants. The trust is down 7.6 per cent over the past year, but up 59.7 pc over five years.

For a more diversified option, the FSSA Asia Focus fund invests across the region, including in China, Taiwan, India and South Korea. Its top holdings include the chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor, Samsung Electronics and the life insurance firm AIA Group. The fund is up 25.2 per cent over one year, and by 16.3 per cent over five years.

Vanguard's FTSE Developed Asia Pacific ex Japan ETF offers a passive option, tracking an index of large and mid-sized company stocks in developed markets in Asia and the Pacific Region, excluding Japan. It is up 35 per cent over five years.

Asia, the worlds largest continent, is also home to some of the biggest and fastest-growing economies on the planet

Rise of the machines

Artificial intelligence has dominated the investment world over the past year or two, and the trend is not going anywhere. As this industry matures, however, the winners and losers will start to emerge and this is where an expert fund manager can help. Like the dotcom boom of the late nineties, this is an area where you dont want to be left holding the duds.

Ben Yearsley, co-founder of Fairview Investing, says: Whether you believe in AI or not doesnt matter, technological advancement continues at a frightening pace and innovation is rife. The next big thing will be coming soon and then the next big thing after that.

He likes the Polar Capital Global Technology trust. It invests in the usual big names such as AI chipmaker Nvidia, Amazon and Google parent company Alphabet, as well as lesser-known businesses. These include Corning, which specialises in high-performance glass such as the Gorilla Glass that stops scratches and damage when you drop your phone or tablet, and Lumentum, which makes components used in cloud computing as well as AI data centres. The fund is up 151 per cent over five years.

Dzmitry Lipski, head of funds research at investment platform Interactive Investor, likes the Landseer Global Artificial Intelligence funds, which seeks out companies developing or applying AI technologies.

As well as familiar names in the space, it invests in the likes of Shenzhen Inovance Technology, which makes components for robotics and smart elevators, and GE Vernova, which generates about a quarter of the worlds electricity. The fund is up 57 per cent over five years.

For those who would prefer an ETF, L&G Robo Global Robotics and Automation tracks a basket of stocks of companies that are actively engaged in robotics and automation related activities. It is up 23 per cent over five years.

An ageing population

There has never been greater demand for healthcare across the globe. An ageing population in many developed countries means a growing number of people need more treatments and medications, and for longer.

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the average life expectancy for a female born in the UK in 2023 is 90, and for men its 86.7.

The growing middle class in emerging countries is also stoking demand, says Yearsley, as they can increasingly afford better healthcare.

To tap into this trend, he suggests the International Biotechnology Trust, which invests in firms developing products and treatments for cancer and rare diseases. Its biggest holdings include the oncology company Novocure and the endocrinology specialist Crinetics Pharmaceuticals. It is up 98.9 per cent over the past year, and by 65 per cent over five years.

Insurance companies are also likely to benefit from this boom as more people take out private medical insurance and life insurance policies. Consider stocks such as Prudential, which is now largely focused on Asia and Africa, says Richard Hunter, head of markets at Interactive Investor.

By 2033 it is expected that consumers in these two continents - which have a combined population of about 4 billion - will spend an extra $1 trillion a year on insurance premiums than they currently do. Prudential shares are up a massive 52.7 per cent over the past year at 11.12.

A passive option comes from the iShares Ageing Population ETF, which tracks an index of developed and emerging market companies generating significant revenues from the growing needs of the worlds ageing population, which it defines as people aged 60 years and above. It is up 22 per cent over five years.

The UK government last year pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027

Defence spending

Even before events in the Middle East, many governments across the globe had vowed to increase their spending on defence and the recent conflict is only likely to see them double down on this promise.

The UK government last year pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2027, and to 3 per cent within the current parliament. Spending is set to rise from 60billion to 73.5billion a year by 2028/2029.

Increased NATO spending and geopolitical tensions are driving demand, not just this year but over the coming decade, says Michael Field, chief equity strategist at Morningstar.

Companies set to benefit from this include BAE Systems, one of the largest defence contractors in the world, and Rheinmetall, which specialises in armoured vehicles and ammunition.

The HanETF Future of Defence ETF aims to tap into this trend by investing in around 60 companies involved in various parts of the industry. Its holdings include the aircraft equipment maker Safran and the military aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin as well as cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike. The fund has returned 33 per cent over the past year, and 144 per cent it launched in July 2023.
The Small Business AI Playbook by Paris Petrou offers small business owners and entrepreneurs a clearer, more practical way to use AI in everyday work

MONTREAL, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but for many small business owners, entrepreneurs, and solo professionals, the real problem is not lack of interest. It is confusion.

The Small Business AI Playbook by Paris Petrou, available on Amazon Paris Petrou, author of The Small Business AI Playbook

With so much hype, jargon, and conflicting advice surrounding AI, many business owners still do not know how to apply it in a practical way that saves time, improves communication, and supports the day-to-day realities of running a business. Many are experimenting with tools without a clear strategy, while others hesitate to begin at all because the subject feels overwhelming or overly technical.

That is the problem addressed in The Small Business AI Playbook, a new book by communications professional and author Paris Petrou.

Written for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals, the book presents AI as a practical business tool rather than a technical mystery. Its focus is on helping readers communicate more clearly, organize ideas more effectively, save time on repetitive work, and use AI with greater structure and confidence.

"Small business owners and entrepreneurs do not need more AI hype. They need a practical way to understand what is useful, what is not, and how to apply AI in real day-to-day work," said Petrou.

Instead of offering vague predictions or overcomplicated theory, The Small Business AI Playbook is built around practical use. It is designed to help readers think more clearly about where AI can help, how to use it more effectively, and how to avoid wasting time on tools or advice that do not serve their business needs. The book is especially relevant for business owners looking to improve writing, content planning, customer communication, idea development, and routine workflow efficiency.

Petrou brings to the subject more than 30 years of experience in media, communications, public relations, marketing, and content strategy. His approach is grounded in real-world communication challenges rather than hype-driven trends. That background gives the book a practical tone aimed at business people who want clarity and usefulness, not theory for theory's sake.

As AI becomes a growing part of how businesses write, market, organize, and communicate, The Small Business AI Playbook offers a timely resource for business owners who want a more practical starting point.

The book is available on Amazon.

For more information, media interviews, podcast bookings, speaking engagements, seminar opportunities, or review requests, contact:

Media Contact:

Paris Petrou

Morstar Media

[email protected]

(514) 929-0375

morstarmedia.com

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSLRG2D4

About Paris Petrou

Paris Petrou is a veteran media and communications professional with more than 30 years of experience in broadcasting, public relations, marketing, and content strategy. Through Morstar Media, he develops practical communication tools and AI-based resources designed to help businesses work more clearly, more efficiently, and with greater confidence.

SOURCE Paris Petrou
Rolls-Royce has signed a contract to construct the first nuclear small modular reactors in Europe  but they could be built without using British steel.

The deal between Rolls-Royce SMR and Great British Energy allows detailed design and procurement to begin for the 6billion reactors to be housed at the power station in Wylfa, on Anglesey.

While the Government has stipulated that an unspecified 70 per cent of materials for the project must be British, there is no guarantee this includes structural steel or precision steel for the reactors.

Rolls partner company in the project, CEZ, owned by the Czech state, is pushing for reactor parts to be made in the Czech Republic rather than at the Forgemasters steelworks in Sheffield, which is owned by the Ministry of Defence.

Richard Caborn, a former Sheffield Labour MP and a minister in Tony Blairs government, said: I am very disappointed that the announcement did not confirm that British steel and British forgings from Forgemasters will be used.

If Rolls-Royce dont use British steel and British forgings, this will be a massive vote of no confidence to British industry.

Power up: Rolls-Royce has signed a deal to begin design and procurement for the 6bn reactors to be housed at the power station in Wylfa, on Anglesey (pictured)

Caborn and Labour MP Clive Betts, who represents Sheffield South East, argue that if Forgemasters makes the reactors, it could create a boom for the steelworks and suppliers, benefiting the UK taxpayer.

Betts and Caborn are calling on ministers to change their requirements so that the taxpayer-funded steelworks get the business.

Caborn said the lack of stipulation about which materials are sourced from Britain means it could end up being the concrete.

Around 3,000 jobs will be created at Wylfa and in the surrounding area, plus an additional 5,000 jobs nationally.

The SMR project was announced last November, with Rolls-Royce  whose partners also include Qatars sovereign wealth fund and Frances BNF Resources  chosen as preferred bidder.

Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR chief executive, said: This project is important to the UKs energy security and will power up our business and the UK supply chain.

Gareth Stace, director general of UK Steel, said yesterday that the contract was a major step forward for the UKs clean energy ambitions and long-term energy security.
The war with Iran has hit sales at LVMH, dampening hopes of a revival in the luxury market.

The group, whose brands include Moet, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton, said the conflict shaved around 1 per cent off sales growth in the first quarter of the year.

The war has disrupted travel to shopping hubs in the Gulf, including Dubai, while also hitting demand in Europe from tourists visiting from the Middle East.

Sales at French billionaire Bernard Arnaults group rose 1 per cent to 16.53billion in the three months to the end of March  missing analyst forecasts for a 1.5 per cent increase.

Sales at its fashion and leather goods division, the biggest part of the business and home to brands such as Dior, fell 2 per cent to just over 8billon.

LVMH said its business in the Middle East has been disrupted after a very positive start to the year.

Lady in red: LVMH , whose brands include Givenchy (modelled by actress Charlize Theron, pictured) said that the conflict cost it around 1% in sales growth in its first quarter.

It is the first luxury giant to give an insight into how the war has affected its wealthy clientele. Birkin Bag maker Hermes will update investors tomorrow.

LVMH said there were signs that new stores in China are paying off. It said there was strong growth in its Asia region, which includes China, and that a new flagship Louis Vuitton store in Beijing has had an excellent performance.
Traders at JP Morgan Chase raked in record revenues at the start of the year as they cashed in on financial market volatility from the Iran war.

The US banking giant said trading revenues jumped 20 per cent to $11.6billion (8.5billion) in the first quarter  its biggest ever haul  as turmoil triggered by conflict in the Middle East boosted business.

Citigroup also reported its highest quarterly revenue in a decade of $24.6billion (18.1billion) as market volatility sent trading revenues up 19 per cent.

First quarter profits at the bank leapt 42 per cent to $5.8billion (4.3billion) in the latest sign of how Wall Street banks are benefiting from the carnage.

The figures came a day after arch-rival Goldman Sachs posted its best quarter for five years following a bumper performance by its equity traders.

Wall Street trading desks have been on a hot streak since Donald Trump returned to the White House last year as his erratic policies rattle markets.

This has boosted trading volumes as investors seek to navigate the turmoil  with the banks that handle the trades such as JP Morgan and Goldman cashing in along the way.

JP Morgan chief executive Jamie Dimon suggested there was no end in sight to the turbulence.

JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon has warned of 'an increasingly complex set of risks'

The US economy remained resilient in the quarter, with consumers still earning and spending and businesses still healthy, said Dimon.

At the same time, there is an increasingly complex set of risks  such as geopolitical tensions and wars, energy price volatility, trade uncertainty, large global fiscal deficits and elevated asset prices.

While we cannot predict how these risks and uncertainties will ultimately play out, they are significant and they reinforce why we prepare the Firm for a wide range of environments.

Unlike Goldman, JP Morgan saw revenues rise in both equity trading, which was up 17.5 per cent to $4.5billion (3.3billion), and fixed income, where there was a 21 per cent jump to $7.1billion (5.2billion).

While Goldmans equity traders posted record figures, its bond traders missed out, with revenues at the fixed income, commodities and currencies business down 10 per cent.

The stellar performance at its trading arm sent JP Morgan profits up 13 per cent to (16.5billion) 12.2billion in the first three months of the year - its second best quarter on record.

Axel Rudolph, an analyst at IG, said: JPMorgans results underline the continued strength of the US banking sector, with solid gains in both consumer and investment banking helping to drive another rise in profits.

The resilience of the US consumer remains the cornerstone here, with spending and earnings holding up well despite a more uncertain backdrop.

However, Jamie Dimons caution is hard to ignore. The economy may be holding firm for now, but the growing list of geopolitical and macro risks means the outlook is far from straightforward.

Markets have been willing to look through these concerns in recent months, but if energy prices remain high, that resilience will be tested. For now, JPMorgan continues to set the pace, but the environment is becoming more challenging.
A 'Bonnie and Clyde' couple were part of an Albanian burglary gang who used Rightmove to study floorplans of luxury houses before ransacking them.

The 'besotted' pair belonged to a 'callous' six-strong group that targeted upmarket properties across the UK, stealing jewellery and designer goods worth up to 3million.

Gaining entry via first floor windows, in some cases they brazenly plundered bedrooms while terrified homeowners barricaded themselves downstairs.

One of the gang - Endrit Nikolli - started a relationship with a British woman, second year medical student Jade Tubb, who compared herself and her lover to the notorious US outlaws.

Chilling CCTV footage showed the gang, which included three illegal immigrants, escaping from houses with bags of loot over their shoulders, or struggling to carry heavy safes crammed with valuables.

Chester Crown Court heard the gang targeted properties for their size - and the likely wealth of owners - proximity to open countryside and woodland, and even availability of parking for an easy getaway.

Stella Hayden, prosecuting, said: 'These defendants were part of a criminal gang which scoured the country to identify properties likely to yield the richest pickings.'

Police finally trapped the raiders following a huge ten-month investigation - and recovered pictures showing them gloating over giant wads of cash and brandishing stolen watches.

The burglary gang's loot included an array of stolen luxury watches from the mansions they plundered. Pictured: Sidorjan Lleshi brandishing a large number of the timepieces

An image of a firearm resting on a table full of luxury goods and wads of banknotes, posted on Facebook by Albanian gang member Sidorjan Lleshi

Some of the stolen cash recovered by Cheshire Constabulary during the gang's arrest

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Medical student Jade Tubb, 33, arriving at Chester Crown Court today. She described herself boyfriend Endrit Nikolli as 'Bonnie and Clyde'

Other images released by Cheshire Police show scales topped with gold jewellery from their haul.

Sentencing four of the gang, Judge Patrick Thompson said: Clearly the houses were targeted in that they may yield high value items.

'The burglaries took place under the cover of darkness, with occupants present.

'Many properties suffered considerable damage and ransacking.'

The judge told how the effect of the crimes on victims cannot be underestimated, citing how children were frightened to return to their bedrooms  and said the burglars had shaken the foundations of safety and security of those they targeted.

Judge Thompson said the gang had used equipment including sledgehammers and power tools to break in to houses, targeting jewellery, safes, designer goods and watches.

The group would travel hundreds of miles, sometimes using hire cars in an attempt to cover (their) tracks', the judge said.

The men targeted wealthy householders during a string of 44 burglaries, mainly carried out late at night.

One burglary happened when a woman went out to fetch medication for her husband, who has Multiple Sclerosis and was in the house asleep.

Another raid happened when the occupant was in a hospital accident and emergency unit.

The most lucrative burglary saw 238,000 of items taken, while 32 designer watches were plundered from another address.

Officers recovered items including 13 designer handbags and 14 luxury watches worth almost 17,000, however much of the stolen jewellery had long since been melted down and sold.

Endrit Nikolli, 27, George Pepa, 31, Krisjian Dedndreaj, 28, of Walsall, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to possess criminal property.

Fellow gang members Kristian Gropcaj, 30, of Birmingham, and Sidorjan Lleshi, 26, of Sheffield, also pleaded guilty to the same two offences.

Tubb, 33, a mother-of-two and student doctor, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess criminal property. She claimed she was charmed and became drawn into the gang after becoming besotted by Nikolli during their eight-month affair.

Her role was hiring cars used to ferry the gang to their targets, which were usually within easy reach of the M1 or M6.

At the time of her arrest, she had handbags stolen from two of the burglaries in her possession.

Police discovered an anniversary card which she had sent to Nikolli, with the message 'to my Clyde from Bonnie'.

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Some of the luxury handbags recovered by Cheshire Police after the five burglars were apprehended

Two of the gang members, their faces covered, pose with a stolen safe and a large hammer

Scales weigh jewellery stolen from luxury mansions during the gang's burglary spree

Ms Hayden said the message was 'evidence (to) her knowing involvement in Endrit Nikollis criminality'.

Other photos showed two gang members, wearing hoods, hats and masks to cover their faces, posing with a stolen safe and a giant sledgehammer.

After ransacking a house in Cheshire, on November 4, 2024, stealing items including a 6,800 Pear Mikimoto watch, Lleshi sent Gropcaj a message saying: 'F***, what a house it was'.

At another house, where the male homeowner had gone out for the first time since recovering from chemotherapy, rings and commemorative coins were stolen.

Afterwards, Lleshi was again in touch with Gropcaj bragging about his ill-gotten loot, this time sending a picture of jewellery on a set of scales and declaring: 'We've added another four grammes'.

The five Albanians had emigrated to the UK - three arriving illegally - despite some apparently leading affluent lifestyles in their native country.

Social media shots have emerged of them enjoying a party lifestyle in Albania.

One member posted images of sightseeing trips to Monte Carlo, Paris and Milan while another showed off standing beside a silver Mercedes and boasting: 'My car.'

In one exchange Gropcaj posted 'Yes life is terrible' to which Pepa responded: 'The free jam has gone viral - I'm so happy.'

The police investigation began in October 2024 when detectives in Cheshire became aware of a series of burglaries carried out using similar tactics.

On each occasion the offenders would typically gain entry by using ladders to access first-floor windows and balconies without setting off burglar alarms.

Once inside they would ransack the properties, stealing jewellery, designer handbags, watches and cash.

On two occasions they removed safes which they carried into fields to open.

Judge Thompson read out a victim impact statement by Jean Howell-Higgins, whose home in Cheshire was burgled in December 2024 while she was fetching a prescription for her sick husband, who has multiple sclerosis. Her husband was at home asleep at the time.

She said: After the burglary, I didnt sleep properly for several days. These people entered while I was waiting to collect a doctors prescription for my husband. The house is adapted  there are ramps outside making it obvious that an older, disabled person lives in the property.

Items were taken from my autistic daughters bedroom. It took weeks to persuade her it was safe to be in the house.

Mrs Howell-Higgins told how she believed the gang waited until the front of the house was in darkness and her car was not on the drive before they struck.

Clearly these people had been watching our home, waiting for such an opportunity, which was a very nasty feeling, she added.

Other victims told how they no longer felt safe in their own homes, were concerned about sudden noises, and felt pain and sadness at the loss of family heirlooms or items of sentimental value.

Just some of the jewellery stolen by the gang

Police found a large stash of stolen jewellery along with 14 watches worth almost 17,000.

Lleshi, who was identified as the sixth member of the gang, posing with stacks of cash

The gang targeted the Golden Triangle of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge and Prestbury where many Premier League stars live, although no players were victims.

One victim from Macclesfield, Cheshire, described her horror at realising there were intruders upstairs and barricaded herself in the lounge while waiting for police to attend.

In a statement provided for the sentencing hearing, she explained how she was downstairs with her 21-year-old son - the only other person in the property - when they heard 'noises' coming from the first floor.

'That moment was terrifying,' she said.

'The realisation that strangers had broken into our house while we were inside - just a floor away - was something I will never forget.

'We didnt know if they were armed, how many people there were, or whether they would come downstairs, meaning we were forced to barricade ourselves in the lounge.

'We felt completely exposed and helpless in our own home, a place that should feel safe and secure, but that has now been taken from us.'

The gang stole watches and jewellery, much of which had great sentimental value or were 'family heirlooms and deeply personal keepsakes'.

'Their loss is heartbreaking and each member of the family has been affected.

'While I am grateful that neither my son nor I were physically harmed, the emotional impact of this incident has been significant.

'I constantly worry about whether we are safe, whether someone is watching us, and whether something like this could happen again.

'Even now, I still check and recheck locks, jump at unfamiliar noises, and find it difficult to relax in the place that once gave me comfort and peace.

'The effects of this crime go far beyond the physical loss of property. It has shaken the foundation of safety and security in our family.'

Other forces reported similar break-ins in their areas, with Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology used to identify vehicles which were present at all the incidents and cell-site technology recording where their mobile phones had been active.

Albanian gang members (l-r) Endrit Nikolli, 27, George Pepa, 31, Krisjian Dedndreaj, 28, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to possess criminal property, during separate hearings at Chester Crown Court

Fellow gang members (l-r) Kristian Gropcaj, 30, and Sidorjan Lleshi, 26, pleaded guilty to the same offences

Police were alerted when Nikollis DNA was linked to a burglary in Staffordshire.

But in a joint operation across several forces, detectives decided not to arrest him for that single offence but instead track his movements and round up the entire gang.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Dave Worthington, of Cheshire Police, said the group used property websites to help them plan raids.

'They used Google and Rightmove to help select targets as Rightmove can include floor plans of properties, which is quite shrewd,' he told the Daily Mail.

'They did not care what they left behind in terms of damage, which had traumatic consequences for the victims.

'Many of the items were of great sentimental value and may never be seen again.

'These were people who have worked hard to buy their home and then find that home has been violated.

'Rooms were ransacked and sometimes even sheets were taken to wrap up the stolen goods.

'The targets were peoples homes which should have been their safe space in which they were entitled to feel secure.

'They revelled in what they had done, taking videos on their phones of their hauls before they even got back to their base in the West Midlands.'

Forensic evidence included blood left at the scene of at least one of the raids, while there were footprints from gang members' Primark trainers.

A total of 44 homes were targeted by the gang, across the country from Herefordshire to Middlesbrough. The bulk of the crime spree happened between December 2024 and March 2025.

Two burglaries were carried out on the same evening in December 2024 by different gang members over 100 miles apart - one in Middlesbrough and one in north Derbyshire.

The greatest concentrations of burglaries were in the North West, West and East Midlands, close to where the criminals were based.

Burglary locations included: Derbyshire (9), Cheshire (8), Staffordshire (7), Nottinghamshire (5), Birmingham/West Midlands (3), Worcestershire (3), Hereford (2), Leicestershire (2) Middlesbrough (2), Warwickshire (2), Shropshire (1)

Members of the gang would regularly meet at a coffee shop in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.

They were detained during raids carried out on July 2 last year at addresses in Walsall, Sutton Coldfield and Birmingham.

Several mobile phones were also recovered during the warrants, and through analysis officers recovered hundreds of images of the stolen items, along with messages which contained links to Google Maps which correlated with the scene of the burglaries.

Officers estimate the total value of the items stolen was in excess of 3million.

But while over 500 items were recovered from the defendants' addresses - comprising designer watches, handbags, jewellery, footwear and documents - the vast majority have been sold on.

Lleshi was jailed for 10 years and nine months, Gropcaj was imprisoned for 10 years, while Dedndreaj and Pepa were both given nine-year terms. The court heard Pepas involvement was limited to five of the burglaries.

Tubb, however, narrowly escaped a prison term after the judge handed her a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years.

He told her she should 'hang her head in shame' for getting involved with the gang and that he would be informing the General Medical Council about her conviction.

It would be up to them to discern whether she was a 'fit and proper person to practise medicine,' the judge said.

'You may well have thrown away your medical career'.

The judge heard Gropcaj had no previous convictions and was a father-of-two whose youngest child had been born while he was in prison on remand. He had obtained British citizenship and was working as a nightclub bouncer before the crime spree.

Lleshi, Pepa and Dedndreaj were all illegal immigrants, with Pepa working as a painter and Dedndreaj as a labourer. They will be deported back to Albania after serving their sentences.

Nikolli will be sentenced later this month.

Proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act will begin in the summer to recover the gangs ill-gotten gains.
A farmer has exposed the 'ridiculous' licence system that lets criminals blight the countryside with flytipping - by registering her prize cow as a disposal official.

Ann Maidment, 42, who works on her family's cattle and horse farm in north Wiltshire, said it took just five minutes and 184 to sign up her prize animal, Beau Vine, as a legitimate rubbish disposer.

The qualified rural surveyor made the move after her family's farmland fell victim to flytipping, to demonstrate the lack of checks needed for criminals to pass themselves off as waste management businesses to members of the public.

It is feared criminals can legitimately obtain waste licences with no formal ID, business or criminal record checks, meaning they could use fake names or details and not declare previous environmental offences they may have committed.

They can then use these to charge the unwitting public to dispose of their rubbish - before simply dumping it on somebody else's land instead.

Ms Maidment, who is the director of the Country Land and Business Association's South West branch, is calling for stricter checks on applicants.

She told the Daily Mail: 'A system that cannot stop a cow cannot stop a criminal.

'Beau Vine excels at eating grass, lounging in the sun and a leisurely moo. Waste management, however, remains stubbornly beyond his remit.'

Ann Maidment, 42, who works on her family's cattle and horse farm in north Wiltshire, said it took just five minutes and 184 to sign up her prize animal, Beau Vine (pictured left), as a legitimate rubbish disposer

Beau (right) now holds an official licence to dispose of waste, despite him not being human - a flaw in the system farmers and experts fear could be exploited by criminals

She continued: 'This is actually to focus in on how ridiculous the system is at the moment that approves applicants instantly.

'It's not regulating waste, and it means it's smoothing the path for more criminals to dump waste in the countryside.'

The move raises concerns over the robustness of the process and its ability to detect criminals or those using fake details from real waste management firms.

In the UK all people and businesses who transport and dispose of rubbish must hold a waste carrier, broker or dealer licence.

These are obtained through the Environment Agency and typically cost just under 200.

The application process involves providing an individual or business's name, address and contact details and paying the fee - at which point the licence is granted.

But those filling out the form are not required to give any form of official identification verifying who they are or their business credentials.

When obtaining a licence, applicants simply have to tick a box to confirm they, and their employees, have no history of environmental offences. But without identity checks, it is unclear how the Environment Agency confirms an applicant has been truthful.

The Daily Mail went through the application process on the Environment Agency's website, and was able to go straight through to payment without providing any ID, proof of address or business documents.

Ms Maidment said this allows criminals who regularly flytip - a practice that costs the economy 1 billion each year - to exploit the system.

'We saw that the system actually is very simple. It takes less than 5 minutes, and is approved immediately.

'We know that this has been exploited by criminals who are then flytipping in the countryside, so we wanted to raise awareness of this by applying under a very unusual applicant,' she said.

Beau received an official certificate from the Environment Agency confirming the waste carrier and dealer licence

'The government needs to introduce more urgent checks, verification and standards, so that it's not a simple rubber stamping exercise for fly tippers.

'And then we can start protecting the countryside and the community that they harm so much.'

Mark Hall, waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, told the Mail: 'The fact that Ann was able to register her cow so easily, with limited upfront checks, shows there is a clear need for stronger identity verification at the point of entry.

'This example underlines the potential for criminals to register under false or misleading identities to feign legitimacy, mislead unsuspecting members of the public, handle waste illegally, often through fly-tipping and then disappear before enforcement action can be taken.

'Weak identity checks make it easier for bad actors to present themselves as legitimate operators, and strengthening these could go a long way in tackling the UK's ongoing fly-tipping problem.'

The government has been urged to crack down on criminal gangs and rogue traders believed to be behind a surge in flytipping in recent months.

The number of cases councils had to deal with last year jumped to 1.26 million in 2024/25, official figures show, up from the 1.15 million they had to deal with the previous year.

Some 52,000 cases across England involved an amount of rubbish that was equivalent to a tipper lorry load or more, an 11 per cent increase on the previous year, with these larger cases costing councils 19.3 million to clear up.

John Roberts, Chief Service Officer for Kingdom LA Supports, which provides environmental enforcement to local authorities to assist with tackling issues including flytipping, said greater checks and education of the public is needed.

'More checks to make sure people are legitimate from the [Environment Agency] that hands out the licences absolutely would be great.

'But we all need to be asking to be able to see them, and to do that would really help us reduce the amount of flytipping.

In November, a crime gang was blamed for abandoning a 500ft-long, 50ft-wide, 30-ft high pile of waste (pictured) in the Oxfordshire countryside just metres from a nearby river

'There's a lot of ways now to to identify if an applicant is a real person, being able to submit photos of driving licences or passports would obviously help to identify that these people are who they say they are.

'Also waste carriers, when they're taking your waste, should be providing documentation of where they're taking your waste to. And if it doesn't get there, and ends up as part of the fly tip, it makes our job working alongside the local authority very easy.'

He added that individuals who have given their waste to rogue traders are often tracked through addresses or names found in flytipped rubbish - and most of the time they have not asked to see a relevant licence or documentation.

In these cases members of the public who pay someone to dispose of rubbish which is dumped illegally can be prosecuted themselves.

Meanwhile the rogue traders themselves all to often disappear after leaving behind mountains of potentially dangerous refuse.

In November, a crime gang was blamed for abandoning a 500ft-long, 50ft-wide, 30-ft high pile of waste in the Oxfordshire countryside just metres from a nearby river.

Although some dumped waste is mere household rubbish, bigger hauls frequently contain harmful substances such as asbestos or dangerous chemicals.

This can risk contamination of local water sources and put animals and crops at risk.

According to a survey of farmers conducted by the CLA, nine out of ten respondents had been victims of flytipping in the past 12 months alone.

The rubbish can cost tens of thousands of pounds to clear which landowners have to stump up themselves if the perpetrator is not found.

Earlier this year, a Hertfordshire farmer faced a 40,000 bill to remove mounds of roofing material, bathroom and kitchen fittings, and house clearance rubbish from his land.

The Daily Mail understands the government is now planning to update the registration system to introduce stricter background checks and enforce tougher record keeping requirements.

It is also considering options for harsher penalties for those who break the law, but is 'unable' to give an indication of when these reforms might come into effect.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) spokesperson said: 'Waste crime is a scourge on local communities.

'We are working across government to wipe out illegal waste throughout the country and make those responsible pay including significant reforms to the carriers, brokers and dealers regime.

'We are directly supporting the Environment Agency to stop the exploitation of our waste system, including a 43 million boost to waste crime enforcement, and tougher sentences for those who break the law.'
Juan Galacia stood amid the charred remains of his front yard, tears streaming down his face.

It has been a month since a fire destroyed his charming four-bedroom Craftsman-style home in the 'Old Hollywood' neighborhood of Larchmont, Los Angeles.

The 55-year-old said the blaze started next door in a vacant house taken over by drug-using squatters and spread quickly.

'I worked so hard for 30 years to stay at this house. This was my dream for me and my family,' he told the Daily Mail.

If anyone knows about compassion, it's Galacia. But even the pastor and beloved volunteer says the problems with gangs, homelessness and lawlessness in the area have reached a breaking point.

In February, the Daily Mail exposed how Larchmont  just a stone's throw from the world-famous Paramount Studios - had been overrun by prostitution.

'No one is helping us here, not the mayor, not the city. No one,' Galacia said in tears, pointing to the ruins: 'And now it's all gone.'

Not only did the fire destroy the family's $1.2 million home, their three family dogs  Charlie, Pirulis and Chase  all perished in the blaze.

Galacia said homeless people continue to trespass on the scorched property, stealing jewelry, clothes and other belongings from the rubble. 'They have no mercy.'

Larchmont is the epitome of Old Hollywood - with charming charming residential streets close to major film studios

The beautiful neighborhood is the unlikely backdrop for a growing crime problem

Pastor Juan Galicia, 55, is overcome with emotion as he stands in front of the remnants of his $1.2 million home

William Galicia, 23, stands in front of the remnants of his family's Craftsman home in the historic Larchmont area

Residents in Larchmont and neighboring Melrose Hill and Windsor Square say their picturesque enclaves have become increasingly crime-ridden in recent years.

They told the Daily Mail the problem began around 2023, when the LAPD cracked down on human trafficking in the Figueroa Corridor, about ten miles south.

Since then, criminals have migrated north to more residential areas.

Galacia's son William, 23, said he regularly saw prostitutes and johns park on their block to have sex in cars. He said he would be forced to step over used condoms and needles on the block.

Then around six months ago came the squatters, who openly smoked drugs and left human waste in the abandoned house next door.

Gesturing toward where his old room once stood, William said: 'If we were at home, I would've been here in front of my computer, which is where the fire started when it jumped to our house.

'I would be dead if we were at home. Everything that I hold dear is gone. Nothing really made it out, not even my guinea pig, Frank, that I've had for so long.'

The Galacia family and their neighbors claimed they repeatedly called city officials about the squatters but were ignored.

At Garcia's home, LA Fire Department crews were able to stop the fire before it skipped to the next door complex worth millions

The Galacia family lost three of their beloved dogs in the fire. From left to right: Terrier mix Charlie, chihuahua Pirulis and Huskie Chase

Inside the Galacia family's home, which they purchased in 2008 for around $425,000 as a foreclosure. The home was valued at around $1.2 million just before the fire

Juan's brother, Danilo Galicia, 40, also lived in the home that was burned down in March

The March 8 fire started in an abandoned home, which was being occupied by homeless people who openly used drugs, say the Galacia family and neighbors

Resident Heather Fonseca said: 'At one point, the [squatters] had actual wires attached to the streetlights and they were stealing the electricity.

'We definitely have called police a lot about the homeless problem. Nothing is ever really resolved and now even my neighbor has lost their home. This is not the way to live.'

The LA City Fire Department's arson unit is investigating the fire.

Just three blocks away from the Galacias, residents on Elmwood Avenue said the problems with prostitution and gangs have not stopped despite gaining national attention in February.

A resident who only wanted to be identified as 'Larry' said he saw a man and a woman having sex on his stone bench in his front lawn just last week.

'This was just from this morning,' Larry told the Daily Mail as he pointed to a used condom and single packet in a dustpan.

'I clean this out in front of my house all the time. Can you imagine?'

Activity on the Western Avenue corridor has become violent over the years, residents and business owners told the Daily Mail.

The 7-Eleven convenience store on Western, which is busy all day with families, students and construction workers stopping by for refreshments, becomes one of the hubs for pimps who park their cars overnight as they watch over the young women working the streets.

Residents on Elmwwod Avenue say prostitution goes on mere feet from their homes

Residents say the prostitution activity has spilled from into Larchmont's quiet streets where Johns feel they have more privacy

Residents report seeing sex happening in cars in front of their multi-million-dollar homes

Larry said prostitution has not stopped in the area despite gaining national attention in February. He swept up a used condom from his front yard on March 31

A bullet hole inside a 7-Eleven convenience store on Western Avenue in Los Angeles shows increasing violence in an area that has been plagued by prostitutes and their pimps

Neighbors have started putting signs up warning johns and others against trespassing or other illegal activity

Women and their johns come in all night and into the early hours to purchase condoms, while fights on the parking lot have become violent.

A bullet hole remains inside the store's wall by the coffee station - a reminder of gunshots after a fight last summer between people connected to the prostitution scheme, sources told the Daily Mail.

'This has been a problem for years, but it's gotten bad here because it's been worse in other neighborhoods,' Larry said. 'But as they crackdown in those neighborhoods, the trafficking moves here.

'It's really a game of whack-a-mole. It's a problem that's not going to benefit from any temporary fix.'

Residents said they have reached out to local officials concerning the prostitution, drugs, squatting and fires, but they said not enough is being done by local city officials.

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez, who represents the area, said his office is working on the issues.

'We recently launched a new cross-agency task force on Western Avenue to address human trafficking head-on,' he said.

'As part of this work with the City Attorney and law enforcement, we're partnering with Journey Out, an organization that specializes in rescuing young women and girls being trafficked to provide survivor-centered support and permanent solutions to these issues.'
Prominent former neo-Nazi Joel Davis, who was publicly arrested in Bondi last November after allegedly harassing several female politicians, is no longer living in one of Sydney's most exclusive postcodes.

Instead, he has been bailed to his parents' home on the city's suburban fringe.

The 31-year-old, who was released from custody earlier this month, has traded a cell at Long Bay jail for a room at his mother Lisa and stepfather David's four-bedroom home with a lagoon-style pool in an outer-western suburb.

Since being released from custody, the father-of-one has kept a relatively low profile and relied on family members to chauffeur him to and from various appointments.

On Tuesday, he was driven to a nearby KFC by a male companion and ordered a boxed meal via the drive-thru before stopping for petrol at a nearby 7-Eleven.

While the other man filled the car with petrol, Davis was seen going inside to pay before returning to the white Holden Commodore.

Since giving up his prison greens, Davis has reverted to the usual far-right dress code of combat-style boots and military pants.

However, there was no sign of the disbanded National Socialist Network's signature Helly Hansen-branded jacket.

Joel Davis is no longer living in Sydney's glamorous eastern suburbs

Ivona Tomaskovicova (pictured), the partner of Joel Davis, is understood to remain at their Bondi flat with their son. The Mail does not suggest Tomaskovicova shares Davis' political views, only that they were in a relationship last year and have a child together

New grandmother Lisa works as a sales manager for a mortgage, finance broking and aggregation firm in Sydney's west.

Meanwhile, about an hour's drive away, his partner Ivona Tomaskovicova, who gave birth to the couple's son soon after his arrest, remains living in a Bondi unit along with her two cats.

Their relationship status remains unclear, but Davis' difficulties travelling to certain locations in the east due to his bail conditions would surely put a strain on things.

Davis had previously moved from Melbourne to Sydney last year to be with Tomaskovicova, 30, who was nine months pregnant when he was apprehended.

It is unclear how Ms Tomaskovicova is affording Bondi's notoriously high rent, given her partner's legal troubles and the fact he told the ABC a day prior to his arrest: 'We do not have that much money. No one is really getting paid.'

Many members of the Australian far right were de-banked and had their personal accounts frozen, as private-sector companies moved to cut off the now-disbanded NSN's financial pipeline, disrupting its ability to fundraise and recruit.

Davis was charged with using a carriage service to harass a federal parliamentarian, after allegedly urging members of a Telegram group chat to 'rhetorically rape' independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender.

He is further accused of commenting 'stupid b**** needs to be beaten fr (for real)' regarding an article about NSW Liberal leader Kellie Sloane.

Since being bailed to his parents' home on the city's suburban fringe, the father-of-one has kept a relatively low profile

On Tuesday he was seen at a 7-Eleven

Davis' bail conditions include not going within 100m of Ms Spender and Ms Sloane or their electoral offices in the eastern suburbs, as well as not contacting them.

He has also been banned from using social media.

A court previously heard the father-of-one was exiled from the NSN because members were 'not impressed' by his alleged rape comments.

The New South Wales state leader of the NSN, Jack Eltis, reportedly told him he would be removed from the group for six months for 'bringing the organisation into public disrepute'.

Mr Davis claimed during his third failed bail application in January that he was no longer an NSN member, just days after the group announced it would shut down.

This was confirmed by Justice Natalie Adams in the Supreme Court in recent weeks.

Davis was held in segregation during custody, where he claimed he was only allowed to shower every four days and did not go outside. Corrections staff had reportedly placed him there due to his political beliefs.

Davis' stepfather David was seen on Tuesday

Davis allegedly called for the 'rhetorical rape' of Wentworth MP Allegra Spender (pictured)

AFP officers swooped on Davis in Bondi in November

He was granted bail by the NSW Supreme Court as he faces 10 charges of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend.

However, he has not yet entered any pleas.

Despite refusing to comment on his own legal matter outside Downing Centre Local Court last week, he has rallied behind alleged war criminal Ben Roberts-Smith, who is charged with five counts of the war crime of murder relating to the deaths of Afghan nationals between 2009 and 2012.

'I do not want to talk about my case, but I want to say something about Ben Roberts-Smith's situation, which I think is emblematic... of everything wrong with this country,' Mr Davis told reporters outside court.

'What kind of a country prosecutes its war heroes... Free Ben Roberts-Smith.'
The woke mayor of Los Angeles was blasted online after a beautiful $588million bridge that had just opened four years ago was overrun by criminals who stole its lights, leaving locals to travel in darkness.

The Sixth Street Bridge, which connects the Arts District in downtown LA to Boyle Heights, was reconstructed in 2022 at a cost of more than half a billion dollars to taxpayers.

However, in just a few short years, during Mayor Karen Bass' time in office, the city has seen the bridge slowly blend into the darkness of night as criminals have stolen its lights for their copper wiring, continued to vandalize it with graffiti, and hold illegal car meetups.

Ironically, the bridge was once called the Ribbon of Light, but locals have complained on online forums about how tired they are of being left in the dark while crossing over the viaduct.

Spencer Pratt, a mayoral candidate running against Bass for the November election, uploaded a video on Sunday of himself on the bridge bashing her for leaving citizens of LA without any light and allowing thieves to ravage the bridge.

'All the lights have been allowed to be stolen from our taxpayer money because Mayor Basura and Nithya Raman and her DSA city council let criminals run the streets,' said Pratt.

Pratt refers to Bass as Mayor Basura, a play on her and the Spanish word for trash.

'Mayor Basura is planning to take two hundred more million dollars of our tax money to get solar-powered lights. Oh, because the criminals won't steal those,' he added.

The Sixth Street Bridge in Los Angeles was reconstructed in 2022 at a cost of more than half a billion dollars to taxpayers

Within four years the bridge has gone completely dark, has been vandalized, and used as meeting spots for illegal car meet ups

Karen Bass who became mayor in 2022, the same year of the viaduct's reconstruction, has been blasted online and by opposing candidates who hope to defeat her in the November election

Pratt's blasting of the current mayor struck a chord with many who are exhausted of letting criminals take advantage of their once beautiful bridge.

One user wrote: 'One of my favorite places to shoot but soon as that sun drops It's time to bounce. Used to be able to see the whole bridge. Was beautiful for about six months.'

Another asked: 'Karen Bass has a solution to put up solar lights. Hmmmmmmm, does she think that the criminals running around LA won't steal solar panels to sell? How about getting the criminals off the streets and hiring more enforcement?'

A third wrote: 'We lock up the lights instead of the criminals like the whole state is one big Walmart! Insanity. Vote for Spencer.'

According to a poll by the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs conducted between March 15 and March 29, Bass leads the voting at 25 percent while Pratt is 14 points behind.

However, 40 percent of voters remain undecided.

Spencer Pratt blasted the Bass on Monday calling her trash and blaming her for allowing criminals to destory the once beautiful bridge

A light ripped apart most likely stolen for its cooper wiring

'It is unusual for 40% of likely voters to be unsure of their choice just two months before an LA mayoralty election,' said Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the Los Angeles Initiative at UCLA Luskin.

'Although Mayor Bass faces the most challenging reelection of an incumbent mayor in decades, it is highly likely that this election will be decided in a November runoff. A lot can change between now and then, so it's a wide-open race.'

The city hired engineers from Tetra Tech to help restore the lights, according to NBC4.

LA officials are attempting to fix the bridge before the 2028 Olympics by implementing a more than $5million plan.

The operation will include hardening equipment to prevent future thefts and installing security cameras, according to the outlet.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Karen Bass's office for comment.
Travellers have unveiled a sign for a new 'illegal' farm in Surrey - less than a week after more than a dozen caravans arrived over Easter.

'All hell' descended on the sleepy home county village of Alford on April 2, when the group transformed a rural field into a 17-plot 'gated community'.

It followed similar 'land grabs' in Sunbridge, Kent, and Flamstead village, Hertfordshire, over the bank holiday weekend.

Another influx of travellers has now arrived at Alfold - spurring new building work and prompting fears from locals that house prices may decrease by five figures.

A brand new sign at the site reads: 'Yellow Stone Farm, 1-17.'

Fresh building work continued until Friday afternoon, before an injunction was brought in making it illegal to carry on.

Locals have described the occupation as an 'almighty insult' and the injunction as 'too little, too late'.

Rseidents also fear another empty field nearby will also become home to a fresh group of travellers during next month's Bank Holiday weekend.

Travellers have unveiled a sign for a new 'illegal' farm in Surrey - less than a week after more than a dozen caravans arrived over Easter

'All hell' descended on the sleepy home county village of Alford on April 2, when the group transformed a rural field into a 17-plot 'gated community'

One person said: 'The whole situation is a massive slap in the face. It's an almighty insult. Even more arrived on Friday, it's a disgrace.

'They do what they want. They have even put up a sign which says Yellow Stone Farm. They have given themselves a name. It shows a complete lack of respect.'

The resident added people were 'terrified' - describing the travellers as an 'intimidating group'.

They said: 'They just arrived on Friday again. The council talk about this injunction but the horse has bolted.

'They are properly settled now. They don't need to do any more work, they are all set up.'

Another local, Rosemary, said she was worried another group would arrive in another empty field.

She explained: 'There's another Bank Holiday next month and an empty field opposite. We know what's going to happen.

'We have already warned the council.

The operation began on Thursday, April 2, but residents saw strangers measuring up the road the day before they moved vehicles in

'The council and police are scared of the travellers. It is shocking.'

Councillor Liz Townsend confirmed an interim injunction was granted at an emergency meeting at the High Court on April 10.

Residents in Surrey had first reported strange activity when they saw people they didn't recognise measuring the widths of the road on April 1.

But just a day later, it became clear why - when 30 to 40 grab lorries containing pipes, wood, aggregate, and steel arrived to create an entire community on the land.

Working day and night over the Easter weekend, 21 caravans and five static homes were soon brought to the site.

Police were called, but locals said they were told it was a matter for the council.

Father-of-two Peter Foy, 52, lives a five-minute walk away from the site.

He said construction work had been taking place until the early hours of each morning - with lights from the site visible across the sleepy village at night.

Local Peter Foy lives five minutes away from the site and said 'all hell descended upon us'

Local councillor Jane Austin said residents had been left 'visibly shaken' by the new site

Mr Foy added: 'At roughly 4pm on Thursday afternoon, all hell descended upon us.

'They've erected a huge fence around it - they've made a gated community, with great big steel doors on it.

'There was caravan after caravan after caravan and huge lorries with the static mobile homes on as well.

'They've now concreted over God knows what from late Thursday. If the council could do the potholes in as much time, we'd be loving it.'

Jane Austin, a Conservative councillor on Waverley District Council said the impact on daily life in the village had been 'significant'.

She added: 'It's just disbelief actually that it's happening. Separate from other sites of this nature, this is actually right on the edge of other people's doorsteps, it's right in the centre of the village.'

Despite it all, Mr Foy said the new site had brought the local community together.

A crowdfunder to raise money has been launched for a potential legal fight, and to help nearby neighbours buy extra locks and CCTV cameras.

Construction took place day and night to transform the rural field into an entire community

A total of 21 caravans and five static homes were brought to the site, which was constructed quickly over the bank holiday weekend

Nearby in Burpham, Guildford, an area of land was stripped of trees and fences erected by travellers at Clay Lane

Mr Foy said: 'All of a sudden, everybody knows everybody's name. It's weird - there's a whole community cohesion.

'It's done what we're trying to do - which is keep everyone together and stop people feeling isolated.'

Woodland in Burpham, Guildford was also chopped down over the Easter weekend - as travellers in high-vis jackets were seen installing a gate and fences.

A business owner in the town, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed residents were mostly worried about the impact on wildlife as the trees continued to disappear.

'So far they have just been making it into a stable area, getting rid of the trees and walling it off,' he said.

'We have no details, nobody really knows what is happening. It is all a bit sudden, we are still trying to piece it together.

'The tree clearing is what has upset most people. It is pretty bare there now. In Guildford wildlife is the first concern.'

The local claimed the traveller group bought the land, which is by an industrial estate, a few months ago, but did not have permission to build on it.

He said residents were still holding out hope that Guildford Borough Council would step in - as they had with previous attempts to settle nearby.

The business owner added: 'I think everyone is just waiting to see if it will be permanent or not. Right now it is just the construction workers there. We are about five metres away from it.

'I have spoken to a few of the construction guys but even they don't know what is happening or how permanent it will be. At face value they are saying it is all legit.

'Obviously nobody is hoping for this. We have got some of the neighbours already all over the council on it so they will be aware by now.'
As MAGA media turns against Donald Trump, it was only a matter of time before the president denounced the nation's highest profile right-wing influencers as 'losers,' 'troublemakers' and 'nut jobs.'

Name-calling aside, a new book sheds light on the real-life insanity surrounding the conservative right's most bombastic pundit, Alex Jones, and Infowars, his guerrilla news operation.

'It was nonsense, it was lies,' writes Josh Owens, who spent four years editing and producing videos for the notorious conspiracy theorist.

Owens's new memoir, The Madness of Believing, chronicles what he describes as Jones's elaborate news stunts ranging from fueling false fears about nuclear fallout along California beaches to contriving an incident making it appear that he was denied the right to vote in 2016.

It takes readers step by cringe-worthy step through the alleged staging of a video meant to make it look like an operative of the Islamic State terror group was sneaking into the US from Mexico carrying a severed human head.

The book, released Tuesday by Grand Central Publishing, details claims of Jones's drunken outbursts, verbal tirades, and times when he allegedly punched and even accidentally shot a gun toward his employees, later insisting he was just joking.

Owens also recounts something far more personal  how easy it was to get sucked into Jones's vortex of paranoia and fear-mongering, and how hard it was to extricate himself from it and come to terms with his role in Infowars' deceptions.

'I was struggling with how I'd spent the last four years of my life. The scams I'd contributed to. The lies I'd helped spread. The people I'd harmed,' he writes.

A former InfoWars staffer has detailed his experience working for conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and shared his account of how the far-right radio host outright fabricates news

Josh Owens is lifting the lid in his new book, after spending four years (2013 to 2017) editing and producing videos for the notorious conspiracy theorist

'The guilt clawed at me, insistent and unyielding. I had been a cog in a monstrous machine, a part of something I had once believed, in earnest, to be valiant.'

Infowars has not responded to the Daily Mail's request for comment about the book.

Americans who are neither Infowars fans nor part of the MAGA movement fans might only know Jones, 52, as the deep-voiced, far-right radio host who insisted that the September 11 terror attacks were an inside job and claimed that the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax.

He was ordered to pay more than $1 billion in damages for defaming the families of Sandy Hook victims, and courts are still sorting out how that money will actually be paid.

Owens steers clear of both those stories in his book mainly because they happened before his stint at Infowars from 2013 to 2017 and so he wasn't involved in the reporting.

Having been raised by evangelicals in the Bible Belt of northern Georgia, he explains why he lied on his resume, dropped out of film school and moved nearly a thousand miles to Austin to become a warrior in Jones's right-wing ideological warfare.

'At 23, I was vulnerable, angry and searching for direction, so I decided to give it a shot,' he writes.

The movie buff was lured not just by Jones's right-wing politics, but by what he calls his 'way of imbuing the world with mystery, adding a layer of cinematic verisimilitude.'

The Madness of Believing - published April 14 - details his four years inside Infowars, including claims of staged videos and fabricated news events

Alex Jones built a massive following with explosive on-air rants - but his former aide says much of it was built on fiction

'The dullness of everyday existence parted to reveal a more vivid world beneath the surface,' he writes about his first weeks on the job.

'Suddenly I was no longer a bored, directionless kid staring at a computer screen.

'I was Fox Mulder combing through the X-Files, Rod Serling opening a door to the Twilight Zone, Rosemary Woodhouse convinced that the neighbors were members of a ritualistic cult.'

He claims Jones had a penchant for day-drinking Grey Goose vodka out of Dixie Cups at the office and even kept the door to his personal restroom open, making 'no attempt at discretion with his bowel movements.'

At one point, after Jones quickly married his new girlfriend when she got pregnant, then learned the unborn baby might have microcephaly, a rare condition giving it a smaller head than normal, he writes that his boss started wailing in a DC restaurant.

'I'm going to have a kid with a with a with a peanut head!' he describes Jones sobbing. 'After a few minutes, his crying had slowed, but under his breath, like he couldn't believe the unfairness, he kept muttering 'peanut headpeanut head...peanut head'

'The very idea of personal space was alien in Jones's world,' writes Owens.

He describes Jones's demands for a daily 'churn and burn' of endless video content  'quantity, not quality' that stoked fears among his audience and leveraged those fears to sell his branded merchandise.

Jones, pictured after a 2022 court appearance, has previously been ordered to pay more than $1 billion in damages over false claims about the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting

The far-right radio host infamously and falsely claimed that the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut - which claimed the lives of 20 children and six adults - was a hoax

As Jones was peddling a supplement he touted as a 'shield' against radiation exposure, he assigned his video team to fuel panic about nuclear fallout from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster contaminating California beaches.

Owens says he couldn't contain his rage when his video crew, roaming the Pacific coast with Geiger counters, was unable to come up with evidence to back up his conspiracy theory.

'I felt angry, defensive, anxious, and fearful, but more than anything, I felt confused.

'Something inside me was certain Jones wanted us to lie. To fabricate information to sell a product, to make money. But he never explicitly said this.

'In all our conversations with him, he never said the words, "I want you to lie." Instead, Jones had tricked us into examining our abilities, doubting our convictions and questioning our sanity.

'If there was a word we needed to define and read aloud at that moment, it wasn't "reporter." It was "gaslight",' Owens writes.

He illustrates, step by disturbing step, the ways he fabricated news while working for Jones.

Like on Election Day 2016 when, knowing full well that video cameras weren't allowed in polling places, Owens claims he drunkenly provoked election officials into telling his team to turn off their cameras as false proof that he was being kicked out for voting for Trump.

Owens also details Jones's drunken outbursts, verbal tirades, and times when he punched and even accidentally shot a gun toward his employees, later insisting he was just joking

'I don't think Jones even intended to vote,' Owens writes.

The most absurd stunt allegedly came when Jones was dead set on proving unsupported claims that ISIS had built a training base in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, close to the US border.

Given a lack of any evidence and the pressure Jones was putting on his team to find it, Owens admits to dressing a reporter to look like a terrorist carrying what appeared to be a bloody, severed head as he was filmed crossing a stream that Infowars falsely purported was a section of Rio Grande on the border.

The video snagged a million views overnight.

'Jones never found out we lied. Though, given the numbers, I doubt he would have cared. I told myself it was part of the job, that I minimized risk while still getting the result he wanted,' he writes.

'What I didn't acknowledge was that I'd become complicit in a new way. I'd given up on my supposed veneration of the truth.'

Owens stayed at Infowars partly, he says, because Jones kept promoting him and upping his pay.

He writes that he also stayed because Jones is a kind of centrifugal force  a charismatic, manipulative and abusive boss who commanded loyalty through domination and intimidation and responded to staffers' doubts by labeling them as failures.

President Trump last week took aim at high-profile right-wing influencers, including Jones, Candace Owens, and Tucker Carlson, branding them 'losers,' 'troublemakers' and 'nut jobs'

In response, Jones shared an X post saying he has made 'very clear' he no longer supports the president

The book details Jones physically threatening his workers, allegedly demanding that staffers punch him, then punching them, drawing blood by hitting one and cracking the ribs of another.

'Suck it up,' Jones told that employee, Owens writes. 'Quit acting like a baby.'

He also recounts a time when he claims Jones ordered his staff to meet him at a ranch to film 'click-bait video of explosions and women wielding guns'.

He allegedly forced the crew's lone female to join in, despite her reluctance, then picked up an AR-15 and accidentally fired it in her and Owens's direction.

To make matters worse, he pretended he had done it on purpose as a joke, treating the shaken staffer 'like she was unhinged and humorless.'

'Although I cringed, I remained silent; not just among the cowards, but very much a part of them,' Owens writes.

'As far as I could tell, Jones had no real friends in his life who weren't beholden to him financially, and no relationships where the power dynamic wasn't in his favor.

'When he made mistakes, there was always someone there, if not many, to enable him.'

Owens conveys not just a loathing for his erratic boss, but for himself each month, week and day he stayed in Jones's employment.

Just when he was about to leave, Jones doubled his salary. And just when he worked up the courage to apply for another job, he told himself that nobody would hire him with Infowars on his resume.

It was the week of Trump's first inauguration in 2017, when he writes he was filming a drunk Jones acting out attention-grabbing antics throughout DC, that Owens could no longer dismiss Jones's behavior as mere eccentricities and excesses.

That's when he finally decided not only to quit Infowars and write about his time there.

Be it in a moment of vulnerability or manipulation, he writes, Jones confided in him, 'Let me tell you a little secret. I don't want to do this anymore either.'

'So I don't blame you not wanting to stare into the abyss sometimes, 'cause you can become the abyss.'
Transportation options across trains, buses, flights and ferries now searchable within ChatGPT  bringing Omio's global transport network to AI users worldwide

BERLIN, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Omio , the world's leading multimodal travel platform, has today announced the launch of its ChatGPT app to enable passengers to search and compare travel options in real time through conversational AI.

The launch represents a key step in Omio's ambition to become a leading AI-native platform. It brings Omio's global transport network of over 3,000 partners to ChatGPT's 900 million weekly users, marking a significant shift in how travel is planned and booked.

Omio has built one of the world's largest travel ecosystems, offering bookable transport options across 47 countries. It serves over one billion users annually, with more than 100,000 people travelling with Omio every day. By launching inside ChatGPT, Omio is bringing its global network into a new, conversational interface at a time when over half of travellers want AI to plan and book their trips.

By bringing together its global travel inventory with OpenAI's most advanced models, including Codex and ChatGPT 5.4, Omio is delivering more intelligent ways to transform how users discover journeys, as part of a year-long collaboration with OpenAI.

Naren Shaam, Founder and CEO of Omio, said: "As AI takes centre stage, travel planning is shifting from search to conversation. With Omio now in ChatGPT, we are delivering real, bookable journeys in seconds. At the same time, we are enabling thousands of travel providers to be discovered in new ways and to extend their reach within a global, intelligent ecosystem. It's a step towards building the infrastructure that will shape how billions of journeys are discovered and booked worldwide now, and in the future."

Search and compare thousands of providers directly in ChatGPT, in seconds

Travellers with the Omio app enabled can now plan journeys entirely within ChatGPT. Instead of switching between sites, they can ask the same questions they would pose to a travel agent. Users can instantly explore routes, prices, and options across multiple modes before booking their desired trip.

For example:

What's the fastest and cheapest route from Rome to Florence this Saturday?

Should I take a train or a flight from Paris to Barcelona?

I need to get from Sao Paulo to Rio tomorrow morning. Should I take a bus or fly?

Powering global partners in a new era of travel discovery

Omio's ChatGPT app is also a unique step forward in democratising the wider travel operator market. From local bus and ferry operators, previously discoverable only on Omio, to leading airlines and train carriers, all will appear directly to travellers when they search for their optimal journey. For Omio's partner network, this means instant exposure to hundreds of millions of global users across the Omio ChatGPT app, whether they are local or national operators.

Tomas Vocetka, Chief Technology Officer of Omio, said: "Over the past year, we've worked with OpenAI to embed cutting-edge AI across our entire business. This is only the beginning. At Omio, we want to lead the next, better era of intelligent travel, with more exciting announcements to follow. We're building a future where intelligence anticipates your journey before you even start, and the world moves with you. "

The Omio ChatGPT app is available globally in English. Users can access it now by connecting the app in ChatGPT and starting a conversation:

https://chatgpt.com/apps/omio/asdk_app_69452c927b948191b2ea4515d84601ea

SOURCE OMIO Corp
Former North Carolina Congressman Madison Cawthorn, 30, has once again found love as he tries to make a political comeback after a scandal that destroyed his career.

The one-time youngest member of Congress got engaged to Alisya Mata, aged 21, outside of Rome's Colosseum, and announced the happy news on Instagram over the weekend.

The announcement came almost exactly four years after the Daily Mail exclusively reported that a video showing him getting felt up by a close male friend and staff member was at the center of a complaint calling for an investigation into Cawthorn.

It claimed that Cawthorn - a Republican, then representing North Carolina - provided thousands of dollars in loans and gifts to his close aide and his scheduler Stephen Smith, 23, with whom he was allegedly in an improper relationship.

Amid the allegations, Cawthorn lost re-election and moved to Florida, from where he has discussed launching a new run for Congress.

But that, too, seemed to be derailed last year, when he was arrested for failing to appear in court over a traffic citation claiming he was driving without a valid license.

It now remains unclear whether or not he is turning over a new leaf or just running the same playbook in a new cycle.

Madison Cawthorn and Alisya Mata get engaged in Rome, photo by Emil Garabey / Emgarro Photography

Footage obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail showed Madison Cawthorn (left), in a car with his close aide and staffer Stephen Smith, 23 (right), back in 2022

Cawthorn and his new fiancee seem to have been together only a matter of months before deciding to get engaged.

The first photograph in Mata's curated Instagram highlight named 'my person' is dated July 19th of last year.

Separate Instagram posts made this weekend by Cawthorn and Mata referencing their engagement both seemed to indicate a short timeline for a seemingly whirlwind romance.

'After our first date, I knew you were the one,' Mata wrote of Cawthorn.

The groom-to-be wrote that there was 'no need to date for years on end without getting married and delaying starting a family' on his post introducing his next bride-to-be to the world.

Alisya Mata shows off her engagement ring in Rome, photo by Emil Garabey / Emgarro Photography

Alisya Mata posts a story with Madison Cawthorn in her highlights section titled 'My person.' This video was posted July 19, 2025

The former North Carolina congressman moved to Florida after losing his 2022 re-election bid. One GOP operative noted that the speed of his second engagement bore a striking resemblance to his first whirlwind marriage.

Cawthorn is now mounting a comeback bid for the congressional seat being vacated by Byron Donalds, who is running for Florida Governor - and appears keen to shed the bad-boy reputation that dogged his first spell in office.

He has racked up several run-ins with the law, including attempting to carry a gun through a TSA checkpoint in 2022, and a 2025 Florida arrest for failing to appear in court on a charge of driving with a suspended license.

The GOP primary to replace Donalds will be on August 18th, and Cawthorn is in the race with over a dozen candidates.

Cawthorn previously married Cristina Bayardelle in a civil ceremony in December 2020, followed by a more elaborate ceremony in April 2021. Less than a year into their marriage, the two announced that they were getting divorced in December of 2021.

Anthony Raimondi congratulates Alisya Mata (left) and Madison Cawthorn (third left) : Congratulations to our great friend @madisoncawthorn on his engagement

Alisya Mata and Madison Cawthorn in a Facebook photo posted by Mata on September 18, 2025

They said they had mutually made the 'enormously difficult decision' to divorce after realizing there were 'irreconcilable differences' between them.

Bayardelle also noted in 2021 that their 'marriage, like every marriage, has had its difficulties. The lifestyle shift into public life has been strenuous, and many aspects of the transition have been unexpected.'

Shortly after arriving on Capitol Hill, Cawthorn, then 26, was hit with allegations of sexual misconduct in college, though he once claimed to have 'never done anything sexually inappropriate in my life.'

He also claimed to have been invited to orgies and been witness to people doing cocaine - which ruffled GOP leadership's feathers.

'All of the sudden you get invited to, 'Well, hey, we're going to have kind of a sexual get-together at one of our homes. You should come.'  You realize they are asking you to come to an orgy,' Cawthorn said while on a podcast in 2022.

In the appearance, he also noted he saw addiction advocates ripping 'key bumps of cocaine.'

Madison Cawthorn in April of 2021 marrying Cristina Bayardelle

GOP Congressman Madison Cawthorn nude in a video recording of him 'being crass with a friend'

Then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy later tore into the young Republican for making unfounded claims damaging to the institution's credibility.

'He's got to turn himself around,' McCarthy said at the time. 'This is unacceptable. There's no evidence to this. That's not becoming of a congressman. He did not tell the truth.'

As for the cocaine allegations, 'He thinks he saw maybe a staffer in the parking garage from 100 yards away,' McCarthy later clarified.

In addition to the cocaine and orgies scandal, a leaked video showing Cawthorn nude and humping another man went viral during his tenure.

Cawthorn noted in 2022 the video depicted him 'being crass with a friend, trying to be funny.'
A Florida animal shelter is facing backlash after claiming they were completely full, only to ship in 'more desirable' puppies from Georgia just days later.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay announced on Facebook that all 363 of its kennels were full on March 25 and could no longer accept medium-or large-sized dogs.

However, in an email to volunteers cited by the Tampa Bay Times, the shelter asked for 'someone for an airport pickup on Sunday! We've got some more animals who need help flying into St. Pete/Clearwater airport'

Humane Society CEO Sherry Silk told the outlet that they accepted six hound puppies from a Georgia shelter.

Shelters try to support one another, and Silk noted that they 'had space for little dogs,' but 'not the big ones.'

Despite the seemingly helpful gesture by the shelter, Anna Cooke, an animal advocate, told The Times that she wondered why they would be 'turning away the community's dogs and importing other, more desirable dogs?'

Cooke noted that other shelters also import dogs from other shelters but questioned why they wouldn't take care of dogs in their own neighborhoods first.

Karen Heinberg, who told the Times, volunteered at the Humane Society for 5 years, said that puppy adoption fees are much higher than those for older dogs.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay claimed they had no more room for larger dogs before importing six hound puppies from a Georgia shelter

The puppies were adopted within in two days of arriving at the shelter at the fee of $250 each (A puppy from the shelter posted to their Facebook - not confirmed if it was one of the six rom Georgia)

In comparison, a dog's fee that is over 8 years old would be only $50, while a puppy is $250.

The shelter considers puppies three months and under while charging $130 for adult dogs between the ages of senior and pup.

The puppies from Georgia were all adopted in a matter of two days.

The CEO of the shelter noted that many adopters are looking for puppies and that by having them, they can sometimes turn people to older dogs.

Silk added that their facility fills up regularly twice a year, but for it to be at capacity so early into the year is something they haven't seen.

'When people are struggling, an extra mouth to feed becomes problematic,' she said. 'Especially when it's a big dog.'

The shelter refused to take 32 big dogs over three days towards the end of March, according to the outlet.

Join the discussion Should local dogs be passed over for out-of-state puppies just because puppies are easier to adopt out?

Adult dogs are a $130 fee to adopt and senior dogs over the age of 8 years old are only $50

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay announced on Facebook that all 363 of its kennels were full on March 25

In addition to dogs, the Humane Society has cats, rabbits, and reptiles that can be adopted at a fee.

Barnyard animals and birds are also available for adoption.

The Tampa Bay Times noted that, as of Friday, the shelter had three spaces available for larger dogs.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Humane Society for comment.
A pharmacy assistant who was sacked after being accused of stealing a handful of sweets  including a cookie and a Curly Wurly  has won her unfair dismissal case and been awarded $24,000 in compensation.

Cheryl Sazdanoff, who had worked at the Docs John Hunter Hospital Pharmacy in Newcastle since 2011, was accused of theft during a shift in September last year.

The long-serving employee was confronted by Doc Pty Limited (DPL) business owner Aleksandar Gavriloski, who allegedly told her, 'We've caught you stealing.'

Mr Gavriloski claimed Ms Sazdanoff had taken confectionery from the pharmacy on four occasions over recent months, including a Byron Bay cookie, two chocolate hearts, a rainbow Nerd rope, and a packet of Curly Wurly Squirlies.

The Fair Work Commission heard Mr Gavriloski made only a brief attempt to show Ms Sazdanoff CCTV footage, rushing through partial clips that failed to load properly and repeatedly froze.

Despite this, she was told to attend a disciplinary meeting the following day to discuss allegations she had taken and consumed stock without paying for it.

Shocked by the accusation, Ms Sazdanoff immediately paid for the items she was accused of stealing.

At the meeting, Mr Gavriloski questioned whether she could provide receipts for the confectionery he alleged she had taken.

Ms Sazdanoff (pictured) was seemingly a well respected employee with pictures of her celebrating her 50th birthday on the pharmacy's social media pages

Business owner Aleksandar Gavriloski (pictured) allegedly told a pharmacy assistant of more than a decade, 'We've caught you stealing'

Ms Sazdanoff stated that she felt overwhelmed, distressed and intimidated, and was unable to explain her position properly.

At the meeting, Mr Gavriloski handed her a letter terminating her employment alleging her theft constituted serious misconduct warranting dismissal.

Ms Sazdanoff denies she engaged in theft or that her conduct otherwise warranted her summary dismissal.

She said it was common practice for staff to eat food items during their shift and to pay for them at the end of the shift, if not before.

She said on two of the occasions she had shared the confectionery with colleagues, and incorrectly assumed that they would pay for them.

Commissioner Damian Sloan reviewed the CCTV footage and found the pharmacy assistant had made no attempt to 'disguise or conceal' her conduct.

He found that she had paid for the cookie, and the footage of her eating the other items fell short of demonstrating that she intended to steal them.

'The absence of receipts or other proof of payment for the items is not sufficient to establish an intention to steal,' he said.

Cheryl Sazdanoff had worked at the Docs John Hunter Hospital Pharmacy (pictured) since 2011

'I am not satisfied on the evidence that DPL has established that Ms Sazdanoff engaged in the theft which was the basis for her summary dismissal.'

Commissioner Sloan said it was clear from the evidence Ms Sazdanoff was not the only person who consumed items of stock at work.

'Mr Gavriloski gave oral evidence that one other employee was dismissed at about the same time as Ms Sazdanoff had been,' he said.

'He stated that almost every other staff member was given a first and final warning with the outcome being dependent upon the number of times people had stolen.

'Given my findings above, DPL treated Ms Sazdanoff more harshly than her co-workers, without apparent justification.'

Sloan found that if DPL had not dismissed the pharmacy assistant, she would have remained employed for at least a year.

He ordered DPL to pay the pharmacy assistant $23,960 plus superannuation.
Police may have arrested Ben Roberts-Smith when he touched down in NSW to secure a 'favourable outcome' at trial, a former top detective has claimed.

Former AFP Detective Superintendent David Craig suggested Roberts-Smith's arrest at Sydney Domestic Airport last week, rather than in his hometown of Brisbane, was the result of an 'operational decision and orchestration'.

'I would be looking closely at [possible] perverting the course of justice charges, because this is simply an orchestration of an element of our government to get a favourable outcome,' Mr Craig told Sky News on Monday.

'This isn't for the police to make a decision about. This is about the court impartially deciding what should happen here.

'It's not up to the police to make the decision about where a trial should be held. It's beyond their purview.'

It comes after the Sydney Morning Herald reported a 'well-placed' source's suggestion that authorities had made the April 7 arrest on NSW soil because they 'wanted access to a wider and more diverse jury pool'.

Mr Craig also questioned the decision to conduct the surprise arrest in front of his Robert-Smith's partner, Sarah Matulin, and his twin 15-year-old daughters.

Footage of the 47-year-old walking calmly, without handcuffs, towards a waiting police vehicle was aired exclusively on Nine News.

Former AFP Detective Superintendent David Craig claims the arrest was 'orchestration'

Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested at Sydney Airport after arriving on a flight from Brisbane

He was taken into custody in front of front of his partner and his twin 15-year-old daughters

It was Nine that doggedly pursued allegations of war crimes against Roberts-Smith and later successfully defended a defamation action over the claims.

It later emerged Roberts-Smith had offered to hand himself into police multiple times.

'Why wouldn't you simply arrange to meet him at the courthouse in Brisbane, charge him, and then do a media release saying this person has been charged with these allegations?' Mr Craig said.

'I'm sure he'll want to return to Queensland, his family's there.

'Why was it done that way?'

Hours after his arrest, Roberts-Smith was charged with five war crime murder offences over allegations he killed two unarmed civilians while deployed in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

He was also accused of aiding, abetting or counselling another person to commit a murder on three separate occasions.

The maximum penalty for each offence is life imprisonment. Roberts-Smith has consistently maintained his innocence.

The former SAS soldier had planned to move overseas before police swooped

He remains behind bars at the Metropolitan Remand Centre in Sydney's west

The AFP have repeatedly refused to comment on the details surrounding the arrest.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said it was 'information' she wasn't 'going to go into' when asked about the arrest at a press conference last week.

'There's a number of operational considerations that we factor into our planning and when to effect an arrest and how. But I'm not going to go into that detail,' she said.

It comes as new reports suggest Roberts-Smith was planning to leave Australia and make a new life for himself overseas. Sources said the Victoria Cross recipient had already made the decision before AFP officers swooped in.

The Daily Mail understands that Roberts-Smith was planning to move overseas to pursue work opportunities. The precise timing, or location, of his overseas move is unclear, but it was thought to be in the near future.

Roberts-Smith remains in custody at the Metropolitan Remand Centre in Sydney's west, where it is understood Ms Matulin visited him on Sunday.

For those like Roberts-Smith, who are on remand, inmates are allowed to have two in-person or family tablet visits per week, whereas sentenced inmates are allowed one.

The 47-year-old is expected to apply for bail on Friday when the matter is due to be heard at the Downing Centre in Sydney's CBD.

If his bail application fails, he can apply again in the NSW Supreme Court.
A Pennsylvania college student died after being struck by a car while returning from a bar in the early hours of Sunday.

The student, identified as Garrett Nicholas by friends and loved ones, was a junior at West Chester University, which is just outside of Philadelphia. He was a business management major and a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

The crash occurred in front of the fraternity's house on the 300 block of South High Street, according to a press release from the West Chester Police Department.

The driver was allegedly speeding, according to a friend of Nicholas named Jimmy Kane.

'He was crossing the street, from this side of the street to that side, and he just didn't look,' Kane told NBC Philadelphia. 'The guy was going so fast. He was going at least 60. It's a 25 out here.'

Officers responded to the crash around 1.30am before Nicholas was transported by ambulance to Paoli Hospital.

The college junior succumbed to his injuries 'several hours later' and died.

The West Chester Police Department added that its crash reconstruction unit is investigating and that the driver of the vehicle has been identified, though that information was not made public.

Garrett Nicholas was a junior majoring in business management at West Chester University and a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He died after being struck by a car in the early hours of Monday

Nicholas was struck in front of the pictured Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity house on the 300 block of South High Street. His friend said the driver was going 'at least 60' in a 25

Nicholas was a popular student, and his death has deeply impacted the West Chester University community. A large turnout for his memorial is pictured

It is unclear if the driver who struck Nicholas has been arrested or charged with any crimes.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the West Chester Police Department for comment and additional details.

Nicholas was a deeply popular student, evidenced by the descriptions of him provided by many friends and the huge turnout for his honor walk at the hospital before his organs were donated.

Friends of the junior told NBC Philadelphia that around 100 people attended the event. A memorial at the fraternity house near where Nicholas was struck also had a long line of fellow students paying their respects and laying bouquets.

Nicholas's friend, Kane, is also president of West Chester University's Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity chapter, and he set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses and provide Nicholas's family with financial support.

Kane described his deceased friend as 'the nicest kid' to FOX29.

'It really sucks losing someone that great. I think because of the person he is, its so much harder for all of us. Like, why him?' the fraternity president said.

'His time here was short, but he definitely played his purpose. He showed all of us how to be a true good, kind person,' he added.

On the GoFundMe page, Kane further described Garrett as 'a one-of-a-kind person.'

One of Nicholas's friends described him as 'a one-of-a-kind person' and as 'the nicest kid.' Nicholas is pictured (right) with a fraternity brother

There was a large turnout for the honor walk at the hospital where Nicholas died before his organs were donated, and for the memorial at his frat house. A pile of flowers under his memorial photo is pictured

'Garrett was the kind of person who would give you hope, and watching his actions inspired everyone around him to be kinder,' Kane continued. 'We all need to be more like Garrett.'

On Instagram, Nicholas's fraternity shared a tribute to him that said, 'His light was contagious, and anyone who was lucky enough to know him knows exactly what that means.'

The post was flooded with support, receiving more than a thousand comments and around 14,000 likes in just one day.

Following Nicholas's death, West Chester University Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Jasmine Buxton, sent a letter to the campus community expressing grief.

'We are deeply saddened about this tragedy and know that this news will be hard for a number of those in our Golden Ram family,' Buxton wrote. 'We grieve over the loss of our student with their family, friends, and everyone who knew them.'
Concerns are growing for a missing woman last seen over a fortnight ago.

Rachel, 31, was last seen at a business on Commercial Road at Teneriffe, an affluent riverside suburb under 3km from Brisbane's CBD, on March 30.

Police are concerned for her welfare, as she has not contacted family since.

She was reported missing on April 11.

Rachel is known to frequent the Sunshine Coast and Mackay regions.

She is described as Caucasian, with a medium build and brown hair, and was last seen wearing long black pants and a brown singlet.

Investigators are appealing to Rachel or anyone who may have further information to contact police.

Investigations are ongoing.

Rachel is described as Caucasian, with a medium build and brown hair, and was last seen wearing long black pants and a brown singlet (pictured)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's lowkey arrival in Australia on Tuesday marked a stark difference from all the fanfare we've come to know from a traditional royal tour.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport shortly after 6.30am on Tuesday, much to the surprise of their fellow passengers onboard the same Qantas flight.

While the high-profile couple had enjoyed the luxuries of a first-class suite for their 16-day official royal tour to Australia in 2018, this time they opted for business class seats on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Traditionally, royal tours begin with a photo call of the glamorous couple stepping off a plane - usually a Royal Australian Air Force or chartered Qantas aircraft.

This time, the plane landed 10 minutes early, with the couple quickly whisked away in a convoy of vehicles without stopping to pose for the assembled media.

It meant TV networks waiting at the arrivals gate for a glimpse of the Sussexes were left bitterly disappointed.

Members of the couples security team were later spotted exclusively by the Daily Mail exiting discreetly through a side door, flanked by Qantas staff.

The guards were seen pushing a trolley laden with four suitcases, including one attached with a tag of the US flag.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday morning

The Sussexes sat in business class on a Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Their minders escorted their luggage into a private vehicle waiting outside the airport

It had been rumoured the pair might arrive Down Under via a private jet, but perhaps wisely they chose a commercial airline as everyday Australians grapple with fuel shortages, high prices and a surging cost of living.

A standard business ticket on the same Los Angeles to Melbourne direct Qantas flight, departing Tuesday night California time, costs just over $10,000.

It comes as some of Meghan and Harry's fellow passengers expressed their surprise at having the former Royals onboard.

'It wasn't until we got off the plane that we realised it was them,' an American passenger told The Age.

Another described the couple as 'beautiful people' following a quick chat with them.

'I said, "I hope you have a lovely time in Melbourne and I'm sure you'll enjoy Sydney",' she told reporters. 'And we spoke about their children and that they were here for a couple of days.'

But not everyone was happy to see them.

'I don't like her (Meghan) at all,' another passenger told the outlet. 'Don't come here. You don't belong here in Australia. We don't want them here.'

A business ticket for the same Los Angeles to Melbourne Qantas flight is just over $10,000

The Duke and Duchess are now safely ensconced in their luxury city centre hotel as they prepare for a full slate of engagements today, beginning with a visit to the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital.

Meghan will later undertake a solo visit to a women's shelter before she and Harry visit veterans and their families at the Australian National Veterans' Art Museum.

The couple's children, six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet, have not joined their parents on the privately funded visit - which will not include any walkabouts to meet the public.

The tour, which the couple's spokesperson insists is 'privately funded', will also see the Sussexes attend an Invictus Australia event on Sydney Harbour.

Harry is also expected to make a brief visit to Canberra without his wife.

Notably, the official four-day itinerary does not include Meghan's appearance at the 'Her Best Life' retreat at the InterContinental Hotel in Sydney's Coogee Beach, which runs from April 17-19.

According to a source, this indicates that the Sussexes are keeping 'pseudo-royal' engagements separate from Meghan's latest commercial foray into the lifestyle world.

Their 2018 royal tour cost Australian taxpayers just under $411,000, according to documents released by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in 2019.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has revealed Australia will only help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if US President Donald Trump establishes a permanent ceasefire with Iran.

Marles said on Tuesday Australia would not commit naval forces while conditions on the ground remain unstable after the United States launched a naval blockade of Iranian ports overnight.

Trump has not yet made any direct requests to Australia to join the blockade, but said some other countries have 'offered their services'.

Marles told ABC's AM radio program the government was 'deeply invested' in restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait and ensuring global fuel supply chains were 'returning to normal'.

He warned any Australian role hinged on security guarantees that do not yet exist.

Australia will attend a summit hosted by the United Kingdom and France later this week, where allies will discuss options to safeguard commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.

'We are working with all of our partners around efforts that are being taken forward in respect of the Strait of Hormuz and how Australia can best contribute,' Marles said.

He cautioned that Australia would not move prematurely.

Australia will only offer to help the US reopen the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire is achieved

'All of those efforts are predicated on when ... conditions allow that to occur. And right now, that is very uncertain,' Marles said.

'We really need to see what plays out throughout the remainder of the ceasefire and as to what the circumstances are in the Strait of Hormuz, which would allow some effort to begin.'

The remarks mirror comments from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who said Australia wanted to see a 'deescalation' in the fighting and expressed disappointment that negotiations between Iran and the United States had collapsed.

'We want to see the Strait of Hormuz opened and with freedom of navigation taking place,' he said on Monday.

'So, obviously, the lack of a resolution in the negotiations that took place over the weekend was disappointing.'

Australia's new Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said the navy was ready should the government receive a formal request from Washington.

'Let me start by saying that we've got ten surface combatants right now, eight of them are at sea today,' he said on Monday.

'That, Navy, is as ready as it ever has been.

Donald Trump (pictured) has not yet formally asked Australia to assist in the blockade

'And they are fitted with one of the most advanced radars in the world, CEA Radar, and some of the most advanced missile and point defence systems in the world.'

Asked whether Australian forces were capable of contributing to operations in the Strait of Hormuz, Hammond said Australia was ready to assist.

'Are they capable of performing the mission? As Admiral Johnston said last week, absolutely.'

He stressed any deployment decision rested with the Albanese government.

'The question of a contribution is one for consideration by the Australian Government, should they receive a request, and there's been no such request as yet,' Hammond said.
An Aussie family who get their groceries by dumpster diving in supermarket skip bins say they haven't paid for 'brand new' food in 18 years.

Brisbane mother-of-two Emelie Watson filmed herself foraging in an Aldi skip bin in the store's loading zone in a TikTok video shared earlier this year.

'I'm here to go dumpster diving at the Aldi dumpster and maybe the fruit and veg dumpster too,' she said in the clip.

'I'm hoping to find some wholemeal bread or rye bread, some more fruit, and I'm always looking for a bag of beans.'

She shared footage from inside the bin of countless, unopened bags of hot cross buns, sliced bread, chocolate chip muffins, naan bread and chicken tenders.

Once home, Ms Watson shared how she washed and prepared a free meal of crumbed chicken, salad and coleslaw for her family.

'Mmm... yum,' she said as she took her first bite.

Aussies were quick to share their thoughts on the unconventional grocery haul.

An Aussie family going to extreme lengths to score a free meal by dumpster diving for food say they are giving back and helping the environment in the process

'As someone who works at an Aldi.. I don't know how you did this because I gag every single time I need to do the bins and chuck the food,' one said.

'It smells so bad. By the way 90 per cent of the food/items you see in dumpsters are either SPOILED or there's something wrong with it.

'Salvageable food goes to our food charity that is inaccessible to the public.'

But others commended the Brisbane mum for her efforts.

'I was in Aldi last night and a woman was throwing food out,' one said.

'It was in perfectly good condition so I asked if I could have it and she said I had to either buy it at full price or not at all. So so sad and such waste, good on you!'

'Good to see you are making use of it and it's sickening that they throw good food away,' another said.

In a separate video, Emelie's husband Jon revealed they had stopped buying new food in 2008 as part of their 'Living more with Less' project.

The family encouraged people to donate to Oz Harvest (a volunteer is pictured)

Mr Watson said they remained mindful of how much food they took from the bins because some people had no other choice but to dumpster dive.

'Some people rely on dumpster diving for survival, so we don't want to take this lightly and make it a problem for them by getting locks on the bins,' he said.

'If you're thinking about going, please be respectful and try to leave the space better than you found it.'

He said the couple understood the risks involved with dumpster diving.

'We acknowledge the food is not necessarily safe to eat and we cannot be blaming the stores if anyone gets sick,' he said.

He suggested Aussies donate to charity if they were concerned about food waste.

'Stores generally donate excess food to food relief services and the one we frequent claims that 93 percent of their stores donate at least five days a week,' he said.

'If we want to close that gap and reduce waste further, it's really helpful if we can volunteer or donate to Oz Harvest, Food Bank or Second Bite who are responsible for taking that food and distributing it to people in need.'
Donald Trump sparked outrage yesterday by posting an AI image of himself as a Christ-like figure while launching an extraordinary broadside at the Pope.

He branded Pope Leo XIV 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy' after he spoke out against the war with Iran.

The US President also claimed the first North American head of the Catholic Church 'wouldn't be in the Vatican' if it wasn't for him.

He then offended the wider Christian world by posting an image of himself as Jesus on his social media platform Truth Social.

Created using AI, it showed the President as a robed Christ, seemingly curing an ill man while surrounded by adoring figures including a nurse and a soldier.

In the background, fallen US servicemen are seen ascending to heaven in the style of a Renaissance painting.

The picture, and Mr Trump's spat with the Pope, were all the more surprising given that his wife Melania is a practising Catholic.

Responding yesterday morning, the Pope said he had 'no fear' of the President and will continue preaching what Christian doctrine teaches him about the evils of warfare.

Donald Trump sparked outrage yesterday by posting an AI image of himself as a Christ-like figure while launching an extraordinary broadside at the Pop

Trump branded Pope Leo XIV (pictured) 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy' after he spoke out against the war with Iran

After widespread condemnation, including from his supporters, Mr Trump removed the image from social media.

Later  in an impromptu press conference while receiving a McDonald's delivery at the Oval Office  Mr Trump claimed he was depicted as a doctor in the picture. He told reporters: 'It's supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better, and I do make people better.'

He criticised the media for having 'come up' with a narrative that he looked like Jesus, and said 'there is nothing to apologise for'.

The spat came after Pope Leo said God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have their 'hands full of blood'.

He also called the conflict in Iran 'atrocious' and urged Mr Trump to find an 'off-ramp' before describing the President's threat to wipe out Iranian civilisation as 'truly unacceptable'.

Taking to Truth Social, the President said: 'I don't want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I'm doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do.

'Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise... If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican. I don't want a pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.'

Pictured: Donald Trump takes delivery of a McDonald's order at the White House on Monday, tipping delivery driver Sharon Simmons $100

He doubled down when questioned by reporters, saying: 'I'm not a fan of Pope Leo. He's a very liberal person and he's a man that doesn't believe in stopping crime.'

The Pope said yesterday that he has 'no fear' of the US administration but doesn't 'want to get into a debate' with Mr Trump. Of the AI image, he said: 'I don't think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing.'

The Pope was backed by Christians around the world.

Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni, a Right-wing ally of the White House, said: 'I find President Trump's words towards the Holy Father unacceptable. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, it is right for him to call for peace.' Historian Massimo Faggioli said: 'Not even Hitler or Mussolini attacked the pope so directly and publicly.'

In the US, Robert Barron, bishop of Winona-Rochester in Minnesota, said the comments were 'inappropriate and disrespectful'.

Even Iran came to the Pope's defence, with president Masoud Pezeshkian writing on X: 'I condemn the insult to Your Excellency... and declare that the desecration of Jesus is not acceptable to any free person.'
AUSTIN, Texas, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With two days left until Tax Day on April 15, a new OysterLink poll of approximately 100 hospitality professionals finds that most respondents have heard of the "No Tax on Tips" deduction, introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law on July 4, 2025. However, very few actually know how to claim it.

Based on a sample of approximately 100 hospitality professionals polled through OysterLink's website and social media channels, only 22% of respondents said they know exactly how to claim the deduction on their 2025 tax return. The largest group (43%) reported they have heard of the policy but are not sure how it works. Another 20% of respondents said they were not aware of the policy at all. The remaining 15% noted they do not receive tips, meaning the policy does not apply to them.

"These results show that awareness is starting to build, but understanding is still lagging behind," said Milos Eric, General Manager at OysterLink. "For a policy that directly impacts take-home income, clarity is critical. Right now, many workers simply don't know how to benefit from it."

What Workers and Employers Need to Know

Employees and self-employed individuals may deduct qualified tips up to $25,000 for certain qualified occupations, including wait staff, bartenders, salon workers, personal trainers, and gig economy workers.

The IRS issued final regulations listing more than 70 separate occupations of tipped workers who qualify, from bartenders to water taxi operators. For hospitality workers specifically, the list covers the core of the industry: servers, bartenders, concierges, valets, and more. The list also extends to less obvious roles including cooks and dishwashers who participate in tip-sharing arrangements, broadening eligibility beyond front-of-house staff.

"There's a real opportunity for businesses to step in and better support their staff," Eric added. "Even simple steps, like sharing resources or offering basic guidance, can make a meaningful difference."

Survey methodology: OysterLink surveyed approximately 100 hospitality professionals in Q1 2026. Results are directional and not statistically projectable to the full hospitality workforce.

Tax note: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Workers should consult a tax professional regarding their individual eligibility.

About OysterLink

OysterLink is a job platform for restaurant and hospitality professionals, reaching over 350,000 monthly visitors. With listings, including top jobs in Houston and Austin, industry insights and resources, OysterLink helps professionals build rewarding careers in hospitality. To post a job or explore more labor market data, visit www.oysterlink.com.

Media Contact

Ana Demidova

PR Representative

[email protected]

SOURCE OysterLink
Keir Starmer is facing anger over 'extraordinary' claims UK military chiefs are being asked to find billions of pounds in cuts amid the Iran crisis and the threat from Russia.

The heads of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force - along with other top brass - are reported to be meeting this week to discuss funding pressures.

They have been asked by Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials to find 3.5billion of 'efficiencies' and other savings this year, according to Sky News.

Sources said the in-year squeeze is because the current defence budget is insufficient to deliver existing plans.

It previously emerged that the MoD is facing a 28billion shortfall between now and 2030, with the Prime Minister said to have been given the dire financial assessment before Christmas.

James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, said it was 'extraordinary' that military chiefs are being asked to find cuts at a time of 'war on two fronts' in the Middle East and Ukraine.

The senior Tory MP pointed to how Labour had spent around 3billion on lifting the two-child benefit cap, adding: 'Politics is always about what you prioritise.'

The row came as Sir Keir faced charges of leaving Britain 'unsafe' with a former Nato chief and Labour minister condemning the PM's 'corrosive complacency'.

Keir Starmer is facing anger over 'extraordinary' claims UK military chiefs are being asked to find billions of pounds in cuts amid the Iran crisis and the threat from Russia

Lord Robertson was a defence secretary under Tony Blair from May 1997 until October 1999. Here he is (pictured left) with the current defence secretary John Healey (right)

Lord Robertson will use a speech later to accuse Sir Keir of failing to act with the country 'under attack', insisting the Iran war should be a 'rude wake-up call'.

In a devastating assessment, he will warn the Government is prioritising 'the ever-expanding welfare budget' over essential security.

The peer - who helped write Labour's Strategic Defence Review last year - has been backed by military chiefs who said the UK could no longer rely on the 'US cavalry coming to bail us out'.

They insisted America was right to ridicule the 'big bad' Royal Navy as it was 'too small' to be effective.

Whitehall sources said defence budgets are continually assessed and reprioritised as part of routine management, adding that military chiefs meet regularly to discuss a range of issues.

The MoD has previously announced a Defence Reform and Efficiency Plan to deliver 6billion of savings over five years.

An MoD spokesman said: 'The defence budget is rising to record levels as this Government delivers the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, totalling 270billion this parliament alone.

'Demands on defence are rising, with growing Russian aggression, the crisis in the Middle East and increasing operational requirements.

'We are finalising our Defence Investment Plan that we will publish as soon as possible, putting the best kit and technology into the hands of our forces, rebuilding British industry to make defence an engine for growth and doubling down on our own commitment to Nato.'

In the wake of Lord Robertson's dramatic intervention, Labour grandee Harriet Harman suggested the state pension triple-lock could be means-tested to pay for defence.

The Labour peer told the BBC the triple lock - which sees state pensions increase in line with whichever is highest out of average earnings growth, inflation or 2.5 per cent - is 'one place to be looking' if the Government needs to 'divert some money to defence'.

She said: 'If you're strapped for some cash and need to divert some money to defence, that is one place to be looking.

'And if you've got money going to people who really don't need it and who are extremely well off, then for the same reason they did on the winter fuel allowance I think that they should think about targeting it.'

It came as Lord Robertson was backed up by another former Labour defence secretary this afternoon.

Lord John Hutton said that Sir Keir had to regard the issue of military spending as 'the defining moment in his premiership' and 'get a grip' on welfare spending.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch warned that Sir Keir cannot be 'trusted' to protect Brits, calling for the two-child benefit cap to be restored and funds moved from Net Zero projects.

The PM told MPs yesterday that the Government is working to finalise the 10-year defence investment plan, but he would not publish proposals that are 'unfunded and not deliverable'.

There is believed to be a funding gap of around 28billion over the next four years in the existing plans, and the Ministry of Defence, Treasury and Downing Street are deadlocked over how to proceed.

The Government has committed to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2027, with a vague 'ambition' to increase that to 3 per cent in the next Parliament.

There is a Nato-agreed target of hitting 3.5 per cent by 2035.

Lord Robertson was defence secretary under Tony Blair from May 1997 until October 1999. He then became a Nato secretary general until 2004.

He will use a lecture in Salisbury to accuse 'non-military experts in the Treasury' of 'vandalism' in prioritising benefits over defence.

He will say: 'We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.'

Lord Robertson is to warn of a 'corrosive complacency in Britain's political leadership' and say 'lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the red signals of danger  but even a promised national conversation about defence can't be started'.

With Labour still to publish its long-awaited Defence Investment Plan, the peer will accuse Sir Keir of being unwilling 'to make the necessary investment'  something the Daily Mail has highlighted in its Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign.

He will add: 'We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe... Britain's national security and safety is in peril.'

Lord Robertson's intervention comes after Vladimir Putin last week sent a Russian warship to escort two of his shadow fleet vessels through the English Channel.

Sir Keir had previously trumpeted plans to seize sanctioned Russian vessels in British waters.

But the peer is expected to pour scorn on Chancellor Rachel Reeves for using 'a mere 40 words on defence in over an hour' in her Budget speech last year, while last month in her Spring Statement 'she used none'.

Lord Robertson will cite the UK's inability to deploy more than one Royal Navy warship to the Mediterranean within the first fortnight of the Iran war as an example of the 'parlous state' of our current defences.

He will also warn that the UK faces 'crises in logistics, engineering, cyber, ammunition, training and medical resources'.

General Sir Richard Barrons - another author of the SDR - agreed with Lord Robertson that 'there's an enormous gap between where we have to be to keep the country safe in the world we now live in and where we actually are'.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the future will involve 'a European Nato doing much more and the US doing much less', and the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force were 'too small and too undernourished'.

'The US cavalry is not coming to bail us out now,' he added.

Sir Richard said when US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth mocked the 'big bad' Royal Navy he 'could not argue'.

'Like many others I hung my head in sorrow. But I couldn't argue with him because although the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force and the army are, in their bones, outstanding institutions, they are simply too small and too undernourished to deal with the world that we we now live in. And the review says this,' he said.

At a Defence Committee hearing this morning, chairman Tan Dhesi asked if people are right to 'mock' the funding turmoil.

Veterans Minister Louise Sandher-Jones said: 'I have a huge amount of respect for him and what he has to say. But I would just gently say that we are working very hard to deliver against the recommendations (of his SDR).

'We have already started investment, I can point to various investments we have made on kit and equipment.

'It is great that people are always urging us to go further and faster, I am someone who always wants to go further and faster for sure, but I think we also have to recognise we are putting in a lot of hard work to get this country ready for the challenges we are facing.'

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord, later added: 'This could not be taken more seriously at the moment. I see no sign of complacency among anybody that I work with or provide advice to.'

Mrs Badenoch has accused Sir Keir of posturing on the world stage over the Middle East war while failing to rearm the nation.

Speaking to Times Radio today Lord Hutton, who was defence secretary under Gordon Brown, said: '[Starmer has] absolutely got to regard this as the defining moment in his premiership, because the threat from Putin isn't going away anytime soon.

'My worry about what's going on in the Middle East is that Putin will take a lot of comfort from this, the division within Nato, division within the Western powers.

'He'll know full well the gaps in our defence credibility and he'll be looking to exploit that.

'We've got a very, very short period of time to start putting this right and sending out the signals to Putin.'

Military and defence industries should be put on a war footing, the former head of the Royal Navy said this afternoon.

Crossbench peer Lord West of Spithead, who served a minister in a previous Labour government, told peers the UK had more work to do to be equipped to deal with threats.

Lord West said: 'I'm delighted the minister has highlighted what is being done now, but I have this feeling we have a long way to catch up. We're nowhere near that position, and we are, I believe in a state where we perhaps ought to put our military and certainly our defence on some sort of war footing, to be able to catch up and be able to do the things we need to do.'

He had earlier said the UK had fallen behind in the ability to track Russian submarines off its coast compared to the Cold War.

In response, defence minister Lord Coaker said: 'The need for this country to move from where it is to a position of war readiness is crucial.

'That is not a Government effort, that is a whole of society effort from this side of the House, from that side of the House, from all parts of the United Kingdom, to deal with the threats that we face our population has to understand the threat that they face, we as a Government have to talk to them, and all of us have to stand up and say 'We will defend our country and the values we stand for'.'
Another iconic Paddington Bear statue has taken a 'battering' from vandals.

The iconic marmalade-eating bear has had its bench destroyed by yobs in Southampton and is now on the hunt for a new home.

It is the second time in recent memory that a Paddington statue has been the target of vandals after two RAF engineers ripped one apart in Newbury, Berkshire, in March 2025.

Thankfully, Southampton's beloved version of the statue itself is safe and the incident has been reported to the police.

The figure is one of 23 Paddington statues that were unveiled across the country in October 2024 to celebrate the cinema release of Paddington in Peru.

Locals have reacted to the news online, with Facebook user Carla Matthews asking 'why do people ruin everything?'

Another user, Sand Ray, said: 'Why do people do this..so sad.'

Other Facebook users said whoever vandalised it was a 'moron', and suggested that CCTV should be installed in the area to make sure the same thing doesn't happen again.

Go! Southampton's Stephen Manion with the Paddington Bear statue and the damaged bench in Southampton. Yobs destroyed the bench and now the iconic statue is looking for a new home

'Why do people ruin everything?' asked Facebook user Carla Matthews on hearing the news

The 42-inch-high statue depicts Paddington with his iconic red hat and blue overcoat holding a marmalade sandwich.

It sat on a bench near the Westquay shopping centre in Southampton, Hampshire.

Go! Southampton, the organisation which looks after the statue, said in a statement: 'A sad day for Southampton.

'Our beloved Paddington bench has taken a battering over the weekend in Guildhall Square. Good news, Paddington lives on!

'Thank you to Mettricks for keeping him safe overnight and John Hansard Gallery for helping us clean up. He's now taking refuge in our office, happily eating marmalade sandwiches.

'The incident has been reported to the police, and we are working on a solution to get the bench repaired and finding him a new home.'

At the time of its unveiling, Southampton's children's mayor Freya Orendecki said: 'It was such an honour to unveil the statue.

'Paddington is so amazing and has some great adventures. I like how he's sat there with his marmalade sandwich.

RAF engineers Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, both 23, admitted to criminal damage after ripping a Paddington statue in Newbury in half in March last year

The pair took the statue back to RAF Odiham in a taxi, the judge said, as police confirmed the figure was listed on Facebook marketplace before officers recovered it from the boot of Lawrence's car

The statue was repaired and returned to its home in Newbury a month after the attack

'The joy of Paddington is that he is silly, funny, and always happy.

'He always wants to make new friends and adventures, and every day is different.'

RAF engineers Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, both 23, admitted to destroying the Paddington statue in Newbury last year.

Sentencing, district judge Sam Goozee said the pair's 'actions were the antithesis of everything Paddington stands for' at Reading Magistrates' Court.

They tore the front of the statue clean off while on a drunken night out at 2am on March 2, 2025.

The pair then took the statue back to RAF Odiham in a taxi, the judge said, and Thames Valley Police confirmed it had been listed on Facebook marketplace before cops recovered it from the boot of Lawrence's car.

Jars of marmalade, sandwiches and poems were left at the scene by upset locals.

They were both handed a 12-month community order and were each to pay 2,725 to repair the damage.

The defendants' defence lawyer, Tom Brymer, told the court they were 'extremely ashamed about their actions'.

The statue was repaired and replaced in April last year.
A Cornish village is in dispute with a pair of squatters residing on a 'ghost estate', who keep ponies and Rottweilers and claim they act as security.

Victoria Morrall, 39, and David Antram, 61, live in a development of 10 homes that have been empty for almost a decade after moving out of their caravan several months ago.

But now a row over their presence has broken out in the quiet village of St Erth, with residents calling for the couple to be evicted over claims they have made it an 'intimidating' place to be.

Pictures of the derelict estate show Ms Morrall and Mr Antram - who live in the downstairs of one of the properties - have made another of the homes a 'makeshift stable' for their ponies, with manure covering its downstairs.

Local authorities say they are now working on removing the pair from the site with the landowner.

According to Ms Morrall, she and Mr Antram live off-grid in a property that is not equipped with electricity, copper or pipework.

She said: 'We basically just live in the downstairs. There is a room seven by four metres.

'There is a front room, kitchen and a bedroom area. We cope - as we were living in a caravan for six years - so this is a bit of a step up.'

Victoria Morrall and David Antram (pictured together) live in a development of 10 homes that have been empty for almost a decade with two ponies and two rottweilers

After planning for the ten properties was approved in 2015, building work began - but the houses have never been inhabited

The estate is now fenced off and has become overgrown and unkempt in what locals have branded a 'blot on the village' of St Erth

She said they have faced abuse from the public for their living circumstances and have had the police called out to them on numerous occasions.

One such occurrence included when the pair were arrested over firearms and trespass allegations. They were later released without charge.

Ms Morrall said: 'We have been called travellers, gypsies, druggies - you name it we've been called it.

'We've had animal welfare out for horses twice and they've taken one look and realised it was all very malicious.

'We have had quite a lot of problems with the parish council. Some of the locals are just horrible.

'There are always one or two - but we know we've helped stop the trashing of the estate.'

However, Ms Morrall said they have been 'allowed' by the landowner to remain at the site, and claims their presence has prevented 'further damage' being caused.

She said they are 'the security at the moment,' stopping teens from demolishing the buildings.

Join the discussion Should squatters who claim to protect abandoned properties be welcomed or forced to leave?

Pictures show the other properties have been made into a 'makeshift stable' for the couple's ponies - with manure covering the downstairs of one home

The couple pay no bills and no rent for the dilapidated properties, and say they are given money to act as security

Residents of St Erth in Cornwall have called for the couple (pictured) to be evicted over claims they have made it an 'intimidating' place

She said: 'There have been loads of local teens coming in and vandalising the site.

'Local builders have even come in and stolen bits - hence why the gates were locked in the first place.

'Police have been out numerous times. It's been going on since it was left derelict. We've been here seven months - and since then it has all stopped.'

The original planning application for the ten homes was submitted in 2013, along with access road and parking.

The application was initially refused by Cornwall Council and ruled to be 'an isolated development in the countryside to the detriment of the rural character of the area.'

However, William Trevorrow - the applicant - appealed the ruling and the housing estate was permitted by the Planning Inspectorate in March 2015.

Building started shortly thereafter, but the houses have never been inhabited.

It has been owned by Barton Bridging Ltd since 2019 after the previous owner went into receivership.

According to Ms Morrall, the couple live off-grid in the downstairs of one of the properties that does not have electrics, copper or pipework

St Erith Parish Council have said the couple are on the estate without permission and steps are being taken to ensure their removal

The estate has now been fenced off, becoming overgrown and unkempt in what locals have branded a 'blot on the village.'

St Erith Parish Council have said Ms Morrall and Mr Antram are on the estate without permission and steps are being taken to ensure their removal.

Ms Morrall said an informal arrangement is in place that allows them to stay until they find somewhere else to go.

She said: 'We were homeless and living in a caravan - we were initially told we were renting this place but it turned out the guy we were renting off didn't own the land.

'We got in contact with the landowner who said we can stay.

'We are the only two people living there.

'It is odd. At first, it was weird. With no running water, no electric. We have to rely on a generator and get rainwater.

'It has been a struggle, but you just cope.

The original planning application for the ten homes was submitted in 2013, along with access road and parking

Ms Morrall said the couple keep a Shetland pony who they 'pretty much let roam the land'

Ms Morrall has described the estate as like an 'apocalypse scene'

'We are not security in an official capacity. We don't really do much. We just keep an eye out. We've got CCTV and our dogs go out on patrol.

'Apart from that, we phone the police when the teens come and try and vandalise it. There is not much else we can do.

'But we've helped to keep the teenagers away and are always checking everything.'

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they were previously called to the derelict site after reports of a woman with a suspected firearm were made on January 24.

It was reported that a man had been making threats, with firearms officers deployed to the scene.

Two air weapons and a machete were seized.

A woman in her 30s and a man in his 60s - both from the Hayle area - were arrested on suspicion of trespass on land with a firearm.

Both were later released with no further police action being taken.

In a statement, St Erth Parish Council said: 'The parish council, in conjunction with Cornwall Council and the landowner, would like to clarify and address a number of rumours currently circulating in relation to the site at Chenhalls Road.

'The couple living on the site originally entered the property late last year without the permission of the landowner.

'The landowner is actively taking steps to secure their departure. Once the site is vacated, all properties will be boarded up, the perimeter secured, CCTV installed and a security company appointed to carry out regular inspections.'

The landowner Barton Bridging Ltd has been contacted for comment.
The world's oldest gorilla celebrated her 69th birthday with a feast on Monday - munching on cherry tomatoes, beetroots, leeks and lettuce at the Berlin Zoo.

But there was no birthday cake - because the ageing primate isn't allowed sugar.

Fatou, a western lowland gorilla who lives in captivity, arrived in what was then West Berlin in 1959.

She was believed to be about two years old at the time, and though her exact birthdate is not known, April 13 is her designated birthday.

Gorillas can live for around 35 to 40 years in the wild and longer in captivity.

Fatou became the zoo's oldest resident in 2024, following the death of Ingo the flamingo.

The bird was believed to be at least 75 and had lived at the zoo since 1955.

Fatou was likely born in the wild in western Africa but the story goes that a French sailor took her out of Africa and bartered her to cover his bar tab in Marseille, France, according to Guinness World Records.

Fatou, the world's oldest gorilla, celebrated her 69th birthday at the Berlin Zoo on Monday

She was treated to a feast of cherry tomatoes, beetroots, leeks and lettuce to mark the impressive milestone

Here Fatou is pictured in her enclosure at the Zoologischer Garten zoo in Berlin

A French animal trader then reportedly sold her to the zoo.

These days, Fatou lives in an enclosure of her own and prefers to keep her distance from the zoo's other gorillas in her old age.

She has lost her teeth and she suffers from a touch of arthritis and hearing loss.

But Christian Aust, the Berlin Zoo's primate supervisor, said she is friendly with the zookeepers, if still a bit stubborn.

Born in the wild in West Africa, Fatou was brought to Berlin in 1959. Her age then was estimated to two years

Gorillas can live for around 35 to 40 years in the wild and longer in captivity

The story goes that a French sailor took her out of Africa and bartered her to cover his bar tab in Marseille, France

A French animal trader then reportedly sold her to the zoo

Fatou lives in an enclosure of her own and prefers to keep her distance from the zoo's other gorillas in her old age

Here the 69-year-old western lowland gorilla picks at the feast she was gifted to mark the special occassion
This is the moment a Hungarian politician celebrated the historic defeat of Viktor Orban by pulling some wild moves on stage.

On Sunday, Hungary's veteran nationalist leader was ousted from office after 16 years in power.

His long reign and tight grip on the European nation was ended by upstart opposition leader Peter Magyar.

Magyar enjoyed a landslide victory, with his centre-Right Tisza party on course for an extraordinary 138 seats, compared to Orban's Fidesz on 55 and the hard-Right Our Homeland on six.

At the Tisza leader's victory speech on Sunday night, his prime choice for future health minister, Zsolt Hegedus, let loose following a long campaign.

Hegedus, an orthopaedic surgeon who works in both Hungary and the UK, was seen dancing on stage in a fit of joy.

He hopped along the stage on one foot, miming the strumming of a guitar, before jumping up and down in joy as music blared.

The health specialist then sent his limbs flying in different directions for a few seconds, before signalling to the gathered crowd that he wanted them to dance with him.

Celebrations of Magyar's victory and Orban's defeat continued well into the early hours, turning Budapest into a party zone as supporters gathered near the stage and throughout Budapest's streets.

Zsolt Hegedus (pictured), an orthopaedic surgeon who works in both Hungary and the UK, was seen dancing on stage in a fit of joy

The health specialist then sent his limbs flying in different directions for a few seconds

Join the discussion What does Orban's dramatic defeat mean for Hungary's future and Europe's political direction?

Crowds of Tisza supporters cheered the historic result that sent shockwaves from Washington to Kyiv and caused local markets to surge.

Many residents were recovering from the wild celebrations that saw the capital's streets filled with revellers throughout the night.

Orban's defeat marked a setback for his allies in Russia and US President Donald Trump's White House.

Orban 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.

Just a day after winning the election, Magyar urged Britain to rejoin the EU as Keir Starmer talks up his push to unwind Brexit.

He said he 'hoped' the UK would come back into the fold, stating at a press conference on Monday: 'The Brits were also part of the EU; let's hope that they rejoin.'

Magyar also vowed to change the constitution so that the Trump-supporting Orban can never be prime minister again.
Permanent residents would be barred from scheme

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has revealed he will ban foreigners and only allow Australian citizens to access the five per cent deposit scheme.

Taylor told 2GB on Tuesday it was 'outrageous' permanent residents can access the scheme designed to help young Australians buy their first home.

'This is a scheme designed for Australians to get into a home,' Taylor said.

'Young Aussie citizens buying their first home, that's who this program is for.'

He confirmed that under a Coalition government, permanent residents would be banned from accessing the scheme, offering what he described as a 'sneak preview' of a policy announcement due later in the day.

'I will say at that speech that we will restrict that program to Australian citizens,' Taylor said.

'That is what should happen.'

The scheme allows buyers to purchase a home with a five per cent deposit, with the government guaranteeing the remainder to avoid lenders mortgage insurance.

Opposition leader Angus Taylor has revealed he will ban foreigners and only allow Australian citizens to access the five per cent deposit scheme

Taylor told 2GB on Tuesday it was 'outrageous' permanent residents can access the scheme designed to help young Australians buy their first home (stock image)

In recent years, the program has been expanded, including the removal of income caps and eligibility for permanent residents.

The Coalition has argued the changes have driven up competition in an already overheated housing market, particularly for first-home buyers.

Almost 50,000 permanent residents are believed to have accessed the scheme.

Under current rules, permanent residents who already own property overseas can still qualify, a situation that Taylor says undermines its original purpose.

'The scheme has been allowed to explode,' 2GB host James Willis said to Taylor.

'Someone could be owning a home in America or Spain and still come here and take advantage of it.'

Taylor said the program had been distorted to 'make the numbers look better than they actually were'.

The housing announcement came as part of a broader hardline policy agenda unveiled by the Coalition, with immigration a central theme.

Taylor confirmed that under a Coalition government, permanent residents would be banned from accessing the scheme, offering what he described as a 'sneak preview' of a policy announcement due later in the day (stock image)

Taylor rejected claims the policy platform was designed to chase One Nation voters, saying his focus was on restoring trust in immigration and housing systems.

'I'm chasing Australian values,' he said.

'If people are to trust our immigration system, they need to know it's fair, firm and not being abused.'

On housing more broadly, Taylor said net overseas migration numbers remained 'too high' and were contributing to a housing shortage that has pushed home ownership further out of reach for younger Australians.

'Younger Australians believe they may never own a home,' he said.

'This is a hopeless situation and it must change.'

He said further announcements on cutting migration numbers would follow in coming months.

Conservative think tank The Institute of Public Affairs (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.

Home Affairs data shows there were 2.98million temporary visa holders staying or residing in Australia on January 1.
An educator who promotes herself as 'America's government teacher' and criticized Charlie Kirk after his assassination is set to speak at the very same school where he was murdered.

Sharon McMahon was named Utah Valley University's commencement speaker in late March, with the school also set to bestow her with an honorary doctorate.

Conservatives and the university's TPUSA chapter were outraged after bringing up since deleted tweets by McMahon in the days following the September 10, 2025 killing of Kirk.

'Millions of people feel they were harmed, and the murder that was horrific and should never have happened does not magically erase what was said or done,' McMahon said.

'To many Americans, especially if you are Black, LGBTQ or Muslim, Charlie Kirk was not a person who simply engaged in good-faith debates on college campuses.'

McMahon's tweets were taken down, though she still often posts anti-Trump and anti-conservative content on social media.

Utah Senator Mike Lee made a post furious at the university that was retweeted by Elon Musk.

'What if Charlie Kirk had been a beloved figure on the left, rather than among conservatives?' Lee said.

'And what if Sharon McMahon were a conservative - one who had defamed Charlie Kirk immediately after his horrific assassination at UVU? Would UVU have scheduled her to speak at commencement? Not in a million years. Not in ten million years.'

Sharon McMahon (pictured), an educator who promotes herself as 'America's government teacher' and criticized Charlie Kirk after his assassination, is set to speak at the very same school where he was murdered

Kirk, 31, was shot dead as he visited Utah Valley University on September 10

'So why does UVU think this is okay? It's not,' he added.

Utah Valley University TPUSA chapter president Caleb Chilcutt slammed the decision in an interview with Fox News Monday.

'They could have brought any other speaker. If they liked Charlie, didn't like Charlie  I honestly don't really care. But the fact they brought someone who was so critical, literally days after the assassination on my campus, is just shameful for me,' Chilcutt said.

Jason Chaffetz, a former Utah Congressman and a commentator for the network, called McMahon a 'liberal hack' who should be disinvited.

'Look, there's still time to correct this. This hasn't happened. And if the university is gonna step up and do the right thing, they're gonna cancel her and put in somebody like an astronaut or an athlete or somebody, anybody, But this person, this partisan hack, she should not be addressing the students, not at the commencement.'

The school's President Astrid S. Tuminez praised McMahon in a statement announcing she would speak.

'Sharon McMahon is an original. She is a force of nature and a force for good. As a former history teacher, she understands that education can inform, inspire, and instigate courageous action,' Tuminez said.

She added that 'our graduates are very lucky to have her as commencement speaker!'

Utah Senator Mike Lee made a post furious at the university that was retweeted by Elon Musk

Kirk was allegedly shot by Robinson in the neck while he delivered a speech to students at Utah Valley University on September 10 last year

'I am deeply grateful for this honor from UVU, whose work reflects the very best of what education can do: expand opportunity, strengthen communities, and prepare people to serve the world around them,' McMahon said.

'It is a privilege to be recognized by an institution with that kind of impact.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to both McMahon and Utah Valley University for further comment.

Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at the university on September 10, 2025.

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old who did not attend the university, was arrested in connection with the shooting.

Robinson, 22, is facing capital murder charges and a potential death sentence for Kirk's murder
American boater Brian Hooker has been released by police after five days in custody in the Bahamas over his missing wife Lynette, who went overboard from their tiny dinghy in shark-infested waters.

His attorney Terrel Butler announced his release Monday night, just hours after the 58-year-old was grilled for a second time at Freeport police station on the island of Grand Bahama following his arrest on Wednesday.

'Great news everyone, Mr Brian Hooker has been released,' the attorney told reporters at the scene.

'I am happy to see that justice is really working in this country. They had no evidence and they had no choice but to release him,' she continued.

'It's unfortunate that they've had to exhaust the entire investigative period to come to the conclusion,' Butler added.

Cops had spent several hours quizzing Hooker over the events of April 4 when he and Lynette, 55, headed in the 8ft dinghy from dinner on the island of Elbow Key to their 50ft yacht Soulmate anchored little over a mile away.

He had told authorities Lynette was tipped overboard in high winds taking the kill-switch key which was attached to her, stopping the boats engine. He says he fought to reach her, but she was blown away from him.

The yachtsman said he then battled for nearly eight hours with one paddle to reach shore in Marsh Harbour on the neighboring island of Great Abaco, ditching his dinghy near a boat yard and seeking help there.

Brian Hooker, 58, has been released from jail following his wife, Lynette's disappearance

Hooker has claimed that Lynette, 55, was tossed from their 8ft dinghy into shark-infested waters as they headed from dinner on Elbow Cay to their moored 50ft sailboat Soulmate

FREE TO GO: First look at Brian Hooker released from Bahamas jail after wifes disappearance. pic.twitter.com/zaVbTTBu7u  Fox News US (@FoxUSNews) April 14, 2026

Hooker also told a friend in a phone call that the Soulmate was anchored at the south end of Aunt Pats Bay near Tahiti Beach on the island of Elbow Cay. Previously, locals had said it was moored at Parrot Cays.

In audio of the April 7 call obtained by CBS, he said of Lynette after they left the Abaco Inn to return to their yacht: 'She basically just bounced off the dinghy in the middle of a little blow, like 20-something knot winds that popped up.

We werent wearing life jackets. It was sundown, and the sun set like basically 10 minutes after she fell over.

The wind blew us apart so fast that I think, I think she tried to swim back to the sailboat, back to our sailboat which was probably, I dont know, 1,000 yards or something. But the waves were three foot.

I yelled to her that I lost an oar, and then I threw the anchor out, anchored the dinghy, and just, yeah, I yelled. I couldn't see her anymore because the moon had not risen yet.'

'By the time I got the anchor set, I was probably a quarter to a half a mile away from her, and I decided that I had to go get help. But I could not get to the island, so I paddled.

'And it was a cascade of failures, and it's something I'm never going to forgive myself for. We stayed to long, we left too dark, all kinds of s---. No life jackets. I f---ing threw the dinghy out last the anchor out last  instead of first. Can't really explain it, you know?

Throughout the investigation, revelations inside the boating couples turbulent 25-year marriage have emerged.

The Hookers from Onsted, Michigan, were four years into a voyage they were documenting on social media that had started in Texas and drifted to The Bahamas via Florida

The Hookers were traveling on their 50ft sailboat Soulmate, which has since been moored in a marina in Marsh Harbour

The Hookers from Onsted, Michigan, were four years into a voyage they were documenting on social media that had started in Texas and drifted to The Bahamas via Florida.

Serious signs of trouble were revealed in texts Lynette sent to friend Marnee Stephenson, a fellow boater, in January and February 2024 following a brief split with her husband.

'I guess it was too much closeness. We decided to call it quits. I'm not going back, she said in one obtained by CBS.

'Our marriage lasted six weeks cruising, she said in another to the friend, who meet the Hookers while sailing through Florida.

Stephenson at one point asked Lynette if there was chance of a reconciliation. It was real bad. I can't be out there with him, came the reply.

But late in February that year the couple did get back together after Lynette had stayed temporarily with her 76-year-old mother Darlene Hamlett.

Hamlett told reporter Ashleigh Banfield of a previous incident when they had been fighting after a drinking session.

She said Hooker had thrown Lynette on to a bench hurting her neck. The following day, the pair packed up Lynette's belongings and she left the boat and went home to Michigan.

'One of the conversations that they had while they were on the boat the next morning is he told her that he wished he had finished the job and thrown her overboard, she said.

When Banfield asked her if she thought it was all talk on Hooker's part, Hamlett responded: 'How could somebody think it was all talk when you're being choked?

Lynettes daughter Karli Aylesworth, 29,has also raised allegations of abuse, saying her mother confided that Hooker had choked her.

Hooker tied his dingy to a tree on a small sandy cove at an area called Calcutta just south of Marsh Harbour Boat Yard, roughly four miles from where Lynette went missing.

Throughout the investigation, revelations inside the boating couples turbulent 25-year marriage have emerged

Surveillance footage from Marsh Harbour Boat Yard on Great Abaco is being analyzed by Royal Bahamas Police as part of the investigation and has not been released.

The Daily Mail, however, has viewed it. Hooker, showing little signs of panic, is seen walking up to security fencing and raising his arms to attract attention. He calls out: 'Hello, I need help. Hello. Help me.'

Wearing a yellow 'dry bag' to keep items free from water damage on his hip, he also casually glances down at his watch at one point.

But at no time in the sections of footage seen by the Daily Mail does he cry out to immediately raise the alarm about Lynette.

The contents of the footage appears to chime with puzzling inconsistencies we have discovered with the husband's version of events  including possibly mysterious 'missing' hours.

He first appears in a ghostly silhouette walking in front of a line of sailboats on raised blocks at the far side of the yard. The video is timestamped at 3.35am.

Hooker is next picked up near the main security gate where he appears to be strolling almost casually.

When he calls out, he doesn't appear to be yelling. There is no apparent sign of panic, of desperation, of urgency or alarm for missing Lynette.

Hooker, of course, may have been exhausted.

Night security guard Edward Smith told the Daily Mail he found him in the yard, where he said he had used one paddle to battle his way to safety for nearly eight hours in heavy seas and high winds after his wife vanished.

He also said Hooker told him: 'We were drinking, we were drunk. I should have known better. I shouldnt have done it.'

Hooker's demeanor on the footage has raised eyebrows among several people in Marsh Harbour who have a close connection to the case, who have also seen the video and have talked to us.

'That's a very strange way for someone to behave when they've just seen their wife swept away to their almost certain death,' said one of them, a highly experienced local mariner.

'He seems casual, nothing frantic there at all, not much to suggest what has happened. And what about his wife? He doesn't seem to be raising any kind of alarm.'

'Also, I really don't understand the cowboy hat. He's been through such an ordeal and he has time, or even the thought, to put on that hat?

Another one raised a separate thought about the time a paddled dinghy would have taken to cross four miles with strong winds behind it

'The winds were up to 25 mph, which means that dinghy would be moving at least two to three miles an hour in the direction of Marsh Harbour, he told us.
Angus Taylor's new immigration policy matters not just because of what it proposes, but because of what it signals. This is the first major ideological marker of his leadership, and he has chosen to plant it on terrain long seen as politically potent and dangerous: immigration, national identity and social cohesion.

The opposition leader will unveil the details this evening in a speech to the Menzies Research Centre, but based on what we know so far the package includes expanded social media screening of visa applicants, a new values-based compliance framework, a 'safe country' list for some asylum claims, tougher action against overstayers and a return to temporary protection visas.

That makes this more than just another opposition announcement that comes and goes. It is an attempt to redraw the immigration argument.

Taylor is plainly trying to position the Coalition as the party willing to say that migration is not just about economics, but also about cultural fit. In doing so, he is moving into territory that Liberal leaders have usually approached with caution, especially at the federal level.

Historically, the obvious comparison is John Howard in 1988.

Howard then called for a slower rate of Asian immigration, triggering a backlash inside and outside of the Liberal Party.

Philip Ruddock later recalled crossing the floor on the issue, and Howard has since acknowledged that his stance on immigration helped cost him the leadership in 1989.

Taylor is testing a similar proposition, albeit in a different form, he hopes won't be shot down: that there is political reward in being more selective, more sceptical and more explicit about who fits and who does not.

PVO: Taylor is plainly trying to position the Coalition as the party willing to say that migration is not just about economics, but also about cultural fit

The difference is that Taylor is trying to build his case around 'Australian values' rather than race. The argument is that migrants from liberal democracies are more likely to align with the norms of a liberal democracy like ours than migrants from authoritarian states or illiberal political cultures.

That is a more defensible proposition in public debate than crude ethnic preferences, and Taylor knows it. He is trying to construct a cultural and political hierarchy rather than a racial one. But that does not remove the controversy. It merely relocates it. And what about the economic consequences of curtailing immigration of almost any sort?

Once a major party says immigration should be filtered through a values test, a series of hard questions immediately follows. Who defines those values?

How are they measured? Who applies the test? What does alignment actually mean in practice? Is it about attitudes to democracy, women, free speech and secular law? Or is it a looser proxy for country of origin, religion and worldview?

And if social media vetting becomes part of the machinery, how wide is the net cast and how subjective do those judgments become?

A policy minefield awaits the details, which is not to suggest it won't be popular.

Large parts of mainstream Australia are plainly more anxious about immigration than elite commentary often admits. Cost of living pressures, housing scarcity, strained infrastructure and broader unease about social fragmentation have changed the politics of migration substantially in recent years.

Polling and public debate have moved well beyond the old bipartisan comfort zone that assumed high migration was politically easy so long as it was framed as economically necessary. Taylor is trying to meet that shift head-on, and in a sense the politics of the move are easy to understand.

PVO: Angus Taylor's new immigration policy matters not just because of what it proposes, but because of what it signals

It may also work, at least in part. A policy that links migration to national cohesion, border integrity and pressure on housing will resonate in outer suburban, regional and working class seats where the Coalition has been leaking support to One Nation.

Taylor is trying to tell those voters that he sees what they see and is prepared to act on it. That is the point of the exercise. It's also why this policy was already well on its way to being released when Sussan Ley was still leader. Her team was trying to find a way of thwarting the rise of Pauline Hanson.

But there is an obvious strategic trade-off here. The harder Taylor leans into this territory, the harder he may make it for the Liberals to recover in teal-held metropolitan electorates. His shadow treasurer, Tim Wilson, might struggle to retain his seat once held by the teals.

Those seats were already difficult enough for a party squeezed between inner-city moderates on one side and populist discontent on the other. A values-based migration policy may help steady the drift to One Nation, but it is unlikely to make affluent urban moderates feel that the modern Liberal Party is returning to them.

Far from it.

That is the larger dilemma. The Liberal Party is no longer fighting on one front. It is trying to hold together voters who are drifting away from it for very different reasons. In that sense, Taylor's announcement is not just an immigration policy. It is a declaration about which side of that internal contest he thinks matters the most right now. He's going after voters drifting to One Nation; he'll worry about the teals later on.

There is another risk as well. If the policy ends up looking more symbolic than operational, it won't strengthen Taylor; it will expose him.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pictured at a press conference in Canberra on Monday

Values language can sound muscular in a speech, but unless it is anchored in workable law and administratively defensible rules, it can quickly look like politics masquerading as policy. And because this area touches on liberal democratic principles as well as border control, the standard of proof ought to be high.

Still, whatever one thinks of this policy set to be formally announced this evening, it should not be dismissed as fringe or theatrical. It is neither. It is a calculated response to a real shift in public sentiment, and to a real electoral threat from the right that Australia's mainstream conservative party can't just ignore.

The deeper question is whether Taylor can prosecute his argument without reducing it to a coded form of discrimination, and whether the Coalition can gain on one flank without further alienating the other.

That is the gamble he is choosing to take with his first foray into serious policy as the new opposition leader. Ironically, perhaps, he is doing so by simply dressing up a policy his predecessor was already working on.
Former Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has been accused of a malicious smear campaign against Ryan Meuleman, the former teenager now dubbed 'Bike Boy'.

Meuleman, now 27, is suing Andrews and his wife Catherine for defamation as part of a saga that began with the collision of his bicycle and the Andrews' vehicle in 2013.

On Tuesday, the Federal Court released Mr Meuleman's legal team's response, which slammed Andrews' defamation defence.

Andrews' lawyers had lodged the defence on the day it was due in February.

The former Premier has not been seen in public since late last year after reportedly suffering a suspected stroke.

In a 33-page document lodged with the court last week, Mr Meuleman's team accused the couple of publishing a knowingly false media statement to shut down scrutiny of the crash that left the then-teenager with life-changing injuries.

Mr Meuleman claimed the couple's media statement in September 2024 was not a legitimate reply to media criticism but a deliberate and malicious attack on his honesty and integrity that also sought to portray his claim as a conspiracy theory

The statement followed an article in Melbourne's Herald Sun which outlined former police assistant commissioner Dr Raymond Shuey's damning opinions of the police investigation into the 2013 crash.

Catherine and Dan Andrews are at the centre of a bitter legal battle over a 2013 crash

'This so-called report was commissioned by lawyers on behalf of their clients who are seeking money through the courts by suing their former lawyers,' the statement read.

'We are not a party to this legal action. We did nothing wrong. This matter has already been comprehensively and independently investigated and closed by Victoria Police and integrity agencies.

'We will not dignify these appalling conspiracy theories by commenting further at this time.'

Mr Meulemans lawyers argued the statement exceeded a mere defence of the Andrews version of events.

They told the court the Andrews had falsely implied Victoria Police and integrity agencies had 'comprehensively and independently investigated' the crash and cleared the couple of any wrongdoing, while labelling Mr Meulemans account as baseless conspiracy theories.

Further, Mr Meuleman's team claimed the couple made the statement knowing full well it was false and submitted they could not rely on a 'qualified privilege' defence to justify it.

'The Respondents malice may also be inferred from the gratuitous, disproportionate and excessive nature of the Joint Statement, which did not confine itself to contesting allegations ... or undermining the opinions expressed by Dr Shuey as reported in the Herald Sun,' Mr Meuleman's lawyers submitted.

'But instead took improper advantage of the occasion to tar the Applicant and anyone who considered there were legitimate concerns and questions remaining about the cause of the Collision and its investigation by the Police.'

Ryan Meuleman, also known as the 'Bike Boy', after he was allegedly hit by the Andrews vehicle

The court was provided a list of alleged facts supporting claims the Andrews knew, or ought to have known, at the time of the statement's publication because extensive details had been disclosed to them during Mr Meulemans earlier Supreme Court proceeding against his former lawyers, Slater and Gordon.

In 2024, Mr Meuleman settled with Slater and Gordon, alleging his former lawyers failed to properly investigate the crash and pressured him to take an $80,000 compensation settlement from the Transport Accident Commission and sign a non-disclosure agreement.

Mr Meuleman's team claimed the Andrews were aware of multiple serious flaws in the 2013 Victoria Police investigation into the crash.

Those alleged flaws include Victoria Police's failure to conduct preliminary breath tests on either Catherine or Dan Andrews.

The court was provided a series of 'facts' supposedly known by the Andrews before the statement was made.

Among them are claims Andrews SUV was moved from the scene by the former Premier before any forensic examination, and a failure by the attending officers to notify the Major Collision Investigation Unit.

Lawyers argued medical records and photographs of the damaged vehicle were consistent with Mr Meuleman's claims he was struck on his left side by a turning vehicle.

Andrews told media at the time their car had been 'T-boned' by the teenager.

Lawyers for Ryan Meuleman say these crash photos support his version of events

Dan Andrews claimed Ryan Meuleman 'T-boned' their vehicle, but his lawyers say the crash damage doesn't add up with that assertion

'The next thing we know, one of the most sickening, awful things that I have ever experienced happens,' Andrews said at the time.

'A young man on a bike ploughs into the side of the car.

'If hed been driving a car and not riding a bike you would accurately describe it as he T-boned our car that is how you would properly describe it.'

Mr Meuleman's lawyers argued Andrews' public statements were likely to cause serious harm to their client's reputation for honesty and integrity.

They further alleged parts of the defence were 'improper, unjustifiable and lacking in bona fides'.

Mr Meuleman's statement of claim alleges he offered to settle the defamation action in September for $50,000 in damages, $7000 in costs and a public apology after sending the couple a concerns notice.

However, Andrews' defence claims Mr Meuleman sent his first concerns notice in February 2025 and demanded $550,000.

The Andrews claim a group has assisted Meuleman in their fight, including by applying public and political pressure and causing reputational damage since 2022.

Victoria's Anti-Corruption Commission IBAC investigated the conduct of Victoria Police following the crash after the officers who responded to a Triple Zero call failed to breathalyse Catherine Andrews at the scene contrary to protocol, but cleared officers of any wrongdoing.
In the news release, Petlove leads the ESG agenda upon obtaining unprecedented B Corp certification in the Brazilian pet sector, issued 14-Apr-2026 by Petlove over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the first sentence of the first paragraph, should read "Petlove is the first company in the pet market in Brazil to receive B Corp certification" as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows:

Petlove leads the ESG agenda upon obtaining unprecedented B Corp certification in the Brazilian pet sector

With an investment of R$ 22 million, the company incorporates socio-environmental criteria into its management and anticipates a still-emerging trend in the segment

SAO PAULO, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Petlove is the first company in the pet market in Brazil to receive B Corp certification, an international seal for companies that combine financial performance with governance standards, social and environmental impact. This achievement consolidates a strategy initiated five years ago, when the ESG agenda began to steer the company's decisions and expansion.

To meet B Lab's criteria, the company invested BRL 22 million in socio-environmental initiatives, focusing on operational efficiency, packaging, renewable energy, and governance.

The certification comes at a time when the Brazilian pet market is maturing. In this scenario, Petlove uses ESG as a competitive advantage, connecting purpose to actions focused on pets, owners, and employees.

"The certification is an important recognition of a journey that has been built with consistency. More than just a seal, it reflects the care we strive to have for people, pets, and the impact we create as a company. It also shows that we are evolving in the way we do business, as responsibility, transparency, and impact are priorities within our company. The B Corp seal is not just a crucial step in our journey, but a reflection of what we believe in, what we have built so far, and what we envision for the future," says Talita Lacerda, CEO of the company.

Key highlights include the human capital policy: 100% of employees earn a living wage and participate in the All Partners Programme, through which all employees receive equity in the Company. Diversity is advancing, with women occupying 45% of leadership positions.

In the environmental field, the company monitors resources. The Distribution Centre in Itapeva (state of MG) has LEED certification, and the partnership with EuReciclo guarantees 100% offsetting of e-commerce packaging. Initiatives such as the Ecoa line of biodegradable carpets and bulk projects reinforce the reduction of plastic and the circular economy.

Governance has evolved, with ESG goals tied to leadership and a strengthening of compliance.

On the social front, the company supports animal shelters and NGOs, as well as initiatives such as the Petlove Doesn't Sell Movement and the Love that Cares project, which prepares rescued dogs for assisted therapies.

B Corp certification helps redefine growth standards with responsibility, impact, and purpose.

Contact Person:

Roberta Castro: +55 11 98528-5334

Gustavo Mattos: +55 21 99300-0765

Beatriz Santos: +55 11 98926-8717

SOURCE Petlove
Victoria Police are refusing to reveal if Dezi Freeman's body has been released to his family after he was shot dead by officers during a standoff last month.

Freeman, 56, was shot on March 30 by heavily armed officers during a siege at an off-grid compound in Victoria's northeast, seven months after he went on the run, having killed two police officers.

After an enormous police operation to find the fugitive, officers located Freeman in a converted shipping container, or a 'long caravan' as they called it, at Tholo Farm near Walwa, 188km northeast of Porepunkah, where he fled from last year.

Footage showed him wrapped in a blanket when he emerged from the shipping container, which appeared to be a makeshift campsite, before pulling a gun from underneath and fatally pointing it at police. He was hit by up to 27 bullets.

His body was then transported by police as part of the formal identification process.

However, when asked by the Daily Mail on Tuesday morning if Freeman's body had been returned to his family, a Victoria Police spokesperson bluntly answered: 'This information is not provided to media.'

Usually a body will be released to families within five to seven days, unless the coroner needs to do a more extensive investigation.

'The coroner will authorise the release of a deceased person as soon as they can,' the Coroners Court of Victoria's website states.

Dezi Freeman was shot by armed police during a standoff near Walwa last month

Victoria Police will not reveal if Freeman's body has been released to his family yet

Chief Commissioner Mike Bush declined to address questions suggesting a tip-off had prompted the operation

'Two things need to happen first: A funeral director applies for the release of the deceased [and] the coroner is satisfied all required examinations are complete for the investigation.'

It's understood St John Ambulance provides the Coroners Court with transport services in metropolitan areas and repatriation services to regional Victoria.

It's expected the coroner will look into the circumstances of the seven-month period Freeman was on the run, as well as the deaths of the two police officers and Freeman, in detail, to establish how they died and what could be done to prevent a similar incident happening.

As part of that process, a brief of evidence will be compiled, witnesses will be called to give evidence and the judicial official will also study the final moments of Freeman's life and the decision to shoot him.

Freeman's family, including his wife and eldest son, Koah, are grieving the loss of the cop killer.

'I am not here to defend my father's actions because I know what he did was wrong,' Koah, 21, wrote in an emotional Facebook post hours after his father's death.

'What I'm here about however is seeing so called 'friends' and people who I thought were nice people say some questionable things.

'I hope you all realise that I am looking at everything you are saying, and that you all realise how that is making me feel. I know you people all have thoughts to share about the situation that has been happening.'

He went missing on August 26 last year after he gunned down Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart

Freeman disappeared from Porepunkah on August 26 after he fatally gunned down Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson, 59, and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 34.

A third officer was seriously injured in the attack.

The officers were part of a team who'd gone to the sovereign citizen's property to serve a warrant over historic sex crime allegations.

Freeman, whose real name was Desmond Filby, was last seen armed with the dead cops' guns near his Rayner Track property, sparking the biggest search operation in Victoria Police history.

Police used cadaver dogs and drones to search more than 100 homes and properties around rocky terrain littered with caves and mineshafts, while the area was battered by blizzards, hail, damaging winds and bushfires.
A man has been charged with murder following an investigation into the 2017 death of Hayley McClenahan-Ernst in Sydney's west.

Police were called to a home on Derby Street, Kingswood on May 21, 2017 at about 12.15am, where 21-year-old Hayley was found unresponsive.

NSW Ambulance paramedics rendered assistance, but Hayley  who was pregnant and a mother of two - died at the scene.

The Daily Mail understands Max Spencer, 30, was arrested at a property at Bucca, north of Coffs Harbour just before 7.30am on Tuesday.

He was taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station and charged with murder.

Spencer faced bail division court on Tuesday afternoon and did not apply for bail.

His matter was adjourned to Penrith local court on June 12.

It comes after a 21-year-old man - known to Hayley - was charged at the time with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (DV) and was dealt with by the courts.

Hayley McClenahan-Ernst, 21, died at a Kingswood home in May 2017 - she was pregnant

Almost nine years later, Max Spencer, 30 has been charged with her murder

'The circumstances surrounding Hayley's death were deemed suspicious and extensive investigations were conducted under Strike Force Fielding,' NSW Police said in a statement.

'In 2025 a coronial inquest was suspended, and the matter was referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

'In October 2025, detectives attached to Nepean Police Command reviewed the matter and have continued to conduct inquiries.'

Footage released by NSW Police on Tuesday of Spencer's arrest showed him being led into the back of a police car, his hands cuffed in front of him.

Spencer, whose distinctive arm tattoos were on show, seemingly asked one of the arresting officers a question, to which she replied, 'I will talk to you about that when we get back there.'

After his short pockets were patted down by officers, Spencer was guided into the back of the car.

Last month, Ms McClenahan-Ernst's mother Lisa Ernst said her daughter was 'deeply loved' by her family.

'We have never stopped missing her smile, her infectious laugh, and the fierce love she had for her children,' Ms Ernst said. 'My grief over losing my daughter has only deepened with time, especially as I still have no answers about what happened to her.'
Donald Trump believes Pope Leo has 'probably learned' a lesson about politics after their latest feud while the President revealed the reason he deleted an image posted on social media that depicted him as Jesus Christ.

Trump told CBS News on Monday that he decided to unload on the American-born Pope after seeing a 60 Minutes segment that showcased the pontiff's disapproval of the Iran war and Trump's immigration agenda.

'He's wrong on the issues,' Trump said. 'I don't think he should be getting into politics. I think he probably learned that from this.'

Trump gave a blunt 'no' when asked if he had any plans to call Pope Leo and said he had 'no idea' if the pontiff would visit the United States while Trump is President.

'It's up to him, not up to me,' Trump said.

The President continued to assert that the AI image was meant to be of him as a doctor but said he was taken aback by the anger toward him from seemingly both sides of the aisle.

'I viewed that as a picture of me being a doctor in fixing  you had the Red Cross right there, you had, you know, medical people surrounding me,' he said.

'And I was like the doctor, you know, as a little fun playing the doctor and making people better. So that's what it was viewed as. That's what most people thought.'

Trump also said he believed the image was made by 'a very beautiful, talented artist' before revealing what led him to delete it.

Donald Trump believes Pope Leo XIV has 'probably learned' to stay away from politics and revealed why he took down the controversial AI image of himself resembling Jesus Christ

Trump revealed that the slam of the Chicago-born Pope Leo came after seeing a 60 Minutes segment that showcased his disapproval of the Iran War and Trump's immigration agenda

'Normally I don't like doing that, but I didn't want to have anybody be confused. People were confused,' he added.

The Pope said on Monday that he plans to continue speaking out against war, telling Reuters: 'I don't want to get into a debate with him.'

Speaking aboard the papal flight to Algiers, where Leo is starting a 10-day tour to four African countries, he added: 'I don't think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing.

'I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialog and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems.

'Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way.'

It comes amid a growing row between Trump and the head of the Catholic Church, who has in recent weeks condemned rhetoric coming out of the White House and called for peace in the Middle East.

In a fiery rant on Truth Social, Trump branded the pontiff 'WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy'.

He then sparked further controversy after posting an AI-generated image seemingly depicting himself as Jesus Christ, triggering backlash among his usual supporters and Catholics on social media.

The President again created a viral stir with a lengthy roast of the 'weak on crime' pontiff before posting the image that even had some supporters criticizing him

It came after the US President unleashed an attack on Pope Leo on social media, branding him 'WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy'

It came after the President claimed that Leo, 70, was only made Pope 'because he was an American', adding: 'If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican.'

In the AI-generated image posted on Truth Social, Trump appears dressed in red and white robes as he cures a man with his healing hand while the American flag waves in the background.

He had earlier told reporters on Sunday at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland: 'Im not a big fan of Pope Leo. Hes a very liberal person, and hes a man that doesnt believe in stopping crime.'

Trump also accused the leader of the Catholic Church, which has 1.4billion members, of 'toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon'.

He lashed out again at the pontiff on Sunday night, writing on Truth Social: 'I dont want a Pope who thinks its OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.

'I don't want a Pope who thinks it's terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a Country that was sending massive amounts of Drugs into the United States and, even worse, emptying their prisons, including murderers, drug dealers, and killers, into our Country.'

The President went deeper on his opposition to Pope Leo and the church's stance on several issues including COVID lockdowns.

'He talks about "fear" of the Trump Administration, but doesn't mention the FEAR that the Catholic Church, and all other Christian Organizations, had during COVID when they were arresting priests, ministers, and everybody else, for holding Church Services, even when going outside, and being ten and even twenty feet apart,' Trump wrote.

The Pope said on Monday that he plans to continue speaking out against war

The President then claimed that Pope Leo 'criticizes the President of the United States because I'm doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do.'

The outburst followed recent criticism from the Pope over the weekend about the actions of the US military in Iran.

On Saturday he told worshippers at St Peters Basilica: 'Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!'

Last week he criticized the President over his threats against the country, when he warned that 'a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again'.

The Pope called it a 'truly unacceptable' statement.

In the lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump said: 'Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise.

'He wasn't 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. If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican.'

Trump then condemned the Pope for his meeting with Barack Obama's campaign manager, David Axelrod, who the President called an 'Obama sympathiser' and 'a LOSER from the Left, who is one of those who wanted churchgoers and clerics to be arrested'.

The outburst followed recent criticism from the Pope over the weekend about the actions of the US military in Iran

He added: 'Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician. It's hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it's hurting the Catholic Church!'

Catholics on social media quickly lambasted Trump for attacking the leader of their Church, who they believe is the successor of St. Peter, one of Jesus' 12 apostles.

'There is no ambiguity about the situation now,' Massimo Faggioli, an expert on the papacy, told Reuters.

He compared the comments to efforts by the leaders of Germany and Italy during World War Two to draw the late Pope Pius XII to support their causes.

'Not even Hitler or Mussolini attacked the pope so directly and publicly,' said Faggioli.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, said he was disheartened by Trump's comments.

'Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls,' he said in a statement.

Bishop Robert Barron, who has led the Diocese of WinonaRochester in Southern Minnesota since 2022, said Trump's comments about the Pope were 'entirely inappropriate and disrespectful' and called on the President to issue an apology.

Iran exploited the chorus of condemnation, with President Masoud Pezeshkian writing on X: 'His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, I condemn the insult to Your Excellency on behalf of the great nation of Iran, and declare that the desecration of Jesus, the prophet of peace and brotherhood, is not acceptable to any free person.

'I wish you glory by Allah,' he said.

Trump eventually removed the AI image of him appearing to look like Jesus Christ on Monday afternoon.
An Aussie's trip to Japan turned into a nightmare on her final night after she was struck down with a life-threatening bacterial infection and fell into a three-day coma.

Anna Gallo, 24, became delirious and was sent to Tokyo's National Center for Global Health and Medicine on February 5, where doctors diagnosed her with a meningococcal B infection, which had escalated into meningitis and septic shock.

She was vaccinated against meningococcal disease when she was in school, but not the B strain, which is rare in Japan.

The Gold Coast woman said she remembered playing Mario Kart, having dinner with her boyfriend Liam McDonald and going to bed feeling fine before waking up freezing.

'I woke up in the middle of the night with my whole body aggressively shaking,' Ms Gallo said.

'I'd never shivered so much or felt so cold.'

She took a paracetamol suspecting she had a fever, but started vomiting a strange-looking substance before fainting in the bathroom.

'The colour of it was black, which was quite concerning,' she said.

A dream Japan trip has turned into a nightmare for a young Aussie after being struck down with meningitis and falling into a three-day coma during her final night overseas

'My whole body felt weak and fragile.'

The young Queensland couple, thinking it was just a case of food poisoning, decided to take their scheduled flight home when 'little red mosquito bite-looking' rashes spread all over Ms Gallo's body, causing intense pain.

It turned out to be meningitis and septic shock, which is when the body's response to infection causes organ failure.

Ms Gallo was placed on a ventilator and put in a medically induced coma, with Mr McDonald by her side the whole time.

'It was the worst few days of my life,' he said.

'The doctors told us that if we had waited even two more hours to get her to hospital, she wouldn't have made it.'

Mr McDonald kept Ms Gallo's parents updated as they booked flights to be with their daughter, and when they asked whether she would survive, her doctors weren't sure.

'The doctor told us her blood pressure was now dangerously low, she'd had a blood transfusion, and she needed to be intubated,' Ms Gallo's mother Ghis told the ABC.

'Little red mosquito bite' looking rashes spread all over Ms Gallo's body causing intense pain

Ms Gallo is now recovering at Gold Coast University Hospital

When they arrived, they were told Ms Gallo might not survive and even if she did, permanent brain damage was likely.

But she was 'she was sitting in bed with her eyes open and the tube was out' the following day.

Ms Gallo is now recovering at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) and said she couldn't have been looked after any better.

'All the doctors and nurses in Japan were incredible, but it was such a relief to be able to speak English again when I got back to Australia,' she said.

'The nurses at GCUH have been so lovely, kind and gentle.'

While Meningococcal C vaccines have been free in Queensland since 2003, and the A, C, W and Y vaccines free since 2017, the government only made the B vaccine free in 2024.

Although Ms Gallo wasn't vaccinated with the B strain, she encouraged others to do what she didn't.

'I'd encourage everyone to learn about the vaccinations available to protect them and their families, whether or not they're on the government schedule,' she said.

'And if you're planning to travel, make sure you research ahead and get immunised.'
A man whose wife vanished after the two had an argument in 2012 has been arrested for allegedly murdering a different woman 20 years earlier due to DNA evidence.

Robert William McCaffrey Jr., 54, was busted in Manteo, North Carolina, on Friday on charges of murder, kidnapping, and burglary in connection with the 1990 death of Lisa Marie McBride, according to police.

'Evidently, his DNA was found in the house and on her person, so that is wonderful,' Gayle McCaffrey's sister, Helen Banach, told The Post and Courier.

'It's horrible, but it's wonderful for her family. They can finally get some closure after 30-some-odd years.'

McCaffrey's wife, Gayle, went missing in March of 2012 and was eventually declared dead in 2018, according to Law & Crime. Her body has never been found.

Officials said that the night before Gayle went missing the couple 'had a verbal disagreement' at their home in South Carolina.

At the time, McCaffrey told officers that the fight was so heated he left the house and drove Upstate.

'Upon his return the next morning, Robert McCaffrey reported that his wife was missing and that she had left the family on her own accord  never to be heard from again,' reads a press release.

Lisa Marie McBride was murdered at her home in Vernon Township on June 23, around 2am in 1990. Her body was found four months later, on October 20, after a hunter stumbled upon her remains in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

Robert William McCaffrey Jr., 54, was arrested in Manteo, North Carolina , on Friday on charges of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and second-degree burglary in connection with the death of McBride

McCaffrey's wife, Gayle, went missing in March of 2012 and was declared dead in 2018. McCaffrey was charged with obstructing justice after determining he had lied to them about several elements of the investigation

McCaffrey had been charged with obstructing justice in connection with his wife's disappearance after cops determined he had lied to them about several elements of the investigation.

He fabricated a farewell letter supposedly from Gayle McCaffrey and was convicted before his release in 2023.

McCaffrey was arrested by a multistate task force on Friday for the alleged murder of McBride in New Jersey, where he is being extradited to, according to WCSC5.

McBride was last seen entering her home by neighbors in Vernon Township on June 23, around 2am in 1990.

She never showed up for work, prompting her concerned brother to check her house, where he then called the police.

Investigators discovered at McBride's home that there were signs of forced entry, along with a cut telephone line and damage to a window screen.

Additionally, all the sheets had been ripped off her bed.

Her body was found four months later, on October 20, after a hunter stumbled upon her remains in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

McCaffrey mugshot in 2014 after being charged with obstructing justice. Investigators found he fabricated a farewell letter by his wife

Her body was exhumed, and in 2022, new testing led to a breakthrough in identifying who may have been responsible for her death.

Authorities also informed McCaffrey's wife's family of some details of the case.

'They said the case against him is very strong,' Gayle McCaffrey's sister, Helen Banach, told The Post and Courier.

Sussex Prosecutor Daniel Perez credited the advancements in DNA technology and relentless investigative efforts for helping solve this case.

'Robert McCaffrey Jr.'s arrest marks a major breakthrough, bringing long-awaited progress toward justice for the family of Lisa Marie McBride,' noted Perez.

According to Law & Crime, officials have not announced when McCaffrey is expected to make his first court appearance.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney secured a majority government after special election wins Monday night, allowing his Liberals to pass legislation without the opposition party's support.

Of the 343 districts represented in Parliament, voters cast ballots for three vacant seats.

In Toronto, Liberal candidate Danielle Martin won the election for the district of University Rosedale, and Liberal Doly Begum won the district of Scarborough Southwest. The result for a Quebec district was expected later.

Following Monday's results, the Liberal Party could stay in power until 2029.

The Prime Minister won Canada's election last year, fueled by public anger over US President Donald Trump's annexation threats, and he has vowed to reduce Canada's reliance on the US.

Since then, five defections from opposition parties, including four from the main opposition Conservative party, put Carney's Liberals on the cusp of the majority.

One of those defectors cited Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as helping him make his decision. In that speech, Carney condemned economic coercion by great powers against smaller countries and received widespread praise for his remarks.

Carney, the former head of the Bank of England and Canada's central bank, has moved the Liberals to the center-right since replacing Justin Trudeau as prime minister in 2025.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney secured a majority government after special election wins Monday night

The Prime Minister won Canada's election last year, fueled by public anger over US President Donald Trump's annexation threats

Carney congratulated Martin and Begum in social media posts but did not comment on winning a majority.

'As of tonight, Mark Carney and our entire incredible Liberal team have earned an even more powerful mandate to continue building a better Canada,' Martin said.

Daniel Beland, a political-science professor at McGill University in Montreal, said the Liberals also had a shot at winning the Quebec seat.

Beland said the deterioration of Canada-US relations under the second Trump presidency has convinced many Canadians, including people who do not identify as Liberal, to rally behind the prime minister.

'Mark Carney entered the political arena about 15 months ago, but he is proving himself to be an astute politician,' Beland said.

'He remains popular nearly a year after leading his party to victory in late April 2025 and, with the help of a series of floor-crossings, he is now at the helm of a majority government that provides more stability and greater capacity to move forward with his economic and policy agenda.'

Join the discussion How do you think Mark Carney's majority will reshape Canada's relationship with the US?

Liberal candidate Danielle Martin won the election for the district of University Rosedale, and Liberal Doly Begum (Pictured with Carney) won the district of Scarborough Southwest

Carney speaks at the Liberal national convention in Montreal on April 11, 2026

The Liberal majority and the recent defections are another blow to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who lost the previous national election last year and even his own seat. He has since rejoined Parliament.

Poilievre won a party leadership review earlier this year but continues to struggle to control his lawmakers.

Poilievre said in a social media post Monday night that he 'will continue to lead that fight every day and in every way in Parliament, across the country and in the next election, when Canadians will reclaim the country, we know and love.'
A Venezuelan mother and her two young children were unable to self-deport for weeks due to a simple roadblock - paperwork.

Yelitza Perez, 29, was trying to avoid being forcefully deported by immigration authorities after her husband was sent back to Venezuela earlier this year.

She had tried multiple avenues, such as registering with the Customs and Border Protection app, which is meant to allow migrants to inform officials of their intention to leave the country voluntarily and offers a financial incentive of up to $3,000 to do so.

But Perez never received a concrete response or information about the best way to leave the country of her own volition, she told CBS News.

In March, she attempted to fly back to Venezuela through Miami International Airport, but she was denied boarding. She was told that she needed a Venezuelan government-issued 'safe pass,' which she did not have at the time.

The document is required for Venezuelans without a valid passport to fly out of the country. After realizing that she needed it, her husband helped her obtain one.

Perez had surrendered her passport when she crossed the southern border into the US five years ago.

Over the weekend, Perez returned to the airport with her one-year-old daughter, Ixchel, and her nine-year-old daughter, Paola. The family was able to board a flight back to their home country.

A Venezuelan mother and her two young daughters were unable to self-deport for weeks due to roadblocks with their paperwork. An ICE agent's protective vest is pictured

The mother, Yelitza Perez, 29, attempted to register with the CBP app, which is meant to allow undocumented migrants to inform officials of their intention to leave the country voluntarily. A migrant is pictured showing the app on his phone

'Thank you, God,' she said in a video she took while boarding the plane, which she sent to CBS News.

'I wasn't the only one there are many Venezuelans in limbo,' she told the outlet. Many Venezuelans like Perez surrendered their passports when they entered the US, which makes leaving the country voluntarily more challenging.

Perez and more than 600,000 other Venezuelans entered the US during the Biden administration. The majority were granted Temporary Protected Status due to humanitarian and economic crises under Maduro's regime.

The Trump administration has removed Maduro from power and cracked down on immigration, so many Venezuelans have been trying to return home, but they have been halted by bureaucratic red tape caused by rapid shifts in US policy.

The Department of Homeland Security has claimed that 1.9 million to 2.2 million undocumented immigrants have voluntarily self-deported. The financial incentive has been cited as part of what drove those numbers.

But independent analyses have said that the real number of migrants who have self-deported is far lower, citing the bureaucratic challenges that many who want to leave face.

Join the discussion Should paperwork roadblocks stop migrants willing to leave the US with government incentives?

Bureaucratic red tape caused by rapid shifts in US policy has made it difficult for many Venezuelans who entered the country under the Biden administration to self-deport. Federal agents are pictured arresting a man

Perez was able to fly back to Venezuela out of Miami International Airport over the weekend after she was able to acquire a Venezuelan government-issued 'safe pass'

The Center for Migration Studies determined that the actual number of self-deportees is likely closer to 200,000.

And an internal Department of Homeland Security file reviewed by CNN determined that just 72,000 undocumented immigrants have received stipends meant to encourage people to leave voluntarily.

The majority of those individuals were already in Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention according to the document, CNN reported.
Ben Roberts-Smith might be the only accused war criminal in an Australian jail but he has plenty of ex-servicemen - both fellow inmates and prison officers - for company behind bars.

Roberts-Smith has been held at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre (MRRC) within the Silverwater Correctional Centre in Sydney's west since his arrest eight days ago.

One of the first faces the Victoria Cross recipient saw at the maximum security prison was governor Pat Aboud, who was a soldier before he joined Corrective Services almost 40 years ago.

Mr Aboud met Roberts-Smith as he got off the truck from Mascot police station on April 7 and accompanied him through the reception process until he was placed in a cell.

The prison boss makes himself known to fresh high-profile inmates to ensure nothing happens to them without him knowing - and to make it clear they won't be getting any special treatment in his jail.

A prison source said Roberts-Smith had been 'cool, calm and collected' when he arrived at the MRRC and spent his first week in a cell on his own.

'I would think he'd be afforded quite a bit of respect from staff,' the source said.

'There's an element of both inmates and staff that are former service people.

Ben Roberts-Smith might be the only accused war criminal in an Australian jail but he has plenty of ex-servicemen - both fellow inmates and prison officers - for company behind bars

Roberts-Smith is being housed in one of the Darcy pods at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater in Sydney's west. An inmate in the Darcy unit is pictured

'Inmates would be split. Some of them will respect him and there'll be other pockets who (probably won't).

'There's also obviously an element of Muslim inmates who might not care for him much. But is it big enough to give him a target on his back? Maybe not.'

Retired jail governor John Heffernan said if Roberts-Smith's wartime service was acknowledged by the military veterans among his custodians, that recognition would go both ways.

'I would imagine both BRS and ex-service personnel would have the utmost respect for each other,' Mr Heffernan said. 'I would see a few salutes happening.'

Roberts-Smith is being housed in an older section of the jail known as the Darcy pods and, though he is designated a protection inmate, can mix with other prisoners in a communal area.

'Protection doesn't mean what people think of as segregation or solitary confinement or anything along those lines,' the source said.

Roberts-Smith is physically imposing at 202cm tall, and the 47-year-old has so far not encountered any other inmates wanting to take him on.

'Even if you weren't keen on him I don't know that anyone would have the balls to jump in,' the prison source said. 'Given that he's probably quite decent in terms of what he can do as well.

Roberts-Smith (pictured with partner Sarah Matulin) was met when he arrived at the MRRC by governor Pat Aboud, who was a soldier before the joined Correction Services

A prison source said Roberts-Smith had been 'cool, calm and collected' when he arrived at the MRRC and had spent his first week in a cell on his own. Darcy unit at the MRRC is pictured

'He's such a big dude I think people would be giving him a wide berth no matter where you put him, let's be honest.'

A Corrective Services NSW spokeswoman said the department did not comment on an individual's circumstances in custody.

Roberts-Smith is charged with five counts of 'war crime - murder' allegedly committed between 2009 and 2012 while serving with the Special Air Service in Afghanistan.

He was arrested after a five-year joint investigation by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Office of the Special Investigator (OSI).

Roberts-Smith is accused of shooting dead an unarmed Afghan, murdering another alongside an SAS comrade and ordering the execution of three more.

The Daily Mail revealed last Wednesday that Roberts-Smith had offered to present himself to police if they were going to charge him with war crimes.

Instead, he was apprehended in front of his twin 15-year-old daughters and partner Sarah Matulin as he arrived on a Qantas flight from Brisbane at Sydney Airport.

Roberts-Smith's arrest came almost three years after he lost a defamation action against Nine newspapers, which published a series of reports in 2018 accusing him of war crimes.

Roberts-Smith was arrested on April 7 in front of his twin 15-year-old daughters and partner Sarah Matulin as he arrived on a Qantas flight from Brisbane at Sydney Airport

All the charges against Roberts-Smith carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. He has always denied unlawfully killing anyone.

Two of the five men Australia's most decorated living soldier is accused of murdering have never been identified by war crimes investigators.

Court documents show one of his alleged victims is described only as 'Person Under Control 1', or alternatively 'Enemy Killed in Action 3'.

Roberts-Smith is accused of murdering that Afghan male with another SAS soldier dubbed 'Person 68' at Syahchow in Uruzgan Province on October 20, 2012.

Another alleged victim who is only known to authorities as 'Person Under Control 2' or 'Enemy Killed in Action 4' was killed on the same day in the same place.

Roberts-Smith is accused in a court attendance notice of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring an SAS rookie dubbed 'Person 66' to murder 'Person Under Control 2'.

In the context of Australia's war in Afghanistan, a person under control - or PUC (pronounced puck) - generally refers to a fighting-age male taken into custody after a military engagement.

A legal source close to that civil case confirmed the AFP and the OSI still did not know Person Under Control 1 and Person Under Control 2's names.

Roberts-Smith (above) is accused of shooting dead an unarmed Afghan, murdering another alongside an SAS comrade and ordering the execution of three more

'They have never been identified,' the source said.

'All they have are photos of dead male Afghans taken by our guys at the end of a mission.

'They are not crime scene evidence but are now being repurposed in a criminal case.'

The source said such photographs were taken to identify individuals killed in action, to assess whether they were high-level targets and to record any weapons that had been located.

'They aren't identified in the sense we use the word,' the source said. 'It's not like they had ID on them.

'I should add the 'identification' of these individuals even with a name is sketchy at best.

'It usually involves an Afghan saying, 'You killed my relative, pay me money' - which then occurs.'

Three of Roberts-Smith's alleged victims are named in his court attendance notices, while two other former comrades have been identified as killing detainees but are not charged with any offence.

Roberts-Smith is designated a protection inmate can mix with other prisoners in a communal area. One of the Darcy pods at the MRRC is pictured

Roberts-Smith is accused of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring Person 4 to kill Mohammed Essa on April 12, 2009 at Kakarak in Uruzgan Province.

He is also accused of intentionally causing the death of 'a person identified as Ahmadullah' at Kakarak on the same day.

Mohammed Essa was the father of Ahmadullah, whose prosthetic leg was taken as a trophy after he was killed, and later used as a drinking vessel at the SAS's Tarin Kowt base.

Roberts-Smith is further charged with aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring Person 11 to kill Ali Jan at Darwan in Uruzgan Province on September 11, 2012.

Ali Jan was the shepherd Nine newspapers claimed Roberts-Smith kicked off a cliff before ordering his execution.

Each of the alleged victims is described in the charge sheets as 'not taking an active part in hostilities' when they died.

OSI director of investigations Ross Barnett said during a press conference on the day of Roberts-Smith's arrest that prosecuting war crimes allegedly committed in Afghanistan was 'incredibly complex'.

Mr Barnett said the OSI had been investigating 'literally dozens of murders alleged to have been committed in the middle of a warzone, in a country 9,000km from Australia that we can no longer access'.

'So, the challenge for investigators is - because we can't go to that country - we don't have access to the crime scene... ' he said.

'So we don't have photographs, site plans, measurements, the recovery of projectiles, blood-spatter analysis, all of those things we'd normally get at a crime scene.

'We don't have access to the deceased - there's no post-mortem, therefore there's no official cause of death, there's no recovery of projectiles to link to weapons that might have been carried by members of the ADF.'

Roberts-Smith, who as well as holding a Victoria Cross earned a Medal for Gallantry in Afghanistan, will apply for bail in the Downing Centre Local Court on Friday.
Meghan Markle opted for a designer outfit with a dazzling array of jewellery as she served up lunch to homeless women at a shelter in Melbourne on Tuesday, during the first day of her quasi-royal tour of Australia.

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, looked typically stylish in a $1,250 navy dress from local designer Karen Gee, which she paired with Dior's $1,000 'Dioressence' pointed-toe pumps. She debuted the chic heels in 2023.

Adding a touch of glitz to her ensemble while at McAuley homeless centre in the city's inner-west, Meghan sported yellow gold Puffy Heart earrings by Australian Real Fine Studio, costing $1,118 and a Tiffany gold bracelet.

She completed her dazzling look with a gold Cartier Tank Francaise watch, thought to have belonged to Prince Harry's mother, the late Princess Diana. The timepiece sells for $48,000 new, though Meghan's would likely be priceless.

Meghan - who wore a smattering of glamorous makeup and kept her locks in a slicked ponytail - protected her designer outfit with a striped apron as she was photographed serving food to residents during her solo outing to the shelter.

Earlier, Harry and his wife had touched down at Melbourne's Tullamarine Airport shortly after 6.30am. They flew in from Los Angeles on a Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner and sat together in business class (the aircraft didn't offer first class).

According to other passengers, the couple breezed through arrivals looking relaxed and refreshed despite the 15-hour flight.

After a brief stop at their city centre hotel, they arrived on schedule at Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne on the stroke of midday, where they were greeted by a large crowd of well-wishers.

Meghan Markle opted for a designer outfit with a dazzling array of jewellery as she served up lunch to homeless women at a shelter in Melbourne on Tuesday, during the first day of her quasi-royal tour of Australia

The Duchess' outfit for the first day of her tour was worth about $52,000

Her 'puffy heart' earrings are worth more than $1,000 and were among the cheapest items worn as the pair visited a hospital and veterans' charity

Harry wore a navy blue suit with an open-necked white shirt for the occasion, while Meghan showcased her designer look.

For her outfit today, the Duchess also wore her wedding ring and another unidentified bejewelled ring on her right hand for a look worth around $50,000 in total.

Once at the shelter, Meghan warmly greeted the residents and served up zucchini slice for lunch.

The Duchess has previously attended women's homeless facilities in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Bristol, and Dusseldorf during the 2023 Invictus Games.

It's understood that Meghan handpicked the McAuley facility for a visit.

'It's very lovely to have attention on the whole issue of homelessness and family violence and she will bring that attention to this facility, so that's good,' McAuley CEO Jocelyn Bignold told reporters.

'The women are excited to see and meet her. They're also a little bit nervous.'

She added that some residents were aware of Meghan's lifestyle show As Ever and looked forward to cooking with her in the centre's kitchen.

Her watch appeared to be a gold Cartier Tank Francaise, understood to have belonged to the late Princess Diana, Meghan's mother-in-law

The Karen Gee dress in ink navy retails at $1,250

For her final appearance of the day, Meghan had a late afternoon wardrobe change.

She paired a long skirt with a beige top and toffee suede jacket - matching her husband's khaki shirt - paired with simple diamond studs to meet the families of veterans at the Australian National Veterans Art Museum.

The couple stepped out of a grey Range Rover at 3.30pm on the dot, punctual as they had been through every planned event and waving to gathered onlookers.

The crowds have been small during the first day of the Sussexes' visit, in comparison to the rapturous response in 2018 during their royal tour.

However, people waiting to catch a glimpse of the couple have been friendly, displaying genuine affection for Harry who they say is more like Aussies than the other royals and a 'great bloke'.

Asked if the couple had anything to say to the Australian public while entering the museum, Harry could be heard telling a reporter: 'Thanks for having us back.'

People waiting to catch a glimpse of the couple have been friendly

Meghan (pictured at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne) sported Aussie designers in Karen Gee's Priscilla dress and 14k yellow gold Puffy Heart earrings by Real Fine Studio

Crowds have displayed genuine affection for Harry, who they say is more like Aussies than the other royals and a 'great bloke'

The couple changed outfits and stepped out in matching khaki and beige ensembles before meeting the families of veterans at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum in Melbourne

Join the discussion What message do you think Meghan's designer outfits send when meeting women facing homelessness?

Harry and Meghan's four-day Australian tour is much more low-key than in 2018, when the then-newlyweds embarked on a 16-day tour of the Pacific.

Seven years on, the couple have retained their titles but are no longer working members of the royal family.

The couple will use the privately-funded tour to visit groups that share their values or that they have long supported with a focus on mental health, community resilience and support for veterans and their families.

On Wednesday, Prince Harry will head to Whitten Oval, the headquarters of AFL club the Western Bulldogs, for a Movember event.

He will then travel to Canberra to visit the Australian War Memorial, meet Indigenous veterans, attend an Invictus Australia reception and participate in the daily Last Post Ceremony.

Harry will return to Melbourne to join Meghan for a guided cultural walk and visit a mental health charity, before he gives the keynote speech at the InterEdge Summit.

After arriving in Sydney, the Duke and Duchess are set to sail around the city's famous harbour with Invictus Australia and attend the Super Rugby Pacific clash between NSW Waratahs and Moana Pasifika.

Meghan is the special guest of a three-day luxury women's retreat in Sydney, where tickets start from $2699.
A woman died mid-air on a Qantas flight from the United States to New Zealand overnight.

Police in Auckland were called to attend the 'sudden death' of a woman after the flight from New York landed.

Inquiries into the woman's death are underway on behalf of the coroner.

Qantas confirmed to local outlet Stuff that a passenger died during the 17-hour flight.

'Urgent assistance was provided by crew and doctors onboard but sadly they passed away,' a spokesperson said.

'In line with standard procedure, emergency services met the aircraft as part of the response.'

Daily Mail has contacted Qantas for further comment.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Earth Day, fine wedding jewelry brand She Said Yes today announced the launch of its " Earth Love " limited-edition collection in partnership with Global Green. The collaboration introduces a new standard for sustainable bridal jewelry, crafted with a "zero mining, fully recycled" approach that redefines how modern couples can celebrate love while protecting the planet.

Rooted in a shared mission that love and environmental responsibility can coexist, the Earth Love collection ensures that every purchase contributes directly to climate action. A portion of proceeds from each piece sold will support Global Green's climate park initiativean environmental program focused on restoring ecosystems, advancing climate resilience, and educating communities. This partnership aligns consumer purchase power with measurable environmental impact, offering couples a meaningful way to give back through one of life's most significant milestones.

At the core of the collection is a commitment to sustainability without compromising design. Each piece is crafted using 100% recycled karat gold and carbon-neutral lab-grown diamonds, eliminating the need for new mining while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The collection maintains She Said Yes' signature romantic aesthetictimeless silhouettes, refined settings, and elegant craftsmanshipwhile integrating environmentally responsible materials that meet the values of today's conscious consumer.

To further amplify its Earth Day initiative, She Said Yes will launch a dedicated Earth Love digital experience on its website, featuring a limited-time 15% exclusive offer alongside interactive engagement opportunities. Visitors can participate in keyword-driven activities and a special Earth Day lucky draw, creating a dual-impact experience where both purchase and participation contribute to environmental awareness and action.

"Partnering with Global Green allows us to extend the meaning of our jewelry beyond the moment of 'yes,'" said a spokesperson for She Said Yes. "This collaboration is rooted in a shared belief that love and environmental responsibility can coexist. With the Earth Love collection, every piece represents not only a commitment between two people, but also a commitment to the planettransforming each purchase into tangible support for Global Green's climate initiatives and a more sustainable future."

"Partnerships like this demonstrate how industries can evolve to meet the urgency of our climate reality," said William Bridge. "By rethinking materials and committing to responsible sourcing, She Said Yes is helping to shift the narrativeproving that celebration and sustainability can go hand in hand. Every purchase in the Earth Love collection becomes a meaningful investment in our planet's future, supporting critical initiatives like our climate park projects that are designed to restore ecosystems and inspire lasting environmental change."

Consumers are invited to explore the Earth Love collection and participate in She Said Yes' Earth Day experience by visiting the brand's official website. As sustainability becomes increasingly central to modern weddings, She Said Yes and Global Green are setting a new precedentwhere beauty, meaning, and environmental responsibility are seamlessly intertwined.

To view the collection visit:

https://shesaidyes.cc/91sgd

https://shesaidyes.cc/91sge

https://shesaidyes.cc/91sgf

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About She Said Yes

She Said Yes is a modern fine jewelry brand redefining luxury through laboratory-grown diamonds and gemstones, ethical craftsmanship, and timeless romantic design. Specializing in engagement rings, wedding bands, and fashion jewelry, the brand blends advanced technology with emotional storytelling to create jewelry that celebrates lovebeautifully and responsibly.

Visit https://www.shesaidyes.com/

About Global Green

Global Green is a leading environmental organization dedicated to creating a sustainable and resilient future through climate solutions, community engagement, and ecological restoration initiatives worldwide.

Visit https://globalgreen.org/

Media Contact:

Amy Cunha

Big Picture PR

(415) 350-3154

[email protected]

SOURCE She Said Yes
Eleven Metropolitan Police officers are being probed over their handling of a road crash that killed two schoolgirls - including 'whether their treatment of those affected was influenced by their race'.

Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight, died when a Land Rover Defender smashed through a fence into their Wimbledon primary school in July 2023.

Claire Freemantle, the 48-year-old driver of the vehicle, never faced a charge from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after saying she suffered an undiagnosed epileptic seizure - and had no recollection of the crash.

However the investigation was re-opened and she was re-arrested in January 2025.

Four serving police officers and one former detective constable are now under probe for possible gross misconduct over their handling of an investigation into the collision.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said its inquiry will examine allegations that officers 'provided false and misleading information to those affected'.

It is also investigating whether 'officers' treatment of those affected was influenced by their race'. The IOPC announced previously it was 'unconvinced that the investigation was conducted thoroughly'.

The ranks of the four serving officers under investigation are commander, detective chief inspector, detective sergeant and detective constable. Two detective constables are also being investigated at misconduct level.

Nuria and Selena had been enjoying an end-of-the-year tea party at their Study Prep school when the Land Rover veered off-road on July 6, 2023.

Ms Freemantle, who expressed her 'deepest sorrow', was arrested on the day of the incident but prosecutors later decided not to bring criminal charges.

Selena Lau, eight, was one of two little girls killed in the crash at Wimbledon Prep School in July 2023

Nuria Sajjad, eight, also died from her injuries after the car crashed through a fence at the school

However the Met reopened its investigation into the crash in October 2024 following an internal review, with Ms Freemantle re-arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. She was most recently interviewed by police in July 2025.

The CPS confirmed it has received a full file of evidence from the Met and sought legal advice last week, though further factors need to be considered before a decision is made on whether a charge can be brought.

Prosecutors wrote to the victims' families on Friday to say they expected to be able to announce whether or not they had reached a charging decision by the end of April. The families are due to meet with the CPS on Tuesday for an update.

The Met said it supports an independent investigation into the fatal collision.

In an interview with the BBC, Nuria's parents - Smera Chohan and Sajjad Butt - said the Met had 'failed them'.

Ms Chohan said: 'I hope the IOPC will cover that. I really want to understand why I have been treated so cruelly, unfairly and in an inhumane way.

'I would like the keepers of law, of the system, to come and tell me. I am not asking for any favouritism, any leeway or any sympathy.

'I'm just saying, "do it right". It's been left hanging for three years and that isn't right'.

Ms Chohan is facing a fifth surgery on her legs after suffering injuries in the same crash which killed her daughter.

Mr Butt said he and his family have 'not been protected' and 'left out in the cold' by the police force.

The families of both Nuria and Selena said their lives have been 'irreparably shattered' in a statement released on Tuesday.

Specialist officers are pictured at the scene of the incident, which took place during an end-of -year party

It read: 'The past 33 months have been incredibly difficult for everyone affected including those who lost family, were seriously injured or witnessed the horrific incident, and we are still trying to come to terms with what happened on that fateful day.

'We have always maintained that the initial investigation was flawed. When the Crown Prosecution Service took the decision for no further action against the driver on the 26th of June 2024, we asserted that the original investigation was poor, and we were unconvinced that the investigation was conducted thoroughly.

'We are encouraged that the Independent Office of Police Conduct have opened an inquiry. We have always sought the truth, and will continue to champion the pursuit of complete clarity on the events of that devastating day and subsequent actions taken by the Metropolitan Police. The truth must come to light.'

IOPC director Amanda Rowe said of its investigation: 'We are investigating complaints made against 11 Met Police officers over their handling of the initial investigation into the road traffic incident, in which the two children sadly died and multiple other people were injured at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon.

'The complaints relate to concerns about the standard of the investigation, including its management and direction, the conduct of the investigation team, and their engagement with the victims.

'We are also investigating allegations that Met officers provided false and misleading information to those affected and whether the officers' treatment of those affected was influenced by their race.

'We have now served notices advising four serving officers, whose ranks are commander, detective chief inspector, detective sergeant and detective constable, and a former detective inspector, that their conduct is being investigated at the level of gross misconduct.

'Two detective constables are being investigated at misconduct level. Our investigation is ongoing and should any further conduct issues be identified then officers will be served notices.

'All officers served notices will be interviewed in due course. The serving of notices does not mean that proceedings will necessarily follow.'

A statement from the Crown Prosecution Service read: 'After careful consideration of all the evidence and material provided by the police as part of this reinvestigation, and upon receipt of advice from counsel on 7 April, we have concluded that there are some further factors we must consider before a decision on charge can be reached.

'We appreciate the ongoing distress any delay may cause and are committed to making a final decision as soon as possible.

'Our thoughts remain with the families of Nuria and Selena and all those impacted by this tragic incident.'

The Met Police confirmed it is fully in support of the investigation.

Commander Charmain Brenyah, who leads the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: 'Our thoughts remain with Nuria and Selena's families, as well as everyone who has been impacted by this terrible tragedy. We understand this prolonged process has compounded their grief and suffering.

'It is right that our initial handling of this incident be independently scrutinised, and we will provide every assistance to the IOPC as their investigation continues.'
President Donald Trump lashed out at Pope Leo over his remarks opposing the war in Iran in a late-night post to his Truth Social page on Tuesday.

Pope Leo XIV has been vocally critical of the joint US-Israeli strikes in Iran, prompting the president to hit back and suggest that the US-born pontiff stay out of politics - a message he doubled down on in his post.

'Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a Nuclear Bomb is absolutely unacceptable,' Trump wrote on his social media platform Tuesday night.

His repudiation of the pope came as the US military announced that a military blockade of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway has been 'fully implemented,' leaving trade coming into and out of Iran 'completely halted,' officials said Tuesday night.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, made the announcement on X amid reports that a Chinese tanker and another vessel were forced to make U-turns after passing through the Strait, through which one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes.

Oil tanker Rich Starry is owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd. and became a target for US sanctions because it was used to transport Iranian crude.

After circling the area late on Monday and initially turning back, the 600ft long vessel passed through the waterway on Tuesday.

It then turned around and headed back to the Gulf at 11am UTC.

Rich Starry is a medium-range tanker that is carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol, according to the data. It loaded the cargo at its last port of call, the UAE's Hamriyah, the data showed.

Meanwhile, the Iran-linked Christianna carried out a similar route, passing through the Strait of Hormuz before turning around just before 4pm in the UK.

But US officials are now said to be gearing up for a second round of peace talks with their Iranian counterparts in Pakistan, with Vice President JD Vance reportedly set to lead the negotiations once again.

The vice president had met with Iranian officials over the weekend to iron out a peace deal amid a two-week ceasefire agreed to by both sides, but the negotiations ended without any deal after the Iranians pushed for the right to enrich uranium for 20 years, President Donald Trump has said.

Still, Vance has been engaging with Iranians and their intermediaries - along with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner - since the negotiations failed on Saturday, CNN reports.
An Indian man was arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger on an international flight.

The 52-year-old faced Perth Magistrates Court on Tuesday after allegedly assaulting the woman sat next to him during a flight from Singapore to Perth on Monday.

The distraught woman sought help from airline staff, who moved her to a different seat and monitored the man for the remainder of the flight.

Australian Federal Police officers met the plane on its arrival at Perth Airport and escorted the 52-year-old from the aircraft for questioning.

The AFP and WA Police Sex Assault Squad are jointly investigating the alleged incident.

The Indian national was charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent and three counts of an act of indecency without consent.

The first charge carries a maximum sentence of 12 years behind bars while the latter has a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment.

AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said the AFP had a zero tolerance for criminal behaviour on aircrafts or within Australian airports.

A woman raised the alarm on a flight from Singapore after she was allegedly assaulted (stock)

A 52-year-old Indian national was arrested at Perth Airport (above)

'Every passenger has the right to feel safe when travelling, especially when confined in an aircraft close to other passengers,' he said.

'Anyone subjected to unwanted contact is encouraged to alert the authorities, be it airline staff, the AFP or airport security, as soon as it is safely possible to do so.

'No act of indecency on an aircraft or at an airport is appropriate, and any travellers who break the law will be dealt with swiftly.'
Greek police have been hiring migrants to stop other foreigners from entering the country, a new investigation has reported.

Internal police documents analysed by the BBC are said to show how guards have been ordered to recruit migrants by senior officers to push back incoming migrants at the Greece-Turkey land border since 2020.

The investigation also revealed allegations of violence, with witnesses reporting migrants being stripped, robbed, beaten and even sexually assaulted.

The so-called mercenaries, who come from countries such as Pakistan, Syria and Afghanistan, are rewarded with cash and mobile devices looted from other migrants, as well as documents that will eventually allow them passage through Greece, claims suggest.

Forcing migrants and asylum seekers back across international borders without due process is generally considered illegal under international law.

But evidence gathered by the BBC allegedly shows migrants being mistreated at the border by other migrants before being pushed back towards Turkey.

The broadcaster analysed a video from June 2023 that purportedly shows a group of migrants, who had just crossed into the Evros region, being attacked by masked men.

Other documents analysed by the broadcaster revealed how a border guard told a disciplinary hearing they had information that mercenaries had been raping female migrants.

Greek police have been hiring migrants to stop other foreigners from entering the country, according to an investigation. Pictured: Police border guards patrol along a border wall near the town of Feres, along the Evros River, which forms the frontier between Greece and Turkey on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022

A migrant throws a stone as others gather at a border fence on the Turkish side during clashes with the Greek riot police and army at the Turkish-Greek border

Claims suggest that mercenaries and police carry out searches on incoming migrants. Pictured: Greek policemen check detained migrants at a border police station in the village of Neo Cheimonio, Evros region, at the Greek-Turkish border on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

Meanwhile, two migrants and an ex-mercenary told the BBC about how they saw extreme violence by both mercenaries and Greek police, including people being violently beaten until they went unconscious.

Separately, a female migrant, who was forced back to Turkey, claimed that two masked men demanded she hand over her phone before she was driven to the border in a van.

She says a man then took off her daughter's nappy in the hunt for valuables, leaving her child screaming in fear.'

She also described how she saw a young man being beaten unconscious by masked men.

Another migrant told the BBC how he was among dozens of migrants who were loaded into a truck to be transported back out of Greece, describing how people were left suffocating and unable to breathe.

They were then handed to a group of mercenaries who strip-searched them and then loaded them into dinghies halfway across the river, before pushing migrants into the river Evros.

The BBC also met a lawyer who had lodged a case at the European Court of Human Rights, on behalf of an Afghan woman who alleges she was raped by a masked man who spoke Farsi, just before a pushback in 2023.

A separate report by the Fundamental Rights Office, an independent investigator within Frontex, found that in one instance, between 10 and 20 'third-country nationals' had been acting under the instruction of Greek officers.

It also said they had subjected the migrants to physical and verbal abuse, including 'death and rape threats, intrusive and sexualised body searches,' as well as beating, stabbing and theft.

The report said that the migrants were then forcibly transported back to Turkey, in violation of EU human rights law.

The Greek authorities, however, have denied that any migrants from this group were found in the area on that day.

A group of migrants using a small boat attempts to cross the Meric (Evros) River to enter Greek territory, at the Turkish-Greek border

Greek Army soldiers detain a group of migrants that crossed from Turkey to Greece, near the village of Protoklisi, in the region of Evros, Greece, March 10, 2020

A police source also claimed that mercenaries were being used to push back as many people as possible, saying: 'There is no soldier, police officer or Frontex (EU border agency) officer serving here in Evros who does not know that pushbacks are taking place.'

Greece's Prime Minister told the BBC he was 'totally unaware' of the allegations that migrants were used for pushbacks.

Located on the southeastern fringe of Europe, Greece for decades has been on of the main entry points into the EU for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Tens of thousands make it into the country each year, the vast majority on dangerous sea journeys either from the Turkish coast to nearby Greek islands in the Aegean, or making the much longer Mediterranean crossing from North Africa to the southern Greek islands of Gavdos and Crete.

Athens has taken an increasingly hard line in dealing with migration.

Earlier this year, Greece began working with four other European countries to set up deportation centres in third countries, most likely in Africa, for migrants whose asylum applications are rejected.

Greece's migration minister Thanos Plevris said the government was working with Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark for the creation of so-called return hubs, 'preferably in Africa.'

Greek security forces use tear gas to disperse asylum seekers in the region between the Kastanies and the Pazarkule border gates on March 08, 2020

Ministers from the five countries had already met to discuss the issue, and technical teams would be meeting next week, he said.

'We are not speaking theoretically any more, we are speaking practically,' Plevris said.

He didn't specify which countries were being considered to host the return hubs, and said the choice of the African continent was 'not binding.'

It was the larger European countries that were speaking directly with the countries where the return hubs could be located, 'but we are participating too,' he added.

The use of return hubs would be for people whose asylum applications are rejected and whose countries of origin will not take them back, the minister explained.

He said their existence would act as a deterrent to prospective migrants who are unlikely to be granted asylum.

The minister said the aim was for an initial plan to be in place in the next few months, although it wasn't clear when any such return centres could be up and running.
A man accused of 13 counts of attempted murder including 11 on two trains will be fit to plead, a court heard today.

Anthony Williams, 32, was psychotic and had been transferred to a psychiatric intensive unit, a hearing was told in February.

Cambridgeshire Crown Court was told today that he was now in a position to enter pleas at a later date but that the trial date would have to be delayed while other psychiatric assessments are carried out.

The case had been due to go before a jury on June 22 but it will now not start until towards the end of the year.

Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC told the short hearing at Cambridge Crown Court: Further reports are now needed to deal with other issues to do with Mr Williams mental health

Both parties form the clear view that the trial date of June 22 is no longer viable.

We invite the court to break the trial date and refix that trial date.

The Crowns own psychiatrist would need to produce a report, he added.

Graham Arnold, for the defendant, said the further analysis needed of his client was not just the psychiatric history.

Anthony Williams, 32, has appeared in court accused of a knife rampage on board a high-speed train bound for London

Hell [the psychiatrist] also look at evidence in the case and theres quite a lot of CCTV.

He added that statements that might be relevant to the defendants state of mind might also be looked at.

Judge Mark Bishop, the Recorder of Cambridge and Peterborough, told the barristers: Its clear that the trial therefore cannot take place on the date fixed in June and there needs to be a new date.

This court can accommodate it from October 26.

The date is subject to the availability of a high court judge.

Williams, who is of no fixed abode, was not required to attend the court today.

He was being treated at Rampton Hospital near Retford in Nottinghamshire, it emerged at the last hearing in February, as he was judged to be psychotic.

Williams was initially charged with the attempted murder of nine passengers and a train buffet worker on the LNER service from Doncaster to Londons Kings Cross, before it stopped at Huntingdon on the evening of November 1.

A train stopped at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire to allow passengers to get off after one of the alleged incidents

He was also accused of the attempted murder of another passenger on a DLR train at 12.45am on November 1 at Pontoon Dock DLR station in Silvertown, east London.

Before his first appearance at Peterborough Magistrates Court, he was charged with possessing a bladed article in relation to the two attacks and a count of actual bodily harm over an alleged assault on a police officer in custody.

It was revealed on November 20 that he had also been charged with two more counts of attempted murder and an attempted wounding with intent to cause serious harm.

The new attempted murder charges related to alleged attacks on a 14-year-old boy on a footbridge above Henry Penn Walk, Peterborough, and on William Ogelby, 22, in the Rail World car park, Peterborough, on October 31.

The new attempted wounding charge related to an alleged attack on Dawid Taborski, 28, on the footbridge above Henry Penn Walk.

Williams was also charged with affray at Ritzys Barbers in Queens Walk, Peterborough, on October 31, and the theft of a four-pack of kitchen knives to the value of 15 from an Asda store in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on October 31.

Those who Williams is accused of attempting to murder on the train which stopped at Huntingdon include hero Nottingham Forest fan Stephen Crean, 61, of Wimbledon, south London, who was stabbed repeatedly while trying to save other passengers.

Others are Scunthorpe United player Jonathan Gjoshe, 22, and rail buffet worker Samir Zitouni, 48, who is understood to have used a frying pan grabbed from the galley kitchen to battle him off so passengers could flee to safety.

Forensic teams checked the train and platform following the alleged mass stabbing

The other victims of the ten counts of attempted murder on the train have been previously named as Scott Bletcher, David Presland, Sachin Balakrishnan, Michael Paffett, Kevin Neely, Rasza Aslam and Scott Green.

Williams has also been charged with common assault of a 31-year-old man on a train travelling between Hitchin, Hertfordshire, and Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, on November 1.
Donald Trump was condemned today for having 'now crossed the line' after posting an AI image of himself as a Christ-like figure while hitting out at the Pope.

The President branded Pope Leo XIV 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy' after he spoke out against the Iran war - then offended Christians around the world by posting an image of himself as Jesus on his social media platform Truth Social.

The AI-generated image showed Mr Trump as a robed Christ, curing an ill man while surrounded by adoring figures including a nurse and a soldier. Fallen US servicemen could also be seen ascending to heaven in the style of a Renaissance painting.

Christian figures on both sides of the Atlantic were left incensed - including Massimo Faggioli, a theologian and expert on the papacy based at the Loyola Institute at Trinity College Dublin, who said: 'There is no ambiguity about the situation now.'

Mr Faggioli compared the comments to efforts by the leaders of Germany and Italy during the Second World War to draw the late Pope Pius XII to support their causes, adding: 'Not even Hitler or Mussolini attacked the pope so directly and publicly.'

UK Catholic commentator Austen Ivereigh said Mr Trump's 'remarkable' move could mean 'the end' for his presidency, adding: 'He's now crossed the line. This is a deeply unpopular war, but I think what he's doing now is tipping into a level of messianism and narcissism, which I think everybody is now recognising as deeply troubling.

He also told Premier Christian News: 'The job of the Pope is, in a sense, to defend the integrity of the Gospel against those who would choose to instrumentalise it'.

The Most Reverend Richard Moth, the new Archbishop of Westminster, also backed the Pope, saying: 'We pray for Pope Leo XIV as he starts his Apostolic Journey in Africa. We continue to support his unstinting calls for peace and reconciliation.'

Donald Trump speaks with reporters outside the Oval Office at the White House yesterday

A post on Mr Trump's Truth Social account depicts an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus

American pastor Mark Burns, Mr Trump's former spiritual adviser, revealed on Times Radio that he told the President to delete the image because it was a 'step too far' and 'so clearly it offends millions of Christians and Catholics all over the world'.

British Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, who was in the papal conclave that elected Leo XIV, told BBC Newsnight that he thought the post was 'just quite frankly bizarre'.

He added: 'People have often said that they think that it's blasphemous. I think that implies an attack on Christianity, which President Trump I don't think intended, but it does show a complete misunderstanding of what Christianity is about.'

Asked about Mr Trump's explanation that the image was 'supposed to be me as a doctor making people better', Cardinal Radcliffe added: 'I find it very strange. I've met many doctors in my life and none of them have glowed quite like that.'

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch told the BBC: 'I thought it was a preposterous picture. It should have been, at best, a funny joke that somebody else had done. It was very bizarre seeing the president tweet it himself. I'm not surprised that it's been deleted.'

Father Gary Donegan, a prominent Catholic priest based in Belfast, told the Irish Times that the post was 'verging on blasphemy' as the 'wannabe King mocks Christ', as he insisted anyone in the US 'that represents Jesus should call him out over this'.

He added: 'I've had the privilege of being in the last 35 years at the bedside of 100s of sick and dying including seven literally dying in my arms. It is the most privileged of moments. As I anointed the sick, it's a profoundly sacred and holy experience.'

Father Donegan said he would pray for Americans, adding: 'Sadly attacking the Holy Father and depicting himself as Our Lord blessing the sick is indeed sick in itself.'

Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, was 'disheartened', saying: 'Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.'

Former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi said the AI image was 'crazy' and as a Catholic he thought it was 'blasphemous'. He also told Sky News it was 'ridiculous', 'silly' and the President had 'destroyed his credibility' by posting the picture.

Italy's current prime minister Giorgia Meloni, a Right-wing ally of the White House, said: 'I find President Trump's words towards the Holy Father unacceptable. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, it is right for him to call for peace.'

Pope Leo XIV arrives at the El Mouradia Presidential Palace in Algiers yesterday

Even Iran came to the Pope's defence, with president Masoud Pezeshkian writing on X: 'I condemn the insult to Your Excellency... and declare that the desecration of Jesus is not acceptable to any free person.'

Yesterday, Mr Trump  whose wife Melania is a practising Catholic - criticised Pope Leo XIV and claimed the first North American head of the Catholic Church 'wouldn't be in the Vatican' if it wasn't for him.

Responding yesterday morning, the Pope said he had 'no fear' of the President and will continue preaching what Christian doctrine teaches him about the evils of warfare.

After widespread condemnation, including from his supporters in the US, Mr Trump removed the image from social media.

Later  in an impromptu press conference while receiving a McDonald's delivery at the Oval Office  Mr Trump claimed he was depicted as a doctor in the picture.

He told reporters: 'It's supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better, and I do make people better.'

He criticised the media for having 'come up' with a narrative that he looked like Jesus, and said 'there is nothing to apologise for'.

The spat came after Pope Leo said God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have their 'hands full of blood'.

Mr Trump attacked Pope Leo, branding him 'WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy'

He also called the conflict in Iran 'atrocious' and urged Mr Trump to find an 'off-ramp' before describing the President's threat to wipe out Iranian civilisation as 'truly unacceptable'.

Taking to Truth Social, the President said: 'I don't want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I'm doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do.

'Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise... If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican. I don't want a pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.'

He doubled down when questioned by reporters, saying: 'I'm not a fan of Pope Leo. He's a very liberal person and he's a man that doesn't believe in stopping crime.'

The Pope said yesterday that he has 'no fear' of the US administration but doesn't 'want to get into a debate' with Mr Trump.

Of the AI image, he said: 'I don't think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing.'

US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult, told Fox News: 'In some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality... and let the President United States stick to dictating American public policy.'

In his Easter message earlier this month, the pontiff had strongly criticised war, calling on 'those who have weapons (to) lay them down'.

He said: 'Let those who have the power to unleash wars, choose peace. Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue. Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them.'

Mr Trump has long reached out to America's evangelical Christians with his conservative, nativist vision. They backed him in his election wins in 2016 and 2024 despite a series of scandals and an ambiguous personal relationship with religion.

But Mr Trump, who has previously sold $60 Bibles branded with his name, appeared to have had something of an awakening during his second term.

At his inauguration last year he said he had been 'saved by God' after a 2024 assassination attempt on the campaign trail and has taken a more religious tone.
A lorry driver who killed a mother walking her toddler in a pram when loose equipment hanging off his trailer smashed into her has been jailed for 13 months.

Kevin Miller, 71, failed to secure his crane to the bed of his lorry and instead attached it loosely to the 18-ton load of disused railway track he was transporting for scrap.

His load shifted during his journey on a winding road, causing the boom to swing out.

The defendant's 'wholesale disregard for safety' meant it remained hanging dangerously over the side as he drove through Willingham in Cambridgeshire, on September 22, 2022.

The crane hit Rebecca Ableman, 30, on the head as she was out with her then two-year-old daughter, Autumn, after visiting a farm shop together.

Mental healthcare assistant Ms Ableman was flown to hospital by air ambulance with catastrophic head and brain injuries but died just over three weeks later when her life support was turned off.

Her family said her last act was that of a 'hero' as she managed to push the pram out of the way as she was hit, saving the life of her daughter.

Ms Ableman's partner, Chris Tuczemskyi, 27, a product marketing manager, told the court her death could have been avoided if Miller had spent just 10 on a strap to secure his load properly.

Rebecca Ableman, 30, was out with then two-year-old daughter Autumn in the village of Willingham, Cambridgeshire, in September 2022 when she received the fatal blow to the head

Kevin Miller, 71, failed to secure his crane to the bed of his lorry and instead attached it loosely to the 18-ton load of disused railway track he was transporting for scrap

The defendant, of King's Lynn, Norfolk, was due to go on trial in February for causing death by dangerous driving.

But the prosecution accepted an alternative charge he admitted of causing death by careless driving, following consultations with expert witnesses and Mrs Ableman's family.

Sentencing Miller at Peterborough Crown Court today, Judge Matthew Lowe said: 'This defendant's criminal failure to adequately secure the crane is the cause of Rebecca's death.

'To have secured the crane unit would have been the work of a moment. This tragedy could so easily have been avoided.'

The judge also criticised the defendant's 'slipshod attitude to maintenance'.

In their victim impact statement, Miss Ableman's sisters Natalie and Christina said: 'Her last act was to push the pram out of the way, taking the force herself and saving her child.

'It breaks our heart that her daughter will grow up without her mother's presence.'

Mr Tuczemskyi said in his statement: 'The pain, damage and suffering continues every single day

Miller, 71, pictured today, has been jailed for 13 months

'This tragedy has affected us all, but none more than my daughter who will grow up without her mother.'

He added: 'Becky died because basic safety measures were not taken A 10 rachet strap could have prevented this. Instead, he relied on what he had always done.

'His decision not to take proper care ended Becky's life. It was only chance that more lives were not lost. We live and suffer with the consequences of his negligence every single day.'

The court heard how Miller had set out from his depot at King's Lynn at 3.50am that morning and had driven to a Network Rail depot in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, to pick up his load of scrap rails.

He left the depot at around 8.30am, heading back north and going down the B1050 country road through Willingham because traffic was heavy on his usual route.

Prosecutor William Carter said: 'As he went through Willingham, the boom on his loader crane slewed to the near side. That left it in the position... where the crane grab can be seen overhanging the near side of the lorry.'

He said that Miller had 'failed to adequately secure the boom on his crane, which amounted to carelessness' and which 'fell below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver'.

'It was that which led to Rebecca's death because leaving it unsecured enabled it to slew from the lorry trailer and it ended up sticking out over the pavement in a position to strike Rebecca on the back of her head, causing her death,' Mr Carter added.

Rebecca Ableman, pictured with her daughter Autumn and partner Chris Tuczemskyi

'The route he was taking on the B1050 was not the route he regularly used. It meant he was travelling along a road which was not straight and flat. He had to negotiate a number of roundabouts and brake a number of times.'

Mr Carter told the court the crane boom was jutting out for between 30 and 40 seconds before the point of the collision on the 30mph limit road.

Mr Miller 'drove on apparently completely unaware that anything untoward had happened', with the crane still hanging off his trailer.

Once he had driven through Willingham, he spotted in his mirror that the crane had moved and pulled over to mechanically move it back into place.

He then carried on his journey, stopping at March to drop off his load before returning to his yard in King's Lynn where police were waiting to speak to him after identifying his lorry from CCTV.

Mr Carter said: 'He had not taken what the Crown say was an elementary precaution by strapping the boom down to the trailer itself.

'All that was required was further strapping which could be thrown over the boom and tightened but he had not done that.'

As he was arrested, Miller protested: 'What happened mate? I ain't hit no one mate.'

Autumn, pictured on her first day at Willingham Primary School in September 2024

The defendant insisted he had always secured the crane the same way by attaching it to his load, thinking that its hydraulics were sufficient to keep it in position.

He also claimed he had been stopped routinely by vehicle inspectors and had never been told that the crane should be strapped down separately.

But Mr Carter said: 'The prosecution say that self-evidently this method of securing the crane and boom was inadequate.'

The prosecutor added that the Association of Lorry Loaders Manufacturers and Importers launched a campaign in February 2022 aimed at 'precisely this risk' called 'Strap down your loader crane'.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency also published guidance in July 2023, stressing the need for cranes to be secured separately to the load 'to avoid uncontrolled slewing'.

Experts found that Miller's crane was also dangerous and beyond economic repair, with defects present prior to the collision, 'suggesting there had been 'a sustained period where little or no maintenance had been carried out'.

An overload safety system had been overridden, there were cracks in the chassis and bolts holding crane down were in poor condition, with no locks on stabilisers which were 'pinned awkwardly'.

An emergency stop button was also not working and hydraulic hoses and pipes were in an 'appalling' condition.

Mr Carter said there was also 'excessive play' in the slew, which may have contributed to excessive movement of the loader crane during travel, particularly when cornering.

John Dye, defending, called for Miller to be given a suspended sentence, saying he had been devastated by 'the harm caused to the Ableman family'.

He added: 'This is an unfathomable tragedy for the family of Rebecca. It's hard to think of a more emotive case.

'The impact it has had on Mr Miller is insignificant (in comparison) He has shown genuine remorse.'

Paying tribute to his partner shortly after her death, Mr Tuczemskyi, 37, said: 'To me, she was my light in the darkest of nights, my rock for when I stumbled and my best friend.

'She made me a better person, she pushed me to be and do better because she could see my potential when I could not.'

Mr Tuczemskyi started a fundraising page on GoFundMe in memory of his partner, who worked in a mental health hospital in Cambridge, with funds going to East Anglian Air Ambulance and Addenbrooke's Neuro ICU.

He was also raising funds for Autumn to explore the world and create a memorial bench for her late mother.

She had her first day at Willingham Primary School in September 2024.

Miller was also given a two-year driving ban today. It will start in six-and-a-half month's time, to coincide with his expected release date from prison.

The maximum sentence for causing death by careless driving is a five-year jail term.

A life sentence can be imposed for causing death by dangerous driving. This was increased from a 14-year maximum for offences committed from after June.
A police probe into the mysterious death of a Hungarian reality TV star has taken a new twist after a shepherd found the influencer's rucksack on Gran Canaria.

Detectives identified Annabella Lovas, 32, using dental records after her half-naked body was discovered in a ravine on the island.

The bag, containing her passport and personal belongings, was found in the south of Gran Canaria around a 15-minute drive inland from the tourist resort of Maspalomas.

The sheep tender made the discovery on Friday evening as he walked between the Degollada de las Yeguas viewpoint and a nearby illegal landfill closed late last year.

Specialist forensic officers sealed off the area after being alerted so they could remove the holdall for lab tests, and will now try to establish how it ended up there as they attempt to retrace her final movements.

Their efforts paid off following a painstaking investigation into the mystery Gran Canaria death, which has been partly solved with a positive ID, although cops admit they still don't know exactly how she passed away.

Previous searches of the difficult-to-access area where Annabella's body was found, using drones and helicopters before she was identified, had failed to uncover any trace of her belongings.

Detectives identified Annabella Lovas, 32, by dental records through a tooth they sent to Interpol

Annabella had made a name for herself on the 2021 Hungarian version of The Bachelor UK

Annabella had made a name for herself on the 2021 Hungarian version of The Bachelor UK, a spin-off of the American dating series which last aired in Britain in 2019 and featured the likes of Gavin Henson and Spencer Matthews.

She later built up a large following on social media.

Annabella had been the subject of a missing persons appeal in November 2024 which was resolved days later when police tracked her down to an apartment in the Gran Canaria resort of Playa del Ingles and she confirmed she was okay.

Detectives didn't make an immediate connection when a body was discovered in a natural pool in the nearby Berriel Ravine inland from the coast on March 6 last year following storms the previous month.

The dead woman was naked from the waist down.

Forensic experts were unable to determine the exact cause of death or extract conclusive DNA.

The victim had tattoos on her shoulder and back but no fingerprints because her fingertips had been destroyed during the estimated three weeks she had been lying lifeless in the water.

The November 2024 missing persons alert had already been deactivated, but

Annabella's family had sounded the alarm again shortly before she was found dead and investigators began focusing on the possibility she could be the mystery woman.

The poor state of the DNA forensic experts had been able to extract made it impossible to make a positive match with samples tested against relatives, despite two successive attempts.

A tooth sent to Interpol later solved the puzzle.

Although they don't know exactly how she died, police who earlier this month went public with their months-long investigation, say they have ruled out a violent death and are not treating it as a crime.

That is not thought to have been altered by the discovery of the rucksack but it is being seen as potentially key to piecing together the final stages of the dead woman's life.

Annabella had moved to Gran Canaria from her homeland after a cancer battle which left her with psychological after-effects.

She was described as a 'vulnerable person' after she was reported missing the first time round before being found.

Reports earlier this month pointed to police reaching the conclusion she had ended up running out of money and sleeping rough, and probably died elsewhere in Gran Canaria before storm flash floods carried her body to the remote spot where it was found.

Police chief Pablo Fernandez Sala described the efforts to put a name and surname to the woman found dead as 'hard and intense' at the time.

He told island daily La Provincia: 'Colleagues tried to reach the natural pool to reconstruct her last steps and carry out a visible inspection on the ground but it was impossible.

'You would have needed to be a professional climber, not just any hiker, to reach the spot.

'All we had to go on initially were some strange tattoos she had on her shoulder and back.'

Detailing the dead-end investigators experienced trying to get a positive DNA match, he added: 'The mould of the tooth was sent though Interpol and provided conclusive data.

'Once you have a name, it's easier to find out because most people have a dental record. A set of teeth is like a fingerprint; it has its characteristic points. The dentition is the safe of the human body and what lasts the most at high temperatures.'
British families will be offered free electricity if they use sunny weekends to do their laundry this summer amid fears that the grid will be swamped with solar power.

The National Energy System Operator (Neso) is to launch a scheme today offering rewards to people who run appliances like washing machines and dishwashers when electricity demand is low.

It comes as the body faces paying out massive sums to renewable firms to pull the plug on from solar and wind farms overwhelming the National Grid.

NESO paid out 1.5billion last year as the over-producing green energy taps were switched off and more reliable and constant gas plants brought online.

In its Summer Outlook it said it was making changes to its Demand Flexibility Service (DFS) 'to encourage consumers and industry to shift their energy use to times when weather conditions result in excess supply'.

This could mean rewarding people for 'running appliances like washing machines or dishwashers and charging electric vehicles' at these times.

At the same time, the UK gas operator said Britain is expected to have sufficient gas supply to meet demand from households and businesses this summer despite prices surging amid the conflict in the Middle East.

National Gas said gas stocks in Great Britain are set to be sufficient enough to allow for some British gas to exported to mainland Europe.

The The National Energy System Operator (Neso) is to launch a scheme today offering rewards to people who run appliances when electricity demand is low

NESO paid out 1.5billion last year as the green energy taps were switched off and more reliable and constant gas plants brought online.

The body, which runs Britain's National Transmission System (NTS), unveiled its outlook for summer 2026 amid a volatile backdrop for global energy markets.

The price of oil and gas has jumped sharply since the start of the conflict between US-Israeli and Iranian forces in late February.

Last month wind energy across Great Britain hit a new record, producing enough electricity for more than 23 million homes across the country.

Solar and wind also combined to squeeze more expensive gas-fired generation to just 2.3 per cent of the power mix, figures showed.

Christophe Williams, the founder and CEO of Naked Energy, said: 'While concerns mount about solar overwhelming the grid we must consider the bigger picture.

'The issue isn't too much renewable energy, it's that our grid was never designed for a decentralised, electrified energy system.

'Encouraging more people to use electricity at off-peak times won't change the fact that the grid alone cannot carry the weight of Net Zero.

'The National Grid currently projects that upgrades to the grid infrastructure will cost 35bn over the next five years.

'With connection queues stretching years and critical equipment like transformers in short supply, it's clear that encouraging off-peak usage won't solve this issue in the long-term.'

A DESNZ spokesman said: 'The National Energy System Operator has always had to manage changes in demand between the winter and summer months.

'They have well established tools to manage the grid, including during times of low demand, which will not impact supply.'
Vladimir Putin has ramped up anti-drone defences at the remote mansion he shares with his secret lover and sons amid fears of Ukrainian attacks.

The Russian president has installed 27 towers armed with anti-aircraft systems at his Valdai fortress in a remote forest area in the Novgorod region.

The palatial property has had 20 of the 'drone-killer' systems installed since 2024, costing up to 16million each, and is now better protected than most Russian cities.

The entire Moscow metropolitan region, home to 20 million people, is only protected by 60 of the defence systems.

But Putin, 73, has made sure to bolster security at his own home, with a layout reportedly mimicking Moscow's defences.

The Valdai retreat is said to be his favourite residence and is shared with his secret long-term lover Alina Kabaeva, 42, a former Olympic rhythmic gymnast, and their two sons, Swiss-born Ivan, 11, and Moscow-born Vladimir, six.

The estate, based 185 miles from Ukraine, has seen the construction of seven new anti-drone towers since March 17, according to satellite imagery obtained by Radio Svoboda.

It comes as concerns mount in Moscow over Kyiv's evolving long-range drone capability.

The Valdai retreat is said to be Putin's favourite residence and is shared with his secret long-term lover Alina Kabaeva, a former Olympic rhythmic gymnast

The palatial property (pictured) has had 20 of the 'drone-killer' systems installed since 2024, costing up to 16million each, and is now better protected than most Russian cities

In December, Putin accused Ukraine of attacking his luxury hideaway, with Russia's defence ministry posting a video which allegedly showed debris from 91 Ukrainian drones at the Valdai complex.

But the CIA dismissed the claim as false with one Ukrainian official branding the footage 'laughable'.

Putin's luxury home sits in between two lakes and is surrounded by dense forest, helping protect it from foreign drones.

It is also believed to contain a replica of his Kremlin office, which allows him to hide his location in video messages, its own nuclear bunker and a hospital.

The Kremlin despot has tightened his defences even more after rumours that his lover Kabaeva refused to remain at this palace, 230 miles northwest of Moscow.

Most of the current 27 air defence units are believed to be Pantsir systems but at least one is an S-400 system, costing as much as 800m.

Sophisticated radar also protects the Kremlin 'tsar' and a family he has never revealed to ordinary Russian people.

The overall cost of the equipment guarding this Putin palace is well over 1 billion.

The sprawling Valdai palace complex includes a main house and a separate residence for Kabaeva and the children.

In December, Ukraine launched a long-range drone strike on the Akron chemicals plant - key to Russian explosives manufacture - in Veliky Novgorod, 85 miles from Valdai.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Putin's luxury home sits in between two lakes and is surrounded by dense forest, helping protect it from foreign drones

Most of the current 27 air defence units are believed to be Pantsir systems but at least one is an S-400 system, costing as much as 800m

The Kremlin claimed more than 90 Ukrainian drones were directed at him.

Putin's young sons are hidden under the surname Spiridonov, according to a book by respected Russian investigative journalists Roman Badanin and Mikhail Rubin.

They are educated by tutors and do not attend normal schools.

'Information about the gymnast and her children is erased from state databases, the boys were given a cover surname Spiridonov, and all the territory around the Valdai dwelling of the tsar's family is strictly guarded,' said the book 'The Tsar in Person. How Vladimir Putin Fooled Us All'.

The children are keen young gymnasts who have been seen on videos.

Russian academic and autocracy expert Konstantin Gaaze said Putin's concern for security is akin to the behaviour of notorious Saddam Hussein who ruled Iraq from 1979 to 2003, before being executed in 2006.

'I think that right now [with Putin] we are closest to Saddam Hussein, both in terms of secret residences and how the system operates for protecting information about the whereabouts of the head of state and his family,' he said.

Spiridonov appears to be a family name linked to the first name of Putin's colourful paternal grandfather Spiridon Putin, who lived from 1879 to 1965, dying on his 86th birthday.

Ukraine in February claimed to have destroyed half of all Russia's Pantsir air defence systems.
The 2026 Induction Ceremony is set for Saturday, November 14 in Los Angeles, California and will debut on ABC and Disney+ in December

NEW YORK, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tonight, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced its 2026 Inductees, spotlighting a standout group of artists whose impact has left a lasting mark on music and culture. Revealed live on ABC and Disney+ by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 Inductee Lionel Richie during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode of American Idol, the announcement kicks off the countdown to celebrate music's highest honor.

Performer Category:

Phil Collins

Billy Idol

Iron Maiden

Joy Division/New Order

Oasis

Sade

Luther Vandross

Wu-Tang Clan

Early Influence Award:

Celia Cruz

Fela Kuti

Queen Latifah

MC Lyte

Gram Parsons

Musical Excellence Award:

Linda Creed

Arif Mardin

Jimmy Miller

Rick Rubin

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

Ed Sullivan

"Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music's highest honor. We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year's ceremony - it's going to be an unforgettable night," said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

To be eligible for induction, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Phil Collins, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan are first-time nominees. Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, and Sade have all been nominated in the past.

The Induction categories include:

Performers: artists who have created music whose originality, impact, and influence has changed the course of rock & roll.

Early Influence Award: artists whose music and performance style have directly influenced, inspired, and evolved rock & roll and music impacting culture.

Musical Excellence Award: given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence have had a dramatic impact on music.

Ahmet Ertegun Award: non-performing industry professionals who have had a major influence on the creative development and growth of rock & roll and music that has impacted culture.

The Inductees were announced live on ABC and Disney+ this evening by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 Inductee Lionel Richie during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode of "American Idol," where the Top 11 American Idol finalists took on songs from legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees as America voted live for the Top 9. The episode will be available to stream tomorrow on Hulu and Disney+.

The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will tape on Saturday, November 14th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The 2026 ceremony will then debut in December on ABC and Disney+. In 2027, the Induction Ceremony will return to Cleveland.

Ticket on-sale information for the 2026 Induction Ceremony will be announced at a later date. Select Rock & Roll Hall of Fame donors and members receive exclusive Induction ticket opportunities. Donate or join by June 30, 2026 to be eligible. Visit rockhall.com/membership to learn more.

Press can access hi-resolution images and bios for the 2026 Inductees at rockhall.com/press-room. Media credential applications for the Induction Ceremony will open in August.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and our annual Induction Ceremony. We intentionally foster an inclusive and welcoming non-profit Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Join the millions who love rock & roll as much as you do. Visit us in Cleveland, Ohio or at rockhall.com and follow us @rockhall on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X, or @rockandrollhalloffame on Facebook.

SOURCE Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
A British tourist has been left stranded in a Sri Lankan hospital with a 40,000 medical bill after a horrific motorbike crash just three hours into his holiday.

Alex Muncey travelled to Colombo on March 30 for a ten-week 'trip of a lifetime' and, while travelling from the airport to his hostel, was knocked off his bike.

Just three hours after he touched down, Alex was allegedly hit by a lorry overtaking on a blind bend.

The 33-year-old suffered a bleed on the brain, three fractures in his right arm, and four fractures in his right leg.

Shocking photos show the self-employed builder in a hospital bed, his limbs wrapped in bandages, and with metal pins screwed into his leg.

Alex's partner, 31-year-old Helen Garrod, said he had travel insurance but was devastated to learn it only covered motorbikes up to 125cc, not the 250cc he rented.

Helen and Alex's family have set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help cover the medical bills of up to 40,000 and get him safely back home.

Helen, from Ely, Cambridgeshire, said: 'He had been planning a lifetime adventure trip. He was out there for three hours; it's so devastating.

Alex Muncey travelled to Colombo, Sri Lanka, on March 30 for a ten-week 'trip of a lifetime' and, while travelling from the airport to his hostel, was knocked off his bike

Helen and Alex's family have set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help cover the medical bills of up to 40,000 and get him safely back home

Alex's partner, 31-year-old Helen Garrod (right), said he had travel insurance but was devastated to learn it only covered motorbikes up to 125cc, not the 250cc he rented

'He landed on Monday, picked up his bike and was on his way down the coast when a lorry or a van overtook on a blind corner and smashed into him.

'I rang his hostel and found out that he never arrived, which obviously made me really, really worried'.

Helen went on to explain that when she was on the phone with Alex, he could barely speak, and he was mixing up his words.

'That was a really horrible, heart-wrenching phone call to get,' she added.

'I know that it's been his dream for such a long time to have such a big adventure, and he's such an outgoing, adventurous, can't-sit-still type of guy.

'It makes me so sad that he's planned this and hasn't experienced it.'

Alex has an external fixator pinning his leg together and is due to have a skin and muscle graft in the future.

Helen said: 'He was under the impression that his insurance covered any activity and that being on a motorbike would be covered.

'He has a full motorbike license and has ridden for nine years, so he's a very sensible driver.

'He's having to pay for everything.

'We don't actually know a specific number yet, but a medically staffed flight for him to come home is about 30,000 to 40,000, and that's without all of his surgery.'
Qantas has announced it will raise fares, reduce its domestic capacity and change its international flight network after the US-Iran conflict caused a spike in global oil prices.

The airline and its budget arm Jetstar have scrapped five routes, with more likely, amid the ongoing fuel hikes - a move one state premier labelled 'opportunistic'.

Jetstar on Tuesday announced it would suspend flights from Sydney to Busselton, a coastal town in southwest WA, until at least September. The flight opened in 2024 and was popular among tourists and fly-in, fly-out workers.

The airline group now expects to spend as much as $3.3 billion on jet fuel in the first half of 2025/26, up from an original estimate of $2.5 billion.

A Qantas update earlier claimed fuel price hikes, triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the conflict in the Middle East, had increased costs by between $600million and $800million.

The massive increase in overhead would mean a 5 per cent reduction in domestic services across Qantas and Jetstar in May and June. The majority of those cuts will be between major cities.

The Sydney to Busselton route, which sees three flights per week, was the only WA route suspended across Qantas and Jetstar. But Qantas's Adelaide to Mount Gambier service will get the chop from Saturday.

The other routes that have been temporarily suspended are between Melbourne and Hamilton Island, Melbourne and Coffs Harbour, and Darwin and the Gold Coast.

Jetstar and Qantas have temporarily suspended a total of four routes due to the high cost of fuel

Fares are also expected to jump to help cover the higher fuel costs but it is unclear by how much.

WA Premier Roger Cook said he was disappointed and surprised by the decision to end flights between Busselton and Sydney until September 22.

'My understanding is that Qantas had said they've made this decision on the basis of fuel supply,' he said, The Age reported.

'This is the same airline that is very happy to jack up prices whenever it suits them, regardless of the supply of fuel, so I'm not quite sure why they would make that decision, which I consider quite bizarre.

'Quite frankly, there's plenty of fuel coming into the country.

'The problem is affordability. So it sounds like it's a bit of an opportunistic decision by Qantas to cut those flights.

'It's time that we should all be working together, supporting our tourism industry, not walking away from them.'

A Qantas Group spokeswoman told the outlet there was not enough demand to support the flights out to Busselton.

One of the routes suspended was between Sydney and Busselton (above), which typically runs three times a week

'We know this is frustrating for customers and we look forward to restarting the service later this year,' she said.

'Impacted customers will be contacted directly and rebooked on available services via alternative domestic cities or given the option of a refund if they no longer wish to travel.

'The group continues to closely monitor the impact from the conflict in the Middle East and may further adjust capacity and fares over time.'

Qantas and Jetstar customers with future bookings on cancelled flights are being contacted about alternative options or a refund.

Most of those affected would be offered other flights on the same day as their original booking, the airline said.

It is working with the government and jet fuel suppliers to ensure access to the commodity, although it expects no potential disruptions until well into May.

Qantas, which does not fly to the Middle East, is also seeing more demand for international travel to Europe as customers seek alternative routes.

It is redeploying capacity from the US and its domestic network to increase flights to Paris and Rome.

Cargo ships and oil tankers wait near the Strait of Hormuz which has been blockaded since the conflict in the Middle East broke out

The Iranian regime has allegedly mined the Strait and is demanding tolls from ships

Qantas said it was closely monitoring the situation and had the option to take further action to mitigate fuel cost increases.

Qantas has hedged 90 per cent of its exposure to crude oil costs but, like most airlines, it remains exposed to the cost of refining crude oil into jet fuel.

Refining costs have soared from about $US20 a barrel in February to a peak of around $US120, Qantas said.

Air New Zealand, Air India and Delta Airlines have also reduced capacity in recent days, citing surging jet fuel costs.

Daily Mail has contacted Jetstar for further comment.
Taxpayers could be forking out more than 48,000 for every migrant deported from the UK under Labour's 'failing' one-in-one-out deal with France.

Analysis by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford found the cost of removing migrants had risen sharply from around 15,000 a decade ago.

It put the average price of each forcible return carried out by the Home Office in the 2024/25 financial year at 48,800, compared to 4,300 for a voluntary return.

Based on these figures, a single flight from Stansted to Paris on January 20 - carrying 32 migrants alongside 73 escorts and two paramedics - could have cost 1.52m.

The total includes the cost of air fares, case work and financial support provided to migrants after they leave the UK.

Under the terms of the deal signed in July, Britain can send a small boat migrant back to France in return for accepting one who has not previously tried to arrive illegally.

So far, 497 people have been returned to France and 482 have come to the UK since the deal was struck - with UK taxpayers covering transport costs both ways.

An HM Inspectorate of Prisons report published yesterday said the men on the flight to Paris in January had all been detained after arriving in the UK on small boats before being kept in immigration detention centres.

Two staff escorted each migrant after three passengers on a previous flight had to be restrained using waist belts after demonstrating 'continuing resistance. But the flight went successfully and no force had to be used.

French police watch on yesterday as dozens of migrants depart from Dunkirk, heading for Britain

A migrant swimming in the sea after failing to board a boat on the beach at Dunkirk on the French coast on April 13, 2026

Labour has been criticised for the slow pace of deportations as well as their cost.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'The Government's so-called one in one out scheme is a failure.

'While it has been running, over 20,000 people have entered the UK and under 400 have been removed.

'Allowing 98% of illegal immigrants to remain is clearly no deterrent at all.

'No wonder more illegal immigrants have crossed the Channel under Keir Starmer than any other prime minister, and crossings are up 45% since the election.'

A Home Office spokesman said: 'Illegal migrants and foreign criminals are given escorts where risk assessments show they are needed.

'Since the 2024 election, the Government has saved close to 1billion in asylum costs and returned or deported nearly 60,000 people.'

More than 5,136 people have arrived in the UK on small boats so far this year - around a third lower than the same period in 2025 when 8,064 people made the journey.

Two men and two women died as they tried to climb onto a boat at Equihen-Plage, near Boulogne-sur-Mer, on Thursday morning.

Two children were among those taken to hospital as a precaution after the incident and another person was treated for hypothermia.

A Sudanese man has since been arrested on suspicion of endangering life.

It comes as new photos once again showed French police failing to intervene as dozens of migrants scrambled on to dinghies bound for Britain.

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Despite their specialist uniforms with riot helmets, waterproof body-worn cameras, non-lethal handguns and pistol-grip pepper spray, the gendarmerie stood and watched as the overloaded boats sailed over the horizon.

The laughable scene unfolded on Monday on the beaches of Dunkirk after France's human rights watchdog ordered police to stop using aggressive tactics to intercept migrants.

Claire Hedon, the highly influential Defender of Rights, said in January that heavy-handed tactics such as slashing boats with knives or restraining migrants with tear gas or rubber bullets were 'disproportionate' and risked harming the thousands of young men flooding into Britain.

On Monday, around 200 migrants were seen wading out into the sea before being collected by small boats sent from further down the coast - a tactic known as 'taxi boat'.

French police have agreed to tackle 'taxi-boats' after a personal plea from Prime Minister Keir Starmer in January, but will only attempt an interception before they take on migrants.

Police unions have warned it could put the lives of people-smugglers, migrants and French officers at risk and leave officers liable to prosecution if anyone drowned or was injured.

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Two weeks ago, the UK agreed a new two-month deal to pay France 16.2million more to police the Channel while the two countries thrash out a long-term agreement.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood signed off deal, which extends a previous one, to subsidise French beach patrols.

In recent weeks, more migrants without identification have claimed to be fleeing the war in Iran in order to secure refugee status, according to officials.

Others have falsely claimed to be Bidoons - stateless Arabs from Kuwait, mainly descended from nomadic tribes, who were not granted citizenship after the country's independence in 1961
The mother of a 'gentle giant' chef who was killed by a single punch from a Royal Marine has labelled his three-year jail term a 'disgrace'.

Commando Joseph Jones, 22, delivered the 'fast, jab-style punch' to 29-year-old Cemal John Yilmaz outside a bar on Lower Fore Street in Exmouth, Devon, on December 13.

Mr Yilmaz, described as 'the nicest lad in every way', had been enjoying a night out with friends in the southern town after relocating there with his family from Manchester.

He was rushed to hospital in Plymouth where he received treatment but sadly died four days later.

Jones was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder before later being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Eventually, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison. He will serve just two years and four months in jail before being released on license.

Mr Yilmaz's heartbroken mother Ann has now hit out at that 'lenient' sentence, saying Jones 'killed her son like a coward'.

In an interview alongside Mr Yilmaz's father Ozkan, she said: 'We just couldn't believe it (the sentence). We were in court and it was horrific. We were all in disbelief.

Cemal John Yilmaz died aged 29 after being struck in the fast with a 'fast, jab-style punch' from a Royal Marine

Royal Marine Joseph Jones, 22, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter

'This shouldn't be allowed to happen. There should be something in place so that those who die from one punch attacks still get justice. There should be heavier sentences in place.

'Any sort of Marine should know they serve the country and are there to protect others. Instead Joseph Jones killed my son like a coward. We want this out there. We feel like we have been drawn a bad card, but we want to get justice for Cem and stop other families going through this.'

Mr Yilmaz's family have lodged a lenient sentencing appeal and are also raising vital awareness about the dangers of a 'one-punch' death.

A petition describing the sentencing as 'disproportionate' and 'an insult to Cemal's right to life' has racked up more than 4,000 signatures.

The parents went on to explain how the night their son died unfolded, based on the account of his brother who witnessed the incident.

Jones had been out celebrating the completion of his military training when he and Mr Yilmaz 'exchanged words' on Lower Fore Street in the centre of Exmouth.

The victim's mother said her son had 'asked Jones if he was from Birmingham', before the Commando replied: 'No, I'm from Wolverhampton'.

The Marine later told police that Mr Yilmaz 'was too close to him' moments before striking him unconscious and leaving him bleeding in the street.

Exeter Crown Court heard previously how Jones told fellow Marines in the aftermath of the incident that he 'didn't let anyone disrespect him'.

Mr Yilmaz's mother Anne said he 'would help anybody in need and always had time for a laugh and chat'

Cemal's brother witnessed the punch and 'went ballistic', his mother said, ringing her almost immediately and pleading for an ambulance to be called.

But it was under the care of the emergency services that Cemal's condition worsened, and he was transferred to a brain unit in Derriford. Doctors sadly told his family that there was nothing more they could do. He died four days later.

Jones visited and was arrested at Exeter Police Station the day after the punch before being charged with manslaughter and released on conditional bail. His sentencing then took place on March 13.

In a heartfelt tribute, Ann described her son as an 'amazing' and 'selfless' man 'who brightened up the darkest of places'.

'He loved his life, he loved his family, he was the highest of the high,' she added. 'He was loved by his family and friends and the community in Manchester where he was born and in Exmouth where he made his home.'

A family statement issued through the police previously read: 'This senseless act of violence has ripped our family apart, it has taken our son from us, our brother from us, there are not enough words in the world to describe the depths of our pain and loss. We do not want something like this to happen to anyone else's family.'

Mr Yilmaz grew up at his family home in West Didsbury and attended Parrs Wood High School. He remained in touch with his friends after relocating to Exmouth aged 19.

'He would help anybody in need and always had time for a laugh and a chat,' his mother added.
A school shooting rampage in southeastern Turkey has left at least 16 people injured after a former student opened fire with a shotgun.

Special security forces were deployed to the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in the Siverek district of Sanliurfa province following the brutal attack on Tuesday.

Governor Hasan Sildak told local media that the gunman, 19, took his own life with his weapon when police attempted to capture him.

'He took his own life when cornered by police,' the governor said. 'We have evacuated the school and will carry out a thorough investigation into this tragic incident,' he added.

Sildak said the attacker was a former student of the school and entered the school grounds before he began firing randomly. The assailant had attended the school for one year in the ninth grade, the governor added.

He also confirmed that the attacker had no prior criminal record and that the school had previously been classified as safe by police.

Television footage showed ambulances standing by outside the school in the Siverek district as students fled the building in panic.

Following the incident, the wounded students and teachers were rushed to the hospital, with five later transferred to facilities in Sanliurfa city centre for further treatment, Sildak said.

Governor Hasan Sildak said the attacker was a former student of the school and entered the school grounds before he began firing randomly

The school shooting rampage in Turkey has left at least 16 people injured after the former student opened fire with a hunting rifle

Students and teachers have since been evacuated from the scene

One of the injured students, Omer Furkan Sayar, told TRT, Turkey's state broadcaster, that the gunman went into at least two classrooms, including his own.

'First we threw ourselves to the ground, then two of us jumped out of the window. He didn't say anything to us, he just came in and started shooting,' he said.

A witness to the incident told local news outlet Turkiye Today that the suspect entered the high school yard with a long-barreled weapon before opening fire.

'He first opened fire in the yard and then directly at the school,' the witness said.

Another eyewitness told local media he saw a young man around 17 or 18 years old.

'As soon as he entered through the front door, he started shooting with the long-barreled gun he was carrying,' he said.

'He first shot left and right, then into the school. Then he ran inside the school. Inside, he shot directly at anyone he came across.

'Then the students screamed, and everyone ran away'.

A statement released by the Ministry of Interior said: 'This morning, at Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School located in the Siverek district of Sanlurfa province, a gun attack was carried out by O.K., identified as a 2007-born former student of the school.

'According to initial assessments, 10 students, 4 teachers, 1 police officer, and 1 cafeteria operator citizen were injured in the attack, and the injured have been taken to Siverek State Hospital for treatment.

'The individual who carried out the attack with a shotgun committed suicide with the same weapon following the incident.

A witness to the incident told local news outlet Turkiye Today that the suspect entered the high school yard with a long-barreled weapon before opening fire

Special security forces were deployed to the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in the Siverek district of Sanliurfa province following the brutal attack

Television footage showed ambulances standing by outside the school in the Siverek district as students fled the building in panic

'A comprehensive investigation has been launched by our security units regarding the incident, and developments will be shared with the public.

'We wish a speedy recovery to our injured citizens. Respectfully announced to the public'.

While the majority of the injured are students, according to reports in Turkey, a teacher is among the wounded and is in a serious condition, NTV television reported.

According to NTV Sanliurfa correspondent Kadir Celikcan, the suspect had been seen previously getting into an argument with a student and returned with a weapon.

Local reports earlier claimed that the gunman took some of the students hostage after entering the school.

Other reports have claimed that some students were seen jumping from the building's windows in an attempt to escape the attack.

The motive remains unclear. The authorities were investigating the incident, the Interior Ministry said.

Such shootings are rare in Turkey.
Stark new details have emerged of Vladimir Putin's poisoning laboratories where he hones toxic substances to kill his enemies.

Experiments are conducted on humans in a sprawling network of secretive structures highlighting the evil underpinning his repressive rule.

Investigative outlet Proekt revealed a staggering 3,500 people are employed on the Putin regime's poison programmes.

Among the operations based on deadly toxins from this warped empire were the 2018 Novichok attack on ex-GRU spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the UK - and later poisoning of Putin political foe Alexei Navalny.

At the network's centre is a little-known scientific hub in Moscow called Signal, created on Putin's direct order in 2010.

According to leaked staffing data, the 500-strong centre is capable of synthesising deadly toxins, studying how to evade detection, testing substances on animals and humans, developing delivery systems and 'gene editing.'

The sinister institute is run by a mix of senior scientists and security officials - including a former FSB officer - with reported links to operatives involved in high-profile poisonings.

Proekt claims the centre works closely with civilian institutions including Moscow State University and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The head of Signal - Artur Zhirov, a specialist in the analytical chemistry of toxic substances - previously worked at the 27th Scientific Centre of the Ministry of Defence and the 33rd Central Institute of the MoD.

Stark new details have emerged of Vladimir Putin's poisoning laboratories where he hones toxic substances to kill his enemies

Experiments are conducted on humans in a sprawling network of secretive structures highlighting the evil underpinning his repressive rule

Signal links directly to the Military Medicine Research Institute (GNIIM VM MO), the sole MoD entity authorised since 2015 to conduct human experiments on 'healthy soldier-volunteers.'

There, Director Sergei Chepur oversees tests of artillery shells (122/300 mm), nerve-affecting drugs, and protective gear in a 100-bed clinic.

The 'volunteer' servicemen were allegedly exposed to artillery blast effects, experimental drugs and extreme physiological stress.

The unashamed aim, according to internal writings, is to determine how best to 'destroy or disable enemy personnel.'

Human guinea pigs reportedly suffered neurological disruption, blood pressure spikes and cognitive impairment during trials.

Chepur advised the GRU military intelligence officers behind the Skripal poisoning in Salisbury.

While the Skripals miraculously survived, a local British woman Dawn Sturgess, 44, was killed after coming into contact with the Novichok.

Another part of the poisoning empire is the State Research Institute of Organic Chemistry and Technology at Shikhany, 530 miles southeast of Moscow.

Pictured: The the Signal Scientific Center in Moscow

Investigative outlet Proekt revealed a staggering 3,500 people are employed on the Putin regime's poison programmes

Experts warn that even if labelled 'voluntary,' such experiments raise serious ethical concerns due to the pressures of military hierarchy.

Proekt alleges the system forms a state-directed toxicology complex, combining poison development, detection, and countermeasures under the oversight of Russia's security services.

The Kremlin has not commented on the claims.

If confirmed, the findings would point to one of the most extensive modern programmes of weapons-focused human experimentation linked to a state security apparatus echoing sinister operations in the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany.
David Lammy held talks with his 'friend' JD Vance last night as he attempted to repair the fraying 'Special Relationship' between Britain and the US.

The Deputy Prime Minister met with the US Vice President in Washington DC amid the bitter spat between their two bosses, Keir Starmer and Donald Trump.

Mr Lammy said it was 'great to catch up with my friend' following his discussions with Mr Vance over the Iran crisis and Ukraine war.

The talks were held following Mr Vance's return from Pakistan, which hosted peace talks between the US and Iran at the weekend.

Despite a 21-hour session of discussions in Islamabad - held during a fragile two-week ceasefire - the two warring sides failed to reach an agreement.

Mr Trump has responded to the failure of the talks by enforcing a US military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The critical shipping lane has been effectively shut by Iran itself in the wake of US and Israeli strikes on Tehran, with only some vessels allowed to pass through.

During his talks with Mr Vance, Mr Lammy is said to have reiterated Britain's offer to help get the Strait open again once the conflict is over.

David Lammy held talks with his 'friend' JD Vance in Washington DC as he attempted to repair the fraying 'Special Relationship' between Britain and the US

Donald Trump, pictured outside the Oval Office with a McDonald's food order, has repeatedly attacked Keir Starmer during the Iran crisis

The Deputy PM also met with Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, while in Washington DC with both chats lasting around 45 minutes.

Posting on X after his talks with Mr Vance, Mr Lammy said: '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.'

Mr Lammy's trip to Washington DC came amid what is widely seen as the lowest point in US-UK relations for decades.

Mr Trump has repeatedly attacked Sir Keir during the Iran crisis, with the US President fuming at the Prime Minister's failure to offer greater support for his attacks on Tehran.

He has compared Sir Keir to Neville Chamberlain, Britain's former PM who is best known for trying to appease Adolf Hitler's Germany, while Mr Trump has also claimed Sir Keir is 'no Winston Churchill'.

The PM last week said he was 'fed up' with the impact of Mr Trump's actions in the Middle East, which has caused oil and gas prices to rocket.

Sir Keir also appeared to draw a comparison between the US President and Russia's Vladimir Putin, saying: 'I'm fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down on energy, businesses' bills go up and down on energy because of the actions of Putin or Trump across the world.'

Mr Lammy and Mr Vance have enjoyed an unlikely friendship for a number of years.

The US Vice President and his family stayed with Mr Lammy at his grace and favour home, Chevening in Kent, during a summer holiday to the UK last year.

Mr Lammy was foreign secretary at the time before he was appointed Justice Secretary and Deputy PM during a Cabinet reshuffle last September.

His latest visit to Washington DC will fuel talk at Westminster that Mr Lammy has effectively retained his foreign brief, despite officially being replaced as foreign secretary by Yvette Cooper.
British families face a summer of travel chaos as volatile oil prices see airfares soar and flights cancelled - along with long delays at airports due to new EU border rules which could become 'significantly worse' over the coming months.

Jet fuel supplies from the Middle East have been disrupted since the US-Israeli war with Iran began due to Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

Some airlines have already begun hiking fares and reducing services because of their reliance on imported fuel amid warnings a 'systemic' shortage could be on the way.

Analysts say higher jet fuel prices can be quicker to pass through to fares than road fuel and household energy costs, meaning the impact on price is already being seen -as seat prices have risen by around a fifth and are likely to go up further this summer.

Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, predicted the aviation industry faced an 'extraordinary period' and warned of a 'growing chance that leisure flights could start being cancelled from May' if insufficient fuel can be sourced.

The latest average global jet fuel cost was $198 per barrel last week - double the $99 in late February when the war began, the International Air Transport Association said.

Today, European airlines urged the EU to step in with emergency measures due to the conflict causing widespread airspace closures and concerns over jet fuel shortages.

Global schedules for April have been cut by about 5 per cent compared with earlier plans, according to estimates by investment bank BNP Paribas. Most reductions are in the Middle East, but smaller cuts have also emerged in Europe, Asia and the US.

Meanwhile families with young children have been stranded abroad due to the new Entry/Exit System (EES) which requires travellers from third-party countries, including the UK, to have their fingerprints and photos taken as they enter the Schengen area.

Further checks take place when they leave, and because these can take hours, some travellers have been stuck at passport control after their flights have already left.

Passengers travelling across Europe were hit by delays and cancellations over the weekend with long queues forming at destinations including Geneva, Lisbon and Malta  while others faced two-hour waits yesterday in Brussels and Amsterdam.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said delays caused by the EES could be 'significantly worse over the summer', and urged travellers concerned about jet fuel shortages to book a package holiday, which should be refunded if a flight is axed.

Passengers left behind at Milan Linate Airport on Sunday due to the border control chaos

The rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System causes delays at Brussels Airport yesterday

These new biometric Entry/Exit System machines have been set up at Malaga Airport in Spain

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A ship waits in Oman to pass through the Strait of Hormuz on April 8 as the Iran war continues

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He told the Daily Mail: 'We have already seen major delays and long queues for UK travellers heading to popular European destinations this Easter due to EES entry requirements. This will be significantly worse over the summer if nothing changes.

'There are some things you can do to minimise risk, like making sure your phone is charged in case you need to let your hotel or car hire firm know you will be late.

'On departure, consider arriving to the airport earlier so you can clear both the security line and the subsequent passport check, where there can also be long queues.

'Airports must continue to suspend EES checks when queues become many hours long. It's not fair for travellers to pay the price for them not being prepared.'

How are global airlines responding to the surge in jet fuel prices? AEGEAN AIRLINES: The Greek airline expects suspended Middle East flights and a spike in fuel prices to have a 'notable impact' on its next results. AIRASIA X: The Malaysian airline's executives said the company had cut 10% of flights across the group, with a surcharge of about 20% on fuel. AIR FRANCE-KLM: The airline group said it planned to increase long-haul ticket prices to address surging fuel costs, with cabin fares set to rise by 50 (44) per round trip. AIR INDIA: The Indian flag carrier said it would revise its fuel surcharge from a flat domestic surcharge to a distance-based grid, as surcharges on international routes don't compensate for an exponential rise in jet fuel prices. AIR NEW ZEALAND: The airline said on April 7 it would slash flights through May and June and hike fares, having been one of the first to confirm broad price increases when the war began. AKASA AIR: India's Akasa Air said it was introducing a fuel surcharge ranging between 199 and 1,300 Indian rupees (2 to 10) on domestic and international flights. ALASKA AIR: The US airline said it will hike fees for the first checked bag by $5 (4) and by $10 (7) for the second on its North American flights, as well as for its Hawaiian Airlines unit. It increased prices for a third checked bag from $50 (37) to $200 (148). AMERICAN AIRLINES: The US carrier said it would hike checked baggage fees by $10 (7) each for the first and second checked bags and by $150 (111) for the third checked bag on domestic and short-haul international flights. The airline also trimmed certain benefits for economy passengers. CATHAY PACIFIC: The Hong Kong airline said it would cut some flight from mid-May until the end of June, cancelling about 2% of its scheduled passenger flights, while its budget airline HK Express is cutting around 6% of flights. The carrier previously said it would hike its fuel surcharge by 34% across routes from April 1 and review them every two weeks. CEBU AIR: The Philippines-based airline said the sharp rise in fuel prices was a concern and it would continue to review its pricing and network strategies to mitigate the impact. CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES: The airline said it would raise fuel surcharges for domestic flights from April 5, with flights of 800km and below hit with a 60 yuan (6) surcharge and a 120 yuan (13) surcharge for flights over 800km. DELTA AIR LINES: Delta said it would cut capacity by around 3.5 percentage points from its original plan and raise fees for checked bags in an attempt to offset soaring jet fuel costs, with an increase of $10 (7) on the price of first and second checked bags and a $50 (37) increase on the third checked bag. The US airline pulled all planned capacity growth for the current quarter and forecast profit below Wall Street expectations. EASYJET: EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis said European consumers should expect higher ticket prices towards the end of summer, when existing fuel hedges come to an end. FRONTIER AIRLINES: The US airline is reviewing its full-year forecast as fuel prices have increased significantly since it issued the outlook. GREATER BAY AIRLINES: The Hong Kong-based company said it would raise fuel surcharges on most routes from April 1, while keeping them unchanged on mainland China and Japan routes. Its surcharge for flights between Hong Kong and the Philippines will more than double. HONG KONG AIRLINES: The airline said it would raise fuel surcharges by up to 35% from March 12, with the sharpest increase on flights between Hong Kong and the Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal, where charges would rise to HK$384 (36) from HK$284 (27). IAG: British Airways-owner IAG said on March 10 it did not plan to increase ticket prices immediately, as it has hedged much of its fuel for the short- to medium-term. INDIGO: India's biggest airline said it would introduce fuel charges on domestic and international flights from March 14, including a charge of 900 rupees (7) for flights to the Middle East and a charge of 2,300 rupees (18) for flights to Europe. JETBLUE AIRWAYS: The US-based low-cost carrier said it was increasing fees for optional services such as checked baggage as it experiences 'rising operating costs'. Baggage prices will rise by either $4 (3) or $9 (7), it said. KOREAN AIR: The South Korean flag carrier will enter emergency management mode from April, as rising oil prices weigh on costs, a source told Reuters. The airline plans to implement phased response measures based on oil price levels, and step up company-wide cost efficiency to offset surging fuel costs. PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES: The carrier said it would raise domestic flight fares by $20 (15) and international fares by up to $100 (74), citing higher fuel surcharges. QANTAS AIRWAYS: Australia's Qantas said it had delayed a planned A$150million buyback and was raising its estimated fuel bill for the second half of 2026 to A$3.1bn-A$3.3bn, from a previous A$2.5bn forecast. SAS: The Scandinavian airline said it would cancel 1,000 flights in April because of high oil and jet fuel prices, after cancelling a 'couple hundred' flights in March. SAS, which had already increased flight prices, said that even if it tried to absorb the rising fuel costs, the price surge would still be a blow to the aviation industry. SPRING AIRLINES: The budget Chinese airline said it would raise fuel surcharges on domestic flights from April 5, with details to be announced later. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES: The American carrier said it would hike checked baggage fees by $10 (7) for the first and second bags, raising costs to $45 (33) for the first bag and $55 (41) for the second. TAP: The Portuguese airline said its price hikes would partially mitigate the impact of fuel price changes on its revenue. THAI AIRWAYS: The Thailand-based carrier said it would raise fares by 10% to 15% to address rising fuel costs. TURKISH AIRLINES, LUFTHANSA: SunExpress, a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, said it would impose a temporary fuel surcharge of 10 (9) per passenger from May 1 on routes between Turkey and Europe. The surcharge will apply to bookings made on or after April 1 for departures on or after May 1. T'WAY AIR: The South Korean low-cost carrier said on April 13 it plans to furlough some of its cabin crew without pay in May and June as part of its measures to address the impact of the war in the Middle East. UNITED AIRLINES: The US airline is cutting unprofitable flights over the next two quarters as it prepares for oil prices to remain above $100 until the end of 2027, CEO Scott Kirby said. United has raised fares without materially hurting bookings in response to the rapid increase in oil and jet fuel prices, its Chief Commercial Officer said. The carrier is also increasing first and second checked bag fees by $10 (7) for customers travelling in the US, Mexico and Canada and Latin America, it said. VIETJET: The Vietnamese budget airline said it had adjusted flight frequency on selected routes due to potential fuel shortages. VIETNAM AIRLINES: The carrier plans to cancel 23 flights per week across domestic routes from April, Vietnam's aviation authority said, after the airline requested government assistance to remove an environmental tax on jet fuel. VIRGIN ATLANTIC: The airline is adding fuel surcharges to fares but will still struggle to return to profitability this year, its CEO Corneel Koster told the Financial Times. VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Virgin Australia said it was adjusting fares to reflect rising cost pressures across the aviation sector, which it said were being significantly exacerbated by the situation in the Middle East. WESTJET: The Canadian airline will add a C$60 (32) fuel surcharge to some bookings and combine flights as costs soar.

On jet fuel shortages, he added: 'If a package holiday or a flight is cancelled then you should get a refund, although you might lose out if you had a hotel booked separately from the flight. It is always safer to book a package, otherwise you are left relying on travel insurance which often has unexpected loopholes.'

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, told the Daily Mail: 'Travellers certainly have plenty of challenges to cope with currently, with new entry/exit rules in the EU and concerns growing over whether flights will be running in the summer due to jet fuel shortages.

'I think the peak difficult period for the new EES system in Europe, which involves you giving your fingerprint and biometric details, will be in July and August when many families are travelling.

'If they haven't already registered at a European airport, each member of the family will have to have their picture and fingerprints taken, a process which can easily be one minute per person. So you can imagine how long it may take to process a full aircraft of 180 people, hence the likelihood of long queues.

'My advice is, if possible, for travellers to try and do a quick trip to Europe in the quieter, less busy season of late April or mid-May, in order to register and have their biometrics taken, and then the process will be much easier the next time they go into Europe.'

Speaking about jet fuel, Mr Charles said: 'We shall see how jet fuel demand changes in the coming months but a lot of jet fuel for UK airlines comes in from the US and Europe, and there are still plentiful supplies from those regions.

'Airline planning teams are currently assessing whether any of their destinations will be worse affected by fuel supply issues, and then they will either have to take the decision to ferry in more fuel so they have enough to fly back to the UK with, or stop flying to that destination at all.

'There's no need for people to worry at this stage if they have a flight booked, or are planning to book, as the airline would of course have to offer a credit or refund if that flight didn't run for the reason of no fuel being available.'

But he also pointed out: 'Of course, some of these concerns will translate into more UK holidaymakers choosing the UK for trips as well, which will be a boost for the staycation market. Already we are seeing signs of UK hotels and other accommodation being heavily booked for the May - October period.'

Ms Streeter said today: 'The aviation industry is bracing for an extraordinary period ahead, with jet fuel shortages looming and route disruption expected.

'The UK is particularly vulnerable to a jet fuel crisis, given its reliance on exports from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The last pre-crisis shipments have now arrived from the Middle East and the countdown is on before supply risks emerge.

'There's a growing chance that leisure flights could start being cancelled from May if carriers are unable to source enough fuel from other producing nations.

'It's going to be a challenge given other countries are also on the hunt for new suppliers, and it seems highly likely that prices will ramp higher as demand shoots up.

'Airline seat prices have already risen by around a fifth and are likely to become more expensive as the busy summer season approaches.'

Industry group Airlines for Europe (A4E) wants the EU to introduce crisis response measures including EU-level monitoring of jet fuel supplies, a temporary suspension of the EU's carbon market for aviation and scrapping certain aviation taxes.

The aviation sector has been hit by airspace closures since the war began, with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency banning European airlines from operating in the airspace of several Gulf countries, including the UAE and Qatar until April 24.

The A4E has urged Brussels to consider joint EU purchasing of kerosene, a form of jet fuel. The EU introduced joint natural gas buying to try to shore up supplies, after Russia slashed gas deliveries to Europe in 2022, but the model has not been applied to oil or kerosene so far.

A4E, whose members include Lufthansa, Air France-KLM and easyJet, also urged the EU to amend its legal requirement for countries to maintain 90 days of emergency oil reserves as this currently does not include a specific requirement on jet fuel.

A document from the organisation seen by Reuters also asked for clarification on existing legislation, including confirmation that airspace closures due to conflict and resulting operational effects will be considered as justified non-use of slots.

The European Commission has said it will propose a package of measures on April 22 to attempt to offset the fallout of the Iran war in energy markets, but has not confirmed if this will include specific measures on jet fuel.

European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said today: 'There is no evidence for fuel shortages in the European Union at present, but supply issues could occur in the near future in particular for jet fuels. That remains our primary concern.'

Airports Council International (ACI), a trade body which represents more than 600 airports, has warned over a 'systemic' shortage of jet fuel ahead of the peak summer season if the Strait of Hormuz does not reopen in the weeks ahead.

In a letter to the European commissioners for energy and transport and tourism, ACI director-general Olivier Jankovec wrote: 'At this stage, we understand that if the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU.

'The fact that we are entering the peak summer season is only adding to those concerns.'

The ACI said jet fuel supply for the next six months needs to be urgently monitored by the European Commission, including identifying action that can be taken to increase production within the EU.

It also asked them to consider temporarily lifting restrictions and regulations that limit the ability to import jet fuel.

'This crisis has exposed the reduced refining capacity of the EU for jet fuel production, and its acute dependence on imports from other world regions,' Mr Jankovec warned.

Ryanair's boss Michael O'Leary said earlier this month that if the war continues, then there was a risk of 'disruptions in Europe in May and June', adding that 'maybe 10 per cent, 20 per cent, 25 per cent of our supplies might be at risk'.

Sir Keir Starmer has visited allies in the Gulf for talks on how to support what he described as a 'fragile' ceasefire between the US and Iran, which was agreed last week.

He spoke to US President Donald Trump about the need for a 'practical plan' to get shipping going through the Strait of Hormuz amid suggestions Tehran wants to charge vessels for passage.

Shye Gilad, a former airline captain who now teaches at Georgetown University's business school in the US, said: 'Volatility is the real story here. Right now, the airlines are trying to make bets on what they think will happen in the future.'

Major carriers are better positioned to endure the spike in fuel prices than budget carriers because they have less flexibility because of their 'no frills' models.

Bigger airlines can use dynamic pricing, sell more seats at higher fares or swap in larger planes on certain routes, letting them cut flights without losing total capacity.

Mr Gilad added: 'Leisure travellers and budget conscious travellers are going to absolutely feel it first because it may make the difference between going and not going.'

It comes as Mr Trump's blockade of Iranian ports came into effect, with the President threatening to 'eliminate' Tehran's fast attack vessels if they come near American warships.

Sir Keir will chair Cabinet this morning, where the conflict and its fallout are likely to feature high on the agenda.

He has refused to back the operation and was instead working with French President Emmanuel Macron to bring together an international coalition aimed at securing future freedom of navigation in the strait, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies from the Gulf.

Separately, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy met with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio in Washington DC where they discussed the current crisis in the strait.

Amid a fragile ceasefire, Mr Lammy is understood to have highlighted the role the UK is playing in the international effort to ensure shipping can pass freely through the maritime pinchpoint.

Meanwhile British travellers are suffering long queues due to the new EU border rules.

One passenger in Amsterdam described 'elderly people and parents with toddlers' waiting in line for passport gates, 'hardly any' of which were open. The airport's website confirmed there were 'long delays'.

In heatwave-hit Milan, airline passengers were left vomiting and passing out after waiting for up to three hours on Sunday night.

Around 100 easyJet customers were abandoned at Linate airport while waiting to board the flight to Manchester after the crew decided to leave without them.

EasyJet said the situation was 'outside of our control' and issues with the EU's new border scheme had caused the delays, adding that the hold-ups were 'unacceptable'.

Aviation expert Sally Gethin said the rollout of EES 'wasn't going well', telling the Mail: 'It's proving a bumpy ride and a massive headache for travellers.'

Ms Gethin said many flyers were 'confused' about the scheme and believes the UK Government could have done more to educate them. 'The UK Government has come in for criticism for not raising enough awareness,' she said.

Separately, a report found travel spending has fallen for the first time since Covid lockdowns as the Middle East war and a squeeze on finances hit demand.

Transactions related to airlines, public transport and travel agents dropped 3.3 per cent in March, according to fresh card data from Barclays.

Conflict in the Middle East has caused consumers to worry that their holidays will be disrupted with 11 per cent of those surveyed cancelling plans, researchers added.

Travel agents were hit the hardest in the sector last month as transactions fell 4.6 per cent, followed by a 4.1 per cent drop for airlines and a 2.9 per cent decrease for public transport firms, Barclays said.

This was the first time travel spending had dropped since March 2021, when the country was still subject to rules limiting international travel.

There are fears that airlines may soon be hit with jet fuel shortages if disruption to suppliers using the Strait of Hormuz continues.

It comes as the boss of Heathrow warned of an 'uncertain' outlook even as Britain's biggest airport saw its busiest ever March. The conflict contributed to a boost in passenger numbers.

The airport saw 6.6million passengers last month, a 6.9 per cent increase from last year, as airport closures in places like Dubai and Doha forced travellers to fly through London.

But Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye added: 'While Heathrow's long-haul network absorbed demand in March, the outlook for the next few months remains uncertain.'

It comes as air passenger duty (APD) rates, which are based on the length of the flight and the class of cabin, increased from April 1.

Airlines have long called for APD  which is imposed on flights from most UK airports  to be reduced or cut, claiming this would lead to an increase in demand for travel.

Reform UK has pledged to abolish the duty on short-haul flights for families travelling with children if it wins the next election, branding it a 'family holiday tax' and saying the party's policy would save families 45 on international flights or 48 for domestic flights.

Passengers travelling in economy are now being charged 8 for a domestic flight and 15 for a short-haul flight, up to 2,000 miles.

After the latest increases, the APD rate is now 102 for long-haul flights  2,001 to 5,500 miles  and 106 for ultra long-haul flights  more than 5,500 miles.

Those flying in premium cabins are now charged 16 for a domestic flight, 32 for a short-haul flight, 244 for a long-haul flight and 253 for an ultra long-haul flight.

Private jet passengers face a rate of 142 for domestic or short-haul flights, 1,097 for long-haul flights and 1,141 for ultra long-haul flights.
Just five per cent of burglaries in Winchester were solved by police last year, data has shown.

Of the 337 burglaries reported in the city in 2025, only 17 were solved by Hampshire Police.

That included 212 burglaries which took place in dwellings, of which police took formal action against suspects on just six occasions, or 2.8 per cent of the time.

The remaining 125 reports were burglaries at businesses, where police took formal action 11 times, or 8.7 per cent.

Hampshire Police said it was targeting a 'consistently high level' of service in response to burglaries but added it could be impractical to attend reports at homes where they happen.

It said this was due to the length of time since an offence had taken place.

Sometimes victims do not want officers to come to their home or would rather go to a police station themselves, the force added.

Complexities including lack of witnesses, CCTV or DNA evidence were also factors, a spokesman said.

Just five per cent of burglaries in the cathedral city of Winchester were solved by police last year

There were 212 burglaries which took place in dwellings, while the remaining 125 took place in businesses. Pictured: Winchester's city centre

The force recognised that burglaries of businesses or in rural areas can be 'particularly impactive for victims and the wider community'.

Hampshire's northern districts have seen a 13.2 per cent decrease in burglaries in dwellings over the past year.

According to Zoopla, the average house sale in Winchester last year was more than 630,000.

Detective Superintendent Ellie Hurd, force lead for burglary, said: 'Burglary is one of the most intrusive crimes that can have untold, long-lasting impacts on victims.'

She said Hampshire Police would invest in teams to investigate burglaries and 'upskill' officers who first attend.

DS Hurd added: 'We remain committed to attending burglary reports and gathering the required evidence to arrest offenders, charge them and put them before the courts.'
Inmates at a crisis-hit prison are sitting in their cells watching daytime TV and taking drugs smuggled in through broken windows, a damning inspection report has found.

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said drones were bringing 'large quantities' of drugs into HMP Manchester, more commonly known as Strangeways.

He found broken or insecure windows had gone unfixed for two years due to 'absurdly bureaucratic planning processes', allowing gangs to act with 'impunity'.

Inspectors returned to Manchester 15 months after Mr Taylor invoked an urgent notification notice and found it remains in 'a precarious state'.

He said there had been some improvements at the prison, with the governor and his team restoring 'an element of stability' but there was 'a fragility about the place that makes us nervous'.

Drugs are continuing to flood into the jail, which houses category A and B prisoners - around 38 per cent of whom tested positive in random tests.

Mr Taylor said the issue was being exacerbated by poor physical security, with HM Prison Service taking 'far too long' to fit new secure windows.

Prisoners are burning holes in windows at HMP Manchester to allow them to snatch packages hanging from drones

Funding for these was approved in 2021 but 'hardly any' have been installed, he found.

Even these have now been breached, with inmates taking 'a couple of days' to find a way of melting the panes using the filaments of their kettles.

Prisoners are then able to reach through the gaps to grab packages of drugs hanging down from drones hovering outside.

Outlining the grim situation at the prison, Mr Taylor wrote: 'The number of weapons and other illicit items found in recent months was among the highest of all prisons holding adult men and the proportion of prisoners testing positive for drug use was very high at 39 per cent.

'We found many examples of poor physical security, including, for example, a failing CCTV system; slow action by HMPPS to install more secure cell windows (which were themselves already being breached); and a failure to replace damaged netting over the exercise yards that might deter the frequent arrival of drones delivering illicit packages.'

Mr Taylor found a lack of positive training opportunities at the prison, prompting inmates to be locked in their cells for long periods of time.

'What we saw at Manchester was far too many prisoners sitting in their cells watching daytime TV and in many cases taking drugs,' he said.

Rubbish strewn over the razor wire at HMP Manchester in a photo taken by prison inspectors

The chief inspector previously told how bosses at Manchester had 'ceded the airspace' over the prison to drug-carrying drones, which he described as a 'threat to national security'.

'The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public, is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security,' he said.

'It is highly alarming that the police and Prison Service have, in effect, ceded the airspace above two high-security prisons to organised crime gangs, which are able to deliver contraband to jails holding extremely dangerous prisoners including some who have been designated as high-risk Category A.

'It is chilling that weapons can be delivered in this way  especially when some of these wings hold terrorists.'

Enver Solomon, chief executive of social justice charity Nacro, said the latest report was 'a damning indictment of a prison system in crisis.

How can rehabilitation happen when drug use and violence are rife, and chronic staff shortages leave people in prison with little meaningful activity?

'When nearly half of prisoners are using drugs and many are locked in cells for up to 22 hours a day, rehabilitation doesn't stand a chance. But we know it is essential for helping people turn their lives around and ultimately for keeping our communities safe.

Mr Taylor found a lack of positive training opportunities at the prison, prompting inmates to be locked in their cells for long periods of time

'We see first-hand how work and educational opportunities inside prison, health and wellbeing and recovery support on release can break the vicious cycle of reoffending. Developing services that address the root causes of offending are vital for real change.'

An MoJ spokesman said: 'This is a prison operating under immense pressure after this government inherited a prison system at the peak of its crisis.

'We took immediate action to bring the system back from the point of collapse and while we welcome inspectors recognising the strong leadership now in place at HMP Manchester, we are taking urgent action to stop drones, upgrade security and tackle the flow of drugs which fuels violence behind bars.'
LINDON, Utah, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trucordia, a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage, today announced its acquisition of the assets of JJL&W Insurance Consulting, an employee benefits brokerage based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded in 2020 by partners Jeff Joffrion, Troy Jones, Mitch Lansing, and Jeff Wampold, JJL&W has built a strong reputation by pairing a people-first, consultative approach with deep carrier-side experience.

"We're excited to welcome the JJL&W team to Trucordia," said Felix Morgan, CEO of Trucordia. "This group has more than a century of combined experience and a clear focus on relationships over automation. They sit down with employers, broker partners, and employees to walk through decisions and stay close throughout the year, which is exactly how we believe benefits should be delivered."

The JJL&W team focuses on employee benefits for employers of all sizes, as well as individuals, with medical, dental, vision, life, disability and voluntary benefits, along with support for funding strategies, compliance, and administration. In addition to serving its own clients, the firm works behind the scenes with other local insurance businesses, providing consulting and service support while managing books of business on their behalf.

"Joining Trucordia gives us the best of both worlds," said Joffrion. "We keep the personal, hands-on service our clients and broker partners rely on, while gaining the infrastructure, carrier access, and resources of a national organization. We look forward to the impact this will have on the employers, communities, and businesses we serve across Louisiana and the region."

About Trucordia

Trucordia is the group name for a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage headquartered in Lindon, Utah. The Trucordia group of companies offers a broad array of commercial and personal lines, life and health, and employee benefits insurance solutions. Trucordia is an integrated organization united by a passion to deliver extraordinary opportunities and exceptional experiences for its clients, partners, and each other. With more than 5,000 team members across the U.S., Trucordia is a notable leader in the insurance brokerage space, ranking #18 on Business Insurance's 2025 Top 100 Brokers and #16 on Insurance Journal's 2025 Top Property/Casualty Agencies. Visit trucordia.com for more information.

SOURCE Trucordia
A company has banned its staff from sharing food at work, including birthday cake or party food, due to 'health and safety' fears.

Employees at exhibition stand designers Quadrant2Design were told that the fun tradition had to stop because of the risks of people getting allergic reactions or falling ill from sharing food.

The company, based in Poole, Dorset, said it had banned all food sharing at work in response to 'growing legal, insurance and compliance risks'.

One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said the decision was an example of 'an increasing overreach of modern employment regulation'.

The staff member said: 'What makes this striking is that the company can still provide food for clients and visitors.

'That raises questions about the consistency and practicality of rules businesses are expected to follow.'

They added that staff had also been warned not to bring children into the workplace due to concerns over health and safety.

The employee added: 'Taken together, these measures paint a picture of a workplace where long-standing social traditions, such as bringing in cakes for a colleague's birthday, are being removed due to fear of legal exposure.

Company boss Alan Jenkins said the move was necessary and not due to 'regulatory overreach'

'It raises a broader question - are current employment and compliance expectations going too far?'

Founder Alan Jenkins said the move was necessary as food brought in by colleagues was often from holidays to foreign countries, where standards differ, and may contain nuts or other undisclosed ingredients.

He said employees may still bring in food and drink for their own use.

Mr Jenkins said: 'Our experience is that a growing number of people have allergies, sometimes undisclosed to the company or their colleagues.

'Allowing mixed food items from unknown sources, countries or labelling is a risk we're not prepared to accept. Regulatory overreach is not a factor in our policy.

'It's a measured response to clearly identified risks to the health and safety of our colleagues and others.'

Mr Jenkins added that the decision to ban children from the workplace was 'standard health and safety practice' due to the presence of machinery with moving parts, scalpels and other blades in the office.

Alan Jenkins founded the company with his wife, Elizabeth, in 1999 and is the company's Managing Director.

Before starting the company, which states it is now the 'UK's premier exhibition stand design and build contractor, he worked as a consultant.

The company said in a statement: 'The company will still provide food to visitors - these are rare occasions and can be safely controlled by polite enquiry regarding allergies, before we prepare and present food.

'The food provided is also under managements control and is of a known quality, source and freshness.

'Because the food is sourced locally from known and reliable sources, we know that UK food standards and labelling standards apply - this is particularly relevant to risks surrounding allergies.'

The company's stark rules follow the Labour Government's crackdown on toddlers eating birthday cake, advising schools and nurseries to serve 'fruit platters' instead to 'promote healthy eating habits'.

They added: 'Colleagues are of course permitted to bring in food and drink for their own consumption.

'The company has two modern kitchen facilities with fridges and cooking facilities for that purpose.

'One kitchen is positioned in a shared, open, meeting, conference and social space. We supply unlimited quantities of tea and coffee which can be consumed throughout the day!

'And of course clean fresh drinking water is available at any time from our two kitchens.'

Guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) recommends parents are discouraged from bringing in sweet treats to mark their child's big day.

The early years nutrition advice, which came in this term, recommends pupils come in with fresh fruit - or even without any celebratory food at all.

It suggests students could hand out non-edible favours instead, such as stickers or bottles of bubbles.
B&B owners have warned Rachel Reeves' 'holiday tax' will be the 'nail in the coffin' for hospitality in Devon and Cornwall - and will 'shoot the golden goose'.

City mayors and town officials could be given power by the Government to raise funds through a levy on overnight stays at hotels, holiday lets, B&Bs and guesthouses, regardless of size or price.

Mayors such as London's Sir Sadiq Khan and Manchester's Andy Burnham could be allowed to charge visitors a 'tourist tax' from 2027.

The charge may also be introduced into areas without directly elected mayors, including Devon and Cornwall.

However, the UK Hospitality sector has urged the Chancellor of the Exchequer to scrap the plans, amid concerns the extra costs could deter tourism - which could add 100 onto a two-week family stay if a charge of 2 a night were introduced.

The levy could add 500million a year to the cost of UK breaks, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

This has prompted 200 hospitality bosses - including UK seaside resort chain Butlin's - to write to Ms Reeves condemning the proposed levy.

The proposal has sparked concerns among smaller local business owners, including those in the popular coastal hotspots of Cornwall and Devon.

B&B owners have warned that Rachel Reeves' 'holiday tax' will be the 'nail in the coffin' for hospitality in Devon and Cornwall. Pictured: B&B owners Michelle Grist and Kevin Chamberlain pictured outside their property Wray Valley in Dartmoor, Devon

Joby Godolphin, who is the owner of B&B Storm in a Tea Cup in St Ives, Cornwall, said the holiday tax is 'ridiculous' and 'should not be happening'.

The 49-year-old businessowner said: 'Tourism tax is a nail in the coffin because the last thing we need is people feeling like they are being taken the mick.'

Mr Godolphin, who was born in St Ives, said visitors should be able to travel to the 'free, beautiful place' of Cornwall without the added costs.

Mr Godolphin added: 'It's ridiculous, the tax shouldn't be happening they should be looking elsewhere. All you are doing is adding more charges to people.

'All they want to do is come travelling and have a good time.

'I don't think there should be any tax - it is a visible way to shoot the golden goose.'

Tourism makes up 15 per cent of the Cornish economy, according to Cornwall Council, and has more than 500 B&Bs.

While Devon is visited by 23.4 million tourists each year, which supports nearly 5,000 businesses, according to Visit Devon.

Visitors enjoyed the sunny weather during the Bank Holiday weekend at tourist hotspot St Ives, Cornwall

Alice Jeffries, head of tax policy at CBI, claimed the fee could even cause employment issues and create tight margins for the industry.

She said: 'The Government should be sending a clear message that Britain is open for business and tourist visitors alike - not making it harder for people to spend their time and money here.'

A tourism levy is already in place in Manchester, where tourists are charged 1 plus VAT per room, per night.

A spokesperson for the Government previously said the exact design for a tourism tax 'has not been decided' and explained how it will help areas 'benefit from tourism' as well as give mayors more cash to 'invest in local priorities'.

The Government suggests mayors could use the revenue from the tax to invest into the local area's transport and infrastructure.

In popular destinations across Europe, holidaymakers are charged 'tourism taxes', 'city levies' or 'eco-fees', often per night of their stay.

For example, tourists travelling to Amsterdam are expected to pay 12.5 per cent extra on top of the cost of their hotel room - one of the highest visitor charges in Europe.

The Treasury has been contacted for comment.
Kemi Badenoch swiped at Donald Trump's 'childish' behaviour today and said posting an image of himself as a Christ-like figure was 'preposterous'.

The Tory leader has delivered some of her toughest criticism of the US president, saying his apparent foray into religious iconism was 'bizarre'.

But while she stressed she would challenge Mr Trump when he was 'wrong', Mrs Badenoch insisted he was 'right' about issues such as defence spending being too low and the need to exploit North Sea oil and gas.

Mr Trump faced a furious backlash yesterday after deploying the AI-generated image of himself in robes with his hands glowing as he healed a sick man.

He later deleted the picture, despite claiming it actually portrayed him as a doctor rather than Jesus.

Interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live this morning, Mrs Badenoch said: 'I thought it was a preposterous picture.

Kemi Badenoch swiped at Donald Trump's 'childish' behaviour today and said posting an image of himself as a Christ-like figure was 'preposterous'

Mr Trump faced a furious backlash yesterday after posting the AI-generated image of himself in robes with his hands glowing as he healed a sick man

'It should have been, at best, a funny joke that somebody else had done.

'It was very bizarre seeing the president tweet it himself.

'I'm not surprised that it's been deleted.'

Mrs Badenoch backed the King's state visit going ahead this month, saying ties to the US went beyond Mr Trump.

She said: 'We've got to put Donald Trump to one side and actually look at the state of the world and the situation that we're in.

'If he's saying something that makes sense, we should agree.

'If he says something that doesn't make sense, we should disagree.

'I think he's right to say we need to do more spending on defence.

'He's right to say that we should look at our own energy sources.

'He's wrong to make childish remarks these empty threats on Greenland and so on, all of that's wrong.

'What he said about Iran, that's wrong as well.

'We need to be in a position where we can say yes if someone is right and no if they're wrong, rather than just following them irrespective or never wanting to hear from them because of political ideology.'

Mr Trump posted the religious-style image amid bitter clashes with US-born Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.

Asked about the anger it had caused, the President said: 'It's supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better.

'And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.'

Donald Trump speaks with reporters outside the Oval Office at the White House yesterday

Pope Leo XIV arrives at the El Mouradia Presidential Palace in Algiers yesterday

Speaking about the post, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe told BBC Newsnight: 'I thought it was just quite frankly bizarre.

'People have often said that they think that it's blasphemous.

'I think that implies an attack on Christianity, which President Trump I don't think intended, but it does show a complete misunderstanding of what Christianity is about.'

Asked about Mr Trump saying the image depicted him as a doctor, Cardinal Radcliffe added: 'I find it very strange.

'I've met many doctors in my life and none of them have glowed quite like that.'
The heir to the JCB manufacturing fortune has threatened to leave the UK due to Rachel Reeves' inheritance tax raid.

Jo Bamford, son of JCB chairman Lord Bamford, said the Staffordshire-based company could relocate to the US to avoid paying a 20 per cent tax on assets worth more than 2.5m when his father dies.

Ministers are ploughing ahead with plans to charge inheritance tax on family-owned firms - triggering warnings it could force centuries-old businesses to break up or dismiss staff to raise the necessary funds.

Mr Bamford described the 'family tax' as a 'real problem' that threatened JCB's future in Britain.

'It could quite easily become an American business,' he told City AM. 'I love being in Britain. I love being here. I love our factories here.

'But I would say to a political party of any stripe, look, there's only so much you can ultimately do.'

Established in 1945 by Joseph Cyril Bamford - Lord Bamford's father - JCB is one of Britain's biggest family-owned manufacturing companies.

The firm - which turns over more than 6billion a year - makes heavy machinery for construction, agriculture, waste handling and demolition, with 11 factories in the UK employing more than 8,000 workers.

Jo Bamford, son of JCB chairman Lord Bamford, said the Staffordshire-based company could relocate to the US to avoid paying a 20 per cent tax on assets worth more than 2.5m

Mr Bamford said he wanted to stay in Britain but believed Ms Reeves' tax raid could force his hand.

'I'm here because I'm British, and I'm here and I employ people in Britain because I like British people and I like being in my part of the community,' he said.

From April 6, full inheritance tax relief will only apply on the first 2.5m of a firm's assets, with anything above that facing a charge of 20 per cent.

The threshold was previously set at 1m but it was raised after fears it could destroy Britain's family farms.

Mr Bamford is the latest business owner to criticise the tax after Sir James Dyson called it an example of 'revenge economics'.

Sir James said on Radio 4's Today programme that his company would have to find 'billions of cash' when he dies, forcing it to 'sell the business to pay it'.

'You have to pay a 20 per cent inheritance tax,' he said. 'Actually it's 40 per cent because you have to take a dividend, if you could, to pay the 20 per cent.

'What it means is you'd have to sell the business. And who wants to start a family business if you can't leave it to your children, if it can't carry on in the same ethos to which it started.'

The Dyson founder said he had already introduced his son Jake into the family business.

'In my last gasp, I would like to see it going from strength to strength  for my son to take it over and for it to remain a family business,' he added.

It comes after a study has found that Labour's chaotic tax policies are pushing Britain's wealthy to consider moving abroad.

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The survey of 200 tycoons worth at least 50million revealed that the Government's U-turn tax policies were a bigger factor in deciding whether to leave the UK than the rate of the tax itself.

Two-thirds of ultra-wealthy individuals were found to have considered leaving Britain in the last year for tax reasons, the poll by accountancy firm BDO showed, citing a 'trust gap' between the rich and the Labour Government.

While 42 per cent of respondents said tax policies were the main driver of their decision rather than high tax rates - which were given by just 18 per cent as a factor in leaving.

Analysis also showed that 55 per cent of the ultra-wealthy and their heirs felt people had a responsibility, not an obligation, to pay tax, while 82 per cent thought tax was a 'social responsibility to be paid in full'. The problem, therefore, seems political.

Expert Elsa Littlewood said wealth creators are suffering from 'change fatigue' within the tax system, and are 'under constant pressure'.

Ms Littlewood said: 'My sense is that they didn't want to go. But year on year there's been change after change, and living with that instability is wearing them down.

'For many, the final straw came when the government started making big changes to inheritance tax and noises around big capital taxes. They feel that they are under constant pressure.'

A Treasury spokesman said: 'We've listened and raised the relief threshold to 2.5m to protect more small family businesses, while ensuring the largest make a fair contribution so we can deliver support for families and businesses, including cutting the cost of living.'
A Chinese tanker has defied Donald Trump's blockade and passed through the Strait of Hormuz after Beijing accused the president of 'dangerous and irresponsible' behaviour.

The US President threatened to stop 'any and all ships' from using the strait from Monday in an attempt to regain control over the shipping route after peace talks with Iran failed.

He claimed Iran's navy was 'lying at the bottom of the sea' and their final 'fast attack ships' would be 'immediately eliminated' if they tried to prevent his siege.

But Iranian-linked and Chinese vessels ignored Mr Trump and continued to pass through the waterway on Tuesday as Saudi Arabia urged the US to let ships pass.

A US-sanctioned Chinese ship transporting Iranian crude oil transited through on Tuesday after it circled the area late on Monday.

The Rich Starry, a medium-range tanker that is carrying about 250,000 barrels of oil, is owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd.

It traveled through the strait, having loaded the cargo at its last port of call, the United Arab Emirates' Hamriyah Port, according to data from Kpler and MarineTraffic.

China said a US blockade around Iranian ports was 'dangerous and irresponsible', after Mr Trump threatened to sink any boats that sought to leave or dock there.

The Rich Starry, a US-sanctioned Chinese ship transporting Iranian crude oil, transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday

Donald Trump threatened to stop 'any and all ships' from using the strait from Monday in an attempt to regain control over the shipping route after peace talks with Iran failed

The Rich Starry traveled through the strait, having loaded the cargo at its last port of call, the United Arab Emirates' Hamriyah Port, according to data from Kpler and MarineTraffic

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'The US increased military operations and took a targeted blockade action, which will only exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement and further jeopardise safety of passage through the Strait,' Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.

Two other Iranian-linked tankers entered the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, shipping data showed.

Handy tanker Murlikishan is heading to Iraq to load fuel oil on April 16. The vessel, formerly known as MKA, has transported Russian and Iranian oil.

Panama-flagged Peace Gulf, a medium-range tanker, is heading to Hamriyah Port in the UAE.

The vessel typically moves Iranian naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock, to other non-Iranian Middle Eastern ports for export to Asia.

Mr Trump ordered the US navy to blockade the strait from 3pm on Monday in a bid to regain the initiative 45 days into the war.

Vessels using the strait to travel to and from non-Iranian ports will not be impeded.

Iran shut down the shipping lane through which a fifth of global oil passes following joint US-Israeli strikes that caused a worldwide economic meltdown.

Tehran allowed a handful of friendly ships through and charged them in an unofficial toll system. However, Mr Trump has now decided to block all vessels.

Saudi Arabia is now pressing the US to drop the blockade and return to negotiations.

Saudi officials fear the US closure could force Iran to escalate and disrupt other important shipping routes, the Wall Street Journal reports.

There are concerns Iran could retaliate and close the Bab al-Mandeb, a Red Sea chokepoint through which around 12 per cent of oil flows daily.

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei promised Iran has 'large, untouched levers' to strike back against Trump's blockage, quipping that they cannot be pressured by 'tweets and imaginary plans.'

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Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf - who led negotiations with JD Vance on behalf of Iran - warned Americans that 'soon you'll be nostalgic for $4-$5 gas.'

Traffic in the strait has been limited even in the days since the ceasefire. Marine trackers say over 40 commercial ships have crossed since the pause in fighting.

Mr Trump claimed that the threat posed by the Iranian Navy is 'gone' from the key waterway thanks to the US military assault on Iran 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.

'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 on 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.

Your browser does not support iframes.

China said a US blockade around Iranian ports was 'dangerous and irresponsible', after Mr Trump threatened to sink any boats that sought to leave or dock there. (Pictured: Chinese President Xi Jinping)

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.

Mr Trump insisted on Monday that Iran wanted to make a deal 'very badly' as his blockade of the Islamic regime's own oil blockade came into force.

The US President claimed the only sticking point between the warring nations was 'over nuclear', claiming Iran wanted an atomic bomb so it could 'exterminate the world'.

But he suggested once more that a deal was close, even though peace talks in Pakistan broke down in less than 24 hours on Sunday and despite fears that the ceasefire could end at 'any moment'.
Teachers who went on strike over pupils' behaviour at their school have been blamed in an Ofsted report for having low expectations and not challenging students, leading to 'disruptive' behaviour.

Staff at Ravensfield Primary School in Greater Manchester staged a walkout in January after complaining of being violently assaulted by the children in their care.

Teachers at two schools run by the Changing Lives in Collaboration trust also said students, all aged 11 or younger, had brought knives into school, and during the strike one child fired an imitation firearm in the playground at Ravensfield.

But in an Ofsted inspection carried out less than a month after the walkout, inspectors found that low expectations of behaviour and academic standard, as well as a lack of support for those with extra needs, is contributing to the problem.

Inspectors rated Ravensfield Primary School in seven categories, assessing four as the lowest grading, needing 'urgent improvement', and three just above as 'needs attention'.

They described the school as being 'at rock bottom', with poor academic results, struggling staff morale, and parental concern at students' safety on site.

Addressing poor behaviour at the school, which was cited as the reason for the staff walkout earlier this year, their report stated: 'Low expectations of pupils' behaviour have become the norm at this school.

'A few pupils exhibit challenging behaviour, but many more hold lacklustre attitudes to learning. This is because their needs are not met.'

Staff at Ravensfield Primary School (pictured) in Greater Manchester staged a walkout in January, just weeks before an Ofsted inspection that found staff's 'low expectations' of pupils was contributing to disruptive behaviour

Addressing staff's response to poor behaviour, it was found that 'morale is low because staff do not believe their wellbeing is considered, especially when dealing with the disruptive behaviour'.

But it did acknowledge a new 'comprehensive' behaviour policy which has recently been introduced to combat the problem.

Bullying and name-calling are also problems at Ravensfield, according to Ofsted, with a 'small minority' of pupils using 'points of difference as a reason for hurtful name-calling'.

Achievement was also consistently raised as an issue across the school, with not enough year 6 pupils leaving with the expected standards in reading, writing and Maths.

Many of the children are said to 'lack the basic knowledge in writing and mathematics that they need to succeed'.

'Pupils do not achieve well,' the report states. 'Many Year 6 pupils left this school without reaching the expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics. They were catching up from the minute they entered their secondary schools.

'Pupils currently in school, especially those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, fare no better.

'This is because teachers do not hold high enough expectations of what pupils should and could achieve.'

It added: 'Teaching lacks challenge. It is not adapted to meet pupils' different needs.

'Some pupils are not stretched. Elsewhere, pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities do not receive the help that they need to overcome the barriers to their academic achievement.'

In a letter sent out to parents, seen by The Daily Mail, they were informed that on the second day of strike action at Ravensfield a child caused a panic in the playground when they 'discharged an imitation firearm while under the supervision of their mother'

The report also criticised 'poor delivery' of the curriculum, 'fractured' relationships between school leaders and staff, and noted that attendance rates, while close to the national average, are in decline.

Children frequently 'opt out' of learning, have poor attitudes towards it and do not try their best - for which inspectors again blamed low teacher expectations.

Inspectors did say that all safeguarding standards are met, and recent changes in leadership are starting to make a 'positive difference'.

But it still ranked the school overall as requiring 'significant improvement', and gave ten recommendations including tackling disruptive behaviour, staff morale and increasing expectations of pupils.

In January, staff at Lily Lane Primary School and Ravensfield Primary School, both in Greater Manchester, walked out in protest of poor behaviour.

They said they had been physically attacked, with instances of pupils being hit, kicked and even spat at.

During the strike, a child caused a panic in the playground at Ravensfield when they 'discharged an imitation firearm while under the supervision of their mother'.

Although the school reassured parents that no one was injured or threatened by the fake weapon, staff said they are working closely with Greater Manchester Police to 'ensure the appropriate measures are taken'.

The Changing Lives in Collaboration Trust oversees seven schools - six in Greater Manchester and one in Tameside.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: 'We fully accept Ofsted's findings and recognise the need for significant improvement. The school joined the Trust in late 2024 because it needed the support of a strong and collaborative trust to tackle the long-standing challenges.

'As Ofsted notes, recent changes in leadership are beginning to make a positive difference and leaders are taking the right action to tackle deep-rooted weaknesses, with a clear and accurate understanding of what needs to improve.

'Additional leadership capacity is now in place, essential systems have been strengthened and work is already underway on the urgent priorities highlighted in the report.

'Importantly, Ofsted confirmed that safeguarding standards are now met, with an open culture where concerns are identified and acted upon, and where pupils are made safer and feel safe.

'As the Ofsted report says, this is just the start of the journey. Staff are engaging positively in this process and we are committed to rebuilding relationships, expectations and trust across the whole school community.

'Every child deserves a school that is calm, ambitious, well-led and focused on their success and wellbeing. We are confident the plan underway will deliver the school transformation our pupils need.'
A glamorous pro-Kremlin influencer with 13 million followers has issued a direct warning to Vladimir Putin over Russia's economic crisis.

Victoria Bonya, a former reality TV star, posted an extraordinary 18-minute video address to the Russian president, telling him the public are ready to 'snap'.

'People are afraid of you,' she told Putin in rare criticism.

'Ordinary people are afraid, bloggers are afraid, artists are afraid. Governors are afraid of you.'

Despite her previous unctuous backing for Putin and his long war, Bonya, 46, claimed the Kremlin leader is receiving false reports from officials and has no real understanding of the hardship facing Russians.

She warned him: 'The most frightening thing is that this is happening because you, Vladimir [Putin], do not know what is going on in the country.

'You are not being given accurate information.'

Her criticism echoes some experts who say Putin has surrounded himself with yes-men and those who are too intimidated to challenge him as well as corrupt oligarchs who face ruin if his policies change.

'People are suffering greatly today,' she said insisting she was not scared of him, possibly because she lives abroad.

A glamorous pro-Kremlin influencer with 13 million followers has issued a direct warning to Vladimir Putin over Russia's economic crisis

Victoria Bonya, a former reality TV star, posted an extraordinary 18-minute video address to the Russian president, telling him the public are ready to 'snap'

'Businesses are dying - small and medium-sized businesses. People are losing money.'

She warned the situation could spiral if ignored.

'Do you know what this leads to? I'll tell you. People will grow tired of being afraid.

'They are being compressed like a spring - and one day that spring will snap. '

Bonya highlighted a string of crises she says are being hidden from the president, including deadly flooding in Dagestan, an appalling oil spill which ruined beaches at top resort Anapa, economic pressure on small businesses, chronic social media bans and internet restrictions which have crippled online entrepreneurs, and a rising number of people leaving Russia.

Many of the problems relate to the war in Ukraine - about which Russians are forbidden to complain.

The video - titled 'An appeal to Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. From all concerned Russians' - quickly went viral, racking up more than 6.6 million views and over 370,000 likes within less than 12 hours.

Despite her previous unctuous backing for Putin and his long war, Bonya, 46, claimed the Kremlin leader is receiving false reports from officials and has no real understanding of the hardship facing Russians

She warned him: 'The most frightening thing is that this is happening because you, Vladimir [Putin], do not know what is going on in the country. 'You are not being given accurate information'

Reaction online was split.

Some praised Bonya for 'voicing real problems,' while others mocked her claims that Putin is unaware of events.

One said: 'THANK YOU SO MUCH for expressing the opinion of the majority of Russians!'

'He knows everything perfectly well,' one commenter wrote. 'You're naive.'

Another said: 'Fear is the goal. Intimidated people are easy to control.'

One more commented: 'Have you ever considered that the president is the main instigator of everything you've said? You're wrong to think the president doesn't see anything. He created all of this.'

The Bonya intervention is striking given her past reputation as a loyal Kremlin supporter, and highlights growing unease even among high-profile public figures over the direction of Russia under Putin who has ruled the country for 27 years as president or premier.

Bonya - a millionaire usually based in Monaco but with a massive following in Russia - told Putin: 'You can't treat people like this, stripping them of everything.

'What do you want - to create a famine?'
A second man has appeared in court charged in connection with the murder of 21-year-old film student Finbar Sullivan on Primrose Hill last week.

Khalid Abdulqadir, 18, from Camden, has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, violent disorder and possession of a knife, police said this morning.

Film student Finbar was stabbed to death when a fight broke out in front of shocked crowds on Primrose Hill in north London.

Oliuwadamilola Ogunyankinnu, 27, from Enfield, has been charged with his murder, and appeared in court on Monday when he was remanded in custody.

Charges against Abdulqadir, of Fellows Road, Camden, were announced on Tuesday morning by the Metropolitan Police, and he appeared in the dock at Wimbledon Magistrates Court in the afternoon.

He did not enter any pleas to the charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, violent disorder and possession of a knife, as magistrates remanded him in custody and sent the case to the crown court.

'This case involves a violent incident involving a number of people on April 7 at Primrose Hill and Regents Park,' said prosecutor Rebecca Holder.

'One male was fatally stabbed, and another was seriously wounded.'

Khalid Abdulqadir, 18, from Camden, has been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, violent disorder and possession of a knife, police said this morning. A court sketch of Abdulqadir as he appeared at appearing at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court today

Finbar Sullivan, 21, studied at the London Screen Academy and produced music videos for drill rap artists under the name Sully Shot It

She continued: 'A fight broke out involving two groups of males.

'One group of males attacked the deceased victim, and the other group  including the defendant  attacked back.'

It is said the man allegedly stabbed by Abdulqadir had to have his spleen removed and also suffered a badly broken hand.

Abdulqadir spoke only to confirm his name, address and age during the brief court appearance.

He is due to appear at Inner London Crown Court for a plea hearing on May 12.

However, his case may be linked to hearings at the Old Bailey involving Ogunyankinnu, who is due to appear before a judge on Wednesday.

Ogunyankinnu appeared at Stratford Magistrates' Court yesterday, when he spoke to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

He was not asked to enter any plea and was remanded in custody by district judge Ashwinder Gill. He will next appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.

Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu was previously charged with Finbar's murder

A court sketch of Oluwadamilola Ogunyankinnu as he appeared at Stratford Magistrates' Court yesterday

Finbar, who went to Acland Burghley School in Tufnell Park and studied at the London Screen Academy, followed his family into the arts, primarily producing music videos for drill rap artists under the name Sully Shot It.

Several tributes to him have been placed by wellwishers at Primrose Hill, including customised T-shirts featuring his face and his nickname, Sully.

His father, Christopher Sullivan, founder of 1980s band Blue Rondo a la Turk, said his son was trying out a new camera when he was attacked.

The grieving father previously told the Mail: 'This is the worst tragedy I could ever imagine. He's my only son... I had him when I was 45. He can never be replaced.'

Mr Sullivan, 65, who also set up Soho's notorious Wag Club in the 1980s, described Finbar as a 'middle-class kid with long hair' who lived with him in a 1million flat in Maida Vale.

He said: 'I'm so broken-hearted, I can't believe it. 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.

'He'd 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.'

Finbar, centre, with his mother Leah Seresin and father Chris Sullivan

Videos from Primrose Hill at the time appeared to show groups of men fighting.

One witness, who asked not to be named, said: 'The park was just so busy, I had gone with my mate after work and it was literally the busiest I have ever seen it because of the weather and it being Easter holidays.

'Then suddenly we heard this commotion from behind us, and a big brawl kicked off  people were throwing punches, people were screaming at others to stop.

'There were lots of people involved in the fight, most of them looked about 18 or 19.'

Mr Sullivan said he went to the scene as soon as he heard his son had been caught up in the violence: 'I got the call at about six that he'd been stabbed, so I rushed up there.

'I wasn't allowed in because it was a crime scene, and by that point he'd had 20 minutes of CPR. He'd obviously died.

'It's Primrose Hill, for God's sake... it's like Hyde Park. It's not somewhere you expect this.'

Despite the drill music scene's long association with gang violence, Mr Sullivan insisted his son was not associated with any gang members.

Several bunches of flowers, cards and T-shirts have been placed in memory of the victim

A yellow forensic tent at the scene on Primrose Hill

'He was just a little groovy 21-year-old who loved movies and making films,' he said.

'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 was a studious kid who just loved movies and making films. 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.

'His friend was stabbed in the back and hands trying to protect him. My son always tried to stand up for people.'

Finbar's grandfather Mr Seresin is a celebrated cinematographer who worked on Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban, the film adaptation of Angela's Ashes and on 1987's Angel Heart which featured Robert De Niro and Mickey Rourke.

Mr Seresin also runs the Seresin wine estate in New Zealand, which counts Finbar's mother Leah as a brand ambassador.

She had described him in a post on his birthday last year as 'this gift' and 'my darling Finbar', saying: 'Love you to the moon and back.'

Detective Inspector Andy Griffin, from Scotland Yard, said: 'We are following several lines of inquiry. This incident occurred in a busy, public park and there may be many witnesses who can help us piece together what happened.

'We are aware of footage circulating on social media around the time of the incident, and urge anyone who has any information, including photos or videos, which could support the investigation to urgently contact us.'
Germans will soon think twice before calling in sick, as they could have their wages docked under plans to toughen up the workforce.

Employees take an average of 14.8 sick days per year in Germany - one of the highest rates in Europe and three times that in Britain.

German chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly considering allowing employers to cut their staffs pay from the first day they take off sick.

The crackdown is aimed at encouraging those with minor illnesses such as a cold to come into the office, according to the German newspaper Bild.

And those who take five or fewer sick days in a year would be rewarded with an extra days holiday.

It comes after employers have claimed that abuse of the sick leave system is so widespread they have turned to private detectives to look into whether staff are really ill.

Friedrich Merz has previously spoken out against four-day work weeks and the idea of work-life balance, warning Germans that they must work harder and for longer

Germany certainly has the highest number of sick days in Europe, one government insider told Bild. Both coalition partners would like to reduce that.

In his 2025 election campaign, Mr Merz, the leader of the centre-Right Christian Democrats (CDU), vowed to crack down on spiralling sick leave.

He has previously spoken out against four-day work weeks and the idea of work-life balance, warning Germans that they must work harder and for longer, or else we wont be able to maintain this countrys prosperity.

Mr Merz has taken a tougher approach as he prepares to face off Russia.

New guidance from the government forbids working age German men from leaving the country for three months or more without permission from the army.

It comes as Nato is bracing itself for a Russian attack within the next two to three years.

An ageing workforce in Germany and an increase in mental health problems since the pandemic have been cited as the main factors behind the rise in absenteeism.

Under the current rules, Germans can be signed off work on sick leave for up to five days by phoning their doctor and asking for a sick note.

But the CDU wants to change these rules so that workers have to visit a doctors office in person to get signed off.

Under the current rules, Germans can be signed off work on sick leave for up to five days by phoning their doctor and asking for a sick note

However, Germanys trade union confederation has criticised the CDUs push to reduce sick days, saying it puts workers under suspicion and encourages bosses to treat their staff like shirkers and slackers.

In the UK, workers took an average of 4.4 sick days in 2024.

The Labour Government has introduced a series of sweeping changes to employment rights this month - including making statutory sick pay easier to access.

Previously, employees could only begin claiming after their third full day off work. They also needed average weekly earnings above the Lower Earnings Limit - around 125 - which stopped those on lower incomes and part-time workers from claiming.

Under the new system, workers qualify for support from their first day off sick. And the lower earnings threshold has been abolished.
The 1.4 billion tech firm founded by Tony Blair's son has been accused of placing young people on ill-suited apprenticeships as part of an 'aggressive' push to sign up more learners.

Multiverse, established by the former Prime Minister's son Euan Blair, uses software to match apprentices with corporate giants such as Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Pfizer and Net-a-Porter where they can learn while being paid.

It has been recognised as one of the world's fastest-growing tech firms after being valued at 1.4billion in 2022, with Blair himself owning an almost 19 per cent stake.

But, the firm has recently faced scrutiny after figures revealed only half of its apprentices complete their courses and it is currently being inspected by Ofsted, despite being rated as 'outstanding' only five years ago.

Now, in further turmoil for Blair's business, it has been reported that bosses are co-ordinating an 'aggressive' push to sign up large numbers of learners for courses in a bid to fill more seats.

There have reportedly been cases of NHS workers undertaking data focused programmes, while a security guard was supposedly enrolled on an AI course.

A funeral plan consultant also complained that her data apprenticeship was 'not relevant' to her role and therefore quit the course as it was taking up time from her 'busy work schedule'.

Multiverse, set up by the former Prime Minister's son Euan Blair (pictured) has been accused of placing young people on ill-suited apprenticeships as part of an 'aggressive' push to sign up more learners

A secondary school teacher and a parking enforcement CCTV manager were also supposedly studying for data or AI qualifications.

Multiverse has reportedly claimed that role fit criteria are applied to its courses as part of the onboarding process and it was unaware of any case where this had not been implemented.

But a former senior member of Multiverses sales team claimed leaders were driving an 'aggressive' push to 'fill seats' by signing up large numbers of learners.

The ex-employee claimed sales staff were incentivised to maximise the number of people enrolling in courses, adding there was 'limited downside' if they eventually dropped out.

They also alleged that concerns about quality and suitability were not 'meaningfully addressed', and the company was facing 'intense pressure' to grow in line with its market valuation.

In a blog posted on the company's website earlier today, Euan Blair admitted that the company's completion rates were too low and he wants them higher.

'Our highest-level programmes complete at c.70%, our software developer programmes complete above 80%, and our data degree apprenticeship has topped the National Student Survey for satisfaction two years running,' he pointed out.

Blair added that even those who withdraw form its AI courses, 70 per cent have already 'generated measurable value for their employer', adding that a 'pay rise or promotion during or after the programme is the majority outcome for our learners'.

The posted also highlighted: 'An NHS worker used data modelling to cut an assessment waiting list from 25 patients to one. A council employee built an AI tool that flags illegal landlord eviction notices on the spot. A retail assistant created a stock-out alert system saving hundreds of thousands in lost revenue.

'None of them had a computer science degree. None of them were new hires. All of them did this during an apprenticeship.'

Euan Blair co-founded Multiverse, then known as WhiteHat, with friend Sophie Adelman in 2016. Pictured with Multiverse board member and president, Jeremy Duggan (right)

It comes after statistics released by the Department for Education last month show approximately only half of Multiverse's cohort complete their courses  and other programmes are performing even worse.

The figures, showed the completion rate for Multiverse schemes to be at 52.6 per cent - despite the sector rising overall to 65.4 per cent.

Under current guidance, education providers with an achievement rate of under 50 per cent are classed as 'at risk.'

If the provider falls significantly below its previous Ofsted rating - which for Multiverse was 'outstanding' only five years ago - the Department for Education can intervene.

At present, it is understood that the Department for Education has undertaken audit and assurance work on Multiverse. The company has also been inspected by Ofsted, with a report expected in the coming weeks.

A decade from it was founded in 2016 as WhiteHat, the company is yet to turn a profit, leading some to question the sustainability of its growth model.

And despite revenues rising sharply, it has experienced losses of more than 60 million and a decline in cash reserves.
Animoca Brand's joint venture entity Anchorpoint Financial Limited is 1 out of only 2 entities which was granted a stablecoin license from 36 applicants in April 2026.

SINGAPORE, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- True Global Ventures (TGV), a leading global technology Venture Capital equity fund, proudly congratulates its portfolio company Animoca Brands on a landmark regulatory achievement. Anchorpoint Financial Limited ("Anchorpoint"), a joint venture established by Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited ("SCBHK"), Hong Kong Telecom ("HKT"), and Animoca Brands, has been officially granted a stablecoin issuer licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA") under the newly enacted Stablecoins Ordinance.

Anchorpoint will issue the HKDAP (i.e. HKD At Par), a regulated Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin, leveraging a business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C) model. This powerful new medium of exchange combines Hong Kong's strict regulatory standards with the speed, efficiency, and transparency of public blockchain technology.

The Convergence of AI Agents and Stablecoins

The approval of the HKDAP stablecoin represents much more than an evolution in traditional payments; it marks a critical infrastructure milestone for the intersection of Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI technology evolves from simple generative models into autonomous "AI Agents" like OpenClaw, Nvidia's NemoClaw, etc, which are capable of independently executing complex workflows, these agents require a programmable, instantaneous, and highly secure medium of exchange to natively transact value across the internet.

Dusan Stojanovic, Founding Partner of True Global Ventures, recently emphasized this structural shift in the market, noting that the issuance of regulated stablecoins is the fundamental building block for the rise of Agentic Commerce:

"This HKD Stablecoin License is a major milestone, not just for Animoca Brands and the Hong Kong digital asset ecosystem, but for the whole Asia regional economy. We are rapidly approaching a future where AI agents will operate on our behalf, autonomously negotiating and paying for computing power, digital assets, data queries, and real-world services. Traditional banking rails simply are not built for high-velocity, machine-to-machine transactions.

Regulated stablecoins like HKDAP provide the exact secure, programmable, and instantaneous settlement layer that AI Agents need to function seamlessly. We have been looking at this intersection of AI and Web3 since 2018, at that time, it was way too early! Now, we are seeing payment rails between AI Agents with stablecoins."

Dusan also notes, "What's particularly exciting is how this can be connected to the next wave like on Animoca's Agentic AI platform "Animoca Minds", a world where AI goes beyond assisting: it takes action, executes tasks, coordinates workflows, and ultimately transacts."

Pioneering the Future Digital Economy

Backed by the institutional-grade infrastructure and rigorous governance of Standard Chartered, the vast telecommunications and digital ecosystem of HKT, and the Blockchain and digital property rights innovations of Animoca Brands, Anchorpoint is uniquely positioned to bridge traditional finance with the new decentralized economy. The HKDAP stablecoin aims to rewire financial markets, enhance payment efficiency, streamline cross-border transactions, and open up entirely new monetization layers for businesses.

About True Global Ventures

True Global Ventures (TGV) invests in post-revenues AI-first or Agentic AI companies at the early stage. TGV's current portfolio includes Prezent, COVU, Jus Mundi, Coding Giants, Obligo, Ledger and many others. Almost all portfolio companies are based in California or entering California. With presence in San Francisco, New York, Paris, London, Stockholm, Dubai, Singapore and Hong Kong, TGV's 2021 vintage early-stage fund is a top 1% performing VC fund globally based on Pitchbook and Carta's data.

Learn more: https://www.tgv4plus.com/

SOURCE True Global Ventures
Labour's immigration 'crackdown' could save just 600million instead of the 10billion claimed by Shabana Mahmood, a new analysis suggests.

The Home Secretary's reforms would see most people have to wait 10 years to qualify for settled status - up from the current five years - which she argued would cut spending on public services.

But the total saving could be far lower, according to data from the migration advisory committee released under freedom of information laws.

The figures will be leapt upon by Labour rebels looking to water down Ms Mahmood's proposals, despite her insistence they are critical to counter the threat from Reform.

Last month, Ms Mahmood said that 350,000 low-skilled workers on health and social care visas and their dependants were due to qualify for settled status over the next five years, giving them access to benefits, social housing and NHS treatment.

'We have never in the history of this country had so much low-skilled migration in so little time,' she said.

'We estimate, based on findings from the migration advisory committee, that the lifetime cost to the taxpayer will be 10bn. That figure would be paid for by working people in this country.'

Shabana Mahmood's reforms would see most people have to wait 10 years to qualify for settled status - up from the current five years. The Home Secretary is pictured today

However, Jonathan Portes, a professor of economics and public policy at King's College London, obtained new data from the migration advisory committee that he believes suggest a much smaller figure.

His analysis of the data suggested the direct saving from delaying indefinite leave to remain is about 2,000 per care worker and 4,000 per dependant over the full 10-year delay period.

Based on his calculations, taxpayers would only save 600m over the course of the decade.

Professor Portes told the Guardian that Ms Mahmood's 'claim that her proposals are necessary to save 10bn' had been 'thoroughly debunked by the government's own data'.

The Home Office said the 10bn figure was not meant to be potential savings but an illustration of the lifetime cost of care workers and their dependants to the public pursue.

A spokesman said: 'The methodology behind our estimates is published, and the home secretary has been clear that the estimated lifetime cost for the cohort of care workers and their dependants in the absence of the earned settlement measures would be 10bn.

'We will always welcome those that come to this country and contribute to our national life. But the privilege of living here for ever should be earned, not automatic.

'We must be honest about the scale and impact of hundreds of thousands of low-skilled migrants getting settlement and make no apologies for taking the necessary action to restore order.'

Migrants pile into dinghies in northern France yesterday. Regular migrants will have to wait for 10 years to apply for indefinite leave to remain but this will be 15 years for asylum seekers

Widespread public anger over the scale of immigration has prompted Ms Mahmood to cut the numbers coming by both legal and illegal routes.

Labour's Left wing has been angered by the retrospective nature of the proposals to lengthen the amount of time migrants have to stay in Britain before applying for indefinite leave to remain.

Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has described the plans as 'un-British' and accused Ms Mahmood of 'moving the goalposts'.

Some ministers are reportedly working covertly with rebel MPs to ensure the measures do not apply to people who have already entered the UK.

Several Labour MPs spoke to the newspaper anonymously, with one suggesting that stopping the changes applying retrospectively could quell backbench anger.

Another said they felt MPs were being treated with a degree of contempt as they were not being given a chance to vote on the plans, while a third said some rebels had been rung up and shouted at after signing a letter condemning the proposals.
A thug nicknamed 'Nasty' who punched a deaf woman to death on a night out as she pleaded for mercy has been jailed for life.

'Callous and selfish' Duane Owusu was today handed a minimum term of 16 years and six months after he threw Zahwa Mukhtar out of an overcrowded car and then felled her with a single strike after attending a rave in east London.

Aspiring accountant Ms Mukhtar, who was profoundly deaf, had not met Owusu or his friends before she found herself crammed in a car with them following a night out in Stoke Newington, north London.

But the evening turned to tragedy when Owusu became incensed by 27-year-old Ms Mukhtar's behaviour in the back of the car, which included her filming on her mobile phone.

Owusu denied murder but was found guilty following a trial - during which he was lunged at in the dock by the victim's brother, Abas.

Sentencing, Judge Richard Marks KC said: 'I accept you did not know that she was gravely injured, nor indeed the injuries were so severe they were unrecoverable, but the point is you could not have cared less.

'Whatever her condition you were content to leave her there, flat out on her back on her own at 4.30am, clearly under the influence of drink and drugs, and for all you knew, miles from home and no means of getting there.

'More callous and selfish behaviour it is difficult to imagine.'

Duane Owusu (pictured), nicknamed Nasty, has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years and six months

He murdered Zahwa Mukhtar (pictured), 27, in August last year after attending a rave in Stoke Newington

In a statement read to the court, the victim's brother Jamaluddin Mukhtar said: 'Zahwa Mukhtar was a daughter, granddaughter, sister and niece, a remarkable young woman whose life was shaped by both hardship and extraordinary perseverance.

'Her warmth, kindness and belief in the potential of others were qualities that left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

'Losing her has left an immeasurable void in our hearts. A beautiful determined and loving soul whose absence will be deeply felt forever.'

The court was shown harrowing footage of the vicious assault, with Owusu kicking his vulnerable victim in the face before delivering the fatal punch after she fell to the floor and hit her head with what the prosecution described as a 'sickening thud'.

Owusu, 36, got back into the car and left her dying on the ground.

Prosecutor Henrietta Paget KC said: 'This case concerns the senseless killing of a vulnerable young woman, Zahwa Mukhtar, who had fallen in with a group of strangers on a night out. Among them was the defendant, Duane Owusu.'

The prosecutor said: 'The occupants of the vehicle had been drinking and taking drugs, Ms Mukhtar included.

'You will hear evidence that she was behaving erratically within the vehicle - flirting with the boys and picking fights with the girls.

'Nobody knew her, and it appears that her behaviour was causing increasing annoyance.

'Just as the vehicle approached Chadwell Heath, Ms Mukhtar began recording a video on her phone. And this, it seems, was the trigger for Mr Owusu.'

The prosecutor said footage showed Owusu - who the court heard uses the nickname 'Nasty' and had been at a rave - throwing Ms Mukhtar's mobile phone out of a rear passenger door, before ejecting the victim, who had been sitting on his lap, once the vehicle had come to a stop.

Ms Paget said: 'She (Ms Mukhtar) landed on her backside on the pavement.

'Getting out after her, he (Owusu) aimed two kicks at her face as she sat on the ground.

'One of the female members of the group also sitting in the back got out to try to stop the attack, but he swung her aside.

'And Ms Mukhtar by this stage had managed to get to her feet and was pleading with Mr Owusu to stop.

'But he punched her, hard, to the neck, knocking her to the ground where she lay, motionless.'

The court heard that Ms Mukhtar fell so hard she suffered a fractured skull and fatal brain injury.

The prosecutor said: 'So, far from doing anything to help her, Mr Owusu shouted at the others to get back in the car and Mr Parris drove away.

'And so it was that Ms Mukhtar was left to die.'

Witness Paige Allen described Ms Mukhtar pleading with Owusu to stop before he landed the fatal blow.

She told jurors: 'He was just rage. He looked like a monster.

'His behaviour was just wrong. She just fell. Just fell backwards.

'I went to help her but he screamed at me to get in the car.'

Ms Mukhtar worked as a finance assistant at the Young Vic Theatre in Waterloo, where she was described as 'bright, bubbly, enthusiastic and very eager to learn'.

The court heard she was profoundly deaf, but coped well with her disability because she was adept at lip-reading and used sign language.

The court heard that while she was 'from a traditional family by background, she had made it clear that she wanted to live like any other young person in their twenties'.

Owusu, from Dagenham, denied murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Jurors were not told he had a previous conviction and was jailed for eight years in 2010 for being the getaway driver in a botched robbery in which a Matalan shop manager was fatally stabbed.

Ms Mukhtar's brother was fined 1,000 for contempt of court after he disrupted the trial to attack the defendant.

The judge said: 'It was an ugly and sustained attempt at assault.

'It goes without saying, having seen the incident at close quarters I was absolutely appalled by the incident.

'I have never in all my years at the bar seen anything like it.'

Roy Pershad for the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'This was a senseless murder of a young woman who should have been able to enjoy a night out without fear for her life, and I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Zahwa Mukhtar.

'Zahwa had her whole life ahead of her, but this was cut short by Duane Owusu, who subjected her to a wholly unprovoked assault.

'I hope this case shows how this type of violence against women and girls has no place in our society and we will not hesitate to prosecute offenders of these crimes so they face the consequences of their actions.'

This is a breaking news story, refresh for updates.
A California father of three suddenly burst into flames outside of a California shopping center, leaving him with third-degree burns over 90 percent of his body.

Joel, 35, whose last name remains unclear, was found by police in Victorville around 7.35pm on March 30 near the Mall of Victor Valley.

Police described Joel as a 'transient' from Hesperia, a town located nine miles south of Victorville in San Bernardino County.

The Victorville Police Department received multiple reports of a man engulfed in flames, with one bystander saying the man's skin was 'falling off.'

Witnesses told Victor Valley News the fire may have started in an area Joel was using as an encampment.

'Deputies located items consistent with combustible materials and a preliminary determination suggests the fire was accidental,' Victorville Police Department said.

Video reviewed by Victor Valley News showed a massive blaze burning near an electrical box surrounded by bushes.

The father of three was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Hospital, where he remains in critical condition, reported KTLA.

Joel, 35, was found by police after several reports that a man was ablaze near a mall in Victorville, California. He is pictured with his late wife, Brittney

Joel sustained third degree burns over 90 percent of his body and is currently in critical condition

Several bystanders stopped to help Joel before emergency crews arrived.

Joel's family started a GoFundMe to support his ongoing and painful recovery.

'Our family is completely heartbroken,' read the tribute on the fundraising page created by his sister-in-law, Jenny Cobb.

'Joel is a father of three, and his children need him. Watching someone you love go through something this devastating is something you can never be prepared for,' it continued.

'We are leaning on our faith during this time, trusting God, and asking for prayers for Joels healing, strength, and recovery.'

According to loved ones, Joel's long road of recovery ahead includes multiple surgeries, skin grafts, intensive burn care and a 'painful' rehabilitation process.

The family requested donations totaling $9,000, which will be used toward physical therapy, specialized burn treatment, medications, and basic living expenses during recovery.

Joel was found near the Mall of Victor Valley. Witnesses said the fire could have occurred in a makeshift encampment

Joel's family asking for $9,000 to support his lengthy recovery process which will include several surgeries and physical therapy

'Joel is deeply loved. He is not just a patienthe is a father, a brother, and someone who matters deeply to all of us,' it said.

Joel's wife, Brittney Buell, died unexpectedly in 2022, according to a separate GoFundMe started by Cobb at the time.

The pair shared children Aleah, Jimmy and Joel.

Victorville Police Departments Arson/Bomb Detail and the San Bernardino County Arson Investigator are both investigating the incident.

The Daily Mail contacted the Victorville Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office for more information.
A Florida doctor now faces manslaughter charges years after he allegedly removed the wrong organ from a patient, leading to their death.

Dr Thomas Shaknovsky was charged with second-degree manslaughter on Monday for the August 2024 death of Bill Bryan, a 70-year-old man from Alabama.

Bryan and his wife, who works in healthcare, had been vacationing along the Emerald Coast in Florida when he got a pain in his abdomen.

While in the hospital, Bryan was talked into a surgery to remove his spleen after the doctor allegedly wouldn't allow Bryan to visit his own doctor back home.

Operating room staff allegedly 'had concerns' that Shaknovsky didn't have the skill to perform a spleen removal, which was described as a 'complicated' procedure.

Dr. Shaknovsky proceeded with the complicated procedure despite a skeleton-crew medical staff at the time of the surgery, according to the incident report. Due to the time of day, the hospital was short-staffed.

During surgery, Shaknovsky allegedly removed Bryan's liver instead of his spleen during a laparoscopic surgery, 'resulting in catastrophic blood loss and the patients death on the operating table,' the Walton County Sheriff's Office said.

The liver is located directly above the stomach. The spleen is attached to the upper side of the stomach.

Dr Thomas Shaknovsky was charged with second-degree manslaughter on Monday, nearly two years after his patient, Bill Bryan, died on his operating table

Bryan and his wife, Beverly, had been vacationing in Florida when Bryan got a pain in his abdomen, taking him to the hospital

The spleen and liver are connected through the portal vein system, a network of veins that carries blood through the gastrointestinal tract before returning it to the heart.

After a grand jury found probable cause to charge the physician, Shaknovsky was taken into custody in Miramar Beach on Monday and remains in the Walton County Jail.

'Having worked in the medical field, it disappointed me so much,' Bryan's wife, Beverly, a former nurse, told WKRG.

Shaknovsky claimed to have discovered a splenic artery aneurysm. According to him, the aneurysm ruptured, which resulted in the severe hemorrhaging that would eventually cause his death.

At first, Shaknovsky told investigators that he was able to control the aneurysm.

In a subsequent interview, however, he admitted that 'he had never been able to control the aneurysm, but instead decided to complete the splenectomy in a last-ditch effort to control the bleeding after [Bryan] had already been in cardiac arrest for 15 minutes.'

Beverly's lawyer, Joe Zarzaur, said the doctor's version of events doesn't line up.

'Basically, he makes himself out to be the hero who is trying to save this man's life,' Zarzaur told WKRG. 'When you think about it for more than two seconds, you know, thats not true.'

After being talked into surgery, Shaknovsky allegedly removed Bryan's liver instead of his spleen, causing him to bleed out on the table

Shaknovsky claimed to have discovered a splenic artery aneurysm. After the aneurysm ruptured, it hemorrhaged, leading to his death, he said. A medical examiner didn't find evidence of an aneurysm

When a medical examiner later performed an autopsy on William, no evidence was found to suggest there had ever been an aneurysm.

Shaknovsky said he fired a stapling device 'blindly into the abdomen' to seal the alleged aneurysm and 'removed an organ that he believed to be a spleen,' according to the report.

The staff inside the operating room later witnessed the liver on the table and were 'shocked when Dr. Shaknovsky told them that it was a spleen,' the report said.

One staff member reported feeling 'sick to their stomach.'

Shaknovsky claimed that the liver was 'in an unusual location,' which he said contributed to his mistake.

The medical examiner found that William died because, throughout the course of the operation, Shaknovsky dissected his inferior vena cava, the largest vein in the body.

This error is what caused the massive bleeding that led to his death, not a ruptured aneurysm Shaknovsky failed to control, according to the report.

Additionally, the autopsy revealed that William's spleen and its attachments were 'untouched' and 'in the normal position.'

Beverly wants Shaknovsky to be convicted, and to get justice for her late husband

'Having worked in the medical field, it disappointed me so much,' Beverly, a former nurse, said

The report also went to great lengths to distinguish between a liver and a spleen, calling the two organs 'anatomically distinct.'

Shaknovsky removed Bryan's liver, which weighed 2,106 grams, according to the report.

Even an enlarged spleen would only weigh up to 400 to 500 grams, per the report, roughly four times smaller than a normal liver.

Beverly expressed she wants Shaknovsky to be convicted of his alleged crime to keep him from practicing medicine in the future.

'Only way that you know for sure that he wouldn't be licensed in another state,' Beverly said.

Shaknovsky had a previous incident where he removed part of a pancreas instead of an adrenal gland, the outlet reported.

After Bryan's death, Shaknovsky has now been barred from practicing medicine in both Alabama and Florida.
A former Oregon congressman allegedly ran a red light and caused a car crash that cost the other driver thousands in medical bills, a new lawsuit claimed.

Representative Earl Blumenauer was accused of violating basic speed rules, careless driving, reckless driving and failing to obey traffic control on May 23, 2025, in recent court filings obtained by the Daily Mail.

Blumenauer, a Democrat, served in Congress for 14 terms and retired from politics just months earlier in January 2025.

Ricky Krecklow alleged Blumenauer ran through a busy Portland intersection and smashed into his car.

According to the lawsuit, Krecklow had a green light to drive through the intersection at Northeast Weidler Street and 102nd Avenue when Blumenauer ran through a red light and him.

'Because of the suddenness of [Blumenauer's] vehicle entering into his path, [Krecklow] was unable to avoid hitting [Blumenauer's] vehicle and the front of [Krecklow's] Lincoln struck the passenger side of [Blumenauer's] Toyota,' the lawsuit stated.

Notably, Blumenauer has a pedestrian bridge named after, the Congressman Earl Blumenauer Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge, which is approximately five miles away from the crash site.

Krecklow said the crash caused him to 'sustain bodily injuries and heavily damaged the vehicle he was driving.'

Former Representative Earl Blumenauer has been accused of violating basic speed rules, careless driving, reckless driving and failing to obey traffic control

Ricky Krecklow alleged that he had a green light to drive through the intersection at Northeast Weidler Street and 102nd Avenue (pictured) when Blumenauer ran through a red light and smashed into him

As of April 6, Krecklow claimed he had incurred $6,249.32 in medical bills to treat his injuries, and also experienced pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, life disruptions and inconvenience due to the injuries.

The court filing stated that Blumenauer 'breached his continuing common-law duty to keep and maintain his vehicle under reasonable control.'

'That is, such a degree of control as would be exercised by a reasonably prudent person in the same or similar circumstances, when ran a red light and drove directly into the path of the vehicle driven by [Krecklow], who faced a green light, an action a reasonably prudent person would not have taken in the same or similar circumstance,' the lawsuit said.

It is unclear if a police report was filed for the crash. The Daily Mail contacted Krecklow's attorney, Blumenauer and the Portland Police Department for comment.

Krecklow's lawsuit sought $9,999.99 in damages, but his attorney, Brendan Burke, told The Oregonian/OregonLive the civil court matter was resolved quickly after it was filed on April 6.

Blumenauer, a Democrat, served in Congress for 14 terms and retired from politics just months earlier in January 2025

Blumenauer has a pedestrian bridge named after, the Congressman Earl Blumenauer Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge (pictured), which is approximately five miles away from the crash site

'We have already settled the suit with former Rep. Blumenauer's insurance, and I am planning on filing dismissal pleadings with the court soon,' Burke told the outlet.

'We will not discuss settlement details.'

Blumenauer became known for his signature style featuring bow ties and neon bicycle lapel pins during his time in Congress.

Since his retirement, he has served as a senior fellow at Portland State University and as a special advisor to university president Ann Cudd.
A Georgia jury has ordered a medical adhesive company and three of its top executives to pay $58 million to a Stanford professor after finding they conspired to have him wrongfully arrested during a long-running business dispute.

Jurors in Fulton County found Chemence and executives Hugh Cooke (president and CEO), Peter Battisti (vice president of business development) and Robert Wilson (CFO, secretary and general counsel) liable on all counts, including malicious arrest, civil conspiracy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The panel concluded the defendants acted in bad faith and with intent to harm Dr James Quinn, a pioneer in medical adhesive technology who had worked as a consultant for the company.

The verdict, delivered after a two-week trial that ended on April 8, awarded Quinn $12 million in compensatory damages, $41 million in punitive damages and $5 million in attorneys fees.

At the center of the case was a dramatic 2014 incident in which Quinn was arrested during a deposition at the companys headquarters in Alpharetta.

Forsyth County deputies took him into custody on theft and computer trespass charges, booking him into jail before he was released on bond just hours later.

The arrest stemmed from allegations that Quinn had improperly forwarded 41 emails containing company information to his personal account.

Quinn maintained he had permission to send the emails and did so on the advice of his lawyers to preserve evidence for an ongoing court case.

A Georgia jury awarded $58 million to Dr James Quinn (left) after finding Chemence and three executives liable for malicious arrest and civil conspiracy in a yearslong dispute over unpaid commissions

Quinn was arrested during a 2014 deposition at the companys headquarters over allegations he improperly forwarded company emails, but the criminal case was later dropped for lack of evidence

The criminal case against him was dropped the following year for lack of evidence.

By that point, Quinn and the company had already been locked in a bitter legal battle for years.

The dispute dates back to Quinns time as a consultant for Chemence from 2004 to 2011, when he helped develop medical adhesive products.

Their relationship later broke down over claims that Quinn had not been properly paid commissions tied to those products, prompting the company to sue him in federal court in 2011.

Quinn ultimately prevailed in that case, with a federal jury awarding him $8.6 million and finding he had not misappropriated trade secrets.

Following that victory, Quinn filed a new lawsuit in 2016, accusing the company and its executives of providing false and misleading information to law enforcement in order to engineer his arrest.

He argued the ordeal caused severe emotional distress and damaged his reputation, while also restricting his ability to travel and visit family.

Attorneys for Chemence denied wrongdoing, arguing Quinn did not have authorization to forward the emails, which they said contained proprietary formulas and confidential information.

Chemence Center of Excellence in Alpharetta, Georgia

Peter Battisti, Chemences vice president of business development, was among the executives the jury found liable for malicious arrest and civil conspiracy

Hugh Cooke, who was the president and CEO of Chemence, was also found guilty

They also maintained that investigators had probable cause to pursue charges.

Jurors ultimately rejected that argument, siding fully with Quinn and finding the defendants liable for their role in his arrest.

Quinns attorney, Steve Lowry, said the verdict could rank among the largest malicious arrest awards in Georgia.

Hes extremely thankful. He feels vindicated, Lowry told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, adding that Quinn knows he never did anything wrong.

The legal fight between the two sides has spanned roughly 15 years.

Two additional lawyers who were originally named in the lawsuit settled claims against them before the case went to trial.

Chemence did not respond to requests for comment following the verdict, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Detroit's golden years could be returning soon as the Motor City is turned into America's drone manufacturing capital.

The Michigan metropolis notably saw decline in the years since the automakers once responsible for its boom fled the city.

However, federal rules encouraging a pivot towards domestic drone production could provide a much-longed for manufacturing revival, as companies scoop up discounted real estate.

One of the companies already planting roots is Birdstop, a drone startup which moved into a massive downtown complex about six months ago, according to The New York Times.

Birdstop's founder, Keith Miao, had never visited Detroit but said that the city gave them the opportunity to 'become the epicenter of the US drone industry.'

'Frankly, we wouldn't be able to afford 420,000 square feet in downtown San Francisco,' Miao told the outlet.

The US drone market is expected to go from being worth around $5 billion today to around $50 billion by 2030.

If Detroit can be at the forefront of that, it could mean a wider revival for the city and a harkening back to its heyday.

Keith Miao, the founder of drone start-up Birdstop, is one of several CEOs moving his production to Detroit, Michigan in what many in the city hope will provide a boost to its manufacturing industry

Detroit entered a decline after the automakers responsible for its boom left the city in droves

Miao's Birdstop currently assembles about 150 drones per month by hand, but he is looking to set up automated production lines imminently with a wide variety of options for drone components.

'We want to see a future that's 12 to 18 months away where there are maybe not 150 but 15 options,' Miao said.

Blueflite, a company which touts itself as providing 'more costeffective' drone deliveries, is among those praising Detroit as a budding tech hub.

'The biggest value that we've seen here is the ability to test,' Andrew Zeimen, a Blueflite program manager, told the NYT.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, signed an executive order last July deeming 'advanced air mobility' as one of of the state's focuses.

Whitmer's directive specifically called for drone testing to be enabled at 'key sites including existing aviation, commercial, and defense assets.'

Michigan is hoping to have the most drone tests and deployments in the US by 2030, according to a report published last year by the state's Office of Future Mobility and Electrification.

The state is also looking to attract the 'most competitive' drone talent, including technicians, engineers and operators.

It comes after the Federal Communications Commission banned all new foreignmade drones in December.

Miao said that Detroit gave his company the chance to 'become the epicenter of the US drone industry' (File photo of a drone)

Michigan Gov Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, issued an executive directive last year to promote 'advanced air mobility' as one of the state's main focuses

Previously, Michigan worked with CVS Health to deliver products by drone in Troy, a suburb about 25 miles north of Detroit.

Another project signed by Whitmer included drones traveling within a 12mile radius of Jack Demmer Ford dealerships across the state to quickly deliver car parts.

Amazon has also delivered products by drone in Michigan since last year, though that program has concerned locals.

In March, the Bloomfield Township Police Department wrote on Facebook that, 'many residents have raised concerns about Amazon Prime Air delivery drones flying over [their] homes.'

Law enforcement said that these concerns prompted a meeting with an Amazon Prime Air operations manager to discuss 'noise, flight paths, and frequency of drone activity.'

Panning out from Detroit, Michigan's recent push into drones also includes noncommercial uses by law enforcement and the military.

Oakland County, which includes most of Detroit's suburbs but not Michigan's largest city, approved a potential three-year contract for drones to assist the local sheriff's office when responding to 911 calls last Wednesday.

Blueflite program manager Andrew Zeimen said Detroit stood out for its 'ability to test' drones, compared to other cities around the country

Michigan has said that it is looking to attract the most competitive drone talent

Residents have raised questions about what type of data will be collected and what will happen to it afterwards, ClickOnDetroit reported.

The data would be property of the sheriff's office and not be retained by Flock Safety, the company collaborating with law enforcement.

'There's absolutely no way that they can make a guarantee that this data would be safe,' Jenna Lindsay, who lives in the suburb of Clarkson, told the outlet.

Michigan also designated a 148,000acre test site for drones on behalf of the Department of War in February.

'You can already see Michiganmade products on roads around the world, and soon, we'll be in the sky too,' Whitmer said then.

She said the test site was a sign that Michigan was 'becoming an even more attractive place for cuttingedge defense and aerospace companies to invest in, create goodpaying, highskill local jobs and grow our economy.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to Whitmer's office, Birdstop, Blueflite, the Bloomfield Township Police Department and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for further comment.
An animal rights activist 'freed' a lobster from a restaurant and released it into the harbour after she falsely believed it was destined for the dinner plate.

New footage shows Emma Smart, 47, casually strolling up to the restaurant Catch at the Old Fish Market in Weymouth, Dorset, and hovering in its doorway.

She dashes inside two minutes later and makes a beeline for the large fish tank in what appears to be the kitchen, where the pet lobster is kept and an unsuspecting member of staff stands.

Video captures the 'misguided' marine biologist tussling with the member of staff, who grabs Smart's arm as they use all their might to keep the activist away from the tank.

Losing their grip, the loyal staff member defiantly pushes Smart away and jumps between the lobster and intruder - as they keep their arms raised against the marine biologist, who wears a rainbow-coloured jumper.

Pushing her opponent away with her right arm, Smart plunges her left hand into the tank and grabs the lobster before storming out of the restaurant - beast in hand.

Smart rushes out of the venue and towards the harbour a few yards away as the desperate member of staff yanks her right arm, and leans back, with hopes of stopping the dramatic release.

The loyal staff member is pulled across the road with the force of the activist's walk, as another suited member of staff rushes to help.

New footage shows Emma Smart casually strolling up to the restaurant Catch at the Old Fish Market in Weymouth, Dorset, and hovering coyly in its doorway

Video captures the 'misguided' marine biologist tussling with the member of staff, who grabs Smart's arm as they use all their might to keep the persistent activist away from the tank

The eco-activist plunges her left hand in the tank, against the efforts of the loyal staff member, and grabs the lobster before storming out of the restaurant - beast in hand

Smart rushes towards the harbour a few yards away as the desperate member of staff yanks her right arm, and leans back, with hopes of stopping the dramatic release

Yet despite further efforts by the restaurant's staff, the eco-activist drops the lobster into the sea. It is not known whether it survived and has not been seen since the incident happened in April last year.

Unbeknown to Smart, the animal was the pet of restaurant owner, Anthony Cooper, for two-and-a-half years - and was used to educate children.

Smart was handed a three-year restraining order last week banning her from being within 10 metres of the Catch after making the 'impulsive' decision.

The defendant admitted one count of causing criminal damage to a lobster when she appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The Crown Prosecution Service offered no evidence on charges of causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and assault in relation to allegations of Smart shoving a member of staff.

Ben Thompson, prosecuting, said: 'At 9pm on April 10 last year the defendant was waiting outside the entrance of the restaurant.

'When the guests are leaving she comes in and a member of staff attempts to push her out of the property.

'Eventually Ms Smart makes her way towards the tank that holds the crayfish, which is actually a lobster.

Animal rights activist Emma Smart, 47, admitted one count of causing criminal damage to a lobster when she appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court

She has been banned from going within 10 metres of the Catch seafood restaurant (pictured) in Weymouth, Dorset for three years

'It had belonged to the restaurant owner Anthony Cooper for two-and-a-half years and was not for sale but instead for education reasons when children visit.

'Ms Smart reached into the fish tank and took the lobster. Multiple members of staff tried to stop her but she left and leaned over a wall before placing it in the harbour, with the lobster not seen again.'

Kitan Ososami, defending, said Ms Smart made an 'impulsive' decision to take the lobster after seeing it in the tank.

She said: 'She acted on impulse. She cares very deeply about animals and marine welfare and this was the driving factor behind her committing this offence.'

Smart, previously of Rodwell Street, Weymouth, but now living in West Wales, was given a conditional discharge lasting for eight months.

The judge also imposed a restraining order for three years banning her from going within 10 metres of the restaurant or approaching staff or guests.

Her Honour Judge Susan Evans said: 'The lobster was not there for consumption. It was there for educational purposes.

'You were determined to take it from the tank and you placed it in the harbour. It was a deeply misguided thing to have done.

Smart grabbed the lobster before barging past two members of staff and releasing the creature in the harbour a few yards away

The activist appeared tearful outside Bournemouth Crown Court on September 2

'It was not a good thing for the lobster at all and whether or not it survived, we don't know.'

This was not the first incident Smart, who said she 'cares very deeply about animals', caused a disturbance in the Michelin Guide restaurant.

She previously appeared in court when she confronted Sir David Attenborough for not doing enough about climate change as he dined at the Catch.

Smart shouted 'at the top of her lungs' towards the broadcaster accusing him of lying to her in a letter he sent to her while she was in prison for her part in an M25 Insulate Britain protest.

She said he told her he had retired from public speaking after COP26 in 2021 but she then found out he was filming the new BBC series 'Wild Isles'.

The eco-activist eventually had to be dragged out by two police officers and the restaurant owner but continued to shout outside.

She was issued with a section 35 dispersal order and then arrested for failing to comply with it.

The charge was cleared when a judge ruled she had not been given enough time to comply with the order.

She had previously been jailed for four months in November 2021 after an Insulate Britain climate protest.
Spain has approved plans to grant 500,000 migrants legal status, sparking concerns from migration officials who have warned the move will cause the system to collapse.

Immigration offices across the country are threatening to strike next week in protest at Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's mass amnesty program for undocumented migrants.

The amnesty is a central plank of Sanchez's progressive agenda to harness the economic benefits of migration for its aging population, even as other European governments move to tighten their borders.

Online applications will open on Thursday after the government rubber-stamped the initiative at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

However, immigration officers warn that the system remains unprepared for the challenge and have threatened a strike from April 21, a day after in-person appointments open, halting all immigration applications in protest at the lack of resources allocated to the process.

'The government is once again implementing a new regularization without giving offices enough economic resources to handle it,' Cesar Perez, a union leader for Spain's immigration officers, said to Reuters.

In a bid to alleviate pressure on an already overburdened immigration system, only five of the country's 54 immigration offices will be responsible for handling applications.

The rest will be distributed among social security offices, post offices, and NGOs, according to the Spanish union CCOO.

Spain has approved plans to grant 500,000 migrants legal status. Pictured: People queue outside Pakistan's consulate in Barcelona to apply for criminal record certificates, a document required for the migrant regularisation programme

Online applications will open on Thursday after the government rubber-stamped the initiative at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday

In a bid to alleviate pressure on an already overburdened immigration system, only five of the country's 54 immigration offices will be responsible for handling applications

Spain's 50 million-strong population has swelled in recent years to include around 10 million people living in Spain who were born abroad.

Spanish think tank Funcas estimates that roughly 840,000 undocumented migrants are in the workforce at present.

The country's opposition Popular Party has deemed the drive reckless, despite former conservative governments pushing through similar measures.

Isabel Diaz Ayuso, president of the community of Madrid and a prominent figure in the party, has threatened to appeal the drive in court.

Sanchez described the drive in a letter addressed to citizens published on Tuesday on X as not only an act of justice but also an economic necessity.

'Spain is aging... Without more people working and contributing to the economy, our prosperity slows, and our public services suffer,' he wrote.

In the past three years, Spain's population rose by 1.5 million to 48.9 million, with almost all the increase due to immigration.

Latin Americans make up 70 per cent of recent arrivals.

Sanchez argues immigrants are key to Spain's economy, which expanded 2.8 percent last year - more than twice the average expected in the entire eurozone.

The country has been outperforming other EU nations in recent years, with unemployment - a longstanding issue in the Spanish economy - dipping below 10 per cent for the first time since 2008.

But with about 90 per cent of new jobs going to immigrants, income per person has barely grown in Spain.

Moreover, each year sees 140,000 new households, but only about 80,000 new homes built.

A lack of affordable housing has become a central grievance among voters, contributing to social tension.

Critics of the new programme argue that without simultaneous housing policy reforms, legalising large numbers of migrants increases competition for scarce accommodation, particularly in urban centres such as Barcelona and Madrid.

Santiago Abascal, the leader of the populist hard-right party Vox, accused the Socialist-led coalition of accelerating what he called an 'invasion'.

Pepa Millan, spokeswoman for Vox, said the plan 'attacks our identity', pledging that the party would appeal before the Supreme Court in an attempt to block it.

The political row escalated after Musk posted a link on X - which he owns - to a post by a man named Ian Miles Cheong who called the plan 'electoral engineering', along with the comment: 'Wow.'

'Spain just legalized 500,000 illegal aliens to "defeat the far-right",' Cheong wrote in the post which has had over 16 million views.

'The logic is simple: legalise half a million people, fast-track them to citizenship (which takes as little as two years for many), and you've effectively imported a massive, loyal voting bloc that's indebted to the left,' he continued.

Sanchez hit back at Musk, responding to the tech mogul's post on X with the message: 'Mars can wait. Humanity can't.'
The Michigan man whose wife disappeared in the Bahamas ten days ago is still being considered a suspect and could be extradited back to the Caribbean islands at a later date, according to investigators.

Brian Hooker, 58, was released by police on Monday after the deadline expired for him to be charged or let go in connection with his missing wife Lynette, 55.

The following morning, Royal Bahamas Police Assistant Commissioner Advardo Dames confirmed that Hooker is still under the microscope as a suspect in the case.

'At this time Mr Hooker was interviewed and he was released from custody and the matter is still being investigated,' Dames told the Daily Mail.

Dames also revealed that Hooker is free to leave the Bahamas, adding: 'He has no restrictions on his travel.'

However, Police Commissioner Shawna Knowles said that Hooker can still be extradited back for questioning at a later date if he does return to the US.

'If he leaves the country, and we need to see him again, we do know that our US counterparts will assist us with that,' Knowles told NBC Today.

Hooker has pledged to stay on the paradise islands to continue searching for his wife of almost 25 years, who vanished without a trace while they were boating on April 4.

Brian Hooker, the Michigan man whose wife disappeared in the Bahamas ten days ago is still being considered a suspect and could be extradited back to the Caribbean islands, according to investigators. He is pictured leaving police custody on Monday night

Brian Hooker, 58, has been released from jail following his wife, Lynette's disappearance

The Hookers from Onsted, Michigan, were four years into a voyage they were documenting on social media that had started in Texas and drifted to The Bahamas via Florida

He did not speak with reporters as he walked out of Bahamian police custody, surrounded by paparazzi cameras on Monday evening while his attorney, Terrel Butler, replied 'no comment' to all questions about the case.

The American, from Onsted in southern Michigan, wore a white shirt and long black pants and spoke only to say 'excuse me' as he walked through the press pack.

Hooker was seen making a phone call to a family member in the police station moments before he left.

Butler later told Fox News she did not know whether her client still has his passport.

The attorney added that both she and Hooker have been exhausted by the case and she wanted to 'give him space' after his release, allowing him to return to his hotel.

Hooker's wife disappeared on the night of April 4 while they were out on an 8ft motorboat, traveling from Hope Town to Elbow Cay.

He told police that Lynette fell from the boat with the keys in her pocket, shutting the engine off and forcing him to paddle back to the shore.

'Strong currents subsequently carried her away and he lost sight of her,' police said in a statement at the time.

After reaching shore, Hooker alerted someone about his wife's disappearance early the following day, according to authorities. He has denied any wrongdoing.

Hooker is free to leave the Bahamas, but he may be extradited back for questioning at a later date if he does return to the US. He is pictured leaving police custody on Monday night

Hooker has pledged to stay on the paradise islands to continue searching for his wife of almost 25 years, who vanished without a trace while they were boating on April 4

Hooker has claimed that Lynette, 55, was tossed from their eight-foot boat into the ocean as they headed from dinner on Elbow Cay to their moored 50-foot sailboat called Soulmate

Officials from the US Coast Guard have opened an investigation separate from the one being conducted by authorities in the Bahamas.

The Hookers have been married for more than 20 years and chronicled their adventures sailing around the Caribbean on their Sailing Hookers Facebook page.

They posted videos in 2023, showing the moment they purchased their boat, Soul Mate, in the coastal town of Rockport, Texas, before cruising through the Gulf of Mexico from the port town of Kemah, Texas.

Lynette's daughter, Karli Aylesworth, told NBC News that it is unlikely her mother would 'just fall' off the boat, saying she was an experienced sailor.

The couple have a contentious past, with both accusing each other of assault in 2015, according to a Kentwood, Michigan, police report obtained by NBC.

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 and spent the night in jail. A warrant was denied because it wasn't clear 'who started the assault.'
Xi meets Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, makes four-point proposal on Middle East peace

Xinhua) 13:51, April 14, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Beijing on Tuesday.

Xi said that the UAE is a comprehensive strategic partner of China, and China has always attached great importance to developing relations with the UAE.

Through joint efforts of both sides, China-UAE relations have maintained healthy and stable development, and witnessed deepened political mutual trust, growing practical cooperation and rich people-to-people exchanges, Xi said.

Noting that consolidating and enhancing China-UAE relations is a firm consensus of both sides and meets the expectations of the people of both countries, Xi said China is willing to join hands with the UAE to build a more stable and dynamic China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership.

Both sides should continue to support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, maintain high-level exchanges and consolidate strategic mutual trust, Xi said.

He called on both sides to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, and tap the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in energy, investment, trade, science and technology and other fields.

The two countries should promote greater progress in cooperation in education, civil aviation, tourism and other fields, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and consolidate the foundation of public support, Xi added.

He called for enhancing coordination and cooperation in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations (UN) and BRICS, leveraging the stability of China-UAE relations to cope with the uncertainties in international and regional situations, and jointly promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The two sides exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Xi emphasized China's position on promoting peace and talks, and reaffirmed that China will continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

Xi put forward a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Xi called for adherence to the principle of peaceful coexistence. Countries in the Middle East and Gulf region are interdependent and inseparable neighbors. Efforts should be made to support these countries to improve their relations, and it is imperative to promote the building of a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture for the Middle East and the Gulf region.

He urged adherence to the principle of national sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as a foundation for all countries, especially developing countries, to survive and thrive, and it must not be violated. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region should be fully respected, and the safety of personnel, facilities and institutions of all countries should be effectively safeguarded.

On adherence to the principle of international rule of law, Xi said the authority of international rule of law should be upheld, rejecting selective application to prevent the world from falling back into the law of the jungle. He called for firmly upholding the international system with the UN at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

He said development and security should be coordinated. Security makes development possible, and development helps maintain security. All parties should work together to create a favorable environment for the development of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region. China is ready to share with these countries the opportunities brought about by Chinese modernization to strengthen the foundation for regional development and security.

Noting that the UAE attaches great importance to developing relations with China, Sheikh Khaled said his country is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen cooperation in various fields, open up broader prospects for bilateral relations, and benefit the people of both countries.

Sheikh Khaled said the UAE appreciates China's responsible and constructive role in international affairs and its active efforts to seek political solutions to the current crisis in the Middle East.

The UAE is committed to maintaining close communication and coordination with China to promote a ceasefire among the parties concerned, restore regional peace and stability at an early date, safeguard international shipping security, and prevent further impact on the global economy and energy security, he said.

He added that the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions will be effectively protected.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
InsurTech leader embeds AI across the insurance lifecycle to help agencies, MGAs and carriers accelerate workflows, improve decisions and eliminate distribution drag

DENVER, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at Accelerate 2026, Vertafore introduced its Velocity AI Platform and six AI agents that deliver speed and improve precision in everyday insurance workflows. Capitalizing on its long-standing leadership with AI, these latest innovations from Vertafore help agencies, MGAs and carriers bypass the time-consuming drag of manual effort and improve the decisions that drive their growth and relationships.

The Vertafore Velocity AI Platform

Purpose-built for insurance, Velocity AI brings artificial intelligence directly into the core systems agencies, MGAs and carriers already use.

The platform serves as the innovation foundation behind Vertafore's growing portfolio of AI agents, powering secure and scalable AI development across the company's core product families: AgencyOne, MGA solutions and Sircon. Velocity AI enables Vertafore to design, build and deliver new AI capabilities faster, accelerating the pace of innovation.

Vertafore is taking the insurance industry from friction to flow, eliminating distribution drag across the value chain to help agencies, MGAs and carriers achieve Distribution Velocityspeed with intentional outcomeswithin and across insurance workflows. Velocity AI is key to the company's focus, underpinning AI innovation that helps the industry adapt faster and grow smarter.

"Insurance is a relationship-driven business, but too much of the work behind it is still manual and fragmented, slowing down growth and service," said Amy Zupon, CEO at Vertafore. "What we're delivering with Velocity AI is a practical way to bring AI into the workflows that drive this industry forward, so our customers can move faster, make better decisions and focus on relationships and the activities that matter most."

AI agents designed for insurance workflows

Built on the Velocity AI Platform, Vertafore announced its new portfolio of Velocity AI agents embedded within the solutions agencies, MGAs and carriers already trust, helping to reduce manual work, improve accuracy and move processes forward more efficiently. This initial set of six Velocity AI agents marks the beginning of a continuous stream of agent innovation, with additional capabilities planned this year to address workflows across the distribution lifecycle.

Velocity AI Insurance Expert Agent delivers trusted, industry-specific answers in seconds. With clear, explainable responses to AI searches and grounded in authoritative insurance content, the Insurance Expert Agent helps teams research coverage questions, upskill their knowledge and make more confident decisions. Available now in ReferenceConnect AI  . Later in 2026, the Insurance Expert Agent will be enabled for agent-to-agent connections so a user can ask questions and see answers from ReferenceConnect AI inside of their own systems that also have an AI agent interface.



With clear, explainable responses to AI searches and grounded in authoritative insurance content, the Insurance Expert Agent helps teams research coverage questions, upskill their knowledge and make more confident decisions. Available now in ReferenceConnect AI . Later in 2026, the Insurance Expert Agent will be enabled for agent-to-agent connections so a user can ask questions and see answers from ReferenceConnect AI inside of their own systems that also have an AI agent interface. Velocity AI Portal Launcher Agent enables MGA teams to launch new programs in minutes, transforming one of the most manual and time-intensive setup processes into a fast, scalable digital experience. The agent automatically converts PDF applications into fully functional submission experiences so administrators can quickly bring new opportunities to market. Available now in Surefyre  .





transforming one of the most manual and time-intensive setup processes into a fast, scalable digital experience. The agent automatically converts PDF applications into fully functional submission experiences so administrators can quickly bring new opportunities to market. Available now in Surefyre . Velocity AI Submission Processing Agent accelerates submission intake and underwriting workflows, turning unstructured emails and documents into structured submissions in Surefyre. The agent streamlines clearance and underwriting workflows by reducing manual data entry, minimizing back-and-forth, and enabling faster, more accurate decision-making, and reducing overall submission processing time from one hour to approximately two minutes. General availability expected in early summer.





turning unstructured emails and documents into structured submissions in Surefyre. The agent streamlines clearance and underwriting workflows by reducing manual data entry, minimizing back-and-forth, and enabling faster, more accurate decision-making, and reducing overall submission processing time from one hour to approximately two minutes. General availability expected in early summer. Velocity AI Reconciliation Agent eliminates one of an agency's most manual, time-intensive accounting workflows by automatically ingesting carrier statements, matching transactions and flagging exceptions to streamline accounting workflows. Agencies can process statements in minutes instead of up to an hour, reduce reconciliation errors, and scale accounting operations without adding headcount. Early adopters will have access in AMS360  this spring, with general availability expected early summer.





by automatically ingesting carrier statements, matching transactions and flagging exceptions to streamline accounting workflows. Agencies can process statements in minutes instead of up to an hour, reduce reconciliation errors, and scale accounting operations without adding headcount. Early adopters will have access in AMS360 this spring, with general availability expected early summer. Velocity AI Email Agent turns inbound communication into structured work, interpreting incoming Outlook emails, extracting key information and initiating the right actions directly within AMS360 without users ever leaving their inbox. General availability expected this summer.





interpreting incoming Outlook emails, extracting key information and initiating the right actions directly within AMS360 without users ever leaving their inbox. General availability expected this summer. Velocity AI Benefit Plan Agent reduces plan setup time and manual data entry, automatically extracting and structuring benefit plan data from source documents to improve accuracy and consistency. The agent reduces plan setup time from 2030 minutes to under five minutes. BenefitPoint users will see this agent summer 2026.

"We've taken a very intentional approach to AI, focusing on real workflows, not isolated features," said James Thom, chief product officer at Vertafore. "These Velocity AI agents are built to operate inside the solutions and processes our customers use every day, working alongside their teams to move their business forward with greater speed and consistency. And because they're all built on the same foundation of the Velocity AI platform, they can evolve and connect over time in ways that make the entire system more powerful."

Advancing Distribution Velocity

Together, the Velocity AI Platform and this initial portfolio of AI agents bring Vertafore's focus on Distribution Velocity to life. By reducing friction across the distribution lifecycle and embedding AI into the workflows where work actually happens, Vertafore is helping agencies, MGAs and carriers operate with increased speed, consistency and clarity, turning everyday efficiency gains into business momentum that drives growth.

About Vertafore

Vertafore powers Distribution Velocity, accelerating every part of the insurance value chain within and across agencies, MGAs, and carriers so they can adapt faster and grow smarter. As the trusted backbone of the industry, Vertafore provides the core digital systems, specialized AI, and data-driven foundation to eliminate distribution drag across sales, servicing, accounting, underwriting, and back-office operations, taking insurance workflows from friction to flow.

Supporting over 95% of the top agencies and insurers and 50% of industry compliance transactions, Vertafore leads at the intersection of innovation and trust, giving customers the speed, performance power, and confidence to transform and grow at scale in the new era. Vertafore is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.vertafore.com.

2026 Vertafore and the Vertafore logo are registered trademarks of Vertafore. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

MEDIA CONTACT:

INK Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Vertafore, Inc.
The Canadian government has been slammed for warning that referring to a transgender person by their former name is a form of 'emotional violence.'

Canada's official government website states that 'deadnaming,' or referring to a transgender or non-binary person by their birth name without consent, is an act of 'gender-based violence.'

The phenomenon is listed alongside other serious violations, such as sharing intimate images, pressuring someone into sex, assuming consent and engaging in controlling behavior.

The section titled, Women and Gender Equality Canada, also encourages people who see deadnaming in action to 'document and report' incidents.

The guidance has come under fire from critics who claim it diminishes other forms of violence especially against women and girls.

Deadnaming is presented among a series of hypothetical scenarios on the Canadian government's website which asks users to identify violence.

Before engaging, users are given a 'trigger warning' which further advises that it is 'okay to step back and focus on your safety and well-being' if the scenarios cause any upset.

'Someone from your school who transitioned and now identifies as a girl has been posting about her journey on social media,' the situation reads.

The Canadian government said calling a transgender person by their former name is considered 'emotional violence'. Pictured: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

The definition was included in guidance on the Canadian government's section titled Women and Gender Equality which provided hypothetical scenarios for detecting gender-based violence

'People begin making negative comments about her appearance and deadnaming her online. When you mention it to a friend, they dismiss it as "just trolling. So - is this gender-based violence?"'

If the user responds 'no,' the government provides a detailed explanation of the 'correct' answer.

'This is a case of technology-facilitated violence, where the person is experiencing emotional violence due to their gender, gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender in the digital world,' the required answer reads.

'Deadnaming - using someones former name without their consent and despite being advised of their true name - is a form of aggression that is demeaning and disrespectful, as it actively denies their identity.'

The government states that opposing the fundamental premises of gender ideology online may amount to 'technology-facilitated violence' and 'emotional violence' and urges Canadians to document such incidents.

If a trans person is referred to by their 'deadname,' the website advises reprimanding the offending person and privately checking in with the affected individual to see if they need support or comfort.

'Let her know that abuse is not okay and that its not her fault,' the scenario states.

'She might not respond right away or may not want to talk about it at all, and that's okay - just let her know you care and are there to support her.'

Canadians are further encouraged to document and report the situation where appropriate, with the consent of the targeted individual, and to seek advice from a trusted adult on how to proceed.

'Keep a record of messages, usernames, and any other relevant information. Report harmful content to the platform where it is appearing,' the explanation reads.

'Encourage her to block the individuals responsible so they can no longer contact her.'

The guidance was heavily criticized online after screenshots of the advice went viral.

'Here's a government of Canada website telling us that it's VIOLENT to "deadname" a trans person,' social media user Amy Hamm wrote on X, sharing screenshots of the website.

After Hamm shared the government page on X, the post went viral, with some users criticizing the framing and arguing that it minimizes violence against women and wrongly classifies verbal communication as violence.

'So ridiculous. There is no "emotional violence." Doesn't exist,' one comment read.

Another said: 'That's what happens when Reddit policy gets into government, never heard of that phrase anywhere but there first.'

'A poster child of a department that needs to be eliminated 100 percent,' a third response read.

A user added: 'Hurt feelings that occur from verbal communication is NOT in any way violence.'

The guidance was slammed after it went viral online with critics claiming it diminished other forms of violence against women. Pictured: The Trans March in Toronto on June 27, 2025

'Minimizes actual violence against women,' wrote another. 'Because claiming equivalence is the goal.'

The finding follows a wave of mockery directed at a Canadian lawmaker for using the sprawling 'woke' acronym MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ during a press conference.

Leah Gazan, 53, a Member of Parliament, used the 17-character phrase earlier this month while condemning the $7 billion in budget cuts to two federal Indigenous departments, according to footage shared by Juno News.

She managed to smoothly reference the phrase MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+, meaning: missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual.

The + represents all other identities not included in the nearly 20-character acronym.

The acronym's length and Gazan's ability to recite it flawlessly drew strong reactions online.

Some critics responded harshly, while others joked that it resembled a 'strong password' and wondered how she kept a straight face while saying it.

The Daily Mail has approached the Canadian government for comment.
Eddie Redmayne has been handed a 1,530 court bill after he was caught breaking one of London's 20mph speed limits.

The Oscar-winning actor, 44, was clocked by a speed camera driving his Audi at 28mph along the A4 through Earl's Court at around 11am on October 14.

The Day of the Jackal star admitted being the speeding driver, but submitted the form to the police too late to avoid a criminal prosecution.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and was slapped with a 1,000 fine at a private court hearing last Wednesday.

Mr Redmayne received three penalty points on his licence and must also pay 130 in costs as well as a 400 victim surcharge.

The actor, who won an Academy Award in 2015 for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, was not required to attend Westminster Magistrates' Court as his case was dealt with through the Single Justice Procedure.

Kensington and Chelsea Council announced in 2020 that it planned to introduce a 20mph limit to all its residential roads.

The A4 Cromwell Road - where Mr Redmayne was caught out - became a 20mph limit in Autumn 2023.

Mr Redmayne was among 450 motorists prosecuted by the Met last week for breaking one of London's 20mph zones, resulting in court fines ranging from 40 to the maximum 1,000 penalty.

Eddie Redmayne, pictured in July 2025, has been handed a 1,530 court bill after he was caught breaking one of London's 20mph speed limits

The Oscar-winning actor pictured by a camera driving his Audi at 28mph along the A4 through Earl's Court

The Met submitted evidence including an image of Mr Redmayne's speeding Audi and said the star had been sent a notice of intended prosecution on October 20, six days after the offence.

The court records show the actor responded on March 1 this year, signing a form agreeing he had been the driver that day.

But a police official told the court his form had not arrived in time to avoid a court case.

She wrote: 'Due to the Late response to notice of intended prosecution, this case does not qualify for an out of court disposal and has therefore been referred to the prosecutions team for a single justice procedure notice to be issued.'
A manhunt is underway for two robbers who snatched a man's Rolex at knifepoint from King Charles' model community.

The victim, a man aged in his 30s, was walking in Poundbury's Great Field at around 4.45pm on April 2, when two men approached him and stole his Rolex GMT.

The suspects are described as white and aged in their early 20s. One was about 5ft 10in tall and slim build, wearing a black hooded jumper, tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

The other was about 5ft 5in tall, slim build, also wearing a black hooded jumper, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with doorbell camera, CCTV or car dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.

Detective Constable Scarlett Thornton, of Dorset County CID, said: 'We are continuing to investigate this robbery and I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information regarding those involved to please come forward.

'I would also urge any residents in the vicinity with home CCTV or doorbell cameras, as well as motorists who were in the area around the relevant time with dashcam, to please review their footage for anything that might assist our enquiries.'

A man was robbed and had his Rolex stolen at knifepoint on The Great Field in Poundbury on April 2

he victim, a man aged in his 30s, was walking on the Great Field when two men approached him and stole the Rolex

Poundbury was built on Duchy of Cornwall land outside Dorchester in Dorset and was the then Prince Charles vision for a utopian community where private and affordable housing mix with boutique shops, places of work and services like the local school and medical centre within walking distance.

Building work began in 1993 and it is due for completion in 2028.
A teenager accused of shooting dead a 14-year-old boy in a London stairwell has appeared in court charged with murder.

Eghosa Ogbebor was found lifeless on Lord Warwick Street, Woolwich, after police officers responded to emergency calls at 3.40pm on April 2.

A 16-year-old boy from Romford, east London, appeared at the Old Bailey via video-link from HMP Felton on Tuesday charged with his murder.

The teenager - who cannot be named for legal reasons - is accused of shooting Mr Ogbebor in the chest following a chase. The victim was also armed.

Prosecuting, William Emlyn Jones KC claimed: 'It was there at the top of the stairwell that the defendant aimed and fired at the victim, shooting him once in the chest, causing an injury from which he died.'

The boy was first arrested on April 4, two days after the attack, before being released on bail.

He was then re-arrested on April 9 and charged with murder the following day, police have said.

A provisional six-week trial start date has been set for January 18 2027.

Eghosa Ogbebor (pictured) was shot dead near Woolwich Dockyard station on April 2

Forensic officers pictured near to the scene in Woolwich where Eghosa was fatally shot

The teenager has been remanded into youth detention accommodation to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on July 3.

The Metropolitan Police said their investigation remains ongoing.

Officers arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man in Woolwich on suspicion of murder, and a 46-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three were released on bail.

Two boys, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man who were arrested on April 3 in connection with the attack have also been bailed.

A further 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder on April 10.

In the wake of Mr Ogbedor's death, his family and friends laid tributes at the scene of his death.

The youngster was thought to have been an aspiring rapper, and had released snippets of songs he recorded at school under the name 'Y.Risky'.

One tribute described the situation as 'just awful'.

Another read: 'It's Easter and should be a time for celebration but they are grieving. It's just awful.'

London mayor Sadiq Khan labelled the killing 'appalling' and said: 'My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Woolwich following the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy.

'There is absolutely no place for this heartbreaking violence.'

Speaking at Eghosa's family home in Abbey Wood, his aunt revealed he had told his mother he was going out to film a rap video and said his mother was 'broken' by her son's death.

She told Metro: 'He loved music he was so talented and lived for it. On the day he was shot, he had gone out to film a video with his friends.

'He never came back. His mother is broken. He was so young, he had his whole life ahead of him. He was so young, just a boy.'
A 10-foot great white shark was seen via a wildlife tracking system swimming off the coast of Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.

Cayo, a 10-foot-long, 689-pound female shark, sent out a 'Z-ping' near the president's beachfront paradise around 6.50am on April 13.

A Z-ping happens when a tracked shark spends a brief period of time at the water's surface, according to the nonprofit organization OCEARCH.

'The signal is sent and received by an Argos satellite, but it's not strong enough to determine an accurate location.'

Marine researchers with OCEARCH have been tracking Cayo for less than a year.

The deadly predator was tagged and released in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, on July 29, 2025. Since then, she has traveled more than 4,100 miles up and down the East Coast.

Trump was not present at Mar-a-Lago at the time and OCEARCH emphasized that Cayo's presence offshore posed no added risk to the public.

Juvenile and subadult sharks like Cayo tend to steer clear of shorelines and are rarely spotted by residents or beachgoers.

Cayo (pictured) is 689 pounds and measures 10 feet and three inches. She was originally tagged and released in Nova Scotia last year

Mar-a-Lago is located in Palm Beach in South Florida. Sharks are frequently swimming in the area during the spring and summer months

Monday's ping was the second in the area in just a few days. Cayo also pinged elsewhere near Palm Beach on Friday morning.

Scientists say this is a normal migration pattern for great white sharks as they remain in the south for the winter and spring seasons.

During the winter and spring months, water in the south becomes warm and prey is more abundant, reported CBS12. In the summer and fall, sharks like Cayo travel back up north.

During Trump's first term, Jacksonville.com reported that the president's frequent trips to Mar-a-Lago could threaten the shark population off its shores.

The sprawling Palm Beach estate is 'right along the survey path' that researchers use to track sharks in North America, biologist Stephen M. Kajiura told the outlet.

Like many biologists, Kajiura uses low-flying planes to conduct aerial surveys of sharks off the coast of Florida.

When the president visits the estate, the airspace is temporarily shut down, causing 'a direct imposition on data collection by a visiting president.'

'He has no idea that hes doing it, but it does mean a significant reduction,' Kajiura said at the time.

The president has a known hatred for sharks, going on multiple public tirades against them in the last decade

Cayo pinged off the coast of Palm Beach twice in the past several days. Researchers said this was a normal migration pattern for sharks of her kind

The president has a known distaste for sharks, dating back to at least 2013, when he made multiple posts ridiculing them.

'Sorry folks, Im just not a fan of sharks - and dont worry, they will be around long after we are gone,' he wrote on X.

'Sharks are last on my list - other than perhaps the losers and haters of the World!' he added in another post.

At a rally in 2020, the president told the crowd that he was 'not a big fan of sharks,' reported Newsweek.

'I have people calling me up, "Sir, we have a fund to save the shark, it's called Save The Shark,"' Trump said. 'I say "no thank you, I have other things I can contribute to."'

The Daily Mail contacted Mar-a-Lago for comment.
An 86-year-old French woman has been detained by ICE after moving to the US to marry a long-lost love she first dated in the 1960s.

Her new husband died just months later, leaving her alone in the US before she was arrested earlier this month following a fallout with his son.

Marie-Therese, from Nantes, had travelled to Alabama to rekindle the decades-old romance.

Her own son told French media she was treated 'like a dangerous criminal', claiming officers handcuffed her hands and feet when she was detained in Anniston.

The elderly widow had married American partner Billy last year after the pair reconnected decades after first meeting when he was stationed at a NATO base in Saint-Nazaire and she worked as a secretary.

They lost touch when he returned to the US in 1966 and went on to build separate lives, marrying other people and raising families.

But they found each other again in 2010 and, after both were widowed by 2022, began a relationship that her son said left them 'in love like teenagers'.

After their wedding, Marie-Therese relocated to the US and applied for a green card, hoping to settle permanently with her husband.

An 86-year-old French woman has been detained by US immigration officials after moving to America to marry a long-lost love she first dated in the 1960s. Pictured: A warehouse used as an ICE detention centre in the state of Utah (file pic)

Federal agents, including members of the Department of Homeland Security, the Border Patrol, and police, clash with protesters outside a downtown U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility on October 04, 2025 in Portland, Oregon

A federal agent pushes the wife of the detained man from Ecuador to the ground on September 25, 2025 in New York City

However, her situation was thrown into doubt when Billy died suddenly in January, before her residency was approved.

In the weeks that followed, she apparently became embroiled in a dispute with her stepson over inheritance.

She had hired a lawyer and was due to attend a court hearing, but was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement the day before it took place.

Marie-Therese has been detained at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) centre in the state of Louisiana.

There is no evidence her stepson reported her to authorities.

Her son said neighbours alerted the family after the arrest, adding: 'They handcuffed her hands and feet like she was a dangerous criminal.'

France's foreign ministry has since intervened, with Marie-Therese receiving a consular visit while in detention.

Her son said she is 'holding up well' but warned her health is fragile, with heart and back problems.

'Our priority is to get her out and bring her back to France,' he said. 'Given her condition, she won't last a month in such detention.'

The case comes as Immigration and Customs Enforcement has taken a central role in enforcing Donald Trump's sweeping deportation crackdown during his second term.
A man in Texas was given a jail sentence for simply stepping off the trail at Yellowstone National Park while visiting its famous hot springs.

Eric Bedient, 50, was handed down five days in a federal facility on March 31 after he 'thermal trespassed' near Mammoth hot springs.

Bedient pleaded guilty to stepping off a designated boardwalk on November 8, 2025, according to the District of Wyoming US Attorney's Office.

According to prosecutors, 'Mr Bedient walked directly on several fragile and dangerous hydrothermal features,' adding that footprints were left on the delicate ecosystem.

The Frisco, Texas native will serve jail time near his home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

'The sentence reflected the extensive nature of violation, the damage Bedients footprints left behind and Bedients failure to educate himself about Yellowstone National Parks regulations,' the US Attorney's office stated.

US Attorney Darin Smith said thermal trespassing is both illegal and deadly, per the statement issued by his office.

'Yellowstones thermal areas are among the most dangerous natural features in the world. Mr. Bedients disregard for the law could have cost him his life,' he said.

A man visiting Yellowstone National Park was sentenced after thermal trespassing on its famous hot springs

Experts have said that human contact can damage the flow of water and harm organisms that live in the scalding springs

'Prosecuting crimes like this deters others from similar conductand from risking becoming thermal soup.'

Bedient ignored prominent signage around Canary Springs, Mound Terrace, Palette Hot Spring and Jupiter Terrace warning him against stepping off the path, according to SFGate.

Boardwalks with handrails lined the area. The park website says they are the only safe and legal vantage for enjoying the hot springs, which can reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

More than 20 people have died after suffering burns caused by entering or falling into Yellowstone's hot springs.

Even blistering thermal runoff poses a threat due to its sky-high alkalinity and acidity levels.

Hot springs are also often home to legions of algae, bacteria and fungi that become endangered by human contact.

Trudging on thermal features can permanently damage water flow and kill thermophiles, the colorful microorganisms that thrive in the springs' high temperatures.

There are more than 10,000 thermal features at the National Park, including 500 geysers.

'We will continue to hold individuals accountable to protect lives and preserve this unique, irreplaceable landscape when their actions threaten these national treasures for future generations,' Smith said.

US Attorney Darin Smith said he will continue to hold thermal trespassers accountable at Yellowstone National Park

Prosecutors said Bediant ignored prominent signage warning him against stepping onto the springs

In 2024, Irish actor Pierce Brosnan pleaded guilty to foot travel in a thermal area at Yellowstone's Mammoth Hot Springs, per the US Department of Justice.

He was ordered to pay a $500 fine and required to pay $1,000 in community service funds to the Yellowstone Forever Geological Fund.

Other violators were subjected to fines up to $1,500, seven days in prison and even a five-year ban from Yellowstone, reported Outside Online.

The Daily Mail contacted Yellowstone National Park, the Wyoming County District Attorney's Office and Bedient.
Two teen girls were brutally attacked during an Arizona school walkout protesting ICE, their mother says.

Video captured the February attack outside Desert Sunrise High School in Maricopa, about 40 miles outside Phoenix.

One of the girls, ages 14 and 16, shouted 'stop, let go of my sister,' repeatedly while the group of four other girls beat them.

A 911 caller said, 'These girls are trying to fight my friends for no reason. They just hit her. Now they're jumping her,' according to audio obtained by AZ Family.

'These girls just literally came by in a car, got dropped off, and now they're arguing with us,' the caller said.

Their mother, identified only as Artiesha, told the outlet that her daughters were targeted as victims of relentless bullying.

'They were victimized and assaulted, jumped by four other students that also attend the school,' Artiesha said.

On the day of the attack, Desert Sunrise High was one of several schools participating in walkouts across the country to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement after two people were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis.

Two teen girls were attacked during an Arizona school walkout protesting ICE

Their mother, identified only as Artiesha, said that her daughters were targeted as victims of relentless bullying

Artiesha said her daughters participated in the demonstration and planned to walk six miles from the school to city hall.

'That video broke my heart as a mother because I couldn't get to them quick enough. I was on the phone and I got there right at the brunt end of it. I could hear my daughter saying, where's my mom?' Artiesha said.

She explained that the intended target of the attack was her 14-year-old daughter, and her 16-year-old daughter stepped in to defend her sister.

'She had a big knot on her cheek,' Artiesha said. 'She lost a lot of her hair was pulled out.'

The mother said her daughter had been bullied for years, but this was the first time it escalated to physical violence.

'We've had threats. People saying they're going to bomb our house, they're going to assault me. We've had boys pin her up and push her and throw watermelons at her head,' Artiesha said.

She added that her daughter has been subject to 'day-to-day harassment, body shaming, racist comments,' for years.

Police determined only two of the four girls were aggressors, and submitted disorderly conduct, assault and criminal damage charges against them to the Pinal County Attorney's Office on March 27, according to the local news outlet.

One of the girls, ages 14 and 16, shouted 'stop, let go of my sister,' repeatedly while the group of four other girls beat them

Artiesha said her daughter had been bullied for years but this is the first time it had become physical

'Justice to me looks like accountability. It means that the parents behind it hold their kids accountable,' Artiesha said.

'It means that Pinal County ensures that this doesn't happen to anyone else. My kids were assaulted, and I want to make sure not just two out of the four is held accountable.'

The Daily Mail contacted the Maricopa Unified School District, Desert Sunrise High School, the Pinal County Attorney's Office and the Maricopa Police Department.

Maricopa Unified School District officials told AZ Family they could not discuss the matter.

'Because the incident you referenced involves minors, we cannot discuss details about individual students or any potential disciplinary actions,' the district said.

Police told the news outlet that at least one of the students involved is no longer enrolled at Desert Sunrise High.

The school district said they did not condone the school walkout and discouraged students from leaving campus.

'As previously communicated to families, the student walkout was not organized or endorsed by Maricopa Unified School District. Our priority was student safety,' the district said.

'We strongly encouraged students to remain on campus, and we asked families to reinforce that message at home.'
New York City's socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani has unveiled the plans for the first city-owned grocery store and revealed they will leave taxpayers on the hook for an eight-figure sum.

The municipally funded store will open next year to the tune of $30 million with a site in Manhattan's East Harlem as the first chosen.

The store would be built at La Marqueta, a city-owned marketplace in a mostly Latino neighborhood.

The controversial project could be the first of five city-run grocery stores that formed the cornerstone of Mamdani's campaign.

It has now emerged the total cost for the stores will be an eye-watering $70 million while New York City faces a $5.4 billion budget crunch.

'At our stores, eggs will be cheaper, breads will be cheaper,' he said during a 100-day address on Monday night. 'Grocery shopping will no longer be an unsolvable equation.'

But critics say that the socialist stores could harm private businesses and drive billionaires out of the city, pointing to failed attempts in the US and around the world.

Mamdani, a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist, shot back saying that he had a 'simple' answer for the concerns.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the first city-owned grocery store would open in Manhattan in 2027

La Marqueta sits on a primarily Latino neighborhood in East Harlem. Mamdani said about 65,000 New Yorkers live within a 10-minute walk

'I look forward to the competition,' Mamdani said. 'May the most affordable grocery store win.'

Billionaire supermarket executive John Catsimatidis, who owns the supermarket chains Gristedes and D'Agostino's in Manhattan, has said the socialist stores would 'drag us down a path toward the bread lines of the old Soviet Union.'

Catsimatidis also compared Mamdani's plan to policies associated with Hugo Chavez in Venezuela and Fidel Castro in Cuba, as he derided the mayor.

Fernando Mateo, the co-founder of United Bodegas of America, the association representing New York City's corner stores, predicted that Mamdani's socialist grocers would quickly get 'jam-packed.'

'You're going to have people rushing to these stores early in the morning to late at night, waiting on long lines,' Mateo told WABC.

Mateo, who resigned from the bodega association in October over its support for Mamdani's plan, added that the city-run stores would likely be 'more turmoil than anything else.'

'It's a great punchline for him and for the socialist movement but New York is not a socialist city,' Mateo said.

Mamdani's announcement came as he faces a $5.4 billion budget deficit that must be addressed by the time a new spending plan comes into effect on July 1.

Billionaire supermarket executive John Catsimatidis, a Republican, previously compared Mamdani's city-owned grocery stores proposal to 'the bread lines of the old Soviet Union'

Mamdani said that he hoped the city-run grocery store at La Marqueta would be able to serve roughly 25,000 customers on a daily basis

The New York City Council still needs to approve Mamdani's $70 million proposal for five city-run grocery stores.

City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who has emerged as an early critic of the mayor, acknowledged the city was confronting 'fiscal and affordability crises' but did not immediately indicate whether she would back Mamdani's plan.

'Speaker Menin looks forward to receiving details on the Mayor's proposal and assessing its potential impacts on consumers and local small businesses, including bodegas,' a spokesman for Menin told The New York Times.

Announcing the plan, Mamdani proudly said that he was 'elected as a Democratic Socialist and I will govern as a Democratic Socialist.'

He also invoked former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's famous critique of socialism, albeit with a leftist spin.

'If anything, my friends, it seems that you eventually need a socialist to clean up the mess,' Mamdani said.

Grocery prices in New York City increased by nearly 66 percent between 2013 and 2023, according to Mamdani.

He said the decision to open the first socialist store at La Marqueta was a nod to former New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia.

New York City Council speaker Julie Menin (right) said she still needed to hear about how Mamdani's plan would impact consumers and local small businesses

LaGuardia opened the Park Avenue Retail Market in the same area in 1936 and La Marqueta is considered its continuation.

Around 65,000 New Yorkers will live within a 10minute walk of the city's first socialist grocery store. He added that he hoped the store would serve about 25,000 customers per day.

The city plans to waive rent and real estate taxes for the project, which will be built on an empty lot without displacing existing vendors.

'I know there are many who use 'socialist' as a dirty word, [as] something to be ashamed of,' Mamdani said. 'They can try all they want but we will not be ashamed of using government to fight for the many, not simply the few.'

Tobacco and lottery products, which are among the most popular at the city's corner stores, will not be offered at the socialist grocery stores.

'We're talking about the very food and produce that working-class New Yorkers are so often priced out of while they're being lectured to and told to eat healthier,' Mamdani said during an appearance at La Marqueta on Tuesday morning.

Mamdani has said he hopes to open all five stores by the end of his current term in 2029.

Mamdani said that tobacco and lottery products would not be sold at the new socialist stores, of which he plans to open five by 2029

'There will be an essential basket of goods that will be guaranteed at a cheaper price,' he said.

'The intent and something that we will fulfill is that New Yorkers will be able to recognize the price differential. It won't just be incidental.'

The Daily Mail has reached out to the New York City Mayor's Office for further comment.
A Las Vegas mom allegedly scammed friends and family out of thousands of dollars and then faked a cancer diagnosis when they tried to get their money back.

Haleigh Knight pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge last month after longtime friend Cydney Fink accused her of scamming her and her family out of $20,000.

Knight had convinced Fink that she was a luxury travel content creator with the Four Seasons, and approached her with a fake opportunity for travel and content creation.

'She had asked me with my photography background if I would like to join in on these trips and make content for Four Seasons,' Fink told 3 News Las Vegas.

However, when the trips never came to fruition, Fink confronted Knight and demanded her and her family's money back, which Knight refused because of a contract Fink signed.

'She had claimed that as soon as we would get there, we would get our money back as well as getting paid per trip,' Fink said.

At the same time, Knight had convinced several victims that she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - going as far as documenting her fake treatments on TikTok and blaming the illness for why she couldn't keep her promises, according to police.

Police said Knight eventually admitted to faking the diagnosis, using the funds to pay her bills and provide for her children.

Haleigh Knight, who scammed friends and family out of thousands of dollars faked a cancer diagnosis when they tried to claim refunds, according to victims

Rachel Riedel said Knight claimed she had access to exclusive influencer discounts on luxury goods and convinced her to send money for items including a Rolex

She also admitted to posing as different representative named Beatrice, who helped collaborate the trip plans and cancellations.

Court documents showed the lengths of her deception.

'Haleigh states she faked having cancer so that Cydney and her family, along with Haleigh's family, would feel guilty and more inclined to love and be around her if she claimed she was sick,' the documents said.

Screenshots of text messages shared by Fink showed Knight admitting to her that the diagnosis was fake, police said.

Suzanne Duroy, an oncologist and breast cancer survivor, said she donated nearly $1,000 in gift cards and presents to the GoFundMe, and even spent hours consoling Knight on the phone.

Rachel Riedel, who employed Knight at a surgery center, said she was also targeted by the scheme.

Riedel said Knight claimed she had access to exclusive influencer discounts on luxury goods and convinced her to send money for items including a Rolex.

'The next day, she stopped coming to work at the surgery center after I sent her money for the Rolex,' Riedel told 3 News Las Vegas.

Riedel said she later contacted MD Anderson to donate toward Knights supposed treatment, only to be told the hospital had no record of her.

Knight went as far as documenting her fake treatments on TikTok and blaming the illness for why she couldn't keep her promises, according to police

Knight's GoFundMe page that has since been taken down

Knight is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24.

Under Nevada law, she faces between one and five years in prison for the felony theft charge, though prosecutors have not opposed the possibility of probation.

Her plea agreement requires her to pay $19,787.12 in restitution, and if she completes probation and repays the full amount, she could be allowed to withdraw her plea and instead be convicted of misdemeanor theft with credit for time served.
This educational production examines the role of accessible leadership and lower barriers to entry in building sustainable American communities.

MIAMI, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new segment of the series "Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid" is scheduled for production, featuring the City of Woodward, Oklahoma. The segment will explore the tangible benefits of living and working in a community that values streamlined governance and authentic neighborly connection. Production is slated to begin later this year, with filming centered at the Woodward Conference Center and other key municipal locations.

City of Woodward

This collaboration aims to provide Public Television audiences with an informative look at how rural cities are redefining success by leveraging space, safety, and economic opportunity to attract a new generation of residents and investors.

"Woodward is honored to be selected for this national feature," said Shaun Barnett, City Manager. "We welcome the opportunity to showcase our community and highlight the intentional, collaborative approach that continues to position Woodward for long-term success."

The segment's educational focus addresses a significant shift in lifestyle priorities across the country. As many individuals move away from over-regulated urban environments, Woodward stands as an example of a city that has intentionally reduced obstacles for those looking to open a business or raise a family. The segment will discuss how thoughtful governance creates opportunities without sacrificing accountability or integrity. By focusing on staying accessible, the city's leadership has fostered a culture where entrepreneurs are viewed as community partners rather than just another number. This approach helps the city remain a destination for those seeking a rewarding life where individual contributions have a visible and lasting impact.

Beyond business recruitment, the production explores the importance of workforce adaptability. Through deep-rooted partnerships with local schools and regional employers, the city ensures its residents are equipped with the skills necessary for evolving industries. This educational infrastructure supports a self-sustaining economy, allowing talent to thrive close to home. The segment will also touch upon the city's response to the rise of the remote workforce, highlighting how infrastructure investments have made it a viable option for professionals seeking a more balanced lifestyle.

By showcasing the region's unique agricultural landscape and outdoor recreational offerings, the production illustrates how rural communities can offer innovation and growth. This upcoming segment on Public Television provides a compelling look at how Woodward is preparing for the decades ahead by investing in the basics that help people thrive, proving that building a future outside of major cities is both possible and rewarding.

About Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid: "Viewpoint hosted by Dennis Quaid" is an award-winning educational program that develops short-form documentary segments for Public Television stations across the country. The series is committed to providing viewers with premium content that explores innovative solutions in business, technology, and community development. To learn more about the program and its commitment to educational storytelling, please visit viewpointproject.com.

About The City of Woodward: "The City of Woodward" is a vibrant hub in Northwest Oklahoma that represents the spirit of the modern American West. Dedicated to fostering an environment where individuals can live, visit, and start businesses with ease, the city emphasizes accessibility, safety, and community connection. Through strategic partnerships and a pro-growth mindset, Woodward continues to be a premier destination for those seeking balance and opportunity outside of major metropolitan areas. For more information, visit www.cityofwoodward-ok.gov/.

SOURCE Viewpoint
An asylum seeker accused of gang raping a 'drunk, vulnerable woman' with two others on Brighton beach 'absconded' from his hotel the day after the alleged attack, a court was told.

Iranian-born Abdulla Ahmadi, 26, left his Home Office approved hotel accommodation in Horsham, West Sussex and travelled more than 200 miles to an address in Crewe, Cheshire.

While there the court heard he received three videos of the alleged attack, placing two of the clips into a hidden folder.

The jury was told he then watched the videos in order to revisit the attack on Brighton beach.

Days later Ahmadi was tracked down to his new address and arrested by police who seized his phone.

Cross-examining him at Hove Crown Court Hanna Llewellyn-Waters, prosecuting, asked Ahmadi why he had left the hotel the day after the alleged rape in a move that had not been approved by the Home Office.

She asked: 'What was the rush with you having to get away?'

Speaking through an interpreter, Ahmadi replied: 'I just wanted because that male offered me to go there.'

She said: 'You left in an unapproved move.'

Iranian-born Abdulla Ahmadi (pictured), 26, left his Home Office approved hotel accommodation in Horsham, West Sussex and travelled more than 200 miles to an address in Crewe, Cheshire

Ahmadi is on trial alongside Egyptian national Ibrahim Alshafe (pictured) accused of repeatedly gang raping a 33-year-old woman last October

He replied: 'I gave all details to the hotel reception. I left the place lawfully. I left all my details.'

Egyptian-born Ibrahim Alshafe, 25, and Ahmadi, are accused of repeatedly raping a 33-year-old woman, as Karin Al-Danasurt, 20, also from Egypt allegedly filmed the attack and egged them on.

All the three men are charged with raping the woman on October 4 last year while Al-Danasurt is additionally charged with sharing intimate videos of the attack.

They deny all the charges.

The jury heard Ahmadi left the Home Office hotel on October 5 and was subsequently sent three videos of the alleged attack by Al-Danasurt.

The Iranian asylum seeker allegedly deleted the first video but placed the two subsequent videos in a hidden folder.

Ms Llewellyn-Waters asked: 'Why is it that you were repeatedly accessing these videos on your device?'

He denied accessing them and said the first time he was made aware of the videos was after his arrest.

The prosecutor replied: 'You absolutely were. That's just a lie isn't it? is it because you enjoyed watching it? Because you wanted to keep them as trophies?'

He replied: 'No I didn't see them.'

Hove Crown Court was told Ahmadi came into the UK by a small boat in June 2025 and, after being processed at a detention centre, he was housed at the Cisswood House Hotel in Horsham.

Also at the hotel were Alshafe, who had been in the same small boat as Ahmadi, and Al-Danasurt who had entered the UK in October 2024.

Egyptian national Karin Al-Danasurt (pictured) allegedly filmed the attack and egged the two men on

All asylum seekers at the hotel were each given 9 a week by the Home Office and were largely permitted to come and go as they pleased.

On the night of October 3 the three friends got ready at the hotel before catching a bus to Brighton.

They had first gone to Revolution Club before leaving in the early hours of the morning and going to the nearby Horizon nightclub.

Earlier the court heard the alleged rape happened after Ahmadi and Alshafe met the woman on the seafront after leaving the Horizon nightclub at 5am.

Ahmadi told the jury they had met the woman after she walked up to them and kissed them both.

After kissing him he said the woman grabbed his genitals before doing the same to Alshafe.

After kissing them and groping them both, the court heard the woman then suggested they have sex together.

She allegedly said something like 'Come to sex' before leading both men across the road, down a ramp and onto Brighton beach.

He said the two of them were having 'consensual sex' with the woman behind a beach shack when Al-Danasurt turned up and began filming the incident.

Alshafe and Ahmadi claim Al-Danasurt grabbed hold of the complainant's face, forced her mouth open and spat in it.

He is also alleged to have repeatedly called her a 'Dirty b***h' which led to the woman becoming angry.

The court was played three three short videos of the alleged rape - one 29 seconds in length, one 22 seconds and the last one eight seconds - which had allegedly recovered from Al-Danasurt's phone.

The trial continues.
Ministers have been accused of using next month's elections as an excuse for their failure to publish long-awaited guidance on single-sex services.

Bridget Phillipson claimed she cannot release the equality watchdog's code of practice yet because Government announcements are restricted during the 'purdah' period before polls for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments on May 7th.

It means the vital document, which much of the public sector has said it is waiting for before updating its policies on which facilities such as toilets and changing rooms should be used by transgender people, will not be released until more than a year after the landmark Supreme Court ruling that was meant to protect women's rights.

Ahead of the first anniversary of the judgment on Thursday, the Education Secretary said: 'We are taking urgent action to meet our intention of laying the Code in May and as soon as practicable after the election period, for Parliamentary scrutiny.'

And she insisted: 'This government has always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex.

'The Supreme Court's ruling last year brought clarity for women and service providers such as hospitals and refuges, and made clear that protections for trans people remain in the Equality Act.'

Ms Phillipson told Parliament in a written statement on Tuesday that the Government had only received an updated draft of the rules from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on Monday after 'engagement and further legal analysis'.

But campaigners pointed out she had been sitting on the draft rules since receiving them last September, and had only recently asked the watchdog to make some changes.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson leaving the weekly Cabinet meeting in Downing Street last month

Maya Forstater, Chief Executive of sex-based rights charity Sex Matters, said: 'It's extraordinary that a year after the Supreme Court judgement, and seven months after the independent regulator first submitted its code of practice, the government has found another excuse for delaying the guidance.

'When the Minister for Women and Equalities received the updated code of practice from the EHRC in September she had only two options: lay the guidance before Parliament or give the EHRC written reasons why she was not going to approve the code.

'Now we hear that there have been negotiations and horse-trading between the government and the EHRC on the content of the code.'

She went on: 'The past year's delay has caused serious harm to countless women. The statement that the government has 'always supported the protection of single-sex spaces based on biological sex' is a slap in the face to these women and girls who have faced harassment and hounding from jobs and services for saying the same thing.

'Delaying laying the guidance till after the local council and devolved administration elections is not a good excuse.'

EHRC Chairman Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson said: 'Progress is being made towards accurate and up-to-date guidance on the Equality Act 2010 being available to service providers, associations and those exercising public functions.

'The UK government recently provided us with a narrow set of comments on the draft Code of Practice we submitted in September. Having considered this feedback alongside consultation responses and further legal analysis, we have made adjustments where they help the Code provide legally accurate, practical guidance that is useful to duty bearers.

'These aim to strengthen duty bearers' understanding of the law and how it applies across a range of the scenarios they encounter day-to-day. So that all service users are treated with dignity and respect, in line with the Equality Act.

'Our amended draft services Code of Practice has now been sent for the Secretary of State to approve in advance of it being laid in Parliament.'

The Times reported that Ms Phillipson had told the EHRC to make the code more inclusive before it could be published.

But sources close to her said: 'We completely refute the idea that we asked to tone it down.'

Shadow Equalities Minister Claire Coutinho said: 'This is a disgrace. Women deserve to know that their rights and safety come first.

'With a leadership election looming, it is increasingly clear that Bridget Phillipson is putting her own political ambition ahead of protecting women.

'She must publish the EHRC guidance now rather than hiding behind the local elections as an excuse for more dither and delay.'
An Oklahoma state representative stepped down from his re-election campaign after it was revealed he sent an artificial intelligence (AI) deepfake to a woman of them kissing.

John Waldron, 57, announced on Monday that he would end his bid for re-election after it was revealed he sent a deepfake to a woman, who was not identified.

Waldron told NonDoc that he made the AI image while he was under 'enormous personal stress.'

'I made a mistake, which I instantly regretted. Ive accepted every consequence that was asked of me,' he told the outlet. 'Ive done a lot of personal work. Im still deeply regretful for making that decision.'

In his announcement on social media, Waldron told his constituents, including those from Northeast Tulsa, he had been going to therapy to 'become a better person.'

'I sacrificed my integrity, doing something which was wrong and [I] understand what I did was wrong,' he wrote.

The politician said it was of 'utmost importance' to keep the woman's identity private, as was her request.

'Stepping aside is the right thing to do for the people of District 77 and for me to continue my personal therapy to be a better person,' he said.

John Waldron, 57, made an AI deepfake of himself and a woman kissing and then sent it to her

Waldron announced on Monday that he would be ending his bid for reelection over the scandal

Waldron, the former chairman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, reportedly met with the victim, who was a potential candidate for office, in December. After the meeting, he made the AI deepfake of them, NonDoc reported.

He told the outlet he didn't mean to send the AI-generated GIF to her, calling it a 'foolish mistake on my part.'

Waldron, who has held his position since 2018, filed for re-election last week. His name will stay on the June 16 ballot as he withdrew after filing for the bid.

Last week, the Democratic Caucus said it would not back the former teacher for re-election and asked him to withdraw his bid.

'I want to make it very clear that Rep. Waldron was asked multiple times by caucus leadership to step down and not seek re-election,' House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson said in a statement.

NKiyla 'Jasmine' Thomas, who is running for the US Senate, released a statement in the wake of Waldron's scandal, stating that although she gave him her support in June, she didn't know him outside of one interaction.

He said he was seeking therapy and would not be revealing who the victim was

NKiyla 'Jasmine' Thomas, who is running for the US Senate, released a statement in the wake of Waldron's scandal stating that she was withdrawing her support for him

'At the time, I was a new candidate who had already experienced disappointment with prior party leadership. Rep. Waldron took the time to sit down with me, listen to my concerns, and made me feel supported, and that mattered to me,' she wrote.

'That said, I did not know him beyond that interaction. And had I known anything like whats being reported now, I would have never supported his candidacy... I believe women. I take all allegations of harassment and misconduct seriously.'
Iran is set to execute its first female protester and her husband as the nation's crackdown over anti-regime protests in January continues.

The country has already hanged seven people in connection with the protests, which were ruthlessly stamped out in a crackdown that left thousands dead and tens of thousands arrested.

Four more people were sentenced to death today by a Tehran Revolutionary Court presided over by the notorious judge Imam Afshari.

They were named as Bita Hemmati and her husband Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl, along with two other men, Behrouz Zamaninejad and Kourosh Zamaninejad, who lived in the same Tehran building as the married couple.

Hemmati is believed to be the first woman to be sentenced to death over the protests.

The four were convicted of carrying out actions on behalf of the United States, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), and the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center said in separate statements.

They had been accused of throwing concrete blocks from a residential building onto security forces in the capital. It was not immediately clear when the verdict was issued.

The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center said it also believed that Hemmati was the woman who appeared in a video broadcast on state television in January, being personally interrogated by judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

Bita Hemmati is set to become the first female protester to be hanged by Iran

Her husband Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl is also set to be executed alongside his wife

'The recording and broadcasting of forced confessions from defendants in an opaque process... constitutes a blatant violation of the defendant's rights,' it said.

Rights groups accuse the Islamic Republic of using the death penalty as a tool of repression to instil fear in society, and fear it will ramp up capital punishment in the wake of the war against Israel and the United States.

Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) said on Monday in their joint annual report on the death penalty in Iran that at least 1,639 people have been executed in 2025, including 48 women.

Of these, 21 women were executed for the murder of their husbands or fiances, the report said. Rights groups have said women executed for killing spouses or relatives were often in abusive relationships.

The number of executions represented an increase of 68 per cent on the 975 people Iranian authorities put to death in 2024.

The figure amounted to an average of more than four executions per day.

The report said the number of executions was by far the highest since IHR began tracking it in 2008, and was the most reported since 1989, in the earlier years of the Islamic revolution.

Earlier this month, Iran hanged a teenage musician in the notorious Ghezel Hesar prison outside the capital, despite hopes he would be spared because of his age.

Amirhossein Hatami, 18, was arrested on January 8 and accused of committing arson against the feared Basij paramilitary's base in Tehran during anti-regime protests.

Amirhossein was convicted of 'Moharebeh' ('Enmity Against God') and sentenced to death on February 7.

On April 2, the judiciary announced he had been 'hanged at dawn'.

Earlier this month, Iran hanged a teenage musician in the notorious Ghezel Hesar prison outside the capital, despite hopes he would be spared because of his age

Biglari and Kalours family were not granted final visits or allowed to say goodbye before they were put to death (pictured is Mohammadamin Biglari, 19)

Both were convicted of Moharaebeh, or enmity against God, and sentenced to death by Death Judge Abolghassem Salavati (pictured is Shahin Vahedparast Kalour, 30)

Two days later, Mohammadamin Biglari, 19, and Shahin Vahedparast Kalour, 30, were executed at Ghezel Hesar Prison.

Biglari and Kalours family were not granted final visits or allowed to say goodbye before they were put to death.

The young men had been seized during the protests on January 8 and accused of arson over a fire at the base of the feared Basij paramilitary base.

They confessed after weeks held in prison, where there are extensive reports of torture, before being brought before the feared Revolutionary Court in Tehran on February 6.

Both were also convicted of Moharaebeh and sentenced to death by Death Judge Abolghassem Salavati.

Also convicted of the capital charge by Salavati that day were Abolfazl Siavashani, 51, Shahab Zohdi, 38, Ali Fahim, 23, Yaser Rajaifar, and Hatami.

As well as the seven already executed, death sentences have been issued against at least 26 other people arrested over the January protests, and several hundred more are facing charges that could see them executed, IHR warned.

'Dozens of individuals arrested during the January 2026 protests have been sentenced to death following grossly unfair, fast-tracked trials conducted without due process, access to independent counsel and reliance on torture-tainted forced 'confessions' as evidence,' said the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran.
Ministers should encourage workers to work from home more amid looming fuel shortages, a former BP boss said today.

Professor Nick Butler, a former adviser to Gordon Brown and ex-Vice President of BP, said he believed Britain would be hit with shortages within weeks as the Strait of Hormuz has still not fully re-opened.

He attacked Labour for being complacent and failing to lay out a plan of what's going to be done to deal with potential shortages because other countries are doing it.

Asked if ministers should be encouraging people to work from home more to save fuel, he said: Yes, I think that that would be a perfectly sensible measure.

He added: I'm waiting for the Government to publish what they're supposed to publish in these circumstances, which is a national emergency fuel plan.

They haven't done that. They hate the word rationing, and I think you're right, there shouldn't be panic buying.

But I think the way to avoid panic buying is to lay out a plan of what's going to be done.

Professor Nick Butler, a former adviser to Gordon Brown and ex-Vice President of BP, said he believed Britain would be hit with fuel shortages later this month or in May

Compared to average pump prices before the conflict started on February 28, it is now 14 more costly to fill the typical 55-litre tank in a family car with petrol and 27 for diesel

Despite oil supply chains being thrown into chaos by the conflict, the RAC said it believed pump prices could fall within the next few weeks because wholesale diesel and petrol prices have dropped in recent days

He also suggested pump prices could spiral much further in future because of the strait, which a fifth of the worlds oil travels through, still effectively remaining closed.

Speaking to Times Radio, he said: We've now had six weeks during which none of the tankers have come through Hormuz.

Those tankers take weeks to get to their destination, and we're now running out of the tankers that set off before the war began.

So there's now going to be a real gap in supply. I think the boss of Shell said it a couple of weeks ago, and I think he was exactly right, that the real crisis for Britain and for Europe will come at the end of April and in early May, when the real shortage will translate into both a physical shortage and a sharp rise in prices.

I don't think we've yet seen the full impact on prices of this loss of supply.

I think there are 230, 240 ships trapped in the Gulf and none now entering. So this is going to be a cumulative shortage over the next few months.

Industry bosses have privately expressed concerns about potential shortages of diesel and jet fuel over the next month or so if the strait remains shut.

But in better news for drivers, despite oil supply chains being thrown into chaos by the conflict, the RAC said it believed pump prices could fall within the next few weeks because wholesale diesel and petrol prices have dropped in recent days.

This should, in turn, be passed on at the pumps if retailers play fair with drivers.

Its data showed that pump prices stopped rising today for the first time in more than 40 days after average diesel prices rocketed nearly 35 per cent and petrol 26 per cent.

The motoring groups fuel guru, Simon Williams, said: 'Pump prices appear to have finally stopped rising after 43 days of increases which saw petrol go up 25.5p a litre to 158.3p and diesel 49p to 191.54p.

Wholesale fuel costs are now significantly lower than they were at the start of the month, so forecourt prices should begin to come down. As things stand, we'd expect petrol and diesel to drop by several pence a litre in the next week or so.

Compared to average pump prices before the conflict started on February 28, it is now 14 more costly to fill the typical 55-litre tank in a family car with petrol and 27 for diesel.
A 14-year-old boy hid a gun in his closet and shot his mother on his bedroom floor after she called him ret***ed, prosecutors said.

Havoc Leone allegedly pulled out a gun and a notebook from his closet during an argument with his mother, Theresa McIntosh, keeping the weapon hidden from her while they argued in his room on March 7 about a stolen tablet.

He tossed her the notebook, and when she leaned to reach for it, she yelled that the teen was 'ret***ed,' prosecutors said.

Before pulling the trigger, he allegedly replied: 'Yes, mom,' Assistant District Attorney Kelly Strickland said, according to Cowboy State Daily.

That day, Leone and his parents had previously had an argument about a tablet the teen had allegedly stole from one of his mother's cleaning business clients.

After the first argument, Leone went to do homework in the kitchen, McIntosh went upstairs to her son's room to work on a puzzle, and her husband went to the basement to play video games, according to the affidavit obtained by the news outlet.

At some point, Leone went up to his room, where a second argument ensued with his mother over math grades and the stolen tablet before fatally shooting her.

Prosecutors said McIntosh asked her son for the password to the tablet he had taken. Leone told investigators the password was written in a notebook stored in his closet.

Havoc Leone, 14, allegedly shot his mom, Theresa McIntosh, inside their Wyoming home in March after she called him ret***ed

Leone and his parents allegedly got in an argument earlier in the night over a tablet he stole from one of his mother's clients. Leone and his mother then got into another argument about it later in the evening

That's when he retrieved the notebook and tossed it to her, before allegedly pulling the trigger.

His father found Leone standing outside his bedroom, looking panicked afterward.

When he asked what had happened, the teen allegedly replied: 'I don't know, it just went off,' according to Cowboy State Daily.

The father immediately called 911.

McIntosh was still alive when police arrived at their Wyoming residence. She was life-flighted to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Leone was arrested on a $500,000 bond and was charged as an adult. Despite bypassing juvenile charges, the 14-year-old will not be eligible for the death penalty due to his age, Cowboy State Daily reported.

Leone's defense argued in court on Monday that this wasn't the first time McIntosh had called her son names, alleging she had done so throughout his childhood.

Jonathan Foreman, one of Leone's attorneys, asked Laramie County Sheriffs Office Detective Miles DePrimo, who testified, if he were to call the deputy a r****d, would he believe him.

Mcintosh demanded to get the password to the tablet, which he said he kept in a notebook. He tossed the notebook to her after retrieving it from the closet

While she was looking at the notebook, Leone allegedly raised the gun and shot her

'No,' DePrimo answered.

'Would a child who had been hearing that his whole childhood start to question that?' he asked.

'Maybe,' the deputy responded.

Leone's attorneys argued he was raised by a mentally ill mother and he was emotionally vulnerable. The defense claimed McIntosh regularly pulled his hair and slapped him, Cowboy State Daily reported.

In interviews with detectives, the boy told investigators a very different version of events. According to the affidavit, he initially suggested there had been a struggle over the weapon and that the gun might have gone off accidentally.

'Havoc had been home at the time of the shooting, and after an initial interview stated there was a struggle over a firearm, and he may have accidentally pulled the trigger on the firearm, but was not sure,' DePrimo wrote.

But as the investigation continued, prosecutors say Leone described a far more deliberate sequence of events.

Investigators learned the weapon used in the shooting was a black Taurus 9mm handgun that belonged to McIntosh and was normally kept in her vehicle.

McIntosh had reportedly called him a re***d moments before he shot her. Moments before pulling the trigger, he allegedly said: 'Yes, mom'

According to the affidavit, Leone admitted he had secretly taken the gun from the glove compartment roughly a week earlier and hid it inside a boot in his bedroom closet.

He also later admitted to having 'thoughts about killing McIntosh in the past, specifically when she would make him do things he didn't want to do,' DePrimo wrote in the affidavit.

Leone's other attorney, Emily Williams, requested the judge lower his bond to $50,000 and promised the boy's father would take him if the family was able to pay the bail.

That request was denied, as the judge argued the allegations were quite serious.

'As of right now, the community is safer [with Leone in jail],' Strickland said.

At his arraignment on Monday, Leone kept mostly quiet, except to reply 'alright' to the judge when asked a series of questions. He also put in a 'not guilty' plea.

Leone's trial is set to begin on August 10. He faces life in prison.
Even an announcement of California Congressman Eric Swalwell's imminent departure from Congress does not seem to be stemming the flow of accusations of sexual improprieties being hurled his way.

A new alleged victim has come forward, speaking publicly with CBS in an interview that aired Tuesday morning.

At least four women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including rape, sexual assault and unsolicited messages and photos.

Annika Albrecht, the latest accuser to come forward, told CBS: 'For me, justice won't be until he can't ever harm a woman ever again, and he has faced the consequences for the women that he has harmed.'

Albrecht said she, too, had been invited to meet Swalwell in a hotel room, adding it was 'very clear what the connotation was.' She now finds herself thinking about 'how lucky I am that I didn't go to that hotel.'

Swalwell announced on Monday that he will resign his Congressional seat after being engulfed by explosive sexual assault and misconduct allegations. The Democrat, who suspended his run for California governor on Sunday, apologized to his family and staff, but insisted the claims are false.

Pressure had been mounting since Friday, when the San Francisco Chronicle published a bombshell report in which multiple women accused him of misconduct.

A former staffer told CNN over the weekend that Swalwell raped her while she was drunk - and that despite her attempts to push him away during the encounter, 'He didn't stop.'

Eric Swalwell has resigned from Congress after facing sexual misconduct allegations. He has denied the claims and vowed to fight them

Two Swalwell accusers and an influencer who helped get their story out spoke with CBS News in an interview that aired on April 14

Swalwell accuser Ally Sammarco in her CBS interview

He has denied the allegations and vowed to fight them - but over the weekend, his political career went into freefall.

In a statement Monday afternoon, Swalwell confirmed he would step down from the House of Representatives but gave no date for his departure.

'I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility for the mistakes I did make,' he said.

He added that he was aware of efforts to force an immediate expulsion vote, warning that removing a lawmaker without due process 'within days of an allegation being made' would be wrong.

Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna vowed on Tuesday to press ahead with her resolution calling for his expulsion. 'His statement about his "plan to resign his seat" is not binding and is wormy,' she said.

Luna had warned on X on Monday afternoon that she was 'being told there will be more disgusting stuff coming out on Swalwell in the next 24 hours.'

She added: 'For the members of Congress who are concerned about optics on expelling Swalwell, I think after the information drops you will be thinking otherwise. Eric, why don't you tell us a little about who was filming the video of the female sex worker.'

A video of Swalwell and a woman in bed - with at least two other individuals apparently present - circulated on X on Monday. Swalwell is married to Brittany Watts, his wife of nine years, and the couple have three young children.

Swalwell is not the only member of Congress set to leave his post, as Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales announced his intention to step down from office on Monday after the Daily Mail exposed a sex scandal involving his staffer, who eventually set herself on fire.

Gonzales, a Republican who previously dropped his bid for reelection, wrote on X: 'There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all' before revealing his departure.

'When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office,' he said. 'It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.'

Gonzales had an affair with married aide Regina Aviles and initially denied it until fessing up to their relationship last month. She took her own life in September last year.

He called his relationship a 'mistake' and a 'lapse in judgment.' Last month, he added: 'I take full responsibility for those actions. Since then, I have reconciled with my wife, Angel. I've asked God to forgive me, which he has. And my faith is as strong as ever.'

Luna and Democratic Women's Caucus chairman Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico had both called for Swalwell and Gonzales to resign or face an expulsion vote.
Donald Trump's White House staff is experiencing a shake-up before the midterm elections later this year.

Lea Bardon, the White House Director of Cabinet Affairs, had her last day in the Trump administration on Friday.

Her departure comes after two of Trump's top Cabinet members, Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem, were ousted from the President's inner-circle.

She is going to The Sovereign Advisors, a DC-based public affairs firm, Politico first reported.

The firm is led by another former Trump White House employee Taylor Budowich, who served the President as an adviser and deputy chief of staff before departing last fall.

She will bring a wealth of knowledge about the White House's inner-workings and key players to her new role outside of the executive branch.

Having been the top liaison for Cabinet members' chiefs of staff, Bardon was responsible for making sure that the agency heads were aligned with White House policy, were invited to executive events and fulfilled the President's directives.

She will now help with Budowich's Innovation Council Action, a Trump-aligned outside group responsible championing de-regulation in critical technology, like AI.

Two Trump employees have announced recent departures from the executive branch

Lea Bardon, the White House Director of Cabinet Affairs, had her last day in the Trump administration on Friday. She is going to The Sovereign Advisors, a DC-based public affairs firm, Politico first reported

White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair will leave the West Wing to help with Trump's political operation ahead of the midterms. The President said Blair will return to the White House after Election Day

The group has made a $100 million commitment to support candidates and policies in the upcoming midterms.

'Serving President Donald J. Trump was the honor of a lifetime,' Bardon told the Daily Mail in a statement. 'I am excited by this next chapter where I will work to advance the Presidents agenda at a firm that remains committed to supporting the continued success of this administration.'

The shake-up comes on the heels of another top Trump lieutenant's departure.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair will temporarily depart the West Wing to help with Trump's campaign efforts ahead of the midterms, the President announced on Friday.

'James Blair, my Deputy Chief of Staff, is one of the brightest political minds in the Country who has done tremendous work to prepare Republicans to defy longstanding history and win the Midterms, just as he helped me do in 2024, by a landslide,' Trump wrote.

He said Blair will take 'a short leave of absence' to help with the midterms and after the election he will 'return again to the White House, so we can finish the job.'

Blair ran Trump's 2024 campaign and headed up the White House's political operation.

Before that the Trump lieutenant was the deputy chief of staff for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the political director of the state's 2016 GOP statehouse election team.

Though Trump initially believed Blair was 'quiet' and questioned his prowess, the President warmed to the operative and has since praised him publicly.

'Id hear from other people hes a total political genius,' Trump said last year. 'But I didnt see it. And you know what? Hes not quiet. Hes incredible  the job youve done, thank you, James.'
'Lonely' Gen Z workers are demanding bosses introduce 'virtual coffee breaks' and Zoom gossip sessions to make their WFH experience better, new research has found.

A study of 2,000 UK workers revealed Britain's youngest generation of adults feel overwhelmingly left behind by post-pandemic hybrid office practices beloved by older peers.

Researchers found 44 per cent of workers aged 18 to 30 fear they miss out on office gossip, while 67 per cent feel disconnected from peers due to working from home.

But, Gen Z staff now want bosses to take action to compensate for the social engagements and connections by putting time aside in the busy workday for mandated social engagements.

More than half (55 per cent) of Gen Zers believe staff who work from home benefit would from digital interactions over Zoom, while older generations did not agree.

It comes amid a rising trend in these digital alternatives across the UK  from 'body-doubling' to virtual coffee breaks and work chat channels.

The research was conducted for AI learning platform Thrive as it rolls out Thrive Hub to its impressive list of clients, including household names like Vodafone, Burger King and ASOS.

Gen Z workers have demanded their bosses introduce 'virtual coffee breaks' and Zoom sessions to make their WFH experience better, new research has found (Stock image)

Researchers found that the vast majority (78 per cent) of Gen Z staff would favour a full or part-time return to the office. However, the opposite is true for the generations above them.

Staff for whom commuting was the norm before Covid are mostly resistant to a full-time return today. Baby Boomers (74 per cent)  workers aged 62 to 80 - are the most against it.

Most Gen X workers  aged 45 to 61  are not in favour of a return (62 per cent) while more than half of Millennials (55 per cent)  aged 31 to 44  are against a return to pre-pandemic working practices .

Fighting against this tide, Gen Z are taking a different approach. More than half (55 per cent) think favourably of a digital alternative to social engagements.

Around a fifth (22 per cent) of Gen Z workers who already have WFH social engagements in place say it makes a positive difference to their day-to-day, while a third (33 per cent) who do not, wish they did.

However, older workers feel it's a waste of time. Three-quarters of Boomers (76 per cent) and around six in 10 Gen X (57 per cent) and Millennials (59 per cent) do not think it's needed.

Thrive's pioneering new Learning Management System introduces a personalised launchpad that connects every work system, app and workflow of staff members.

Among the features is Spaces, a new social community engine to help colleagues  whatever their age - stay connected with their peers and feel more part of the team.

Thrive, named last month named by the Financial Times as one of Europe's Fastest Growing Companies, saw a five-fold increase in revenue to 10 million in 2024, and a three-fold increase in staff.

Thrive co-CEO Cassie Gasson said: 'This latest research highlights something we have long observed at Thrive  and reinforces our mission to reinvent the modern employee experience ready for future generations entering our workforce..

'The pandemic fundamentally changed the world  for the vast majority it was positive. But the impact on the youngest generation of workers was perhaps forgotten in our haste to Zoom from the comfort of our homes.

'Many older workers take for granted the work-life balance afforded by a hybrid setup  perhaps not appreciating the value they took from interpersonal relationships in the office.

'We are social creatures and the value of an afterwork pint or a gossipy coffee is something that builds relationships, strengthens bonds and grows networks.

'That's why we've developed our new Hub and Social Spaces to make every business and every employee feel connected, practice community and culture and have more belonging within theirteam and organisation.
A woman who stole the world's hearts when she was a toddler after being dramatically rescued from a well has been arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse 39 years later.

Jessica McClure Morales - better known as 'Baby Jessica' - was charged with domestic family violence after an incident at her home in Midland, Texas, around 10pm on Saturday.

McClure Morales, 40, was taken into custody at the scene. She was charged with assault causing bodily injury involving family violence and later released on bond for an undisclosed amount.

Further details about the incident have yet to emerge, with Midland County Sheriff's Office saying it may take up to ten days to release McClure Morales's arrest affidavit, YourBasin.com first reported.

In October 1987, 18-month-old 'Baby Jessica' fell 22 feet down an eight-inch-wide well casing in her aunt's backyard in Midland, about 300 miles west of Fort Worth.

The subsequent 58-hour rescue attempt was a global sensation and was broadcast live on the three biggest US television networks - ABC, NBC and CBS. All three interrupted their scheduled primetime programming to broadcast news of the rescue.

Rescuers had to drill a horizontal tunnel and a parallel shaft through rock to access McClure Morales as part of an intense mission that involved specialized techniques and equipment.

During her rescue, crew members reportedly heard the toddler singing before Robert O'Donnell, a paramedic at the scene, made his way through the tight tunnel and saved her.

Jessica McClure Morales - better known as 'Baby Jessica' has been arrested for a domestic violence incident at her home in Texas

'Baby Jessica' moments after she was rescued from the well in October 1987

'Baby Jessica' in 1989, two years after her rescue from a backyard well that gripped the world

She underwent multiple surgeries after sustaining injuries while trapped in the well.

Then-President Ronald Reagan said: 'Everybody in America became godmothers and godfathers of Jessica while this was going on.'

She was also pictured with former President George Bush in November 1989 alongside her family. In the image, she took Bush's glasses as they all laughed.

Her ordeal was turned into a popular 1989 TV movie, Everyone's Baby: The Rescue of Jessica McClure.

The Simpsons also aired a satirical episode based on McClure's unique experience in January 1992.

The episode, called Radio Bart, showed Homer's son pretending to get trapped down a well by lowering a radio and using a microphone to trick Springfield residents.

The prank was successful, but Bart soon realized the radio he used had his name on it.

When he went to retrieve it, he ended up actually getting stuck in the well and angry residents refused to save him.

She was arrested around 10pm on Saturday at her home in Midland, Texas

Oil service workers and a bystander at the 25-foot well she was trapped in on her aunt's property on October 17, 1987

The rescue operation lasted 58 hours and gripped the United States. It was broadcast live on the three major networks

McClure Morales went on to graduate from Greenwood High School in 2004, and in January 2006, she married her husband, Daniel Morales.

They have two children together, a son, Simon, and a daughter, Sheyenne.

On her 25th birthday in March 2011, McClure Morales gained access to her $1.2 million trust fund.

The fund was created after people donated to the toddler after her traumatic accident.

But she revealed in a 2017 interview with People that a large chunk of her money actually vanished as a result of the 2008 stock market crash.

She decided to put the funds she had left toward buying a home for her family in Midland.

McClure Morales previously worked at a local elementary school as a special-education teacher, and her husband is employed as a foreman at a pipe supply company, the outlet reported.

She now works as an assistant shop manager at Richard Horticulture, a local landscaping business, according to her Facebook page.

In 2022, McClure Morales told People magazine that her rescue from the well had given her the perspective to shrug off her financial difficulties.

She met former President George Bush in November 1989 alongside her family, where she took Bush's glasses as they all laughed

McClure Morales with her husband Danny Morales, their son Simon, and their daughter Sheyenne in 2017

The Simpsons aired an episode about McClure's unique experience in January 1992, with Bart pretending to get trapped in a well, which backfires on him after he actually gets stuck

'I had God on my side that day. My life is a miracle,' she told People.

She also shared her gratitude for the people who donated to her trust fund.

'I think its amazing that people would come together like that to donate money to a child that was not theirs.

'I appreciate everything they did,' she added.

Authorities have not released any further details about her arrest and the case remains under investigation.

The Daily Mail contacted the Midland County Sheriff's Office for comment.
Volvo Trucks keeps pushing the boundaries for electric truck transport. With the launch of its new electric trucks with improved performance, flexibility and ranges up to 700 km, this is a new benchmark for electric heavy-duty trucks.

Volvo Trucks launches new electric trucks with improved performance and ranges of up to 700 km  a new benchmark for electric heavy-duty trucks.

GOTHENBURG, Sweden , April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Volvo Trucks is a global leader in the electric segment with one of the largest electric truck line-ups in the industry. The company can now announce some major electric news:

Firstly, a new long-distance electric truck, the FH Aero Electric with extended range, capable of driving up to 700 km on one charge*  a breakthrough for heavy electric trucks and driving the really long distances.

Secondly, the next-generation heavy-duty Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks, with major improvements in flexibility, productivity, driving comfort and with ranges up to 470 km*, making it possible to switch to electric truck operation for even more transport assignments.

"We're really sharpening our offering here. We are broadening it and making electric solutions possible for an even wider range of transport assignments, and also adding a cutting-edge electric truck with a range of up to 700 km. This means we can fully match the business needs of our customers. It has never been easier to replace diesel trucks with electric ones," says Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks.

"We stand firm in our belief that electric vehicles will deliver a large part of the world's truck transport in the future. With the amazing performance of all our new trucks, it's easy to see why."

Long-distance truck  up to 700 km range, megawatt charging, and high payload

The new long-distance truck, the Volvo FH Aero Electric with extended range, can drive up to 700 km on one charge thanks to a new driveline technology, the e-axle, which creates space for significantly more battery capacity onboard. The truck is adapted to the new MCS (Megawatt Charging System) standard and charging the 8 batteries from 20% to 80% will take approximately 50 minutes. This means charging can be done within the legislated rest period for truck drivers in the EU, thereby contributing to high productivity.

"This long-haul electric truck is the best in the industry. It offers an outstanding range in combination with high payload, fast charging and great riding comfort. With this truck, our customers can drive the really long distances and throughout an entire working day with the same productivity as diesel trucks," says Roger Alm.

New FH, FM, FMX trucks  up to 470 km range, all-new versatile driveline, and superior drivability

The new FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks have an all-new driveline designed for maximum flexibility across different applications. It offers excellent drivability and is engineered so that the driver can drive the truck and power auxiliary equipment such as a concrete mixer, hook lift or refuse unit without extra motors or add-ons. This is due to an integrated gearbox power take-off (PTO) with increased functionality enabling usage during driving. The trucks will have a range of up to 470 km and can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 65 minutes.

"The next-generation FH, FM and FMX Electric are packed with new, smart functions, they offer great driver comfort and make zero tailpipe emissions transport available for very wide range of transport assignments," says Roger Alm.

Seamless gear shifting with all trucks

All new trucks  the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric, and the FH Aero Electric with extended range  are equipped with a gearbox optimized for electric transmission paired with dual motors to deliver smoother and more controlled performance. The new powershift gearboxes, eight-speed on the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric and six-speed on the FH Aero Electric with extended range, offer seamless gear shifting and also produce less noise and vibration for a more comfortable workday.

The new trucks will be rolled out step by step to markets starting in 2026.

*Range depends on external conditions such as the weather and wind resistance, as well as other factors such as total weight of the truck and the driver's performance.

Facts:

Volvo FH Aero Electric with extended range

Purpose: Long-haul and intercity transport, 700+ km distance covered within one day.

Core feature: Compact e-axle integrating two electric motors and six-speed gearbox into the rear axle, freeing up chassis space for more batteries. Up to 460 kW (623 hp) power output. More usable energy onboard and higher charging pace, ideal for hub-to-hub routes and two-shift operations.

Total capacity: Up to 48 tonnes GCW (Gross Combination Weight). Flexible battery configuration to optimize balance between range and payload. Payload up to 28 tonnes.

Range: Up to 700 km on a single charge*

Charging: 700 kW MCS (Megawatt) 20-80 % in approximately 50 minutes | 350kW CCS (Combined Charging System) 20-80% in approximately 85 minutes

Special capability: Electric power take-off for refrigerated units eliminating the need for a separate diesel generator.

Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric  next generation

Purpose: On-road construction, regional distribution, urban logistics, utilities, refuse and heavy special applications.

Core feature: New dual-motor drivetrain with purpose-built gearbox with eight gears to maximize electric torque. Up to 540 kW (731 hp) power output.

Flexibility: Built for heavier loads and demanding topography; can be specified with twin-drive axles and low gearing for maximum flexibility.

Range: Up to 470 km on a single charge*

Total capacity: Up to 65 tonnes GCW (Gross Combination Weight). Flexible battery configuration to optimize balance between range and payload. Payload up to 23.8 tonnes (4x2 tractor).

Charging: 350 kW CCS (Combined Charging System) 20-80% in approximately 65 minutes.

Special capability: Multiple configurations with several power take-off solutions  split motors or dual-motor output for cranes, hook lifts or tipper bodies. Truck and body can be operated simultaneously.

Towards fossil-free transport

Volvo Trucks drives the transition towards fossil-free transport to reach its net-zero emissions target by 2040. Using a three-path technology strategy, that is built on battery electric, fuel cell electric and combustion engines that run on renewable fuels like green hydrogen, biogas, biodiesel or HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).

LINK to high resolution images and video

14 April, 2026

CONTACT:

Helena Lind

Media Relations Director, Volvo Trucks

[email protected]

+46 765 536257

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/volvo-trucks/r/volvo-launches-new-electric-trucks---with-ranges-up-to-700-km,c4333650

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https://mb.cision.com/Main/6667/4333650/4035310.pdf Volvo Trucks_new electric trucks_final_Cision https://news.cision.com/volvo-trucks/i/fh-aero-electric-with-extended-range,c3527477 FH Aero Electric with extended range https://news.cision.com/volvo-trucks/i/fh-aero-electric,c3527478 FH Aero Electric https://news.cision.com/volvo-trucks/i/new-electric-truck-range,c3527479 New electric truck range https://news.cision.com/volvo-trucks/i/volvo-electric-truck-charging,c3527480 Volvo electric truck charging https://news.cision.com/volvo-trucks/i/volvo-fmx-electric,c3527481 Volvo FMX Electric https://news.cision.com/volvo-trucks/i/volvo-fm-electric,c3527482 Volvo FM Electric

SOURCE Volvo Trucks
By the time Beth was going to the toilet 30 times a day, she knew something had gone badly wrong.

Then 19, the student had started taking ketamine casually at parties in Bristol, where she had arrived from her home in Lancashire two years earlier to study English at university.

Cheap and widely used, the drug had seemed  initially at least  practically harmless.

'It was about 10  and it felt brilliant,' she says. 'It just stopped all the noise in my head.'

Yet within a year, Beth's outlook was very different. She was constantly craving a hit and in permanent pain.

Only after being left in such agony that she had to go to A&E did Beth learn the grim truth  that ketamine had damaged her bladder.

Her story is not an isolated one in a city where ketamine use has become so embedded in the culture that it has earned the nickname 'Bristol Crystal'. This epithet is likely to be reinforced by startling new research suggesting usage of the drug in the city may be the highest in Europe.

An analysis of wastewater in 130 cities, published last week by the European Union Drugs Agency, found that Bristol recorded a peak weekend average of 350.18 micrograms of ketamine residue per 1,000 people  far outstripping traditional party capitals such as Amsterdam and Barcelona.

Another famously hedonistic capital, Berlin, registered less than half Bristol's levels.

In April 2021, 20-year-old Bristol-based James Diss suffered an extreme reaction to ketamine and also ecstasy during a gig in Manchester and died, just two days before he was due to enrol on a music course in the city

And while researchers caution that this is not a definitive measure of how many people are using the drug, taken alongside a surge in hospital admissions, police seizures and addiction cases, it paints a stark picture: a city where ketamine use is no longer a subculture but a norm.

Bristol of course is not the only UK city with a ketamine problem. The use of ketamine  originally a horse tranquiliser which is still used in medical settings but which was made an illegal Class B drug in January 2005  has surged to record levels across the UK in recent years, particularly among young people.

When it was first criminalised 21 years ago, only a recorded two per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds had tried it, a figure that had tripled by 2020.

Overall, Home Office figures show that an estimated 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 reported using ketamine in the year ending March 2023  the highest number ever recorded.

Border Force seizures have also climbed dramatically, with quantities rising by more than 50 per cent year on year, while deaths linked to the drug are also increasing sharply: a study by King's College London found that fatalities involving illicit ketamine have increased twentyfold since 2014.

Behind those numbers lies a growing strain on health services. NHS data shows that admissions for ketamine addiction have roughly doubled in recent years, with 3,609 people starting treatment for misuse in 2023-24.

The trend is noticeable enough for the government to have launched a multimillion campaign last October to highlight the dangers of ketamine, targeting 16 to 24-year-olds in particular.

As a historic port city, Bristol has long been identified by law enforcement as a critical gateway for illegal substances entering the UK.

Alongside other major UK cities, ketamine gained traction here during the rave explosion of the 1990s, when its dissociative effects made it popular in club environments.

Additionally, Bristol has long held a reputation as a 'party university' with high levels of drug use among students.

A decade ago, when student newspaper Epigram undertook an anonymous survey of 300 University of Bristol students, it revealed that 77 per cent had taken illicit drugs recreationally.

Fast forward ten years, and last year another student newspaper, The Tab, surveyed 6,000 students nationwide and found that Bristol University ranked among the highest in the country for ketamine use, with around 19 per cent reporting they had tried the drug, and 22 per cent saying they used it regularly.

A dramatic price drop has also played its part in the drug's popularity among students.

Wholesale costs have fallen from around 8,000 per kilogram to just 5,000  meaning it can be sold on the street for as little as 10 a gram. Far cheaper than cocaine or MDMA, it has become one of the most accessible drugs available.

'It has become ubiquitous for a number of reasons, including pricing and availability... but it also has a short half-life of a couple of hours, which makes it attractive on a night out as you feel back to normal quickly,' says Lydia Plant, CEO of the Bristol Drugs Project, a highly respected independent charity which has supported people in the city with drug and alcohol use for more than 40 years.

'It is also common in friendship groups, which means it can be difficult to detach yourself socially from the people you take it with and the places where you take it.'

She believes lockdown, too, has played its part.

'Most young people missed out on a formative part of their adolescence and, as a result, there is a lot of anxiety around social connection. Ketamine takes away that anxiety,' Lydia says.

An analysis of wastewater in 130 cities found that Bristol recorded a peak weekend average of 350.18 micrograms of ketamine residue per 1,000 people

'We provide a lot of help and support around how to stop, how to detox.

'We can signpost people to specialist nurses, support groups and psychosocial work. We also have sober club nights with DJs we have helped train, because it can be difficult rebuilding a drug-free circle.'

Even so, according to a recent blog by a third-year dentistry student, 'drug culture is definitely normalised' at the university.

One student told me that she 'wouldn't bat an eyelid if someone whipped out a class A [drug] at the pub'.

As former student Beth, now 22, testifies, ketamine is particularly popular because, aside from being cheap, it is seen as 'softer than cocaine, safer than heroin and less risky than a synthetic pill'.

She now knows how dangerously misleading that belief can be, recalling how swiftly that first 'bump' at a crowded student party spiralled into something darker.

At first, she used ketamine only at weekend get-togethers. Then midweek, as her rapidly growing tolerance to the drug meant she needed more to achieve the same effect, fuelling a cycle of escalating use.

Increasingly, she took it alone in her room and, within a year, Beth was using ketamine every day  spending up to 50 daily, skipping meals to afford it and slipping into debt as what had begun as a social lubricant became a private dependency.

It was the physical changes that were most damaging. While Beth had noticed she needed the toilet more often, within 18 months she was going up to 30 times a day, wracked with severe pain.

Still, she continued to use ketamine  often to numb the very pain it was causing  a problem familiar to Lydia Plant.

'Ironically, first and foremost among the problems people report is pain... and ketamine is a painkiller which is affordable, easy to get hold of, so you can become stuck in a vicious cycle of use,' she says.

Intervention only came when Beth collapsed one night, unable to stand upright, and her friends called an ambulance.

In A&E, doctors told her she had symptoms consistent with ketamine-induced bladder damage  a condition so severe it is sometimes referred to as 'ketamine bladder'. Chronic use of the drug can erode the lining of the bladder, causing it to shrink.

The result is a debilitating condition marked by constant urination, infections, bleeding and, in severe cases, incontinence.

Had Beth continued as she was, she could have faced permanent damage, and even the removal of her bladder altogether.

'I genuinely had no idea that something like this could ever happen to me,' she says now.

Beth was treated at Bristol's Southmead Hospital, where medics are seeing a growing number of young patients suffering from severe complications linked to ketamine use.

Alex Kousiounis, 32, was sentenced to 49 months in prison after being found in possession of 5kg of ketamine with intent to supply at his Bristol home

Partly in response, it has developed one of the most specialised urology units in the country.

'We see new referrals every couple of weeks,' reveals Jasmine King, a urology nurse at the Bristol Urological Institute, based at Southmead, where she has worked for three years.

'Sadly, stopping seems to be difficult and the relapse rate among patients is high. We are currently treating between 60 and 70 patients with varying degrees of problems.'

Many patients are still in the throes of addiction, but they must commit to stopping ketamine in order to receive proper treatment.

'If people are still using when they are referred, there is little we can do beyond pain relief,' says Jasmine. 'But after stopping for a month, we can consider bladder instillations [where medication is delivered directly to the bladder via a catheter] to calm inflammation and build up a tolerance to holding urine.'

Sadly, for some, it is too late.

'If the damage is too great, then the treatment is major surgery where the bladder is removed and a urostomy  a stoma bag for urine  is put in its place,' she adds.

Law enforcement is also on the ketamine frontline, grappling with the surge in use.

Figures from Avon and Somerset Police show that ketamine-related crime is rising sharply.

In the year to March 2025, there were 99 arrests linked specifically to the drug  a 70 per cent increase compared to four years earlier.

The South West now tops the national list for ketamine seizures, accounting for nearly a quarter of England's total.

In tandem, Avon and Somerset Police have also secured a number of highprofile convictions.

Last year, Alex Kousiounis, 32, was sentenced to 49 months in prison after being found in possession of 5kg of ketamine with intent to supply at his Bristol home, while in January this year, Gary Browne, from Paulton, near Bristol, was jailed for five years after more than 1.6kg of ketamine, together with 1.6kg of cocaine and 887 grams of heroin, were seized at two addresses to which he was linked.

'A number of arrests have been made in recent years of people being found in possession of ketamine,' Superintendent Steph McKenna, Avon and Somerset's drugs lead, told the Daily Mail.

'In many cases those individuals have been charged and brought before the courts, but in some instances for lower-level offences it's felt a more productive way forward is an educational one as that can lead to better longterm outcomes.

'Ultimately, our main focus is about stopping ketamine reaching people in the first place, which is why we would place greater emphasis on targeting drug suppliers who are profiteering from the misery drugs cause.

'We have successfully been able to bring a number of such offenders to justice in recent years and will continue to do so.

'A lot of that work is only possible because of the support of the public providing us with information around suspected drug activity.'

The region has also seen its share of ketamine-related deaths.

In 2017, the lifeless body of Callum Mays, 27, a papermaker from Wells in Somerset, was found in a caravan where he had stayed overnight with friends. He had taken excessive amounts of ketamine.

Lydia Plant, CEO of the Bristol Drugs Project, says they 'signpost people to specialist nurses, support groups and psychosocial work'

And in April 2021, 20-year-old Bristol-based James Diss suffered an extreme reaction to ketamine and also ecstasy during a gig in Manchester and died, just two days before he was due to enrol on a music course in the city.

There is also a grim irony at the heart of the city's relationship with the drug.

Ketamine has been used as a treatment for severe depression, PTSD and addiction  and, for a time, Bristol was at the forefront of that research.

Between 2021 and 2024, it hosted one of the UK's first psychedelic-assisted therapy clinics, offering controlled ketamine treatments for patients with 'treatment-resistant' conditions.

Supporters hailed it as a glimpse of the future of psychiatry  a substance capable of healing as well as harming.

But the clinic ultimately closed, amid controversy and a lack of uptake.

Today Beth has no doubt about a drug that nearly ruined her life. Now working in a graduate job after managing to complete her degree, she has stopped using 'Bristol crystal', but the damage has not entirely healed.

'I would do anything to turn the clock back,' she says. 'Now I would say to anyone that however easy it seems, don't do it. The price you could pay is too high.'

*Beth is a pseudonym
The European Commission has said it fears Europe could face jet fuel supply issues 'in the near future' with no end in sight to the Iran war roiling global energy markets.

'There is no evidence for fuel shortages in the European Union at present, but supply issues could occur in the near future in particular for jet fuels,' said spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen.

'That remains our primary concern,' she told reporters.

The airports lobby ACI Europe has warned the commission of a risk of 'systemic' jet fuel shortages if maritime traffic is not restored in the Strait of Hormuz by the end of April.

Around a fifth of the world's jet fuel normally transits through the strategic waterway, which has been blocked by Iran since late February in response to Israeli-American air strikes.

The conflict has sent jet fuel prices soaring, even more sharply than oil prices.

Airlines have trimmed routes and costs as fuel bills explode and wary clients think twice about travel plans, a situation that could persist even if a fragile truce holds in the Middle East.

Europe could start seeing physical shortages of jet fuel by June if the region is only able to replace half of the fuel supplies it normally gets from the Middle East, the International Energy Agency said in its monthly report.

Passengers left behind at Milan Linate Airport on Sunday due to the border control chaos

Dubai Airport earlier in March as stranded passengers scrambled to board flights to take them home after attacks on the city

Global jet fuel and kerosene demand averaged 7.8 million barrels per day in 2025, with Gulf exports the largest source to the global market, averaging nearly 400,000 bpd, the report added.

Europe has the highest dependency on jet fuel from the Middle East, with the region supplying nearly 375,000 bpd, or 75% per cent, of Europe's net jet fuel imports.

Within Europe, levels of stockpiled fuel vary from country to country. Spain, with plentiful stocks, is a net exporter of jet fuel, while Britain, which is also the regions largest consumer, imports 65 per cent of its demand.

If Europe manages to replace all of its Middle East imports and volumes, jet fuel stocks will adequately cover the IEA's assessment of 2026 demand.

But if stocks of jet fuel were to drop below 23 days of demand cover, physical shortages and demand destruction would emerge at select airports.

Europe's stocks have not dropped below 29 days' cover since 2020.

If Europe is only able to replace 75 per cent of its Middle East volumes, there would be insufficient inventory to meet demand in summer months and stocks would drop below the 23-day level by August.

But if only 50 per cent of the supply is replaceable, then stocks will hit the 23-day level in June.

The conflict has upended routes between Asia and Europe that relied on Gulf hubs, while a doubling of jet fuel prices and tightening of supplies are hitting airlines hard.

Since the US-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic began, carriers have hiked air fares, introduced fuel surcharges and cut routes.

Now, Qantas Airways has warned of spiralling costs, Lufthansa said it may have to ground planes and Virgin Atlantic flagged a looming supply crunch.

Underscoring efforts to preserve cash, Qantas has delayed a planned share buyback, citing higher and volatile fuel prices, one of the first major carriers to stall shareholder returns.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr warned that jet fuel supplies will remain constrained, driving up costs.

'Kerosene will remain in short supply and therefore more expensive for the rest of the year,' Spohr told German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Lufthansa has not yet grounded planes due to shortages but this 'may be unavoidable' as kerosene availability is already critical at some airports, particularly in Asia.

The crisis comes amid the introduction of new EU border rules - the Entry/Exit System (EES) - which requires travellers from third-party countries, including the UK, to have their fingerprints and photos taken as they enter the Schengen area, contributing to long delays.

Further checks take place when tourists attempt to fly home, and because these can take hours, some travellers have been stuck at passport control after their flights have already left.

Passengers travelling across Europe were hit by delays and cancellations over the weekend with long queues forming at destinations including Geneva, Lisbon and Malta  while others faced two-hour waits yesterday in Brussels and Amsterdam.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said delays caused by the EES could be 'significantly worse over the summer', and urged travellers concerned about jet fuel shortages to book a package holiday, which should be refunded if a flight is axed.

In South Korea, low-cost carrier T'way Air plans to furlough some cabin crew without pay in May and June, among the first carriers to reduce staffing.

A two-week ceasefire has provided little relief with the Strait of Hormuz still shut, removing 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies from the market and refineries will take time to repair damage inflicted on them.

'Despite the pause in the conflict we remain concerned about jet kerosene supply and price increase,' UBS analyst Jarrod Castle said on Tuesday, adding that December jet kerosene futures prices are still up more than 50 per cent year-on-year.

Fuel, typically airlines' second-largest cost after labour, accounts for about 27 per cent of operating expenses.

Prices have more than doubled since the conflict began, far outpacing a roughly 50 per cent rise in crude prices before the ceasefire.

The turmoil may spur consolidation, with stronger airlines gaining share from weaker rivals, analysts and executives said.

Reuters reported on Monday that United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby pitched the potential for merging with American Airlines days before the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Flight capacity, in particular from the Middle East but also into Europe, has shrunk and is not projected to recover to pre-conflict levels anytime soon, according to analysts.

The rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System causes delays at Brussels Airport yesterday

Tourists caught up in chaotic scenes at Dubai Airport earlier in March have spoken of their nightmare experiences trying to get home

Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr warned that jet fuel supplies will remain constrained, driving up costs

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Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster said in an interview with the Financial Times that the airline has about six weeks of secure jet fuel supplies before the outlook gets more uncertain.

And European airlines on Tuesday urged Brussels to step in with emergency measures to cushion the impact, including EU-level kerosene purchasing, a temporary suspension of the bloc's carbon market for aviation and scrapping certain aviation taxes.

Industry group Airports Council International Europe (ACI) warned last week that Europe could face a systemic jet fuel shortage in three weeks.

Several carriers, including SAS, are not hedged, leaving them fully exposed to soaring fuel costs. Delta Air Lines last week said its jet fuel bill this quarter would be some $2 billion more than last year.

While Qantas has hedged much of its crude exposure, it remains significantly exposed to the spike in jet fuel spreads.

To offset rising costs, the Australian flag carrier is raising fares and shifting capacity toward stronger routes such as Europe, where demand remains firm, while trimming domestic capacity by about 5 percentage points in the June quarter.

Lufthansa's Spohr said record revenues on Asian routes were also helping offset the impact of rising kerosene costs.

But the airline has prepared contingency plans, including cutting its capacity by 2.5 per cent or 5 per cent and grounding 20 to 40 older, less fuel-efficient aircraft earmarked for early retirement.
The sister of a beloved internet star who died six days after her boyfriend proposed during a 'dream' vacation to Zanzibar has spoken out about the 'suspicious' case.

Popular lifestyle influencer Ashly Robinson was reported dead on April 9 while staying in a five-star luxury hotel on the island off east Africa, according to her family.

The New Jersey native, who goes by Ashlee Jenae on social media, got engaged to her boyfriend Joe McCann during a safari on April 3, as chronicled in a jubilant video shared with her 110,000 Instagram followers.

Footage shows McCann getting down on one knee before they kissed and held hands while walking among giraffes, zebra and wild cats on the animal tour.

Less than a week later, Robinson was found dead. McCann said she hung herself at the Zuri Zanzibar hotel where they were staying, while a hospital listed her cause of death as cerebral hypoxia by strangulation and suffocation.

Nobody has been arrested or charged in connection to the death. Robinson's heartbroken relatives are demanding answers, after releasing a statement describing the death as 'suspicious'.

Her sister Alyssa Endres, 20, told the Daily Mail that her sister was a 'beautiful' and high-spirited person, true to the vibrant life she portrayed on social media.

Endres said a suicide would have been 'extremely' out of character for her sibling, and makes no sense given the context.

Beloved internet star Ashly Robinson has died just two days after her boyfriend proposed to her while on a dream vacation in Zanzibar, an island off the coast of east Africa

The influencer's boyfriend Joe McCann proposed to her during a safari days before she died

The couple were staying at Zuri Zanzibar beachside five-star villa, which overlooks the ocean

'She was beautiful inside and out, and everyone who knew her knew that,' Endres told the Daily Mail on Tuesday.

'Everyone that is standing beside us is really supporting us through all of this because everyone knew that she was a beautiful person, and all she could bring was life to everyone.'

The family also released a statement describing her death as 'suspicious'.

'Nothing about this loss feels real,' the statement reads. 'One moment she was celebrating love and life in truly Ashly fashion, and the next, she was gone.

'The suddenness, the unanswered questions, and the distance from home have made this tragedy even more overwhelming for our family.

'At this time, there is an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ashly's suspicious passing.

'Although we have many questions, we are placing our trust in the officials in Zanzibar and are working closely with them as we seek clarity and answers.'

The influencer's parents, Yolanda Denise Endres and Harry Robinson, said she had been traveling with her boyfriend of one year and appeared to be having the time of her life on the island off Tanzania when they received the news of her death.

Robinson was reported dead on April 9 while holidaying on the island off east Africa

The New Jersey native, who goes by Ashlee Jenae on social media, got engaged to her boyfriend Joe McCann during a safari on April 3, as shown in a jubilant video shared with her 110,000 Instagram followers. The newly-engaged couple is shown above days before she died

New Jersey influencer Ashly Robinson was reported dead on April 9 while holidaying with her fiance on the island off east Africa, according to her family

The couple were staying at the Zuri Zanzibar five-star villa, which is pictured above

'She was starting the next chapter of her life. She called us to FaceTime us to share with us her travel and her vacation,' Endres told ABC13.

Robinson's social media posts echoed the same sentiment.

'Chapter 31 and I'm exactly where I need to be,' she wrote on her final post dated April 7, after describing her vacation as 'a dream' three days prior.

But her mother said Robinson called on April 8 to tell her parents that she had argued with her fiance, and they had moved to separate rooms.

The next day, Endres said she received a disturbing call from McCann.

'He told me that Ashly did something to herself and she was being taken to the hospital, and he told me she was stable,' Endres told ABC13.

'I said what happened, and he told me, it had been 11 hours prior.'

Several hours later, the luxury villa where the couple had been staying broke the news that Robinson had died.

A hospital report seen by ABC13 stated that Robinson had a mark on her neck, and that her fiance had 'found she hung herself on the door'.

Popular lifestyle influencer Ashly Robinson was reported dead on April 9 while staying in a five-star luxury hotel on the island off east Africa, according to her family

The influencer's boyfriend Joe McCann proposed to her during the vacation in Zanzibar

McCann and Robinson had been together for about a year, according to her heartbroken family

Robinson was later taken to another hospital, which listed her cause of death as cerebral hypoxia by strangulation and suffocation.

Endres said there were no signs that her daughter would have taken her own life.

'She's never done anything that would ever ever lead me to believe that she would do something to harm herself like that. She was happy,' Endres said.

'She was loved. She was not just going to be discarded and forgotten about,' the heartbroken mother added.

The family said they are considering traveling to Zanzibar to seek answers, as police have not given any information beyond confirming the death.

Nobody has been arrested or charged in connection with Robinson's passing.

The US State Department confirmed the death in Zanzibar.

'The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans,' a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

'We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones on their loss. Due to privacy and other considerations, we have no further comment.'
Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after she lashed out at him for criticising the Pope.

The US President said he was 'shocked' by Meloni and had expected her to be more courageous, delivering a strong public rebuke to one of his closest European partners.

Meloni had been a vociferous supporter of Trump, but she has strongly criticised his decision to go to war with Iran, and on Monday, denounced his tirades against the pope as 'unacceptable'.

In his latest spat with a world leader, the President branded Pope Leo XIV 'weak on crime' and 'terrible for foreign policy' after he spoke out against the Iran war - then offended Christians around the world by posting an image of himself as Jesus on his social media platform Truth Social.

Pope Leo swiped back that he had no fear of Trump before Meloni said: 'The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal for him to call for peace and to condemn every form of war.'

Trump hit out at the Italian premier in an interview with Corriere della Sera, claiming he has not spoken with Meloni 'for a long time' and she was 'very different from what I thought'.

He also accused her of not caring if Iran has nuclear weapons which 'would blow up Italy in two minutes if they had the chance' and denounced her for refusing to help re-open the Strait of Hormuz.

'Its her whos unacceptable, because she doesnt care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if it had the chance, he said.

He added: 'I'm shocked by her. I thought she had courage. I was wrong.'

Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, accusing her of not caring if Iran has nuclear weapons

The US President said he was 'shocked' by Meloni and had expected her to be more courageous, delivering a strong public rebuke to one of his closest European allies

The White House declined to comment on the quotes. Meloni's office also declined to comment.

Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Sir Keir Starmer and Nato for their failure to support his war against Iran.

But the criticism of Meloni marks a dramatic change in their relationship with the Italian the only European leader to attend his inauguration in 2025.

Only last month he told Corriere della Sera that Meloni was 'a great leader', but on Tuesday he accused her of failing to back US efforts over energy security and Iran, and said Italy wanted America 'to do the job for her'.

Asked about her condemnation of his comments on Pope Leo, he said: 'She is the one who is unacceptable, because she does not care whether Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow Italy up in two minutes if it had the chance.'

Meloni had hoped that her close relationship with Trump would strengthen her standing at home and abroad, but instead it risks becoming a political liability.

Some 66 per cent of Italians now hold a negative view of the US leader and pollsters say Meloni's ties to the White House may have contributed to her defeat last month in a referendum on judicial reform.

The war in Iran has pushed up energy prices in Italy, which is heavily dependent on oil and gas imports.

'They (Italy) pay the highest energy costs in the world and are not even ready to fight for the Strait of Hormuz... They depend on Donald Trump to keep it open,' Trump said.

Meloni has risked the wrath of Trump with her strong criticism of the war in Iran and last month US bombers were denied access to its Sigonella air base in Sicily.

Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto is said to have made the decision, when he learned some US warplanes planned to land in Sigonella without consulting the authorities.

Meloni criticised Donald Trump after he lashed out at the Pope before posting an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus

Join the discussion Should Meloni have pushed back - or backed Trump?

'Italy is certainly not considering going to war with Iran,' Crosetto emphatically announced earlier in March.

He continued: 'I don't think there will ever be Italian soldiers or planes capable of bombing Iran; this seems clear and obvious to me,' before adding: 'Not only is it constitutionally impossible, but there isn't even the will.'

Washington would be able to use Italian bases 'only after explaining what it intends to use them for and only after authorisation from the Italian government', he said.

Meloni condemned the war as 'outside the scope of international law', while also acknowledging the threat the Islamic Republic poses to regional security.

Her shift in tone was striking from a politician who has built a reputation as one of Europes most reliable US allies.

On Tuesday, Trump faced further condemnation for having 'now crossed the line' after posting an AI image of himself as a Christ-like figure while hitting out at the Pope.

The Pope said on Monday that he plans to continue speaking out against war, telling Reuters: 'I don't want to get into a debate with him.'

Speaking aboard the papal flight to Algiers, where Leo is starting a 10-day tour to four African countries, he added: 'I don't think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing.

'I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialog and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems.

'Too many people are suffering in the world today. Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there's a better way.'

Trump earlier posted an AI-generated image showing himself as a robed Christ, curing an ill man while surrounded by adoring figures including a nurse and a soldier. Fallen US servicemen could also be seen ascending to heaven in the style of a Renaissance painting.

Christian figures on both sides of the Atlantic were left incensed - including Massimo Faggioli, a theologian and expert on the papacy based at the Loyola Institute at Trinity College Dublin, who said: 'There is no ambiguity about the situation now.'

Donald Trump is angry at Giorgia Meloni for her opposition to the Iran war and her failure to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz (pictured)

Mr Faggioli compared the comments to efforts by the leaders of Germany and Italy during the Second World War to draw the late Pope Pius XII to support their causes, adding: 'Not even Hitler or Mussolini attacked the Pope so directly and publicly.'

UK Catholic commentator Austen Ivereigh said Trump's 'remarkable' move could mean 'the end' for his presidency, adding: 'He's now crossed the line. This is a deeply unpopular war, but I think what he's doing now is tipping into a level of messianism and narcissism, which I think everybody is now recognising as deeply troubling.'

He also told Premier Christian News: 'The job of the Pope is, in a sense, to defend the integrity of the Gospel against those who would choose to instrumentalise it.'

The Most Reverend Richard Moth, the new Archbishop of Westminster, also backed the Pope, saying: 'We pray for Pope Leo XIV as he starts his Apostolic Journey in Africa. We continue to support his unstinting calls for peace and reconciliation.'

American pastor Mark Burns, Trump's former spiritual adviser, revealed on Times Radio that he told the President to delete the image because it was a 'step too far' and 'so clearly it offends millions of Christians and Catholics all over the world'.

British Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, who was in the papal conclave that elected Leo XIV, told BBC Newsnight that he thought the post was 'just quite frankly bizarre'.

He added: 'People have often said that they think that it's blasphemous. I think that implies an attack on Christianity, which President Trump I don't think intended, but it does show a complete misunderstanding of what Christianity is about.'

Asked about Mr Trump's explanation that the image was 'supposed to be me as a doctor making people better', Cardinal Radcliffe added: 'I find it very strange. I've met many doctors in my life and none of them have glowed quite like that.'

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch told the BBC: 'I thought it was a preposterous picture. It should have been, at best, a funny joke that somebody else had done. It was very bizarre seeing the President tweet it himself. I'm not surprised that it's been deleted.'

Father Gary Donegan, a prominent Catholic priest based in Belfast, told the Irish Times that the post was 'verging on blasphemy' as the 'wannabe King mocks Christ', as he insisted anyone in the US 'that represents Jesus should call him out over this'.

He added: 'I've had the privilege of being in the last 35 years at the bedside of hundreds of sick and dying including seven literally dying in my arms. It is the most privileged of moments. As I anointed the sick, it's a profoundly sacred and holy experience.'

Father Donegan said he would pray for Americans, adding: 'Sadly attacking the Holy Father and depicting himself as Our Lord blessing the sick is indeed sick in itself.'

Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, was 'disheartened', saying: 'Pope Leo is not his rival; nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.'

Former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi said the AI image was 'crazy' and as a Catholic he thought it was 'blasphemous'. He also told Sky News it was 'ridiculous', 'silly' and the President had 'destroyed his credibility' by posting the picture.

Even Iran came to the Pope's defence, with president Masoud Pezeshkian writing on X: 'I condemn the insult to Your Excellency... and declare that the desecration of Jesus is not acceptable to any free person.'
A young British lawyer who died after having Brazilian butt lift surgery and liposuction said she felt 'pressure to look slim in the legal profession', an inquest heard.

Diarra Brown, 28, died on October 26, 2021, days after her four-hour operation at the Private Memorial Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey.

She had taken out a 10,000 loan to pay for the BBL, liposuction and an arm lift after being teased at work for being overweight, the inquest heard.

Her mother Daisy Brown told the inquest of some of her horrendous symptoms: 'She couldn't see as she was in so much pain.

'She could hardly put one foot in front of the other. Her feet was swollen and she couldn't bend her toes on her left foot.

'Both feet were swollen but her left foot was more swollen. It was hard for her to stand up.'

Ms Brown, of Wolverhampton, travelled to the private clinic in the middle-class district of Bahcelievler, where she was told how the procedures would restore her confidence by helping her drop eight dress sizes from size 18 to size 10.

But just hours after the dream surgery on Friday, October 22, Ms Brown started to feel cold and complained she was in severe pain and bruised.

Diarra Akua Eunice Brown, 28, died days after her BBL and liposuction surgery in Turkey in October 2021 after she felt 'pressure to look slim in the legal profession' due to being teased about her weight, an inquest heard

Dr Sevket Gokham Bayam assured her and her family that this was entirely normal following the surgery and would soon pass.

Over the weekend, she deteriorated quickly, not being able to see, walk or sleep properly, and her worried mum kept contacting the hospital. But again they said the pain would subside.

Ms Brown died three days after the procedure. The inquest heard that the most likely cause of her death was sepsis.

In a statement read out by assistant coroner Kelly Dixon this morning, Mrs Brown said: 'Before she had the bariatric surgery, she felt there was a pressure to be slim in the legal profession.

'During her training, she was still overweight and I think she got teased about it at her work.

'I don't know what point she started talking to surgeons about the liposuction.

'I know she started talking to one surgeon in Turkey about doing all the surgery at the same time, and he said he could.

'The surgeon reassured Diarra that it would be safe.

'She spoke to the surgeon on WhatsApp before travelling to Turkey.

'She mentioned that this would be the last step in her weight loss journey and she didn't want anything else after this.'

Ms Brown had flown out to Turkey with her mother two days before the surgery on October 20 after surgeons had said the operation was possible.

Her mother said: 'They did blood tests, covid tests and other preoperative tests. They confirmed that she didn't have Covid 19.

'We were conscious we were doing something new and different.

'We were confident that Dr Bayhab had never had a death and he told us he had done the procedure hundreds of times.

'Diarra had asked the surgeon if it was safe to be under anaesthetic for over five hours, he said it was. He said he had never lost a patient.'

She spoke about how her daughter quickly started to experience severe and worrying symptoms after going under the knife - not being able to see, walk or sleep properly.

'The surgeon told her it was normal for someone coming out of anaesthesia to have these symptoms,' she continued.

'She was told to eat and drink as much as possible, and walk around the room regularly.

'The nurses came into walk her around the room. She said she couldn't as she couldn't see as she was in so much pain.

Doctors continually reassured her and her family her symptoms were normal until the night she died despite not being able to see, walk or sleep properly, her mother told the inquest

Investigations found she likely died of septic shock which gave her a heart attack on the night of October 26, 2021

'She could hardly put one foot in front of the other.

'Her feet was swollen and she couldn't bend her toes on her left foot.

'Both feet were swollen but her left foot was more swollen. It was hard for her to stand up.

'Dr Bayhab said it was normal because of the type of surgery she had.

'I had to push her around the room on a chair. She could only eat 30 mins after eating the stomach protection tablets.

'Later on I helped pull her onto the bed as she couldn't move. Diarra wasn't really doing anything at all between times, she couldn't move or sleep.'

Ms Brown went into hospital to change her wraps on October 25, the day before she died.

Her mother added: 'At one point Diarra told me she had wet herself and she was upset.

'When we got the taxi Diarra could not wear her seatbelt as she was on all fours because of the pain she was in.

'Diarra could not walk, she was sweating and had a high temp, was breathless and lethargic and she was in and out of consciousness.

'Her eyes kept rolling back. She was aware she was losing consciousness and told me to slap her.'

Mrs Brown said Dr Bayhan had reassured her to go back to her hotel while they kept her sick daughter in hospital overnight.

Tragically, her condition worsened and she had a suspected heart attack.

Ms Brown had gone into an uncontrolled septic shock which killed her, according to an investigation of her post-mortem and medical data by Dr Vanya Gant, a consultant in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases at University College London Hospitals.

Giving evidence this afternoon, Dr Gant said: 'Diarra Brown was a healthy young lady who went to Turkey.

'She suffered a disastrous and very rapid and complete collapse.

'One of the causes was uncontrolled sepsis and septic shock.

'Essentially Diarra Brown came back into hospital very fatigued. She had significant hypertension.

'She had an elevated C protein. Her white blood cell count collapsed and this happens in sepsis.

'Her doctor's description of how she was and how her mother's description was, is entirely consistent with sepsis.'

The inquest continues.
A special constable inappropriately accessed graphic and distressing images of two students killed by Nottingham knifeman Valdo Calocane, an inquiry has heard.

SC Ilsadin Skenderaj viewed content including footage of their bodies being placed into body bags without a proper reason.

The ongoing hearing is looking at the circumstances surrounding the killings of Ian Coates, 65, and University of Nottingham undergraduates Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, in the early hours of June 13, 2023.

They were stabbed to death by Calocane, a paranoid schizophrenic with a history of violence.

He was handed an indefinite hospital order after he pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility - something for which the victims' families have repeatedly criticised the Crown Prosecution Service.

Skenderaj reported himself for viewing the footage in September 2023, counsel to the inquiry Alex Ivory said during evidence from the head of Nottinghamshire Police's Professional Standards Directorate (PSD), Superintendent Kathryn Craner.

Mr Ivory said Skenderaj was found to have viewed 12 separate recordings, including Calocane's arrest, and had 'offensively and hurtfully' viewed footage from inside an ambulance.

The footage showed officers and paramedics providing medical assistance to Mr Webber and Ms O'Malley-Kumar, and placing both in body bags.

Ms Craner agreed the volunteer officer, who had no apparent involvement in the investigation into the attacks, had viewed 'extremely distressing, graphic' footage.

Special Constable Ilsadin Skenderaj viewed footage of Grace O'Malley-Kumar (left) and fellow University of Nottingham student Barnaby Webber (right), both 19, without any policing reason

Paranoid schizophrenic Calocane was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility and attempted murder

Calocane also stabbed Ian Coates (pictured) to death and stole his van. He mowed down three pedestrians but they all survived

She said: 'It certainly indicates that we should explore whether there is more that we should do at different points in an investigation to restrict access (to computer systems).'

She said she did not believe devices owned by Skenderaj had been seized and that he was 'offered an interview but declined'.

The inquiry has heard that Skenderaj resigned from Nottinghamshire Police after viewing images related to the attacks while at his home, with no policing purpose.

Skenderaj is believed to be the only officer who self-reported after accessing material inappropriately, the inquiry heard.

A Nottinghamshire Police constable was previously disciplined in January 2024 after breaching policing standards by accessing information about Calocane, and sending a 'degrading' WhatsApp message described as lacking any empathy in its description of victims' injuries.

Emails read to the inquiry on Tuesday included one from a PDS officer, who said: 'If we start looking, there will be countless officers that have looked without a policing purpose.'

The email, sent by a detective sergeant, suggested that one option would be to undertake system audits, which a more senior officer rejected, saying it would be a 'massive' task.

Barnaby's mother Emma Webber last month called for access to footage without a policing purpose to be considered a criminal matter, and 'for all these matters to be fully reopened and properly investigated'.

Barnaby Webber, second left, with his father David Webber, left, mother Emma and brother Charlie

Victim Grace O'Malley-Kumar, left, pictured with father Dr Sanjoy Kumar, who has criticised 'gaps' in Valdo Calocane's treatment, alongside Grace's mother Sinead and brother James

During her evidence to the inquiry, Ms Craner was asked if an audit of who accessed the footage had begun last month as a result of a complaint.

Ms Craner said: 'It hasn't yet commenced but certainly the decision has been made.

'The direction that I was given was that we wouldn't conduct that audit ourselves.'

Ms Craner was asked why it had taken until March this year to decide to conduct an audit, when Nottinghamshire Police had known since September 2023 that a special constable had watched video from the attacks without a legitimate purpose.

She said: 'In hindsight what I should have done is approach my line manager to ask for resource to undertake that audit.'

Mr Ivory added: 'The inevitable result is that until this audit is completed and any requisite disciplinary action taken, there could be officers or police staff who viewed this footage illegitimately still serving couldn't there?'

Ms Craner answered: 'Yes.'

Inquiry chairwoman Deborah Taylor asked Ms Craner if it would be possible for permission to be given to a senior investigating officer so 'only those who needed to could have access to the most sensitive material'.

Ms Taylor also said that sensitive material seemed to be 'something that people feel that they have, in a sense, a right to view because of curiosity.'

Ms Craner replied: 'I think a small number of people have been shown to do that.'

Ms Taylor interjected: 'I suppose we'll see with the audit won't we, how small that is.'

Calocane, who admitted manslaughter and three counts of attempted murder, is detained indefinitely in a high-security hospital, after prosecutors accepted his not guilty pleas to murder, at his sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court in January 2024.

The inquiry continues.

Grace's father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, last week called the atrocity 'totally unavoidable' and called on those involved in the catalogue of failures to be sacked.

In an interview with the Mail's Trial+ podcast, Dr Kumar said he and wife Sinead O'Malley-Kumar have been upset by witnesses 'with the audacity' to tell the inquiry: 'We didn't do this, but it may not have prevented the attacks.'

He said: 'I can't understand the gall of people who can come to an inquiry and say something like that to you.

'Let's not over-complicate it. Let's go back to the days where people just did the jobs that they were paid for.

'We don't need changes of law, because in this case there was nothing technical. People simply didn't do their jobs.

'The Nottingham attacks were totally, totally avoidable. If you were involved in that and something went catastrophically wrong, then you need to be sacked.'
One of England's oldest universities has been accused of discriminating against white students.

Under a controversial new scheme, the University of Durham is lowering entry requirements for British Asians in popular subjects including psychology, law and politics.

It is promising 'a guaranteed, alternative offer (typically two grades lower)' to state school pupils of 'Asian heritage/descent' who take part in a free summer school with accommodation, travel and food provided.

Durham says the Asian Access programme, being run for the first time this year, 'aims to support students who are typically underrepresented in higher education and particularly at Durham'.

But critics point out that Asian teenagers are already far more likely to get into university than those from other ethnic groups, with more than half of sixth-formers accepted.

Official figures show that 51.4 per cent of Asian state school pupils across England got places in higher education in 2024, compared with just 29.8 per cent of white students.

Only Chinese pupils had a higher rate of acceptance (66.1 per cent), with black pupils third (48).

Reform MP and former minister Robert Jenrick told the Daily Mail: 'This is a blatant case of anti-white discrimination.

University College, known as Castle, is the oldest part of the University of Durham

'It is bizarre that Durham University think it's sensible to lower the grades for British Asian students when they already outperform their white British counterparts.

'University admissions must treat students equally and stop trying to socially engineer outcomes by creating a two-tier system.'

He vowed: 'A Reform Government will end this nonsense and make our universities meritocratic once again.'

A Durham University spokesman said: 'We encourage applications from talented students of all backgrounds. Our admissions decisions are fair, non-discriminatory and based on published entry criteria.

'We agreed with the Office for Students as part of our published access and participation plan that we would increase our numbers of British students of Asian heritage who are currently underrepresented at Durham, along with students from other underrepresented groups.

'Students on this programme are drawn from neighbourhoods with low progression rates to university.

'We make contextual offers to applicants from a range of backgrounds who demonstrate high academic achievement and complete successfully a programme of academic study at Durham.'

Durham is just the latest in a series of top universities to face criticism for making lower offers to non-white students.

Oxford was accused of 'social engineering' after figures showed it had taken 16 per cent of black applicants who had fallen short of their required A-Level grades in the past five years, compared with just 6 per cent of white candidates.

York and Bristol are among other institutions that give 'contextual offers' to students from particular ethnic groups or from deprived backgrounds.

Parents have complained that admissions officers wrongly assume that non-white candidates are disadvantaged.

'A lot of these students passed the 11+ entrance exam and have professional parents on high salaries,' one mother told The Times last year.
The Home Office has been accused of housing asylum seekers in new areas of the country without proper vetting or consultation.

Andrew Kennedy, a Conservative member of Kent County Council, said there was 'widespread anger and fear' over the Government's decision to place more than 220 migrants in self-catering accommodation around Tonbridge and Malling.

Mr Kennedy warned that asylum seekers are being allocated housing in 'desirable residential areas' as part of Labour's move to shut migrant hotels.

Meanwhile, the leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Matt Boughton, condemned the Home Office's handling of migrant housing as 'disgraceful', adding: 'The whole system stinks.'

It came as Labour announced it was shutting 11 hotels around the country with a promise to 'accelerate' closures later in the Spring.

Mr Kennedy said he was particularly concerned about the 'lack of consultation and concerns over vetting'.

'We have no idea who or what we will be getting and how they will be managed,' he said.

'Also, there are many homeless people locally and many more living in unsuitable housing who will feel very left behind when asylum seekers are given homes locally.'

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is overseeing Labour's plan to shut down all migrant hotels by 2029, moving tens of thousands of asylum seekers into flats and houses in local communities, or large-scale sites

Protests took place in February against Labour's opening of a migrant accommodation site at Crowborough, East Sussex

Labour has pledged to close all migrant hotels by the end of this Parliament in 2029, re-housing them in flats and houses, as well as in large-scale accommodation centres.

Mr Kennedy said he had been told 221 asylum seekers would be housed in Tonbridge and Malling borough, and estimated that about 35 properties would be required.

He expressed particular concerns about plans to house asylum seekers in two properties in the village of Walderslade, which lacks shops, public transport links and other facilities.

'It doesn't seem like much of a disincentive - I know most people would love to have a nice house in the leafy suburbs in the North Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,' said Mr Kennedy.

'Plus, we already have 200 local people on the housing waiting list.

'These homes are in desirable residential areas, which are not suitable for large groups of young men who probably don't speak English.

'The two houses that have been purchased in Walderslade have no shops, no bus services, no recreational facilities.

'It is unfair on the residents and also unfair on the asylum seekers being housed in such remote communities.

'There is widespread anger and fear about the consequences of what's going on.'

Your browser does not support iframes.

He suggested asylum seekers should be housed at large sites such as the ex-military base at Crowborough, East Sussex, which the Home Office opened in January.

Numbers at Crowborough have been building and it now houses 350 illegal migrants, a Home Office spokesman said.

'My personal view is the Crowborough camp is the ideal place where they can receive medical attention, education, and all the support they need rather than being spread across 40 houses and rural villages in West Kent,' Mr Kennedy said.

He has launched a petition against asylum seekers being housed in his area under the Home Office's 'dispersal' scheme.

Borough council leader Mr Boughton, a Conservative, said: 'The whole system stinks - there is zero transparency from the Government.

'We have had radio silence from the Home Office.

'The council has no say where these properties are, or why they have been chosen.

'I think it's a disgraceful process in the sense that they don't allow local communities to have a say where this accommodation is.'

He added: 'There are many parts of our communities like Walderslade where people will be rightly shocked that this is what the Home Office is doing to them but unfortunately the council doesn't have the tools or powers to stop this. It's regrettable.

'Is it fair that these residents get housed when we have a housing waiting list with hundreds of families on it, who are looking for this sort of property, yet we have to put them in temporary accommodation sometimes outside the of the borough?

'One reason for that is because properties that are suitable the Home Office is snaffling up before the council is able to purchase them - and that's fundamentally unfair.'

The Home Office was approached for comment about the councillors' criticisms.

It announced the closure of 10 hotels in England  Banbury House Hotel in Banbury, Oxon; 15 Citrus Hotel in Cheltenham, Glos; Holiday Inn Heathrow in London; Britannia Hotel in Wolverhampton; Madeley Court Hotel in Madeley, Telford & Wrekin; OYO Lakeside in St Helens, Merseyside; Crewe Arms Hotel in Crewe, Cheshire; Sure Hotel by Best Western in Aberdeen; and Rock Hotel and Wool Merchant Hotel both in Halifax, West Yorks - plus one in Northern Ireland, the Marine Court Hotel in Bangor.

Borders minister Alex Norris said the closure of the migrant hotels would allow the properties to be 'handed back to the community for good'.

'Hotels were meant to be a short term stop gap under the previous government, but they spiralled out of control  costing taxpayers billions and dumping the consequences on local communities,' the minister said.

'We are shutting them down by moving people into more basic accommodation, scaling up large sites, removing record numbers of people with no right to remain.

'This is about restoring control, ending waste, and handing hotels back to the community for good.'

A Home Office spokesman said the latest round of closures alone would save the taxpayer nearly 65million a year.
A woman arrested for domestic abuse 39 years after her rescue from a well gripped the world hinted at her recent troubles in a troubling social media post.

'Baby Jessica' McClure Morales, 40, took to Facebook on Monday with a cryptic statement, two days after she was arrested at her home in Midland, Texas.

'Note to self: Happiness is letting go of what you assume your life is supposed to be like right now, and sincerely appreciating it for everything that it is,' the post said.

'So, relax. Reset. You are enough. You have enough. You do enough. Breathe deep. Let go, and just live right now.'

No further details on McClure Morales's arrest have been shared and it is unclear if the person she was referring to on the social media post was her husband of 20 years Daniel Morales.

The Daily Mail has contacted McClure Morales herself and Midland County Sheriff's Office for further comment.

Few would judge McClure Morales for having to rely on online philosophy, as both she and her family have endured turbulent times in recent years.

Most shocking was the brutal murder of her father's stepdaughter Gracey Adams, 25, in January of this year.

Adams - whose mother Amy is now married to Jessica's father Chip McClure - was found dead in the bedroom of her Nashville home.

Jessica McClure Morales, better known as 'Baby Jessica', is seen with her husband Daniel Morales and her two grandchildren

She was arrested on Saturday night on suspicion of domestic abuse at her home in Midland, Texas

After bailing out of jail, the mother of two appeared to reflect on her life in a Facebook post

Her girlfriend Sarah Stacey, 29, was charged with the murder and the case is ongoing. McClure Morales has not commented publicly on the tragedy.

News of McClure Morales's arrest brought memories of her October 1987 rescue flooding back for many Americans.

Aged just 18 months old, 'Baby Jessica' fell down a 22 foot well in the backyard of her aunt's house in Midland after climbing into an eight-inch wide pipe.

The 58-hour digging and drilling rescue attempt captivated the world, with then-President Ronald Reagan calling McClure Morales 'America's child.'

It even inspired a satirical episode of The Simpsons where Bart Simpson falls down a well.

Just a few decades on, McClure Morales is herself both a mother and young grandmother.

She posed proudly with two of her twin grandchildren on Facebook last year.

Both of her children, Simon and Sheyenne, went on to have children of their own. Their sons are named Emiliano and Nolan, according to her Facebook page.

McClure Morales has her children with her husband of 20 years, Daniel Morales.

Her step-sister, Gracey Adams (pictured), 25, was fatally shot at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, on January 3

'Baby Jessica' McClure is pictured at the White House in November 1989. She is being held by then-President George H.W. Bush while her parents Reba and Chip look on

McClure Morales got trapped in a 25-foot well in her aunt's backyard in 1987. Her rescue operation lasted 58 hours and gripped the United States. It was broadcast live on the three major networks

The pair are seen in a number of social media pictures posing for selfies together and holding their grandchildren.

She currently works as an assistant shop manager at Richards Horticulture, a local landscaping business, her bio reads.

McClure Morales resides in a rather ramshackle $388,000 home in Midland, having lost much of the $1.2 million trust fund set up after her rescue in the financial crash of 2008.

'Baby Jessica' only gained access to the trust, comprising donations from wellwishers, on her 25th birthday in 2011.

She used the remainder of the cash to buy her house outright.

Her father Chip McClure moves in altogether glitzier circles.

Chip, who famously accompanied 'Baby Jessica' to visit then-President George H.W. Bush at the White House in 1989, now owns and operates a private jet company out of Tennessee.

Chip, 56, and his wife Amy, 50, run Jet Acquisitions, a company that helps people with the process of 'acquiring a new or preowned aircraft,' according to the company's website.

Chip is the founder and CEO, while his wife is a co-founder and CPO for the company.

Oil service workers and bystanders look over the 25-foot well she was trapped in on her aunt's property on October 17, 1987

Chip McClure is the founder and CEO of Jet Acquisitions, a company that helps people with the process of 'acquiring a new or preowned aircraft.' He is seen alongside McClure Morales

'Baby Jessica' in 1989, two years after her rescue from a backyard well that gripped the world. Her father Chip is seen on the right

The entrepreneur often posts about his life as an aviation enthusiast, as well as the family he has with his wife.

Chip still appears to be proud of 'Baby Jessica' and her astonishing rescue and will sometimes re-share the story on social media.

In October 2025, he shared a link to a documentary his friend made on her rescue. 'Hard to believe it has been 38 years!' he captioned the post.

It is unclear when Chip and his ex-wife, McClure Morales' mother, Reba McClure, 57, split up.

She also remarried. Her husband, Timothy Porter, 63, hung up the phone on the Daily Mail after confirming he was married to her.

The rescue of McClure Morales took 58 hours and was broadcast live on the three biggest US television networks - ABC, NBC and CBS.

All three interrupted their scheduled primetime programming to broadcast news of the rescue.

Rescuers had to drill a horizontal tunnel and a parallel shaft through rock to access McClure Morales as part of an intense mission that involved specialized techniques and equipment.

On her 25th birthday in March 2011, McClure Morales gained access to her $1.2 million trust fund, but because of the 2008 stock market crash, very little was left in her name

Chip McClure is seen with his wife Amy, the mother of McClure Morales' murdered step-sister

McClure Morales decided to invest the little money she had left in her trust fund into her modest three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for her family in Midland (pictured)

While McClure Morales has endured testing times, she has clearly retained a sense of humor, with a recent tattoo reading 'Well s**t' an apparent joke about the incident that made her famous

During the rescue crew members reportedly heard the toddler singing before Robert O'Donnell, a paramedic at the scene, made his way through the tight tunnel and saved her.

McClure Morales may have endured more troubles and drama than many people, but a recent tattoo she had inked on her body hints at her indefatigable spirit.

'Well s**t' the inking reads, in an apparent humorous reference to the incident that catapulted McClure Morales to global fame.

The Daily Mail contacted the Midland County Sheriff's Office and McClure Morales for comment.
A bitter family feud erupted just hours after John F Kennedy Jr, Carolyn Bessette and her sister Lauren were killed in a tragic plane crash  before their mangled bodies had even been recovered, a bombshell new book reveals.

In the midst of their grief, relatives began to bicker over where the couple should be laid to rest, with Bessette's family urging that she be buried in her hometown of Greenwich, Connecticut, while the Kennedys pushed back  a bitter standoff that resulted in the pair's ashes being scattered at sea.

The extraordinary details are drawn from the private diaries of Robert F Kennedy Jr, and revealed in a new book, RFK Jr: The Fall and Rise, by journalist Isabel Vincent.

Among the most explosive allegations are claims that Edwin Schlossberg, Caroline Kennedy's husband, was a 'bully' who made Bessette's mother 'miserable' because he despised her daughter.

Schlossberg had rejected her request for RFK Jr to eulogize her sister and John with the withering putdown: 'Kennedys do not eulogize non-Kennedys.'

Lisa Bessette, the surviving sister, was so furious with Schlossberg that she 'slammed down the phone' during a tense conference call with the whole family, according to the book.

The claims suggest that the real-life drama about Carolyn and John's death was even greater than that portrayed in Love Story, the Hulu TV miniseries about their life.

JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette were one of the most photographed couples of the 1990s before their tragic deaths in 1999 that stunned the nation

On July 16, 1999, the couple's plane went down off the coast of Martha's Vineyard, sparking a one of the largest search operations in US history

The plane crash was one of many tragedies that have befallen the Kennedy family. But John and Carolyn's tragic accident in July 1999 remains one of the most devastating.

The Kennedy heir was heading to Martha's Vineyard to attend the wedding of his cousin Rory aboard a Piper Saratoga he had bought just three months earlier.

Although he had been taking flying lessons for nearly two decades, he did not have much experience flying at night using only his instruments, Vincent writes.

Approximately 7.5 miles west of Martha's Vineyard, he crashed nose-first into the ocean, along with his wife and sister-in-law.

In his diary, said to have been taken and hidden by his late ex-wife, Mary Richardson, in the final months of her life, RFK Jr gives new insight into how the mood turned from celebration to tragedy.

He wrote that evening he went to John's house on Martha's Vineyard and spoke with his friend Pinky.

'I wasn't worried at all because anything can happen with John', RFK Jr wrote.

Join the discussion How should families handle burial decisions when tragedy and deep disagreements strike?

Details of the family feud are revealed in Robert F Kennedy Jr's private diaries, which are said to have been taken and hidden by his late ex-wife Mary Richardson (right) in the final months of her life

The couple's love story ended when Kennedy's plane crashed into the Atlantic

But Pinky was concerned and called Carole Radziwill, the wife of John's best friend and cousin Anthony Radziwill, and she called the Coast Guard, which began a search.

By that point, however, there was no chance of anyone surviving.

As the Daily Mail reported last month, the crash left John's body severed in half after going into what pilots call a 'graveyard spiral', so called because you never get out of it.

It was a fall of 1,100 feet in just 14 seconds, falling over 4,700 feet per minute.

By 3am, RFK Jr was awoken by his sister Kerry who said the plane was missing. He wrote in his diary: 'I knew then that John was dead.

'I looked out of the window of Carolyn's house from which I could see the lights on in John's front porch and I felt empty, sad'.

Half remembering a line from King Lear, RFK Jr wrote: 'We are to the Gods as flies to wanton boys. They kill us for their sport.'

The following morning, Ted Kennedy canceled Rory's wedding and instead a mass was held in the morning, followed by another in the evening.

John, Carolyn, and Lauren were eventually laid to rest during a burial at sea on July 22, 1999

According to the book, Caroline Kennedy's husband Edwin Schlossberg allegedly deepened tensions during discussions over funeral arrangements. Above, alongside Carolyn and Lauren's mother, Ann Freeman, and husband Richard Freeman

The trio's bodies were recovered five days later. Pictured: Senator Edward Kennedy and four of John F Kennedy, Jr's cousins (L-R) Patrick, Douglas, Edward Jr and Maxwell help carry one of the crash victim's coffin from a Coast Guard boat July 21, 1999 at Woods Hole, Massachusetts

But the tensions at the heart of the Kennedy family soon exploded to the surface.

'The bickering over the bodies began the following day, even though they hadn't yet been recovered,' the author writes.

'Carolyn's mother, Ann Freeman, was "very upset" about where the bodies would be buried.

'She wanted the trio to be buried in Greenwich, Connecticut, which [RFK Jr] said would be an impossibility.'

Writing in his diary at the time, Bobby  now President Trump's Health and Human Services Secretary  said: 'John Kennedy couldn't be buried in Greenwich because he had no connection and for all the other reasons.'

Freeman 'wanted her daughters close' and was 'terrified that they (the Kennedys) will try to spirit (Carolyn) to Brookline or Martha's Vineyard.because both of them loved it there', RFK Jr wrote.

RFK Jr helped to broker a meeting between the Bessette family and John's sister, Caroline, in New York the next day.

But it went off the rails because Caroline did not show up and instead sent her husband Edwin Schlossberg, even though he 'hated' Bessette.

Carolyn's family had wanted the couple buried in Connecticut, setting the stage for a bitter dispute

US Senator Edward Kennedy and Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg pictured arriving at the memorial service for Lauren Bessette

Ethel Kennedy, Robert Kennedy Jr, his wife, and other loved ones during the Memorial Service for Lauren Bessette at Christ Church in Greenwich, Connecticut

Vicky Reggie, Ted Kennedy's second wife, was also at the meeting.

RFK Jr wrote in his diary that Schlossberg 'did everything in his power to make her (Freeman's) life miserable' and bullied the 'shattered' mother, who was deep in grief for her two daughters.

The bodies were finally found on July 21, five days after the plane went down.

In his diary, RFK Jr wrote: 'Coast Guard found John's body and fuselage at 2.30am and found the girls soon after', adding that Ted Kennedy and his sons Teddy Jr and Patrick took a helicopter to be there for the recovery.

'Teddy was shaken afterwards,' RFK Jr wrote.

'The bodies were in bad shape, and the autopsy would find they'd been killed on impact', he wrote.

The bodies were cremated and the ashes scattered at sea during an emotional ceremony with the whole family who boarded a US Navy cutter to meet the destroyer USS Briscoe a mile off the coast.

The Briscoe then took them 20 miles further to Gay Head, which was a mile from the crash site.

RFK Jr wrote that Freeman and her second husband, Richard, 'climbed over the landing and scattered the girls' ashes one at a time'.

Then they spread John's ashes at sea.

Ethel Kennedy is pictured with two of her sons Douglas (left) and Max (right) and his wife Vicky on July 19, 1999 (far right) after the family gathered in Hyannis Port to await further news of the plane crash

A new book reveals how the deaths of JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette triggered a bitter family dispute

'The water had more jellyfish in it than anyone had ever seen,' RFK Jr wrote.

'When they let go of the ashes, the plume erupted and settled in the water and passed by in the green current like a ghost.

'We tossed flowers onto the ghosts. Some of the girls tossed letters from a packet they'd assembled from John's and Carolyn's friends. It was a civil violation but the Coast Guard let it go'.

He added that a navy band played melancholy music and we all 'cried like babies'.

The memorial services continued the next day but family tensions flared again.

According to Vincent, there was a 'tense' conference call where it was decided that Ted Kennedy would eulogize John and Carolyn's close friend, Hamilton South, would do her eulogy.

But when Lisa Bessette, the surviving sister, suggested that RFK Jr should eulogize the couple as he knew them well, Schlossberg strongly objected.

According to RFK Jr's diary, Schlossberg said: 'Kennedys do not eulogize non-Kennedys.'

Lisa was 'disgusted' by this and claimed he had 'made up his rules on the spot and slammed the phone down'.

Carole Radziwill was offended too and called RFK Jr to complain that Schlossberg had 'flown into a tantrum because she hadn't said hello to him'.

According to the diary, Schlossberg told Radziwill: 'I know you've always hated me.'

Radziwill suggested to RFK Jr that the family should start an 'I hate Ed club'.

'[RFK Jr] agreed that there would be many members and that John Jr and Carolyn would certainly have applied,' the book states.
RIO DE JANEIRO, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The digital transformation of the Brazilian power sector is underway, driven by two fundamental forces: the digitization of infrastructure and the mass integration of renewable energy sources. In this new paradigm, critical communication shifts from a supporting role to become the foundation upon which an intelligent, secure, and resilient power grid is built. It is in this context that private wireless networks are emerging as a central technology to enable automation, real-time monitoring, and the operational reliability required by modern utilities.

01

More than just an environmental goal, the journey to green energy is an imperative for energy security and structural optimization. And at the heart of this evolution is the power communication network  the true "nervous system" that transmits critical data, delivers commands in milliseconds, and ensures the stability of the new electrical system. The quality of this connectivity infrastructure ultimately determines the success or failure of future power grid operations.

It is precisely in the "last kilometer" of the distribution network that the challenges intensify. As the final link between the power grid and end users, the distribution network concentrates the most pressing demands for reliable connectivity: geographically distributed nodes, challenging operating and maintenance conditions, and the need to support a surge in IoT devices and automation systems. Traditional technologies no longer meet the latency, security, and scalability requirements that this scenario demands.

The answer to this historical bottleneck lies in private wireless networks (such as private LTE and 5G). Combining mission-critical security, operational reliability, deployment flexibility, and strategic cost-effectiveness, these solutions effectively meet the communication needs of distribution networks, enabling use cases such as teleprotection, smart metering, field control, and predictive monitoring.

To deepen this discussion and present the technical and regulatory roadmap for this silent revolution, Huawei and the 450 MHz Alliance launched the white paper "Private Wireless Network for Power Grids" at the UTCAL 2026 summit, held in Rio de Janeiro on March 17. In this exclusive document, the white paper details how private wireless networks overcome the limitations of legacy technologies, ensuring the resilience and intelligence required to support the future of energy in Brazil.

Download here:

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Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2954753/01.jpg
A fifth woman has come forward accusing California Congressman Eric Swalwell of sexual assault.

Speaking alongside her attorneys in Beverly Hills, Lonna Drewes accused Swalwell of drugging her and raping her in 2018 after the opening of a restaurant.

She dramatically alleged Swalwell raped and choked her, and also noted, 'While he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died.'

Even an announcement of Swalwell's imminent departure from Congress doesn't seem to be stemming the flow of accusations of sexual improprieties being hurled his way.

Lisa Bloom, attorney for the accuser Drewes, told reporters that Swalwell's impending resignation was a bid to dodge accountability, not an act of it.

'Once he steps down, the Ethics Committee no longer has jurisdiction to impose consequences on him,' she said.

The US House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into Swalwell on Monday.

A second alleged victim then went public in a CBS interview aired Tuesday morning, making further disturbing accusations against him.

Lonna Drewes reacts during a press conference alleging US Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat sexually assaulted her alongside a photo of Drewes with Swalwell (R) on April 14, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California

Lonna Drewes speaks during a press conference alleging U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) sexually assaulted her on April 14, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California

Eric Swalwell speaks during the California Democratic Convention in San Francisco, on February 21

Lonna Drewes (L) speaks during a press conference alleging Swalwell sexually assaulted her alongside attorney Lisa Bloom on April 14, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California

Eric Swalwell and his wife Brittany Watts attend the CORE Gala in 2022

At least five women have now accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including rape, sexual assault, and unsolicited messages and photos.

Annika Albrecht, the Swalwell accuser who came forward Tuesday morning, told CBS that, 'For me, justice won't be until he can't ever harm a woman ever again, and he has faced the consequences for the women that he has harmed.'

Albrecht said she too had been invited to meet Swalwell in a hotel room - adding it was 'very clear what the connotation was.' She now finds herself thinking about 'how lucky I am that I didn't go to that hotel.'

Swalwell announced on Monday that he will resign his Congressional seat after being engulfed by explosive sexual assault and misconduct allegations. The Democrat - who suspended his run for California governor on Sunday - apologized to his family and staff, but insisted the claims are false.

Pressure had been mounting since Friday, when the San Francisco Chronicle published a bombshell report in which multiple women accused him of misconduct.

A former staffer told CNN over the weekend that Swalwell raped her while she was drunk - and that despite her attempts to push him away during the encounter, 'He didn't stop.'

Two Swalwell accusers and an influencer who helped get their story out spoke with CBS News in an interview that aired on April 14

Swalwell accuser Ally Sammarco in her CBS interview

He has denied the allegations and vowed to fight them - but over the weekend his political career went into freefall.

In a statement Monday, Swalwell confirmed he would resign from the House but gave no date for his departure. 'I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility for the mistakes I did make,' he said.

He added that he was aware of efforts to force an immediate expulsion vote, warning it would be wrong to remove a lawmaker without due process 'within days of an allegation being made.'

Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna vowed on Tuesday to press ahead with her resolution calling for his expulsion. 'His statement about his "plan to resign his seat" is not binding and is wormy,' she said.

Luna had warned on X on Monday that she was 'being told there will be more disgusting stuff coming out on Swalwell in the next 24 hours,' adding: 'For the members of Congress who are concerned about optics on expelling Swalwell, I think after the information drops you will be thinking otherwise. Eric, why don't you tell us a little about who was filming the video of the female sex worker.'

A video of Swalwell and a woman in bed  with at least two other individuals apparently present  circulated on X on Monday. Swalwell is married to Brittany Watts; the couple have three young children and have been married nine years.

Swalwell is not the only congressman heading for the exit.

Republican Tony Gonzales announced on Monday he would also step down, after the Daily Mail exposed a sex scandal involving his staffer, who later set herself on fire.

Gonzales, who had previously dropped his bid for reelection, wrote on X: 'There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all,' before announcing his departure. 'When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office,' he said. 'It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.'

He had an affair with married aide Regina Aviles, initially denying it before admitting the relationship last month. She took her own life last September. Gonzales called it a 'mistake' and a 'lapse in judgment,' adding: 'I take full responsibility for those actions. Since then, I have reconciled with my wife, Angel. I've asked God to forgive me, which he has. And my faith is as strong as ever.'

Both Luna and Democratic Women's Caucus chairwoman Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico had called on Swalwell and Gonzales to resign or face an expulsion vote.
Deeply held party loyalties can be a difficult habit to break for many. Abandoning the party one has always voted for may well be a step too far for some.

But voting tactically for another party, however much of a wrench it seems, could prove decisive in blocking the SNPs path to a Holyrood majority at the forthcoming election.

For those whose chief concern is fending off the Nationalist threat to the Union, a different approach may be necessary.

And that means, potentially, voting for a party you have never voted for, solely on the basis that it has the best chance of defeating the SNP.

Around a million Scots are expected to begin voting by post in the coming days, roughly a quarter of the electorate. To aid you in arriving at your decision, The Mail has produced a tactical voting guide covering every single seat in the country.

Today we look at Edinburgh and Lothian East, and South Scotland. While the SNP are defending large majorities in several seats, they are susceptible in others  such as East Lothian Coast where a slight swing to Labour could see them gain control.

Edinburgh seats are split between SNP, Labour and Lib Dems

The same is true in Edinburgh, where Labour or the Lib Dems could win through in a number of constituencies if voters back the candidate best-placed to defeat the Nationalists.

In South Scotland, the Conservatives need pro-Union voters to rally behind them to defend the constituencies they hold, while in the likes of Ayr the party could easily gain control if enough people choose to vote tactically, given the SNP is defending a tiny majority of just 170.

Be in no doubt that an SNP majority would plunge Scotland into another five wasted years of chaos, punitive taxation and shambling failure.

Tactical voting may well be the best way to prevent that nightmare scenario. The final part of our series will appear in tomorrows paper  providing a comprehensive analysis of how your vote can best be used to prevent a separatist majority.

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EDINBURGH AND LOTHIAN EAST

East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 1,179

Second-placed: Labour

Previously one of the staunchest Labour seats at Holyrood, thanks to well-attended Labour social clubs across the former mining area, this seat first went to the SNP in 2021. Paul McLennan, who proved a hapless housing minister, is now defending a small majority against Labours Martin Whitfield, a former lawyer and primary teacher and is a good contender to take the seat back for Labour.

It wont hurt that local MP Douglas Alexander is co-chair of Scottish Labours campaign.

Tactical vote: Labour

Edinburgh Central

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 4,732

Second-placed: Conservative

IF only they could both lose, Unionists may well mutter when looking at the big names in contention. Defending the seat is the SNPs modesty-free Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson.

Against him, in the top target for the Greens, is former co-leader Lorna Slater whose party is desperate for a first constituency win.

A strong showing by the Greens could deny Robertson victory by splitting the Nationalist vote, as happened here in 2016, when Tory leader Ruth Davidson was the surprise winner. Hoping to come through the middle in a crowded 11-candidate field is Labour city councillor James Dalgleish.

Tactical vote: Labour

Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 10,117

Second-placed: Labour

A NEW seat mashed together from three others, with the biggest slice out of Edinburgh Eastern. Former Scottish Government minister Ash Regan won for the SNP in 2021 but then fell out with the party over gender reform.

After failing to become party leader she defected to Alba, then left that to be an Independent.

Though credited as a powerful womens rights advocate, she leaves behind a messy legacy.

Trying to tip-toe around it for the SNP is Edinburgh councillor Kate Campbell. Well known in Labour circles as head of the Scottish Fabians think tank, Katherine Sangster is the key pro-Union alternative.

Tactical vote: Labour

Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 11,569

Second-placed: Labour

CENTRED on Leith, this is one of the fastest growing and most painfully hipster parts of Scotland. Higher education minister Ben Macpherson is aiming for his third stint as its MSP. His majority looks good on paper, but Labour won the equivalent Westminster seat in 2024 by over-turning a bigger one.

NHS doctor Oliver Thomas is the political rookie trying to repeat the feat for Labour at Holyrood. Potentially hurting the SNP  and her own party  is loose cannon Green candidate Kate Nevens, already notorious in this election for demanding jails be abolished.

Tactical vote: Labour

Edinburgh North Western

Incumbent: Liberal Democrat

Majority: 9,885

Second-placed: SNP

A SEAT where the drama is in guessing Alex Cole-Hamiltons margin of victory. The Scottish Lib Dem leader gained what was then Edinburgh Western in 2016 by less than 3,000 votes over the SNP. But he dug in and amassed the biggest haul in Scotland in 2021, collecting more than 25,500 votes, or 55 per cent of ballots cast.

Boundary changes have given him even more Lib Dem-friendly areas to mine. East Lothian councillor Lyn Jardine is his long-shot SNP rival, while Labours Irshad Ahmed is a non-starter who has been dogged by infighting and claims of selection irregularities.

Tactical vote: Liberal Democrat

Edinburgh Northern

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 11,569

Second-placed: Labour

A BLEND of three seats rooted in the plusher parts of the old Edinburgh Northern & Leith.

Although the SNP won that constituency in 2021, the council elections in 2022 saw the Lib Dems beat them in the area covered by the redrawn seat.

Next-door to Alex Cole-Hamiltons base, this is a top target for the Lib Dems, with Edinburgh city councillor Sanne Dijkstra-Downie their candidate. Fellow councillor Euan Hyslop is running for the SNP, while Labour have turned to charity worker Eleanor Ryan-Saha after the suspension of former MSP Foysol Choudhury over alleged misconduct.

Tactical vote: Liberal Democrat

Edinburgh South Western

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 3,897

Second-placed: Conservative

FORMERLY Edinburgh Pentlands, this seat has been in Nationalist hands since 2011, when SNP bruiser Gordon MacDonald snatched it from ex-Scottish Tory leader David McLetchie.

MacDonalds retirement from Holyrood leaves Simita Kumar, combative leader of the SNP group on Edinburgh Council, defending it. But its a shaky majority and Labour won the Westminster equivalent from the SNPs Joanna Cherry, KC, in 2024.

Labours candidate is former EU competition lawyer Catriona Munro, who narrowly lost a council by-election last year, but now has a good shot at Holyrood.

Tactical vote: Labour

Edinburgh Southern

Incumbent: Labour

Majority: 4,022

Second-placed: SNP

Boundary changes make this a jumpy race for Labour incumbent Daniel Johnson, whose old seat has been halved and mixed with three others, including a slab of working-class Edinburgh Eastern.

He is aided by having Labours former Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, the partys sole survivor of the 2015 SNP tsunami, as the areas canny MP.

Also helping is a scandal over original SNP candidate Sally Donald, who quit over an alleged 20,000 benefits fraud and became a poster girl for Nationalist entitlement. Former Leith MP Deidre Brock is her eleventh-hour replacement.

Tactical vote: Labour

Midlothian North

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 7,906

Second-placed: Labour

THE oldest MSP who is seeking re-election to Holyrood, Colin Beattie is no stranger to controversy. As SNP treasurer he was arrested and quizzed during the police probe into the partys finances but not charged.

His determination to stand again led to infighting and claims of using cash to sway the selection, after he promised to ensure the campaign was sufficiently funded if he was picked as the candidate.

Taking him on is Labour policy wonk Caitlin Stott, who is buoyed by the fact the overlapping Midlothian seat at Westminster has swapped between SNP and Labour at the last four elections, with Labour winning in 2024.

Tactical vote: Labour

SOUTH SCOTLAND

Ayr

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 170

Second-placed: Conservative

A TORY stronghold, this seat was first won by the SNP in 2021  but only barely. Siobhan Browns 170-vote majority is the smallest at Holyrood. The dour community safety minister now faces an uphill task defending it.

Tory challenger Sharon Dowey has plenty of voter gripes to highlight, not least anti-social behaviour in Ayr high street and the woeful ferry service from Troon in the north of the seat to Arran.

Tactical vote: Conservative

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 4,337

Second-place: Conservative

LABOUR for the first three Scottish parliaments and SNP for the next three, this former mining seat was last represented by drugs minister Elena Whitham.

But she is quitting after a single term at Holyrood. The SNP have parachuted in Dumfries & Galloway Council deputy leader Katie Hagmann, a senior figure in local government group Cosla, as their candidate. Labour gained the Westminster seat here in 2024 from third place on a monster 20 per cent swing from the SNP. Former list MSP Carol Mochan is aiming for another win in May.

Tactical vote: Labour

Clydesdale

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 4,578

Second-placed: Conservative

SNP incumbent Mairi McAllan will be fighting extra hard to hang on in Clydesdale. The Housing Secretary is tipped as a future party leader after John Swinneys time ends, and losing the seat would be an awkward blot on her CV.

Hoping to frustrate her is Labours Lynsey Hamilton, chair of education on South Lanarkshire Council. Much of the seat is within the Tory-voting Westminster constituency of Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, but Labour is seen as having the best chance of upsetting McAllans applecart.

Tactical vote: Labour

Dumfriesshire

Incumbent: Conservative

Majority: 4,066

Second-placed: SNP

THIS huge seat, which runs from the Solway Firth north to the Ayrshire coalfields, has been won by the Tories in the last two elections, but not comfortably.

Oliver Mundells majority over the SNP was a tense 1,230 in 2016 and a still sweaty 4,000 in 2021. His stepping down in May sees capable Tory finance spokesman Craig Hoy stepping up in his place.

His SNP challenger is Dumfries & Galloway Council leader Stephen Thompson. Potentially helping the SNP is independence- supporting Reform UK candidate David Kirkwood, who threatens to split the vote and let Thompson snatch victory.

Tactical vote: Conservative

East Kilbride

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 8,672

Second-placed: Labour

THE SNP may be firefighting scandals Scotland-wide, but Labour also has a few as well. In East Kilbride, MP Joani Reid recently gave up the Labour whip after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

Lurid claims about her private life followed. But the eyebrow- raising headlines havent deterred Labour candidate Joe Fagan, energetic leader of South Lanarkshire Council.

His SNP opponent is lacklustre incumbent Collette Stevenson, who was last year reportedly put on a list of deadwood MSPs by senior SNP figures.

Tactical vote: Labour

Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire

Incumbent: Conservative

Majority: 6,863

Second-placed: SNP

MAKING up most of the Border with England and home to the historic market towns of Hawick, Jedburgh and Kelso, this vast seat knows the value of the Union.

Liberal Democrat-held for two terms, it has been in Conservative hands since 2007.

Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton is the incumbent fighting for a third term as its MSP. Her SNP opponent is arch Nationalist John Redpath, founder of Yes Berwickshire, who says a majority of SNP and Green MSPs at Holyrood would be a mandate for another referendum.

Tactical vote: Conservative

Galloway and West Dumfries

Incumbent: Conservative

Majority: 2.635

Second-placed: SNP

THE southernmost seat in Scotland has been Tory for most of devolution, with the SNP only winning it once in 1999.

But the Conservative wins since have never been easy, with majorities always below 3,500 and once below 100. So former farmer Finlay Carson is going flat out in his re-election campaign.

A key issue is the SNP failure to upgrade the A75, the east-west lifeline between Stranraer and Dumfries.

Plodding SNP loyalist Emma Harper is his challenger, while Reforms Senga Beresford, who has backed Tommy Robinson and the deporting of British Muslims, risks splitting the anti-SNP vote.

Tactical vote: Conservative

Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 4,582

Second-placed: Labour

THE scene of the only by-election in the last Scottish parliament, it was won in 2021 by the SNPs much-missed Christina McKelvie. Her death from cancer last year saw her party lose by 602 votes to Labours Davy Russell in a major upset for John Swinney.

The contest also marked the arrival of Reform in Scottish politics, as the party came a close third. The likeable Russell, who seemed to win by knowing all of Hamilton, is standing again. SNP apparatchik Alex Kerr, the partys national secretary, is his Nationalist challenger.

Tactical vote: Labour

Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 11,681

Second-placed: Labour

A SEAT that has endured two of the biggest non-entities yet seen at Holyrood, Labours Margaret Jamieson and SNP backbencher Willie Coffey. With Coffey standing down, the SNP are fielding the areas ex-MP Alan Brown, who lost to Labour at the general election after a crushing 22 per cent swing against him.

Labours choice is globe-trotting Killie boy Ewan McPhee, a former policy adviser in Brussels and to the New Zealand government. A diverse CV also includes a stint as a charity volunteer in Uganda living on 1 a day.

Tactical vote: Labour

Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale

Incumbent: SNP

Majority: 6,826

Second-placed: Conservative

ALTHOUGH large parts of the seat, which includes Galashiels and Melrose, are represented by a Tory MP, so far it has always been Liberal Democrat or SNP-held at Holyrood. Since 2011, the formidable Christine Grahame has been its MSP, but she is stepping down after 27 years in parliament.

Hoping to replace her is Calum Kerr, who lasted two years as a local MP before voters kicked him out in 2017. The Conservative candidate is former Borders councillor and businessman Keith Cockburn, who has been campaigning against plans for a 96-kilometre pylon line through the Borders.

Tactical vote: Conservative
A trio have been accused of causing 2.4million worth of damage to a company said to be linked to the Israeli military, a magistrates' court heard.

Steven Davies, 57, Ian Roberts, 51, and Dolores Gnapi, 34, allegedly broke into a Keysight Technologies premises in Fleet, Hampshire, in the early hours of Sunday, Westminster Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday.

The trio have been accused of smashing computer screens, servers and other electronic equipment.

The firm manufactures parts used in Elbit Systems' drones, defence barrister Katie McFadden told the court, and is the largest weapons supplier to Israel.

The parts are 'then used in the ongoing genocide in Gaza', Ms McFadden, defending all three, said.

Kate Bolton, prosecuting, told the court walls, floors and desks were stained with red paint sprayed from a fire extinguisher, and the defendants shouted 'for Palestine'.

All three are charged with aggravated burglary with a hammer and criminal damage to property.

Roberts, of McDougall Road, Wednesbury, West Midlands, is also charged with assaulting an emergency worker.

Steven Davies, 57, Ian Roberts, 51, and Dolores Gnapi, 34, allegedly broke into a Keysight Technologies (pictured) premises in Fleet, Hampshire, in the early hours of Sunday, Westminster Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday

Ms McFadden, defending, said the charges were 'grossly overblown'.

'I am concerned that both in the charge selection and in the way it's been described,' she told the court.

'This matter has been massively overblown for the purpose of an application for remand.'

Davies, of Slade Road, Birmingham; Gnapi, of Tariff Crescent, Lewisham, south-east London; and Roberts were remanded in custody.

They will next appear at the Old Bailey on May 1.
Two people from Illinois allegedly attempted to steal tens of thousands of dollars worth of designer goods, including a more than $30,000 Hermes bag, at a luxury hotel in Palm Beach.

Gino Gusich and Stephanie Lichay, both 35, allegedly sneaked into a room at The Breakers, an iconic and grandiose oceanside hotel where the cheapest rooms start at around $900 per night, according to the Palm Beach Police Department.

It is unclear what Gusich and Lichay's relationship is and whether they are romantically involved or friends.

The pair was staying at the hotel and broke into a room being rented by fellow guests on the same floor after that person left their door ajar, according to a statement from The Breakers.

They allegedly entered the room around 1.28am on Sunday and left about ten minutes later, having stolen items including a bottle of $20 lotion, a $25 mirror, $385 in cash and a $1,500 Chanel purse.

Their biggest stolen prize was a Hermes Mini Kelly purse worth more than $32,500, according to police.

The Breakers is known for its extensive security, and the pair was captured on surveillance footage, which confirmed the swift timeline of the alleged heist, police said.

The Mini Kelly, although less famous than the Birkin, is considered to be in the same echelon of highly coveted and stylish designer purses among Hermes aficionados. Some even prefer the bag's sleek, feminine design to its more-famous counterpart.

Two people from Illinois allegedly attempted to steal designer items from a room at a luxury hotel in Palm Beach. The mugshot of Stephanie Lichay, one of the suspects, is pictured

The mugshot of Gino Gusich, the other suspect, is pictured. It is unclear what his and Lichay's relationship is, though they were both staying at the hotel

The most expensive item the pair allegedly attempted to steal was a Hermes Mini Kelly purse (pictured, stock image) worth more than $32,500

As Gusich and Lichay allegedly left the hotel room with their stolen luxury haul, they were immediately confronted by the rightful owners, who had been on their way back to the room and demanded the goods be returned to them, according to police.

Lichay was carrying the designer purses, lotion and mirror, while Gusich was holding onto the cash, police said.

The couple handed over the items after they were caught red-handed, police added.

'You'd think people that are staying at such a nice place wouldn't stoop that low, and they'd have the money and resources to not have to resort to anything like that,' said another guest at the hotel, who was later interviewed by CBS12.

Officers responded to The Breakers hotel around 1.41am following reports of the alleged luxury heist.

The Midwestern couple was arrested and charged with burglary and grand theft exceeding $20,000.

They were booked into the Palm Beach County Jail but have since been released on bond.

According to Florida law, grand theft exceeding $20,000 is a second-degree felony, which is punishable by a sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The attempted luxury heist took place at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, which is an iconic and grandiose hotel. The exterior of the hotel is pictured

Prices for the cheapest rooms at The Breakers start at around $900 per night. The driveway at The Breakers is pictured

The Breakers released a statement that said its 'security staff, surveillance measures, and coordination with law enforcement worked properly.' The interior of the hotel is pictured

Burglary while unarmed and without committing assault or battery is also a second-degree felony that carries the same potential punishments.

Following the alleged luxury goods heist, The Breakers released a statement that said: 'The Breakers Palm Beach places the highest priority on the safety and security of our team members and guests.

'Our security staff, surveillance measures, and coordination with law enforcement worked properly and enabled swift response to hold the suspects accountable.'
Appearing on ITVs Loose Women chat show shortly after stepping down as First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon was asked to name the achievement in Government of which she was proudest.

Without hesitation, Ms Sturgeon replied that the introduction of the baby box had been one of the most satisfying moments during her time in power.

The former SNP leader soaked up the applause of a studio audience which, no harm to them, fell for the idea that the Nationalists decision to spend more than 10million a year giving the parents of every newborn a box full of useful bits and bobs  bodysuit, a thermometer, a teething ring and so on  represented policy-making at its most progressive.

Launching the boxes, inside which babies can sleep, in 2017, Ms Sturgeon said they would help to reduce infant mortality and improve child health.

Of course, they have done no such thing. The baby box is a costly gimmick, a headline-grabbing giveaway which, while perfectly nice to receive, has done precisely nothing to better the quality of life of young Scots.

This is a truth confirmed by the Scottish Governments own review of the policy.

But thats neither here nor there to a Nationalist administration that judges policy not on whether it is good but whether it sounds good.

In 2021, the SNP signed a new 56million contract for provision of the boxes for a further five years.

Having committed to the waste of tens of millions of pounds on a policy that does nothing to help babies, the Nationalists now propose to do the same for children joining primary school.

First Minister John Swinney has announced his partys plans for a Welcome to School Bag, filled with essential items such as stationery, books and a water bottle.

Mr Swinneys policy launch was emotional stuff, indeed.

Starting school, he said, is an exciting moment for every child and their family and I am determined that we do everything we can to support them at such a big transition point in their life.

How terribly noble.

John Swinney has promised to hand out free school bags to children if the SNP win the election

Parents with the insider knowledge gained through already having children in the school system know that the best way to support them would be to ensure classrooms were fully resourced and staffing levels raised.

But dont worry about the deeply ingrained institutional problems  the funding shortfalls, the plummeting staff morale, the ongoing crises in childhood literacy and numeracy  heres a bag!

Announcing the plan for this life-changing satchel, Mr Swinney said it would build on the fantastic success of the baby box which had been transformational for so many families across the country.

The First Minister knows, because his own officials have told him so, that the baby box policy has made no appreciable difference to the life of any family that has received one.

The SNP purloined the baby box scheme from Finland, where the government has provided them for almost 90 years.

However, what the Nationalists didnt bother pinching was the part of the policy that means, in order to receive a box, an expectant mother must form a relationship with a health care professional early in her pregnancy.

The Finnish baby box is a freebie designed to bring medics and incipient mothers together. The Scottish baby box is just a freebie.

If the policy has been transformational, it has been in giving SNP ministers something to say when asked about their achievements.

But, look, were not daft. We know why the Nationalists went with the policy despite it having no benefits. Ms Sturgeon introduced the baby box policy because it plays into the SNPs exhausting story of Scottish exceptionalism: we care so much about our babies that were doing this (entirely symbolic) thing.

The unspoken implication is, of course, that the English dont love their babies enough to put them in cardboard boxes.

After the SNP came to power under the late Alex Salmond in 2007, the party was quick to display its fondness for bread and circuses politics.

That first flagship policy of free prescriptions was a classic of the form.

Before the SNP legislated on the matter, half of all Scots  the young, the elderly, those unemployed or on low incomes  received free prescriptions.

Whats more, 80 per cent of all prescriptions were dispensed with no charge.

All the Nationalists policy did was expand the provision of free prescriptions to the wealthiest in society. And, yes, there is an argument to be made for universalism but if youre going to make it, you should be prepared to explain why you think, in this instance, a nations health is improved by the removal of hundreds of millions of pounds from the NHS drugs budget to give free haemorrhoid cream to people on an MSPs salary.

As with the baby box, the prescriptions policy allowed SNP ministers to present a story of Scotland as uniquely compassionate while, in reality, doing nothing to improve the lots of those most desperately in need.

The new Welcome to School Bag is the latest in a succession of shiny things held up by the SNP as proof of its progressive, compassionate politics.

Suspicion

Like prescriptions and baby boxes, its a symbol, something that confirms the sneaking suspicion which lies in the depths of every Scots mind that we are just better than other people.

But, like those other policies, the free bag wont begin to tackle the problems to which it is declared a solution. It wont make any difference to schools facing funding shortages or children struggling through poverty.

Still, itll be somewhere for kids to put the laptops they were promised in 2021 but havent received, I suppose.

Appearing on BBC Scotlands Debate Night on Sunday evening, Mr Swinney looked tired and often sounded unfocused.

After 19 years of SNP government, this is hardly surprising.

The Nationalists laughable school bag policy is, surely, proof if proof were needed that Mr Swinneys is a government out of ideas.

Since the SNP is on course to win next months Holyrood election, the Welcome to School Bag will soon become a reality.

Like the baby box, it will exist not to actually improve lives but to give SNP ministers something to talk about.
A senior figure in a charity for gay and trans teenagers which has received millions in public funding has quit amid claims he is a Walter Mitty character with a false CV.

Timothy Westwood was billed as a highly experienced third-sector [charity] leader, lawyer and governance specialist when he was appointed convener of LGBT Youth Scotland (LGBTYS) last year.

But he stepped down after charities whose boards he claimed to have served on denied any knowledge of him.

It has emerged Westwood previously referred to himself as Rt Hon Lord Barony Timothy Guy Westwood without any right to do so and had used a bizarre computer-manipulated image of his face on the LGBTYS website.

After being alerted to discrepancies, the charity, which was once run by a paedophile, confirmed he had resigned.

Westwood is 25, according to Companies House information.

Hels Bowie, its head of partnerships, told The Times: Timothy Westwood has resigned as convener of the board of LGBT Youth Scotland.

As a charity, LGBT Youth Scotland are committed to strong governance and are taking action with the board to undertake a full investigation into the media allegations regarding Timothys qualifications and experience. In 2024 Rosie Millard, chair of the BBCs Children in Need charity, resigned alleging institutional failure in a row over 466,000 in grants awarded to LGBTYS.

Altered image: Tim Westwood

Westwood said he had served in senior leadership and advisory roles with the British Red Cross and Mind, the mental health charity, but both said they had no records of him working with them. He is not registered as a lawyer in Scotland or England.

Records show that a company founded in 2019 by The Rt Hon Lord Barony Timothy Guy Westwood, who shares the same birthdate as Westwood, had been struck off.

Asked about the row yesterday, John Swinney said: Obviously organisations have got to exercise all safeguarding responsibilities that we would expect to be the case, and all grant funding decisions are taken with the full scrutiny of all of these questions.

But Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: John Swinney cant just wash his hands of this issue. He should show some common sense and withhold money from this activist group, like BBC Children in Need have done.

Pam Gosal, Scottish Tory candidate for Strathkelvin and Bearsden, said: This activist group must come clean about this individuals true identity and credentials.

One charity insider told The Times: All the evidence would appear to suggest that he is a Walter Mitty character.

A spokesman for LGBTYS said: Our recruitment process for all board members includes an application, an interview, receipt of two professional references... and becoming a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme prior to appointment to the board and Companies House and The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

Westwood has been approached for comment.
The SNP has been slammed for offering voters 130 school bags in a pre-election bribe.

The goodie-bag gimmick could cost taxpayers more than 30million in the next parliament.

John Swinney denied there was anything controversial about the scheme, which would see 50,000 state pupils per year given school bags to welcome them to Primary 1.

The backpacks would include a PE kit voucher, water bottle, books and stationery, as well as advice for parents on education.

The First Minister touted a prototype  in bright SNP yellow  on a visit to a nursery in West Lothian.

He said the Welcome to School bags were a follow-up to the SNPs baby box scheme, seen as virtue signalling by critics, which has cost 9million a year since 2017.

Asked if it was a bribe, as the Tories claim, the SNP leader said: No, no, no.

The SNP also promised free laptops and bikes for pupils at the 2021 election then failed to meet the pledges.

The row coincided with school pupils affected by Mr Swinneys botched exam downgrade when he was education secretary during Covid telling him it was gutting for him to boast about his record.

In an open letter to the First Minister, the young people said the impact knocked our confidence and our trust in the systems and the people who are meant to support us.

Scottish Conservative education spokesman Miles Briggs said: John Swinneys latest goodie-bag gimmick is a shameful bribe that is straight out of the SNPs election playbook.

Former SNP MP Joanna Cherry, KC, added on X: Dont insult the intelligence of the electorate, its not a good look.

Mr Swinney said the bags and contents would cost around 6.5million a year in total, equivalent to 130 each.

Promoting the policy at Wonder Woods kindergarten in West Calder, he said it would be an early priority for a fifth SNP government, but a detailed procurement process meant bags would not be ready until at least August 2027.

Asked about the Tory charge it was a bribe, he said: Thats absolutely hilarious. Because what differentiates any proposition of this type from any other commitment given [during] an election campaign?

Lindsay Paterson, professor of education policy at Edinburgh University, told the Times the policy was bizarre.

He said: Like any untargeted policy, it essentially wastes public resources on people who could afford the bag and its contents anyway.

Reform UK Scotland leader Lord Malcolm Offord said: We are in a cost-of-living crisis and our rotten government believe the way to progress is to promise more unnecessary spending from the already strapped public purse.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie added: Scotlands children deserve better than another implausible freebie from a party that just wants to secure a third decade in power.
Disgraced ex-California Congressman Eric Swalwell's best friend, Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, is denying that he had any knowledge of his alleged sexual misconduct.

Five women have accused Swalwell, a Democrat, of sexual improprieties - including rape and assault - in recent days, derailing his bid for California governor.

Swalwell has denied the allegations, but acknowledged 'mistakes' he's made in the past and apologized publicly to his wife.

Speaking with reporters in his office on Tuesday, Gallego claimed he had no knowledge of Swalwell's inappropriate behavior, even though he had heard that Swalwell was 'flirty.'

He broke down in tears at one point, insisting that he 'trusted' his friend.

'And it hurts, the fact that he hurt a lot of people, and it pisses me off that now we all have to deal with all of his BS, his family, the poor victims that are still going to have to seek justice,' Gallego said.

Turning on his longtime friend and colleague, he said that Swalwell 'became very good at being a predator.'

He also noted that he 'lied to all of us' while he held senior roles on the House Judiciary Committee, and was an active voice in the fight to impeach Donald Trump.

Arizona Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego holds a press conference in his office on Tuesday, April 14th to dicscuss his ties to him longtime friend Eric Swalwell

Swalwell and Gallego on Capitol Hill in September of 2021

Gallego also called the women accusing Swalwell 'courageous,' adding that they 'still deserve justice, and promised that he would turn over any requested legal evidence in cases against his longtime friend.

Swalwell filed his resignation from Congress with the Clerk of the House of Representatives on Tuesday afternoon after a fifth woman came forward with scathing allegations.

Swalwell and Gallego have been close throughout their time in Congress, and their families appear to be friendly as well.

Gallego noted that he had contacted Swalwell's wife through a friend regarding the allegations swirling around her husband.

The Arizona politician's personal life came under scrutiny during his Senate race.

He is now married to his second wife, after filing for divorce from his first wife, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, who was pregnant at the time of the filing.

Divorce records show that he allegedly told his ex-wife, current Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, their marriage was over on December 15, 2016.

Gallego filed a motion to seal the divorce records on the same day he filed them and later fought with the Washington Free Beacon to keep them sealed after the conservative outlet sued for access.

Divorce records in Arizona are usually public, however, Gallego filed to have their records sealed because 'each party is a high-profile public official,' and their case would 'likely receive intense scrutiny from the media.'

In the filings, Kate appeared to have been surprised by Gallego's characterization of their marriage as 'irretrievably broken', and responded in court that she was 'without knowledge' of his intentions.

Their divorce was finalized in April 2017. At the time, Kate was a member of the Phoenix City Council, and she went on to be elected the Mayor of Phoenix in March 2019.

Eric Swalwell and his wife Brittany Watts attend the CORE Gala 2022

Lonna Drewes reacts during a press conference alleging US Representative Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted her alongside a photo of Drewes with Swalwell (R) on April 14, in Beverly Hills, California

More women are rumored to be ready to come forward with their own accusations.

The latest accuser Lonna Drewes spoke alongside her attorneys in Beverly Hills on Tuesday.

She accused Swalwell of drugging her and raping her in 2018 after the opening of a restaurant.

Swalwell allegedly raped and choked her, and also noted, 'While he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died.'

Even an announcement of Swalwell's departure from Congress doesn't seem to be stemming the flow of accusations of sexual improprieties being hurled his way.

Lisa Bloom, attorney for the accuser Drewes, told reporters that Swalwell's then-impending resignation was a bid to dodge accountability, not an act of it.

'Once he steps down, the Ethics Committee no longer has jurisdiction to impose consequences on him,' she said.

The US House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into Swalwell on Monday.

A video of Swalwell and a woman in bed  with at least two other individuals apparently present  circulated on X on Monday. One of the individuals in the video is thought to be Gallego.

At least five women have now accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including rape, sexual assault, and unsolicited messages and photos.

Annika Albrecht, the Swalwell accuser who came forward Tuesday morning, told CBS that, 'For me, justice won't be until he can't ever harm a woman ever again, and he has faced the consequences for the women that he has harmed.'

Albrecht said she too had been invited to meet Swalwell in a hotel room - adding it was 'very clear what the connotation was.' She now finds herself thinking about 'how lucky I am that I didn't go to that hotel.'

Annika Albrecht, Ally Sammarco and influencer Cheyenne Hunt spoke to CBS News about the allegations against Democratic Swalwell

Images show Annika Albrecht (Annika Haug) in a meeting with Congressman Eric Swalwell and other college students

Another image linking Swalwell and Albrecht

Swalwell announced on Monday that he will resign his Congressional seat after being engulfed by explosive sexual assault and misconduct allegations. The Democrat - who suspended his run for California governor on Sunday - apologized to his family and staff, but insisted the claims are false.

Pressure had been mounting since Friday, when the San Francisco Chronicle published a bombshell report in which multiple women accused him of misconduct.

A former staffer told CNN over the weekend that Swalwell raped her while she was drunk - and that despite her attempts to push him away during the encounter, 'He didn't stop.'

He has denied the allegations and vowed to fight them - but over the weekend his political career went into freefall.

In a statement Monday, Swalwell confirmed he would resign from the House but gave no date for his departure. 'I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility for the mistakes I did make,' he said.

He added that he was aware of efforts to force an immediate expulsion vote, warning it would be wrong to remove a lawmaker without due process 'within days of an allegation being made.'
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin has sponsored a bill that would give his party a blueprint on how to force President Donald Trump, 79, into taking a mental fitness exam.

Raskin's bill would set up a commission to assess the President's fitness for office, pursuant to the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, which deals with presidential removal.

The Maryland lawmaker's office released the bill's language on Tuesday, and it's already been co-sponsored by 50 additional Democratic House members.

The move comes on the heels of Raskin making a public request to Trump's doctor, asking him to conduct a cognitive exam.

'Experts have repeatedly warned that the President has been exhibiting signs consistent with dementia and cognitive decline,' Raskin wrote in a letter to the Physician to the President, Captain Sean P. Barbabella, last week.

'And in recent days, the country has watched President Trump's public statements and outbursts turn increasingly incoherent, volatile, profane, deranged, and threatening,' Raskin stated in the April 10 letter.

The Maryland Democrat pointed to Trump's foul-mouthed tirade aimed at Iranian leaders dished out on Easter morning, where he told them to 'Open the F***in' Strait, you crazy b******s,' before praising 'Allah.'

Raskin also mentioned the President's behavior at the Easter Egg Roll, where he gave a graphic Iran war update to an audience filled with children.

Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin pointed to President Donald Trump's behavior at the White House Easter Egg Roll (pictured) as evidence that he may be 'exhibiting signs consistent with dementia and cognitive decline'

The congressman also referenced some of Trump's apparent health challenges, including the bruising on his hand.

The White House has said the near-constant blemish is due to Trump's aspirin use and frequent handshaking.

Trump's most recent physical was conducted last April, supplemented in December with Barbabella's reasoning for requesting advanced imaging, which the White House doctor described as 'preventative.'

Since Raskin's initial letter, Trump has riled up his base by reposting an image where he appeared as Jesus.

He told reporters Monday afternoon that he thought the picture portrayed him as a 'doctor making people feel better.'

Raskin's bill would establish a bipartisan commission made up of two appointees chosen by the House Speaker, House Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader.

Another four former 'high-ranking executive branch' appointees - including vice presidents and ex-Cabinet officials - would be chosen by Democrats, and another four would be appointed by Republicans.

The 16 commissioners would then choose another individual to serve as chair.

Maryland Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin is spearheading legislation that, if passed, would put together a commission to assess whether President Donald Trump can be removed from office via the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution

The group would 'carry out a medical examination of the President to determine whether the President is mentally or physically unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office.'

Raskin's bill won't see the light of day unless Democrats take control of Congress after the November midterms and still could be derailed by a Senate filibuster.

But it draws attention to some of Trump's recent behavior.

It also calls back to concerns about former President Joe Biden, who dropped his reelection bid in July 2024 over fears about his mental competency.

Trump was even older than Biden when he was sworn in for his second term in January 2025.

But the White House argued that the contrast between the two men continues to be 'stark.'

'Lightweight Jamie Raskin is a stupid person's idea of a smart person,' White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told the Daily Mail in a statement.

'President Trump's sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility stand in stark contrast to what we saw during the last administration when Democrats like Raskin intentionally covered up Joe Biden's serious mental and physical decline from the American people,' Ingle added.
Two former Labour defence secretaries on Tuesday night urged ministers to slash welfare to boost spending on security.

In an excoriating speech, former Nato chief Lord Robertson said national security had been left 'in peril' by Labour's failure to increase defence spending.

'The cold reality of today's dangerous world is that we cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget,' the Labour grandee told an audience in Salisbury.

Lord Robertson, who wrote the Government's strategic defence review last year, accused Rachel Reeves of blocking funding for the Armed Forces and urged ministers to free up cash by slashing the bloated benefits budget.

'Britain's welfare budget is now five times the amount we spend on defence. So I ask, are we certain that this is the right priority  jeopardising people's future safety and security, while maintaining an increasingly unsustainable welfare bill?'

He was backed by fellow Labour peer Lord Hutton, who served as both defence and work and pensions secretary in the last Labour government.

Lord Hutton urged Sir Keir to grip the issue as the 'defining moment in his premiership', saying he has 'a very, very short period of time to start putting this right and sending out the signals to Vladimir Putin' that Britain is serious about defending itself.

He told Times Radio that the Government has 'got to get a grip on the rising welfare budget'. But he warned that, almost two years in, 'there's no real sign that it's got any agenda for correcting the very steep rise in welfare payments'.

Keir Starmer and Lord Robertson pictured in 2024 at Downing Street

Taking aim: Then-defence secretary George Robertson on a Challenger tank in 1999

Last night, Labour's former deputy leader Harriet Harman suggested means-testing the pension triple lock, telling the BBC: 'If you're strapped for cash and need to divert some money to defence, that is one place to be looking.'

Despite the warnings, it emerged last night that the Treasury is pushing the Ministry of Defence to find 3.5billion in cuts this year  almost the exact cost of the Chancellor's decision to scrap the two-child benefits cap.

Kemi Badenoch said Labour's dithering on the issue was now an 'existential' problem for the country, saying: 'We have got to spend more on defence.'

The Conservative leader added: 'The Government does not have a defence investment plan. There is a welfare plan that runs to 2031 but no defence plan.'

Mrs Badenoch repeated her offer to work with Labour to push through welfare cuts to free up resources for defence.

'We used to spend one in every seven pounds on welfare,' she said. 'Now it's one in every three pounds and a lot of that money has basically been swapped for defence.'

Tory defence spokesman James Cartlidge said it was 'extraordinary' that the Treasury was demanding cuts to defence to fund the lifting of the two-child cap, which will hand thousands of pounds in extra benefits to some of Britain's biggest jobless families.

'We've got a former Labour defence secretary saying cut welfare to fund defence,' he told the Daily Mail. 'We need the current Defence Secretary to thump on the door of the Treasury and say, enough is enough.

'Let's take some tough decisions and cut welfare to fund defence.'

Last year, Defence Secretary John Healey said Labour would publish the ten-year Defence Investment Plan by the autumn.

But the deadline came and went amid bitter Whitehall infighting over how to pay for it. Downing Street was unable to say on Tuesday when it would be published, despite the fact it has been on the Prime Minister's desk for months.

Ministers are grappling with how to fill a 28billion black hole in defence funding over the next four years. Ms Reeves has warned she will not risk breaking her fiscal rules by borrowing the money.

The Chancellor has also signalled she is unwilling to look again at future defence spending until a planned comprehensive spending review in the summer of 2027.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden is working on a package of welfare reforms but has warned against trying to find significant savings this year.

Lord Robertson last night warned that the Government could not afford to delay a decision on defence spending.

Pointing the finger at the Chancellor, he accused 'non-military experts in the Treasury' of 'vandalism'.

The peer said: 'Three reviewers  a former defence secretary, a former general and a current foreign policy guru  were hired by Keir Starmer and John Healey to look at every aspect of UK defence, which we did with the aid of more than 150 experts and an unprecedented public consultation.

'If our recommendations were implemented, then we might be prepared for an opponent like Russia or a China in ten years' time. What is happening in the world today does not give us anything like ten years.'

Soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade (16 Air Asslt Bde) jump from a Royal Air Force (RAF) A400M transport aircraft onto Salisbury Plain at Copehill Down training facility on March 30, 2026

Asked why politicians were apathetic towards defence, Lord Robertson said: 'I think it's to do with the fact that we are an island nation and we've never been invaded. Maybe that's why there's an unrealistic sense of security.

'In a world of hypersonic missiles, of long-range drones, of intercontinental missiles, suddenly that moat around our coast, and our distance from trouble, has vanished completely.'

The peer said Mr Healey had been 'extremely, extremely angry' when he presented his criticisms, 'but sometimes you just have to say something.

'My country is in danger, so I felt that I had to speak out'.

The Mail has kept the pressure on the Government to raise spending through its Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign.

Downing Street denied the suggestion that government dithering was putting Britain at risk.
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British fighter planes were today scrambled over fears of a suspected Russian long-range bomber nearing UK airspace.

Two Typhoon fighter jets were flown from RAF Lossiemouth, in Scotland, along with a Voyager refuelling jet from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

The planes flew towards Shetland, off Scotland's north-east coast and were tracked circling nearby.

The Telegraph reported that an unidentified Russian warplane sat outside British airspace.

It did not need to be intercepted or escorted by the British jets, which later returned to base.

The Russian plane's approach to the UK comes just as Keir Starmer told British military chiefs to find 3.5billion in budget cuts despite the crisis in Iran and the looming threat the Kremlin poses to the West.

The heads of the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force - along with other top brass - are reported to be meeting this week to discuss funding pressures.

They have been asked by Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials to find 3.5billion of 'efficiencies' and other savings this year, according to Sky News.

Two Typhoon fighter jets were flown from RAF Lossiemouth, in Scotland (FIle image of a British Typhoon FGR4)

Sources said the in-year squeeze is because the current defence budget is insufficient to deliver existing plans.

It previously emerged that the MoD is facing a 28billion shortfall between now and 2030, with the Prime Minister said to have been given the dire financial assessment before Christmas.

James Cartlidge, the shadow defence secretary, said it was 'extraordinary' that military chiefs are being asked to find cuts at a time of 'war on two fronts' in the Middle East and Ukraine.

The senior Tory MP pointed to how Labour had spent around 3billion on lifting the two-child benefit cap, adding: 'Politics is always about what you prioritise.'

The row came as Sir Keir faced charges of leaving Britain 'unsafe' with a former NATO chief and Labour minister condemning the PM's 'corrosive complacency'.

Lord Robertson today said in an excoriating speech that Britain's national security had been left 'in peril' by Labour's failure to live up to promises to increase defence spending.

'The cold reality of today's dangerous world is that we cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget,' he told an audience in Salisbury.

'Britain's welfare budget is now five times the amount we spend on defence. So I ask, are we certain that this is the right priority - jeopardising people's future safety and security, while maintaining an increasingly unsustainable welfare bill?'

Asked how defence secretary John Healey had taken his criticisms, Lord Robertson said: '[He was] extremely, extremely angry with me, but sometimes you just have to say something.

'My country is in danger, so I felt that I had to speak out. That will be uncomfortable in the short term, but in the longer term, they know what they need to do.'

He added that 'many soldiers died as a result of the failure of the Labour government to act upon defence procurement' during the war in Afghanistan.

The MoD has previously announced a Defence Reform and Efficiency Plan to deliver 6billion of savings over five years.

An MoD spokesman said: 'The defence budget is rising to record levels as this Government delivers the biggest boost to defence spending since the Cold War, totalling 270billion this parliament alone.

'Demands on defence are rising, with growing Russian aggression, the crisis in the Middle East and increasing operational requirements.

'We are finalising our Defence Investment Plan that we will publish as soon as possible, putting the best kit and technology into the hands of our forces, rebuilding British industry to make defence an engine for growth and doubling down on our own commitment to NATO.'

The Daily Mail has contacted the RAF for comment.
Anthony Albanese has been criticised for wasting fuel by jetsetting overseas to secure long-term supplies while urging Aussies to conserve petrol.

The Prime Minister flew to Brunei on Tuesday, just days after he travelled to Singapore, where he sought priority access to fuel supplies and guaranteed shipments of critical goods like liquified natural gas.

He will sit down with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the world's longest-serving head of state, on Wednesday to discuss the oil crisis and firm up more supplies, before heading to Malaysia.

Australia imports nine per cent of its diesel, 11 per cent of its crude oil and 11 per cent of its fertiliser-grade urea from the tiny sultanate, despite Brunei being a smaller fuel producer than Singapore and Malaysia

Australia is also a large provider of food to Brunei, having supplied around three quarters of its meat imports in 2024.

Albanese's second trip to Asia to secure fuel from other countries comes as his government launched a $20million 'Every little bit helps' campaign giving Aussies tips on how to conserve fuel.

Sky News host Danica De Giorgio led the backlash, branding Albanese's latest travels as a 'desperation tour'.

'Anthony Albanese is on a plane, jetting worldwide, while using up fuel to do so, even though he has told us to conserve fuel,' she said.

Sky News host Danica De Giorgio branded Albanese's latest travels a 'desperation tour'

The Prime Minister flew to Brunei on Tuesday, his second trip to Asia within a week

'Extraordinary hypocrisy, isn't it?'

She added Australia would not be in the position it is in 'if the green dream wasn't running us dry'.

'The Prime Minister wouldn't have to be on this desperation tour if we could actually use our own fuel and our own backyard to fuel ourselves,' she continued.

'We've got gas, we've got coal, uranium. We are sitting on an abundance but instead of using them to our advantage, we export them elsewhere.

'I really think that our fuel supply crisis has been a comedy act.'

Many other Aussies agreed, slamming Albanese for flying overseas.

'Albanese flew to Singapore. Came home. Now off to Brunei and Malaysia. Burning jet fuel. Why didn't he plan the visit to do all meetings on the first trip?' one fumed.

'This is the idiot who is telling Australians to take roof racks off and check tyre pressures. Couldn't plan a chook raffle.'

The Prime Minister has been accused of hypocrisy after urging Aussies to conserve fuel (stock image)

Another added: 'The deals (such as they can be) are already done. Albanese is wasting precious jet fuel for photo ops. Disgraceful.'

A third wrote: 'Am I going insane? There's a critical fuel crisis and Albanese takes a private jet to Brunei.'

Others pointed out Albanese also burned through up to 25,000 litres of jet fuel over a ten-day period in March as the fuel crisis deepened.

'Says the bloke who is addicted to the fuel-guzzling VIP jet. An utter hypocrite. Another week, this week on the jet,' one commented.

Another added: 'Albanese clocked up about 4,850km in air travel to visit five cities in ten days in Australia, burning an estimated 20,000-25,000 litres of jet fuel.

'Canberra to Singapore return is about 12,400kms. Do the maths. All for another "look at me and how great I am" photo shoot.'

On Wednesday, Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong will also tour Brunei Fertilizer Industries and meet with chief executive Harri Kiiski as part of the government's push to secure long-term fertiliser stocks which have also been impacted by interruption of trade through the Middle East.

The pair's visit is front-page news in the local newspapers, with the English language daily Borneo Bulletin reporting on a visit to 'strengthen energy and supply chain ties'.
Two separate women have testified that the FedEx driver who abducted and killed seven-year-old Athena Strand raped them when they were teenagers.

The two unidentified women shared their stories in court on Tuesday, as prosecutors pushed for the driver, 34-year-old Tanner Horner, to be sentenced to death for abducting Strand from outside her home in Paradise, Texas, while she played outside unattended in November 2022.

Horner, who has pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping, had been delivering a box of Barbies that were due to be Strand's Christmas present when he took the youngster, strangled her and dumped her body in a creek.

Swabs from Strand's sexual assault kit showed male DNA, and blood and semen were detected on Horner's FedEx shirt, Jacqueline Ferrara, a forensic expert, testified on Tuesday, KDFW reports.

Semen was also detected on Horner's hoodie, jeans and underwear, while Strand's fingernail clippings tested presumptively positive for blood, Ferrara said.

She shared her findings after the two women told jurors how Horner raped them when they were 16 years old - one year younger than the age of consent in Texas.

The first woman even said she was sexually assaulted by Horner twice in 2013, when he was 22 years old.

Her accusations are now the basis of two sexual assault of a child cases pending in Tarrant County.

Jurors at Tanner Horner's sentencing hearing heard from two women who claimed Horner (pictured in court last week) raped them as minors

Horner, 34, has pleaded guilty to capital murder and aggravated kidnapping in the case of seven-year-old Athena Strand (pictured)

The witness testified that Horner had asked her to lie to his grandmother about her age when he took her back to his shed to drink alcohol he had purchased and smoke marijuana.

'That night when I decided it was time to go to sleep, I laid down and Tanner Horner started grabbing a hold of me, kissing me and proceeded to have sex with me,' the witness testified.

She said she told him the following day that she did not want to have that kind of a relationship with him, but after another night of smoking and drinking a few months later, she found him sexually assaulting her once again.

In that case, the woman said she fell asleep in Horner's room and woke up to him grabbing and touching her - before proceeding to have sex with her.

'I froze,' the woman testified. 'I completely froze, shut down, did not know what to do and just let it happen.'

She said she felt gross, violated and hated herself for allowing the sexual assault to occur, and told jurors she feels guilty about not reporting the sexual assaults sooner, saying if she had 'things may not have happened to other people.'

But under cross examination, the accuser admitted that no one had forced her to be around Horner, and that no one forced her to drink alcohol or use drugs in his presence.

She also said she had intended to spend the night at Horner's house and admitted she 'went along with it' after Horner made the first move, even telling Fort Worth police it was 'consensual.'

Horner had been delivering a box of Barbies that were due to be Strand's Christmas present when he took the youngster, strangled her and dumped her body in a creek. The two are pictured in his FedEx truck following the kidnapping

From there, a second woman took the stand to claim that Horner raped her the following year, in 2014, when she was 16 years old.

She said she and Horner would see each other at band practices as well as with mutual friends. Often, alcohol and drugs were involved.

The witness said she never agreed to date Horner or have a sexual relationship with him.

She then said the alleged sexual assault came when she was staying at another friend's house, where he and Horner shared a bed. But, the witness said she told him she did not want to be touched and only wanted to go to sleep.

When the witness then woke up a short time later, however, she said she found Horner on top of her.

'I became conscious and came to to Tanner Horner raping me,' the alleged victim said.

She then went on to say she did not initially recall what had happened, but got some flashbacks the following morning.

She also described a sexual encounter that she said helped jog her memory, and in 2018, she made a public accusation.

One woman testified on Tuesday that she and Horner would see each other at band practices as well as with mutual friends. Often, alcohol and drugs were involved

Swabs from Strand's sexual assault kit showed male DNA, and blood and semen were detected on Horner's FedEx shirt, Jacqueline Ferrara, a forensic expert, testified on Tuesday

When she then found out that Strand's body had been found dumped in a creek four years later, the witness said she contacted police about her experience with Horner.

'I felt like I had been put back in 16-year-old me's body,' the woman testified.

'I felt guilt for not coming forward. I felt shame for not speaking up sooner, legally speaking. I felt a lot of pain reliving those memories over and over again.'

The powerful testimonies came just one day after jurors heard a recording from a call Horner made to his mother, in which he said he did not rape Strand because he had a low libido.

'Tanner, I just hope you didn't do nothing weird to that little girl,' his mother could be heard telling him in the recording. He then replied that he didn't.

'OK. I didn't think you did, I just know how you get,' Horner's mother said.

'Well, actually, with my medication, I barely even have a libido as it is,' the FedEx driver then revealed.

Horner had told his mother in a phone call played in court on Monday that he did not sexually assault Strand (pictured) because he was suffering from low libido

In his trial on Monday, jurors were also shown letters Horner wrote to Strand's family

In another phone call played in court on Monday, Horner again denied raping Athena to his grandmother.

'Are you remorseful, Tanner?' she asked her grandson.

'How can I not be?' he replied. 'I haven't been on my medication for the last few weeks and I'm getting emotional.'

The FedEx driver then went on to break down on the call, while talking about how he would not be able to spend Christmas with his young son.

By January 2023, Horner decided to send Strand's heartbroken family a remorseful letter saying he does not 'do well with changes or things that are unpredictable' due to his Asperger's Syndrome - an autism spectrum disorder whose sufferers may struggle to cope if their usual daily routine is disrupted.

Horner said in the letter he was extremely stressed by not being able to drive the exact same route in his FedEx truck every day, which he blamed for committing the murder.

'I'm sorry I allowed my mental state to be unstable. I'm sorry I took your little angel away from you. She didn't deserve it. My son didn't deserve to lose his father,' he wrote, as he moaned about the impact his crime would have on his own family.

'My mother didn't deserve to lose her son. My fiance didn't deserve to have her wedding day stripped away from her. I pray my death eases your suffering,' he concluded.
Donald Trump's bluff has been called. His declaration last Sunday that the US Navy would block 'any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz' has been shown to be a boast as absurd as the AI images he posted of himself as Jesus.

The supposed 'blockade', which began at 10am on Monday, was broken in barely 24 hours. This has plunged Trump further into crisis, inflicting yet another humiliation on him in the eyes of the world.

It is now clear that the 16 US warships sent to enforce the blockade are not going to be enough.

The fact that Iran's own shutdown has remained solid for weeks is even more galling.

So what now? Either Trump backs off and allows shipping to pass through the Strait unimpeded  a craven humiliation  or he orders his military to take the momentous step of boarding and seizing ships. Both, to me, seem conceivable.

On Tuesday, after China's foreign ministry denounced the American blockade as 'dangerous and irresponsible', an oil tanker owned by a Shanghai shipping firm approached the Strait, held back at first, and then sailed through.

The US did not prevent it  and could not, without risking World War III. The Rich Starry, a 600ft vessel carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol loaded at the United Arab Emirates port of Hamriyah, was not sailing under a Chinese flag but it has a Chinese crew  and that fact was loudly broadcast before the ship made its approach.

Donald Trump's declaration last week that the US Navy would block 'any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz' has been proven absurd, writes Lord West

The US-sanctioned Chinese tanker Rich Starry (pictured) was the first vessel to pass through Hormuz and exit the Gulf since the US military began its blockade

Within a couple of hours, three more ships had ignored the blockade. It's possible, though I suspect unlikely, that the Americans were not yet in position to enforce the blockade despite Trump's bluster.

Another theory, somewhat more credible, is that the ships had turned off their onboard Automatic Identification Systems [AIS] transponders  though that would have made no difference to the US Navy, with its intelligence capabilities.

So, no: by far the most likely scenario is that the Americans deliberately chose not to enforce the blockade.

And in one sense, we should be thankful for that. To seize control of a ship under a national flag is scarcely different from invading an island or a beach  it's a little piece of a sovereign country. Boarding a Chinese tanker by force would more or less amount to an open declaration of war.

No doubt Trump will make excuses and perhaps claim that one of his famous 'deals' has been struck.

He will be fooling no one, least of all the Iranians.

Lord West, former First Sea Lord, says Britain cannot control an erratic US President

Despite this setback, the Strait blockade is theoretically feasible. Naval forces can seize control of a merchant ship quite easily: it doesn't require Special Forces, just a helicopter or two and a unit of well-trained, heavily armed troops.

But the blockade, should Trump continue to pursue it, risks creating far more problems than it would solve.

First, Iran appears to have anticipated it by putting stockpiles of oil on tankers at sea. The Wall Street Journal estimates that 160million barrels are already on the open ocean, enough to supply China for three months. This could enable Tehran to ride out the initial effects of a moratorium on exports.

Second, Iran has vowed to renew its attacks on Gulf states including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and others in retaliation. This will ramp up pressure on the global economy, when the price of oil is already hovering around $100 per barrel, compared to about $72 before the war.

As for Britain, we cannot control an erratic and dangerous US President. But we can take command of our own actions. The Royal Navy should offer to help our Gulf allies, especially Oman, with minesweeping  we have some of the best anti-mine technicians in the world.

And we should put at least one warship into the region, in readiness to protect our bases and all British nationals in the region.

This is not our war. But we need to be prepared to face whatever happens next.

Admiral Lord West of Spithead is former First Sea Lord
Anas Sarwar claimed a Reform UK candidate wanted to deport his children during explosive clashes in a televised leaders debate.

The Scottish Labour leader launched a furious attack on Reforms Scottish leader Lord Malcolm Offord during clashes about immigration in the Channel 4 debate.

Lord Offord responded by claiming Mr Sarwar has privately suggested working with his party to oust the SNP  which Mr Sarwar later said was a lie.

The clashes on immigration dominated the second live leaders debate of the Holyrood election campaign, which was hosted by Channel 4 News in Glasgow.

Mr Sarwar, who admitted the immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed, said that Lord Offord is raising concerns about the issue to cause division, and condemned John Swinney for claiming Labour would do a secret deal with Reform.

Speaking directly to Lord Offord, he said: He says they are not a racist party. One of his candidates wants to deport my children. Where do you want them to go, Malcolm?

One of your candidates wants my children deported, where do you want us to go? How dare you use that as a cover for politics. Where do you want my kids to go?

Lord Offord responded: Anas, this is the third time on national TV that you have called me a racist.

"Where do you want my children to go?"



Scotland's major party leaders clash over immigration policy, as Labour leader Anas Sarwar said a Reform candidate wanted to "deport" his children. pic.twitter.com/6wTMusb3Wm  Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) April 14, 2026

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar claimed a Reform UK candidate wants to deport his children

Reforms Scottish leader Lord Malcolm Offord clashed with Sarwar over immigration

This does not square with you coming bouncing up to me at the start of this campaign and basically saying we need to work together - Reform and Labour - to remove the SNP.

Mr Sarwar said: Lets remember those racist ads, lets talk about you wanting to deport my children. Dont you try to jump on this and try and play politics. This is a morale issue. Where do you want my children to go Malcolm, with one of your candidates saying they should be deported.

Lord Offord said: There is no prospect of you or your family or children being deported.

Mr Sarwars comments referred to Senga Beresford, Reforms candidate for Galloway and West Dumfries, who replied Me to a post on the social media from the deputy leader of the Britain First party which said: In the UK Muslims are demanding that sharia law is implemented. I demand that we deport the lot of them. Whos with me?

In the media spin room after the debate, Mr Sarwar said Lord Offords claims he wanted to do a deal with Reform was utter nonsense and an absolute lie.

Lord Offord alleges that the conversation where Mr Sarwar suggested a deal happened backstage during a BBC Question Time programme in Paisley Town Hall on December 11, days after he joined Reform.

He told journalists: I walked into that green room and Anas, very friendly, came bouncing over and said to me you guys are going to do very well in the election, you are going to win a lot of seats, we need to talk about how we are going to work together to get rid of the Nats. Im not making it up.

Reform councillor Thomas Kerr also claimed there was a separate occasion on Remembrance Sunday when Mr Sarwar said to him they should work together to get rid of the SNP. He said: The question genuinely for people in Scotland here is Anas Sarwar stands for nothing bar Anas Sarwar. This is a vacuous man who has no principles, who will say anything publicly and a different thing privately.

And I think genuinely people in Scotland have to ask themselves is that someone they trust to be First Minister?

During yesterdays debate, SNP leader John Swinney said he does not agree with Donald Trump yesterday saying that the UK should drill, baby drill in the North Sea.

The US President criticised absolutely crazy UK Government policy on new drilling, and said that Aberdeen should be booming.

When asked if he agreed, Mr Swinney said: I dont agree with President Trump on drill, baby drill. I think weve got enormous challenges about energy but Scotland is an energy-rich country which is developing formidable renewable energy resources.

He added that Scotland does not see the economic benefit of its energy wealth and said he wants Scotlands energy in Scotlands hands.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: John Swinney is putting a big lie at the heart of his election campaign with some idea that independence will suddenly, magically reduce the bills of hard-working Scots who have seen their bills go up, but he has not produced a shred of evidence to support it.

What we support is a sensible energy mix and that starts with drilling for the oil and gas that we have in abundance in the North Sea.

Mr Swinney went on to say that oil and gas will be used for 30-40 years and any developments should be compatible with our journey to net zero.

But Mr Findlay said in the spin room after the debate: John Swinney is spinning more wildly than an offshore windmill on a windy day. He has got more faces than multiple townhall clocks on oil and gas.

He is playing a really sneaky game. He is trying to tell the oil and gas workers in the north east of Scotland that he is on their side and he vaguely now might support new drilling, when it is clearly the case that he is still sticking to Nicola Sturgeons opposition to new oil and gas.

During last nights debate, Lord Offord also directly asked Mr Swinney whether he thought Scotland would be safer and more secure if the UK was broken up. He replied: I think Scotland would be safer.

Mr Findlay said: There is a very good reason that the disgusting Iranian regime supports Scottish independence. Thats because they know Scotland and the United Kingdom would be fundamentally weaker if John Swinney got his way.

During clashes on independence, Lord Offord said he doesnt believe that John Swinney is serious about another independence referendum.
Channel 4 News is the Green Party with a weather forecast tacked on the end, so naturally the headline issue of its Scottish election debate was the pronouncements of Donald Trump.

Lets kick off with, who else, Donald Trump, sighed Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

Oh, I dont know.

How about missed cancer waiting times, the yawning attainment gap, the worst drugs deaths record in Europe, or ferries that keep going back to dock and up in price?

For very specific strata of British society  city-dwelling arts graduates, retired geography teachers, people with names like Flick and Jonty  Trump serves the same function once fulfilled by Freddy Krueger.

He is the man of their nightmares, a boogeyman so compulsively loathsome to them that hating him has taken over their lives.

Channel 4 News knows its audience and sticking Trump at the top of the programme might have stopped them switching over from an all-Scotland show.

They wouldnt have missed much anyway. The tenor of the evening was established early on when Guru-Murthy breathlessly declared: The Scottish parliament could end up with a majority for independence.

The Scottish parliament has had a majority for independence every single day since 5 May 2011.

Anas Sarwar, John Swinney and Malcolm Offord debate immigration on Channel 4 News

Its nice to see the London media take an interest in matters north of the Tweed but they really arent sending their best.

The Trump ballyhoo was over a social media post the US President had sent urging the UK to drill, baby, drill in the North Sea.

The party leaders were asked for their take, which ranged from John Swinney trying to distance himself from Trump without being seen to do so, to the Greens Gillian Mackay opposing any and all oil and gas exploration.

Mackay was the only woman on the panel, unless you count Alex Cole-Hamilton.

Malcolm Offord, whom some crazy person keeps allowing on TV, proposed that we drill, Milly, drill. Huh?

W ho was Milly? I dont think we can take any more scandals in this election cycle. Then it dawned on me; he was saying Mili, as in Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary.

Dont get me wrong, Im all for a Malcolm Offord joke that doesnt require an apology and a donation to charity, but at least give us a clue.

Much of the running time was taken up by Anas Sarwar and Swinney hissing at one another, like a set-piece cat-fight from an Eighties American soap opera.

The Labour leader branded the First Minister a crank for refusing to accept national security concerns as the reason for Westminster knocking back a massive Chinese investment in Scotland. Swinney branded his opponent desperate.

Somewhere in Scottish Lib Dem HQ, they hit the button marked Scotland deserves better than this, and the Cole-Hamilton droid dutifully spouted out the line.

The Scottish parliament has been up and running for almost 30 years and these six represent the dizzying heights of Holyrood politics. Maybe Scotland deserves better than this, or maybe we just have a national humiliation fetish.

My favourite line of the night came from Mackay when asked if the Greens would put up taxes.

We need to get away from thinking of tax as a bad thing, she replied, with the earnestness and idealism of youth.

Things I would like to apply this logic to: overdrafts, weight gain and wine spillages on new carpets.

The only time the debate threatened to turn into a debate was near the end when immigration came up.

Offord, a well-meaning fellow but a pretty hopeless public speaker, nevertheless stood his ground under hostile questioning over economic migrants access to Glasgows housing stock.

Sarwar turned brutal when he claimed one of Reforms candidates wanted to deport my children and demanded that Offord say where they ought to go.

The dam has been well and truly breached. For years, the political and media classes have kept immigration off the agenda.

Offords determination to say the impact on housing was unfair on Scots and Sarwars emotive and personal broadside spoke for themselves. Scotland is not exceptional. Immigration matters here too.
Meghan has filmed a special guest role on MasterChef Australia after breaking away from Harry on the morning of the second day of their tour Down Under.

While Harry attended an event for men's mental health charity Movember, Meghan's car dashed away from that venue, Whitten Oval, to the nearby Melbourne Showgrounds where MasterChef has its famous studio.

The hugely popular show is usually filmed from October to November and premieres in April, however, Daily Mail understands a one-off Mystery Box challenge was filmed to include the Duchess.

Meghan has a love of cooking, running her own lifestyle brand, 'As Ever'.

The regular judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin, and Jean-Christophe Novelli welcomed the duchess.

However, it's understood the regular cast of Season 18 of the show were not a part of the day's filming and special guest contestants were brought in.

While Meghan's appearance was a closely guarded secret before and during filming, the show's broadcaster later announced it on Wednesday evening.

'Were welcoming someone SUPER special into the MasterChef Kitchen,' Channel 10 said.

'Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, makes a special guest appearance this season as she returns to Australia for the first time since 2018,' it continued.

MasterChef Australia also shared footage of the moment popular host Poh introduced Meghan.

The Duchess exuded confidence and style as she strode onto the MasterChef set in a sleek black ensemble.

Commenters were divided over the appearance with some saying they would turn off the show.

'You've got to be joking,' said one stunned fan.

'There goes (the show's) credibility right down the drain,' another wrote.

'Were paying so much money for her to be here, while some families dont even have food on the table.'

But others were thrilled the 44-year-old had joined the program.

'The wonderful Meghan! A royal treat,' one said.

Another agreed: 'Oh I love this! She's such a beauty'.

'Very nice. Cooking and presentation were her interest before meeting Harry - she had a blog. Her preparations have been lovely,' someone else chimed in.
China condemned Donald Trump's 'dangerous and irresponsible' blockade of Iranian ports yesterday, as it risked dragging Beijing into the war.

One vessel from China and another headed towards it passed through the Strait of Hormuz sparking fears the People's Republic was testing Washington's resolve.

The US President had ordered his navy to intercept any ship attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports.

However, neither the US-sanctioned oil tanker Rich Starry, which has ties to China despite being falsely registered in Malawi, or the China-linked Murlikishan stopped in Iran  meaning they didn't breach the blockade.

At least two other ships from other countries which did stop at ports in the Islamic Republic  including a Comoros-flagged oil tanker named the Elpis and the Liberian-flagged Christianna  appeared to evade the US Navy, but were reportedly turned back last night.

It came as Saudi Arabia, one of the US's most important regional allies, pressed Mr Trump to drop the siege and return to talks. Iran's embassy in Ghana had gleefully boasted on X that America's 'big beautiful ships' had 'issued repeated warnings' to one vessel but it 'just sailed through'.

Another Islamic Republic account posted: 'The Strait of Hormuz isn't social media. If someone blocks you, you can't just block them back.'

However, the US Central Command said six merchant vessels had been asked to turn around and complied. Risking escalation rising, China's President Xi Jinping took a thinly veiled swipe at Mr Trump, warning the world cannot risk reverting 'to the law of the jungle'.

The US-sanctioned oil tanker Rich Starry (pictured) has ties to China despite being falsely registered in Malawi

Two vessels, including the China-linked Rich Starry, passed through the Strait of Hormuz before turning back around

'Maintaining the authority of international rule of law means not using it when it suits us and abandoning it when it doesn't,' he said in a meeting with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi in Beijing.

Mr Xi's remarks are his most direct yet on the war and signal growing frustration.

Iranian oil constitutes around 13 per cent of China's seaborne imports and Tehran has tried to keep the flow up despite shutting the Strait of Hormuz to 'enemies'.

The US retaliated by bringing in its own blockade to try to force concessions from the regime when peace talks in Pakistan collapsed after 21 hours on Saturday.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Lin Jian on Tuesday labelled the US chokehold 'dangerous and irresponsible'.

'We urge relevant parties to honour the ceasefire agreement, stick to the direction of peace talks and take concrete actions to de-escalate the situation,' he said.

Saudi Arabia also fears the chokehold could see the Houthis, Iran's proxy in Yemen, close down the Bab al-Mandeb  a Red Sea chokepoint crucial for the kingdom's remaining oil exports.

Security analyst Eugene Kogan said: There is quite a lot of uncertainty and confusion on every front. There isnt a clear winner out of the situation.

Meanwhile, on Friday a group of European leaders are set to have another meeting, in Paris co-hosted by Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron.

After negotiations failed, Trump organised a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz (pictured in March), a narrow waterway through which one-fifth of the world's oil passes

A Downing Street spokesman said: 'The summit will advance work towards a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping once the conflict ends.'

In a glimmer of hope, the Iranian leadership is considering a short-term pause to shipments through the Strait to avoid pushing the limits of the US, says Bloomberg.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also confirmed his country's readiness to resume peace talks on a call with Mr Macron on Tuesday.

But he said that threats, pressure and military action are 'unhelpful' and will worsen the US's 'self-created problems', according to Iranian media.

Washington and Tehran are being pushed by intermediaries to return to negotiations with hope talks could resume in Islamabad as early as tomorrow.

Officials from Pakistan have told the Mail both sides came close to an agreement on Saturday night.

A source said: 'There was a point where it looked like something positive could come of it.'
Israel and Lebanon on Tuesday held their first direct diplomatic talks in over three decades, with the Jewish State hailing the meeting as 'a victory for sanity'.

Ambassadors from the Middle Eastern nations met for a summit in Washington hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Israel agreed to talks after the Lebanese government told its army to disarm Iranian proxy Hezbollah, who have repeatedly fought against Israel, including in the latest conflict with Iran.

Speaking after the two-and-a-half-hour talks, Israel's ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, said: 'We discovered today that we're on the same side of the equation, and that's the most positive thing we could have come away with.'

He added the talks focused on a 'clearly delineated border' between Israel and Lebanon.

'The security of our civilians is not up for negotiation. This was a victory for sanity, for responsibility and for peace,' Mr Leiter said.

Lebanon's ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad said the talks were 'productive'.

Israel and Lebanon agreed to hold direct negotiations after 'productive discussions' between the two sides in Washington, the United States said on Tuesday.

'The participants held productive discussions on steps toward launching direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon,' State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement.

'All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue.'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pictured centre) Lebanon's Ambassador to the US Nada Hamadeh Moawad (far right) and Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter (far left)

Smoke billows above the skies of southern Lebanon on Tuesday after an Isreali strike

It was the first direct talks between the two countries since 1993.

The discussions aimed at bringing the fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah also saw Lebanon call for a 'ceasefire' to 'alleviate [the country's] severe humanitarian crisis', Mr Pigott added.

However, the US also voiced its support for 'Israel's right to defend itself' from attacks launched by the militant group, he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Rubio said the discussions were a 'process', but that they 'believe it is worth the endeavour.' He added: 'It's a historic gathering that we hope to build on.'

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he hoped the discussions signalled 'the beginning of the end of the suffering of the Lebanese people in general, and those in the south in particular'.

He added that 'stability will not return to the south if Israel continues to occupy its lands.'

'The only solution lies in the Lebanese army re-deploying up to the internationally recognised border, and so being solely responsible for the security of the area and the safety of its residents, without the partnership of any other party,' he said.

However, the capacity of Lebanon's government to go against Hezbollah is limited.

And before the talks between Israel and Lebanon, a senior member of the militant group told AP news agency that it would not accept any agreement made in the US.

'We are not bound by what they agreed to,' Wafiq Safa, a member of Hezbollah's political council, told the BBC.

Meanwhile, Iranian negotiators maintained that Lebanon be included in any ceasefire in separate discussions between Iran and the US in Islamabad.

However, the US and Israel maintained that it would not.

A US state department official said talks between Israel and Lebanon were organised a month ago, before discussions in Islamabad between the US and Iran were solidified.
The NSW police officer who tragically died at a Central Coast property last week has been identified as Sergeant Anthony Baillie.

Sergeant Baillie, known by his family as 'Bails', was found deceased in his Bateau Bay home on April 6, with a gunshot wound from a police-issue firearm.

Authorities have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Sergeant Baillie's friend and former police officer, Mitch Wrigley, said the last message he received from Bails will haunt him.

'He wanted to do a ride with me. I couldn't make it. I had told him to set a date and I would make it work, but I couldn't. It's ruined me,' Mr Wrigley told news.com.au.

'I just wish I could have done more for him.

'He always had your back and would fight for the troops below him before protecting himself.'

On Wednesday morning, Mr Wrigley will set out on a 30 kilometre bike ride with Bails' father, other family members and police colleagues to honour his friend's 'ride of choice.'

Sergeant Baillie, known by his family as 'Bails', was found deceased in his home on April 6

Former cop Mitch Wrigley and Sergeant Anthony Baillie loved biking together

Mr Wrigley has organised a 30 kilometre tribute ride to honour his colleague and close friend

It's the same route they were meant to embark on together.

'I am organising a ride in his honor and want to make this the biggest thing as he really enjoyed being out on his bike,' Mr Wrigley said.

'I want to make this a big event to show how much he was loved as a son, father, brother, uncle and friend.'

The group will ride to The Beach Hotel, Merewether, for lunch before returning to Belmont.

A support vehicle will be available to transport bikes in case of mechanical issues or injuries.

Sergeant Baillie's death is now the subject of a Law Enforcement Conduct Commission Review.

Free and confidential help is available 24/7 at:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Erika Kirk declined to show up to a scheduled Turning Point USA event on Tuesday because of 'threats', according to Vice President JD Vance.

The interview with Vance at the University of Georgia was part of the nonprofit organization's tour to excite young conservative voters ahead of the midterm elections.

Erika would have been on stage with Vance, but Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet took her place.

'Im going to address it right at the front, Mr. Vice President, Im on stage here instead of our friend Erika Kirk because unfortunately she has received some very serious threats in her direction,' Kolvet said. 'Its a terrible reflection on the state of reality and the state of the country.'

Vance said Erika consulted with him ahead of time about these threats. Ultimately, she decided to miss the rally.

'I love Erika, and I know that she did get some threats,' Vance said on stage. 'About two hours ago... I was a little worried that we were going to have to cancel the event because Erika was not going to come, and she was very worried about it.'

After Vance consulted with the Secret Service, he decided to go on with the event without Erika.

No further information about the threats have been released. The Daily Mail approached the White House for comment.

Erika Kirk decided not to show up at Turning Point USA's latest tour stop at the University of Georgia due to unknown 'threats', according to Vice President JD Vance, the headliner at the event

Vance on stage at Tuesday's event alongside Turning Point USA spokesperson Andrew Kolvet

On September 10, Erika's husband, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated at Utah Valley University while conversing with students. She succeeded her husband as the CEO of Turning Point USA shortly after his death.

For many on the right, Erika has become a figure to rally around because of the tragic and brutally public way her husband died. Critics, however, have nitpicked various appearances of hers, claiming that she grieves in a performative manner.

Candace Owens, a frequent critic of Erika, questioned her motives for skipping the event, suggesting it was 'PR horses***.'

Vance addressed some of what has been said about Erika's public persona while being interviewed by Andrew Kolvet, a Turning Point USA spokesperson.

'I was holding her hand, my wife was hugging her while we loaded Charlie's body onto Air Force Two and said the Lord's Prayer,' he said. 'The people telling you that Erika wasn't grieving her husband are full of s***.'

He didn't talk about more specific criticisms from Owens and others that Erika is hungry for fame and tone deaf, pointing to things like Charlie Kirk's memorial service, which at times sounded like a political rally and featured pyrotechnics on stage.

Owens has pushed debunked conspiracy theories such as claiming that Erika removed her wedding picture from her set, suggesting she did so out of malice.

A Turning Point USA spokesperson told Newsweek at the time that 'Erika moved it to a lower shelf when her daughter asked to see it so she could hold and look at the photo. It's still on the studio shelf, just lower down where her daughter can look at it whenever she's in there with her mom.'

Owens also said that Turning Point USA's alternate halftime show for the Super Bowl faked the amount of views it got to make it appear successful in the wake of Bad Bunny's highly watched performance.

Vance said that everything Erika has done as the new leader of the organization has been with the aim of 'trying to make sure that Charlie's legacy doesn't die'.

Charlie Kirk is pictured at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025, shortly before he was fatally shot in front of a crowd of hundreds of students

The conversation at the event on Tuesday eventually moved on to foreign policy, with Vance defending President Donald Trump's war in Iran.

Later on, while discussing Trump's recent feud with Pope Leo, a man in the audience began shouting 'Jesus doesn't support genocide', to which Vance agreed with him.

'I agree. Jesus Christ certainly does not support genocide, whoever yelled that out from the dark... I think that's pretty easy,' he said.

Then the man could be heard saying there is a genocide in Gaza and that Israel is 'killing children'.

Israel has conducted large-scale strikes on the Gaza Strip since Hamas attacked the country on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 Israeli civilians and taking dozens of hostages.

The audience universally booed the heckler almost as soon as he mentioned Gaza.

In response, Vance pointed to the ceasefire he and Trump negotiated in Gaza that took effect on October 10, 2025.

'If you want, sir, to complain about what happened in Gaza, why don't you complain about Joe Biden and the last administration. We're the administration that solved that problem,' he said.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to bomb the Gaza Strip for the last six months.

Most recently, the Israel Defense Forces killed an Al Jazeera reporter they claimed was a member of Hamas. The killing has been condemned by the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Judgment day has arrived in a bitter multibillion-dollar legal stoush that forced Australia's richest person, Gina Rinehart, to defend her iron ore empire.

The complex battle pitted Mrs Rinehart's company, Hancock Prospecting, against the heirs of mining pioneer Peter Wright and engineer Don Rhodes, amid allegations of decades-old contract breaches.

They were fighting over the spoils from the massive Rio Tinto-operated Hope Downs mining complex in Western Australia, with a judgment to be handed down on Wednesday.

Wright Prospecting demanded a share of unmined and mined Hope Downs tenements and royalties, amid a claim Hancock Prospecting breached a 1980s partnership agreement.

DFD Rhodes also claimed a royalty share of Hope Downs' production, over an alleged deal with Mrs Rinehart's father Lang Hancock and Mr Wright that handed over tenements in the 1960s.

The bruising encounter involved Mrs Rinehart's eldest children, John Hancock and Bianca Rinehart, over a claim their grandfather left them a hefty share in the Pilbara mining resources he discovered in the 1950s.

Mining giant Rio Tinto, as the joint venture partner in Hope Downs, was also a party in the Supreme Court battle and could be on the hook financially depending on which way the judgment swings.

The 51-day trial featured sensational allegations against Mrs Rinehart - which have been vehemently denied - including that she devised an unlawful scheme to defraud her children.

Judgment day has arrived in a bitter multibillion-dollar legal stoush that forced Australia's richest person, Gina Rinehart, to defend her iron ore empire

Ms Rinehart is pictured during a tour of her Roy Hill mine in WA's Pilbara region in 2014

About two dozen of the 'smartest legal minds' in the country, costing an estimated $250,000 a day, packed a Perth courtroom for hearing that ended in December 2023.

At the time, Justice Jennifer Smith said the case would 'turn upon an assessment of the large volume of historical documents'.

Mrs Rinehart inherited her father's iron ore discovery in the Pilbara region and forged a mining empire after he died in 1992.

She developed mines from tenements at Hope Downs, signing a deal in 2005 with Rio Tinto, which has a 50 per cent stake in the project.

The Hope Downs mining complex near Newman is one of Australia's largest and most successful iron ore projects, with multiple open-pit mines.

Mrs Rinehart's wealth is estimated to be about $40billion and she is the executive chair of Hancock Prospecting.
Anna Kepner's grieving dad has branded the 16-year-old stepbrother accused of murdering and sexually abusing her a 'danger' to the public  telling the Daily Mail: 'I want to see him in an orange jumpsuit.'

Christopher Kepner said his family are outraged by a court's decision to let Timothy Hudson live with a relative instead of being locked up ahead of his federal trial.

He also said the boy is yet to apologize or show any sign of remorse for killing bubbly 18-year-old Anna.

'We're upset that he's still out. We're six months in and he should already have been arrested and yet he's free to do whatever he wants right now,' Christopher told the Daily Mail.

'That's our problem. He's been able to do whatever he wants and go where he wants but the family's been sitting here unable to do anything.

'I want to see him in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. He does not need to be free. He does not need to be in the general public, around any kids or women in general.

'He's in a danger to himself and a danger to others.'

Christopher said he and his wife Shauntel  Timothy's mom  have not spoken to the boy since December when he was placed in the care of a paternal uncle.

The 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna Kepner is (seen arriving in federal court in February) has been unmasked as Timothy Hudson after being charged as an adult in her murder

The charges were announced Monday, with prosecutors alleging Timothy Hudson 'sexually assaulted and intentionally killed' stepsister Anna in November 2025

'He's still saying that he can't remember and that's about it. He hasn't apologized. He hasn't shown any remorse for anything,' Christopher added.

The charges were announced late Monday morning by the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida.

A statement said Timothy had 'allegedly sexually assaulted and intentionally killed' Anna.

'Our hearts go out to the victim's family during this unimaginable loss,' said US Attorney Jason Reding Quinones.

'A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters.

'We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care.

'As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.'

The release said Timothy  referred to by his initial TH - was initially charged as a juvenile on February 2.

The high school senior, from Titusville, Florida, was on a six-day Carnival cruise to the Caribbean with her family when she was found dead onboard between Mexico and Florida on November 7

A maid aboard the Carnival cruise was the one to find Anna's body wrapped in a blanket, covered over with life jackets and stuffed under a bed, according to our sources, who spoke under condition of anonymity

Speaking to the Daily Mail in the wake of the indictment, Christopher Kepner (pictured with wife Shauntel) branded Timothy a 'danger to the public' and demanded he be locked up ahead of trial

The case remained sealed until US District Judge Beth Bloom ordered it transferred for adult prosecution.

'An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,' said Assistant US Attorney Alejandra Lopez, who is prosecuting the case.

An indictment filed March 10 but unsealed today describes Anna's slaying as a 'willful, deliberate, malicious, and premeditated killing  with malice aforethought.'

She died 'during the perpetration of, or attempt to perpetrate, an aggravated sexual abuse,' the four-page complaint states.

Referring to the defendant by his initials, TH, it says he 'did knowingly cause, and attempt to cause, a person, that is, AK, to engage in a sexual act, that is, by causing contact between his penis and AK's vulva by vaginally penetrating AK with his penis.'

The document says TH faces possible life imprisonment, five years of supervision after his eventual release and a fine of up to $250,000 on both charges. It also confirms that Timothy is not eligible for the death penalty.

Timothy Hudson will be tried as an adult in federal court, although he cannot face the death penalty because he was a juvenile at the time of the alleged slaying.

He was the only person inside the room with cheerleader Anna, 18, when she was allegedly killed by asphyxiation five months ago aboard the Carnival Horizon.

Anna's father Christopher was in court supporting the boy's mother  Anna's stepmom  Shauntel, at a hearing in Florida on December 5

He has made several closed-door court appearances in the past month with journalists barred from covering the case because of his age.

Up until now, all records had remained under seal, with federal officials refusing to confirm or deny that a prosecution was underway.

Anna of Titusville, Florida, was pronounced dead at 11.17am on November 7 while the 133,000-ton Horizon was en route from Mexico to Florida.

The Daily Mail was the first outlet to report that her body was found stuffed under a bed in the cabin she was sharing with her stepbrother and 14-year-old half-brother.

She had been wrapped in a blanket and covered with life preservers, according to our sources.

Anna had gone to bed early the night before, telling her family during dinner that she was feeling unwell.

While her half-brother wandered around the ship taking photos, she was left alone with her stepbrother who takes medication for ADHD and insomnia.

When the younger boy returned, he didn't see Anna but assumed she was staying up late with Christopher, Shauntel or their grandparents Jeffrey and Barbara Kepner.

Anna died by asphyxiation aboard the Carnival Horizon and her stepbrother has been considered the sole suspect

The high school senior was on vacation with her father, stepmother, half brother, and step brother Timothy (pictured) at the time of her death

He climbed into his bunk and went to sleep  unaware, sources say, that his sister's body was hidden just feet away.

It wasn't until the next morning when the two boys headed to breakfast that the family realized Anna was missing.

A medical emergency was announced over the ship's public address system, prompting Christopher, 41, to rush to her Deck 8 cabin, where a cleaning crew had just discovered the body.

A law enforcement source later told ABC that Anna died from asphyxiation caused by a bar hold, suggesting an arm was pressed across her neck.

FBI agents swarmed the ship, interviewed the family and scoured CCTV cameras when the Horizon returned to Miami on November 8.

Timothy insisted he could not remember what took place in the cabin, according to sources.

But the boy's alleged involvement leaked out in court filings in a custody dispute between Shauntel and her ex-husband Thomas Hudson, 37.

They both referred to their son as a 'suspect' in court documents - with one filing describing Anna's death as a 'suspected murder'.

The unsealed indictment states Anna, 18, died 'during the perpetration of, or attempt to perpetrate, an aggravated sexual abuse'

Thomas had sought emergency custody of their young daughter, claiming Shauntel took the kids on the ill-fated cruise without his permission  and even let the older children drink alcohol, an accusation she denied.

A Brevard County judge ruled that the girl was not in any danger and could remain with Shauntel and Christopher so long as Timothy was living elsewhere.

The couple had already removed him from their blended household in Titusville and placed him with a relative while the FBI investigation played out.

His location was redacted in court documents but when the Daily Mail traced the skinny, blond-haired teen to a relative's rural Florida home he would only say: 'I'd rather not talk.'
The King may never speak to his brother Andrew again because of his role in the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal, the Daily Mail has learned.

When news emerged earlier this week that Prince Edward had secretly visited disgraced Andrew in his 'exile' on the Sandringham estate, it prompted speculation of a wider thawing in royal family attitudes towards him.

And this was fuelled when it further emerged that their sibling Princess Anne had also recently reached out to Andrew in concern over his wellbeing following his recent arrest.

But now royal sources have moved to dampen expectations that King Charles might take a similar step - insisting there is 'no chance whatsoever' of this.

The silence between Charles, 77, and his younger sibling has been deafening since long before he was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office relating to his links to paedophile financier Epstein.

And there are numerous reasons why it is set to continue - ranging from the very personal to the matters of state, it's said.

A source close to the royal family told the Daily Mail: 'The hard reality is that the King may never speak to Andrew again.'

The source explained: 'It would take an enormous shift in the King's thinking for them even to be in the same room.

Andrew and Charles pictured in September 16, 2025 in London, at Katharine Duchess of Kent's funeral

'The fact that Edward has now visited Andrew and that Anne has spoken to him too might appear to suggest that Charles might be contemplating some kind of rapprochement - but that's completely wrong.

'They were never close as brothers in the first place, with tensions between them which long predate the Epstein scandal.

'While in the context of the Epstein case the King feels that he was lied to and that's not easy to forgive.

'And Charles is not just a brother in this situation but also the King - and in that capacity he has to protect the monarchy above all other considerations, even personal ones.'

It is a distinction that goes to the very heart of the crisis - the eternal tension between blood and duty.

And, say those who know the inner workings of the Royal Household, it is a calculation Charles made long ago.

For this is not simply about past scandals or reputational damage, grave though those issues undoubtedly are. Nor is it merely about distancing the monarchy from controversy in the short term.

It is about potentially catastrophic legal peril.

'With Andrew being arrested and facing possible criminal charges,' another source explains, 'the risks are enormous.'

The concern, they say, is far from theoretical. In the febrile climate surrounding Andrew, any fresh development or revived line of inquiry could swiftly become entangled in the legal proceedings.

And therein lies a constitutional nightmare.

'One must remember,' the source continues, 'If Andrew is charged and there were conversations with the King, his lawyers could say they are important and, as a result, try to call Charles to give evidence  which His Majesty cannot do, as the case is brought in his name, Rex v Mountbatten-Windsor. It would collapse.'

It is a chilling prospect. The King  constitutionally unable to appear in court  being drawn, even indirectly, into a criminal case involving his own brother.

And with widespread public opprobrium towards Andrew, were it to appear that the King had somehow aided him avoid prosecution there would almost certainly be uproar.

Prince Edward secretly visited disgraced Andrew in his 'exile' on the Sandringham estate. The brothers pictured in 2023

The ramifications for the justice system, let alone the monarchy, would be seismic.

And there is a precedent for this doomsday scenario  one that has not been forgotten in royal circles.

Palace veterans recall only too well the extraordinary intervention of the late Queen during the trial of former butler, Paul Burrell in 2002,when he was accused of stealing hundreds of items from the late Diana, Princess of Wales, following her death.

As his Old Bailey trial commenced, it dramatically emerged that Queen Elizabeth had been told by Burrell he was holding items for safekeeping.

The trial abruptly collapsed.

The implication is clear: even the most seemingly innocuous interaction between monarch and subject can have profound legal consequences.

Charles, ever mindful of history, appears determined not to repeat it - and so the silence continues: no private meetings, nor conversations that could later be scrutinised in a courtroom.

It is, in effect, a quarantine - imposed to defend not against a virus, but legal jeopardy.

There is also the risk of tarnishing the Royal 'brand', which Charles has been determined to avoid at all costs.

'The unequivocal advice he has been given in regard to Andrew is that he is damaging the monarchy,' the source adds, 'so the King has to completely disassociate himself both publicly and privately from him.'

It is, those close to the situation suggest, a decision rooted not only in present danger but in decades of strained relations between the two brothers, who were always distant growing up, with more than 11 years separating them.

The toxic mix of disdain and resentment stretches back years - even decades - to a time when Andrew was widely regarded as the late Queen's favourite, while Charles bore the burden of heir apparent.

There were differences in temperament, outlook, and - crucially - judgement.

'Edward and Anne are worried,' one insider confides. 'They're family, first and foremost. They don't want to see him completely cut off.'

Charles, cautious and often introspective, was wary of Andrew's more cavalier approach to public life. He is said to have harboured serious reservations about his brother's role as a trade envoy, fearing that the position exposed both Andrew and the monarchy to unnecessary risk.

'Charles has always been wary of his brother,' says a former courtier. 'He didn't want him to be trade envoy in the first place. He could see the potential for reputational damage.'

That damage, of course, has since been done - and far more catastrophically than Charles could ever have envisaged.

Incredibly, Andrew, meanwhile, believed he should have been next-in-line to the throne, rather than Charles, as his biographer Andrew Lownie has told the Mail.

'He has a long-standing hatred of his brother Charles, who he sees as weak,' he said. '[Andrew] detested the attention and adulation Charles received as the future king, feeling he was best suited for the role and superior, in general, to the then Prince of Wales.'

The overriding motivation behind Anne and Edward's 'welfare checks' are the fears, whispered in palace corridors, about Andrew's mental state following his isolation and the toll exacted by years of scandal, scrutiny, and now exile from public life in his Norfolk bolthole.

'Edward and Anne are worried,' one insider confides. 'They're family, first and foremost. They don't want to see him completely cut off.'

Some may view Charles' stance as ruthless; others as a display of the necessary mettle required in his role.

For Charles, the Crown comes first. It always has, and when the time comes for his son to ascend to the throne, the King wants to be sure he's left the institution in the best possible state.

If that means sacrificing what little personal relationship he had with Andrew, so be it.

Following that discreet contact from the Duke of Edinburgh in person and the Princess Royal (by phone) Charles's silence has been cast into even sharper relief.

Because while Edward and his wife Sophie quietly visited Andrew at Sandringham and Princess

Anne made her own overtures, insiders insist this is not the beginning of a thaw  but rather the clearest signal yet that Charles has drawn a line in the sand.
A letter at the heart of Prince Harry's row with the African charity he founded has revealed alleged details of a 'breakdown' of relationships and months of 'significant issues'.

Legal action has been launched against the Duke of Sussex over Sentebale, which he co-founded in honour of his late mother to help young people with HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.

Harry dramatically quit the charity's board last year following a bitter public feud with chairwoman Sophie Chandauka, whose leadership he described as 'untenable'.

Last week it emerged that Sentebale had launched a High Court lawsuit for libel and slander against Harry and his friend and former royal equerry Mark Dyer.

A letter penned by former trustees of the charity has now revealed claims about the scale of tension within the organisation - with Ms Chandauka accused of intimidation and misconduct.

The letter was signed by Mr Dyer and five other trustees following the mass resignations in March 2025.

The trustees said they had decided to unanimously quit their positions after raising 'significant concerns' over Ms Chandauka's conduct.

Explaining the decisions had been 'not sudden' but reached after sustained difficulties, the letter further alleged a 'breakdown' in relationships between staff - and accused Ms Chandauka of trying to manipulate board minutes.

Prince Harry and Sophie Chandauka in April 2024

The charity is suing Harry and his former equerry Mark Dyer, who also walked out as a trustee, in a claim listed on March 24 as 'defamation, libel and slander' (pair pictured together in 2016)

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)

Referring to Ms Chandauka's pursuit of a High Court injunction to block a board meeting against her, the letter, seen by The Times, read: 'There can be no more damning evidence of your failure to act as a leader capable of putting the charity's best interests first.

'This attack from within threatens to destroy Sentebale for good.'

The trustees further warned the situation had become 'untenable' and said the charity faced 'irreparable damage'.

Sentebale, which means 'forget-me-not' in the language of Lesotho, southern Africa, was co-founded by the prince in 2006. It has faced a funding crisis since his departure a year ago.

The row with Ms Chandauka began in 2024 when the Sentebale board challenged her over a 400,000 bill for consultants they said had brought little return.

She was asked to step down but instead complained to the Charity Commission, alleging bullying, misogyny and racism.

She accused the duke of trying to 'eject' her through 'bullying' and 'harassment', which he denies.

A probe found no evidence of bullying but said there had been weak governance and criticised all parties for allowing an internal dispute to become public.

In March 2025, the trustees resigned en masse, blaming Ms Chandauka's alleged 'almost dictatorial' leadership. Harry and his co-founder, Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, resigned as patrons, calling the situation 'untenable'.

The 41-year-old prince later called the breakdown in the relationship with Ms Chandauka 'devastating' and criticised her leadership, saying the consequences 'will not be borne by her, but by the children who rely on Sentebale's support'.

The March 2025 letter, which sheds new light on the detail of allegations, warned that in the absence of replacements, trustees would consider 'options for the charity's closure and transferral of its remaining assets to another charity with similar aims'.

In a message issued by Sentebale's Board of Trustees and Executive Director, the charity has now claimed it had been subject to a 'coordinated adverse media campaign' conducted since March 25 last year.

Sentebale said this caused 'operational disruption and reputational harm to the charity, its leadership, and its strategic partners' and also 'had significant viral impact and triggered an onslaught of cyber-bullying directed at the charity and its leadership'.

The campaign supposedly involved the circulation of 'false narratives' through the media, attempts to 'undermine' its relationships with staff and partners and forced a 'diversion of leadership time and resources into managing a reputational crisis not of the charitys making'.

Sentebale said it decided to take legal action to secure the protection of its operations and partnerships, adding the 'costs of doing so are met entirely by external funding and no charitable funds have been used'.

Responding to allegations in the letter, the charity said: 'This matter is subject to active legal proceedings. It would therefore be inappropriate to comment on any aspect or share documents that are not in the public domain.

'We can confirm that Sentebale is acting in accordance with its legal and regulatory duties, including proper governance and oversight. The charity has been in full dialogue with the Charity Commission for months, including in advance of filing this claim.'

The Duke of Sussex has said the claims made against him by Sentebale of running an 'adverse media campaign against them' which led to 'false narratives circulating' are 'offensive and damaging'.

Recently, the charity slashed staff in the UK and Botswana in a bid to save 1million.

In August last year, four of the five employees based in the organisations London office were made redundant, including its global head of finance and compliance.

Sources claim one in five staff in Botswana were also laid off, including the country director Ketlogetswe Montshiwa, and staff said they feared there was a 'significant cash flow problem'.

Published accounts show Sentebale ran through almost all its reserves as the row deepened in 2024. Monthly income fell by a quarter and the amount of cash in the bank fell from 1.5 million to 207,000 by December 2024.
The late Queen's 100th birthday will be marked by a dozen new Royal Mail stamps - with each featuring its own iconic milestone moment.

The Royal Mail has said it hopes to 'pay tribute' to the monarch - whose commitment to duty was 'unparalleled in history'.

A main set of eight stamps will feature photographs from memories in Queen Elizabeth II's life, from delivering her first radio broadcast in 1940 aged 14 to her 1953 coronation balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace.

And her love of horses and dogs has also not gone unrepresented - as four other stamps, in a miniature sheet, show her at stages in her life with pets or thoroughbreds.

A presentation pack including all 12 stamps costs 22.50.

David Gold, the Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, said: 'With these special stamps, we pay tribute to the late Queen, whose commitment to duty was unparalleled in history.

'The stamps tell the remarkable story of a very public life of dedicated service, and a more private passion for dogs and horses, about which Her Majesty was a renowned expert.'

The late Queen was an ever-present feature on British stamps during her 70-year reign with her image well-known to the public and her likeness also used on stamps marking royal events and anniversaries.

One of the eight main stamps can be seen here - featuring scenes from the late Queen's Coronation

Queen Elizabeth II is pictured as a young girl doting on one of her beloved pets in London in 1936

Another stamp depicts a charming family scene, with the Queen petting dogs alongside her parents and sister

Queen Elizabeth II is seen as a young woman. The stamps will be released to mark would would have been the late monarch's 100th birthday

The Queen is pictured in 1951 in Balmoral alongside another beloved animal

The stamps are replete with iconic scenes from the Queen's life - doing what she loved most

The Queen is seen here in Sandiringham in 1964 with a pet horse, which she looks upon fondly

The collection also depicts the Queen in middle age, carrying out her duties as required

The Royal Mail has said it hopes to 'pay tribute' to the monarch - whose commitment to duty was 'unparalleled in history'

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from April 14 from the Royal Mail website. The late Queen is pictured here in Windsor in 1997

The late Queen's life will also be remembered during a series of royal events held around her birthday

Other members of the Royal family feature in some of the stamps - with the Queen seen walking here with Charles III, Queen Camilla and Prince William and the Princess of Wales in the background

Join the discussion A first-class honour or a bit over the top - what do YOU think of marking the late Queens 100th birthday with a special stamp collection?

Elizabeth II died peacefully at her Balmoral home aged 96 on September 8 2022, after serving as sovereign for 70 years - the nation's longest-reigning monarch - and was mourned by her family and friends and remembered by the nation.

For the woman who was never meant to be sovereign, the Queen fulfilled her pledge to serve the nation and Commonwealth and came to earn the respect of many - from world leaders to the public.

The late Queen's life will be remembered during a series of royal events held around her birthday - April 21 - the date she would have turned 100.

King Charles has reportedly written a speech that will commemorate the 70-year reign of his mother and highlight her legacy and service.

The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from April 14 from the Royal Mail website before going on general sale from April 21.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked every bit the elegant royal as she and King Willem-Alexander were greeted by Donald and Melania Trump at the White House yesterday.

The Dutch royals had been invited to Washington by the US President, 79, for dinner and an overnight stay as part of their three-day working trip to the US, which will also see them visit Philadelphia and Miami.

Maxima, 54, wore a long-sleeved orange dress while First Lady Melania, 55, looked similarly glamorous in a white gown with black floral detailing.

The Trumps were seen waiting on a red carpet before welcoming the Dutch royal couple and Rob Jetten, the prime minister of the Netherlands, ahead of the dinner.

Willem-Alexander, 58, and the President shook hands upon arrival as their wives smiled next to them. The men both wore navy suits with a tie.

The Dutch royals' visit to the US comes after King Charles and Queen Camilla revealed similar plans to visit the White House at the end of the month.

The decision has proved controversial but Sir Keir Starmer yesterday rejected a fresh demand to cancel the trip due to concerns over Trump's behaviour.

The Prime Minister said that the royal trip to Washington would celebrate the two nations' shared history, despite the President being labelled a 'dangerous and corrupt gangster'.

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima stood for pictures with President Donald Trump and his wife Melania at the White House

They will visit the US at the end of April to mark 250 years since it won independence, with engagements including a glittering State Banquet at the White House thrown by Trump.

However, questions have been raised about whether they should be visiting at a time when the President's frequent criticism of the UK has left the 'special relationship' in tatters and wider Transatlantic relations at a low not seen in decades.

The Dutch royals' visit comes after Queen Maxima set the record straight on what she really said after she appeared to 'mock' Trump on television last year.

In July, the she stood next to the President as they posed for pictures after he arrived in the Netherlands for the NATO summit.

While making small talk, Maxima appeared to 'mock' the way Trump's mouth moved and pulled a face before turning towards the cameras.

The split-second reaction was spotted by eagle-eyed social media users, who wrote: 'You have to watch how Queen Maxima of the Netherlands mocks Trump's speaking right in front of him.'

CNN journalist Vani Mehrotra observed on X: 'Did she really do that? Queen Maxima of the Netherlands is believed to be mocking Donald Trump.'

But during the Dutch royals' annual summer photo session later that month, Maxima set the record straight.

Maxima smiled with Melania as the Dutch royal couple stayed overnight in Washington during their three-day working visit to the US

Maxima, speaking to Dutch outlet AD, clarified what happened by explaining that she had 'said "thank you" to someone who had helped' and that meeting the President had been a 'pleasant experience'.

Meanwhile, her eldest daughter and heir to the throne, 22-year-old Princess Catharina-Amalia, said it was 'really cool' she had the opportunity to meet 'the president of America'.

Elsewhere in the clip, the trio were seen smiling for the cameras as Trump gave a thumbs-up.

Trump and the King made small talk and shared a laugh while Maxima stayed on the sidelines and continued to smile.
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Meghan Markle delivered a masterclass in understated elegance as she arrived in Australia with Prince Harry for their four-day tour of Australia.

Known for her love of designer fashion, Meghan debuted a striking new dress by Karen Gee. The brand's ethos of quiet luxury aligns perfectly with her personal style, making it a fitting choice for the occasion.

According to the label, the Duchess of Sussex personally selected the piece upon arriving in Melbourne.

In a statement, the brand noted: 'During her current visit to Australia in April 2026, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, personally selected pieces from Karen Gee's luxury collection, continuing her longstanding appreciation of the brand.'

The polished, princess-worthy look immediately called to mind the white 'Blessed' dress she wore by the same designer during her first royal tour in 2018, when she was expecting Archie - a moment that famously caused the brand's website to crash.

This latest design carries the same regal feel, featuring a double-breasted front and a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette that falls to mid-shin.

Meghan completed the ensemble with Real Fine Studio's heart stud earrings, classic court shoes from Dior and her signature Cartier wrist stack, including the Love bracelet and Princess Diana's Tank Francaise watch.

For those looking to recreate the style, the exact dress is currently available to purchase. Priced at 923.28, it's a timeless piece you'll return to for years to come.

Alternatively, explore high street options in my edit below. Whether you glam it up with heels and statement jewellery, a la Meghan, or keep things understated with ballet flats, the result is effortlessly chic.

Recreate the look
After all the pain he caused the late Queen with his hateful memoir Spare, I couldnt have imagined a moment when Id actually feel sorry for Prince Harry.

But now his beloved charity Sentebale is suing him for libel that moment has surely come.

This morning at 6.30am, he and Meghan flew in to Melbourne for what has the potential to be a triumphant four-day tour of Australia, taking in Canberra and Sydney. It's a tour focusing on mental health community resilience, and support for veterans and their families, alongside private meetings and special projects.

First stop was the Royal Childrens Hospital Melbourne, where a crowd had gathered. The Sussexes posed for selfies with children who were undergoing treatment, and chatted to parents and staff.

The couple looked relaxed and cheerful after their 15hour flight from Los Angeles where they had left Archie and Lilibet.

And yet overhanging everything is the Sentebale court case. Instead of headlines screaming The Sussexes Down Under, the stories have all been about the fact that the charity he cofounded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho 20 years ago, in honour of his late mother Princess Diana, has lodged papers in the High Court in London accusing Harry and former Sentebale trustee Mark Dyer of defamation.

Its the latest bout in a bitter row between Harry, who resigned as patron last year along with other disgruntled trustees, and the charitys chair Dr Sophie Chandauka.

Amid claims that Chandaukas chairmanship was almost dictatorial and the running of the charity untenable, Harry said that he was standing down as patron with a heavy heart.

There has been a very public war of words between the Duke of Sussex and Sentebale chairman Dr Sophie Chandauka, with the charity accusing Prince Harry of conducting a media campaign against it

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex looked relaxed and cheerful after their 15-hour flight from Los Angeles where they had left Archie and Lilibet

He added that the relationship between the charitys trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, and friends said Harry was left emotionally devastated by the events, after 19 years of working with the charity.

There followed a very public war of words between the Prince and Dr Chandauka, with the charity in the legal suit now accusing Prince Harry and his second dad Mark Dyer  the red-haired royal equerry who acted as mentor to William and Harry in the wake of Princess Dianas death  of conducting a media campaign against the charity that has caused it harm and forced it to divert resources into managing a reputational crisis not of the charitys making.

Forget all the legal complications, though. It must have hit Harry like a bomb from hell when he was served the legal papers.

This, after all, is a cause that could not be closer to his and his late mothers hearts  a charity that supports orphans and Aids.

Understandably, Harry and Mark Dyer have fired back. As Sentebales co-founder and a founding trustee, they categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims, their spokesman said. It is extraordinary that charitable funds are now being used to pursue legal action against the very people who built and supported the organisation for nearly two decades, rather than being directed to the communities the charity was created to serve.

Who knows where this will end? But what is clear is that there is no love lost between Dr Chandauka and the Prince. Last year, when the Charity Commission intervened in the dispute, they cleared Harry of allegations made by Dr Chandauka, finding no evidence of widespread bullying, harassment or misogyny.

She had also accused him of misogynoir  a new word to add to our vocabulary meaning discrimination against black women. But surely that was a laugh-out-loud moment, given that Harry is married to Meghan, herself a woman of mixed race.

It has to be said that all parties in the saga were criticised for allowing an internal dispute to even become public.

The exact details of the defamation claim against Harry, pictured with Meghan in Australia, have not been made public but Sentebale said it was seeking the High Courts intervention, protection and restitution

But now for Harry to be accused formally in the High Court of bad-mouthing the charity he set up must be utterly bewildering.

It is worth noting donations to the charity have haemorrhaged since Harrys departure.

And while Dr Chandauka insists that no monies from the charitys 3million-plus budget will be spent on the litigation, and that it is being paid for by external funds, when asked by The Times newspaper who was actually financing the case, Sentebale refused to comment.

The exact details of the defamation claim have not been made public, but Sentebale said it was seeking the High Courts intervention, protection and restitution after what they claim is a coordinated media campaign against them by Prince Harry.

It's worth noting here that the mention of restitution could mean millions in damages. Call me a cynic but is this what it is really all about  bolstering Sentebales diminishing funding?

And could it be true that the fallout between Prince Harry and Chandauka actually began not over governance of the charity but when the Duchess of Sussex moved Chandauka out of a photo op to be beamed across the world after a 2024 charity polo match, Meghan insisting she was snapped next to her Prince?

Could the once-proud charity Sentebale  meaning forgetmenot  now be so mired in litigation it is losing sight of the very children it was set up for and vowed to protect?

All are questions that may yet be answered in the High Court.

But let us not forget in the meantime that more than 78,000 of Africas most deprived children  mostly orphans inflicted with HIV and Aids  are helped by Sentebale every year, and they need every penny they can get.

Its hard to see how this litigation will help them. Or how it will do anything other than upset Harry.
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Meghan Markle may have only just begun her four-day tour of Australia with Prince Harry, but she's already proving she's on a serious style streak.

The Duchess paid tribute to Australian design talent on day one, stepping out at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne wearing a polished navy dress by Karen Gee.

Later, she switched things up for a visit to the National Veterans Arts Museum, changing into a khaki suede co-ord by St. Agni.

The effortlessly chic ensemble - a utility-style jacket paired with a column maxi skirt - offered a modern, elevated take on utilitarian dressing.

Meghan completed the look with a knitted turtleneck from P. Johnson and classic court shoes by Aquazzura.

According to the brand, the exact co-ord is set to be restocked soon - so it's worth signing up for notifications if you're keen to get your hands on it.

Alternatively, you can recreate the look on the high street with options from Mint Velvet, 4th & Reckless and River Island.

With suede jackets firmly having a moment this season, it's the perfect time to invest in a standout spring staple.

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University officials, alumni and others gathered on campus to celebrate the new residence hall, which will sit adjacent to Mitchell Hall and Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

As one of several major projects underway on campus, the 100,000-square-foot facility will help the university meet the demands of a growing student body.

Architectural rendering of the new residence hall. ORANGEBURG, S.C.  South Carolina State University broke ground Saturday on a new five-story, 100,000-square-foot residence hall that will house more than 500 freshmen and expand on-campus living capacity. University officials, alumni and others gathered on campus to celebrate the new residence hall, which will sit adjacent to Mitchell Hall and Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Several members of the South Carolina State University Board of Trustees also participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.

Board of Trustees Chair Douglas Gantt, an SC State alumnus, reflected on how campus housing has evolved.

In 1980 when I came here, we felt like we were special that we had a box fan in our room because we didnt have air conditioning. I cant imagine what these students will come and see and experience in this new dormitory, Gantt said.

As a member of the Board of Trustees, I cant thank our team enough for what we were able to do to improve a lot of things that helped make this possible. Were definitely grateful for the president and always spending day and night thinking of things to make things better here at the university, he said.

The new freshman residence hall will not only increase the universitys housing capacity but also provide students with a more modern living and learning environment.

Funded via a bond initiative, the $50 million new residence hall will sit adjacent to SC State's Mitchell Hall and Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. Charleston, South Carolinabased Little Architects and Greenville, South Carolinabased AJAX Construction are working with the university on the new residence hall.

The five-story, 100,000-square-foot structure will accommodate more than 500 students. Amenities will include:

Three study areas per floor.

A lobby with a common kitchen and gathering space.

A laundry room on each floor.

Amazon mailboxes on the first floor.

Electronic access control for the building and every room.

Along with the new residence hall, the university also broke ground earlier Saturday on a $20 million student center expansion project, with both projects designed to improve student life. Already underway is a $54.7 million new academic building adjacent to the Student Center Plaza.

Were in the midst of about a $200 million transformation on this campus. We will soon break ground on a $30 million library, a $20 million ROTC building, a $13 million transportation center, a $10 million or so new police station, and just so many other projects, SC State President Alexander Conyers said.

Semaj Lewis, Mr. Freshman, and Amanda Thomas, Miss Freshman, welcome the crowd. Students thankful for campus improvements

Amanda Thomas, who serves as Miss Freshman at SC State, and Semaj Lewis, the universitys Mr. Freshman, welcomed the crowd to the groundbreaking ceremony.

Thomas said she was excited to celebrate the construction of a new residence hall.

Im just so thankful for President Conyers to be building up this campus. To see the campus already growing into something new is heartwarming. I love seeing the growth on campus, said Thomas, 19, an early childhood education major from Cross, South Carolina.

Lewis said he appreciates the universitys continued growth.

I feel great. Im just so thankful for my faculty and staff. Theyve always put us first, so were going to do our best to put them first, he said.

Thomas added, Im just so excited to see the future of our new campus.

Officials highlight partnerships in campus growth, alumni involved

Emma Souder, a principal architect at Little Architects, said the groundbreaking marked a major milestone in the project.

Were very excited about this opportunity. As an architect, this is one of our favorite days because weve been working on this project in two dimensions for the past six months, and now we get to see it come out of the ground and become a building, Souder said.

We are super excited about this project. We think its a wonderful addition to your campus and for your students, learning and engaging. We just thank you for the opportunity to be here. We are really looking forward to the day when we can walk through the building, she said.

Billy Byrne, a representative from AJAX Construction, said the project reflects broader momentum on campus.

Were the construction manager for this project. This campus is going through a transformation right now, so just to be able to aid and give back to the community in that way is really exciting, Byrne said.

Weve got two proud alumni who are going to be a part of this project and onsite every day. Its been really fun to watch their excitement as they get to see and be a part of this growth, he said.

Noah Kinsey of Green Pond, South Carolina, and Christopher Graham of Timmonsville, South Carolina, both SC State graduates and AJAX Construction employees, also spoke during the ceremony.

Thank you all for having us. Im so excited to give back to the university that personally saved my life. This is just an amazing opportunity, Graham said.

Dr. Tamara Jeffries, vice president for student affairs at SC State, said the university is expanding its capacity to support student growth.

As enrollment grows, so must our capacity to support students in ways that foster community, engagement and academic achievement. Living on campus is critical. Its a critical experience, and the new residence hall will provide a safe, modern and welcoming environment for our students so they can thrive, Jeffries said.

We look forward to the day when this space is filled with living, learning and Bulldog pride, she said.

Financing the future of SC State residency

Calvin Stamps, founder and managing partner of Bretwood Capital Partners, an Atlanta-based investment management firm, also spoke about the companys partnership with the university.

We had the pleasure of working with the university as its financial adviser to fund these transactions for these exciting projects. Were very grateful for the relationship and look forward to strengthening our partnership for many more years to come, Stamps said.

Will Fisher, president and chief executive officer of Rice Capital Access Program, a key component of the federal HBCU Capital Financing Program established by the U.S. Department of Education, said the partnership with SC State spans decades.

On behalf of all of my partners and employees, I am incredibly pleased that we can continue our relationship with South Carolina State. Our relationship at South Carolina State goes back to when we did the Hugine Suites. This is a relationship of over 20 years, and were proud that were able to continue it, Fisher said.

The work is not complete, he said, noting that continued student growth will necessitate additional residence halls.

Dr. Gerald Smalls, SC States vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, thanked the partners who made the project possible.

This journey required not only expertise, but endurance, sacrifice and at times sheer determination. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. Above all, we give thanks to God. Thank him for guiding us, for sustaining us and for not allowing us to be discouraged by the naysayers, Smalls said.
Prince Harry shared a sweet exchange with a young fan in Australia when he noticed his fiery red hair as he told the boy 'Gingers rule!'

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex landed in Melbourne early on Tuesday for their four-day quasi-royal tour aboard a business class Qantas flight from Los Angeles, leaving their children Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, back home in California.

After a brief stop at their city centre hotel, they arrived on schedule at Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne on the stroke of midday, where they were greeted by a large crowd of well-wishers.

The Duchess, 44, who looked typically stylish in a 920 ($1,250) navy dress from Australian designer Karen Gee, was seen chatting with young cancer patients as they handed her flowers and asked for selfies.

And Prince Harry couldn't contain his excitement when he noticed a fellow redhead in the crowd and stopped to greet him with a handshake.

'Yes!' the Duke, 41, exclaimed, after he spotted the royal fan, wearing a black t-shirt, amid the crowd in the hospital's foyer. 'Gingers rule!'

Meanwhile, one of the patients at the hospital said she gave Harry 'some flowers' and told ABC News that he and Meghan 'wished me good luck on my journey and to keep being brave'.

They later toured the wards to make some bedside visits, while Meghan took part in a therapy program with adolescent patients with acute and chronic health issues, on the first day of their quasi royal tour Down Under.

Prince Harry shared a sweet exchange with a young fan in Australia when he noticed his fiery red hair as he told the boy 'Gingers rule!'

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex landed in Melbourne early on Tuesday for their four-day quasi-royal tour, which began with a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne

Meghan told well-wishers to 'call me Meg' when she joined Prince Harry for a visit to the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum for their final stop on day one of the controversial pseudo royal tour.

As they arrived, Australia's first poet laureate for veterans, Steve Cotterill, asked them: 'How would you like me to address you?'

Harry shrugged with a smile and said: 'However you like' before his wife said: 'Call me Meg?'

The couple landed from LA early on Tuesday and their itinerary this week will include charity and business events in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

It is not known how much Prince Harry and Meghan are being paid for their commercial appearances, although the Duchess's fee for going to a girls' weekend beach retreat is apparently in the region of $250,000. Although the hotel event has failed to sell out, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been accused of using Australia 'like an ATM' on a quasi-royal tour that some Down Under insist is all about 'making money' and 'self-promotion'.

And amid a row over how their security is being paid for, Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said: 'Victoria Police are there to provide security and safety for Victorians. So any suggestion that officers are going to be pulled off duty to provide security and protection for Harry and Meghan's visit is absolutely unacceptable.'

Libertarian MP David Limbrick said: 'If people want to spend thousands of dollars on former royals, that's fine. But Victorian taxpayers should not be on the hook to provide the security of millionaires.'

The Duchess, 44, who looked typically stylish in a 920 ($1,250) navy dress from Australian designer Karen Gee, with a young child during the hospital visit

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by a large crowd of well-wishers

Australian business leader Hilary Fordwich declared that 'hypocritical Harry and Me-again Meghan' were using their royal links 'to make money' for themselves.

She told Sky News that while the couple claim the visit is 'private', she believes it is 'to fund that 16-bedroom house they have in Montecito.'

As they arrived Harry was asked if he had a message for Australia and said: 'It's wonderful. It's great to be back. Thanks for having us back.'

But it appears not all are pleased to see them for the first time since 2018, when they were in the country for a nine-day official royal tour just after their wedding.

Andrew Bridge said today: 'I wasn't aware they were coming at all. They are very much about self-promotion. They would probably be my least favourite royals, let's put it that way. They need to more for the public and finish this feud with their family, which to be honest is becoming pretty boring'.

The four-day trip will also see Harry and Meghan attend an Invictus Australia event in Sydney before Meghan stars at the 'Her Best Life' retreat at nearby Coogee Beach.

Tickets for the weekend cost up to $3,199 AUD (1,400) and include a chance to have a photo with the Duchess and ask her questions at a gala dinner in a five-star hotel. Meghan's fee has been described as a 'fat one', and is apparently in the region of $250,000.

Harry is the star speaker at the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne on Thursday, where tickets range from 525 to 1,250 with a 'virtual ticket' for Harry's speech costing costing 260 alone.

The couple insist their 2026 trip is 'privately-funded' but there is some disquiet because Australian taxpayers are due to foot the bill for some police security. Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition demanding the Sussexes cover all the costs themselves.

One critic accused them of treating Australia 'like an ATM' because the country had been 'good to them' when they were working royals.

Harry and Meghan's last visit to Australia was almost a decade ago, as newlyweds.
The Duchess of Sussex was inundated with compliments as she served up lunch to homeless women at a shelter in Melbourne on the first day of her and Prince Harry's four-day trip.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are currently embarking on a four-day quasi-royal tour Down Under that some have suggested is a 'money-making' exercise in 'self promotion'.

The Sussexes said they were delighted to be in the country after landing in Melbourne earlier today on a business class flight from Los Angeles without their children Archie, four, and Lilibet, six.

After a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital, Meghan carried out a solo engagement at the McAuley Community Services for Women, a women's homeless and family violence shelter, where she donned a striped apron as she was photographed serving food to residents.

In a clip filmed at the shelter, one resident can be heard complimenting Meghan's 'glowing' complexion as she gushed 'you look like a model!'

The woman, who was identified as Leah, continued 'You don't have wrinkles' as Meghan replied: 'That's so generous, you are so nice!'

The Duchess then handed her a plate of frittata as royal fans agreed Meghan has 'great skin' after the video was posted on Instagram.

Meghan wore a $1,250 navy dress from Australian designer Karen Gee, which she paired with Dior's $1,000 'Dioressence' pointed-toe pumps that she first debuted in 2023.

The Duchess of Sussex was inundated with compliments as she served up lunch to homeless women at a shelter in Melbourne on the first day of her and Prince Harry's four-day trip

In a clip filmed at the shelter, one resident can be heard complimenting Meghan's 'glowing' complexion as she gushed 'you look like a model!'

Adding a touch of glitz to her ensemble, Meghan sported yellow gold Puffy Heart earrings by Australian Real Fine Studio, costing $1,118, a Tiffany gold bracelet, and Princess Diana's gold Cartier Tank Francaise watch.

It's understood that Meghan handpicked the McAuley facility for a visit.

'It's very lovely to have attention on the whole issue of homelessness and family violence and she will bring that attention to this facility, so that's good,' McAuley CEO Jocelyn Bignold told reporters.

'The women are excited to see and meet her. They're also a little bit nervous.'

She added that some residents were aware of Meghan's lifestyle show As Ever and looked forward to cooking with her in the centre's kitchen.

Earlier in the day, Prince Harry exuberantly greeted a young fan with fiery red hair after they arrived at the Royal Children's Hospital for their first engagement of the day.

The Duke couldn't contain his excitement when he noticed a fellow redhead in the crowd and stopped to greet him with a handshake.

'Yes!' the Duke, 41, exclaimed, after he spotted the royal fan, wearing a black t-shirt, amid the crowd in the hospital's foyer. 'Gingers rule!'

Meanwhile, one of the patients at the hospital said she gave Harry 'some flowers' and told ABC News that he and Meghan 'wished me good luck on my journey and to keep being brave'.

They later toured the wards to make some bedside visits, while Meghan took part in a therapy program with adolescent patients with acute and chronic health issues, on the first day of their quasi-royal tour Down Under.

It's understood that Meghan handpicked the McAuley facility for today's visit

Meghan in conversation with residents as she served up frittata for lunch

Meghan also told well-wishers to 'call me Meg' when she joined Prince Harry for a visit to the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum for their final stop on day one of the controversial pseudo-royal tour.

As they arrived, Australia's first poet laureate for veterans, Steve Cotterill, asked them: 'How would you like me to address you?'

Harry shrugged with a smile and said: 'However you like' before his wife said: 'Call me Meg?'

The couple landed from LA early on Tuesday and their itinerary this week will include charity and business events in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

It is not known how much Prince Harry and Meghan are being paid for their commercial appearances, although the Duchess's fee for going to a girls' weekend beach retreat is apparently in the region of $250,000. Although the hotel event has failed to sell out, the Daily Mail can reveal.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been accused of using Australia 'like an ATM' on a quasi-royal tour that some insist is all about 'making money' and 'self-promotion'.

And amid a row over how their security is being paid for, Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said: 'Victoria Police are there to provide security and safety for Victorians. So any suggestion that officers are going to be pulled off duty to provide security and protection for Harry and Meghan's visit is absolutely unacceptable.'

Libertarian MP David Limbrick said: 'If people want to spend thousands of dollars on former royals, that's fine. But Victorian taxpayers should not be on the hook to provide the security of millionaires.'

Australian business leader Hilary Fordwich declared that 'hypocritical Harry and Me-again Meghan' were using their royal links 'to make money' for themselves.

She told Sky News that while the couple claim the visit is 'private', she believes it is 'to fund that 16-bedroom house they have in Montecito.'

As they arrived, Harry was asked if he had a message for Australia and said: 'It's wonderful. It's great to be back. Thanks for having us back.'

But it appears not all are pleased to see them for the first time since 2018, when they were in the country for a nine-day official royal tour just after their wedding.

Andrew Bridge said today: 'I wasn't aware they were coming at all. They are very much about self-promotion. They would probably be my least favourite royals, let's put it that way. They need to do more for the public and finish this feud with their family, which to be honest is becoming pretty boring.'

The four-day trip will also see Harry and Meghan attend an Invictus Australia event in Sydney before Meghan stars at the 'Her Best Life' retreat at nearby Coogee Beach.

Tickets for the weekend cost up to $3,199 AUD (1,400) and include a chance to have a photo with the Duchess and ask her questions at a gala dinner in a five-star hotel. Meghan's fee has been described as a 'fat one', and is apparently in the region of $250,000.

Harry is the star speaker at the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne on Thursday, where tickets range from 525 to 1,250 with a 'virtual ticket' for Harry's speech costing 260 alone.

The couple insist their 2026 trip is 'privately-funded' but there is some disquiet because Australian taxpayers are due to foot the bill for some police security. Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition demanding the Sussexes cover all the costs themselves.

One critic accused them of treating Australia 'like an ATM' because the country had been 'good to them' when they were working royals.

Harry and Meghan's last visit to Australia was almost a decade ago, as newlyweds.
King Charles is expected to address the 'challenging' nature of the Anglo-American relationship in an historic address to Congress as officials on Tuesday confirmed his controversial State Visit to the United States will go ahead.

As further details of the potentially explosive four-day trip later this month were released by Buckingham Palace, it also emerged that Queen Camilla will be meeting with domestic and sexual abuse survivors on several occasions, despite royal aides having to turn down a request to speak to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein.

Officials have also taken steps to minimise potential embarrassment to the monarchy at the hands of President Donald Trump, who has been outspoken in recent weeks about his contempt for British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his handling of British foreign policy.

Although there will be formal speeches at a glittering White House State Dinner to welcome the sovereign and his wife, any conversations between the two men will take place behind closed doors without media present.

And the traditional 'walkabouts' that are normally part of such a high-profile visit are notably absent from the programme, apparently on the advice of the security services, although there will be opportunities for the royal couple to meet the American people as part of a series of carefully-managed public engagements.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman on Tuesday acknowledged the visit, which is taking place at the request of the British government and has faced repeated calls to be scrapped, came at a perilous time for the so-called 'special relationship'.

They said of the visit, which has been in the planning for almost a year to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence: 'This is celebrating a partnership between two nations and two peoples. It is a relationship that has survived many presidencies and, of course, many reigns, and will no doubt continue to do so long into the future.'

Sources emphasised that the King and Queen have a 'unique role to play in terms of building alliances, even in challenging circumstances'.

Pictured: King Charles III with US President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle on September 18, 2025

The monarch (pictured) expected to address the 'challenging' nature of the Anglo-American relationship in an address to Congress

The whole strategic objective of a State Visit, they stressed, was for the King to utilise and demonstrate the monarchy's legendary brand of 'soft power' to cement even tricky relationships.

It has been suggested that the King's address to a joint meeting of Congress, only the second time a British monarch has been invited to do so, following his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, in 1991, would be a chance to do just that.

An FCDO spokesman added: 'So, yes, we are close allies, we do disagree on things, but that doesn't detract from the value that both sides get from this relationship and have done over many decades.'

President Trump has branded the UK's approach to the Iran conflict as 'terrible' and repeatedly ridiculed Sir Keir, dismissing him as 'not Winston Churchill'.

He has also lambasted the depleted Royal Navy, denigrating Britain's warships as 'toys'.

The King is head of the armed forces in the UK, and there have been calls for him to raise the issue directly with President Trump when they meet.

King Charles' State Visit will take place from April 27-30, taking in Washington DC, New York and Virginia.

A palace spokesman described it as an 'opportunity to recognise the shared history of our two nations; the breadth of the economic, security and cultural relationship that has developed since then; and the deep people-to-people connections which unite communities.'

Charles, 77, and Camilla, 78, will be 'informally welcomed' to President Trump and the First Lady with a private tea, followed by a large party featuring guests from both the British and US communities.

The formal welcome to the White House will take place later, affording the King full military honours, similar to those previously received by President Trump in the UK.

Pictured left to right: Queen Camilla, King Charles, Donald Trump and Melania Trump at Windsort Castle in September

The two men will undertake a private bilateral meeting at the US leader's official residence, during which every ounce of the King's life-long experience in international diplomacy will come to the fore.

Meanwhile, Queen Camilla will join First Lady Melania Trump for their own tete-a-tete.

Afterwards, watched by his wife, the King will give a carefully calibrated speech to Congress before the couple are hosted at a lavish State Dinner back at the White House.

Before leaving Washington, Their Majesties will lay a wreath and flowers in honour of the fallen, marking the military partnership between the UK and the US.

In New York, Charles and Camilla will undertake a series of engagements reflecting the modern relationship between the UK and the US, including the strong economic and cultural ties.

This will include a commemoration of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terror attacks almost 25 years ago, meeting first responders and the families of victims.

The King will also visit a grassroots community organisation who help children affected by food insecurity through 'urban, after-school farming', as well as business and financial leaders.

Meanwhile, the Queen will attend a literary event, the highlight of which will be a celebration of Winnie the Pooh's 100th birthday, as well as using her Queen's Reading Room charity to bring together high-profile writers from both sides of the Atlantic.

The couple will conclude the New York leg of their visit at a reception to celebrate the work of the King's Trust for disadvantaged young people.

Back in Washington, there will be an official farewell from the President and First Lady before the couple travel to Virginia, meeting residents, community organisations and Appalachian cultural groups at a 'block party' - the American version of a traditional British street party.

Their visit to Virginia will also include taking in one of America's national parks, where the King will meet with indigenous communities, while the Queen will visit a farm to highlight America's horse racing industry and its links with the UK.

Throughout her time in the US, it is understood that she will meet, as she normally does, with organisations working in the arena of domestic and sexual violence, as well as survivors, part of her wider public engagements.

These meetings happen regularly both at home and abroad, as Camilla has been a long-term advocate in the field.

But suggestions she could meet with Epstein survivors have been firmly quashed, amid concern that it could interfere with official police investigations in the UK, particularly involving the King's brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

A Buckingham Palace source said: 'There is no deviation from the guidance that we've previously issued, that it will not be possible during this State Visit for a meeting to take place of the kind that has been suggested.

'We fully understand and appreciate the survivors' position, but can only reiterate that our position is clear that anything that could potentially impact on ongoing police inquiries and assessments and any potential legal action or criminal trial that could result from that, would be to the detriment of the survivors themselves in their pursuit of justice.'

They also emphasised His Majesty's 'clear constitutional position', adding: 'Even though the risk may be small that a meeting or any public comments could impact on those inquiries, or the proper course of the law, that is a risk that we simply can't take, for the best interest for the survivors themselves.'

After the US State Visit is concluded, the King will travel solo to Bermuda, Britain's oldest Overseas Territory, where he remains head of state, for two days of engagements.

He will address the thorny issue of the transatlantic slave trade by viewing a museum exhibition dedicated to Bermuda's history.
Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman has admitted he broke NASA protocol to make sure one very important member of the crew didn't get left behind.

After a 'bullseye' landing in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, Mr Wiseman sneakily nabbed the crew's mascot, Rise, from the Orion capsule, which the crew nicknamed Integrity.

According to NASA's plan, the stuffed toy should have remained aboard the Integrity spacecraft to be retrieved at a later date.

However, writing on social media, Mr Wiseman explained: 'I was supposed to leave Rise in Integrity... but that was not something I was going to do.'

'I stuffed that little guy in a dry bag we had in our survival kit and hooked the bag onto my pressure suit.'

Having been lifted by helicopter to the waiting USS John P. Murtha, Mr Wiseman could be seen happily clutching the toy that accompanied the crew around the moon and back.

Rise now remains with Mr Wiseman and his two daughters, Ellie and Katey.

Mr Wiseman added: 'It's hard not to love this little guy. I can't let Rise out of my sightcurrently tethered to my water bottle.'

Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman admits he broke NASA protocol to steal the crew's mascot, a cuddly moon named Rise

On social media, Mr Wiseman said that he had taken the mascot from the Orion capsule and that it was now safely tethered to his water bottle back on Earth

Rise has been a constant companion for the crew  Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen  from conferences and press tours before the trip to their 10 mission around the moon.

The mascot's design  a cartoonish moon wearing a cap emblazoned with stars  was created by Lucas Ye, a year three student from California.

Ye's design was selected from over 2,600 entries sent in from over 50 countries.

However, the adorable mascot was there for more than just emotional support.

Rise is what NASA calls a zerogravity indicator  small, soft toys that start to float when the spacecraft has left Earth's pull.

Inside, Rise carries an SD card storing the names of more than five million people who wanted their names to be sent around the moon.

While the world watched NASA's Artemis II mission in amazement, space fans often saw Rise drifting around the cabin of the Orion crew capsule or being held by the crew during calls back to Earth.

And, after 10 days travelling through space together, it seems Mr Wiseman simply couldn't face leaving the zerogravity indicator behind.

NASA protocol says that Rise should have been left on Orion to be collected later, but Mr Wiseman says that was 'not something I was going to do'

After landing in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, Mr Wiseman was seen carrying the mascot during press conferences

After splashing down off the coast of California at 8.07 pm ET, Mr Wiseman securely fastened Rise to his suit before being hoisted from a raft into a waiting US Navy helicopter.

He was seen triumphantly clutching the stuffed toy as the crew waited aboard the USS John P. Murtha and on stage at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Centre, where they celebrated the end of their mission on Saturday.

Rise next appeared in a photo posted of Mr Wiseman in a car with his two daughters, simply captioned: 'Mission complete'.

On social media, space enthusiasts have lauded Mr Wiseman's lastminute decision, calling Rise the 'fifth member' of the Artemis II crew.

One commenter wrote: 'Thank you for making sure Rise wasn't forgotten. No Plushy Left Behind!'

'This little guy is now a national treasure,' another chimed in.

While one space fan jokingly asked: 'Have you negotiated joint custody with the rest of the crew yet?'

Meanwhile, eagleeyed space lovers have spotted a touching hidden detail in the mascot's design.

Mr Wiseman says that he 'stuffed that little guy in a dry bag we had in our survival kit and hooked the bag onto my pressure suit'. Pictured: The crew of Artemis II (left to right): Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Reid Wiseman, celebrating at Ellington Field, Houston

In a NASA photo of Ye holding a Rise prototype, fans spotted that the cuddly toy was emblazoned with the name 'Carroll'.

Carroll is the name of Mr Wiseman's wife, who passed away from cancer in 2020.

During their lunar flyby, the crew suggested naming a newly discovered crater after Carroll as a memorial to Mr Wiseman's late wife.

Jeremy Hansen said to mission control: 'A number of years ago, we started this journey in our closeknit astronaut family and we lost a loved one. Her name was Carroll: the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katie and Ellie.'

Rise is not the first toy to make the long journey into space.

In 1961, the Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin carried a small doll with him on the firstever spaceflight, while cosmonauts above the early Soyuz missions took a small Paddington Bear.

In 2022, the Artemis I mission also carried a Snoopy and Sean the Sheep plush on its own journey around the moon.
When it comes to deadly dogs, XL Bullies, Pit Bull Terriers, or Dobermans might spring to mind.

But a shocking incident has highlighted that it's not just these tough looking breeds that can turn deadly.

JamieLea Biscoe, 19, was fatally bitten in the neck by Shy, a sevenyearold bluemerle lurcher, at home in Leaden Roding, Essex, on Friday evening.

The teen's father, Jack Biscoe, 37, found his daughter collapsed on the floor in his bedroom at around 10.45pm.

Police rushed to the scene where JamieLea was pronounced dead, before Shy  described as the 'softest' pet and JamieLea's 'best friend'  and her puppies were seized by officers.

Now, vets have revealed the breeds that have been involved in the most fatal incidents over the last 35 years.

And surprisingly, the list includes several smaller, innocentlooking dogs.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, an RSPCA spokesperson said: 'While some dogs are large and powerful, that doesn't mean they're more likely to show aggression than any other type of dog.'

JamieLea Biscoe, 19, was fatally bitten in the neck by Shy, a sevenyearold bluemerle lurcher, at home in Leaden Roding, Essex, on Friday evening

Here in the UK, five dog breeds are deemed so dangerous that they're banned.

These are the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, and the XL Bully.

However, the RSPCA points out that there's 'not robust research' to demonstrate that these breeds or types are any more aggressive than other dogs.

'Aggressive behaviour can be influenced by factors such as how they're bred, reared and experiences throughout their life,' it explained.

'Breed isn't a good way to predict risk of aggression.'

Despite the prohibition of the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Braziliero, and the XL Bully, dog bites have increased by 154 per cent in the past 20 years.

What's more, between 1989 and 2017, 48 people  including 20 children  died in dogrelated incidents.

Of the 62 dogs involved, the majority (53) were dog breeds not on the prohibited list.

Police rushed to the scene where JamieLea was pronounced dead, before Shy  described as the 'softest' pet and JamieLea's 'best friend'  and her puppies were seized by officers

Between 1989 and 2017, 48 people  including 20 children  died in dogrelated incidents  including one involving a Jack Rusell Terrier (stock image)

Dogs involved in fatalities from 19892017 Attacks involving adults: 4 Staffordshire bull terrier

3 American bulldog

3 German Shepherd

3 Pit bull terrier type

2 French mastiffs

2 Staffy type

2 Rottweiler

2 Unknown

1 Alapaha

1 Bull Mastiff cross

1 Cross breed

1 German ShepherdDoberman cross

1 Neapolitan mastiff

1 Springer

1 Springer or bullbreed mix

1 Terrier type

1 Weimaraner Attacks involving children: 7 Rottweilers

4 Pit Bull Terrier type

3 Staffordshire Bull Terriers

3 American Bulldogs

2 Bull Bastiffs

1 Alaskan Malamute

1 Bulldog

1 Great Dane

1 German Shepherd

1 Lakeland Terrier

1 Jack Russell

1 Mastiff/PBT type

1 Staffy cross

1 Jack Russell Terrier

1 Terrier

Among adults, Staffordshire Bull Terriers were involved in the most incidents (4), followed by American Bulldogs (3), German Shepherds (3), and Pit Bull Terriers (3).

French Mastiffs (2), Staffy types (2), Rottweilers (2), and unknown breeds (2) were the next most common dogs on the list.

The remaining incidents involved an Alapaha, a Bull Mastiff cross, a crossbreed, a German ShepherdDoberman cross, a Neapolitan Mastiff, a Springer, a Springer or bull breed mix, a terrier type, and a Weimaraner.

Meanwhile, the fatal incidents involving children included several smaller dog breeds.

One Alaskan Malamute was involved in a fatal attack, as well as a Lakeland Terrier, two Jack Russells, and one Terrier.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the RSPCA spokesperson said: 'Aggressive behaviour is a complex interaction between how a dog is bred as well as lifetime experiences.

'All dogs are individuals and whether or not a dog displays aggressive behaviour comes down to how they've been bred, reared and their life experiences.'

The Kennel Club agrees with the RSCPA, and says that 'no breed of dog is inherently dangerous'.

'Scientific research has proven that the Pit Bull Terrier and related breeds are physiologically no different from any other breed of dog,' it explains on its website.

'Dr Lehr Brisbin at the University of Georgia has proved the skeletal structure of the Pit Bull Terrier's jaw is no different from that of any other dog with respect to "jaw locking"  they simply have strongly muscled jaws in common with many other breeds.'

The Kennel Club agrees with the RSCPA, and says that 'no breed of dog is inherently dangerous'. Pictured: a Weimaraner

The latest attack comes three years after dog walker Natasha Johnston, 28, was killed after she 'lost control' of a pack of eight animals.

Following on from Ms Johnston's tragic death, both the RSCPA and the Kennel Club called for 'urgent action' to tackle dog control.

'We're devastated by the tragic incidents, like this, and agree that urgent action is needed to tackle dog control and irresponsible ownership,' the RSPCA spokesperson said at the time.

'However, the current approach to dog control is not working and we're calling on the UK Government to commit to a considered approach to tackling dog bite incidents that will better protect public safety while also ensuring good dog welfare.

'We want to see the UK Government commit to tackling the root causes of aggressive behaviour in dogs which are complex but include improving and enforcing current breeding and dog control regulations, and to promote responsible dog ownership, in order to effectively protect public safety while also ensuring better dog welfare.'

The Kennel Club added: 'The problem of dangerous dogs is a social one and needs to be tackled through the enforcement of effective legislation that seeks to curb irresponsible owners of all types of dog and better educate the dogowning public to prevent incidents before they occur.

'We believe that preventative legislation should be based on the principle of 'deed not breed' and centre around the introduction of dog control notices, a form of statutory improvement notice for dog owners of all types of dog.'
A massive typhoon is barreling toward US territory and could cause lasting damage for both residents and American tourists in the Pacific Ocean.

With sustained winds up to 173mph, the Category 5 cyclone became the strongest of the Pacific's tropical storm season on Monday.

Known as Super Typhoon Sinlaku, it is now moving straight toward the Northern Mariana Islands, including Saipan, Tinian and Rota, and the island of Guam.

Nearly 2,000 tourists across the US territories have already been stranded by the storm, which is expected to hit the islands Tuesday night, potentially causing blackouts, flooding and widespread wind damage.

A typhoon is a large, spinning storm that forms over warm tropical ocean water. It is the same type of storm as a hurricane or a cyclone - the only difference is where they form.

Hurricanes begin in the tropical Atlantic and the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Typhoons like Sinlaku form in the West Pacific Ocean, while cyclones start south of the equator, off the coast of places such as Australia and Madagascar.

A Category 5 storm is the strongest tropical cyclone measured by meteorologists, meaning it has destructive winds exceeding 157 mph.

The last same-rated typhoon to threaten US territory was Typhoon Yutu, which battered the Northern Mariana Islands in 2018, impacting the local economy and causing damage that took years to recover from.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku morphed from a tropical cyclone to Category 5 storm in roughly two days

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The National Weather Service (NWS) warned: 'Super Typhoon Sinlaku will bring destructive winds, widespread heavy rain/flooding, thunderstorms, and coastal impacts to the Marianas Islands into Wednesday.'

Forecasters also predicted tropical storm-like conditions over Guam, which has a population of more than 170,000.

Guam is considered an unincorporated territory, meaning the people born there are US citizens and Congress has final authority over what happens on the island, but the residents there cannot vote.

The governor's office in Guam revealed on Tuesday that flights to and from the island have been canceled due to the storm, preventing around 1,500 visitors from going home.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku is expected to keep going for several more days before it finally weakens and dissipates over cooler water or land.

The direct impact on the islands, including high winds and heavy rain, will last for roughly the next 24 hours.

However, the aftermath of power outages and flooding cleanup could disrupt life on the islands for weeks or months.

The US military on Guam has been told to shelter in place. President Trump approved emergency disaster declarations for both Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands on Sunday, allowing FEMA and other agencies to help with supplies and recovery.

With sustained winds up to 173mph, Super Typhoon Sinlaku is the strongest of the Pacific's tropical storm season so far

A typhoon is the same type of storm as a hurricane, but forms in the West Pacific Ocean

Typhoon season in the Pacific lasts for most of the calendar year, stretching from mid-February through early December.

In the Atlantic, hurricane season is just weeks away, beginning on June 1. AccuWeather has warned that as many as five tropical cyclone projected to directly impact the US mainland in 2026.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku has already made its closest approach to Guam, bringing hurricane-force winds over 80mph. However, meteorologist Landon Aydlett from NWS noted that the storm had entered a major slowdown, dragging out the damage for hours or days.

The damage is expected to be much worse in the Northern Mariana Islands, which is expected to take a direct hit from Sinlaku over the next day.

'Its going to be a very long night,' Aydlett said, according to the Pacific Daily News. 'Many of you up there in the CNMI probably have a sleepless night, as it's going to be very loud, a lot of action going on and unfortunately, a lot of damage.'

Another 400 tourists are believed to be trapped in the US commonwealth, which has a population of around 47,000 people, mostly on the island of Saipan.

Tourists on both the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam have been stranded as the typhoon approaches and has already damaged property

Sustained winds of more than 140mph are expected to ravage the Mariana Islands on Tuesday

The Mariana Islands are a 14-island archipelago in the western Pacific, forming the US commonwealth that includes Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Its tourism focuses on Second World War history, diving and beaches, and English is the official language. Anyone born there is a US citizen, but they also cannot vote.

However, the islands have more self-governing autonomy than other US commonwealths due to a special agreement signed with Congress in 1975.

Guam is also home to a major US military presence in the Pacific, including Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam.

These bases make Guam one of the most important US military hubs in the western Pacific, covering about one-third of the island.

Andersen Air Force Base supports long-range bombers, including the B-52s and B-2s, which can both carry nuclear weapons. Naval Base Guam is home to attack submarines and provides important logistics and support for the US Pacific Fleet.
An interview with a former Iranian official is making waves online after he admitted Iran had always intended to build a nuclear bomb.

Ali Motahari, who served as Parliament deputy speaker from 2016 to 2019, made the statements in 2022 while speaking on Iranian news media outlet ISCA News, saying: 'When we began our nuclear activity, our goal was indeed to build a bomb. There is no need to beat around the bush.'

Motahari noted that Iran had no plans for detonating the bomb, only using it as a deterrent, meaning a weapon intended to discourage enemies rather than immediately use it, citing the Quranic verse: 'Strike fear in the hearts of the enemy of Allah.'

Having a nuclear bomb for deterrence purposes, Motahari said that it 'would not have been a bad thing... All I am saying is that since we started, we should have proceeded to the threshold.'

According to Motahari, the plan failed because Iran could not keep its nuclear activities secret, particularly after the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) leaked confidential reports, bringing international attention.

However, he added toward the end of the interview that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei opposed the idea of building a bomb, deeming it 'forbidden.' Khamenei was killed by US-Israeli strikes in Tehran on February 28.

Motahari's 2022 interview contradicted Iran's long-held insistence that it never sought to build nuclear weapons, and resurfaced amid the US-Israeli war in Iran.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the current attacks were primarily meant to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, destroy its ballistic missile and military capabilities and counter what his administration described as a long-term threat from the Iranian regime and its proxies.

Ali Motahari made the statements in 2022 while speaking on Iranian news media outlet ISCA News, saying: 'When we began our nuclear activity, our goal was indeed to build a bomb . There is no need to beat around the bush.

The resurfaced clip quickly spread across social media, drawing sharp reactions from analysts, engineers and national security commentators who debated whether the remarks confirmed long-standing Western suspicions about Iran's nuclear ambitions.

During the interview, Motahari also shared that the objective of building a bomb was pursued and supported by 'the whole regime, or at least, by the people who started this activity.'

PMOI, also known as Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), exposed the Amad Plan in 2003, which aimed at creating a nuclear weapons capability.

That included producing five 10,000-ton TNT warheads, establishing a clandestine nuclear fuel cycle and preparing for underground nuclear tests by 2004.

A 10,000-ton TNT warhead, also known as a 10-kiloton nuclear weapon, carries roughly two-thirds the explosive power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945, giving a sense of the scale scientists believed Iran was pursuing.

The project, which proceeded in secret, was led by Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and made considerable progress in just a few short years.

Under the Amad Plan, Iran acquired several foreign weapon designs and refined them to develop its own, conducted conventional explosives testing, carried out casting and machining experiments with surrogate materials and studied how to integrate the warhead with a Shahab-3 missile.

These steps are considered critical in nuclear weapons development because scientists must precisely shape explosives so they compress nuclear material inward, a process known as implosion, which triggers the chain reaction needed for a nuclear blast.

Motahari's 2022 interview contradicted Iran's long-held insistence that it never sought to build nuclear weapons, and resurfaced amid the US-Israeli war in Iran. Pictured is the South tunnel entrance of the Isfahan underground complex near the Isfahan Nuclear Technology Center, Iran

The resurfaced clip quickly spread across social media, drawing sharp reactions from analysts, engineers and national security commentators who debated whether the remarks confirmed long-standing Western suspicions about Iran's nuclear ambitions (stock)

The main element that Iran lacked during this program was the weapons-grade uranium or plutonium to fuel the bombs, according to Iran Watch, a site run by the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control that tracks Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons, ballistic missiles and other weapons of mass destruction.

While the Amad Plan came to a halt, Iranian leaders later divided the nuclear program into overt and covert streams.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), scientists continued using computer simulations to test how a nuclear bomb would explode until 2009.

These simulations allowed researchers to digitally model how nuclear materials compress, ignite and release massive amounts of energy, enabling weapons development work to continue even without conducting real-world nuclear tests.

By the summer of 2013, Iran had installed more than 18,000 basic centrifuge machines, devices that spin samples at very high speeds to separate materials based on density, and about 1,300 newer, more powerful models at its nuclear facilities.

Centrifuges are the core technology behind uranium enrichment, spinning uranium gas at extremely high speeds, often faster than 50,000 revolutions per minute to separate lighter particles from heavier ones.

During the interview, Motahari also shared that the objective of building a bomb was pursued and supported by 'the whole regime, or at least, by the people who started this activity.' Pictured is a satellite image showing a truck loaded with containers, likely transporting highly enriched uranium in Iran

Over time, this process increases the concentration of uranium-235, the isotope required to fuel both nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons.

Iran had also built up a stockpile of roughly 21,000 pounds of uranium enriched to five percent and about 815 pounds enriched to 20 percent.

Natural uranium contains less than one percent uranium-235, meaning it cannot be used directly in most reactors or weapons.

Enriching uranium to about five percent typically allows it to power nuclear reactors, while enrichment levels above 90 percent are generally required to create weapons-grade material.

Material enriched to 20 percent is considered especially significant because it dramatically shortens the time needed to reach weapons-grade levels, a milestone nuclear experts often describe as entering a 'danger zone' of enrichment capability.

According to the US government in 2016, experts said that with further processing, this material could have been turned into enough fuel for one nuclear weapon in as little as two to three months.

Following revelations of secret facilities in 2002, Iran faced international sanctions, leading to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), restricting its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief, which was abandoned by the US in 2018.

On June 12, 2025, the IAEA formally declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations. The following day, Israel launched a military operation targeting Iran's military and nuclear fuel cycle sites, substantially damaging them

The JCPOA placed strict limits on how many centrifuges Iran could operate and capped uranium enrichment levels at 3.67 percent, far below weapons-grade thresholds, while allowing international inspectors to monitor facilities for signs of illicit activity.

Shortly after, Iran reduced compliance, exceeding the treaty's enrichment limits to reach 60 percent purity, close to weapons-grade, causing a rise in nuclear threshold status.

Uranium enriched to 60 percent is widely viewed by nuclear experts as a critical warning level because it represents the majority of the work needed to reach weapons-grade material.

At this stage, Iran was increasingly described as a 'nuclear threshold state,' meaning it possessed the technology, materials and knowledge necessary to build a nuclear weapon on short notice, even if one had not yet been assembled.

On June 12, 2025, the IAEA formally declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations. The following day, Israel launched a military operation targeting Iran's military and nuclear fuel cycle sites, substantially damaging them.

In October 2025, Iran officially ended the 2015 JCPOA, declaring that all restrictions on its nuclear program were void.

Ending the agreement removed formal limits on centrifuge numbers and enrichment levels, allowing Iran to expand its nuclear infrastructure without the same level of international oversight.

Fast forward to 2026, and Trump launched joint attacks with Israel against Iran.

'Our objectives are clear. First, we're destroying Iran's missile capabilities and their capacity to produce brand new ones, pretty good ones they make,' the president said on March 2.

'Second, we're annihilating their navy Third, we're ensuring that the world's number one sponsor of terror can never obtain a nuclear weapon And finally, we're ensuring that the Iranian regime cannot continue to arm, fund, and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders.'
A large earthquake near America's northern border has rattled millions in the southern part of Canada and sent shockwaves across multiple US states.

The magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck at 12.36pm ET on Tuesday just 40 miles north of Ottawa, Ontario - a city of more than 1.1 million people.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the shockwaves of this seismic event were felt by people in several nearby cities, including Montreal and its 4.4 million residents, and in northeastern US states such as New York and Vermont.

The Canadian counterpart of USGS, Earthquakes Canada, confirmed that the quake spread seismic waves across an area roughly 300 miles in diameter, generating thousands of reports of mild to moderate shaking.

The agency added that quakes of this magnitude are often felt across the region, but rarely cause significant damage.

A resident in Ottawa's Constance Bay told CTV News: 'The building was vibrating and it sounded like a large truck was going by at the beginning. It increased to where we felt the vibration in buildings.'

'The house was shaking and it scared us,' another person in Quebec's Otter Lake area added.

There have been no reports of injuries at this time.

The US Geological Survey detected a large quake in southern Canada, with shockwaves reaching upstate New York, Vermont, Montreal and Ottawa

Ottawa is just 40 miles from the quake's epicenter and is home more than 1.1 million people

Canadian officials have reported that the quake was slightly weaker than what US monitoring stations have said, calling Tuesday's event a 3.9 magnitude tremor.

Canada's National Capital Region, which includes the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, has not suffered an earthquake stronger than magnitude 5.6 since officials in the country started keeping accurate seismic records after 1899.

That record-setting earthquake struck both Cornwall, Ontario and Massena, New York in the US in 1944. A pair of Canadian quakes in 2010 and 2013 were measured at around magnitude 5.0.

Tuesday's earthquake struck in the heart of one of the most active seismic zones in eastern Canada.

The Western Quebec Seismic Zone includes a massive swath of land, including the Ottawa Valley from Montreal to the city of Temiscaming.

The Laurentian Mountains and Eastern Ontario are also part of this seismic zone, covering cities such as Ottawa and Cornwall.

This zone regularly produces small to moderate earthquakes and is the main source of seismic hazards for Ottawa, Gatineau and nearby areas.

The shaking happens because the ground here has several ancient faults below the surface, and ongoing pressure from deep inside the Earth keeps pushing on them, causing these cracks to occasionally slip and release energy.

Reports of shaking were made across southern Canada, including Montreal (Right) which has a population of more than 4 million people

Pictured: Canada's Western Quebec Seismic Zone

There has been widespread seismic activity throughout North America this week, from the Pacific Northwest to the Northeast.

On Sunday, a swarm of 18 earthquakes was detected right off the coast of Washington State, including a magnitude 4.2 eruption in the Pacific Ocean.

The swarm took place right along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, an ancient 'subduction' zone where a tectonic plate slides underneath the North American plate.

Geologists fear this region could be 'overdue' for a massive earthquake stronger than magnitude 7.0.

On Monday, a strong magnitude 5.7 earthquake was felt in Western Nevada and set off a swarm of aftershocks in the area.

Multiple earthquakes in Silver Lake can be caused by several factors, but the most common reason is movement along faults, which are fractures in the Earths crust where blocks of rock slip past each other, just like in Canada.
The US Pentagon has been slammed for missing a strict deadline to release Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) videos, with critics calling it a 'cover-up.'

Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna penned a letter to the US Secretary of Defense on April 1, ordering Pete Hegseth to deliver 46 specific clips no later than April 14, 2026.

Lawmakers said the videos could reveal patterns of activity near sensitive military sites and help determine whether the objects pose a potential national security threat.

The requested footage includes dozens of military-recorded encounters showing spherical, cigar-shaped and Tic Tac-like objects spotted over war zones, oceans and sensitive airspace around the world.

Some clips reportedly captured UAP formations near Iran and Syria, incidents near US bases and airports and even a 2023 shootdown over Lake Huron.

The threats extend beyond mysterious sightings, highlighting the danger unidentified objects pose when they appear near restricted airspace, military bases and active training zones.

Luna, however, said Tuesday afternoon on X that 'no one from the Pentagon had responded until we reached out, and it appears that someone did not pass the letter to the appropriate authorities.'

'How convenient,' the Florida representative added, noting that while she considers Hegseth a friend and supporter of President Donald Trump, 'the president has authorized the release, so whoever is trying to be cute at the Pentagon can take a hike.'

Some clips reportedly captured UAP formations near Iran and Syria, incidents near US bases and airports and even a 2023 shootdown over Lake Huron (stock)

The announcement has been met with fury online, with many saying the world deserves to know the truth.

'The American people want all this declassified. There's zero reason for any of it to be kept secret,' one user commented. 'Zero valid reason other than to justify spending money on an annual budget for a bunch of rogue federal employees.'

Another user shared: 'Yep, sounds like normal government protocol what letter? '

Commenting on Luna's statement that Trump had ordered the release, one user said: 'Isn't it amazing, how our government won't listen to itself?

'Or the will of the people? I'm sorry, I must've been mistaken when I was taught that this was the entire point of government in the first place.'

In February, Trump directed federal agencies, including the Pentagon, to begin identifying and releasing files related to UFOs, also known as UAPs, and potential extraterrestrial activity.

'Based on the tremendous interest shown, I will be directing the Secretary of War... to begin the process of identifying and releasing Government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs),' Trump wrote on Truth Social on February 19.

Luna has taken a prominent role in advocating for transparency regarding UAPs.

One of the videos requested was 'Spherical UAP over AFG in and out of clouds' captured in 2020. The footage was leaked by Investigative journalists Jeremy Corbell and George Knapp last year

She chairs a House Federal Secrets Task Force focused on investigating UAPs, declassifying federal records and protecting whistleblowers.

In the early April letter, she wrote: 'The continued lack of transparency surrounding these anomalies and the potential national security threat they pose is troubling.'

She added that the Task Force held a hearing on September 9, 2025, to discuss those concerns.

'Whistleblowers informed the Task Force that AARO possesses additional video records of potential UAP sightings,' she wrote.

'To continue its investigation, the Task Force requests certain video files related to UAP sightings.'

Anna Paulina Luna chairs a House Federal Secrets Task Force focused on investigating UAP, declassifying federal records and protecting whistleblowers

The requested footage reportedly shows spherical objects weaving through clouds, hovering over open water and repeatedly appearing near US warships and submarines.

Several clips were captured by fighter jets, surveillance aircraft and drones operating in regions such as the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and the East China Sea.

In multiple cases, more than one object was tracked moving at high speeds at the same time, raising concerns about possible coordinated activity near sensitive military operations.

One of the requests: 'Spherical UAP over AFG in and out of clouds, 11/23/20,' is a video reportedly showing a massive disc weaving in and out of cloud cover.

Investigative journalists Jeremy Corbell and George Knapp, who leaked parts of the clip, said the footage was recorded by government personnel over the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in November 2020.

The object was spotted during a reconnaissance mission by a high-altitude Air Force platform.
A seasoned traveller has claimed her hack can cheat Ryanair's system and guarantee aisle or window seats - for free.

Lauren Hawker-Jones, from travel tips firm Jack's Flight Club, has demonstrated how customers can swerve the dreaded middle seats during online check-in.

Lauren, who lives in Barcelona, Spain, has hailed her hack as a 'small-but-satisfying win for the average budget-conscious traveller'.

Footage viewed more than 200,000 times shows the 29-year-old getting ready to check in 24 hours before her flight was due to take off, identifying the available seats you don't want.

In a separate tab, she loads up Ryanair again and opens up a new booking for the flight.

The travel worker can then be seen adding three new passengers to allocate them the unwanted middle spaces.

She claims Ryanair then reserves them as the system thinks they're being bought, leaving only seats you're happy with being available for 'random allocation'.

Lauren, from Birmingham, West Midlands, said: 'As a budget traveller I'm always looking out for small ways to make the journey more comfortable in a cost-effective way.

Lauren Hawker-Jones shared her genius trick to avoid the middle seat

Lauren, who works at travel tips firm Jack's Flight Club, explained her method

'Since testing this out a few months ago I've tried it on every flight since and I've always landed a window or aisle seat.

'I think with all the increasing luggage restrictions and tighter seating becoming the norm, it feels like a small-but-satisfying win for the average budget-conscious traveller.

'I doubt it's going to sink Ryanair anytime soon so if it helps even a few people avoid the dreaded middle seat without forking out even more cash I think it's worth sharing.'

Katy Maclure, head of community and content at Jack's Flight Club, says the hack is a way to 'get back at Ryanair who have no shame in charging extra for more breathing room'.

Katy said: 'Lauren discovered it when she was travelling back to the UK to visit family and she's managed to replicate it since.

'Our mission is to make sure people can travel without spending over the odds and if we can find ways without having to pay these inflated fees then we want to share them.

'It's normal there's going to be a hold on that seat so presuming there are enough seats left to buy there's an opportunity to jump in on a bargain.

'It only works closer to the end of the check-in time when most of the seats are allocated so you have to have the time and the willpower but it works.

You start by opening multiple tabs and selecting the middle seat, to pretend to 'book' them

The hack then makes it appear as though the seats have already been booked

'Hating the middle seat is about personal space because if you're not willing to spend that bit extra you're jumped in between people you don't know.

'It's like a punishment and it doesn't feel fair so this is a good way to claim that personal space and get one back over the airline who have no shame in charging extra for more breathing room.'

The post, captioned 'desperate to avoid the middle seat?', has been liked more than 2,400 times and has more than 75 comments.

One commented: 'Love it, travel alone and hate the lottery of the seat picking.'

A second said: 'Lol love it for real. The tech guys will hate it.'

A third added: 'I've done it with up to 20 seats.'

However, one said: 'Not a hack. It's a cheapskate trying to dodge seat costs.'

Another agreed and said: 'Just pay the premium.'

Ryanair has been contacted for comment.
April 13, 2026: The Ukraine war has alarmed NATO nations and forced them to rely on Ukrainian experience in defeating Russian air and missile attacks. Russian air attacks involve nearly a thousand Iranian Shahed drones sent after Ukrainian targets night after night. In Europe airports have been shut down repeatedly because of the presence of drones. These usually turn out to be civilian drones, but no one wants to take a chance that some are Russian. European NATO nations are urged to identify some drones as outright attacks that can spread panic because such drone operations could damage local military facilities and civilian infrastructure.

The solution could be found in determining what can be done by local and national military authorities to augment essential hardening infrastructure against air attacks.

Consultation with Ukraine led some European NATO countries to include their local manufacturers and civilian volunteers in private sector-led air-defense employment to benefit from the Ukrainian experience in air defense. Then there is the insurance angle. If civilian and commercial facilities are under threat, their insurance rates can rapidly escalate. This can disrupt or halt economic activity. A solution can be found with international financial institutions who can incorporate physical security into pricing models, just as insurance coverage is part of project finance.

The Ukraine War has f0rced NATO countries to confront the possibility of dealing with Russian aggression in the near future. NATO nations have long depended on air power as their first line of defense. These aircraft use various missiles and smart bombs for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses/SEAD and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses/DEAD. The Russian threat is not immediate because Russian leader Vladimir Putin recently admitted that Russia was having serious economic problems that had to be addressed immediately. That means, according to the Russians, even if the Ukraine Wars, it will be three years or more before the Russians are ready to resume their operations against Ukraine and eventually NATO nations.

Since early 2022 Russia has used thousands of ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles, unguided rockets and bombs, and one-way attack drones on Ukraine. European NATO members noticed and sought to prepare their existing air defense systems to meet an attack from Russia. Currently each NATO nation has its own air defense systems, but most have none at all because, until Russia turned violent, there seemed no need for air defenses. With the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991, the resulting Russian Federation seemed peaceful. Russia had no enemies. That was not true because Russian governments tend to be paranoid and aggressive and, when Vladimir Putin gained power in 1999 and proceeded to change laws to make himself president for life, he contended that some of Russias neighbors were plotting against it. Then Putin increased the size of the military and sought to take, by force, neighboring territories he believed should be part of Russia.

In 2022 Russia decided to grab more territory it believed it was part of Russia. In this case it was Ukraine, another new country created when the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991 and was divided into fourteen new countries. Among them was the Russian Federation and Ukraine. After Ukraine lost Crimea and portions of Luhansk and Donetsk provinces in 2014, they sought to get back these territories via negotiations with Russia. That dragged on until 2022 when Russia decided to settle the matter by invading Ukraine. If Russia could conquer Ukraine, the disputes over Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk would disappear.

Russia did not expect the intensity of the Ukrainian resistance and their invasion failed. Then in August 2024 Ukraine invaded Russia, sending troops into Kursk province. Russian resistance was virtually non-existent. The Ukrainian invasion force was accompanied by over a thousand drones which provided surveillance as well as the ability to attack any Russian defenders. The drone-based air war in Ukraine developed naturally between Ukraine and the Russian but NATO nations that provided military aid to Ukraine were mystified and sought to find out more about this new form of warfare. All the Ukrainian drones were designed and built in Ukraine. This new form of air warfare was born and evolved in Ukraine, with the Russians playing catch up to maintain their war effort. Many Ukrainians built drones at home or in small workshops and sent them to soldiers they knew. Ukrainian soldiers often tinkered with drones they received, making improvements before launching them at the enemy.

Ukraine shared its knowledge with their NATO supporters and that led to some NATO nations establishing factories to produce drones for Ukraine. One thing NATO nations were concerned about was how they could defend themselves against hostile drones as well as the many ballistic and cruise missiles Russia had used against Ukraine. NATO nations had no defense against such weapons and, given continued Russian aggression, these weapons might one day be used against a NATO nation bordering Russia.

Some NATO nations, like France, Britain, Germany, Italy and the United States, developed and built weapons for export. These nations had no enemies, until Russia attacked Ukraine. As part of NATO support for Ukraine, member nations sent weapons they built for their own use and export. This included a lot of air defense weapons that were getting their first use in a near-peer war between two nations with equal technical capabilities. Contributors noted the performance of their weapons and modified them to make them more effective. The manufacturers could now tout their air defense weapons as combat proven in Ukraine to prospective export customers. Thats a very effective sales technique. One item that is missing is equipment to integrate the air defense systems for multiple countries. This would also provide each country with an electronic display of their entire air combined defense networks as well as the location of any intruders.

NATO nations now have numerous air defense systems that have been used successfully in combat. Currently this helps with exports but in the future, it could prove essential if Russia decided to attack more neighboring countries. According to Russian announcements and NATO predictions the first clash could come before the end of the decade. The side that is better prepared will prevail.
A pilots' strike at Lufthansa has caused hundreds of flight cancellations, creating a knock-on effect on passengers travelling with the airline.

At Frankfurt airport, Germany's largest hub, 570 take-offs and landings, mostly from Lufthansa, were cancelled overall.

More than 50,000 passengers were affected as a result of the strike action on Monday and Tuesday, April 13 and 14, this week.

Pilots' union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) asked its members at Lufthansa and its regional subsidiary Cityline to walk out on Monday and Tuesday.

Lufthansa and the VC are at odds over a company pension scheme for pilots, with the union demanding that the airline more than double its contributions.

Munich airport reported a combined 720 cancellations over two days, most of them connections offered by Lufthansa.

At Lufthansa, which also includes unaffected units Discover and City Airlines, two-thirds of short and medium-haul flights and half of long-haul flights were cancelled.

Plus, Lufthansa's low-cost subsidiary Eurowings has been affected, saying it would operate around 300, or 60 per cent, of its scheduled flights.

Germany's flagship carrier Lufthansa faced strike action yesterday and today

It comes after the cabin crew union UFO also announced a strike at Lufthansa and Lufthansa CityLine at short notice for Wednesday, 15 April and Thursday, 16 April 2026.

Lufthansa is working to keep the impact on passengers as low as possible.

However, despite these efforts, flight cancellations are unavoidable.

Travellers who are affected by an irregularity will be informed accordingly.

According to the airline, in the event of a cancellation of a German domestic Lufthansa flight, travellers may exchange their flight ticket for a Deutsche Bahn ticket free of charge.

A statement from Lufthansa said: 'The strike announcement by the sectoral union VC for April 13 and 14 marks a completely new level of escalation.

'Their core demand to double an already above-average and excellent company pension plan is absurd and unfeasible.

'This time, the VC is striking at four Lufthansa Group airlines simultaneously: Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo, and Lufthansa Cityline on April 13 and 14, and Eurowings on April 13.

Lufthansa has cancelled hundreds of flights during the pilots' strike

'A special flight schedule for the strike period has been published. Accordingly, on both days, the airlines affected by the strike will be able to operate about one-third of their total short-haul schedule.

'For long-haul routes, this figure is at 50 percent. Lufthansa Cargo will be able to operate 70 percent of its scheduled flights, while Eurowings will operate 60 percent of its schedule on Monday, the day of the strike.

'Across all airlines in the Lufthansa Group, 75 percent of the total flight schedule will be operated on Monday and Tuesday.'

Regarding the UFO strike, the airline added: 'The latest call for a strike by the UFO union is a grim reminder that it is completely indifferent to the fate of our passengers and the future of Lufthansa.

'This forced strike, launched without any serious negotiations, aims to significantly improve the working conditions for flight attendants - which are already the best in the entire group.

'This time, the UFO union is striking at two Lufthansa Group airlines simultaneously: Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cityline on April 15 and 16.

'A special flight schedule will be developed and published for the duration of the strike. Affected customers will be automatically notified by Lufthansa. We apologize to our guests for the flight schedule changes necessitated by the strike.

'In Germany, the Lufthansa Group airlines Discover Airlines, Eurowings, and Lufthansa City Airlines will operate their schedules as planned and, where possible, add additional flights.

'Lufthansa Group airlines such as Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, and ITA Airways will also attempt to offer additional frequencies and deploy larger aircraft on their flights to and from Germany.'
Paw Patrol fans will soon be able to delve into the world of their favourite characters, as Chessington World of Adventures has revealed the opening date of the new themed land.

The Surrey-based attraction will open the doors of the 15million immersive experience on Sunday, May 3 - over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Paw Patrol is an animated children's series starring six rescue dogs who tackle various missions across Adventure Bay, led by a boy named Ryder.

The popular show is set to be brought to life by Chessington across a 1.4-acre land boasting four thrilling rides based around the beloved Paw Patrol pack.

It will be home to Chase's Mountain Mission, Skye's Helicopter Heroes, Marshall's Firetruck Rescue and Zuma's Hovercraft Adventure - the UK's first 'Drifter' ride.

New images of the World of Paw Patrol reveal previously unseen parts of the exciting addition to the theme park.

Four-year-old Hallie Sawyer has been appointed the official 'PAWject Manager,' after winning the competition Chessington previously held looking for the UK's biggest Paw Patrol fan.

Hallie is the first to test out the rides and even got to meet her Paw Patrol heroes in their new home.

Chessington World of Adventures brand new World of Paw Patrol will open on Mary 3, 2026

New images of the exciting land reveal unseen parts and show just how immersive the area will be

The photographs appear to show a glimpse of some of the three new play areas, with colourful equipment and scenery.

Rubble & Rocky's Play Zone is one area where youngsters can get hands-on with the climbable construction zone.

In the play zone, guests can slide, climb, and explore alongside their favourite construction pup, Rubble.

Junior eco-heroes can also climb, crawl, and tinker their way through a maze of repurposed parts.

The interactive play area invites children to explore, problem-solve, and invent alongside Rocky.

Meanwhile, the Flounder Boat Play will allow little explorers to help Captain Turbot on a high-seas adventure aboard the Flounder Boat.

There will also be a range of themed food, beverage and retail offerings for fans to full immerse themselves into the land.

Chessington World of Adventure's vice president, Nick Bevan, said: 'It's safe to say Hallie was on the case, bringing such enthusiasm and 'PAW-sitivity' to her important quality assurance mission.

Four-year-old Hallie Sawyer (pictured) has been appointed the official 'PAWject Manager,' after winning the competition Chessington previously held looking for the UK's biggest Paw Patrol fan

In other previously-released images, Rubble can be seen stood proudly in front of the new tower wearing his classic yellow helmet and jacket

'Her entry was a brilliant reminder of how the PAW Patrol values can be lived every day through care, teamwork, and doing the right thing.

'It has been great to witness the smiles the World of PAW Patrol has brought to our first visitor, and we can't wait for families from across the world to experience the magic of PAW Patrol here at Chessington World of Adventures from 3rd May.'

Previously released images of the Paw Patrol land revealed the iconic PAW Patrol Lookout Tower - which is a real-life replica of the structure seen on the show.

Rubble can be seen stood proudly in front of the new tower wearing his classic yellow helmet and jacket.

The Lookout Tower will form part of the new 'Chase's Mountain Mission' ride, the attraction's entry level rollercoaster, and even boasts the pup tag.

Other images reveal what the rest of the land will look like - showing road-like pathways around the tower as well as colourful Paw Patrol-themed decorations.

Chaser's Mountain ride will whisk passengers on a high-speed rescue vehicle as they help Chase and Everest save the day.

Skye's Helicopter Heroes takes riders aboard Skye's helicopter and fly to the skies - complete with spinning rotors and panoramic views.

Or if Zuma is your favourite character, hop on and become the Labrador's co-pilot on Zuma's Hovercraft Adventure across the water from Adventure Bay to Seal Island.

Fans can also ride a bright red fire truck on Marshall's Firetruck Rescue as the lively vehicle makes its way through the streets of Adventure Bay.
Not sure what to watch tonight? Discover our brand new TV GUIDE now!

Christopher Eccleston has hit out at 'woke' TV bosses for 'turning white, middle-aged men into toxic villains' in a scathing rant.

The actor, 62, is well known for his roles in Our Friends In The North, The Leftovers and playing the Ninth Doctor in Doctor Who.

Speaking in a new interview, Christopher claimed there was a 'trend' among antagonists in current scripted dramas.

It comes as he is set to play a sinister cult leader in upcoming six-part Netflix series Unchosen.

Christopher told Radio Times magazine: 'There's a great trend in drama at the moment for antagonists who are toxic, white, apparently heterosexual, late-middle-aged men.

'Thankfully, Julia gave him dimension and placed him in a story of tragedy involving the loss of his son and alcoholism.

Christopher Eccleston hit out at ' woke' TV bosses for 'turning white, middle-aged men into toxic villains'

The actor, 62, is playing a sinister cult leader in the upcoming Netflix psychological thriller Unchosen

'It's a gift of a role because of the awkward questions it asks of our audience.'

He added: 'Historically, there would be programmes that I watched when I was young where I would feel patronised  Love Thy Neighbour or whatever  but there was a lot where I felt I was being respected.

'The likes of Play for Today and The Naked Civil Servant.

'But with the erosion of the writers culture to almost writing by committee, Ive heard stories about some of the idiotic  and sometimes downright hateful  assumptions about the audiences intelligence today.

'A lot of people in television think the audience is stupid.'

Christopher also told the publication: 'Masculinity is in crisis, and it seems its particularly white, working-class boys who are being neglected, left to rot by governments and targeted by the far Right.

'So as an ex-working class white boy, I try, if I can, to address some of those things. Masculinity shouldnt be contingent on other peoples oppression.'

Written by Julie Gearey, Unchosen is set to debut on the streaming platform from April 21.

A synopsis for the psychological thriller reads: 'When a young mother from a sheltered cult crosses paths with a mysterious stranger, she embarks on a risky affair that awakens desires and dark secrets.'

Alongside Christopher, the cast includes Asa Butterfield, Siobhan Finneran, Molly Windsor and Fra Free.

Elsewhere, Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies warned last month that his new show is 'woke on a colossal scale' and 'will be hated' as he ditches the BBC in favour of Channel 4.

Christopher played the Ninth Doctor in Doctor Who - being the first actor to play the role when the BBC show relaunched

From the team behind the ground-breaking Queer as Folk, gritty Channel 4 series Tip Toe will follow two neighbours, played by acting legends Alan Cumming and David Morrisey, who end up becoming enemies as the world becomes less tolerant and more divisive.

Russell's last drama for Channel 4 was the devastating and critically acclaimed, It's A Sin, which followed a group of young friends during the 1980s AIDS crisis.

Now Russell will again shed light on the community as he explores the rising animosity and dangerous prejudice facing LGBTQ+ people today.

Russell said the purpose of the show is to highlight how 'simply being gay in 2026 is political'.

He told Deadline: 'People will hate it. My word this show is going to get called woke on a colossal scale, but I'm happy to be called woke.'

Russell approached his long-time producing partner with the idea for the show because he wanted to shed light on the increased hostility the queer community have been facing.

'I felt the queer discourse was becoming so hostile and dangerous in a way I never thought would happen again, so I came to Nicola [Shindler] and said, "Hello, let's do this",' he said.

A synopsis of the series, which is from Quay Street Productions, reads: 'The five-part series will follow Leo [Alan Cumming] and Clive [David Morrissey] who live next door to each other in Manchester. Leo runs a bar on Canal Street and Clive's an electrician, with two teenage sons.

'But just as life should be settling down, the world around them is growing more tense.

'Words become weapons, opinions become radicalised, and gradually, two neighbours become deadly enemies in a tense, suburban thriller which challenges everything we consider to be safe.

'The series, populated with a cast of vibrant characters and underscored with Davies trademark wit and deft humour, is an urgent yet gripping tale that brings a spotlight to bear on the re-emergence of an incipient threat.'
Ryan Thomas' daughter Scarlett has hit back at a string of 'jealous and hateful' nepo-baby complaints.

The actress, 17 - who is the daughter of Coronation Street stars Ryan, 41, and Tina O'Brien, 42 - has had a very successful career in recent years after landing a role in BBC's Waterloo Road and her very own record deal.

Scarlett has played Izzy Charles in Waterloo Road, alongside her uncle Adam Thomas - who is currently taking part in I'm A Celebrity... South Africa - since 2022.

The teen, who boasts an impressive 339.5k followers on TikTok, also bagged herself a record deal with Big Family Music in January this year, and has since shared multiple videos of herself in the studio on social media.

But some have said that the only reason that she has got these opportunities is because of her famous family, which has led them on to brand her a nepo-baby.

According to Cambridge Dictionary, a nepo-baby is 'the child of a famous person who has become successful and famous themselves, especially when they are thought to have made use of their parent's influence or connections to achieve this'.

Ryan Thomas' daughter Scarlett has hit back at 'jealous and hateful' nepo-baby complaints

The teen, who boasts an impressive 339.5k followers on TikTok, also bagged herself a record deal with Big Family Music in January this year, and has since shared multiple videos of herself in the studio on social media

Scarlett has played Izzy Charles in Waterloo Road, alongside her uncle Adam Thomas - who is currently taking part in I'm A Celebrity... South Africa - since 2022

During a recent appearance on Ami Charlizes Private Story podcast, host Ami asked Scarlett: 'How do you feel about the whole nepo-baby name?'

Scarlett replied: 'I dont even really know what it means.

'I see all of these things on TikTok like, 'I wish I was a nepo baby in LA,' I wish I was, in LA.

'But Im just grateful that Ive had all these chances, my family have given me loads of chances and theyve taught me stuff more than anything.

'Theyve not put me in places, theyve just taught me and Im so grateful that Ive had that.

'They know and theyve learned and they can pass it down to me.'

Next she was asked: 'How do you feel when you get the negativity that you get at such a young age?'

Scarlett explained: 'My family have taught me that this is gonna happen, I know its a standard thing that happens.

Scarlett pictured with her Coronation Street star mum Tina O'Brien

'Loads of it comes from jealousy as well. Its jealousy, they want something that you have that they cant have it.

'Ive always had it, people have watched me grow up and they dont realise how old I am now so maybe thats why theyre like, "Whys she wearing that?".'

Back in January Scarlett's dad Ryan hit back at nepo-baby criticism of his daughter after singing a record deal.

Discussing the matter with brother Adam and Scarlett, he explained that he has frequently seen people saying how his daughter 'got queue jumped like into Waterloo Road and she only got this gig because of her family'.

The soap star said: 'And I have to back it as well because I know the process that Scarlett's been through.

'She's been through it like every other actress or actor to get this part on Waterloo Road. She went through audition after audition.

'And she went up a lot against a lot of good people and she got the part off her own back.

'She earned that part and she got that part off her own back and it's nice to see.'

Adam then mentioned the nepo-baby comments to which Ryan snapped: 'What is nepo?'

Sharing her thoughts, Scarlett said: 'It's just a bit like why are you pushing my talent aside and not just like letting me do what I want to do?'

'It's like a plumber. A plumber might have a child that becomes a plumber.'

And in April last year, Scarlett herself clapped back.

Taking to TikTok, Scarlett shared a carefree video of herself in the passenger seat of a convertible as she lip-synced to the 1977 hit Easy by Commodores.

In the clip, she donned oversized sunglasses, gold hoop earrings, and a brown off-the-shoulder jumper.

Alongside the short video, Scarlett addressed a frequent comment from online trolls: 'You only got these opportunities because of your family.'

But the young soap star was quick to hit back at critics who question or undermine her achievements.

Scarlett wrote on top of the clip: 'God forbid a girl takes the chances she gets.'

Scarlett's mum and dad Tina and Ryan between 2003 to 2009 when they were on-screen lovers in Coronation Street.

Ryan is now engaged to Lucy Mecklenburgh and the pair share two children together.

Tina moved on with husband Adam Crofts 2011, but they split last year. They share a son.

Scarlett's famous uncles are Emmerdale star Adam and Love Island's Scott Thomas.
Not sure what to watch tonight? Discover our TV GUIDE now!

Ashley James was unable to hold back her tears on This Morning during a discussion of the Southport inquiry.

It was prompted by a new police report that found that the attack would not have happened if the killer's parents had done their 'moral' duty and reported him to police.

The 2024 tragedy sent shockwaves through the UK when Axel Rudakubana, then 17, broke into a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in the Merseyside town and began indiscriminately attacking the 26 attendees.

Three young girls lost their lives in the horror attack, which left a further six children and two adults injured.

Ashley, 39, whose voice broke as she became emotional, said: 'I get so upset thinking about it, because ultimately, three little girls went to a Taylor Swift dance class and they never came home.

'As a parent, that's your worst nightmare. Obviously it's not just those little girls. It's the eight other girls that AR attempted to kill, and the amazing adults that obviously made sure that it wasn't any worse.'

Ashley James, 39, was unable to hold back her tears on This Morning during a discussion of the Southport inquiry

Ashley, 39, whose voice broke as she became emotional, said: 'I get so upset thinking about it, because ultimately, three little girls went to a Taylor Swift dance class and they never came home.'

The discussion was prompted by a new police report that found that the attack would not have happened if the killer's parents had done their 'moral' duty and reported him to police

The presenter stressed that the findings of the police report were horrifying as Axel's parents had years of missed opportunities to stop his disturbing behaviour from escalating.

They knew their son was hoarding an arsenal of weapons, including machetes, for at least a year but did nothing, the chairman of the public inquiry said.

Discussing some of the many failings in the case, Ashley said: 'A teenage boy was able to view over a five-year period violent and misogynistic content online.

'His parents didn't stop it. The police didn't stop it, the health services didn't stop it, the tech companies didn't stop it.

'And with the parents, of course, they bear real responsibility, because they had knowledge that he had purchased weapons. They knew that he tried to leave the house the week before to carry out an attack on his school.'

Ashley went on to slam tech companies for allowing teenagers access to inappropriate material online.

She stressed that the main lesson that should be taken from the tragedy is ensuring change that stops a similar incident from ever happening again.

'We welcome the report, and the main thing is we need to ensure that something like this is never able to happen again,' Ashley said.

Axel Rudakubana was jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 52 years, at Liverpool Crown Court in January

Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were all murdered in the atrocity on July 29, 2024

On Monday night the parents of murdered Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, said they were 'devastated' to learn that their children's lives 'could and should' have been saved.

They said in a statement: 'He had not left the house for two years except when armed or seeking to cause harm, yet they allowed him to leave on that day knowing he was likely carrying a weapon.'

Merseyside police confirmed no charges would be brought against Axel's parents on Monday night.

Rudakubana's parents, taxi driver Alphonse Rudakubana, 50, and laboratory worker Laetitia Muzayire, 54, knew their youngest child, who had stopped going to school and was violent towards them at home, had been hoarding weapons for at least a year before the atrocity.

They had 'repeated opportunities' to warn police but instead obstructed officials who tried to intervene in their son's care, were 'too ready' to excuse his actions and failed to stand up to his behaviour, the report found.

He accused the pair, who sought asylum in Britain from Rwanda in 2002, of giving 'dishonest evidence' to the inquiry to try to justify their actions.

Rudakubana was jailed for life at Liverpool Crown Court in January last year and ordered to serve a minimum of 52 years in prison before being considered for parole.

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
Saturday Night Live UK has unveiled Nicola Coughlan and Aimee Lou Wood as its next two celebrity guest hosts - leaving Bridgerton and The White Lotus fans thrilled.

The six-part Sky Original series premiered on Sky and NOW next month, following in the footsteps of its legendary US counterpart.

Live from London at 10pm every Saturday night, each 75-minute episode sees a different host take to the stage alongside SNL UKs inaugural cast.

The ensemble includes Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi and Paddy Young.

Nicola, 39, will take the reins for Saturday, April 25 - with SNL veterans and musical guests The Foo Fighters making their SNL UK debut.

The following week (May 2) sees Aimee, 32, in charge and she will be joined by British breakthrough artist MEEK as musical guest.

Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope, will be hosting the April 25 episode of Saturday Night Live UK

Following on from Nicola one week later will be The White Lotus and Sex Education star, Aimee Lou Wood

Previous guest hosts thus far include Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan, Riz Ahmed and Jack Whitehall.

Viewers will recognise Irish actress Nicola from her performance as Penelope Featherington in Netflix smash-hit Bridgerton.

She also played Clare Devlin in Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls and stars as Silky (a fairy) in feature film The Magic Faraway Tree.

Meanwhile, Aimee had a prominent role as Chelsea in season three of The White Lotus, earning multiple award nominations.

However, she made her screen debut in Netflix comedy Sex Education, where she played Aimee Gibbs throughout the run.

It comes as 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.'

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 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.

Comedian Jack Whitehall hosted the most recent episode - following Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan and Riz Ahmed

'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.
An American woman who spent almost two years as part of a South Korean girl group has opened up about the reality of life in the K-pop industry.

Alexandra Reid, now 36, became the first ever Black K-pop idol when she joined the long-running girl group Rania in 2015 after being scouted during a writing session in Los Angeles.

Reid, who was working as a songwriter at the time, was cutting K-pop demos in the studio when an A&R representative pitched her the idea of joining the group, which was looking to rebrand with an American member.

'They said it would be like the Pussycat Dolls and I would be the Nicole Scherzinger,' Reid told the Daily Mail.

'So basically we set up a Skype and I auditioned for the head of the company, and he was like, "How soon can you get here?"'

Within ten days, Reid was on a flight to South Korea to officially join Rania and become a K-pop star.

An American woman who spent almost two years as part of a South Korean girl group has opened up about the reality of life in the K-pop industry

Alexandra Reid , now 36, became the first ever Black K-pop idol when she joined the long-running girl group Rania in 2015

Before leaving the US, she recorded vocals for the group's songs while her lawyer negotiated her contract with the group's Korean record label.

Reid was excited to join the group and was looking forward to forming a sisterhood with her new members, but there was one big problem - she didn't speak a word of Korean.

'You don't realize what a language barrier really is until you're in a K-pop dance studio where nobody speaks English and you don't speak Korean,' she told Daily Mail.

Reid wasn't provided a translator by her label, which made for a 'very awkward' first meeting with her new bandmates.

'I was hugging them, but that's not a thing over there. I probably should've been bowing and I should've taken my shoes off,' Reid explained.

In Korea, it is customary to greet your superiors with a 30-degree bow, and as Reid was the new girl in Rania, she was automatically at the bottom of the pecking order in the already established girl group.

'They were polite, but it was awkward,' she recalled. 'I felt like they didn't want to get to know me.'

Reid also found out that the group's name was being changed to BP Rania, with the 'BP' standing for 'black pearl' - a reference to Reid's Swedish, African and Hungarian heritage.

After Reid joined, the group's name was changed to BP Rania, with the 'BP' standing for 'black pearl' - a reference to Reid's Swedish, African and Hungarian heritage

'My manager was like, "It's you! You're the black pearl,"' Reid recalled. 'I didn't find it offensive, I thought it was funny.'

Highlighting her race in the otherwise all-Asian group was a way to garner Rania some much needed publicity in the overcrowded and notoriously competitive K-pop scene.

Before she'd even officially debuted in the group, Reid's entry into the South Korean music market sparked a media frenzy as K-pop fans waited to see how the first African-American K-pop idol would do.

Unfortunately, as eager fans waited for Reid with bated breath, things behind the scenes were a disaster.

Not only was Reid unable to communicate with her bandmates due to the language barrier, she wasn't even taught choreography for the group's live performances until five days before the release of their comeback single, Demonstrate.

As a result, her role during the song's promotions was reduced to a glorified cameo, with Reid strutting out to rap a few bars during the intro, before exiting the stage while the rest of BP Rania performed the entire track together.

While Reid was begging to be properly included in rehearsals and recordings so she could be fully incorporated into the group, she said she was often excluded by BP Rania's choreographer.

Eventually, things reached a boiling point and Reid 'clashed' with the choreographer during a brutal dance practice.

'There was a big blow up where, essentially, she had done something that was so unacceptable, not to me, but to somebody else,' Reid shared.

'I ended up having the girl's back and protecting her,' she added.

Despite not speaking any Korean and barely receiving any training from her label, Reid did her best to assimilate to Korean culture and fit in with the group

The fight ultimately brought Reid closer to her bandmates, especially member Kim Jiyoo, who could speak some English and had been added to the group's revamped lineup shortly before Reid was.

'We got really close because I think me standing up for another member is something that they hadn't seen before,' she explained.

'It took us to a new level where everyone understood, like, "She's not just here for The Alex Show, she's here for us."'

With the women finally getting along, BP Rania came together to release their next single, Start a Fire - and that's when the real work started for Reid.

A typical day would begin with a wakeup call of around 3 or 4am. The members would head to a local beauty parlor to have their hair and makeup done so that they'd be in full K-pop glam for the day's activities.

Unfortunately, Reid was often forced to do her own glam while her bandmates got theirs done professionally, as the Korean stylists weren't familiar with the texture of her hair or Western makeup styles, especially when it came to darker skin tones.

'If we were getting up at four, I was getting up at two to wash and dry my hair, and then I would sit in the beauty shop for three hours while everyone else got their K-pop glam,' she said.

Once that was done, the group would head to soundcheck and camera blocking for whatever K-pop music show they'd be performing on that afternoon.

Instead of getting a break for lunch, the group would then do a fan event, whether it was an in person meet-and-greet or something on social media, like a live stream.

From there, it would be time to record their performance, which would often require multiple takes so that the crew could get different angles and make various adjustments to ensure that it was perfect.

By this time, which was well past lunch, Reid would have a moment to grab a quick bite to eat - usually a vegetarian kimbap.

When it came to getting food, Reid said that idols 'are at the beck and call of their managers'.

'Whatever they get you, that's what you're eating,' she said, adding that it was usually some form of protein with rice.

'And we'd eat jelly gummies all day to keep us going,' she added.

Reid would wake up at 4am most days and wouldn't get to bed until around midnight

After that, the group would usually have another promotional activity at night, before heading to practice for a few hours so that they could continue training and rehearsing.

After practice, they'd stop at the convenience store on the way home to grab a snack, before getting into bed at around midnight to catch a few hours of sleep before starting the day all over again.

In addition to the heavy work schedule, Reid was surprised by how little freedom and privacy idols received.

During promotions, the group were accompanied by a manager at all times, and things were so strict that she couldn't even go to the bathroom alone.

'You don't go anywhere without the manager,' Reid said.

'You can't just get up and walk to the bathroom. You tell the manager and they'll ask, if anybody else needs to go, and then you'll all go together, which I found really shocking at first.'

Once she adjusted to the rules and work ethic, Reid was able to find ways to get more freedom - which included secretly dating a fellow K-pop idol.

While it's virtually impossible for idols from different groups to interact backstage at music shows, Reid revealed that a member from a popular boy band discreetly handed her one of his group's CDs, which contained a slip of paper with his KakaoTalk ID. (KakaoTalk is the Korean equivalent of WhatsApp.)

The pair started communicating with the help of translating tools and eventually met up for secret dates when their busy schedules allowed.

The relationship eventually fizzled out, and after more than a year living the K-pop lifestyle, Reid started getting burned out.

Reid said that the group had zero privacy and that they were followed around by manager who would get them food and accompany them to the bathroom

Issues at her record label, constant lineup changes within BP Rania and the language barrier all started to take their toll.

'I was just constantly anxious, and things had gotten so out of hand with the language barrier and people leveraging the language barrier that I felt like I just had no allies,' she said.

'And it's scary to be alone. It's in that situation where you rely on other people to do everything for you, and I felt like nobody liked me.'

While Reid didn't go into specifics, she said 'it felt like there were certain people at the company who didn't want me to be there, and so they were leveraging the language barrier and basically making it sound like I didn't want to be there.'

Although she had ups and downs with some of her bandmates, Reid said she didn't blame any of them for the drama in the group.

'I think the girls themselves were manipulated more than anything,' she said.

'There's just very clear and strict rules that idols have to adhere to, and me not being from that, not training and not coming up in Korean culture, so much of me is just clashing with what is expected.

'So I think in a lot of ways, where I thought I was doing nothing wrong, it came off as disrespectful. And a lot of times I was standing up for things that I wasn't supposed to stand up for as an idol.'

Despite wanting to leave, Reid found it difficult to pull the plug because of how close she had become to the head of her label.

'The head of my company was my biggest champion and my biggest fan. He wanted my hair to stay curly and for me to stay different. He had my back,' she said.

'I didn't want to let him down and I didn't want to let the community down. I didn't want to let my parents down because they were so proud of me and were collecting every little fancam they could find. So I felt really conflicted about leaving.'

Reid eventually returned to Los Angeles, while BP Rania's label went on to completely reboot the group - this time rebranding them as Blackswan with a diverse new member lineup that does not feature any Koreans.

The group is now comprised of Gabi (Brazilian), Sriya (Indian), NVee (African-American) and Fatou (Senegalese-Belgian).

Reid is now back in Los Angeles and is working on a scripted series about her time as a K-pop idol

Reid arguably paved the way for Black women in K-pop, and despite her struggles in the industry, she has no hard feelings against her bandmates, her record label or K-pop itself.

Instead, she blames how rushed her debut was, along with the lack of support she was given around the language barrier, for why things ultimately went haywire.

Despite the hiccups, Reid is proud of what she has accomplished and loves being part of the K-pop community.

She is now working on a novel about her time as a K-pop idol, which she is already developing into a scripted project.

Growing up, Reid said she was always branded a 'weirdo' among her friends for liking K-pop.

'I didn't know that there were all these other Black girls and people all over the world who loved K-pop, too, and that were looking up to me,' she said.

'I love K-pop. I still love K-pop, and it's definitely the coolest thing I've ever done.'
Little Miss Sunshine made a household name out of then ten-year old Abigail Breslin.

The actress was catapulted into the limelight as Olive Hoover in the 2006 film which follows the story of her family travelling across the country when she wants to participate in a beauty pageant.

She has since established herself as a popular actress through roles in the Zombieland film series, August: Osage County, and satirical horror series Scream Queens.

But behind the scenes the star has had a tough life, suffering from an eating disorder and PTSD after being sexually assaulted, as well as enduring a family tragedy during COVID.

While Abigail has never blamed any of her struggles on starring in the movie, her character is seen desperately trying to conform to beauty standards to win the pageant.

One scene shows her dad informing her that eating ice cream may lead to her becoming 'fat' while in another part of the film she is seen in front of a mirror sucking in her stomach.

The star has previously said the film did make her feel self-conscious in real life.

Little Miss Sunshine made a household name out of then ten-year old Abigail Breslin. The actress was catapulted into the limelight as Olive Hoover in the 2006 film

She has since established herself as a popular actress through roles in the Zombieland film series, August: Osage County, and satirical horror series Scream Queens (seen in Jan 2026)

She revealed on the Vulnerable with Christy Carlson Romano podcast in 2024: 'I was wearing something to add something to my stomach,' - she explained, referring to the padding she wore to give her character a larger frame.

'I definitely had a moment of deep insecurity when I saw all the other girls in the beauty pageant and was like, 'Am I the ugly one?''

Abigail was later diagnosed with anorexia and bulimia at the age of 15.

In addition, in October 2020, on World Mental Health Day, the former child actress explained she had been diagnosed with anxiety at the age of 13.

She said at the time: 'For a while I felt ashamed of these labels and the stigma attached to them. Now I see it as a part of who I am... Every day I don't have a panic attack is a win.'

In 2024 she touched on her eating disorder as she responded to the news that Travis Barker's daughter Alabama was using weight loss medication. Alabama was 18 at the time.

She penned on Instagram as she shared an article about it: 'This makes me super sad. I have been several years free of my own ED, and I have zero judgement towards people who take medications like this but the fact that she started taking weight loss meds because of online comments is absolutely devastating.

'Please everyone, let's just be kinder. You have no idea how traumatizing these kind of comments can be. She's a beautiful girl like this is awful. And it makes me really sad. Sending love her way.'

Alabama stated she was 'tired of being fat' at the time and unhappy with how she photographed.

In addition, in 2016 Abigail slammed a gym - accusing it of 'body shaming' - after it released an ad in which it criticized women with pear-shaped figures.

The ad, by global franchise Gold's Gym, featured an image of a pear accompanied by the words: 'This is no shape for a girl'.

Greg Kinnear, Steve Carell, Paul Dano, Toni Colette and Abigail in 2006's Little Miss Sunshine

Behind the scenes the star has had a tough life, suffering from an eating disorder and PTSD after being sexually assaulted, as well as enduring a family tragedy during COVID

The then 20-year-old hit out at the gym on Instagram in a damning critique of the company, accusing it of being morally irresponsible, writing: 'Things like this are the reason nine-year-old-girls develop eating disorders.'

Alongside a picture of the offensive ad, the Scream Queens star wrote: 'Wow honestly disgusted by this @goldsgym you should be ashamed of yourselves.

'Things like this are the reason 9 year old girls develop eating disorders.

'Working out should be something you do for yourself, your health and your mind and body, not cuz a corporation declares your body shape isn't what girls should look like. [sic]'

She added: 'Also I wonder if it's cool with Golds Gyms for men to be pear shaped?

'Interesting they had to single out females. Good job for preying on people's insecurities and perpetuating body image issues!'

In a final take-down of the gym, she said she has never used the gym - which started in Venice, California, and now has branches around the world - and will boycott them in the future.

'Good thing I've never signed up for your gym, now I certainly never will,' she wrote.

Abigail has also previously opened up about being diagnosed with PTSD after being sexually assaulted and abused.

She didn't reveal who it was other than saying it was a former boyfriend.

At the time she opened up about why she left her own sexual assault unreported, writing on Instagram: 'I didn't report it because of many reasons.

'First off, I was in complete shock and total denial. I didn't want to view myself as a 'victim' so I suppressed it and pretended it never happened. Second of all, I was in a relationship with my rapist and feared not being believed.

'I also feared that if my case didn't lead anywhere, he would still find out and hurt me even more. Thirdly, I knew how hurt my family and friends would be after finding out and I didn't want to put them through that.'

'I was diagnosed with PTSD a year and a half ago,' she continued. 'I have made a lot of progress since the event occurred, but I won't pretend it isn't something I struggle with. I still have flashbacks, I still get nightmares, I still jump when somebody touches me unexpectedly, even if it's my best friend tapping me on the shoulder.'

'To say that reported rapes are the only rapes that count contributes to the ideology that survivors of unreported rape don't matter.

'It's unfair, untrue, and unhelpful. It's like if you got a black eye from getting punched in the face, but because you didn't call the police, you didn't really get a black eye. Unreported rapes count. Reported rapes count. End of story.'

Abigail is now happily married to Ira Kunyansky.

Abigail has also experienced her fair share of family tragedy and in February 2021, the actress announced that her father Michael had died from COVID-19 at the age of 78.

Sharing the news on Instagram she wrote: 'Oh wow. Hard to write this. Harder than I thought. I'm in shock and devastation.

'At 6:32 PM EST, my sweet, perfect, amazing, heroic, wonderful dada passed away after my family and I said goodbye.

Abigail is now happily married to Ira Kunyansky (seen together at their 2023 wedding)

The star has previously said Little Miss Sunshine did make her feel self-conscious in real life (seen in 2013)

Abigail has also experienced her fair share of family tragedy and in February 2021, the actress announced that her father Michael had died from COVID-19 at the age of 78

'My dad was a hilarious, boisterous, tenacious, rebellious, intelligent, sweet, incredible human being. He loved life. He loved his family. He loved the simple things...

'He loved taking pictures and flying planes and good dinners and music from the 50's and 60's and good couches and Kenyan mountain coffee and funny YouTube videos and email threads and weird poems and politics and he loved me and he loved my brothers and he loved my mom.

'And we loved him. And we always will. I miss you daddy. I can't wait to see you again. I won't ever, ever, ever forget you.'

'To the moon and back dada... Love, yours forever, Abs.'

The cast of Little Miss Sunshine reunited for a special screening of the independent comedy in January - 20 years after its original release.

Filmed on a shoestring budget of just $8million, Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton's directorial debut about a hopelessly dysfunctional family and their cross-country journey in a 1979 Volkswagen van became a box-office hit following its release in 2006.

The film made household names of its principal cast, notably 22-year old Paul Dano and ten-year old Abigail, and would make Sundance Film Festival history by winning the biggest distribution rights deal in the event's history following its initial launch on January 20 of that year.

Arriving in Utah's Park City Legacy in January, the annual ceremony provided a full circle moment for co-stars Dano, Breslin, Toni Collette and Greg Kinnear as they reunited for a special screening of the iconic film.

The film's cast was rounded off by Steve Carrell - absent at the event - as Sheryl's scholarly gay brother Frank, and the late Alan Arkin as morally questionable grandfather, Edwin.

Little Miss Sunshine premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2006, where it was picked up by Fox Searchlight in a distribution deal that, at the time, was the biggest in the ceremony's 28-year history.

It went on to earn a total of four Academy Award nominations, including best picture, and won two - best supporting actor for Arkin, and best original screenplay for Michael Arndt.

The film's dysfunctional family sets out on a 800-mile trip in a VW van so that Olive, played by Breslin, can take part in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant in California.

The characters have to deal with several challenges and come to terms with aspects of their own lives while at the same time supporting Olive in her dream.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here to listen  day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.
Ted Lasso star Anthony Head's long-term partner Sarah Fisher died after battling a rare and highly aggressive form of cancer, an inquest hearing was told.

Ms Fisher, 61, passed away on December 23 last year having been diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Avon Coroner's Court was told that the animal rights campaigner died at her home at Tilley Farm, a 90-acre animal sanctuary near Timsbury, close to Bath.

Ms Fisher had been in a relationship with veteran actor Mr Head, 71, for 37 years.

He first rose to fame in the iconic Nescafe Gold Blend adverts of the late 1980s and enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years.

The actor found new global fame thanks to hit Apple TV+ comedy Ted Lasso, in which he played ruthless club owner Rupert Mannion, as well as BBC favourite Motherland.

In a cruel parallel, Mr Head portrayed the husband of Meg, played by Tanya Moodie, whose Motherland character was diagnosed with cancer.

Sarah Fisher, 61, had been married to Anthony Head, 71, for 37 years. She died of anaplastic thyroid cancer - an extremely rare and aggressive form of the disease, an inquest heard

Ms Fisher - who dedicated her life to animals - died at her home at near Timsbury, close to Bath

Ms Fisher ran Tilley Farm, a 90-acre animal sanctuary near Timsbury, close to Bath, where she lived with Mr Head, who she shared daughter Emily (pictured right) with

Emily Head, 37, who starred as Carli D'Amato in The Inbetweeners, and her sister Daisy, 34, who appeared in US drama Guilt, posted tributes to their mother as they shared the sad news in January.

In a joint statement released on New Year's Day, the sisters said their mother had died 'with very little warning'.

'We are so sorry to have to share the news that our extraordinary, kind and talented mother, Sarah, passed away recently,' they wrote. 'It is immensely shocking to us all, and came with very little warning.

'No words could ever express all that she encompassed or begin to describe the crater her absence has left.

'We know how profoundly she has impacted the lives of so many, and we couldn't be more proud of the legacy she is leaving behind.

'We only wish she'd had more time to share her knowledge and brilliance with us, and the world.

'Our grief knows no bounds, nor did the reaches of her incredibly unique and irreplaceable spirit.

'We know how much she treasured the relationships she had with all of her friends, colleagues and collaborators, many of whom she stayed in contact with here, and we thank you all for being a part of her enriched life.'

Ms Fisher was also a long-term ambassador and fosterer for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and a patron of several charities, including Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary in North Somerset.

She also founded Animal Centred Education (ACE), an innovative approach she developed to improve animal welfare and training.

Her daughters added that Ms Fisher did not want a funeral, instead inviting people to pay tribute to her online, and vowed that ACE would continue in her memory.

Holly Hedge founder Pauline Leeson said: 'It came as a shock to hear that the wonderful Sarah Fisher, Patron of Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary and advocate for all animals, had passed away, and our hearts go out to Anthony, Ellie, Daisy and family.

Emily Head, 37, who starred as Carli D'Amato in The Inbetweeners, and her sister Daisy, 34, who appeared in US drama Guilt, posted tributes to their mother in Janaury

Ms Fisher's death was 'immensely shocking' to the family 'and came with very little warning' said the two sisters

'Sarah was always a voice for those dear souls who have no voice, and was the most genuine, caring and compassionate human being.

'Sarah will be a huge loss to the animal kingdom she worked so tirelessly for, helping so very many animals of all species to find their way to cope and be happy in this changing world.

'We at Holly Hedge are so proud to have known Sarah. Her memory will live on in all the good work and positive change she has made to their lives. RIP Sarah, you will never be forgotten.'

World-renowned dog trainer and TV personality Victoria Stilwell also paid tribute, describing Ms Fisher as her 'dear and treasured friend'.

'Sarah was a fiercely loving mother, the ultimate advocate for animals' wellbeing, and a truly irreplaceable light in our world - both within and well beyond the realm of dog training and behaviour,' she said.

'Sarah was that rarest of breeds: one of those very special few who leaves behind a legacy destined to impact exponentially vast numbers of living beings - far more than the lucky few who were blessed to know her, watch her genius work with animals, and share space with a powerful woman whose brilliance was matched only by her beautiful grace.

'I was blessed to have met Sarah many years ago, and she has remained a steadfast friend beyond just her professional work.'

Ms Stilwell said she had had 'the privilege of sharing some precious time with her over the past few months, exchanging ideas over lunch and going for a walk through Tilley Farm's lovely grounds'.

She added: 'That piece of land has a special history, having found its way into Sarah's orbit years ago via remarkable circumstances.

'It exudes a special energy - when you're there, you cannot help but feel Sarah's reassuring presence all around you, including her deep connection to the animals under her care there.'

Mr Head previously revealed that despite their years together Sarah had no interest in tying the knot and would tell him to 'f*** off' every time he proposed.

Speaking in 2018 he said: 'She just isn't interested [in getting married]. She says f*** off and then runs off to throw up'.

'I just can't imagine my life without Sarah. And I definitely wouldn't want to.'

Battersea Cats and Dogs Home in London also paid tribute to Ms Fisher.

They said in a statement: 'We're truly sorry to lose our beloved friend and Ambassador Sarah Fisher and send our deepest sympathies to Sarah's partner Anthony, her daughters, and her family and friends.

Emily (pictured with her father) and her sister Daisy confirmed their mother's death as tributes poured in on social media

Their daughter Emily, 37, starred as Carli D'Amato in The Inbetweeners

Old times: Head played Rupert Giles throughout Buffy the Vampire Slayer's hugely successful six-year run between 1997 and 2003

Anthony previously played the role of the Prime Minister on series Little Britain

'Sarah, alongside her partner Anthony Head, gave so much to our charity, fostering dogs, using her canine behaviour expertise to train our staff and volunteers, and contributing in so many ways to make a real difference in animal welfare.

'She will be dearly missed by all of us at Battersea.'

Mr Head is also known for his roles as the Prime Minister in Little Britain (2003-2006), Uther Pendragon in Merlin (2008-2012) and as Rupert Giles in Buffy, the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003).

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is found in less than two per cent of patients suffering thyroid cancer and typically occurs in people over the age of 60.

Cancer charity Macmillan tells on its website: 'Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the rarest type of thyroid gland cancer. It is more common in women and mostly affects people over the age of 60. It usually grows more quickly than other types of thyroid cancer.

'About 1 to 2 out of 100 (1 to 2%) of thyroid cancers are anaplastic.'
Brandi Glanville recently landed in the hospital after suffering yet another serious health setback.

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 53, revealed on her podcast that she turned to an unorthodox method to try and cure a cold that she caught off her son Jake, 18.

While perusing TikTok, Glanville decided to stick a clove of garlic inside of her ear after seeing a video claiming that it can help to clear up your sinuses.

'It really went down further and I had to go to urgent care the next day and get it taken out,' she confessed on Brandi Glanville Unfiltered.

'I was just trying to clear my sinuses. Its online. Dont listen to people online or TikTok or Instagram or Twitter or Facebook,' she added.

Sticking a clove of garlic inside your nose is a viral home remedy that's said to help clear up the sinuses.

Brandi Glanville revealed on her podcast that she landed in the hospital after sticking a garlic clove inside of her ear

Glanville said that she originally put the clove in her nostril, but then had to move it to her ear after it started burning her skin.

'It was burning too much so I moved it to my ear. It was like burning my skin because Id just lasered it,' she said.

Doctors do not recommend putting garlic inside of your ears, nose, or anywhere else other than one's mouth.

Despite the setback, Glanville appears to be doing better these days after undergoing a 'life-saving' surgery to remove her ruptured breast implants.

Earlier this year, the mother-of-two went under the knife with Dr. Ariel Ourian to replace her leaky, ruptured implants  which she'd had for around 18 years.

Glanville previously claimed that her face had been deformed by 'parasites' that she caught in Morocco in 2023 while filming The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Ex-Wives Club 2.

The infection led to an extreme facial disfigurement, which Glanville spent around $200,000 trying to fix.

Last year she was informed that her ruptured breast implants had been blocking her lymph nodes, which was preventing her face from healing from the infection.

The 53-year-old recently showed off her new boob job after having her ruptured implants replaces in a 'life saving' surgery

The former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has been battling a facial disfigurement for the past two years

Speaking to TMZ about the ordeal, Glanville explained that she 'definitely had a parasite,' but that her implants were also 'completely ruptured' which had left her with silicone all over her lymph nodes.

She also spoke to In Touch Weekly, and said that a technician informed her that, 'whatever's going on in your face, it can't drain because your lymph nodes are clogged with silicone'.

Glanville added, 'It's something that I could die from if I hadn't figured it out.'

The reality star underwent the surgery in early February with Dr. Ourian, who gave her new implants after removing the old ones.

Although Glanville already feels much better since the surgery, she still insists that a parasite is the main cause of her many health issues.

The reality star has spent around $200,000 trying to fix her face

'I'm paying out of pocket to see specialists, infectious disease doctors, you know, rheumatologists, like every doctor you can think of, I saw,' she shared on the I Do Part 2 podcast.

'I went to 21 doctors and I'm telling you, $200,000 ... the people at my insurance  let's just say sucks.'

Glanville says that her ongoing health battle has destroyed her personal and professional life.

'I haven't had sex in three years. The whole time I've been sick because I've lost my confidence,' she explained.

'And I felt like I lost everything at once in a weird way. Like I lost my job, I lost my reputation, I lost my looks.'

Glanville was last seen on TV in season one of Peacock's The Traitors in 2023.
April 14, 2026: Iran has a lot of naval mines and could, if they were desperate enough, use them to block the Strait of Hormuz and block all oil exports, including Irans. Iran has been developing new ways to deploy their mines. Last year Iran used their Fajr-5 Multiple Launch Rocket System to place naval mines in the Persian Gulf. This mine deployment has only been tested during naval exercises. If used in an actual conflict the mines would block access to the Persian Gulf. If Iran did this, they would block all their own oil exports plus unite all the Arab oil producers and their Western allies. Iran has already suffered heavy economic losses from American and Israeli airstrikes, its economy is wrecked and the population is impoverished and angry. The Iranian people would blame their government, not foreigners. The religious dictatorship of Iran has shown that it is quite unaware of how much they are hated by Iranians. Irans government asked its people on national television to go the area where a US F-15 was shot down and search for its pilot. They instead blocked roads to the area impair the ability of Iranian security forces so search for the pilot.

Currently Iran has over 5,000 mines available. The Strait of Hormuz is only 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest point. Iran has a few, if any, floating mines. Most of their mines are moored mines that are just under the surface and anchored to the seabed by a tether. Iran probably has more bottom mines than expected. These lie on the sea bottom and use electronic systems to detect ships passing overhead. The mine control system can be programmed to detonate only when certain types of ships, like tankers or large warships, are present.

Ever since the end of the Cold War a growing number of American naval officers and civilian experts have been urging that more attention be paid to dealing with naval mines. The United States was not alone and in 2012 that led to the U.S. and over 30 other nations conducting a joint mine clearing exercise, called the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012. The numerous training events were directed at dealing with Iranian attempts to block the entrance Straits of Hormuz to the Persian Gulf. The impact of that exercise led to another being held annually ever since. While Iran is the most immediate user of naval mines, it is not alone. North Korea, China and Russia much larger naval mine stockpiles, but these three are not boasting of how and when they would use them,

Iran insists that because of its mines and other weapons it will have no trouble blocking the export of oil via the Straits of Hormuz. Some 35 percent of the world's oil shipments pass through these straits, which comes to about 15-20 tankers a day plus a dozen or more non-tankers. The Persian Gulf, in general, is a busy waterway. It is 989 kilometers long, its average depth is 50 meters, and maximum depth is 90 meters. Naval mines are Iran's best bet if they want to shut down the Strait.

The Iranian problem is that they have a small navy, an obsolete air force, and a poor track record when it comes to shutting down tanker traffic in the Persian Gulf or the Straits of Hormuz. They tried once before, in the 1980s, when they were at war with Iraq. The two nations began attacking each other's tanker traffic early on, in an attempt to cut off each other's oil sales and, thus, military purchases. Iran didn't want to shut the Straits of Hormuz because it needed the oil revenue more than Iraq which was getting billions in aid from other Arab states did. So each country concentrated on attacking shipping in the Persian Gulf. Over 500 ships were attacked, 61 percent of them tankers. Only 23 of the tankers, attacked mainly with anti-ship missiles, were sunk or immobilized. The attacks, using fighter-bombers and warships, only hit about two percent of the ship traffic in the Gulf. Iran lowered its oil prices to cover the higher cost of ship insurance, and, in 1986, Russia and the United States intervened to protect Kuwaiti and Iraqi tankers which were taking most of the damage.

The Iranian military is in worse shape today than it was in the 1980s and would not last long trying to attack ships. That leaves the Straits of Hormuz. This is actually a wide channel about 30 kilometers deep. Normally, shipping sticks to narrow a few kilometers wide channels, going in and out, to avoid collisions. The main Iranian threat has always been seen as naval mines. The Arab states have a lot of mine clearing equipment and more numerous air and naval forces than Iran. In addition, there are the United States and NATO forces in the area. The problem was that all these mine clearing forces had never practiced under realistic wartime conditions. In short, it has long been unclear exactly what it would take to deal with Iranian mines in the straits. Many of those questions were finally answered in 2012 and during subsequent mine clearing exercises.

For an Iranian mining attempt to work they would have to get the mines onto the bottom of the straits and then prevent the rest of the world from clearing those mines. That would be difficult, as will Iranian attempts to plant additional mines. Such attempts would not be impossible as Iran has small submarines and speed boats along with sailors willing to carry out suicidal missions to deliver the mines. Even that may not be sufficient, as this sort of fanaticism failed against the Americans in the 1980s. While Iran has worked to overcome their shortcomings, most of the solutions appear to be publicity stunts mainly meant to make the Iranian population feel better.

Iran has about 5,000 thousand naval mines and that is a small arsenal compared to Russia with over 200,000, Chinas 100,000+ and North Koreas 50,000+. It is generally agreed that all these mines are a serious danger. While often ignored, naval mines are a formidable weapon. But these passive weapons just don't get any respect. The historical record indicates otherwise.

Modern naval mines were widely used for the first time over a century ago, during the Russo-Japanese war 1904- 1905. These were contact mines, floating in shallow water and kept in place with an anchor and chain. When the tide was right, they would be just below the surface, ready to explode whenever struck by a ship. Some 2,000 of these mines were used to destroy sixteen ships during the Russo-Japanese war. That's one ship lost for every 125 mines used.

During World War I 1914-18, modern mine tactics and clearing methods evolved. Thousands of mines were laid to provide defensive barriers against enemy movement in the North Sea and English Channel. Mines were also used offensively by secretly placing them across known enemy sea routes. More than 1,000 merchant and warships were lost because of the 230,000 mines used. That's over 200 mines used for every ship lost.

During World War II there was a major effort to develop better mine clearing methods to deal with an even larger number of mines. During World War II a total of 2,665 ships were lost or damaged to 100,000 offensive mines. That's one ship for every 37 mines. Some 208,000 mines were used defensively to inhibit enemy movement and tie up his resources.

Naval mines achieved several striking successes during World War II. In the Pacific naval mines proved more destructive to the Japanese war effort than the atom bombs. During a 10 week period between April and August 1945, 12,000 mines were delivered to the Japanese coast by American bombers. These destroyed 1,250,000 tons of Japanese shipping, with 670 ships hit and 431 destroyed. That's 18 mines for each ship hit. The Americans had air superiority, so losses during these 1,500 missions amounted to only 15 planes, most of them to accidents. Had these missions been flown against opposition, losses would have been between 30 and 60 aircraft, plus similar losses to their fighter escorts. Either way it was a stunning success for naval mines,

A conventional submarine campaign was also waged against Japanese shipping using mines. Comparisons between subs using mines and torpedoes are interesting. A hundred submarines were involved in a campaign that ran for 45 months from December 1941 to August 1945. Some 4.8 million tons of enemy shipping was sunk with torpedoes. For every US submarine sailor lost using submarine launched torpedoes, 560 tons of enemy ships were sunk. During the mine campaign 3,500 tons were sunk for each U.S. fatality. On a cost basis the difference was equally stark. Counting the cost of lost mine laying aircraft B- 29's at $500,000 each and torpedo-armed submarines at $5 million each, we find that each ton of sunk shipping cost six dollars when using mines and fifty-five dollars when using submarines. This data was classified as secret until the 1970s. It indicates that mines might have been more effective than torpedoes, even if the mines were delivered by submarine.

The Germans waged a minelaying campaign off the east coast of the United States between 1942 and 1944. Only 317 mines were used, which sank or damaged 11 ships. This was a ratio of 29 mines used for each ship hit. More importantly eight major ports were closed for a total of 40 days. One port, Charleston, South Carolina, was closed for 16 days, tying up not only merchant shipping but the thousands of men, warships, and aircraft dealing with the situation. American submarines also waged a limited mine campaign in the Pacific. For 658 mines used, 54 ships were sunk or damaged 12 mines per ship. No subs were lost. Considerable Japanese resources were tied up dealing with the mines. On the Palau atoll the port was closed by the mines and not reopened until the war ended. Even surface ships were used to lay mines. Three thousand mines were laid by destroyers. Only 12 ships were hit but these were barrier fields, not the ambush type mine fields that a submarine can create by sneaking into an enemy held area.

In Korea during the early 1950s, the Soviets provided North Korea with 3,000 mines, many of 1904 vintage. These were used to defend Wonson harbor. It took several weeks for UN forces to clear these, at a loss of a dozen ships hit. Half of these ships were destroyed.

During the Vietnam War over 300,000 American naval mines were used, primarily in rivers. The vast majority were not built as mines but were aerial bombs equipped with magnetic sensors instead of fuzes. These bombs/mines used a small parachute to ensure that no damage occurred on landing. In shallow water these makeshift weapons sat on the bottom and performed as well as mines. Haiphong Harbor was actually mined with 11,000 of these "destructors," as the US air force called them, and less than a hundred conventional mines. Haiphong Harbor was shut down completely for months, and it took years to clear out all the American mines. The "destructor" mine design was so successful that it is still in use, using more modern electronics, such as the Mk 62 mine.

During the 1991 Gulf War the Iraqis laid over a thousand mines off the Iraqi and Kuwaiti coast. The predominantly US naval forces did not have sufficient mine sweeping resources to deal with this situation and had a helicopter carrier and cruiser hit and damaged while trying to clear the area. This effectively prevented any US amphibious operations, although the Marines were not going to be used for a landing anyway. It took over a month of mine clearing after the fighting ceased to eliminate all the mines. In the meantime, two U.S. warships were damaged by these mines. In 2003, the Iraqis again tried to use mines, but were hampered by prompt American, British, and Kuwaiti action.

In any future war naval mines will again surprise everyone with how effective they are. It is feared that terrorists might get their hands on some bottom mines, but so far, there do not appear to have been any attempts.

Meanwhile the 2012 international mine clearing exercise prompted the United States to make several moves to improve mine clearing capability. The U.S. Navy ordered several dozen more of the expendable SeaFox UUVs/unmanned underwater vehicles. These are used to destroy bottom mines which sit on the seabed. These UUVs were sent to the Persian Gulf to deal with potential Iranian use of naval miles. The Seafox UUVs are used on Avenger mine hunting ships already in the Persian Gulf.

SeaFox is a small 1.4x.4x.2 meters/55 x 16x8 inches battery-powered sub that weighs 43 kg/95 pounds and has a fiber-optic cable connecting it to a surface ship or hovering helicopter. There the controller can move the SeaFox close to a suspected mine using a small sonar unit to assist navigation, then turn on a spotlight for a video camera to examine the object and determine if it is a mine. If it is, SeaFox gets closer and detonates a shaped charge explosive, sending a shaft of hot plasma through the mine destroying itself and the mine. SeaFox has an endurance of about 100 minutes, a top speed of 10 kilometers an hour, and can dive as deep as 300 meters.

The only American minesweeper ships are the 13 Avengers. These are 72.3 meter-long ships that draw only 4.8 meters of water, enabling them to operate close to shore. The crews are supposed to be trained in navigating such shallow areas. The Avengers are armed with two .50 cal. 12.7mm machine guns, two 7.62mm machine guns, two 40mm automatic grenade launchers, and have a crew of 84. In 2012 four Avengers were in the Persian Gulf, operating out of Bahrain. Another three were based in Sasebo, Japan. The other six are based at San Diego, California.

The U.S. Navy needs these minesweepers because replacement minesweeping helicopters and minesweeping versions of the LCS ship have been delayed by technical problems. Meanwhile the U.S. has upgraded the sonars on its Avenger class ships. The new AN/SQQ-32V4 mine-hunting sonar improves the ability of the sonar to spot mines on sea bottoms cluttered with other stuff natural or manmade. In many parts of the world shallow coastal waters are used as a dumping ground for junk that wont float ashore. This has been found to help hide bottom mines. The Avengers have also received new engines. The four original diesel engines in each Avenger have never been very reliable. With their new engines the Avengers can still move at up to 27 kilometers an hour. Normally, however, the Avengers move much more slowly at 3-4 kilometers an hour when searching for mines. The Avengers also received improved hydraulics and new mine destruction systems.

The upgrade is part of an attempt to deal with delays in the arrival of the LCS class ships, or at least the ones equipped for mine hunting. So, for the last decade the navy has been hustling to refurbish its existing Avengers. The 3,000 ton LCS ships are designed for minesweeping and a lot of other jobs but the 1,400 ton Avengers specialize in minesweeping. Built mostly of wood and very little iron, the fourteen Avengers entered the fleet between 1987 and 1994, and all are still in service. The upgrades will enable the surviving Avengers to remain in service at least until 2026 and probably until the end of the decade.

The navy also had a dozen smaller Osprey class coastal mine hunters 900 tons displacement, crew of 51, but these were all given away to foreign navies and are to be replaced by the LCS and new minesweeping helicopters.

The navy has also equipped helicopters for mine clearing. But the navy is having a very difficult time maintaining its force of 30 MH-53E helicopters. This aircraft are the only ones that can tow a sled containing naval mine detecting gear. This sort of thing is called AMCM Airborne Mine Countermeasures and is considered essential in areas, like the Persian Gulf, where the enemy Iran might use a lot of naval mines that would have to be cleared quickly in wartime.

The MH-53E is an update of the original 1960s era CH-53 and entered service in the early 1980s. Fifty MH-53Es were built and they have been worked hard ever since. Thats why only 30 are left and few of them are fit to fly at any one time. Originally the navy planned to retire the MH-53Es in 2008, but lighter replacement sleds that could be pulled by smaller and more modern helicopters did not work out as expected. So, retirement was pushed to 2012, then 2017 and currently the navy hopes to keep some MH-53Es operational into the 2020s.

Meanwhile efforts continue to develop lighter equipment for the mine hunting task. Some of these projects have had limited success. The AQS-24A mine-hunting system looks like a torpedo with extra fins and attachment. It is lowered into the water and dragged by the helicopter at speeds of up to 34 kilometers an hour. The AQS-24A contains a high-resolution sonar that seeks out mines then lays on the sea bottom, waiting for ships to pass over. The bottom mine then detonates if a ship type it was programmed to attack is detected. The U.S. Navy has been using this mine hunting approach since the 1980s. The original sled system went through several major upgrades and is considered very reliable and effective. The MH-53E sled is still able to carry more equipment and sweep a larger area faster.

The U.S. Navy has also developed a complementary system, ALMDS/Airborne Laser Mine Detection System. Designed to operate from a MH-60S helicopter, ALMDS uses a Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging blue-green laser to detect and identify naval mines near the surface. Unlike the AQS-24A, ALMDS operates from the low flying, and smaller, helicopters. Surface mines are either moored via a chain to the bottom or floating, a favorite terrorist tactic, and many float just below the surface. The laser works very quickly and enables the ALMDS equipped helicopter to quickly check out large areas for surface mines. Terrorists have used naval mines before, of the floating variety. Navies tend to use the more sophisticated, expensive and hard-to-get bottom mines that lie on the bottom, in shallow water.

American allies have also developed new mine detection and clearing tools and some of the new U.S. equipment uses foreign tech. While new mine designs have become more effective, the basic problem is that the many older mine designs are still very dangerous, especially for the unprepared.
Kim Kardashian is facing pushback as she's demanding a New York man she misidentified as death row inmate amid a criminal justice crusade pay back the legal fees she piled up after he sued her.

Ivan Cantu, a native of Westchester, New York, asked a court to nix a $145,000 financial demand from Kardashian, 45, whose net worth has been estimated at upward of $1.9 billion.

Cantu, in a Thursday filing reviewed by the Daily Mail, claimed Kardashian 'labeled him a criminal to her 350+ million followers ... at a very sensitive time in his life, causing anxiety and depression.'

Cantu said that Kardashian was 'born and raised in great wealth and luxury' and 'enjoys substantial income and wealth through sponsors of her social media posts due to a large number of followers.

'While some of her posts may concern social causes, most of her posts published sponsored products and services and celebrity news.'

The incident unfolded in February of 2024, when Kardashian erroneously posted a picture on her social media of Cantu - who shared the same name with the Texas death row inmate subsequently executed following his conviction in a 2000 double murder.

Kim Kardashian is facing pushback as she's demanding a New York man she misidentified amid a criminal justice crusade pay back the legal fees she racked up after he sued her. Pictured in Paris in 2023

Cantu sued Kardashian, telling the court in a February 2025 filing that the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star 'published and disseminated false information' about him that injured his reputation.

He said Kardashian's posting of the wrong picture on such an important issue 'was clearly untrue, erroneous, unfounded, shocking, scandalous, degrading, disgraceful, and/or shameful.'

Attorneys for Kardashian told The Daily Mail the misidentification was a 'simple mistake' that sprung from 'Kims longstanding commitment to the cause of criminal justice reform.'

They added: 'The image was taken down almost immediately once the error was discovered.'

Cantu ultimately sued Kardashian claiming libel, emotional distress, slander, invasion of privacy, negligence and being portrayed in a false light, asking the court to award compensatory and punitive damages.

Cantu's attorney Greg Sobo subsequently said in a statement to the Daily Mail that it was incumbent on Kardashian to 'know the power of social media.'

Sobo said, 'For too long, we have seen social media cause devastating injuries to innocent victims. Social media is too often abused to bully the innocent, incite harm, and injure our communities.'

The lawyer continued, 'Just like those who cause physical harm should be held accountable, those who cause injuries to innocent victims through social media must also be held responsible.'

Join the discussion Should celebrities be held financially responsible when their social media mistakes harm ordinary people?

Cantu said Kardashian's posting of the wrong picture on such an important issue 'was clearly untrue, erroneous, unfounded, shocking, scandalous, degrading, disgraceful, and/or shameful'

The Texas death row inmate with the same name was subsequently executed on February 28, 2024 following his conviction in a 2000 double murder

Sobo noted that Cantu is a 'very private family man with two daughters' who had been dealing with a personal tragedy in his life at the time Kardashian posted his picture to social media.

'As a result of the Kardashian abuse, Mr. Cantus privacy was destroyed at a most critical and sensitive time, and he has suffered very real trauma that will last a lifetime,' the lawyer said.

A federal judge dismissed the case, paving the way for Kardashian - who is currently linked to F1 driver Lewis Hamilton - to seek recoupment with her legal filing.

'The hitch for the plaintiff is that he failed to provide out that he suffered any injury as a result of Kardashian's misappropriation of his likeness,' the judge said in the court ruling last year.
Lauren Silverman has spoken of the reason why she backtracked on her strict no-phone rule for her son Eric, 12.

The mother-of-two, 48, and Simon, 66, had been fiercely against Eric having a phone, but they had to rethink their stance after discovering he had downloaded Snapchat - a multimedia messaging app - on Lauren's phone.

Simon hasn't owned a phone for eight years and previously said the change had 'absolutely made me happier'.

In a new interview, Lauren explained the boundaries she has put in place for Eric as she joined the campaign for the government raise the minimum age of children accessing social media to 16 years old.

Talking about her own experience, Lauren told The Mirror: 'He would always take my phone to put music on in the car, and obviously, Im driving so I cant look at what hes doing. I knew nothing about it, and how it actually worked.

Lauren said she became 'really freaked out' as she learnt Eric had been using Snapchat secretly.

Lauren Silverman has spoken of the reason why she backtracked on her strict no-phone rule for son Eric, 12. The mother-of-two, 48, and Simon, 66, had to rethink their stance

She continued: 'Social media has been something that has been a nagging fear for both me and Simon for a long time. Its why we held off before giving Eric a phone.'

Eventually the couple decided to give Eric a phone but lay out strict ground rules.

Lauren said: 'Weve got Eric a phone, but there is no social media on it. Hes not allowed on any apps, on any social media. He doesnt have Snapchat. Ive now removed everything, so he literally can text and WhatsApp his friends.'

The socialite said she is part of Eric's group chats so she can oversee them but doesn't participate in the conversation.

Lauren added Eric isn't bothered about being on social media but when confronted about secretly using Snapchat told her he just wanted to talk to his friends.

She has since joined the Raise The Age campaign and invited Ellen Roome over to talk about the petition to have safer laws for children using social media.

Ellen blames social media for the death of her teenage son. The heartbroken mother has warned the UK is at risk of falling behind in legislating against social media harms, calling on the government to act now rather than wait for more children to be harmed.

On Wednesday, the House Of Commons is scheduled to vote on the proposal to ban social media for children under the age of 16.

Lauren explained the boundaries she has put in place for Eric as she joined the campaign for the government raise the minimum age of children accessing social media to 16 years old

She has since joined the Raise The Age campaign and invited Ellen Roome over to talk about the petition to have safer laws for children using social media

Lauren previously spoke about her dilemma about giving a phone with Eric on Instagram.

She wrote at the time: 'For a long time Simon and I were very firm about one thing, no phone for Eric. (Simon himself hasnt had a phone for nearly 8 years!).

'But recently Eric had a very honest conversation with us about it that made us rethink our position slightly.

'He now has a phone with some very clear boundaries. The main one being, no social media. Just texting and calling friends and family.'

In a slideshow of pictures, Lauren explained further: 'I changed my mind about my 12-year-old son having a phone...

'But I still said no to social media. Whether we like it or not, texting has become a part of childhood.

'Plans are made there. Jokes are shared there. Friendships often happen there and at some point kids start feeling like they are the only one not in the conversation.

'For a long time I was very clear, no phone.'

Lauren said she believed the longer herself and Simon could delay giving a smartphone to Eric, the better.

But everything changed when she discovered her son had been secretly messaging his friends on Snapchat off her phone.

She said: 'That moment really made me stop and think about what the right approach should be.

'Instead of turning it into a battle, we talked. What he told me was actually very simple. He didn't care about social media. He just wanted to be able to text and call his friends.'

Lauren said they came to a compromise where Eric could have a phone for texting and calling but isn't allowed Snapchat or social media.

She added: 'The reason I am holding that boundary is because social media is a completely different worlds.

'The pressure. The comparison. The toxicity. For our family, this is something we are waiting for for now.'

Lauren went on to tell the strict rules she has in place - no phones in Eric's bedroom, at the dinner table or during family time.

She concluded: 'Technology should never replace real life.'

Simon gave up having a phone back in 2018.

At the time, the television mogul revealed he had become so distracted and irritated by his phone that he made himself uncontactable for the sake of his mental health and happiness.

He told The Mail on Sunday: 'I literally have not been on my phone.

'The difference it made was that I became more aware of the people around me and way more focused.

'The thing I get irritated with is when you have a meeting everyone's on their phone  and I was probably in that place too. You can't concentrate.

'It has been so good for my mental health. It's a very strange experience but it really is good for you and it has absolutely made me happier.'
Noah Wyle broke his silence about his costar Supriya Ganesh's sudden departure from The Pitt and called it an 'inevitability.'

The 54-year-old actor, the leading star of the procedural medical drama, reacted to the change-up in the cast and explained that 'emergency rooms have a high revolving door.'

'It's an inevitability that's going to happen every season with this show,' Wyle told Variety at The Pitt's event at PaleyFest in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Ganesh  who has played Dr. Mohan since the first season of the hit HBO series premiered  would not be returning for season three.

He said that 'as writers, we're hard pressed to figure out what a lapse of time we can have and keep most of the ensemble together realistically.'

'Emergency rooms have a high revolving door,' Wyle continued.

Noah Wyle addressed his costar Supriya Ganesh's departure from The Pitt and called it an 'inevitability'; pictured Sunday in LA

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Ganesh would not be leaving the show after season two; pictured in March

'As always, we try to bring in new characters or promote from within as we go through these cast changes and try to keep the storylines fresh.'

He added: 'But obviously, Supriya has been a huge part of our show since the beginning. And I love playing with her and working with Supriya, and we wish her all the best in her next endeavors. Were going to miss her.'

R. Scott Gemmill, a showrunner of the show, also spoke about Ganesh's exit at the event.

'It's sort of the nature of the show,' he told the outlet.

'Unfortunately, the way the medical profession works, you come in, you learn, you move on, and we want to try and be as truthful to that process as possible. So we're going to turn over our cast.

'But I think its a great launching pad for people,' he added. 'And that's the best we can do.'

While Ganesh is set to depart the series at the end of season two, Ayesha Harris, who plays senior night shift resident Dr. Parker Ellis, will be promoted to a series regular at the beginning.

Ganesh's character, Dr. Mohan, is in the middle of her residency in season two, so leaving the hospital could be a likely option to explain her season three exit.

Ganesh has played Dr. Mohan since the first season of the hit HBO series premiered

Ganesh's character Dr. Mohan is in the middle of her residency in season two so leaving the hospital could be a likely option to explain her season three exit

About her exit, Wyle referenced the show and said, 'Emergency rooms have a high revolving door'

Amid bullying rumors, a source for the publication 'with knowledge of the situation' previously indicated that Ganesh's exit was due to the storyline

Dr. Mohan has also struggled with the pace of the emergency room and mental health issues in season two, which takes over a single day, with each episode depicting an hour of the shift in nearly real time.

Amid bullying rumors, a source for the publication 'with knowledge of the situation' previously indicated that Ganesh's exit was due to the storyline.

And just last month, Wyle's secret turmoil was revealed by the Daily Mail.

It was been said that Wyle has been battling struggles behind-the-scenes.

There were reportedly comments from one of his costars dredging up historic bullying allegations from his days on ER and a lawsuit claiming that The Pitt is a 'copycat' of the show that made his name.
Abbie Chatfield broke down in tears on her It's A Lot podcast this week as she detailed a very creepy interaction with a fan.

Abbie, 30, said she was considering leaving Sydney after what she described as an increasing rate of uncomfortable run-ins with fans.

'I feel this disgusting invasion of privacy and invasion of my space and I feel this really gross inequality in the level of parasocial relationship when people are fans of mine and they come up to me and they don't tell me they know who I am,' she explained.

She was quick to point out that '95 per cent' of interactions she has with fans, where people excitedly ask for a photo, are 'fine'.

'What I would love is for the other 5 percent is, first of all, don't omit that you know me in an attempt to seem like you are cool about meeting me,' she said.

'What you are doing there is you're lying about the level at which you know me and that's creepy as f***.'

Abbie Chatfield broke down in tears on her It's A Lot podcast this week as she detailed a very creepy interaction with a fan

Abbie went on to explain that she and her boyfriend Adam Hyde were at an industry event on Friday night when a fan 'insinuated herself' into the couple's night

Abbie went on to explain that she and her boyfriend Adam Hyde were at an industry event on Friday night when a fan 'insinuated herself' into the couple's night.

She added that, with awkward encounters with fans becoming more frequent, nights out are becoming increasingly rare.

'Adam and I were at an event which was supposed to be an industry event. I already have a really hard time geeing myself up to go anywhere,' she said.

'In the past few years, it's become too draining, too exhausting and too stressful because I'm constantly in fear that someone's going to do something like this and ruin my entire f***ing night.'

She continued: 'Adam and I were at this event. We were literally kissing and she pokes her head around and is like: "God, I'd love a relationship like that. [I] love this relationship, you guys are so cute".'

Abbie added that she would've been fine if it was a one-off comment from a fan or a 'stranger having a chat at the bar.'

However, the interaction was far from over.

'She then latched onto us all night, she came and sat with my friends, she came outside to the smokers' areas, she followed us around all night,' Abbie said.

She added that, with awkward encounters with fans becoming more frequent, nights out are becoming increasingly rare

'Adam and I were at this event. We were literally kissing and she pokes her head around and is like: "God, I'd love a relationship like that. [I] love this relationship, you guys are so cute",' she recalled

'She then told me what content I should do and, after being with us for an hour and a half, finally admitted she knows who I am.'

Abbie added that the overzealous fan also latched herself onto her group of friends, taking the middle seat in a private booth they were sharing.

She said that such interactions were 'not uncommon', detailing similar incidents where fans had sat next to her at the beach or pulled up chairs at tables Abbie and Adam were sharing in restaurants.

'That happens maybe like one out of five times when I go out. It's not uncommon,' she said.

While quick to point out that she does not want to discourage fans from surface-level interactions such as asking for photos, there needs to be clear boundaries.

'I just have a huge issue with people coming up and putting me in a position where I either have to be a complete c***, or I have to have my night absorbed by a stranger.'

Abbie then broke down in tears, admitting that such incidents had taken a toll on her mental health.

'It feels really stupid to cry about. It's like now I can't go out and have normal socialisation with my friends,' she said.

Abbie said such incidents had taken a toll on her mental health

'There are these really intense interactions that happen every so often  more regularly than you would think  and it just ruins it for me and now I'm paranoid for the next month.

'This is why I don't leave the house.'

Sharing a clip of the episode to Instagram, Abbie said that she is considering leaving Sydney.

'I was asked a question about whether Im moving out of Sydney. The short answer is Im looking at it,' she wrote.

'The long answer is that fan interactions like the one I described today are draining me, creating a paranoid fear of leaving the house.

'I have to psych myself up to go to a bar or a party or even dinner because of the consistent crossing of boundaries. I have become somewhat of a recluse in recent years, out of fear of interactions like this.'
Lindsie Chrisley's ex-boyfriend David Landsman accused her of hitting him in the face in a 911 call he made to authorities in Georgia.

Landsman was heard in audio obtained by TMZ from the Cherokee Sheriff's Office, claiming the 36-year-old reality star assaulted him last Friday, causing him to bleed, before departing his home in her Lexus.

'My girlfriend just broke in my house - I was asleep and she started beating my f***ing ass,' Landsman told an operator.

He continued, 'She punched me in the face - she was beating my face - there was blood, but it's OK.'

Landsman declined emergency services, saying he wasn't going to touch his bloody face so authorities could properly take inventory of his injuries.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Chrisley, Landsman and the Cherokee Sheriff's Office for further comment on the story.

Lindsie Chrisley's boyfriend David Landsman accused her of hitting him in the face in a 911 call he made to authorities in Georgia. Pictured 2016 in LA

Asked if Chrisley was on the premises, Landsman said, 'She just pulled out of the driveway ... she's in a white Lexus.'

When asked if Chrisley might be under the influence of a substance, Landsman told the operator she does not use drugs.

The release of the call comes on the heels of Landsman's arrest on April 10 in connection with aggravated assault-strangulation after Chrisley claimed he 'strangled' her.

Chrisley told law enforcement Landsman grabbed her neck with 'one hand and held her up so that her feet were off the ground,' according to an arrest report attached to an April 13 court filing Chrisley filed requesting a restraining order, reviewed by TMZ.

Chrisley told officers that she struck Landsman in the head near his eyebrow to separate herself from him physically, according to the legal docs.

In reaction to the hit, Chrisley told authorities that Landsman grabbed her 'by the throat again and opened the door and threw her outside.'

Landsman's behavior had grown menacing and intimidating toward Chrisley after their recent split after two years together, Chrisley said in the court filing on Monday.

It was not immediately clear if the court granted the restraining order request, in which Chrisley requested Landsman keep his distance from her home and her son Jackson's school.

Police took Landsman into custody in connection with aggravated assault-strangulation

The former couple had dated for two years prior to their split earlier this month

Chrisley said in her statement to police that they had ceased dating prior to his arrest, as the two had an argument on April 9 over a picture that she saw on his phone.

She said that he had initially gotten verbally aggressive with her until she pointed out there had been miscommunication over the image in question.

While Landsman apologized, the tense tone had been set for the forthcoming night out, Chrisley said.

At his home after the meal, Chrisley said she told Landsman that it was time for them to take a break from the romance, and she ventured to gather her belongings.

Lindsie - who is the daughter of Todd Chrisley and his ex-wife Teresa Terry - said in her statement to police that Landsman 'became agitated and aggravated' as she asked him tough questions.

The one-time Chrisley Knows Best personality said she was asking him about answers he provided 'in reference to the personal matters he is going through' that she did not feel were truthful.

Lindsie is the daughter of Todd Chrisley and his ex-wife Teresa Terry. Pictured 2019 in Atlanta

Lindsie was previously married to ex-husband Will Campbell for nine years until their 2021 split, and they are parents to son Jackson, 13.

Chrisley's father Todd, 57, and stepmother Julie, 53, were found guilty by a Georgia jury in November of 2022 of accusations of tax evasion and more than $30 million in bank fraud. They were sentenced to a collective 17 years in custody and began serving them in January of 2023.

Todd had been serving a 12-year sentence, which was later reduced to 10 years, while Julie was serving a seven-year sentence at prisons in Florida and Kentucky respectively, prior to their pardon in late May 2025 by President Donald Trump.

'Theyve been given a pretty harsh treatment based on what Im hearing,' Trump said of the reality stars he pardoned.
Cameron Diaz and Stephen Merchant have been pictured together in New York as they continue to film their new rom-com together.

Cameron, 53, and Stephen, 51, have teamed up for the upcoming movie, titled The Sham, and have been shooting in the Big Apple since earlier this year.

New snaps taken on Monday show the pair filming more scenes together, as they're dubbed the 'unexpected duo we never knew we needed' by The Sunday Times Style.

Pictures show Cameron's character dressed down in a grey hoodie paired with denim trousers as she carried groceries.

As cameras moved to Central Park, Cameron put on a very animated display, where she stuck her middle fingers up.

In a solo scene, the Shrek actress donned a leopard print coat as her character appeared to receive bad news on the phone.

Cameron Diaz and Stephen Merchant have been pictured together in New York as they continue to film their new rom-com together

Cameron, 53, and Stephen, 51, have teamed up for the upcoming movie, titled The Sham, and have been shooting in the Big Apple since earlier this year

The full plotline for the movie is being firmly kept under wraps by bosses, with no release date currently scheduled

In another location, they filmed beside a hot dog stand, appearing tense for their dialogue together.

Excited fans of both stars have flooded social media with comments, writing: 'I love that these two are besties'; 'Stephen Merchant is hilarious';

'Cute love them both'; 'Both amazing'; 'Anything Stephen Merchant'.

According to US outlet Deadline, The Sham sees Stephen play the role of Nigel, a man employed at an upscale New York hotel, who desperately needs a wife to maintain public appearances.

He then teams up with a struggling comedian, Molly, who is played by Cameron, who needs health insurance.

While the pair's fake marriage begins as a business transaction, it soon turns into an unexpected romance.

The full plotline for the movie is being firmly kept under wraps by bosses, with no release date currently scheduled.

Cameron briefly mentioned the new project during an appearance on the Tonight Starring Jimmy Fallon Show.

Praising her co-star, she said: 'I'm doing a movie with Stephen Merchant, so great, gosh he is the best. I'm doing a film here with him. I don't know the name of it yet.'

Stephen echoed the sentiment by sharing the clip on his TikTok, writing: 'Thanks so much for the love @Jimmy Fallon and @Cameron Diaz. Having a great time making this movie in glorious NYC, cant wait to share it.'

Cameron took a break from Hollywood in 2014, but officially returned to acting last year to star alongside Jamie Foxx in Back In Action.

One of her next movies is Shrek 5, set for release in 2027.

As cameras moved to Central Park, Cameron put on a very animated display, where she stuck her middle fingers up

She appeared to be in great spirits for the shoot

Cameron plays struggling comedian, Molly, who needs health insurance and marries Stephen in a sham marriage

The film will see Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron all reprising their roles as Shrek, Donkey and Fiona, respectively, while Zendaya joins the cast as Shrek and Fiona's daughter, Felicia.

Meanwhile, in 2024 Stephen said he felt like 'the Left' was 'policing' comedy with 'sensitivities that seem out of proportion to the joke'.

Stephen, who co-wrote The Office, said comedians had become more cautious because they didn't want to spend weeks on social media trying to justify a gag.

In an interview, he said: 'There's always been policing of comedy, of there being... guardrails.

'The difference is that it used to feel like it was the Right that was policing it.

'It feels like it's the Left that's doing it now, and it's allowed the Right to become the arbiters of free speech. Which does feel like quite a significant shift.

He added there were 'sensitivities that seem out of all proportion with the joke'.

The Sham sees Stephen play the role of Nigel, a man employed at an upscale New York hotel, who desperately needs a wife to maintain public appearances

In a solo scene, the Shrek actress donned a leopard print coat as her character appeared to receive bad news on the phone

Cameron recently praised Stephen, saying on US TV: 'I'm doing a movie with Stephen Merchant, so great, gosh he is the best. I'm doing a film here with him. I don't know the name of it yet'

Merchant told The Observer magazine: 'I've noticed it in stand-up, how you're more cautious because you don't want to spend weeks on Twitter trying to justify a joke you were just experimenting with. Because putting out the fires is exhausting.'

However, he also said that he accepts how attitudes shift over time.

'But you do feel like there's a sensitivity to the words before they've even heard the joke or the context,' he added.

'And that is inevitably a straitjacket of sorts.'
Tom Holland's mother Nikki has liked a post praising his 'wife' Zendaya, for not 'acting like she's in love with a co-star to promote a film'.

Zendaya, 29, who reportedly wed Tom earlier this year, is currently blazing the promo trail with Robert Pattinson, 39, to plug their new movie The Drama, during which they have been putting on playful red carpet displays.

In a post shared on a Zendaya fan account, a montage showed her Euphoria co-stars Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi promoting movies last year, during which they sparked romance rumours with Glen Powell and Margot Robbie respectively.

A caption of the video read: Everyone is acting a little too single while promoting their romance movies, meanwhile Zendaya & Robert proving you can still vibe without disrespecting your partner She loves her daughter in-law. Shes so real for that'.

Sydney and Glen were reported to have dated after starring in 2023's Anyone But You, while Jacob put on steamy displays with married Margot while promoting Wuthering Heights last year - both of which were said to be put on for promo.

Tom Holland's mother Nikki has liked a post praising his 'wife' Zendaya, for not 'acting like she's in love with a co-star to promote a film

Nikki liked the video in an apparent swipe at 'showmances'

The overlay text on Jacob and Margot videos read: 'Everyone else acting a little too single while promoting their romance movies'

The video read: [Zendaya & Robert proving you can still vibe without disrespecting your partner'

Nikki appeared to throw her support behind her 'daughter-in-law' with the post, which made reference to her playful relationship with Robert.

She was seen giving Robert a high-five while sharing a giggle at the Paris premiere of the film last month - in stark contrast to other actors' behaviour.

The video then shot to the clip of Jacob and Margot gazing at one another at the LA world premiere of Wuthering Heights in January, in the midst of widespread discussion about their on and off screen chemistry.

Sydney and Glen also featured in the video during their promo trail. They have consistently maintained that their relationship is platonic, attributing intense romance rumours to a deliberate marketing strategy for their romantic comedy.

Zendaya has been open in her gushing professions of love for Tom, and she revealed last year that she decided to get her tattoo after realising Tom, also 29, was the right person for her - and that's because she brings a sense of calm to her life.

She said: 'I think sometimes, at least in my personal experience, I found that sometimes people can get nervous around people, but there's a certain feeling that I was able to experience when I knew that this is my person, because I didn't...

Zendaya, 29, who reportedly wed Tom earlier this year, is currently blazing the promo trail with Robert Pattinson, 39, to promote their new movie The Drama, during which they have been putting on playful red carpet displays (Zendaya and Robert pictured in the movie)

'I don't feel nervous, I feel really peaceful and I feel really calm. And feel like, 'Oh, I actually feel more nervous when I'm away from you than when I'm with you...

'And that's when I was like, 'Ah, that's a good sign, that's me listening to intuition.'

Marriage speculation has been rife after her stylist kicked off the rumours when he made a cheeky statement at the beginning of March suggesting that his longtime client and close friend was already married to Spider-Man star Tom.

Law Roach dropped the bombshell as he told Access Hollywood: 'The wedding has already happened. You missed it.'

When asked if it was 'true,' he replied: 'It's very true!'

His comment, which was amid the lead-up to the premiere of her movie centered around a wedding, led many fans to also speculate that the engaged actress could have secretly tied the knot already.

Despite the marriage speculation, the couple have not yet publicly confirmed or denied their marital status.

Sydney and Glen were reported to have dated after starring together in 2023's Anyone But You (the duo pictured promoting the film in 2023)

Jacob and Margot's cosy red carpet displays came under fire

The pair met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, and kept their romance private for years before confirming they were in a relationship - and later revealing they had gotten engaged.

Although Zendaya hasn't commented directly on the claims she has been keen to play into them on the press tour for her new movie The Drama.

She recently dropped the biggest hint yet that she's tied the knot when she and co-star Robert were asked by Views France about what makes the perfect marriage.

Zendaya replied: 'I don't know if there's any such thing as a perfect marriage, but I'd say like people who, and this is a corny answer, but seem like best friends.

'I think it's always nice to see two people that, I don't know, really like each other as well as love each other.'

Robert had nothing to add, simply telling Zendaya: 'That was a nice answer.'

Last week, Zendaya joined Sydney and Jacob on the red carpet at the premiere of the new series of Euphoria however tensions appeared to simmer between the women, who are said to have fallen out over Sydney flirting with Tom.
Gemma Gairney has announced she is expecting her second child.

The BBC Radio 1 star revealed she is pregnant by sharing a sweet photo of her growing bump on her Instagram page on Monday evening.

Gemma, 41, who welcomed her first baby in August 2024, is set to become a parent again with her partner Cameron McAllister.

The presenter's announcement snap showed her sunbathing with her blouse lifted to reveal her stomach, which was captioned: 'together we sunbathe 'n dream.'

Fellow Radio 1 alum shared their congratulations on the post, with Fearne Cotton sharing a string of heart emojis underneath tthe news.

Dawn O'Porter wrote: 'I want to kiss that belly so bad'.

Gemma announced she had welcomed her first child in August 2024 as she took to Instagram to share a snap of herself and Cameron cradling their new arrival.

Gemma Gairney has announced she is expecting her second child

The presenter's announcement snap showed her sunbathing with her blouse lifted to reveal her stomach, which was captioned: 'together we sunbathe 'n dream'

Captioning her sweet post, Gemma revealed that their baby was born two weeks ago before gushing that she'd 'never felt love like this.'

She penned: 'TWO WEEKS of the best madness, blessings, bliss, breathes, prayers, tears & momentous delirium.

'I cant offer enough thanks to our friends / kin, midwives, soothsayers, staunch support!'

She continued: Never ever felt love like this. We are a fresh fam of 3, yipeeeeeeeee.'

Gemma's post was met with a plethora of congratulatory messages from her followers and showbiz pals.

Music legend Annie Lennox commented: 'Heartfelt congratulations Mama Gemma!!!! .'

While fellow radio star Fearne Cotton shared: ' Heaven sending so much love to you gorgeous woman.'

'I CANNOT GET ENOUGH', wrote an excited Dawn O'Porter.

Gemma Cairney has welcomed her first child with partner Cameron Mcallister

The presenter, 39, known for her stints on BBC Radio and BBC Radio 6 music took to Instagram to share a snap of herself and Cameron cradling their new arrival [pictured in May]

'Congrats so happy for ya! Xxx' penned Laura Whitmore.

While BBC presenter Angela Scanlon added: 'Cannot wait to meet her xxx.'

Clara Amfo, Pixie Lott and Laura Mvula were among other well known names offering their well wishes.

Gemma has been keeping her followers updated with her pregnancy in recent months on Instagram.

Two months prior, the glowing mother-to-be cradled her bump while posing in a glam black dress.

Speaking about her changing body, she wrote in the caption: 'Our bodies are outstanding ya know, Im rollin in awe of mine and yours.'

While in May, she shared a snap of her silhouette against a window as she looked down at her growing stomach.

Speaking about her changing body, she wrote in the caption: 'Our bodies are outstanding ya know, Im rollin in awe of mine and yours.'

She penned: 'What an extraordinary time. Making, growing, connecting.

Gemma met partner Cameron in Malawi, where Cameron, who owns an independent coffee project, sources his beans from smallholder farmers.

Gemma kickstarted her career on Kiss FM and Channel 4 Radio before moving over to the BBC, going on to join Radio 1Xtra in 2008.

The broadcaster has also hosted Glastonbury over the years and even had her own weekday afternoon show back in 2011.

The Birmingham-born presenter, who is now based in Scotland, has also hosted radio documentaries and also launched a successful production company

In June 2024, she looked every inch the glowing mother-to-be as she cradled her bump while posing in a glam black dress.
Naga Munchetty has spoken out about being victim to a deepfake scam.

The BBC newsreader, 51, revealed 'smart, conniving, manipulative, wicked' scammers put her head on a naked body to use 'as clickbait to drag people into a scam site'.

Speaking in The Times, Naga candidly admitted: 'I wasnt upset that my face was on a naked body, because I knew it was fake, but the fact that it was being used to lure people into being scammed made me so mad.'

In February last year, Naga spoke out about the images, saying: 'Paid-for ads are popping up across X and Facebook, some including crudely mocked-up images of me naked  my face badly photoshopped onto someone else's body.'

She revealed the image was made to look like a BBC News article, before those who clicked were sentg to a scam cyber trading website.

Naga Munchetty has spoken out about being victim to a deepfake scam (pictured in 2024)

Reflecting on the moment in The Times, she said: 'Scammers are smart, conniving, manipulative, wicked people. My head was put on a naked body and used as clickbait to drag people into a scam site...

'I wasnt upset that my face was on a naked body, because I knew it was fake, but the fact that it was being used to lure people into being scammed made me so mad...

'I am outraged and furious.'

On when she first discovered the 'article', last year she wrote: 'I was both mortified and bemused, curious about who would pay good money to spread such obvious nonsense. And what was their motive? Is it something malicious?...

'Someone with an axe to grind? I discussed it with my 5 Live production team, and we began to dig into it more. It soon became apparent that my name and image were being used by scammers to try to hoodwink people out of money...

'Clicking on the adverts took you through to a fake news article, complete with BBC logo and imagery...

'I'm not the first high-profile face to be used by scammers to trick people out of their hard-earned money.'

Her discussion of the scam comes after Naga said 'people don't know how to disagree with each other anymore and you're either with me or you're not' amid the BBC's bullying probe.

The BBC newsreader, 51, revealed 'smart, conniving, manipulative, wicked' scammers put her head on a naked body to use 'as clickbait to drag people into a scam site' (pictured in 2021)

She faces an uncertain future at the broadcaster after they reportedly instigated a formal investigation following accusations of bullying against her.

In August, TV sources claimed several colleagues had logged concerns over her 'hard' behaviour on the breakfast show, as well as on her Radio 5 Live show. It was then reported in November, the broadcaster launched a formal investigation.

In a new interview, Naga spoke of people now forming their own opinions on her as well as being subject to terrible racist abuse from trolls on social media.

Naga told The Times: 'People are deciding: you're either with me or you're not. It feels like we're unlearning how to disagree agreeably with each other. That's frightening. The way we're interacting with other people feels so tense.'

Naga went on to say how she has been forced to block social media users after being subjected to a barrage of online hate.

She said: 'I block a lot of people. Someone commented on my Instagram post about giving blood saying, "Do they accept Indian blood?" If it looks like a message is going to be abusive, I don't read it. If it's some fool shouting into the ether, let them. It's not my job to change their views.'

The interview comes after the presenter was accused of making a sly dig at BBC Breakfast's weather host Carol Kirkwood on her last day on air.
Bessie Carter has vowed to 'stop dating red flags' and insisted she has 'never been happier' following her split from her Bridgerton co-star Sam Phillips.

On the Netflix show, Bessie plays the role of Prudence Featherington while Sam, 39, plays Nicola Coughlan's character Penelope's suitor Lord Debling.

Despite their characters not interacting on the show, the actors began dating after meeting on set of season three and reportedly moved in together in 2023.

But Bessie, 32, who is the daughter of actors Dame Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter, insisted she is loving the single life after confirming she is now single.

'I am single and I have never been happier. I love waking up alone, being able to stretch out, make a cacao, pad around my beautiful flat and to choose what I want to put into this day that I am lucky to get to enjoy.

'I wanted to come back to myself. To go to therapy, to become really f***ing good at my job, to stop dating red flags.'

Bessie Carter has vowed to 'stop dating red flags' and insisted she has 'never been happier' following her split from her Bridgerton co-star Sam Phillips

The former couple were first pictured together in May 2023 as they attended the Theatrical Consequences: The 5th Annual Platform Presents West End Gala after party at Tequila Mockingbird in London.

Then in November 2023 the pair attended the Wonka premiere together with Bessie's famous actress mother Imelda.

They posed as a trio with Imelda stood in the middle - suggesting Sam had been introduced to her side of the family some time before.

Then in December 2023 Bessie her famous dad Jim accompanied Sam to The Crown season 6 finale celebration event.

He played the Queen's Equerry Stephen Chambers in season 3 and 4 of Netflix's The Crown.

Speaking to People in July 2025, Bessie revealed the most important quality she looks for in a prospective partner.

'I mean, if you've got a crackin' sense of humor, you're gonna be fine,' Bessie said.

'They got a crackin' sense of humor,' she continued, referring to her parents. 'Humor is one of the most important things to me in any kind of relationship, so, yeah, if you can crack a joke, you'll be absolutely fine.'

On the Netflix show, Bessie plays the role of Prudence Featherington (pictured with James Phoon)

Despite her famous parents, Bessie previously insisted she has made her career happen on her own and 'doesn't really care' about the term 'nepo baby' being used.

She told The Independent: 'I have a lot of drive to make stuff happen myself, instead of waiting for the phone to ring.

'Some people might use that phrase (nepo baby), but I don't really care. I believe in myself and my trajectory being what it is, and I've never used my parents, ever, to get any work.'
April 14, 2026: Recently American defense contractors successfully launched a Hellfire missile from the new Grizzly launcher in a three-meter high cargo container. The Grizzly system is based on the M299 missile launchers, which can be configured several ways to launch both the Hellfire and Joint Air-to-Ground/JAG Missile. Hellfire missiles can track targets autonomously and are used by the Army, Navy and numerous foreign nations using nearly 20 platforms across air, land and sea.

The first five tests occurred six months after research and development, through internal Lockheed Martin investment, demonstrating the ability to quickly deliver a mobile and versatile launcher capability to defeat evolving threats. Built out of low-cost commercially available materials, the containerized launcher can be easily lifted and transported by a wide variety of commercial freight and transport equipment, including trucks, aircraft and ships. The development comes as the Navy is seeking the development of containerized payloads, which can potentially be placed on unmanned surface vessels to increase firepower and flexibility at sea.

The Hellfire II weighs 48 kg carries a 9 kg warhead and has a range of 8,000 meters. The Hellfire is fast, travelling at about 450 meters a second, meaning that it can hit a target at maximum range in less than 20 seconds. Hellfire is popular for use in urban areas because its small warhead has only about a kilogram of explosives and reduces casualties among nearby civilians. The missile is accurate enough to be sent through a window because of its laser guidance.

The U.S. Army uses M299 helicopter missile racks. Introduced in 1994, each one of these racks holds four Hellfire missiles, or sixteen 70mm DAGR guided markets which are guided versions of the venerable 70mm unguided rockets. Alternatively, each rack can hold eight DAGRs and two Hellfires. The racks can be used on the AH-64, AH-1Z, Tiger or the SH-60B helicopters. Each rack weighs 45 kg. Loaded with four Hellfires, the rack weighs 167 kg. Attack helicopters usually carry two of these racks.
The Block's Foreman Dan Reilly and his wife Dani Wales welcomed their second child earlier this month, a healthy baby boy.

The reality TV star shared a heartwarming gallery of photos to social media on Tuesday confirming the exciting news  and revealing their son's very distinguished name.

In the first image, Dan and Dani are seen posing with their newborn at the hospital.

A second picture captured their newborn resting peacefully in a bassinet as they left the hospital, alongside some moving words.

'Fletcher James Reilly. Our perfect boy. 10.04.26,' he wrote in the caption.

Dan's celebrity friends were quick to congratulate him on the exciting news.

The Block's Foreman Dan Reilly and his wife Dani Wales welcomed their second child earlier this month, a healthy baby boy

'Oh my goodness, congratulations Dani & Dan, he's absolutely perfection. Billie's little brother,' gushed The Block's Britt and Taz.

'We are beyond happy for you both ! Sending so much love,' added 2017 winner Elyse Knowles.

'Little Fletch. Sending much love to the whole family,' series veterans Eliza and Liberty chimed in.

'Wonderful news. Congratulations you two and welcome Fletcher. X,' wrote My Kitchen Rules star Ash Pollard.

In November, Dan and Dani shared the happy news that they were expecting a baby.

The heart-warming announcement came almost a year after they lost their daughter, Billie, at just ten days old.

They shared a beautiful picture of themselves posing on a beach in front of a rising sun.

Dani's growing baby bump could be seen in the image, and the happy couple paid tribute to their firstborn in the caption.

The reality TV star shared a heartwarming gallery of photos to social media on Tuesday confirming the exciting news  and revealing their son's very distinguished name

A second picture captured their newborn resting peacefully in a bassinet as they left the hospital, alongside some moving words

'As sure as the sun rises and sets each day, she is with us for this next chapter, Billie's sibling coming 2026,' they wrote in a shared post on Instagram.

They continued: 'To those navigating pregnancy and infant loss, IVF, and fertility challenges  we see you.'

Billie was conceived after Dani underwent IVF treatment.

The pair later shared that the baby experienced distress at birth after a healthy pregnancy.

It comes after Dan opened up about his heartbreaking family tragedy during an episode of The Block in August.

The series' foreman kicked off the episode's pre-start meeting with wife Dani, who broke down as they spoke for the first time on television about the loss of their child.

'I guess most people here would know our journey last year. We had our little girl, Billie  she arrived on the eighth of the twelfth last year,' Dan told the assembled cast and crew.

'Due to some... complications through birth, we only got to spend ten days with our beautiful girl, Billie.'

As the mood became more sombre, Dani continued: 'So, we're actually very grateful for those ten days  her time was spent in the NICU department at the Women's Hospital in Melbourne.'

To honour their daughter's memory, Dan and Dani have established Billie's Besties, a foundation that aims to raise money for the NICU at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne.

The couple tied the knot in 2018 in an intimate ceremony on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
Euphoria's eye-watering wardrobe budget has come under fire after a character who is supposedly 'broke' was spotted wearing a $1,000 hoodie.

Zendaya's Rue, who owes her drug dealer $100,000, was seen in an Saint Michael Angel hoodie despite playing the role of a desperate junkie.

The first episode of series three revealed that Rue was in a very hairy situation and had been working for dealer Laurie for two years trying to pay off the debt.

It had originally started as a case of $10,000 pounds worth of drugs for Rue to sell, which was flushed down the toilet by her mother in series two.

But it was revealed during the new episode that the debut had atrostronomically increased to $43million due to interest over time.

Laurie agreed that Rue could work for her to pay her back at an agreed price of $100,000, so it seems unlikely she would have bought the pricey garment.

Euphoria's eye-watering wardrobe budget has come under fire after a character who is supposedly 'broke' was spotted wearing a $1,000 hoodie

Zendaya's Rue, who owes her drug dealer $100,000, was seen in an Saint Michael Angel hoodie despite playing the role of a desperate junkie

At another point during the episode, Rue was wearing a patchwork jacket from the same brand, which originally cost $4,050, and is now reduced to $2,835 (pictured)

The internet has picked up on some of the clothing used on the show, notably Rue's hoodie and Jacob Elordi's plaid Bottega shirt, retailing for $6,080.

Referencing the contrast between Rue's situation and the price of her hoodie, viewers commented: 'Rue has holes in her socks but yet she's wearing a $1000+ hoodie?'; 'Rue if you don't sell that goddamn hoodie and pay that lady back';

'Aint she supposed to be a broke junkie how tf she got that'; 'Why would Rue be wearing that with holes in her sock. Euphoria's heart is not in it anymore at all'; 'For a sec I thought that his Bottega gear was meant as some sort of "meta joke" (close up on that satchel), but... wtf is going on with that broke junkie's hoodie? Lol'.

At another point during the episode, Rue was wearing a patchwork jacket from the same brand, which originally cost $4,050, and is now reduced to $2,835.

During the scene Rue is smuggling drugs to Mexico after swallowing bags of cocaine before crossing the boarder.

Other pricey garments that have been spotted on the show include Jacob's character Nate sporting a Bottega Veneta wardrobe, likely due to his status as an ambassador.

Nate has worn a $1,143 brown polo shirt from the brand among a range of other pieces.

While Nate and his fiance Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) are in a much more comfortable position than Rue, the high-end fashion is still unlikely to be affordable to them.

This is supported by the fact that Cassie has started up a fetish-inspired OnlyFans account in order to pay for her dream wedding to Nate.

The internet has picked up on some of the clothing used on the show, notably Rue's hoodie and Jacob Elordi's plaid Bottega shirt, retailing for $6,080

Nate has worn a $1,143 brown polo shirt from the brand among a range of other pieces

The show's costume designer Heidi Bivens has previously spoken out about the use of designer fashion in the show, admitting she used to be 'sensitive' to the discourse.

Speaking to Dazed in 2022, when series 2 of the HBO aired, Heidi said she used to be mindful of what the character could afford before adopting a 'f*** it' mentality.

She said: 'Oh f**k it! I was so sensitive to all of those comments during the first season. I didnt want anyone to be able to say a character couldnt afford something without me having a backstory as to how they got that piece of clothing. I was very cautious. Kind of like the way I approached the movie Mid 90s with Jonah Hill. Every single piece of clothing in that film I made sure existed in that year of the story so that no skateboarders could come out of the woodwork and call me out.

'But in the second season of Euphoria I was just like come on, this is not reality. Sure the show deals with real issues but Sam had given all of the departments permission to break any preconceived idea of what we thought the reality of the show was.'

Several people online agreed with Heidi, sharing their own opinions on the matter.

They said: 'I find it funny when people are literal about costuming and its prices cus I image the girl 43 million dollars in debt does not canonically wear luxury pieces. That's just another hoodie to her! Prolly 25 dollars in Euphoria land';

'Something else I wanna add to this topic is the average person that watches this show that is more than likely not into fashion, unless it's logos everywhere or popular clothes among the youth, these pieces will not be automatically recognised as luxury. For instance, she has on a graphic hoodie and he has on a plaid shirt. Automatically my mind went Old Navy, Gap, Hollister, not million dollar fashion houses';

The coversation then turned to the costume on Disney+ series, The Bear, after fans noted a similar issue.

They said: 'I remember when the Bear costume designer said all the expensive clothes for the show were selected because they would appear sturdy on camera';

Another replied: That's also a factor! They want quality garments for scene they'll probably have to shoot a million times, and in that case, it's not far fetched for somebody like Carmy to have luxury pieces, sometimes it applies to characters, but most times it doesn't imo.
Oasis look set to return to Knebworth House where they first performed at the height of their 90s Britpop fame.

The Gallagher brothers famously took to the stage at the Grade II country house in Hertfordshire in August 1996.

Fans have been hoping to see them return to the venue after Liam, 53, and Noel, 58, finally buried their 16-year feud and reunited in 2024.

And it appears they have got their wish as ticket site Premier Events has listed Oasis shows at Knebworth Park for summer 2027.

The post promises shows kicking off on Friday June 4 and ending on Sunday August 29. The site reads: 'Oasis Live '27. Coming soon...'

The site has also posted a Q&A beneath a poster of Liam and Noel, anticipating what fans will want to know.

Oasis look set to return to Knebworth House where they first performed at the height of their 90s Britpop fame

The Gallagher brothers famously performed at the Grade II country house in Hertfordshire in August 1996

One question reads: 'Will Oasis be going on tour across the UK and Europe in 2027?'

The site has answered: 'Yes. Although not official, according to our sources, THIS IS HAPPENING!'

Another question reads: 'When will Oasis tour the UK?'

They answered: 'Dates have been rumoured for 2027, but not confirmed, with an iconic return to Knebworth and a Manchester Etihad Stadium homecoming both being considered.'

On how much tickets will cost, the site answered: 'Until it's announced, we do not yet know a ballpark figure, but we will release our rates as soon as we have them.'

Daily Mail has contacted representatives of Oasis for comment.

Liam previously fuelled the Knebworth rumours when he took to social media to tease how fans would be receiving Oasis news very soon.

He wrote on X: 'BIG ANNOUNCEMENT IMMINENT', before more recently shutting down the idea.

Ticket site Premier Events has listed Oasis shows at Knebworth Park for summer 2027

Music industry sources claimed the brothers had tentative dates for 2026 following their successful world tour, which is said to have generated up to 1.2billion.

In November, Oasis announced they are embarking on a 'period of reflection' after their comeback tour came to an end.

They wrote on Instagram: 'And so it came to pass.

'The most damaging pop cultural force in recent British history' found its way into the hearts and minds of a new generation. From Gallagher Hill to the River Plate, from Croke Park on the banks of the Royal Canal to the City Of Angels, the love, joy, tears and euphoria will never be forgotten.

'There will now be a pause for a period of reflection. Oasis'
Jesse Woods' pregnant girlfriend Gemma Gregory shared snaps of her baby bump on Tuesday - after it was revealed she was expecting her first child.

Musician Jesse, 49, - who split from his wife Fearne Cotton 16 months ago - and the Made In Chelsea starlet, 40, announced the happy news in an Instagram post last Thursday.

Gemma showed off her blossoming baby bump in a crop top in a shot captioned 'incoming', before sharing another sweet snap with Jesse captioned 'made by these muppets'.

The reality star already has an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship, while Jesse shares two children with Fearne and two children with his first wife Tilly Wood.

On Tuesday Gemma took to her Instagram Story to say she was 'feeling super connected' to her baby as she posed with her bump out in a white vest top.

In another snaps she relaxed on her bed in some comfy blue pyjama bottoms while her bump was showing.

Jesse Woods' pregnant girlfriend Gemma Gregory shared snaps of her baby bump on Tuesday - after it was revealed she was expecting her first child

Musician Jesse, 49, - who split from his wife Fearne Cotton 16 months ago - and the Made In Chelsea starlet, 40, announced the happy news in an Instagram post last Thursday

News of another baby on the way may come as a surprise to fans, given Jesse recently spoke out about his financial woes amid his divorce from Fearne.

Jesse, who is the son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, gave a public glimpse of his struggles when he appeared in court on a speeding charge in January.

The father-of-four candidly revealed how he was living on barely 1,000 a month and struggling for work since the breakdown of his 10-year marriage to broadcaster Fearne.

He told magistrates after admitting speeding on the A4 in West London: 'I was due to be employed in 2024 but it got delayed.

'At the moment I'm living off my savings and I am looking to get employment.'

Company accounts also show that his business is deeply in the red and burdened with mounting debts.

Rekognition Sound Limited - of which Jesse is the sole director and shareholder - has just 10,943 in its bank accounts while owing 111,903 to creditors. Of that sum, 37,352 relates to bank loans.

Most recent accounts, covering the 12 months to the end of November 2024, show the company is 101,562 in the red - a sharp increase from 56,211 the previous year.

Despite his famous rock-and-roll lineage, Jesse also appears to have no property safety net to fall back on.

His former marital home in Richmond, south-west London, is registered solely in Fearne's name, meaning he has no legal claim to the 3.15million house she purchased in 2014.

The former couple share two children, son Rex, 12, and daughter Honey, nine.

The reality star already has an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship, while Jesse shares two children with Fearne and two children with his first wife Tilly Wood (Jesse and Gemma seen together)

Jesse was born into rock royalty as the son of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood who is worth 100million. Here he is pictured with his father and his ex Fearne Cotton in 2011

Born into rock royalty, Jesse followed in his father's footsteps by pursuing a career in music, carving out a living as a guitarist and working with various bands and projects over the years.

He has been a sometime guitarist for rock band Reef, as well as working behind the scenes on music-related ventures.

But whereas his father is worth 100million and lives in a 3million townhouse in Richmond, Jesse's own business interests have faltered.

In October 2025 he stood down as a director of Reef Band LLP, which channels cash from royalties and live performances. The last accounts for the partnership showed it was 710 in the red.

He had also previously resigned as a director of Tribe Festivals in 2022.

Jesse's financial plight emerged publicly as he faced a possible driving ban, having already accumulated nine penalty points for previous speeding offences.

In court, he disclosed that his most recent tax return showed a 'very low' annual income of around 14,000.

Jesse was handed a six-month driving ban and ordered to pay 255 in fines after his vehicle was clocked driving at 27mph in a 20mph zone.

The revelations about California-born Jesse's finances came amid a new chapter in his personal life as he moved on from radio DJ Fearne.

Fearne was his second wife, following a previous marriage to Katherine 'Tilly' Boone, 52, with whom he also has two adult children.

As Jesse shared his baby news, Fearne also shared a personal update, albeit less dramatic, as she showed off her new lighter blonde locks.

He went public with reality star Gemma last April, when she posted a sun-soaked photo of Jesse, captioned: 'Bloody love this one.'

Insiders said at the time that their relationship progressed quickly following the shock collapse of Jesse's decade-long marriage in December 2024, followed by Fearne's new relationship with Elliot Hegarty, a television director ten years her senior.

Ronnie Wood's ex-wife Jo Wood, who helped raise Jesse, said of the split from Fearne last year: 'I was shocked actually. I didn't expect Fearne to have a new boyfriend. And Jesse was devastated.

'But sometimes in life, you have to go through these things. It may be daunting at first, but every cloud has a silver lining. Nothing lasts forever. I hope Fearne will be very happy.

'I'm sure Jesse's going to be very happy. These things work out. Their time was up - they had to move on.'

Gemma is the London-born daughter of actor Paul Gregory, whose past boyfriends include Henry Brett, a captain of the England polo team.

Jesse, who previously dated the likes of Kate Moss, Kate Hudson and model Jasmine Guinness, has not spoken publicly in detail about his split from Fearne.

She, however, addressed it during an appearance on Lorraine last March, saying: 'It's all very amicable and the kids are doing great. I am in a very good place.'
Katie Price held hands with her son Harvey as they arrived at Victoria Station in London on Monday amid claims her family's concerns about her relationship with Lee Andrews has put a strain on their marriage.

The former glamour model, 47, cut a casual figure on the outing with Harvey, sporting a grey hoodie along with a pair of navy leggings.

Letting her brunette locks fall loose down her shoulders, Katie accessorised with aviator sunglasses and a beige handbag.

Harvey, who Katie had with her ex Dwight Yorke, wore a black and grey striped T-shirt and black shorts.

The pair also appeared to be joined by a female pal as they got into a cab together outside the station.

It comes amid claims Katie's family's concerns over her marriage as well as Lee's inability to leave Dubai has taken the shine off their whirlwind romance.

Katie Price held hands with her son Harvey as they arrived at Victoria Station in London on Monday

The former glamour model, 47, cut a casual figure on the outing with Harvey, sporting a grey hoodie along with a pair of navy leggings

It comes amid claims her family's concerns about her relationship with Lee Andrews has put a strain on their marriage

A source told The Sun: 'Katie felt like she was in a fairy tale when Lee swept her off her feet and showered her with love and a diamond engagement ring.

'But the growing concerns from friends, fans, and particularly family members, who Katie is very loyal to, began to take the shine off.

'The knock-on effect the war in Iran had on Dubai also made her realise how far away she was from home and she missed her kids.'

The insider added the toll it has taken on Katie was clear when she uploaded a vlog complaining about staying in England and ruled out a permanent move to Dubai.

Although the source said she is still 'committed' to Lee, there is a niggling feeling as to how it will all work in the longterm.

Daily Mail has contacted representatives of Katie Price for comment.

Katie initially tied the knot in January just weeks after meeting, before holding a second, legal ceremony in February. However, throughout their marriage he has been living in the UAE while Katie has travelled between the UK and Dubai.

She has now declared she will not return to her husband's home and is instead hoping he will fly to the UK to see her soon, as she has 'done her bit'.

Harvey, who Katie had with her ex Dwight Yorke, wore a black and grey striped T-shirt and black shorts

The pair also appeared to be joined by a female pal as they got into a cab together outside the station

Letting her brunette locks fall loose down her shoulders, Katie accessorised with aviator sunglasses and a beige handbag

Katie was seen helping Harvey into the cab as they made their way out of the station

Speaking on her YouTube channel, she detailed her travel plans and navigating her cross-continent marriage to Lee, who has repeatedly denied claims that he is under a travel ban after forging his ex-girlfriend's signature to secure a 200,000 loan.

Insiders have claimed Lee has left the country, although there has been no solid evidence, while Katie has admitted she 'hopes' he will come to her.

Speaking to the camera, she said: 'Hopefully Lee will be flying to the UK soon. When he can, he'll come over and just do normal stuff here.

'I love that I'm back [in the UK]. I'm not going to go to Dubai now for a bit. I've done my bit in Dubai and with everything going on there, it's all quiet and I've got things to do back here as well.

'I still want to sort the house out, work, even though I can work there, I just like being home, everything is here. Where I've been in Dubai, it hasn't even been sunny, it's been raining.'

She spoke of her trips, saying: 'When I go to Dubai, I don't look at it like a holiday, I don't do all the holiday stuff...

'People always look at Dubai as pool parties, there are pool parties and you get those sides where it looks rich and people pose with flash cars.

'But when I go there, it's not like how you see it on Instagram, I do normal stuff. What I would do here, it's the same there.'
Kate Garraway couldn't keep the smile off her face as she left Smooth Radio on Tuesday after growing close to broadcaster Liam Halligan, with a copy of the Daily Mail in her handbag.

The Good Morning Britain presenter, 58, lost her husband Derek two years ago and is now 'growing close' to Liam, who confirmed their union while appearing on Mark Dolan's show on Talk TV on Tuesday morning.

Mark said he 'was going to have to ask about his private life' and said 'what is going on' with the 'handsome' economist, who confessed he was 'good friends' with Kate and said: 'It's early days, we'll see what happens.'

During his chat, Liam said: 'I've known her for a long time, I knew Derek, I was a political commentator, of course I knew him. In recent years for different reasons, we have both become single, against our wishes...

'So, in recent weeks and months, Kate and I have become good friends.'

Kate Garraway couldn't keep the smile off her face as she left Smooth Radio on Tuesday after growing close to broadcaster Liam Halligan, two years after the death of her husband

The Good Morning Britain presenter is 'growing close' to Liam, who confirmed their union while appearing on Mark Dolan's show on Talk TV on Tuesday morning

LIam said on Talk TV on Tuesday, 'Kate and a lot of friends came to see my band The Hooligans play in Saffron Walden, my hometown over the weekend' (pictured while performing)

'We were reintroduced. Kate and a lot of friends came to see my band The Hooligans play in Saffron Walden, my hometown over the weekend. It turns out some of my neighbours were excited that she was in the pub and posted some pictures.'

He went on: 'Kate and I are good friends, it's early days, we'll see what happens.'

Mark went on to wish them 'every happiness' and said he was sure he would 'plead the fifth', meaning refuse to give an answer, so was surprised at his candour.

Kate has formed a close relationship with Liam, who she has known for over 20 years. He was also a friend of her late spouse, Derek Draper.

At the weekend, the television presenter joined Liam in his home town of Saffron Walden in Essex. She was seen 'getting cosy' with him at The Railway Arms pub  where he was performing with his band, The Hooligans.

It comes after Kate recently appeared on the BBC's Celebrity Traitors  an experience she described as 'transformative' following her husband's death.

One of her friends told the Daily Mail: 'Kate has formed a close friendship with Liam and they really enjoy one another's company.

Mark said he 'was going to have to ask about his private life' and said 'what is going on' with the 'handsome' economist, who confessed he was 'good friends' with Kate and said: 'It's early days, we'll see what happens'

The Good Morning Britain presenter, 58, couldn't hide her glee as she departed the studio and got into a waiting car

Kate Garraway at The Railway Arms with Liam, circled. He was also a friend of her late spouse, Derek Draper

Kate told Jamie Laing's Good Company podcast that she was ready to have romance in her life again following the tragic loss of her husband

'They met through friends. Liam makes her laugh, he is very funny and they've been hanging out with their close circle of mates. Kate doesn't know if it will go anywhere. Maybe it will, maybe it won't, but it's complicated.

'It has been really tough for Kate since Derek died, and she is a mother to two children and they are all still grieving.

'But they have known one another for 20 years. Liam knew Derek. They have so many friends in common. It's lovely to see Kate smiling again.'

Mr Halligan introduced Kate to his friends at the pub where a source said: 'Everyone was having a great time, there was a lot of singing and dancing.'

Kate was also introduced to Mr Halligan's neighbours.

The source added: 'A lot of the neighbours are talking about it after being introduced to Kate. She and Liam looked really into each other and seemed very happy. She has been spotted quite a few times at Liam's home in recent weeks.'

In January 2024, former political lobbyist and psychotherapist Mr Draper died of a cardiac arrest after becoming seriously ill with Covid in March 2020.

Kate wrapped up in a houndstooth coat as she stepped out around the same time Liam was confirming their union

Kate had cared for him at their north London home, where she still lives with their children Darcey, 20, and Billie, 16.

Award-winning journalist and single father Mr Halligan, 56, was previously economics and business editor at GB News and currently writes a column in The Sunday Telegraph.

He is separated from his partner, journalist Lucy Ward. They have a son and two daughters, Maeve and Ailis, who play with him in his band.

In December last year, Kate discussed her dating prospects following the tragic loss of her husband  who she married in September 2005.

Speaking to Jamie Laing on his Great Company podcast, Kate revealed she was ready to have romance in her life again. She also indicated she was looking for 'any single dads'.

The star added to her look with a pair of gold earrings

Join the discussion A new chapter for Kate - nice to see?

Kate said: 'I wouldn't like to think that I'd never had romantic love in my life again.

'I think that would be rather a sad way to go through life, wouldn't it? But, no, I'm not there yet. I don't know if anybody would want me.'

She then teased: 'Talk to your mates, find out if any of their dads are single. That's your task, Jamie.'

But Kate revealed that she was not interested in using a dating app, adding: 'I'm of the old school where you lived life, did things you loved and then met people along the way. But maybe that doesn't happen any more.'

Now Kate's circle are thrilled she seems to be living on the bright side of life again.

A friend of Kate told the Daily Mail: 'Kate has been through so much, she is so loved and we just want her to be happy. We love to see her smile.'
The divorce of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Drew Sidora is getting even uglier as her monthly income has been revealed after her claims that she would face homelessness if she will be forced to move out of her marital mansion next month.

The 40-year-old actress and Bravo reality star is embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with husband Ralph Pittman as each of their finances have been revealed and are a bit surprising.

It has been quite contentious between Sidora and her 43-year-old husband as she filed for divorce over three years ago in February 2023 and has yet to be finalized.

The two share two children together - ten-year-old son Machai and eight-year-old daughter Aniya - and Sidora has a son named Josiah, 13, from a previous relationship.

More recently, a judge ordered that she vacate the home she shares with Pittman but Sidora has since revealed that she does not have the 'financial resources' for a new property and that she and her oldest child will be 'homeless' if the court's decision is not reconsidered.

And now it has been revealed that Sidora takes home an average of $12,066 per month in gross income while Pittman earns $71,524 a month in gross income according to court documents obtained by TMZ on Tuesday.

The divorce of Real Housewives of Atlanta star Drew Sidora (pictured in Las Vegas in November) is getting even uglier as her monthly income has been revealed after her claims that she would face homelessness if she will be forced to move out of her marital mansion next month

The 40-year-old actress and Bravo reality star is embroiled in a bitter divorce battle with husband Ralph Pittman as each of their finances have been revealed and are a bit surprising; the former couple are seen in Las Vegas back in September

It is quite a massive income disparity between the two parties as Pittman is a technology consultant and business executive with his main gig being working as a Client Director at American research and advisory firm Gartner.

Last week, Sidora was not only ordered to vacate the Georgia home she shares with Pittman by May 31, but Pittman was also awarded temporary custody of the children with the Bravo star having time with the kids on alternating weekends beginning August according to court documents obtained by TMZ.

According to the publication, the decision was made after allegations that the two children had excessive absences from school while in the custody of Sidora as she previously had primary custody.

A representative for Sidora told the publication last week: 'This matter is still being actively litigated, and is in the middle of the final trial. The Second Temporary Order is, in fact, temporary, and does not reflect the final outcome of the case.'

Back in March 2023, it was revealed that the two had split after 9 years of marriage.

The reality star filed for divorce on February 27, 2023 at 1.10pm in Gwinnett County, Georgia with her estranged spouse filing his own petition just 61 minutes later according to TMZ at the time.

Both parties say the marriage is 'irretrievably broken' with Sidora listing the date of separation as February 23, while Pittman says it was February 19 - just days after the pair were seen looking smitten at his birthday party in a February 13 post.

Sidora's spokesman told Daily Mail at the time: 'For three years, the Pittmans welcomed millions of viewers into their home as they struggled to repair their marriage.

It has been quite contentious between Sidora (pictured in June 2025) and husband, 43, as she filed for divorce over three years ago in February 2023 and has yet to be finalized

More recently, a judge ordered that she vacate the home she shares with Pittman but Sidora revealed she does not have the 'financial resources' for a new property and she and her oldest child will be 'homeless' if the court's decision is not reconsidered (pictured August 2022)

And now it has been revealed that Sidora takes home an average of $12,066 per month in gross income while Pittman earns $71,524 a month in gross income according to court documents obtained by TMZ on Tuesday

Season 17 of the highly-popular Bravo show is currently airing on Sunday nights at 8pm

'Despite undeniable differences, they agree that their marriage is irretrievably broken and are going their separate ways.'

Before her days on reality television, Sidora was a successful actress as she had a recurring role as Chantel on Disney Channel series That's So Raven on season 3 from 2004 to 2005.

She also starred as Tionne Watkins in the VH1 TLC biographical film CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story (2013) in addition to appearing in films White Chicks (2004) and Step Up (2006).

She joined the main cast of Real Housewives of Atlanta beginning season 13 in 2020.

Season 17 of the highly-popular Bravo show is currently airing on Sunday nights at 8pm.
Jennie Garth offered her emotional appraisals of her Beverly Hills, 90210 co-stars in her newly published memoir I Choose Me.

Many fans are certain to flip straight to the pages recounting her feud with Shannen Doherty, who succumbed to cancer in 2024 at the age of 53.

The enmity between their characters on the show spilled over into real life, and with the benefit of hindsight, Garth has repeatedly remarked that the two actresses were 'pitted against each other' by their roles, with the media fanning the flames.

'We didnt always get it right - we were young, and it got messy as we butted heads - but there was this unspoken respect between us,' she wrote.

Now Garth has shared her recollections about her complex bond with Doherty, which had settled into a friendship before the latter's death.

'She taught me how to walk through fire without flinching. She taught me how to stand up to people who tried to shrink us,' Garth wrote.

Jennie Garth offered her emotional appraisals of her Beverly Hills, 90210 co-stars in her newly published memoir I Choose Me

Many fans are certain to flip straight to the pages recounting her feud with Shannen Doherty, with whom she posted this picture upon the latter's death

'She unknowingly gave me the messaging to "never let em see you sweat" and to never second-guess my instincts,' she added.

When Doherty died, Garth issued a statement saying: 'Our connection was real and honest. We were so often pitted against each other but none of that reflected the truth of our real relationship which was one built on mutual respect and admiration.

'She was courageous, passionate, determined and very loving and generous.'

In the memoir, Garth also dropped a bombshell confession about her feelings for her other late co-star Luke Perry, who shockingly died of a stroke aged 52 in 2019.

'The truth is, he was my first love. I never said it publicly. I never even really admitted it to myself until later. But its true,' she said.

'I had never loved someone like I loved Luke, in that way you love someone when youre young and unsure and everything feels enormous. Our relationship was up and down, intense and unfinished.'

Her new book also contains reflections on Garth's 'unbreakable' bond with her 'soul sister' Tori Spelling, another co-star from Beverly Hills, 90210.

'Tori and I have probably spent more time together than anyone else from the cast, and our friendship has deepened over the years,' wrote Garth.

'Weve made shows, created businesses, thrown ideas at the wall together - and through it all, I always felt like we had each others backs.'

The enmity between their characters on the show spilled over into real life but they eventually became friends; they are pictured on the revival series 90210 in 2009

In the memoir, Garth also dropped a bombshell confession about her feelings for her other late co-star Luke Perry, whom she is pictured with on a 1993 episode of Beverly Hills, 90210

Elsewhere in the autobiography, Garth raved about the 'steady, older-brother energy' that Jason Priestly brought to the set of Beverly Hills, 90210.

'I saw how much he was like his character, making people around him feel safe and seen. Jason quietly kept us anchored, never asking for praise, leading with calm and kindness. I didnt fully appreciate it back then,' Garth admitted.

'He carried so much responsibility, and he did it with such an even temperament. Today, I admire the husband and father hes become, so many of those same qualities now serve his family. I must have kissed him at least a million times on camera, but the real gift is knowing the man behind the character. I love him wholeheartedly.'

(from left) Garth, Gabrielle Carteris, Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, Brian Austin Green, Doherty, Tori Spelling and Ian Ziering are pictured in a 1991 publicity shot for the show

She appended the label 'joy personified' to Ian Ziering, who went on from Beverly Hills, 90210 to become the leading man of the Sharknado franchise.

'He makes me laugh harder than anyone, and his pep talks are legendary. Hes the guy wholl check in to lift me up, and Ive come to rely on his motivational chats over the years,' the Illinois-born blonde said.

Meanwhile the 'little brother' of the ensemble was Megan Fox's ex-husband Brian Austin Green, inasmuch as he 'was the youngest, the baby of the group, and I was always looking at him with protectiveness.

She remembered: 'He loved to make us laugh, mostly when he would call out our silly antics; we would end up agreeing with him and laughing at ourselves until our makeup was running down our faces.'

By contrast the 'mother hen' was Gabrielle Carteris, who 'was a few years older and always seemed to have a solid sense of who she was, even when the rest of us were flailing. She didnt seem to need extra attention or outside affirmation to know her value to the show.'
Pregnant Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury jetted off on a private plane to Switzerland for one final getaway on Wednesday before they welcome their second child together.

The couple looked happier than ever as they cosied up for a selfie at the private airport as they prepared to celebrate Tommy's 27th birthday (which is on May 7) and Molly making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

Taking to Instagram, Tommy shared that his 'best friend' gifted him a personalised gold boarding pass for his birthday which revealed the couple were jetting to Switzerland.

The ticket read that the pair were departing from Signature, which offers private aviation, but it is unknown whether the couple's daughter Bambi, three, was joining them.

He wrote: 'Early birthday present from my best friend'.

In a second snap, the couple looked in good spirits as they posed on the runway with their private jet waiting behind them ready to board.

Pregnant Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury jetted off on a private plane to Switzerland for one final getaway on Wednesday before they welcome their second child together

Taking to Instagram, Tommy shared that his 'best friend' gifted him a personalised gold boarding pass for his birthday which revealed the couple were jetting to Switzerland

Pregnant Molly, who is due in June, showed off her natural beauty as she went makeup free wearing a khaki leather jacket layered over a grey T-shirt.

Meanwhile Tommy beamed in a black jacket and matching T-shirt as he captioned the post: 'Last trip before we are 4'.

The trip comes the same day that Molly became the first Love Island star to land a place on Forbes' 30 Under 30 List - as her influencer empire surges to a staggering 20million.

The entrepreneur has been recognised in the Retail and Ecommerce category for her impact on the beauty and fashion industries through her brands Filter by Molly-Mae and Maebe.

Forbes highlighted her growing influence as part of MMH Group Holdings, which generated significant revenues in 2025.

Since rising to fame on Love Island in 2019 alongside fiance Tommy, Molly has built a social media following of more than 16 million across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, transforming her reality TV profile into a multi-platform business empire.

Her journey is also documented in the Amazon Prime Video series Behind It All, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at her life balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood and fame.

The achievement follows Molly's recent collaboration with Adidas, which sold out within minutes. The partnership saw her design two trainers with the global sportswear giant.

Her beauty and fashion empire continues to expand, with her tanning brand Filter stocked in major retailers including Selfridges and Boots, while her clothing label Maebe continues to grow.

Molly began building her personal brand at just 17, launching a YouTube channel where she created beauty and fashion content for a growing young audience, years before her appearance on Love Island.

The trip comes the same day that Molly became the first Love Island star to land a place on Forbes' 30 Under 30 List - as her influencer empire surges to a staggering 20million

She left London's Fashion Retail Academy to pursue her own path, going on to collaborate with brands such as PrettyLittleThing, which helped elevate her profile further.

Throughout her career, she has brought her followers along with her journey, sharing personal milestones and challenges.

This has included her 2024 split from Tommy, which made headlines around the world.

The pair called off their engagement, with Tommy saying he was to blame following struggles with alcohol addiction.

The couple have since reconciled and recently moved into a new family home, which they are currently renovating as they prepare for the arrival of their second child.

Molly has also been honest with her audience about motherhood, openly discussing the challenges she has faced while adjusting to parenthood.

And more recently the influencer addressed Tommy's controversial fight date being so close to when she is expected to give birth to their second child.

The Love Island stars, who are already parents to three-year-old daughter Bambi, rekindled their romance last year.

However, Tommy has revealed his plans to fight retired strongman Eddie Hall at the AO Arena in Manchester on June 13.

After reported claims that her family are 'worried by his decision,' Molly-Mae has revealed what she really thinks about it.

Opening up in a Q&A video on her YouTube channel, she said: 'A lot of questions about how do you feel about Tommy's fight and obviously the date of it,' she said in her vlog.

Molly and Tommy are proud parents to daughter Bambi, three, and are set to welcome their second child in June

'Obviously I knew that you guys were going to like be concerned about that and have questions about that, but fear not.

'Fear not fair maiden because we're actually feeling really, really good about it and have a really good plan in place.'

She went on: 'There's actually like a good amount of time between my birth, my supposed birth because basically I'm having the baby in London again.

'So I gave birth with Bambi at The Portland.

'I'm not worried and I'm actually really, really happy that he's got a fight because it's been over a year since his last fight.'

She continued: 'So just having a date for something and and having a focus and us having like I don't know something to look forward to in the fight like it's just I think it's actually a really, really, really positive thing and he will be here when I get home.

'He will be able to support me.'
Beverly Hills, 90210 icon Jennie Garth has shared in her new memoir that she self-harmed at a particularly low part of her life.

The incident took place in 2017 when she split for two years from her husband Dave Abrams.

The actress said she cut herself with glass after shattering a framed photo of her and Abrams when depressed over their breakup.

'I was certainly not in my right mind. It was almost an unconscious act, a form of punishment,' the performer admitted.

And it was one of her daughters she shares with ex-husband Peter Facinelli who witnessed her do it and urged her to stop.

'I was terrified that I had caused irreparable damage to my relationship with my daughter,' Garth wrote in her book. 'I was hurting my daughter by letting her see me like that. This was one of those regrets in life that stay with you forever. Luca said, "You cant go on like this Mom. We need you."'

Beverly Hills, 90210 icon Jennie Garth has shared in her new book that she self-harmed at a particularly low part of her life

The incident took place in 2017 after she split from her husband Dave Abrams. The actress said she cut herself with glass after shattering a framed photo of her and Abrams. Seen in 2023

She shared the story in her new tell-all book out on Tuesday

Garth also said she started drinking more alcohol to soothe herself amid the split.

This is just one of many stories she shares in her new memoir, I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose & Embracing Reinvention, which is out Tuesday.

Luca is Jennie's oldest daughter with Facinelli.

Jennie and Dave wed in 2015 but split briefly from 2017 to 2018 resulting in his filing for divorce, but in 2019 they got back together.

This comes after Garth revealed the brutal message from a marriage therapist that finally made her realize her relationship to Facinelli was over.

The couple were married from 2001 to 2013 but it took a single session with a counselor to finally convince Garth the marriage had run its course.

Recalling the moment on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast, Garth, 54, said they agreed to go to a marriage counseling 'expert' in Phoenix, Arizona who asked her why she loved a man who didn't reciprocate the feelings.

It's a question that has stayed with her today and one that completely 'gutted' her.

'I was certainly not in my right mind. It was almost an unconscious act, a form of punishment,' the performer admitted

And it was one of her daughters she shares with ex-husband Peter Facinelli who witnessed her do it and urged her to stop. Seen with her kids and Facinelli in 2010

'We sat down and honestly two minutes into it she said, "Jennie, why would you want to love someone when they don't love you? Why would you love someone when they don't love you?

'Why would you love someone who doesn't love you? Like, it's echoing, I'll never forget it... That just gutted me. And I was like, "Yeah. No s**t. Give up. It's time."'

Garth left the office emotional only to find Facinelli and the therapist had jumped into a car to look for her.

'He's in the passenger seat,' she said. 'And I'm talking, walking, angry, crying, all the things, just like out of my mind. They are just like kind of keeping up with me in the car and saying, "Get in the car, you know, let's let us take you to a hotel. Jen, come on, get in the car." Like a friend. And I was like, why would I get in your car? What, what, no!

'But somehow they got me in the car. And then they yeah took me to a hotel, took us to a hotel. He checked in separately and I was like well I guess I'll check in and that was the parting moment.'

Once there, she started mixing mini bottles of alcohol with 'medication I've been given for flying purposes' to 'stop this pain.'

She awoke in a hospital and realized she 'could have died' in the hotel room had a friend not intervened.

'I blacked out. I passed out on the floor and I had my best friend on the phone with me, I think while that was happening. So she knew I was in danger,' she said.

When she woke up, Garth said the memory of what occurred flooded back to her.

'I'm looking at my assistant and whiteness and doctors and everything's very fuzzy. It all came back to me and all I wanted to do was kill the pain some more.'

Garth and Facinelli were married from 2001 to 2013 and had three daughters together; pictured 1998

Shepard noted she mentioned in her book still feeling ashamed writing about this particular experience. 'It feels like it still shames you a little bit to talk about it,' he said.

'I think this shame really came from letting the girls down and from being a bad mom by letting myself go to that place,' she said. 'I could have died in that hotel room.'

Garth ultimately checked into the rehab center The Canyon, a place where she got sober and learned how to stop self-medicating.

Jennie said she started taking benzodiazepines after they split.

'That started when we separated. I just didn't know how to cope with all the feelings and all the responsibility that I suddenly felt,' she said.

'I've always supported myself, even in my marriage, we split everything, it was never a "how am I going to survive?" kind of thing. It's just, I was broken. I didn't know how to be alone and deal with it all.'

They were planning on filming a reality show in which they were uprooted to a ranch but by the time production began, they were no longer together.

'I'm drinking wine at night and taking medication,' she said. 'It was very embarrassing and then I felt like such an a**hole for being embarrassed, like that's ego.

'I don't even know who that was. I have no idea that era of my life. I just remember being prodded out of bed. I would take the girls to school, I would go back to bed and then the crew would show up and I would be like, "I can't get up."

'And then they would be like, talk me up, and get me out and I would end up doing it just because that's what you do.'

The actress rose to fame playing Kelly Taylor in Beverly Hills, 90210

But the show ended up being a positive experience for her daughters.

'It was very surreal. It was very out of body, but then there were moments of levity, which helped me feel better about the girls' experience, because they were getting distracted by the crew and the fun people and they would be doing fun things that they created for the show,' she said.

For a moment, life felt normal when the film crew were present.

'And I was like, this feels good. Everyone's laughing and it feels normal for this moment. And then they would leave and the reality would be like, oh. This is what's normal.'

She also recalled the moment he asked for a divorce: 'My remembrance is that we went into an RV and the kids were outside playing on a farm 'cause it was safe and they were running free like kids should be. And that's where he told me that he wanted us to get a divorce.'

'He said, "Jen, someday you'll thank me for this." And that infuriated me. That pissed me off,' she said.

Garth's memoir, I Choose Me, will be released on April 14.
New job opportunities arise in expanding work market

China Daily) 13:58, April 14, 2026

Job seekers attend a job fair held in Taiyuan, Shanxi province. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

As graduation season approaches, 21-year-old Zhang Weiqi was resolute in his decision to dive into the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.

This wasn't a childhood dream  it was a passion cultivated during Zhang's studies at Shanxi University's School of Computer and Information Technology, where he encountered AI technology and decided to become a practitioner who could use it to solve real-world problems. "AI isn't just a concept in textbooks; it's a tangible, creative force that can genuinely enhance efficiency," said Zhang, who has successfully secured a position with delivery company SF Express, where his primary role involves using AI technology to improve automation testing efficiency and problem analysis.

This spring's campus recruitment season has seen a surge in demand within the national talent market, particularly for roles in algorithms, research and development, and product development  and AI has become a hot track for job-seeking graduates.

According to the latest data from recruiter Zhaopin, positions related to AI agents saw a year-on-year growth rate of 455 percent, with the average monthly salary for AI engineers at 20,804 yuan ($3,045) and 17,038 yuan for fresh graduates in AI roles. "During the interview process, the interviewers focused heavily on my experience with a major innovation project, which was crucial in helping me secure the offer," Zhang said. During his sophomore year, he participated in a companion AI project, spending nearly a year refining and practicing, ultimately focusing on the hybrid direction of "AI plus testing", which perfectly aligned with the emerging employment trend of integrating AI with traditional roles.

The increasing variety of AI application scenarios has created more employment opportunities for graduates in Shanxi province. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

Liu Xingyan, who graduated last year and joined technology company Baidu in Beijing, said: "Entering the AI industry starts with interest, but planning is key. You need to understand the industry's direction and be clear about your own capabilities."

Currently working in AI business quality assurance, Liu said that elective courses on large models during her university years helped her grasp industry trends. "The rapid development of the AI industry provides a broad stage for technical talent, offering opportunities for us to reach higher platforms and achieve rapid growth," she said.

In recent years, Shanxi, traditionally a coal-rich province, has been vigorously promoting digital transformation, particularly in pillar industries like energy and manufacturing. The increasing variety of AI application scenarios has created more employment opportunities for local graduates.

Key universities such as Shanxi University and Taiyuan University of Technology have seized the moment, deepening their focus on AI and big data-related programs while partnering with enterprises to establish training bases and industry colleges.

"In response to the explosive growth of the AI industry, we have strengthened traditional core computer courses while adding cutting-edge courses on large models and AI applications," said Cao Fuyuan, dean of the School of Computer and Information Technology at Shanxi University. "We are also exploring flexible training models like 'micromajors' to help students quickly acquire cross-disciplinary skills."

Cao said that graduates from technical majors such as software engineering and electronic information engineering are in high demand, with monthly salaries generally starting above 8,000 yuan. Outstanding master's graduates entering top internet or AI unicorn companies can earn annual salaries of 300,000 to 500,000 yuan.

Ren Weiming, founder of Shanxi Chitu Lingying Visual Technology Co, said: "In AI job recruitment, companies value an AI portfolio that demonstrates an individual's capabilities over academic qualifications and majors. Such portfolios can directly replace traditional resumes."

He emphasized that the most sought-after positions are hybrid roles like AI visual directors and AI art concept designers  positions that require practitioners to understand film language, proficiently use AI toolchains, and possess strong problem-solving skills.

"Aesthetic and artistic sensibility is the hardest competitive edge for machines to replicate," Ren said.

Zhang Shurui contributed to this story.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Future of work technology is rapidly transforming how industries operate as AI automation jobs take over many routine and repetitive tasks. From generating workplace documents to processing financial workflows, automation is reshaping productivity at a scale never seen before.

At the same time, human-AI complementarity is emerging as a defining force in modern workplaces, where humans and intelligent systems collaborate to improve accuracy and efficiency. As occupational transition probabilities continue to shift, the global workforce is gradually adapting to new roles that blend human judgment with machine intelligence.

Future of Work Technology Task Automation Economics

Future of work technology is redefining how tasks are divided between humans and machines, especially through AI automation jobs that handle repetitive cognitive work. Routine processes like documentation, data entry, and reporting are now managed by AI systems that complete work faster and with fewer errors, changing how productivity is measured.

Task-level displacement rates show that many administrative and analytical tasks can now be automated. However, human-AI complementarity ensures humans still play a key role in decision-making and creative problem-solving, with most roles shifting into hybrid workflows where people guide and validate AI outputs.

Occupational transition probabilities suggest millions of workers will move into new roles rather than leave the workforce. These shifts often involve moving from manual execution to supervisory or strategic work, leading organizations to invest in reskilling programs for long-term adaptation.

AI Automation Jobs Skill Augmentation Patterns

AI automation jobs are increasingly focused on augmenting human skills rather than replacing them entirely. In fields like law, healthcare, and customer service, AI systems handle large portions of data processing while humans focus on interpretation and judgment, improving efficiency while maintaining quality control.

Human-AI complementarity is especially visible in analytical and creative professions. Financial analysts use AI models to process large datasets, while relying on human insight to guide investment strategies, resulting in faster decisions and improved accuracy.

Occupational transition probabilities show that many traditional roles are evolving into AI-assisted versions of themselves. Marketing now blends AI-generated content with human strategy refinement, allowing professionals to focus more on creativity, planning, and performance optimization instead of repetitive tasks.

Future of Work Technology Labor Market Reallocation

Future of work technology is reshaping global employment patterns as AI automation jobs expand across industries. Entire job categories are evolving as machines take on more complex responsibilities. This shift is creating new opportunities while redefining traditional roles across sectors.

Emerging AI-Centered Job Roles: New positions like AI orchestration specialists and prompt engineers are focused on managing and optimizing machine learning systems.

New positions like AI orchestration specialists and prompt engineers are focused on managing and optimizing machine learning systems. Shift from Execution to Oversight: Work is moving away from manual tasks toward supervising, tuning, and guiding intelligent systems.

Work is moving away from manual tasks toward supervising, tuning, and guiding intelligent systems. Human-AI Complementarity in Education: Teachers use adaptive learning platforms to personalize instruction and improve student outcomes.

Teachers use adaptive learning platforms to personalize instruction and improve student outcomes. AI Support in Healthcare Systems: Healthcare providers rely on AI for triage, documentation, and workflow efficiency, reducing workload pressure.

Healthcare providers rely on AI for triage, documentation, and workflow efficiency, reducing workload pressure. Occupational Transition Trends: Administrative and entry-level roles are shifting, but new AI-driven industries are creating replacement opportunities.

Administrative and entry-level roles are shifting, but new AI-driven industries are creating replacement opportunities. Long-Term Employment Stability: Workforce changes are balanced by emerging roles, supporting continued adaptation and job market stability.

Human-AI Complementarity in the Future of Work

Human-AI complementarity is becoming a defining force in the future of work technology, where AI automation jobs handle structured and repetitive tasks while humans focus on reasoning, creativity, and decision-making. This collaboration allows organizations to improve productivity without fully replacing human input, creating more balanced and efficient workflows across industries.

As occupational transition probabilities continue to evolve, many roles are being redesigned rather than eliminated. Workers increasingly shift into positions where they supervise AI systems, interpret outputs, and apply contextual judgment. This ongoing partnership between humans and machines is reshaping how value is created in the modern workplace.

Navigate AI Automation Jobs With Strategic Skill Transition

Future of work technology is not only replacing tasks but also creating opportunities for new skill development in AI automation jobs. Workers who adapt to these changes can move into roles that focus on managing, interpreting, and improving AI systems. This transition highlights the importance of continuous learning in a rapidly evolving job market.

Human-AI complementarity ensures that collaboration remains central to workplace transformation. As occupational transition probabilities continue to evolve, individuals who develop AI-related skills will be better positioned for long-term career growth. The future of work will depend on how effectively humans and machines work together to achieve shared goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the future of work technology?

Future of work technology refers to tools and systems like AI and automation that change how jobs are performed. It focuses on improving efficiency, productivity, and decision-making in workplaces. These technologies handle repetitive tasks while humans focus on higher-value work. This shift is reshaping entire industries.

2. Will AI automation jobs replace all human workers?

AI automation jobs are more likely to replace specific tasks rather than entire jobs. Many roles will evolve instead of disappear completely. Humans are still needed for creativity, judgment, and oversight. This leads to more hybrid work environments.

3. What is human-AI complementarity?

Human-AI complementarity is when humans and AI systems work together to improve outcomes. AI handles data-heavy tasks while humans make decisions based on context and experience. This partnership increases accuracy and productivity. It is becoming a key feature of modern workplaces.

4. How can workers prepare for occupational transition probabilities?

Workers can prepare by learning new digital and AI-related skills. Upskilling helps individuals move into emerging roles created by automation. Continuous learning is important as job requirements change. Adaptability increases long-term career stability.
Simone Ashley sent pulses racing as she stripped down to a Burberry bikini for their summer 2026 campaign.

The English actress, 31, looked worlds away from Bridgerton as she showed off her incredible physique.

Becoming the face of the luxury brand's campaign, Simone left little the imagination for the shoot.

The star relaxed by the pool in a black skimpy bikini for the snaps, which were taken in South Africa.

Oozing elegance, she could be seen resting on a board as she floated on the crystal blue water of a swimming pool.

Cooling down in the sun, Simone enjoyed an icelolly with a Burberry sarong wrapped around her waist.

British actress Simone Ashley sent pulses racing as she stripped down to a Burberry bikini for their summer 2026 campaign

Becoming the face of Burberry's summer 2026 campaign, Simone left little the imagination for the shoot

In another eye-grabbing snap, Simone enjoyed golden hour as she rocked another one of the luxury brand's two-pieces.

The campaign also featured Hunger Games actor Tom Blyth who showed off his chiseled frame.

Both stars were joined by models Alva Claire, Babacar N'Doye and Sacha Quenby and a cast of synchronised swimmers and divers.

Sharing a pool snap with her followers on Instagram, Simone wrote: 'So excited to share my @burberry summer campaign!!! This was so much fun, in the South African sun.'

Fans flooded her with compliments, writing: 'Melanin is popping....queen'; 'Hot as hell queen';

'BODYYY GOALS'; 'Absolute gorgeous Simone'; 'You are so beautiful I love'.

The summer campaign is themed on Britain's lidos, which 'celebrates open-air pools that come alive with families, friends and neighbours every summer'.

Daniel Lee, Burberrys Chief Creative Officer, said: A lido holds a particular kind of nostalgia for the British.

The moment the sun comes out, we make the most of the weather. We wanted to bring to life a warm summers day spent in and around the water with friends.

Last December it was revealed Simone had split from her businessman boyfriend Tim Sykes just months after their romance began.

In September, Daily Mail first reported how the grey-haired hunk after they pair locked lips at the US Open in New York.

Simone, who was born in England to Indiana Tamil parents, is also known for starring on another Netflix series, Sex Education.

Her past roles have included supporting parts on Broadchurch and The Sister, but Ashley has lately been establishing herself as an in-demand film star.

The star relaxed by the pool in a black skimpy bikini for the snaps, which were taken in South Africa

The summer campaign is themed on Britain's lidos, which 'celebrates open-air pools that come alive with families, friends and neighbours every summer'

Becoming the face of Burberry's summer 2026 campaign, Simone left little the imagination for the shoot

The campaign also featured Hunger Games actor Tom Blyth who showed off his chiseled frame

After small parts in Detective Pikachu and Disney's live-action remake of The Little Mermaid, she scored a cameo as herself in Brad Pitt's racing drama F1, and was also spotted film an unspecified part in The Devil Wears Prada 2 recently.

Simone, who played Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, has said she will 'clear' her schedule if bosses ever want her to return, as she discussed her loyalty to the period drama.

Speaking to The Louis Theroux podcast, she explained: 'I think he set a great example, of I guess for a better word, the loyalty to the show, it is a show about family and returning home and returning to the family and I think a lot of people follow that suit.

'I particularly learned a lot from that example. And now when we go back, there is that environment of coming home and feeling like we're part of a family.'
It was the most excruciating moment in an already cringeworthy reality television show.

During filming for the 2013 Christmas special, the entire cast of Made In Chelsea was locked in one of its many explosive group rows  this time over newbie Lucy Watsons relationship with Jamie Laing.

The shows designated unlucky in love character, a 28-year-old PR executive called Francesca Cheska Hull, stepped in to defend Lucy from the shows mean girls Sophie Hermann and Victoria Baker Harber.

What followed was one of the most brutal putdowns in the history of the notoriously bitchy Channel 4 show.

Dont f***ing open your f***ing mouth, you fat f***ing turkey, Victoria shouted from across the table at Cheska, leaving other cast members visibly shocked.

A year later, Cheska left the show after eight series, having been one of the original Sloane Rangers, citing anxiety and depression for her departure.

Friends told me to stop but part of me was scared, she recalled. I had a degree and education, but I didnt know how I could get a serious job after the show.

And while her Made In Chelsea alumni, Ollie Locke and Binky Felstead, are facing scrutiny for various missteps in the public eye this week, many are asking what became of their former best friend.

Francesca Cheska Hull, a then 28yearold PR executive, was the shows designated unlucky in love character

I can reveal that Cheska, now 40, and her eight-year-old son, Charlie, have relocated to the tropical hotspot of Phuket, Thailand, where she works for a hotel company.

A source close to the former reality star, who had launched a number of ill-fated business ventures in the UK, tells me: Cheska could not be happier with her decision. Moving to Thailand made sense for her and her son.

She certainly misses her family and friends, but there are also those she is glad to have left behind.

For I am also told that, while she still considers former castmates Fran Newman Young and Ollie Locke close friends, relations with her former bestie and right-hand lady, Binky Felstead, have grown sour.

A source close to the situation reveals: Cheskas primary role on Made In Chelsea revolved around being a shoulder to cry on for Binky and to tell her whenever a boyfriend cheated on her, and she knew that.

But a lot happened below the surface and Binky ended up unfollowing Cheska. Eventually, Cheska gave up and returned the favour, theyve not been close for years now.

It will no doubt have left a bitter taste in Cheskas mouth, considering that it was she who brought Binky on board after being approached to appear on Made In Chelsea in 2011 and effectively kick-starting her career as an influencer.

It was last year in July, the single mother of one packed up her home in Devon and moved over 6,000 miles to work in PR for Anantara, a group of luxury resorts, and as a digital nomad for the food and drink firm, Raw.

Her Instagram profile  captioned Everything works out  documents a colourful life packed full of activities such as kayaking and ziplining, even water fights at the hotel.

It's all very different from what she left behind in Britain.

Cheska pictured in Thailand, where she now lives with her eight-year-old son, Charlie, and works for a hotel company

Relations between Cheska and her former bestie and righthand lady, Binky Felstead, have grown sour

During her Made In Chelsea days, Cheska set up a PR company, Big Smoke, alongside her then-business partner, the media guru Sam Dowler.

Her job largely involved shepherding celebrities in and out of exclusive nightclubs and Cheska spent most of her four-year career on screen guzzling champagne.

If I wasnt doing work for a nightclub, I was out at a nightclub, she told friends. Lunches tended to be a drinky thing. Youd start drinking at lunch time and be at Raffles until 5am.

It got to the point where seeing the same drunk people over and over again became tedious and depressing. It was not the way I wanted to lead my life.

Big Smoke went up in a cloud of well, smoke not long after hosting the Made In Chelsea fragrance launch in 2014 at Raffles. By the time it went into liquidation in 2016, it had amassed just 200 Instagram followers.

According to Companies House, the liquidator received claims for 2,209, which were paid out of the firms leftover cash, leaving no outstanding debts when the company was dissolved.

A year later, feeling burned out, Cheska went to Devon for a bank holiday weekend to stay with her mother and never returned, taking up a job as a buyer in her mothers arts and crafts shop, Amelias Attic in Salcombe, known as 'Chelsea on Sea' and Britains second-most expensive seaside town after Sandbanks.

With its pricey kaftans, pearl necklaces and upmarket baby clothes, it catered to the gilet-wearing yachties who inch their Range Rovers down the narrow high street of Salcombe in the summer months.

Cheska enjoyed a quiet existence, selling upcycled seashells in her mothers shop from her boutique business, Made By Cheska. But it was too good to last. Amelias Attic went into voluntary liquidation, 16 years after it was launched, in February 2024.

Millie Mackintosh, Richard Dinan, Cheska Hull, Ollie Locke, Louise Thompson, Rosie Fortescue, Victoria Baker-Harber and Hugo Taylor in Made In Chelsea

Before moving to Thailand, Cheska went to Devon and took up a job as a buyer in her mothers arts and crafts shop, Amelias Attic

While she has often complained that the producers of Made In Chelsea had created an unflattering image of her as a Bridget Jones figure, Cheska was no more lucky in love in Chelsea on Sea.

Shortly after moving down to Devon, she met the chef, Tom Huggett, but the pair split months after she got pregnant with their son, Charlie.

She reluctantly returned to Made In Chelsea, agreeing to be filmed revealing her pregnancy to Binky, who was having her own baby shower in series 13.

But following her cameo, she left the show saying she was adamant that she would never go back.

One hundred per cent not, she said. Not if they paid me millions and millions of pounds. The best therapy was coming down here and being able to close the door on that London life.

Five years later she met local carpenter and dad-of-three, Damian Crook. Following their initial meeting in the playground of their childrens school, the pair embarked on a whirlwind romance after reconnecting on dating app Tinder.

Damian proposed 11 months after they first met and Cheska admits that, at the time, she felt like the luckiest girl in the whole world, convinced that her bad luck with men had finally ended.

But less than a year later, while she was planning their beach wedding, the relationship ended with friends close to Cheska saying the breakup was a result of their lives being on different trajectories.

Reflecting on her move to Thailand in an interview with Business Insider earlier this year, she said: There was another catalyst, too.

At the time, I was engaged to be married and realised that wasnt the path for me any more. Once I called off the wedding, the door felt wide open. Nothing was holding me back.
Maya Jama transformed into a news reporter from the eighties to launch her new drink with Joe And The Juice.

The Love Island host, 31, looked unrecognisable as she ditched her signature darker locks for a blonde wig and bright blue eyeshadow for the campaign.

Maya showcased her incredible figure in a statement white blazer and matching pencil skirt which she teamed with hot pink heels.

The television personality took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce the collaboration.

Amongst the photos was a clip of Maya doing a spoof news report to promote her new matcha drink.

She captioned the post: 'Ive got my own drink @joeandthejuice!! With my alt milk @sproud in too!

Maya Jama transformed into a news reporter from the eighties to launch her new drink with Joe And The Juice

'Out nationwide tomorrow in all shops. Actually quite surreal to type that but I cant wait for you all to taste it & I hope you love it as much as we do mental. (had so much fun & got well into character shooting this)'.

Maya also said of the collaboration: 'I wanted to create something with JOE & THE JUICE that felt a bit different but still really on trend.

'The black sesame gives it that slightly nutty, savoury flavour and the collagen adds a little extra. I hope fellow matcha lovers fall for it just as much as I have!'

Last month, Maya shared her hopes to be a leading lady in a movie one day in a new career move.

The TV presenter who got her big break when she was asked to host Love Island back in 2022, said she has 'a second wind of ambition' to make it as an actor.

After failing to break into the industry when she was younger, Maya said she 'wasn't as persistent as she should have been'.

'I dreamt of being an actor when I was younger and would try and do all these auditions and would get loads of no's', she said.

'My dream role is something completely opposite to me. I've always said I don't want to be what people expect me to be on camera.

'I'd want to be the complete opposite to that so a monster or a mean, evil person. A villain maybe would be nice', she told the BBC.

Maya is set to star in the second season of Guy Ritchie's Netflix series The Gentlemen.

She will reportedly play the glamorous wife of a shady associate linked to Theo James' lead character Eddie Horniman.

The Love Island host, 31, looked unrecognisable as she ditched her signature darker locks (pictured right) for a blonde wig and bright blue eyeshadow for the campaign

Maya showcased her incredible figure in a statement white blazer and matching pencil skirt which she teamed with hot pink heels

The television personality took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce the collaboration and shared a behind-the-scenes look

Last month, Maya shared her hopes to be a leading lady in a movie one day in a new career move and showed off her acting skills in the drink campaign

She captioned the post: 'Ive got my own drink @joeandthejuice!! With my alt milk @sproud in too!'

Maya also rocked a hot pink minidress with shoulder pads to present a weather report

Maya showed off her hot pink heels she wore for the photoshoot

Filming began last year at the stunning Badminton House in Gloucestershire - a grand estate that doubles as the fictional Halstead Manor in the series.

A source told The Sun at the time: 'Maya is over the moon to land a role in such a massive show with Guy Ritchie at the helm.

'The Gentlemen was one of 2024's biggest series and it's such a glossy, sexy show. It's a perfect fit.'

Maya teased fans earlier this year when she posted a Netflix script on social media, followed by a cryptic photo alongside The Gentlemen star Kaya Scodelario, who plays mob boss Susie Glass in the series.

She previously hinted she might have been in meetings with the streamer by posting a Netflix branded cup to social media, but it was unclear where she was at the time.
Howard Stern's fired assistant Leslie Kuhn has denied the viral claims that she is demanding $2.5 million in damages from the radio shock jock and his wife Beth in her ongoing lawsuit against them.

In the original suit, the couple stood accused of fostering a hostile work environment and using false non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to 'silence' the plaintiff.

It was reported this week that Kuhn has now added a demand for $2.5 million minimum in damages, in both Page Six and TMZ.

Her attorney, however, has exclusively clarified the matter to the Daily Mail, explaining that she is in fact not seeking any 'compensatory damages' at all but merely wants the NDAs to be declared void and unenforceable.

What Kuhn wants, according to a court document filed Sunday and obtained by the Daily Mail, is to 'protect her right to speak freely' about her employment and firing.

In the new document, she said the 'monetary value' of that right was 'no less than $2.5 million,' with her lawyer telling the Daily Mail she had to assign a quote of at least $500,000 to the 'relief' she was seeking in order to get her case in front of the commercial division of the New York County Supreme Court.

However, her lawsuit does not ask Stern to actually pay her that sum even if she wins, and is merely seeking to establish her right to discuss her time in his employ.

Howard Stern's fired assistant Leslie Kuhn has denied she is demanding $2.5 million in damages from the radio shock jock and his wife Beth; the couple are pictured in 2018

In the original filing, the couple stood accused of fostering a hostile work environment and using a false non-disclosure agreement to 'silence' the plaintiff

Her original lawsuit obtained by the Daily Mail took aim at the Sterns, as well as his production company One Twelve, Inc., and The Howard Stern Production Company, Inc. over allegations the defendants presented Kuhn with fraudulent and unenforceable non-disclosure agreements.

According to the legal filing, she was first employed by SiriusXM on The Howard Stern Show as an 'office manager' in September 2022. She became Stern's executive assistant in January 2024.

'At no time was Kuhn's employment as Stern's Executive Assistant ever conditioned on Kuhn entering into an employment contract or non-disclosure/confidentiality agreement with any person or persons, natural or otherwise,' the document states.

In May 2024 Kuhn moved to the couple's Southampton, New York estate at their request in order to work at the couple's $20million 'apocalypse bunker.'

Kuhn claims Beth then greatly expanded her duties, and made her manage mansion staff, including payroll, as well as household operations, such as the star's famed at-home cat rescue and fostering operation.

Per the document, Kuhn's employment was terminated in February 2026, which she claims was due to a 'hostile work environment and enablement of that hostile work environment, immense pressures on the household created by irresponsible and untenable animal rescue and fostering operations occurring on-site, and massively disorganized and questionable business operations and accounting practices.'

Kuhn claims she was accused of 'alleged misconduct' before her termination by One Twelve's Vice President of Finance Mark D. Garten, which she denies.

She also claims her termination came after she received a letter in December 2025 from Stern's production company stating that she would be getting a raise to $265,000 and an $80,000 bonus in 2026.

In May 2024, and at the request of Stern and his wife Kuhn moved to Southampton, New York, to work at the couple's $20million 'apocalypse bunker' (pictured)

Per the document, Kuhn claims a law firm representing One Twelve presented her with a 'separation agreement' on or about February 26, 2026 - which included an NDA.

She claims it was made to look like it was signed when she first started working for Stern years prior - which she denies ever doing.

Kuhn further claims the NDA was signed before she interviewed for the position and alleges the signature 'is nothing more than her typewritten name in the same font style and size used to identify the parties' names in the recitals of the agreement.'

She claims the NDA was 'manufactured by the Defendants in general and Beth Stern in particular.'

Kuhn has asked the court to declare the NDA and Confidentiality Agreement unenforceable so she can discuss her employment and termination 'freely'.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for the Sterns for comment and has yet to hear back.

Last year Stern announced he had signed a new three-year deal with SiriusXM - after weeks of speculation his eponymous show was set to end.

His declaration swiftly ended months of retirement rumors, which had stemmed from an earlier prank in which he made fans believe his show was on track to being axed.

Thousands across the internet took to social media to claim that Stern is nothing more than a 'has-been' who should have retired years ago when it was announced last year he had signed a new contract with SiriusXM

'I am happy to announce that I have figured out a way to have it all... more free time and continuing to be on the radio,' Stern told fans on the mic.

'Yes, we are coming back for three years,' he revealed.

The news wasnt received graciously online, where social media users flooded platforms with criticism as many claimed that Stern is nothing more than a 'has-been' who should have retired years ago.

This marks the third time Stern has extended his contract with the satellite radio company, following previous deals in 2010 and 2020 - the latter a five-year, $500 million agreement, according to Forbes.

'I'm old as f***. I'm not supposed to be working... Where do I begin with this? Some of the staff said, "Can we come in and guess?" People working here are hoping I stay,' he said to his fans on Tuesday.

However, the broadcaster admitted that he enjoys having 'free time,' despite his enduring passion for radio.

'I need me time. I've never had me time. I've been working my whole life. Never really having a personal life,' Stern explained.

'I thought maybe at this point in my life, I could have some free time,' he added. 'It would be sad, but exciting for me.'

In May 2024 Kuhn moved to the couple's Southampton, New York estate at their request in order to work at the couple's $20million 'apocalypse bunker'; the Sterns pictured in 2019

He gave a loose preview of the next three years, with summers off and limited visits to SiriusXMs New York studios.

'I was really torn up,' Stern told fans. 'I still do love being on the radio. I think the show is better than ever.'

The host joined what was then Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. in 2006 and became one of the highest-paid personalities in broadcasting - a game-changer for both the company and the industry.

At its height, The Howard Stern Show reached 60 markets and drew over 20 million listeners.

Rumors about Sterns future with SiriusXM erupted in August 2025 and flared again when he postponed his September return after his summer break.

A source told the Daily Mail at the time that the delay was due to Sterns 'frustrations over the new contract' with the audio company.

Another insider added in August that Stern 'may do a 1-2 year contract if they can meet him where he wants financially. He doesn't want to pull the plug on his employees like this.'

A separate source said the star 'would likely sell his catalogue of shows to replay' on the uncensored channels Howard 100 and Howard 101 if he didnt renew his contract with SiriusXM.

He then went on to do a prank segment with TV personality Andy Cohen in September, who was hosting the program at the time.

'I know you're expecting a big announcement from Howard and this is not how things were meant to go. This was supposed to be a cleaner hand off. I'm kind of winging it,' Cohen said.

He also claimed that the show would be called Andy 100 moving forward and added he 'can't possibly fill his void.'

But just 20 minutes later, Stern came onto the air to reveal that it had simply been a prank and explained he postponed his return due to illness rather than contract negotiations.

During the episode, he explained, 'I was just getting so f****** annoyed with everyone writing me, asking me if I was okay because I'd been fired.'

'None of it is true, zero truth,' Stern then said, referring to claims that he had been axed. 'What pisses me off is that now I can't leave. I've been thinking about retiring. Now I can't.'
Hollywood favorites Heather Locklear and Lorenzo Lamas have confirmed they are dating.

The 68-year-old Falcon Crest hunk's rep shared with E! News that he has been romancing the 64-year-old Melrose Place actress for the past several months.

Over the weekend it was reported by TMZ that the actors - who came to fame in the 1980s - were seen getting cozy in Las Vegas on New Year's.

The date took place at Barry's Steakhouse in the Circa Resort & Casino. The pair 'had a private table and were very touchy feely with each other,' an insider said as photos were shared.

They were also seen arm-in-arm in November 2025.

The relationship is going so well that they are ready to take their romance to the next level by introducing their children to each other, a source told the publication.

Hollywood favorites Heather Locklear and Lorenzo Lamas have confirmed they have been dating for the past several months

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Locklear for additional comment.

In snaps from their New Year's Eve outing the two were seen posing with Chef Barry Dakake in the kitchen.

Locklear looked chic in a black dress paired with a Miu Miu purse with her blonde hair pulled back into a casual ponytail.

Meanwhile, Lamas was handsome in a grey blazer worn over a black button-up and matching pants.

They were also pictured together at The World's Largest Disco event in Buffalo, New York, in November 2025.

Locklear was previously married to Pamela Anderson's ex Tommy Lee, 63, from 1986 to 1993, and Bon Jovi vet Richie Sambora, 66, from 1994 to 2007.

She shares 28-year-old daughter Ava with Sambora.

She also had an on-again, off-again romance with ex-fiance Chris Heisser for five years, until their split in 2025.

They were seen getting cozy in Las Vegas on New Year's. The date took place at Barry's Steakhouse in the Circa Resort & Casino

They were also pictured at The Worlds Largest Disco event in Buffalo, New York, in November 2025 (pictured)

Meanwhile Lamas has been married six times and has six children.

His new romance with Locklear comes just one year after he filed for divorce from Kenna Nicole - his sixth wife - in 2025.

He previously filed for divorce from his fifth wife, Shawna Craig, in June of 2018.

Prior to that, Lamas was married to Falcon Crest co-star Victoria Hilbert from 1981-1982; the late Michele Cathy Smith from 1983-1985; actress Kathleen Kinmont from 1989-1993 and one-time Playboy model Shauna Sand from 1996 until 2002.

Join the discussion Surprised to see these 80s icons together?

Locklear was previously married to rocker Tommy Lee, 63, from 1986 to 1993, and Richie Sambora, 66, from 1994 to 2007. She shares daughter Ava, 28, with Sambora

Last year he filed for divorce from Kenna Nicole, seen left in 2022. He was also previously married to Playboy model Shauna Sand from 1996 until 2002; seen in October 2025

He shares son A.J., 42, and daughter Shayne, 40, with the late Smith.

He also has daughters Victoria, 26, Isabella, 25, and Alexandra, 28, with Sand, and daughter Paton, 37, with actress Daphne Ashbrook.

Lamas is best known for playing Lance Cumson on 228 episodes of the CBS soap Falcon Crest from 19811990. He also played Reno Raines on the hit TV series Renegade from 1992 until 1997, and had a small role in the hit movie Grease.

He has steadily worked on films over the past two years, racking up credits with parts in Love in the Clouds, Checkmate, Stepmom from Hell, Prepare to Die and Team of Two.

Locklear famously shot to global superstardom on the hit series Melrose Place, where she starred from 1993 until 1999. She played scheming Amanda Woodward on Melrose Place until the show ended in 1999. Her co-stars were Rob Estes, Jack Wagner, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Josie Bissett, Thomas Calabro and Kelly Rutherford, among others.

The blonde also popped back on the new version of the show from 2009 until 2010.
Jenelle Evans has revealed the truth of her love life after sparking reconciliation rumors with ex David Eason less than a year after she celebrated their divorce with a pinata of his face at a strip club.

After photos of the duo in Las Vegas with their children raised eyebrows, Evans, 34, addressed her dating life during an appearance on La Femme Talk podcast.

Evans said she was now 'co-parenting' and trying to begin a new chapter for her children after everything 'they witnessed and saw.'

'I think now back to co-parenting, I think that's the most important thing, for right now, because again, in my past, it was a lot that they witnessed and saw, and we're all trying to move past that, and we're all trying to create new memories,' she said.

Evans said she was just generally focused on co-parenting with all of her children.

The MTV alum shares daughter Ensley Jolie Eason together with Eason in addition to son Jace Vaughn, 16, with ex Andrew Lewis, and 10-year-old son Kaiser Orion with ex Nathan Griffin.

Jenelle Evans has revealed the truth of her relationship with ex David Eason after sparking reconciliation rumors

Evans raised eyebrows after she was pictured in Las Vegas with Eason and their kids

'I think right now I'm focusing more on coparenting with all my exes and just trying to make things as civil as possible and if that means my daughter seeing us getting along together, going out to have lunch, dinners, that's fine with me, as long as we can all get along, you know?'

'Coming from my past, there's a lot of toxicity, and for my kids to now see a new turned leaf, it's happy,' she added.

Evans addressed speculation of a rekindled romance with Eason after TMZ published photos of her in Las Vegas with her children this past weekend.

She appeared to be hitting back at the pictures when she tweeted: 'Just because I am co-parenting, doesnt mean Im in trouble in any way. Sorry to burst your bubble everyone.'

Evans was also asked about her 16-year-old son Jace, who is being treated at a mental health facility after he was accused of brandishing a firearm toward his grandmother Barbara Evans in a chaotic February 22 incident that led her to call 911.

The MTV alum said her son is 'very happy right now' and is in a 'safe place.'

'Yeah, so I'll let you know something that I haven't told anyone. I actually, behind the scenes, you know I've been very quiet online,' Evans said. 'And behind the scenes, I've been actually getting help for my son as needed, and he's in a safe place, and a holistic approach.

'He's very happy right now, and he's very focused on himself. And I think that's the most important thing,' she said.

Evans separated from Eason in 2024 and their divorce was finalized a year later - which the reality star celebrated with a bash at strip club Spearmint Rhino in New York.

The couple split in 2024 and share daughter Ensley Jolie Eason together.

'He's in a safe place,' Eason said of her 16-year-old son Jace, who is being treated at a mental health facility after he was accused of brandishing a firearm toward his grandmother

Last year Jenelle celebrated her divorce from Eason with a very special pinata of her ex-husband's face made

Before the raucous party she told TMZ that with David finally out of the picture, she is feeling great, less anxious and totally free.

Jenelle filed for separation from David in 2024 after six years of marriage and accused him of erratic behavior, substance abuse, not working  and even brought up the time he shot their French Bulldog, Nugget, in 2019.

MTV famously fired Eason in 2018 over homophobic and transphobic tweets, and the cable network fired the hot-tempered brunette in 2019 after nine seasons of Teen Mom 2 shortly after Eason shot and killed their French Bulldog, Nugget.

After Evans initially called the Columbus County Sheriffs Office to report that her husband had shot and killed their dog, she subsequently claimed that she had not seen the shooting or seen any evidence that the dog was actually dead.

That got police to end the investigation into the killing, only for Eason to admit months later that he had shot and killed the tiny dog, which he claimed had bitten their daughter Ensley Jolie, who was two at the time.

Audiences were first introduced to Evans back in 2010 when she appeared in the second season of MTV reality show, 16 and Pregnant.
Former Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham is at war with a hairstylist over a collab gone wrong.

Abraham, 34, and her daughter Sophia, 17, allegedly agreed to have their hair done by Fort Worth-based hair stylist Marseya 'Slay' Ochoa of HBFS free of charge last week, in exchange for promotion on social media.

However, things took a dramatic turn after the appointment, with Ochoa and Abraham both clashing over the terms of the collaboration before taking the drama to social media.

Ochoa shared photos and videos of Abraham's matted hair to Instagram on Monday, writing, 'If Farrah Abraham asks you to do her hair - DON'T DO IT. I PROMISE IT'S NOT WORTH IT.'

Abraham responded by calling Ochoa a 'trash hairdresser' and accused her of throwing a 'tantrum' online over the situation. Abraham also insisted that she had made it clear that she wouldn't be able to post about the collab until Monday  four days after the appointment took place.

Ochoa spoke to Daily Mail after the incident and confirmed that she spent 12 hours detangling and coloring Abraham's matted extensions.

Former Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham shocked her longtime fans after revealing the matted state of her hair extensions

The 34-year-old is pictured after having her hair colored and dematted by hairstylist Marseya 'Slay' Ochoa of HBFS in Fort Worth, Texas

Video footage that Ochoa shared of Abraham's pre-styled hair went viral on social media, with one fan calling the reality star's mane, 'the crustiest hair I've ever seen.'

'Ew! Sorry you had to touch her rat's nest for free,' wrote another.

'Why the f**k was her hair like that before?' another shocked person commented.

A fourth joked that Abraham's hair 'was dragged through hell and back before you did anything'.

Despite all the drama, Ochoa was able to fix Abraham's hair in time for Sophia's prom.

The former MTV star even shared an Instagram post on Monday thanking hairstylist Cecilia Winter and celebrity makeup artist Kelsey Dorsett for getting her and Sophia glammed up, but noticeably did not tag Ochoa in the post.

Daily Mail has contacted Abraham for comment.

Abraham shot to fame on MTV's 16 & Pregnant back in 2008 before joining the show's popular spin-off Teen Mom the following year.

Video footage that Ochoa shared of Abraham's pre-styled hair went viral on social media, with one fan calling the reality star's mane, 'the crustiest hair I've ever seen'

Ochoa spent 12 hours detangling and coloring Abraham's matted extensions

She remained on the series for seven seasons until she was fired for pursuing a career in the adult industry.

In 2013, she appeared in the commercial sex tape, Farrah Superstar: Backdoor Teen Mom.

After the success of the sex tape, Abraham continued her work in the adult industry by making strip club appearances and selling molds of her genitals as sex toys.

She later became a top creator on OnlyFans, boasting that the X-rated platform has made her a multimillionaire.

Outside of the Teen Mom franchise, Abraham has appeared on Couples Therapy, Botched, Celebrity Big Brother, Marriage Boot Camp, and Ex on the Beach.

She has also released several books, including the New York Times bestseller My Teenage Dream Ended.

The mom-of-one has even dabbled in acting and music.

The MTV villain looked pleased as she posed with her refreshed hair after the styling session

Most recently, Abraham made a move into politics by vowing to run for Mayor of Austin.

In 2022, she was arrested and charged with battery following a scuffle with a female security guard outside of a trendy Hollywood bar. She then entered a diversion program to have the charges dismissed on the basis of good behavior.

It wasn't her first run-in with the law.

In 2018, Abraham was arrested for allegedly hitting an employee of the Beverly Hills Hotel's Polo Lounge, which resulted in her being banned for life as punishment.

She was subsequently sentenced to two years probation and five days of community service, and 12 hours of anger management classes.
Popular ITV drama Red Eye is said to be returning for a third series, after fears the show would be axed.

After going head-to-head with BBC's The Night Manager earlier this year, viewing figures didn't look too good initially.

Line Of Duty's Martin Compston will also be returning for the third series, according to reports.

A TV insider said: 'The drama launched on New Years Day and went up against one of the most hyped shows of 2026 so far, so it always faced a challenge.

'But it met that challenge and also had the figures hugely boosted by viewers watching it on streaming service ITVX, which is one of the most important measures of a programmes success these days.

'So from fearing it might not return, it now looks like bringing Red Eye back is a bit of a no brainer for ITV. Though theyve yet to officially recommission the third outing or confirm castings', the source added to The Sun.

Daily Mail has contacted ITV for comment.

The series, which first hit screens last year, starred Richard Armitage as a doctor accused of a horrifying crime overseas, and Jing Lusi as the police officer tasked with returning him to the UK.

The tense six-part series, which took place almost entirely on a plane, saw the duo uncovering a quickly escalating conspiracy and growing number of murders.

Popular ITV drama Red Eye is said to be returning for a third series, after fears the show would be axed

Line Of Duty's Martin Compston will also be returning for the third series, according to reports

Red Eye reached an impressive 29 million streams on ITVX after eight million fans tuned in to watch its debut, and was one of the broadcaster's top dramas of 2024.

And when it returned for its second series, Line of Duty's Martin joined the cast.

Martin appeared as the Head of Embassy Security, Clay Brody, a former colleague of DS Hana's who once 'screwed her over'.

The synopsis read: 'Inside the US Embassy, the celebrations for a newly-appointed US Ambassador to London are shattered when a call, threatening to blow a British plane out of the sky if anyone leaves, triggers an immediate embassy lockdown, trapping guests and staff inside.

'Thats when the murders begin, landing Hana Li, as a British cop, in a political and jurisdictional nightmare.

'Compelled to join forces with the Head of Embassy Security, Clay Brody, played by Martin Compston, a former colleague who once screwed her over, Hana has to see her way past her distrust of him and focus on the investigation.

'Because this time its personal. The plane that will be blown up is a government jet and Director General Madeline Delaney is onboard.

'With a killer wreaking havoc inside the Embassy and evading them at every turn, Hana and Brody must discover who is behind the treacherous plot before time runs out for the hostages within the Embassy and the passengers on board Delaneys plane.'

Martin and Jing was joined by Lesley Sharp, in her role as Head of MI5 Madeline Delaney, and Jemma Moore as journalist Jess Li.
Sofia Vergara took to Instagram this week to celebrate her former Modern Family co-star and onscreen husband Ed O'Neill's birthday.

The 53-year-old actress posted a throwback photo of the two, in which she wore a sparkly emerald green gown and threw her arms around O'Neill, who turned 80 on Sunday.

Fans expressed shock at the veteran actor's age as they took to social media to praise the former Married...with Children star.

Vergara captioned her post, 'Feliz cumpleanos to my favorite husband! I miss u Ed ONeill!!!!'

The note seemed to be a subtle slight at ex-husband Joe Manganiello, from whom she split in 2024 after nine years of marriage.

She was also previously married to Joe Gonzalez, with whom she shares son Manolo, 34, from 1991-1993.

Sofia Vergara took to Instagram this week to celebrate her former Modern Family co-star and onscreen husband Ed O'Neill's birthday

Vergara captioned her post, 'Feliz cumpleanos to my favorite husband! I miss u Ed ONeill!!!!'

Fans expressed shock at the veteran actor's age as they took to social media to praise the former Married...with Children star

One O'Neill fan wrote on a Reddit thread, 'HE IS NOT EIGHTY  omg he is.'

Another chimed in, 'I'm 61 and thought he was just a few years older than me!'

Someone added, 'He's one of those people you expect to stay in his mid sixties forever.'

A fan shared an anecdote, writing, 'I saw him at a restaurant a couple months back and he definitely didn't look like he was about to be 80. He hasn't aged at all from his Modern Family days.'

The beloved sitcom aired on ABC for 11 seasons between 2009 and 2020.

Vergara starred as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, the larger-than-life younger wife to O'Neill's Jay Pritchett.

'I can't believe he is 80!' one commenter wrote online.

A fan also said that the veteran actor is 'looking good' for an 'old man.'

Another person reasoned, 'You wonder how Ed O'Neill could be 80, but he was playing a sitcom dad in the 80s, so it checks out.'

Vergara starred as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, the larger-than-life younger wife to O'Neill's Jay Pritchett on the ABC series

One O'Neill fan wrote on a Reddit thread, 'HE IS NOT EIGHTY  omg he is'

Someone added, 'He's one of those people you expect to stay in his mid sixties forever'

A fan shared an anecdote, writing, 'I saw him at a restaurant a couple months back and he definitely didn't look like he was about to be 80'

'I can't believe he is 80!' one commenter wrote online

A fan also said that the veteran actor is 'looking good'

Another person reasoned, 'You wonder how Ed O'Neill could be 80, but he was playing a sitcom dad in the 80s, so it checks out'

In January Vergara shared photos from a mini reunion with some of her former Modern Family co-stars.

On Instagram she revealed she spent time with Julie Bowen and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

Bowen played the role of Claire Dunphy in the series while Ferguson portrayed Mitchell Pritchett on the comedy series.

Last October Vergara offered an update on the cast five years after the series finale.

'We are still like a family,' the Griselda actress told E! News.

'Everything we do, we are connected in a gigantic chat with all the kids and all the actors. And we're always watching each other, supporting each other.'

O'Neill has kept busy since Modern Family ended.

In 2024 he played disgraced NBA owner Donald Sterling on the mini series Clipped.

He also appeared on Ryan Murphy's legal thriller All's Fair, which starred Kim Kardashian, Glenn Close, Sarah Paulson and Teyana Taylor.

O'Neill has kept busy since Modern Family ended. In 2024 he played disgraced NBA owner Donald Sterling on the mini series Clipped (seen in a still)

O'Neill is best known for his role as Al Bundy on Married...With Children. He starred on the show for 11 seasons alongside Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate and David Faustino; Seen in a promotional image for the show

O'Neill is best known for his role as Al Bundy on Married...With Children. He starred on the show for 11 seasons alongside Katey Sagal as Peggy Bundy, Christina Applegate as Kelly Bundy and David Faustino as Bud Bundy.

The series originally aired from 1987 to 1997 for 11 seasons and 259 episodes and helped launch the career of Applegate who has gone on to mainstream success in movies like Anchorman and Bad Moms as well as the critically-acclaimed drama-comedy Dead to Me.

Applegate, who played his daughter, previously gushed about how he essentially 'raised' her during her younger years on the show.

'He raised me, so if you don't like anything about me, it's his fault. If you do like anything about me, also his fault,' she joked back in 2024, before calling him, 'an incredible human being.'

As for his personal life, O'Neill has been married to actress Catherine Rusoff, 72, since 1986. They have two daughters together, Sophia and Claire.

Last year O'Neill's daughter Claire clarified her parentage after fan theories about whether she is related to her famous father kicked off online.

The actor joined Claire in a hilarious TikTok snippet in which they lip synced the expletive-laden intro to Tupac's 1996 song Hit Em Up.

Claire, who boasts over 183,000 followers on the app, immediately became a trending topic after some fans began to question if she was biracial.

O'Neill, who is famous for playing sitcom dads in Modern Family and Married With Children, also has two daughters in real life; Pictured with daughter Claire in June 2024

In addition to Claire, Ed also shares daughter Sophia with actress wife Catherine Rusoff; Seen with his wife and daughters in 2016

His daughter set the record straight about her racial identity in a comment which read: 'Okay, let me clear things up for everyone: I'm 18 not 28. I am a surrogate baby (I'm not biologically related to my mom).'

'I am 25 percent Black because the egg donor is 50 percent. My dad's only been married once.'

Ed's family is rarely seen by the public and Claire currently has a low-key social media presence on Instagram and TikTok.

While she doesn't often share updates about her father, the teen has shown that she is more than happy to support him on special occasions.

Last summer, the pair stepped out together for red carpet premiere of the actor's FX series Clipped.
Katie Holmes sparked plastic surgery rumors when she looked wrinkle-free while stepping out in New York City on Monday.

The 47-year-old appeared much younger than her years with a smooth face as she had on pale nude-toned makeup with her brunette hair worn down.

On Reddit one fan said, 'How does she look like she is in her 20s? What fountain of youth is she drinking from?' Another added, 'Is this 2006? Katie still looks like Joey Potter from Dawson's Creek. Did she get a lift?'

Her outfit was also youthful as she wore a yellow sweater and acid-washed blue jeans with black heels.

The Batman Begins star was attending the Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers Collaboration at Old Navy Times Square in New York City.

Katie Holmes sparked plastic surgery rumors when she looked wrinkle-free while stepping out in New York City on Monday

The 47-year-old appeared much younger than her years with a smooth face as she had on pale nude-toned makeup with her brunette hair worn down

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr Kahn weighed in on what he thinks the Hollywood staple has done to look so young.

'She doesn't have any wrinkles on her cheeks which could mean she is using a Microdermabrasion which erases fine lines,' he told The Daily Mail.

'It is a minimally invasive skin resurfacing treatment that gently exfoliates the skin's outermost layer,' he added.

'Microdermabrasion takes away dead cells and creates a new surface and a more even-toned skin. It really erases years off a person's face.'

And there is a product she may be using, Dr Kahn said. 'Hyaluronic acid is being used often these days because it allows the skin to hold vast amounts of water, acting as a lubricant. It's great for moisture and making the skin look healthy.'

Dr Kahn also thinks she is very careful with her skin. 'She seems to be committed to staying out of the sun or using a heavy SPF because she does not seem to have any sun damage,' he noted.

In 2011, Holmes told In Style magazine that she had not used fillers.

'I'll have to figure it out,' she told the magazine. 'But I don't think I'm ever going to do my lips - my sisters would kill me!'

On Reddit one fan said, 'How does she look like she is in her 20s? What fountain of youth is she drinking from?'

Another added, 'Is this 2006? Katie looks like Joey Potter from Dawson's Creek.' Seen left on Monday and right in 2006

And she has never admitted to getting Botox as she likes the natural look.

In 2021 Holmes shared with People's Most Beautiful Issue that she is happy with her looks the way they are: 'I embrace my age with gratitude and I don't worry about not having makeup on.'

In 2015, she dropped hints about how her skin looks so fresh.

She told Bustle, 'My schedule is pretty busy, so I've learned to do my makeup quickly because I prefer to sleep... I'll wait until the very last minute to wake up and get ready in about 20 minutes.'

And she hydrates: 'First thing, I drink about a liter of water.'

Holmes named some of her favorite products. 'I use Olay Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser, and that really helps with the surface of my skin.

'I do that in the morning and at night, and then I use Olay Active Hydrating Cream to moisturize. I've been using Olay for many, many years...'

Her outfit was also youthful as she wore a yellow sweater and acid-washed blue jeans with black heels

The Batman Begins star was attending the Old Navy x Christopher John Rogers Collaboration at Old Navy Times Square in New York City

When it comes to protecting her skin, she doesn't skip a beat. 'In the summertime it's all about putting the sunscreen on, then some mascara and maybe a light eyeshadow that's in the same shade range as my lipsticksomething really natural.

'Tom Ford has a good lipstick called Blush Nude. I also like using Chanel's Levres Scintillantes lip gloss.'

In 2016 Holmes shared how she gets her vegetables in when she told Coveteur, 'I drink a lot of water and a lot of vegetable juice. I watch what I eat.'

She keeps it healthy at home too: 'I love a good kale salad and a good pasta. Pesto, fettuccini.'

Holmes as Joey Potter with James Van Der Beek in Dawson's Creek in 2011

And she works out almost every day, she told Coveteur: 'Yoga and spin. I do a lot of spinning at home, I have a spin bike at home. I like hot yoga.'

In 2024, Holmes said she doesn't allow her fame to influence her style.

The actress believes movie stars are facing more pressures than ever before to look good when they're not working, but that doesn't change how she approaches fashion and beauty.

The Hollywood star told Town & Country magazine: 'Fashion is really big, and it didn't used to be. As an actor, you weren't necessarily photographed all the time on the street. It's different now, and it's flattering, but it doesn't change how I live or dress.'

She insisted she won't be dictated to by outside pressures. She shared: 'I'm adamant about having a life and not letting this industry dictate decisions as simple as what I wear or as complicated as what I do. You don't want to be afraid of anything, right?'
Barcelona's new tourist tax has taken effect, and now, tourists have to shoulder additional costs should they want to visit the popular Spanish city.

With the new tourist tax, tourists have to pay up to around $14 per person per night depending on where you will stay.

Barcelona's New Tourist Tax Takes Effect

According to a report by TravelPulse, the new tax officially took effect on April 1.

Guests staying in five-star hotels have to pay a nightly rate of 7 ($8.18). In addition, each person has to pay an additional surcharge of 5 ($5.85) per night as well.

Those staying short-term rentals have to pay a nightly tax of 4.50 ($5.26) and the per night surcharge of 5 ($5.85).

Cruise passengers are not exempted from the new travel tax. Those will stay in Barcelona for more than 12 hours will have to pay 9 ($10.52), while those staying for less than 12 hours will have to pay 11 ($12.86).

Related Article: Barcelona Protesters Splash Water on Tourists to Curb Visits

Tourists, Tourism Industry Express Concern

According to Travel and Tour World, the increased taxes have caused concern for both tourists and Barcelona's tourism industry.

Per the report, tourists have been left frustrated by the additional costs as they stress that they contribute to the city's economy by spending on food, souvenirs, and attractions.

The city's tourism industry has expressed concern over the long-term effects of the tax, saying that the high costs will drive tourists away.
Donald Trump has a strange habit of adding insult to injury. About 40 minutes after publishing a hostile rant against the WEAK Pope Leo on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, he decided to post an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ, laying his miraculous healing hand on a hospitalized patient.

A minute later, as if to signal he was only having fun, he shared an image of a Golden Trump Tower on the Moon, but nobody cared about that.

His gratuitously blasphemous artwork has deeply offended swaths of his Christian support base and led to calls for him to remove the post and apologize.

I implore you, repent, said Fr Joseph DeMarzo, a conservative Catholic priest. We are Christ first, not Maga first.

Michael Knowles, a hugely popular Catholic pundit, also weighed in. I assume someone has already told him, but it behoves the President both spiritually and politically to delete the picture, no matter the intent, he said.

But Trump never apologises for his online shenanigans. Instead, he told reporters that their eyes deceived them and he wasnt purporting to be Christ.

It wasnt a depiction. I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with Red Cross, he explained, before finally deleting the post.

AI Image Fuels Anti-Christ Claims

Online sleuths quickly discovered that the AI picture first appeared in February courtesy of the Trump superfan Nick Adams, who is now the Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism, Exceptionalism and Values.

Bizarrely, however, the copy Trumps account posted had one disturbing alteration from Adamss original: An ethereal soldier figure in the clouds had been replaced by a horned creature, which some say might be a satanic representation of Baphomet, a goat-headed figure from the occult.

This has only fed into a growing paranoia on parts of Americas religious Right that their former hero Trump, who they once supported, has become the opposite of Christ-like  that hes now a demonic force. Its more than blasphemy, said Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Maga darling-turned-fierce Trump critic. Its an Anti-Christ spirit.

On election night in 2024, Trump declared: Many people have told me that God spared my life for a reason [following an assassination attempt at a campaign rally], and that reason was to save our country and to restore America to greatness. Yet he now seems to be almost deliberately debasing himself in the minds of so many Republican Christians.

Previous Religious Imagery

This is by no means the first time Trump has dabbled with controversial religious imagery of himself.

After attending the funeral of Pope Francis last year, a picture of Trump in white papal regalia appeared on his Truth Social account, though he later insisted he had nothing to do with it. During one of his fraud trials in 2023, he reposted a fake court drawing of himself sitting in the dock next to Our Lord and Saviour.

Neither is this the first time he has criticized a Supreme Pontiff. He called Pope Francis disgraceful when the then-Vicar of Christ criticized his stern immigration policies. But for some, Trumps latest AI-affront  combined with his decidedly un-Christian rebuke of Pope Leo and the Catholic Church  represents a sinister new low.

And it is striking that Trumps harshest domestic critics have not been the Democrats, who dont seem to be surprised, let alone horrified, that Trump might view himself as God. No, the angriest voices belong to the same Right-wing Republicans who used to adore the Donald.

Figures such as Taylor Greene, and the conservative commentator Candace Owens, have felt increasingly betrayed since last year, when the White House appeared to cover up the Jeffrey Epstein story  which some Maga elements truly regard as evidence that the world is controlled by a cabal of Satanic [child predators].

Supporters Divided Across the Religious Spectrum

Taylor Greene and Owens are obsessed, too, with the extent of Israels influence over Americas foreign policy and are furious that their President has launched a war on Iran, apparently at the behest of the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

For America First purists, the problem is not just that the President is making bad mistakes. Its that he has been co-opted by evil, anti-religious forces which are trying to hasten the apocalypse by starting a nuclear war.

Trump, indeed, has become an almost uniquely divisive figure who draws praise and criticism from across the religious spectrum.

A surprisingly large number of evangelical Maga fans, for example  including Christian Zionists  believe that the Commander-in-Chief is doing Gods work by taking out evil Ayatollahs in a joint effort with the blessed nation of Israel. A growing range of Catholics, Orthodox and Episcopalian believers, meanwhile, believe that Trumps actions are not merely regrettable but evil.

The fact that the President chose Easter Sunday morning of all days, to issue an aggressive message to Tehran only confirmed to them that Trumps faith has warped into something menacing.

Open the [expletive] Strait, you crazy bastards, or youll be living in Hell, he said on the joyful day of Our Lords resurrection. Praise be to Allah.

Two days later, he warned the world that a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back.

Carlson Criticizes Trumps Easter Remarks

Trumps more nihilistic admirers chortled at his provocative barminess. But his former friend, the influential podcast host Tucker Carlson, was outraged: Desecrating Easter was the first step toward nuclear war, he intoned. Christians need to understand where Trump is taking us.

Carlson drew special attention to Paula White-Cain, the plastic-faced televangelist who is Trumps spiritual adviser, and the weird Easter blessing she gave the President and his war.

Mr President, you were betrayed and arrested and falsely accused, she said. Its a familiar pattern that our Lord and Saviour showed us, but it didnt end there for Him and it didnt end there for you.

And I believe that the Lord said to tell you this: Because of His victory, you will be victorious in all you put your hand to.

Carlson had a different take. How could any Christian watch that and not feel revulsion? he asked, denouncing the spiritual war being waged in the White House and what he described as the perversion of the New Testament.

Trump Hits Out at Critics

Has the criticism got under Trumps skin? Last Thursday  on the same day that his wife Melania issued a rather confusing statement about Jeffrey Epstein  the President delivered a furious 372-word Truth Social post attacking Tucker Carlson and another former supporter-turned-critic Megyn Kelly, as well as Owens and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, calling them stupid people and insisting that nobody cares about them.

But in his desperation to offend his Maga critics, the President may end up alienating a large number of God-fearing Americans.

There are some 53million Catholics in the United States, and the so-called Catholic vote is often said to be the decisive swing factor in elections. It is an intriguing fact that Trump won a majority of Catholic votes in his successful campaigns of 2016 and 2024, but not in his defeat to the Irish-Catholic Joe Biden in 2020.

As with so many other Trump stories, voters may soon forget all about the time the President posted a Christ-like picture of himself. It wouldnt be the first time hed got away with online excess.

Concern Among Republicans

But there is a broader concern among Republicans that, under the strain of his second term, the 79-year-old is starting to overstep the mark  badly.

His boasts about killing Iranians have left most decent people cold. In February, when film director Rob Reiner and his wife were brutally murdered in their home, Trump made an astonishingly crass and irreverent statement gloating that Reiner had suffered from Trump derangement syndrome.

And when Robert Mueller, the man who investigated Trumps ties to Russia in his first term, died late last month, Trump responded: Good, Im glad hes dead.

While the vast majority of Americans wont believe that their President has been possessed by the Anti-Christ, they do know that its wicked to speak ill of the recently deceased.

Freddy Gray is deputy editor of The Spectator
Costco shoppers were disgusted after a shopper brought attention to the ingredient list for a staple breakfast bakery item.

Nazima Qureshi, a nutritionist and author who shares her wisdom on TikTok, alerted Costco shoppers in a video she uploaded last week.

Qureshi said she was trying to be a 'cool mom' by buying her kids blueberry bagels from the warehouse retailer, but stopped dead in her tracks immediately after reading the label.

Among the listed ingredients: flour, water sugar... and 'Simulated blueberries'.

According to the list, this bizarre ingredient consists of sugar, corn syrup, corn cereal, cornstarch, palm oil, artificial flavor, brilliant blue FCF, allura red and fast green FCF.

'There's no blueberries in this bagel... they simulated blueberries,' Qureshi said. 'That's a no from me, my kids will not be getting simulated blueberry bagels.'

Viewers of the TikTok were aghast.

'Are blueberries really that hard to find?' one asked.

Costco shoppers were disgusted after a shopper brought attention to the ingredient list for a staple breakfast bakery item

Among the listed ingredients for these Costco bagels: flour, water sugar... and 'imitation blueberries'

'Food dye in a bagel is insane,' another wrote.

'The warning for sodium shouldve been replaced by simulated blueberries. Thats the real issue here,' someone else pointed out.

'Instead of getting all those ingredients they could have just gotten actual blueberries,' a different user said.

Costco's blueberry bagel recipe isn't new - a Reddit user shared similar concerns over the ingredients ten years ago.

'Today I learned that Costco blueberry bagels don't actually contain blueberries,' they posted, alongside a picture of the nutrition label.

Users in the comments had little sympathy, immediately pointing to the fact that - in fairness - the bakery item is advertised as imitation blueberry bagels.

'No, today you learned that you've been skipping over and ignoring the word "imitation" in "Imitation Blueberry Bagels" for a long time,' someone rebuked.

This is not the first time Costco has come under fire over the ingredients in its products.

The Costco Wholesale Corporation faced a lawsuit after it was accused of falsely advertising its rotisserie chicken as 'preservative free'

The Costco Wholesale Corporation faced a lawsuit earlier this year over accusations that the shopping giant misled customers into believing its popular rotisserie chicken was free of any preservatives.

Two women in California filed a class action claim on January 22, alleging the warehouse retailer falsely advertises its Kirkland Signature Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken as having 'no preservatives' according to the lawsuit.

The complaint claims the beloved chickens contain two added preservatives: carrageenan and sodium phosphate.

According to the filing, by quietly adding those ingredients to the chicken's label, Costco has 'systemically cheated customers out of tens - if not hundreds - of millions of dollars'.

The Daily Mail approached Costco for comment.
The investor who famously predicted the 2008 financial crash is refusing to back down from a huge stock market bet - even after President Donald Trump pumped the stock he's targeting.

Michael Burry, the investor immortalized in The Big Short for predicting the 2008 financial crash, said he is still betting against Palantir despite President Trump's public praise for the company.

Shares of Palantir briefly jumped higher after the president praised its great warfighting capabilities and equipment in a Truth Social post on Friday.

But the Trump bump isn't deterring Burry from his conviction that the value of the company will decline over the long term.

In a blog post published shortly after Trumps intervention, Burry said he is sticking with his bet that the stock will fall, insisting he has no plans to close the position.

Shares of Palantir moved a bit higher on Monday, but they are still down almost 40 percent since Burry first announced his bet against Palantir and Nvidia in early November 2025.

Before Trump's post, Burry had been spent days warning that Palantirs sky-high valuation was under threat - and even suggested it was losing ground to fast-rising AI rivals.

In a now-deleted post, Burry claimed that Anthropic - a $380 billion artificial intelligence start-up - was eating Palantirs lunch.

Michael Burry, founder of Scion Capital and the real-life investor behind The Big Short

Palantir CEO Alex Karp on CNBC, where he called short sellers bat**** crazy in a fiery on-air rant

Many believe that Palantir has been a big beneficiary of the Iran war due to the amount of business the company has with the US government.

The US armed forces have been enthusiastic customers of Palantir intelligence and data analysis products, including the Maven Smart System, which provided a real-time data dashboard for operations in Iran.

The company has prospered under both Democratic and Republican administrations. During the second Trump administration, it has won multibillion-dollar contracts with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Palantir is also among the corporate donors who pledged money to Trumps White House ballroom project, alongside Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft.

Burry built his fortune - and his legend - by spotting a financial apocalypse before anyone else.

A former neurologist turned hedge-fund manager, he bet against the US housing market in 2007, correctly predicting that sub-prime mortgages would collapse.

His trade generated billions for his investors and was immortalized in The Big Short -first a best-selling book by Michael Lewis and later a Hollywood film.

Since then, Burry has made a career of warning about bubbles - from bitcoin and meme stocks to post-pandemic tech rallies.

Margot Robbie in The Big Short, where she famously explained complex financial jargon from a bubble bath

Last November, Burry made a very public show of his contrarian bet against Nvidia and Palantir, echoing his original contrarian streak.

Both firms have been at the center of the AI stock market boom that has sent valuations to eye-watering levels.

Just last week, he published a trading update that stated he was still all-in on his bet against Nvidia, confirming that he'd put even more money into the bet.

Until the end of March, the bet against Nvidia was looking good, with shares of the chipmaker down 20 percent since his big announcement last November.

Unfortunately, Nvidia's stock has rallied hard though the first weeks of April, and is not only down 8 percent from the date Burry announced his short position.
The U.S. Department of Education published a press release on April 10 titled "Victories for American Taxpayers: Exposing COVID-Era Fraud, Waste, and Abuse in Federal Education Programs", detailing three specific findings from its Office of Inspector General involving the misuse of pandemic-era education relief funds across Puerto Rico, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The press release, framed as part of President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, focuses on a genuinely significant oversight challenge: what happened to the $190 billion in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds distributed across three federal relief bills  the CARES Act (2020), the CRRSA Act (2020), and the American Rescue Plan (2021)  when they went out the door with limited guardrails during one of the most disruptive crises in modern American education history.

The Three Cases

Puerto Rico  $3.9 Million in Improperly Used ESSER Funds

A recent OIG inspection found that the Puerto Rico Department of Education improperly used $3.9 million in American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds on services that were not delivered as required and failed to support student academic progress as intended. The inspection was issued March 17, 2026.

The finding is notable partly because Puerto Rico was among the states and territories that had received approved extensions to spend remaining ARP ESSER funds through March 30, 2026  a deadline the Trump administration later moved to rescind in a March 2025 action that was partially blocked by federal courts after 16 states and the District of Columbia sued.

West Virginia  $3.4 Million Fraud Scheme by School Maintenance Director

An OIG criminal investigation resulted in a guilty plea from a maintenance director at Boone County Schools in West Virginia, along with his parents and a contractor, who defrauded the school district out of $3.4 million. The scheme involved falsifying documents and overbilling for large quantities of janitorial and custodial products  either delivering far fewer products than billed, or billing for products that were never delivered at all.

The Boone County case is a clear example of criminal fraud  not disputed financial management or administrative misjudgment, but deliberate falsification of documents for personal gain. The Department of Justice's U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia prosecuted the case.

Wisconsin  $20 Million to 184 Ineligible Nonpublic Schools

An OIG audit found that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction improperly approved applications from nonpublic schools for funding under the American Rescue Plan Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools program (ARP EANS). More than $20 million in ARP EANS-funded services and assistance was provided to 184 schools that did not meet program eligibility requirements.

The ARP EANS program was designed to help private nonprofit schools that enrolled low-income students and were disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The Wisconsin OIG finding suggests the state agency failed to adequately screen applicants against eligibility criteria before approving and distributing funds.

The Broader Context: $190 Billion, Limited Guardrails, Ongoing Oversight

The three cases represent a small fraction of what was an unprecedented federal spending program. Congress distributed approximately $190 billion in ESSER funds  roughly three times the federal government's typical annual K-12 education spending  across three rounds between 2020 and 2021. The funds were designed to help schools reopen safely, address learning loss, support student mental health, expand broadband access, and retain educators during a period of extreme institutional stress.

The OIG has been auditing states' and districts' use of ESSER funds since 2020, with the mandate extended through at least 2025 and beyond. While earlier OIG audits found largely administrative issues  documentation gaps, inadequate review processes, weak internal controls  rather than outright criminal fraud, the OIG consistently warned that weak internal controls "open the door to fraud." The Boone County case is an example of that door being walked through.

A Government Accountability Office report confirmed that most ESSER spending went toward legitimate student needs, but flagged weak oversight at the state and district level as an ongoing concern. Independent education finance researchers found that nearly 50% of ARP ESSER funds went toward labor costs  hiring teachers, reading specialists, school counselors, and other staff  with remaining funds going to tutoring programs, technology, facilities improvements, and summer learning programs.

The Trump administration has pursued a dual approach to COVID education relief funds: on one hand, using the OIG to identify and publicize instances of fraud; on the other, rescinding more than $2.5 billion in approved spending extensions in March 2025  a decision that affected 41 states and territories that had contracted for specific school improvement projects and was partially blocked by a federal court in May 2025.

What Schools and Districts Should Know

For school districts and state education agencies that received ESSER funds, the OIG's ongoing audit work means that documentation of how funds were spent, contracted, and delivered remains important even years after the spending deadline. The OIG hotline  oig.ed.gov/oig-hotline  accepts reports of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse of federal education funds.

For the families and students whose schools received these funds, the press release's three cases represent genuinely troubling failures: money intended for learning recovery, safe reopening, and student mental health support that was instead stolen, mismanaged, or distributed to ineligible recipients. The total documented in this press release  approximately $27 million across three cases  is significant at the district and state level, though it represents a small fraction of the overall ESSER program.

The Department says additional crackdowns are expected throughout 2026, with the OIG continuing to audit how states and districts used ESSER funds across the full scope of the program.
by Robert Jensen

Bill Rees likes to say that ecological footprint analysis began with an epiphanywhen he was 10 years old.

Sitting down to lunch on his grandparents Ontario farm with relatives he had worked with that morning, the sweaty kid realized he had played a small part in raising everything on the tablebeef, chicken, potatoes, carrots, and a few other items the farm had produced so far that season.

Rees remembers the moment as thrilling. You know the expression, You are what you eat? As a child, I realized I am what I eat, and that I grew what I ate, said the renowned ecological economist, now 82. I knew deep in my bones that farm work and food made me a product of soil and sun.

That may seem simple, but how many people think about the importance of soil? Todays high-energy/high-technology culture too easily obscures our dependence on ecosystems. Rees has spent his career trying to alert people to the consequences of ignoring ecological realities.

With his coauthor and former student Mathis Wackernagel, Rees in 1996 published Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth. Perhaps todays most well-known sustainability metric, Ecological Footprint Accounting (EFA) estimates human demands on the carrying capacity of Earth. Comparing human consumption of bio-resources with Earths regenerative capacity, EFA shows that we are in overshootconsuming resources faster than they can be replenished and generating wastes faster than they can be absorbed.

Rees retired from teaching at the University of British Columbia in 2012 but continues to sound the warning: Modern techno-industrial (MTI) society is unsustainable. Humanitys total biological resource consumption and waste production exceed ecosystems regenerative and assimilation capacities.

Developing an Ecological Worldview

When Rees got to college, those farm experiences led him to the Life Sciences program in biology and ecology at the University of Toronto, where he went on to earn his Ph.D. in population ecology in 1972. He landed a faculty job in UBCs School of Community and Regional Planning, where the director asked him to develop an interdisciplinary program on the ecological basis of economic development.

In planning meetings with economists, engineers, hydrologists, and geographers, Rees offered his early thoughts on carrying capacity. Senior colleagues assured him that globalization and free trade could alleviate the problem of local ecological limits and that free markets would stimulate development of substitutes for depleted resources. The not-too-subtle caution was that challenging the conventional wisdom that population growth and economic expansion could continue indefinitely would not help his career.

Rees deference to elders didnt stop him from rethinking the standard definition of carrying capacity. Yes, trade and technology can ease local resource constraints, temporarily, but Rees farm-based awareness of our dependence on the land helped him invert the framing. Instead of asking how large a population a given area can support in an existing economic system, we should be asking how large an area is needed to support a given population, regardless of the location of the land providing sustenance. For example, the question isnt How many people can a citys infrastructure support (subsidized by the sleight-of-hand tricks of trade and technology)? but How much distant land is needed to support the citys residents? Urbanites ecological footprints extend far beyond the city limits.

EFA uses consumption data from numerous sources to answer two questions. First, in any given year, how much of Earths bio-productive land and water (such as cropland, grazing land, forests, fishing grounds) are used to support a population, including the ecosystems needed to assimilate its emissions? Second, how much productive bio-capacity is available for that population to draw on? EFA shows that the human enterprise today is in overshoot, drawing down stocks of so-called natural capital and over-filling natures waste sinks.

The Problem of Overshoot

Most people treat climate change as the greatest ecological threat posed by MTI society. Rees offers a friendly but crucial amendment: Climate destabilization is a derivative of overshoot.

In 2024, 8.2 billion people had a total ecological footprint of approximately 21.4 billion global hectares (gha), an average of 2.6 gha per person. Available global bio-capacity was 12 billion hectares, or 1.5 gha per person. Not everyone consumes the same amount, of course, but as a species we are exceeding the planets regenerative capacity by about 75 percent. If we could replace all fossil fuels with alternative energybut with the same number of people and the same aggregate consumptionwe would still be in overshoot.

In other words: MTI society is unsustainable. Overshoot is, by definition, a terminal condition.

(A footnote: EFA is based on varied data sources and cant be precise, given the margin of error in large-scale estimates. Critics suggest that this makes it unreliable as a sustainability metric. Rees argues that, if anything, EFA assessments underestimate humanitys eco-predicament. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization and other UN agencies, for example, reflect yields and productivity but not the depletion of the soil and water on which those yields depend. Also, EFA estimates only human demand for productive ecosystem area (bio-capacity); not all human demands on nature, such as toxic pollution, are captured by the method.

Whats Necessary?

A stable human presence on Earth will require far less consumption. Rees estimates that living within planetary bio-capacity would mean reducing economic throughput (energy and resource consumption, and pollution) globally by half. But to safeguard 85 percent of bio-diversity, half of global bio-capacity would have to be reserved for nature, which suggests that humanitys current ecological footprint may be three times too large and require up to a 70 percent reduction. And sustainability with justicegreater equality of access to economic and bio-physical wealthwould mean that those with above-average wealth would have to reduce their consumption even more dramatically.

That leads to a question that has no definitive answer: How many people can Earth support, at what level of consumption?

Based on ecological footprint data, Rees suggests Earth might support up to 2 billion people living at Western European material standards. That roughly matches the estimates of other ecologists but may be optimistic, he said. Given non-renewable resource depletion and the degraded state of the ecosphere today, a human population compatible with long-term sustainability might be in the tens or hundreds of millions.

Whats the optimal population? really is an unanswerable question because of the known unknowns and unknown unknowns, Rees said. How would the fractious, competitive, sometimes warring, and grossly unequal global community agree on an adequate material standard of living? What is the trajectory of climate change, especially if we use all economically accessible deposits of fossil fuels? And if we do that, how do we maintain food production and supplies of other crucial resources? How would we provision megacities that are dependent on diesel-fueled transportation?

But we do know enough to recognize the outlines of humanitys eco-predicament, Rees said. We have a fairly firm grasp of the bio-physical trends that threaten the ecosphere and humanitys future, and we are coming to understand the most significant anthropogenic drivers of overshoot. This means that we actually know what must be done to change our relationship with nature to reverse threatening trends. The problem is that all the effective whats involve a smaller economy with greatly reduced energy and material throughput, and lower populations. Collective action is essential, but difficult.

After two centuries of explosive growth, MTI societies have enormous cultural and population momentum fueled by bio-physically unrealistic material expectations, Rees said. Any significant structural changes are vigorously opposed by corporate entitiessome more powerful than many nationsthat have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. So, while science tells us what to do, we do not yet know the how of making the necessary civilizational-level shifts in beliefs, values, attitudes, behaviors and power structures. Were flying in the face of culturally entrenched habits and innate behavioral barriers.

Whats Possible?

Rees said that social policy should be shaped by data, logic, and a love for others and nature. But political and economic institutions find it easy to ignore the overshoot predicament. In his cultural analysis, Rees remains an ecologist, thinking about humans as products of evolution, not creatures with magical capacities. Overshoot cant be blamed on a few bad actors but rather is the product of understandable human tendencies.

Like other species, humans are capable of exponential population growth and tend to harvest all accessible resources as rapidly as their technology allows. Unfortunately, for the past 200 yearsthanks largely to improved population health (falling death rates) and fossil fuels (making rapid growth possible)our species has been embracing our expansionary potential, Rees said.

Unlike other species, we create complex stories and behavioral norms that guide both individual and group behavior. These social constructs are powerful enough to obscure ecological reality and encourage self-destructive behaviors.

Almost all humans now live in social arrangements dramatically different from the smaller, more cooperative groups in which we evolved, when we inhabited limited territory and extracted far less energy from the landscape, Rees said. With the rise of competitive and hierarchical civilization, humanity expanded over the entire Earth. Here are a few more evolved human characteristics that he said keep us from facing overshoot.

Most people are temporal, social, and spatial discounters, favoring the here-and-now, close relatives, and friendsto the detriment of the future, foreign places, and strangers.

Most nations are reluctant to share their wealth or sacrifice comfortable lifestyles for the general welfare, present or future, particularly if they think few others will do the same.

Because human societies are competitive, open-access resources such as deep-sea fisheries or the atmosphere that are rivalrous and nonexcludable (not owned by anyone and accessible to everyone) can be overexploited.

Rees said the reason to be honest about todays genetically induced cultural lethargy is not to promote apathy but to be clear about impediments. There is little immediate incentive for individuals or nations to act alone in ways that are consistent with sustainability science, and insufficient agreement and mutual trust to motivate collective action to reduce the human footprint.

Whats Left to Do?

Given what Rees knows from more than a half-century of research, why does he still spend so much time advocating change that seems unlikely?

I suppose its what I do to keep my internal fires burning, he said. And there is some small reward in hearing from former students, some from decades ago, who say they were skeptical about issues we studied in class but now see it all unfolding just as we discussed way back then.

Does he resent being ignored by colleagues for so long, or by the public even today?

I got used to being ignored, mostly by traditionally trained economists, geographers, and planners, he said. For many years, I was barely tolerated by certain colleagues, maybe because students who took my courses started asking difficult questions in courses taught by growth- and development-oriented colleagues. Change came only as it became harder for even conventional scholars to ignore ecological degradation.

Rees said he is grateful for the recognition that eventually came his waythe Blue Planet Prize with Wackernagel, along with other awards in the field of ecological economics, and being named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

The success of the ecological footprint concept meant that students who worked with me could find good jobs, which is a personal boost, he said. But policy wonks, politicians, and other major decision-makers give no more credence to findings based on EFA documentation of gross eco-overshoot than they did to The Limits to Growth report [a presciently accurate account of overshoot published in 1972]. Fifty-four years later, the human enterprise is on track for significant contraction later in this century, just as Donella and Dennis Meadows and their coauthors projected and our work affirmed.

Rees hasnt slowed down, continuing to publish in scholarly journals, write for popular publications, update his Substack, speak on countless podcasts, and advise advocacy groups.

I suppose I have to admit to a minor human failing, Rees said, one articulated by an ecologist friend who told me that he took pleasure in being able to say to former doubters, I told you so!

Given the stakes, Rees would love to be proved wrong. But an honest conversation requires that we set aside fantasies such as colonizing Mars and work to get it right here, Rees said. Earth is likely the only home H. sapiens will ever know.

We also have to recognize that our relationship to Earth is asymmetrical.
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Joshua Stucky, executive director of The Rubi Girls, on Monday, April 13 in Dayton. The Rubi Girls are a comedic drag troupe based in Dayton that has been performing for more than 40 years, raising more than $3 million for charity. Stucky said the troupe has seen growing support from the public as more laws seek to ban drag performances. The general public is not seeing what these lawmakers are seeing, but theyve done a great job of skewing this to fit their political agenda, he said. BRYANT BILLING / STAFF
Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, born and raised in Cincinnatis Avondale neighborhood, is the founder and CEO of Rosemarys Babies Co. and is a Republican candidate for the Ohio First District.
Steadfast DART 26, NATO's largest exercise this year, is the cover story of N 21 of the English edition of the Spanish Defense Magazine. It reports on its development in Germany and the Baltic Sea, where the capabilities of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) have been tested. The significant contribution of Spain, which led the special operations and maritime operations in the exercise, is highlighted.

This issue features an interview with Italian Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, and another with Lieutenant General Juan Pablo Sanchez de Lara, Commander of the Combined Air Operations Center at Torrejon Air Base (CAOC TJ).

It also reports on the conclusions of REAIM 26, the third world summit on Responsible Artificial Intelligence in the Military Sector, held in A Coruna, Spain.

The opinion pages address Spain's defense diplomacy activities with countries of particular interest, and another article analyzes the ongoing instability in the Sahel region of Africa.

The magazine includes the delivery of the first 40 Dragon 8x8 wheeled combat vehicles to the Army, and the Culture section announces the opening of an exhibition at the Army Museum on Spain's contribution to the independence of the United States 250 years ago.
The Northern Ireland Court of Criminal Appeal has fixed June 2026 dates to hear the appeal by Derry man John McDevitt against five convictions dating from December 1986.

The dates for the appeal were fixed on Tuesday (April 14, 2026).

Mr McDevitt (61) was convicted on December 12, 1986, 12th December 1986 by Mr Justice MacDermott sitting without a jury on one count of murder, two counts of wounding with intent, one count of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of possession of firearms with intent.

He challenged the prosecution evidence at trial giving evidence in his own defence during a voir dire on the admissibility of a statement of admission.

He asserted in his trial evidence that this statement had been obtained by police using coercive and oppressive interview techniques.

Mr McDevitt was convicted by the Diplock Court and received a sentence of life imprisonment. He served in excess of 11 years in jail and was released subject to life licence.

Harte Coyle Collins solicitors acting for Mr McDevitt applied to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) on behalf of its client in 2002.

That application was refused in 2006 despite the finding of some significant new evidence.

Our client continued his campaign to clear his name.

Mr McDevitt's legal team made a second application to the CCRC on Mr McDevitt's behalf in 2019 on the basis of further new evidence obtained from public domain sources.

That second application to the CCRC resulted in the referral of the murder conviction back to the NI Court of Appeal on October 30, 2024 on the basis that the conviction was potentially unsafe.

In making the referral the CCRC relied on the discrediting of some of the interviewing police officers arising from the successful appeals of some of the UDR4 in 1992.

Further submissions by our Harte Coyle Collins to the CCRC in 2025 resulted in the referral of another four convictions back to the Court of Appeal in April 2025. The evidence underpinning the further four convictions emanated from the same statement of admission.

The safety of the five convictions will now be reviewed by the Court of Appeal on June 17 and 18, 2026.

Patricia Coyle Solicitor representing Mr McDevitt said today: " Our client welcomes the opportunity to have the evidence underpinning these five convictions scrutinised and examined by the NI Court of Appeal in June 2026.

"The focus in the appeal will be on the reliability of one statement of admission which our client continues to assert was obtained using oppressive and coercive police interview techniques. In addition to the reasons for the referral of the convictions identified by the CCRC, we have also lodged several applications to admit new evidence to the court in support of the appeal.

"This evidence was not available at the time of his trial in 1986 nor for his appeal against conviction in 1987. Our client continues his campaign to clear his name in respect of these convictions using all legal avenues available to him and looks forward to the appeal hearing."

John McDevitt is represented by Patricia Coyle, solicitor and Meadbh O Dowd, solicitor of Harte Coyle Collins, Solicitors & Advocates with barristers Dessie Hutton K.C. (senior counsel) and Gerard McGettigan BL (junior counsel).
The worst-case scenario should be assumed in the decision to grant consent to a controversial proposal to develop a gold mine in Co Tyrone.

The public inquiry into the plan is set to proceed on its third reconvention despite concerns raised on the admission of new information.

The investigation by the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC), taking place at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh, struggled to make headway as third party representatives repeatedly expressed frustration with the process.

The mining firm Dalradian has been working on the Curraghinalt site near Greencastle in the Sperrin Mountains since 2009 and has applied to develop an underground gold mine.

There has been opposition to the proposal, which concerns an area of outstanding natural beauty, in terms of its impact on health and the environment.

The substantive issues to be discussed in the inquiry, which is scheduled to run to mid-June, are broken down into separate topics including water ecology, climate, transport, socio-economic, and waste management.

On Tuesday, commissioner Jacqueline McParland questioned Dalradians legal team on the processing of ore from the mine as part of the strategic issues module, specifically in relation to the amount of chemicals that would need to be used in processing.

Conor Fegan, representing Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, highlighted that the estimates for this from Dalradian were given in approximate usage in relation to the amount of ore mined, but should be given on a maximum figure.

He said the commissioner was probing the need to ensure that any consent would be set within reasonable worst-case scenario parameters, and that would ordinarily indicate that we should be looking for what a maximum figure is, not an approximate figure.

He added: We should be consenting on the basis of a maximum figure to ensure that the envelope has been properly assessed.

A legal representative for Dalradian confirmed that explosives are listed in the documentation as part of the mining process before saying that chemical reagents are used for exploration purposes.

Ms McParland said that ore removed as part of exploration would need to be included in the estimation of the amount of chemical reagents used.

Another representative from Dalradian said exploration would potentially go into slightly wider areas, adding there will be some tunnels that are developed to get access to some areas, but its primarily drilling.

Ms McParland said: Were going to come back to the fact that we have no drawings for any tunnels, or actually no information as to where you want to drill either.

So in terms of the project thats put forward, we have to assume that its worst-case scenario, so we cant just simply say its primarily drilling thats not being down as definite in the proposal before us, so worst-case scenario is the possibility of tunnels.

When the inquiry opened on Monday there had been concerns raised about the Department for Infrastructures engagement with the Irish Government, and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) stated that a significant volume of new information was submitted as part of the transboundary consultation.

Opening the session on Tuesday Ms McParland said she was satisfied with the reasons given for the NIEAs late submission of evidence and it would be included in the inquiry.

Friends of the Earth and some third parties had also requested to be able to give further written evidence in response to additional information given in Dalradians transboundary evidence.

Ms McParland said the inquiry does not require any further written submissions and the parties will have the opportunity to rebut any new evidence orally.

I understand it may take time, if it takes time well sit and do it, she said.

Paul Haughey, a third party representative said he felt he was being victimised while former independent councillor Emmett McAleer said some people are being cut off.

The commissioner concluded the morning session saying that the inquiry is already significantly behind schedule having only answered 17 of 53 questions arranged for its first two days, and repeatedly urged third party participants to focus on the questions at hand.
A new chapter expected in building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future

14:11, April 14, 2026 By Global Times editorial ( Global Times

Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

At the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam will pay a state visit to China from Tuesday to Friday. This marks the third exchange of visits between the top leaders of the two parties and two countries in less than two years. This year also marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and the implementation of the Resolution of the CPV's 14th National Party Congress. The Vietnam News Agency noted that bilateral relations are "entering an unprecedented period of historic opportunity." There is growing expectation that, under the strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries, China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperation will advance to a higher quality and deeper level, and that both sides will accelerate the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, injecting stronger momentum into regional stability and development.

The strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries is the biggest advantage of and the most important political guarantee for the development of China-Vietnam relations. Observers have noted that General Secretary To Lam was elected President of Vietnam on April 7 and announced his visit to China on April 9. In addition, after assuming the position of General Secretary of the CPV in 2024, his first overseas visit was also to China. This fully reflects the strategic nature and high level of China-Vietnam relations. Under high-level strategic guidance, the two parties and countries have established a comprehensive, multi-tiered and multidimensional framework for dialogue and cooperation. A series of institutional arrangements ensures that both sides can conduct timely, in-depth and effective communication and coordination on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns.

Since the announcement of the building of China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance in December 2023, bilateral relations have entered a new stage marked by stronger political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper practical collaboration, a firmer public foundation, closer multilateral coordination, and more effective management of differences. Comprehensive strategic cooperation has delivered substantial results. From Chinese photovoltaic and new energy equipment supporting Vietnam's green transition, to high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products steadily entering the Chinese market; from smart ports improving customs efficiency, to cross-border economic cooperation zones unleashing development vitality, China and Vietnam have achieved robust growth in fields such as trade, investment, and tourism.

Under the guidance of the China-Vietnam Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, mutually beneficial collaboration in emerging sectors such as new energy and artificial intelligence has continued to deepen. The "China-Vietnam community with a shared future" has brought tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Not long ago, the first ministerial meeting of the China-Vietnam "3+3" strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defense and public security was successfully held. This institutional innovation signals an upgrade in strategic mutual trust and sends a clear message of the two countries working together to safeguard political system security and pursue national development and rejuvenation. Facts have repeatedly shown that building China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance serves the common interests of both sides and contributes to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future carries important international significance. As China and Vietnam, with a combined population of over 1.5 billion, advance toward modernization, they offer valuable reference for other developing countries and emerging economies pursuing similar goals. Meanwhile, the steady expansion of exchanges across political, economic, and cultural domains has strengthened both countries' role in global governance and regional stability. In international stage, both sides stress the importance of safeguarding peace and security in the Asia-Pacific, insist on practicing open regionalism, and will continue to strengthen coordination within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, APEC, the Asia-Europe Meeting, and ASEAN, while working together under key initiatives including the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. This coordinated multilateral effort not only enhances their international influence, but also provides broader space for advancing the China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

"China is ready to better align its development with that of its neighbors, and work with them together to build a community with a shared future and deliver a better life to all." The building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future is also a reflection of the overall relationship between China and its neighboring countries. The China-Vietnam relationship continues to achieve leapfrog development, and bilateral strategic mutual trust is deepening. China's relations with its neighbors are at their best level in modern times. This is both a result of China's practice of the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, as well as the guidelines of developing friendship and partnership with our neighbors. It also lays a solid foundation for further deepening cooperation with neighboring countries and building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries.

Unlike many major powers in history, China has taken a completely new approach to engaging with its neighbors. The fundamental reason is that China will never take the beaten path of seeking hegemony as its strength grows, but instead consistently adheres to the original aspiration of building a community with a shared future in its dealings with neighboring countries. As a result, it has gained widespread trust and respect from them.

Currently, China is endeavoring to build itself into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization. Vietnam is about to embark on a new era of national development, moving toward the "two centenary goals" of building the party and the country. From the traditional friendship of "comrades and brothers" to the contemporary positioning of "a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance," China-Vietnam relations are standing at a new historical starting point. We welcome General Secretary To Lam's visit to China and look forward to the new chapter in the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, which will bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries and inject positive energy into the region and the world.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
The Stormont Justice Minister has voiced hope that a review will bring the criminal barristers strike in Northern Ireland to an end.

Naomi Long urged an end to the withdrawal of services by the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), claiming victims and their families are being unnecessarily harmed.

The industrial action is part of a long-running dispute over fees for legal aid, which has seen crown court cases involving those who require legal aid effectively halted.

A derogation has been granted to allow the continuation of some trials, including that of the man accused of the murder of Natalie McNally in 2022, and the trial of a man accused of Chloe Mitchells murder in 2023.

In March, Ms Long said almost 1,000 court cases, including nearly 200 trials, have been affected by striking criminal barristers.

On Tuesday, she said it was incredibly disheartening that the action is still ongoing.

Speaking during questions for her department in the Assembly, Ms Long said the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) is deciding which cases should proceed.

The ever-decreasing resources at our disposal should not be focused on mitigating avoidable levels of harm, neither should we be trying through derogations to balance the needs of those who have already suffered immeasurable loss and trauma, but unfortunately that is the very real outcome of the CBA decision to continue with their withdrawal, she said.

The withdrawal continues to unnecessarily harm victims and witnesses, and will cause damage to the system, which we dont have the resources to repair.

It is also to no end as it will not change outcomes.

Ms Long said she has repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to resolve the ever-changing asks from the CBA.

I demonstrated that commitment again when I commissioned the accelerated review, dedicating yet more of my ever-decreasing resources and appointing two independent leads in an effort to address the remaining issues at pace, she said.

That review is due to conclude no later than April 27, and I hope it will bring this unwarranted action to an end.

Ms Long added: In the interim, it is for the PPS to determine which cases should proceed while the withdrawal is ongoing.

That was a condition of my commencing the review, it is right that those who properly understand the detail and impact of offences, and who are directly supporting victims and witnesses, assess which cases most need to proceed.

That assessment will be based on the individual facts of case, including the nature of offence and level of risk of further offending towards complainants and others.

I do not underestimate the challenge that presents for the PPS, and of course they should not be in the pernicious position of making those decisions.

I would therefore call on all CBA members to return to full service as a matter of urgency.
Fuel protesters have brought disruption to a number of major roads in Northern Ireland.

Slow-moving convoys of tractors and other vehicles formed in Belfast and several other areas as part of protests against rising energy bills.

While the protests led to significant traffic jams in some areas, the disruption was not on the scale of recent fuel protests in the Republic of Ireland, where motorways were brought to standstills and fuel depots blockaded.

At around noon, a convoy of slow-moving tractors clogged up the Sydenham bypass near Belfast City Airport, hours after passengers were warned there may be disruption.

It then travelled down the bypass in the direction of Bangor towards Belfast City Airport, with some cars undercutting them on the cycle route to get past on the inside.

A number of people were seen walking at the side of the road in an effort to get to the airport.

Later in the day, scores of tractors, trucks and lorries took part in a convoy along the A1.

The tractors and other vehicles, many with flashing lights and blaring horns, travelled past Hillsborough in Co Down in the direction of Belfast before turning at the Sprucefield roundabout and moving south.

In Omagh, in Co Tyrone, around 15 tractors and other vehicles moved through the centre of the town.

Dozens of vehicles also took part in a convoy at the Ballygawley roundabout.

There were also reports of a smaller protest at Nutts Corner in Antrim.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) attended the protests but were a low-key presence.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt had asked protesters not to block roads, warning that the lives of those seeking medical treatment could be put at risk.

Mr Nesbitt said: I would be very concerned if roads were to be blocked, so my plea is do not do that.

Just engage in legitimate legal protest.

Today, as is the case every day, there will be well over 100,000 engagements or interactions between the HSC and the public.

Thousands and thousands of them depend on the workforce getting from A to B, or for patients or service users getting from B to A in a timely manner.

Ultimately, the logic to that is disruption threatens life.

My plea is, let the health and social care system work as it is supposed to work.

Ballygowan farmer Sam Hanna was joined by his border collie Roy in the cab of one of the lead tractors in the protest on the Sydenham bypass in Belfast, and said the protest isnt about farmers.

This is extortionate what were getting charged in taxes throughout life  not just fuel, petrol, everything, were being extorted, he said.

Technically, its not us thats blocking the hard shoulder. We have kept the hard shoulder open.

The cars are underpassing the whole way, the police are sitting watching them underpass.

Its the cars that are blocking the hard shoulder.

There was a couple of emergency vehicles went down, theres a few there coming, and we pulled over straight away.

He described the rising price of fuel as the final nail in the coffin.

The south have got 505 million out of it, to the farmers and all, he said.

Its probably a few pounds per litre but its still money getting back, and its only figures on a page for them boys, theyre not living in the real world like us and trying to scrimp and scrape.

Nobody has savings nowadays. Any money you get its to keep you going and keep things ticking over and just joining the dots.

Mr Hanna said: The UK Government have to act and realistically what were doing here, they dont care what were doing. They dont give a damn about us here and that will show in their response to this.

First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly wrote to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last week urging him to bring forward a package of support measures for people in the region.

They asked Westminster to look at reducing fuel duty, targeted support for hauliers, farmers and small and medium enterprises, and a comprehensive cost-of-living support package.

Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows said there should be an emergency meeting of the Stormont powersharing Executive to discuss rising fuel prices.

He said: When people block roads for whatever purpose, it has a lot of unintended consequences.

Right now, there will be emergency services who will struggle to get to calls, there will be key workers who will not be able to get to work.

Mr Burrows said: I understand the concern about the cost of fuel, about the cost-of-living crisis, but we need to have calm leadership and cool heads.

I would ask the people involved in blocking roads to stop.

This Executive needs to stand up and deliver in terms of convening an emergency meeting to decide what we are going to do about the cost-of-living crisis.

The Belfast disruption comes after similar demonstrations south of the border disrupted fuel supplies, port operations and traffic in city centres and on motorways for a week.

Although blockades at Irelands only oil refinery and elsewhere were cleared at the weekend, smaller protests continued on motorways around Dublin on Monday  and a protest was due to be held at Leinster House on Tuesday, to coincide with a confidence vote in the Government.

The cost of petrol, diesel and marked gas oil (green diesel) has soared since the war in Iran.

The US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28, after which the Iranians began an effective blockade of vital trading route the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting energy and fuel supplies.

A PSNI spokesperson said: Police are advising of delays leaving Belfast country-bound on the Sydenham bypass due to slow-moving traffic.

Road users are advised to avoid if possible and to leave extra time for their journey.
Gabon has introduced a sweeping new social media ordinance which eliminates online anonymity and imposes strict identity requirements, among other measures. It comes in the context of a recent wave of social media restrictions in Gabon.

The new ordinance, dated February 26 2026 but only published last week, requires any individual seeking access to digital platforms to provide a name, address and Personal Identification Number (PIN). Digital service providers must verify the identity of users residing in Gabon.

The ordinance establishes a digital age of majority at 16 years and requires parental consent for users below this age to access social media platforms. Platforms must implement age verification systems and filter sensitive content, while social media group administrators must actively moderate content and report violations within their communities.

Authorities hold users fully responsible for the content they publish. The law introduces joint liability for users involved in disseminating or massively sharing illegal content, though the definition of illegal in this context is not clear.

Other requirements include transparency for content generated by automated systems and prohibition of deepfakes when they harm individuals dignity or serve manipulative purposes. Additionally, authorities classify identity theft using AI tools as an aggravating offense.

The Ecofin news agency reports that authorities can order the removal of content or suspension of accounts within 24 hours through judicial processes. The law also guarantees a mandatory right of reply within 48 hours for affected parties.

Financial penalties of up to CFA50 million (close to $90,000) will be levied against non-compliant operators. In addition, courts can impose prison sentences for serious cybersecurity offenses and the dissemination of illegal content.

Given these wide-ranging demands, it's perhaps no surprise that regulators have granted digital stakeholders a 12-month transition period to comply with the new requirements. They may well need this time to implement identity verification systems and automated moderation tools. At the same time, stakeholders face concerns over data protection and privacy, as authorities mandate centralised digital identity systems.

Moreover, Ecofin notes, global platforms may struggle to align their standardised operating models with Gabon-specific regulatory requirements within 12 months.

While some of these changes  protecting minors and addressing deepfakes for example  are concerns being addressed in many countries, Gabons new laws are being enacted in the wake of restricted access to social media for nearly two months, and, it could be argued, reflect a desire by the state to have tighter control over the digital space.
TM Nxera  the JV comprising Telekom Malaysia and Singaporean data centre operator Nxera  completed construction of its first hyperscale AI-ready data centre in Johor on Friday.

The Tier-III data centre, located in Iskandar Puteri in Johor, will initially support 64MW of capacity, and is designed to scale up to 200MW as demand increases, supporting large computing and AI capabilities required by customers such as cloud hyperscalers and GPU-as-a-Service providers.

TM Nxera said in a LinkedIn post that its topping out ceremony marks a significant milestone, reflecting the progress, effort, and dedication that have brought us to this stage.

The company said its also looking forward to making the facility ready for service, although it didnt provide a specific target date. TM Nxera has previously said the facility would start commercial operations sometime this year.

The data centre has been in the works since June 2024, when TM and Nxera announced they were forming a JV to develop data centres in Malaysia.

In January, TM Nxera signed a multi-year agreement with Tenaga Nasional (TNB) to supply 280MW of power for the data centre.

Nxera CEO Bill Chang said in a separate LinkedIn post on Friday that he was really happy to see the rapid, smooth and safe progress of the buildout of this large scale AI DC specially designed to host some of the most demanding AI workloads in the industry.
ZTE Corporation, a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with CIMB Bank Berhad (CIMB), to establish a strategic cooperation framework aimed at supporting digital infrastructure development across ASEAN.

The partnership leverages ZTE's telecommunications capabilities and CIMB's leadership in financing and banking solutions to explore opportunities that support the efficient deployment of ZTE's next-generation digital infrastructure projects, particularly 5G networks. Under the MoU, both parties will also explore collaborations across infrastructure financing, regional network expansion and cross-border liquidity management. By integrating technical capability with strategic banking solutions, the partnership aims to build a holistic ecosystem across ASEAN, bringing together operators, government agencies, regulators and investors to drive the region's broader digital transformation.

The MoU was formalised in Kuala Lumpur. It was signed by Kevin Xiao of ZTE and Freddy Ong of CIMB, and witnessed by Steven Ge of ZTE and Denise Wong of CIMB.

Building on an Established Collaboration

ZTE and CIMB have previously developed a strong working relationship in Malaysia, including collaboration in the country's 5G rollout in line with national digital initiatives. The partnership has also extended across foreign exchange services, transaction banking and cash management solutions.

Building on this foundation, the MoU formalises a broader ASEAN-focused collaboration framework, positioning both parties to support not only Malaysia's ongoing 5G network deployment but also a wider range of digital infrastructure projects across ASEAN, including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Cambodia, with broader regional expansion over time.

Accelerating ASEAN's Digital Transformation

The expanded partnership is expected to accelerate the rollout of high-speed connectivity across ASEAN, particularly in underserved and rural areas, contributing to efforts to bridge the urban-rural digital divide.

In addition to supporting 5G network development, the collaboration will facilitate broader digital infrastructure initiatives aligned with regional frameworks such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement ("DEFA"). By integrating telecommunications technology with structured financial solutions, the partnership aims to enhance execution efficiency and scalability for infrastructure projects across multiple markets.

Steven Ge, Vice President of ZTE and Managing Director of ZTE Malaysia, said: "This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing ASEAN's digital infrastructure and accelerating the deployment of 5G networks. By combining ZTE's technology leadership with CIMB's strong regional financial platform, we are well-positioned to support the region's digital transformation journey."

Kevin Xiao, General Manager of Treasury and Financing Center, ZTE, added: "Integrated financial and treasury solutions are increasingly critical in enabling large-scale telecommunications projects. This collaboration enhances our ability to support customers and partners with more efficient and scalable financing structures."

Chu Kok Wei, Chief Executive Officer of Group Wholesale Banking, CIMB, said: "As demand for next-generation connectivity and digital infrastructure accelerates across ASEAN, this collaboration positions CIMB to support ZTE's regional expansion through integrated financing and banking solutions. Leveraging on CIMB's ASEAN presence, we aim to enable efficient execution while strengthening client relationships through a broader suite of capabilities."
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Twelve food businesses across Ireland were ordered to close last month for failing to adhere to food safety legislation.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) reported on Tuesday that Environmental Health Officers in the Health Service Executive (HSE) served twelve Closure Orders and two Prohibition Orders on food businesses during the month of March for breaches of food safety legislation, pursuant to the FSAI Act, 1998 and the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020.

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Eight Closure Orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998 on:

Kebab House 66 (Service Sector), Moore Street Mall, 58 Parnell Street, Dublin 1

Georgian Delight (Restaurant/ Cafe), Unit 3, Moore Street Mall, 58-66 Parnell Street, Dublin 1

Dailo Nepali Kitchen (Restaurant/ Cafe), Kitchen 4, Moore Street Mall, 58-66 Parnell Street, Dublin 1

Tiramisu Mania (Manufacturer), Moore Street Mall, 58 Parnell Street, Dublin 1

Spicy Bite (Restaurant/ Cafe), Unit 1, Moore Mall, Moore Street, Dublin 1

Glanmore Foods Limited, Grange Community College (Service Sector), Grange Abbey Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13

Eskimo Pizza Bandon (Closed area: the potato peeling room at the rear of the premises) (Take Away), 1 St Patricks Quay, Bandon, Cork

Eurospar (Retailer), 25-27 Annesley Bridge Road, Fairview, Dublin 3



Four Closure Orders were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:

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Bruno Gomes (Wholesaler/ Distributor), A food business in operation from a domestic dwelling at Ferndale, Navan, Meath

Arsh Bazzar (Closed area: Butcher area) (Retailer), 6 Mary Street, Clonmel, Tipperary

Mars Pizza (Take Away), Coolbeg, Kildimo, Limerick

Meet Brazil (Closed area: the kitchen area upstairs serving the restaurant and take away. The retail area downstairs can remain open.) (Retailer), Castle Hill, Enniscorthy, Wexford

Two Prohibition Orders were served under the European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 on:

Al-Eman Halal Shop Limited (Butcher Shop/Retailer), 21 Irishtown, Clonmel Tipperary

Pinoy Sari Sari (Retailer), 25-26 Mary Street, Dublin City

Among the reasons for the Enforcement Orders in March are: active cockroach infestation; dead cockroaches noted inside a fridge; evidence of rodent activity; dead mouse in a cockroach trap; rodent droppings under the sink area; meat being air dried in a bedroom; no suitable hand washing facilities available to food workers; no hot water or soap for hand washing; cleaning materials stored in dirty stagnant water; thick waste discharge covering an entire floor in a kitchen; equipment observed to be heavily soiled and in an unclean condition; insufficient traceability information; no food safety management system or procedures in place for food safety; no commercial documents or other suitable records to establish the traceability of the foods.

READ NEXT: Garda Commissioner 'absolutely appalled' as gardai are abused after fuel protests



Commenting today, Mr Greg Dempsey, Chief Executive, FSAI, reminded food businesses of the importance of having proper food safety management systems in place:

It is disappointing that we continue to see enforcement action being necessary due to fundamental breaches. Inspectors are finding recurring incidents of pest infestations and unhygienic practices in food businesses.

These are entirely preventable non-compliances when proper food safety management systems are in place. Consumers have a right to safe food. Under food law, it is the legal responsibility of food businesses to ensure that the food they sell to the consumer is safe to eat.



If anyone experiences unfit food, poor hygiene standards or notices a breach of food law in a food business, we encourage them to contact us via our online complaint form at www.fsai.ie/makeitbetter.

Reporting inappropriate and unsafe food practices provides us with information that we can act upon. We strongly encourage food businesses to continuously improve their food safety standards via regular training, availing of our free online learning portal, as well as promoting a strong culture of food safety within their businesses, added Mr Dempsey.

Separately, during the month of March one prosecution was taken by the Health Service Executive in relation to:

Sheela Palace Foodstall (Trading at Kerala House Carnival, Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, Co Meath) Vela, Liffey Valley Complex, Dublin 22

Details of the food businesses served with Enforcement Orders are published on the FSAIs website at www.fsai.ie.

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Closure Orders and Improvement Orders will remain listed in the enforcement reports on the website for a period of three months from the date of when a premises is adjudged to have corrected its food safety issue, with Prohibition Orders being listed for a period of one month.

More information on closure orders can be found here.
A junior minister in the Irish Government has resigned over its handling of the fuel protests.

Michael Healy-Rae, who was among several independent TDs who supported the formation of a coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, said he would be voting against the Government in a confidence motion relating to the fuel crisis on Tuesday.

In particular, he criticised Taoiseach Micheal Martin and said he should have listened to the concerns of people who engaged in protests over the impact of fuel costs on the agricultural and transport sectors.

Mr Healy-Rae also announced his resignation as Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture within the Department of Agriculture.

He had supported the Government formation alongside his brother Danny Healy-Rae, both independent TDs for Kerry.

Both are now anticipated to vote against the Government.

The outgoing minister said he had listened to protesters and canvassers as he thanked his family, friends and constituency workers.

Ive always looked at myself as a gauge of the people of rural Ireland, and I really believe that I am, he told the Dail.

When I see people on the side of the road, when Ive seen grown men crying when I met tractor men, lorry men, farmers and when they were telling me how unhappy they were, the leader of the country should have listened.

Because of the fact that I believe this government have let the people of Ireland down, I will be voting no confidence in the leader of the country, and I will be tendering my resignation as a minister of state from now.

I would ask that future governments and this government that they would listen, that they would be kind, that they would be understanding.

There are farmers that are really suffering so much at present. There are agricultural contractors that are really suffering.

Speaking from the Government side of the Dail chamber, he said: There were people that cried at the protests. And these were workers, these were respectable people.

They are the people that I represented since the first day I started.

Mr Healy-Rae said the people of Kerry are telling him they are unhappy with Government and do not want to see any Healy-Rae supporting it.

He referenced his father Jackie Healy-Rae who entered into confidence and supply with Fianna Fail and said: Im thinking of my late father today, and he supported government when things were bad and things were tough, and I asked him I went to bed, I said What should I do?

And the feeling that I have is the Government and the leader particularly have not listened.

Its a lesson for people in the future. I adored being a minister in the Department of Agriculture and I thank you all very, very much.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said he regretted the resignation of Mr Healy-Rae, whom he described as a good colleague within the Department.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill also paid tribute to him.
Opposition TDs have labelled the Justice Minister Rambo for his statements during fuel protests last week.

On Thursday, Jim OCallaghan said the Defence Forces would assist An Garda Siochana in removing vehicles from the blockade.

In a statement he said: The blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue and the assistance of the Defence Forces has been requested.

Speaking during a confidence motion in the Dail, Social Democrat TD Cian OCallaghan said: When calm leadership was required, we got chaos.

Instead of pursuing a strategy of de-escalation, ministers decided to fan the flames.

GI Jim OCallaghan arrived on the scene thinking that he was Rambo.

Speaking in Irish, he asked: Where is he now?

Sylvester Stallone played the character John J Rambo, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran, in five action films.

Mr OCallaghan said: The last thing that the country needed was that approach.

Thankfully, a very effective, professional police response brought the country back from the brink.

Speaking to reporters at Leinster House earlier on Tuesday, Labours Ged Nash also referred to Mr OCallaghan as Rambo, or Jimbo, saying there had been disputes between him and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee, adding he is a guy thats really hard to take seriously at the moment.

He said: This is why I said the authority is drained from this Government.

When you start questioning legitimately, individual, collective competence of governments, legitimately so, then we have a real problem.

Also speaking outside Leinster House was the Social Democrats Garry Gannon.

He said: When people were seeking resolution, guidance of voice and calm heads, Minister OCallaghan was seeking to get in front of the Morning Ireland news bulletins by announcing that the army would be on the street.

What that led to was an entrenchment in the positions, more people were called to the protest.

More lorries and tractors arrived because resolve kicked in, and that was a failure of Mr OCallaghan.

His comments last week escalated the protest to beyond any measure that Ive seen previously.

Speaking in the Dail, Independent Ireland TD Ken OFlynn compared Mr OCallaghan to another film character.

He said: What did Big Jim, James Bond himself, do?

He said, well turn the army on our own citizens, which is reminiscent of something that you would hear in South America.

Mr OCallaghan addressed the Dail during the debate and criticised online and in person harassment directed at gardai, which he said will not be tolerated.

Following his speech Sinn Fein TD Pearse Doherty heckled him and asked: No apologies for threatening the army, Jim? No apologies, no? Do you stand by it?

To which Mr OCallaghan responded: You should recognise and respect our army. You respected another army for long enough.

Mr OCallaghan was not the only Fianna Fail politician to gain a nickname during the debate.

Independent Ireland TD Richard ODonoghue, who attended the protests, criticised Minister of State Timmy Dooley and suggested his handling of the crisis would cost him re-election.

He said: Timmy Do-little, you were mentioned at the protests.

Youll be gone the next time and youll never again return.
The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS), in partnership with the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) with the support of Research Ireland, has developed a new book All About Water to help group water schemes around the country to educate pupils across rural Ireland on all things water.

The newly updated curriculum linked 2026 edition, featuring two new H2O Heroes mascots, Drizzle and Misty brings interactive learning to the next level. Packed with puzzles, quizzes and real-world science activities, new areas of focus include the importance of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and climate action, among other important topics.

St Brigids National School, Meath Hill, became the first school in the country to unveil the refreshed All About Water schoolbook and brand-new world of water education. This vibrant, bilingual (English and Irish) learning resource is designed to inspire young environmental stewards through a freshwater and drinking water education programme which will be delivered across Irelands primary schools. The initiative comes at a time of increasing focus on water conservation, climate resilience and community-run water services.

NFGWS CEO Mark Farrelly said: The All About Water schoolbook celebrates everything that makes group water schemes special, including community management of water, local science and a real pride of place. By teaching children how their own community provides and protects its water, along with the importance of freshwater to all life on earth were helping them understand the vital role they can play in safeguarding it for the future.

Caroline Gilleran Stephens, Research Theme Lead, Environmental Education, Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) at DkIT said: We are delighted to bring the All About Water resource to schools, with our H2O Heroes helping children understand where their water comes from and why it matters. By building water literacy from an early age, we are empowering young people to protect this vital resource for the future.

To mark the launch, pupils visited the Meath Hill Group Water Scheme pumphouse, where committee member Tom Lynch explained how his own scheme extracts and safeguards local drinking water. Back at the school, Tom and NFGWS development officer James McElearney showcased the newly installed drinking water refill station with the local pupils.

The learning continued indoors with an NFGWS-led presentation and energetic water-themed quiz, followed by a lively kick-sampling demonstration from Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens and Dr Suzanne Linnane (DkIT), using samples from Ballyhoe Lough.

In their H2O Heroes lab coats, the pupils identified aquatic insects and explored how scientists measure water quality. The launch also shone a spotlight on the Meath Hill Group Water Scheme, a volunteer-run scheme supplying over 325 homes and recognised nationally for excellence in water safety, biodiversity, community engagement, and climate action.

Read Next: PHOTOS: Cooley Peninsula Community Alert holds clean up day in Rockmarshall

The NFGWS is encouraging more group water schemes to deliver the All About Water curriculum to their local schools, and, with the support of NFGWS development officers, aims to involve even more schools across GWS networks in this important educational initiative.
Iarnrod Eireann is to start a new limited stop Commuter train servicing Louth commuters between Drogheda and Dublin Connolly Stations from next Monday 20th April.

The new 06:05hrs Drogheda to Dublin Connolly will serve Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush & Lusk, Donabate and Malahide Stations en route, arriving in Dublin Connolly at 07:09hrs.

The additional service will be a six-carriage train, utilising the train set which then operates the 07:40hrs Dublin Connolly to Belfast Grand Central service. It will bring to ten the number of trains departing Drogheda in the morning peak with a pre-09:00hrs city centre arrival, and twelve with a pre-09:30hrs arrival.

The service commences following the recent engagement with the Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien TD, the National Transport Authority, transport agencies and other stakeholders to identify early opportunities for additional measures to boost public transport capacity or ease congestion.

It comes at a time of record demand on the rail network, and ahead of next years introduction of the new battery-electric DART fleet on the Drogheda to Dublin Northern Commuter route. A total of 55 million journeys were made across Iarnrod Eireanns services in 2025, including 4.65 million journeys on the Northern Commuter route.

The new DART fleet will begin entering service in the first half of 2027 and, together with battery-electric charging infrastructure at Drogheda Station, will replace existing Intercity and Commuter trains on the Northern Commuter route.

This will add capacity between Drogheda and Dublin Connolly by providing longer trains on a number of services, and will also allow the Intercity and Commuter trains to be added to other routes to further increase capacity on a range of services.

Iarnrod Eireann Chief Executive Mary Considine said: Our investment programme will begin to deliver significant additional capacity from 2027 on the Northern Commuter and other routes, but this new service allows us to quickly bring real benefit to existing commuters, and those wishing to switch to public transport on one of our busiest routes in the country.

Read Next: Dundalk hosts key Ohio-Ireland business summit at Oriel Park

Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien welcomed the new service, saying: This is very welcome news for commuters across North County Dublin. The new 06:05hrs service from Drogheda to Dublin Connolly will make a real difference for early morning commuters, providing greater choice, reliability and convenience.

Im delighted to see this additional capacity being delivered and to support the growing needs of our communities along the line.

For more info see: irishrail.ie
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Opposition parties rounded on the Government on Tuesday, singling out the Minister for Communications and Defence for particular criticism.

A motion of confidence in the Government was called after Sinn Fein, the largest opposition party, first tabled a motion of no confidence over the coalitions handling of recent fuel protests.

Over the last week, parts of the motorway system were brought to a standstill and ports were blockaded by demonstrators angry at rising fuel prices, caused by the war in Iran.

During the debate on Tuesday, opposition ranks grew after Michael Healy-Rae announced his resignation as a Minister of State.

He had been one of a number of Independent TDs whose support enabled Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to form a government.

The Government won the motion of confidence, but all opposition parties voted against it.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said the Government had an arrogant attitude during the protests.

You demeaned peaceful protesters, she said and added: You insulted them and you insult them here again today.

You refused to meet them because you decided that it was beneath you it seems.

She said the initial 250 million euro package of measures announced by the Government three weeks ago only tinkered at the edges.

She added: A modest cut in excise was wiped out almost immediately.

Hours of backslapping and self-praise from Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Independents. Still not listening. But the cracks are starting to show in this arrogant government. Theyve lost two TDs. Lets keep the pressure up. This is not over. The people must be heard. pic.twitter.com/Fk2h4V9LaY  Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) April 14, 2026

She said the 505 million euro package of support announced by the Government on Sunday does not meet the scale of this crisis.

Labour leader Ivana Bacik said the protests were not just about fuel prices.

She told the Dail they were also about exorbitant rents and mortgage costs, about house prices, childcare, education, healthcare costs, waiting lists and more.

She said the Government had tried to intimidate protesters and said the Labour Party watched all week in mounting dismay as the Government poured petrol on the situation instead of de-escalating it.

Holly Cairns, the leader of the Social Democrats, said her party did not support blockades, but said: People have watched while youve wasted countless billions, failed to deliver critical public services, housing and infrastructure, all while giving sermons about the importance of fiscal prudence  that is the backdrop to these protests.

Minister for Communications Patrick ODonovan was criticised by a number of TDs on Tuesday after he said he would ask Irelands broadcasting regulator Coimisiun na Mean to examine media reporting of the protests.

Ms Bacik compared him to outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, saying: Goodbye Viktor Orban, hello Patrick ODonovan.

Mr Orban, a close ally of both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, was voted out of office on Sunday after 16 years in power.

Among the Social Democrats, Sinead Gibney said she was genuinely shocked by Mr ODonovans comments and Ms Cairns criticised him for blaming the media.

The Opposition claims nothing has been done. This is manifestly untrue. We are implementing significant action, with a total package of 750 million designed to very directly help protect jobs and keep costs down. pic.twitter.com/rXcJrE9aWQ  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) April 14, 2026

Meanwhile, Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan was compared to film characters GI Joe, Rambo and James Bond by TDs.

On Thursday, Mr OCallaghan said the Defence Forces would assist An Garda Siochana in removing vehicles from the blockade.

Speaking during a confidence motion in the Dail, Social Democrat TD Cian OCallaghan said: Instead of pursuing a strategy of de-escalation, ministers decided to fan the flames.

GI Jim OCallaghan arrived on the scene thinking that he was Rambo.

Speaking to reporters at Leinster House earlier on Tuesday, Labours Ged Nash referred to Mr OCallaghan as Rambo, or Jimbo.

Speaking in the Dail, Independent Ireland TD Ken OFlynn asked about Mr OCallaghans reaction to the protests by saying: What did Big Jim, James Bond himself, do?

He said, well turn the army on our own citizens, which is reminiscent of something that you would hear in South America.
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A Hungarian professor at University College Cork (UCC) has said the end of the 16-year rule of Viktor Orban is a hugely significant moment for Hungary as a nation.

Mr Orban, an autocratic leader and a close ally of both US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin, lost by a decisive margin in the vote held on Sunday in what was the highest turnout in Hungarys democratic history.

The new prime minister, Peter Magyar, a pro-European reformer, has promised to deliver a fundamental transformation in the political culture of Hungary.

Arpad Szakolczai, emeritus professor of sociology at UCC, told The Echo that the result of the election clearly highlighted the demand for change among Hungarian people.

Expanding on why Hungarians voted for change, Mr Szakolczai said: The number one problem, I think, was corruption. The second was arrogance.

"I know these Fidesz [the political party led by Viktor Orban] people for 35 years. They were arrogant 35 years ago, and I can imagine how arrogant they became now that for 16 years they were ruling. The third problem was authoritarianism, which Hungarians dont like.

Arpad Szakolczai, emeritus professor of Sociology, University College Cork, said elections in Hungary were decided on internal political reasons and had very little to do with the external global politics which Victor Orban (above) was trying to lead.

Mr Szakolczai said elections in Hungary were decided on internal political reasons and had very little to do with the external global politics which Orban was trying to lead.

The major pro-family nation-oriented policies, I think it will be kept, he said.

Not authoritarian. But having a conservative, tradition-oriented view and not a support of this extreme liberalism, which is sweeping Europe. Certainly he [Orban] failed because he wanted to divert attention away from the internal problems of himself and his party.

Playing the game of an international political leader didnt work. Hungarians said you can jump up and down with Trump, Vance, and Putin. But what we care about is what did you do with us at home. That is what the national election should be.

Hungarians will always be conservative and nation-oriented. It is just that the kind of policies which Orban was doing, it is with the profile of an arrogant, authoritarian government, pro-Russian and corrupt, that is what people didnt want.

Peter Magyar gestures as he speaks to the media in Budapest, Hungary, after defeating outgoing prime minister Viktor Orbans (inset left), party in the countrys parliamentary elections. Picture: Denes Erdos/AP.

Elaborating on what the new leader is set to bring to Hungary, Mr Szakolczai feels that his election is an opportunity for change rather than what the leader himself is promising.

The interesting thing if you read the news about Hungary and especially in Hungarian, it is not the person of the leader that matters that much, he said.

So I think this person will be just an interim person. The real question is whether after Orban and this person, there will be a proper conservative leader in Hungary that people would support.
The Port of Cork Company (PoCC) announced the official start of the busy 2026 cruise season with the arrival of AIDAluna to Cork Harbour yesterday.

The ship, which arrived in Cork on its maiden voyage, is the first of 93 vessels  with more than 175,000 passengers  scheduled to visit the city between April and November. A further 11 cruise liners are expected at Bantry Bay Harbour from April 26.

AIDAluna, which carries more than 2,000 guests and more than 600 crew, is one of six vessels making their maiden call to Cork this year, with the 2026 schedule featuring a diverse mix of luxury, expedition, and large scale ships from the US, Canada, Germany, and across Europe.

Cruise tourism continues to play an important role in the regional economy, generating an estimated 17m annually through passenger and crew spending.

Visitors spend an average of 81 per passenger and 29 per crew member during their time ashore, supporting a wide range of local businesses.

Important moment

PoCC chief executive Ann Doherty said the launch of the 2026 season is an important moment for the organisation.

We are pleased to welcome a strong schedule of vessels again this year, and we continue to see the positive impact cruise tourism has on local businesses, suppliers, and communities, said Ms Doherty.

As the only Irish port with a dedicated cruise terminal, we are laser-focused at showcasing our facilities to cruise lines and the wider cruise sector to promote Cork as a must-visit destination for cruise goers.

The success we have experienced so far is a testament to the collaborative network we have built up with partners and stakeholders both at home and abroad.

The Port of Cork recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Belfast Harbour across a range of initiatives, including cruise tourism.

The MoU will see the two ports, the two largest across the island, collaborate on marketing initiatives, with the aim of improving cruise facilities and passenger experiences to drive regional tourism spending.

The full 2026 cruise schedule for the Port of Cork is at: https://www.portofcork.ie/cruise-schedule.
A Cork expert on American military history feels that the war between the US/Israel and Iran is turning into one of the biggest American strategic failures in history.

David Fitzgerald, a senior lecturer in the school of history at University College Cork (UCC), has conducted extensive research on US military intervention and counter insurgency.

Mr Fitzgerald told The Echo that he feels that the lack of planning from a American military perspective has been evidence since the war began on February 28.

I really think that there is a huge disconnect between tactics, which is the amount of bombs dropped and targets hit, and strategic results.

Looking at American performance, like in one sense, its not too surprising because bombing campaigns rarely work on their own.

But its kind of shocking to the extent to which that theyve not achieved any of their objectives, beyond degrading the Iranian ballistic missile programme.

Mr Fitzgerald added: I think the ability of the US to hit Iranian targets was never in doubt, that they can drop bombs infinitely.

But their inability to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, in particular the fact that theyve sort of agreed that Iran control the Strait of Hormuz from now on is a massive setback for American interests.

I think the Americans really didnt expect this to go on this long. I think thats very clear.

Ceasefire

As to how things will play out from here in the Middle East, Mr Fitzgerald added that US President Donald Trump would ideally love a ceasefire to hold.

But he believes that the tensions between Iran and Israel could prove a sticking point.

I think the Israelis very obviously are far less interested in ceasefire than Trump, and thats why they continue to bomb Lebanon.

So I think its very unlikely that Iran and Israel will stop hitting each other anytime soon.

Im less clear what the Americans will do. I think if Trump can get some sort of symbolic concession from the Iranians that he can then take as a victory, I think he would be happy to walk away for now.

But I dont think itll be a stable situation. I dont think itll end soon in that sense. Even if the Americans walk away and then its a couple of days and the ceasefire holds.

I think theyll be dragged back in sooner than later because Iran isnt done and Israel is not done. And thats the problem.
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.

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 St 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.

Fun and retro

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 April 17 or 24. 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 Echo.

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.

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 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 DPPs office is prioritising its consideration of a Garda file in a case involving the alleged discovery of firearms, ammunition, and explosives at a house in Douglas last November.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis told Judge Mary Dorgan the Garda file in the case was with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), where it is being given priority.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused an application by Sarah Patton, defending, to strike the matter out because of delay.

Ms Patton said the accused had been remanded in custody for five months on these charges.

The judge remanded Paul Sheehan, aged 45, of Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas in Cork, in continuing custody until April 27.

Detective Garda Anthony Daly said in an earlier outline of the allegations against Mr Sheehan: He was discovered in possession of illegally held firearms and ammunition on November 4, 2025, in suspicious circumstances at Applegreen Service Station in Mallow.

At Applegreen Service Station on November 4, he was caught red-handed in possession of a .32-calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a slide of a 9mm Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol, firearm components, ammunition, and a quantity of cocaine. There was evidence of a firearm having being discharged from within the vehicle.

In the search at his home, a large amount of firearms, ammunition, and explosive substances were found, including three pipe-bomb bodies. Evidence of the manufacture and alteration of firearms and ammunition was also discovered.

Mr Sheehan faces charges contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 and one under the Explosive Substances Act of 1883.

The charges include possession of a .32-calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a deactivated .38-calibre Smith & Wesson revolver, a slide for a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol, and three-pipe bomb bodies.

Det Garda Daly said the case will be dealt with at the Special Criminal Court.
James Cox

Tuesday's front pages are dominated by the fuel protests with the Dail set to return.

The Irish Times and Irish Examiner lead with the fuel protests and motion of no confidence in the Government to be put forward by Sinn Fein.

The Echo leads with a story on calls for a Bessborough memorial.

The Irish Independent leads with a row in Cabinet over Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan's decision to seek Defence Forces assistance to deal with the fuel protests.

The Irish Daily Mail leads with US president Donald Trump's row with Pope Leo.
Darragh Mc Donagh

RTE is set to spend 175,000 hiring chauffeur-driven luxury vehicles for the transportation of dignitaries and celebrities over the next five years.

The contract for the provision of S-class Mercedes or 7-series BMWs, as well as reliable and discreet chauffeurs, is separate to the national broadcasters arrangement for taxi services, on which it spends around 45,000 a month.

It published a tender last week, seeking submissions from suitably qualified companies to provide drivers and luxury vehicles on an ad hoc basis for the next three years, with two possible 12-month extensions.

The tender specifies that vehicles must be Mercedes S-class or BMW 7-series saloons, or equivalent standard. Six-seater people carriers of luxurious standard must also be available.

They will be used to transport dignitaries, celebrities, on-air contributors, and others predominantly in the Dublin area, and must be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, according to the document.

Drivers must be reliable and discreet, and understand the importance of confidentiality and punctuality, it states. A courteous, professional and friendly manner is also essential  even in a stressful situation.

They must have the ability to act on their own initiative, while the ability to foresee and notify RTE of problems is also very important, the tender states. Fluent English is an essential requirement.

RTE expects to select up to three suppliers for the provision of these services. The closing date for tenders is May 15th, and it expects to award the contract the following month.

During the first half of last year, it was reported that the national broadcaster had spent more than 800,000 on taxis, mileage costs, and car-hire services for staff and guests.

For the first six months of 2025, mileage accounted for just over 384,000 paid to its employees, while just under 268,000 was spent on taxi fares for staff and guests in Ireland and overseas  equating to around 45,000 per month.

RTE required a 56 million bailout from taxpayers in 2024, without which it would have become insolvent, according to Director General Kevin Bakhurst. It agreed to cut 400 jobs and implement a range of cost-cutting measures as part of the bailout.

The Government subsequently allocated 725 million in funding for the broadcaster over three years to secure its viability. It agreed to introduce a recruitment freeze, postponed capital projects, and undertook to maintain tight controls on discretionary spending.

A spokesman for RTE said that the tender was a repeat of a process in 2021 due to the expiry of the current contract. He said the service was a business requirement to support programmes and operations, and the maximum spend under the contract would be 175,000 over five years.

As part of a pilot project BreakingNews.ie has used AI to suggest headline options for this article. The final headline was chosen and edited by BreakingNews.ie journalists. Find out more
By Jonathan McCambridge, Grainne Ni Aodha, Claudia Savage and Rebecca Black, Press Association

Fuel protesters have brought disruption to a number of major roads in Northern Ireland.

Slow-moving convoys of tractors and other vehicles formed in Belfast and several other areas as part of protests against rising energy bills.

While the protests led to significant traffic jams in some areas, the disruption was not on the scale of recent fuel protests in the Republic, where motorways were brought to standstills and fuel depots blockaded.

At around noon, a convoy of slow-moving tractors clogged up the Sydenham bypass near Belfast City Airport, hours after passengers were warned there may be disruption.

Vehicles on the Sydenham bypass in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

It then travelled down the bypass in the direction of Bangor towards Belfast City Airport, with some cars undercutting them on the cycle route to get past on the inside.

A number of people were seen walking at the side of the road in an effort to get to the airport.

Later in the day, scores of tractors, trucks and lorries took part in a convoy along the A1.

The tractors and other vehicles, many with flashing lights and blaring horns, travelled past Hillsborough in Co Down in the direction of Belfast before turning at the Sprucefield roundabout and moving south.

In Omagh, in Co Tyrone, around 15 tractors and other vehicles moved through the centre of the town.

Dozens of vehicles also took part in a convoy at the Ballygawley roundabout.

There were also reports of a smaller protest at Nutts Corner in Antrim.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) attended the protests but were a low-key presence.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt had asked protesters not to block roads, warning that the lives of those seeking medical treatment could be put at risk.

Vehicles in Main Street, Omagh, Co Tyrone (Claudia Savage/PA)

Mr Nesbitt said: I would be very concerned if roads were to be blocked, so my plea is do not do that.

Just engage in legitimate legal protest.

Today, as is the case every day, there will be well over 100,000 engagements or interactions between the HSC and the public.

Thousands and thousands of them depend on the workforce getting from A to B, or for patients or service users getting from B to A in a timely manner.

Ultimately, the logic to that is disruption threatens life.

My plea is, let the health and social care system work as it is supposed to work.

Lorries and HGVs on the Ballygawley roundabout in Co Tyrone (Claudia Savage/PA)

Ballygowan farmer Sam Hanna was joined by his border collie Roy in the cab of one of the lead tractors in the protest on the Sydenham bypass in Belfast, and said the protest isnt about farmers.

This is extortionate what were getting charged in taxes throughout life  not just fuel, petrol, everything, were being extorted, he said.

Technically, its not us thats blocking the hard shoulder. We have kept the hard shoulder open.

The cars are underpassing the whole way, the police are sitting watching them underpass.

Its the cars that are blocking the hard shoulder.

There was a couple of emergency vehicles went down, theres a few there coming, and we pulled over straight away.

Airport passengers were warned there may be disruption (Liam McBurney/PA)

He described the rising price of fuel as the final nail in the coffin.

The south have got 505 million out of it, to the farmers and all, he said.

Its probably a few pounds per litre but its still money getting back, and its only figures on a page for them boys, theyre not living in the real world like us and trying to scrimp and scrape.

Nobody has savings nowadays. Any money you get its to keep you going and keep things ticking over and just joining the dots.

Mr Hanna said: The UK Government have to act and realistically what were doing here, they dont care what were doing. They dont give a damn about us here and that will show in their response to this.

First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly wrote to the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week urging him to bring forward a package of support measures for people in the region.

(PA Graphics)

They asked Westminster to look at reducing fuel duty, targeted support for hauliers, farmers and small and medium enterprises, and a comprehensive cost-of-living support package.

Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows said there should be an emergency meeting of the Stormont powersharing Executive to discuss rising fuel prices.

He said: When people block roads for whatever purpose, it has a lot of unintended consequences.

Right now, there will be emergency services who will struggle to get to calls, there will be key workers who will not be able to get to work.

Mr Burrows said: I understand the concern about the cost of fuel, about the cost-of-living crisis, but we need to have calm leadership and cool heads.

I would ask the people involved in blocking roads to stop.

Traffic disruption occurred near Belfast City Airport (Brian Lawless/PA)

This Executive needs to stand up and deliver in terms of convening an emergency meeting to decide what we are going to do about the cost-of-living crisis.

The Belfast disruption comes after similar demonstrations south of the border disrupted fuel supplies, port operations and traffic in city centres and on motorways for a week.

Although blockades at Irelands only oil refinery and elsewhere were cleared at the weekend, smaller protests continued on motorways around Dublin on Monday  and a protest was due to be held at Leinster House on Tuesday, to coincide with a confidence vote in the Government.

The cost of petrol, diesel and marked gas oil (green diesel) has soared since the war in Iran.

The US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28th, after which the Iranians began an effective blockade of vital trading route the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting energy and fuel supplies.

A PSNI spokesperson said: Police are advising of delays leaving Belfast country-bound on the Sydenham bypass due to slow-moving traffic.

Road users are advised to avoid if possible and to leave extra time for their journey.
By Cillian Sherlock, Grainne Ni Aodha and Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

A junior minister in the Government has resigned over its handling of the fuel protests, saying he has grave reservations about the Taoiseach's leadership.

Michael Healy-Rae was among several independent TDs who supported the formation of a coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, but told the Dail on Tuesday he was stepping down as a minister of state over the handling of fuel protests.

He also voted against the Government in a confidence motion on Tuesday.

The Taoiseach had no prior warning before Healy-Rae announced his resignation in the Dail, a spokesperson for Micheal Martin said.

Spokespeople for Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris said the development was disappointing.

Speaking outside Leinster House, Healy-Rae was asked if Martin was the right man for the job. He replied: I have grave reservations, and thats why I did what I did today.

When asked if the coalition government would survive, he said that is up to people supporting the Government.

During his speech to the Dail he criticised Martin and said he should have listened to the concerns of people who protested about the impact of fuel costs on the agricultural and transport sectors.

Healy-Rae also announced his resignation as minister of state with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture within the Department of Agriculture.

He had supported the Government formation alongside his brother Danny Healy-Rae, both independent TDs for Kerry, and who both voted against the Government.

Danny Healy-Rae (Brian Lawless/PA)

The outgoing minister said he had listened to protesters and canvassers as he thanked his family, friends and constituency workers.

Ive always looked at myself as a gauge of the people of rural Ireland, and I really believe that I am, he told the Dail.

When I see people on the side of the road, when Ive seen grown men crying when I met tractor men, lorry men, farmers and when they were telling me how unhappy they were, the leader of the country should have listened.

Because of the fact that I believe this Government have let the people of Ireland down, I will be voting no confidence in the leader of the country, and I will be tendering my resignation as a minister of state from now.

I would ask that future governments and this Government that they would listen, that they would be kind, that they would be understanding.

There are farmers that are really suffering so much at present. There are agricultural contractors that are really suffering.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Speaking from the Government side of the Dail, he said: There were people that cried at the protests. And these were workers, these were respectable people.

They are the people that I represented since the first day I started.

Healy-Rae said the people of Kerry are telling him they are unhappy with Government and do not want to see any Healy-Rae supporting it.

He referenced his father Jackie Healy-Rae who entered into confidence and supply with Fianna Fail and said: Im thinking of my late father today, and he supported government when things were bad and things were tough, and I asked him, I went to bed, I said What should I do?

And the feeling that I have is the Government and the leader particularly have not listened.

Its a lesson for people in the future. I adored being a minister in the Department of Agriculture and I thank you all very, very much.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said he regretted the resignation of Healy-Rae, whom he described as a good colleague within the Department.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill also paid tribute to him.

Asked if Healy-Raes junior minister position would be replaced, a spokesperson for the Taoiseach said Government would consider next steps.

A spokesperson for Simon Harris said the Tanaiste respected the decision, describing Healy-Rae as a good colleague and good minister.
(Photo: @Vatican Media)Pope Leo XIV tells journalists on a flight to Algeria on April 13, 2026: 'I am not a politician, I speak of the Gospel,' after U.S. President Donald Trump criticised him.

Pope Leo XIV says that he is not a politician and that he will "continue to speak strongly against war, seeking to promote peace and dialogue."

He spoke to journalists on April 13 while on a flight to Algeria, for the first papal visit to the mainly Muslim country.

The Pope responded to their questions about disparaging remarks Donald Trump, the U.S. president, had made against him earlier on his Truth Social Network.

During the flight to Algeria, Pope Leo addressed journalists, a tradition on papal flights, and answered questions about Trump's statements made against the pontiff.

The Pope, the first American pontiff, said he does "not see my role as that of a politician. I am not a politician, and I do not want to enter into a debate with him."

Moreover, he continued, "I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused as some are doing. I continue to speak strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, dialogue, and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems.

"Too many people are suffering today, too many innocent lives have been lost, and I believe someone must stand up and say there is a better way."

The Pope noted, "I say this to all world leaders, not only him [President Trump]: let us end wars and promote peace and reconciliation."

- 'DON'T ABUSE GOSPEL MESSAGE'

Moreover, he continued, "I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused as some are doing. I continue to speak strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, dialogue, and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems.

"Too many people are suffering today, too many innocent lives have been lost, and I believe someone must stand up and say there is a better way."

The U.S. president told reporters the previous day that he is "not a big fan" of Pope Leo, after the global leader of Catholics made a plea for peace amid the war in the Middle East.

The 70-year-old American pope had publicly implored leaders on April 11 to end the violence, speaking at St. Peter's Basilica saying: "Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!"

Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland near Washington DC, "I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo. He's a very liberal person, and he's a man that doesn't believe in stopping crime."

He accused the pontiff of "toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon."

Trump later posted on Truth Social, saying: "I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon."

"Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy," he said.

The president claimed that Leo had only been elected "because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump."

"If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican."

Trump later posted an AI-generated image that appeared to depict himself as Jesus Christ.

In the image, the president appears dressed in red and white robes as he cures a man with his healing hand. The American flag is shown over his shoulder.

- TRUMP COMPARING HIMSELF TO JESUS IS 'UNACCEPTABLE'

US President Donald Trump's act of comparing himself to Jesus Christ is "unacceptable," the General Vicar of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem told the Turkish news agency Anadolu on April 13.

"If we consider Jesus Christ as a model, then we should emulate himbut that should be through his humility, spirit of service, and self-sacrifice, not through a desire for domination, authority, and marginalizing others," Bishop William Shomali said.

"Therefore, the problem is not that he (Trump) tries to emulate Jesus Christ, but rather that he tries to present himself as if he were a superhuman and great figure. This is not acceptable and is rejected," Shomali added.

Former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a Trump acolyte, called the post "an Antichrist spirit," NBC news reported.

Conservative activist Riley Gaines said she "cannot understand why he'd post this."

"Is he looking for a response?" she said in a post. "Does he actually think this? Either way, two things are true. 1) a little humility would serve him well 2) God shall not be mocked."
OpenAI has acquired Hiro Finance, a startup that offers AI-powered financial planning tools. As first reported by TechCrunch, fiscal terms of the deal, which was announced on Monday, were not disclosed by OpenAI. However, all signs point this to being an acquhire, with Hiro founder Ethan Bloch writing on LinkedIn that the company's product would stop working on April 20. Users have until May 13 to migrate their data off of Hiro's servers before everything is deleted.

It's unclear if OpenAI plans to offer a dedicated financial planning tool in the mold of Hiro. At the start of the year, the company released Prism, a Claude Code-like app for scientific research that built on its acquisition of the startup behind Crixet. At the very least, it sounds like some of the expertise Hiro has built will make its way to OpenAI's chatbot. "For decades, personalized financial guidance has been too expensive, too generic, or too hard to access. ChatGPT is finally changing that," Bloch wrote on LinkedIn.

The deal is the second acquisition in only two weeks to be announced by OpenAI. At the start of the month, the company bought Technology Business Programming Network (TBPN), a media company known for its daily tech podcast. For a company that has by all indications a long and tough road ahead to profitability, it sure does seem OpenAI is spending a lot of time and money on startups that might not end being central to its core business, which in recent months has seen it target the coding market to edge out Anthropic.
Lisa Hochstein, one of the stars of The Real Housewives of Miami, and her ex-boyfriend Jody Glidden are facing criminal charges in Miami-Dade County tied to allegations that they intercepted communications involving Lisa's ex-husband, plastic surgeon Leonard "Lenny" Hochstein, according to court records and local reports published Monday.

The case appears to stem from a March 19 filing in Miami-Dade. According to the court records cited by NBC6, Hochstein, 43, and Glidden, 52, were each charged with one count of interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications. The records say the pair allegedly "unlawfully and intentionally" intercepted, attempted to intercept, or sought to have another person intercept oral statements made by Lenny Hochstein and the people he was speaking with. The alleged conduct is listed as taking place between March 12 and March 31, 2023.

The filing adds a new criminal dimension to the long-running and often bitter fallout from Lisa and Lenny Hochstein's divorce, which has played out in both court filings and the public eye. Local 10 reported that Glidden was taken into custody Saturday and later no longer appeared in the county's online jail database. NBC6, citing the same records, reported that Glidden had been booked into a Miami-Dade jail and then released. That outlet also said there were no arrest records for Lisa Hochstein.

Details remain limited because the arrest forms were under seal, NBC6 reported. Local 10 also said the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office told the station that the warrant is currently under seal, leaving many questions unanswered about how prosecutors say the alleged interception occurred and what evidence supports the charge.

Still, the accusation echoes a claim that surfaced publicly during the couple's divorce battle in 2023. At the time, Page Six reported that Lenny Hochstein accused his estranged wife of placing a "listening device" in his car to monitor his calls. Lisa Hochstein denied that allegation, telling the outlet there was "no truth" to it.

By Monday afternoon, defense attorneys for Hochstein and Glidden had pushed back on the criminal case. In a joint statement to Local 10, attorney Jayne Weintraub, representing Hochstein, and attorneys Howard Srebnick and Frank Gaviria, representing Glidden, said, "This matter is part of a contentious divorce proceeding and does not belong in criminal court."
Nicole Kidman said she is training to become a death doula after the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, saying the experience made her think more deeply about end-of-life care and support. She shared the plan during a recent appearance at the University of San Francisco's Silk Speaker Series.

Kidman said the idea "may sound a little weird," but explained that she wants to be more useful to people facing death and to the families around them. Her comments came nearly two years after her mother died at 84 in September 2024.

Kidman has often spoken about her close relationship with Janelle, whom she has described as her "compass" and a major guide in her life. She said her mother shaped the way she thinks about family, resilience, and care, according to NBC News.

She also honored her mother publicly after her death. Kidman posted a tribute on social media on what would have been Janelle's 85th birthday and later dedicated an award speech to both of her parents, saying much of her career had been shaped by them.

Her father, Dr. Antony Kidman, was a psychologist and author who died in 2014 after an accident while visiting family in Singapore. Kidman has said both parents left a lasting mark on her values and her approach to life.

The cause of Janelle Kidman's death was not publicly disclosed. Reports at the time said she had faced health problems in recent years, and one report noted she had battled breast cancer in 1985, but no official cause of death was released, E! News reported.

Nicole Kidman's New Interest in Death Doula Work

A death doula is a nonmedical support person who helps people and families through the dying process. The role can include emotional comfort, spiritual support, practical guidance, help with advance care planning, sitting vigil, and assistance with funeral or obituary planning.

Kidman's recent screen work has kept her busy. In 2025, she headlined the thriller "Holland" and returned for season two of "Nine Perfect Strangers," and she has "Practical Magic 2" scheduled for 2026.

The new interest in death doula work appears to follow a personal loss that she has discussed publicly since 2024. Kidman first announced her mother's death while leaving the Venice Film Festival, where she was accepting an acting award, as per The Guardian.
Donald Trump is facing sharp criticism after offering an unusual explanation for an AI-generated image that depicted him in a Jesus-like pose. The image, which showed Trump appearing to heal a patient with glowing hands in a stylized, patriotic scene, quickly spread online and sparked controversy.

A White House correspondent described the reaction as immediate and intense. "Social media users were quick to question the intent and symbolism behind the image," the correspondent said.

Per BBC, the image posted to Trump's Truth Social account showed him wearing flowing robes and placing a hand over a hospital patient as golden light emanated from his hands. The background included American symbols such as bald eagles and the Statue of Liberty.

Trump addressed the controversy directly while speaking to reporters outside the White House.

"I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor  and, had to do with Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support," Trump said, according to RadarOnline.

"And only the fake news could come up with that one. So I just heard about it, and I said, 'How do they come up with that?' It's supposed to be me as doctor making people better, and I do make people better. I make people a lot better," he added.

A political analyst noted that the explanation did little to calm critics, "The clarification only intensified the backlash rather than resolving it," the analyst said.

Read more: Tiger Woods Under Fire as Megyn Kelly Questions Call to Donald Trump After Arrest

Following his comments, critics on social media accused Trump of distorting the meaning of the image and questioned his interpretation of its religious symbolism.

An X user reacted strongly to the explanation, "I used to love the episodes of ER when George Clooney would put on white robes and heal people by touching their foreheads," one user wrote.

Another commenter expressed disbelief at Trump's defense, "Yes, I can truly see here how he would have mistaken the picture for him being a doctor... I mean if you squint enough, and you've lost all your conceivable marbles," another user said.

A third critic escalated concerns about Trump's mental fitness, "If Trump actually believes that image depicts him as a doctor, that alone is reason to invoke the 25th Amendment," one commenter said.

A final user added a blunt rebuke amid the online backlash, "Remove this insane man," another critic wrote.

A media commentator highlighted the broader cultural reaction to the image, "The controversy reflects how quickly symbolic political imagery can ignite partisan interpretation online," the commentator said.

Additional backlash also came from media figures, including critics who labeled the image inappropriate or "blasphemous," further fueling debate over its intent and meaning.

Trump's remarks and the viral image have continued circulating widely, with supporters and critics sharply divided over whether the post was humorous, symbolic, or inappropriate.
A village fundraiser that began with a single bluebell walk has raised more than 1m for charity over five decades.

The Arlington Bluebell Walk, founded by East Sussex farmer John McCutchan and his wife Carolyn, now attracts more than 20,000 visitors each year and has raised over 1.1m for 89 charities since it began in 1972.

Originally set up to help fund a new swimming pool for the local primary school, the walk has grown into a major annual attraction held in 24 acres of ancient woodland at Bates Green Farm.

Mr McCutchan, now 89, said the scale of its success was never anticipated.

We never expected our bluebell walks to become what they have become when we started out, he said.

We only planned to open to the public for one weekend, but we were quickly getting requests for another year.

The fundraiser continues in memory of Carolyn, who died six years ago and first came up with the idea.

It was Carolyn who first came up with the idea Everything I do here now is in memory of her, Mr McCutchan said.

A weathervane depicting her pushing a wheelbarrow of bluebells has been installed on Arlington Village Hall in tribute.

Today, the walk has become a major spring attraction, drawing visitors to see carpets of native bluebells across the woodland.

Admission fees help raise funds for a wide range of causes, with local charities helping to run the walk on designated days.

Twenty-five charities are involved this year, helping to organise the event and benefiting directly from the money raised.

The walk also highlights the environmental importance of bluebells, which support pollinators such as bees and butterflies and are a protected native species in the UK.

Mr McCutchan, who was awarded an MBE for his charitable work, said he hopes the fundraiser will continue for future generations.

I am very proud of what has been achieved here I hope to continue to be involved in this for as long as I can, he said.

A charitable trust is now being established to secure its future for the next generation.

The Arlington Bluebell Walk will run daily from 3 to 10 April, welcoming visitors between 10am and 3pm.
Farmers are urging local election candidates to back British farming ahead of the May elections, warning that council decisions could shape the future of the industry.

Voters in England go to the polls on 7 May, with more than 4,850 council seats across 134 authorities up for grabs, in an election that could influence rural policy for years to come.

The NFU said the elections present a key opportunity to address growing pressures on rural businesses, highlighting rising rural crime, planning delays and poor connectivity as major challenges.

It warned that issues such as fly-tipping and machinery theft are placing increasing costs on farmers, while delays in securing planning permission can hold back investment in new buildings, diversification projects and renewable energy schemes.

Poor broadband and mobile coverage in rural areas also continue to limit business operations and the adoption of new technology.

It is also calling for councils to source at least 50% of their food from local farmers and growers, a move it says would support local supply chains, strengthen rural economies and provide a stable market for British produce.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the sector remains under significant strain.

Farming is the backbone of our rural economy and lifeblood of rural communities and produce food for 70 million people, he said.

He warned that confidence within the industry is severely low, reflecting ongoing cost pressures and uncertainty, with farm businesses facing rising costs for feed, fuel and fertiliser, alongside global instability and extreme weather.

He said local authorities can directly influence the viability of farm businesses and the communities they support, through decisions on planning, infrastructure, waste policy and local markets.

Decisions being taken by local authorities can have a direct and lasting impact on farm businesses, he said.

By supporting farming through areas such as planning, rural crime and food procurement, councils can help shape the future of our industry by increasing our collective resilience, he added.

The NFU said it is engaging with candidates ahead of the elections, promoting its Blueprints which outline priorities including investment in farming, rural economic growth and strengthening UK food security.

Its never been more important to have a resilient British food and farming system with farmers and growers at its heart, Mr Bradshaw said.

The NFU said it will work with newly elected representatives to push for policies that support a resilient and profitable farming sector.

The outcome of the elections is likely to play a key role in shaping rural policy and support for farming in the years ahead.

Candidates have been approached for comment.
Scottish feed firm Harbro has expanded its livestock nutrition offering with the acquisition of mineral specialist Almins Ltd, in a move aimed at boosting on-farm performance and innovation.

The feed manufacturer has acquired the family-run business, which has built a strong reputation over 30 years for its expertise in mineral nutrition.

Almins, led by Archie and Julie Leitch, is known for its science-backed rearing and dry cow systems. These have delivered proven productivity gains on farms across the UK and Ireland.

The deal reflects a shared focus on improving animal performance through high-quality nutrition, innovation and practical on-farm advice. It also comes as demand grows for more targeted nutrition to improve efficiency and livestock performance.

Harbro said the acquisition will allow it to expand the Almins product range further, including its specialist manufacturing processes and advanced nutritional technologies.

Customers are expected to benefit, with Harbro clients gaining access to Almins products, while Almins customers will be supported by Harbros wider nutritional expertise.

Almins will continue to operate as a separate company within the Harbro Group, retaining its brand identity and customer relationships.

Archie Leitch will remain within the business and join the wider Harbro team, providing continuity for existing customers.

Harbro chief executive Chris Baxter said the businesses were well aligned.

We are delighted to welcome Almins into the Harbro Group. Their technical expertise, innovative approach and strong customer relationships make them an excellent fit for our business, he said.

By combining the strengths of both teams, we are excited to accelerate the development of Almins unique product technologies and deliver even greater value and results for farmers across the UK and Ireland.

Mr Leitch said the partnership would allow the business to build on its existing success.

We are proud of what we have built at Almins and are excited to join forces with Harbro, he said.

This partnership allows us to continue supporting our loyal customers while expanding our reach and investing further in the technologies and programmes that deliver real results on farm.

The deal strengthens Harbros position in livestock nutrition as producers look for more efficient, performance-driven feeding strategies.
Sony Pictures brought a chilling surprise to CinemaCon in Las Vegas, unveiling the first trailer for Insidious: Out of the Further, the sixth chapter in the long-running horror franchise. Introducing the footage, Sonys Adam Bergerman confidently told the audience that this could be the scariest film in the series so far.







Set after Insidious: The Red Door, the story shifts focus to a completely new family. Amelia Eve plays Gemma, a young mother who returns to her childhood home with her daughter, only to discover she has the ability to enter The Further, the eerie spirit world central to the franchise. But this time, the stakes are higher, as she realizes she can bring entities back with her into the real world.

As Gemmas powers grow, so does the danger. What begins as unsettling dreams quickly spirals into something far more terrifying, especially when the supernatural forces become aware of her abilities. With demons now able to cross over, the boundary between worlds starts collapsing, turning everyday life into a nightmare. The trailer itself leans heavily into tension, opening with a disturbing dental scene before escalating into full-blown horror.





Directed and written by Jacob Chase, the film also features Lin Shaye reprising her iconic role, alongside Brandon Perea and a fresh ensemble cast. Backed by Blumhouse Productions and creators James Wan and Leigh Whannell, the franchise continues its strong run, having already crossed $740 million globally. The new installment is set to hit theatres on August 21.



Also Read: Mahesh Babu to Unveil Nagabandham Teaser on Mahashivratri


Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 13, 2026) - Metalsource Mining Inc. (CSE: MSM) (OTCQB: MSMMF) (FSE: E9Z) (the "Company" or "Metalsource") is pleased to announce recently received assay results from ongoing exploration drilling at the Silver Hill Project, located approximately 15km south of Lexington, NC.

SH26-07 intercepted 12.62m of 48.04 g/t AuEq, including 6.95m of 85.4 g/t AuEq and 2.74m of 210.72 g/t AuEq. These assay results highlight the high-grade potential of the system, demonstrating significant upside in gold value. Additionally, they represent a dip length extension of 195 meters below surface. Ongoing exploration results show visual confirmation of massive to semi massive sulfide mineralization both down dip and along strike.

Drill Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Cu (%) *AgEq (g/t) *AuEq (g/t) SH26-07 129.91 142.52 12.62 46.54 42.32 1.39 3.26 0.12 3,786 48.04 Including 135.58 142.52 6.95 84.03 54.75 1.13 1.82 0.16 6,730 85.40 And 139.78 142.52 2.74 209.14 93.63 0.34 1.19 0.12 16,604 210.72 SH26-05 116.10 117.01 0.91 2.16 241.00 16.55 34.62 0.22 1,170 14.85



Table 1: Composite assay results from SH25-05 and SH25-07. Widths reported are core length, as additional data is needed to estimate the true width of intercepts at this stage of the project. *Details on AuEq and AgEq below.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12035/292330_e8d61554a4944853_002full.jpg





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12035/292330_e8d61554a4944853_003full.jpg

Mineralization consists of widespread massive to semi massive sphalerite-galena-pyrite-chalcopyrite +/- electrum (gold-silver alloy). Multiple mineralization styles and deposit models are being evaluated as exploration efforts continue. Along strike reconnaissance indicates the extension of Silver Hill host rocks continues at least 1.5km to the north, representing significant exploration upside elsewhere on the property package. Additionally, a property-wide ground Induced polarization (IP) and Magnetotellurics (MT) geophysical survey is in its final stages, with forthcoming results informing near-term exploration targeting.





Figure 1: Panoramic photograph showing the nature of mineralization at Silver Hill. Note widespread presence of massive to semi-massive sulfides within a 12.62m interval. Run blocks are in feet.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12035/292330_e8d61554a4944853_004full.jpg





Figure 2: Close up of mineralization intercepted in SH26-07 at 141.2m.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12035/292330_e8d61554a4944853_005full.jpg





Figure 3: Close up of mineralization intercepted in SH26-07 at 141.9m.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12035/292330_e8d61554a4944853_006full.jpg





Figure 4: Close up of mineralization intercepted in SH26-07 at 142.3m.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12035/292330_e8d61554a4944853_007full.jpg





Figure 5: Long section looking east-northeast (113) showing intercept locations colored by AgEq grade. Note black intersections indicate assays pending with approximate locations.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12035/292330_e8d61554a4944853_008full.jpg





Figure 6: Cross section looking north showing current drill results. Blank hole traces indicate pending assays. Note SH26-10 - SH26-14 not shown for clarity. Section width 200m.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12035/292330_e8d61554a4944853_009full.jpg

Joe Cullen, CEO of Metalsource Mining, commented:

"SH26-07 is a transformational result for Metalsource Mining. Intersecting 209 grams of gold per tonne over nearly three metres - within an envelope of 46 grams of gold per tonne over 12.62 metres - at 195 metres below our initial discovery confirms that Silver Hill is not a near-surface anomaly. It is a high-grade system that strengthens dramatically with depth. With visual confirmation of wide massive sulphide zones in our most recent holes, an active drill program, and a property-wide geophysical survey now being integrated into our geological model, we believe the most significant discoveries at Silver Hill are still ahead of us."

Drill Hole ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elev. (m) Azimuth Dip Length (m) SH25-01 572408 3951597 224 107 -63 109 SH25-02 572408 3951597 224 96 -85 101 SH25-03 572410 3951751 236 96 -46 305 SH25-04 572410 3951751 236 352 -89 100 SH26-05 572280 3951624 262 125 -73 199 SH26-06 572280 3951624 262 129 -51 154 SH26-07 572280 3951624 262 74 -89 200 SH26-08 572280 3951624 262 297 -77 231 SH26-09 572237 3951590 262 89 -70 15 SH26-10 572237 3951590 262 91 -76 188 SH26-11 572237 3951590 262 26 -83 197 SH26-12 572237 3951590 262 293 -84 255 SH26-13 572237 3951590 262 145 -82 215 SH26-14 572237 3951590 262 125 -67 185 SH26-15 572168 3951658 261 107 -79 267 SH26-16 572168 3951658 261 85 -76 Drilling

Table 2: Drill collar locations and layout azimuth/dip for exploration drilling thus far at the Silver Hill Project. Collar survey in progress and will likely change reported collar elevations. Collar coordinates in WGS84 / UTMZ17N

Metalsource QA/QC protocols are maintained through the insertion of certified reference material (standards), blanks and duplicates within the sample stream. The drill core is cut in half with a diamond saw, with one half placed in sealed bags and shipped to the laboratory and the other half retained on site. Chain of custody is maintained from the drill to the submittal into the laboratory preparation facility.

Analytical testing was performed by ALS Geochemistry (Reno, NV) and ALS Canada (Vancouver, BC). The entire sample is crushed to 70% passing 2mm mesh, with a 250 gram split pulverized to 85% passing minus 75 micron. A four-acid digest is performed on 0.25g of sample to quantitatively dissolve most geological materials. Analysis is performed with a combination of ICP-AES and ICP-MS and fire assay.

The Company notes that visual identification of sulfide mineralization intervals do not indicate metal grades or economic significance. Core processing is ongoing with logging, sampling, and submission for laboratory analysis.

The exploration results described herein are preliminary in nature and are insufficient to define a mineral resource. Further drilling is required to determine the continuity, geometry, and grade distribution of mineralization. At the time of this release, analytical results are still pending, the reported intervals are based on geological logging only.

Metal values used in AuEq calculations are from the 200-day moving average values from 2/6/2026, and all values are in USD. PAu= $124.5/g, PAg= $1.58/g, PCu= $4.9/lbs, PPb=$0.90/lbs, PZn=$1.11/lbs, 0.00220462262 = grams-to-pounds conversion factor, 22.0462262 = pounds per metric tonne for 1% metal.

Qualified Person

All scientific and technical information has been reviewed and approved by Alex Bugden, B.Sc., P.Geo., a Director of the Company and a "Qualified Person" as defined under NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Silver Hill Project

Located in the Carolina Terrane, the property is underlain by volcaniclastic and volcano-sedimentary rocks predominantly of Neoproterozoic and Cambrian age. This terrane has been suggested to be an extension of the Avalon Terrane. The property is 1,225 acres located in Davidson County, North Carolina. As the first significant discovery and first silver-producing mine in America, there is an extensive drillhole database, underground mapping, historic dumps and underground chip samples which comprise the historic dataset. This mineralization is currently known to extend to 550m from surface, in a steeply trending series of lenses, which remain open in multiple directions. Bolstering these historic records, recent surface sampling contained results including SH25-003 containing 444g/t Ag, 17.7 g/t Au, 8.61% Pb and 0.507% Zn.

Byrd-Pilot Mountain Project

Located in central North Carolina, within the Carolina Terrane. Early USGS work in the 1980s flagged the area as possibly hosting a porphyry gold-copper system, subsequent work demonstrated broad gold mineralization in soils, trenches, and shallow RC drilling, coincident with strong self-potential anomalies. Geology shows intense quartz-sericite-pyrite alteration, high-sulfidation signatures, and high-alumina minerals (like Haile and Brewer deposits to the south), suggesting potential for a large epithermal or porphyry-related gold system. Geologic modelling indicates east-west trend to the identified mineralization, open in multiple directions, with oxidation noted down to a depth of 30m. No drilling has tested the Meridian discovery zone since those 1980s campaigns, leaving potential for significant resource expansion through work commitments of the agreement.

About Metalsource Mining Inc.

Metalsource Mining Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing high-potential mineral assets through modern, systematic exploration and value-driven discovery.

Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

Neither the CSE nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292330

Source: Metalsource Mining Inc.
Amsterdam, Netherlands--(Newsfile Corp. - April 13, 2026) - ABCrescent Cooperatief U.A. ("ABCapital" or the "Acquiror") announces that, on April 13, 2026, ABCapital, on behalf of fully managed accounts, completed the private sale of 5,300,000 units (each, a "Unit") of Pulsar Helium Inc. (the "Issuer") to multiple arm's length purchasers (the "Purchasers"), with each Unit consisting of one Common Share and one non-transferable Common Share forward purchase right (a "Forward Purchase Right"), at a price of Cdn$1.90 per Unit for an aggregate gross purchase price of Cdn$10,070,000, pursuant to certain share purchase agreements dated April 13, 2026 between, inter alia, the Acquiror and each Purchaser (the "Private Disposition"). Each Forward Purchase Right is exercisable to acquire one additional Common Share (a "Forward Purchase Right Share") from ABCapital at an exercise price of Cdn$2.00 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Private Disposition. The Forward Purchase Rights, if exercised in full by the Purchasers, will result in the Acquiror receiving an exercise price of Cdn$2.00 per Forward Purchase Right Share for an aggregate gross purchase price of Cdn$10,600,000. Additionally, on April 13, ABCapital, on behalf of fully managed accounts, sold 1,075,000 Common Shares of the Issuer at an average price of Cdn$2.09684 per Common Share for an aggregate gross purchase price of Cdn$2,254,103 (the "Public Disposition") and on April 10, ABCapital, on behalf of fully managed accounts, acquired 75,000 Common Shares of the Issuer at an average price of Cdn$1.9158 per Common Share for an aggregate gross purchase price of Cdn$143,685 (the "Acquisition" and, together with the Private Disposition and the Public Disposition, the "Transaction").

Prior to the Transaction, the Acquiror, together with its joint actors, exercised control and direction over, directly or indirectly, 20,256,737 Common Shares, representing approximately 10.94% of the Issuer's outstanding Common Shares.

Immediately following the completion of the Transaction, the Acquiror, together with its joint actors, exercise control and direction over, directly or indirectly, 13,956,737 Common Shares, representing approximately 7.54% of the Issuer's outstanding Common Shares, and assuming exercise in full by the Purchasers of their respective Forward Purchase Rights, then the Acquiror, together with its joint actors, would exercise control and direction over, directly or indirectly, 8,656,737 Common Shares, representing approximately 4.67% of the Issuer's outstanding Common Shares. As a result of the Transaction, the Acquiror's holdings have fallen below the 10% threshold under the investor rights agreement dated January 8, 2024.

ABCapital sold the Units and transacted in the Common Shares on behalf of fully managed accounts for investment purposes only. Depending on market conditions and other factors, the Acquiror, or its joint actors, may in the future take such actions in respect of its security holdings in the Issuer as it deems appropriate.

A copy of the early warning reports in respect of ABCapital in relation to the foregoing will be available under the Issuer's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and may also be obtained by contacting ABCrescent Cooperatief U.A., Prinsengracht 769A, 1017 JZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292344

Source: ABCrescent Cooperatief U.A.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Vancouver, British Columbia, and Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - April 13, 2026) - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QIMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Research Capital Corporation ("RCC" or the "Underwriter"), as sole underwriter and sole bookrunner, in connection with a "bought deal" private placement offering under the LIFE Exemption (as defined herein) of 16,667,000 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.90 per Unit (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of C$15,000,300 (the "Offering").

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share of the Company at an exercise price of C$1.30 at any time on or before that date which is 36 months from the issuance thereof, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for exploration and evaluation of the Company's existing hydrogen and helium projects and for general working capital purposes.

The Underwriter has also been granted an option, exercisable in full or in part up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date, to sell up to an additional 2,500,050 Units at the Issue Price for additional gross proceeds of up to C$2,250,045. The Offering will be completed pursuant to the terms of an underwriting agreement to be entered into among the Company and the Underwriter.

The Units will be issued in reliance on the "listed issuer financing exemption" available under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "LIFE Exemption") in each of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec. The securities issued under the Offering are expected to be immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian Securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The Units sold under the Offering may also be issued to purchasers outside of Canada, including to purchasers resident in the United States, pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), which will be subject to resale restrictions.

An offering document related to the Offering will be available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under QIMC's issuer profile and on QIMC's corporate website (https://qimc-h2.com/) within the time period prescribed under NI 45-106. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision.

The Offering is scheduled to close on or about the week of April 27, 2026 (the "Closing Date"), or such other date as the Company and the Underwriter may agree. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain closing conditions, including the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

The Underwriter will receive a cash commission of 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering and such number of broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants") as is equal to 7.0% of the number of Units sold under the Offering. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Unit at an exercise price equal to C$0.90 for a period of 36 months following the Closing Date.

This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

Nova Scotia Subsurface Onshore Gas Grants

The Company also notes that Nova Scotia has launched a $30M Subsurface Energy R&D Investment Program, administered by Dalhousie University, providing grants and incentives for onshore exploration. The Company is applying for a grant pursuant to the program and will provide further updates.

About Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC)

Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. is a North American exploration and development company

advancing a portfolio of natural hydrogen and critical mineral projects. The Company is advancing its

district-scale hydrogen exploration model across Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Minnesota (USA), leveraging its proprietary R2G2 framework developed in collaboration with INRS. QIMC is committed to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and innovation, with the objective of supporting clean energy and decarbonization initiatives.

For more information please contact:

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the Canadian Securities Exchange policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable

securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are subject to business, economic, and

competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the completion of the Offering as planned, the Exchange's approval of the Offering, the intended use of the net proceeds of the Offering and the anticipated Closing Date. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information made in this news release concerning the Company, please refer to the continuous disclosure record of the Company on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292328

Source: Quebec Innovative Materials Corp.
Die Eskalation im Iran-Konflikt hat die Energiepreise mit voller Wucht nach oben getrieben. Was zunachst nach einer kurzfristigen Reaktion aussah, entwickelt sich zunehmend zu einem strukturellen Problem: Die Strae von Hormus ist blockiert, wichtige LNG- und Olanlagen stehen still oder werden gezielt angegriffen. Eine schnelle Entspannung ist nicht in Sicht  im Gegenteil, die Lage spitzt sich weiter zu.



Fur die Weltwirtschaft bedeutet dies wachsende Risiken. Steigende Energiepreise erhohen den Inflationsdruck, gefahrden Zinssenkungen und bringen die ohnehin hoch bewerteten Aktienmarkte ins Wanken. Doch wo Risiken entstehen, ergeben sich auch Chancen.



Denn von einem dauerhaft hoheren Energiepreisniveau profitieren nicht nur Ol- und Gasunternehmen. Auch Versorger, erneuerbare Energien sowie ausgewahlte Rohstoff- und Agrarwerte rucken in den Fokus. In diesem Umfeld konnten gezielt ausgewahlte Unternehmen uberdurchschnittlich profitieren  unabhangig davon, ob die Krise anhalt oder nicht.



In unserem aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir drei Aktien vor, die genau dieses Profil erfullen: Krisenprofiteure mit solidem Geschaftsmodell, attraktiver Bewertung und langfristigem Potenzial.



Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern  und Ihr Depot auf den Energiepreisschock vorbereiten!
The 2026 Induction Ceremony is set for Saturday, November 14 in Los Angeles, California and will debut on ABC and Disney+ in December

NEW YORK, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tonight, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced its 2026 Inductees, spotlighting a standout group of artists whose impact has left a lasting mark on music and culture. Revealed live on ABC and Disney+ by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 Inductee Lionel Richie during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode of American Idol, the announcement kicks off the countdown to celebrate music's highest honor.

Performer Category:

Phil Collins

Billy Idol

Iron Maiden

Joy Division/New Order

Oasis

Sade

Luther Vandross

Wu-Tang Clan

Early Influence Award:

Celia Cruz

Fela Kuti

Queen Latifah

MC Lyte

Gram Parsons

Musical Excellence Award:

Linda Creed

Arif Mardin

Jimmy Miller

Rick Rubin

Ahmet Ertegun Award:

Ed Sullivan

"Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music's highest honor. We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year's ceremony - it's going to be an unforgettable night," said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

To be eligible for induction, an individual artist or band must have released its first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to the year of nomination. Phil Collins, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan are first-time nominees. Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, and Sade have all been nominated in the past.

The Induction categories include:

Performers: artists who have created music whose originality, impact, and influence has changed the course of rock & roll.

Early Influence Award: artists whose music and performance style have directly influenced, inspired, and evolved rock & roll and music impacting culture.

Musical Excellence Award: given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence have had a dramatic impact on music.

Ahmet Ertegun Award: non-performing industry professionals who have had a major influence on the creative development and growth of rock & roll and music that has impacted culture.

The Inductees were announced live on ABC and Disney+ this evening by Ryan Seacrest and 2022 Inductee Lionel Richie during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode of "American Idol," where the Top 11 American Idol finalists took on songs from legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees as America voted live for the Top 9.?The episode will be available to stream tomorrow on Hulu and Disney+.

The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will tape on Saturday, November 14th at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. The 2026 ceremony will then debut in December on ABC and Disney+. In 2027, the Induction Ceremony will return to Cleveland.

Ticket on-sale information for the 2026 Induction Ceremony will be announced at a later date. Select Rock & Roll Hall of Fame donors and members receive exclusive Induction ticket opportunities. Donate or join by June 30, 2026 to be eligible. Visit rockhall.com/membership to learn more.

Press can access hi-resolution images and bios for the 2026 Inductees at rockhall.com/press-room. Media credential applications for the Induction Ceremony will open in August.

About the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Born from the collision of rhythm & blues, country, and gospel, rock & roll is a spirit that is inclusive and ever-changing. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebrates the sound of youth culture and honors the artists whose music connects us all. We share stories of the people, events, and songs that shape our world through digital content, innovative exhibits, live music, engaging programs, and our annual Induction Ceremony. We intentionally foster an inclusive and welcoming non-profit Museum that encourages and embraces creativity and innovation. As a community leader, we value, empower, and respect all people. Join the millions who love rock & roll as much as you do. Visit us in Cleveland, Ohio or at rockhall.com and follow us @rockhall on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X, or @rockandrollhalloffame on Facebook.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-rock--roll-hall-of-fame-reveals-2026-inductees-302741120.html
The partners combine sovereign cloud infrastructure with engineering and transformation expertise, closing a critical gap between infrastructure and productive application.



[Sindelfingen, April 14, 2026] - Akkodis, a global digital engineering consulting company and part of the Adecco Group, and STACKIT, the cloud provider of Schwarz Digits, the IT and digital division of the Schwarz Group, have entered into a strategic partnership to support companies and organizations in Germany in building sovereign cloud architectures for business-critical applications.

While many providers offer sovereign cloud infrastructures, organizations often face challenges when it comes to integrating these infrastructures securely, scalably, and in a regulatory-compliant manner into existing enterprise and production environments. This is precisely where the partnership between Akkodis and STACKIT comes into play. The collaboration combines STACKIT's cloud platform, fully operated in Germany, with Akkodis' transformation and engineering expertise - from architecture, migration and modernization to the operation of complex platform and application landscapes.

The result is an end-to-end transformation approach that does not treat sovereign infrastructure in isolation, but consistently integrates applications, platforms, and operating models.



Sovereign cloud for business-critical applications

STACKIT stands for independent, auditable cloud infrastructure operated in Germany and the EU. Akkodis complements this with comprehensive engineering and transformation expertise in complex enterprise and production environments. The joint approach goes beyond traditional cloud migration: its objective is to make digital sovereignty operationally usable - for business-critical applications, data, and processes.

To achieve this, the partners combine capabilities in the following areas:

Cloud and platform engineering

Migration and modernization of business-critical applications

Design of secure operating models for platforms, DevOps, and SecOps

Implementation of regulatory requirements in highly regulated industries

This results in a "sovereign-by-design" approach in which sovereignty, compliance, and operational security are embedded directly into the architecture of modern platforms.



Focus on regulated industries and critical infrastructures

The partnership is aimed particularly at industries with high requirements for data residency, governance, and regulatory traceability. These include, among others:

Manufacturing, automotive, and logistics with complex production and supply chains

The public sector and critical infrastructure operators

Healthcare and life sciences with sensitive data and strict regulatory requirements

Organizations in these sectors require cloud architectures that enable innovation while ensuring control, transparency, and regulatory security. The partnership provides a robust transformation framework - from analysis and migration to modernization and secure operations.



Engineering excellence meets sovereign cloud infrastructure

Through the collaboration, both companies' strengths complement each other: STACKIT provides sovereign cloud infrastructure "Made in Germany," while Akkodis supports organizations in designing, implementing, and operating complex platform and application landscapes.

The partnership is built on:

Sovereign infrastructure operated in Germany and the EU

Engineering expertise for complex enterprise and production environments

Experience in regulated industries and compliance requirements

End-to-end support across the entire cloud transformation lifecycle

Akkodis helps clients develop the right platform strategy for each application and operate it securely, efficiently, and future-proof - regardless of the cloud technology used.



Statements on the partnership

"With this partnership, we are laying the foundation for bringing sensitive and regulated applications securely, transparently, and performantly into the cloud. Together with STACKIT, we combine sovereign cloud infrastructure with our engineering and transformation expertise - an approach that is becoming increasingly important for many of our clients and holds particular relevance in the German market. With a clear focus on quality, reliability, and future readiness," says Thomas Klukas, CEO Akkodis Germany.

"With STACKIT, we are creating the technological foundation for sovereign innovation," says Bernd Wagner, CSO Schwarz Digits. "By working with Akkodis, we combine this infrastructure with deep engineering expertise. The result is a 'sovereign-by-design' approach that enables customers in regulated industries, in particular, to significantly accelerate their digital transformation."



Long-term vision of the partnership

The partnership is designed as a long-term collaboration. Akkodis will become the preferred delivery and transformation partner for STACKIT in selected target segments. At the same time, STACKIT will serve as a core building block for Akkodis in sovereign cloud architectures in regulated and data-sensitive use cases.

Together, the two companies are creating a foundation for sovereign cloud transformation in Germany and supporting organizations in balancing innovation, security, and regulatory requirements.



Media contacts

Meldina Kurti

Director, Business Partner Communications Germany, Akkodis

M. +4915174631537

E. presse@akkodis.com

Maria Sole Quaglio

External Communications Manager Germany, Akkodis

M. +4915174631929

E. presse@akkodis.com

About Akkodis

Akkodis is a global digital engineering consulting company that enables organizations to innovate and accelerate by applying technology to redefine how processes and products are developed, powered and optimized. With deep expertise across AI, data, cloud, edge and software engineering, we combine technology and talent to deliver end-to-end solutions, from strategy and consulting to talent development and implementation. Our commitment to Akkodis Intelligence helps businesses connect the exponential power of technology with the irreplaceable strengths of human thinking and collaboration. Part of the Adecco Group and headquartered in Switzerland, Akkodis brings together 40,000 engineers and tech consultants in over 30 countries with services that span Consulting, Talent, Solutions, and Academy. With a cross-sector view and strong delivery capabilities, Akkodis empowers businesses to solve complex challenges and achieve sustainable impact.? akkodis.com | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter





About the Adecco Group

The Adecco Group is the world's leading talent company. Our purpose is making the future work for everyone. Through our three global business units - Adecco, Akkodis and LHH - across 60 countries, we enable sustainable and lifelong employability for individuals, deliver digital and engineering consulting solutions to power transformation and empower organizations to optimize their workforces. The Adecco Group leads by example and is committed to an inclusive culture, fostering sustainable employability, and supporting resilient economies and communities. ?The Adecco Group AG is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN).? https://www.adeccogroup.com/





About STACKIT

STACKIT is the cloud provider of the Schwarz Group. External partners and customers across Europe can also rely on its cloud services for their digital transformation-services the companies of the Schwarz Group have benefited from for years. On its path toward becoming the first European hyperscaler, STACKIT offers digital sovereignty that goes far beyond market standards, along with tailored approaches to the implementation and operation of cloud solutions. STACKIT currently operates four data centers, one of them in Austria, and is building a fifth in Lubbenau. Based in Neckarsulm in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg, the team is paving the way for an independent, digitally leading Europe. As part of Schwarz Digits, STACKIT GmbH & Co. KG belongs to the IT and digital division of the Schwarz Group.
PolyPeptide Group / Key word(s): Market Report

PolyPeptide Group AG takes note of market rumors and speculation



14-Apr-2026 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Media release - ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

PolyPeptide Group AG takes note of market rumors and speculation

Baar, 14 April 2026 - PolyPeptide Group AG (SIX: PPGN) ("PolyPeptide" or the "Company"), a specialized global CDMO for peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients, takes note of recent market speculation and media reports according to which PolyPeptide has attracted takeover interest from certain investors. As a matter of policy, PolyPeptide does not comment on rumors and speculations.

As part of its fiduciary duties, the Board of Directors regularly assesses the Company's strategic positioning and options to further enhance long-term value creation. In this context, the Board of Directors, in coordination with the Company's majority shareholder, Draupnir Holding B.V., is conducting a review of potential strategic options. The review is at an early stage, and no decision has been made. There can be no assurances that the review will continue or that it will result in any transaction or other outcome.

The Company remains focused on executing its strategic plan to deliver long-term value for shareholders, customers, and other stakeholders. It is well positioned to advance toward its ambition of doubling 2023 revenue by 2028, supported by the strong growth potential reflected in its 2026 guidance.

Contact

PolyPeptide Group AG

Corporate Communications

Lauren Starr

mediateam@polypeptide.com

T: +41 43 502 0580

PolyPeptide Group AG

Investor Relations

Tim Brandl

investorrelations@polypeptide.com

T: +41 43 502 0580

About PolyPeptide

PolyPeptide Group AG and its consolidated subsidiaries ("PolyPeptide") is a specialized Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) for peptide-based active pharmaceutical ingredients. By supporting its customers mainly in pharma and biotech, it contributes to the health of millions of patients across the world. PolyPeptide serves a fast-growing market, offering products and services from pre-clinical to commercial stages. Its broad portfolio reflects the opportunities in drug therapies across areas and with significant exposure to metabolic diseases, including GLP-1. Dating back to 1952, PolyPeptide today runs a global network of six GMP-certified facilities in Europe, the U.S. and India. PolyPeptide's shares (SIX: PPGN) are listed on SIX Swiss Exchange.

For more information, please visit polypeptide.com .

@PolyPeptide -- follow us on LinkedIn .

Disclaimer

This media release has been prepared by PolyPeptide Group AG and contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views of management. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this release. PolyPeptide Group AG is providing the information in this release as of this date and, except as required by applicable laws or regulations, does not undertake any obligation to update any statements contained in it as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Funding to accelerate scale-up of world-leading Knowsley fermentation facility

Clean Food Group, a leading UK biotech manufacturer pioneering sustainable oils and fats through fermentation, is pleased to confirm a 4.5 million investment led by Clean Growth Fund and New Agrarian, two specialist investors dedicated to fostering sustainable growth in food technology. CFG has also successfully secured a 700,000 non-dilutive grant from Innovate UK which further improves the Company's financial position.

Following the transformational acquisition of CFG's one million-litre fermentation manufacturing facility in Knowsley, Liverpool in September 2025, this latest funding, announced today at its in-cosmetics Global debut in Paris, provides the necessary capital to complete the scale-up of the Knowsley facility, expand production capacity and accelerate commercialisation of the Company's high-performance oils and fats.

The Knowsley site acquisition positions CFG as the world's largest manufacturer of yeast-derived oils and fats, enabling the Company to meet growing global demand for sustainable, locally produced alternatives to traditional agricultural and tropical oil supply chains. The global sustainable food market was valued at US$315 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$524 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 6.7%.1

CFG's proprietary fermentation platform supports the manufacture of high-performance oils and fats that can deliver both sustainability and functionality at commercial scale, helping industries transition toward cleaner, more resilient ingredient systems across food, cosmetics and pet nutrition markets.

The Group continues to appreciate the support from its existing shareholders including institutional investor SEED Innovations and industry partner Dohler Group, one of the world's leading ingredient companies who are also supporting CFG's commercial scale up.

Tom Ellen, Chief Financial Officer of Clean Food Group, said: "We are extremely pleased to have the continued support of Clean Growth Fund and a new partner in New Agrarian, two highly respected specialist investors in sustainable food and industrial biotechnology.

"Their support, together with the Innovate grant, represents a strong endorsement of Clean Food Group's significant progress and the scale of the opportunity ahead. The capital raised will enable the Company to bring on stream the world's largest yeast-derived oils and fats facility and to deliver on our long-term vision for sustainable food manufacturing."

Rodrigo Hortega de Velasco, Managing Partner at Dohler Ventures, the strategic investment arm of Dohler Group, commented: "We are pleased to support Clean Food Group in this latest funding round and proud to have been part of the Company's scale-up journey to date. CFG has consistently demonstrated both the strength of its technology and the commercial potential of its sustainable oils and fats platform. The acquisition of the Knowsley facility marks a significant milestone, enabling production at a scale that brings these innovative products closer to widespread commercial reality. We look forward to continuing our collaboration as CFG advances towards full-scale market deployment."

Jim Mellon, Chairman and Founder of New Agrarian, added: "Supply chain fragility is one of the defining risks of our time. War, climate volatility, and trade disputes are presenting a huge challenge to manufacturers; the ingredients we assumed would always be available are no longer guaranteed. Clean Food Group is addressing this problem head-on, using scalable science and technology to build genuine resilience and sustainability into the way we produce and source key ingredients used in everything from food to cosmetics. For me, this sits at a rare intersection: a compelling investment case and a genuine solution to one of the most pressing challenges of our generation."

Building the future of sustainable oils and fats

Clean Food Group's mission is to enable a more sustainable and resilient global food system by producing essential oils and fats through fermentation, using food waste feedstocks and scalable microbial production.

The Company is focused on reshaping how key ingredients are made, supporting the transition toward localised, low-impact manufacturing that reduces reliance on environmentally damaging supply chains, while meeting the needs of global consumer and industrial markets.

_______________________________ 1 https://www.datamintelligence.com/research-report/sustainable-food-market

Notes to Editors:

About Clean Food Group

CFG is a leading UK biotech manufacturer of sustainable oils and fats for the global food, cosmetic and pet food industries. Through its proprietary CLEAN OilCell technology platform, CFG delivers functional oils (CLEAN Oil) and fats (CLEAN Fat) at price parity to agriculture alternatives, whilst meeting the growing need for local and sustainable production. In 2025, its CleanOil 25 product received approval to be used as a cosmetics ingredient in the UK, US and Europe.

Founded in 2022 after eight years of pioneering research, CFG manufactures its oils and fats from food waste, leveraging scalable yeast strains and fermentation technology to deliver sustainable alternatives to traditional oil and fat ingredients. With the manufacturing process now validated at scale and significantly bolstered by the transformation acquisition of a 1 million litre fermentation facility in Knowsley, Liverpool in 2025, CFG has strategic and industrial collaborations in place with leading global FMCG and ingredients manufacturers and has a strong demand pipeline for its products.

CFG has an experienced management team with a successful track record in scaling businesses in high growth regulated industries. For more information on CFG, please visit cleanfood.group.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413036980/en/

Contacts:

FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES:

Clean Food Group

Alex Neves, Chief Executive Officer

Tom Ellen, Chief Financial Officer

Hannah Du Beke, Chief Marketing Officer

Via Burson Buchanan

Burson Buchanan

Henry Harrison-Topham Jamie Hooper Abby Gilchrist

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000

CleanFoodGroup@buchanancomms.co.uk

www.bursonbuchanan.com
STOCKHOLM, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stegra has agreed in principle on 1.4 billion in new financing from a combination of new and existing investors to complete the construction of its large-scale green steel plant in Boden, Sweden.

The financing round is led by Wallenberg Investments, which has formed a consortium of investors that will, through this transaction, take a leading position in Stegra. Alongside Wallenberg Investments, the consortium consists of Temasek and IMAS. Funding is further strongly supported by Stegra's existing shareholders, including Altor who will be the second largest owner post-closing, as well as Hy24 and Just Climate. It is also supported, subject to credit approvals, by its senior and junior lenders. This provides Stegra with a fully funded path to complete the construction and commissioning of its green steel plant.

"This financing reflects the strong conviction in Stegra's business model among new and existing investors, as well as lenders. It has been achieved in a very challenging macro-environment and reflects significant efforts by everyone involved, including of course investors and banks, but also the team in Stegra and the extended family of suppliers, customers and other close partners in Boden," says Henrik Henriksson, Stegra's CEO.

"We are convinced of the competitiveness of Stegra and the commercial attractiveness of green steel in addition to the climate benefits, while remaining clear-eyed about the challenges that lie ahead. We also consider the project to be of great importance to Sweden's position as an industrial nation," says Leif Johansson, adviser to the consortium led by Wallenberg Investments.

"The investors will bring additional significant industrial expertise, and their investment reinforces Stegra's position and the project's Swedish anchoring. They represent values aligned with both Stegra's purpose and team," says Henriksson.

The added financing of 1.4 billion will be used to complete the construction of the plant in Boden. This includes previously communicated scope expansions, such as the insourcing of selected infrastructure components, coverage of increased project costs, and the establishment of a prudent financial buffer. At the completion of the financing round, a higher equity ratio results in a stronger and more resilient financial position for Stegra.

After several slower months during the funding activities, Stegra will now ramp up construction activities. The project timeline is under review.

The financing has been agreed in principle, and is subject to credit approvals from the lenders and finalization of documentation. Additionally customary conditions precedent, including regulatory approval will be required. It is expected that signing of principal agreements will be made in the end of April and that closing of the financing round will occur during June 2026.

Upon the completion of the financing round, investors have agreed their intention to nominate Leif Johansson new Chair of the Board, succeeding Shaun Kingsbury, who chaired the Board while the company worked through this financing round. Kingsbury will be proposed to continue to serve on the Board. Investors have also agreed on their intention to nominate Wallenberg Investment's senior industrialist Hakan Buskhe, and Altor's Managing Partner, Paal Weberg, to the Board. Further potential changes to the Board will be communicated in the notice to the extraordinary general meeting. As of today, Leif Johansson and Hakan Buskhe will join the current board as observers.

Find the invitation to a press meeting at 11:00 am CET today at Stegra's office at Norra Stationsgatan 93A, Stockholm, attached. Only preregistered media with press credentials will be admitted.

For more information, contact: Karin Hallstan, Head of Communications, Stegra at press@stegra.com or +46 76 842 81 04

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/stegra/r/stegra-has-agreed-in-principle-on-a--1-4-billion-financing-round-led-by-a-wallenberg-investments-con,c4334366

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/20623/4334366/4035371.pdf Stegra secures 1_4 billion financing_FINAL https://news.cision.com/stegra/i/stegra-site-april-2026,c3527962 Stegra site April 2026 https://mb.cision.com/Public/20623/4334366/9d819bcffe13f4e8.pdf Invitation to press meeting

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stegra-has-agreed-in-principle-on-a-1-4-billion-financing-round-led-by-a-wallenberg-investments-consortium-302741386.html
Astor closed FY25 with results fully in line with the preliminary figures released in February, leaving the financial picture unchanged. FY25 sales reached SEK 433m (+94% yoy), adj. EBITDA SEK 83m (margin: 19.2%, +6.3pp yoy), net cash SEK 35m and equity ratio 64%.

The year-end order backlog warrants brief context. While the figure may look modest at first glance, relative to some defence primes, lean firm backlogs are not unusual for suppliers of Astor's type, in our view. The clearest evidence is the 2024 starting point: the backlog due in 2025 stood at only SEK 135m, c. 39% of the SEK 345m in sales ultimately generated that year by the businesses already owned at the time (eNuW). Against that reference, the year-end 2025 backlog due in 2026 of SEK 409m, equivalent to c. 63% of our FY26e sales estimate of SEK 650m, reads as a step-up in visibility.

The management transition is a near-term overhang. Following the CFO change announced in January, Astor disclosed in April that CEO Mattias Hjorth will step down, with board member Martin Elovsson set to take over at the AGM on 13 May. The incoming CEO brings internal familiarity and an execution-focused background, which should support operational continuity. That said, any leadership transition carries execution risk, and we expect it to weigh on sentiment until the new team has established credibility with investors. For a group where the growth model is built on acquisitions, management continuity matters across capital allocation, integration discipline and external communication alike.

At the same time, the operational picture remains compelling. Astor is well-positioned across structurally growing defence end-markets, with demand tailwinds that show no signs of fading. The most interesting near-term growth vector is Ammunity, Latvia's only manufacturer of military small-calibre ammunition and the largest private ammunition producer in the Baltics, consolidated from Nov 25. Weeks after closing, Astor committed SEK 92m in capacity investment targeting additional production lines, with the potential to increase annual output up to sixfold over time and a first contribution to sales and profitability from this expansion is expected from H2 26.

The investment case for Ammunity rests on a highly favourable demand environment. Our analysis of Baltic defence procurement puts the annual addressable market for small-calibre ammunition only across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania already at c.  60m today. Against that backdrop, Ammunity's current revenue run-rate of c.  13m (eNuW) already represents a meaningful share of a market that is itself expanding rapidly. As Latvia's sole domestic military-grade small-calibre producer, Ammunity carries a structural competitive advantage that few European peers can replicate. Sales expansion might also benefit from growth in Ukraine and the Nordic market.

Reiterate BUY, unchanged PT of SEK 51, based on a blend of DCF and peer group valuation.

ISIN: SE0019175274
Yesterday, management announced it has entered into concrete negotiations to acquire minority stakes in three independent, software-centric companies. The announcement marks a pivotal step in mVISE's transformation from a restructured software developer into an operative Buy & Build platform, precisely the catalyst we have been flagging as the key near-term value driver in our latest updated.

According to the release, the three targets operate independently from one another and are well-positioned in their respective niches. One is already German market leader in its end-customer segment, the second is one of the leading players in the Ad-Tech space operating a specialised SaaS platform, and the third operates a proprietary cloud e-commerce platform covering all processes for digital commerce, holding a leading position in the merchandising market. Targeted stakes range from slightly above 10% to just below 30% and are explicitly intended as a starting point, with management targeting full consolidation over time and an uncontested market leadership position in Germany.

In line with mVISE's central approach, which distinguishes it fundamentally from purely financially-driven serial acquirers, the company plans to actively contribute to software development, sales support and administrative consolidation at all three targets. Management also intends to take on leadership roles within the target companies. The combined operational contribution is expected to generate annual revenues of c.  3.0m at a recurring EBITDA of  1.2-1.5m for mVISE. The aggregate stake values are estimated at  8-12m, which we view as absolutely reasonable multiples (7.4x EV/EBITDA at mid-point) for software centric companies. The total addressable revenue base across all three targets stands at c.  40m according to management.

Despite this, we leave our estimates unchanged as we do not include any M&A contribution in our model until transactions are formally closed. Hence, successful completion would represent upside to our forecast and PT.

At 12.2x FY26e EV/EBITDA, the current valuation does not yet reflect the strategic optionality embedded in the Buy & Build platform. We hence reiterate BUY with an unchanged PT of  10.50 based on DCF.

ISIN: DE000A0KE043
Receipt of 0.516 Bitcoin as Payment for Recruitment Services

LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / Connecting Excellence Group Plc (AQSE:XCE)(OTCQB:XCELF), the international executive recruitment group with a long-term, ambitious and disciplined Bitcoin (BTC) treasury strategy, is pleased to announce that Spencer Riley Limited, its flagship executive recruitment business, has received payment in Bitcoin for the provision of executive recruitment services.

The Directors believe that this is the first time a UK-listed recruitment business has invoiced and settled recruitment service fees in Bitcoin. The Bitcoin received has been retained directly in the Group's treasury and will not be converted to fiat currency, in line with XCE's stated strategy of accumulating Bitcoin on its balance sheet. The receipt of Bitcoin as direct payment for recruitment services represents a tangible demonstration of XCE's integrated dual strategy: with Spencer riley, the groups flagship executive recruitment business generating Bitcoin directly onto the Group's balance sheet, increasing BTC per share, without the deployment of capital or the issuance of new equity.

The Company intends to actively continue offering Bitcoin as a settlement option to clients across Spencer Riley's and any future acquisitions candidate and client networks, with further payments of this nature anticipated as Bitcoin adoption among international corporates continues to grow.

Details of Receipt:

BTC Received: 0.516

GBP Value: 27,472.50 (at 53,217.00 per BTC at date of receipt)

USD Value: $36,967.00 (GBP/USD exchange rate of $1.3456)

Total BTC Treasury (post-receipt): 52.941 BTC

BTC Yield* (QTD, Q2 2026): +0.98%

Treasury Summary:

Total BTC Holdings: 52.941

BTC received from recruitment services (this announcement): 0.516

BTC Yield* for Q2 2026 (to date): +0.98%

BTC Yield* since IPO (11 December 2025): +442.2% (including 10 BTC as part of the XCE BTC Bond)

*as defined below

Scott Ellam, Chief Executive Officer at Connecting Excellence Group, commented: "Receiving Bitcoin as payment for recruitment services is a landmark moment for XCE and, we believe, the first for a publicly listed recruitment business.

"Our dual flywheel business model is working as designed: our executive recruitment operating business generates revenue, that revenue generates Bitcoin, and that Bitcoin compounds directly on our balance sheet, strengthening the Bitcoin treasury strategy without issuing a single new share. As we secure a significant proportion of our revenues internationally and have established a Bitcoin executive recruitment division, we intend to make Bitcoin settlement a standard offering across our client base, and we expect this to become an increasingly important channel for treasury growth as corporate Bitcoin adoption continues to grow."

About Connecting Excellence Group Plc ("XCE"):

XCE is an international executive recruitment group with a long term, ambitious and disciplined Bitcoin treasury strategy. The flagship recruitment company, Spencer Riley, places senior executives with clients globally across a number of high growth markets including engineering, logistics, life sciences, automation, tech, professional services and B2B services.

The Bitcoin treasury strategy sets the foundation for the Company's scalable recruitment business to attract and retain high performing talent with individual performance linked share option incentives to increase revenue, profit and cashflows. In the future, XCE can also expand market share through strategic acquisitions, at very little cash cost, using performance-based equity incentives to provide immediate and ongoing shareholder value. XCE is also building a dedicated Bitcoin executive recruitment division, enabling executives to find their role within either Bitcoin businesses or traditional businesses looking for Bitcoin talent worldwide and accelerating corporate education, integration and adoption of Bitcoin.

Website: xce.io

Follow on X: XCE - Connecting Excellence Group

Follow on LinkedIn: XCE - Connecting Excellence Group

Connecting Excellence Group ("XCE")

Scott Ellam, Chief Executive Officer

Angus Gladish, Chief Financial Officer

contact@xce.io

Tel: +44(0) 113 390 8623 AlbR Capital Limited (Aquis Corporate Adviser and Joint Broker)

David Coffman

Tel: +44(0) 20 7469 0930 Allenby Capital (Joint Broker)

Matt Butlin (Head of Equities)

Nick Harriss

Tel: +44(0) 20 3328 5656 Yellow Jersey PR (Financial PR)

Charles Goodwin, Annabelle Wills xce@yellowjerseypr.com

Tel: +44(0) 20 3004 9512

The Board's policy is to retain Bitcoin received from recruitment services as a long-term treasury asset. However, where Bitcoin received in any period represents a significant proportion of the Group's operating revenue, the Board retains discretion to convert a portion to fiat currency to meet operating requirements, in line with prudent financial management. The Board will provide appropriate disclosure in such circumstances.

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

*BTC Yield is a key performance indicator (KPI) that reflects the percentage change in the ratio of Total Bitcoin Holdings to Shares in Issue (Fully Diluted) over a given period. The Company uses BTC Yield to assess the performance of its Bitcoin acquisition strategy, which is intended to be accretive to shareholders.

Important Notice:

Connecting Excellence Group PLC holds treasury reserves and surplus cash in Bitcoin. Bitcoin is a type of digital asset. Whilst the Board of Directors of the Company considers holding Bitcoin to be in the best interests of the Company, the Board remains aware that the financial regulator in the UK (the Financial Conduct Authority or FCA) considers investment in Bitcoin to be high risk.

At the outset, it is important to note that an investment in the Company is not an investment in Bitcoin, either directly or by proxy. However, the Board of Directors of the Company consider Bitcoin to be an appropriate store of value and growth for the Company's reserves and, accordingly, the Company is materially exposed to Bitcoin. Such an approach is innovative, and the Board of Directors of the Company wish to be clear and transparent with prospective and actual investors in the Company on the Company's position in this regard.

The Company is neither authorised nor regulated by the FCA. And Bitcoin is unregulated in the UK. As with most other investments, the value of Bitcoin can go down as well as up, and therefore the value of the Company's Bitcoin holdings can fluctuate. The Company may not be able to realise its Bitcoin exposure for the same value as it paid in the first place or even for the value the Company ascribes to its Bitcoin positions due to these market movements. And because Bitcoin is unregulated, the Company is not protected by the UK's Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

However, Bitcoin is formally recognised as personal property in the UK under the new Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on December 2, 2025. This legislation has removed previous legal uncertainty by establishing a new, third category of personal property to accommodate digital assets that do not fit traditional definitions.

The Board of Directors of the Company with a history of a Bitcoin treasury prior to becoming a public company, has taken the decision to invest in Bitcoin, and in doing so is mindful of the special risks Bitcoin presents to the Company's financial position. These risks include (but are not limited to): (i) the value of Bitcoin can be highly volatile, with value dropping as quickly as it can rise; (ii) the Bitcoin market is largely unregulated - there is a risk of losing money due to risks such as cyber-attacks, financial crime and counterparty failure; (iii) the Company may not be able to sell its Bitcoin at will - the ability to sell Bitcoin depends on various factors, including the supply and demand in the market at the relevant time, with operational failings such as technology outages, cyber-attacks and comingling of funds potentially causing unwanted delay. The Board of Directors of the Company does not subscribe to such a negative view, and therefore ascribes to the 'Bitcoin, not crypto' mantra and has a 'Bitcoin only ethos'. However, prospective investors in the Company are encouraged to do their own research and verify before investing.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Connecting Excellence Group PLC

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/connecting-excellence-group-plc-announces-receipt-of-btc-as-paym-1157370
Meeting Owl 5 Pro is purposefully built for IT leaders with wireless and wired connectivity, integrated ports to support additional functionality, and availability via VAR channel partners

Owl Labs, the leader in 360-degree AI-powered video conferencing and hybrid collaboration technology, today announced that its latest device, the Meeting Owl 5 Pro, has achieved Microsoft Teams certification. Flexibility is fundamental to the Meeting Owl 5 Pro's design, enabling it to support virtually any room setup, including certified peripheral and full room systems with an approved partner solution. With this milestone, the Meeting Owl 5 Pro joins the Meeting Owl 4+, Meeting Owl 3 and Owl Bar as peripherals that are certified for Microsoft Teams. Together, these devices round out an Owl Labs lineup that gives hybrid teams the best experience across every room, every meeting, and every device.

The Teams certification affirms that the Meeting Owl 5 Pro meets the highest standards demanded by IT leaders, ensuring optimal functionality within enterprise environments. It further solidifies Owl Labs' position as a trusted partner to over 275,000 organisations, including 92 Fortune 100 companies.

"The Meeting Owl 5 Pro sets a new bar for centre-of-the-table enterprise-grade performance, and achieving Microsoft Teams certification is a reflection of that," said Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs. "Enterprise IT buyers need solutions that deploy easily, perform consistently, and integrate without friction into their existing infrastructure, which is exactly what Meeting Owl 5 Pro delivers. This certification is a testament to our ongoing commitment to our customers and signals that Owl Labs is a long-term partner built for the future of work."

On average, UK employees lose about seven minutes getting hybrid meetings started. Across thousands of meetings, these lost minutes quickly add up to days of wasted productivity, often caused by compatibility issues, unreliable hardware, and systems that were not built to work together. Owl Labs solves this with certified conferencing solutions that replace rigid, hard-to-manage systems with flexible alternatives that ensure every participant has an equally engaging experience. The result is less time troubleshooting and more time collaborating.

In addition to the complete portfolio now being certified, the Owl Labs ecosystem will see further improvements in May with the Software 6.8 release. This update introduces a significant set of AI and usability enhancements across the Owl Labs product line, including:

Wired Owl Connect: Enables wired configuration support for Meeting Owl 4+, Meeting Owl 4+ and Owl Bar, Meeting Owl 5 Pro

Enables wired configuration support for Meeting Owl 4+, Meeting Owl 4+ and Owl Bar, Meeting Owl 5 Pro Auto Ignore Zone: Allows users to define areas of the room the camera will automatically exclude, available on Meeting Owl 4+ and Meeting Owl 5 Pro

Allows users to define areas of the room the camera will automatically exclude, available on Meeting Owl 4+ and Meeting Owl 5 Pro Speaker Boost: Audio setting option to increase in-room speaker volume by 6 decibels on Meeting Owl 3, Meeting Owl 4+, Owl Bar, and Meeting Owl 5 Pro

Audio setting option to increase in-room speaker volume by 6 decibels on Meeting Owl 3, Meeting Owl 4+, Owl Bar, and Meeting Owl 5 Pro Pano Customisation: Provides users with greater control over panoramic view settings across all Owl devices

Provides users with greater control over panoramic view settings across all Owl devices Grid Mode for front centre pairs: Creates up to 8 panels to show more meeting participants at a time for the Meeting Owl 3 and Meeting Owl 4+ when paired with the Owl Bar

Creates up to 8 panels to show more meeting participants at a time for the Meeting Owl 3 and Meeting Owl 4+ when paired with the Owl Bar Owl Bar Listening Behaviour: Automatically switches to a full-room view after extended in-room listening for the Owl Bar solo or paired with the Meeting Owl 3 and Meeting Owl 4+

With a fully certified hardware ecosystem and a robust software roadmap, Owl Labs' is furthering its mission to make hybrid meetings more inclusive. To purchase Owl Labs products, find your local reseller or contact sales@owllabs.com.

About Owl Labs

Owl Labs is the first company to build AI-powered, 360-degree video conferencing solutions for hybrid organisations. Its connected device system and Owl Intelligence System software make meetings more inclusive and collaborative by leveling the playing field between remote and in-room participants. The Meeting Owl product line is the first AI-powered, WiFi-enabled, 360-degree camera, microphone and speaker that automatically zooms in on whoever's speaking. Owl Labs has raised $47 million in funding and is based in Boston, with remote and hybrid employees all over the world. To learn more, visit owllabs.co.uk.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260410491333/en/

Contacts:

press@owllabs.com
While listed insurers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have delivered improved profitability, regional geopolitical tensions are affecting certain lines of business and investment portfolios, according to AM Best

In its new Best's Market Segment Report, "UAE Insurers Navigate Geopolitical Tensions Following a Strong Financial Year," AM Best notes that standard insurance policies in the UAE typically exclude war-related risks, which are instead covered through add-on benefits, for which premium rates have increased substantially as a result of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. UAE insurers generally cede most of this exposure to international reinsurers and any increase in reinsurance costs is expected to be largely passed on to policyholders.

Saad Abbasi, financial analyst at AM Best's London office, and one of the report's authors, said, "While the direct impact on core underwriting results to date remains limited, the current situation has contributed to some volatility in the local equity market and bond yields, which in turn has affected insurers' asset valuations and investment income. Moreover, there may be longer-term concerns on real estate valuations should the UAE cease to be attractive to foreign investors and expatriates."

Reviewing the 2025 results, Jessica Botelho-Young, CA, director, analytics, added, "In terms of net profits, the dominance of the top five insurers has seen a decline, with their contribution falling to 72% from 87%. This could be an early sign of a more-balanced industry performance going forward, supported by a well-regulated and risk-based pricing environment. However, the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran raises some concerns over the sustainability of growth in the UAE insurance market."

To access a complimentary copy of this market segment report, please visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=363974.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com

Copyright 2026 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414554829/en/

Contacts:

Saad Abbasi

Financial Analyst

+44 20 7397 0316

saad.abbasi@ambest.com

Jessica Botelho-Young, CA

Director, Analytics

+44 20 7397 0310

jessica.botelho-young@ambest.com

Edem Kuenyehia

Director, Market Development Communications

+44 20 7397 0280

edem.kuenyehia@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

christopher.sharkey@ambest.com


Husavik, Iceland--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - SYNTHOLENE ENERGY CORP (TSXV: ESAF) (FSE: 3DD0) (OTCQB: SYNTF) ("Syntholene" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into a definitive Land Lease Agreement (the "Lease Agreement") dated April 13th, 2026, with the Municipality of Noruringi ("the Lessor") in respect of a 500 m site (the "Property") at the Husavik Power Station as the Company's first Icelandic site. The Company plans to use the Property as the location for its first demonstration-scale thermally-integrated electrolyzer (the "Demonstration Facility"). Syntholene is also pleased to announce that it has received municipal approval for its construction permit in Husavik, Iceland, marking a key regulatory milestone in the advancement of its Demonstration Facility.

Husavik Power Station looking on to Skjalfandi Bay

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11636/292218_14b5304894c8ba15_001full.jpg

Katrin Sigurjonsdottir, Mayor of Noruring, stated, "The municipality of Noruring, owner of Husavik Energy, is proud to support the development of Syntholene through its Demonstration Facility for non-fossil aviation fuel. Syntholene's goals of the sensible use of geothermal energy to produce cost effective and environmentally friendly synthetic fuel for the benefit of society, align with the goals of the municipality of Noruring. We look forward to supporting this initiative to make possible the expansion of the project and meet domestic demand for aviation fuel."

"This lease and permit represents a transformational step in establishing Syntholene's Icelandic footprint," said Dan Sutton, CEO of Syntholene. "The site at Husavik Power Station offers an exceptional combination of geothermal availability, infrastructure, workforce readiness, and political alignment. It provides a strategic launch point for our first Demonstration Facility while offering Syntholene a pathway to scale in one of the most geothermally abundant regions on Earth."

"We are honoured to work with the community of Husavik and its leadership at a time when new industrial diversification is desired by the community," Sutton added. "Syntholene aspires to help build long-term economic diversification in the region, while advancing our mission to deliver ultra-pure, cost-competitive synthetic fuels."

The Lease Agreement and the Husavik Power Station

Located inside the town of Husavik and adjacent to a commercial port, the Husavik Power Station represents a preserved geothermal energy center, including heat-exchangers, district-heating ties, water cooling systems, and a 20-km insulated geothermal pipeline from the Hveravellir geothermal field in Reykjahverfi.

Although the 2 MW Kalina power unit has not produced electricity since 2010, the facility was not dismantled, its district-heating systems remain active and its core mechanical systems remain intact. Such attributes are expected to reduce early-stage civil works, reduce schedule risk, and lower capital requirements compared to other comparable development sites, and enable Syntholene to integrate its high-temperature Thermal Coupling and Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) demonstration system into an existing thermal footprint.

The Lease Agreement will remain in effect until April 1, 2027, unless renewed by the parties or earlier terminated in accordance with its terms. Under the terms of the Lease Agreement the Company is responsible for maintaining the Property, ensuring that all activities comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements and that all necessary permits are obtained and maintained. A rental fee of ISK 200,000 (approximately CAD$2,525) per month is payable during the term of the lease, and additional fees may be payable for use of certain facilities. The Lease Agreement provides that the Company is required to obtain the Lessor's consent prior to constructing any buildings or structures other than those specifically contemplated in the approved site plans on the Property.

Construction Permit Issued

The local planning and development authority of Noruring Municipality granted the Company a construction permit with respect to the Property at its March 17, 2026 meeting.

The permit is effective until the end of March 2027 and is subject to the planning and development authority receiving approval from the Lessor. Subject to the conditions of grant being satisfied, this approval enables Syntholene to proceed with on-site preparation and construction activities, including the deployment of its modular, containerized Demonstration Facility integrating geothermal heat exchange and solid oxide electrolysis systems. The permitting process included coordination with local authorities to ensure alignment with land use planning, environmental considerations, and safety requirements associated with hydrogen-integrated industrial operations.

The time-bound nature of the permit reflects the Demonstration Facility's classification as a temporary scientific and industrial demonstration, designed to validate system performance under real-world operating conditions. During the permitted period, the Company intends to execute its ~1,000-hour effects test operational program, with a view to generating critical data to support engineering optimization, inform regulatory pathways, and validate commercial scale-up.

Receipt of the permit represents achievement of a significant milestone and further evidence of the strong support and cooperation of the Noruring Municipality as Syntholene advances its presence in the region.

About Husavik and Noruringi: A Region Positioned for Long-Term Expansion

Husavik has a decades-long history of hosting large-scale industrial energy users, including silicon processing, shrimp processing, greenhouse operations, fish farming, and municipal heating infrastructure. The municipality of Noruring and the Government of Iceland have prioritized North Iceland for diversification and new industrial anchors (Soknaratlun Norurlands eystra), creating uniquely aligned political, workforce, and infrastructure environments for Syntholene's Demonstration Facility.

The area surrounding Husavik is one of Iceland's most capable geothermal corridors. The Demonstration Facility intends to draw on the existing Hveravellir geothermal resource for thermal integration, and the eistareykir high-temperature geothermal field represents an opportunity for potential long-term commercial expansion enabled by the eistareykir high-temperature geothermal field, with an operational 90 MW geothermal power station environmentally assessed for up to 200 MW of expanded production capacity (Landsvirkjun).

Landsvirkjun, Iceland's national power company, also recently confirmed major investment plans for North Iceland's transmission system including new substations and 132 kV line expansions (RUV), to attract next-generation industrial customers such as clean fuels and hydrogen.

The expansion ambitions for the eistareykir geothermal field represent the cornerstone of Iceland's transition toward next-generation industrial applications. While the power station currently operates at a capacity of 90 MW, consisting of two 45 MW units commissioned in 2017 and 2018, the power station was designed with significantly higher long-term potential (Lansvirkjun).

According to the 2015 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) overseen by the National Planning Agency, the site is environmentally cleared for a total production capacity of up to 200 MW (EIB). This expansion is supported by extensive reservoir modelling. Landsvirkjun's 2026 investment cycle prioritizes the utilization of this additional 110 MW to support energy-intensive industrial sectors (Lansvirkjun).

By leveraging the eistareykir field's high-temperature steam, the expansion aims to provide the stable, renewable baseload power required for emerging industrial operations such as clean fuel synthesis, hydrogen production, and the diversification of the North Iceland geothermal corridor.

Husavik also benefits from its deep-water port access, two airports (Husavik Regional and Akureyri International), and existing logistics infrastructure that support modular imports, equipment staging, and future exports of synthetic fuels to domestic and international markets.

HD IS Appointed as General Contractor

Syntholene Energy Corp. also announces that it has appointed HD ehf. ("HD IS"), a leading Icelandic engineering and construction services firm, as General Contractor for the Company's Demonstration Facility in Husavik, Iceland. The appointment represents a critical step in advancing the Company's development timeline by establishing a locally anchored execution partner with direct experience in Icelandic infrastructure delivery, regulatory coordination, and industrial project management.

Under the terms of the agreement, HD IS will act as General Contractor for early-phase site execution activities, including overall project coordination, subcontractor management across civil, mechanical, and electrical scopes, and day-to-day site supervision. The mandate also includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) framework tailored to a hydrogen-integrated demonstration environment, incorporating permit-to-work systems, lifting and hot works controls, interface management, and incident reporting protocols.

In parallel, HD IS will support permitting workflows and regulatory engagement with local Icelandic authorities, maintaining compliance tracking systems and identifying all outstanding requirements ahead of commissioning.

The engagement of HD IS reinforces Syntholene's strategy of partnering with experienced, regionally embedded contractors to reduce project execution risk and accelerate project timelines. With established capabilities in Icelandic project delivery and familiarity with local regulatory frameworks, HD IS is expected to play a central role in bridging engineering design, site readiness, and targeted construction phases as the Company progresses toward commissioning.

The appointment of HD IS builds on Syntholene's broader development efforts in Husavik and aims to position the Company to advance its demonstration program with a coordinated, safety-focused, and execution-driven approach, laying the groundwork for future scale-up of its synthetic fuel production platform.

"We are very proud to have been selected as a partner by Syntholene Energy for this ambitious project in Husavik," stated Arni Rafn Gislason, CEO of HD IS. "It is particularly exciting to be part of a project focused on innovation and the development of sustainable energy solutions. This project aligns well with our core strengths and our vision of building and operating infrastructure that supports the energy transition and the development of future industries in Iceland."

About HD

HD ehf. is one of Iceland's largest and most established industrial and technical service companies, and a leader in metal engineering, mechanical services, steel fabrication, and technical solutions. The company serves key sectors of the Icelandic economy, including fisheries, aquaculture, energy, heavy industry, and environmentally related operations, delivering specialized and reliable solutions nationwide.

HD also operates Iceland's only turbine workshop, providing maintenance services for geothermal turbines and generators. Today, the company employs over 200 people across five locations, combining extensive expertise and technical know-how to ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency in its clients' operations.

Culmination of NTE LOI



Syntholene confirms that the principal activities contemplated under its previously announced letter of intent with North Tech Energy have now been completed, and the letter of intent has expired in accordance with its terms. The letter of intent was non-binding in nature, other than certain customary provisions, including confidentiality. Syntholene retains full strategic flexibility in its geothermal development activities and is not subject to any ongoing obligations under the expired letter of intent.

About Syntholene

Syntholene is actively commercializing a new production pathway for low-cost clean fuel synthesis. The target output is ultrapure synthetic jet fuel, manufactured at 70% lower cost than the nearest competing technology. The company's mission is to deliver the world's first truly high-performance, low-cost, and carbon-neutral synthetic fuel at an industrial scale.

Founded by experienced operators across advanced energy infrastructure, nuclear technology, low-emissions steel refining, process engineering, and capital markets, Syntholene aims to be the first team to deliver a scalable modular production platform for cost-competitive synthetic fuel, thus accelerating the commercialization of carbon-neutral eFuels across global markets.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "aims", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including but not limited to statements regarding the Property, the proposed Demonstration Facility, testing planned at the proposed Demonstration Facility and the proposed use of data from such testing, commercial scalability, the political, workforce, and infrastructure environments resulting from governmental and private sector priorities, potentials of the Husavik and Noruringi regions, proposed benefits to the project form the skills of engaged service providers, including HD IS, the satisfaction of conditions of the construction permit, the Company's ability to execute on its plans for advancement and commercialization of its technology, technical and economic viability, anticipated geothermal power availability, anticipated benefit of eFuel, future commercial opportunities, are forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able to execute its business plan in the manner and timeline set forth in its public disclosure or at all, that the engaged service providers have the skills to advance the Company's business plans, that the Husavik region will offer the expected benefits to support advancement of the Company's business plan, that the eFuel will have its expected benefits, that there will be market adoption, that the Company's review of the competitive landscape and that its understanding of being the world's first Company to have geothermal-SOEC integration remain accurate, that any potential competitors to the Company would not be able to develop or execute geothermal-SOEC integration as quickly or as well as the Company, that the Company will be able to produce the eFuel at competitive pricing in the range anticipated in this news release or at all, that the proposed validation testing will be able to be completed, and that the results from such tests will validate the Company's technology and support further commercialization, that geothermal heat will be available to the Company at the necessary levels, that the proposed Demonstration Facility will be completed as anticipated and on time and on budget, that the Company will continue to have access to skilled personnel with relevant experience, that regulatory requirements remain favourable for the Company, and that the Company will be able to access financing as needed to fund its business plan. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties.

Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including, without limitation, Syntholene's ability to complete the testing, that the results of test will support continued commercialization of the Company's technology, that the engaged service providers do not have the necessary skills to and do not advance the Company's business plan, that there are competitors in geothermal-SOEC integration that are unknown to the Company, that the Company may not be able to produce eFuel at the targeted prices or at a price that is lower than potential competitors, that definitive commercial purchase orders for Syntholene's eFuel may not materialize, the Company's ability to meet production targets, realize projected economic benefits, overcome technical challenges, secure financing, maintain regulatory compliance, manage geopolitical risks, and successfully negotiate definitive terms. Syntholene does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws.

Readers are advised to exercise caution and not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292218

Source: Syntholene Energy Corp
New office in London's financial district brings Fivetran closer to enterprise customers and partners building AI-ready data foundations, supporting the shift toward Open Data Infrastructure

Fivetran, the data foundation for AI, today announced the opening of its new London office, expanding its presence in one of the world's most important hubs for financial services, technology, and enterprise innovation.

Located at Marlow House, 1A Lloyd's Avenue in the City of London, the new office places Fivetran at the center of a dense ecosystem of global enterprises, cloud providers, and technology partners. Its proximity supports more direct collaboration as organizations are rapidly rethinking how data is accessed, governed, and operationalized for AI.

The new office is designed to support the company's growing London team, with space to accommodate more than 45 employees today and flexibility to expand as hiring continues in the region. The layout includes a mix of collaboration areas, focus spaces, meeting rooms, and hybrid work environments tailored for a scaling team. Fivetran employees will begin moving into the new London office throughout April.

Fivetran's London office will serve as a key hub for the company's regional operations, supporting teams across go-to-market, customer success, and engineering. Its location near many of Fivetran's customers and partners is expected to accelerate collaboration and strengthen the company's role in helping enterprises modernize their data infrastructure for the AI era.

Fivetran works with leading organizations across the United Kingdom, including London Stock Exchange, Virgin Media O2 Business, Betfred, RVU Limited, LGT Wealth Management, and Public Power Corporation, supporting AI data-driven operations across telecommunications, financial services, energy, and digital platforms.

"This is about being closer to our customers at a moment when the role of data infrastructure has fundamentally changed," said Simon Quinton, general manager for EMEA at Fivetran. "As AI moves into production, companies need infrastructure they can trust, and that's driving a shift toward Open Data Infrastructure. Expanding our presence in London allows us to partner more closely with the organizations building that future."

The expansion comes as companies move from AI experimentation into production, where fragmented, unreliable data has become a primary constraint. In response, enterprises are shifting toward Open Data Infrastructure architectures built on open standards that give organizations control over how their data is accessed, shared, and used across tools, platforms, and AI agents. Fivetran plays a central role in enabling Open Data Infrastructure by delivering reliable, automated data movement, data lake management, and transformations at scale.

About Fivetran

Fivetran is the data foundation for AI. The Fivetran platform moves, manages, and transforms data from every system a business runs on into a secure, reliable foundation engineered to evolve, with the flexibility to work across clouds, engines, and tools. With Fivetran, analytics, operations, and AI run on data you trust and control. Leading organizations like LVMH, Pfizer, Verizon, and OpenAI rely on Fivetran to turn data into a competitive advantage. Learn more at Fivetran.com, and follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414675431/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Matias Cavallin

323-715-0020

matias.cavallin@fivetran.com
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Searchless.ai today announced an expanded push to help brands respond to the growing shift from traditional search behavior to AI-mediated discovery, where users increasingly rely on leading AI platforms to research products, compare vendors, and make purchase decisions.

As AI interfaces become a larger part of how buyers discover and evaluate options, Searchless.ai is positioning its offer around three connected needs: AI visibility advisory for brands that want stronger inclusion in AI-generated answers, strategic readiness for ChatGPT advertising as a new paid acquisition channel develops, and ongoing market intelligence for operators navigating the post-search economy.

The market backdrop is becoming harder to ignore. As zero-click behavior accelerates and AI-generated answer interfaces continue to expand across leading platforms, brands face a meaningful shift in how demand is captured before a user ever visits a website.

"The key commercial question is changing," said Real Traffell, Editor-in-Chief, Searchless.ai. "It is no longer only 'Do you rank?' It is increasingly 'Are you visible inside AI answers? Does the AI mention you, recommend you, and frame you correctly?' That affects demand capture before the click even happens."

Searchless.ai says this is why AI visibility should be treated as a strategic business issue rather than a narrow SEO task. As discovery shifts into AI systems, the impact extends beyond rankings into content strategy, paid media planning, brand positioning, conversion paths, and category demand capture.

To support that shift, the company combines advisory services with practical market intelligence. Searchless.ai operates The Searchless Journal, a daily publication covering AI visibility, zero-click trends, AI advertising, agentic commerce, and the economics of AI discovery. It also offers a free AI Visibility Score so brands can benchmark how they appear across major answer engines and identify where they may be losing visibility to competitors.

The company's broader objective is to help businesses move early, while competitive positions inside AI interfaces are still fluid and before AI visibility becomes a standard requirement across digital growth strategy.

Brands can learn more about AI visibility services, join the ChatGPT advertising waitlist, or subscribe to The Daily Searchless newsletter at https://searchless.ai.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292146

Source: BrandingBuzz.Agency
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Energia 2000 announced the commissioning of 414 megawatts of combined-cycle natural gas capacity at its Manzanillo Power Land facility, marking the largest single power generation addition in the Caribbean in over a decade and a defining milestone in the Dominican Republic's ongoing energy transition.

The project, which integrates Siemens Energy's highest-efficiency gas turbine technology, international operations management, and 128 kilometers of new 345kV transmission infrastructure, reflects both the scale and execution capacity that are increasingly positioning the Dominican Republic as one of the most dynamic energy markets in Latin America and the Caribbean.

RdNoticias

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8871/292153_74b397bd14535836_001full.jpg

The Caribbean Energy Problem and Market Differentiation

Most Caribbean nations continue to generate over 85% of their electricity by burning imported fossil fuels, resulting in some of the highest electricity costs globally. In many Eastern Caribbean markets, commercial tariffs exceed US$0.35 per kilowatt-hour-roughly three times the U.S. average-placing structural pressure on industrial development, tourism competitiveness, and public finances.

Scale as a structural advantage

Against this backdrop, Energia 2000 notes that the Dominican Republic has spent the last decade building a fundamentally different model. Its scale as the largest economy in the Caribbean-combined with sustained policy direction and regulatory evolution-has enabled the country to finance and execute infrastructure projects that smaller island systems cannot replicate.

That trajectory has been reflected in international assessments, including the World Economic Forum's 2025 Energy Transition Readiness framework, which highlighted the country's ability to attract over US$1 billion in energy investment while rapidly expanding renewable capacity.

The Numbers Behind the Transformation

The Manzanillo Power Land project sits within a broader transformation of the Dominican electricity sector, where multiple system components-generation, fuel mix, transmission, and private capital participation-are evolving simultaneously.

The 414 MW net capacity addition represents the largest single expansion of generation capacity in the Caribbean in over a decade. It is supported by a 345 kV transmission line extending 128 kilometers from Pepillo Salcedo (Montecristi) to El Naranjo (Santiago), one of the most significant grid infrastructure developments in the country's northern region.

The project operates at a combined-cycle efficiency exceeding 60% using Siemens' SGT6-8000H turbine, placing it among the highest-efficiency thermal generation assets globally. This compares to typical gas-fired plants operating at 35-40%, with direct implications for fuel consumption, operating costs, and emissions intensity.

At the system level, natural gas accounted for 39.5% of national electricity generation in 2025, while renewable sources reached approximately 25%-a substantial increase from near-zero levels a decade earlier. These changes have occurred alongside record foreign direct investment inflows of US$5.03 billion in 2025, with energy emerging as a leading sector.

Manzanillo Power Land: A Project That Functions as a Market Signal

Located in Pepillo Salcedo in the province of Montecristi, the Manzanillo Power Land facility represents more than an incremental addition to generation capacity. Energia 2000 positions the project as a proof-of-concept for large-scale, private-capital-led energy infrastructure in the Caribbean-an area where execution has historically been constrained.

The technology stack: why it matters beyond the megawatts

The plant's technology stack reflects this positioning. The Siemens SGT6-8000H gas turbine generates 269.1 MW in its first cycle, while a steam turbine recovers exhaust heat to produce an additional 144.1 MW, achieving total net output of 414 MW. The resulting efficiency levels are not only regionally significant but aligned with leading global benchmarks.

Operationally, the project is supported by EthosEnergy, a Houston-based firm with extensive experience managing power assets across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. The long-term operations and maintenance agreement signals both technical confidence and institutional validation of the project's underlying fundamentals.

Equally critical is the associated transmission infrastructure. The 345 kV line connecting Pepillo Salcedo to Santiago addresses a longstanding structural imbalance in the Dominican grid, where generation has historically been concentrated in the south while demand growth has accelerated in the north.

The Regulatory Architecture That Made It Possible

Energia 2000 indicates that the project's execution was enabled by a structured regulatory and financing framework developed over several years under Dominican law.

The regulatory pathway included concession approval by the Comision Nacional de Energia in December 2021, execution of the definitive contract in January 2022, environmental licensing updates, construction permitting, and grid connection compliance, culminating in commercial operations in March 2026.

Independent financing as a credibility signal

Financing was secured through a US$440 million syndicated credit facility involving both Dominican and international financial institutions. The multi-layered nature of this financing process-requiring independent validation from multiple lenders-serves as a market-based confirmation of the project's bankability.

Regulatory pathway: concession, construction, connection

The project's regulatory journey followed Dominican law precisely: concession by the Comision Nacional de Energia (CNE) in December 2021, definitive contract in January 2022, environmental license modification in May 2022, construction permit, connection code compliance process (Tramite C), and commercial operations declaration in March 2026.

Beyond Manzanillo: The Broader Energy Pipeline

The Manzanillo project forms part of a wider national energy expansion strategy. The Dominican Republic currently has 24 additional clean energy projects under construction, representing approximately 2,300 MW of capacity, primarily in solar and wind generation.

These projects are being developed under regulatory requirements that include integrated battery energy storage systems, while government-led investment programs are allocating approximately US$450 million toward transmission and substation upgrades through 2028.

The Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) located in the Bay of Manzanillo further extends the strategic significance of the project. With capacity for 143,000 cubic meters of LNG, the infrastructure establishes a long-term import platform capable of supporting future generation assets and regional energy integration.

A market that foreign capital is noticing

The data confirms what practitioners have been observing: the Dominican Republic's energy sector attracted more FDI than tourism in Q1 2025 - the first time the energy sector has led FDI inflows in the country's modern history. For investors evaluating Caribbean exposure, that sequencing matters. It reflects a market where the regulatory framework is clear, the financing ecosystem is functional, and the technical execution has been demonstrated at scale.

About Energia 2000

Energia 2000 is an energy infrastructure developer focused on large-scale power generation projects in the Dominican Republic. The company specializes in combined-cycle generation, LNG infrastructure, and integrated energy solutions designed to support grid stability and long-term economic development.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292153

Source: PRNews OU
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Tudor Gold Corp. (TSXV: TUD) (FSE: H56) (the "Company" or "Tudor") reports that planning is well advanced for its 2026 Treaty Creek exploration program and provides an update on the land use conflict between Tudor and Seabridge Gold Inc. ("Seabridge") in respect of the KSM Project's Mitchell Treaty Twin Tunnels ("MTT").

Treaty Creek 2026 Exploration Program

Tudor's 2026 Treaty Creek Exploration Program has been planned to follow up on its gold discoveries near Treaty Creek's Goldstorm deposit, which hosts the project's Mineral Resources. Phase One of the program will follow up on drill results from 2021 and 2022 at the CBS Zone, where drill hole CBS-21-02 encountered 0.78 g/t gold and 2.34 g/t silver over 155.0 meters, including 53.0 meters grading 1.24 g/t gold and 4.35 g/t silver. Initially 2,000 meters of drilling is planned for the CBS Zone, with additional drilling dependent on success. The CBS Zone is at a lower elevation than the other zones identified to date at Treaty Creek and can be drilled both earlier and later in the exploration season than the other known zones.

Phase Two of the Treaty Creek Exploration Program will focus on the Perfectstorm Zone following up on geophysics completed in 2022. The program will also follow up on higher-grade drill hole intercepts intersected in the 2023 drill program, where drill hole PS-23-10 intersected 1.23 g/t gold and 3.43 g/t silver over 102.15 meters, including 42.5 meters grading 1.80 g/t gold and 5.76 g/t silver. Initially 8,000 meters of drilling is planned for the Perfectstorm Zone, with additional drilling dependent on success.

Two drills are planned to mobilize to site by mid-May and continue drilling through late September/early October. See Figure 1 for location of the zones and planned drilling.

Figure 1: 2026 Treaty Creek Exploration Program, Zones and Planned Drilling

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Qualified Persons

Ken Konkin, P.Geo., Tudor's Senior Vice President, Exploration, is the Qualified Person, as defined by NI 43-101, responsible for the Treaty Creek Project. Mr. Konkin has reviewed, verified, and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release.

Tudor and Seabridge Land Use Conflict Update

As background, KSM Mining ULC ("KSM"), a subsidiary of Seabridge, has filed a permit amendment application for the construction and operation of the MTT with the Major Mines Office ("MMO") of British Columbia's Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals. The approximately 22-kilometer-long MTT, as currently conceived by KSM, is only partially permitted to date. Seabridge and KSM seek to develop and route the MTT directly through Treaty Creek's Goldstorm Deposit. The MTT would also pierce Treaty Creek's Perfectstorm Zone, a promising new gold discovery which has potential to exceed the Goldstorm Deposit in both tonnes and grade.

Tudor highlights that the decision maker reviewing the permit amendment application for the MMO advised, in a letter to Seabridge dated April 9, 2026, the decision was made not to proceed to deliberate on KSM's permit amendment application in the absence of greater legal certainty regarding the interaction between the proposed MTT and the overlapping mineral titles held by Tudor. Of note, the decision maker indicated that the certainty could potentially be provided by a negotiated agreement between KSM and Tudor to resolve the conflict or a court ruling.

In order to preserve Tudor's rights as recorded holder of the mineral claims where the Treaty Creek Project is located, Tudor has filed two proceedings in the British Columbia courts:

A notice of civil claim, filed September 22, 2025 in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, against the Province asserting, among other things, that a conditional registration reserve (or "CRR") does not apply to Tudor's mineral claims and cannot grant rights to third parties that they did not otherwise have; and

A petition, filed October 3, 2025 in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, seeking, among other things, a judicial review of the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship's decision to grant Seabridge a License of Occupation covering certain of Tudor's claims.

Tudor had also previously filed an appeal of the decision of B.C.'s Gold Commissioner. This appeal was settled between Seabridge, Tudor, and the Province and the crux of the complaint is addressed in the two proceedings noted above.

Tudor's preference is to negotiate with the Province of British Columbia and Seabridge.

As of this writing, no court dates have been set for hearing these two actions.

About Treaty Creek Project

Treaty Creek's Goldstorm Deposit hosts Indicated Mineral Resources of 24.9 million ounces of gold, 148.7 million ounces of silver and 3.048 billion pounds of copper (912.3 million tonnes grading 0.85 g/t gold, 5.07 g/t silver and 0.15% copper) and Inferred Mineral Resources of 2.6 million ounces of gold, 7.2 million ounces of silver and 67.9 million pounds of copper (21.8 million tonnes grading 3.64 g/t gold, 10.22 g/t silver and 0.14% copper). The Goldstorm Deposit remains open in all directions, and a permit application has been filed for approval to construct an underground ramp for access to drill the high-grade gold SC-1 Zone. A Preliminary Economic Assessment on placing the Goldstorm Deposit in production as an underground mine is now underway.

In addition to the Goldstorm Deposit, Treaty Creek hosts other recent gold discoveries nearby: the CBS, Eureka and Perfectstorm zones. A 10,000-meter plus drill program is planned to commence in May targeting the further exploration of these zones.

About Tudor Gold

Tudor Gold Corp. is a precious and base metals exploration and development company with claims in British Columbia's Golden Triangle (Canada), an area that hosts producing and past-producing mines and several large deposits that are approaching potential development. The 17,913-hectare Treaty Creek Project (in which Tudor Gold has an 80% interest) borders Seabridge Gold Inc.'s KSM property to the southwest and borders Newmont Corporation's Brucejack Mine property to the southeast.

For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.tudor-gold.com or contact:

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the completion and anticipated results of planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company's planned exploration activities will be completed in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, fluctuating gold prices, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators.

Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292384

Source: Tudor Gold Corp.
Manila, Philippines--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - St. Augustine Gold and Copper Limited (TSX: SAU) ("St. Augustine" or the "Company") is pleased to provide the following corporate update in connection with its ongoing evaluation of development priorities and capital planning activities relating to the Kingking Copper-Gold Project (the "Project").

As part of the ordinary course of managing its business and assessing future development pathways, the Company regularly reviews a range of technical, regulatory, operational and financial considerations relevant to the Project. In this context, from time to time and in the course of evaluating strategic and development alternatives, it has engaged in and continues to engage in discussions with a range of public and private financial institutions, strategic counterparties and other potential sources of capital.

These discussions may, among other things, encompass high-level considerations relating to funding approaches that are typically associated with large-scale mining projects, including work that could ultimately support the preparation of a Definitive Feasibility Study (the "DFS"). While such discussions continue to be undertaken, the Company emphasizes that it has not made any determination to pursue any specific financing transaction or development pathway at this time and there is no assurance that any future financing or development initiative will be pursued or completed.

About St. Augustine

St. Augustine (SAU.T) is a TSX-listed mining company focused on the development of the King-king Copper-Gold Project. The Project is one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the world and is listed as a top three-priority mining project by the Philippine government.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This announcement includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. While we consider these assumptions to be reasonable based on currently available information, they may prove to be incorrect. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking information is also subject to certain factors, including risks and uncertainties, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's current expectations, including changes in market conditions, governmental or regulatory developments and general economic conditions. Other risks and uncertainties related to the Company are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2025 and filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information contained in this announcement is based on our current estimates, expectations and projections, which we believe are reasonable as of the current date. You should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely on this information as of any other date. While we may elect to, we are under no obligation and do not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required by applicable securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292375

Source: St. Augustine Gold and Copper Limited
Kelowna, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Strathmore Plus Uranium Corporation (CSE: SUU) (OTCQB: SUUFF) ("Strathmore" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that exploration drilling at the Agate Project began on, Monday April 13th. The Agate Property is a potential in-situ recovery project located in the Shirley Basin Uranium District of central Wyoming. Agate borders both Cameco and UEC projects and lies close to UR-Energy's satellite in-situ mine that is currently under construction and planned for startup of operations this spring 2026.

For the Spring 2026 exploration project, the Company plans to drill up to 50 holes, targeting on-trend mineralization previously defined in 2023-25. Strathmore has completed over 250 drill holes to date, with mineralization intersected in 95% of all holes. The Company hopes to continue this high level of success during its spring drilling program.



The Goals of the 2026 Program are as follows:

Discover new undocumented mineralization

Perform step-out drilling to define and extend the known trends

Verify and validate historic Kerr McGee drilling records

Identify new claim additions

Drilling contractor Single Water Services of Glenrock, Wyoming, and geophysical logging specialist Hawkins CBM Logging, of Cody, Wyoming were retained once again for the Spring drilling project. Both companies have extensive experience completing exploration and development work on uranium projects across the state. Hawkins readily calibrates their geophysical tools at the US Department of Energy's nearby uranium test pits in Casper, Wyoming.





Map 1. Agate Target Areas S2026



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3282/292285_nr%20template_ag_april13.jpg

About the Agate Property:

The Agate property consists of 124 wholly owned lode mining claims covering ~2,560 acres. Uranium mineralization is contained in classic Wyoming-type roll fronts within the Eocene Wind River Formation, an arkosic-rich sandstone. Historically, 53 million pounds of uranium were mined in Shirley Basin, including from open-pit, underground, and the first commercial in-situ recovery operation in the USA during the 1960s. At the property, the uranium mineralization is shallow, from 20 to approximately 150 feet deep, much of which appears below the water table and likely amenable to in-situ recovery. Kerr McGee Corporation, the largest US uranium mining company at the time, completed extensive drilling across the greater project area in the 1970s, delineating areas of historical resources and potential mineralization. Strathmore completed 250 holes during the 2023-25 drilling programs, including installation of five monitor wells for groundwater studies and recovery of core for chemical assays and XRF analysis at the University of Wyoming.

About Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp:

Strathmore is focused on discovering uranium deposits in Wyoming, and has three permitted uranium projects including Agate, Beaver Rim, and Night Owl. The Agate and Beaver Rim properties contain uranium in typical Wyoming-type roll front deposits based on historical drilling data. The Night Owl property is a former producing surface mine that was in production in the early 1960s.

Cautionary Statement: "Neither the CSE Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in policies of the CSE Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release".

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been Reviewed and Approved on behalf of the Company by Terrence A. Osier, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for Strathmore Plus Uranium, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Dev Randhawa"

Dev Randhawa, CEO

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp. disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292285

Source: Strathmore Plus Uranium Corp.
The mission of LZE GmbH is to translate technologies from research into products and, as a fabless semiconductor company, to bring high-performance integrated circuits and semiconductor solutions to market. This also applies to the unique FH3DXX family of 3D magnetic field sensors, which is based on the innovative HallinOne technology developed by Fraunhofer IIS and has already been successfully established in the market. To further expand the HallinOne sensor family, LZE GmbH is strengthening its semiconductor sales network through a cooperation with Karl Kruse GmbH Co. KG. For Karl Kruse, the partnership marks its entry into the field of magnetic field sensor technology.

As a fabless semiconductor manufacturer, LZE GmbH has successfully commercialized the patented HallinOne technology of Fraunhofer IIS over the past years among others with the dual 3D magnetic field sensor FH3D02 as well as additional standard components. The HallinOne family is now gaining a significant innovation:

FH3D04 Quad 3D Hall sensor for 6D position measurement

True 6D position measurement three translational and three rotational degrees of freedom typically requires complex sensor arrays along with sophisticated synchronization and calibration.

The FH3D04 developed by Fraunhofer IIS integrates four 3D Hall sensors on a single chip in a 1.5 mm grid, with a compact package size of only 2.5 2.5 0.6 mm and measurement rates of up to 80 kHz. This enables, for the first time, practical and robust 6D position measurement solutions for applications such as joysticks, gimbals, and precise magnetic field mapping.

One key requirement that can be implemented with minimal additional effort is immunity to external magnetic fields. Thanks to an integrated coil, the sensor components are capable of self-diagnosis not only on a single axis, but across multiple axes. This also enables compliance with SIL requirements.

Further features of the HallinOne technology and the new FH3D04 sensor, the resulting advantages, and additional suitable application areas are described in the corresponding datasheets and product documentation.

Karl Kruse GmbH Co. KG, headquartered in Dusseldorf, Germany, has been appointed as the distributor for the FH3D04 Quad 3D Hall sensor for 6D position measurement as well as other products of the HallinOne family. As a globally active distributor of electronic components, Karl Kruse is thereby entering the magnetic field sensor market.

Strengthening market position: Cooperation between LZE GmbH and Karl Kruse GmbH Co. KG

Dr. Christian Forster, Managing Director of LZE GmbH, emphasizes the strategic importance of the cooperation with Karl Kruse as a globally active distributor: "The demand for precise and robust position sensing is growing rapidly and with the HallinOne technology we are able to provide answers that clearly exceed current market standards. The FH3D04 represents a technological step forward, enabling new degrees of freedom for developers while simplifying system design. With Karl Kruse, we have gained a distribution partner who will make this technology visible internationally and further strengthen our growth in the semiconductor market."

Klaus Kruse, Managing Director of Karl Kruse GmbH Co. KG, adds his perspective: "The decision to include Fraunhofer IIS sensor technology in our portfolio is a strategic step to expand our product offering with innovative and highly precise technologies. In particular, our entry into magnetic field sensor technology opens up new opportunities to strengthen our market position and to offer advanced solutions for industries such as automation, medical technology, automotive engineering, and other applications and sectors."

Pricing and samples available immediately via Karl Kruse GmbH Co. KG

Further information on the FH3D04 is available at: https://kruse.de/

About LZE GmbH, Erlangen, Germany

LZE GmbH acts as a bridge between science and the market. Together with strong research partners from a wide range of disciplines, LZE has developed effective and efficient tools in numerous commercialization projects that facilitate the transfer of cutting-edge scientific results into industrially applicable solutions. In this way, inventions are transformed into market-ready innovations.

As a marketplace for advanced technologies, LZE provides companies with access to novel developments and products as well as comprehensive services supporting market entry. In addition, LZE directly commercializes leading-edge technologies originating from research institutions.

More information: https://www.lze-innovation.de/en

About Karl Kruse GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany

Karl Kruse is a globally active distributor of electronic components, including highly reliable products and niche solutions. The company specializes in providing tailored solutions for critical sourcing situations across areas such as acoustics, optoelectronics, sensor technology, electromechanical components, active and passive devices as well as peripheral equipment.

Thanks to extensive product and market expertise, Karl Kruse supports customers with effective solutions related to product life-cycle challenges, component obsolescence, and supply shortages.

The combination of innovative ideas and strong customer orientation has made Kruse Electronics a preferred supplier for contract electronic manufacturers (CEMs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and engineering service providers worldwide. The company supports customers with sampling, reliable pricing, inventory management, packaging, and the required logistics services.

More information https://kruse.de/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414011092/en/

Contacts:

Press contact

Gizem Sarigul

LZE GmbH

Tel.: +49 9131 9289492

E-Mail: gizem.sariguel@lze-innovation.de
BAGHDAD, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking move, the first of its kind in Iraq, Asiacell has launched an agreement to open a 5G lab at Al-Nahrain University's College of Information Engineering, with the support and sponsorship of the Communications and Media Commission, to empower the next generation of Iraqi engineers and innovators.

Asiacell, the leading provider of telecommunications and digital services in Iraq, with the support and sponsorship of the Communications and Media Commission 'CMC' and in cooperation with Al-Nahrain University's College of Information Engineering, one of Iraq's most prominent universities, announced an agreement to open the first 5G lab dedicated to educational and research purposes in Iraq, marking the first practical and real-world use of 5G technology on Iraqi soil. The partnership agreement was signed during an official ceremony held at Asiacell's headquarters in Baghdad, the capital, in the presence of the CMC's Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Dr. Eng. Balasim Salem, and board members Mr. Hisham Al-Rikabi and Mr. Dana Asaad, as well as representatives from Asiacell, Al-Nahrain University, and distinguished academic and official figures.

This lab will represent a significant landmark in Iraq's digital transformation journey, providing an advanced educational and research ecosystem that allows engineering and information and communications technology students to directly engage with 5G networks and their practical applications, ranging from the Internet of Things 'IoT' and artificial intelligence to ultra-high-speed communications and advanced computing. The lab will also help bridge the gap between academic curricula and the rapidly evolving demands of the telecommunications and technology job market.

The launch of this lab aligns with Asiacell's strategic vision to lead Iraq's digital transformation and early preparation for 5G technologies through continuous investment in digital infrastructure, building national capabilities, and fostering an innovation ecosystem. The opening of the 5G lab at Al-Nahrain University is a practical demonstration of Asiacell's commitment to supporting education and innovation and strengthening partnerships between the private and academic sectors to build a comprehensive Iraqi digital ecosystem.

On this occasion, Amer Sanna, CEO of Asiacell, said: "We are proud that Asiacell is the first to bring 5G technology to practical real-world use in Iraq, and that the launch is taking place within a prestigious Iraqi university like Al-Nahrain University. This lab is not just a technological facility; it is an investment in the minds of our youth and the future of our digital nation. At Asiacell, we believe that empowering the next generation with modern technological tools is the best way to build a globally competitive digital Iraq."

Engineer Balasem Salem, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Communications and Media Commission, stated: "The Commission is always keen to support the education sector in Iraq with several projects within the future vision for developing the communications sector in Iraq. The lab project is one of these visions, ensuring the provision of infrastructure for students to learn about and work with the latest technologies practically, thus guaranteeing graduates specializing in 5G technologies."

For his part, Professor Dr. Hikmat Najm Abdullah, Dean of the College of Information Engineering, said: "The opening of the 5G lab at Al-Nahrain University represents a qualitative leap in the progress of engineering and technical education in Iraq." Making this advanced technology available to our students and researchers will contribute to developing Iraqi talents capable of leading digital transformation projects both locally and internationally. We highly value our partnership with Asiacell and look forward to expanding this cooperation to serve higher education and scientific research in Iraq.

This launch comes as part of a series of strategic initiatives implemented by Asiacell to enhance the innovation and digital transformation ecosystem in Iraq, including preparation for the commercial rollout of the 5G network upon as soon as official approvals are obtained, and expanding its partnerships with global academic and technological institutions. Asiacell remains committed to providing advanced services that meet the highest international standards and keep Iraqis constantly connected.

About Asiacell Asiacell is the leading provider of mobile telecommunications and digital services in Iraq, with around 20 million subscribers. Recognized as the first mobile telecommunications company to operate in Iraq, Asiacell delivers nationwide coverage at the highest quality 4G+ service, reaching more than 99.06% of the population. With a strong commitment to innovation, service quality, and digital inclusion, Asiacell continues to lead Iraq's market in driving digital transformation. Since January 2015, it has been proud to be the top internet service provider in Iraq, delivering the best quality communication network.

Website: www.asiacell.com

Public Relations Department - Asiacell: public.relations@asiacell.com

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The Green Surfactants And Emulsifiers Market is witnessing steady expansion driven by rising environmental awareness, stricter regulatory frameworks, and increasing demand for biodegradable and plant-based ingredients across personal care, household cleaning, food processing, and industrial applications. Companies are shifting toward renewable raw materials to reduce carbon footprints while maintaining product performance. Technological advancements in bio-refining and green chemistry, along with consumer preference for eco-friendly formulations, are accelerating adoption and encouraging investments across sustainable chemical manufacturing ecosystems worldwide.

LEWES, Del., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Green Surfactants And Emulsifiers Market was worth USD 1.32 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.73 Billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2027 and 2035.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketresearchintellect.com/download-sample/?rid=382559

202 - Pages

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Scope Of The Report

REPORT

ATTRIBUTES DETAILS STUDY PERIOD 2020-2031 BASE YEAR 2024 FORECAST PERIOD 2026-2033 HISTORICAL PERIOD 2020-2024 UNIT Value (USD Billion) KEY COMPANIES PROFILED BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, Croda International Plc, Clariant AG, Dow Inc., Solvay S.A., Stepan Company, Huntsman Corporation, Kao Corporation, and Arkema Group. SEGMENTS COVERED By Type, By Application And By Geography CUSTOMIZATION SCOPE Free report customization (equivalent to up to 4 analyst working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope

Green Surfactants And Emulsifiers Market Overview

1. Rising Demand for Sustainable and Bio-Based Chemicals

The global transition toward environmentally responsible products is significantly boosting demand for green surfactants and emulsifiers. Traditional petrochemical-based surfactants are increasingly being replaced with biodegradable alternatives derived from renewable sources such as plant oils, sugars, and natural fats. Consumers are becoming more conscious about ingredient transparency, toxicity levels, and ecological impact, compelling manufacturers to reformulate products using sustainable inputs. Regulatory agencies worldwide are also promoting environmentally safe chemicals, further encouraging adoption. Industries including cosmetics, detergents, agriculture, and food processing are integrating green chemistry principles into production strategies. These bio-based solutions reduce water pollution, improve biodegradability, and minimize environmental toxicity compared to synthetic variants. Moreover, brands promoting sustainability credentials are gaining stronger consumer trust, reinforcing market expansion. Continuous innovation in fermentation technology and enzymatic synthesis is improving performance characteristics, making green surfactants increasingly competitive with conventional chemical alternatives in both cost efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Expansion of Personal Care and Cosmetics Applications

Personal care and cosmetics represent one of the largest application segments driving market growth. Consumers increasingly prefer clean-label skincare, haircare, and cosmetic products free from harsh synthetic chemicals. Green surfactants derived from coconut oil, sugar-based compounds, and amino acids offer mild cleansing properties suitable for sensitive skin formulations. Cosmetic manufacturers are adopting these ingredients to align with organic, vegan, and cruelty-free product trends. Additionally, regulatory scrutiny surrounding sulfate-based surfactants is encouraging companies to shift toward natural substitutes. Green emulsifiers play a critical role in stabilizing creams, lotions, and serums while improving texture and shelf life without environmental harm. Premium beauty brands are leveraging sustainable ingredients as key marketing differentiators, fueling product innovation. Emerging markets are also witnessing rising disposable incomes and increased awareness of sustainable beauty products, further expanding demand. As formulation science advances, bio-based ingredients are achieving enhanced foam stability, emulsification efficiency, and compatibility with modern cosmetic formulations.

3. Growth in Household Cleaning and Detergent Industry

The household cleaning sector is rapidly adopting green surfactants due to increasing environmental regulations and consumer concerns about chemical exposure. Eco-friendly detergents, dishwashing liquids, and surface cleaners are gaining popularity as households prioritize safer indoor environments and reduced ecological impact. Green surfactants offer effective cleaning performance while being biodegradable and less toxic to aquatic ecosystems. Manufacturers are investing in plant-derived ingredients that provide comparable or superior cleaning efficiency compared to traditional chemical surfactants. Retailers are also expanding shelf space dedicated to sustainable cleaning brands, signaling strong consumer demand. Governments across regions are promoting eco-label certifications, encouraging manufacturers to comply with sustainability standards. Innovations in formulation technology are improving foam control, grease removal, and water compatibility of green cleaning products. Furthermore, growing urbanization and hygiene awareness following global health concerns have accelerated the adoption of environmentally responsible cleaning solutions worldwide.

4. Advancements in Green Chemistry and Biotechnology

Technological progress in biotechnology and green chemistry is transforming the production landscape for surfactants and emulsifiers. Bio-fermentation processes, enzymatic synthesis, and microbial-based production methods are enabling scalable manufacturing of sustainable ingredients. These technologies reduce reliance on fossil resources while lowering greenhouse gas emissions during production. Researchers are developing next-generation biosurfactants such as rhamnolipids and sophorolipids that demonstrate superior biodegradability and low toxicity. Improved processing efficiency is also helping manufacturers reduce production costs, addressing one of the major barriers to adoption. Partnerships between chemical companies and biotechnology firms are accelerating commercialization of innovative solutions. Additionally, advances in synthetic biology allow precise control over molecular structures, enhancing performance characteristics for specialized industrial applications. Governments and research institutions are funding sustainability-focused innovation programs, supporting market growth. As production technologies mature, green surfactants are expected to achieve wider industrial acceptance across diverse end-use sectors.

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5. Increasing Regulatory Support and Environmental Policies

Regulatory frameworks worldwide are playing a critical role in shaping the green surfactants and emulsifiers market. Environmental agencies are implementing stricter rules on chemical toxicity, wastewater discharge, and biodegradability standards, pushing industries toward sustainable alternatives. Policies targeting reduction of volatile organic compounds and non-biodegradable chemicals are accelerating adoption across manufacturing sectors. Certification programs such as eco-labels and sustainable sourcing standards encourage companies to reformulate products using renewable ingredients. Compliance with international environmental norms is becoming essential for global trade, particularly in developed markets. Governments are also providing incentives for bio-based chemical production, including tax benefits and research funding. These supportive regulations not only enhance environmental protection but also create growth opportunities for innovative companies. Businesses adopting sustainable practices gain competitive advantages through improved brand reputation and regulatory compliance. As environmental legislation continues to evolve, demand for green surfactants is expected to strengthen significantly.

6. Rising Adoption in Food Processing and Agriculture

Green emulsifiers are increasingly utilized in food processing applications to enhance texture, stability, and shelf life while meeting clean-label requirements. Food manufacturers prefer naturally derived emulsifiers that align with consumer demand for minimally processed ingredients. Plant-based emulsifiers help maintain product consistency in dairy alternatives, bakery goods, sauces, and beverages. Similarly, agriculture is adopting biosurfactants for pesticide formulation, soil conditioning, and crop protection solutions. These eco-friendly alternatives reduce environmental contamination and improve biodegradability compared to conventional agrochemicals. Sustainable agriculture practices and organic farming trends are further boosting adoption. Regulatory approvals for bio-based additives are expanding market opportunities globally. Innovations in fermentation-derived ingredients are improving cost efficiency and scalability, enabling broader industrial use. The growing intersection between food safety, sustainability, and agricultural productivity positions green surfactants and emulsifiers as essential components in future food and farming systems.

7. Corporate Sustainability Commitments Driving Market Growth

Major multinational corporations are integrating sustainability goals into their operational strategies, significantly influencing demand for green chemical ingredients. Companies across consumer goods, chemicals, and food industries are committing to carbon neutrality, reduced plastic waste, and renewable sourcing targets. Green surfactants and emulsifiers support these initiatives by lowering environmental impact throughout product lifecycles. Brands increasingly disclose sustainability metrics, encouraging suppliers to adopt environmentally friendly raw materials. Strategic collaborations between ingredient suppliers and consumer brands are fostering innovation and accelerating commercialization of green formulations. Investors are also prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, directing capital toward sustainable chemical solutions. Supply chain transparency and responsible sourcing practices are becoming industry standards. As sustainability transitions from optional branding to business necessity, demand for green surfactants is expected to grow steadily across global industries.

8. Market Challenges and Future Opportunities

Despite strong growth prospects, the market faces challenges including higher production costs and limited raw material availability compared to petrochemical alternatives. Price sensitivity in developing markets can slow adoption, particularly in cost-driven industries. However, economies of scale and technological advancements are expected to reduce manufacturing costs over time. Increasing research investments are improving product performance, enabling broader industrial acceptance. Opportunities exist in emerging markets where sustainability awareness is rapidly rising alongside industrialization. Digital supply chain optimization and renewable feedstock sourcing are improving operational efficiency. Companies focusing on innovation, partnerships, and localized production strategies are likely to gain competitive advantages. The integration of circular economy principles and waste-derived raw materials also presents new growth avenues. Overall, continued innovation and supportive regulations are expected to overcome current barriers and unlock long-term expansion opportunities.

Geographic Dominance:

Europe currently leads the Green Surfactants And Emulsifiers Market due to strong environmental regulations, sustainability initiatives, and widespread adoption of bio-based chemicals across personal care and cleaning industries. Countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands actively promote green chemistry innovation through policy incentives and research funding. North America follows closely, supported by increasing consumer awareness and corporate sustainability commitments in the United States and Canada. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing regional market, driven by expanding manufacturing sectors, rising middle-class populations, and growing demand for eco-friendly consumer products in China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Government initiatives encouraging biodegradable chemicals and renewable sourcing are accelerating regional adoption. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are gradually adopting green formulations as environmental awareness improves and multinational companies expand sustainable product portfolios into developing economies.

Green Surfactants And Emulsifiers Market Key Players Shaping the Future

The competitive landscape of the Green Surfactants And Emulsifiers Market is shaped by major global chemical and ingredient manufacturers investing heavily in sustainable innovation and bio-based product development. Key players include BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, Croda International Plc, Clariant AG, Dow Inc., Solvay S.A., Stepan Company, Huntsman Corporation, Kao Corporation, and Arkema Group.

These companies focus on research partnerships, biotechnology integration, renewable feedstock sourcing, and product portfolio expansion to strengthen market presence. Strategic collaborations with consumer goods brands and increased investment in green chemistry technologies are enabling these organizations to accelerate commercialization and meet growing global demand for environmentally friendly surfactant solutions.

Green Surfactants And Emulsifiers Market Segment Analysis

The Green Surfactants And Emulsifiers Market is segmented based on By Type, By Application, and Geography, providing a comprehensive framework for industry analysis:

By Type

Bio-Based Surfactants Sugar-based surfactants Alcohol ethoxylates (bio-derived) Amino acid surfactants Biosurfactants (rhamnolipids, sophorolipids)

Green Emulsifiers Plant-derived emulsifiers Lecithin-based emulsifiers Protein-based emulsifiers Natural fatty acid esters



By Application

Personal Care & Cosmetics

Household Cleaning Products

Food & Beverage Processing

Agriculture & Agrochemicals

Industrial & Institutional Cleaning

Pharmaceuticals

By Geography

North America United States Canada

Europe Germany France UK Italy Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific China India Japan South Korea Southeast Asia

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

Information Technology and Telecom

The Chemicals and Materials sector plays a vital role in the growth of the Green Surfactants And Emulsifiers Market, as manufacturers increasingly transition toward sustainable raw materials and environmentally responsible production methods. Traditional petrochemical-based ingredients are gradually being replaced with renewable feedstocks such as plant oils, natural fats, sugars, and bio-fermented compounds. Advances in green chemistry enable the development of high-performance surfactants that maintain efficiency while reducing toxicity and environmental impact. Material innovation focuses on biodegradability, low carbon emissions, and improved lifecycle performance, aligning with global sustainability goals. Chemical companies are investing heavily in bio-refining technologies and circular economy practices to optimize resource utilization and minimize waste generation. Additionally, regulatory pressures encouraging safer chemical formulations are accelerating adoption across industrial applications. Collaboration between material scientists, biotechnology firms, and chemical manufacturers continues to drive innovation, ensuring scalable production and broader commercial adoption of eco-friendly surfactant and emulsifier solutions worldwide.

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A secure digital platform that transforms supplier collaboration to help customers achieve flexibility, growth, and faster time to market

PORTSMOUTH, N.H., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Loftware today announced the launch of Loftware Connect, a transformative new platform that redefines how organizations manage product identification across global supply chains. Representing the most significant technology launch in the company's history, Loftware Connect introduces the industry's first secure, scalable network that connects companies with their trading partners, replacing fragmented coordination with a unified digital foundation designed to improve resilience, compliance, and speed.

In an era defined by volatility, supply chains are only as strong as their weakest link. A single breakdown in product identification accuracy, regulatory compliance, or authentication can halt production lines, delay shipments, trigger recalls, and erode brand trust. As supply chain networks grow more distributed and regulatory requirements more complex, traditional siloed systems can no longer keep pace.

Loftware Connect addresses this challenge by shifting product identification from isolated enterprise systems to a dynamic collaborative network. The platform establishes structured digital connections between organizations and their trading partners, creating visibility and governance across every interaction that supports product identification and supply chain execution.

"With Loftware Connect, we are building the infrastructure of trust for modern global commerce," said Jim Bureau, CEO of Loftware. "For decades, product identification has been managed within the four walls of the enterprise. But goods move across borders, through suppliers, co-packers, and distribution centers, creating costly unknowns like a mislabeled component delaying an assembly line or triggering regulatory fines. The future requires fast and seamless collaboration. Loftware Connect ensures that every partner, every process, and every product identity is aligned, so when disruption occurs, our customers stay ahead of it. With Loftware, it's all right there."

By enabling organizations to onboard suppliers rapidly and at scale, standardize product identification processes across regions, and ensure accuracy at every point of delivery, Loftware Connect delivers measurable business outcomes. Companies can reduce rejected shipments, avoid regulatory fines, lower operational and compliance costs, and accelerate order processing, all while improving inventory velocity and minimizing downtime across global operations.

As disruptions become inevitable - whether driven by regulatory change, geopolitical instability, or shifting market demand - organizations that can see across their supplier network and coordinate in real time gain the agility to adapt quickly. Loftware Connect provides the necessary speed and control, helping organizations translate insight into rapid, confident action.

"Loftware Connect represents a category-defining shift for our industry," said Michelle Northey, Chief Product Officer at Loftware. "We designed this product solution to validate the core features of a connected trading partner network: secure connections, governed collaboration, and controlled information distribution. This is the beginning of a broader journey toward intelligent and network-driven supply chain coordination that will continue to expand to address our customers' largest supply chain challenges."

Loftware Connect establishes the foundation of this network through secure connection management and workspace-based collaboration that replace manual email-driven coordination with a centralized digital experience. Organizations can invite and manage suppliers through a structured process, track onboarding in real time, and enable suppliers to self-register and participate directly within the network, significantly reducing administrative burden while accelerating time to value.

Within the Loftware Connect platform, shared workspaces create controlled environments for collaboration, enabling companies to distribute standardized printing instructions. Each connection point in the supply chain defines how it wants goods identified and securely publishes that format to the network. Authorized trading partners simply subscribe to that connection point, automatically identifying and labeling products in the manner required for their partners to receive goods without requiring direct access to label templates or core systems.

This approach ensures compliance while simplifying execution. By formalizing how identification requirements are distributed and governed, Loftware introduces a scalable, low-touch model for supplier printing that allows organizations to change requirements without disrupting suppliers; saving companies billions while improving operational consistency across global supply chains.

With this product launch, Loftware sets a new standard for how product identity is managed in a connected world; securely linking systems, partners, and processes into a unified network built for speed, scale, and trust. Join the upcoming webinar to learn more.

About Loftware

Loftware is the global leader in product identification. Our cloud-based solutions power real-time collaboration, ensure compliance, improve authenticity, and deliver supply chain traceability from product development to consumer engagement. We provide scalable, data-driven labeling and packaging technologies that help companies boost speed to market, enhance efficiency, and connect physical products to digital experiences. Trusted by global brands and backed by over 40 years of innovation, Loftware supports customers across industries with offices in the US, UK, Slovenia, China, and Singapore.

Media contact: Laura Hindley, Senior PR & Communications Manager, lhindley@loftware.com

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Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Canamera Energy Metals Corp. (CSE: EMET) (OTCQB: EMETF) (FSE: 4LF0) ("Canamera" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the successful completion of its due diligence auger drill program at the Patos rare earth element project ("Patos" or the "Project"), located in Presidente Olegario, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Company completed 11 auger drill holes totalling approximately 78 metres between March 10 and March 26, 2026. A total of 66 samples have been submitted to SGS Geosol in Vespasiano for multi-element analysis, including rare earth elements and titanium. Assay results are expected within 4-6 weeks.

DRILL COLLAR TABLE

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DATUM SIRGAS 2000 ZONE 23

The Patos drill program was conducted as part of Canamera's due diligence evaluation of the Project in relation to its potential acquisition of an option ("Option") to acquire a 100% interest in the Project (please see news release dated February 26, 2026). The Company will have 30 days following receipt of assay results to complete its due diligence evaluation and determine whether to proceed with acquiring the Option ("Initial Due Diligence"). See Option Terms below for further details.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Drilling successfully intersected the target geological sequence across the Project - surface Red Latosol overlying ferruginous crusts and laterite, grading into zones of saprolitic material containing abundant kaolin fragments, indicating the host profile for potential ionic clay REE mineralization. This saprolitic zone is believed to be derived from a kamafugite host and is characterized by purplish coloration, friable texture, the presence of kaolin, and varying degrees of magnetic response. In the deepest holes TPO-03,08,10, the target profile was penetrated through to the underlying Areado Group, providing a complete stratigraphic cross-section of the mineralized horizon.

"We are very pleased with the execution of the Patos due diligence program," said Brad Brodeur, CEO of Canamera Energy Metals Corp. "Our field team completed 11 auger holes across the Project and confirmed the geological profile we expected to see - a well-developed kamafugite-derived regolith sequence that is consistent with the ionic clay REE model that has attracted growing attention across the Mata da Corda region. The geology is encouraging, and we now await assay results to inform our acquisition decision."

Program Details

The 11-hole program was designed to test the character and distribution of ionic adsorption clay-hosted rare earth mineralization across the Patos property, which comprises eight prospecting licences totalling approximately 15,979 hectares underlain by the Patos Formation of the Mata da Corda Group.

Individual borehole depths ranged from 3 metres to 12 metres, with depth of advancement controlled by ground conditions including the position of the water table, borehole stability, and the presence of resistant lateritic horizons. The deepest hole, TPO-03, reached 12 metres and exhibited a typical sequence consisting of Latosol, followed by ferruginous crust (laterite), and kamafugite-derived material to a depth 11.7 metres before intersecting the Areado Group contact. Several holes, including TPO-10 (10 metres) and TPO-11 (9 metres), similarly penetrated thick sections of the target material, with kaolin-rich zones and colour variations consistent with advanced weathering of kamafugite source rock.

Field operations were supervised by consulting geologist Rodrigo de Brito Mello, who was responsible for borehole execution, sample control, and validation of field procedures. Despite challenging conditions - including intense rainfall that temporarily suspended operations and geotechnical obstacles such as borehole instability and resistant lateritic horizons - the field team completed the program within the planned timeframe. All boreholes were properly sealed upon completion.

Sample Handling and Quality Control

All 66 samples were collected using one-metre downhole intervals and processed at a dedicated support facility in Presidente Olegario under the supervision of the consulting geologist. Sample preparation procedures included air drying, splitting using a Jones riffle splitter to ensure proper homogenization and representativeness, weighing, and secure packaging. Full chain-of-custody was maintained from collection through laboratory dispatch. The samples have been delivered to SGS Geosol in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais (ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications ABS32982 and ABS 39911), for multielement ICP-OES/MS analysis, including all rare-earth element, for analysis. SGS Geosol is independent of the Canamera. For a further discussion of the Company's data verification and QA/QC processes and procedures, please see its most recently-filed technical report, a copy of which may be obtained under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Option Terms

Should Canamera acquire the Option, then such Option may be exercised by the Company making the following cash and Company share payments ("Option Payments") immediately following completion of Initial Due Diligence:

Cash Consideration: C$228,000 in aggregate, comprising a C$20,000 payment previously made, and a remaining cash payment of C$208,000; and

C$228,000 in aggregate, comprising a C$20,000 payment previously made, and a remaining cash payment of C$208,000; and Share Consideration: Common shares of Canamera having an aggregate deemed value of C$307,800, issued at a price equal to the 10-day volume-weighted average price ("VWAP") of the Company's shares over the 10 trading days immediately prior to closing, subject to applicable Canadian securities laws and CSE approval. Fifty percent (50%) of the shares will be held in escrow for four (4) months and the remaining fifty percent (50%) for six (6) months from the date of issuance.

Upon making the Option Payments, Canamera will acquire a 100% interest in the Project, subject to a 2% net smelter return royalty ("NSR") in favor of the optionor (and the obligation to make the Milestone Payments described below). Canamera will have the right to buy back 50% of the NSR (reducing it to a 1% NSR) for C$228,000 upon certain terms and conditions.

Milestone Payments

Subject to acquiring and exercising the Option, Canamera has also agreed to pay the following milestone payment amounts ("Milestone Payments") to the optionor:

Milestone Payment 1: C$342,000 (comprised of 50% cash / 50% Company shares at 20-day VWAP) payable if Canamera reports, in respect of the Project, a 43-101-compliant Inferred Resource of 250 million tonnes or more, grading at least 2,000 ppm Total Rare Earth Oxides ("TREO") within five (5) years from the date of acquisition.

Milestone Payment 2: C$228,000 (comprised of 50% cash / 50% Company shares at 20-day VWAP) payable if Canamera reports, in respect of the Project, drill intercepts of 25 metres grading at least 2,500 ppm TREO within three (3) years from the date of acquisition.

About the Patos Project

The Patos Project consists of eight prospecting licences (ANM Licence IDs: 830763/2024 through 830771/2024) totalling approximately 15,979 hectares in the municipality of Presidente Olegario, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Project is road accessible and situated approximately 330 kilometres from Belo Horizonte.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Warren Robb, P.Geo. (British Columbia), VP Exploration of Canamera Energy Metals Corp. and a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101").

About Canamera Energy Metals Corp.

Canamera Energy Metals Corp. is a rare earth elements exploration and development company with an expanding project portfolio across Brazil, the United States, and Canada. The Company is focused on advancing ionic clay REE projects in Brazil and critical mineral assets in North America to support Western rare earth supply chain independence. For more information, visit www.canamerametals.com.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the anticipated receipt of assay results and the expected timeframe for such results; the Company's intention to evaluate the Patos Project for potential acquisition based on drill results; the Company's plans with respect to whether it will acquire the option to acquire the Patos Project; the potential for the Patos Project to host ionic adsorption clay rare earth mineralization; the amenability of any mineralization discovered to low-cost extraction methods; and the Company's strategy to advance ionic clay REE projects in Brazil and critical mineral assets in North America.

Forward-looking information is based on assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Such assumptions include, without limitation: that assay results are delivered by the laboratory on schedule; that drill results confirm the prospectivity of the Project for ionic clay REE mineralization; that the Company elects to acquire the property option, that it will be able to satisfy the conditions of the option agreement; and that the geological interpretation of the Patos regolith profile is consistent with ionic adsorption clay-hosted rare earth mineralization.

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks include, but are not limited to: delays in the receipt of laboratory assay results; the possibility that drill results do not confirm the prospectivity of the Project; failure to acquire the property option or to exercise or satisfy the conditions of the Patos option agreement; volatility in rare earth commodity prices and market demand; title defects or third-party challenges to the Project; regulatory risks in Brazil; and general exploration risks inherent to the evaluation of mineral properties at an early stage. Readers are referred to the risk factors described in the Company's most recent continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292383

Source: Canamera Energy Metals Corp.
Oversubscribed financing led by Jeito Capital, including additional new investment from Vida Ventures, BPI France, and EIFO, with participation from all existing investors

Proceeds to support the advancement of three first- and best-in-class ADC programs through upcoming clinical milestones

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Adcendo, a biotech company focused on the development of first-and best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancers with high unmet medical need, today announced the successful closing of an oversubscribed $75 million Series C financing round. Proceeds from the fundraise will be used to support Adcendo through multiple upcoming key clinical milestones from the Company's first- and best-in-class ADC pipeline, including the ADCE-T02 (Tissue Factor ADC) Phase I Tiffany-01 Cohort expansion study in multiple high unmet need tumor indications, the ADCE-D01 (uPARAP) ADCElerate1 dose escalation and expansion study in soft tissue sarcoma and other cancers of mesenchymal origin, and the ADCE-B05 (undisclosed target) dose escalation study in squamous cell carcinomas.

The financing round was led by Jeito Capital, with participation from additional new investors Vida Ventures, BPI France, and EIFO (Export and Investment Fund of Denmark), as well as all existing investors, including TCGX, RA Capital Management, TPG, Orbimed, Venrock, Surveyor, Logos Capital, Novo Holdings, Pontifax Venture Capital, Dawn Biopharma, a platform controlled by KKR, HealthCap, Gilde Healthcare and Ysios Capital.

"This successful financing round, led by a distinguished group of life science investors, empowers us to continue advancing our pipeline of breakthrough ADCs for the treatment of underserved cancers," said Michael Pehl, Chief Executive Officer of Adcendo. "We are thrilled to see continued momentum of our first and best-in-class ADCs in clinic, and with the backing of this fundraising we will continue to progress ADCE-T02, ADCE-D01 and ADCE-B05 through upcoming data readouts."

Ksenija Pavletic, General Partner & Chief Commercial Officer at Jeito Capital, commented: "Adcendo stands out in the ADC field as having a noteworthy combination of bold innovation and strong clinical development strategy and execution. With a seasoned team of drug developers and biopharma leaders advancing their differentiated pipeline, we are excited to see the Company's progress toward their mission of delivering next-generation cancer therapies to patients who need them most."

As part of the financing, Adcendo will add Ksenija Pavletic (Jeito Capital) and Rajul Jain (Vida Ventures) to its Board of Directors.

About Adcendo ApS:

Adcendo ApS is a clinical-stage biotechnology company headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with operations in Boston, Massachusetts. The company is developing a pipeline of first- and potential best-in-class antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting cancers with high unmet medical needs. Led by a team of experienced biopharma executives with a track record of advancing multiple ADCs to approval, Adcendo integrates novel targets, optimized linker-payload combinations, and a rationally designed development strategy to drive next-generation cancer therapies. Adcendo is currently advancing three ADCs: 1) ADCE-T02 targeting Tissue Factor, which is overexpressed in a broad range of solid tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, colorectal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer; 2) ADCE-D01 targeting uPARAP, which is overexpressed in high unmet need cancers, including soft tissue sarcoma and other cancers of mesenchymal origin; and 3) ADCE-B05, for which the target is undisclosed, is currently being evaluated pre-clinically in squamous cell solid tumors. For further information, please visit https://adcendo.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Jeito Capital:

Jeito Capital is a global leading Private Equity fund with a patient benefit driven approach that finances and accelerates the development and growth of ground-breaking medical innovation. With 1.6bn in assets under management, Jeito Capital empowers and supports managers through its expert, integrated, multi-talented team and through the investment of significant capital to ensure the growth of companies, building market leaders in their respective therapeutic areas with accelerated patients' access globally, especially in Europe and the United States. Jeito Capital has built a diversified portfolio of clinical Biopharmas with cutting-edge innovations addressing high unmet needs. Jeito Capital is based in Paris with a presence in Europe and the United States.

For more information, please visit www.jeito.life or follow us on LinkedIn.

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The Bruch Family Foundation Poland Trip enables young people to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau, preserving history through firsthand learning and Holocaust remembrance.

MIAMI, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zach Bruch (32) and Max Bruch (28), brothers and cofounders of MyPrize, have made a meaningful philanthropic donation for Jewish education and Holocaust remembrance through a $360,000 endowment established with Olami Manhattan.

The Bruch Family Foundation Poland Trip will fund an annual educational experience for young Jewish adults to travel to Poland, visit the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps, and deepen their understanding of Jewish history and the Holocaust.

Olami is a global network dedicated to inspiring and empowering young Jewish adults through education, mentorship, and immersive experiences. With 320 locations across 27 countries, Olami is at the forefront of connecting young Jewish adults to their heritage and community through impactful programming, including leadership initiatives, travel experiences, and educational resources.

Olami Manhattan, Olami's flagship location, serves a community of 2,000 young adults and acts as a key hub for Olami's efforts, creating meaningful opportunities for young professionals in New York to explore Jewish identity and values in a modern context. Olami Manhattan's annual Poland trip is the centerpiece of their educational activities, driving their year-round Holocaust education programs.

"The Poland trip infuses students with a deep sense of belonging, pride, identity and responsibility," said Rabbi Shmuel Lynn, Founder & Executive Director of Olami Manhattan. "Zach Bruch and Max Bruch are pioneers of the next generation, taking the reins with overt leadership and financial support."

"We believe it's critical for the next generation to have the opportunity to witness and understand this history firsthand," said Zach Bruch. "By supporting this annual trip, we will help ensure that the stories, lessons, and legacy of the Jewish people continue to be remembered and shared."

"This endowment is about creating a lasting impact," said Max Bruch. "Providing young people with access to experiences like this helps foster a multi-generational connection to history, identity, and community - something we're proud to support alongside Olami Manhattan."

Through this donation, Zach Bruch and Max Bruch aim to create a sustainable, long-term pathway for Jewish education and Holocaust remembrance, ensuring that future generations can engage with history in a powerful and personal way.

About Olami Manhattan

Olami Manhattan connects NYC young professionals to Jewish life and community. Building strong Jewish identity and ensuring a vibrant Jewish future. With 320 locations across 27 countries, Olami is at the forefront of young adult outreach efforts with a strong global infrastructure, dedicated educators, and impactful programming. Olami Manhattan, Olami's flagship location, serves a community of 2,000 young adults in the heart of New York City. Their mission is to connect Jewish young adults to Jewish culture through social and educational initiatives, Israel advocacy, and Holocaust education.

Media Contact

dara@abmc-us.com

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VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MEXC, the world leader in 0-fee digital asset trading, has published its Q1 2026 Ecosystem & Growth Report. The first three months of the year saw heavy macro volatility, and traders responded by moving into hedging instruments and alternative assets. MEXC answered with a record quarter of expansion across TradFi Futures (volume up over 246%), new listings (399 tokens), and AI feature success (1.04 million cumulative users).

The new listings program delivered strong results across the quarter. The top 10 tokens by spot trading volume posted an average peak gain of 2,534%.

SOL-based projects dominated the upper end of the gains table, but the volume leaderboard told a different story. AI-related tokens claimed four of the top ten spots there, spanning computing infrastructure, trading tools, and agent protocols. RWA and exchange tokens also broke through in Q1, pointing to fresh demand narratives heading into Q2.

TradFi Futures was the quarter's breakout vertical. Listed instruments grew from 71 in January to 115 in March, trading volume surged over 246% across the same period, and monthly active traders increased roughly 59%.

The momentum showed up in market share, too. MEXC ranked 2nd in Gold at 27% and 3rd in both Silver and Crude Oil at 15% each, competing directly against the largest platforms in the space. Precious metals and energy contracts led the volume rankings, but four stock futures and one index future also cracked the top 10, a sign that the TradFi user base is branching into equities as well.

MEXC and Ondo Finance continued to build out their tokenized stock offering with 105 new trading pairs on the spot market. The new listings gave users access to precious metals, defense and aerospace, AI and semiconductors, banking, healthcare, consumer staples, and diversified instruments, including indices, ETFs, and bonds.

MEXC added a Prediction Market beta to its product lineup in March, with zero trading and settlement fees, and latency 30 times faster than comparable platforms.

MEXC's AI features averaged 138,274 daily active users during Q1. The MEXC-AI bot answered more than 5.1 million user queries, and the total number of AI users on the platform passed 1.04 million.

Vugar Usi Zade, CEO of MEXC, said,"In fast-moving markets, opportunity doesn't wait. Traders need immediate access to the right instruments, in one place, at the exact moment it emerges. Our expansion into TradFi, combined with rapid listings and AI-powered tools, enables seamless movement across crypto, commodities, and equities without ever leaving the platform."

The numbers carried over to the platform level. MEXC recorded net capital inflows of approximately $22.97 million in March, enough to rank among the top five exchanges on DeFiLlama.

Daily spot volume reached $1.999 billion, and open interest hit $7.564 billion, both consistent with the platform's steady climb in market activity throughout Q1. The average leverage ratio sat at 1.91x. For context, that figure suggests that users are sizing positions carefully despite the volatile macro environment.

MEXC took home the "Fastest Growing Exchange" award at the TokenInsight Awards 2025 after both futures and spot volumes jumped over 130% year-over-year. The platform's 0-fee model, active across more than 3,000 pairs, was a key driver. Over the course of the year, it saved 3.44 million users a total of 1.1 billion USDT in trading costs.

The exchange also kept up a full schedule of offline events during Q1, with VIP dinners at NBX 2026 in Poland, community meetups at Crypto Summit Moscow, and appearances across Asia and Latin America.

The MEXC Foundation also ran five CSR programs during the quarter, providing educational resources and direct community support in the Philippines, Australia, Korea, and Syria.

The full report, with detailed breakdowns of new token performance, TradFi rankings, AI adoption, and product milestones, is available here.

About MEXC

MEXC is the world's fastest-growing cryptocurrency exchange, trusted by more than 40 million users across 170+ markets. Built on a user-first philosophy, MEXC offers industry-leading 0-fee trading and access to over 3,000 digital assets. As the Gateway to Infinite Opportunities, MEXC provides a single platform where users can easily trade cryptocurrencies alongside tokenized assets, including stocks, ETFs, commodities, and precious metals.

MEXC Official Website| X| Telegram |How to Sign Up on MEXC

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Breakthrough offering is the market's first platform that unifies Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) with secure migration, delivering visibility into non-human identities and always-ready disaster recovery for Microsoft environments

AUSTIN, Texas, April 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quest Software, a global leader in data management, cybersecurity, and platform modernization, today released the Quest Security Management Platform, the market's first unified, AI-powered platform for Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) and secure Microsoft identity modernization. The Quest Security Management Platform unifies identity threat detection, recovery, and secure migration into a single platform, and includes new innovative identity security and resilience capabilities, providing organizations with AI-driven visibility into non-human identities and always-ready disaster recovery capabilities. This unified approach addresses a rapidly changing threat landscape driven by AI adoption, non-human identity growth, and hybrid infrastructure expansion. Now organizations have a single platform to manage risk from AI agents, protect hybrid Microsoft identities from AI-led attacks, recover quickly from incidents, and modernize legacy Microsoft identity systems without increasing exposure. To learn more, visit quest.com/security-management-platform.

Identity has become the primary attack surface, yet many organizations rely on security offerings providing only detection controls and limited recovery options. High-risk moments of change, such as migrations and mergers and acquisitions, further expose critical gaps in threat prevention, security and recovery readiness. AI is accelerating both the scale and sophistication of attacks, and non-human identities now outnumber human identities by an estimated 82:1 ratio. Quest Software's annual State of ITDR research shows that more than 75 percent of global organizations do not test identity recovery frequently enough, leaving them vulnerable to potential attacks that could cost millions of dollars in business downtime and recovery.

"AI fundamentally threatens the identity landscape at a level never before seen, and one thing is clear - identity security must include rapid recovery, not just detection and response," said Michael Laudon, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Quest Software. "The Quest Security Management Platform delivers solutions that address how identity risk actually occurs within organizations - across daily operations, active attacks, and during high-risk moments of change such as AI adoption amid migration and modernization. By unifying our industry-leading solutions into one modern platform, customers no longer need multiple solutions to protect their most important assets."

The Quest Security Management Platform features two new capabilities that extend Microsoft identity protection and recovery via Quest Identity Defense and Quest Identity Recovery, giving customers ongoing security, resilience, and recovery in one solution.

Quest Identity Defense: An AI-powered, hybrid Active Directory and Entra ID security solution that continuously identifies identity risk, blocks unauthorized changes to critical Tier 0 assets and instantly contains attacks. AI-driven analysis gives organizations expanded visibility into Active Directory across human and non-human identities, simplifying investigation and remediation. With clear visibility and observability across human and non-human identities, organizations can investigate, respond, and remediate threats with simplicity and speed.

Quest Identity Recovery: A hybrid Active Directory and Entra ID recovery solution that rapidly restores identity services up to 90 percent faster after ransomware attacks, and now features Standby Active Directory Forest provisioning. This new feature automates the creation of always-ready recovery environments and enhances Quest's market-leading Active Directory disaster recovery capabilities.

Quest's new platform also includes On Demand Migration, which is a Microsoft 365 certified tenant-to-tenant migration solution that secures and simplifies consolidation of Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams, as well as Active Directory and Entra ID.

By unifying prevention, detection, response, recovery, and modernization on a single platform, Quest aligns with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, and Gartner recommendations. This approach removes reliance on fragmented tools, giving organizations a clear path to managing identity risk in the real world. The Quest Security Management Platform organizes its capabilities into two solutions designed to simplify how organizations secure, recover, and modernize their environments.

Quest Secure Migration: An end-to-end solution that modernizes identities, devices, tenants, and workloads with a security-first approach, reducing exposure during critical business operations.

Quest Identity Security and Resilience: A complete ITDR solution, controlling the full identity attack lifecycle, improving time to response, minimizing downtime, and reducing risk.

Quest Software's new unified Security Management Platform builds on Quest's experience defending the most critical identity assets across Active Directory and Entra ID. Quest has more than 25 years of experience in modernizing Microsoft platforms, has moved more than 200 petabytes of data, and is the first company to achieve Microsoft 365 Certification for its migration capabilities. Quest delivers resilience throughout the attack lifecycle, automates recovery 90 percent faster, and improves mean time to response by 44 percent, saving millions of dollars in downtime costs. Gartner listed Quest Software as an example vendor in multiple categories in its 2025 report, "A Well-Run Active Directory Requires Strong Identity Controls."

About Quest Software

Quest Software creates technology and solutions that build the foundation for enterprise AI. Focused on data management and governance, cybersecurity, and platform modernization, Quest helps organizations address their most pressing challenges through trusted, AI-ready data, secure identities, and modernized platforms. Around the globe, more than 45,000 companies, including more than 90% of the Fortune 500, count on Quest Software. For more information, visit www.quest.com or follow Quest Software on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

Media contact:

Matt Hurst

Head of Corporate Communications

matt.hurst@quest.com
NSR

Cut-off

(US$)



Tonnage

(Mt)



Strip

Ratio



Grade

Copper Metal

Resource

Cu (%) Mo (%) M lbs kt

M&I 0.09 5.95 2,342 1.03

0.23 0.014 12,000 5,444

Inferred 0.09 5.95 287 0.36 0.014 2,264 1,027

M&I 0.10 6.77 2,283 1.08

0.24 0.014 11,893 5,396

Inferred 0.10 6.77 280 0.36 0.015 2,252 1,022

M&I 0.11 7.59 2,218 1.14

0.24 0.015 11,759 5,335

Inferred 0.11 7.59 273 0.37 0.015 2,238 1,015

M&I 0.12 8.42 2,147 1.21

0.25 0.015 11,600 5,263

Inferred 0.12 8.42 265 0.38 0.015 2,222 1,008

M&I 0.13 9.24 2,070 1.29

0.25 0.015 11,416 5,180

Inferred 0.13 9.24 259 0.39 0.015 2,208 1,002

M&I 0.14 10.06 1,993 1.37

0.26 0.016 11,216 5,089

Inferred 0.14 10.06 253 0.39 0.015 2,194 995

M&I 0.15 10.89 1,912 1.47

0.26 0.016 10,995 4,989

Inferred 0.15 10.89 246 0.40 0.016 2,177 988

M&I 0.16 11.71 1,834 1.57

0.27 0.017 10,766 4,885

Inferred 0.16 11.71 239 0.41 0.016 2,158 979.3

M&I 0.17 12.53 1,755 1.69

0.27 0.017 10,522 4,774

Inferred 0.17 12.53 231 0.42 0.016 2,136 969

M&I 0.18 13.36 1,676 1.81

0.28 0.017 10,266 4,658

Inferred 0.18 13.36 224 0.43 0.016 2,116 960

M&I 0.19 14.18 1,597 1.94

0.28 0.018 9,997 4,536

Inferred 0.19 14.18 217 0.44 0.016 2,094 950

M&I 0.20 15.00 1,517 2.09

0.29 0.018 9,715 4,408

Inferred 0.20 15.00 208 0.45 0.016 2,068 938

Same footnotes as Table 1 apply to this table.

Table 3 - Whittle optimization parameters used for the Mineral Resource Estimate (all monetary values in US$; based on average mill throughput of 160,000 tonnes per day)

Economic Parameters U.S./Canada Exchange rate 1.35 Discount rate - 8.0% Cu Price $/lb $4.50 Mo Price $/lb $20.00 Ag Price $/oz $45.00 Refining Cu 'RC' $/lb $0.08 Refining Mo $/lb $0.00 Refining Ag $/oz $0.00 Royalty rate % NSR 2.40% Concentrate Costs Transport and loading costs (CAD$29.70) $/wmt $22.00 Shipping cost (CAD$89.44) $/wmt $66.25 Insurance and other costs (CAD$16.20) $/wmt $12.00 Smelter Treatment Cost Cu 'TC' $/dmt $80.00 Smelter Treatment Cost Cu 'TC' $/lb $0.34 Smelter Treatment Cost Mo 'TC' $/dmt $1,690.00 Smelter Treatment Cost Mo 'TC' $/lb $1.41 Concentrate Feed Concentrate Grade Cu - 25% Concentrate Moisture Cont. - 8% Concentrate Grade Mo - 58% Concentrate Moisture Cont. - 8% Payables Payable Cu - 96.5% Payable Mo - 98.0% Payable Ag - 75.0% Recovery and Dilution Factors Avg. Cu Recovery* (variable with grade) - 91% Avg. Mo Recovery - 72% Avg. Ag Recovery - 65% Mining Dilution (Whittle) - 0% Mining Recovery (Whittle) - 100% Mineralized Material Base Costs Processing Cost $/milled $4.15 % of rehandling - 10.00% Stockpile Rehandle $/milled $0.16 G&A $/milled $0.90 Total $/milled - 5.21 Mining Costs Mined rock centre of gravity cost $/mined $2.00 Dump mining $1.30 Incremental mining cost $/mined/15m $0.05 NSR Calculations (before royalties) NSR Cu $/t $21.42 NSR Mo $/t $4.88 NSR Ag $/t $1.14 Total NSR $/t - 27.44 Copper Cut-Off grades Mineralized material base cost $/t $5.21 Mining cost $/mined $2.00 Transport and Smelt cost $/t $1.87 Royalties cost $/t $0.66 Total cost $/t - 9.74 Cu Break-Even Cut-Off Grade % Cu 0.111% Mill Cut-Off value $/t $7.74 Cu Mill Cut-Off Grade % Cu 0.088% Geotechnical Parameters IRA slope in rock degrees 48 Net Payability Net payability Cu - 87.1% Net payability Mo - 91.0% Net payability Ag - 75.0%

*The mill cut-off decreases to approximately $5.95/t at lower grades (e.g., 0.09% Cu and 0.008% Mo), as lower recoveries and payable metal reduce the effective transport and smelting costs per tonne, resulting in a lower cut-off value. Results presented above are with average grades of 0.27% Cu and 0.017% Mo.



Other parameters used for the Mineral Resource Estimate include:

Resources are presented as undiluted and in situ for an open-pit scenario and are considered to have reasonable prospects for economic extraction. The constraining pit shell was developed using overall pit slopes of 48 degrees in bedrock and overburden. The pit optimization to develop the resource-constraining pit shells was performed using Geovia Whittle 2022 software.

The MRE model was prepared using Leapfrog Edge v. 2025.3.1 and is based on 2,793 drill holes and 208,043 samples. The drill hole database includes recent drilling totalling 159,212 metres in 238 drill holes (Osisko Metals 2022-2025) and incorporates historical drill holes totalling 570,422 metres in 2,555 drill holes (Glencore Canada 2019, Xstrata 2011-2012, Noranda 1998 and earlier). Drill hole data verification was performed by verifying the coherence of the information but not its correctness; original logs and laboratory certificates were only available for 2011, 2012, 2019, and 2022 to 2025 drill holes. The cut-off date for the drill hole database was January 17, 2026. The model included 17 mineralized domains, one comprising the Copper Mountain stockwork zone and 16 others defined by stratabound mineralization in skarn and porcellanites. Higher grade domains in the skarn horizons (greater than 1% Cu) were also separated into eight subdomains with hard boundaries to avoid "grade smearing" in surrounding lower-grade lithologies during interpolation.

Composites of 5 to 10 metre lengths were created inside the mineralization volumes. A total of 40,142 composites were generated. High-grade capping was done on the composited assay data. Composites were capped at 2.3% for Cu, 0.20% for Mo, and at 10g/t for Ag in the Copper Mountain stockwork zone, from 1.70% to 12.50% Cu, from 0.025% to 0.30% Mo, and from 15g/t to 85g/t Ag in the skarn and/or massive sulfide domains, and from 1.00% to 2.00% Cu, from 0.03% to 0.50% Mo, and from 10g/t to 60g/t Ag in the porcellanite domains.

Pit-constrained Mineral Resources for the base case are reported at a lower cut-off grade of 0.16 % CuEq in sulfide within a conceptual pit shell based on a 0.09% CuEq lower cut-off. The cut-off grades will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis considering future prevailing market conditions and costs.

Contained copper in the resource includes sulfide copper only and soluble (oxide and carbonate) copper from surface oxidized zones was excluded. It was assumed for this MRE that only the copper contained in sulfides could have economical potential.

Specific gravity values were estimated using data available in the historical drill holes as well as the 2022 to 2025 Osisko drilling. A total of 57,023 SG values were compiled, and values were interpolated for most of the mineralized solids and a fixed value was used where the scarcity of the data did not allow for interpolation; the SG values range from 2.46 to 3.99, and the average value is 2.77 tonnes/cubic metre. Surrounding barren lithologies were assigned the average specific gravity value from all measured samples.

The modelled base case pit shell measures 2,300 X 3,200 metres and reaches a maximum depth of approximately 1,150 metres.

Grade model resource estimation was calculated from drill hole data using an ordinary kriging (OK) interpolation method in a sub-blocked model using blocks measuring 15m x 15m x 15m in size and sub-blocks down to 1m x 1m x 1m.

The Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource categories are constrained to areas where drill spacing is less than 60 metres, 120 metres, and 300 metres, respectively, and show reasonable geological and grade continuity.





Cautionary Statement Regarding Mineral Resources

The mineral resources disclosed in this news release conform to standards and guidelines in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and were prepared by independent qualified persons for purposes of NI 43-101. The above-mentioned mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. The quantity and grade of the reported Inferred Mineral Resources are conceptual in nature and are estimated based on limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological data is sufficient to imply but not verify geological grade and/or quality of continuity. An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence relative to a Measured or Indicated Mineral Resource and constitutes an insufficient level of confidence to allow conversion to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected, but not guaranteed, that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Measured or Indicated Mineral Resources with additional drilling. The technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, including the mineral resources for the Gaspe Copper Project contained in this news release, will be delivered and filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Metals' issuer profile within 45 days of the date of this news release.

Qualified Person

The Mineral Resource Estimate and other scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by independent qualified persons for purposes of NI 43-101: Pierre-Luc Richard, P.Geo., of PLR Resources Inc. with contributions from Francois Le Moal, P.Eng., of G-Mining for cut-off grade and Pit Shell optimization and Christian Laroche, P.Eng., from Synectiq, for metallurgical parameters.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Osisko Metals adheres to a strict QA/QC program for core handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses, including insertion of blanks and standards in the sample stream. Drill core is drilled in HQ or NQ diameter and securely transported to its core processing facility on site, where it is logged, cut and sampled. Samples selected for assay are sealed and shipped to ALS Canada Ltd.'s preparation facility in Sudbury. Sample preparation details (code PREP-31DH) are available on the ALS Canada website. Pulps are analyzed at the ALS Canada Ltd. facility in North Vancouver, BC. All samples are analyzed by four acid digestion followed by both ICP-AES and ICP-MS for Cu, Mo, and Ag.

About Osisko Metals

Osisko Metals Incorporated is a Canadian exploration and development company creating value in the critical metals sector, with a focus on copper and zinc. The Company acquired a 100% interest in the past-producing Gaspe Copper mine from Glencore Canada Corporation in July 2023. The Gaspe Copper mine site is located near Murdochville in Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula. The Company is currently focused on resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system, with current Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources of 1.83 Bt averaging 0.32% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 239 Mt averaging 0.46% CuEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see this news release entitled "Osisko Metals Announces Significant Increase in Mineral Resource at Gaspe Copper". Gaspe Copper hosts the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America, strategically located near existing infrastructure in the mining-friendly province of Quebec.

In addition to the Gaspe Copper project, the Company is working with Appian Capital Advisory LLP through the Pine Point Mining Limited joint venture to advance one of Canada's largest past-producing zinc mining camps, the Pine Point project, located in the Northwest Territories. The current mineral resource estimate for the Pine Point project consists of Indicated Mineral Resources of 49.5 Mt averaging 5.52% ZnEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 8.3 Mt averaging 5.64% ZnEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' June 25, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals releases Pine Point mineral resource estimate: 49.5 million tonnes of indicated resources at 5.52% ZnEq". The Pine Point project is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, NWT, close to infrastructure, with paved road access, an electrical substation and 100 kilometres of viable haul roads.

For further information on this news release, visit www.osiskometals.com or contact:

Don Njegovan, President

Email: info@osiskometals.com

Phone: (416) 500-4129

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "potential", "feasibility", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the tax treatment of the FT Units; the timing of incurring the Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation of the Qualifying Expenditures; the ability to advance Gaspe Copper to a construction decision (if at all); the ability to increase the Company's trading liquidity and enhance its capital markets presence; the potential re-rating of the Company; the ability for the Company to unlock the full potential of its assets and achieve success; the ability for the Company to create value for its shareholders; the advancement of the Pine Point project; the anticipated resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system and Gaspe Copper hosting the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Metals' issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (TSXV: CHS) (OTCQB: CMHSF) (the "Company" or "CHS"), an industry leader in healthcare benefits administration software and services, is pleased to announce that it has closed the second tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") announced on January 8, 2026, and updated January 26, February 12 and March 13, 2026, issuing an aggregate of 4,038,462 units ("Units") at $0.52 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,100,000.

Each Unit was comprised of one common share of the Company ("Shares") and one-half of a warrant, with a whole warrant ("Warrants") being exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $1.00 for a period of three years after closing. In connection with the second tranche, the Company paid aggregate finder fees of $32,217.62 in cash and issued an aggregate of 61,957 finder warrants exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.52 for a period of three years after closing. All securities issued are subject to a hold period until August 14, 2026.

Insiders of the Company purchased 2,832,208 Units ($1,472,748) in the second tranche, representing 70.13% of the Units issued in the second tranche, with the associated common shares representing approximately 9.77% of the issued and outstanding shares upon closing, and assuming the deemed exercise of the associated warrants would then represent approximately 13.97% of the then issued and outstanding shares as of closing. The participation by insiders constitutes a "related party transaction" under the policies of the TSXV and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying upon the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements contained in sections 5.5(a) (b) and (c), and 5.7(1)(a) and (b), respectively, of MI 61-101 on the basis that neither the fair market value of the subject matter of nor of the consideration for the transaction, insofar as it involves related parties, exceeds 25% of the issuer's market capitalization, and that no securities of the Company are listed or quoted on certain exchanges or markets specified in MI 61-101.

Including the first tranche closing on February 10, 2026 of 7,000,000 Units at a price of $0.50 per Unit for gross proceeds of $3,500,000 (see news release dated February 12, 2026), the Company has issued an aggregate of 11,038,462 Units for aggregate gross proceeds of $5,600,000, and paid aggregate finder fees of $246,417.62 in cash, 428,400 finder warrants exercisable into a common share at a price of $0.50, and 61,957 finder warrants exercisable at $0.52, in each case for a period of three years after their respective closing. The offering remains subject to final Exchange approval.

About Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc.

Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. is a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta and is the parent company of Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc. (Delaware). The Company is a vertically integrated software as a services (SaaS) company focused on digitizing healthcare with Healthcare Benefits Administration solutions, providing reliable and high-volume transaction-capable systems. The Company's state-of-the-art Novus 360 Healthcare Welfare and Benefits Administration (HWBA) SaaS platform is used by clients for all aspects of healthcare benefits administration (including self-funded employers, providers, and labor unions), providing healthcare administrative software and technology-enabled services.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CAUTION:

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "budget", "believe", "project", "estimate", "expect", "scheduled", "forecast", "strategy", "future", "likely", "may", "to be", "could", "would", "should", "will" and similar references to future periods or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and conditional. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the date they are provided. However, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause the Company's actual results and financial conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results and financial conditions to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, include among others: general economic, market and business conditions in Canada and globally; market volatility; unforeseen delays in timelines for any of the transactions or events described in this press release; and the risk of competition and regulatory changes that may impact the business of the Company. All forward-looking information is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292372

Source: Comprehensive Healthcare Systems Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Vortex Metals Inc. (TSXV: VMS) (FSE: DM8) (OTCQB: VMSSF) ("Vortex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged New-Sense Geophysics Ltd. ("NSG") to conduct a high-resolution helicopter-borne geophysical survey over its Illapel Copper Project, located approximately 20 km northeast of Illapel in the Coquimbo Region of north-central Chile.

NSG brings over three decades of global experience in airborne geophysics and has conducted extensive surveys across the Andes for major mining companies and government agencies, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality data in complex terrains.

"Contracting New-Sense Geophysics represents a key step in advancing the Illapel Copper Project. Chile remains one of the world's premier copper jurisdictions, and Illapel is positioned within a highly prospective geological corridor," said Vikas Ranjan, President and Co-Founder of Vortex Metals.

New-Sense Geophysics will deploy a helicopter-borne system utilizing an AS350 B3 platform, specifically suited for high-altitude and rugged terrain typical of the Andean foothills. The program is expected to generate high-quality magnetic and radiometric datasets, along with VLF measurements, to map lithology, alteration zones, and structural controls associated with copper mineralization, forming a critical component of the Company's strategy to systematically advance the project toward high potential drill targets

The survey is expected to:

Support and validate existing geological mapping

Identify structural corridors and alteration systems

Refine targeting of Manto-type stratabound deposits

Generate prioritized targets for follow-up exploration, including drilling

The Illapel Project is situated within Chile's Coastal Metallogenic Belt, a highly prospective geological domain that hosts numerous copper deposits, including Manto-type stratabound systems and iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) mineralization. This belt is characterized by structurally controlled mineralization and strong alteration signatures, making it highly amenable to modern geophysical targeting techniques.

Strategic Outlook

This program represents a significant step forward in Vortex Metals' exploration strategy, positioning the Company to unlock value through data-driven discovery in one of the world's most established copper-producing regions. The Company believes that integrating modern geophysical techniques with its geological framework will enhance exploration efficiency and accelerate the path toward next phase of drilling and resource discovery.

About Vortex Metals Inc.

Vortex Metals Inc. is a copper-gold focused exploration and development company with a diversified portfolio of exploration projects in Chile and Mexico. Vortex holds an option to acquire up to 80% interest in the brownfield Illapel Copper Project in Chile and through its Mexican subsidiary Empresa Minera Acagold, S.A. de C.V., it owns 100% interest in two drill-ready high-potential copper-gold volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) properties, Riqueza Marina and Zaachila in Oaxaca, Mexico. The company emphasizes responsible exploration, community engagement, and environmental stewardship to meet the rising global demand for copper sustainably.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are made as of the date hereof and are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions which involve risks and uncertainties associated with our business including permitting approvals, any private placement financings, the uncertainty as to whether further exploration will result in the target(s) being delineated as a mineral resource, capital expenditures, operating costs, mineral resources, recovery rates, grades and prices, estimated goals, expansion and growth of the business and operations, plans and references to the Company's future successes with its business and the economic environment in which the business operates. All such statements are made pursuant to the 'safe harbour' provisions of, and are intended to be forward-looking statements under, applicable Canadian securities legislation. Any statements contained herein that are statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. We caution readers of this news release not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements as several factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Please refer to the risks set forth in the Company's most recent annual MD&A and the Company's continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The Company cautions that mineralization on, or production from, neighbouring properties is no guarantee of the existence of similar mineralization or a guarantee of future production from the Illapel Project.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292295

Source: Vortex Metals Inc.
Marks First In-Human Clinical Study Demonstrating the Value of Immuno-Pharmacodynamics in the Assessment of Radioligand Therapy





Novigenix AI Liquid Biopsy Platform Identifies Immune Activation Patterns Associated with Radioligand Therapy Response in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Novigenix AI, a leader in AI-driven healthcare solutions, today announced the presentation of new data at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2026 Annual Meeting demonstrating, for the first time in a human clinical setting, the dynamic role of the immune system in response to radioligand therapy in patients with metastatic gastroenteropancreaticneuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET).1

The study, conducted in collaboration with RadioMedix, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, examined the immune response of GEP-NET patients treated with the targeted alpha-emitter 212Pb-DOTAMTATE (AlphaMedix) or beta-emitter 177Lu-DOTATATE (Lutathera) peptide receptor radionuclide therapies (PRRTs). Researchers used the Novigenix AI LITOSeek platform, an AI-enabled liquid biopsy platform designed for longitudinal whole-blood immuno-transcriptomic profiling, to uncover systemic immune responses connected to the treatment.

The study showed that the alpha- and beta- PRRTs induce strong and distinct immune activation patterns in patients achieving clinical response. Two distinct waves of immuno-transcriptomic modulation were identified, likely reflecting kinetics heterogeneity of immune activation between early and late responders, highlighting heterogeneous yet coordinated immune dynamics across patients.

"Preclinical research has consistently pointed to the immune system as a critical mediator of radiotherapy efficacy, but until now, this has been difficult to demonstrate dynamically in patients," said Dr. Pedro Romero, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, Novigenix AI. "With LITOSeek, we are able to capture these systemic immune responses along the patient journey, providing the first clinical evidence of Immuno-Pharmacodynamics in radioligand therapy and opening new avenues for biomarker-driven patient management."

"This collaboration highlights the power of combining innovative radiopharmaceuticals with advanced liquid biopsy immune monitoring technologies to interrogate treatment response," said Dr. Ebrahim Delpassand, Chief Executive Officer, RadioMedix, Inc. "The ability to observe how targeted radioligand therapies activate the immune system in patients' response to treatment represents a major step forward for the field and supports the development of more effective, biology-driven treatment approaches."

These findings represent a significant advance in translation research, bridging preclinical insight into clinical reality and establishing Immuno-Pharmacodynamics (ImmunoPD) profiling as a critical dimension of radioligand therapy evaluation. "This work represents a pivotal milestone in translational oncology," said Dr. Brian Hashemi, CEO and Chairman, Novigenix AI. "By unveiling the Immuno-Pharmacodynamic response of patients to radioligand therapies, Novigenix AI is not only validating decades of preclinical research but also redefining how we assess and optimize these treatments in the clinic."

AACR Abstract and Poster Presentation Details

To learn more, view Abstract 3859 and attend the Poster Presentation given by Dr. Pedro Romero, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at Novigenix AIat AACR 2026 on Monday, April 20, 2PM-5PM PST

Poster #5953; Poster Section 45; Presentation Number 3859. "Dynamic systemic immune modulation in metastatic neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients treated with targeted alpha-emitter 212 Pb-DOTAMTATE AlphaMedix."

About Novigenix AI LITOSeek Platform

The Novigenix AI LITOSeek AI-enabled platform offers a powerful new approach to understanding treatment mechanisms by offering non-invasive, longitudinal monitoring of the immune system with liquid biopsy. Longitudinal profiling enables the serial measurement of treatment-induced immune changes. This approach enables earlier identification of responders, more informed optimization of treatment sequencing, and deeper translational insight into treatment mechanisms of resistance and durability.

About Novigenix AI

Novigenix AI is a precision medicine TechBio focused on advancing RNA-based liquid biopsy technologies to decode systemic immune responses and improve patient outcomes across oncology and other diseases. For more information, visit novigenix.com.

References

Conforte AJ, Tworowska I, Costa SF, et al. Dynamic systemic immune modulation in metastatic neuroendocrine tumor patients treated with targeted alpha-emitter 212Pb-DOTAMTATE AlphaMedix [abstract]. Cancer Res. 2026;86(7 Suppl): Abstract nr 3859. Presented at: American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting; April 17-22, 2026; San Diego, CA.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415450322/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Anna Czene

Corporate Communications

anna.czene@novigenix.com

+1 818-731-2203
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Mercado Minerals Ltd. (CSE: MERC) (OTCQB: MRMNF) ("Mercado" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results from core re-sampling of historic diamond drill holes at the Copalito project. The Company is happy to report that, in general, there is excellent agreement between the re-assay drill composite intercepts and previous drill composite intercepts as reported by a previous operator.

Significant Comparable Drill Intercepts:

BDH-20-004

Re-assay

Original assay 379 g/t silver, 0.30 g/t gold, 0.15 % lead and 0.41 % zinc over 13.10 m

347 g/t silver, 0.22 g/t gold, 0.18 % lead and 0.38 % zinc over 13.10 m BDH-21-055

Re-assay

Original assay 118 g/t silver, 2.12 g/t gold, 0.32 % lead and 0.56 % zinc over 23.00 m

125 g/t silver, 2.00 g/t gold, 0.34 % lead and 0.58 % zinc over 23.00 m BDH-20-037

Re-assay

Original assay 126 g/t silver, 0.36 g/t gold, 0.23 % lead and 0.99 % zinc over 10.00 m

129 g/t silver, 0.66 g/t gold, 0.22 % lead and 0.91 % zinc over 10.00 m

Daniel Rodriguez, CEO and Director, commented: "We were very fortunate to be able to acquire such a complete data set for the exploration work completed at Copalito. We could tell that it was very well collected and conducted with industry best standards for mineral exploration. What we had to do was prove it, and I'm happy to say that we see very good agreement between the historic drill hole analyses and our new re-assays of identical sample intervals."

Mercado inherited an extensive, high quality dataset including assay information for 81 diamond drill holes, extensive mapping and rock sampling data for the Copalito project, which has allowed the Company to undertake exploration and drill targeting programs prior to the launch of its inaugural exploration drilling program, which began on March 10, 2026.

The dataset included PDF Certificates for the analytical results that Mercado personnel audited for accuracy against its accompanying digital databases. As a final audit of the accuracy and reproducibility of the diamond drill data, the Company embarked on a re-sampling program for 12 of the 81 historic diamond drill holes. The re-sampling allowed the Mercado technical team to review the 6 principal mineralized veins that were targeted by previous drill campaigns, and gain insights on potential mineralization controls that may define higher grade areas of the veins. A complete table of re-assay composite results are presented in Table 1.

Table 1

Copalito Re-Assayed Results

Vein Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Ag (g/t) Au (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) Cu (%) 5 Senores BDH-20-004 54.00 67.10 13.10 379 0.30 0.15 0.41 0.01 incl. 57.78 61.00 3.22 1392 0.26 0.51 0.98 0.03 and incl. 60.00 61.00 1.00 1900 0.06 0.29 1.10 0.03 5 Senores BDH-20-037 42.00 52.00 10.00 126 0.36 0.23 0.99 0.01 incl. 45.75 48.00 2.25 484 1.00 0.68 2.28 0.02 and incl. 47.00 48.00 1.00 957 1.60 1.48 5.00 0.04 5 Senores BDH-20-040 26.00 35.05 9.05 121 2.63 0.29 1.17 0.01 incl. 31.00 33.25 2.25 310 9.00 1.04 4.25 0.01 and incl. 32.12 32.63 0.51 353 17.35 2.91 10.45 0.02 5 Senores BDH-21-042 15.00 36.00 21.00 215 0.32 0.23 0.57 0.00 incl. 25.50 36.00 10.50 416 0.63 0.43 1.05 0.01 and incl. 30.00 31.18 1.18 2400 0.35 1.66 3.84 0.02 5 Senores BDH-21-046 35.04 54.47 19.43 176 0.71 0.31 0.90 0.01 incl. 46.50 54.47 7.97 208 0.89 0.44 1.33 0.01 and incl. 46.50 46.72 0.22 328 0.67 0.46 1.54 0.01

63.00 78.00 15.00 65 0.76 0.11 0.29 0.01 incl. 63.00 65.00 2.00 229 3.78 0.09 0.34 0.01 Agua BDH-21-055 78.00 101.00 23.00 118 2.12 0.32 0.56 0.03 incl. 78.00 83.00 5.00 25 7.75 0.18 0.38 0.01 and incl. 81.00 81.65 0.65 41 17.20 0.08 0.29 0.00 incl. 97.00 100.00 3.00 517 0.73 0.45 0.95 0.07 Agua BDH-21-056 50.00 71.00 21.00 108 0.19 0.28 0.57 0.01 incl. 53.00 61.50 8.50 218 0.23 0.25 0.43 0.01 and incl. 60.00 61.50 1.50 561 0.29 0.39 0.67 0.02 Pilar BDH-21-074 85.00 90.30 5.30 19 1.18 0.90 2.07 0.03 incl. 88.50 89.40 0.90 21 4.35 0.89 1.39 0.06 Pilar BDH-21-079 183.69 188.14 4.45 32 1.22 0.91 2.01 0.05 incl. 186.86 187.69 0.83 22 2.12 0.96 3.05 0.13 incl. 187.69 188.14 0.45 11 2.39 0.61 3.63 0.07 Chiva BDH-20-009 33.00 51.00 18.00 38 0.17 0.12 0.55 0.01 incl. 33.00 34.00 1.00 448 0.26 0.47 1.45 0.05 Chiva BDH-21-063 29.68 31.50 1.82 7 0.16 0.14 0.77 0.02 incl. 29.68 30.00 0.32 10 0.20 0.20 0.59 0.02 Cobriza BDH-20-022 15.00 21.35 6.35 13 0.16 0.02 0.05 0.09 incl. 18.30 19.00 0.70 68 0.13 0.08 0.06 0.57

Overall, results show strong agreement with previous drill hole results. Given the inherent variability of mineralization in Low to Intermediate sulphidation epithermal deposits, and the variability of precious metals mineralization in general, some of the agreement between the results is highly encouraging. Where the Company does see some significant disagreement between the historic drill composites and the re-assay drill composites, it is attributed to this inherent variability in the mineralization itself. It also directly correlates to individual sample intervals where there was mineralized core missing that had been taken as specimen samples.

In conjunction with the drill core re-assay campaign, assay data collected during previous drilling campaigns by Kootenay Silver Inc. in 2020 and 2021 were reviewed to independently validate the results. Upon receiving the 2026 re-sampling assays and comparing against previous results, Mercado has concluded that the existing drill assay dataset can be treated as reliable data.

Core Sampling Procedures

The 2026 drill core re-assay program consisted of re-sampling select sample intervals from the acquired dataset to corroborate the reliability of the existing assay data. Core samples were selected based on historical sample intervals to ensure consistency with the previous drill data, and a unique sample tag number was placed alongside the existing sample tag. Where samples were taken, the remaining half drill core was sawn in into quarters, with one quarter being sent for analysis with a new unique sample number and the remaining quarter kept in the core box. In cases where there was only quarter core present in the core box, the entire remaining quarter was taken for sampling with documentation left in the core box. On rare occasions, sub intervals of mineralization were missing from the core box that were taken display specimen samples, but these areas were well documented.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Chain of Custody

Standard reference materials and blanks were inserted by Mercado personnel at regular intervals into the sample stream. Drill core was sawn and bagged, with bagged samples being grouped into rice bags and secured by a locking security tag with a unique security tag identification number. Sample batches were transported from the logging site in Copalito to a secured courier transport service vehicle provided by ALS Laboratories. The samples were delivered by ALS secured courier to their laboratory in Hermosillo for analysis.

Samples were crushed by ALS to over 70 per cent passing below two millimetres and split using a riffle splitter. Sample splits were then pulverized to over 85 per cent passing below 75 microns. Gold determinations were completed by fire assay with an atomic absorption (AA) finish on a 30 g subsample of the prepared pulp (Au-AA23). Any sample returning over 10 g/t gold was re-analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish on a 50 g subsample (Au-GRA21). In addition, a 34-element analysis was performed on a 0.25 g subsample of the prepared pulps by a four acid digestion followed by an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) finish (ME-ICP1).

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) and was reviewed and approved by Kelson Willms, P.Geo., of Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited. Mr. Willms is a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101

About Mercado Minerals Ltd.

Mercado Minerals Ltd. (CSE: MERC) (OTCQB: MRMNF) is a silver-focused exploration company targeting the next world-class discovery in Mexico's emerging Western Silver Belt, part of the prolific Sierra Madre Occidental mining district. With a proven team boasting extensive experience in Mexican exploration, Mercado is actively advancing multiple projects across more than 3,000 hectares. The Company is committed to creating shareholder value through disciplined exploration, strategic growth, and discovery-driven results.

Forward-Looking Statement (Safe Harbor Statement):

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate," "plan," "continue," "expect," "estimate," "objective," "may," "will," "project," "should," "predict," "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's exploration plans and the intended use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements because the Company cannot provide assurance that they will prove correct. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292331

Source: Mercado Minerals Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Pacifica Silver Corp. (CSE: PSIL) (OTCQB: PAGFF) ("Pacifica Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from the first 16 holes of its Phase II, 20,000-metre diamond drilling program at the 100% owned Claudia Silver-Gold Project ("Project") located in the historic El Papanton Mining District in Durango State, Mexico. Fourteen of the 16 holes successfully intersected silver-gold mineralization, including multiple high-grade intercepts. The fully funded Phase II program commenced in mid-January 2026 and is on track for completion in June 2026, with 9,918 metres drilled in 38 holes to date.

Drill Result Highlights

Aguilarena Area

4.90 m @ 1.21 g/t Au & 323 g/t Ag (428 g/t AgEq*) from 35.10 m, including 1.50 m @ 1.31 g/t Au & 783 g/t Ag (896 g/t AgEq), in hole 26CLAU077D.

3.05 m @ 3.91 g/t Au & 79 g/t Ag (415 g/t AgEq) from 144.25 m, including 0.80 m @ 10.30 g/t Au & 214 g/t Ag (1,100 g/t AgEq), in hole 26CLAU076D.

Hole 26CLAU074D intersected two high-grade veins in the Aguilarena hanging wall: 2.20 m @ 3.22 g/t Au & 32 g/t Ag (309 g/t AgEq) from 139.05 m, including 0.50 m @ 9.28 g/t Au & 42 g/t Ag (840 g/t AgEq); and 3.60 m @ 2.54 g/t Au and 49 g/t Ag (268 g/t AgEq) from 144.20 m, including 0.65 m @ 8.27 g/t Au & 96 g/t Ag (807 g/t AgEq).

0.35 m @ 13.90 g/t Au & 62 g/t Ag (1,258 g/t AgEq) from 157.25 m in hole 26CLAU068D.

0.60 m @ 11.65 g/t Au & 52 g/t Ag (1,063 g/t AgEq) from 128.60 m in hole 26CLAU078D.

Central Vein Area

2.70 m @ 1.71 g/t Au & 124 g/t Ag (271 g/t AgEq) from 78.70 m, including 0.60 m @ 4.44 g/t Au & 324 g/t Ag (706 g/t AgEq), in hole 26CLAU079D.

"These initial Phase II results highlight strong consistency at the Claudia project, with 14 of 16 holes intersecting silver-gold mineralization, several of which exceeded 1,000 g/t AgEq," stated Todd Anthony, Chief Executive Officer of Pacifica Silver. "These results successfully extend the Aguilarena vein down-dip by up to 150 metres and confirm robust subsurface vein continuity along 1.9 kilometres of strike length. The first hole drilled at the Central vein this year also delivered high-grade mineralization that exceeds prior results in the area. Together, these results reinforce our confidence in the scale, continuity and significant overall potential of this high-grade silver-gold system. We look forward to reporting further results as the Phase II program advances."

Figure 1 - Map Showing Locations of 2026 Phase II Drill Holes with Assays at Claudia Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10814/292267_3657177bf495789b_001full.jpg

Aguilarena Area Results

Phase II drilling to date has successfully intercepted the Aguilarena vein 50 m to 150 m down-dip from previous drilling over a 1.6 km strike length within the 1.9 km of strike length known from Phase I and 2021 drilling. This includes important lateral infill drilling along portions of the Aguilarena vein to the north and south of historical underground workings, further confirming vein continuity below and lateral to Phase I intercepts.

To the north of the Aguilarena shaft, drill holes 26CLAU067D, 26CLAU068D, 26CLAU069D, 26CLAU070D, 26CLAU071D, 26CLAU074D, 26CLAU076D, 26CLAU078D and 26CLAU080D (Figure 1) targeted the Aguilarena and hanging wall veins down-dip and laterally from historical and Phase I drilling. Eight of these nine holes intersected the Aguilarena vein, extending the vein as much as 50 to 150 m down dip from previous drilling, with selected results discussed below and shown in Table 1.

Hole 26CLAU068D returned the highest-grade assays of 13.9 g/t Au and 62 g/t Ag (1,258 g/t AgEq over 0.35 m from 157.25 m in a hanging wall vein approximately 120 m south of the 0.30 m interval of 12.3 g/t Au and 206 g/t Ag from 96.20 m in Phase I hole 25CLAU065D.

Hole 26CLAU076D intersected the Aguilarena vein approximately 50 m from hole 21CLAU003D, returning 3.05 m of 3.91 g/t Au and 79 g/t Ag (1,100 g/t AgEq) from 144.25 m in the Aguilarena vein, including 0.80 m of 10.3 g/t Au and 214 g/t Ag.

High-grade hanging wall veins were also intersected in hole 26CLAU078D with 0.6 m of 11.75 g/t Au and 52 g/t Ag from 128.6 m, and in hole 26CLAU074D with 0.50 m of 9.28 g/t Au and 42 g/t Ag from 139.05, and from 144.20 to 147.80 (3.60 m) averaging 2.54 g/t Au and 49 g/t Ag, including 0.65 m at 8.27 g/t Au and 96 g/t Ag.

To the south of the Aguilarena shaft, holes 26CLAU072D, 26CLAU073D, 26CLAU075D and 26CLAU081D intersected the Aguilarena vein approximately 50 m down dip and laterally from previous drill intersections. A fifth hole (26CLAU077D) tested the intersection of the Aguilarena and Mark Twain veins at shallow depth in a gap with no previous drilling. Results are shown in Table 1 and selected results are discussed below.

Hole 26CLAU075D, located slightly down dip and approximately 65 m south of historical hole 21CLAU030D and approximately 50 m down dip from historical hole 21CLAU004D, intersected hanging wall vein breccia with 4.5 g/t Au and 49 g/t Ag from 130.45 to 130.75 m and 6.31 g/t Au and 247 g/t Ag from 155.30 to 156.25 m.

Hole 26CLAU077D returned 9.06 g/t Au and 152 g/t Ag over 0.45 m from 27.45 m after passing through the void space of an old working on the Aguilarena vein into 12.55 m of brecciated, mineralized wall rock and subsidiary vein material marking the intersection of the Mark Twain and Aguilarena veins. Mineralization averaged 1.12 g/t Au and 178 g/t Ag (275 g/t AgEq) from 27.45 to 40.0 m. This intersection zone also included 1.50 m of 1.31 g/t Au and 783 g/t Ag from 35.1 m. The West vein was intersected from 113.8 to 114.1 m and assayed 2.11 g/t Au and 159 g/t Ag (341 g/t AgEq).

Seven of the holes reported today intersected narrow, high-grade veins in the hanging wall of the Aguilarena structure, bringing the total number of such hanging-wall intersections in the Phase I and Phase II drill programs to 10. In addition, seven similar high-grade hanging-wall intercepts were recorded in 2021 drilling by the previous operator, Durango Gold, with gold grades ranging from 4.6 to 24 g/t Au, silver grades ranging from 7 to 233 g/t, and silver-equivalent grades ranging from 403 to 2,100 g/t AgEq.

The Company is currently working to determine the number of individual veins, their lateral and vertical extents and potential connections between intersections. Further Phase II drilling is planned to explore this emerging high-grade hanging-wall mineralization at the Aguilarena vein.

Central Vein Results

Holes 26CLAU079D and 26CLAU082D were drilled to test the up-dip and northern extensions of the mineralized zone found in historical hole 21CLAU031D. Hole 26CLAU079D was collared 135 m south of the historical hole, while hole 26CLAU082D was collared approximately 80 m north (Figure 1). Both holes were also positioned to test up-dip from holes 25CLAU042D and 25CLAU055D, with hole 26CLAU082D also located 50 m down-dip from 21CLAU031D. Results are shown in Table 1 and selected results are discussed below.

Hole 26CLAU079D intersected the Central vein over 2.7 m averaging 1.71 g/t Au and 124 g/t Ag, from 78.7 m. The vein contained 0.60 m averaging 4.44 g/t Au and 324 g/t Ag (706 g/t AgEq), half of which assayed 6.37 g/t Au and 533 g/t Ag.

The intercept in hole 26CLAAU079D on the Central vein returned higher gold and silver grades than those encountered in all historical drilling and the Phase I program, although the mineralized width was narrower than the 6.05 m interval grading 1.27 g/t Au and 90 g/t Ag reported in hole 21CLAU031D (from 62.1 m). These higher-grade results confirm the Central vein as a compelling target warranting additional drilling at both shallower and deeper levels.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

The 2026 drill samples reported here were collected from HQ-diameter core and were logged and sampled at the Pacifica Silver gated and enclosed facility in Santiago Papasquiaro, Durango. Sample lengths varied from 0.30 to 1.85 m, with the majority being >= 0.85 m in length. Pacifica Silver geologists marked the core lengthwise to best divide the core into halves, perpendicular to veins, mineralized fractures and vein-breccia. Sample intervals were cut in half lengthwise and one-half of each sample was placed into pre-numbered plastic sample bags with numbered sample tickets and closed with ties. The closed sample bags were placed into numbered shipping sacks along with numbered bags of coarse preparation blanks and certified reference material (CRMs or "standards") inserted with each hole for quality control/quality assurance purposes.

Samples were transported by commercial package delivery to the ALS laboratory in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. At the ALS laboratory, the samples were crushed in their entirety to 70% passing 2 mm, and riffle split to 1-kg subsamples which were pulverized to 85% at 75 m. ALS then shipped 200 g splits of the pulverized material by air freight to the ALS assay laboratory in North Vancouver, Canada, for analysis. Gold was analyzed by 30 g fire-assay fusion with an Atomic Adsorption (AA) finish (method code Au AA23); samples with >10 g/t Au were re-assayed by fire-assay fusion and gravimetric finish. Silver plus 34 major, minor and trace elements were analyzed by ICP AES following 4-acid digestion of 0.5 g aliquots (method code MEICP-61). Samples that assayed greater than 100 g/t Ag were re-analyzed by ICP AES following a 4-acid digestion (method code Ag OG62). ALS holds accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for specific analytical procedures and is independent of Pacifica Silver.

Qualified Person

Dr. Steven I. Weiss, PhD, CPG, Interim Vice-President of Exploration for Pacifica Silver, is a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical content in this news release.

Table 1 - Significant Assay Results from Phase II Drill Program at Claudia Project

Hole ID Hole Dip (deg) From m To m Length m

Au g/t Ag g/t AgEq**

g/t Area 26CLAU067D -62 191.20 195.20 4.00 at ave 1.28 8 118 Aguilarena HW stockwork which includes

191.70 192.80 1.10 at 3.54 8 312

26CLAU068D -54 157.25 157.60 0.35 at 13.90 62 1,258 Aguilarena HW vein 26CLAU069D -90 164.90 165.55 0.65 at 0.80 38 107 Aguilarena HW vein 26CLAU070D -54 278.80 282.00 3.20 NSI; max 0.524 g/t Au and 24 g/t Ag Aguilarena vein 26CLAU071D -46 221.20 232.05 10.85 at ave 0.51 21 65 Aguilarena vein and HW stockwork which includes

221.20 221.50 0.30 at 2.49 131 345

and

224.70 225.70 1.00 at 1.45 97 221

26CLAU072D -52 87.60 88.10 0.50 at 1.59 39 176 Aguillarena HW veins 26CLAU073D -60 105.80 106.45 0.65 at 2.20 88 277 Aguillarena HW veins and

115.90 116.95 1.05 at 1.84 45 203 Aguilarena vein FW 26CLAU074D -90 139.05 141.25 2.20 at ave 3.22 32 309 Aguillarena HW veins which includes

139.05 139.55 0.50 at 9.28 42 840

and

144.20 147.80 3.60 at ave 2.54 49 268 Aguillarena HW veins which includes

147.15 147.80 0.65 at 8.27 96 807

26CLAU075D -58 122.35 123.05 0.70 at 3.62 394 705 Aguillarena HW vein and

125.55 126.10 0.55 at 1.17 67 167 Aguillarena HW vein and

130.45 130.75 0.30 at 4.50 49 436 Aguillarena HW vein and

155.30 156.25 0.95 at 6.31 247 790 Aguillarena HW vein-breccia and

163.75 164.20 0.45 at 1.59 36 173 Aguilarena vein 26CLAU076D -64 143.35 149.15 5.80 at ave 2.32 47 247 Aguillarena and FW veins including

144.25 147.30 3.05 at ave 3.91 79 415 Aguilarena vein which includes

145.80 146.60 0.80 at 10.30 214 1,100 Aguilarena vein 26CLAU077D -60 27.45 40.00 12.55 at ave 1.12 178 275 FW vein zone & Mark Twain vein including

27.45 27.90 0.45 at 9.06 152 931 FW vein zone and

35.10 40.00 4.90 at ave 1.21 323 428 FW vein zone including Mark Twain vein including

35.10 36.60 1.50 at 1.31 783 896

also

113.80 114.10 0.30 at 2.11 159 341 West vein 26CLAU078D -61 48.80 49.85 1.05 at 3.27 243 524 Aguilarena HW vein and

106.95 107.40 0.45 at 3.21 14 290 Aguilarena HW vein and

126.75 127.20 0.45 at 1.67 18 161 Aguilarena HW vein and

128.60 129.20 0.60 at 11.75 52 1,063 Aguilarena HW vein including

144.30 146.20 1.90 at ave 1.55 10 144

which includes

145.90 146.20 0.30 at 5.30 17 473

and

165.80 169.30 3.50 at ave 1.36 27 144 Aguilarena vein which includes

167.75 168.50 0.75 at ave 2.99 39 297 Aguilarena vein 26CLAU079D -70 78.70 81.40 2.70 at ave 1.71 124 271 Central vein including

78.70 79.30 0.60 at ave 4.44 324 706

which includes

79.00 79.30 0.30 at 6.37 533 1,081

26CLAU080D -62 130.85 134.50 3.65 at ave 1.47 30 156 Aguilarena vein including

131.35 132.00 0.65 at 3.97 92 434

which includes

136.40 137.25 0.85 at 2.29 7 204

26CLAU081D -52 62.10 67.00 4.90 at ave 1.42 77 198 Aguilarena and footwall veins including

63.75 64.90 1.15 at ave 2.61 146 371 Aguilarena vein and

116.40 116.70 0.30 at 1.73 30 179

26CLAU082D -60

NSI, weakly anomalous with max Au = 0.056 g/t, max Ag = 4.9 g/t Central vein

Composites calculated with Au minimum of 0.15 g/t (0.100 g/t Au if Ag > 30 g/t) and no more than 1.0 m internal below minimum.

*True widths are estimated to average 75% of the reported drilled intervals (the majority range from 76% to 96%).

**Silver equivalent grade (AgEq) is calculated based on the following formula: AgEq (g/t) = Ag (g/t) + [Au (g/t) x (Au price / Ag price) x (Au recovery / Ag recovery)]. Metal prices for silver and gold are assumed to be US $30/oz and US $2,500/oz, respectively. At this stage, insufficient metallurgical test work has been completed to determine recoveries for silver and gold at the Claudia property. Accordingly, recoveries of 93% for silver and 96% for gold were applied, based on the 5-year historical average production data reported from First Majestic Silver Corp.'s San Dimas mine. These values are considered reasonable proxies for anticipated recoveries at Claudia due to similarities in deposit style and the relative proximity of the two properties.

About Pacifica Silver Corp.

Pacifica Silver Corp. is a Canadian resource company led by a proven management team with decades of mining and exploration experience in Mexico. The company is focused on its 100% owned Claudia Silver-Gold Project located in Durango, Mexico. Spanning 11,876 hectares, the Project encompasses most of the historic El Papanton Mining District where at least nine small mines operated intermittently during the 20th century. Since 1990, sampling and drilling within have returned high-grade silver and gold intercepts across multiple vein systems, with only 10% of over 30 kilometres of known veins having been drilled. Today, the project is a prime target for modern exploration and holds exceptional potential for new high-grade discoveries.

Signed,

Todd Anthony

Chief Executive Officer

Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation as may be amended from time to time, including, without limitation, statements regarding the perceived merit of the Project, expected timeline for permitting additional drill sites, potential quantity and/or grade of minerals and the potential size of the mineralized zones. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made, and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding the price of gold and silver; the accuracy of mineral resource estimations; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained, including concession renewals and permitting; that political and legal developments will be consistent with current expectations; that currency and exchange rates will be consistent with current levels; and that there will be no significant disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to: risks related to uncertainties inherent in the preparation of mineral resource estimates, including but not limited to changes to the cost assumptions, variations in quantity of mineralized material, grade or recovery rates, changes to geotechnical or hydrogeological considerations, failure of plant, equipment or processes, changes to availability of power or the power rates, ability to maintain social license, changes to interest or tax rates, changes in project parameters, delays and costs inherent to consulting and accommodating rights of local communities, environmental risks, title risks, including concession renewal, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, risks relating to COVID-19, the ongoing war in the Ukraine, delays in or failure to receive access agreements or amended permits, risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies, including costs and expenses, as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis, available on www.sedarplus.ca. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

*All silver equivalent grades (AgEq) expressed in this Press Release are calculated based on the following formula: AgEq (g/t) = Ag (g/t) + [Au (g/t) x (Au price / Ag price) x (Au recovery /Ag recovery)]. Metal prices for silver and gold are assumed to be US $30/oz and US $2,500/oz, respectively. At this stage, insufficient metallurgical test work has been completed to determine recoveries for silver and gold at the Claudia property. Accordingly, recoveries of 93% for silver and 96% for gold were applied, based on the five-year historical average production data reported from First Majestic Silver Corp.'s San Dimas mine. These values are considered reasonable proxies for anticipated recoveries at Claudia due to similarities in deposit style and the relative proximity of the two properties.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292267

Source: Pacifica Silver Corp.
Copper Appoints Former Flow Traders CEO Mike Kuehnel as Chairman and John Meserve as Non-Executive Director to Support Next Phase of Institutional Growth in the US

Copper Technologies ("Copper"), a leading digital asset infrastructure provider, today announced a series of board changes to support the company's next phase of institutional growth and its strategic global expansion. These appointments further strengthen Copper's governance as the company advances its regulatory engagement and institutional presence in the United States, where it is pursuing regulated status.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413362796/en/

Mike Kuehnel, Chairman, Copper

Mike Kuehnel has been appointed Chairman, succeeding Lord Hammond; in addition, John Meserve has joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director, succeeding Jim Turley.

Lord Hammond said, "It has been a privilege to lead Copper as Chair for the last three years during its transition from an early-stage fintech to a trusted provider of market infrastructure to institutional participants in digital asset markets. The company is now ready to pursue substantial opportunities emerging in the US. I am delighted to be handing over to a Chair of Mike Kuehnel's caliber, whose expertise across digital assets and financial market infrastructure will be highly valuable to Copper as it enters its next phase of growth."

Jim Turley, outgoing chair of the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Committee, added, "I am proud of the resilient and robust controls that we have implemented at Copper over the last three years, setting standards for the institutional custody and collateral mobility of blockchain-based assets. I am also happy that Copper will continue to build on this strong foundation with John Meserve's leadership of the ARC Committee."

Strengthening leadership to support institutional growth in the US

Mike Kuehnel brings extensive leadership experience across global financial markets, strategy, and technology. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Flow Traders, one of the world's leading publicly listed electronic liquidity providers, and held senior roles at Bain Company and Goldman Sachs.

He stepped down from Flow Traders to focus on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping financial markets and market infrastructure, particularly in advancing innovation, efficiency, and the future architecture of institutional financial markets. As a longstanding advocate of digital assets and the technological evolution of financial market infrastructure, he has built deep relationships across the US institutional ecosystem, including with leading market participants, regulators, and investors.

Kuehnel added:

"Copper has established itself internationally as a trusted provider of secure and efficient digital asset infrastructure for institutional clients. As market structure continues to evolve, there is a significant opportunity to build on that position in the United States. I look forward to working closely with the Board and management team to support Copper's next phase of institutional growth and further broaden its presence in this market."

Meserve joins the Board with more than four decades of experience in banking infrastructure, corporate trust and custody, including senior leadership roles at The Bank of New York. Based in the United States, he will support Copper's engagement with regulators, investors, and institutional clients, while helping to strengthen key governance pillars including audit, risk, and compliance.

Meserve added:

"As institutional adoption gathers pace, the focus must be on building resilient, scalable market infrastructure that institutions can rely on. Copper has taken a disciplined approach to building institutional-grade infrastructure and I look forward to supporting its continued expansion in the US."

Amar Kuchinad, Chief Executive Officer of Copper, said:

"I want to thank Philip and Jim for their contributions over the last three years to make Copper the industry benchmark in blockchain-based collateral mobility solutions. Personally, I am deeply appreciative for their advice and insights over the past year and a half since I joined Copper. While I will miss their involvement in the leadership of the company, I am happy that they will remain as stakeholders in Copper's success.

I am also excited to welcome Mike and John to Copper. Their appointments reflect a deliberate move to align Copper's governance and leadership with the opportunities we see ahead. Institutional adoption of blockchain and digital assets is moving from exploration to implementation, and the US is becoming the defining jurisdiction for that shift. Mike's knowledge of global markets across asset classes, experience leading a major publicly listed electronic liquidity provider, strong connectivity on Wall Street, and conviction in the long-term role of blockchain infrastructure will be instrumental in supporting our next phase of growth. John's experience at BNY and relationships with many traditional financial market infrastructure providers will also be invaluable to Copper as we continue to develop products and services that provide our institutional clients and partners with seamless access to the fragmented landscape of blockchain-based assets and protocols."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260413362796/en/

Contacts:

Kate Light, Global Head of Marketing

+447415 323777
Xi calls for enhancing China-Spain cooperation for more outcomes in meeting with Sanchez

Xinhua) 14:49, April 14, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China and Spain should strengthen cooperation in multiple fields and encourage exchanges in various areas, so as to bring about more outcomes in the comprehensive strategic partnership and deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China.

HIGH IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO TIES

Xi noted that despite the changing and turbulent international landscape, China-Spain relations have developed steadily, forging a relationship with strategic resolve. An important experience of this lies in the ability to make the right decisions based on common interests.

Speaking of his four visits to China in four years, Sanchez said they demonstrate the high importance both sides attach to Spain-China relations.

"Diplomatic relations between the two countries are not improvised. They are the result of many years of work," said Jordi Bacaria, expert in international relations and professor emeritus at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, in a recent interview with Xinhua, adding that Spain's engagement with China has been built gradually and at the highest institutional level.

In Tuesday's meeting, Xi said China and Spain should always prioritize the development of bilateral relations in their respective foreign policies and support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Spain firmly adheres to the one-China principle, highly values China's status as a major country, and is deeply committed to developing a Spain-China partnership with strategic resolve, Sanchez told Xi.

ENHANCED COOPERATION

China has firm resolve in advancing Chinese modernization and the broad-mindedness to share development opportunities with the world through high-standard opening up, said Xi, adding that China will inject confidence and momentum into global economic growth through its own development.

China and Spain have strong economic and trade complementarity. China is Spain's largest trading partner outside the European Union (EU), and Spain is an important partner for China within the bloc. According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, bilateral goods trade exceeded 55 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, growing 9.8 percent year on year.

Xi said that the two sides should seize opportunities, jointly pursue innovation-driven development, strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, new energy, and smart economy, and encourage exchanges in culture, education, scientific research, and sports.

For his part, Sanchez said Spain hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in trade, investment, new energy, and other sectors, as well as to enhance people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

UPHOLDING TRUE MULTILATERALISM

Noting that today's turbulent world faces the struggle between right and might, Xi called on both China and Spain, countries that value principle and justice, to strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust, and work closely together to reject any backslide into the law of the jungle, and jointly uphold true multilateralism.

He said both countries should safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and foster the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Sanchez said that faced with a complex and challenging international situation and multiple recurring conflicts and disputes, only by adhering to multilateralism and fostering a multipolar world can lasting peace be achieved for humanity.

Spain actively supports the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi and stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China to jointly address challenges related to international geopolitics, trade protectionism, and climate change, while upholding international law and multilateralism, Sanchez said.

Spain opposes a new Cold War and the attempt to decouple and sever supply chains, and supports enhanced communication, understanding and cooperation between Europe and China, Sanchez said, adding that the sound development of EU-China relations serves the common interests of both sides and contributes to world peace and stability.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
HONG KONG, Apr 14, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - In view of the growing and increasingly pressing demand from mainland enterprises to go global, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has launched GoGlobal Connect. This will leverage the resources of HKTDC's 51 offices worldwide to strengthen its service offerings and facilitate more effective connections between mainland enterprises and Hong Kong's professional service providers, while strengthening ties to explore global business opportunities and enhance Hong Kong's role as an international platform.The GoGlobal Connect launch ceremony was held today at the HKTDC SME Service Centre. The ceremony was officiated by Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC. It was witnessed by more than 200 enterprise representatives of mainland enterprises and Hong Kong service providers.In his welcoming remarks, Prof Ma said: 'According to the World Trade Organization's latest report, Hong Kong rose to become the world's fifth-largest merchandise trading economy in 2025, reflecting the strong resilience of Hong Kong's external trade and reaffirming its status as an international trade centre. This year marks the launch of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. The HKTDC will take a proactive approach to help Hong Kong better integrate into and serve the nation's overall development strategy. Through the newly launched GoGlobal Connect initiative, we will leverage Hong Kong's strengths in internationally oriented professional services to lower the threshold for mainland enterprises to go global and support their steady and wellmanaged overseas expansion.'In his opening remarks, Algernon Yau said that the HKTDC officially launched the GoGlobal Connect service today, along with an enhanced cross-sectoral professional services platform, further strengthening the support provided by the GoGlobal Task Force for mainland enterprises. He said: 'The Task Force will continue to actively advance various initiatives, including attracting strategically valuable mainland enterprises to develop their businesses in Hong Kong. At the same time, we will continue to organise promotional and matchmaking events across different sectoral themes in Hong Kong and the mainland, and invite mainland enterprises to join overseas business missions, allowing them to gain first-hand understanding of local market situations.'Helping mainland enterprises go globalThe HKTDC's GoGlobal Connect initiative will provide support in four key areas, by:Establishing a cross-sectoral professional services platform, which brings together professional service providers from eight key sectors to facilitate connections with mainland enterprises;Setting up GoGlobal Connect zones at HKTDC's flagship events, where service providers can offer on-site consultations;Incorporating GoGlobal Connect elements into trade promotion activities held in the Chinese Mainland, to promote Hong Kong as a platform for enterprises going global;Leveraging the HKTDC's global network to strengthen market connections.The GoGlobal Connect service will also be available at the HKTDC SME Service Centre.Following the launch ceremony, Yao Chenpeng, Vice President of Transfar Group, a mainland enterprise, shared the company's plans to establish an overseas business headquarters in Hong Kong. He said that the Group's overseas business has continued to grow in recent years, necessitating the establishment of an international management centre to handle matters such as tax planning and overseas contracts, and that the professional services available in Hong Kong are well placed to meet the company's needs.He noted that after sharing the idea with the HKTDC in July last year, the Council promptly arranged meetings between the Group and relevant government departments, major chambers of commerce and industry associations in Hong Kong. The HKTDC also introduced the Group to Hong Kong professional service providers to help it understand the incentives and procedures for establishing operations in Hong Kong and to build business networks.Subsequently, at the Belt and Road Summit held in September last year, the HKTDC introduced professional service providers to the Group and facilitated the signing of cooperation agreements, providing practical support for the Group's global expansion plans.A survey conducted in the Chinese Mainland by the HKTDC earlier this year among more than 2,000 mainland enterprises showed that 83% plan to leverage Hong Kong's professional services to support their global expansion, a significant increase from 62% from a similar survey conducted in 2023. The findings underscore Hong Kong's strengths as the preferred service platform for mainland enterprises going global.The Hong Kong SAR Government recently set up the GoGlobal Task Force and launched a thematic website in March (www.goglobal.gov.hk). The website includes a link to HKTDC's cross-sectoral professional services platform, which provides one-stop information and professional support for mainland enterprises seeking to expand overseas via Hong Kong, helping them better leverage Hong Kong's diverse international strengths to plan and implement their global expansion strategies. The platform has recently enhanced its service provider database and optimized the user interface. In the second half of the year, we will onboard more service providers and continue to improve the platform and matching functions to deliver more comprehensive support to mainland enterprises.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4tCTfVWThe GoGlobal Connect launch ceremony was held at the HKTDC SME Service Centre. It was attended by Algernon Yau (second left), Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Prof Frederick Ma (second right), Chairman of the HKTDC; Zhou Qiang (far right), Deputy Director of the Economic Affairs Department and Head of the Trade Office of the Central Government's Liaison Office in Hong Kong; and Sophia Chong (far left), Executive Director of the HKTDCProf Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, delivered the welcoming remarksAlgernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR Government, delivered the opening remarksMembers of the GoGlobal Task Force, professional bodies and organisations supporting mainland enterprises to go global, mainland officials based in Hong Kong, as well as Yao Chenpeng, Vice President of Transfar Group, attended the ceremony in support of the launchYao Chenpeng, Vice President of Transfar Group, shared the company's latest plans to establish an overseas business headquarters in Hong KongMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications and Public Affairs Department:Johnny Tsui Tel: (852) 2584 4395 Email: johnny.cy.tsui@hktdc.orgSam Ho Tel: (852) 2584 4569 Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.Source: HKTDCCopyright 2026 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
1 billion in annual revenue from data centers and chip industry by 2030

the combined water use of data centers and semiconductor manufacturing is to equal that of 46 million people by 2030

ambition to double the share of digital and AI efficiency gains to 50% of operational efficiencies by 2030, sustaining Veolia recurring efficiency plan

Regulatory News:

Veolia (Paris:VIE) announces an ambitious plan to accelerate its footprint in the data centers industry and microelectronics, targeting over 1 billion in annual revenue from these two markets by 2030.The company aims to leverage its proprietary technologies and global expertise to address the growing demand for integrated solutions in water management, local energy and hazardous waste treatment.

At the same time, Veolia intends to fully leverage the potential of digital and AI-driven solutions to sustain its recurring efficiency plan of above 350M per year. The Group notably targets to double the share of digital and AI efficiency gains to 50% of operational efficiency by 2030, compared with 23% in 2025.

Demand for data center capacity is expected to nearly triple by 20301, driven in large part by hyperscaling, the rapid expansion of large-scale, cloud and AI computing infrastructure, while microelectronics are becoming a geopolitical flashpoint, with chip manufacturing continuously diversified and reshored to safeguard national sovereignty, including a projected 26% growth2 in 2026 alone.

This exponential growth is putting increasing strain on key resources. Microelectronics fabrication and data centers consume vast amounts of water and energy, with chipmaking also relying on ultra-pure water critical to performance. By 2030, the overall water use of data centers and semiconductor manufacturing3 is expected to equal that of 46 million people, roughly the size of the New York, Los Angeles and Paris metropolitan areas combined.

In this context, securing reliable supplies, while protecting ecosystems and curbing use, is becoming a pressing challenge for both industry and governments, with implications for operational resilience, regulatory approval and public acceptance.

Veolia is uniquely positioned to meet this challenge, delivering best-in-class proprietary technologies across two critical and fast-growing sectors. With deep expertise and a global footprint, Veolia enables clients to scale operations responsibly, minimizing environmental impact while increasing resilience. Its innovative technologies help reduce water consumption, recover valuable resources, provide local energy solutions and safely treat complex waste streams, making them essential partners in building the infrastructure behind sustainable digital infrastructure and microelectronics.

This momentum builds on a solid track record: over the past two years, Veolia has already secured several contracts across Asia, Europe, and the United States: the Group's global client portfolio includes leading industry players such as TSMC (United States and Taiwan, hazardous waste), Micron (United States, water and hazardous waste, Singapore), Samsung (United States, hazardous waste), Intel (United States, and Ireland water and hazardous waste), STMicroelectronics (South East Asia, Europe, water and hazardous waste), SK Hynix (China and Korea, water), Google (United States Europe, water), AWS (United States, water and commissioning), Echelon (Ireland, energy), Scale (United States, energy), Tesla Datacenter (United States, water).

"Veolia is strategically positioned to help shape a resilient and sustainable future for the world's fastest-growing industries, supporting innovation and progress while ensuring that growth remains sustainable. This push builds on our world leadership in water technologies, local energy and hazardous waste, as well as our new "Data Center Resource 360"offering, launched today," said Veolia CEO Estelle Brachlianoff."By leveraging our proprietary solutions and this unique integrated expertise we deliver tailored, innovative approaches to build resilience and environmental security. Our ambition is to become The partner of choice for these strategic industries, helping them scale responsibly, optimize resource use, and achieve sustainable growth, while protecting critical environmental assets for the long term."

ABOUT VEOLIA

Veolia, a global leader in environmental services, works every day to build environmental security for the benefit of public health and the competitiveness of industries and regions. With 215,000 employees across five continents, working closely with local communities, and thanks to its cutting-edge technologies, the group cleans up pollution, reduces carbon emissions, and regenerates resources through concrete solutions that combine its expertise in water and water technologies, waste including hazardous waste management, and local energy. In 2025, the Veolia group served 110 million people with drinking water and 97 million with sanitation, produced 45 million megawatt hours of energy, and treated 64 million tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE, Fortune 500, SBF 120) generated consolidated revenue of 44.4 billion in 2025. www.veolia.com.

1 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/the-data-center-balance-how-us-states-can-navigate-the-opportunities-and-challenges?utm_source=chatgpt.com

2 https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/technology/technology-media-telecom-outlooks/semiconductor-industry-outlook.html

3 https://www.idtechex.com/en/research-report/sustainable-electronics-and-semiconductor-manufacturing-2025-2035-players-markets-forecasts/1065

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414349474/en/

Contacts:

VEOLIA

PRESS RELATIONS

Laurent Obadia Evgeniya Mazalova

Anna Beaubatie Aurelien Sarrosquy

Charline Bouchereau

presse.groupe@veolia.com

INVESTORS RELATIONS

Selma Bekhechi Ariane de Lamaze

Tel. 33 (0)1 85 57 84 76

investor-relations@veolia.com
Advanced Solar Tracking Project to Support Greece's Renewable Energy Goals While Enhancing Energy Security and Efficiency

Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider, together with its joint venture partner Sunel Group, today announced the launch of an 83 MW solar installation in Kozani, Greece. The large-scale renewable energy project is set to significantly enhance the region's energy resiliency while supporting Greece's transition toward a decarbonized future.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414438005/en/

Ameresco partners with Sunel Group on 83 MW solar installation to reinforce the region's grid reliability and energy distribution capabilities.

Ameresco SUNEL Energy SA was awarded with an Engineering Procurement and Construction contract (EPC) by Luxcara, a leading German energy infrastructure asset manager, holding the majority stake of the project. The Kozani solar project is designed to ensure high-efficiency energy generation while delivering long-term environmental and financial benefits. Nearly 130,000 photovoltaic modules will be installed on a one-axis tracking system to optimize energy yield. By tracking the position of the sun throughout the day, tracker-mounted PV modules can optimize energy capture and maximize efficiency. The EPC also includes Medium Voltage (MV) grid connection and an extension of the 400/33 kV High Voltage (HV) substation, reinforcing the region's grid reliability and energy distribution capabilities. Construction works are already underway.

"Greece is one of the sunniest countries in Europe, making it an ideal location for solar energy projects that can drive both national and regional sustainability goals," said Pete Christakis, Chief Operating Officer at Ameresco. "By leveraging advanced solar tracking technology in a region rich in sunlight, the Kozani project is set to play a significant role in fortifying Greece's renewable energy infrastructure and supporting Europe's broader green energy transition."

"Projects like this reflect the growing maturity of the Greek renewable energy market, where scale, structure, and long-term stability are becoming increasingly important. As Ameresco SUNEL Energy, we are focused on supporting this shift by delivering projects that meet the evolving expectations of international investors," said Konstantinos Zygouras, Vice President of Ameresco SUNEL.

"Ameresco SUNEL Energy SA has been a trusted partner in advancing our solar investment in Greece," said Lorenz Hahn, Investment Manager at Luxcara. "This project shows how well-targeted solar investments can support economic development while strengthening Greece's clean energy infrastructure. By unlocking the region's strong solar potential, we are helping build a more resilient, domestically powered energy future."

To learn more about solar power solutions offered by Ameresco, visit https://www.ameresco.com/solution-solar-power/

About Ameresco, Inc.

Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider dedicated to helping customers reduce costs, enhance resilience, and decarbonize to net zero in the global energy transition. Our comprehensive portfolio includes implementing smart energy efficiency solutions, upgrading aging infrastructure, and developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources. As a trusted full-service partner, Ameresco shows the way by reducing energy use and delivering energy infrastructure solutions to Federal, state and local governments, utilities, data centers, educational and healthcare institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

About SUNEL Group

SUNEL Group is a leading provider of integrated and innovative solutions for renewable energy projects, specializing in Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and energy efficiency. Headquartered in Athens, the company operates regional offices in London, Valencia, Milan, Bucharest and Tashkent, with a total workforce of over 400 employees, including highly experienced engineers. Since its establishment in 2006, SUNEL has successfully developed, designed, and executed more than 2 GW of solar projects worldwide. Currently, the company is executing 2+ GW of solar projects across Greece, the UK, Spain, Italy, Romania and Uzbekistan. For more information, visit www.sunelgroup.com.

About Luxcara

Luxcara is an independent asset manager offering equity and debt investment opportunities to international investors in the global energy-transition infrastructure market. The Hamburg-based company acquires, structures, finances and operates energy projects with a long-term buy-build-operate approach. Luxcara's portfolio includes investments across several European countries and comprises wind and solar PV assets, battery storage systems, charging stations for electric vehicles, and electrolyzers for the production of green hydrogen. With a track record dating back to 2009 and a team of more than 80 energy specialists, Luxcara ranks among Europe's most experienced asset managers in energy transition infrastructure.

The announcement of a customer project contract is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such contract, of Ameresco's overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in Ameresco's overall total project backlog. This project was included in Ameresco's previously reported contracted backlog as of December 31, 2025.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414438005/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Ameresco: Leila Dillon, 508-661-2264, news@ameresco.com
Proceeds will help enhance workflows and expand single-cell functional assay portfolio

Brad Crutchfield joins as advisor to support early access growth and upcoming global launch

Lightcast, a pioneering life science tools company focused on functional single-cell analysis, today announced the closing of a $27 million financing raised from existing investors. The financing was led by ARCH Venture Partners with participation from M Ventures, Illumina Ventures, +ND Capital, Longwall Ventures, and OMX Ventures.

Proceeds from the financing will support the full commercial release of Lightcast's Envisia benchtop platform in 2026, enabling the company to deepen strategic collaborations, expand its portfolio of single-cell functional assays, and achieve critical technical, manufacturing, and software readiness milestones. During the past year, Lightcast has successfully expanded its early access program, working with leading pharmaceutical and academic institutions to validate platform performance, optimize workflows, and broaden applications across antibody discovery, cell therapy, and functional biology.

"Lightcast's early commercial traction underscores the strength of its platform and the size of the opportunity ahead," said Sean Kendall, partner at ARCH Venture Partners. "We are increasing our investment because the Envisia platform addresses a clear gap in the market, bringing real-time, function-focused cellular analysis out of specialized labs and onto the benchtop, where it can significantly accelerate antibody discovery, oncology therapeutics, and cell line development and production."

To further accelerate commercialization, Lightcast has also appointed industry veteran Brad Crutchfield as an advisor to the board of directors. Mr. Crutchfield brings deep experience scaling breakthrough single-cell technologies, most notably as chief commercial officer at 10x Genomics. He currently serves as a board member and advisor to several leading life sciences companies, including Mission Bio, Broken String Biosciences, Partillion Bioscience, Pixelgen Technologies, and Alamar Biosciences.

Mr. Crutchfield stated: "The Envisia platform represents an important evolution in single-cell analysis, enabling researchers to move beyond inference and directly measure function at the level of individual cells. Platforms that deliver this kind of insight have the potential to significantly accelerate discovery and reshape how new therapies are developed. I'm excited to support Lightcast as it brings this capability to a broad set of customers around the world."

Unlike conventional single-cell analysis methods that rely on genomic or transcriptomic data to infer function, the Envisia platform captures rich functional data directly. It is powered by Lightcast's proprietary light-controlled droplet manipulation technology, which interrogates tens of thousands of picoliter-scale droplets with exceptional speed, precision, and flexibility. Researchers can now run highly controlled, sequential single-cell functional screening assays to rapidly advance antibody discovery workflows. The platform is also being used for exploring cell-cell interactions and for broader immunology and oncology applications.

"Single-cell analysis technologies have transformed how we characterize cells, but they have not fully captured how they behave," said Paul Loeffen, PhD, CEO of Lightcast. "Our Envisia platform was built to deliver deep functional cellular insights. This financing is a strong validation of both our technology and the momentum we are seeing with customers, and it will enable us to deliver a commercial platform that can meaningfully accelerate how new therapies are discovered and developed."

The complete Envisia commercial workflow will include advanced instrumentation, intelligent software, a purpose-built cartridge system, and assay kits optimized for a range of cell types, assay formats, and research applications. To learn more, visit https://www.lightcast.bio/technology/envisia-platform.

About Lightcast

Lightcast aims to unleash new capabilities within the single-cell analysis field by developing a more accessible, scalable, and flexible platform for scientists in basic, translational, and applied research. These capabilities will empower new biological discoveries and accelerate the development of novel drugs, therapies, and biologics. Founded in 2019 and based in Cambridge, UK, Lightcast has invented a technology that uses rays of light to control picoliter-scale droplets for functional analysis of individual cells. For more information, visit www.lightcast.bio.

Lightcast, the Lightcast logo, and Envisia are trademarks of Lightcast Discovery Ltd.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414754323/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Andrew Noble for Lightcast

andrew@bioscribe.com

+1 (415) 722-2129
Er-Kim announces exclusive partnership with LEO Pharma A/S to launch LOQTORZI across Central and Eastern Europe, expanding access to innovative cancer treatment for Nasopharyngeal and Oesophageal Cancers

ISTANBUL and BALLERUP, Denmark, April 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Er-Kim, an international pharmaceutical company specializing in the commercialization of novel therapies in the EMEA region, today announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement with LEO Pharma A/S to commercialize LOQTORZI (toripalimab) in select regions in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

Under the terms of the agreement, Er-Kim will serve as the exclusive commercial partner for LOQTORZI in the following markets: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

This PD-1 inhibitor is an intravenous immunotherapy that harnesses the body's immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. In the European Union, the treatment is indicated for two distinct, hard-to-treat malignancies:

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC): A rare and aggressive cancer of the head and neck. The therapy is used in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine for adults with recurrent (non-resectable) or metastatic NPC as a first-line option, or as a monotherapy for those who have previously undergone chemotherapy.

Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC): For patients with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic OSCC that cannot be removed by surgery. In these cases, it is used in combination with cisplatin and paclitaxel.

Cem Zorlular, Chief Executive Officer of Er-Kim, said, "Advancements in immunotherapy are fundamentally changing the outlook for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but innovation only matters when it reaches the people who need it. By leveraging our deep infrastructure and relationships in Central and Eastern Europe, we are pleased to partner with LEO Pharma to bridge this access gap and bring LOQTORZI to oncology patients throughout the CEE region."

"We are committed to advancing cancer care by making innovative treatments available to this vulnerable group of patients who face limited options. Er-Kim's regional knowledge makes them a strong partner to bring LOQTORZI to new markets in Central and Eastern Europe," said Jean Monin, Executive Vice President of the Critical Care Business Unit at LEO Pharma A/S. "Together, we can make a difference for the patients and healthcare professionals we serve."

In 2025, LEO Pharma A/S was granted exclusive distribution and sales rights for LOQTORZI in the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), as well as Switzerland and the United Kingdom, while TopAlliance Biosciences remains the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH).

About Er-Kim

Established in 1981, Er-Kim stands at the forefront of biopharmaceutical innovation, setting new commercialization and patient access standards. Through strategic partnerships with over 40 global leaders, Er-Kim distributes more than 68 products to 50+ countries, revolutionizing patient care in international markets by solving complex distribution challenges. Er-Kim has a dedicated team of over 400 professionals worldwide and revenues exceeding EUR 390M. For more information, please visit www.er-kim.com.

About LEO Pharma's Critical Care business unit



With over 80 years of expertise in heparin production, LEO Pharma's Critical Care unit is a global player in thrombosis. Anchored by innohep and other established products, we leverage a specialty hospital commercial platform to drive growth through expansion into cancer-associated thrombosis and broader critical care. In 2024, the Critical Care business unit contributed 18% of total revenue of LEO Pharma.

About LEO Pharma



LEO Pharma is a global leader in medical dermatology. We deliver innovative solutions for skin health, building on a century of experience with breakthrough medicines in healthcare. We are committed to making a fundamental difference in people's lives, and our broad portfolio of treatments serves close to 100 million patients in over 70 countries annually. LEO Pharma is co-owned by majority shareholder the LEO Foundation and, since 2021, Nordic Capital. Headquartered in Denmark, LEO Pharma has a team of 4,000 people worldwide. Together, we reach far beyond the skin. For more information, visit www.leo-pharma.com.

Media contact:

Rosalia Scampoli

Marketcom PR

Tel: (914) 815-1465

rscampoli@marketcompr.com
The vendor has strengthened its international presence, increased its offering and invested in expanding its customer base over the past year

BERLIN, April 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Snom, a premium European brand in integrated professional IP communication, has reported solid results and signs of growth in strategic markets as it closes its financial year, laying the foundations for further international expansion.

In the first year with Fabio Albanini at the helm as Senior VP Sales & Operations, the company recorded stability in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) thanks to a renewed sales strategy and a focus on strengthening the local team.

Italy and France remained strong despite a complex economic climate. At the same time, the Iberian region (Spain and Portugal) established itself as one of the main drivers of growth, continuing momentum built in recent years.

Positive signs were also seen in Southern Europe, particularly the Balkans, and APAC, where Snom expanded its presence in Australia and India with new distribution agreements. The United Kingdom, Benelux, Nordics and Poland all remained stable, while Snom plans to relaunch activities in the CIS, Middle East and Africa.

"We are starting to see growth again in key markets and reaping the results of investments made in the medium term, particularly on the Iberian Peninsula," commented Albanini. "A coherent strategy and strong customer orientation remain the determining factors for sustainable growth."

Product portfolio: complete coverage and new opportunities

During the past year, Snom expanded its portfolio with more than 20 new devices, including desktop terminals, DECT cordless phones and accessories. Strengthening the D8xx series allowed for full coverage of all market segments, alongside the established D1xx and D7xx series. This development also provided new opportunities in the OEM sector, where interest grew from partners and providers who started to outsource the production of terminals.

In the DECT segment, Snom's offer remains solid: M900 multicell base stations and the M70 IP DECT terminal were among the most sought-after products in the category. Strengthening its single-cell range - with the repositioning of the M110 and the launch of the M253 and M256 models - made Snom's portfolio even more competitive.

Unit sales doubled in the hospitality sector, with Italy in a leading position. Thanks to a complete offering that integrates analogue and SIP phones with a unique design for hotels, Snom's solutions continue to stand out.

The accessories segment - headphones, video cameras, and speakerphones - also saw significant growth.

Interoperability as a strategic lever

Interoperability is a central element for Snom, with over 100 technology partners worldwide. The ability to integrate with third-party platforms and solutions is essential to ensure flexibility and value for its customers.

"Interoperability is one of the key pillars of our strategy," emphasised Albanini. "We continue to invest to ensure compatibility, reliability, and freedom of choice for our customers."





Operational efficiency and a customer-centric model

Over the past twelve months, Snom strengthened its operational efficiency and the alignment between different company functions. Coordination between marketing and sales has increased, which is creating new opportunities.

The introduction of advanced tools for lead management and the enhancement of digital activities improved the effectiveness of sales initiatives.

On the logistics front, a move to a more efficient warehouse optimised processes, making deliveries faster and more effective. At the same time, research and development activities became increasingly aligned with market needs, in a more customer-oriented model.

Expansion of the customer base and partner recognition

Expanding its customer base is now a strategic priority for Snom. All sales and marketing activities focus on acquiring new customers and strengthening existing relationships.

"Partners are at the centre of our business model, and their contribution is fundamental to the results achieved," concluded Albanini. "A special thanks goes to the distributors who stood out for their performance and commitment, achieving the Distribution Award in the Platinum and Gold categories."

In the 2025/26 financial year, Even Flow Distribution PTY Ltd in South Africa, Cohesive Technologies PvT Ltd in India and iTech Group LLC Azerbaijan secured Gold status in Snom's annual partner awards, standing out once again for their consistent performance and top results.

About Snom

Snom Technology GmbH is a globally recognised and established manufacturer of IP telecommunication solutions for professional use.

Since its foundation in Berlin in 1997, the company has stood for the highest quality and security standards. All products are developed and designed in Germany with the aim of meeting the demands of a modern working environment.

With almost 30 years of experience and innovative strength, Snom creates solutions that are perfectly tailored to the requirements of mobility and flexibility in today's working world. Snom was integrated into the VTech Group in 2016. The premium brand's portfolio includes elegant desk phones, cordless IP devices, conferencing solutions and specialised product lines for industrial and hospitality applications.

With over twelve million devices installed worldwide, Snom emphasises the seamless integration of its products with all leading manufacturers of IP-based telephone systems and maintains close partnerships with them. Its sales network includes renowned distributors and over 10,000 specialised dealers worldwide. Snom offers a comprehensive partner programme for specialist dealers, ranging from technical training to exclusive special offers.

Photos accompanying this announcement is available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2f10e654-54e5-4e22-89fa-9517131612ce

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a580f36a-ad03-4833-baea-d31691a7c9b8

Silvia Amelia Bianchi press@sabcommunications.net
Multiple targets identified within world-class Woodie Woodie manganese district.

Rock chip sampling at Pearana confirmed high-grade manganese over 3.5 km strike with multiple assays above 30% Mn and a peak assay of 51.8% Mn.

Additional sampling at other priority targets also returned strong results, with a top assay of 57% Mn at Pothole and 32.6% at Sharks Fin.

3,249-station high-resolution gravity survey has been commissioned to identify shallow, high-grade manganese bodies to add to the existing AEF resource base.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - AE Fuels Corporation (TSXV: AEF) (OTCQB: NRGFF) ("AEF" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an exploration update from the Pearana area at its South Woodie Woodie Manganese Project in the Pilbara District of Western Australia. Recent field work identified high-grade manganese mineralization from 302 surface rock-chip samples, across multiple prospects, highlighting the district-scale discovery potential and establishing Pearana as a priority drill target. The Company is now moving to the next phase of work, with a high-resolution gravity survey to commence over the most prospective areas.

Pearana lies approximately 30 km north of the Contact resource deposit area and within the world-class Woodie Woodie manganese district, see Figure 1 overleaf. The prospect is hosted by Pinjian Chert Breccia, the principal host unit for manganese mineralization in the district, and surface results indicate that high-grade mineralization may extend beneath shallow cover along strike. The Company considers Pearana and the Pothole-Sharks Fin trend to be priority drill targets pending completion of geophysical targeting and access preparations.

Gary Lewis, CEO of AE Fuels, commented: "Pearana is shaping up as a significant manganese target. The surface results are strong, the strike is substantial, and importantly, we are identifying multiple targets across a highly prospective district. We are now moving quickly to the next phase with a high-resolution gravity survey designed to identify shallow high-grade manganese bodies. Our objective here is clear, to find additional near-surface high-grade manganese that can supplement the existing resource base and support our strategy of producing high-purity manganese products for battery and advanced technology markets."

Pearana Emerging as a Major Discovery

Surface sampling at Pearana confirmed high-grade manganese mineralisation over a 3.5 km strike, with multiple samples exceeding 30% manganese and a peak sample returning 51.8% Mn. Additional strong results were returned at nearby prospects, as shown in Table 1 overleaf.

Figure 1. AEF's South Woodie Woodie Exploration Licenses and locations of Contact mineral resource and planned gravity survey covering the Pearana, Pothole and Sharks Fin manganese targets

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11811/292379_8574996c949f09d0_004full.jpg

Table 1. Recent Sampling Results 

Prospect Peak result Scale Comment Pearana 51.8% Mn 3.5 km strike Multiple assays exceed 30% Mn; regarded as the primary near-term drill target. Pothole 57.0% Mn ~1 km trend Highest assay returned from recent campaign; part of Pothole-Sharks Fin corridor. Sharks Fin 32.6% Mn >3 km combined trend Together with Pothole, defines a high-priority corridor where flat ground may conceal additional mineralization. Pearana South 35.0% Mn Early-stage target Prospective but lower priority than Pearana and Pothole at this stage.

These results are consistent with the Company's view that the Pearana area has the potential to host shallow, high-grade manganese mineralization additional to the existing Contact NI 43-101 mineral resource of 11.3Mt at 15% Mn. They also reinforce the prospectivity of the wider South Woodie Woodie project area.

Figure 2. Recently reported rock chip sample assays with Pearana-Pothole-Sharks Fin planned gravity survey

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11811/292379_af_2.jpg

District-Scale Potential Supports Battery-Grade Manganese Strategy

The South Woodie Woodie Project is a fully integrated battery materials project designed to meet multiple and evolving specifications of both Electric Vehicle and Energy Storage System markets. To that end, the emerging high-grade, district-scale manganese system at Pearana has the potential to supplement the Company's existing resource base and become a key upstream source supporting AE Fuels' downstream development ambitions.

The Company is continuing to progress a staged development pathway from feed upgrading to downstream processing, with a target of delivering a Pre-Feasibility Study in 2027.

Gravity Survey Program

AE Fuels has commissioned a 3,249-station high-resolution gravity survey across Pearana and the Pothole-Sharks Fin corridor. The survey is being conducted at 40-metre station spacing, providing detailed subsurface targeting ahead of drilling.

Perth-based Resource Potentials will provide survey planning oversight, ongoing monitoring, data QA/QC, preliminary imaging, final processing including terrain corrections, 3D unconstrained gravity inversion modelling, interpretation, targeting and final technical review. AEF expects the gravity data to help define dense manganese-oxide bodies beneath shallow cover and sharpen drill target selection.

Qualified Person

John Levings, BSc FAusIMM., Technical Director, AE Fuels Corporation, is the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101, responsible for the scientific and technical information in this news release. Mr. Levings has reviewed, verified, and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Mr. Levings is not independent of the Company for the purposes of NI 43-101.

On behalf of the board of directors of the Company:

Gary Lewis,

CEO and Director

About AE Fuels Corporation

AE Fuels Corporation is building a vertically integrated critical minerals business, with manganese and fluorspar projects positioned to supply battery, semiconductor and energy transition markets. AEF has a multi-asset portfolio strategically located in tier one jurisdictions with manganese projects in the Pilbara Region of Western Australia, including an inferred NI 43-101 mineral resource of 11.3Mt grading 15% Mn, and brownfields fluorspar projects in New Mexico in the USA. Both commodities are designated critical minerals in the United States, Australia, and the European Union, reflecting their importance to battery supply chains, semiconductors, nuclear energy, and advanced industrial applications. The Company's strategy is to develop secure, Western-aligned supply chains that reduce dependence on high-risk or non-aligned jurisdictions, particularly for U.S. and allied customers. AEF is positioning its manganese assets to support high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) production for lithium-ion battery cathodes, while advancing its fluorspar projects to supply hydrofluoric acid and downstream fluorochemical markets critical to semiconductors, energy transition technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities law and may not be offered or sold in the "United States", as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the scope, timing and results of the pre-feasibility study and environmental baseline studies; the scope, timing and results of metallurgical testwork and process development; the potential production of High-Purity Manganese Sulphate Monohydrate (HPMSM), and/or electrolytic manganese metal (EMM), including suitability for battery and precursor specifications; exploration activities and exploration results; potential changes to mineral resources; and the Company's business objectives and strategy. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations, estimates and assumptions as of the date of this news release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: results of exploration, metallurgical and engineering work; assumptions underlying technical and economic studies; commodity price and market volatility; availability of financing on acceptable terms; permitting and environmental approvals; operating and capital cost assumptions; and general economic, market and business conditions. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

 Rock chip samples are selective by nature and are intended to indicate the presence of manganese mineralization only. They are not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted on the property and should not be relied upon as an indication of average grade or continuity of mineralization.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292379

Source: AE Fuels Corporation
Further advancements in Europe and the US increase capacity and process efficiency

Construction of new clinical manufacturing facility in Des Plaines on schedule

Established Skokie site with ongoing strong performance for biotech partners

Infrastructure upgrades at Austrian site further streamline customers' path to clinic

Vetter, a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), announced significant progress in the continued expansion of its global clinical manufacturing network. With the ongoing scale-up of its Vetter Development Service offering, the company is taking important steps to provide necessary capacity, advanced technologies, and specialized expertise in response to rising demand for in-human trial material. By further strengthening its footprint in both Europe and the U.S., Vetter continues to position itself as a trusted long-term partner for biopharmaceutical innovators around the world.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414658154/en/

 Vetter Pharma International GmbH: Vetter's Des Plaines construction site is advancing on schedule (April 2026)

"Our continued global expansion reflects our holistic approach to supporting our customers with their clinical development," says Dr. Claus Feussner, Senior Vice President of Vetter Development Service. "By investing in both technology and capacity, we are working to provide our partners with the tailored early-stage manufacturing services they need for their molecules to progress from the lab to the clinic."

U.S. facilities with strong performance and major expansion efforts

Vetter's U.S. presence continues to maintain its proven momentum. The company's site in Skokie, Illinois continues to serve as a cornerstone for global biotech partners in their challenging journeys through clinical development. Since opening, the site has supported over 140 customers and more than 350 compounds. Over 40% of customers to date are start-ups or small companies with fewer than 50 employees.

To build on this foundation, construction of Vetter's new 160,000-square-foot facility in Des Plaines, Illinois, is currently advancing on schedule. With the steel structure nearly completed, interior work is set to begin soon. When operational in 2029, the site will expand Vetter's U.S. clinical manufacturing capabilities and reinforce its long-term commitment to growth and serving patients.

European site scales for customer demand

Vetter's European clinical facility in Rankweil, Austria, has also achieved a new level of operational maturity to support the increasing complexities of drug product development. To accommodate steadily rising project volumes, the company is making several infrastructure enhancements at the site designed to increase capacity and streamline processes for the production of human Investigational Medicinal Products.

These improvements include the implementation of a new weighing room, an additional compounding room within the aseptic production area, and increased capacity for manual visual inspection. In addition, the site will benefit from new cold-storage rooms, specialized freezer units for API storage, and an additional incubator chamber to strengthen microbiological testing capabilities.

By strengthening its capabilities on both sides of the Atlantic, Vetter is reinforcing its position as a global partner for comprehensive and cGMP-compliant clinical development and filling. Aligning its European and U.S. clinical sites supports harmonized processes, consistent quality standards, and the flexibility required to meet the evolving needs of customers worldwide.

Find the Vetter press kit and more background information here.

About Vetter

Vetter is a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with headquarters in Ravensburg, Germany, and production facilities in Germany, Austria, and the US. As a global player, the independent pharmaceutical service provider is also present in the Asia-Pacific markets of Japan, China, South Korea and Singapore with sales locations. Around the world renowned pharma and biotech companies benefit from decades of experience, high quality, modern technologies, reliability, and commitment of its 7,300 employees. In close collaboration with its customers, the Vetter team helps enable the supply to patients all over the world with medicines, many of which are vital. The CDMO provides support from drug product development through clinical and commercial filling to a wide range of assembly and packaging services for vials, syringes, and cartridges. With innovative approaches, Vetter develops prefilled drug-delivery systems together with its customers to continuously improve patient safety, comfort, and compliance. Vetter takes responsibility for sustainable practices and operates as a socially and ethically responsible corporate citizen. The CDMO is a member of the UN Global Compact and Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) and received platinum status in the renowned EcoVadis ranking. Multiple awards such as the CDMO Leadership Awards, Frost Sullivan Customer Value Leadership Award andtherecognitionof Best Managed Company emphasize Vetter's commitment to sustainable business. Founded in Ravensburg in 1950, the company remains family-owned to this day. For more information, visit www.vetter-pharma.com and follow Vetter on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414658154/en/

Contacts:

Vetter Pharma International GmbH

Markus Kirchner

Corporate Spokesperson Media Relations

Eywiesenstrasse 5

88212 Ravensburg

Germany

Phone: +49 (0)751-3700-3729

E-mail: PRnews@vetter-pharma.com
Former Fortune 500 Executive Joins CHG During Pivotal Growth Chapter

as It Scales Global Lifestyle Brand Portfolio

NEW YORK, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Convene Hospitality Group (CHG), the parent company of leading lifestyle hospitality brands including Convene, NeueHouse, etc.venues, and a portfolio of premium event spaces, today announced the appointment of Jonathan Ojany as Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO).

In this expanded dual-leadership role, Ojany will oversee global Finance, Strategy, Operations, Procurement and Legal functions. His appointment comes as CHG enters its next phase of growth - scaling its brands, strengthening its operating platform, and expanding its global footprint at the intersection of hospitality and premium commercial real estate.

"Jonathan is a savvy growth architect whose expertise spans some of the most iconic consumer brands in the world," said Ryan Simonetti, President and CEO of CHG. "He brings a rare combination of financial rigor and the spirit of hospitality we need to drive P&L performance as we expand our global footprint. We're lucky to have him on our leadership team."

Ojany joins CHG from KFC U.S., where he served as Chief Strategy, Transformation, and Financial Officer, leading a multi-billion-dollar business through a period of modernization and growth, including the strategic relocation of its headquarters to Dallas. Prior to KFC, he held senior leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company, including Chief of Staff to the Global President and COO and Vice President of Global Strategy and Operations. His early career included roles at McKinsey & Company, advising clients on value creation and growth strategy, and at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), where he helped shape global brand strategy and portfolio growth.

"I'm excited to join CHG at such a defining moment," said Ojany. "The company is uniquely positioned to lead the future of gathering by delivering premium, customer-centric experiences at scale. As technology continues to enable more individualized ways of living and working, the value of meaningful, shared experiences only increases and that's where CHG leads. I look forward to partnering with the CHG team to scale with discipline, accelerate growth, and build a category-defining platform."

A Presidential Leadership Scholar, Ojany holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Management from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He also earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees with honors in Civil and Architectural Engineering from Drexel University.

The role sits squarely at the intersection of his engineering and finance foundation and a career defined by building brands, scaling operations, and driving value across global consumer platforms, with deep roots in hospitality. Ojany will be based at CHG's headquarters in New York City.

About Convene Hospitality Group:

Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) is the global leader in hospitality-driven destinations, operating a premier portfolio that includes the Convene and etc.venues brands. As the largest provider of dedicated meeting and event spaces in the U.S. and UK, CHG leverages 45+ years of expertise to transform traditional commercial real estate into high-value lifestyle assets across 38 global locations. Backed by investors including Ares and Brookfield, the award-winning group is dedicated to creating dynamic spaces and human-focused experiences that bring people together. Learn more at convenehospitality.com.

Media Contact

Convene Hospitality Group

press@convenehospitality.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2940282/CHG_Lockup_Vertical_Blue__1_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/convene-hospitality-group-appoints-global-leader-jonathan-ojany-as-chief-financial--operating-officer-302741012.html
New case study shows how Dr. Jihad Harmouche, award-winning OB-GYN with the Houston medical group, developed an individualized treatment plan including innovative robotic-assisted procedure to aid patient with high-risk pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / At 18 weeks into her first pregnancy, after 10 years of trying to have a baby, Lidia Franco was both overjoyed and scared. Previous surgical procedures had increased her risk of losing her baby. However, doctors and hospitals also thought it too risky to perform the procedure normally used to help mothers carry a baby to term. But Dr. Jihad Harmouche of CLS Health provided an innovative solution that helped Franco have a healthy baby, a case study by the medical practice shows.

Dr. Harmouche is an award-winning obstetrician-gynecologist with CLS Health, the physician-owned, physician-led healthcare group serving the Greater Houston area. CLS Health has over 225 physicians and healthcare professionals in 45 medical specialties at more than 40 locations.

Franco, who lives in East Houston, found Dr. Harmouche after consulting several other OB-GYN physicians and was transferred to him from Dr. Nima Goharkhay, a maternal & fetal medicine specialist. Both physicians agreed to collaborate on the case. Franco had previously undergone three procedures to remove potentially pre-cancerous cells from her cervix. However, that also greatly shortened her cervix, making miscarriage or pre-term delivery much more likely.

In such cases, OB-GYNs often perform a cerclage, a relatively common procedure that closes off the cervix and prevents delivery. A maternal fetal medicine specialist attempted that procedure, but it was impossible because of the severity of Franco's condition and the previous procedures. That meant a more complex procedure called a transabdominal cerclage would be required. However, physicians normally only perform the procedure before week 14 of pregnancy. Because of her previous infertility, insurance problems and difficulty finding a physician, her condition was not diagnosed until the 18-week mark.

Franco said she was becoming anxious as her options appeared limited.

Then she met with Dr. Harmouche, who studied her case and came up with an individualized plan for her specific high-risk pregnancy. He suggested the possibility of using a robotic surgical system to perform the abdominal cerclage, but also was careful to provide Franco with a thorough education about the procedure. He explained the risk of miscarriage, the need to deliver via a Caesarean section and the option to leave the cerclage in place for future pregnancies.

"I told the patient, that the procedure was very risky and had not been done before. I felt that this would be the best chance of having a viable pregnancy," Dr. Harmouche said.

His explanation gave Franco the confidence and reassurance she needed. "Dr. Harmouche's extensive surgical knowledge and his calm, warm demeanor made me feel completely comfortable moving forward," she said.

With her consent, Dr. Harmouche and Dr. Goharkhay next had to convince the hospital's ethics committee to approve the procedure. Major hospitals typically decline such cases because of the high risk of miscarriage. But after five days of discussion, the hospital committee approved the plan.

Dr. Harmouche performed the procedure using the Da Vinci robotic surgery system, a technology that allows a surgeon like Dr. Harmouche to control robotic arms that hold a miniature video camera and small surgical tools. That allows him to operate via tiny incisions - often closed with a single stitch - and make tiny, incredibly precise movements in hard-to-reach places inside the patient. Dr. Goharkhay assisted Dr. Harmouche during the procedure by performing continuous ultrasound guidance throughout to ensure the safety of the fetus.

With the abdominal cerclage in place, Franco was able to successfully carry her pregnancy to 37 weeks, when Dr. Harmouche delivered her healthy baby boy, Sebastian.

Franco recovered rapidly and smoothly with minimal scarring. She believes the minimally invasive cerclage contributed to an easier recovery because the smaller incisions resulted in fewer complications and less trauma to her abdomen.

She credits Dr. Harmouche not only with helping her have her baby, but with giving her something she dearly needed.

"This procedure gave me hope. I was able to carry my baby to 37 weeks - without this surgery, my baby wouldn't have made it far," she said. "I truly feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to have my baby alive and healthy with me today."

To learn more about how CLS Health provides advanced, individualized care for pregnancies and other medical conditions, visit cls.health .

About CLS Health

CLS Health is a physician-owned healthcare group with a pioneering approach to comprehensive care. With over 45 locations and 225-plus providers in the Greater Houston area, CLS Health emphasizes the satisfaction and empowerment of its physicians as a key element in delivering exceptional patient care. To learn more, visit cls.health.

Media Contact:

Heather Baker

Director of Marketing

Heather.Baker@cls.health

SOURCE: CLS Health

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/cls-health-provides-hope-and-healthy-outcome-for-patient-with-anxiety-1157202
One year into quietly reshaping how businesses file, the AI-native tax platform steps into the spotlight just as Form 1120 deadlines bear down on C-Corps nationwide.

AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / April 15 is two days away, the federal deadline for C-corporation income tax returns, and for thousands of businesses across the United States that date arrives with the familiar cocktail of late-night spreadsheets, frantic document hunts, and five-figure invoices from accounting firms. For the past year, a growing number of those companies have been quietly filing differently, using x.tax, an AI-native tax preparation platform that today issues its first formal public announcement.

x.tax covers the full spectrum of business tax filings: partnerships filing Form 1065, S-corporations filing Form 1120-S, and C-corporations filing Form 1120. Beyond the standard annual return, the platform also handles extension filings, late filings, and state business tax filings, giving businesses a single destination for their entire tax compliance calendar rather than a patchwork of tools and professionals. For businesses already on QuickBooks or Xero, setup is a matter of minutes. x.tax connects directly to both platforms, pulling in the financial data needed to begin a return without manual exports, re-keying, or reconciliation headaches.

"Tax preparation hasn't fundamentally changed since software replaced paper forms. x.tax is the first platform built from the ground up for an AI-first world, giving every business entity, from partnerships to S-corps to C-corps, a faster and smarter way to file."

The choice to announce now is deliberate. April 15 is the primary filing deadline for calendar-year C-Corps, and the weeks preceding it represent peak pressure for in-house finance teams and the CPAs they rely on. For many businesses, that pressure translates directly into rushed filings, missed deductions, and costly extensions. After a year of real-world use, x.tax steps forward at precisely the moment its value is most tangible.

Unlike generic accounting software that treats tax as an afterthought, or enterprise compliance suites priced for Fortune 500 legal budgets, x.tax is purpose-built for companies filing in the middle: growth-stage startups, founder-led businesses, and small-to-midsize enterprises that have outgrown consumer tools but cannot justify a Big Four retainer. The platform handles the structural complexity of business returns, including depreciation schedules, net operating loss carryforwards, and book-to-tax reconciliations, through an interface designed for business owners and their advisors, not only credentialed tax professionals.

The platform's AI layer is its core differentiator. Rather than prompting users through a linear questionnaire, x.tax connects to existing financial data sources, identifies relevant tax positions, and flags potential issues before they become problems. The result is a workflow that is faster to complete, more consistent in quality, and easier to review than anything available through conventional means.

x.tax is available now at x.tax . Businesses filing on extension, or preparing ahead of the next fiscal year, can begin their return immediately.

About x.tax

x.tax is an AI-powered tax preparation platform for business entities. The platform supports the full range of business tax filings, including Partnership Form 1065, S-Corp Form 1120-S, C-Corp Form 1120, extension and late filings, and state business tax returns. x.tax combines intelligent document processing, real-time compliance logic, and a modern user experience to make accurate business tax filing faster and more accessible. Native integrations with QuickBooks and Xero allow businesses to connect their existing financial data and get started without friction. x.tax is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Media Contact

info@x.tax

x.tax

SOURCE: XTAX Inc

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/with-the-april-15-c-corp-tax-deadline-2-days-away-x.tax-ai-first-irs-1157413
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Argo Gold Inc. (CSE: ARQ) (OTC Pink: ARBTF) (XFRA: A2ASDS) (XSTU: A2ASDS) (XBER: A2ASDS) ("Argo" or the "Company") recently acquired through staking an additional 35 square kilometres at the Hurdman Silver-Zinc Project, located 120 km north of Timmins, Ontario, and now holds 60 square kilometres covering the known silver-zinc mineralization, as well as structural and geophysical targets that are considered prospective for additional silver and zinc mineralization. See Map 1.

The Hurdman Silver-Zinc mineralization occurs 450 metres along strike as Silver-Zinc rich semi-massive to massive sulphides, dipping 15 to 25 degrees north, within 150 metres of surface. Historical drill widths vary from 1 to 38 metres in true thickness, and the mineralization remains open in all directions. One significant drill intercept is 3.0% zinc and 12.1 g/t silver over 23.6 metres. There are also significant gold intercepts including 48.7 g/t Au over 0.5 metres and 2.5 g/t Au over 4.1 metres. Hurdman occurs at the juncture of the Quetico Metasedimentary Belt and the Kapuskasing Structural Zone where there are numerous untested conductors and structural corridors that may host additional mineralization.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Guo, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Historical geochemical, drilling results and geological descriptions quoted in this news release are from historical data, previous news releases, a technical report on Hurdman dated March 2018, and from information provided by the Government of Ontario. Management cautions that historical results or discoveries on adjacent or nearby mineral properties are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on Argo's mineral properties.

About Argo Gold

Argo Gold is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company, and an oil producer. Information on Argo Gold can be obtained from SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Argo Gold's website at www.argogold.com. Argo Gold is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (www.thecse.com) CSE: ARQ as well as quoted on OTC: ARBTF and XFRA, XSTU, XBER: A2ASDS.

Map 1: Hurdman Silver Zinc Project Mineral Claims and VTEM conductors

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3921/292401_62687d95a4a84a46_001full.jpg

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement

Except for statements of historic fact, statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking information contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the prospectivity of the mineral claims. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to future commodity prices; the results of exploration work; inability to raise the money necessary to incur the expenditures required to retain and advance the mineral claims, delays or uncertainties with drilling and surface preparation work, and not achieving hoped for exploration success. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under the Company's profile on sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292401

Source: Argo Gold Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY) (OTCQX: DRYGF) (FSE: X7W) ("Dryden Gold" or the "Company") wishes to announce a proposed non-brokered equity financing (the "Financing") of up to a maximum of 17,951,996 shares comprised of both flow-through common shares (the "FT Shares") and charity flow-through shares (the "CFT Shares"). The FT Shares will be offered at $0.41 per share and the CFT Shares will be offered at a price of $0.4521 per CFT Shares for maximum aggregate proceeds of up to $7,500,000. No fractional CFT Shares will be issued and any fractional CFT Shares will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. Subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, cash finders' fees of equal to up to 6% of gross proceeds from FT Shares and CFT Shares sold under the Financing may be payable to eligible arm's length persons with respect to certain subscriptions accepted by the Company. All of the securities sold under the offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

The Company plans to use the gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares and CFT Shares to expand its drill program at Hyndman following permitting and summer fieldwork results. Dryden will also significantly expand its drill program at Gold Rock testing at depth and along strike. The district scale opportunity will be further tested with an expanded summer field campaign to support targeted drill testing of priority anomalies. Additional field work will include detailed geological mapping, prospecting, tighter-spaced till substrate sampling and a gold-in-till program on newly acquired property at Hyndman.

The Financing may close in one or more tranches. Closing of the Offering is subject to a number of customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The FT Shares and the CFT Shares will qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"). An amount equal to the gross proceeds from the issuance of the FT Shares and the CFT Shares will be used to incur eligible resource exploration expenses which will qualify as (i) "Canadian exploration expenses" (as defined in the Tax Act), and (ii) as "flow-through mining expenditures" (as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act).

The Company anticipates that insiders may subscribe for CFT Shares. The issuance of CFT Shares to insiders is considered a related party transaction subject to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The Company intends to rely on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(b) of Multilateral Instrument 61-101.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

ABOUT DRYDEN GOLD CORP.

Dryden Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY"), on the OTCQX marketplace ("DRYGF") and on the FSE: ("X7W"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition and consolidation, exploration success, and mergers and acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominant strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys collaborative relationships with First Nations communities and benefits from proximity to an experienced mining workforce.

For more information go to our website www.drydengold.com.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: receipt of corporate and regulatory approvals, issuance of common shares; future development plans; and the business and operations of Dryden Gold. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable which include the number of metres of drilling the company may complete in 2026 and the timing of certain exploration programs during the coming year. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings including receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval for the Financing; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in Dryden Gold's and the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Dryden Gold and the Company do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from Dryden Gold's and the Company's expectations or projections.

UNITED STATES ADVISORY. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), have been offered and sold outside the United States to eligible investors pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act, and may not be offered, sold, or resold in the United States or to, or for the account of or benefit of, a U.S. Person (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act) unless the securities are registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act is available. Hedging transactions involving the securities must not be conducted unless in accordance with the U.S. Securities Act. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in the state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292399

Source: Dryden Gold Corp.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / Key Takeaways: PFAS and Financial Risk

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a growing financial liability, not just an environmental issue, affecting asset values, loan security, insurance coverage, and Merger & Acquisition (M&A) transactions.

Regulatory risk is accelerating globally, with expanding state-level enforcement and specific PFAS-containing product bans in the U.S., Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) liability exposure, and international prohibitions such as Australia's Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) framework.

Failure to screen for PFAS during underwriting or due diligence can result in Potentially Responsible Party (PRP) liability, litigation, borrower default, and multimillion-dollar remediation costs.

Financial institutions should integrate PFAS screening into Phase I/II ESAs, portfolio risk assessments, supply chain reviews, and M&A negotiations.

Proactive PFAS risk management reduces financial exposure, improves underwriting clarity, and protects long-term portfolio stability.

PFAS are not just an environmental problem. They are a rapidly escalating financial risk for lenders, insurers, and investors. This remains true despite the recent delays and rollbacks of some PFAS regulations under the current presidential administration.

From loan portfolios and M&A due diligence to insurance claims and investment decisions, PFAS contamination is reshaping the financial landscape. The risks associated with these "forever chemicals" are as real and persistent as the compounds themselves.

Proactively identifying, assessing, and managing PFAS-related financial exposures is critical for financial institutions to mitigate risk, protect assets, and ensure long-term stability.

Where PFAS Poses Financial Risks

The widespread use of PFAS in manufacturing, combined with the ability of these chemicals to filter into the environment, means that the financial risks associated with them are extremely far-reaching. These are just some of the segments that can feel surprisingly strong effects of PFAS implications:

Real Estate and Property Values: Properties affected by PFAS contamination can lose significant value, become unsellable, or require extensive remediation.

Loan Portfolios: Financial institutions face increased risk of loan defaults tied to contaminated properties or businesses burdened by cleanup costs, regulatory penalties, or litigation.

M&A Due Diligence: Unquantified PFAS liabilities can derail transactions or lead to unexpected post-acquisition losses.

Insurance Claims: As PFAS-related environmental claims continue to grow insurers are increasingly excluding PFAS from pollution coverage.

Investment Decisions: Transparency around PFAS management has become a differentiator for companies seeking capital.

Litigation and Reputational Risk: As regulatory enforcement increases, financial institutions and insured clients face litigation exposure, with the distinction between intentional and unintentional PFAS use emerging as a key factor.

Understanding PFAS Risks in Financial Contexts

To evaluate PFAS exposure effectively, financial institutions must understand two core drivers of risk: where contamination originates, and how regulatory frameworks assign liability. These factors directly influence asset valuation, underwriting decisions, and long-term portfolio stability.

Key Sources of Contamination

PFAS contamination often stems from industrial, municipal, and consumer product sources. This includes manufacturing and firefighting foam to wastewater discharge and everyday consumer goods. These chemicals are now found in most U.S. municipal water supplies, making PFAS nearly impossible to avoid in property and portfolio risk assessments.

Evolving PFAS Regulations

While certain federal PFAS rules in the United States have recently been delayed or narrowed, regulatory momentum has not slowed overall. Instead, it has shifted, with states and international jurisdictions accelerating their own enforcement frameworks.

States including California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and New Jersey continue advancing aggressive PFAS investigation, reporting, and cleanup requirements. Roughly half of U.S. states now have PFAS-related laws in place, particularly targeting consumer products such as food packaging, textiles, personal care items, and children's products.

Globally, the regulatory landscape is tightening further. In Australia, the IChEMS) framework took effect nationwide on July 1, 2025, prohibiting the import, manufacture, export, and use of certain PFAS - including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluoroocatne sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) - unless exempted. All states and territories have adopted the framework, and non-compliance may be treated as a pollution incident, exposing companies to enforcement and penalties.

At the international level, the Stockholm Convention continues expanding restrictions on long-chain PFAS production and trade, reinforcing a broader global phase-down of high-risk compounds.

For multinational lenders and investors, these global regulatory shifts introduce jurisdiction-specific liability exposure that can materially affect asset valuation, underwriting decisions, and long-term portfolio stability.

Because PFAS regulations are evolving rapidly and unevenly across jurisdictions, keeping up to date on all of them can feel like a full-time job. The Antea Group Global PFAS Regulatory Dashboard provides clear, real-time visibility into PFAS regulatory activity worldwide, helping companies stay ahead of compliance changes and avoid unexpected liabilities. If your organization is unsure where it stands or how new requirements may apply, reach out to our team for guidance.

Strategies for Assessing and Managing PFAS Financial Exposure

Once PFAS risk drivers are understood, financial institutions must translate that insight into structured mitigation strategies. The following approaches help lenders, insurers, and investors quantify exposure across assets, transactions, and value chains - and reduce the likelihood of unexpected financial loss.

1. Enhanced Environmental Due Diligence

Integrate PFAS screening into Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to identify potential contamination early.

2. Portfolio Screening and Risk Ranking

Perform PFAS portfolio risk assessments to identify high-risk assets or companies based on historical site use, industry sector, and proximity to known PFAS sources.

3. Supply Chain PFAS Screening and Transparency

Screen supply chains for intentional and unintentional PFAS use to anticipate regulatory, product liability, and valuation risks.

4. Underwriting and Policy Development

Insurers should revisit policy language, exclusions, and underwriting practices to better address PFAS-related risks.

5. Contractual Protections in M&A

Include PFAS-specific indemnities, representations, and warranties to allocate liability appropriately between buyers and sellers during M&A transactions.

6. Probabilistic Cost Modeling

Use PFAS cost modeling and scenario-based analysis to estimate potential remediation, compliance, and litigation expenses.

7. Strategic Communication

Engage transparently with stakeholders, such as investors, borrowers, and regulators, about PFAS risks and mitigation strategies to build trust and confidence.

Case Example: Structured Due Diligence Preserves Deal Value

A private equity firm acquiring a power generation facility in Wisconsin incorporated targeted PFAS screening into its environmental review. Consultants identified historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and evidence of prior discharge into surrounding soils.

Armed with this information, the buyer negotiated a reduced purchase price and required the seller to retain responsibility for ongoing remediation, including soil excavation and groundwater monitoring.

By integrating enhanced due diligence, contractual protections, and forward-looking cost modeling, the buyer preserved transaction value and avoided inheriting significant long-term liabilities.

PFAS Remediation Challenges and Cost Implications

PFAS remediation is technically demanding and expensive, with no universal solution. Current remediation approaches often involve removing PFAS from contaminated water or soil and then using specialized treatment methods to destroy or permanently manage the chemicals. While newer destruction technologies show promise, they remain costly, complex, and not yet widely available. This contributes to uncertainty in cleanup timelines and total project costs.

For financial stakeholders, that uncertainty translates directly into cost variability and long-term liability. Cleanup expenses can easily reach into the millions, depending on site conditions, regulatory requirements, and evolving treatment standards. This cost variability can materially affect property valuations, loan security, insurance coverage, and investment performance, making early risk identification and realistic cost modeling essential.

By contrast, a national lender that financed redevelopment of a former industrial property without PFAS screening during underwriting later faced significant consequences when contamination was discovered years after closing. Historical use of firefighting foam and surface coatings had resulted in elevated PFAS levels, and under updated CERCLA regulations, the lender was designated as a PRP. Litigation, regulatory scrutiny, and cleanup obligations followed.

As remediation costs escalated into the millions, the property's value declined sharply, and the borrower ultimately defaulted - leaving the lender with a contaminated asset and long-term financial exposure that could have been mitigated through earlier screening and risk allocation.

Benefits of Proactive PFAS Risk Management

When addressed early and strategically, PFAS risk management delivers measurable financial and operational advantages for lenders, insurers, and investors. Key benefits include:

Reduced PFAS Financial Exposure: Early identification and mitigation minimize liability and cost.

Informed Lending and Investment Decisions: Better insight into PFAS risk profiles improves financial resilience.

Streamlined M&A Transactions: Reduced uncertainty supports smoother deal structuring, pricing, and negotiations.

Improved Insurance Underwriting and Claims Management: Greater risk clarity strengthens understanding of PFAS-related exposures.

Enhanced Reputation and Regulatory Standing: Demonstrated environmental stewardship supports compliance confidence and stakeholder trust.

Case Example: Proactive Due Diligence Protects Asset Value

A mid-sized regional bank evaluating a loan for the acquisition of a former manufacturing site identified potential PFAS exposure linked to historical fire suppression systems. Rather than proceeding with a standard Phase I ESA alone, the bank commissioned targeted soil and groundwater sampling.

Elevated PFAS levels were confirmed, prompting the bank to require site remediation and environmental insurance coverage prior to closing.

This proactive approach reduced liability exposure, protected collateral value, and ensured regulatory compliance. This demonstrated how structured PFAS risk management directly supports financial resilience.

PFAS Doesn't Have To Be "Forever"

PFAS represents a multifaceted and growing financial risk that can affect property values, portfolios, insurance coverage, and corporate transactions. Identifying and managing your financial risks associated with PFAS may seem like an impossible task, but it's important to remember that PFAS liabilities are not forever. With the right expert advice and early identification, the risks can be effectively managed and mitigated.

How Antea Group USA Supports the Financial Sector with PFAS

Antea Group provides specialized PFAS consulting services to help financial institutions understand and manage emerging environmental liabilities. Our offerings include:

PFAS due diligence for lending, M&A, and investment activities.

PFAS portfolio risk assessments and cost modeling.

Litigation and regulatory support for PFAS exposure.

Integration with EHS due diligence to streamline environmental reviews.

With expertise in both the regulatory and financial dimensions of PFAS, Antea Group helps clients stay ahead of evolving PFAS compliance requirements while protecting business value and reputation. Do you have questions? Reach out to our experts today!

Find more stories and multimedia from Antea Group at 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Antea Group

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/antea-group

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Antea Group

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/pfas-and-financial-risk-what-lenders-insurers-and-investors-need-1157417
Veteran global mining executive with over 35 years of experience across exploration, operations, and large-scale mine development brings significant depth to the Company's Board

Appointment enhances DSRM's technical oversight as the Company advances its subsea critical minerals platform

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc. ("DSRM"), an American company advancing U.S. critical minerals independence through the responsible exploration and development of subsea mineral resources, today announced the appointment of veteran global mining executive Geoffrey McDonald Day to its Board of Directors. Mr. Day brings more than 35 years of global mining experience across exploration, operations, and mine development, and will support the Company as it advances its subsea critical minerals strategy.

Mr. Day is an Australian geochemist and mining executive with international experience across the global mining industry. His career spans the complete mining lifecycle, including exploration, processing, operations, technical services, environmental planning, and mine closure and rehabilitation, working across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, North America, South America, Africa, and Europe. He also brings significant experience in mergers, acquisitions, and external relations. Mr. Day recently served as Chief Executive Officer of AMAK Al-Masane Al-Kobra Mining Company, the largest publicly listed mining company in Saudi Arabia and a producer of copper, zinc, gold, and silver.

Mr. Day holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Geochemistry from Deakin University and a Master of Applied Science in Geochemistry from Monash University, and has undertaken postgraduate studies in Geology and Geophysics at the University of California, Berkeley. His experience across complex mining systems, critical minerals development, and large-scale international operations positions him to provide valuable strategic oversight as DSRM advances its offshore exploration initiatives.

Management Commentary

Tony Romeo, Chief Executive Officer of DSRM, commented: "We are very pleased to welcome Geoff to the Board at an important stage in the Company's development. Geoff has worked across a range of jurisdictions and complex mining environments, and his leadership experience will be invaluable as we continue to advance our subsea exploration initiatives and long-term strategy."

Mr. Day commented: "I'm honored to join the Board of Deep Sea Rare Minerals at such an important stage in the Company's development. The focus on subsea critical minerals represents a compelling opportunity within a supply chain that is becoming increasingly important globally. The Company is taking a disciplined and technically grounded approach to advancing these resources, and I believe it is building the capabilities required to operate effectively in complex environments. I look forward to working with the Board and management team to support the advancement of its overall strategy with a focus on execution and long-term value creation."

About Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc.

Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc. (DSRM) is an American company advancing U.S. critical minerals independence through the responsible exploration and development of subsea mineral resources. DSRM is in full compliance with the NOAA exploration licensing process over roughly 150,000 square kilometers in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone and Western Pacific near Guam. These areas, over which DSRM now has priority of right, are likely rich in polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, and other metals essential to U.S. energy security, defense, and advanced manufacturing. The Company has recently completed a pre-FEED study for its nodule collection system, targeting first recovery by 2028, subject to regulatory approvals. To learn more, please visit www.deepsearareminerals.com.

Regulatory Notes and Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and other applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the plans, objectives, strategies, expectations, intentions, engineering and design activities, anticipated timelines, and potential future operations of Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Deep Sea Recovery, LLC, related to the potential exploration, evaluation, and long-term development of polymetallic nodule resources, subject to obtaining all required regulatory approvals.

These forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions, expectations, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that are difficult to predict and that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks related to: engineering, technological, and manufacturing challenges; the performance, reliability, and integration of subsea systems and equipment; the timing, scope, outcome, or denial of regulatory approvals, permits, and authorizations from U.S. and international authorities; environmental assessments, baseline studies, impact evaluations, and evolving regulatory frameworks governing deep-seabed minerals; changes in governmental policy or political priorities, including those related to critical minerals; commercial, operational, financial, and logistical considerations; the availability and cost of capital and future financing needs; market conditions, commodity price fluctuations, and supply-chain uncertainty; potential delays associated with third-party engineering, fabrication, or testing; and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, or circumstances after the date of this release, except as required by applicable law. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

Media Contact:

Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc.

Email: PR@deepsearareminerals.com

Investor Relations Contact:

Adam Holdsworth

MZ Group - MZ North America

Direct: 305-341-9451

Email: DSRM@mzgroup.us

SOURCE: Deep Sea Rare Minerals, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/deep-sea-rare-minerals-appoints-geoffrey-mcdonald-day-to-board-of-directors-1157374
Acquisition adds analyst consensus data to Q4 platform-with Q4's AI applied to help IR teams identify shifts and proactively manage market expectations

Q4 Inc. (Q4), the leading provider of AI-driven IR Ops software, today announced the acquisition of Virtua Research (Virtua), a provider of collaborative consensus analytics and financial modeling solutions.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414411744/en/

Q4 Inc. has announced the acquisition of Virtua Research-bringing analyst expectations data into the Q4 Platform, where its AI helps teams identify shifts, manage market expectations, and prepare for earnings with greater confidence.

This acquisition unites Q, Q4's proprietary AI agent for investor relations (IR), with Virtua's sell-side consensus database. Together, these capabilities strengthen the Q4 Platform, enabling IR and finance teams to better anticipate changes in market expectations and respond with greater accuracy and efficiency. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

"Managing market expectations requires absolute precision, and bringing Virtua's structured data and proven processes into the Q4 ecosystem is a game-changer," said Lewis Black, CEO of Q4. "By integrating these deep analytical capabilities into our secure, AI-driven platform, we are transforming the IRO workflow-providing the intelligence and automation to navigate complex market shifts and drive strategic decisions, all within a highly protected environment that ensures our clients' most sensitive data remains a competitive advantage."

Strengthening the IR toolkit

For IR teams today, managing analyst expectations has become increasingly complex. Reconciling estimate discrepancies across data sources, aligning internal forecasts with external consensus, and preparing for earnings often requires extensive manual effort and siloed workflows between IR and finance.

The combination of Q4 and Virtua directly addresses these challenges:

Structured and validated consensus data: Virtua's engine aggregates and standardizes more than 5,000 analyst estimates each quarter, ensuring data is reliable and reducing manual reconciliation for IR and finance teams.

Virtua's engine aggregates and standardizes more than 5,000 analyst estimates each quarter, ensuring data is reliable and reducing manual reconciliation for IR and finance teams. AI-powered intelligence: With Q applied to Virtua's database, teams can quickly identify estimate discrepancies, monitor shifts, and surface insights across large volumes of data to support earnings preparation and internal alignment.

With Q applied to Virtua's database, teams can quickly identify estimate discrepancies, monitor shifts, and surface insights across large volumes of data to support earnings preparation and internal alignment. Secure financial collaboration with AI: QVault technology provides a secure environment where IR and finance teams can proactively work with Q to evaluate guidance, test forecasts and estimates for sentiment, and assess likely analyst responses.

QVault technology provides a secure environment where IR and finance teams can proactively work with Q to evaluate guidance, test forecasts and estimates for sentiment, and assess likely analyst responses. Consolidated insights: By connecting investor engagement, shareholder data and consensus intelligence, Q4 provides a unified view across the IR lifecycle-supporting more aligned decision-making for investor relations officers (IROs), CFOs and finance leaders.

The impact is measured across the IR function:

Reduced manual effort: By automating consensus tracking and model aggregation, Q4 helps IR teams save more than 40 hours per quarter-freeing time for higher-value strategic work.

By automating consensus tracking and model aggregation, Q4 helps IR teams save more than 40 hours per quarter-freeing time for higher-value strategic work. Precision in KPI governance: IROs can manage and validate company-defined KPIs, including customer and operating metrics, enabling teams to benchmark performance against peers, better understand market perspective, and drive more informed decision-making.

IROs can manage and validate company-defined KPIs, including customer and operating metrics, enabling teams to benchmark performance against peers, better understand market perspective, and drive more informed decision-making. Executive-level insights: The new integration provides dashboards for CFOs and the C-suite that align internal performance with external expectations, elevating the role of IR.

"Virtua was built to help companies bring structure and clarity to analyst expectations," said Andy Detwiler, co-founder and CEO of Virtua Research. "By combining our analyst data with Q4's platform and AI-driven analytics, we're able to deliver a more powerful and scalable solution that gives our customers deeper insights into market expectations."

Looking ahead

Q4 will immediately begin offering an AI-powered, integrated consensus management system, combining its core platform with Virtua's consensus and Interactive Analyst Center (IAC) capabilities. In the coming months, Q4 will launch a fully integrated suite featuring AI-powered earnings preparation and advanced guidance-alignment workflows through Q.

About Q4 Inc.

Q4 Inc. is the world's leading IR Ops platform, designed to unify and simplify the complex workflows between public companies and the investment community. Supporting more than 2,600 global brands, over 50% of the S&P 500, the AI-enabled Q4 Platform combines the largest amount of proprietary investor data with behavioral intelligence-helping C-suite executives and investor relations teams attract the right capital and drive premium valuations.

By unifying the entire IR lifecycle into a single, AI-enabled ecosystem, Q4 streamlines the core pillars of the profession: delivering earnings, sustaining a corporate narrative, managing guidance and analysts, and targeting investors with precision. From investor websites and virtual events to IR CRM, stock surveillance, and consensus management, Q4 provides a comprehensive suite of solutions that empowers IR teams to manage every touchpoint of their investor strategy.

Headquartered in Toronto, with a presence in New York, India, San Francisco, Boston, Mexico and London, Q4 is committed to providing the secure and compliant infrastructure that modern IR teams demand. Learn more at www.q4inc.com.

About Virtua Research

Virtua Research is a financial technology firm providing collaborative and customizable financial research, analytics and reporting tools built specifically for the business intelligence needs of public and private companies. It specializes in providing high-precision data and analytical tools for investor relations (IR) and corporate finance professionals. With Virtua's cloud-based research applications-from consensus estimate analytics to curated data sets for financial reporting-professionals can form one source of truth more efficiently, and collaborate, analyze and communicate internally, as well as with investors.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414411744/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Three Rings

q4@threeringsinc.com
Company unveils new strategic partners, redesigned solutions, and talent initiatives

Infogain today announced its relaunching as Tenarai, an enterprise AI acceleration company. Tenarai is already the trusted partner to global Fortune 500 leaders, and through a multiyear transformation the company is redefining how AI potential is translated into enterprise outcomes. Tenarai's transformation is anchored in three pillars global talent initiatives, development of an enterprise AI platform, and strategic partnerships with leading technology providers and startups.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414424108/en/

"We are obsessed with turning AI potential into tangible business outcomes for our customers," said Dinesh Venugopal, CEO of Tenarai. "The fusion of engineering talent and domain expertise paired with the deep knowledge of our customers' unique business context positions us as the preferred AI acceleration partner for global enterprises. Business disruption will continue and Tenarai is turning that into exponential value for our customers."

Rohan Haldea, Partner at Apax said: "Infogain has spent several years building meaningful AI capability across talent, partnerships, and platforms. The rebrand to Tenarai reflects how far that transformation has already progressed and strengthens the company's position as a standout partner for enterprises looking to move from AI ambition to real outcomes."

Accelerating Results: AI Solutions for Critical Business Outcomes

Guided by a "nimble by design" philosophy, Tenarai's AI solutions offer the flexibility to adapt to evolving needs as pilots turn into measurable progress. Tenarai AI solutions include:

AI Enabling eCommerce Platforms

AI Content Transformation for Marketers

Demand Forecasting with AI for Revenue Growth

Accelerate Engineering with Hybrid Agentic PODs

Enabling Enterprise Agent Orchestration

Unifying Enterprise Data for AI Applications

Talent Catalyst: Launching Frontier Labs

Tenarai's AI-first approach is, at its core, deeply human and built on the premise that AI should amplify human ingenuity while allowing humans to remain accountable for business results. As part of this effort, Tenarai has launched Frontier Labs, a hyper-focused team dedicated to rapidly turning bold ideas into production-ready solutions for customers. The program also introduces new roles, like Forward Deployed Engineers and Agentic Design Leads, to bridge the gap between complex AI architecture and seamless, human-centric workflow integration.

Partnership Built In: Activating the Ecosystem

Committed to providing customers with access to emerging technology and connected solutions, Tenarai leverages a vast technology ecosystem to deliver tangible business outcomes. As part of the company's transformation, it has joined industry leaders like Databricks, Salesforce, Google Cloud, Adobe, and other technology partners to accelerate solutions for customers.

Tenarai has also entered into strategic partnerships with National Institute of Technology (NIT) Delhi and BITS Pilani. These partnerships are anchored in nurturing future-ready talent through campus-to-corporate initiatives including innovations labs, joint R&D, internships, knowledge sharing, and co-created AI-curriculum design.

Finally, Tenarai also announced an expansion of its Startup Acceleration Program. Tenarai is part of the world's most exciting innovation ecosystems and through its relationships with early-stage companies and startups, it's able to deliver "innovation intelligence" to its customers, before mainstream availability. This Startup Acceleration Program offers early-stage companies connections to large enterprises that need their solutions, and a curated window into the world of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs for enterprises.

About Tenarai

Tenarai is an enterprise AI acceleration company. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we engineer AI-driven enterprises of the future for Fortune 500 leaders across technology, retail/CPG, travel, insurance, healthcare, and telecom sectors. We are obsessed with turning AI potential into enterprise outcomes for our customers. As an AI catalyst, we design and implement solutions that allow our customers to turn industry disruption into a competitive advantage. Our approach is defined by the integration of elite engineering talent, deep domain expertise, and essential customer context. By focusing on tangible business outcomes, we ensure that AI serves as a powerful engine for enterprise growth.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414424108/en/

Contacts:

Meghraj Mookerji

meghraj.mookerji@infogain.com
Higher value scholarship awards in the UK and North America supports students pursuing post-secondary education

TORONTO, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Foresters Financial (Foresters) today announced an increased investment in its Competitive Scholarship1 program, raising the value of individual awards. Since the launch of the program, Foresters has awarded thousands of scholarships to students across the UK, Canada and US, supporting members and their families who are pursuing post-secondary education.

Foresters will increase the value of individual Competitive Scholarship awards in the UK from 1,000 to 1,250, providing greater financial support for members and their families to pursue post-secondary education while recognizing academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. In North America, individual scholarship awards will also increase to $2,500, up from $2,000 previously.

"At Foresters, supporting our members and their families is central to our purpose," said Rene Zanin, Chief Legal, Administrative and Membership Officer at Foresters. "Education can open doors to opportunity and we are proud to enhance our scholarship program to continue to help students pursue their goals while continuing to strengthen their communities."

In 2025, Foresters awarded more than 768K in scholarships to over 520 students globally, helping young people take the next step in their academic journeys.

Recognizing academic achievements and community involvement

Applications for the 2026-2027 Competitive Scholarship program are currently underway. The program offers Foresters members and their families the opportunity to apply for scholarships that support academic achievement, leadership and community engagement.

Applicants must either be Foresters members or have a parent, legal guardian, grandparent, or spouse who is a member.

In Canada and the US, new applicants must be 24 years of age or younger, have a minimum GPA of 3.2 (80% average), complete at least 50 volunteer hours within the two years prior to the application deadline and be enrolling in a minimum two-year, full-time undergraduate program at a recognized college or university.

In the UK, new applicants must be in their final year of secondary school or completing post-secondary education, have completed at least 50 volunteer hours within two years prior to the application deadline and meet minimum academic requirements, including A-level/AS-level grades of C or equivalent, GCSE grades of 5/C (or C in Northern Ireland), or module marks of 55-59 for post-secondary students. Applicants must also be enrolled in a minimum two-year, full-time undergraduate program at an accredited UK university, or at a vocational or technical institution, beginning in Autumn 2026.

For returning scholarship applicants, candidates must complete at least 15 volunteer hours within the year prior to the application deadline, maintain a minimum module mark of 50-55 (or institutional equivalent) and remain enrolled in full-time studies in the academic year for which they are applying.

To support impartiality, the scholarship selection process is administered by a third party, International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS). Applicants are evaluated based on community service, academic performance and an essay, with a weighting of 50%, 25% and 25%, respectively.

About Foresters Financial

Financial security and living your purpose

Foresters Financial has helped people protect their family's financial future for 150 years. But we've also gone beyond that, giving our members opportunities to do more for their health, communities and the causes they care about most. Foresters is an intrinsically purpose-driven organization working to enrich family and community well-being. Alongside offering life insurance in the US and Canada and life insurance and savings solutions in the UK, Foresters partners with members to help them do more of the good they want to do.

We've been a dedicated group of community builders since 1874 and today, sustainability, environmental consciousness and social responsibility are central to delivering our purpose. That commitment has continually led us to provide meaning2ful lifelong benefits to our members, like Foresters Care grants that bring communities together, Competitive Scholarships to help create a brighter future for young leaders and others that support a world where more good happens. Together, we're making a difference while inspiring others and new generations to give back. Foresters Financial is the trade name for The Independent Order of Foresters, the oldest non-denominational fraternal benefit society. For 25 straight years, The Independent Order of Foresters has received an "A" (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best.3

_____________

1 The Competitive Scholarship benefit is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS). Eligible members, and their spouse, dependent children and grandchildren, may apply, subject to the applicable eligibility criteria and Competitive Scholarship Guidelines in their jurisdiction.

2 Foresters Financial member benefits are non-contractual, subject to benefit specific eligibility requirements, definitions, and limitations and may be changed or cancelled without notice or are no longer available.

3 The A.M. Best rating assigned on October 27, 2025, reflects the overall strength and claims-paying ability of The Independent Order of Foresters (IOF) but does not apply to the performance of any non-IOF issued products. An "A" (Excellent) rating is assigned to companies that have a strong ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders and have, on balance, excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance and business profile when compared to the standards established by. A.M. Best Company. A.M. Best assigns ratings from A++ to F, A++ and A+ being superior ratings and A and A- being excellent ratings. See ambest.com for our latest rating.

Foresters Financial, Foresters, Foresters Care, Foresters Moments, Foresters Renew, Foresters Member Discounts, Foresters Go, the Foresters Go logo and Helping Is Who We Are are trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters (a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Rd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1T9) and its subsidiaries.

425687 UK (04/26)

For more information:



Melanie Gaskin

Senior Manager, Communications, Foresters Financial

mgaskin@foresters.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/foresters-financial-increases-investment-in-competitive-scholarships-as-students-apply-for-2026-awards-302740820.html
AI-powered capabilities help customers increase flexibility, optimize operations, and get more value from automation investments

ATLANTA, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dematic, a global leader in supply chain automation, announces a strategic partnering relationship with GreyOrange, a global leader in AI-powered warehouse orchestration and store inventory software, to expand its flexible automation capabilities, providing scalable solutions for customers through distribution and fulfillment. Through this relationship, Dematic will offer GreyOrange's GreyMatter, an AI-powered platform that coordinates robots and workflows to improve speed and accuracy.

"Today's warehouse environments are more complex than ever, requiring seamless coordination between people, robots, and systems," said Mike Larsson, Dematic president and KION executive board member. "Our partnering relationship with GreyOrange reflects Dematic's commitment to delivering flexible, high-performance solutions that help customers adapt, and scale with confidence. By integrating GreyMatter, we're extending our approach within flexible automation for a more unified integration capability that helps customers maximize existing investments while unlocking new levels of efficiency and agility."

Advancing Flexible Automation

This partnering relationship represents an extension and acceleration of the Dematic software ecosystem, strengthening its ability to deliver flexible automation solutions by integrating the GreyMatter platform into Dematic's existing software portfolio. Together, these capabilities connect diverse technologies and integrate activity across multi-agent warehouse environments.

By incorporating this capability within its software orchestration ecosystem, Dematic enables customers to better coordinate fixed automation, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and human workflows within a unified system. The result is greater operational visibility, real-time optimization, and the flexibility needed to adapt as fulfillment operations evolve while maximizing the value of existing automation investments.

Looking ahead, this relationship creates a foundation to explore a joint network-level vision, extending orchestration beyond the warehouse to enable real-time, execution-aware coordination of inventory, capacity, and order flows across distributed fulfillment nodes including instore environments.

Key capabilities include:

Unifying diverse automation technologies, robots, and human workflows across the warehouse

Integration within the Dematic software orchestration ecosystem to extend capabilities across operations

Hardware agnostic integration that supports flexible automation and multiple fulfillment models

Improved throughput and operational visibility across complex workflows

"Dematic is known for its innovation and experience in delivering automation solutions to the world's most complex supply chains, and understands that the future of automation is flexibility," said Akash Gupta, CEO of GreyOrange. "Together, we're giving Dematic's customers the ability to do more with the automation investments they've already made by orchestrating every robot, system, and person in their operation through a single AI-driven layer. That means greater throughput, smarter decision-making, and the freedom to keep expanding their fleets on their own terms, without limits.

For more information about GreyOrange, visit the GreyOrange website.

For more information about Dematic, visit dematic.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

About Dematic

Dematic delivers intelligent automation solutions for the supply chain that adapt to change, maximize productivity and capacity, reduce risk, and create lasting competitive advantage. Drawing on the combined expertise of more than 10,000 employees worldwide, Dematic develops, implements, and supports operations featuring advanced technologies and software. With consulting, research, engineering, manufacturing, and service centers in over 26 countries, Dematic is a trusted partner for distributors, warehouses, and manufacturers globally. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION, the Supply Chain Solutions Company.

About GreyOrange

GreyOrange, Inc., leads the industry in hyper-intelligent warehouse orchestration and store inventory management software. Its AI-powered GreyMatter and gStore solutions continuously optimize automation, inventory, and workforce management for some of the world's largest distributors, retailers and 3PL's. Through real-time visibility into all omnichannel nodes and the seamless orchestration of robotic agents, people, and systems, customers reduce their cost per unit, eliminate lost inventory, ensure worker safety and productivity, and enhance in-store experiences. Vendor-agnostic and compatible with diverse automation hardware via the Certified Ranger Network, GreyOrange solutions are delivered through its Certified Partner Network of system integrators. Founded in 2012, GreyOrange is headquartered in Atlanta with offices and partners across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit www.greyorange.com.

Disclaimer:

This release and the information contained herein are for information purposes only and do not constitute a prospectus or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, for example, changes in business, economic, and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of technical studies, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. We do not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dematic-expands-flexible-automation-capabilities-through-greyorange-partnering-relationship-302741684.html
PARIS, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For its 10th anniversary edition, VivaTech returns from June 17 to 20, 2026 at the Porte de Versailles and announces a scale-up. Having become, over ten years, a major European platform for meetings between startups, large corporations, investors and decision-makers, the event boasts 300% audience growth, rising from 45,000 to more than 180,000 visitors in 2025 (171 countries), with startups tripling and investors multiplying twelvefold.

In 2026, VivaTech takes over Hall 7 across three floors, with +30% exhibition space, doubled seating capacity, 15,000 startups, more than 1,500 demonstrations, 4,000+ business and networking meetings, and an "Investors Office Hours" scheme to accelerate connections between founders and international investors. The 2026 edition will focus on the major technological and geopolitical challenges of the next ten years, at a time when AI is establishing itself as a driver of productivity and organizational transformation.

The programme for this new edition is structured around four central themes: "AI & Productivity", "Cybersecurity & Defense", "Greentech & Energy" and "Deeptech". Several announcements will be made as world premieres, including innovations in brain-computer interfaces, exoskeletons, conversational agents, automated vulnerability detection, energy transition solutions, as well as quantum, space and extended reality technologies.

VivaTech also highlights its European dimension, with Germany designated as "Country of the Year 2026", featuring the largest delegation in the show's history (800 m stand, 200 startups, numerous federal and regional partners, 14 Lander and 12 governmental entities), sending a strong signal in favour of European sovereignty and technological leadership.

This 10th edition also aims to broaden its impact with the general public. For the first time, VivaTech will take to the Champs-Elysees on Sunday, June 14th, with a free and immersive day centred on everyday tech (AI, robots, mobility, climate, health...). On June 20th, the VivaTech Festival will open tech up to 18-35 year-olds through AI & society content, the creator economy, the talents of tomorrow, and a Careers Festival.

Renowned speakers from startups, large corporations and institutions will also be in attendance, confirming the ambition to make this 10th edition a global unmissable event at the crossroads of innovation, business and key debates on the future of technology.

CONTACT: press@vivatechnology.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vivatech-takes-it-to-the-next-level-for-its-10th-anniversary-302741631.html
G&A's Sustainability Highlights ( 04.08.2026 )

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / According to the World Economic Forum, comprehensive new research has effectively settled the debate over the financial value of sustainability. A review of 640 academic and think-tank studies, conducted by the firm Impact ROI, makes an evidence-based claim that sustainability materially improves financial performance - including profitability, valuation, and productivity - when it's designed and managed as a strategic business capability, rather than a compliance exercise.

But, as the market has been signaling for the past few years, making a strong business case is not the only battle for corporate sustainability. The harder part can be in the execution, especially as the reporting landscape evolves towards more granular disclosures. This edition of Sustainability Highlights features several practical tools to support companies.

The EU's final revisions to the CSRD eliminated mandatory reporting requirements for an estimated 90% of companies, but many small and medium-sized companies still face expectations from investors, customers, and business partners. The Voluntary Standard for SMEs (VSME) is a European Commission-recommended tool for companies in exactly this situation, and G&A Institute has published a new Quick Reference Guide to the VSME to help companies maintain reporting credibility and bolster their supplier status.

Second, the 2026 CDP response cycle is now underway - for many companies, the most consequential sustainability reporting obligation of the quarter. In a new series just launched, G&A Institute starts with the fundamentals: what CDP is, why it matters, and how to approach this year's response strategically. Whether you're a first-time responder or looking to improve your score, the series is designed to help companies move through the process with clarity. G&A also offers tailored support for CDP responses; learn more here.

Meanwhile, the standards landscape continues to become more sophisticated. As reported by ESG Today, the Global Reporting Initiative released a draft set of disclosure standards for pollution, covering emissions to air, water, and soil. This is the latest signal that even as top-level mandates like the CSRD are simplified, the reporting ecosystem is simultaneously becoming more specific and more demanding. Recent issues of Sustainability Highlights have tracked this emerging pattern, with new sector standards for mining, oil and gas, and agriculture. It is worth reviewing the pollution standard now out for public comment. Companies that wait for final rules before building their data infrastructure will find themselves behind.

The issue also covers the ISSB's move into nature-related disclosure standard-setting, China's new ecological and environmental code, the EU-Japan climate alliance, and why AI power demand is creating new grid risks.

G&A also published two new pieces this week on engaging the value chain for decarbonization - one on joining or forming alliances, and one on creating incentives for value chain partners. Find both below.

This is just the introduction of G&A's Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue

Find more stories and multimedia from Governance & Accountability Institute at 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Governance & Accountability Institute

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/governance-accountability-institute-inc

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Governance & Accountability Institute

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/from-debate-to-execution-practical-tools-for-sustainability-team-1157430
Boston, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - pdfFiller, a leading all-in-one document management platform, announces the launch of its AI-powered PDF editor, engineered to produce professional-grade documents from several simple text prompts.

This next-generation solution is set to redefine how business professionals overall, HR and legal teams, SMB owners, educators, and medical administrators approach content creation. By entering a brief description, users can generate polished, publication-ready documents in seconds, eliminating the frustration from blank-page syndrome and the endless search for the right template.

pdfFiller



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Key Features and Capabilities of the AI-Powered PDF Editor

pdfFiller's AI-powered PDF editor fuses cutting-edge generative AI with the platform's robust document management ecosystem-trusted across all of North America, EU and Australia since 2008-to deliver a frictionless end-to-end experience. Core capabilities of this innovative solution include:

Prompt-driven document generation: Describe the use case-document purpose, target audience, required sections-and let the intelligent engine handle the rest.

Versatile format support: From comprehensive business reports and concise one-page memos to standard legal contracts, quick notices, job postings, and NDA agreements.

Auto-formatting and structure: Professional layout and accurate formatting are applied by default, requiring minimal manual intervention from the user.

Compliance-ready output: Predictive language technology adheres to the latest industry standards and regulatory best practices.

Reusable templates: Save generated documents as templates for future use; content remains fully customizable per specific requirements and unique use cases.

Seamless ecosystem integration: E-signing, annotations, and real-time team collaboration are natively embedded within the pdfFiller platform.

Flexible export options: Support for PDF, DOCX, and other widely used file formats.

Real-World Use Cases Driving Operational Efficiency

The AI-powered PDF editor empowers cross-functional teams to accelerate mission-critical workflows:

Legal teams: Draft contract templates, NDAs, legal notices, and partnership agreements with precision.

HR departments: Produce job descriptions, interview scripts, offer letters, and onboarding packages tailored to various roles and grades / seniority levels.

Sales teams: Generate quotes and proposals at twice the speed, thus shortening deal cycles.

Operations: Build employee manuals, SOPs, and instructional guides for day-to-day processes.

"Nobody in business wants to stare at a blank page-especially under tight deadlines," says Kyle Kelleher, VP, Growth & Strategy at pdfFiller. "Our AI-powered PDF editor removes that barrier entirely, democratizing access to professional content creation. This launch underscores our commitment to AI-assisted workflows that eliminate bottlenecks and supercharge organizational productivity."

Competitive Differentiation in the Evolving AI Solutions Landscape

pdfFiller's AI-powered PDF editor is purpose-built for real-world document workflows. The platform generates fully formatted documents featuring logical structure, industry-specific terminology, consistent brand voice with extreme attention to the slightest detail.

Deep integration with pdfFiller's established ecosystem means editing, electronic signatures, and export functionality are available out of the box. Furthermore, enterprise-grade security-including SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance-along with stringent data privacy protocols, positions pdfFiller well ahead of standalone AI assistants on both trust and governance.

Availability and Pricing

pdfFiller AI PDF Editor is now available to all paid pdfFiller subscribers as part of existing plans, accessible in all versions-web, mobile, and desktop.

About pdfFiller

pdfFiller, part of the airSlate family of brands, is a cloud-based PDF editor and document management platform headquartered in the Boston, Massachusetts area. Alongside airSlate signNow, US Legal Forms, DocHub, and Instapage, pdfFiller forms airSlate's portfolio of award-winning productivity solutions. Built for usability, innovation, and scalability, pdfFiller meets the highest standards of security and compliance-including GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, SOC 2 Type II, CCPA, and FERPA. Recognized in the Spring 2026 G2 Reports as one of the top PDF editors, pdfFiller continues to drive digital transformation for teams of all sizes.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/290092

Source: PRNews OU
Dynamic Checkout Solution Recognized in the Best PayTech Solution Category

AGOURA HILLS, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / Ecrypt Inc., a leading provider of integrated payment services and financial technology solutions, today announced that it has been named a finalist in the 2026 Banking Tech Awards USA, one of the financial technology industry's most prestigious annual recognition programs. The company's Dynamic Checkout solution made the Excellence in Tech Awards shortlist in the Best PayTech Solution category.

The Banking Tech Awards USA, presented by FinTech Futures and Informa Connect, celebrate outstanding achievement and innovation across the banking and financial technology sectors. The 2026 ceremony will be held on May 28, 2026 at 583 Park Avenue, New York.

"Our team is proud to be recognized as a finalist because this recognizes our performance to solve one of the most persistent challenges in payments: how to improve conversion without compromising risk or compliance," said Felix Danciu, Chief Financial Officer of Ecrypt Inc. "With Dynamic Checkout, we set out to rethink the checkout experience for modern platforms and complex merchants, using real-time decisioning to reduce false declines, streamline the customer journey, and deliver stronger authorization outcomes. Being named a finalist is meaningful because it validates not just the technology, but the measurable impact we're delivering for our partners every day."

Dynamic Checkout is Ecrypt's adaptive payments checkout experience for platforms and merchants that, for any one of a number of reasons, can't rely on a one-size-fits-all payment flow. It's a smart checkout layer that helps customers complete a purchase while reducing false declines, fraud, and compliance risk, which works for all types of verticals, but works especially well in complex or regulated verticals. It also supports secure and customizable APIs for technology partners and tech-focused merchants who want complete control of their payment experience.

Winners of the 2026 Banking Tech Awards USA will be announced at the gala ceremony in New York on May 28, 2026. For more information about the awards and the full shortlist, visit https://informaconnect.com/banking-tech-awards-usa/2026-shortlist/.

About Ecrypt Inc.

Ecrypt Inc. is a leading payment services provider, offering all-in-one processing services to merchants in the United States. As a registered ISO and FSP, Ecrypt offers merchants a diverse range of processing solutions for credit and debit transactions, including payment processing equipment and software, a PCI Level 1 payment gateway (ecrypt.com), a patented age-verification software (AgeChecker.net), and complimentary support services. Founded in 2004, Ecrypt is based in Agoura Hills, CA, and is committed to delivering innovative, secure, and cost-effective payment experiences to merchants and technology partners nationwide.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Sara Trujillo

Trujillo Public Relations

917-295-5491

SOURCE: ECRYPT, LP

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/ecrypt-inc.-named-finalist-in-the-2026-banking-tech-awards-usa-1157453
On 1 August 2026, the University of Cambridge will host the UK Young Artists Association (UKYAA) largest-ever international youth art and technology exhibition and awards ceremony.

More than 20,000 submissions from participants across 11 countries have been curated into a single show where every exhibited work responds to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The exhibition covers painting, digital art, robotics design and AI-generated work by creators aged six to 28.

Visitors will experience four competitions in one exhibition: the Victoria International Youth Painting Award, the London Young Artist Award, the International Youth Tech-Art Design Competition (in partnership with robotics firm Robosen) and the St Paul's Global AI Creative Award (in partnership with AI platform Fotor). Together, they trace a line from traditional painting through digital media and robotics to AI-driven creation, framed by the UN SDGs.

The St Paul's Global AI Creative Award emphasises the creative process itself, not solely on the finished work. Participants are expected to demonstrate how they use, prompt, curate and intervene within AI systems, positioning young people as critical thinkers rather than passive users of technology.

Since 2023, UKYAA has exhibited more than 2,000 works at venues including the Natural History Museum, Outernet London and the University of the Arts London. The Cambridge exhibition marks its most ambitious showcase to date.

Sophia Jin, founder of UKYAA, commented: "This exhibition brings four competitions together around one idea the UN Sustainable Development Goals. What's striking is how young people no longer separate art, technology and global issues. They're using all three to explore problems and propose solutions."

Awards sponsor Rocky Luo, general manager of Robosen Robotics, added: "UKYAA bridges the gap between youth creativity and global challenges while providing emerging talent an international stage. Where AI is altering the creative landscape, UKYAA highlights human-centric innovation and shows how the next generation is redefining the boundaries of art and expression."

Dr Nora Chen, Head of UK at Fotor, sponsor of the AI award, said: "At Fotor, we see AI as an amplifier of creativity, expanding how ideas are explored, refined and expressed. What we particularly value in UKYAA is its emphasis on education and critical thinking, encouraging young creators not just to use AI, but to understand and shape it."

Further information available at www.ukyoungartists.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414790760/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Ping Kao

07754884946

contact@ukyoungartists.org
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") on its 100%-owned Omai Gold Property in Guyana. The MRE includes expansions to both the Wenot Deposit and Gilt Deposit. Most significantly, the Wenot Indicated MRE increased 49.8% to 1,453,000 ounces ("oz") of gold with an average grade of 1.59 g/t Au, contained in 28.4 million tonnes ("Mt") and the Wenot Inferred MRE increased 7.6% to 3,999,000 oz grading 1.35 g/t Au, contained in 92.4 Mt. Similarly, the adjacent Gilt Deposit saw an overall increase in ounces over the previous MRE. Gilt's Inferred MRE increased 120% to 1,465,000 oz averaging 3.22 g/t Au (in 14.2 Mt), while the Indicated MRE decreased by 9.5% to 1,042,000 oz averaging 3.33 g/t Au (in 9.7 Mt).

HIGHLIGHTS:

The Omai Gold Property hosts two orogenic gold deposits: the shear-hosted Wenot Deposit and the adjacent, intrusion-hosted Gilt Deposit (Figure 1), with a combined updated MRE (over the August 2025 MRE) of:

2,495,000 ounces of gold (Indicated MRE), a 17.6% increase, averaging 2.04 g/t Au in 38.1Mt and

(Indicated MRE), a 17.6% increase, averaging and 5,465,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE), a 24.7% increase, averaging 1.59 g/t Au in 106.6 Mt

Wenot Deposit (a constrained pit approach with minor underground is applied)

1,453,000 oz of gold in 28.4 Mt (Indicated), a 49.8% increase in ounces (+483,000 oz) over the August 2025 MRE 1

of gold in (Indicated), a 49.8% increase in ounces (+483,000 oz) over the August 2025 MRE 3,999,000 oz of gold in 92.4 Mt (Inferred), a 7.6% increase in ounces (+282,000 oz)

of gold in (Inferred), a 7.6% increase in ounces (+282,000 oz) 1.59 g/t Au grade of Indicated MRE, an 8.9% increase (from 1.46 g/t Au)

grade of Indicated MRE, an 8.9% increase (from 1.46 g/t Au) 1.35 g/t Au grade of Inferred MRE, a 25.8% decrease (from 1.82 g/t Au)

grade of Inferred MRE, a 25.8% decrease (from 1.82 g/t Au) Increased gold price assumption to $3,000/oz from $2,500/oz at the same cut-off of 0.30 g/t Au

Gilt Deposit (an underground mining approach is applied)

1,042,000 oz of gold (Indicated) averaging 3.33 g/t Au , in 9.7 Mt, a 9.5% decrease in ounces (-109,000) over the August 2025 MRE

of gold (Indicated) averaging , in 9.7 Mt, a 9.5% decrease in ounces (-109,000) over the August 2025 MRE 1,465,000 oz of gold (Inferred) averaging 3.22 g/t Au , in 14.2 Mt, a 120.3% increase in ounces (+800,000 oz)

of gold (Inferred) averaging , in 14.2 Mt, a 120.3% increase in ounces (+800,000 oz) 3.33 g/t Au grade of Indicated MRE, a 3.4% increase (from 3.22 g/t Au)

3.22 g/t Au grade of Inferred MRE, a 3.9% decrease (from 3.35 g/t Au)

Increased gold price assumption to $3,000/oz from $2,500/oz and increased cut-off to 1.7 g/t Au from 1.5 g/t Au

Elaine Ellingham, President & CEO commented, "We are pleased to be delivering yet another very substantial increase to the Mineral Resource Estimate for our Omai Gold Project in Guyana. This reinforces Omai's position as the largest gold project in Guyana. Omai's unique road access and location just ten kilometres from Guyana's main road that connects to the two largest towns in Guyana and to northern Brazil, will continue to simplify logistics as the project advances. Omai's legacy benefits include an on-site airstrip, a cleared site, known metallurgical recoveries, and established tailings sites. In addition to these unique advantages for developing a large-scale gold deposit, Guyana is proving to be a favourable jurisdiction for permitting with Government and communities' support for large-scale mine development.

This, our 5th Mineral Resource Estimate, again reinforces the potential for large-scale mine re-development at Omai. The Omai team's dedication has continued to deliver superior value creation for all stakeholders. With each successive milestone it becomes even clearer that Omai has the potential to be a multi-decade gold mining operation.

Notwithstanding this large gold Mineral Resource Estimate, we still see very significant potential to further expand the gold mineralization at both the Wenot and the Gilt Deposits. Both are open to depth and the deep hole drilled under Wenot in 2025 (25ODD-122W) established the presence of the Wenot shear (hosting 7 gold zones) a full 700 m below the known Wenot deposit.

A 50,000 m drill program has commenced with five drills turning. Our next major catalyst is the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA"), expected to be completed in 2 to 3 months. We are continuing to aggressively drill to increase the Mineral Resources and to upgrade the Inferred Resources, as we set our sights on a future Prefeasibility or Feasibility Study. Drilling is now focused on the Wenot deposit and on certain nearby targets."

Figure 1. Cross-Section of Wenot Shear-Hosted Gold Deposit and Gilt Intrusion-Hosted Deposit



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Figure 2. Plan Map of Omai Project showing Gold Mineralized Zones for Wenot and Gilt Deposits



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Table 1. Omai Mineral Resource Estimate - April 7, 2026





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Notes to Accompany the April 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate:

1. The effective date of this Mineral Resource is April 7, 2026.

2. The Mineral Resources were estimated in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves Definitions (2014) and Best Practices Guidelines (2019).

3. Rock density averages 2.69 t/m3 for Wenot and 2.92 t/m3 for Gilt.

4. Open pit resources have been constrained to a conceptual pit shell using Whittle software and underground blocks were constrained by an underground shape optimizer using Deswik (DSO) software.

5. A gold price of US$3,000/oz was used.

6. Process gold recoveries for Wenot are assumed to be 90% for Alluvium/Saprolite and 92% for Transition/Fresh Rock and for Gilt are assumed to be 92%.

7. Open pit operating costs were assumed to be $2.40/t for soft rock material mining, $3.00/t for fresh rock mining, $8.93/t for Alluvium/Saprolite processing, and $14.62/t for Fresh Rock processing. A cost of $3.25/t was used for G&A. All costs are assumed to be US$.

8. Mineral Resources are reported at cut-off grades of 0.20 g/t Au for soft rock, 0.30 g/t Au for hard rock within the open pit, and 1.70 g/t Au for underground shapes.

9. The Wenot pit assumed an overall slope angles of 30 for soft rock and 50 for the fresh rock. Wenot resources assume the recovery of a crown pillar below the pit shell.

10. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

11. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues.

12. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest thousand tonnes and ounces. Differences in totals may occur due to rounding.

13. The cut-off date of the supporting geological database is March 12, 2026.

14. The Wenot Mineral Resource Estimate incorporates 24,484 composites from 699 diamond drill holes totalling 36,133 m of core within the mineralized wireframes. The Gilt Mineral Resource Estimate incorporates 6,125 composites from 50 diamond drill holes, totalling 6,091 m of core within the mineralized wireframes.

15. Composite gold grades were assessed separately for Wenot and Gilt and were capped at values between 11.5 g/t and 40 g/t gold.

16. Grade interpolation methods were Ordinary Kriging for Wenot and Inverse Distance Cubed (ID3) for Gilt.

17. Rock density was applied using average values of lithological units based on 209 measurements of Wenot drill core and 190 measurements of Gilt drill core.

18. The Mineral Resource has been classified in the Indicated and Inferred categories, using reference drilling spacing of 40-70 m for Indicated and up to 100 m of extrapolation distance for Inferred.

19. Mr. Alan J. San Martin, P.Eng. from SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd., is the Qualified Person (QP) for this Mineral Resource Estimate.

Table 2. Comparison between Wenot April 2026 MRE and August 2025 MRE





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Table 3. Comparison between Gilt April 2026 MRE and August 2025 MRE





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Wenot Deposit - Mineral Resource Estimate

Wenot is an orogenic gold deposit, consisting of a series of near-vertical zones within a broad 300-400 m wide shear corridor. The shear corridor straddles the east-west contact between a sequence of volcanic rocks to the north and sedimentary rocks to the south. The contact itself is persistently occupied by a quartz feldspar porphyry, which is typically well mineralized. A series of felsic and dioritic dikes occupy a shear zone within the volcanic sequence. These dikes are variably altered, often host quartz vein stockworks and are often well mineralized. Multiple gold zones occur across the Wenot shear corridor, including in the southern sedimentary sequence.

This updated Mineral Resource Estimate provides a further expansion of the Wenot gold deposit. The Indicated MRE increased to 1.45 million ounces ("Moz") and the Inferred MRE increased to 4.0 Moz. Previous drilling, plus the additional 31 diamond drill holes totalling 15,004 metres since the August 2025 MRE, supported a comprehensive refinement of the geological model and the gold mineralized zones which were then used to build the wireframes and block model for this MRE. This was an important step as it now forms the basis for an optimized mine plan for the upcoming Preliminary Economic Assessment.

One objective of the 2024-2025 drilling at Wenot was to commence the conversion of the large Inferred MRE to the Indicated category. The recent drilling successfully added 483,000 ounces to bring Wenot's Indicated MRE to 1.45 million ounces, representing a 49% increase. Grade also increased 8.9% to 1.59 g/t Au. The Wenot Indicated MRE now stands at 1,453,000 ounces at an average grade of 1.59 g/t Au in 28.4 Mt. Increased drilling density of the higher grade and often very wide gold zones discovered within the "Dike Corridor" and within the central Quartz Feldspar Porphyry-hosted gold zone (CQFP) was the main contributor to the increases in both the Indicated ounces and the average gold grade, mostly through the conversion of Inferred ounces.

The Inferred MRE for Wenot increased by 7.4% to 3,999,000 ounces. An estimated 483,000 ounces were upgraded from the Inferred MRE category to the Indicated category. Additions to the Inferred MRE are from several areas along the 2.5 km strike of the Wenot deposit, including additions at the west end of the deposit and also along the southern side of the deposit within the sedimentary sequence, an area that was more of a focus during the recent drilling programs. The average grade of the Inferred MRE of 1.35 g/t Au represents a 25.8% decrease in grade. This results mostly from the conversion of higher grade Inferred ounces from the 2025 MRE into the Indicated category (mostly from the Dike Corridor and CQFP), and the addition of lower grade Inferred MRE ounces coming from extensions at the west end of the deposit and within the sediment-hosted zones on the southern side of Wenot.

The impact of cut-off grade on the Wenot Mineral Resource Estimate size and grades is shown in Figure 3 below, with selective data provided in Table 4. Additional sensitivity data for Wenot is provided in Table 6. The cut-off grade for Wenot was maintained at 0.30 g/t Au, consistent with the 2025 MRE, despite a significantly higher spot gold price. A higher gold price assumes that a lower gold grade can normally be economically extracted and processed. The gold price assumption for the current MRE is $3,000/oz versus $2,500/oz for the August 2025 MRE. Figure 3 shows that even at a higher cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au, the number of ounces in the Indicated MRE is reduced only slightly to 1.37 Moz, but is at a higher average grade of 1.88 g/t Au. Further, the Inferred MRE at the same higher cut-off gives 3.6 Moz at a higher grade of 1.62 g/t Au. The overall impact of raising the cut-off from 0.3 g/t Au (the base case) to 0.5 g/t Au is less than a 6% reduction in the number of ounces in the overall MRE; however, the grade of the Indicated MRE increases by 14.6% and the grade of the Inferred MRE increases by 20%.

Table 4. Sensitivity of Wenot MRE to Cut-Off Grade





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Figure 3. Chart Illustrating Impact of Cut-off Grade on Size and Grade of MRE



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Gilt Deposit - Mineral Resource Estimate

Gilt is an orogenic gold deposit hosted predominantly within a 500 m by 300 m quartz diorite intrusion known as the "Omai Stock". The mineralized zones extend into the surrounding volcanic sequence as evidenced by the detailed drilling in the upper part of the deposit that was previously mined. The upper 250 m of the deposit produced 2.4 million ounces of gold (1993-2005). The Gilt deposit is located approximately 500 m north of the Wenot gold deposit. Gilt is an underground deposit, likely to be accessed by a ramp from surface, with its shallowest point relatively shallow at a depth of 275 m. Gilt has been drilled to a maximum depth of 960 m and is open at depth.

This updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Gilt deposit includes two additional deep holes (24ODD-095 and 25ODD-122) that were drilled across the deposit in 2024 and 2025. These post-date the MRE last completed for Gilt in 2022. In each of the two new holes, over 700 m of the intrusion was intersected with evidence that mineralization extends into the adjacent volcanic rocks. Similar to Wenot, a comprehensive refinement of the geological model and the gold mineralized zones was completed, integrating the new drilling data. This was then used to build the wireframes and block model for this updated Gilt MRE, which will form the basis for the upcoming PEA.

By utilizing a 1 g/t Au cut-off, the new resource model was able to establish 26 separate gold mineralized zones, up from the previous model with 11 mineralized zones for Gilt. This reduced the width of the zones to better confine the above-cut-off mineralization and reduce waste within the zones, which is expected to provide better mining continuity for the upcoming mine plan.

This updated study shows an overall increase to the Gilt MRE. Most of this impact was in the Inferred category that increased 120.3% or by 800,000 ounces. Grades decreased by 3.9% to 3.22 g/t Au from 3.35 g/t Au. The increase in the Inferred MRE resulted from the QP re-examining data from the upper part of the Gilt deposit, which was mined out as well as the drilling data at depth on the deposit. This showed that the gold zones within the Gilt intrusion typically extend into the surrounding volcanic rocks. Similarly, the new drilling of the Gilt deposit at depth shows the gold mineralized zones extending into the adjacent volcanic rocks. The modelling of the gold zones integrated these extensions and were the major contributor to the increase in the Gilt Inferred MRE.

The Gilt Indicated MRE decreased by 9.5% to 1,042,000 ounces, a decrease of 109,000 oz, whereas grade increased by 3.4% to 3.33 g/t Au from 3.22 g/t Au. Application of the slightly higher cut-off grade of 1.7 g/t Au versus the previous 1.5 g/t Au and application of greater selectivity in defining mineralization domains resulted in the increase in grade relative to the previous estimate. The decrease in Indicated resource tonnage is due to a more restrictive criteria for the classification of Indicated blocks.

The impact of cut-off grade on the Gilt Creek Mineral Resource Estimate size and grades is shown in Figure 4 below with data summarized in Table 5.

Table 5. Impact of cut-off grade on the Gilt Mineral Resource Estimate





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Figure 4. Impact of Cut-Off Grade on Size and Average Grade of Gilt MRE

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Quality Control

Omai maintains an internal QA/QC program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with best practices. Certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are entered at regular intervals. Samples are sealed in plastic bags.

Drill core samples (halved-core) were shipped to Act Labs and some batches to MSALABS, both certified laboratories in Georgetown Guyana, respecting the best chain of custody practices. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g), and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m, including cleaner sand. Fifty grams of pulverized material is then fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA). Initial assays with results above 3.0 ppm gold are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. For samples with visible gold and surrounding samples within deemed gold zones, two separate 250 g or 500 g pulverized samples are prepared, with 50 grams of each fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with assays above 3.0 ppm gold being re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. Certified reference materials and blanks meet with QA/QC specifications.

Qualified Person

Alan J. San Martin, P.Eng., Principal Resource Geologist of SLR, and Elaine Ellingham, M.Sc., P.Geo. are both Qualified Persons (QPs) under National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and have reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. Ellingham is a director and officer of the Company and is not considered to be independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. San Martin is independent of Omai Gold Mines Corp.

ABOUT SLR

SLR Consulting (Canada) Ltd. (SLR) is an industry leader in mining advisory and technical services and has supported projects globally for more than 35 years. With multidisciplinary expertise and capabilities spanning geology, resource estimation, engineering, metallurgy, mine waste, and environment, SLR delivers end-to-end support across all stages of the mining life cycle. SLR's Mining Advisory team has extensive experience in all commodities and mining areas of the world and is a trusted partner to clients seeking independent, high-quality guidance and technical support.

ABOUT OMAI GOLD

Omai Gold Mines Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on rapidly expanding and advancing the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in mining-friendly Guyana, South America. The Company has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest growing and well-endowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield. In August 2025, the Company announced a 96% increase to the Wenot Gold Deposit NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate1 (MRE) to 970,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) averaging 1.46 g/t Au, contained in 20.7 Mt and 3,717,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.82 g/t Au, contained in 63.4 Mt. This brings the global MRE at Omai, including the Wenot and adjacent Gilt Creek deposits, to 2,121,000 ounces of gold (Indicated MRE) averaging 2.07 g/t Au in 31.9 Mt and 4,382,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.95 g/t Au in 69.9 Mt. A baseline PEA announced in April 2024, presented an open pit-only development scenario and included less than 30% of the new Mineral Resource Estimate for Omai. Five diamond drills have commenced a 50,000m program for 2026: at Wenot the focus is to further test the limits of the deposit, including both east and west, and to commence converting the large Inferred MRE to Indicated. Additional drilling will continue to explore certain known gold occurrences for possible near-surface higher-grade satellite deposits. Following the current updated MRE, an updated PEA is planned for H1 2026 to include the expanded Wenot open pit deposit and the adjacent Gilt Creek underground deposit. The Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold from 1993 to 20052, ceasing operations when gold was below US$400 per ounce. The Omai site significantly benefits from existing infrastructure, including an on-site airstrip, and is connected by road to the two largest cities in Guyana, Georgetown and Linden.

1 NI 43-101 Technical Report dated October 9, 2025 titled "UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE OMAI GOLD PROPERTY, POTARO MINING DISTRICT NO.2, GUYANA" was prepared by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and is available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website.

2 Past production at the Omai Mine (1993-2005) is summarized in several Cambior Inc. documents available on www.sedarplus.ca, including March 31, 2006 AIF and news release August 3, 2006.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion of the drill program, and the potential for the Omai Gold Project to allow Omai to build significant gold Mineral Resources at attractive grades, and forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the price of gold and copper; and the results of current exploration. Further, the Mineral Resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of process recovery will be realized. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates

Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The accuracy of any Mineral Resource Estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource Estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling, and development; (iii) results of future test mining and other testing; (iv) metallurgical testing and other studies; (v) results of geological and structural modeling including block model design; (vi) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (vii) the evaluation of future mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (viii) the possible failure to receive required permits, licenses and other approvals. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Inferred" or "Indicated" Mineral Resource Estimate will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource Estimates disclosed in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101").

Cautionary Statements to U.S. Readers

This news release uses the terms "Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" as defined in the CIM Standards in accordance with NI 43-101. While these terms are recognized and required by the Canadian Securities Administrators in accordance with Canadian securities laws, they may not be recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The "Mineral Resource" Estimates and related information in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

Table 6. Detailed Sensitivity of Wenot Deposit MRE to Cut-Off Grade





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*Excludes Saprolite mineralization and small underground component of the Wenot MRE

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292385

Source: Omai Gold Mines Corp.
LONDON, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Vesper Next Generation Infrastructure Fund I has successfully reached its final close with total assets under management exceeding 1 billion, significantly surpassing its initial 800 million target. The result confirms strong investor confidence in the fund's differentiated value-add, mid-market strategy focused on next-generation infrastructure across Europe.

The fundraising attracted more than 50 international blue-chip institutional investors from Europe and North America, including pension funds, insurance companies, asset managers and family offices. This broad participation highlights growing demand for specialised infrastructure strategies, particularly in the context of Europe's increasing focus on energy security and strategic autonomy. Globally, this closing ranks the Fund as the largest first-time fund in the value-add space since 2023, when the Fund was launched.

Alongside fundraising, the fund has demonstrated strong investment momentum. Since early 2023, around 400 opportunities have been reviewed, leading to six investments completed within two years. These include RAD-x, EAG Bioenergy, SAF Aerogroup, BioHold, Thesee and Terakraft. The portfolio currently spans seven European countries and focuses on four key sectors: sustainable and decentralised energy, social infrastructure, digital and data infrastructure, and mission-critical transport. The fund aims to build a portfolio of nine to ten companies, with further investments expected in the near term.

Livio Fenati, Founder and CEO, says: "This milestone represents a strong validation of the strategy and investor trust, with the focus now on delivering value across the existing portfolio and completing the investment pipeline."

Vesper Infrastructure Partners, which advises the fund, has continued to strengthen its platform, growing to around 20 professionals across offices in Milan, London, Hamburg and Madrid. The founding partners bring over 130 years of combined experience and have executed more than 350 billion in infrastructure transactions, supporting a strong pipeline of proprietary opportunities and disciplined portfolio management.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2956057/Vesper_Infrastructure_Partners.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2956056/Vesper_Infrastructure_Logo.jpg

Vesper Next Generation Infrastructure Fund I GP S.a r.l. Contact:

Director, Fiona Ahlendorf - fiona.ahlendorf@amisaconsult.com

Director, Ivano Cordella - i.cordella@antealimited.com

Director, Thorsten Jungfleisch - thorsten.jungfleisch@fundrock.com

Vesper Infrastructure Partners Contact:

info@vesperam.com | www.vesperam.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/vesper-next-generation-infrastructure-fund-i-and-co-investment-initiatives-reach-final-close-surpassing-in-aggregate-eur-1bn-of-total-aum-the-most-successful-debut-mid-market-infrastructure-funds-since-2023-302741930.html
CAMBRIDGE, UK / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / XenData, the provider of cutting-edge data storage solutions, announces the availability of three products that enhance LucidLink functionality: Backup for LucidLink, Archive for LucidLink and Cloud-Connect for LucidLink. All three products run on a Windows platform, typically a cloud-based virtual machine such as an EC2 instance from AWS.

Backup for LucidLink provides an enhanced disaster recovery strategy. While a LucidLink Filespace offers excellent redundancy and availability, XenData's Backup for LucidLink synchronizes the content to an entirely different storage location. It supports backing up to any AWS, Azure, Seagate Lyve or Wasabi datacenter. Data integrity is ensured using end-to-end logical block protection and individual files may be downloaded independently of LucidLink.

Archive for LucidLink is ideal for offloading finished projects and it allows an administrator to easily move files and folders from a LucidLink Filespace to standard object storage on one or multiple public clouds, including AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, Seagate Lyve and Wasabi object storage. Archive for LucidLink provides a web portal that displays previews of all video and image files written to the cloud archive, including files that are stored on inaccessible storage tiers such as AWS Glacier and the Azure Archive Tier. Furthermore, it allows users to rehydrate files to an accessible tier and then to download to their local Mac or PC.

Archive for LucidLink includes a web portal that displays previews of all video and image files written to the cloud archive. The web interface allows users to manage multi-tiered cloud storage including rehydration of files to an accessible tier and then download to their local computer.

Cloud-Connect for LucidLink allows files stored in existing AWS and Azure object storage, including on inaccessible tiers, to be easily added to a LucidLink Filespace. The software continuously indexes the object storage repository creating a file-folder structure that can be browsed via a Cloud-Connect web portal. Users can rehydrate selected files from inaccessible storage tiers such as AWS Glacier and the Azure Archive Tier and then connect them to a LucidLink Filespace.

Dr Phil Storey, XenData CEO, commented, "LucidLink is the leading provider of shared cloud storage for real-time collaborative video editing. We are delighted to be offering enhancements that provide independent backup and archive plus Cloud-Connect, which makes it easy to integrate existing multi-tiered cloud archives with LucidLink."

This suite of products will be demonstrated for the first time at NAB 2026 in Las Vegas, 19 - 22 April on the XenData booth at W2811.

About XenData

XenData is a global provider of professional data storage solutions optimized for video and other applications with high volumes of large files. It offers cutting edge hybrid cloud solutions and highly scalable on-premises active archive systems. XenData has customers in over 95 countries, including government organizations, global media companies and other large corporations. For more information visit: https://xendata.com/

XenData contact:

Alyssa A Pingul

Marketing Specialist

XenData

T. +1 925 464 2618

E. aadriano@xendata.com

SOURCE: XenData, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/xendata-announces-backup-archive-and-cloud-connect-for-lucidlink-1156557
SE and Kraken sign definitive agreements to establish a joint venture headquartered in Riyadh to accelerate digital energy transformation across the Middle East and North Africa

The joint venture will extend Kraken's AI-powered operating system by building regional digital capabilities, and creating high-quality jobs

The joint venture will also reserve licensing rights to deploy Kraken for 11.5m customer accounts across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

SE to acquire a minority strategic equity stake in Kraken to reinforce long-term alignment

RIYADH, SA / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / Saudi Energy (SE) and Kraken announced the signing of definitive agreements for a strategic partnership with Kraken Technologies Limited (Kraken), a global provider of an AI-powered operating system for the utilities sector. Under the agreements, SE and Kraken will establish a joint venture headquartered in Riyadh to accelerate digital transformation across the energy and utilities sectors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The joint venture will serve as the exclusive reseller of the Kraken operating system across the MENA region. It will also focus on:

Deploying the Kraken operating system to modernize utility operations and customer experience

Building regional digital capabilities and developing local talent

Supporting job creation across the energy and technology ecosystem in line with Saudi Arabia's digital and economic objectives under Vision 2030

The JV will also have the rights to deploy Kraken to 11.5 million SE customer accounts, supporting SE's AI-driven digital innovation strategy and its ambition to enhance operational efficiency, organizational resilience, and long-term sustainable growth.

As part of the agreements, SE will also acquire a minority strategic equity stake in Kraken, reinforcing long-term alignment between the two companies.

Kraken's platform is a fully cloud-based, AI-enabled operating system designed specifically for utility companies. It enables end-to-end digital operations, including customer experience, billing, service management, data analytics, and intelligent system optimization. The platform currently supports more than 90 million customer accounts on behalf of leading global utilities and operates in over 15 countries. Kraken's strong backing and global expertise in digital energy platforms reinforces the strategic intent to scale proven, next-generation utility technologies across MENA.

The partnership reflects SE's continued focus on adopting advanced digital technologies and strengthening the future-readiness of the electricity ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

About Saudi Energy: Powering the Kingdom to Power the World

Saudi Energy (SE) is the Kingdom's primary electricity provider for more than 11.5 million customers, playing a central role in powering economic growth, enabling national development, and supporting the energy transition through an integrated generation, transmission, and distribution network.

Vision

A preeminent power provider, delivering exceptional customer experience through innovation and sustainable solutions.

Mission

To deliver best-in-class customer experience and long-term value to stakeholders by investing in our people, protecting the environment, and enabling digital transformation across the power sector and beyond.

SE Generation: Securing Supply and Advancing the Energy Transition

SE's Generation business forms the backbone of Saudi Arabia's electricity supply, ensuring reliable power delivery across all regions and operating conditions. It oversees one of the region's largest and most diverse power generation fleets, comprising 38 power plants that support both system stability and the Kingdom's long-term energy transition goals.

The total owned generation capacity exceeds 56.7 GW, with annual electricity production exceeding 237 TWh, representing more than 57% of national electricity production.

SE Transmission: Building the National Grid for Tomorrow

The National Grid is responsible for planning, operating, and expanding Saudi Arabia's electricity transmission network, which spans approximately 104,633 circuit kilometers and includes 1,315 substations.

As the backbone of the national power system, the transmission business plays a pivotal role in connecting generation sources to demand centers, enabling renewable energy integration, and supporting the Kingdom's economic growth and Vision 2030 ambitions.

Distribution and Customer Services (D&CS): Delivering Power to Every Customer

Distribution and Customer Services (D&CS) represents the final and most visible link in the electricity value chain, delivering power from transmission substations to more than 11.5 million customers across the Kingdom.

The D&CS business focuses on reliability, service excellence, and enhancing customer experience through digital solutions and operational efficiency, ensuring seamless electricity delivery to households, businesses, and industries nationwide.

About Kraken

Kraken is the most-loved and proven operating system for energy. Powered by Utility-Grade AI and deep industry expertise, we help utilities transform their tech and operations so they can lead the energy transition.

Kraken supports 90+ million accounts worldwide, from households and businesses to large industrial customers, enabling utilities to innovate faster, unlock revenue, make energy more affordable for customers, and create a smarter, more resilient grid. Trusted by leading utilities like EDF Energy, E.ON Next, Octopus Energy, Origin, Plenitude, Portsmouth Water, National Grid and Tokyo Gas, Kraken consistently delivers measurable results, including up to 40% greater efficiency and 3 improved customer satisfaction.

Our operating system delivers better outcomes from generation, through distribution, to supply - unifying data, automation and AI that's designed and constantly optimized for utilities in one platform. With a constant stream of new software releases, our clients are equipped for the future. And with an unparalleled track record for speedy, seamless migrations, we're helping utilities around the world power the possible.

Headquartered in London and New York, with regional centers in Paris, Tokyo and Melbourne, our mission is to make a big, green dent in the universe and improve one billion lives within a decade.

Contact Information:

Saudi Energy

966920001100

933@se.com.sa

SOURCE: Saudi Electricity Company

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/se-and-kraken-establish-joint-venture-to-accelerate-digital-transformation-of-ut-1157441
2026 first quarter net revenue 1 at 638 million euros

Organic growth 1 of +2.5%, supported by a solid organic performance in the United States at +7.4%

Recent dynamic M&A provided a positive scope 1 impact of +1.7% over the quarter

2026 guidance2 is confirmed

Regulatory News:

Yannick Bollore, Chairman and CEO of Havas (AEX:HAVAS), said: "Havas has started 2026 on a solid footing, continuing its momentum and delivering organic growth in net revenue of +2.5%. This performance, in line with our full year 2026 guidance, was driven in particular by continued strength in the US and reflects the resilience of our model and the quality of our recent new business wins across key markets. Building on the transformation delivered in recent years, we remain focused on disciplined execution, the continued deployment of our Converged strategy, and our commitment to empowering our teams through the roll-out of our AVA LLM portal and comprehensive training in AI and new technologies, further strengthening collaboration and value creation across the Group. While the environment remains uncertain, the fundamentals of our model and our ability to adapt with agility give us confidence in our capacity to deliver sustainable, profitable growth. I would like to thank our clients for their continued trust and recognize the commitment of our teams around the world, who play a central role in our success.

FIRST QUARTER 2026 KEY FIGURES

In millions of euros (unaudited and rounded figures) Q1 2026 Q1 2025 Revenue 667 676 organic growth +2.8% +1.0% Net revenue 638 649 % growth, as reported -1.6% +5.2% % organic growth +2.5% +2.1% scope effect +1.7% +1.4% forex effect -5.8% +1.7%

For definitions of Alternative Performance Measures, or non-IFRS measures, please refer to the financial glossary, appended to this press release.

BUSINESS REVIEW

Havas recorded a strong level of activity during the first quarter of 2026.

Revenue reached 667 million, with organic growth3 of +2.8%, and net revenue4 amounted to 638 million, representing organic growth of +2.5% compared to the same period in 2025.

This organic growth confirms the overall vitality of the business, even though the comparison base was less favorable than last year.

Changes in the scope of consolidation5 had a positive impact of +1.7% on net revenue, while changes in foreign exchange rates6 (notably US dollar and British pound) had a negative impact of -5.8%, compared to the first quarter of 2025.

NET REVENUE AND ORGANIC GROWTH IN NET REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL REGION

In millions of euros and % (unaudited and rounded figures) Q1 2026 Q1 2025 m Organic % m Organic % Europe 320 +1.1% 314 -0.2% North America 230 +7.4% 239 +3.2% APAC and Africa 50 -6.2% 56 +1.9% Latin America 38 -0.6% 40 +16.6% Group total 638 +2.5% 649 +2.1%

Europe (50% of net revenue): In the first quarter of 2026, net revenue grew by +1.1% on an organic basis compared to the same period in 2025. France achieved a good level of organic performance, supported primarily by Havas Media thanks to contributions from recent wins, while the United Kingdom remained stable. Performance across the remainder of Europe was consistent with the regional average.

North America (36% of net revenue): The region recorded a very strong start to the year with organic growth of +7.4%, versus the same period in 2025. This performance was mainly driven by Havas Creative (Havas New York, Arnold, and Uncommon) and Havas Media (Havas Media US and Havas Edge Performance) divisions, thanks to the numerous client budgets won last year, which have gained momentum since the start of this year. Havas Health was slightly negative for this quarter.

APAC Africa (8% of net revenue): Organic growth came in at -6.2% compared to the same period in 2025; all divisions recorded negative performance, and especially Havas Media (loss of a couple of clients last year in China and Singapore).

Latin America (6% of net revenue): The region saw a nearly stable quarter, with organic growth slightly decreasing by 0.6%, notably due to the Media division and despite strong performance in Havas Creative.

FIRST QUARTER 2026 HIGHLIGHTS

Client business momentum

In the first quarter of 2026, Havas continued to record solid new business activity amid a still uncertain macroeconomic environment, while further strengthening and expanding relationships with existing clients through both retention and in-business growth.

Acquisitions (majority stakes)

During first quarter 2026, Havas continued its bolt-on acquisition strategy, acquiring majority stakes in four agencies:

Acento Public Affairs , Spain's leading public affairs consultancy joined H/Advisors , the Group's global communications and public affairs advisory network, strengthening advisory services in Spain and Portugal;

, Spain's leading public affairs consultancy joined , the Group's global communications and public affairs advisory network, strengthening advisory services in Spain and Portugal; Ctrl Digital, one of Sweden's leading specialists in measurement, analytics, and data activation joined CSA , Havas Media Network's global technology, data, and analytics consultancy marking CSA's official launch in Sweden and the Nordics;

one of Sweden's leading specialists in measurement, analytics, and data activation joined , global technology, data, and analytics consultancy marking CSA's official launch in Sweden and the Nordics; Styleheads, a leading Berlin-based agency, recognized for its strengths in cultural marketing, creator relations, and live activations joined Havas Media Network in Germany to expand the capabilities of Havas' global Play network

a leading Berlin-based agency, recognized for its strengths in cultural marketing, creator relations, and live activations joined in Germany to expand the capabilities of Eyesight, a world-renowned, independent French agency specializing in the creation and production of tailormade fashion shows and events for luxury brands, joined Maison BETC

Recognition for Havas

Havas maintained its position as a top-ranked holding company in the WARC Creative 100 for the sixth consecutive year. For the first time, Havas placed three agencies in the Top 50: BETC, Havas Paris, and Havas India, marking the first time an APAC agency from the Group achieved this recognition. The Group also achieved unprecedented geographic diversity with campaigns from three regions, APAC, EMEA, and LATAM, ranking in the Top 100, including debut appearances from India, Mexico, and Spain.

OUTLOOK

Exposure to the Middle East

Havas has modest exposure to the Middle East. The Group operates in Dubai, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, representing a weighted 1.9% of 2025 Group net revenue.

The Group has a diversified client portfolio across all economic sectors in the region. While tourism and transportation sectors are more sensitive to political and military developments, other sectors such as consumer goods demonstrate greater resilience.

Following recent events in the Middle East, the Group has determined that these events do not have material impact on its financial statements.

The Group will continue to monitor the situation and will take any necessary action should circumstances evolve.

Guidance

Against a backdrop of ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, Havas enters the remainder of 2026 with solid fundamentals, supported by the strength of its integrated, client-centric model, its diversified geographic footprint and sustained business momentum. The Group remains focused on disciplined execution and confident in its ability to convert opportunities into long-term value creation, supported by strong fundamentals and enduring client relationships.

In this context, Havas confirms its guidance for fiscal year 2026:

Organic growth in net revenue of between +2.0% and +3.0%;

Adjusted EBIT margin 7 of between 13.2% and 13.5%;

of between 13.2% and 13.5%; Dividend payout ratio8 of around 40%.

Moreover, the Group intends to pursue its strategy of bolt-on and targeted acquisitions by acquiring five to ten majority stakes in 2026.

The Group also confirms its medium-term financial targets for fiscal year 2028:

Adjusted EBIT margin of between 14.0% and 15.0%;

Dividend payout ratio of around 40%.

SHARE BUYBACK UPDATE

During the first quarter of 2026, 356,269 shares were bought back at an average price of 16.39 per share.

From the beginning of the program (June 2, 2025) until March 31, 2026, 2,014, 060 shares have been bought back at an average price of 15.25 per share.

OTHER INFORMATION

Change in Havas N.V.'s shareholding structure

Compagnie de l'Etoile des Mers, controlled by Bollore Participations, strengthened its stake in Havas N.V. In addition, Yannick Bollore, Chairman and CEO of Havas N.V. transferred YB6 to Compagnie de l'Etoile des Mers, in order to group together their shareholdings in Havas N.V.

Upon completion of these transactions, Compagnie de l'Etoile des Mers held approximately 22% of the share capital of Havas N.V. and Yannick Bollore was appointed Chairman of Compagnie de l'Etoile des Mers.

As of February 19, 2026, all of the Bollore entities held 53% of the share capital of Havas N.V. For more detailed information, please refer to the AFM filling dated February 19, 2026.

Financial investment in Louis Hachette Group shares

From March 23, 2026, to March 31, 2026, inclusive, Havas N.V. bought 5,750,808 Louis Hachette Group shares on the market (code ALHG, listed on the French market Euronext Growth) at a gross average price of 1,4744 per share, for a total gross amount of close to 8.5 million. This represented 0.58% of Louis Hachette Group share capital.

At Havas level, this is a small, non-material financial investment, made in response to a market opportunity. It represents a financially attractive move, with no impact on our strategy, our guidance, or our disciplined approach to capital allocation.

SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING

The Havas N.V. Annual Shareholders' Meeting will be held on May 13, 2026, at 9:00 am CEST at Pulitzer Hotel, Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and will be broadcast on the Havas website.

The information related to the Annual Shareholders' Meeting is available on the Havas website: www.havas.com/investor-relations-shareholders/2026-annual-general-meeting.

The relevant dates for the payment of the dividend are expected to be as follows:

Ex-dividend date : May 15, 2026

: May 15, 2026 Record date : May 18, 2026

: May 18, 2026 Dividend payment date: May 21, 2026

ANALYST CONFERENCE CALL

Speaker: Francois Laroze, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Havas

Date: April 14, 2026, at 6:00 pm Paris time 5:00 pm London time 12:00 pm New York time.

The conference call will be held in English.

Audio webcast link and slides of the presentation will be available on the Company's website at https://www.havas.com/investor-relations-shareholders/financial-press-releases-presentations

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

Upcoming financial publications:

Annual Shareholders' Meeting : May 13, 2026

: May 13, 2026 2026 half year results : July 23, 2026

: July 23, 2026 2026 third quarter revenue: October 13, 2026

About Havas

Founded in 1835 in Paris, Havas is one of the world's largest global communications groups, with nearly 23,000 people in over 100 countries. With the ambition to help brands unlock Growth, Powered by Desire, Havas brings together creativity, media, technology and production capabilities to build strong, desirable brands that people genuinely want to engage with. Its integrated model is supported by Converged.AI, the Group's operating system that unifies data, technology and AI to deliver optimized, scalable marketing solutions across the full customer journey. AI-driven, fueled by human ingenuity, and grounded in the belief that desire drives both brand performance and business outcomes, Havas teams collaborate within Havas Villages worldwide to cultivate reputation, relevance and long-term preference for clients. Havas is equally committed to its people, fostering inclusive, responsible and inspiring workplaces where talent can thrive, because desire also starts from within. Further information is available at www.havas.com.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES

This press release is published by Havas N.V. and may contain inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, as amended.

Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans, expectations or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause the Havas Group's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Please refer to Chapter 5, "Risk Factors" of the 2025 Annual Report of Havas N.V. dated March, 31 2026 and available at www.havas.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/annual-report-2025.pdf for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect the Havas Group's business and/or results of operations. Havas N.V. undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws and regulations.

The financial information included in this press release has not been audited and has not been subject to any limited review by Havas N.V.'s statutory auditors.

This press release refers to certain non-IFRS financial measures, or alternative performance measures, used by Havas N.V. in analyzing operating trends, financial performance and financial position of the Havas Group and providing investors with additional information considered useful and relevant regarding the results of the Havas Group. These alternative performance measures are not recognized measures under IFRS or any other generally accepted accounting standards, and they generally have no standardized meaning and therefore may not be comparable to similarly labelled measures used by other companies. As a result, none of these alternative performance measures should be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, the financial statements and related notes prepared by Havas N.V. in accordance with IFRS. For a definition of these alternative performance measures, please refer to the financial glossary appended to this press release and the "Definitions of alternative performance measures" section in the Appendix of the 2025 Annual Report.

APPENDIX

Q1 2026 DETAILED FIGURES

In millions of euros Q1 2026 Q1 2025 % change as reported % change at constant exchange rates % change organic growth Revenue 667 676 -1.3% +4.6% +2.8% Net revenue 638 649 -1.6% +4.5% +2.5% Net revenue by geographic region Europe 320 314 +2.0% +3.6% +1.1% North America 230 239 -3.9% +8.0% +7.4% APAC and Africa 50 56 -10.2% -1.4% -6.2% Latin America 38 40 -4.1% -0.6% -0.6% Group total 638 649 -1.6% +4.5% +2.5%

CALCULATION OF ORGANIC GROWTH AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE IMPACT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2026

(In millions of euros) Q1 2026 Foreign exchange rate impact

at March 31, 2026 (in millions of euros) Q1 2026 2025 net revenue 649 USD (2) -25.9 Foreign exchange rate impact (2) -38 GBP (2) -4.8 2025 net revenue at 2026 exchange rates (a) 611 IDR -1.5 ARS -1.4 2026 net revenue before acquisitions 627 Other -4.2 Net revenue from acquisitions (1) (a') +11 2026 net revenue (b) 638 Organic growth (b/(a+ a') +2.5% Total foreign exchange impact -37.8 (1) Acquisitions, main contributors in Q1 2026: Gauly, Bearded Kitten Limited, Kaimera, Acento. (2) EUR USD 1,174 on average in Q1 2026 vs USD 1.045 on average in Q1 2025. EUR GBP 0,875 on average in Q1 2026 vs GBP 0.834 on average in Q1 2025.

FINANCIAL GLOSSARY

Adjusted EBIT Adjusted EBIT represents net income excluding income taxes, interest, other financial income and expenses, goodwill impairment, earn-out adjustments and restructuring charges Adjusted EBIT margin Ratio in of (Adjusted EBIT) (Net revenue) Bps Basis points Dividend payout ratio Target proportion of net income attributable to the shareholders of Havas, the distribution of which would be proposed to the Annual Shareholders' Meeting of Havas. Foreign exchange rate change Foreign exchange rate effect/impact Contribution of the change in foreign exchange rate (or currency) to total growth Like-for-like organic growth Growth achieved through internal business activities at constant currency and perimeter Margin Calculated as a percentage of net revenue Net revenue Equal to revenues in accordance with IFRS 15 less costs rebilled to customers (consisting of pass-through costs rebilled to customers such as out of pockets costs and other third-party expenses) Scope change Scope effect/impact Contribution of perimeter variation (including M&A operations and divestments) to total growth Reported growth Total growth Year-over-Year (YoY) Growth in net revenue over a specified period (including organic growth, scope change and FX change) Year-over-year equivalent

1 Net revenue, organic growth, and scope impact are non-IFRS measures defined in the financial glossary appended to this press release.

2 See disclaimers appended to this press release.

3 Organic growth. See definition in the financial glossary appended to this press release.

4 Net revenue. See definition in the financial glossary appended to this press release.

5 Scope effect. See definition in the financial glossary appended to this press release.

6 Forex effect. See definition in the financial glossary appended to this press release.

7 Adjusted EBIT margin. See definition in the financial glossary appended to this press release.

8 Dividend payout ratio. See definition in the financial glossary appended to this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414071929/en/

Contacts:

For more information, please contact:

Charlotte Rambaud

Global Chief Communications Officer

charlotte.rambaud@havas.com

+33 6 64 67 66 27

Delphine Maillet

Group Head of Investor Relations

delphine.maillet@havas.com

+33 6 80 36 18 12

Kristin Calmes

Global Senior Communications Officer

kristin.calmes@havas.com

+33 6 08 40 76 27
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - (The Net-Zero Circle by IN-VR) - The Net-Zero Circle by IN-VR is pleased to announce that Cabo Verde Mineracao has been confirmed as a Supporting Company of the Brazil Critical Minerals Summit 2026, taking place on 17-18 June 2026 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.

Fully endorsed by Invest Minas and the Government of the State of Minas Gerais, the Summit will once again convene global investors, C-level executives, policymakers, and industry leaders at Brazil's premier platform for business, policy, and investment in the critical minerals sector.

Founded in 2016, Cabo Verde Mineracao is a Brazilian company operating in the south of Minas Gerais, dedicated to the research, extraction, and development of mineral solutions. Initially recognised for its high-grade iron ore production, the company expanded its portfolio upon identifying the presence of Rare Earth Elements across its areas, positioning itself as one of the most promising projects in the segment in Brazil. Located on the edge of the Pocos de Caldas volcanic complex, the project covers approximately 91,000 hectares across the municipalities of Cabo Verde, Muzambinho, Botelhos, and Campestre. Efficiency, safety, and environmental care are core to the company's values, with a mission to consistently deliver quality - from its products to its relationships with clients, shareholders, and employees.

The company currently operates an iron ore project with an active environmental licence for annual production of up to 300,000 tonnes, delivering a high iron content product with low contaminants, primarily destined for Brazil's steel industry. Its dry beneficiation process - free of water, chemical reagents, and tailings dams - ensures greater operational safety and reduced environmental impact. In parallel, Cabo Verde Mineracao is advancing a broad research and route development programme in Rare Earth Elements, minerals considered strategic for advanced technologies and the global energy transition.

Their participation in the Summit brings a compelling combination to the table: an active, licensed mining operation with a premium-grade product already reaching the market, and a rare earths pipeline with genuine strategic relevance to the global energy transition. Their presence reinforces the Summit's focus on projects that bridge near-term production with long-term critical mineral supply - precisely the kind of story that resonates with the international investors and industry leaders gathering in Belo Horizonte.

"This is an extremely opportune moment for a debate on critical minerals. Against a backdrop of global uncertainty, marked by the energy transition and growing geopolitical tensions, events such as this Summit are essential for fostering informed discussions on the future of the sector.

For Cabo Verde Mineracao, being present in an environment such as this is of great importance. It is a forum that fosters genuine connections between the market's key players, encouraging partnerships, the exchange of knowledge and the responsible advancement of projects. It is within this context that we are able to align our potential with concrete opportunities, contributing to the sustainable development of strategic assets with the capacity for global impact." - Tulio Rivadavia, CEO, Cabo Verde Mineracao

The 2026 edition will feature senior government representatives, international delegations, and major mining companies, offering exclusive networking and investment opportunities at the heart of Brazil's mining community.

About IN-VR

IN-VR is a leading global consultancy specializing in energy, mining, and investment promotion, bridging the gap between governments and the private sector. With a proven track record of delivering premier international summits, IN-VR facilitates high-impact investment opportunities and strategic collaborations worldwide.

About Cabo Verde Mineracao

Founded in 2016, Cabo Verde Mineracao is a wholly Brazilian-owned company operating in southern Minas Gerais, dedicated to the exploration, extraction and development of strategic mineral solutions. Initially recognised for the production of high-grade iron ore, during geological exploration work, the company identified the presence of rare earth elements in its areas, which significantly expanded its mineral portfolio and positioned Cabo Verde at the forefront of strategic minerals essential to the new energy transition economy.

Tulio Rivadavia, CEO Cabo Verde Mineracao

E: contato@caboverdemineracao.com

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of Brazil's most influential critical minerals event.

Visit: www.netzerocircle.org/event/brazil-lithium-critical-minerals

Download the official programme: www.netzerocircle.org/brazil-lithium-critical-minerals/download-agenda

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292436

Source: IN-VR Limited
Summary: The mobile dentistry market is witnessing steady adoption across dental service providers, public health agencies, hospitals and clinics, school health programs, non-profit organizations, and community healthcare providers due to its critical role in expanding access to oral healthcare services in remote, rural, and underserved populations.

PORTLAND, Ore., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Mobile Dentistry Market by Product (Van Based Mobile Units, Trailer Mounted Units, Self Propelled Units, and Others), Application (Preventive Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontic Services, and Others), End user (Public Dental Services, Private Practitioner, and Others), and Technology (Portable Diagnostic Tools, Tele Dentistry Capabilities, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2026-2035". According to the report, the mobile dentistry market was valued at $402.9 million in 2025 and is estimated to reach $849.5 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2026 to 2035.

Request Free Sample of the Report on Mobile Dentistry Market Forecast 2035 -https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A325976

Mobile dental units, equipped with portable dental chairs, imaging systems, sterilization units, compressors, suction systems, and digital diagnostic tools, enable dentists to deliver preventive, diagnostic, and minor restorative treatments outside traditional clinical settings. These mobile systems support a wide range of applications including preventive dental screenings, routine check-ups, oral health education, restorative treatments, pediatric dental care, geriatric dental services, and emergency dental care in community settings. With the rising prevalence of dental diseases, growing demand for convenient and accessible healthcare services, expansion of school-based oral health programs, increasing government and NGO initiatives for rural healthcare outreach, and advancements in portable dental technologies and tele-dentistry, the mobile dentistry market is gaining strong momentum globally across community healthcare programs, educational institutions, long-term care facilities, disaster relief services, and public health infrastructure initiatives.

Market Introduction

The increasing focus on preventive dental care is significantly driving demand in the mobile dentistry market. Growing awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and routine dental check-ups has shifted patient and provider emphasis from reactive treatments to preventive interventions such as oral screenings, fluoride applications, sealants, and professional cleanings. Mobile dentistry platforms are well-positioned to support this preventive approach by delivering on-site services in schools, workplaces, rural communities, and long-term care facilities, where routine dental visits are often neglected. By making preventive care more convenient and accessible, mobile units help reduce the incidence of advanced dental conditions and associated treatment costs. In June 2024, America's ToothFairy joined forces with Sun Life and DentaQuest to spotlight oral health disparities and encourage careers in dentistry, with a focus on underserved communities. The initiative targets the challenges faced by individuals in rural or remote regions, people with special healthcare needs, Indigenous populations, communities of color, and migrant groups. Rising dental issues, coupled with growing patient awareness, are driving a strong demand for flexible, mobile dental care solutions across the U.S.

Public health initiatives and community outreach programs are also strengthening the role of mobile dentistry in preventive care. Governments and non-profit organizations increasingly conduct school-based oral health programs and community dental camps to promote hygiene awareness and early detection of dental diseases. Mobile dental units enable these initiatives to reach larger populations efficiently, particularly children and elderly individuals who are more vulnerable to oral health issues. This proactive model improves patient compliance and fosters long-term oral health habits.

Furthermore, advancements in compact diagnostic technologies and portable dental equipment have enhanced the ability of mobile clinics to deliver high-quality preventive services comparable to traditional facilities. Companies such as A-dec Inc., Dentsply Sirona Inc., and DENTALEZ Group are developing innovative, space-efficient solutions that support preventive-focused mobile setups. As healthcare systems increasingly prioritize cost-effective and preventive strategies, the mobile dentistry market is expected to expand steadily, supported by the growing emphasis on early intervention and community-based oral healthcare delivery. For instance, in March 2022, according to Hager Dental news, the robotic-assisted dental chairs are set to transform dental care in the coming years, with advancements leading toward semi-autonomous systems followed by fully autonomous AI-powered units. These future innovations are expected to feature humanoid robotic assistants and advanced AI decision-making capabilities, enhancing efficiency and precision in dental procedures. All these factors are expected to drive the demand for the mobile dentistry market during the forecast period.

The increasing focus on preventive dental care is significantly driving demand in the mobile dentistry market. Growing awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and routine dental check-ups has shifted the emphasis from reactive treatments to preventive interventions such as oral screenings, fluoride applications, sealants, and professional cleanings. Mobile dentistry platforms are well-positioned to support this preventive approach by delivering on-site services in schools, workplaces, rural communities, and long-term care facilities, where routine dental visits are often neglected. By making preventive care more convenient and accessible, mobile units help reduce the incidence of advanced dental conditions and associated treatment costs. In June 2024, America's ToothFairy collaborated with Sun Life and DentaQuest to spotlight oral health disparities and encourage careers in dentistry, with a focus on underserved communities. The initiative targets the challenges faced by individuals in rural or remote regions, people with special healthcare needs, Indigenous populations, communities of color, and migrant groups. Rising dental issues, coupled with growing patient awareness, are driving a strong demand for flexible, mobile dental care solutions across the U.S.

Public health initiatives and community outreach programs are also strengthening the role of mobile dentistry in preventive care. Governments and non-profit organizations increasingly conduct school-based oral health programs and community dental camps to promote hygiene awareness and early detection of dental diseases. Mobile dental units enable these initiatives to reach larger populations efficiently, particularly children and elderly individuals who are more vulnerable to oral health issues. This proactive model improves patient compliance and fosters long-term oral health habits.

Furthermore, advancements in compact diagnostic technologies and portable dental equipment have enhanced the ability of mobile clinics to deliver high-quality preventive services comparable to traditional facilities. Companies such as A-dec Inc., Dentsply Sirona Inc., and DENTALEZ Group are developing innovative, space-efficient solutions that support preventive-focused mobile setups. As healthcare systems increasingly prioritize cost-effective and preventive strategies, the mobile dentistry market is expected to expand steadily, supported by the growing emphasis on early intervention and community-based oral healthcare delivery. For instance, in March 2022, according to Hager Dental news, the robotic-assisted dental chairs are set to transform dental care in the coming years, with advancements leading toward semi-autonomous systems followed by fully autonomous AI-powered units. These future innovations are expected to feature humanoid robotic assistants and advanced AI decision-making capabilities, enhancing efficiency and precision in dental procedures. All these factors are expected to drive the demand for the mobile dentistry market during the forecast period.

However, regulatory and licensing challenges significantly hamper the growth of the mobile dentistry market by creating operational complexities and limiting service expansion across regions. Mobile dental providers must comply with varying state and national regulations related to professional licensing, clinic registration, infection control standards, radiation safety, and waste disposal. In many jurisdictions, dentists and hygienists are required to hold specific permits to practice outside a fixed clinical setting, and mobile units may need separate approvals as healthcare facilities. The lack of standardized regulations across regions increases administrative burdens and delays market entry for new providers.

In addition, reimbursement policies and insurance coverage limitations further constrain market growth. In some areas, public and private insurers impose strict documentation requirements or limit coverage for services delivered outside traditional dental offices, reducing financial viability for mobile operators. Compliance with health authority inspections, vehicle modifications to meet clinical safety standards, and adherence to sterilization and patient data protection regulations also add to operational costs. These regulatory hurdles discourage small and mid-sized providers from entering the market and slow the expansion of established players, thereby restraining the overall growth potential of the mobile dentistry industry. All these factors are expected to hamper the mobile dentistry market growth.

Want to Explore More, Connect to our Analyst - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/A325976

Report Overview:

The mobile dentistry market is segmented into product, application, end user, technology, and region. On the basis of product, the market is divided into van based mobile units, trailer mounted units, self propelled units, and others. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontic services, and others. On the basis of end user, the market is classified into public dental services, private practitioners, and others. On the basis of technology, the market is classified into portable diagnostic tools, tele dentistry capabilities, and others.

Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, (U.S., Canada, Mexico) Europe ( France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific, ( China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA, (Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Rest Of LAMEA)

On the basis of product, the van based mobile units segment accounted for the largest mobile dentistry market share in 2025 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The others segment dominated the mobile dentistry market share in 2024, and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

On the basis of application, the preventive dentistry segment accounted largest mobile dentistry market share in 2025 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. The others segment dominated the market in 2025, and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

On the basis of end user, the public dental services segment accounted for the largest mobile dentistry market share in 2025. However others segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

On the basis of technology, the others segment accounted for the largest mobile dentistry market share in 2025 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period, the others is the segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

The North-America region accounted for the largest mobile dentistry market share in 2024 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period.

Report Coverage & Details

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2026-2035 Base Year 2025 Market Size in 2025 $402.9 million Market Size in 2035 $849.5 million CAGR 7.7 % No. of Pages in Report 323 Segments Covered Product, Application, End User, Technology, and Region Target Region / Countries North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico), Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, Rest Of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Rest of Asia-Pacific), LAMEA (Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Rest of LAMEA). Drivers Technological Advancements in Portable Dental Equipment. Rising Healthcare Costs and Demand for Cost-Effective Solutions. Opportunities Expansion of Teledentistry and Remote Consultation Solutions. Restraints High Initial Costs of Mobile Dental Equipment

Market Growth & Opportunities Factors:

Teledentistry represents a substantial growth opportunity within the mobile dentistry market, with clinical evidence and practitioner adoption data increasingly validating its role as a mainstream care delivery model. According to a 2023 survey published in the Journal of the American Dental Association by the ADA Clinical Evaluators Panel, 30% of dental practitioners were already using teledentistry in their practices, with the most cited benefits being increased patient convenience (53%) and improved accessibility to providers (39%). Notably, practitioners using teledentistry reported a 63% reduction in the need for in-person patient visits, directly lowering operational burdens and expanding the potential reach of mobile dental programs.

With portable diagnostic tools and remote consultation capabilities, dental professionals can extend care to patients in geographically isolated or underserved areas without requiring multiple clinic visits. Integration of AI-assisted diagnostic software and cloud-based patient record systems allows practitioners to evaluate oral health, plan treatments, and provide real-time guidance remotely capabilities particularly valuable for preventive, pediatric, and restorative dentistry, where early detection significantly improves outcomes. A 2024 overview of systematic reviews published in PLoS ONE further affirmed that teledentistry demonstrates cost-effectiveness at the patient, provider, and health system levels, including reductions in travel burden, chair time, and overall care delivery costs.

Mobile units equipped with tele-dentistry capabilities can serve as local hubs for consultations, transmitting imaging and diagnostic data to specialists at central clinics. This not only enhances patient access to expert care but also improves treatment efficiency. As the WHO's Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023-2030 explicitly endorses telehealth as a pillar of universal oral health coverage, companies investing in portable imaging devices, connected diagnostic tools, and tele-dentistry platforms are well-positioned to capture a rapidly expanding and policy-supported segment of the mobile dentistry market

Operational and logistical challenges:

Operational and logistical challenges also hamper the growth of the mobile dentistry market. Effectively deploying mobile units requires careful planning regarding transportation, route optimization, and scheduling of dental services across multiple locations. Although the report excludes vehicles themselves, the efficiency of mobile dental equipment depends on seamless integration with mobile units, power sources, and environmental control systems. Inadequate infrastructure at remote locations such as unreliable electricity supply, poor internet connectivity for tele-dentistry platforms, and insufficient storage space, can limit the performance and utilization of portable dental tools. Additionally, dental professionals need specialized training to operate compact and multifunctional devices efficiently, and managing sterilization, infection control, and equipment maintenance in mobile settings presents additional hurdles. Weather conditions, road access, and patient attendance variability further complicate operations. These logistical and operational complexities can reduce equipment utilization rates and increase costs per patient served, constraining revenue generation and slowing market adoption. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated planning, investment in user-friendly equipment, and support systems for field operations, which may not be possible for all dental providersto implement immediately.

Regional Insights

Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The North America region accounted for the largest mobile dentistry market share in 2025 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. North America region, particularly the U.S. and Canada, has a well-established network of community outreach programs, school-based dental services, and government-supported mobile health initiatives aimed at serving rural and underserved populations. Additionally, the presence of leading mobile dental equipment manufacturers, rapid adoption of advanced portable dental technologies, favorable insurance coverage, and increased funding for public health programs further strengthen market growth. Rising demand for cost-effective dental care delivery models and the growing geriatric population also contribute to sustained dominance of the North American region in the mobile dentistry market.

However, Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period driven by its large population base, rising awareness of oral healthcare, and increasing government initiatives to improve healthcare accessibility in rural and semi-urban areas. Rapid urbanization, expanding middle-class income levels, and growing demand for affordable and convenient healthcare services are further accelerating market growth across countries such as China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asian nations.

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Key Players:

Planmeca Oy

BPR Swiss GmbH

Aseptico inc

DNTLworks Equipment Corporation

A-dec Inc

Dentsply Sirona

DENTALEZ, Inc

Midmark Corporation

TAKARA BELMONT Corp

Foshan Anzhe Medical Instrument Co., Ltd.

Key Strategies Adopted by Competitors

In June 2023, Planmeca has donated five mobile dental clinics to Ukraine to help deliver dental services in the war-torn country. Each mobile clinic is equipped with a high-tech Planmeca dental unit, an autoclave, and other necessary equipment and instruments needed to provide fundamental dental care

In March 2025, Planmeca is excited to introduce new members to its dental unit family, representing the newest advancements in Planmeca dental units alongside its famous Planmeca CompactTM. The family of "Pros" consists of the previously released Planmeca Pro50TM. dental unit and Planmeca Pro50TM. Chair patient chair, as well as upcoming Planmeca Pro40TM. and Planmeca Pro50TM. S dental units - offering a Pro dental unit for every user.

In February 2025, Aseptico Inc., a leading authority in clinical dental news in the U.S., has recognized the AsepticoR. AMC-15 Mobile Dental Cart as a Reader's Choice Top Innovative Product in its January/February 2025 issue.

In January 2024, Midmark Corp, is a leading animal health solutions provider dedicated to creating animal care environments that enhance care delivery, efficiency and safety, announced the launch of its redesigned Midmark Mobile Dental Delivery System. Following extensive product development research, this next-generation system integrates key features, tools and easy-to-read icons that streamline veterinary workflow. Its compact design stores under standard-height countertops, delivering on space-saving needs gathered during research interviews with veterinary professionals.

Explore AMR's Extensive Ongoing Coverage on Life Science Industry:

Skincare Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

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Health and Wellness Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: PBM) ("Pacific Bay" or the "Company") reports that the Company has entered into a definitive option and joint venture agreement (the "Agreement") with Aurwest Resources Corporation (CSE: AWR) whereby Aurwest has acquired an option to earn, subject to the satisfaction of conditions, an undivided interest of up to 50% in Pacific Bay's Weaver Gold gold/silver property (the "Transaction") in British Columbia.

Transaction Summary

Pursuant to the terms of the definitive agreement, Pacific Bay is appointed as the operator of the project, and in consideration of payments, issuance of common shares of Aurwest ("Common Shares") and exploration work, Aurwest may earn up to a 50% undivided interest in the Weaver Gold project up each of the yearly anniversaries of the signature of the definitive agreement during a three-year period following the entering into the Transaction. Such payments and Aurwest Common Shares issuances are allocated as follows (in each case subject to and in accordance with the rules and policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange "(the "CSE"));

Upon signing of this Agreement, $10,000 and 500,000 shares of Aurwest; (completed);

Upon receipt of regulatory approval, payment to PBM of $20,000 worth of common shares of Aurwest based on the 20-day Volume Weighted Average Price of Aurwest ("VWAP")

On or before the first anniversary of the LOI: $15,000 cash; $25,000 worth of Aurwest shares based on the VWAP; and $75,000 in exploration work on the Property

On or before the second anniversary of the LOI: $20,000 cash; $75,000 worth of Aurwest shares based on the VWAP; and an additional $100,000 in exploration work on the Property.

On or before the third anniversary of the LOI: $25,000 cash; and $75,000 worth of Aurwest shares based on the VWAP; and an additional $150,000 in exploration work on the Property.

The Agreement also contemplates the following:

Automatic Joint Venture Formation Upon Option Exercise: Upon Aurwest satisfying all option payments and work commitments, the parties will automatically form a 50/50 joint venture, with Pacific Bay Minerals acting as the initial Operator and a two-member Management Committee governing major decisions.

Existing 3% NSR Royalty with Buydown Rights: The Property is subject to a 3.0% Net Smelter Returns Royalty in favour of David Schussler. Pacific Bay retains the right to purchase up to 2% of that royalty at $1.5 million per 1% increment, and holds a right of first refusal on the remaining 1%.

Dilution Mechanics and Minimum Interest Threshold: If either joint venture partner fails to fund its share of approved programs post-formation, its interest will be diluted proportionally. A partner whose interest falls to 15% or below is automatically converted to a 2% NSR royalty, with the other party holding a buyout option on that royalty for $2,000,000.

Governance and Transfer Restrictions: Major decisions - including asset dispositions or borrowings exceeding $2,000,000 and litigation settlements above $500,000 - require unanimous Management Committee approval. Neither party may transfer its interest without first offering a right of first refusal to the other, and any transferee must assume all obligations under the agreement.

Weaver Gold Project

Located in southwestern British Columbia's prolific East Harrison Lake Belt, the Property hosts strong potential for orogenic gold-silver mineralization hosted in structurally controlled quartz-carbonate vein systems, with historical exploration yielding impressive high-grade results, including up to 63.77 g/t gold and 2,009.44 g/t silver from trench sampling, and multiple drill intercepts with multi-gram gold and silver over metre-scale widths.

Situated near excellent infrastructure with year-round access via paved highways and forestry roads, the 725-hectare Property also offers secondary upside for magmatic nickel-copper sulphide mineralization, drawing parallels to the nearby Pacific Nickel (Giant Mascot) Mine. The Whitehead report concludes that Weaver Lake is a property of merit warranting continued exploration, supported by its favorable geological setting, confirmed mineralization continuity, and untapped potential along strike and at depth.





Figure 1 - Location Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3362/292461_fbf1e8f094372bbd_002full.jpg





Figure 2 - Weaver Gold Prior Drilling & Workings

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3362/292461_fbf1e8f094372bbd_003full.jpg

"The Weaver Gold Project represents and exciting opportunity for Aurwest to get into the gold exploration sector in B.C.," said Aurwest CEO Cameron MacDonald. "We're looking forward to getting to work on this high-potential project."

"Pacific Bay welcomes this opportunity to work with Aurwest and to advance the Weaver Gold property," said Pacific Bay President & CEO David H. Brett. "The bullish sentiment around gold provides an excellent window to restart exploration on this high-grade gold opportunity."

About Pacific Bay Minerals

Pacific Bay's flagship, 100% owned Haskins-Reed Critical Minerals Project in northwestern BC is one of the leading exploration projects in the Cassiar Region. Located next to Cassiar Gold Corp. on Highway 37, Haskins-Reed hosts tungsten, copper, bismuth, silver, lead, and zinc in multiple high-grade polymetallic zones, over 125 drill holes, underground workings, and significant exploration potential. The Company also owns 100% of the Weaver Gold project in southern BC, now under the above described option/JV with Aurwest whereby Aurwest can earn 50%.

The technical disclosures in this news release were reviewed and approved by independent geological consultant David Bridge, P.Geo., a Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101. David Bridge is not an officer, director or employee of the Company.

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Weaver Gold and the Haskins-Reed property. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Pacific Bay will operate in the future. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, amongst others, the global economic climate, dilution, share price volatility and competition, results of exploration activities, and the ability of the Company to raise equity financing. Although Pacific Bay has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Pacific Bay does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292461

Source: Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd.
Kudelski Group / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

2026 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF KUDELSKI SA



14.04.2026 / 19:28 CET/CEST





PRESS RELEASE

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

All proposals of the Board of Directors have been accepted by a strong majority

All members of the Board of Directors proposed for re-election and re-elected

Ms. Helene Beguin elected at the Board of Directors starting from 14th April 2026

Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland - April 14, 2026 - The Annual General Meeting of Kudelski SA (SIX:KUD.S) was held today at the company's headquarters in Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne.

All proposals of the Board of Directors were accepted by a strong majority. 38 shareholders or their proxies attended the event in person, corresponding to 63'952'062 shares out of a total of 97,809,214 shares. The shareholders approved the 2025 annual report, Kudelski SA's financial statements, the Group's 2025 consolidated accounts and profit allocation, as well as the 2025 report on non-financial matters. They also approved the compensation report for the Board of Directors and the Executive Board, as well as the discharge of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board for 2025.

Mrs. Marguerite Kudelski and Messrs. Laurent Dassault, Michael Hengartner, Andre Kudelski, Pierre Lescure, Alec Ross and Claude Smadja were re-elected as members of the Board for a one-year term. Mr. Andre Kudelski was also re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Foetisch has elected to retire from the Board and will not stand for reelection. We would like to warmly thank Mr. Patrick Foetisch for his outstanding service as a member of the Group's Board of Directors, where he has helped to shape the development of the Group for more than 35 years.

Ms. Helene Beguin, nominated to stand for election, was elected as a member of the Board for a one-year term. Ms. Beguin was previously a partner at KPMG from 2004 to 2025 and served on the board of directors of KPMG Suisse from 2014 to 2024, including most recently as its chairwoman. She holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from HEC Lausanne and is a certified public accountant. She joins the Board of Directors as of today.

The shareholders elected Messrs. Michael Hengartner, Pierre Lescure, Alec Ross and Claude Smadja and as members of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee for a period of one-year.

PricewaterhouseCoopers SA in Lausanne (Pully) was re-elected as the Group's audit firm for a one-year period. Ofisa Berney Associes SA, in Lausanne, was elected as independent representative for a one-year period.

Note

To download the 2025 Annual Report, please click here. Printed version can be ordered by sending an email to communication@nagra.com.

About the Kudelski Group

The Kudelski Group (SIX: KUD.S) is a world leader in core digital security technologies and solutions for media, cybersecurity and IoT. The Group is headquartered in Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland and Phoenix, Arizona, USA with a presence in over 20 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.nagra.com.

Contacts

Gary Crosilla

Kudelski Group

Senior Corporate Communication Manager

+41 79 708 77 54

Gary.crosilla@nagra.com

Marc Ausoni

Kudelski Group

Senior Vice President - Internal Audit and Investor Relations

+41 21 732 05 49

ir@nagra.com
INDIAN WELLS, CA / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / Rand Mining District, California - B&N Mining, Inc. ("B&N" or the "Company") today announced its advancement toward near-term tungsten production in the United States, positioning the Company to become America's next domestic tungsten producer.

The Company is advancing toward becoming a fully integrated U.S. owned tungsten producer capable of supporting a domestic supply chain from production through processing. The United States currently relies on foreign sources for approximately 80 - 90% of it's tungsten supply, creating significant economic and national security vulnerabilities.

The Company is currently targeting initial production in the second half of 2027, subject to customary development and financing timelines.

Tungsten is essential to national defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and energy applications. Despite its strategic importance, the United States remains heavily reliant on foreign supply, creating both economic and national security risks. B&N Mining is focused on addressing this imbalance.

A Fully American Operation

B&N Mining is a 100% U.S.-owned and operated company, with its flagship asset located entirely within the prolific Rand Mining District. With full operational control and a commitment to domestic production, the Company is developing a vertically integrated platform designed to support a long-term, secure tungsten supply chain for U.S. industry.

Significant and Expandable Resource Base

The Company's recently completed NI 43-101 technical report outlines a current resource of approximately 28 million pounds of contained tungsten trioxide (WO3), building on the legacy of the Rand Mining District, which historically one of the largest tungsten-producing regions in the world.

More importantly, the resource remains open for expansion. Known mineralization is not fully constrained, and B&N controls additional prospective ground adjacent to the current resource. Ongoing exploration efforts are aimed at unlocking broader district scale potential.

Advancing Toward U.S. Regulatory Alignment

In parallel with its Canadian disclosure framework, B&N Mining is preparing an S-K 1300 technical report in accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) standards. This initiative underscores the Company's commitment to transparency, regulatory rigor, and readiness for U.S. capital markets. The S-K 1300 technical report is expected to be completed in early May 2026.

Positioned for a Critical Moment

As global supply chains evolve and the urgency of domestic resource independence grows, B&N Mining is strategically positioned at the forefront of a new era in American mining. By reestablishing tungsten production on U.S. soil, the Company aims to strengthen national resilience while creating meaningful economic opportunity.

Leadership Commentary

"We believe B&N Mining represents more than just a mining project-we are part of a strategic solution," said Robert Binkele, Chief Executive Officer of B&N Mining, Inc.

"Our objective is clear: to help reestablish a reliable, fully domestic tungsten supply chain while creating long-term value for our shareholders and supporting critical U.S. industries. With a substantial resource base and a defined path toward regulatory alignment, we are building what we believe can become America's premier tungsten platform."

Looking Ahead

With a strong resource base, a defined regulatory pathway, and a clear domestic strategy, B&N Mining is positioned to play a critical role in rebuilding the domestic tungsten supply chain. The Company remains focused on advancing its project toward production and its long-term vision of becoming a cornerstone supplier of tungsten trioxide in the United States.

About B&N Mining, Inc.

B&N Mining, Inc. is a U.S.-based resource company focused on the exploration and development of tungsten, gold, and silver assets in California's Rand Mining District. The Company is committed to responsible mining practices, strengthening domestic supply chains, and delivering long-term value through disciplined resource development.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements include, but are not limited to, expectations regarding future production, resource expansion, regulatory filings, and market positioning. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Investors are encouraged to review the Company's public filings and disclosures for additional information.

Contact

Robert Binkele

760-409-7117

info@bnmininginc.com

SOURCE: B&N Mining, Inc.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/bandn-mining-inc.-advances-toward-becoming-americas-next-domesti-1157198
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc. (CSE: NOP) (OTCQB: NOPFF) ("NOP" or the "Company"), a B.C. based leader in organic sedimentary phosphate exploration, announces that on February 1, 2026, it entered into an agreement for services related to equity research on the Company in the form of research notes and introductions to sell-side and buy-side equity analysts in the fertilizer sector. In connection therewith the Company has incurred fees $7,435 which may be paid in common shares of the Company (each a "Share") upon mutual agreement. On April 13, 2026, the Company entered into a consulting agreement for services related to graphic design, branding, marketing materials, and website design. As partial consideration for services to be rendered over the term of the agreement and as an inducement to enter into the agreement, the Company has agreed to issue 300,000 common shares.

In connection with the two agreements the Company has agreed to issue an aggregate of 353,035 compensation Shares at a deemed price of $0.14 per Share. Accordingly, all the Shares will be issued pursuant to the prospectus exemption provided under Section 2.24 of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions and are subject to a hold period of four months and one day.

Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc. (CSE: NOP) (OTCQB: NOPFF)

NOP is a junior exploration company with an organic sedimentary raw rock phosphate bed, 6.6 kilometres long, in northeast Nevada. Additional applications extend the potential strike of rock phosphate to over 30 kilometres. This is believed to be the only known large-scale organic sedimentary phosphate project in North America. It is situated close to the main highway to Montello/Elko, Nevada, and near the rail head to California or the East Coast.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulations services providers have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information ("FLSI") within the meaning

of applicable securities laws. FLSI may include expectations, anticipations, beliefs, opinions, plans, intentions, estimates, forecasts, projections, guidance or other similar statements and information that are not historical facts. All statements which are not historical statements are considered FLSI. All FLSI is based on assumptions, which may prove inaccurate, and subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's public securities filings, which may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated or implied in FLSI. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance or value on FLSI. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in any FLSI in this news release are reasonable at the present time, it can give no assurance that such FLSI will prove to be correct. Any FLSI in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligations to publicly update or revise any FLSI, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. Any FLSI in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292560

Source: Nevada Organic Phosphate Inc.
Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Veritas Association Management (Veritas) announces that it has been selected to provide full-service association management services to the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management (SABM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing patient blood management practices to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety worldwide.

SABM is a multidisciplinary organization composed of physicians, nurses, pharmacists and healthcare leaders committed to optimizing patient outcomes by managing and preserving the patient's own blood. Through education, advocacy, research and clinical standards, the organization works to promote evidence-based strategies across healthcare systems to improve patient blood health, thereby improving clinical outcomes and reducing transfusion exposures.

Under the partnership, Veritas will provide strategic leadership support, operational management, membership engagement services, communications oversight and governance guidance to help SABM expand its visibility and impact.

"Our role as an association management partner is to provide structure, clarity and strategic momentum so mission-driven organizations can focus on advancing their field," said Sue O'Sullivan, president of Veritas Association Management. "SABM is improving patient safety and clinical outcomes at a time when healthcare systems are under tremendous pressure. We are honored to support their leadership, governance and growth strategy as they continue to elevate standards in patient blood management."

SABM leadership said the organization selected Veritas after a comprehensive evaluation process focused on finding a partner with healthcare expertise and a strong governance framework.

"As SABM continues to grow, we recognized the need for a management partner who understands both the complexity of healthcare and the operational discipline required to sustain a high-performing professional society," said Matthew Warner, MD, President of SABM. "Veritas demonstrated a deep understanding of our mission, governance needs and long-term vision. Their strategic approach and commitment to operational excellence made them the clear choice."

The partnership reflects Veritas' continued expansion in healthcare-focused associations and reinforces its commitment to supporting organizations that drive meaningful change within complex industries.

About Veritas Association Management

Veritas Association Management provides full-service association management solutions including governance support, executive leadership, membership development, strategic planning and operational management. The organization partners with professional societies and trade associations to strengthen infrastructure, enhance member value and advance mission-driven impact. For more information visit Veritasamc.com

About the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management

The Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing patient blood management practices that improve patient outcomes and safety. Through education, advocacy and collaboration, SABM promotes evidence-based approaches to blood health optimization and clinical care across healthcare systems. For more information visit SABM.org.

Sue O'Sullivan, CEO & Co-Founder of Veritas Association Management, is a nationally recognized association-management executive and healthcare industry leader with more than 20 years of experience guiding professional societies through growth, governance transformation, and operational modernization.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12340/292423_e0745e4a14e5bb42_001full.jpg

Matthew Warner, MD, President of the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management and Associate Professor, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, is an anesthesiologist and critical care physician at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where he holds academic rank of Associate Professor. He serves as the Chair of the Mayo Clinic Patient Blood Management subcommittee and the Medical Director of the Mayo Clinic Patient Blood Management program.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12340/292423_imgi_3_matthew-warner-sabm%20president%20web.jpg

Veritas Association Management has been selected to provide full-service association management services to the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management (SABM).



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12340/292423_veritas%20sabm%20graphic%20wire.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292423

Source: Veritas Association Management
NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITES STATES ALL

AMOUNTS EXPRESSED ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Puranium Energy Ltd. (CSE: UX) (FSE: 2DK0) (the "Company" or "Puranium") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") and completed a shares for debt transaction to strengthen its balance sheet.

Non-Brokered Private Placement

The Offering consisted of units (each, a "Unit"), with each Unit comprised of one (1) common share and one (1) common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). The Company issued 7,252,781 Units at a price of $0.08 per Unit for gross proceeds of $580,222.42.

Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional common share at a price of $0.125 for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of issuance. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Certain insiders of the Company participated in the Offering, and such participation constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the insiders' participation does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for general working capital purposes.

Shares for Debt Transaction

Concurrent with the closing of the Offering, the Company settled an aggregate of $180,222.50 in outstanding indebtedness owed to certain creditors through the issuance of 2,252,781 Units (the "Settlement Units") at a price of $0.08 per Settlement Unit. The Settlement Units are issued on the same terms as the Units issued under the Offering and are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day. The shares for debt transaction constitutes a "related party transaction" under MI 61-101. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements set out in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the transaction does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

No new control person of the Company was created in connection with the Offering or the shares for debt transaction.

On behalf of the Board,

Jason Bagg,

President & CEO, Director

About Puranium Energy Ltd.

Puranium Energy Corp. is a Canadian resource exploration company focused on identifying and advancing energy-related opportunities. The Company is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol UX and on the Frankfurt Exchange under the symbol 2DK.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based on are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292575

Source: Puranium Energy Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Tincorp Metals Inc. (TSXV: TIN) ("Tincorp" or the "Company") announces that the management information circular (the "Circular") and the proxy-related materials for its upcoming annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") to be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, are posted under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website.

At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to:

Receive the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, together with the auditors' report; Fix the number of and elect the directors of the Company; Appoint the auditors of the Company; Consider and, if deemed advisable, approve an ordinary resolution approving the Company's omnibus equity incentive plan; To consider, and if deemed advisable, to pass, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution, approving the acquisition authorizing and approving the Company's acquisition of all the issued and outstanding shares of Santa Barbara Metals Inc., all as more particularly described in the Circular; To consider, and if deemed advisable, to pass, with or without variation, an ordinary resolution, approving the issuance of 43,750,000 subscription receipts of the Company (the "Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.40 per Subscription Receipt for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to $17,500,000, including the issuance of such number of Subscription Receipts purchased by certain insiders of the Company, all as more particularly described in the Circular.

Shareholders are encouraged to read the Circular for full details on the matters to be considered at the Meeting.

Details of the Meeting

The Meeting will be held on May 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific time) in person at the main boardroom of the office of the Company at Suite 1750 - 1066 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3X1.

Availability of Annual Meeting Materials

Electronic versions of the proxy-related materials, including the proxy and voting instruction forms and the Circular (collectively, the "Meeting Materials") are available on:

SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca

The Company's website at https://tincorp.com/investors/agm-materials/

Delivery of Meeting Materials

The relevant Meeting Materials will be mailed to registered shareholders and non-registered shareholders prior to the Meeting.

How Shareholders Can Vote

Registered shareholders and non-registered shareholders (i.e., shareholders holding their shares through an intermediary such as a broker or a financial institution) are encouraged to vote electronically as per the instructions provided in the Meeting Materials. Proxies submitted must be received by 10:00 a.m., Pacific Time, on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Shareholders Needing Help

Shareholders that have questions with respect to the Meeting, would like to receive an additional copy of the Meeting Materials or need assistance with voting, are invited to contact the Company's transfer agent, Endeavor Trust Corporation by calling the toll-free number at 1-888-787-0888 or by sending an email to proxy@endeavortrust.com.

About Tincorp

Tincorp Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company which has entered into a definitive agreement with Silvercorp to acquire Santa Barbara Metals Inc. which holds a 100% interest in the Santa Barbara Gold-Copper Project in the Zamora Copper-Gold Belt of southeastern Ecuador. The Company also owns 100% of the Porvenir Project and has signed an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the nearby SF Project, both located 70 km southeast of Oruro, Bolivia.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collective, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Meeting.

Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategies", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "budgets", "schedules", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions, factors and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. The opinions, assumptions, factors and estimates which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to: that the Company will be able to obtain and maintain governmental approvals, permits and licenses in connection with its current and planned operations, development and exploration activities, including at the Santa Barbara Project; that the Company will receive shareholder and TSXV approval for the Proposed Acquisition and the Offering in a timely manner; that the conditions to the Proposed Acquisition will be satisfied or waived; the state of the equity financing markets in Canada; and other exploration, development, operating, financial market and regulatory factors.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided herein for the purpose of giving information about the Proposed Acquisition referred and its expected impact. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

Additional information in relation to the Company, including the Company's most recent management discussion & analysis, can be obtained under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.tincorp.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292542

Source: Tincorp Metals Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 14, 2026) - Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX: WDO) (OTCQX: WDOFF) ("Wesdome" or the "Company") today announces its operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2026 ("Q1 2026"). The Company is also providing notice that it will release its financial results after markets close on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and host a webcast the following morning.

Q1 2026 Operating Highlights



Q1 2026 Q1 2025 % Change







Ore milled (tonnes)





Eagle River 71,731 60,010 20% Kiena 54,950 48,690 13%







Average grade (grams per tonne)





Eagle River 12.5 15.6 (20%) Kiena 10.0 10.8 (7%)







Gold production (ounces)





Eagle River 27,846 28,999 (4%) Kiena 17,457 16,693 5%







Total gold production 45,303 45,692 (1%)







Total gold sold (ounces) 45,600 45,300 1%









"First quarter results were solid, in line with our expectations and on track for the full year," said Anthea Bath, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As planned, our 2026 production profile remains back-half weighted with 60% of Kiena's annual production expected in the second half as we ramp to three mining areas, including 129, 136 and Presqu'ile. Eagle River is anticipated to maintain consistent output throughout the year.

"In Q1, Eagle River demonstrated meaningful progress towards its fill-the-mill strategy, approaching nearly 800 tonnes per day - a 20% year-over-year increase - reflecting continued progress towards sustainable higher throughput levels and supporting our focus on leveraging fixed costs. The mine continues to operate consistently and safely with a focus on the areas of lateral development and maintenance. At Kiena, we're seeing improvement. Mining rates and throughput stabilized in the first quarter as concurrent stoping in Kiena Deep added operational flexibility. With the Presqu'ile permit now secured, we're advancing development of our newest mining area with the first stope beginning on schedule in late June - a key milestone that materially de-risks our second-half production profile. Mining grades at both Eagle River and Kiena tracked to reserve grade during the quarter. Grade at Eagle River was outside the 2026 guidance range as per our forecast due to the timing of mining sequencing. We remain confident in our full-year guidance as higher-grade zones are scheduled for the remainder of the year.

"Consistent with our capital allocation strategy, we deployed $49 million to repurchase 2.1 million shares year-to-date, substantially completing our initial normal course issuer bid. We did so while advancing our organic growth initiatives and maintaining our balance sheet strength, with approximately $430 million in cash at the end of the quarter."

Webcast

Management will host a webcast to discuss the Company's financial and operating results. A question-and-answer session will follow management's prepared remarks. Details of the webcast are as follows:

Date and time: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET Dial-in numbers: To access the call by telephone, dial 1.646.968.2525 or 1.888.596.4144 (toll-free).

The event passcode is: 8215935. Please allow up to 10 minutes to be connected. Webcast link: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/584921644

Pre-registration is required for this event. It is recommended you join 10 minutes prior to the start of the event. The webcast can also be accessed from the home page of the Company's website at www.wesdome.com.

The Company's financial statements and management's discussion and analysis will be available at www.wesdome.com and on SEDAR+ www.sedarplus.ca the evening of Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

About Wesdome

Wesdome is a Canadian-focused gold producer with two high-grade underground assets, Eagle River in Northern Ontario and Kiena in Val-d'Or, Quebec. The Company's primary goal is to responsibly leverage its operating platform and high-quality brownfield and greenfield exploration pipeline to build a value-driven mid-tier gold producer.

Technical Disclosure

The technical and geoscientific content of this press release have been reviewed, and approved by Barbara Rose, P. Eng, Director, Engineering and Operations for Wesdome, a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, which is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as of the date of this release. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding: the timing of the Company's Q1 2026 financial results and related conference call and webcast; and the expected annual production profile for each mine in 2026.

These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and are based on certain factors and assumptions. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors including those risk factors discussed in the sections titled "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information" and "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form. Readers are urged to carefully review the detailed risk discussion in our most recent Annual Information Form which is available on SEDAR+ and on the Company's website.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292588

Source: Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd.
PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESS Newswire / April 14, 2026 / Action Behavior Centers, a leading provider of evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is proud to announce a partnership with the Eagles Autism Foundation. As a Proud Partner of the Eagles Autism Challenge (EAC), ABC will host the Sensory Kids Zone at this year's event on May 9, offering families a calming, sensory-friendly play space with activities, supported by ABC clinicians on site.

The Eagles Autism Challenge brings the Philadelphia community together to fund innovative autism research and care programs through a bike ride, 5K run/walk, and sensory walk that welcomes participants of all abilities. By sponsoring the Sensory Kids Zone, Action Behavior Centers aims to ensure every family, including those with young autistic children, feels supported and included throughout the event.

"We're honored to partner with the Eagles Autism Foundation and to help make the Eagles Autism Challenge a more welcoming experience for families," said Matt Stringer, Chief Marketing Officer at Action Behavior Centers. "This partnership reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are, and to investing in a community that's already doing so much to move autism care and research forward."

"We are grateful for Action Behavior Centers' commitment to our neurodiverse community through their sponsorship of the Eagles Autism Challenge and the Sensory Kids Zone on May 9," said Ryan Hammond, Executive Director, Eagles Autism Foundation. "Collaborations with like-minded partners like Action Behavior Centers are crucial to making a transformational impact in our Eagles autism community!"

This partnership coincides with ABC's expansion into the Philadelphia area, with three new centers now open in Horsham, Newtown, and King of Prussia, with no waitlists. Families can access center-based ABA therapy and autism evaluations, with enrollment open now for children ages 18 months to 8 years.

Across all three locations, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) work closely with autistic children to help them reach meaningful outcomes in communication, social interaction, and daily living. Families are active partners throughout, ensuring the skills children build at the center carry over at home, in the classroom, and in the community.

Families interested in learning more about services, insurance options, or scheduling an autism evaluation can contact a center near them today at actionbehavior.com/city/philadelphia .

About Action Behavior Centers

Action Behavior Centers (ABC) provides evidence-based applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our services include diagnostic support, Family Guidance, school readiness programs, and Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI) at 450+ locations across Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. Visit actionbehavior.com to find a center near you.

About Eagles Autism Foundation

The Eagles Autism Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for innovative autism research and care programs. By providing the necessary resources to doctors and scientists at leading institutions, we will be able to assist those currently affected by autism, as well as future generations. The Foundation aims to inspire and engage the community, so together, we can provide much-needed support to make a lasting impact in the field of autism. Please visit EaglesAutismFoundation.org .

Media Contact:

Matt Stringer

Chief Marketing Officer

matt.stringer@actionbehavior.com

SOURCE: Action Behavior Centers

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/action-behavior-centers-partners-with-the-eagles-autism-foundation-sp-1157549
A pop-up store is being opened by Farmacias Similares in Shibuya, which is in the heart of Tokyo.

TOKYO, April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dressed as a samurai and with his trademark energetic attitude, Dr. Simi-the face of Farmacias Similares- greets curious visitors stopping by the company's pop-up store in central Shibuya, in the heart of Tokyo. Through this, Grupo Por un Pais Mejor (GPUPM) aims to introduce the popular Mexican character to the Japanese public and open the door to expansion across Asia.

"It's impressive to see people's reactions," Victor Gonzalez Herrera, president of Farmacias Similares and executive president of GPUPM, told EFE after learning that more than 600 people had already visited the store.

The pop-up shop, which will remain open for one month in front of the iconic Shibuya 109 department store, spans three floors featuring interactive experiences, where visitors can also purchase merchandise such as Dr. Simi plush toys and backpacks.

"The samurai Simi is a huge hit," Gonzalez Herrera said, adding that the opening will also help the group understand what resonates most with Japanese audiences and seek potential partners in the market.

"Japan is going to love Dr. Simi"

One of the reasons GPUPM chose Japan as its gateway to Asia is that, much like in Mexico, there is a strong cultural affinity for characters known as "yuru-kyara"-mascots often used by brands, stores, and even local governments.

"These characters are part of Japanese culture, so I'm sure that people in Japan are going to love Dr. Simi," Carina, a flight attendant, whose Instagram account "Carina y Simi" has more than 13,000 followers, told EFE.

Carina, who travels around the world for work, posts photos of her Dr. Simi plush toys visiting countries such as Poland, Russia, and Zimbabwe. Although she does not recall the exact number, she estimates she has taken the character to more than 30 countries.

In this regard, Gonzalez Herrera said that beyond its viral appeal and popularity as a mascot, what makes Dr. Simi a success is precisely how he connects with people. The executive also noted that all the plush toys are made in a factory that employs people with disabilities.

Grupo Por un Pais Mejor (GPUPM) is a coalition of institutions and commercial enterprises dedicated to building a fairer nation for everyone They currently comprise four social enterprises and four commercial enterprises, including Farmacias Similares.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2955071/Farmacias_Similares_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2955072/Farmacias_Similares_2.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2955073/Farmacias_Similares_3.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mexican-company-farmacias-similares-brings-dr-simi-to-tokyo-in-japan-debut-302740757.html
Chernihiv Pasta Factory to Hold Shareholders' Meeting on April 30

Chernihiv Pasta Factory OJSC plans to hold a general meeting of shareholders on April 30, 2026. The company publishes information for shareholders on its corporate website and in the system for disclosing regulated information of issuers.

The company is registered as a private joint-stock company; its primary activity is the production of pasta and similar flour products. According to public registries, the companys director is Serhiy Zhitnyk, and its registered address is 10 Akademika Glushkova Avenue, Kyiv, although its actual operations are based in Chernihiv.

According to public registries, Serhiy Zhitnyk is listed as the ultimate beneficial owner of the company. The list of founders also mentions Oleksandr Kats and the total number of shareholders according to the registry.

PJSC Chernihiv Pasta Factory was registered in 1996 and specializes in the production of pasta. According to Opendatabot, the companys revenue in 2025 amounted to 366,600 UAH, its net loss was 46,700 UAH, and the value of its assets at the end of the year was 8.454 million UAH.
The murder charges against a man convicted of a series of pipe bombings in the late 1980s and early 1990s have been officially dismissed after the 21st Judicial District Attorneys Office filed a motion Friday to dismiss the case.

Judge Brian Flynn granted the order after a hearing Monday, saying its hard to think of an example of a judge refusing a prosecutors request to dismiss a case.

James Genrich, 63, has maintained his innocence throughout the case. Genrich has been incarcerated for more than 30 years after he was convicted in a 1993 trial held in Weld County.

The series of pipe bombings, which prosecutors believed were connected, killed Maria Gonzales and Henry Ruble. Genrich was identified as a suspect during a high-profile investigation by the Grand Junction Police Department.

The main evidence tying Genrich to the bombs was the claim that law enforcement had matched a cut wire in an unexploded bomb to pliers owned by Genrich. That evidence was later thrown out by a judge.

Today marks a first step toward justice for Mr. Genrich. The prosecutions case was built entirely on junk science leading to the preposterous notion that our clients tools alone to the exclusion of every other tool in the entire world  were used to commit these crimes, Genrichs defense team said in a statement.

The dismissal happened despite a push from the victims families to keep Genrich in prison, with one of Rubles family members labeling Genrich nothing but evil at the hearing Monday.

This was not just done to our family, this was done to this community, our community, she said. Grand Junction was terrorized. Families were devastated. Lives were taken. These people were loved, they mattered and they should still be here. There is something that cannot be ignored: for the past 33 years that you, James Genrich, have been incarcerated, there has not been another pipe bomb in Grand Junction. This community has had peace, and that matters.

The District Attorneys Office had requested in its motion Friday that the families be allowed to address the court before any final decision was made, but said conducting another trial would be unfeasible.

The District Attorneys Office remains committed to the victims of these horrific crimes and their families, the motion stated. However, prosecuting a case we know cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt violates our ethical obligations. It risks further traumatizing the victims with a futile trial and wastes public resources.

NEW TRIAL DECISION IN 2023

Genrich was granted a new trial in 2023 after Judge Richard Gurley found that tool mark evidence used to connect Genrich to the bombs was faulty.

Gurleys ruling followed a four-day evidentiary hearing in 2022 in which Genrichs defense presented experts who cast doubt upon the validity of tool mark analysis as a forensic science.

The prosecutions witnesses in that hearing testified that tool mark analysis involves pattern matching under a microscope, although it generally doesnt involve taking measurements.

Gurleys ruling was upheld by the Colorado Court of Appeals and the Colorado Supreme Court.

Mr. Genrich and his family have suffered the trauma of this wrongful conviction for over three decades, Genrichs defense team said. A wrongful conviction inflicts lasting trauma on both the wrongfully convicted and the victims loved ones, compounding their grief with injustice. We are profoundly sympathetic to the victims families and the pain they continue to endure.

The tool mark evidence was the only direct evidence tying Genrich to the bombs, according to the Innocence Project, which has been representing Genrich in his attempt to get the tool mark evidence thrown out.

CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

The prosecutions motion stated the circumstantial evidence still points to Genrich and there has never been another viable suspect, two points Genrichs attorneys have contested.

According to his attorneys, Genrich had no prior criminal record, no connection to the victims, and had an alibi for when the bomb that was connected to his tools was found, as he living in Phoenix at the time.

The prosecution indicated Genrich had an accomplice but never indicated who that might be.

At trial and again during the reinvestigation, the State unsuccessfully attempted to enlist Mr. Genrichs own family members  including his brother and mother  to record incriminating statements implicating him, a press release from the Innocence Project stated. The State also ignored other potential suspects, including people known to be involved with explosives. Instead, they focused solely on Mr. Genrich based on the discredited toolmark analysis theory.

The release also said the prosecution interviewed Genrichs past and present cellmates, but none could support the prosecutions version of events. It also said a previously undiscovered fingerprint from one of the crime scenes does not match Genrich.

Independent opinions of two toolmark experts who were sent crime scene evidence and found no connection between any of Mr. Genrichs tools and the pipe bombs. In fact, the toolmarks showed largely dissimilar microscopic details to Mr. Genrichs tools, the release stated.

UNFEASIBLE TO PURSUE NEW TRIAL

In its motion to dismiss the charges, the DAs Office said holding a new trial more than 30 years after the original trial was unfeasible.

The passage of thirty-five years presents many predictable but challenging practical hurdles. At least 28 witnesses who testified at the 1993 trial are now deceased. The memories of surviving witnesses have faded, the prosecutions motion stated. Critically, the original toolmark expert, John ONeil, is now 84 years old. He suffers from documented cognitive impairment and is unavailable to testify.

Genrich remains in prison, serving a 72-year-sentence on related charges of use of an explosive/incendiary device and assault.

Flynn ruled in February that Genrichs other convictions stand because Genrichs prior attorneys missed a deadline to appeal those charges.

Flynns ruling has been appealed.

That Mr. Genrich remains in prison is deeply unjust. The same flawed evidence used to convict him of murder is the only evidence they have on the remaining charges. His continued incarceration is purely the result of a procedural technicality, not the merits of the case, his defense team stated.

Under the non-dismissed charges, Genrich was eligible for parole in 2019, according to the Colorado Department of Corrections. A parole hearing is set to be held in May.
Members of the local media listen Thursday during a press conference regarding drought and water concerns with industry leaders from Grand Junction, Palisade and Clifton at Riverbend Parks Harkys Launch. The situation looks very dire, and I will not be able to emphasize that enough, Colorado River District Interstate and Regional Water Resources Director Raquel Flinker said Tuesday night at Grand Junctions annual State of the River meeting. Weve never seen a year like this in history. If theres anything in your memory about a dry year that youve seen, a warm year that youve seen, 2026 is beyond all of that.
DNI Tulsi Gabbard Exposes Conspiracy Used By Congress To Impeach President Trump

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ODNI News Release No. 06-26

April 13, 2026

IC Inspector General Atkinson aggressively advanced a so-called "whistleblower's" narrative, using a witness who co-authored the 2017 Russia Hoax, that was used as the basis for Trump's impeachment

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard releases never-before-seen documents exposing a coordinated effort by elements within the Intelligence Community (IC), including a former Inspector General (IG), to manufacture a conspiracy that was used as the basis to impeach President Trump in 2019.

During his preliminary investigation into President Trump's July 2019 phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, former IC IG Michael Atkinson did not follow standard IG procedures and relied upon politicized, manufactured narratives - only conducting interviews with four individuals: the Whistleblower, the Whistleblower's friend who was a co-author of the January 2017 Russia Hoax Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) and close colleague of disgraced former FBI Agent Peter Strzok, and two character references who had zero firsthand knowledge of the July 2019 phone call.

Despite a lack of any firsthand evidence, IC IG Atkinson proceeded to take actions to weaponize the Whistleblower process and exceed his statutory jurisdiction by ignoring Department of Justice guidance and relying on only second-hand testimony to ensure the whistleblower complaint was released to Congress, referred to the FBI, and leaked to the propaganda media.

Then-House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) Chairman Adam Schiff and then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi used this false, second-hand narrative to create media intrigue and ultimately spark the basis to impeach President Trump in December of 2019.

"Deep state actors within the Intelligence Community concocted a false narrative that was used by Congress to usurp the will of the American people and impeach the duly-elected President of the United States," said DNI Gabbard. "Inspector General Atkinson failed to uphold his responsibility to the American people, putting political motivations over the truth. And this, along with the politicization of the whistleblower process by a former CIA employee who was working hand in glove with Democrats in Congress, are egregious examples of the deep state playbook on how to weaponize the Intelligence Community. Exposing these tactics and showing how they undermine the fabric of our democratic republic furthers the critical cause of transparency and accountability and will help prevent future abuse of power."

Review the documents released here and see below for a summary of newly declassified materials:

Today's release includes investigative materials used by then-IC IG Atkinson (here) and a review of two transcripts from IC IG Atkinson's closed-door testimony before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (here and here), which were withheld from the House Judiciary Committee during the sham impeachment trial and kept locked in a safe until House Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford led the vote to release these transcripts on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

NO FIRSTHAND EVIDENCE: The Intelligence Community Inspector General's preliminary "investigation" into the whistleblower complaint relied on politicized actors and second-hand evidence. Newly declassified documents expose how IC IG Atkinson relied upon second-hand information from the self-declared "Democrat" whistleblower and two biased witnesses to justify his determination that the whistleblower compliant was of "urgent concern," "appears credible," and must be reported to Congress. IC IG Atkinson also ignored concerns by the whistleblower's supervisor about a rushed complaint.

The Whistleblower confirms he/she had no firsthand knowledge of President Trump's call with Ukrainian President Zelensky. In an initial form submitted by the Whistleblower, he/she claimed, "I do not have direct knowledge of private comments or communications by the President."

New witness interviews released today show that IC IG Atkinson's public claim that "other information obtained during [his] preliminary review...supports the complainant's allegation" was false and hid the fact that neither the Whistleblower's nor the key witness' allegations concerning the President's phone call were informed by direct, firsthand knowledge. WITNESS 2 admitted that upon reading the transcript of the call he/she "would not have been able to get from 'point A to Z' the way the Whistleblower did" and described that he/she lacked the "granular detail" that the Whistleblower had to justify filing the complaint." WITNESS 2 admitted that he/she had to "read between the lines" of what was being said, and that his/her perception of quid pro quo "became clear" only "in hindsight." The Whistleblower's superior, a senior officer in the National Intelligence Council (NIC), told IC Inspector General investigators that he/she, "did not like how the [Whistleblower] handled the filing of the report," saying that he/she felt that he/she was "looped in right at the time of the crash."

released today show that IC IG Atkinson's public claim that "other information obtained during [his] preliminary review...supports the complainant's allegation" was false and hid the fact that neither the Whistleblower's nor the key witness' allegations concerning the President's phone call were informed by direct, firsthand knowledge. IC IG Atkinson's 14-day preliminary investigation was intended to assess apparent credibility, but instead became the basis of a flawed, mischaracterized account that House Democrats peddled to launch a sham impeachment, even though the IC IG never conducted a formal or complete investigation. In his own words, IC IG Atkinson recognizes that his conclusions were based on a "preliminary investigation," noting that "I haven't done an investigation to determine whether they actually, in fact, took place...that all of the alleged actions actually took place."

that House Democrats peddled to launch a sham impeachment, even though

ANTI-TRUMP RUSSIA HOAX CO-AUTHOR AS KEY WITNESS : IC IG Atkinson relied on testimony from a co-author of the 2017 Russia Hoax ICA to support the Whistleblower's allegations that there was some form of wrongdoing by President Trump. Last year, DNI Gabbard revealed evidence that President Obama directed the creation of the January 2017 Russia Hoax ICA. This served as the basis for what was essentially a years-long coup against the duly-elected President of the United States, subverting the will of the American people and attempting to delegitimize Donald Trump's presidency.

WITNESS 2 - who was one of the key sources for the Whistleblower ahead of filing a complaint - admits in a witness interview to being a "co-author of the 2017 ICA" which used manufactured and manipulated intelligence to create the false narrative that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to the benefit of President Trump.

which used manufactured and manipulated intelligence to create the false narrative that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to the benefit of President Trump. WITNESS 2 also admitted to having worked alongside now-disgraced FBI agent Peter Strzok who inserted political bias into FBI investigations about President Trump based on the manufactured Russia Hoax.

WITNESS 2 further exposed political bias when explaining that he/she "routinely deals with issues on a daily basis that are contrary to [his/ her] personal beliefs," and "stated that [he/she] is disappointed everyday by policy decisions and statements made by political figures."

WHISTLEBLOWER'S PARTISAN BIAS, LIES CONFIRMED: The Whistleblower admitted he/she lied to the Inspector General about speaking to Democrats in Congress ahead of submitting allegations of wrongdoing by President Trump to the IC Inspector General. While media widely reported on this detail in 2019, the pre-complaint meeting with Congress has never before been confirmed by the Whistleblower.

In October 2019, after the media began to report that the Whistleblower had spoken with Congress ahead of submitting the "Disclosure of Urgent Concern Form," the Whistleblower called the IC IG to admit that he/she had, in fact, spoken with Congress. IC IG Atkinson admits in newly-declassified testimony that his investigative team "did ask the complainant who else knew about the disclosure" and the complainant withheld from the investigative team, within the 14-day window, that he/she alerted HPSCI Democratic staff.

Whistleblower interviews reveal the political biases of the Whistleblower, in his/her own words: The Whistleblower states he/she is a "registered democrat." The Whistleblower claims to have "worked closely with Vice President Biden...travelled with Biden to Ukraine and was part of conversations where LUTSENKO corruption was discussed." The Whistleblower also claims to have become "the target of right-wing bloggers...and conspiracy theorists." Yet, IC IG Atkinson ignored this and insisted during his testimony to HPSCI, "I also want to make it clear that I never considered the whistleblower to be politically biased." Despite public reports that the Whistleblower worked with Vice President Biden on Ukraine matters, inquiries into the Whistleblower's bias and motive were blocked during the 2020 impeachment trial.



IC INSPECTOR GENERAL WEAPONIZED THE WHISTLEBLOWER PROCESS: Newly declassified documents confirm that IC IG Atkinson failed to conduct basic due diligence and willfully exceeded his statutory jurisdiction to mischaracterize the President's phone call with Zelensky as an "urgent concern" to Congress.

From Day 1, IC IG Atkinson knew that a transcript of President Trump's call existed. And yet, he never, throughout the entire preliminary investigation, requested access to it.

IC IG Atkinson sent a criminal referral to the DOJ on this matter, despite only relying on second-hand knowledge to support his claims.

The DOJ later assessed the allegations raised by the Whistleblower and IC IG and found no basis for a criminal case, concluding that based on the facts and applicable law, there was "no campaign finance violation" and "no further action was warranted."

After the DOJ reviewed the whistleblower complaint and determined there was "no urgent concern," IC IG Atkinson ignored their determination and proceeded to transmit this faulty whistleblower complaint to Congress without completing a fulsome investigation, despite the allegations being made based on second-hand information.

despite the allegations being made based on second-hand information. On September 3, the DOJ provided Office of Legal Counsel guidance to IC IG Atkinson that the complaint did not rise to the level of "urgent concern" because the alleged conduct does not relate to "the funding, administration, or operation of an intelligence activity" under the authority of the Director of National Intelligence. As a result, the statute does not require the Director to transmit the complaint to the congressional intelligence committees.

because the alleged conduct does not relate to "the funding, administration, or operation of an intelligence activity" under the authority of the Director of National Intelligence. As a result, the statute does not require the Director to transmit the complaint to the congressional intelligence committees.

On September 9, the IC IG ignored this guidance and the Acting Director of National Intelligence to pen a letter to inform the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the existence of the "urgent concern" complaint.

and the Acting Director of National Intelligence to pen a letter to inform the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the existence of the "urgent concern" complaint. As was reported at the time, IC OIG altered the whistleblower form within months of the July 2019 phone call to no longer require firsthand knowledge as a prerequisite for reporting complaints.

IC IG Atkinson sought unprecedented assistance from other Inspectors Generals to carry on this investigation "if [he] was stopped, [he] wanted to see whether other inspectors general could proceed." In particular, he contacted the IGs at the Departments of State, Justice, and Defense.

###

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Criminal investigation into unmanned aerial vehicle in Iitti continues

Police of Finland

Publication date 13.4.2026 17.01

Type:News item

The criminal investigation into the unmanned aerial vehicle found in Iitti, Paijat-Hame continues. The Border Guard investigates the incident as a suspected territorial violation, and the National Bureau of Investigation investigates a suspected grossly negligent endangerment.

The objective of the investigations is to establish, among others, whether the unmanned aircraft found in Iitti entered the Finnish territory at the same time as the previously found aircraft. The authorities aim to clarify the matter as the criminal investigation progresses.

- We can say at this point that it is the same kind of aircraft as those found earlier. On the basis of the information that we have received during the criminal investigation, all the four aircraft that have been found are a different kind from the type mentioned in public. They are significantly smaller than what has been described in public, says Detective Superintendent Risto Lohi of the National Bureau of Investigation.

- The aircraft that have been found are smaller than what has been reported in public, and it is suspected that they are of Ukrainian origin. It should be highlighted, however, that forensic investigations are still underway, and we are not going to draw any conclusions yet, adds Lieutenant Jyri Siitari of the Border Guard's Gulf of Finland Coast Guard.

As the authorities suspected that all the aerial vehicles were carrying explosives, they rendered them safe.

All the debris of aircraft found in Iitti has been submitted for forensic examination. The National Bureau of Investigation and the Border Guard continue to investigate the incidents.

The deviation of the unmanned aerial vehicles is due to Ukraine's countermeasures in response to Russia's aggression in the war. The deviation of the is possibly due to GNSS interference.

The police still remind people that if they see any unmanned aircraft or debris of aircraft on the ground, they must not touch or approach that but report their sightings to the authorities by calling the emergency number 112.

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U.S. Strengthens Maritime Security Cooperation with Kenya During NAVAF Commander's Visit

U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) strengthened its longstanding security partnership with Kenya during Adm. George Wikoff's visit to Nairobi and Mombasa, March 24-25.

By Lt. Caitlyn Strader , U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet Nairobi, Kenya Mar 30, 2026

NAIROBI, Kenya -- U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) strengthened its longstanding security partnership with Kenya during Adm. George Wikoff's visit to Nairobi and Mombasa, March 24-25.

The visit, Wikoff's first to Africa as the NAVAF commander, highlighted the United States Navy's ongoing support to Kenya's maritime operations, counterterrorism efforts, and regional security leadership along the Western Indian Ocean and the Somali border.

Throughout his engagements, Wikoff underscored the shared U.S.-Kenya commitment to enhancing interoperability, expanding partner capacity, and investing in infrastructure and training that enable Kenyan forces to deter and respond to emerging threats.

"Kenya is a critical maritime and security partner in East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean," said Wikoff. "Our cooperation is built on shared interests and shared sacrifices, and together we are working to promote stability, protect vital sea lanes, and counter those who threaten regional security."

In Nairobi, Wikoff met with the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), General Charles Muriu Kahariri, to discuss ongoing collaboration in counterterrorism, maritime security, regional stability, and long-term defense modernization and innovation.

The discussion focused on aligning defense cooperation with broader U.S. diplomatic and economic goals, reinforcing strategic coordination at the senior level, and advancing Kenya's role as a security anchor in the region. "General Kahariri and I reaffirmed that our defense cooperation is not just a one-time effort  it is strategic, ongoing, and aligned with our broader diplomatic and economic partnerships," Wikoff said. "Together, we are focused on countering terrorism, strengthening maritime security, and modernizing our forces so we are ready for current and future challenges."

In Mombasa, Wikoff met with Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, commander of the Kenya Navy, to review ongoing maritime initiatives, including joint training, information sharing, and efforts to improve maritime domain awareness across the Western Indian Ocean. The leaders discussed ways to bolster Kenya's ability to secure its maritime approaches, counter illicit maritime activities, and further integrate Kenyan naval forces into regional and international security efforts.

Wikoff and Otieno then attended the after-action review for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2026, a series of naval exercises with African partners, including Kenya, to bolster maritime security, improve interoperability, and address regional security challenges in the Western Indian Ocean. The review assessed operational effectiveness and interoperability gains and identified lessons to guide future joint exercises and operations.

"CARAT 2026 shows what we can achieve when we train and operate together," Wikoff said. "By integrating our capabilities and sharing information, we are better prepared to secure the maritime domain, disrupt illicit networks, and respond swiftly when threats emerge."

Wikoff and Otieno concluded their visit by commissioning the Kenya Navy Marine Range and Close Quarters Battle (CQB) Complex at Kenya Navy Base Mtongwe in Mombasa County. The new facility will provide a modern, specialized training environment to significantly enhance the operational readiness of the Kenya Navy Marine Commandos, supporting advanced training in close-quarters combat, marksmanship, tactical movement, and integrated maritime operations.

"The Marine Range and CQB Complex is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to Kenya's security and regional leadership," said Wikoff. "By investing in infrastructure and training, we are empowering Kenyan forces with the tools and skills they need to lead in securing their coastlines and maritime approaches."

The KNAV Marine CQB Complex is a $750,000 Section 333 Building Partnership Capacity (BPC) design-build contract managed by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT). This specialized facility is designed to enhance the maritime and coastal interdiction capabilities of the newly established KNAV Marine Commandos, who are playing an increasingly prominent role in regional counterinsurgency operations along the coast and littorals. The scope includes a 100-meter small-arms range, a live-fire shoot house, and a dry-run rehearsal facility.

Wikoff's visit reaffirmed NAVAF's role as a trusted, long-term partner to Kenya amid increasing competition from external actors.

Through senior leader engagements, joint exercises, and targeted investments in training and infrastructure, the United States and Kenya are working together to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation, enhance maritime security, and promote stability across East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean.

"Our partnership with Kenya is enduring and future-focused," Wikoff said. "Together, we are building the capabilities, relationships, and trust that underpin regional security and create the conditions for lasting peace and prosperity."

For more than 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.

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Contracts

Contracts for April 13, 2026

NAVY

Fontaine Consulting LLC,* East Moline, Illinois (N00023-26-D-0025); International Trade Management Group LLC,* Leesburg, Virginia (N00023-26-D-0026); and Exclusive Tent Rentals Inc.,* Upland, California (N00023-26-D0027), are being awarded a $55,000,000,000 multiple award, firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity Worldwide Expeditionary Multiple Award Contract (WEXMAC) Territorial Integrity of the U.S. (TITUS) contract. The WEXMAC Titus 2.2 contract will provide supplies and services in support of but not limited to supporting the six phases of the continuum of military operations in support of the geographic Combatant Command's joint operations, coalition partners, and other U.S. federal agencies in setting and sustaining the theater through the following requirements: theater opening (includes reception, staging, onward-movement, and integration support); sustainment; theater distribution; and stability operations and Defense Support of Civil Authorities support. The WEXMAC TITUS description of contractual scope provides that services and supplies provided through the performance of this contract include but are not limited to humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, contingency, exercise, lodging, logistics, water-based and land-based support. The contracts will run concurrently. The base performance period for these new awardees will begin April 2026 and is expected to be completed by December 2029. If the option is exercised, the performance period will be completed by December 2034. Work will be performed in the U.S. and outlying territories, but due to the fact that specific requirements cannot be predicted at this time, more specific information about the percentage of work and where it will be performed cannot be currently provided. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,500 will be obligated ($500 on each of the three new contracts to fund the contracts' minimum amounts) at time of award and funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Additional funds will be obligated at the task order level with the appropriate fiscal year funding as issued by the customers for each area of responsibility. The requirement was competitively procured as full and open competition with 36 offers received. Naval Supply Systems Command, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity.

Data Link Solutions LLC, comprised of BAE Systems, Wayne, New Jersey, and Rockwell Collins Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa (N0003926DE001), and L3 Technologies Inc. (N0003926DE002), Salt Lake City, Utah, are each being awarded a hybrid, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable, multiple award contract, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity for production of multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS) low volume terminals (LVT), line replaceable unit and shop replaceable unit (SRUs) spares, MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 2 retrofits, and engineering services to include repairs. Throughout the duration of the awarded contracts, the total obligated amount on orders for awarded contracts combined will not exceed $307,743,354. Fiscal 2026 through fiscal 2031 funds from various sources will be identified and obligated under individual task orders to include operations and maintenance (Navy); research and development (Navy); other procurement (Navy); Foreign Military Sales; International 6502 MIDS International Program Office Nations; and other customer funds. Work will be performed in Wayne, New Jersey, for BAE; Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for Collins; and Salt Lake City, Utah, for L3, and is to be executed over the course of the five-year ordering period beginning on the date of contract award. Funding will be obligated at the time of award on the first delivery order to each awardee for Enhanced Signal Message Processors SRUs, to include warranties. Additional funding will be obligated as individual delivery and task orders are issued. This contract was awarded following a full and open competition, ensuring broad participation in accordance with FAR 6.101. The solicitation was posted on the SAM.gov website and the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command E-Commerce website and yielded two competitive offers. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N00039).

General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, is awarded a $183,228,722 firm-fixed-price contract action for maintenance, modernization, and repair of USS Truxtun (DDG 103) Fiscal 2026 Depot Modernization Period. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $183,581,496. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by April 2028. Fiscal 2026 other procurement, (Navy) funds in the amount of $172,220,253 (94%); fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance, (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,976,728 (6%), fiscal 2025 other procurement, (Navy) funds in the amount of $593,427 (<1%); and defense wide procurement funds in the amount of $31,742 (<1%), of which $10,976,728 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using full and open competition via the System for Award (SAM) website, with two offers received. Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N0002426C4410).

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $55,545,298 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-23-C-4300) to exercise options for continued New England Maintenance Manpower Initiative support of non-nuclear maintenance for submarines based at Naval Submarine Support Facility New London. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by April 2027. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $20,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $34,679,581 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-23-C-4307) to exercise options for continued Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department support at Naval Submarine Support Facility New London. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by April 2027. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $20,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $23,312,570 modification (P00022) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N0001922C0046). This contract provides maintenance and sustainment operations of the U.S. Reprogramming Laboratory and Partner Support Complex facilities and systems, to include consumables and field service representative support. These efforts are in support of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of the Navy, the F-35 Lightning II program's non-U.S. Department of War (DoW) participants, and the F-35 Lightning II program's Foreign Military Sales participants. Work will be performed in Eglin, Florida (80%); and Fort Worth, Texas (20%), and is expected to be completed in April 2027. Non-DOW participant funds in the amount of $842,228; fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,235,171; and fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Air Force) funds in the amount of $11,235,171, will be obligated at the time of award, $22,470,342 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

Lockheed Martin Space, Sunnyvale, California, has been awarded a $68,555,412 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification (P00188) to a previously awarded contract (FA8810-18-C-0005) for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Geosynchronous. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $8,226,409,672 from $8,164,061,784. Work will be performed at Boulder, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by August 2028. Fiscal 2026 research, development, testing and evaluation funds in the amount of $17,194,677 are being obligated at time of award. The Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, California, is the contracting activity.

ARMY

Weeks Marine Inc., Covington, Louisiana, was awarded a $27,495,000 firm-fixed-price contract to renourish approximately 3.2 miles of critically eroded shoreline along Venice Beach in Sarasota County, Florida, including dredging beach-compatible sand from an offshore borrow area, extending five stormwater outfalls, and performing environmental monitoring and support activities. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Venice Beach, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 6, 2026. Fiscal 2025 Corps of Engineers, Civil construction funds in the amount of $27,495,000 were obligated at the time of award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, is the contracting activity (W912EP-26-C-A013).

PCX Aerosystems-Manchester LLC, Manchester, Connecticut, was awarded a $9,001,828 firm-fixed-price contract for spares for connecting link, rig to support UH-60 helicopter requirements. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 2, 2031. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-26-D-0041).

DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY

Accenture Federal Services LLC, Arlington, Virginia, is awarded a $22,999,791 option modification to previously awarded firm fixed price contract HT003823C0004 for a total cumulative value of $81,136,242. The option modification is a 12-month period of performance in support of the Program Executive Office - Defense Healthcare Management Systems, Joint Operation Medicine Information Systems Program Management Office's Globally-Integrated Medical Common Operating Picture (MedCOP) initiative providing enterprise-wide real-time medical situational information and facilitating operational medicine information sharing and collaboration inside and outside the medical community. This 12-month option period begins April 18, 2026, and concludes on April 17, 2027. The MedCOP program supports a variety of locations outside the contiguous U.S. to support the mission of all Combatant Commands. Work is performed at various locations in the contiguous U.S., including Falls Church, Virginia; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; MacDill Air Force Base, Florida; Miami, Florida; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Suffolk, Virginia. The option period is funded with the following: fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds; fiscal 2026 research, development, test and evaluation funds; and fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation funds. The Defense Health Agency, Defense Healthcare Management Systems Contracting Division, Rosslyn, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

City Light & Power Fort Campbell LLC, Denver, Colorado, has been awarded an estimated $12,061,908 modification (P00157) to a 50-year contract (SP0600-17-C-8325) for the ownership, operation and maintenance of the electric utility system at Fort Campbell and Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky. This is a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract. Location of performance is Kentucky, with a Nov. 9, 2068, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriations are fiscal 2025 through 2026 Army operations and maintenance and Army defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

*Small business

https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4458237/

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US Army, industry partner open new artillery assembly facility

By Michael Chambers April 13, 2026

PARSONS, Kan. -- The U.S. Army and Day & Zimmerman opened a new facility in Parsons dedicated to producing 155mm M795 artillery projectiles. The ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Agile Sustainment and Ammunition, marked a critical step in expanding 155mm artillery production capacity further enhancing the nation's Defense Industrial Base.

The Kansas facility is a key component of the Army's comprehensive strategy to modernize and increase its capacity to produce artillery munitions. The load, assemble and pack process is the final step to deliver 155mm munitions to the warfighter. At full operational capacity, the plant will be able to produce 12,000 M795 projectiles monthly further driving toward the goal of expanding 155mm production capacity to 100,000 rounds per month. This increased capacity is a direct result of a U.S Army investment of $36 million in non-recurring engineering and production establishment activities.

"This facility is a testament to the strength of the partnership between the U.S. Army and American industry. It marks the 13th ribbon cutting in the Army's ongoing campaign to strengthen the Arsenal of Freedom through munitions production, modernization and expansion of our Defense Industrial Base," said Reim during the ceremony. "The speed and scale of our response to current global conflicts demand that we increase production capacity of critical munitions like 155mm artillery. The work done here in Parsons is another important step in furthering a credible deterrence with the added industrial capacity to sustain combat operations over time."

The finished 155mm artillery rounds produced at the plant are a cornerstone of modern ground warfare and are essential for enhancing the readiness of our warfighters and delivering lethal overmatch capabilities. The facility leverages enhanced automation and refined processes to deliver unmatched production efficiency, enabling swift accomplishment of the Army's mission. This expansion of production capacity directly supports the Army's commitment to providing lethal capabilities to the joint warfighter and our international partners at speed and scale.

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Bahrain summons Iraqi charge d'affaires over 'continued drone attacks' on Gulf states

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

13.04.2026 [20:33]

Baku, April 13, AZERTAC

Bahrain on Monday summoned the charge d'affaires of the Iraqi Embassy over "continued drone attacks" targeting the kingdom and other Gulf states from Iraqi territory, Anadolu Agency reports.

In a statement, Bahrain's Foreign Ministry said it strongly condemned the "continued malicious drone attacks" launched from Iraq toward Bahrain and several Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the state news agency BNA reported.

The ministry said Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, director general of bilateral relations, delivered an official protest note during the meeting with Iraqi diplomat Ahmed Ismail al-Karawi.

He stressed "the importance of Iraq addressing these threats and attacks urgently and responsibly," in accordance with relevant regional and international laws.

The statement added that Bahrain reaffirmed its right to take "all necessary precautions and measures" to protect its security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents.

There was no immediate response from Iraqi officials.

The agency did not say whether the attacks targeted Bahrain and Gulf states before or after a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect last week.

Iran-backed Iraqi factions launched attacks against what they described as "US interests in the region" in support of Tehran during the US-Israeli assault that killed more than 3,300 people since Feb. 28.

Some of those attacks hit civilian facilities and infrastructure in Arab countries, including Bahrain. Iraqi groups announced their commitment to the Iran-US truce that has been in place since dawn Wednesday.

The developments come after Iranian and US delegations concluded 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, early Sunday, without reaching an agreement.

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Strikes on alleged drug boats kill 5 in eastern Pacific, U.S. military says

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

13.04.2026 [14:57]

Baku, April 13, AZERTAC

The U.S. military said Sunday that it blew up two boats accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing a total of five people and leaving one survivor, as the Trump administration pursues its campaign against alleged traffickers in Latin America while preparing a naval blockade of Iranian ports, according to the Associated Press.

The attacks on Saturday bring the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 168 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls "narcoterrorists" in early September.

As with most of the military's statements on the dozens of strikes in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean Sea, U.S. Southern Command said it targeted the alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes. The military did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. Videos posted on X showed small boats moving across the water before they each were engulfed in a bright explosion.

U.S. Southern Command said on X that it notified the U.S. Coast Guard to activate the search-and-rescue system for the survivor. The Coast Guard confirmed it was coordinating the search and said updates would be provided when available.

President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in "armed conflict" with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and fatal overdoses claiming American lives. But his administration has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing "narcoterrorists."

Critics have questioned the overall legality of the boat strikes as well as their effectiveness, in part because the fentanyl behind many fatal overdoses is typically trafficked to the U.S. over land from Mexico, where it is produced with chemicals imported from China and India.

The boat strikes have continued in Latin America even as the U.S. military has focused on operations in the Middle East, where the U.S. was engaged in a war with Iran for several weeks.

Trump said Sunday that the U.S. Navy would begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement. Trump wants to weaken Iran's key leverage in the war after demanding that it reopen the crucial waterway through which 20% of global oil normally passes. U.S. Central Command said the blockade would involve Iranian ports.

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Millions of people in Sudan surviving on one meal a day as food crisis deepens, NGOs say

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

13.04.2026 [12:05]

Baku, April 13, AZERTAC

Millions of people in Sudan are surviving on just one meal a day, as the country's food crisis deepens and threatens to spread, Reuters reported citing to a report published on Monday by a group of non-governmental organisations.

Sudan's war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which enters its third year on Wednesday, has caused widespread hunger and displaced millions of people amid one of the world's largest humanitarian crises.

"In the two areas worst hit by the conflict - North Darfur and South Kordofan - millions of families can only access one meal a day," the report by Action Against Hunger, CARE International, International Rescue Committee, Mercy Corps, and the Norwegian Refugee Council found.

"Often, they miss meals for entire days," the report stated, adding that many people have resorted to eating leaves and animal feed to survive.

The army-aligned Sudanese government denies the existence of famine, while the RSF denies responsibility for such conditions in areas under its control.

Some 61.7% of Sudan's population - 28.9 million people - is acutely food-insecure, according to the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan.

The United Nations has reported widespread atrocities and waves of ethnically charged violence. In November, the global hunger monitor confirmed, for the first time, famine conditions in al-Fashir, as well as Kadugli.

In February, the U.N.-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification found that famine thresholds for acute malnutrition have been surpassed in Um Baru, where the rate of acutely malnourished children under 5 was nearly double the famine threshold, and Kernoi.

The report, based on interviews with farmers, traders, and humanitarian actors in Sudan, details how the war in Sudan is driving communities towards famine conditions - due to disruptions to farming as well as the use of starvation as a weapon of war - including deliberate destruction of farms and markets.

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Trump criticizes Pope Leo over foreign policy stance, says he "should get his act together"

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

13.04.2026 [11:56]

Baku, April 13, AZERTAC

US President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV in a series of public remarks following the pontiff's recent statements on global conflicts.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the Pope as "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy," escalating tensions between the US administration and the Vatican. The criticism comes after Pope Leo's remarks condemning violence and calling for restraint in international conflicts, including the ongoing situation involving Iran.

Trump also voiced broader dissatisfaction with the Pope's position on several geopolitical issues, including US foreign policy and military actions. He also remarked that he prefers the Pope's brother, Louis, stating that he is "all MAGA" and "gets it, and Leo doesn't."

"I don't want a Pope who thinks it's OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon. I don't want a Pope who thinks it's terrible that America attacked Venezuela, a country that was sending massive amounts of drugs into the United States and, even worse, emptying their prisons, including murderers, drug dealers, and killers, into our country. And I don't want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I'm doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting record low numbers in crime, and creating the greatest stock market in history," he continued.

The President further argued that Pope Leo's election was influenced by US domestic politics, suggesting it was seen as "the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump," and claiming that "if I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican."

"Leo should get his act together as Pope, use common sense, stop catering to the radical left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a politician. It's hurting him very badly and, more importantly, it's hurting the Catholic Church!" Trump concluded.

The exchange follows recent comments by Pope Leo, who has repeatedly called for peace and criticized the escalation of military conflicts, warning against the moral consequences of war and violence.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the United States will begin a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Hungary's parliamentary elections: vibrant, but no equal opportunities for contestants

Council of Europe

Divisive rhetoric from ruling party also noted by international observers

Parliamentary Assembly

Strasbourg

13 April 2026

The 12 April parliamentary elections saw active citizen engagement, with record voter turnout and genuine choice, but there was no level playing field, with the ruling party benefitting from systemic advantages that blurred the line between state and party, international observers said in a preliminary statement released today. While the campaign was marred by divisive and fear-mongering rhetoric on the part of the ruling party, including unsubstantiated claims of foreign interference advanced by the government, candidates were able to campaign freely.

The extensive misuse of public office and resources, government messaging, a clear bias in monitored media and news coverage in favour of the ruling party, and serious shortcomings in the regulation of campaign finance further undermined the equality of opportunities among contestants, the statement says.

"I was impressed by the spirited citizen engagement we have witnessed in these elections. It is a testament to the voters that the ruling party's divisive and inflammatory rhetoric and misuse of office did not stop them voting in record high numbers yesterday," said Sargis Khandanyan, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) special co-ordinator and leader of the short-term observers. "This was a hard-fought campaign, and while the ruling party leveraged government powers to tip the scales in its advantage, it remained competitive."

The campaign was active and highly visible, both online and across the country. The ruling party's divisive messaging on Ukraine and the EU institutions dominated the highly polarised campaign discourse with domestic issue-based policies receiving less prominence. The authorities' failed to adequately address public and stakeholders' concerns regarding foreign interference. Several foreign leaders and political actors came out in support of the incumbent, reiterating Fidesz's campaign messaging on security.

"Congratulations to the people of Hungary, who expressed a clear and unequivocal choice. The exceptionally high voter turnout demonstrates that fearmongering, threats and intimidation cannot suppress the democratic will of the people," said Pablo Hispan (Spain, EPP/CD), head of the the Paliamentary Assembly delegation. "It's a powerful democratic response, and reflects the indispensable role played by civil society and independent media in preserving scrutiny, accountability and the conditions for political change. Peter Magyar and Tisza have a clear mandate to turn the page and now carry a great responsibility - to honour the trust placed in them by the Hungarian people and strengthen the rule of law, balance of powers and democracy."

The media landscape in Hungary, although formally diverse, is heavily skewed in practice, with independent journalism at a clear structural disadvantage compared to a much larger and better resourced pro-government media sector. Restricted access to information and a tense operating environment for journalists, marked both by physical incidents and online threats, are of concern. ODIHR social media monitoring observed the use of generative AI and manipulative content for purposes of domestic disinformation and to discredit political opponents.

"It is abundantly clear that the public service media's coverage was slanted in favour of the government and the ruling party. Admittedly, there was free political advertising available to parties, but failure of the public media to provide balanced and information is disturbing," said Rupa Huq, the Head of the delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. "Given the overall restrictive media attention to the campaign, the massive engagement of voters who turned out yesterday is all the more remarkable to have witnessed."

The legal framework, which underwent a series of mainly technical and procedural changes since the last elections, continues to fall short of OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections, including by failing to explicitly prohibit the misuse of public office and resources for campaign purposes. Overall, the handling of election disputes was not impartial, which, together with the limited effectiveness of legal remedies, weakened accountability.

"There was an active and highly visible campaign, and candidates were able to campaign freely, but the framework for the elections does not ensure a fair basis for contestants," said Eoghan Murphy, head of the mission from the OSCE Office for democratic institutions and human rights. "For example, our monitoring showed that the ruling party greatly benefitted from the misuse of government messaging to amplify campaign messages, the removal of spending limits, significant increases in public funding for parliamentary groups prior to the election - funding which can be used in the campaign - all further distorting the playing field."

The technical preparations for the elections were administered efficiently and professionally, and the election administration was transparent in its work. However, the current composition of the National Election Commission, predominantly drawn from members elected or appointed by governing parties, impacted the impartiality and independence of its decision-making on several key campaign-related matters. On election day, the observers assessed all stages of the election process positively in the overwhelming majority of polling stations observed, despite some procedural shortcomings.

Authorities and parties have made virtually no efforts to enhance women's political participation, resulting in their significant underrepresentation, and less than one quarter of candidates were women. With few exceptions, women did not feature prominently in the campaign.

Contrary to OSCE commitments and international good practice, the legal framework continues to lack provisions for domestic non-partisan election observation, thereby constraining opportunities for independent citizen oversight of polling and counting processes.

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April 13, 2026

Transcript

Secretary of War Hegseth Hosted Bilateral Meeting With Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie

SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Well, Minister Sjafrie, welcome to the Pentagon. Welcome. It's an honor to have you. It's an honor to host your team, as well. I learned as we were walking up - last in Washington in 1986 - was training with US forces out of Fort Benning and previous before that, Fort Bragg. So it's great to have you here, sir, to have a soldier here.

Under your president's leadership, Indonesia has stepped up as a world leader. And like President Trump, your president believes in peace through strength. And I commend Indonesia's participation in the Board of Peace and for playing a leading role in the International Stabilization Force in Gaza, as well. Thank you for your commitment to advancing President Trump's goal  both of our presidents' goals of lasting peace.

Your visit demonstrates the importance that the War Department places on our growing security relationship, and it is growing and active with Indonesia. Since our last meeting in Kuala Lumpur in October, our nations have made a great deal of progress on increasing our security cooperation. Together, we complete more than 170 military exercises each year. Super Garuda Shield is now one of the most important cross-domain multilateral exercises in the Indo-Pacific region. Training and operating together show our resolve and our shared strength. Our armed forces continue to train in new and increasingly sophisticated ways.

In recognition of the important security collaboration we are undertaking, we are announcing today that our two countries are elevating our security partnership to a major defense cooperation partnership. This signifies the strength and potential of our security relationship, and it bolsters regional deterrence and advances our shared commitment to peace through strength.

I'm also grateful that you're going to be visiting US Army installations this week and will be actually reunited with the family that hosted you when you trained here as a young officer at Fort Benning. What a proud and special moment that will be.

I would also note that the relationship between our special forces is strong, and we look forward to expanding our cooperation and collaboration together. I'm also grateful that you'll be visiting Arlington National Cemetery to pay respects to our fallen warriors. And we certainly give our condolences for your three in Lebanon, as well.

I appreciate your continued support in helping the United States find, return, and protect the remains of our soldiers who fought alongside Indonesians during World War II. And as former military officers ourselves, we understand the sacrifices our soldiers make for our nations.

And in just a moment, the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding in front of us will enable the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to recover those missing service members and return them to their families. So thank you, Mr. Minister, for being here, and I very much look forward to our meeting and our productive discussion today. Over to you.

DEFENSE MINISTER SJAFRIE SJAMSOEDDIN: Thank you very much, Secretary of War, Honorable Pete Hegseth. First of all, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, President Prabowo, his passion, his best regard to you. And hopefully, our relation can be enhanced and more developed in the future.

Today, we are here as Indonesian delegates in Pentagon with very great enthusiasm to continue and to develop our defense relationship and should be enduring for our next generation in Indonesia and the United States of America. We will be working on behalf of mutual respect and mutual benefit to enhance value of our national interests, United States of America and Republic of Indonesia. Today is, as I mentioned, line of departure for our next development of defense cooperation between the United States of America and Indonesia. Thank you very much.

SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Well, thank you very much. As he wrote in the guestbook, line of departure, which in infantry speak, military speak  we both speak and understand that language  when you step off on your line of departure onto a new mission. So here's to the next chapter and our new mission together for our great countries. Thank you very much for that, sir.

Now we'll bring up our representatives that will sign the memorandum of understanding enabling increased Defense POW/MIA accounting partnerships.

UNKNOWN: [Inaudible]

SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Excellent. Thank you. Appreciate it.

DEFENSE MINISTER SJAFRIE SJAMSOEDDIN: Thank you very much.

UNKNOWN: [Inaudible]

UNKNOWN: Would you like to follow me to the meeting.

SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: All right, go ahead. Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/4458468/

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April 13, 2026

Release

Readout of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's Meeting with Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin

Chief Pentagon Spokesman, Sean Parnell, provided the following readout:

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth met with Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin today at the Pentagon, where the two leaders agreed to elevate the U.S.-Indonesia bilateral defense relationship to a Major Defense Cooperation Partnership. This new partnership will serve as a framework to enhance operational collaboration, partner on defense modernization, and increase training and interoperability.

During the meeting, Secretary Hegseth commended Indonesia for participating in the Board of Peace and playing a leading role in the International Stabilization Force. The leaders reaffirmed the vital and growing defense relationship and discussed a range of shared goals, including increasing special forces training and professional military education. The two leaders committed to expanding the scope and complexity of bilateral and multilateral exercises, such as SUPER GARUDA SHIELD, to strengthen collective capabilities and promote Peace through Strength.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4457684/

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April 13, 2026

By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News

Hegseth, Indonesian Counterpart Announce Defense Partnership

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth welcomed his Indonesian counterpart  Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin  to the Pentagon today, where the two men announced the establishment of the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership between the two countries.

The partnership will serve as a framework to advance bilateral defense cooperation between the U.S. and Indonesia in order to maintain peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

"Your visit demonstrates the importance that the War Department places on our growing security relationship  and it is active and growing  with Indonesia," Hegseth told Sjamsoeddin, just before noting that the two countries complete more than 170 military exercises together each year.

"This [partnership] signifies the strength and potential of our security relationship ... bolsters regional deterrence, and advances our shared commitment to peace through strength," Hegseth added.

During his brief remarks, Sjamsoeddin affirmed Hegseth's sentiment regarding the strength of the U.S.-Indonesia relationship.

"Today, we are here as Indonesian delegates ... with very great enthusiasm to continue to develop our defense relationship, [which] should be enduring for our next generation in Indonesia and the United States of America," Sjamsoeddin said. "We're working on behalf of mutual respect and mutual benefit to enhance [the] value of our national interests."

The new cooperation agreement features three "foundational pillars" that are based on each country's national sovereignty and mutual respect: military organization and capacity building; training and professional military education; and exercises and operational cooperation.

Under the framework of the agreement, both countries will work on exploring cutting-edge initiatives, "including codeveloping sophisticated asymmetric capabilities, pioneering next-generation defense technologies in the maritime, subsurface and autonomous systems domains, and cooperating on maintenance, repair and overhaul support to improve operational readiness," according to a joint statement on the new partnership.

The statement goes on to explain that both the U.S. and Indonesia have agreed to enhance joint special forces training, and that such engagements will make the bond between both countries' militaries stronger.

Additionally, Hegseth noted that Indonesia has been helpful to the U.S. with the recovery of fallen service members.

"I appreciate your continued support in helping the United States find, return and protect the remains of our soldiers who fought alongside Indonesians during World War II," Hegseth told Sjamsoeddin.

He added that the signing of the partnership memorandum will enable the War Department's Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency to recover those aforementioned service members' remains in Indonesia.

Both Hegseth and Sjamsoeddin described the defense cooperation as a "line of departure"  a military term for setting off on a new mission  for their respective countries.

"So, here's to the next chapter and our new mission together for our great countries," Hegseth told Sjamsoeddin.

The U.S. and Indonesia have maintained formal diplomatic relations for more than 75 years, and established ties in 1949, just after Indonesia's war for independence from the Netherlands.

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Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna: the Hungarian election result gives Europe a new opportunity for unity

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13.04.2026 | 10:50

According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, the Hungarian people clearly chose the direction of the rule of law and Europe in yesterday's elections, marking a historic moment for both Hungary and Europe as a whole.

"The election result creates a new and significant opportunity within the European Union to restore and strengthen constructive cooperation with Hungary," Tsahkna said. "Europe needs unity today, and the clear choice made by the Hungarian people offers renewed hope in this regard." According to Tsahkna, Estonia looks forward to working with Hungary's new government, with a shared interest in ensuring that decisions strengthening European security can move forward from the previous deadlock, which has also been influenced by Kremlin interests, particularly regarding support for Ukraine and EU enlargement.

"It is important that we can move forward swiftly with releasing the 90 billion loan package for Ukraine, adopting the 20th sanctions package, and making progress with the European Union's enlargement process with Ukraine and Moldova. These decisions are critical for Europe's security, stability and credibility and demonstrate Europe's readiness to stand firmly for its values," the foreign minister said.

"We also expect that the new political mandate will bring positive changes in Hungary's approach to the rule of law. A strong rule of law, an independent judiciary and the protection of fundamental freedoms are the cornerstones of the European Union," Tsahkna added.

According to Tsahkna, closer and more trust-based cooperation with Hungary will help strengthen the European Union as a whole, enhance our collective resilience, and support peace, security and democratic values in Europe.

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Philippine side staging of so-called 'cyanide stunt' has no credibility: FM spokesperson

Global Times

By Chen Qingqing Published: Apr 13, 2026 11:28 PM

"There is no credibility whatsoever to their story," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday in response to a question about the Philippines' National Security Council claimed at a briefing that cyanide was found in bottles recovered from Chinese boats near Ren'ai Jiao in February and October 2025.

Guo said that Ren'ai Jiao is part of Nansha Qundao and belongs to China. The Philippines illegally grounded its vessel on Ren'ai Jiao and has caused great damage to the eco-environment there, which has been confirmed by relevant reports.

The Philippine side illegally harassed the Chinese fishing boats conducting normal fishing, grabbed the fishermen's living supplies, and staged this so-called cyanide stunt, Guo added.

The Philippine authority claimed on Monday that a laboratory analysis confirmed that bottles recovered from Chinese boats near Ren'ai Jiao in February and October 2025 contained cyanide, Bloomberg reported on Monday.

It is not the first time that the Philippines has staged the so-called "cyanide stunt" against China.

The 2025 Investigation and Assessment Report on Marine Ecology and Environment Status of Huangyan Dao in the South China Sea released by China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment in November 2025 pointed out that no cyanide has been detected in seawater, sediments or fish samples, as the Philippines has tirelessly but groundlessly smeared Chinese vessels, claiming that they used cyanide to fish in waters of Huangyan Dao since 2024.

The hype over alleged detection of cyanide used by the Chinese vessels at Ren'ai Jiao highlights the tendency of certain anti-China forces in the Philippines to "rehash old stories", Ding Duo, director of the Research Center for International and Regional Studies at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, told the Global Times on Monday.

"The so-called 'cyanide' stunt is nothing new and has long been a stale topic; it is resurfacing now amid the Philippines' current domestic challenges, such as energy shortages. As a result, some anti-China elements can only resort to reviving narratives like 'maritime poisoning' to generate public attention and shape opinion," Ding said.

In recent days, there have been mixed signals in China-Philippines relations. On March 28, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong co-chaired the 24th China-Philippines Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC) with Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy and ASEAN SOM Leader of the Philippines Leo M. Herrera-Lim in Quanzhou, Fujian, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-Philippines relations and international and regional issues of common concern, the ministry said.

Also in the last month, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. claimed in an interview with Bloomberg that the country is open to restarting talks with China on a joint oil and gas project in the South China Sea, saying the war in Iran may provide the impetus for a breakthrough.

However, in addition to smearing plot, the Philippines military and its coast guard continued their provocative actions in the South China Sea. Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the PLA Southern Theater Command, said in a release published by the theater command on Monday that the Philippines rallied extraterritorial countries to organize so-called "joint patrols", which disrupted the South China Sea and undermined regional peace and stability. The theater command's forces will resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly safeguard regional peace and stability, said the spokesperson.

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Orban concedes defeat in election under global attention amid speculations of sharp policy shift

Global Times

By Li Yu and Deng Xiaoci Published: Apr 13, 2026 10:10 PM

"The election result is painful for us, but clear," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said at the Fidesz party campaign offices, conceding defeat on local time Sunday in a major election loss - signaling the imminent end of his 16 consecutive years in power, as the Xinhua News Agency reported - as results showed Peter Magyar's center-right Tisza party winning a majority, per media reports.

Tisza was projected to win 138 of the 199 parliament seats, exceeding the two-thirds threshold. Orban's ruling Fidesz-KDNP alliance was projected to win 55 seats, according to Xinhua.

Over the development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated Monday that China congratulates the Tisza party led by Mr. Peter Magyar on the parliamentary election victory in Hungary. China deeply values its ties with Hungary and stands ready to work with the new Hungarian government on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit to enhance high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, and deliver more benefits to both peoples, the spokesperson said.

This election has received wide attention as it will not only affect the future of Hungary, but also carries implications for the European country's relations with the US, Russia and the EU, with influence on wider geopolitical scope, Chinese observers said.

But no matter how policy adjustment is made, the core issues of security, energy and economic development remain unchanged and shall be the priority of the new government, they said.

A sharp turn?

According to CNN, Magyar was a member of the Fidesz party and had previously been married to Judit Varga, who was one of the party's rising stars. But in early 2024, Varga was also involved in a scandal concerning coverup of abuse of underaged children, which rocked Fidesz. Magyar broke from the party and Orban in February 2024. Later that year, Magyar joined the Tisza party and quickly rose up the ranks to become its leader. Under his leadership, Tisza unexpectedly won almost 30 percent of the Hungarian votes in the European Parliament election in June 2024, making Magyar an MEP.

The 45-year-old election winner Magyar, who had campaigned against corruption and on everyday issues like health care and public transport, has pledged to rebuild Hungary's relationships with the EU and NATO - ties that frayed under Orban, AP reported on Monday.

The New York Times (NYT) also reported Monday that Magyar and his Tisza party have struck a friendlier tone toward the EU and NATO alike. Most immediately, the new leadership is widely expected to clear the path for a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine that has been frozen for weeks because of Orban's objections, per NYT.

Magyar's campaign agenda has shown major contrast to Orban, who has long been distancing from the EU while maintaining ties with both the US and Russia, according to Chinese analysts.

Yet political news and commentary website Talking Points Memo, or the TPM, wrote three days ahead of the election result that even if Magyar wins the election, "the road to full de-Orbanization remains long, arduous, and uncertain."

In the process of advancing so-called "de-Orbanization," the new government will need to differentiate among existing policies rather than simply negate them all, Cui Hongjian, a professor at the Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday.

Even if adjustments are made in Hungary's relations with the EU and NATO, it does not mean Hungarian policy will undergo a fundamental shift, Cui said, noting that a more likely scenario is limited adjustments within the framework of national interests, seeking balance among different policies - a process that will require time to advance gradually.

For Hungary, whether it is Orban or Magyar, both must confront pressing real-world issues, including economic difficulties, energy challenges, and the long-standing historical and practical contradictions with Ukraine. Hungary's policy toward Ukraine differs from that of many other European countries, largely due to deep historical grievances between the two nations. This difference is unlikely to change fundamentally because of a single election result, Jiang Feng, a researcher at Shanghai International Studies University and president of the Shanghai Regional Studies Association, told the Global Times.

Similarly, the core issues facing Europe - security, energy, and the economy - remain unresolved. This election was largely a response to voters' emotions and frustrations, rather than a solution to these underlying problems. Therefore, Orban's departure doesn't mean the mentioned problems in Europe have been solved, nor will Hungary's development direction undergo any fundamental shift, Jiang said.

Though the biggest impact should be on Hungarian domestic politics and its relationship with the EU, Japanese media outlet Sankei Shimbun deliberately linked it to China, claiming that "Viktor Orban was the EU leader who most enthusiastically engaged with China and with the change of government in Hungary, China may be forced to reconsider its strategy toward the EU."

Chinese analysts shrugged over such speculation and hypes by the Japanese press which has long been unfriendly with China, saying that it is not surprising they would take advantage of such change of power in any country and use it for hostile narrative against China.

In fact, the election campaigns were focused on domestic issues such as anti-corruption and economic challenges, as well as EU relations and stance over the Russia-Ukraine crisis, they added.

According to German media DW on April 10, during the large rallies, Magyar promises closer EU ties, while Orban warns the vote will shape Hungary's stance on Ukraine and stability.

More than domestic

The Hungarian elections have carried wide attention beyond its borders, with some media describing it as the closing of a significant chapter in Hungarian and European politics.

The Washington Post described Orban as a darling of MAGA-aligned American conservatives, an ally of the Kremlin and a proud antagonist of EU leaders in Brussels. The Guardian also concluded that the power change ushers in a new period for Hungary's relations with the EU, US and Russia.

This election has transcended the boundaries of a purely domestic Hungarian contest. It has evolved into a broader geopolitical showdown centered on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the future direction of Europe, Jiang said, explaining why the parliamentary election of the country with relatively modest size and population has captured worldwide attention.

After the elections, congratulatory messages for Magyar poured in from mainstream European political leaders, for whom Orban was often a major frustration as he wielded his country's veto power to block key EU initiatives, including most recently a 90 billion euro loan for Ukraine, the Washington Post reported.

According to CNN, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media that "Hungary has chosen Europe." European Parliament President Roberta Metsola congratulated election winner Peter Magyar, saying: "Hungary's place is at the heart of Europe."

Other European country leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also offered congratulations, emphasizing Hungary's role in Europe and mentioned a stronger and more united Europe.

Jiang added the campaign was not only a matter for Hungarian voters; various forces from across Europe and even the US were involved - media reported that Vice President Vance visited Budapest last week to show support for Orban. On the surface, the stage was set in Hungary, but in reality, it also represented a high-stakes contest over the strategic future of the European continent.

Also coming just ahead of the election, the Hungarian government signed an agreement with Russia to expand the two countries' economic, trade, energy and cultural ties, according to documents drawn up by the Russian government and obtained by POLITICO, per a report by POLITICO on April 8.

The Orban government has long pursued a pluralistic and balanced great-power diplomacy, which enabled it to secure a certain degree of support from both Russia and the US, said Jiang.

In the current European political context, Russia is viewed as a force undermining peace, while the US is also seen by some EU voices as disrupting existing rules. "Against this backdrop, if the new Hungary administration chooses to improve ties with the EU and move closer to Brussels as the core direction of its foreign policy, its relations with both the US and Russia will inevitably undergo adjustments," Jiang added.

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NATO and Azerbaijan strengthen cooperation on the modernisation of defence education

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

13 April 2026

From 31 March to 2 April 2026, representatives from NATO's Defence and Security Cooperation Directorate met with the leadership and personnel of Azerbaijan's National Defence University and its affiliated military education institutions in Baku. The visit aimed to assess ongoing reform efforts within the framework of NATO's Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP).

The Azerbaijani Military Education Institution's Commandants delivered a briefing on the progress achieved to date. As requested by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence, DEEP will continue supporting faculty and curriculum development and aligning English language training and testing with NATO standards.

After a visit by DEEP experts at the end of last year, the building of the capabilities to manage an eLearning platform will eventually extend to the entire Azerbaijani military education system.

In response to a request from Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence, and after a visit planned for later this year, DEEP is due to support the NCO corps development, enhancing interoperability with NATO.

Major General Huseyn Mahmudov, Special Advisor to the Azerbaijani War College, praised DEEP's assistance, in a process that has gained new momentum for the future of the region following the 8 August Peace Declaration.

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Ambition before the tombstone

People's Daily Online) 14:59, April 14, 2026

Cartoon by Cao Yi

The year 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, or Tokyo Trials. With overwhelming evidence, the Tokyo Trials nailed the atrocities of Japanese fascist aggression to the pillar of historical shame and laid a legal foundation for the postwar international order.

However, the shadow of the Cold War allowed many Japanese war criminals to evade punishment, and the toxic legacy of Japanese militarism was never fully eradicated.

Today, the Takaichi government seeks to revive militarist ideology and brazenly attempts to revise the constitution and expand military power. It is an aberrant and toxic offshoot nurtured in this poisoned historical soil.

Only by drawing lessons from history and jointly safeguarding the just outcomes of the Tokyo Trials can we ensure that the specter of militarism never rises again.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Hongyu)
Sudan: On third anniversary of conflict, UN and ACHPR-AU Fact-Finding Missions jointly warn of escalating violence and heightened risk of further atrocity crimes

Press releases

Independent investigation

13 April 2026

As the conflict in Sudan approaches its fourth year, serious and widespread violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law continue with increasing intensity and impunity, committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), with violence reaching deeply alarming levels across the country.

Since the outbreak of hostilities in mid-April 2023, tens of thousands of civilians and persons hors de combat are believed to have been killed across Sudan, in a conflict marked by systematic brutality and a flagrant disregard for the most basic norms of international law.

Investigations by the UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) - African Union (AU) Fact-Finding Mission on the Human Rights Situation in the Sudan have concluded that the SAF and RSF, as well as their allies, are responsible for grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights of varying intensity, including killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and the widespread use of indiscriminate attacks, including airstrikes, shelling, and drone attacks in populated areas. Civilian objects indispensable to survival, including medical facilities and food markets, have been targeted, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Efforts to deliver basic humanitarian assistance have been repeatedly hindered, including through attacks on humanitarian convoys. Essential service providers, including humanitarian workers, medical personnel, and human rights defenders, have been killed, injured, detained or remain missing. Revenge attacks continue with both parties targeting individuals perceived to be affiliated with or supporting the opposing side.

Violations committed by the RSF have been particularly widespread and systematic, reflecting an organized and recurrent modus operandi, including looting, sexual violence and ethnic targeting, devastating lives and shattering communities.

Grave violations have been documented across multiple regions, including Khartoum, Darfur, Gezira and Kordofan, and are spreading further to other parts of the country including the Blue Nile, the White Nile and the Nuba regions.

The UN Fact-Finding Mission considered that international crimes have been committed in Sudan. It found that both parties to the conflict committed war crimes through acts of killings, arbitrary detention, torture and indiscriminate attacks. It also found that the RSF committed other war crimes, such as starvation as well as crimes against humanity of widespread rape and sexual violence, persecution and extermination through the deprivation of food, medicine and humanitarian assistance. With regard to the taking over of El Fasher in October 2025, the UN Fact-Finding Mission established an egregious pattern of identity-based targeting by the RSF against members of the Zaghawa and Fur communities, in a pattern that bears the hallmarks of genocide.

The ACHPR Joint Fact-Finding Mission found that these grave violations amounted to violations of the Right to Life, the Right to Human Dignity, Liberty and Security of Person, Fundamental Freedoms, Freedom of Movement, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Violations against Children, Violations of collective rights of peoples including the rights of all peoples to equality, to existence, to peace and security and development, Targeting of Vulnerable Groups, and Conflict Related Sexual Violence.

The conflict has resulted in one of the largest displacement crises globally. As of early March 2026, more than 8.6 million people were internally displaced and over 4 million had fled as refugees. Women, children, older persons and other vulnerable groups continue to bear the overwhelming and disproportionate burden of this conflict.

The continued disregard by both parties to the conflict for international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including their obligations to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, demands urgent, coordinated and decisive measures. All parties must ensure rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access, in accordance with international humanitarian law, and refrain from any attacks on or obstruction of humanitarian personnel and assets.

Accountability for atrocity crimes committed across Sudan is critical to preventing further violations. Without holding the perpetrators to account, impunity - a central driver of this conflict - will continue to persist and will undermine prospects for durable peace in Sudan and the wider region. As this destructive conflict enters its fourth year, the Missions reiterate their calls on all parties to the conflict, AU and UN Member States, and regional and international bodies to:

Prioritise efforts to secure a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire.

Ensure full compliance by the RSF and SAF with international humanitarian and international human rights law including, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights -, particularly guaranteeing the safe passage for those fleeing areas of active hostilities, ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access to all affected communities, protecting humanitarian and emergency workers and immediately ceasing attacks on civilians, such as killings, sexual violence, torture, arbitrary detention and looting.

Ensure compliance by all states and businesses with the Darfur arms embargo under Security Council Resolution 1556 (2004) while enforcing existing UN and AU sanctions.

Support the International Criminal Court's efforts in Sudan and fully cooperate with it.

Establish a complementary independent judicial mechanism, to prosecute international crimes committed in Sudan, in coordination with existing international justice efforts.

Grant the UN Fact-Finding and ACHPR Missions access to all areas of Sudan to conduct independent investigations.

On this anniversary, the Fact-Finding Missions reaffirm their commitment to documenting violations, amplifying the voices of victims and survivors, and contributing to efforts aimed at ensuring accountability, protection of civilians, and the restoration of peace, justice, and dignity for the people of Sudan.

Background:

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for the Sudan was established by the UN Human Rights Council in October 2023 through resolution A/HRC/RES/54/2. Its mandate was last extended for an additional year in October 2025 with resolution A/HRC/RES/60/3. The Fact-Finding Mission's key task is "to investigate and establish the facts, circumstances and root causes of all alleged human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law, including those committed against refugees, and related crimes in the context of the ongoing armed conflict that began on 15 April 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, as well as other warring parties."

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UN experts call for end to attacks on Gaza shelters, forced displacement in West Bank

Press releases

Special Procedures

13 April 2026

GENEVA - UN experts* today expressed grave concern over Israeli military attacks affecting sites sheltering displaced Palestinians in the western Gaza City, alongside renewed patterns of forced displacement in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

"This cycle of displacement, terror, and targeted attacks serves an ultimate purpose: to make life unbearable for Palestinians and permanently force them from their land," the experts said.

"Targeting areas known to shelter displaced civilians is a grave breach of international humanitarian law and is a grim reminder of the urgent need for international action and accountability," they said.

On 11 March 2026, an Israeli strike near the Qatari Committee building in western Gaza City ignited a fire that spread to nearby tents sheltering internally displaced persons (IDPs). A broader pattern of Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip was observed that same night, including multiple airstrikes and artillery shelling.

On 8 March, the shelling of IDP tents in As Sawarha killed two women and one girl and injured 10 others. Between 7 and 8 March, an airstrike on a house in Khan Younis killed a man and his daughter.

"Subjected to multiple displacement orders and widespread destruction affecting 92 per cent of housing, the vast majority of Gaza's population has already been displaced multiple times which amounts to forcible transfer," the experts said.

"Civilians in tents and makeshift shelters continue to face severe risks, including attacks, freezing, flooding and building collapse, lack of basic services for their survival and severe humanitarian hardship, with women and children bearing a disproportionate share of deprivation."

The experts also expressed serious concern over a sharp escalation in forced displacement across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where over 36,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced amid expanding illegal settlement activity and intensifying violence in 2025, according to a new report by the UN Human Rights Office. "This displacement, driven by IDF and State-backed settler terrorism, is ethnically cleansing the West Bank through daily attacks resulting in killing, injury, and harassment of women and children, and the widespread destruction of Palestinian homes, farmland and livelihoods," they said.

The experts warned of ongoing evictions, demolitions and the imminent risk of further displacement affecting Palestinian families in Silwan, in occupied East Jerusalem.

"The scale and pattern of these actions, occurring alongside mass displacement of Palestinians from their homes and land in Gaza shows once again the ongoing broader policy of ethnic cleansing across the occupied Palestinian territory," they said. "It is unacceptable that such practices, which constitute crimes against humanity under international law and engage the individual criminal responsibility of those involved, continue unabated."

The International Court of Justice 2024 Advisory Opinion and the General Assembly's 2024 Resolution urged Israel to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory by September 2025.

"We reiterate our call on States to bring Israel's unlawful occupation to an end and ensure the immediate protection of civilians sheltering in displacement sites across the Gaza Strip, including by scaling up of vital humanitarian assistance," the experts said.

They urged Israel to end all forcible transfer and to safeguard Palestinian communities at risk of forced displacement in the West Bank, facilitate the safe and voluntary return of displaced Palestinians, and guarantee full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, including by lifting unlawful restrictions on UNRWA and NGOs that have been prevented from operating in Gaza.

"States must comply with their legal obligations," the experts said. "They must bring Israel's unlawful occupation to an end, refrain from recognising it and withhold assistance to it, and take effective measures to ensure investigations and accountability for grave violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian Territory."

*The experts:

Paula Gaviria Betancur , Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons

, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Francesca Albanese , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967

, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 Tlaleng Mofokeng , Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health

, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food

Special Rapporteur on the right to food Reem Alsalem , Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences

, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences Claudia Flores (Chair), Ivana Krstic (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi, the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls

the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls Pedro Arrojo Agudo, Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation

Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation Balakrishnan Rajagopal, Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context

Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context Ben Saul,Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism

Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organisation, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR.

Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/

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Hungary's Tisza party wins parliamentary elections, defeating Orban's ruling coalition

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:33, April 13, 2026

BUDAPEST, April 13 (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 98.89 percent of the votes counted by the NEO, Tisza won 53.21 percent and was projected to win 138 of the 199 parliament seats, exceeding the two-thirds threshold. Orban's ruling Fidesz-KDNP alliance received 38.26 percent and was projected to win 55 seats.

The far-right Our Homeland Movement won 5.85 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 (EU) 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. "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 EU 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.

A number of European leaders congratulated Magyar on his election victory, expressing expectations for closer cooperation and Hungary's renewed engagement with Europe.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola congratulated Magyar, saying Hungary has "chosen Europe" and lies "at the heart of Europe."

European Council President Antonio Costa said Hungary's "record turnout" reflected a democratic spirit and expressed readiness to work closely with the new leadership to make Europe stronger and more prosperous.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has also extended congratulations, according to Magyar.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the result "a historic moment" for both Hungary and European democracy, voicing hope for working with Hungary for shared security and prosperity.

French President Emmanuel Macron said that France welcomed the Hungarian people's commitment to EU values and Hungary's commitment to Europe, saying, "Let us build a more sovereign Europe, for the security of our continent, our competitiveness, and our democracy."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he had spoken with Magyar by phone and was ready to work together for "a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe."

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store described the result as of great importance to Europe, expressing hope for close and constructive cooperation with Magyar in advancing peace and stability, democracy and the rule of law.

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Army 'anxious' over Reds' recruitment of Fil-Am youths

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 13, 2026, 2:37 pm

MANILA -- The Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) on Monday reiterated the concern of U.S.-based Filipino-Americans Against Communist Terrorism (FACT) following reports of recruitment of Filipino American youths to individuals linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

2ID public affairs office chief Col. Michael Aquino said this development reflects a disturbing pattern of recruitment targeting young individuals abroad.

"The information coming from various sources, including Filipino-American organizations themselves, confirm that the CPP-NPA continues to recruit and exploit young people, including those from overseas communities, and draw them into a terrorist movement that endangers their lives," he said in a statement.

Aquino said that Filipino American youths are often tricked into believing they are supporting a noble cause.

"Instead of contributing to a noble cause, they are placed in dangerous situations and used to advance a violent ideology that has brought suffering to communities for decades," he added.

Aquino also urged families, communities, and Filipino organizations overseas to be vigilant and to help protect young people from being drawn into extremist movements

Likewise, the 2ID reiterated its call for the remaining members of the armed group to abandon violence and return to the folds of the law where government programs remain available to help them rebuild their lives and reunite with their families.

In a recent statement, FACT warned that several Filipino American activists were allegedly recruited by CPP-NPA-linked operatives in the United States and later traveled to the Philippines to undergo exposure and training with the armed group in the mountains of Occidental Mindoro.

One of those identified was Chantal Anicoche, a 24-year-old graduate of the University of Maryland, who was rescued alive by government troops on Jan. 8, following the Jan. 1 encounter in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro.

She survived days without food and water. Soldiers provided her medical assistance and humanitarian support before facilitating her safe return to her family in Maryland.

Reports also indicated that Anicoche was accompanied in Mindoro by another Filipino American activist, Cristina Pasion, who is believed to have remained with the armed group after the January encounter.

On March 29, Charlize Garzon aka 'Ka Kaye' was captured just a few meters away from where Army Capt. Dean Oyando was killed while two other soldiers were wounded.

Garzon is now facing criminal charges in connection with the incident.

Aside an M-16 rifle and other war materials, documents and personal belongings recovered from the encounter sites, including journals and handwritten notes, which validates the possible presence of foreign individuals within the NPA group operating in the area. (PNA)

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PH, Australia, US hold 16th joint drill in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 13, 2026, 11:39 am

MANILA -- Philippine, Australian and U.S. air and naval forces conducted the 16th multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from April 9 to 12, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday.

"This iteration marks the second MMCA this year with the Philippines, the United States, and Australia, and the 16th overall conduct of the activity, underscoring the deepening defense cooperation among the three nations and their shared commitment to regional security," the AFP said in a statement.

The MMCA showcased the growing defense capabilities of the Philippines, it added.

AFP assets, along with those of the Australian Defense Force (ADF) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), were deployed for the joint drills.

"During the exercise, the AFP deployed the Philippine Navy's (newest offshore patrol vessel) BRP Rajah Sulayman (PS-20), alongside Philippine Air Force aircraft including FA-50 fighter jets, A-29B 'Super Tucano,' C-208B, and a 'Sokol' search and rescue helicopter, while the Philippine Coast Guard deployed BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702)," it added.

Meanwhile, the ADF deployed the guided-missile frigate HMAS Toowoomba, which has an MH-60R helicopter and a P-8A "Poseidon" maritime patrol aircraft, while the U.S. INDOPACOM contributed USS Ashland, demonstrating a coordinated and whole-of-nation and allied approach to maritime security operations.

Exercise serials included replenishment at sea approach, rendezvous procedures, communications exercise, maritime domain awareness activities, division tactics/officer of the watch maneuvers, fly-by exercise, photo exercise, night steaming in company, screen exercise and farewell pass.

The activity concluded with the official declaration of "finish exercise".

"Notably, this iteration of the MMCA featured the transport of four naval combat engineering brigade equipment assets, which includes one payloader, one telescopic crane, and two concrete mixers from Manila Bay to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan aboard USS Ashland which is an actual conduct of logistics interoperability between the AFP and USINDOPACOM," the AFP said.

The AFP also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations to ensure maritime security, protect national interests, and contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region. (PNA)

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PLA Southern Theater Command Navy conducts routine patrol in South China Sea

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source Southern Theater Command

EditorCheng Sihao

Time2026-04-13 12:37:36

Senior Captain Zhai Shichen, spokesperson for the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command stated, from April 9 to 12, 2026, the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command Navy conducted a routine patrol in the South China Sea. In an attempt to stir up troubles in the region, the Philippines co-opted countries outside the region to organize so-called joint patrols, disrupting peace and stability in the South China Sea. Forces of the Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and firmly uphold regional peace and stability.

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Hezbollah chief: 'Lebanese resistance will not surrender, the battlefield will speak'

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 8:17 PM

Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem has said that the Lebanese Islamic resistance will confront the ongoing Israeli-American aggression against the people of Lebanon and demanded immediate implementation of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

In a powerful address on Monday marking the resistance movement's steadfastness against the ongoing aggression, Sheikh Qassem said, "We will neither calm down nor surrender; the battlefield will speak."

He rejected negotiations with the usurping Zionist entity as futile and humiliating, describing them as a series of free concessions by the authority that has only weakened Lebanon.

Sheikh Qassem called for a heroic national stance to cancel such talks, warning that the only path to sovereignty is full implementation of the November agreement: complete cessation of aggression, immediate withdrawal from all occupied territories, release of prisoners, safe return of residents to their villages and cities down to the last house along the border, and reconstruction through an official decision with shared international support.

Sheikh Qassem praised the Islamic Republic of Iran's steadfastness against the US and Israeli war of aggression.

"They sought to strip Iran of its power to plunder its wealth, but praise be to Allah, Iran surprised them with its steadfastness, sacrifices and capabilities," he said.

Despite the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and several commanders, Iran unified, appointed a new Supreme Leader, restored its leadership structure and kept its people in the field. "God willing, Iran will be victorious," he declared, thanking Tehran for its support, its pressure on America and Israel, and for including Lebanon in the ceasefire.

He also expressed gratitude to Yemen, Iraq and all countries assisting the resistance, calling on the Lebanese state to correct its position toward Iran and welcome every supportive nation.

Sheikh Qassem extends congratulations to Lebanese Christians

At the outset of his speech, Sheikh Qassem extended heartfelt congratulations to Lebanese Christians on the blessed Easter, praying that Allah grant all success in following the path of Christ (peace be upon him) through love, social service and noble morals that serve humanity.

He stated that the brutal Israeli-American aggression respects no humanitarian or moral principles and constitutes a clear occupation.

Under the terms of the November 2024 ceasefire, cross-border attacks were supposed to cease, and Israel was to withdraw troops that had invaded southern Lebanon in October.

The agreement stipulated a complete cessation of aggression, the release of prisoners and the start of reconstruction.

"Yet Israel has not implemented a single clause of the agreement," Sheikh Qassem said, noting that hundreds of martyrs and wounded have fallen. At the same time, diplomacy failed to advance even one step, with aggression continuing unabated under full American support.

'Enemy wants to destroy Lebanon's strength'

The resistance chose the appropriate moment to act, thereby foiling a massive pre-planned Zionist aggression aimed at inflicting enormous losses on Lebanon. "We deprived the enemy of the element of surprise," Sheikh Qassem stated.

The enemy's goals are crystal clear, he explained: to destroy Lebanon's strength as a prelude to the criminal "Greater Israel" project.

"For the record, all of Lebanon is targeted," he emphasized. "When Israel occupies southern Lebanon, it means occupying Lebanon; when it spreads its killing across Lebanese territory, it means all of Lebanon is targeted."

'US and Israel want Lebanese army to fight its own people'

Sheikh Qassem sharply criticized those within the Lebanese state who have failed to shoulder their responsibility to confront the aggression.

While the state's weakness might explain its inability to act, he said, it cannot justify turning into a tool for Israel by exerting pressure and issuing governmental decisions that weaken the internal front.

"Israel and the United States have openly stated they want to strengthen the army to disarm Hezbollah, fight it, dismantle its institutions and eliminate the resistance, its people and all who support it," he warned.

"They want the (Lebanese) army to fight its own people  something the army cannot and will not do," he said. Because Lebanon is existentially targeted by the "Greater Israel" project and its independence is under threat, the resistance has launched the Battle of the Devoured Straw in defense of the homeland, its people and its sovereignty.

"This is not a 'security of the north' battle but an aggression aimed at devouring Lebanon, its strength, its people and its resistance," he affirmed.

'Let us confront the aggression together'

Addressing the president and prime minister of Lebanon directly, Sheikh Qassem urged unity: "Let us confront the aggression together, and afterward we can agree on the future."

He called on the government to immediately retract its March 2 decisions criminalizing the resistance and labeling its fighters as outlaws, describing the move as "stabbing the resistance in the back" and a grave mistake that must be reversed for the sake of national unity and sovereignty.

The Hezbollah secretary general saluted the heroic fighters in the field, who are writing the greatest epics with a remarkable spirit of martyrdom.

"These are the sons of Hussein; they do not bow their heads except to Allah," he said.

Victory, Sheikh Qassem explained, is already being achieved: inflicting pain on the enemy, preventing it from reaching its goals and denying it any settlement.

The resistance operates with hit-and-run tactics, various means and will capture enemy soldiers whenever the opportunity arises, ensuring the occupiers live in constant fear. "The resistance is, above all, faith, will and capability," he added.

"We have no measure of time or scale of sacrifices; our measure is to remain steadfast, keep our heads held high and liberate the land," he said.

Sheikh Qassem affirms national unity

Sheikh Qassem affirmed national unity, declaring that Christians and Muslims are brothers in homeland, faith and heavenly messages.

He stressed solidarity with Sunni brothers and the Amal Movement, stating that all are "sons of Imam Musa al-Sadr" and that attempts to sow sedition between Hezbollah, Amal, the army or the people will fail.

He also addressed the displaced, praising their honor, sacrifice and patience that have astonished the world, urging them to direct their anger solely at Israel.

Sheikh Qassem strongly denied fabricated accusations by certain Persian Gulf countries, especially Kuwait and Bahrain, regarding alleged "cells," stating that Hezbollah has denied the claims three times without evidence.

He called for cooperation against the common Israeli threat that targets everyone.

The secretary general saluted all martyrs and civilians, including martyred commander Youssef Ismail Hashem, Sheikh martyr Sadiq al-Nabulsi, and resistance journalists from Al-Manar, Al-Nour, Al-Mayadeen and others  notably the dean of resistance journalists, martyr Ali Shuaib, as well as Mohammad Sherri, Fatima and Mohammad Ftouni, Suzan al-Khalil and the rest.

He also honored martyrs from the army, state security, medical, nursing and emergency teams, stressing that Israel targets every Lebanese because the battle is for the entire homeland.

'The resistance will remain in the field until the last breath'

Sheikh Naim Qassem concluded with a clear message: the resistance will remain in the field until the last breath, presenting a model to the world of a resilient Lebanon  army, people and resistance  confronting the Israeli-American enemy.

"The occupation will end, even if after some time. We are the owners of the land and we will raise Lebanon's head high," he affirmed.

Israeli breaches of the November 2024 ceasefire have resulted in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of Lebanese citizens. Israel persists in occupying five Lebanese highlands captured during the recent war, along with other regions of Lebanon that it has controlled for many years.

In October 2023, Israel launched military attacks on Lebanon, which escalated into a full-blown war by September 2024, leading to over 4,000 fatalities and approximately 17,000 injuries.

Lebanese authorities have consistently called for pressure on Tel Aviv to stop its assaults and adhere to the ceasefire conditions. They are demanding the removal of Israeli troops from the territories seized in the last war.

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April 13: Hezbollah's operations against Zionist regime in response to truce breach

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 6:56 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Shortly after Iran and the US announced a ceasefire ending 40 days of aggression against the Islamic Republic, the Israeli regime violated the truce on Wednesday morning by launching devastating strikes on civilian areas across Lebanon.

The cessation of attacks on all fronts, including in Lebanon, was one of the key points of the Iranian proposal that was initially accepted by the American side.

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 Monday, April 13, 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 Monday, April 13:

Hezbollah:

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 "Kiryat Shmona" 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 had adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance confronted Israeli movements along the Lebanese-Palestinian border, and carried out operations targeting the positions, bases, and deployments of the Israeli army and its settlements in northern occupied Palestine.

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 the "Metulla" site 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 adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Shlomi" settlement with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, 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 at 09:45 on Monday, 13/04/2026, with a barrage of heavy rockets.

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 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 "Misgav Am" settlement with a rocket barrage and 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 the Al-Oweida hill in the border town of with a swarm of attack drones, which led to a fire at the site.

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 "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 adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Avivim" 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 a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Shomera" settlement 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 in the "Kfar Giladi" 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 "Amiad" base north of Lake Tabariya 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 the "Avivim" barracks 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 adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Misgav Am" settlement and the "Zar'it" barracks with rocket barrages.

Defending Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation 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 a training base for the Paratroopers Brigade in the "Karmiel" settlement with a swarm of attack drones.

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 "Doviv" 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 gathering of Israeli soldiers at the newly established Blat site in southern Lebanon with 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 fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the "Ras Naqoura" site 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 adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the town of Naqoura 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 adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Liman" barracks north of the "Nahariya" settlement 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 launched a concentrated aerial attack on positions of Israeli soldiers with swarms of attack drones, as follows: a soldiers' sleeping room in the "Yiftah" barracks, a soldiers' position at the "Beit Hillel" base, a soldiers' sleeping room in the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement, a fire management room and a military tent near the "Kfar Giladi" artillery position, a command room and a tent where soldiers were positioned in the "Kfar Giladi" barracks, and a command headquarters and a tent where soldiers were positioned in the "Margaliot" settlement.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated assaults on the villages of the south, and after the resistance abided by the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona", "Metulla", and "Dovev" settlements with rocket barrages.

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 the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with rocket barrages.

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 "Zar'it" 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 gatherings of vehicles and soldiers of the Israeli army in the Al-Aqaba area in the town of Ain Ebel 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 villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire and the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of Tallet Shamran and the Saf al-Hawa area in the city of Bint Jbeil with rocket barrages in successive batches.

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 "Malkiya" settlement with rocket barrages in waves.

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 "Hanita", "Shlomi", and "Nahariya" settlements with rocket barrages in successive waves.

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 Tyre, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Schraga" base (the administrative headquarters of the Golani Brigade command) north of the occupied city of Akka 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, Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of the Israeli army in the town of Al-Bayada 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 the "Kiryat Shmona", "Kfar Blum", "Manara", "Margaliot", and "Shtula" settlements with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the southern villages, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted concentrations of "israeli" enemy army vehicles and soldiers in the towns of Ayn Ibl and Rishaaf with rocket barrages.

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 the "Avivim" 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 "Ma'ale Golani" 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 cities of Tyre and 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 settlements of "Ma'alot Tarshiha" and "Karmiel" with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated aggressions on the cities of Tyre and Nabatiyeh, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Tefen" base east of the occupied city of Akka with a barrage of qualitative missiles.

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 cities of Tyre and Nabatiyeh, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" and "Margaliot" settlements, and infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the "Yesod HaMa'ala" settlement with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated aggressions against the cities of Tyre and Nabatiyeh, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers at Tallet Shamran and in the vicinity of the Liberation Triangle in the city of Bint Jbeil 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 villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted a gathering of vehicles and soldiers of the Israeli army in the town of Al-Bayyadah 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 the newly established artillery positions of the Israeli army in the town of Al-Bayada with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement, its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers east of the city of Bint Jbeil with a qualitative 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 committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Hanita" site with an attack drone, achieving a direct hit.

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 gathering of Israeli soldiers at the "Al-Malikiya" site 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 a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the Al-Malikiyah site with a swarm of attack drones.

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What To Know About The US Naval Blockade Of Iran

By Ray Furlong and RFE/RL's Radio Farda April 13, 2026

A US naval blockade on ships entering Iranian ports and coastal areas has come into effect, following failed peace talks between US and Iranian negotiators over the weekend.

And it already poses a dilemma: risk attack from Iranian assets near the Strait of Hormuz or hold back and hope to catch vessels breaking out into the open seas.

The move is the latest attempt by US President Donald Trump to force Iran into making concessions, including a commitment not to seek a nuclear weapon or the means to build one.

It follows more than a month of air strikes and long-standing economic sanctions.

Military Aspect

Washington has substantial naval and air forces in the region which could be expected to enforce the blockade. For some, it would mean a switch from carrying out air strikes to interdicting civilian vessels.

Attempting to do this from in or near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which Iranian seaborne exports pass, could put US naval assets at risk from attack by Iranian drones, missiles, or small fast attack ships.

Several weeks of US and Israeli air strikes have severely degraded Iranian capacity, but the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has its own naval units composed of these small craft, which have continued to attack shipping in the Persian Gulf.

"If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED," wrote Trump on social media shortly after it came into force.

The risks could be minimized.

Given that, for example, some 90 percent of Iranian oil shipments go to China, US forces could conceivably sit back and police the blockade from a distance where they would be less vulnerable.

"They could choose to position themselves outside the Persian Gulf...without physically controlling the Strait [of Hormuz] itself," Mohammad Farsi, a former Iranian naval officer, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda after Trump announced the blockade. "They don't need to sit inside the strait."

But Farsi said he doubted such an approach would be effective. It would mean patrolling a wider stretch of sea than the 30-kilometer-wide waterway.

Jeremy Stoehs, a naval expert at the Austrian Center for Intelligence, Propaganda and Security Studies (ACIPSS), agreed it would be difficult.

"A blockade at distance would pose quite a significant challenge for US forces in the theater, especially as civilian vessels go dark to evade being stopped," he told RFE/RL.

"The US Navy notoriously lacks smaller surface combatants, such as frigates, and would have to release its Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and other higher-end assets into such taskings," he added.

Economic Impact

The decision to target Iranian-linked shipping has a clear economic logic, laid out in a recent US policy note.

"Oil revenue from China accounts for about 45 percent of Iran's government budget," said a factsheet published by the US Congress on March 16.

In recent weeks, Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping other than its own has been described as a chokehold on the world economy, shutting it off from oil, gas, and other crucial commodities.

The US blockade aims to strangle the Iranian economy, which has continued benefiting from oil exports despite the war that began with US and Israeli air strikes on February 28.

"Iran actually was able to export quite high quantities of its oil, basically the same as last year in the same month," Isaac Levy, an analyst at the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), told RFE/RL on April 13.

"If the US do block that, it would prohibit the Iranian regime from adding a lot of money from this, but it would have upward pressure on global oil prices taking off...54 million barrels [per month] when there's currently a huge supply constraint," he added.

This danger was already evident in the hours after the blockade was announced, as physical crude oil prices in Europe surged to record levels around $150 per barrel. Benchmark Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel, adding to price pressures that extend across the globe.

"The decision Mr. Trump has taken could have serious effects both on the US economy and on overall social cohesion -- particularly in terms of the burden on American consumers at the gas pump," Mohammad Ghaedi, a lecturer at George Washington University, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda on April 13.

Iranian countermeasures might add to the economic damage, he said, adding that attacks by the Tehran-backed Houthis in Yemen to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait -- another crucial Middle East shipping route -- could "remove about 12 percent of global energy supply from the market."

China

There are also potentially major diplomatic repercussions to the blockade.

It's not clear if Chinese-flagged ships are visiting Iranian ports. Historically, shadow fleets of rusting oil tankers used by Iran, Russia, and Venezuela have mostly flown flags of convenience from countries such as Sierra Leone, Gabon, or the Marshall Islands. These would be likely targets of US enforcement action.

However, earlier Trump comments suggested the blockade would also extend to vessels paying a toll to Iran to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

"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," he said.

According to marine intelligence company Windward, two Chinese vessels, the He Rong Hai, a tanker, and the Jin Hai Hua, a bulk carrier, exited the strait on April 10. They both began their voyages in the United Arab Emirates, not Iran.

It's not clear if they paid a toll that Iran has been demanding - at $2 million per ship - to enable a trickle of traffic through the once-busy waterway. If such a payment were made in a cryptocurrency, it might be nearly impossible to trace.

It's also worth noting that the CENTCOM announcement of the blockade says it will be applied to vessels entering Iranian "coastal areas." This would include the path taken by many vessels that have, so far, transited the strait with Tehran's blessing.

In any case, the US navy seizing or boarding a Chinese-flagged vessel could cause major diplomatic tensions just as Trump is expected to visit Beijing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month.

Economically, while China relies on Iran for oil supplies, it might be shielded from an immediate hit by the large stocks of oil it built up before the current conflict started. It is also able to tap into relatively large quantities of Iranian oil at sea, much of it already off the Chinese coast.

Furthermore, Iranian supplies make up some 8 percent of China's seaborne oil imports. China can source this elsewhere.

"However, obviously China is buying a lot of this sanctioned oil due to the purpose that it's sold at a significant price discount," said Levy, adding that replacement oil would be much more expensive - impacting small Chinese refiners that work on razor thin margins.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-naval- blockade-iran/33731316.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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Lethal Kinetic Strike, April 13, 2026

Press Release | April 13, 2026

Applying total systemic friction on the cartels.

On April 13, at the direction of the commander of U.S. Southern Command, Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.

Two male narco-terrorists were killed during this action. No U.S. military forces were harmed.

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Russia Could Play Key Role in Resolving Middle East Conflict - Hezbollah Spokesman

Sputnik News

20260413

BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Russia, due to its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and its strong ties with many Arab countries and Lebanon, could play an important role in the region, Mahmoud Kamati, deputy head of Hezbollah's political council, told Sputnik.

"Today, Russia, thanks to its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran and its genuine ties with many Arab countries and Lebanon, can play a role at the regional level, and we hope for that. But unfortunately, the United States is creating obstacles and barriers to any Russian role. At the same time, the US has turned to Russia to influence Iran and achieve a ceasefire. Sooner or later, they will need Russia," Kamati said.

Other Key Statements:

The Lebanese army is unlikely to act on plans to disarm Hezbollah, taking a "realistic" view of the situation

Washington allegedly pressured Syria to open a front in eastern and northern Lebanon, but Damascus sees this as against its interests

The Lebanese army is unlikely to act on plans to disarm Hezbollah, taking a "realistic" view of the situation

Ukraine's claims of readiness to assist against Iran and resistance movements were dismissed as "absurd"

Lebanon's government could change under pressure from the public, which largely supports Hezbollah

 Sputnik

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Hezbollah Opposes Direct Lebanon-Israel Talks - Spokesman

Sputnik News

20260413

The Hezbollah movement opposes direct talks between Lebanon and Israel and does not expect positive results from them, Mahmoud Komati, deputy head of Hezbollah's political council, told Sputnik.

"The ceasefire in Lebanon is thanks to Iran. We do not expect positive results [from the talks] regarding Lebanon. We categorically reject direct talks between Lebanon and the Israeli enemy and do not accept them at all," Komati said.

According to the movement's leadership, it was Iran's tough stance that forced the US and Israel to agree to ceasefire talks in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Washington and Tel Aviv are attempting to portray the situation as if they were the initiators of these talks.

"The pressure in this direction stems from the fact that Israel does not recognize either Lebanon or the Lebanese state and rejected the president's proposals regarding negotiations. And suddenly today, Israel agreed to negotiate with Lebanon. This happened thanks to Iran, as a result of the Islamic Republic's victory in Iran and its victory over Israel and the United States. This prompted [Donald] Trump and [Benjamin] Netanyahu to hasten to restore authority in the Lebanese state so that the ceasefire in Lebanon would not appear to be the result of Iranian efforts," Komati explained.

The Lebanese government's stance against Hezbollah could lead to internal divisions and plunge Lebanon into chaos, he added.

"We continue to tolerate the mistakes of this government. But if it continues to adhere to the same policies, we expect it to lead the country into chaos, internal divisions, and a situation whose consequences are unenviable. Especially including what we are seeing today: a public upsurge criticizing the state, the government, and its course toward subordination to the US and Israel," Komati said.

Saudi broadcaster Al Hadath reported citing an official Lebanese source that Lebanese-Israeli talks would take place on April 14. The United States guaranteed Lebanon that Israel would not bomb Beirut before the talks began.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Finnish Foreign Minister Valtonen

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

April 13, 2026

The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. Secretary Rubio welcomed the opportunity to reaffirm our joint commitment to our shared security and trade partnership. The two discussed mutual defense priorities, ending the war in Ukraine, Middle East security, and expanding economic prosperity and cooperation in emerging technologies.

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The UK supports EU-UN coordination in maintaining international peace and security: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Speech

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Charge d'Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Cooperation between the UN and the European Union.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG

Published 13 April 2026

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 13 April 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The UK shares the EU's commitment to effective multilateralism.

With deepening global instability, close cooperation between the UN and regional organisations remains essential.

The UK supports EU-UN coordination in maintaining international peace and security, as set out in the EU-UN Strategic Partnership.

We also welcome the strengthening of our own cooperation with the EU since the 2025 UK-EU Summit, and the signing of the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership.

We continue to build on this in pursuit of European and international security.

I will now make three points.

First, the EU makes a vital contribution to stability in our shared neighbourhood.

Like the UK, the EU has consistently championed Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, which Russia continues to violate through its illegal war.

Russia must end its aggression, and any peace must be just, lasting, and consistent with the UN Charter.

In the Western Balkans, the EU plays a vital role through the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and contributing to stability and security in Bosnia and Herzegovina through EUFOR ALTHEA.

Second, EU-UN cooperation contributes to peace and security well beyond Europe. We welcome the EU's commitment to the protection of civilians, the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and climate-related security.

In the Middle East, the UK and the EU welcome the current ceasefire as an important step back from escalation and an opportunity to create space for diplomacy.

The EU and its Member States have been a consistent voice of support for freedom of navigation and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

In Sudan, the EU is a valued partner for UN efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and bring an end to the conflict.

The Berlin Conference on 15 April, co-hosted by the UK, EU, Germany and others, will be an opportunity to reinforce international focus and drive practical action.

We also welcome the EU's diplomatic and humanitarian engagement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and work on governance, resilience, and peacebuilding in Africa and beyond.

Third, President, we welcome the commitment shown by the EU and its Member States to the UN as an institution, including through the UN 80 reform process.

We share the goal of a reformed UN that is effective and representative.

A UN that advances international peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights.

We are proud to count the EU as a key partner in this cause.

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Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee

UNICEF

Statement

End impunity for violations of rules of war

13 April 2026

NEW YORK, 11 April 2026 - "We are alarmed by the sustained violations of the rules of war and international humanitarian law.

"In just the last month across the Middle East, thousands of civilians have been killed and injured. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, many multiple times. The numbers continue to rise and essential services are increasingly difficult to access. Health workers, hospitals and ambulances have been targeted. Schools have been struck. Civilian infrastructure - including bridges, residential buildings, houses, water facilities and power plants - has been destroyed. This leaves us especially concerned about women and children and others with specific needs. Global supply chains are also impacted, with food and fuel prices on the rise.

"Our humanitarian colleagues have been caught up in the hostilities. This year alone, 14 aid workers have been killed or injured in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, eight in Iran and five in Lebanon. This is an alarming toll, not least for national staff and local organizations, working courageously on the humanitarian front lines every day.

"We strongly condemn all attacks on civilians, including humanitarian and health workers, as well as civilian objects. We demand that all parties - whether Member States of the United Nations or armed groups - respect their legal obligation to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and civilian infrastructure. All violations must be met with accountability.

"Even wars have rules, and these rules must be respected."

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Sudan: Top UN aid official warns of 'abandoned crisis' as war enters fourth year

13 April 2026 - As Sudan's war moves into a fourth year, civilians are still being killed, displaced and subjected to widespread sexual violence, the UN's top humanitarian official in the country warned on Monday, calling for urgent action to stop the fighting and protect civilians.

Denise Brown, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, said the crisis is following a grim pattern of repeated abuses and repeated suffering.

"We are on repeat in Sudan," she told journalists in New York by video link from the capital Khartoum. "Please don't call this a forgotten crisis. I'm referring to this as an abandoned crisis."

Brown pointed to reports from the UN human rights office and humanitarian partners showing widespread rape and gang rape, especially in Darfur.

Humanitarians in Darfur have treated close to 2,500 survivors of sexual violence over the past year. Ms. Brown said the impact goes far beyond the immediate survivors, affecting families, communities and children born as a result of sexual violence.

She also highlighted mass killings around El Fasher, where she said 6,000 people were killed in three days according to verified information, while the real number could be higher.

Calls for prevention

Ms. Brown urged the world to do far more to prevent atrocities before they happen.

"What more has to happen for everyone to sit up and pay attention, to find a solution?" she asked.

She urged Member States to focus on the forces driving the war, including the flow of weapons and the wider war economy. She also referred to questions around the Darfur arms embargo and whether enough is being done to enforce it.

Humanitarians are left "picking up the pieces," she said, stressing that aid workers are not the solution to the conflict.

Ms. Brown - who serves as overall Resident Coordinator too - said UN agencies, international NGOs and Sudanese organizations remain on the ground across the country, doing what they can to help people survive.

But she warned that humanitarian work cannot replace political action to end the war.

Greatest concern over Dilling and Blue Nile

Among the areas of greatest concern is Dilling in South Kordofan. Brown said aid convoys had finally reached the town after years of difficulty and she was able to visit in March - but the town then came under attack.

Now, she said, convoys can no longer enter, and civilians are once again trying to flee amid daily bombardment.

"There is no safe passage out," she said.

Ms. Brown also warned about growing displacement in Blue Nile state, where close to 30,000 people have reportedly been uprooted by recent fighting.

Still, she pointed to one source of hope: local communities working to resist hate speech and support peace efforts at the grassroots level.

Aid appeal badly underfunded

Brown said humanitarian funding remains far below what is needed. In 2025, the response plan was only 35 per cent funded. So far in 2026, the $2.8 billion appeal is just 16 per cent funded.

She said the shortfall has very real consequences for people in need.

"We really need there to be a huge focus on finding a solution, and while they're looking for that solution, to fund so that the fair necessities of what the people of Sudan are met."

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Today's top news: Middle East, Iran, Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Afghanistan, Haiti

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Middle East

UN, NGO humanitarian leaders condemn violations of international law and attacks on civilians

Over the weekend, the principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee - which brings together UN agencies and our NGO partners - expressed their alarm at the sustained violations of the rules of war and international humanitarian law.

In a statement, they noted that thousands of civilians have been killed, with many more displaced. Health workers and facilities have been targeted, while global supply chains are also impacted, driving up food and fuel prices. The principals spoke out against all attacks on civilians.

"Even wars have rules," they said, "and these rules must be respected."

Iran

UN, partners ramp up humanitarian aid

OCHA says that the United Nations and its partners continue to support the Government-led humanitarian response in Iran in the face of sharply rising needs.

UNICEF has been working with its partners to support children and families, including increasing psychosocial support.

As needs grow, UNICEF is also helping to restore access to essential health services. In coordination with the Ministry of Health, two mobile health units, eight primary healthcare tents, and more than 80 emergency primary healthcare kits have been deployed. Tents and emergency kits are also being delivered, helping reach more than 225,000 people.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has supported 33,500 refugees with food and cash assistance.

Lebanon

Needs deepen as violence continues

Humanitarian needs continue to deepen across the country as high-intensity hostilities continue and civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence.

While negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese authorities are expected tomorrow, Israeli military activity remains particularly intense in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa governorate.

As of yesterday, more than 2,000 people have been killed and over 6,500 injured, as casualties continue to rise, according to the Government.

Last Friday, 19 people, including 13 members of State Security, were killed and around 15 were injured following strikes targeting a Government building in the city of Nabatieh.

Civilian infrastructure continues to be damaged. UNICEF reports at least 18 incidents affecting water systems across the country, damaging reservoirs, pumping stations and main supply lines, and disrupting people's access to safe water.

Despite severe access constraints and ongoing hostilities, humanitarian partners continue to deliver assistance.

Since 2 March, UNICEF and WFP have reached some 100,000 people in hard-to-reach areas, providing life-saving support to children and their families. UNICEF has also helped more than 30,000 children by supplying educational, recreational and play materials across 174 shelters, helping to provide a sense of stability.

Partners working in water and sanitation have provided more than 110,000 hygiene kits.

The UN calls for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities; the protection of civilians, including healthcare and humanitarian workers; sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access; and urgent funding to reach everyone who needs aid.

Occupied Palestinian Territory

Supplies enter northern Gaza as Zikim crossing reopens

OCHA reports that the Israeli authorities have reopened Zikim crossing into northern Gaza after it was closed for more than 40 days. Supplies were already offloaded there over the weekend, and UN cargo collection inside Gaza resumed earlier today, starting with food, nutrition and other humanitarian items administered by WFP and UNICEF. This helps address a critical need by allowing supplies to enter northern Gaza directly.

However, major constraints remain. These include Israeli requirements related to customs clearance, which is often delayed; insufficient scanning capacity, which makes it difficult to secure approval for many critical items; and blanket bans on specific UN agencies and NGO partners that are central to the joint humanitarian response.

Yesterday, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners supported the medical evacuation of more than two dozen patients and over 40 of their companions through the Rafah crossing. WHO suspended its support to medical evacuations led by the Ministry of Health following a security incident in which a person contracted to provide services to WHO in Gaza was killed. In a statement, WHO said the resumption followed commitments from relevant parties to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Thousands of people still need medical services that are unavailable in Gaza. Health partners tell us that to help the local health system recover so patients can access critical care inside Gaza, more approvals are needed for equipment and other essential items.

Also yesterday, the UN and its partners offered medical care and information on food, water and psychosocial services to nearly 70 people who returned to Gaza through the Rafah crossing.

Sudan

World's largest crisis "increasingly abandoned," top UN aid official in Sudan warns

Speaking virtually to reporters in New York today ahead of the three-year mark of the conflict in Sudan, the Humanitarian Coordinator, Denise Brown, described the country as the world's largest and most complex humanitarian crisis - and increasingly an abandoned one.

She warned that the crisis continues to repeat patterns of displacement, violence and loss of life, emphasizing that women and girls are disproportionately affected, with more than 2,500 cases of gender-based violence reported in the past year.

Brown said humanitarians remain on the ground, but stressed that only a political solution can end the suffering. She called for a pathway to peace and greater international action.

Funding remains critically low. The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which calls for $2.9 billion to reach more than 20 million people across Sudan, is just 16 per cent funded, with $465 million received so far.

Afghanistan

Explosive hazards, violence continue to claim lives

OCHA warn that explosive ordnance and ongoing hostilities continue to claim civilian lives in Afghanistan.

Last week, one child was killed and three were injured when a rocket shell detonated in Mardi Khalil village in the province of Khost.

Similarly, during the same period, a civilian was injured when an unexploded ordnance detonated, while six others were injured by cross-border shelling in Kunar province. Mine action partners continue to emphasis reducing these risks, including through mine risk education and clearance activities.

Last Thursday, 11 people were killed and 11 others injured, including women and children, when unidentified gunmen attacked civilians near a Shia shrine in the province of Herat. The injured patients were taken to the nearby Herat Regional Hospital where WHO had pre-positioned supplies necessary to address mass casualty incidents. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan called for an investigation of the attack and stressed that communities must be safe from violence.

OCHA reiterates that civilians and civilian infrastructure must always be protected.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Afghanistan with urgent support.

Haiti

UN reiterates support following deadly stampede

Following the tragic stampede on Saturday at the historic Citadelle Laferriere fortress, where reports say around 30 people were killed and many others were injured, the Office of the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator issued a statement paying tribute to those who lost their lives.

The Office calls for survivors to receive appropriate medical care and adequate support and reaffirms its commitment to continuing to support Haiti during this particularly difficult period.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Haiti with urgent support.

Posted on 13 April 2026

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US, Chilean Air Force crews complete historic refueling

Published April 13, 2026

By 2nd Lt. Grace Brandt

Air Forces Southern Public Affairs

SANTIAGO, Chile (AFNS) -- U.S. and Chilean Air Force (FACh) crews demonstrated advanced interoperability April 4, executing the first-ever Chilean KC-135 Stratotanker air-to-air refueling of two U.S. F-35A Lightning II aircraft  marking a significant step forward in bilateral airpower integration.

The mission, conducted en route to Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio 2026, showcased real-world coordination between trusted partners while reinforcing the ability to operate seamlessly across the hemisphere.

As part of the U.S. Air Force's F-35A Demonstration Team, the aircraft and their crews were on their way to Chile to participate in FIDAE, the largest trade show in Latin America. The jets departed Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on April 4, flying approximately ten hours to arrive in Chile. A KC-135R Stratotanker from MacDill Air Force Base supported the first leg, refueling each aircraft four times. Near the Peru-Ecuador border, a Chilean KC-135 assumed the mission, refueling each F-35 four times and supplying approximately 41,000 pounds of fuel while escorting them into Chile.

According to Capt. Austin McDaniel, F-35A Demonstration Team safety observer and one of the two F-35A pilots, this collaboration was a "target of opportunity" to integrate with a trusted U.S. military partner.

"They were excellent" McDaniel said. "Their pilots and boom operators were top-notch. I think there were a little bit of nerves on both sides for that first refuel, but it went off just as smoothly as I've ever seen it."

McDaniel said discussions about binational air-to-air refueling had taken place long before this mission, but the opportunity had never materialized until now. Despite a short planning timeline, both teams executed seamlessly, working within NATO standards.

"It was just a quick email to ask for support, and the Chilean Air Force was happy to do so," McDaniel said. "They had a great game plan of how they were going to get us down to Chile."

FACh Maj. Diego Casaubon, deputy commander of FACh's Transport Group 10, piloted the Chilean KC-135 that rendezvoused with the F-35s. He said his squadron had long considered conducting air-to-air refueling with U.S. Air Force F-35s and was ready when the request came. While the aircraft differed, Casaubon said the method closely mirrored refueling Chilean F-16 Fighting Falcons, and integration with U.S. crews was seamless due to shared professionalism and communication.

"[The F-35 team] gave us their plan, a very complete plan and we started planning," Casaubon said. "It was like a normal, everyday mission, just that the receiver was different. We were speaking the same language, tactically and operationally."

Casaubon said the F-35 pilots, McDaniel and F-35A Demo team commander Maj. Sean Loughlin, arrived precisely as scheduled, enabling execution exactly as planned. He described the mission as one "you'd never forget."

"This was getting to the top of what we do: an air-to-air refueling with the U.S. Air Force," he said. "It was very different to see an F-35 outside your wing instead of an F-16. We were really, really happy with the mission and really proud of the professionalism that we displayed as a crew. For us, it was one of the best missions we had. The FACh and U.S. Air Force have always had a really good relationship, and now this is a next level of partnership and trust."

The F-35A Demonstration Team will remain in Chile to conduct aerial demonstrations through the conclusion of FIDAE on April 12, with plans to continue bilateral integration on the return transit.

McDaniel said the success of the mission reinforces the strength of U.S.-Chile interoperability.

"To be able to see it actually work, as we expected it to, just gave us the confidence that, yes, it's something we can do," he said. "We can work as nations to make something happen that matters to both of us."

FIDAE, hosted by the Chilean Air Force, is a biennial international aerospace and defense exhibition that brings together global partners to showcase capability, strengthen relationships and advance innovation across the region. Chile remains a key U.S. partner in the Southern Cone, with continued U.S. Air Force participation underscoring a shared commitment to security and stability.

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Roundup: Humanitarian needs, aid delivery challenges increase in Mideast -- UN

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:43, April 14, 2026

UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Sharply rising needs in Iran and the deepening crises in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip are complicating relief delivery across the Middle East, UN humanitarians said Monday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that access restrictions and broader economic disruptions are adding to operational challenges in the region.

OCHA said the United Nations and its partners continue to support the government-led humanitarian response in Iran amid sharply rising needs.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said it has been working with its partners to support children and families, including increasing psychosocial support. As needs grow, UNICEF is also helping to restore access to essential health services.

Working with Iran's Ministry of Health, UNICEF said two mobile health units, eight primary health care tents, and more than 80 emergency primary health care kits have been deployed. Tents and emergency kits were delivered, helping to reach more than 225,000 people.

OCHA said that humanitarian needs continue to deepen across Lebanon amid high-intensity hostilities.

"While negotiations between Israeli and Lebanese authorities are expected tomorrow, Israeli military activity remains particularly intense in southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa governorate," the office said.

OCHA said the government reported that more than 2,000 people have been killed and more than 6,500 injured, as casualties continue to rise. On Friday, 19 people, including 13 members of State Security, were killed and about 15 were injured following strikes targeting a government building in the city of Nabatieh.

UNICEF said there were at least 18 incidents affecting water systems across Lebanon, damaging reservoirs, pumping stations, and main supply lines, disrupting access to safe water.

"Despite severe access constraints and ongoing hostilities, humanitarian partners continue to deliver assistance," OCHA said.

Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon supported the protection of civilians and humanitarian access amid the hostilities.

In Gaza, OCHA said the Israeli authorities reopened the Zikim crossing in the north after it was closed for more than 40 days. Supplies were offloaded there over the weekend, and UN cargo collection inside Gaza resumed on Monday, starting with food, nutrition and other humanitarian items administered by the World Food Programme and UNICEF.

However, the office said that major constraints remain, including Israeli requirements for customs clearance, which are often delayed, insufficient scanning capacity, which makes it difficult to secure approval for many critical items, and blanket bans on specific UN agencies and nongovernmental organizations.

On Sunday, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners supported the medical evacuation of more than two dozen patients and more than 40 of their companions through the Rafah crossing.

The WHO suspended its support for medical evacuations led by Gaza's Ministry of Health following a security incident in which a person contracted to provide services to the WHO in Gaza was killed.

The agency said resumption followed commitments from the involved parties to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) expressed their alarm at the sustained violations of the rules of war and international humanitarian law.

They said in a statement that thousands of civilians have been killed and injured and hundreds of thousands displaced, many multiple times. The numbers continue to rise and essential services are increasingly difficult to access.

"Our humanitarian colleagues have been caught up in the hostilities," the IASC said. "This year alone, 14 aid workers have been killed or injured in the occupied Palestinian territory, eight in Iran and five in Lebanon. This is an alarming toll, not least for national staff and local organizations, working courageously on the humanitarian front lines every day."

The committee members demanded that all parties, whether UN member states or armed groups, respect their legal obligations to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel and civilian infrastructure, adding that all violations must be met with accountability.

"Even wars have rules, and these rules must be respected," the statement said.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 13 April 2026 - Day 1510

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The French Ministere des Armees et des Anciens combattants reported that territorial gains are minimal. UA: 1.6 km - RU: 3.9 km

It also reported that no drone attacks had taken place during the truce, but overflights were conducted by the Russian military.

In the day preceding the truce, Russian forces targeted the oblasts of Sumy [A], Kharkiv [B], Dnipropetrovsk [C], Donetsk [D], Zaporizhzhia [E], and Kherson [F]. They attacked residential areas as well as administrative and commercial infrastructure.

Before the Easter truce, the Ukrainian forces targeted the Gvardiyskaya oil depot in Crimea [G].

The Easter truce was generally respected on both sides. No large-scale operations took place, and only very localized contacts were reported: The Ukrainian forces nevertheless announced 2,299 ceasefire violations, and 1,971 infractions were reported by the Russian forces. The Kremlin refused to meet the request of the Ukrainian president to extend the truce.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that according to detailed information, in total since the beginning of this day, there have been 104 combat encounters.

Today, in total, the Russian enemy launched one missile strike, using two missiles, carried out 51 air strikes, dropped 186 controlled air bombs. In addition, Russia engaged 6213 kamikaze drones for impact and carried out 2,737 shells of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, one combat confrontation took place, the Russian opponent was approaching the Taratutine settlement. In addition, the Russian enemy launched two air strikes, dropped eight controlled bombs, carried out 67 shellings of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops, three of which were using reactive systems of arson fire.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy twice attacked the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of the settlements of Zybyne and Vovchansk.

In the Kupyansky direction, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled two Russian assaults towards settlements Novoplatonivka and Novoosinove.

In the Lyman direction Ukrainian warriors repelled eight Russian attempts to advance near dibrova, drobisevy and lyman.

In the Slovenian direction, Ukrainian soldiers stopped one Russian assault action towards Rai-Oleksandrivka.

In the area of the Tikhonivka settlement, Ukrainian defenders repelled one attack in the direction of Kramators komu.

Defense Forces repelled 15 Russian assaults in the Konstantinivka direction in the districts of Konstantinovka, Pleshiyivka, Illinivka, Stepanivka, Rusynoy Yar, Sofiyivka and Novopavlivka.

Russian troops committed twenty attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of the settlements Rodinske, Mirnograd, Udaachne, Zapovidne, Bilitske, Grishine, Pokrovsk and Muravka. One battle is going on so far.

According to preliminary estimates, today 63 Russian occupiers were eliminated and 12 wounded in this direction; 9 car units and 11 special equipment units were destroyed, one artillery system, four vehicles units and 13 Russian infantry shelters were damaged. Destroyed or suppressed 273 unmanned aircraft of different types.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian occupiers tried to improve their position six times by attacking in the areas of settlements Oleksandrograd, Zeleny Gai, Sichneve, Vorone, Zlagoda and Novogrigorivka. Aviation strikes were felt on the outskirts of settlements Omelnyk, Yasna Polyana and Zarichne.

In the Gulyaipil direction, seven Russian attacks in the areas of the settlements of Zaliznychnne, Girke and Gulyaipole. The Russian enemy caused air strikes in the areas of settlements of Vozdvizhivsk, Novomykolaivka, Yegorivka, Charivne, Valley, Upper Tersa, Kopani.

In the Orihiv direction, the Russian opponent carried out one attack in the Stepnogirsk district, inflicted aerial strikes on the areas of settlements Yasna Polyana, Zarichne and Omelnyk.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, the Russian enemy made three futile attacks towards the Antonivsky Bridge and the island of White Chest.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in accordance with the order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, all the Groups of Forces deployed in the special military operation zone have been strictly observing the state of ceasefire from 16:00 of 11 April to 00:00 of 12 April remaining in previously taken positions.

Despite the announced Easter ceasefire, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continued to strike by unmanned aerial vehicles and conduct artillery fire against the positions of Russian troops as well as civilian facilities in the border areas of Belgorod and Kursk regions and the Republic of Crimea.

In total, there were 6,558 ceasefire violations.

Russian units repelled three AFU attacks from the area of Pokrovskoye into the direction of Gai and Otradnoye(Dnepropetrovsk region).

Five enemy attempts to advance towards positions of Russian troops near Kondratovka, Novaya Sech (two times), Varachino in Sumy region, and Kaleniki (Donetsk People's Republic) have also been thwarted.

An adversary unmanned aerial vehicle damaged a Rosneft petrol station in Lgov (Kursk region) during the truce.

Moreover, 11 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles were downed beyond the special military operation zone in air over Belgorod and Kursk regions.

The AFU carried out 694 strikes against Russian troops with artillery guns, MLRS, mortars, and tanks.

They also carried out 5,844 strikes using quadcopters, including 4,685 FPV drones, 266 octocopter-type, 144 fixed-wing UAVs, and 749 drops of ammunition from unmanned aerial vehicles.

In general, during the day, the intensity of fire and combat actions by the enemy was reduced along the entire line of the front line.

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have continued the special military operation when the ceasefire was over.

The Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the a mechanised brigade of the AFU and a territorial defence brigade near Novoivanovka and Katerinivka (Sumy region).

In Kharkov region, units of a mechanised brigade and a motorised infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been hit near Volchanskiye Khutora, Veterinarnoye, and Zybino (Kharkov region).

The enemy lost up to 25 troops, two motor vehicles, and a radar.

The Zapad Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on a mechanised brigade and a territorial defence brigade near Kutkovka, Borovaya (Kharkov region), and Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 35 troops, six armoured fighting vehicles, and five motor vehicles.

The Yuzhnaya Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and a territorial defence brigade near Konstantinovka, Ilinovka, and Artyoma (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy lost more than 55 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, and nine motor vehicles.

The Tsentr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of a mechanised brigade, an airmobile brigade, and a jaeger brigade of the AFU close to Novopavlovka, Novopodgorodnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region), and Belitskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 165 troops, nine armoured fighting vehicles, and seven motor vehicles.

The Vostok Group of Forces inflicted losses on units of a mechanised brigade, an assault brigade, and two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Dibrova, Podgavrilovka, Malomikhaylovka (Dnepropetrovsk region), and Vozdvizhevka (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy lost up to 90 troops, two tanks, five armoured fighting vehicles, and seven motor vehicles.

The Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of a mechanised brigade and a mountain assault brigade of the AFU close to Zaporozhets and Orekhov (Zaporozhye region).

More than 10 men and 10 motor vehicles were neutralised.

At nigh, Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack UAVs, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces inflicted damage on ammunition depots, storage and launch sites of unmanned aerial vehicles as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 14 areas.

Air defence units shot down 33 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation the enemy has lost: 671 aircraft, 284 helicopters, 133,563 unmanned aerial vehicles, 656 anti-aircraft missile systems, 28,864 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,699 MLRS combat vehicles, 34,408 field artillery guns and mortars, and 59,257 units of support military vehicles.

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Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty to Arson and Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization

Monday, April 13, 2026

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

White Supremacist Destroyed Nonprofit with a Napalm-Based Device and Attempted to Provide Support to Hezbollah

Today, Regan Darby Prater, 28, currently of Tullahoma, Tennessee, entered a guilty plea to one count of arson and one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Prater pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Sentencing has been set before U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan for Sept. 9, in Knoxville.

Prater faces up to 20 years in federal prison, along with related fines, restitution, and a term of supervised release to be served after he is released from custody. As part of his agreement, Prater waived indictment by a Federal Grand Jury and agreed to plead guilty to the aforementioned charges.

Court documents establish that Prater used a so-called "sparkler bomb," i.e., a napalm-based incendiary device ignited by a common sparkler, to destroy facilities maintained by the Highlander Center, a school for grassroots leaders and social movements in New Market, Tennessee. As part of his guilty plea, Prater admitted that he drove from his home in Tullahoma to the Highlander Center, ignited the sparkler bomb, and destroyed a building, ultimately causing over $1.2 million in damage.

Before he detonated the bomb, Prater spray-painted the symbol of the Iron Guard, a 1930s-era paramilitary arm of the Romanian Nazi Party, in the Highlander Center parking lot. This same symbol was engraved on the rifle used in the terrorist attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand, just two weeks prior to the arson. Prater acknowledged that he committed the arson at the Highland Center due to his white-supremacist ideology and as a response to the Highlander Center's faith-based educational priorities and its association with the Civil Rights Movement.

Separately, Prater also admitted that, in 2019, he attempted to provide material support to Hizballah, also known as "Hezbollah," which the United States has recognized as a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 1997. Specifically, Prater obtained a document purporting to contain personally identifiable information of over 35,000 individuals purportedly affiliated with the government of Israel. He then provided that document to an individual he believed to be associated with Hizballah, stating, among other things: "Start the hunt."

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division; Assistant Attorney General John Eisenberg of the Justice Department's National Security Division; U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee; and Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Nashville Field Office made the announcement.

This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey T. Arrowood and Kyle J. Wilson for the Eastern District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Katherine McCallister of the Civil Rights Division and Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division.

Topic: Civil Rights

Components: Civil Rights Division

National Security Division (NSD)

Press Release Number: 26-3552

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Press conference - Parliament House, Canberra

Transcript

Monday 13 April 2026

Parliament House, Canberra

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP

Prime Minister of Australia

The Hon Richard Marles MP

Deputy Prime Minister

Minister for Defence

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Well, there is no greater honour than to wear our nation's uniform and serve our country in the Australian Defence Force. And today we're pleased to recommend to Her Excellency the Governor-General a number of senior command changes within the Australian Defence Force. The Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN, will be appointed as Chief of the Defence Force. Vice Admiral Hammond has had a distinguished career, spanning 40 years in the Royal Australian Navy, serving in frigates and extensively in and later commanding submarines and the Australian fleet. Appointed the Chief of Navy in 2022, Vice Admiral Hammond will continue to bring valuable insight to the role of Chief of the Defence Force, including of course to Australia's acquisition of conventionally-armed nuclear-powered submarines through AUKUS and the delivery of the Navy's future surface combatant fleet.

Our Government extends our deepest gratitude and thanks to the Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston AC RAN. Admiral Johnston will retire with the change in command in July. Admiral Johnston has served in the ADF for over 48 years in both Navy and joint appointments. As the Vice Chief of the Defence Force, he was instrumental to the design of Australia's Future Force and the subsequent ADF implementation of the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Admiral Johnston has also provided long-term leadership to ADF operations as the Chief of Joint Operations and as the CDF. He is the longest serving ADF officer at the three- and four-star ranks, and I congratulate him and thank his family for what is a tremendous achievement.

The Chief of Joint Capabilities, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM will be appointed as the new Chief of Army. Enlisting as a soldier in the Army Reserves in 1987, Lieutenant General Coyle has worked at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels and in command roles, including Head Information Warfare, Commander Forces Command, Commander Joint Task Force 633, Commander 6th Brigade, Commander Task Force Afghanistan, and Commanding Officer 17th Signal Regiment. Lieutenant General Coyle will be the first woman in our nation's history to command the Australian Army.

The Government extends our sincere appreciation to the retiring Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Simon Stuart AO DSC. Lieutenant General Stuart has served with great distinction and leadership across the army, most notably as the first Chief of Army to begin his career as a soldier. Lieutenant General Stuart has been key to preparing the Army for the changes required to the Force following the 2024 National Defence Strategy. The next Chief of Joint Capabilities will be appointed in due course.

Rear Admiral Matthew Buckley AM CSC RAN will be appointed on promotion as the Chief of Navy. Rear Admiral Buckley has served in the Oberon and Collins-class submarines, including commanding HMAS Collins and commanding the submarine force. He was the Head of Nuclear Submarine Capability at the Australian Submarine Agency before becoming Deputy Chief of Navy in January 2025. This experience places Rear Admiral Buckley in a unique position to lead the Royal Australian Navy and its people over the coming years as it continues its vital contributions to the peace, stability and safety of the Indo-Pacific region. The Government extends our sincere gratitude to Admiral Johnston and Lieutenant General Stuart and their families for their longstanding commitment to the defence of Australia, their service to our nation and their lasting contribution to the Australian Defence Force. There is indeed no higher calling than to serve in the Defence Force and all Australians owe a debt to those who protect the Australian way of life. These changes will take effect from July 2026.

RICHARD MARLES, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: Well, thank you, Prime Minister. I might start with thanking the two outgoing senior officers. David Johnston has served in the Australian Defence Force for 48 years. We joke with David that that means that he began his time in the defence force as a child, but in fact, that is true, because he joined up at the age of 15 when there was a program which allowed you to finish school through the Royal Australian Navy. And since then, David has had a remarkable career commanding surface combatant ships, more recently being the Chief of Joint Operations Command, and then spending six years as the Vice Chief of the Defence Force during a period in which we really rebuilt the integrated investment program and have begun the process of really reshaping the Australian Defence Force. And of course, over the last two years, has been the Chief of Defence Force. Since becoming the Minister for Defence, I have greatly benefited from the wise council and wisdom of David. He is a very good friend, and I will miss him greatly.

I would also like to acknowledge Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, the current Chief of Army, with both the Defence Strategic Review and the ensuing National Defence Strategy in 2024, and in many ways, the Defence Estate Audit, all of these have perhaps asked more of Army than any of the services. And Simon has been responsible for implementing this, and he has done a really remarkable job in the way in which he has embraced change. We are reshaping our army to becoming much more amphibious with much greater long-range strike capabilities. And Simon has very much been at the heart of that. And both Simon and David, as the Prime Minister has said, go with our very best wishes, and they should feel incredibly proud of the service that they have provided.

Today, we are really excited to be announcing that Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, who will shortly become Admiral Mark Hammond, will be the next Chief of the Defence Force. Mark is the first person who began his life as enlisted personnel, in his case an enlisted sailor, to now become the Chief of Defence Force. He has literally gone from scrubbing decks to, in July, becoming the Chief of the Defence Force. Mark has commanded submarines. He is a submariner by trade. Since 2022, he has been the Chief of Navy, and in that period has been right at the heart of the process by which we are acquiring a long-range nuclear-powered submarine capability, as well as reshaping our surface fleet, and particularly through the introduction of the general-purpose frigate. And Mark has done an incredible job as the Chief of Navy, and we are really excited about the contribution that he will make as the Chief of the Defence Force.

Rear Admiral Matt Buckley, as the Prime Minister has said, will be promoted to become Vice Admiral Matt Buckley and will become the Chief of Navy. Matt too is a submariner. He is the second submariner after Mark to be the Chief of Navy. He has commanded the HMAS Collins itself. He has been at the very beginning of the taskforce for acquiring nuclear-powered submarine capability under the banner of AUKUS and right at the beginning of the Australian Submarine Agency as its first director of nuclear submarine capability. And over the last few years, has served really well as the Deputy Chief of Navy, and we look forward to his promotion and becoming the next Chief of Navy.

And of course, Lieutenant General Susan Coyle. Susan, like Mark, began her life in the Defence Force as an enlisted soldier in 1987, graduated from Duntroon in 1992, has commanded at every rank that she has held, which is in itself a remarkable achievement, has most recently been the Chief of Joint Capability at a time where we have been expanding and changing our capability, and she was very much the standout candidate to be the next Chief of Army after General Stuart. Of course, as a result of that, her achievement means that she will be the first woman to command a service in Australian history, and it is a deeply historic moment, one that should be noted. As Susan said to me, "You cannot be what you cannot see." And Susan's achievement will be deeply significant to women who are serving in the Australian Defence Force today and women who are thinking about serving in the Australian Defence Force in the future. I've often said that one of the real privileges of being the Minister for Defence, one of the reasons I have so much wanted to have this position is because of the privilege I get to work with the calibre of the people that I do and in Admirals Hammond and Buckley and General Coyle, we have three people who absolutely exemplify that.

VICE ADMIRAL MARK HAMMOND AO RAN, CHIEF OF NAVY: Firstly, I thank the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for their vote of trust and confidence. The responsibilities of the position are not lost on me. This is probably the most humbling moment in my career. I certainly look forward to serving with and for Australia's sailors, soldiers, and aviators as their Chief of Defence Force through the challenging times ahead. And I'd like to thank my wife, Jodi, my son, Josh, and my daughter, Jessica, for their love and support as we embark upon the next challenge. Thank you.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, you haven't yet announced a Defence Secretary and there's going to be quite a bit of upheaval in the Department as you move to new leadership. How soon can we expect that? And with the new Chief, what will be your first priority in the job? Will it be addressing the AUKUS situation?

PRIME MINISTER: Will be done in the same orderly way that characterises my Government.

VICE ADMIRAL HAMMOND: Thank you, Andrew. My first priority is to get a really good handover from Admiral Johnston. I've got three months left as the Chief of Navy. That'll be my focus for the next few months.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, the announcement of a blockade by President Trump, what would such a blockade mean for Australia? Would it change the assessment of us being confident in having fuel supply well into May? And does it make your trips this week even more significant when it comes to engagement with those international partners?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we want to see the Strait of Hormuz opened and with freedom of navigation taking place. So, obviously, the lack of a resolution in the negotiations that took place on the weekend were disappointing. We want to see de-escalation, and we want to see those negotiations resumed.

JOURNALIST: Is the visit more significant in this context?

PRIME MINISTER: The trip this week will be very significant and the impacts that are happening on a day-to-day basis with announcements just reinforce the fact that we are living in very uncertain times. And when you have that, what you have to do is to act with certainty. What we are acting, with certainty, is to maximise Australia's opportunities to secure supply.

JOURNALIST: My question is to Vice Admiral. Mark Hammond, the lessons of the war in the Middle East in recent weeks and months is that the economics of war have greatly changed. Even if Australia was to assist in a blockade or whatever Donald Trump calls it, isn't the fact that our ships wouldn't be able to defend themselves, but for multimillion dollar missiles against really cheap drones?

VICE ADMIRAL HAMMOND: Let me start by saying that we've got 10 surface combatants right now, eight of them are at sea today. That, Navy, is as ready as it ever has been. And they are fitted with one of the most advanced radars in the world, CEA Radar, and some of the most advanced missile and point defence systems in the world. Are they capable of performing the mission? As Admiral Johnston said last week, absolutely. The question of a contribution is one for consideration by the Australian Government, should they receive a request, and there's been no such request as yet.

JOURNALIST: In April 2020, when you were in Opposition, you said Australia should have 90 days available of liquid fuel reserves. This has long been pointed out to government. What we need to do is build capacity here for refining. The Government is in breach of its obligations. Nation states need to have their own fuel capacity. It's an issue of national security. You've been in the job for four years now. Why don't we have 90 days of fuel in reserve? And why isn't our own capacity larger?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I'm aware of the Liberal Party drop on Saturday to the Gallery.

JOURNALIST: It is what you said though.

PRIME MINISTER: I'm aware of the Liberal Party drop to the Gallery on Saturday. And what we have done since we came to office - we had reserves that were in the United States - one of the things that we have done is to make sure that we brought those reserves back. We did that in 2022. That has meant that we have the largest fuel reserves at the beginning of this global crisis in 15 years, because of the work that we had done. Is there more work to do? Yes, there is. That is why we continue to do it.

JOURNALIST: Back to your visit to Brunei and Malaysia. Is it a case you're seeking reaffirmation of current supply arrangements, or can we expect more?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, we'll negotiate with respect and treat both the Sultan of Brunei and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with respect by not pre-empting those discussions. But we have good relationships with both countries when it comes to Brunei. They provide about 9 per cent of our diesel, but also a major supplier of fertiliser. And Malaysia provides the third largest imports to Australia. And so, we will negotiate with them in good faith. We have good relationships and I'm looking forward to the visit which I'll conduct along with Foreign Minister Wong.

JOURNALIST: The government's launched a $20 million campaign calling on Australians to use less fuel. Is this the best use of taxpayer's money?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, I think it's very important that we inform the public of two things. One, is the four level strategic planning that we've done through the National Cabinet. At a time where there is a lot of information flowing around, one of the things that that led to was an increase in some areas, in some markets of 1,000 per cent in demand. That explosion in demand that occurred - we've all seen footage, as I'm sure that your network has shown, of people driving up to a station, filling up jerry cans in packed utes or vans and as well filling up water tanks full of diesel, and then that being kept in a similar way to which during COVID pandemic, some people filled their garages with toilet paper. That's one thing. Filling your garage with fuel is both unwise, not helpful for the national interest, but also dangerous. We have provided that information very sensibly out there as well. And as I said in interviews this morning, the feedback from people about lots of information so that they can save fuel is a sensible thing at a time where there is a global challenge. And in some countries, such as the Philippines and Sri Lanka, they have enforced public holidays now every week. That is what is happening. What we are doing is informing the public and that is a sensible thing to do.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, thank you. I think you said this morning, as part of the consequence of your visit to Singapore, that this puts Australia to the front of the queue. How does that sound to other countries that are also struggling? You've just mentioned two, in fact.

PRIME MINISTER: We have important relationships, and we are working to secure the Australian national interest. That is what we will continue to do, and that's what we do when we engage internationally in our region. And those relationships at a time like this are very important.

JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, when you talk about the impact, obviously, the war will have an impact on the Budget here in less than a month's time. Obviously, there's been reporting that there are changes being looked at, including the NDIS. Are you able to give us any indication as to what some of those fiscal changes may be?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the Budget is now less than a month away, I think, in terms of dates, and we'll work through the Government's budget processes. They'll continue today, they'll continue next week. Obviously, the uncertainty that's there - this is having a massive global impact. This is the biggest spike in fuel prices that the world has ever seen. This obviously has implications, and the Government is dealing with that. And one of the things that it will mean is that the Budget is likely to be settled later than usual.

JOURNALIST: What's your message to tens of thousands of Australians of Lebanese background who are grieving this war, many who've lost family members and their family homes? And what's your response to their criticism that the Government's lacked a meaningful response to the humanitarian toll?

PRIME MINISTER: Well, the loss of any innocent life is to be regretted, wherever it occurs, whatever the circumstances are. We have said that the ceasefire should apply to Lebanon as well. We've been very clear about that. And I feel for grieving families who've lost innocent relatives and friends, wherever that occurs. It is one of - when we say we want to see a ceasefire and an end to conflict, there are two areas. One is, we want to see - the loss of innocent life and we're very conscious of the humanitarian impact that has occurred. Secondly, as well is the global economic impact, which also has real consequences for humanitarian concerns. The conflict is having a greater impact in developing countries that require fuel for just their absolute essentials of life, is having an enormous impact, which is why we've called for consistently de-escalation and a solution going forward.

JOURNALIST: There's a lot of interest in the community for a 25 per cent tax on LNG exports. Do you recognise that there is momentum building around that idea? And just how seriously are you considering it, if at all, as part of the Budget?

PRIME MINISTER: We'll have the Budget next month. We'll have the Budget next month.

JOURNALIST: Can I just ask for your reaction to Western Australia considering its own strategic fuel reserve? Does it start to get a bit messy? Do you concede that the national stockpile will have to increase, if not up to 90 days, increase beyond what it's up to now? And to the incoming CDF what is the biggest challenge the military faces as of today?

PRIME MINISTER: I've had very constructive discussions with Premier Roger Cook and will continue to do so. We'll work bilaterally but also, we'll work through the National Cabinet. One of the things that people want to see is for there to be national coordination and one direction going forward and that is one of the lessons of COVID.

VICE ADMIRAL HAMMOND: I think the biggest opportunity for the Australian Defence Force going forward is to be seen as an employer of choice that values every member of the team and creates an environment where our people want to get out of bed and go to work, because of the important work that we do, how we do it and who we get to work with. I'd suggest that we've made significant progress in that regard. Our separation rates across all three services are at near record lows and have been held at that level for the last couple of years.

PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much.

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Australia has not received request to join Trump's blockade of Strait of Hormuz: Albanese

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

13.04.2026 [10:31]

Baku, April 13, AZERTAC

Australia has not been asked to participate in US President Donald Trump's blockade of Iran's ports in the Strait of Hormuz, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Monday as he urged Washington and Tehran to resume peace talks, Anadolu Agency reports citing to local media.

"We've received no requests, and they've made this announcement overnight...in a unilateral way. We haven't been asked to participate," Albanese told Channel Nine.

It comes as Albanese named current navy chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond as the new chief of the Australian Defense Force.

"This is the US making the decision that they have. What we want is for negotiations to continue," he added.

"We want to see an end to the loss of life and the loss of infrastructure in the Middle East. We want to see trade resume. This is having a massive global economic impact, not just on Australia. Every single country is being impacted," he said.

Trump announced the blockade on Sunday after negotiations between the US and Iran in Pakistan's capital Islamabad ended without an agreement.

Pakistan mediated a two-week US-Iran ceasefire last week.

The Iran war has disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, resulting in a severe energy shock globally.

In a related development, Albanese announced that he will travel to Brunei and Malaysia from April 14-17 to discuss energy and food security.

He will meet with Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, his office said in a statement.

Australia is one of the world's top exporters of LNG but is largely reliant on Asia for fuel and the fertilizer needed for farmers to produce food crops.

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Minister Sidhu meets with China's Vice-Premier in charge of financial and economic affairs

Global Affairs Canada

Readout

April 13, 2026 - Haikou, People's Republic of China - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met today with He Lifeng, Vice-Premier of the People's Republic of China, on the margins of the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou.

Minister Sidhu expressed Canada's appreciation to Vice-Premier He Lifeng for Canada's designation as the Guest Country of Honour at the CICPE, noting strong interest from Canadian companies and the value of the platform for expanding bilateral trade.

Minister Sidhu communicated the importance Canada attaches to pragmatic and constructive engagement with China, including in the context of the new strategic partnership between the two countries. Minister Sidhu noted that he looks forward to reinvigorating the Canada-China Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue with the Vice-Premier. He also emphasized Canada's commitment to having a continued dialogue with China, including on areas of economic and trade interest to Canadians.

Minister Sidhu and Vice-Premier He Lifeng reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the positive momentum in Canada-China relations and on continuing to advance economic cooperation in areas of shared interest.

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Prime Minister Carney speaks with Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney

April 13, 2026

Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif.

The leaders discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and emphasised the importance of de-escalation and a sustained ceasefire. Prime Minister Carney thanked Prime Minister Sharif for the key strategic role played by Pakistan in facilitating a first round of discussions between the United States and Iran. He also underscored that the ceasefire should include Lebanon.

The leaders underscored the need for free and secure access through the Strait of Hormuz. They emphasised the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf region and beyond.

Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Sharif discussed expanding bilateral relations through increased trade and investment and looked forward to the next round of talks on a foreign investment protection agreement in June.

The leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the situation in the Middle East evolves.

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Top Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Kim Jong Un Meets with Wang Yi

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 10, 2026 23:55

On April 10, 2026 local time, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un met with Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi at the headquarters of the Central Committee of the WPK in Pyongyang.

Wang Yi conveyed the cordial greetings of General Secretary Xi Jinping to General Secretary Kim Jong Un, and warmly congratulated the successful convening of the 9th Congress of the WPK and the 15th Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK. Wang Yi expressed firm confidence that under the strong leadership of the WPK Central Committee headed by General Secretary Kim Jong Un, and with the concerted efforts of the entire DPRK people, the socialist cause of the DPRK will continue to reach new heights.

Wang Yi stated that General Secretary Kim Jong Un paid a successful visit to China last September and attended commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. During the visit, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un held a historic meeting that provided strategic guidance and opened up new prospects for China-DPRK relations. China stands ready to work with the DPRK side to fully implement the important consensus of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, intensify exchanges and interactions, and promote practical cooperation to bring new contemporary significance to the traditional friendship between the two countries. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that both China and the DPRK are socialist countries led by communist parties, sharing common ideals, beliefs and goals. In the face of a complex and turbulent international situation, the two countries should firmly safeguard their respective sovereignty, security and development interests, further strengthen communication and coordination on major international and regional affairs, and make due contributions to protecting the common interests of developing countries as well as maintaining world peace and development.

Kim Jong Un extended a warm welcome to visiting Comrade Wang Yi and the Chinese delegation, and kindly asked him to convey his cordial greetings and best wishes to General Secretary Xi Jinping. Kim Jong Un noted that he still vividly remembers his meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping during his visit to China in September of last year. He expressed his pleasure in seeing the important consensus reached between himself and General Secretary Xi Jinping being concretely implemented, noting that the relationship between the DPRK and China has been elevated to new heights, in line with the will and aspirations of the two parties and peoples. Given the current dramatic changes in the international situation, deepening and developing DPRK-China relations serves the common interests of both countries and is the firm will and established policy of the DPRK's party and government. The DPRK fully supports the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the four global initiatives proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, and strongly supports China's legitimate position and all efforts in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity such as on the Taiwan question. The DPRK is willing to take the grand blueprint established by the 9th Congress of the WPK as an opportunity to continue deepening the friendship and cooperative ties centered on socialism with China. The DPRK is committed to strengthening high-level exchanges, enhancing strategic communication, providing firm mutual support, and advancing the development of the two countries' socialist causes respectively, so as to contribute to the well-being of the two peoples and to world peace and stability.

At the invitation of the DPRK's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi visited the DPRK from April 9 to 10. During his visit, Wang Yi held in-depth talks with the DPRK Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and paid tribute to the graves of the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteers located in Kangdong County.

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Wang Yi Holds Talks with DPRK Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 09, 2026 23:02

On April 9, 2026 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Choe Son Hui at the Kumsusan Guesthouse in Pyongyang.

Wang Yi stated that in early September of last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un held a historic meeting in Beijing and reached important common understandings on global, strategic, and directional issues concerning bilateral relations, providing significant strategic guidance for the future development of China-DPRK relations. This meeting has ushered the bilateral ties into a new stage and opened a new chapter in friendly exchanges, holding profound and far-reaching significance. China is ready to work with the DPRK side to take the important consensus of the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries as the fundamental guide to enhance strategic communication, maintain close exchanges and cooperation, and continuously consolidate the positive momentum of bilateral relations to deliver more benefits to the two peoples and jointly promote regional peace and development.

Wang Yi said that over the past year, exchanges between China and the DPRK have been full of highlights, powerfully demonstrating that the traditional friendship forged in blood between the two sides will never fade and is unbreakable. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. Over the past 65 years, regardless of changes in the international and regional situation, the two countries, as good neighbors, friends and comrades, have always upheld mutual trust and mutual support, and have made unremitting efforts to maintain regional and global peace and stability, and advance their respective development. China is willing to host commemorative activities marking the 65th anniversary of the signing of the treaty with the DPRK side, strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance dialogue and practical cooperation at all levels and in various fields, deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, promote mutual understanding, and contribute to the economic and social development of both countries.

Choe Son Hui stated that the friendship between the DPRK and China is based on a shared socialist system and a tradition of friendship, and that bilateral relations are profound, solid, and sustainable. Advancing DPRK-China friendship and cooperation in line with the trend of the times and the will of both peoples is the unshakable stance of both the Party and Government of Korea. The historic and successful meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries last September has powerfully enhanced friendship and mutual trust, pointing out the direction and injecting strong impetus into the development of DPRK-China relations. The DPRK side fully supports the one-China principle, firmly opposes any interference in China's internal affairs, and resolutely supports China's position on safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity on core interests and major concerns related to Taiwan, Xizang and Xinjiang. The DPRK fully recognizes the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity and the four global initiatives proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, and highly appreciates China's impartial stance and important role in international and regional issues. The DPRK side is ready to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, hold commemorative activities for the 65th anniversary of the signing of the DPRK-China Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance, promote exchanges and pragmatic cooperation across various fields, maintain coordination among diplomatic departments, and enhance multilateral communication and cooperation to make continuous efforts to advance DPRK-China relations to a new level and open up new prospects.

The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on current international and regional issues.

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The Daily Press Briefing (04/13/2026)

France - Ministere de lEurope et des Affaires etrangeres - Press briefing

News

Statements by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson

Press briefing

Published on April 13, 2026

CONTENTS

INDIA

Franco-Indian consultations between Martins Briens, Secretary General of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri (Apr. 13, 2026)

The Secretary General of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Martin Briens, and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri engaged in Franco-Indian consultations in Paris on April 13.

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot also met with Mr. Misri on this occasion.

The Minister and the Foreign Secretary emphasized the importance of abiding by the ceasefire agreement reached by Iran and the United States, and of finding a swift and lasting end to the war through diplomatic means. They also discussed the ways and means of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

As India is working closely with the French G7 Presidency, they discussed the responses that our two countries could develop to tackle major macroeconomic imbalances and promote a more inclusive form of multilateralism.

NORWAY

Meeting between Jean-Noel Barrot and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide (Apr. 13, 2026)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot hosted his Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide, on April 13.

The Ministers reviewed the implementation of the strategic partnership agreement between France and Norway signed during President Macron's state visit to Oslo in June 2025. They discussed the prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in green industries, defense and the space industry, as well as NATO's commitment to Arctic security.

The Minister highlighted France's commitment to the close partnership between the EU and Norway.

The Ministers expressed their agreement on several international issues. They reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine in Russia's war of aggression. They also agreed on the need to restore the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with the Law of the Sea, and to include Lebanon in the terms of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

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India-France Foreign Office Consultations (April 13, 2026)

India - Ministry of External Affairs

April 13, 2026

India France Foreign Office Consultations were held on 13 April 2026 in Paris, co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri and Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Martin Briens. During the visit, Foreign Secretary also called on Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, and met Mr. Emmanuel Bonne, Diplomatic Advisor to the President of France.

2. Both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the progress made in various facets of the bilateral relationship, especially in context of the elevation of ties to Special Global Strategic Partnership and the visit of President Macron to India in February 2026. The two sides also reviewed key deliverables including the India-France Year of Innovation, cooperation on economic security, the shared ambition of increasing the crossflow of STEM talent, including more Indian students in France, and the goal of doubling bilateral trade, especially in light of the conclusion of negotiations of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

3. The discussions encompassed strategic areas of bilateral cooperation including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cyber and digital, AI, institutional dialogue mechanisms, and initiatives fostering people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties. The two sides also exchanged views on global issues such as cooperation in environment, climate change and health, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, trilateral dialogues, joint development projects in third countries, as well as developments in West Asia and Ukraine.

4. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Secretary General Martin Briens agreed to meet again for the Strategic Space Dialogue, scheduled to be held later this year.

Paris

April 13, 2025

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"The first ray of hope"

Germany - Federal Government

Press statement by the Federal Chancellor on the domestic and foreign policy situation

Germany wants to help bring peace to the Middle East. The negotiations following the ceasefire agreement will be challenging, according to Federal Chancellor Merz. Above all, he said, a sustainable solution for the Strait of Hormuz is important.

Transcript of press conference

Thursday, 9 April 2026

There is a chance of peace in the Middle East - even if this peace is still a long way off. Federal Chancellor Merz emphasised this in a press statement. He said that Germany was trying to exert its influence. "We are prepared to take responsibility for stabilising peace, if it succeeds", said Merz. The situation there also requires responses from us - not least to the dramatic rise in energy costs caused by this war, said the Chancellor.

The Federal Government had, he said, reacted quickly with an initial legislative package tightening competition law in particular. It was also intensively examining further measures in the event that prices continue to rise over a prolonged period. "We are indeed facing major challenges that we must overcome together", emphasised Merz. "The Federal Government is determined to act in solidarity, knowing full well that we still have a long and difficult road ahead of us in the coming weeks and months."

The most important points in brief:

War in Iran: "We have seen the first ray of hope at diplomatic level", said Federal Chancellor Merz after the ceasefire agreement between the USA and Iran. The Chancellor went on to say that, for the first time since the start of the war, a window of opportunity had opened for a negotiated solution - even if the ceasefire in the region was fragile. The Federal Government, he said, wanted to continue its diplomatic support for the chance of peace. In coordination with the USA and its European partners, it was now also resuming talks with Tehran.

"We have seen the first ray of hope at diplomatic level", said Federal Chancellor Merz after the ceasefire agreement between the USA and Iran. The Chancellor went on to say that, for the first time since the start of the war, a window of opportunity had opened for a negotiated solution - even if the ceasefire in the region was fragile. The Federal Government, he said, wanted to continue its diplomatic support for the chance of peace. In coordination with the USA and its European partners, it was now also resuming talks with Tehran. Strait of Hormuz : "Above all, we need a sustainable agreement that restore freedom of movement for ships in the Strait of Hormuz", said the Chancellor. Germany, he said, was prepared to ensure freedom of movement for ships after a peace agreement if there was a mandate and a viable concept for this.

: "Above all, we need a sustainable agreement that restore freedom of movement for ships in the Strait of Hormuz", said the Chancellor. Germany, he said, was prepared to ensure freedom of movement for ships after a peace agreement if there was a mandate and a viable concept for this. Lebanon : Federal Chancellor Merz has asked Israel to end the further intensified attacks in Lebanon. He fears that the harshness with which Israel is waging war could jeopardise peace efforts. Merz reported that he is also in personal contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

: Federal Chancellor Merz has asked Israel to end the further intensified attacks in Lebanon. He fears that the harshness with which Israel is waging war could jeopardise peace efforts. Merz reported that he is also in personal contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Measures against rising prices: After the ceasefire began, said Merz, oil and gas prices fell by 10 percent and petrol station prices by 3 cents. However, even in the event of a permanent ceasefire process, tense markets and rising prices are still to be expected, said the Chancellor. Merz reported that the Federal Government was therefore examining further measures in case prices continue to rise over a prolonged period.

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Statement by President von der Leyen on the impact of the situation in the Middle East on the European Union

European Commission

Statement

Apr 12, 2026

Brussels

We had an orientation debate, mostly on the economic impact of the crisis in the Middle East on the European Union. As we all know, for 44 days now, once again the Middle East has been engulfed in war. And these past six weeks have reminded us that peace cannot be taken for granted. In recent days, it seemed as if a pause was emerging. A ceasefire has been announced, you all witnessed that. Allow me to say a word of gratitude to Pakistan for the important role they have played to get to this point. But we also know that negotiations have been stalled now, and we have to see how things go on now. Any agreement will have to address the concerns raised by Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programme, and its actions obstructing the navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is greatly damaging, and the restoration of the freedom of navigation is of paramount importance for us. We are also worried that the continued strikes on Lebanon threaten to derail the entire process. We are mobilising ReliefEU stocks to provide immediate aid to the Lebanese people, but no amount of aid can replace the safety of a permanent peace. A key lesson of the past weeks is that security is indivisible. You cannot have stability in the Middle East or the Gulf while Lebanon is in flames. So we call on all parties to respect the sovereignty of Lebanon and to implement a complete cessation of hostilities. And as we observe the current fragile ceasefire, and despite the uncertainty, I want us to draw together lessons. This is the main purpose why we had the orientation debate today. It was not the first one in this crisis but, of course, now with a new and fresh look on the situation. Let us recap, since the beginning of the conflict - 44 days ago -, our bill for fossil fuel imports has increased by over EUR 22 billion. 44 days, EUR 22 billion - not a single molecule of energy in addition. This shows the enormous impact this crisis has on our economy. And even if hostilities ceased immediately, the disruptions to energy supplies from the Gulf will persist for some time to come. Therefore, we also discussed a series of measures that we will present to leaders at the next informal EUCO in Cyprus next week. We will have a communication the Wednesday before the EUCO starts in Cyprus. And today, we discussed a number of measures that we could present. Let me mention some of them, starting with immediate measures.

First and foremost, it is important that we have a robust coordination among the Member States. Because, we have learnt that in any crisis, unity is our strength. We have demonstrated this in the 2022 energy crisis with the EU Energy Platform. Let me just give you two figures: this platform helped aggregate 90 billion cubic metres of gas purchases for us in the European Union. It has connected buyers with suppliers - with 77 billion cubic metres matched - between off-takers and suppliers. So we do not start from scratch with this coordination in the energy sector, but we can do more and we can do better. We are also looking into EU-wide coordination of Member States' gas storage filling, to avoid that many Member States go to the market at the same time, so they are competing against each other. We will also coordinate oil stock releases, to achieve the largest possible effect of these releases. And we will ensure that Member States' emergency measures will not impact the Single Market. That is the 'coordination' part.

Let me look at the second element we discussed. This is basically about how to approach the different measures that Member States might apply to better protect vulnerable households and sectors from high energy prices. It is very important as went through the last energy crisis three or four years ago. And we really learnt the lesson from this energy crisis. The measures should be targeted to vulnerable groups, timely - they have to be fast, not in a year but immediately - and temporary - so for a short amount of time you can apply them, but if they are cast in law, you have to make sure that you get out of the measures in a timely manner. We will discuss with the Member States and show some typical best practices on how to design income support schemes. All of this will be in the communication that we will present next week. And already this week, we will consult Member States on more flexible State aid rules - that is an important tool too -, to give Member States more space for temporary State aid support in the most exposed sectors. And my goal is that this temporary State aid framework should be adopted still this month - so that we have the new temporary framework for State aid in April. This is the part of 'support measures'.

And the third element is how can we reduce the demand.* Because the least expensive energy is of course the energy we do not use. We should reduce demand, while fully respecting the free choice of consumers. We are looking at energy efficiency levers, such as renovation of buildings or renewal of equipment in industrial operations. These and other measures will be at the core of the presentation of the communication we will present next week on the table of the leaders. So far for 'immediate measures'.

At the same time, we also need more structural measures to bring down energy prices and give relief to citizens and businesses. We already had constructive discussions in the last European Council on the four cost components for the energy bill. The biggest chunk is of course the energy source itself. But then you have the grids charges, the taxes and levies. The smallest part is the ETS. We discussed that at the last European Council and partially delivering on what we have discussed and designing new elements. So on the ETS costs - which, I repeat, are the smallest amount in the energy bill: we have already proposed changes to the Market Stability Reserve. We are stopping the cancellation of allowances, and we are boosting the firepower of the Reserve. Thus, we are enhancing the stability and predictability of ETS prices without losing the important price signal. In addition, we will shortly consult Member States on updated ETS benchmarks using all the flexibilities the legal text gives us. And as announced, we are on track to present the full review of the ETS system in July.

There are two other cost components: electricity taxes and grids charges. Work is advancing on legislative proposals with which we will come. Today's discussion confirmed that we will present these legislative proposals in May. Finally, we discussed the biggest chunk of the energy bill: the energy source itself. Let me recall and widen the picture for a moment: The Strait of Hormuz is essentially closed, and immediately citizens feel the impact at the gas station, in the supermarket and on the household bills. What we are seeing in the Middle East is not some distant crisis. But in a world in which everything is connected, the effects are direct and immediate. This is the second fossil fuel crisis in just a few years. There is one thing that all these events are making clear: we are paying a very high price for our overdependency on fossil fuels. And the grim reality for our continent is: fossil fuel energy will remain the most expensive option in the years to come.

But on the other hand, Europe also has assets: that is electricity produced in Europe from renewables and nuclear. And therefore, our strategy to decarbonise has not only been confirmed in the last years but is growing in importance day by day. And our objective is clear: we need to scale up the homegrown, affordable, reliable energy. That is the wide range of renewables we have, but it is also the nuclear energy of course. Because they give us independence, predictability and energy security. The only lasting way out of the fossil dependency is to modernise by shifting electricity generation to renewables and nuclear, and by electrifying the economy as rapidly as possible.

We have made progress in growing renewables and nuclear in Europe - they both now account for over 70% of our electricity generation. But of course, we need to go much further. And these clean energy sources need better integration in the energy system. At the moment, huge volumes of clean power remain unused or even wasted. So what we need is storage and flexibility, and to accelerate grid connections. To improve the overall situation, we have presented the Grids package in December. The initial goal was to have it agreed with the co-legislators at the end of this year. I think this is too much time. The sense of urgency is too high. So, I would really like to urge the co-legislator so that we have this important package approved by the beginning of the summer.*

We also need to accelerate the electrification of our economy, of our industrial operations, of how we heat our homes, of our mobility. In other words: electrifying Europe means making Europe more independent. But at the moment, we are lagging with the electrification - behind both China and the United States. So we will present our electrification strategy before the summer as well. This will include an ambitious new target on electrification. Only what gets measured gets done. To achieve this, we have to remove any remaining regulatory obstacles and to mobilise investments.

And this is my last point: investment. Regarding public money, I will again encourage the Member States to make better use of the EU funding we have, for example the Cohesion Funds. The money is there, you can invest it - in grids, in storage, in batteries. Please use that money now, because we need to improve our energy system. But public money is not enough - so we also need much more private capital. We will therefore convene an Investment Conference to mobilise private investments in these areas.

So, as you can see, there is a lot of work going on, to confront the reality and the challenges we face. This was an excellent orientation debate. It will certainly not be last one concerning this crisis. But it is a good ramp to build up for next week's communication in preparation of the European Council in Cyprus.

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Remarks by the DPM/FM at the conclusion of the Islamabad Talks

Prime Miinister's Office - Islamic Republic of Pakistan

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.

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.

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.

On behalf of Pakistan, I would like to express gratitude to the two sides for appreciating Pakistan's efforts to help achieve the ceasefire and its mediatory role.

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.



Islamabad

12 April 2026

100/2026

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Saudi, Iranian foreign ministers discuss regional developments

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

13.04.2026 [20:04]

Baku, April 13, AZERTAC

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, discussed the latest regional developments during a phone call on Monday, Anadolu Agency reports citing the Saudi Foreign Ministry.

The discussions also addressed a recent round of talks mediated by Pakistan between Washington and Tehran, the ministry added in a statement.

Iran's state-run news IRNA confirmed the contact, without giving details about its content.

The phone call came after the US and Iran held rare direct talks in Islamabad on Saturday aimed at ending their current conflict, which started after the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Tehran on Feb. 28, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory attacks targeting Israel, Iraq, Jordan and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

The talks, however, ended early Sunday without any agreement.

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Strait of Hormuz faces volatility amid US President's blockade order; Chinese FM notes root cause is military conflict, urges restraint

Global Times

By Sun Langchen Published: Apr 13, 2026 11:57 PM

As the US blockade of Strait of Hormuz came into effect on Monday 10:00 A.M. ET., the US military said it will block all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, according to Al Jazeera.

The US president Donald Trump earlier on Monday announced on social media that the United States to Blockade Ships Entering or Exiting Iranian Ports on April 13 at 10:00 A.M. ET.

Situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz once again faces volatility following US President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday after peace negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad that lasted 21 hours collapsed on Sunday morning.

As tensions linger between the US and Iran over the strait, Netanyahu says ceasefire with Iran might end "within short time", Xinhua reported, citing Israeli media.

The root cause of the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz is the military conflict. To solve the issue, the conflict must stop as soon as possible. All parties need to remain calm and exercise restraint. China will continue playing a constructive role, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday when asked to comment on Trump's order of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and measures against countries having energy trade with Iran. In an interview he also called on China to buy oil from the US or Venezuela.

The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy. Keeping the area safe and stable and ensuring unimpeded passage serves the common interest of the international community, Guo added.

Guo also said that as to the purchase of oil, China stands ready to work with others to jointly safeguard global energy security and keep supply chains stable. However, to fundamentally resolve the issue, what needs to be done first and foremost is to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over all its natural resources and economic activities. It has the right to choose its own partners of cooperation. Other countries have no right to dictate to it.

The remarks came after Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait on Sunday, a move that CNBC described as "dimming hopes for a quick end to the conflict in the Middle East and escalating tensions with Iran that has already triggered the worst energy shock in history."

In a social media post, Trump said the US Navy "will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz", following the collapse of peace talks over the weekend. He also accused Iran of extortion, alleging that it had sought to charge tolls to tankers.

After Trump made the claim, a spokesperson for Iran's armed forces responded by saying that Iran would implement a "permanent mechanism" to control the Strait of Hormuz due to continued US threats, and warned that if the security of Iranian ports is threatened, "no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will remain safe," according to NBC news.

In the statement, Iran's unified armed forces command described the US blockade of Iranian ports as "illegal" and "constitute piracy", while warning that the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for no one, NBC news reported.

Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization Arsenio Dominguez said on Monday that countries have no right to blockade international straits used for international transit. "From a legal perspective, in accordance with international law, there is no right to prohibit the right of innocent passage, nor to impede the freedom of navigation through international straits used for international transit," he said, according to Xinhua News Agency.

It is not surprising that Trump made latest order, as a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could shift the consequences of a US-instigated conflict with Iran onto the rest of the world, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times.

Li added that any attempt to block areas surrounding the Strait would inevitably affect Iran's oil export and many oil-importing countries, including those in Europe and Southeast Asia, amplifying the global economic fallout.

At the same time, there are groundless smearing and malicious association attempting to hype China's role in the Iran war. In response to a question about reports claiming that "China is preparing to provide weapons to Iran" and that "China has supplied Iran with dual-use technologies and related components," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo said on Monday that China has always adopted a prudent and responsible approach to arms exports, implementing strict controls in accordance with its domestic export control laws and regulations as well as its international obligations. China opposes groundless smears and malicious associations, Guo said.

On Sunday, Trump also reportedly threatened 50 percent tariffs if China is found to be supplying Iran weapons. Guo, in response, said that China's position is very clear: tariff wars have no winners.

Some of US' allies continue to express distance from the conflict initiated by the US. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in an interview on Monday that the UK would not be dragged into the Iran war nor be involved in a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. "We're not supporting the blockade," he said, adding that it was vital to get the Strait reopened, per Reuters.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also called for the full reopening of the strait and the restoration of free navigation, while noting that the lack of progress in recent negotiations was "disappointing", according to the Guardian.

European responses reflect growing concern that the consequences of Washington's actions could be borne by the wider international community, Li said.

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Strait of Hormuz blockade not in common interests of int'l community: China's top diplomat

Global Times

By Xinhua Published: Apr 13, 2026 09:35 PM

China's top diplomat Wang Yi on Monday said blocking the Strait of Hormuz is not in the common interests of the international community, and achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through political and diplomatic means is the fundamental way to resolve the issue.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during his meeting with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, special envoy of the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to China, who is accompanying Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE, on his visit to China.

Driven by the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have maintained a sound momentum of development, Wang said, adding that the visit of the crown prince is a significant event in bilateral relations, and that this visit will further enhance China-UAE strategic mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation between the two countries.

Wang expounded on China's principled position on the current situation in the Middle East, stating that China fully understands the legitimate security concerns of Gulf Arab states and supports the UAE in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and legitimate rights and interests.

China has been committed to promoting ceasefire and ending hostilities, and is willing to work with the international community, including the UAE, to help restore peace and tranquility to the Middle East as soon as possible.

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak expressed gratitude for the warm and thoughtful arrangements made by the Chinese side for the visit of the crown prince, adding that the UAE side appreciates China's efforts in easing tensions in the Middle East and expects China to play a greater role in this regard.

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US president orders military blockade of Strait of Hormuz; Chinese FM says the way to resolve the issue of the Strait is to achieve a ceasefire, end hostilities

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 13, 2026 04:10 PM

The root cause of the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz is the military conflict. To solve the issue, the conflict must stop as soon as possible. All parties need to remain calm and exercise restraint. China will continue playing a constructive role, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday when asked to comment on US President Donald Trump's order on Sunday that the US Navy would start blockading the Strait of Hormuz, as well as he called on China to buy oil from the US or Venezuela, and China's view on security in the Strait and related energy issues.

The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy. Keeping the area safe and stable and ensuring unimpeded passage serves the common interest of the international community, Guo added.

Guo also noted that as to the purchase of oil, China stands ready to work with others to jointly safeguard global energy security and keep supply chains stable. However, to fundamentally resolve the issue, what needs to be done first and foremost is to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over all its natural resources and economic activities. It has the right to choose its own partners of cooperation. Other countries have no right to dictate to it.

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Japan-Pakistan Summit Telephone Call

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

April 13, 2026

On April 13, commencing at 4:15 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone call with H.E. Mr. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI paid tribute and expressed her support to the mediation efforts made by Prime Minister Sharif and Pakistan, regarding the U.S-Iran talks held in Islamabad. She explained Japan's position that what matters most is that de-escalation, including ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, is steadily achieved, and that a final agreement should be reached promptly through dialogue. Prime Minister TAKAICHI also explained that Japan has been closely communicating with both the United States and Iran at the head of states level and taking diplomatic efforts toward an early de-escalation of the situation. In addition, Prime Minister TAKAICHI emphasized that restoring the stabilization of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global logistics and an international public good, is urgently needed, and that it is essential to ensure the safety of navigation as soon as possible for all vessels, including those of Japan and other Asian countries. Prime Minister Sharif explained about the talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad as well as Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, and stated that he would like to work with Japan towards an early de-escalation of the situation and the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The two leaders concurred on continuing close communication.

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Philippines Convenes Second Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the Middle East Situation

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

MANILA 13 April 2026 -- Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, in her capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, convened a virtual Second Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 13 April 2026 to address the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and its implications for regional economic security and stability.

The convening follows the first Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting held virtually on 13 March 2026, which was called in response to the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and expressed collective ASEAN concern over the escalating conflict.

Guided by the Philippines' ASEAN Chairship theme, "Navigating our Future, Together," the Foreign Ministers took note of the recent announcement of a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, including the conditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz, as a welcome development that creates space for a diplomatic resolution. ASEAN Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their collective call for the exercise of utmost restraint by all parties and for a return to diplomatic dialogue and negotiation as the only durable path toward peace and stability in the region.

The Ministers also exchanged views on the broader regional implications of the crisis, particularly its impact on energy security and food security. In this regard, ASEAN committed to intensify coordination among relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies, underscoring the importance of cross-pillar cooperation across the Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural pillars of the ASEAN Community to mount an effective and comprehensive response.

In anticipation of the 48th ASEAN Summit, the meeting likewise considered proposals from ASEAN Member States on strengthening supply chain resilience, enhancing regional consultation and information-sharing mechanisms, and ensuring stronger institutional follow-through. The Foreign Ministers further discussed the potential establishment of a dedicated crisis communication protocol to enable timely, secure information-sharing, coordinated responses, harmonized public messaging, and reassurance for ASEAN peoples during major regional crises.

As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN solidarity, economic integration, and policy coordination as indispensable tools in forging a collective regional response to challenges with cross-cutting implications. The Philippines also reiterated its commitment to convene the 48th ASEAN Summit in May 2026 in Cebu, where deliberations will focus on the three urgent priorities of energy security, food security, and the safety and welfare of ASEAN nationals. END

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ASEAN backs US-Iran ceasefire, urges maritime safety, continued talks

Philippine News Agency

By Joann Villanueva

April 13, 2026, 4:37 pm

MANILA -- Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Monday underscored the importance of the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran for maritime safety and security.

In a statement, the ministers also called for safe and continuous transit in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman essential for global energy security.

"[W]e call for the restoration of the safe, unimpeded, and continuous transit passage of vessels and aircraft in the Strait of Hormuz in line with the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)," they said.

They also called on all parties in the conflict to ensure the safety of seafarers and ships in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and urged both sides to continue negotiations toward lasting peace.

The ministers issued the statement following US President Donald Trump's remark that the truce, announced on April 8, is "holding well" despite stalled talks and threats to block Iranian port traffic.

"We urge all parties involved to maintain conducive conditions for the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire, including by adhering strictly to its terms, exercising utmost restraint, ceasing all hostilities, acting responsibly, avoiding any acts that may aggravate the situation and working collectively towards a comprehensive and enduring resolution in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and relevant UNSC resolutions," they added. (PNA)

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DFA pursues safe passage for PH vessels amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

April 13, 2026, 2:50 pm

MANILA -- Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions in global shipping have prompted efforts to secure the passage of Philippine vessels through the critical oil route.

During a Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee hearing on Monday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Tess Lazaro said the government is pursuing diplomatic channels to ensure safe movement of Philippine-flagged ships in the region.

"We expect tensions to escalate following President (Donald) Trump's pronouncement last night of a blockade of all traffic in the Strait of Hormuz," Lazaro said.

However, she said the US military later clarified that the blockade would apply only to maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports beginning April 13.

Lazaro said the Philippines requested Iran to allow the passage of four Philippine-flagged vessels carrying mostly chemical cargo.

"I got a call from the Iranian Ambassador last Saturday saying that a matter of time for these vessels to be cleared and to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," she said.

Diplomatic engagements remain ongoing, Lazaro said, noting that while there has been no breakthrough in negotiations, there has also been no breakdown and further talks expected in the coming days.

"Just to have an overview of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The UN estimates that as of March 31, 2026 some 20,000 seafarers remain stranded on around 2,000 ships in the Strait of Hormuz as the war in the Middle East continues," she added.

Figures from the Department of Migrant Workers show that there are 4,862 Filipino seafarers onboard 463 vessels as of April 11, Lazaro said.

From an average of around 3,000 vessels that sailed through the strait monthly prior to the conflict, open-source data indicate that by the first week of April, fewer than 200 ships were able to pass through the route.

The Maritime Industry Authority earlier reported around 100 Philippine-flagged vessels operating in the region.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the committee, commended the DFA's efforts in securing additional petroleum supply for the country through diplomatic means. (PNA)

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Pezeshkian: Iran will only continue talks within framework of international law

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 10:10 PM

President Masoud Pezeshkian has firmly reiterated that Iran will continue all negotiations exclusively within the framework of international law and regulations, while underscoring Tehran's firm commitment to diplomacy, regional stability and the protection of its national rights in the face of the US-Israeli war of aggression.

In a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, President Pezeshkian emphasized adherence to international principles.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to continue the talks solely within the framework of international laws and regulations and with the aim of protecting the rights of the Iranian people," he said.

President Pezeshkian stated that Europe can play a constructive role by encouraging Washington to respect these legal frameworks.

He discussed the latest regional developments, the outcome of the Islamabad talks and the ceasefire process with the French president.

He highlighted the seriousness and goodwill demonstrated by Iran's negotiating team throughout the Islamabad discussions in Pakistan.

"Despite the expert understandings reached between the parties, the excessiveness and lack of political will of senior US officials have prevented the agreement from being finalized," President Pezeshkian stated, exposing how American overreach sabotaged what could have been a peace accord.

He made it clear that Iran has already announced its conditions for the ceasefire and will strictly adhere to them. Contrary to baseless claims, it was the Islamic Republic that insisted on the full and rigorous implementation of commitments, a position openly acknowledged by Pakistani officials.

The president reaffirmed Iran's principled policy of strengthening regional peace, stability and security while promoting constructive interaction with neighbors.

He stressed that "approaches based on threats, pressure, and military action not only do not solve the problem, but also add to the complexity of the issues and will exacerbate the self-created problems of the American side."

Diplomacy, he said, remains Iran's preferred path, pursued while fully preserving national dignity and authority.

Strong warning on Strait of Hormuz

Referring to the recent threat issued by US President Donald Trump against the Strait of Hormuz, President Pezeshkian warned of its dangerous implications.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has always sought to ensure sustainable security for the passage of ships in this strategic passageway, and any threat to the security of this region will have wide-ranging consequences for global trade," he stated.

Iran, he added, stands fully prepared to face any scenario in defense of its national interests.

Nuclear file and rejection of double standards

On the nuclear issue, President Pezeshkian clarified that the Islamic Republic had previously reached specific agreements with European countries whose frameworks remain completely clear.

"Iran has never sought to act outside international regulations and is still ready to continue negotiations within the same framework," he said.

He strongly rejected any double standards in international affairs and called for the resolution of all issues based on justice and universally recognized rules, urging Europe to assume a more active and responsible role in this regard.

In the conversation, President Macron referred to his recent consultations with the US president and emphasized the necessity of including the issue of Lebanon within the framework of the initial ceasefire agreement.

He also presented his views on the Iranian nuclear file and developments concerning the legal regime of the Strait of Hormuz.

The illegal US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders.

Iran's decisive response in the framework of Operation True Promise 4 included daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in the Israeli-occupied territories as well as US military bases and assets across the region.

Iran also blocked the Strait of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers affiliated with the adversaries and those cooperating with them to maintain security at the strategic waterway.

The US formally accepted Iran's 10-point proposal on April 8 as the foundation for a permanent ceasefire.

On April 12, and due in large part to the excessive demands put on the table by the American side, Iranian and US delegations failed to reach an agreement after more than 20 hours of negotiations in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad.

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NATO allies refuse to participate in US blockade of Strait of Hormuz

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 7:20 PM

The United States' NATO allies have refused to take part in US President Donald Trump's plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran warns Washington and its partners against any miscalculation in the Persian Gulf.

Trump on Sunday announced that the US Navy would enforce a "naval blockade" on the Strait of Hormuz, adding that "Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade."

The US military later clarified that the blockade, which reportedly began at 1400 GMT on Monday, would apply only to ships traveling to or from Iranian ports.

However, NATO allies, including Britain and France, said they would not be pulled into a war by taking part in the blockade.

"We're not supporting the blockade," British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the BBC.

"My decision has been very clearly that whatever the pressure, and there's been some considerable pressure we're not getting dragged into the war," he added.

Several European countries have expressed willingness to assist in the Strait of Hormuz, but only once there is a durable end to hostilities and an agreement with Iran guaranteeing that their ships will have a safe passage.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on X on Monday that Paris will organize a conference with Britain and other countries to establish a multinational mission to allegedly restore navigation in the strait.

"This strictly defensive mission, distinct from the belligerents, will be deployed as soon as the situation allows," Macron said.

Their refusal to participate further intensifies tensions within an increasingly fragile US-led military alliance.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz should be reopened through diplomacy, adding that creating an international oversight force would be complicated.

He also urged NATO to reset its ties with Trump at the alliance's upcoming summit in Ankara in July.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to withdraw from the alliance and is reportedly considering pulling some American troops from Europe after several countries refused to support US aggression against Iran by denying US military aircraft access to their airspace.

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned the United States and its allies against any miscalculation in the Persian Gulf.

In a post on X, the IRGC Navy stated that any wrong move by the US and its allies would plunge them "into a deadly whirlpool of destruction in the Strait."

Trump's threat comes after the latest round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US in Pakistan that ended without a deal.

Despite roughly 21 hours of continuous talks and intensive diplomatic efforts, the American delegation's excessive demands prevented an agreement during the Islamabad negotiations on Saturday.

The Iranian delegation presented several initiatives, but the US side obstructed progress. Reports indicate disagreements over multiple issues, including the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear rights.

Following the US-Israeli illegal war of aggression on Iran on February 28, the IRGC restricted passage through the Persian Gulf waterway.

The elite military force, which holds full authority over the Strait of Hormuz, now allows only civilian vessels to pass under specific regulations and has repeatedly warned that any attempt by military vessels to cross the Strait of Hormuz will be met with harsh confrontation.

As a major transit point for roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, the restrictions have rattled global energy markets.

Meanwhile, as the so-called US naval blockade of Iranian ports takes effect, Trump has threatened Iranian vessels, saying that "if any of these ships come anywhere close to our blockade in the [Persian] Gulf, they will be immediately eliminated."

Iran's military has warned that any threat to its ports would prompt a broader regional response, declaring that no port in the Persian Gulf will be safe if Iranian ports come under attack.

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Iran FM: US 'excessive demands' hindered deal in Islamabad talks

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 7:15 PM

The Iranian foreign minister says Washington's "excessive demands" hampered an agreement during the negotiations in Pakistan aimed at a conclusive end to the US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Abbas Araghchi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, on Monday, one day after the talks between Iranian and American delegations in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad ended without a breakthrough.

"Despite progress on many issues discussed, the US prevented the achievement of an agreement due to its approach of excessive demands and the continuous change of its demands," Araghchi said.

The top French diplomat, for his part, affirmed his country's support for a diplomatic approach to end the war.

He also hoped that with the continuation of talks a final deal would be reached within the framework of the Islamabad negotiations.

Additionally on Monday, Araghchi held talks over the phone with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan.

The Iranian foreign minister briefed his Saudi counterpart on the latest developments in the region following the announcement of a temporary ceasefire and risks arising from the United States' provocative acts.

He underscored Tehran's responsible approach and good-will in accepting the ceasefire and holding talks with Washington.

"Unfortunately, we witnessed the continuation of the American side's excessive demands in the negotiations and this obstructed any result."

Farhan, for his part, said Saudi Arabia supports diplomatic efforts, expressing hope that the process would bring about a permanent end to the war and restore regional security and stability.

Also on Monday, Araghchi held a telephone conversation with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

During the call, Araghchi said that Iran has acted decisively in defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Iran, he said, entered the diplomatic process to preserve its national interests and protect regional peace and security.

The Qatari foreign minister also voiced his country's support for mediation efforts to end the war.

The illegal US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders.

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Iran on blockade of Hormuz: US can't win 'war of choice' through 'revenge of choice'

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 5:31 PM

Iran has condemned the US attempt to impose a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, questioning whether a "revenge of choice" against the global economy can be an option to win an unlawful "war of choice."

In a post on X on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei asked, "Can an illegal 'war of choice' be won through a 'revenge of choice' against the global economy?!"

"Is it ever worthwhile to cut off one's nose to spite one's face?!"

The comment came as the US military claimed it began its blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, with President Donald Trump warning that any attack ships will be "immediately eliminated" if they attempt to break it.

In yet another bizarre post on X, Trump claimed that the US had "obliterated" 158 Iranian ships in the Persian Gulf and that the Iranian navy is "laying at the bottom of the sea."

"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," he wrote on Truth Social.

"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.

In a social media post on April 12, Trump said he intended to clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines and reopen it to all shipping.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) also announced the beginning of the blockade of all Iranian Persian Gulf ports and coastal areas, and the UK's Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received warnings that the blockade applies to all vessel traffic, regardless of flag.

In a statement on Monday, Iran's military warned any threat to the ports would trigger a broader regional response, declaring that no port in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman would remain secure if Iranian ports are targeted.

Spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari said ensuring security in the two strategic water bodies is a collective matter, and such security must either apply to all or to no-one.

He underscored that the Iranian Armed Forces consider the defense of the national rights a natural and lawful obligation, which includes the exercise of sovereignty in territorial waters.

"Enemy-affiliated vessels do not and will not have the right to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," he added. "Other vessels will be allowed to transit the strait in compliance with the regulations of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) warned on April 12 that any attempt by military vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz will be deemed a violation of the two-week ceasefire with the United States.

The IRGC said it would give a firm and decisive response to such a violation.

Iran has placed restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US-Israeli war of aggression that began on February 28. Iran has allowed vessels operated by friendly nations to pass through while barring ships affiliated with aggressor countries and their supporters.

The Iranian Parliament has advanced draft legislation to impose transit fees in national currency and explicitly ban US and Israeli vessels.

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China says end of US hostilities against Iran only solution to Hormuz crisis

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 2:31 PM

China has called for an immediate end to hostilities as the only viable path to resolving tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday that "the root cause of disruptions to navigation in the strait lies in the conflict involving Iran."

"The way to resolve this issue is to achieve a ceasefire and end hostilities as soon as possible," he said, urging all parties to remain calm and exercise restraint.

Guo added that China stands ready to "continue playing a positive and constructive role."

"The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for international trade in goods and energy. Maintaining security, stability, and unimpeded passage in the region serves the common interests of the international community," he stated.

Trump said on Sunday that the US Navy would enforce a "naval blockade" on the strategic waterway, through which about one fifth of global oil supplies typically passes.

Traffic at the strait has dropped to a trickle since Iran imposed restrictions on passage of tankers in response to the US-Israeli strikes days after the aggression began on February 28.

Trump claimed the blockade is scheduled to take effect Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (14:00 GMT).

His threat followed the latest round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States in Pakistan, which ended without agreement.

Iran's Navy commander dismissed Trump's blockade announcement as "very ridiculous and laughable," saying Iranian forces are closely monitoring every move of the US fleet.

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Russia warns Trump's threats against Strait of Hormuz will roil global markets

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 2:22 PM

Russia has warned of "negative" consequences for global markets following US President Donald Trump's threat to impose a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz.

"Such actions will likely continue to negatively impact international markets," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday.

Trump said on Sunday that the US Navy would enforce a "naval blockade" on the strategic waterway, through which about one fifth of global oil supplies typically passes.

Traffic at the strait has dropped to a trickle since Iran imposed restrictions on passage of tankers in response to the US-Israeli strikes days after the aggression began on February 28.

Trump claimed the blockade is scheduled to take effect Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (14:00 GMT).

His threat followed the latest round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States in Pakistan, which ended without agreement.

Iranian negotiators said despite roughly 21 hours of continuous talks, American negotiators made "excessive" demands, preventing any breakthrough during Saturday's discussions in Islamabad.

The Iranian delegation presented several initiatives, but US positions obstructed progress.

Issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear rights were among the key points of dispute.

In response to Trump's latest threats, Iran's military warned early on Monday that no port in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman would be safe if Iranian ports are targeted.

Peskov also noted that Russia, holder of the world's largest nuclear weapons stockpile, remains ready to take in Iran's enriched uranium as part of any future agreement with Washington.

"This proposal was made by President Putin in conversations with both the United States and regional states. The offer still stands, but has not been acted upon," Peskov said.

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Pope Leo pledges to continue to speak out against war after Trump attack

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 11:05 AM

Pope Leo XIV says he will continue to speak out against war and suffering after US President Donald Trump said he was not "a fan of the pope" over the pontiff's condemnation of the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

The Pope told reporters aboard the papal flight to Algiers on Monday that he plans to continue speaking out against war after Trump's direct attack on the leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church.

He stated that while he will not stop spreading his message of peace, he has no desire to get into a debate with Trump.

"I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states to look for just solutions to problems," he said.

"Too many people are suffering in the world today ... Too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say there is a better way," he added.

During a Q&A with reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump directly attacked the Pope saying, "We do not like a pope that is going to say that it is OK to have a nuclear weapon ... He is a man that does not think that we should be toying with a country that wants a nuclear weapon so they can blow up the world," adding, "I am not a fan of Pope Leo."

Iran has asserted that it pursues a peaceful nuclear program and, as such, not only has signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) but also has allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to fully inspect its nuclear facilities.

The IAEA has repeatedly confirmed that it has found no sign of a nuclear military program in Iran and that Tehran has conformed to all of the agency's laws.

The criminal US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders, including Leader of the Islamic Revolution 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-ranking delegation from Iran led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf arrived in Islamabad on Friday to participate in the negotiations with the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance.

The first round of negotiations between Iran and the US ended without the two sides reaching an agreement.

The talks over the weekend were the first direct high-level negotiations between Tehran and Washington since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

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Iran restores key rail links after damage caused by US-Israeli assaults

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 10:07 AM

Iran has restored train services in East Azarbaijan Province after repairing the damage caused by US-Israeli strikes, says the director general of railways in the northwestern Iranian province.

Both Tabriz-Tehran and Tabriz-Mashhad railroad tracks have been fully repaired and, as of Monday, are ready for service, Alireza Soleimani told IRNA on Monday.

Train services have resumed following a four-to-five-day suspension, and a Tehran-Tabriz-Van service also departed overnight toward Turkey using the repaired tracks.

Mianeh-Tabriz railroad (Khavaran Station) has been completed as well and began its service on Sunday, Soleimani said.

The Mianeh-Tabriz train is a domestically-built, rail-bus self-propeller vehicle, and has a capacity of 320 passengers.

The Tabriz-Mianeh-Tehran Road was difficult to traverse due to a number of issues, Soleimani said, adding that the opening of this railroad has partially met the need.

Furthermore, the Amin-Abad railroad bridge, which was damaged during a US-Israeli strike on April 7, is also being repaired and will be ready for operation in a matter of days, according to Soleimani.

The disruption in Iran's railroad network services came after US President Donald Trump threatened to target transport infrastructure, including bridges and rail networks, as part of the illegal aggression.

US-Israeli strikes on key routes and bridges had forced the suspension of rail services across parts of the country, affecting civilian movement and logistics before repairs were completed.

The criminal US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders, including Leader of the Islamic Revolution 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-ranking delegation from Iran led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf arrived in Islamabad on Friday to participate in the negotiations with the US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance.

The first round of negotiations between Iran and the US ended without the two sides reaching an agreement.

The talks over the weekend were the first direct high-level negotiations between Tehran and Washington since the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

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US, Israel will retreat from region empty-handed: IRGC Quds Force chief

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 7:59 AM

The chief commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says the United States and the Israeli regime will eventually retreat from the West Asia region without having obtained any achievement.

"The unified Resistance Front has a powerful and effective presence throughout the region, and is lying in wait for the enemies of humanity," Brigadier General Esmaeil Qaani said late on Sunday.

He highlighted that the Washington and Tel Aviv regimes should remember how they fled from Yemen, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Red Sea.

"They will pull out of the region without any achievement," the IRGC Quds Force commander pointed out.

The United States and Israel initiated a large-scale and unprovoked war of aggression against Iran on February 28, assassinating the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking military commanders.

The aggression has comprised a series of intensive strikes on both military installations and civilian facilities throughout Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.

In response, Iranian Armed Forces have carried out waves of retaliatory missile and drone operations against US interests across West Asia and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

Despite approximately 21 hours of continuous negotiations and intensive diplomatic efforts, the American side's excessive demands prevented reaching an agreement with Iranian negotiators during indirect negotiations in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Saturday.

The Iranian delegation presented various initiatives during the talks, but the Americans obstructed progress in the talks.

Reports indicate that various issues, including the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear rights, were among the points of disagreement.

No plans regarding the time, location, or next round of negotiations have been announced yet.

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Yemen vows military escalation if US, Israel resume war on Iran

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 6:22 AM

Yemen's Foreign Ministry says the Arab country's position remains steadfast in active participation and escalation of military operations if the United States and the Israeli regime resume their war of aggression against Iran and the Axis of Resistance.

In a statement on Monday, the ministry warned that any renewal of the US aggression in the region or at the level of naval escalation will cast a negative shadow on supply chains, energy prices, and the entire global economy.

The escalation in the rhetoric of the criminal US President Donald Trump -- moving military confrontations to the high seas - proves the failure and futility of the US-Israel military aggression against Iran, it said.

It pointed to two rounds of wars against Iran in June 2025 and February 2026 and added that the criminal Trump and his partners aspired to overthrow the Islamic Republic.

Now, the US president seeks to open the Strait of Hormuz, but he will fail to achieve such a goal, the ministry emphasized.

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump, in a post on his Truth Social on Sunday, said that American naval forces will impose a full naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

"Effective immediately," he wrote, adding, the US Navy "will begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz."

Trump claimed that the US Navy will "begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits, urging Iran to "end this situation."

He once again threatened that the US military is "fully locked and loaded" and "will finish up the little that is left of Iran."

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf responded to Trump's remarks, saying the language of threats does not work with Iran. He added that Iran had demonstrated since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that it would not yield under military, economic or political pressure.

Addressing Trump directly, Qalibaf said, "If you go to war, we will fight you, and if you come forward with logic, we will treat you logically. We will not bow to any threat. Test our resolve once again, so that we will teach (you) a greater lesson."

The Yemeni Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry further pointed to the latest round of talks between Iran and the United States in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad and said the steadfastness of the Iranian negotiating team constitutes a new victory for the Islamic Republic and the Axis of Resistance.

At the negotiating table, it added, the US sought to impose what it had failed to achieve through military confrontations on the ground during 40 days of unlawful joint war of aggression with the Israeli regime against Iran.

Despite approximately 21 hours of negotiations and diplomatic efforts by high-ranking Iranian and American negotiators in Islamabad, the US's excessive demands prevented reaching an agreement.

The Iranian delegation presented various initiatives during the talks, but the Americans obstructed progress in the talks.

The Islamabad talks follow a 40-day war of aggression by the US-Israeli axis against the Islamic Republic, which was paused after the US accepted Iran's proposal 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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Toll Booths and Tankers: How the US Navy and Economic Sanctions Aim To Squeeze Tehran

By Alex Raufoglu April 13, 2026

WASHINGTON -- A US naval blockade on ships entering Iranian ports and coastal areas took effect on April 13 as Washington increasingly turns to "economic statecraft" to force Tehran to agree on a peace deal after weeks of air strikes.

RFE/RL spoke with Max Meizlish, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a former official at the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), on the intersection of naval blockades and financial warfare.

Meizlish argues that while kinetic air strikes grab headlines, the real battle is being fought against the Chinese financial lifelines and clandestine trade networks that keep the Iranian regime afloat.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

RFE/RL: With the latest developments around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, how should we understand the strategic objective of the US Navy's presence in the region at this moment?

Max Meizlish: It seems to me that the US is moving to more aggressively target the nexus of economic interests held by the Iranian regime -- all the vectors of economic interests that are central to the regime's operations and the economic viability of the country.

We previously saw targets through missile strikes looking at petrochemical facilities, and now this is an extension of that strategy. Any ships moving in and out of Iranian ports are going to be the subject of US blockades and potential interdiction efforts.

This is an escalation of what has been in motion for the last couple of weeks.

RFE/RL: Regarding Iran's maritime calculus, how do these developments shape Tehran's decision-making when it comes to managing shipping flows through the strait?

Meizlish: It is going to make it much more difficult. The reality is that the IRGC has been operating what people are calling the "Tehran Toll Booth," with facilities on Larak Island. It is becoming increasingly impractical for ships to make their way through the Strait, even if they pay that toll.

It is notable that after President [Donald] Trump's posts stating the US would interdict any ships that made payments to Iran through this toll system, there were reports of at least two Chinese state-owned ships associated with the COSCO shipping line passing through the Iranian-controlled corridor.

There are now questions as to whether those ships made payments and whether the US is actually prepared to follow through on the promise to interdict ships that pay Iran. The Iranians still have leverage as long as they operate this toll booth, so it is now a question of whether US authorities will interdict those facilitating the payments.

RFE/RL: How does the US balance long-term deterrence with day-to-day enforcement in a high-stakes maritime environment?

Meizlish: The US has to be credible in its deterrence. In January, when the US imposed a quasi-blockade on ships departing Venezuela, the government went to great lengths to pursue the ships that broke the blockade. However, that is only part of the problem. There are structural barriers from a legal and timeline perspective that make seizing ships, taking ownership of the oil, and selling it onto the market a very slow process.

While the US can move to capture a ship that breaks a blockade, the legal process to forfeit the cargo in US courts takes weeks or months. We will see how robust the enforcement effort is, but actual interdiction is just the beginning of what the US must do to make this credible.

RFE/RL: Do we have a timetable for when we might start seeing the actual impact of this current enforcement?

Meizlish: The blockade went into effect earlier today. I would expect to hear reports of attempted interdictions as soon as efforts are made by ships trying to move forward.

Right now, I would be looking to see if there is any movement by US naval assets to interject those two Chinese ships I mentioned earlier, provided they actually made payments. Aside from that, we will have to see if anyone else tries to bust through the blockade.

RFE/RL: Looking at the bigger picture, to what extent are China, Russia, and other actors -- some call them the "axis of evasion" -- contributing to the resilience of Iran's logistics and supply chains?

Meizlish: China is the central actor. This part of the story does not get nearly enough attention. Without China, Iran would not have been able to wage this war. For years, China has bankrolled the regime by buying up to 90 percent of Iran's exported oil, albeit at a steep discount. This has provided billions of dollars to the regime.

China also provides technology, diplomatic support, and chemical precursors for ballistic missile fuel. From a financial perspective, they provide the logistical channels for payments, such as "oil-for-metals" barter systems.

There is the Bank of Kunlun and connections to cross-border interbank messaging systems. There really is no bigger or more important enabler of Iranian sanctions evasion than China. The US needs to make this clear and rally partners in Europe and the Gulf to highlight that Iran's malign actions would not be possible without years of Chinese support.

RFE/RL: Given President Trump's upcoming visit to China, are there specific pressure points Washington can exploit to shift Beijing's incentives quickly?

Meizlish: We could ramp up economic sanctions in a targeted way aimed at a small or mid-sized Chinese bank connected to major state entities. I recently published research with my colleague, Elaine Dezenski, highlighting a "teapot" refinery in China -- Wanda Holdings Group -- which takes in sanctioned Iranian oil through a closed-loop system in Shandong.

China likes to position itself as isolated from sanctions evasion, but when you look below the surface, it is just not true. If the US wants to put pressure on China for a coercive purpose -- or to restore order in the Strait -- we can target these specific entities. China would benefit from the Strait being open, but its timeline for doing so might not align with that of the US.

RFE/RL: To clarify, you're saying China needs the Strait reopened, but they may also benefit from prolonged disruption?

Meizlish: Precisely. The US and China have aligned interests, but they have divergent timelines.

RFE/RL: How do you expect Beijing to react to the US-enforced blockade in the near term?

Meizlish: I think we will see China remain outwardly vague. They will likely say that maritime access needs to be unhindered and that there should be a free flow of trade. I don't expect them to be critical of anyone to an extreme unless the US puts more direct pressure on Beijing to rein in Iran.

RFE/RL: Are we now in a phase of full-spectrum economic warfare with Iran, and is the US enforcing sanctions aggressively enough to "win?"

Meizlish: There is more the US could be doing regarding the enablers. While we are hitting targets kinetically, we should be going after the Chinese entities that facilitate payments. Additionally, the US should be working with other countries to freeze the assets of Iranian regime insiders and oligarchs.

Just as we did with Russia through the REPO (The Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs) Task Force, we should be doing the same for Iranian insiders. There are reports of regime members holding hundreds of millions of dollars in European capitals.

For example, Ali Ansari -- an intermediary for the leadership -- is sanctioned by the UK but not the US, despite having a vast portfolio of luxury properties held through shell companies. We should be imposing economic pain and diverting those assets into escrow to support the people of Iran someday. The blockade could be very well complemented by these other forms of economic statecraft.

RFE/RL: As you look at the coming weeks, what indicators will suggest that this economic statecraft is achieving its intended effect?

Meizlish: The intended effect is bringing Iran back to the table. If the US can achieve that in a verifiable and enforceable way, that is what success looks like. However, the political goals seem to shift from day to day, making it difficult to assess what a "win" looks like in a binary way. Ultimately, success is depriving the regime of the assets it steals from its people, preventing it from rearming through China and Russia, and further degrading its capacity to withstand pressure.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33731428.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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Finnish President Says Iran Blockade 'Makes Sense' From Washington's Perspective, Warns Of Risks

By Alex Raufoglu 20:09 13.4.2026

WASHINGTON -- Finnish President Alexander Stubb says that a US blockade strategy toward Iran "makes sense" from Washington's perspective, while warning of significant uncertainties and escalation risks.

Speaking in Washington on April 13, during a visit for meetings and policy events in the US capital, Stubb argued that the consequences of the conflict had proven broader than expected, particularly due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

"The blockade, from an American perspective, I would say, makes sense, if it works out," he said, adding that it could give the US leverage but also raising concerns about potential tensions with other powers.

Stubb said negotiations between Washington and Tehran were continuing at a lower level, which he described as a positive sign. However, he cautioned that any resolution could take time, noting the years-long process behind the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which has since unraveled after the US withdrew in 2018 and Tehran scaled back on compliance.

Stubb added that "Iran holds a lot of the cards right now."

The Finnish leader also warned of the risk of broader regional escalation, saying conflicts were increasingly shifting from local to regional in scope. "I am extremely concerned about the escalation," he said.

On the role of NATO, Stubb emphasized that the alliance remained defensive and was not directly engaged in the crisis, with any support for US actions likely to take place through a "coalition of the willing" rather than NATO structures.

He also said he "fully understand[s] the American perspective" regarding expectations of allied support, including access to bases, though such arrangements are governed by bilateral agreements.

European countries are focusing on de-escalation efforts, including maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, he said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=449312

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Iran Warns No Gulf Ports Will Be Safe If US Begins Blockade

12:06 13.4.2026

On April 13, the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, which is the central operational headquarters of Iran's armed forces, said that if the announced US naval blockade of Iranian ports was implemented, "no port in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman will be safe."

The military body says that the US "imposition of restrictions" on the movement of ships in international waters was "an illegal act and an example of piracy."

Following the failure of peace talks in Pakistan over the weekend, President Donald Trump has said that the US will start blockading ships from entering or exiting Iranian ports from 10 a.m. Eastern Time (5.30 p.m. in Iran) on April 13.

The spokesman for the Iran's military headquarters added that "the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is either for everyone or for no one."

"Enemy-affiliated vessels do not and will not have the right to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and other vessels will continue to be allowed to pass through the strait, subject to the regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces," the spokesman said.

Since the beginning of the conflict, Iran has severely restricted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing flows to a small fraction of normal levels and driving global energy prices sharply higher. Tehran has also declared it will require vessels seeking to pass through the chokepoint to pay tolls.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=449272

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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Chinese FM held phone conversation with Pakistani FM, calls for stronger global push for peace talks, opposes actions undermining ceasefire

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 14, 2026 12:18 AM

The international community should continue to step up efforts to promote peace talks and take a clear stand against any actions that undermine the ceasefire or escalate confrontation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone conversation with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday.

Dar gave a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan's efforts to mediate talks between Iran and the US, thanked China for its role in promoting peace, and said Pakistan is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with China to jointly play a positive role in achieving regional peace.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, reiterated China's principled position, praising Pakistan for facilitating a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran and for hosting talks in Islamabad, noting that it has played a fair and balanced mediating role. He said the current ceasefire remains highly fragile and that the regional situation is at a critical turning point. The top priority is to make every effort to prevent the conflict from reigniting in the Middle East and maintain the hard-won momentum of the ceasefire.

The Five-Point Initiative jointly proposed by China and Pakistan on restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East reflects the consensus of the international community on promoting peace and can continue to serve as a direction for resolving the issue. China welcomes Pakistan playing a greater role and stands ready to work with Pakistan and the broader international community to continue making positive efforts toward the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East, Wang said.

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Length Of Uranium Enrichment Ban Reportedly A Major Stumbling Block In US-Iran Talks

06:56 14.4.2026

The length of a ban on the enrichment of uranium was a key obstacle to reaching a deal in US-Iran peace talks last weekend in Islamabad, according to reports in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.

The outlets, citing US officials close to the negotiations, said Washington was seeking a 20-year moratorium on enrichment in exchange for relief from US sanctions on Tehran. The New York Times added that Iran's negotiating team offered a counter proposal of five years.

Neither US or Iranian officials have confirmed or commented on the reports.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on April 13 that Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation in Islamabad, had told him removing of all of Iran's uranium that has been enriched to a level of 60 percent is a "central issue" for Trump.

Netanyahu added that Trump also wants to ensure "that there is no further enrichment in the years ahead -- even decades ahead -- no enrichment within Iran."



Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live- blog-trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=449359

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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FM Sa'ar addresses the Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony at the MFA in Jerusalem

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

FM Sa'ar: "We will never let our enemies obtain a nuclear weapon to realize their ambition of our elimination."

Type: Press Releases

Topic: About Israel

Secondary topic: Holocaust Remembrance

Publish Date: 13.04.2026

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar's today (Monday, 13 April 2026) addressed the Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony commemorating the Righteous Among the Nations diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the foreign ambassadors serving in Israel. Following is the full text of his speech:

"Distinguished Ambassadors,

Ladies and Gentleman,

Paul Celan wrote in his chilling "Death Fugue:

"A man lives in the house your golden hair Margarete,

Your ashen hair Shulamit,

He plays with the snakes,

He calls out play death more sweetly,

Death is a master from Deutschland,

He calls scrape those fiddles more darkly then as smoke,

You'll rise to the sky,

Then you'll have a grave in the clouds, There you'll lie at ease".

*

Alongside commemorating the Holocaust and its lessons - we have a commitment to commemorate the Righteous Among the Nations.

The rare moral courage of the few righteous was stood out in the wave of evil and the many who cooperated or stood by and allowed it.

Among them were also diplomats who deserve special mention today.

Giorgio Perlasca

An Italian who posed as the Spanish Consul General in Budapest. He issued "letters of protection" to hundreds of Jews, housing them in Spanish-protected buildings.

Carl Lutz

The Swiss Vice-consul in Budapest. In 1944, he issued "letters of protection" to thousands of Jews, placing them under Swiss protection.

Despite orders to evacuate, he remained in Budapest throughout the siege until February 1945 to ensure the safety of the Jews under his care.

Chiune Sugihara

The Japanese Consul in Kovno, Lithuania. In 1940, following the Soviet annexation of Lithuania, he was ordered to close the consulate.

Before leaving, and in direct opposition to his government's instructions, he spent weeks writing by hand thousands of Japanese transit visas for Jewish refugees, enabling their escape.

*

In 1941, Hans Frank, Nazi governor general of occupied Poland, said "We must finish off the Jews... We must annihilate the Jews, wherever we find them and wherever it is possible".

The Nazi regime was pure evil.

Hitler had a step-by-step approach to bring about his goals: the elimination of the Jewish people and the domination of Europe and the world.

The historic lesson that mankind must learn from the Holocaust - must run through understanding the free world's moral failure that led to those dark days.

Tragically, the free world did not step up in the face of pure evil.

It allowed Hitler to conqeuer Europe - country by country - and eventually exterminate 6 million Jews.

It retreated from confrontation with Nazi Germany.

Countries that said - this is not our war - found out a short time later that it is their war.

They chose appeasement, allowing Hitler to occupy Europe, country by country.

First, Hitler invaded Austria.

Then they sacrificed Czechoslovakia in the 1938 Munich agreement.

The free world sacrificed Czechoslovakia, hoping it would satisfy Hitler's murderous appetite - only to find out that Hitler violated the Munich agreement.

The rest of continental Europe soon fell to the Nazis, including: Poland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Yugoslavia, Baltic States, Ukraine, Romania and more.

Hitler's defeat was not accomplished mainly due to the bravery of the free world - but rather due to his own mistakes.

His foolish invasion of Russia in 1941 - in violation of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact - drew the Soviet Union into the war against their will.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor brought the Americans into the war.

Europe in-fact fell before the axis countries attacked the Soviet Union and the United States - which changed the balance of power in the war and history.

Historical operational mistakes - not moral clarity - led to Hitler's defeat.

*

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, the world faces another pure evil regime: the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The Ayatollah regime murders its own people. It butchered tens of thousands of them, just three months ago. It recently resumed its executions of its own people.

The regime madly attacks its neighboring countries. It fires ballistic missiles deliberately at civilian populations.

You, Distinguished Ambassadors here with us today, know it well.

Some of your homes and embassies were hit by Iranian missiles, in these war crimes.

The regime openly calls for Israel's elimination, and acts toward its murderous goal.

The international community didn't do something special. They took it as something normal that one country calls for the elimination as another.

The regime's arms - Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah and the Houthis - also vowed to eliminate Israel.

The regime spreads terror and bloodshed in the Middle East and beyond.

It acts in your countries: spreading terror and subversion, at times through their diplomatic embassies.

It recruits criminal gangs across Europe, to target Iranian dissidents and Jewish communities and Israeli embassies.

It arms and funds its proxy terror states: Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis in Yemen.

The regime exports radical Islamist revolutions in other countries.

It routinely violates agreements. In June 2025, the IAEA found Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

The regime's ballistic missile range - despite its lies - already covers all of European territory.

We saw this in its strike on the Diego Garcia base - 4,000 kilometers away from Iran.

Iran threatens its own people, the region, Israel, Europe and America.

It's meddling in Africa and Latin America.

It's the greatest threat to global peace, security and stability.

Yet most of the free world is watching the war against the Iranian regime, its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and terror proxies - from the sidelines at best.

"It's not our war", we constantly hear.

Appeasement is again prevailing over moral courage.

Running from the challenge will not make it go away. Just as burying one's head in the sand, like an ostrich, will not remove the threat.

*

But we have learned our lesson from the Holocaust.

We are one of the world's most ancient nations.

We should have been one of the largest nations today.

For 2,000 years, our people were murdered across the world.

The Holocaust was the peak of the long, tragic history - of a people without the ability to defend themselves.

Millions of Jews murdered in the Holocaust, simply for being Jewish, cried out for help - yet no one saved them.

Today there are those who tell us, you are strong.

I've heard from some of my colleagues but I don't want to mention countries now.

Some people have a problem seeing strong Jews.

It's also not what they got used to seeing throughout history.

Yes, the State of Israel is strong.

We're strong because we have no choice.

Here, in the neighborhood we live in, either we will be strong or we simply will not be.

We don't act because of historical traumas.

We act because our exsitence is truly at stake.

The Ayatollah regime and its proxies devised a plan of elimination.

It's not only public declarations revealing their intentions.

They had a concrete plan.

A "conventional" elimination plan through huge quantities of ballistic missiles - and a multi-front ground forces invasion of their proxies on Israel's borders.

We've got huge amounts of intelligence after October 7th on it, from all fronts.

Alongside this, a step-by-step, non-conventional elimination plan through nuclear weapons.

They were very close to achieving nuclear weapons.

If we hadn't acted last June, and now, with our American friends, it's likely they would've already had nuclear weapons - alongisde a huge arsenal of ballistic missiles.

Prime Minister Menachem Begin said in June 1981, about his government's decision to destroy the Nuclear Reactor in Iraq:

"I tell you: I went through difficult nights - real torment - thinking about what will happen to our children, for God's sake. Do you not understand my feelings?... Do you not understand that before my eyes I see my two young nephews who were murdered, and all the children of Israel? There it was Zyklon B. Here too it is poison - radioactive."

The responsibilty of leadership is to act. To safeguard the lives of one's people and its future.

Operation 'Rising Lion' and Operation 'Roaring Lion' were difficult but necessary decisions to make.

We knew there would be risks and prices to pay.

But we understood that the meaning of not acting, is burying one's head in the sand in the face of looming danger.

A danger of elimination.

We already acted to prevent nuclear proliferation in the past.

In 1981, as I mentioned, under Prime Minister Menachem Begin, Israel destroyed Saddam Hussein's nuclear program in Osirak.

The international community condemned Israel at the time.

The same international community later formed coalitions against Sadam Hussein, in 1991 and 2003.

Some of those that condemned us, later thanked us for making their operations possible.

We don't know what they would've done if Sadam Hussein had nuclear weapons.

I personally heard in Washington DC from a very, very senior official in 2002, that America is lucky Israel acted in 1981.

In 2007, Israel destroyed the Syrian nuclear reactor of the murderous Assad regime.

The same dictator that the world later boycotted, that used chemical weapons against his own people afterwards and killed so many of them.

Imagine what Assad would've done with nuclear weapons, had Israel not acted?

He clearly would've still been in power today.

We will never let our enemies obtain a nuclear weapon to realize their ambition of our elimination.

*

The Islamic Republic of Iran is the greatest threat to global peace and security.

It's the modern version of pure evil.

The task of leadership today, of free nations, is to ensure that evil does not prevail.

That evil will not threaten our way of life. Our values. And our very existence.

We remember our 6 million murdered brothers and sisters.

We will pass on their memory and the lessons of our painful past.

We will uphold our vow.

Never Again!"

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FM Sa'ar speaks with Italian Deputy PM and FM Antonio Tajani prior to his departure for Lebanon

Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs

They discussed, inter aliia, the dialogue between Israel and Lebanon that's expected to begin tomorrow and Israel's continued security operations against Hezbollah.

Type: News

Topic: Foreign Policy, Terrorism

Secondary topic: Hezbollah, Iran

Publish Date: 13.04.2026

Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar spoke today (Monday, 13 April 2026) with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani prior to his departure for Lebanon. They discussed, inter aliia, the dialogue between Israel and Lebanon that's expected to begin tomorrow and Israel's continued security operations against Hezbollah.

FM Sa'ar: "Spoke with my friend Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani before his departure for a visit to Lebanon.

We discussed the dialogue between Israel and Lebanon that's expected to begin tomorrow.

I said that it's important to sever the link between Iran and Lebanon. Iran effectively controls Lebanon through Hezbollah. This is how Iran once again involved Lebanon in a war against its will. Hezbollah's attack against Israel on March 2nd served Iranian interests, not Lebanese ones - just like Hezbollah's joining of Hamas's attack on Oct. 8th, 2023.

Granting Iran status, by allowing it to determine when a ceasefire in Lebanon takes place, is a serious mistake that would only strengthen Iran's grip on Lebanon. Therefore, Israel opposed this and continues its security operations against Hezbollah.

The IDF action in Lebanon weakens Hezbollah and, consequently, Iran's hold on Lebanon too.

I updated my counterpart on the weapons found in a hospital in Bint Jbeil, which demonstrate the malicious use Hezbollah makes of civilian infrastructure.

I also referred to the IDF strike on Hezbollah command centers last Wednesday. In this successful operation, over 200 Hezbollah terrorists were taken out, with an effort to minimize civilian casualties.

I also spoke about the suffering of Israeli civilians in the north of the country - something that is barely reflected in international media coverage - despite the firing of over 7,000 missiles, rockets, and drones from Lebanese territory since March 2.

In fact, Israel's interests aligns with those of Lebanon: to dismantle the Hezbollah terror state that has taken over Lebanon."

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PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Government Meeting

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Media Statements

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 13.04.2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Government meeting, today:

"Yesterday, I was in Lebanon, in the security zone, with our forces, with our wonderful reservists and our daring commanders. They are doing incredible work there with a steadfast spirit, great determination, and significant successes that must, of course, be recognized. The first thing is that they are pushing the enemy away from the border. We are not talking about five points; we are talking about a solid, deeper security zone that both prevents the danger of invasion and distances the anti-tank missile threat. They are also dealing with the terrorist villages that were adjacent to us, where every terrorist position, and there are many, is simply being flattened. You have to see it; it is a massive change. You also have to see their spirit. There is also a threat from high-trajectory rocket fire, and that is being addressed as well; there are important innovations there, but there is work to be done. I was very impressed by the readiness and the understanding that we must restore security to the North and ensure that the residents of the North receive the same measure of security as all citizens of Israel. We will not rest until we restore their security.

And of course, the fighting continues; it has not stopped. It is continuing all the time. Yesterday and today, it was concentrated in Bint Jbeil. That is regarding Lebanon.

I spoke yesterday with Vice President JD Vance. He called me from his plane on the way back from Islamabad. He briefed me in detail, as members of this administration do daily, on the progress of the negotiations; in this case, the collapse of the negotiations. The explosion came from the American side, which could not tolerate Iran's blatant violation of the agreement to enter into negotiations. The agreement was that firing would cease and the Iranians would immediately open the straits. They did not do it. The Americans could not accept that. He also made it clear to me that the central issue on the agenda for President Trump and the US is the removal of all enriched material, and ensuring there is no more enrichment in the coming years, and this could be for decades, no enrichment inside Iran. This is their focus, and of course, it is important to us as well.

Since Iran violated the rules, President Trump decided to impose a naval blockade on them. We, of course, support this firm stance, and we are in constant coordination with the US. The talk as if there is a disconnect between us is the complete opposite. Anyone who was around during this call, and during the daily conversations we hold with the President and his people, his staff, can testify to that. This is coordination like never before; there is something here that hasn't happened. It hasn't happened in the history of the State, and it hasn't happened in the history of the Jewish people: We have coordination with the strongest power in the world, and we have the ability to repel dangers of annihilation.

I met yesterday with Holocaust survivors, those who will light the torches today. I was moved to hear their stories. It is supreme heroism and survival against all odds. It needs to be heard today. But I told them there is one huge difference: during the Holocaust, we were, as the poet Uri Zvi Greenberg said, 'like a hunted animal.' We couldn't do anything. We were hunted, we were slaughtered; only individuals survived. Today, the tables have turned: We are the ones hunting our oppressors. They who came to destroy us are currently fighting for their survival. The power of the State of Israel, only 80 years after the Holocaust, is visible to the entire world. Even if the world has forgotten the Holocaust, we have not forgotten. We know that we must stand up to evil in time and with strength, and we are doing so, as no country other than the US is doing.

The State of Israel is at the peak of its power, and the most important thing to say on the eve of Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day is this: If we had not acted, if we had not taken our fate into our own hands in the independent State of Israel, with the Israel Defense Forces and our security arms, the names Isfahan, Natanz, Fordow, and Bushehr would be remembered like Auschwitz, Majdanek, and Sobibor. That is exactly the whole difference. They come to destroy us and we rise up against them. In every generation, they rise against us; in this generation, we rose against them, and this is a massive change that all citizens of Israel should welcome. This ensures the main thing: Never Again. Every year I stand at Yad Vashem and I say: 'There will not be another Holocaust.' And today, these words are backed up by the great deeds of the IDF, by the steadfast standing of the citizens of Israel, and by the very strong determination of the Government of Israel."

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PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Opening Ceremony for Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Type: Events and Speeches

Government: The 37th Government

Publish Date: 13.04.2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:

"Honorable President of the State of Israel, Isaac Herzog,

My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, and today, above all others, the survivors of the Holocaust, with mighty spirits,

We all embrace you with love. And tonight, we all salute those who light the torches of commemoration and heroism here at Yad Vashem. The survivors, who defeated the Holocaust, were fortunate to see the rebirth of Israel and they contributed to it. But now, they have the privilege to witness something else of unparalleled importance.

In the Holocaust, the poet Uri Zvi Greenberg wrote: "We were an extinct people like a wild beast in a hunt." In contrast, today our people fight back against our oppressors. During the Holocaust, we were an abused animal crying in agony. Today, however, we have a state which is stronger than ever, which roars with power.

Through Operation Rising Lion, and even more so in Operation Roaring Lion, Israel stands with the United States at the forefront of the free world. Together, we crushed the evil regime in Iran to dust. The regime of the Ayatollahs sought to develop nuclear bombs and manufacture tens of thousands of lethal ballistic missiles intended to annihilate us. It funded and armed its terror proxies, which sought to suffocate us in a ring of fire. At the same time, it spread a fanatical ideology across every continent, defining the West as an existential threat. They thought they could do this unhindered, but no more.

Our nation has learned the lesson. Year after year I stand here. I have pledged at the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony: We will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. And as Prime Minister of Israel, I have promised: "There will not be a second Holocaust."

This year, we turned that promise into reality. We dealt the regime of terror in Iran the hardest blow in its history. The regime is weaker than ever. Most of its military assets are gone.

Citizens of Israel, looking back at the Holocaust, the question what if arises in all its bluntness. What if we had a state before the catastrophe? What if the nations of Europe had stopped the monstrous Nazism in time instead of appeasing it? What if the Allies had bombed the extermination camps?

But, my dear friends, there are no what ifs in history. The terrible disaster happened. The nightmare scenario came true. The world was plunged into a war of destruction that claimed the lives of tens of millions, and of course, our six million brothers and sisters. That same world, which was indifferent to the persecution of the Jews, realized that the hatred of Jews, the poisonous antisemitism, undermines the foundations of human society as a whole.

Given all this, we are acting so that future generations will not ask what if, with a sense of missed opportunity. The answers are being given right now. For two and a half years, we have been systematically crushing the Iranian Axis of Evil. In Rafah, in the Philadelphi corridor, in Gaza, in the beeper operation, in the elimination of the arch-murderers Deif, Sinwar, Nasrallah and others... in Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria, Yemen. And of course, in Rising Lion and Roaring Lion.

Between these two intense operations, I visited our great friend, President Trump, several times in the United States. During one of those visits, my wife and I met Holocaust survivor Jake Waksal. He is 101 years old. Jake, born in Poland, was a teenager when he survived the Nazi hell in the camps and forests. His parents and other relatives were brutally murdered. At our meeting, in a synagogue in Miami, Florida, Jake stood up with a yellow star pinned to his lapel. Everyone present stood up and applauded him. I told Jake and the members of the community that after the Holocaust we promised Never Again. We promised and we are now fulfilling that.

We have changed the course of history. The independent State of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces, Israel's security organizations, all of these are manifestations of our regaining control over our destiny after centuries of horrible weakness. I added that the establishment of the state did not end the aggression against us, nor the antisemitism that is surging once again everywhere. But unlike the past, whoever seeks to destroy us now, brings upon themselves destruction on a scale they never could imagine.

Indeed, we have destroyed large parts of the industry of death that the Iranian regime had developed over decades: the nuclear plants, missiles, UAVs, the naval fleet, the air force, and vast quantities of other weapons systems. Had we not acted, the names Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan and Parchin might have been remembered eternally in infamy, just like Auschwitz, Treblinka, Majdanek, and Sobibor. But we acted, and howin an unprecedented historic partnership with President Trump and the United States.

On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, let us remember that the State of Israel is at the peak of its power. Who could have imagined eighty years ago that our daring air-force pilots and American military pilots would defend the Middle East, wing to wing? Defending Israel, the United State, and something else: we are defending Europe.

Europe, which has forgotten so much since the Holocaust, can learn many things from us, primarily: the sharp distinction between good and evil, which, in the moment of truth, requires us to go to war for the sake of good, for the sake of life. Europe, which vowed after World War II to defend the good, is infested today with a deep moral weakness. Europe is losing control over its identity, its values and its commitment to protect civilization from barbarism.

But Israel does not forget this eternal commitment. Together with the US and other nations, nations with whom we are forging alliances that will yet be spoken of, we are defending ourselves. In fact, we are defending the entire world.

Dear Holocaust survivors, citizens of Israel, no other nation could have accomplished what we have done: to bring about this immense transformation, from Holocaust to rebirth, a rebirth rich in achievements that amaze the family of nations. The flourishing State of Israel will continue to serve as a beacon of liberty, progress and prosperity.

Israel's soldiers, who courageously protect our homeland, will continue to be an inspiration, as it is written in the Book of Chronicles:

'Mighty men of valor, fit for the army for war, who could handle shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions.'

As a nation of lions, we shall continue, with G-d's help, to roar the roar of eternity.

Am Yisrael Chai! [The People of Israel live!]"

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Court In Kazakhstan Finds All 19 Defendants Guilty For Anti-China Protests

By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service and Zamira Eshanova April 13, 2026

A court in Kazakhstan convicted all 19 defendants in a politically sensitive case heard behind that was linked to an anti-China protest last year near the border between the two countries.

The court on April 13 found all defendants guilty of inciting inter-ethnic discord following a protest in which participants demanded the release of an ethnic Kazakh detained in Xinjiang.

Several defendants received five-year prison sentences, while others received so-called restriction of liberty sentences, a non-custodial punishment placing individuals under state supervision with limits on movement, residence, and daily activities.

All 19 defendants were also banned from engaging in political activity for three years.

The defendants are members or supporters of Naghyz Atazhurt, an unregistered advocacy group that works with families who have relatives missing in Xinjiang. They are charged with "inciting interethnic hatred" in connection with a November 13, 2025, protest that was filmed and posted online.

In those videos, they can be seen burning small Chinese flags and a portrait of Chinese leader Xi Jinping while chanting slogans against Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese Communist Party, and calling for the release of a naturalized Kazakh citizen from Xinjiang who has been detained in China since July 2025.

The case is widely seen as a gauge of China's influence in Kazakhstan, after evidence emerged that prosecutors acted following a diplomatic complaint from Beijing.

It highlights the tension between domestic activism over Xinjiang -- where more than 1 million Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Muslim minorities have been sent to mass detention camps -- and the government's strategic relationship with China.

The trial was held under restricted conditions, with journalists barred from the courtroom and following proceedings from an adjacent room via live video feed.

Outside the courthouse in Taldykorgan, around 100 relatives and supporters gathered as the verdict was announced. The scene turned highly emotional, with female relatives seen crying and one woman requiring emergency medical assistance.

Relatives told reporters they had expected acquittals or the release of the activists and appealed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to intervene. In comments to RFE/RL, some also alleged that the outcome reflected political pressure from China.

According to RFE/RL Kazakh Service reporters, some family members were asked to leave the courthouse premises and avoid making a public commotion while proceedings were still ongoing.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticized the case, warning about fair trial concerns and the use of Article 174 of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code to prosecute protest-related activity.

The case originated after police detained participants shortly after the November 13, 2025, protest. What began as administrative detentions was later escalated into a criminal case under Article 174 on incitement of ethnic hatred. The defendants were linked to the "Atajurt" movement, an unregistered civic group known for documenting alleged human rights abuses against ethnic Kazakhs and Uyghurs in Xinjiang and advocating for families separated across the China-Kazakhstan border.

The protest and the subsequent criminal proceedings drew criticism from Chinese diplomatic representatives, who described the demonstration as a provocation and urged Kazakhstan authorities to take action and prevent what they called harm to China's national dignity and the image of its leadership.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/court-kazakhstan-guilty- verdict-anti-china-protests/33731238.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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Russian-Indonesian talks

Vladimir Putin held talks in the Kremlin with President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, who is in Russia on a working visit.

April 13, 2026

18:15

The Kremlin, Moscow

The agenda of the talks includes the current state and prospects for strengthening the Russian-Indonesian strategic partnership, as well as current international and regional issues.

* * *

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends,

First of all, thank you for accepting our invitation and coming to Moscow.

My dear friend, I am very pleased that our contacts are regular and underscore the special nature of our relations. We have recently signed a declaration to this effect, and it is already taking on practical form.

This strategic nature is manifested, above all, in the economic sphere. Last year, our trade grew by 12.5 percent. Regrettably, at the beginning of this year, there was some adjustment, but our intergovernmental commission is actively working. I hope that your visit will help us find the necessary solutions to ensure stability and renewed growth this year.

Our colleagues on both sides as well as you and I have repeatedly identified the most promising areas of cooperation: energy, space, agriculture, industrial cooperation, and pharmaceuticals.

We attach great importance to developing humanitarian ties, including in culture and education. Of course, our foreign ministries also maintain close and active coordination across international platforms.

Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS, which opens up additional opportunities for cooperation, including between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union.

My dear friend, we are very glad to see you. Welcome.

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto (retranslated): Thank you very much, Your Excellency, Mr President.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your willingness to meet with me on such short notice. I am truly grateful that you were able to take time out of your busy schedule for this meeting.

Although only a few months have passed since our previous meeting, I have already engaged with numerous Russian delegations visiting Jakarta and held a number of meetings in Moscow. Prior to today's discussion, I also met with representatives of Russian government agencies and companies, and I believe these exchanges were productive.

The primary purpose of my visit today is to express our sincere gratitude to you personally, as well as to the Government of the Russian Federation, for the support extended to the Republic of Indonesia, particularly for the swift timeframe in which Indonesia was able to join BRICS. I would also like to convey my appreciation for your personal support on issues of key importance to Indonesia.

We are already witnessing tangible progress across nearly all areas of cooperation that we discussed during our previous meeting. At the same time, certain areas require additional coordination, and I stand ready to be personally involved in order to accelerate the implementation of these projects. This applies, first of all, to financial transactions, where I am also prepared to take all necessary steps to expedite the process to the fullest extent possible.

One of the key objectives of my visit today is, of course, to consult with you on the current geopolitical situation. We recognise Russia's significant and constructive role in shaping today's geopolitical landscape, particularly amid the prevailing uncertainties.

In this context, it is especially important for us to engage in joint consultations, exchange views on future developments, and identify priority areas for further cooperation, particularly in the economic and energy sectors.

Once again, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your willingness to meet with me on such short notice. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations on the recent celebration of Easter, as well as on another very important occasion: Cosmonautics Day, which holds great significance not only for Russia but for the entire world. It is noteworthy that in Indonesia, many prominent individuals have been named Gagarin or Yury.

Vladimir Putin: Thank you, Mr President. I believe your visit is both timely in the context of current global developments and important for further strengthening and deepening our bilateral relations.

Once again, thank you for being here in Moscow today.

It is particularly meaningful to receive Easter greetings from the head of state of the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. We are a multi-confessional nation, and we traditionally celebrate religious holidays together with our compatriots of different faiths, including Muslims.

Thank you.

<...>

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MND surprised by lawmaker suggestion to help U.S. clear mines

ROC Central News Agency

04/13/2026 10:28 PM

Taipei, April 13, (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) seemed surprised Monday by a Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker's suggestion that Taiwan's military could support the United States in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

In presenting the idea at a legislative committee hearing, Legislator Wang Ting-yu () said U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed dissatisfaction with allies for not dispatching forces to assist with mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

With that in mind, Wang asked gathered officials whether Taiwan's military should express its willingness to support such efforts.

"The idea is quite creative, but we have not thought about it," replied Vice Defense Minister Hsu Szu-chien ().

National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen () described the issue as "hypothetical."

"Taiwan's situation differs from that of other U.S. allies," he said, noting that any troop deployment would require an assessment of threats facing Taiwan, making the conditions more complex.

Hsu, meanwhile, said the key concerns would be logistical, supply, and operational support, and he noted that the Navy's minehunter vessels are relatively small and might not be able to reach the Strait of Hormuz to begin with.

Also, because Taiwan faces constant harassment from Chinese naval vessels, its Navy has major responsibilities in Taiwan's own waters, meaning that any deployment of already limited mine countermeasure capabilities abroad would have to be carefully evaluated, Hsu said.

It was unclear what prompted Wang's idea to even consider volunteering Taiwan's Navy to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, but he also asked at the hearing whether the Navy's mine-clearing capacity was sufficient for its own needs.

In response, Navy Chief of Staff Chu Hui-min () said only that "we are continuing to work on it."

(By Matt Yu and Elizabeth Hsu)

Enditem/ls

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2026.04.14

Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Apr. 13 (Mon.) to 6 a.m. Apr. 14 (Tue.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

9 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN ships and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 9 sorties entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1150414_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1150414_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan

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Fidan: 'Israel cannot live without an enemy' and seeks to declare Turkey as one

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 April 2026 4:08 PM

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says Israel "cannot live without an enemy" and the incumbent cabinet led by Benjamin Netanyahu is now seeking to declare the Ankara government as its new enemy.

"...Israel cannot live without an enemy," Fidan said in an interview with the official Anadolu news agency published on Monday.

It does not come down to only the Netanyahu cabinet, the Turkish minister said. Some figures in the opposition, he added, are also seeking to declare Turkey as the new enemy.

"This is a new development in Israel... turning into a state strategy."

Tensions between Turkey and Israel soared dramatically following the onset of the genocidal war against the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, which has killed more than 72,000 people and injured tens of thousands more.

The dispute further escalated and entered a new phase over the weekend after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned his US counterpart Donald Trump of "possible provocations and sabotage" that couldFidan-Israel-cannot-live-without-an-enemy-and-seeks-to-declare-Turkey-as-one threaten the fragile ceasefire agreement between Tehran and Washington.

On April 11, Netanyahu said Israel would continue to confront Iran and its regional allies.

The United States and Israel initiated a large-scale, illegal and unprovoked war against Iran on February 28, assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several high-ranking commanders.

Iran's response has been decisive.

The Iranian Armed Forces have carried out over 100 waves of missile and drone operations against US interests across West Asia and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

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Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Russia violated the Easter ceasefire with more than 10,000 attacks

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

13.04.2026 | 16:26

Today, 13 April, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that, according to Ukraine, Russia violated the Easter ceasefire with more than 10,000 attacks, once again proving Russia's brutality, lack of respect for holidays and desire to continue its military aggression.

"According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Russian forces violated the agreed Easter ceasefire a total of 10,721 times over a 32-hour period. At least two people were killed and several others injured in these attacks. Russia has once again shown its true face and demonstrated that it is not prepared to halt its military actions even during holidays," Tsahkna said.

"Moreover, Ukraine proposed a permanent ceasefire last week, which could be followed by negotiations on a lasting peace. Clearly, Russia is not interested in that either," Tsahkna added.

According to the foreign minister, in light of this, Ukraine's partners must continue to increase pressure on Russia and provide comprehensive support to Ukraine in order to bring Russia seriously to the negotiating table.

"The European Union still has on its agenda the 20th sanctions package, the allocation of a 90 billion loan to Ukraine, and Ukraine's accession process to the European Union. The expectation is that, following yesterday's elections in Hungary, we will soon be able to move forward on all these issues," Tsahkna said.

"Developments in the Middle East are also closely linked to Ukraine. On the one hand, the conflict in the Middle East has given Ukraine an opportunity to demonstrate its military capabilities and build new partnerships. Ukraine's offer of assistance to the Gulf states against Iranian drones shows that it has expertise and experience that no one else possesses. On the other hand, it is crucial that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened and that global oil prices fall, as this would reduce the revenues flowing into Russia's state budget, which it uses to continue its aggression," the foreign minister added.

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Proposition to the Storting on Norwegian participation in Claims Commission and Special Tribunal for Ukraine

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 13/04/2026

The Government has submitted a proposition to the Storting (Norwegian parliament) on Norwegian participation in two key mechanisms designed to hold Russia accountable for its war of aggression against Ukraine.

In the proposition, the Government requests the Storting's consent to ratify the Convention establishing an International Claims Commission for Ukraine. The Government is also proposing that Norway participates as a member of the Management Committee that will govern the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.

'This marks a milestone in Norway's efforts to hold Russia accountable for its crime of aggression against Ukraine. It is also an important day for all of the victims. A Claims Commission will make it possible for victims to submit claims for compensation for the enormous loss and damage inflicted on them. The Special Tribunal will prosecute Russian military and political leaders. We are sending a clear message that Russia will be held accountable,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The respective mechanisms have been negotiated by a group of countries including Ukraine. Both mechanisms will be established within the organisational framework of the Council of Europe.

Part of Norway's support to Ukraine

Norway has consistently condemned Russia's serious violations of international law and continues to support Ukraine in its fight to defend itself.

It is crucial to ensure that Russia is held financially accountable in order to achieve a lasting and just peace and to prevent future violations of international law.

'The efforts to hold Russia legally and financially accountable for the war go hand in hand with Norway's plans to continue its wide-ranging military and civilian support to Ukraine. We must also maintain and intensify pressure on Russia's war economy,' said Mr Eide.

Important to Norwegian interests as well

'Ukraine's battle to defend itself is also our battle - Norway's and Europe's battle. It is in Norway's national interests to maintain an international order based on the rule of law. And this international order can only be upheld if serious violations of international law are met with clear reactions. The establishment of the Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal are vital in this context,' said Mr Eide.

A number of resolutions in the UN General Assembly have stated unequivocally that Russia must be held accountable for its violations of international law. The General Assembly has highlighted the need for national and international prosecution of those responsible, justice for victims, and the establishment of an international compensation mechanism for Ukraine.

Norwegian participation in the Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal was discussed in the white paper on the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine (Meld. St. 8 (2023-2024)).

Hope for rapid progress

On 25 June 2025, the Council of Europe and Ukraine signed an agreement on establishing the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The Tribunal will be financed and overseen by a Management Committee, established through an enlarged partial agreement.

Norway has notified the Council of Europe that it plans to join the partial agreement, subject to the consent of the Storting.

Norway has already signed the agreement establishing a claims commission. The agreement must be ratified by at least 25 countries in order for it to enter into force. Norway's early ratification is intended to enable the agreement to enter into force as quickly as possible, so that the work to obtain financial compensation for the victims can begin.

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Yulia Svyrydenko: Over 50% of weapons on the frontline are Ukrainian-made

Ukraine Government

Department of Information and Public Communications of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, posted 13 April 2026 11:30

Ukrainian arms manufacturers are a community of brave entrepreneurs who, in partnership with the Defence Forces, create unique technologies. Today, this includes more than 900 state and private companies and over 300,000 people working to strengthen the country's defence capability.

More than 50% of the weaponry currently used on the frontline is now of Ukrainian production. This includes, in particular, unmanned systems, artillery and communication systems - all of which meet the key needs of the army and increase its effectiveness.

On the occasion of the Day of the Armourer, the Government has adopted a number of decisions aimed at developing the defence-industrial complex and accelerating the introduction of innovations.

1. Fast-track procurement of innovations for the Armed Forces.

A government resolution allows the Ministry of Defence to procure innovative prototypes for testing in real combat conditions.

This shortens the path from development to delivery. It also introduces a systematic collection of feedback from the military on their effectiveness.

"Innovations should not become outdated even before they reach centralised procurement because of a complicated bureaucratic process. In modern warfare, the speed of technology implementation is critical," stressed Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.

2. Protection of intellectual property in defence development.

The Government has approved a policy on the management of intellectual property rights in the defence-industrial complex. The document establishes clear rules for interaction between the state and manufacturers regarding the protection and use of developments.

The aim of the policy is to protect rights to defence technologies created by enterprises of the state sector of the defence-industrial complex or acquired through defence procurement by state customers, and their use in the production of defence goods.

This decision forms part of the implementation of the State Anti-Corruption Programme and the measures it provides for.

The Prime Minister thanked Ukrainian defence industry manufacturers for their work, emphasising that Ukrainian weapons are an important factor in the security not only of Ukraine, but of the whole of Europe and the world.

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Ukraine Targets Russian Merchant Fleet With NATO Intel Support - Presidential Aide

Sputnik News

20260413

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Ukrainian special services are targeting the Russian merchant fleet with coordination and intelligence support of NATO, Russian presidential aide and chairman of the Russian Marine Board Nikolai Patrushev said on Monday.

"The risks of illegal actions and terrorist attacks against ships sailing from or towards Russian ports are increasing. The Ukrainian special services, with the coordination and intelligence support of NATO countries, are targeting the non-military maritime infrastructure and the merchant fleet of our country," Patrushev told Russian media.

The Baltic states and Finland's provision of airspace for attack drones means that NATO members directly participate in the attacks on Russia, the official said, adding that neighboring countries are complicit in Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian ports in the Baltic.

"Kiev cynically regards the death of three crew members, which was a tragedy for their relatives, friends, and all normal people, as its victory. At the same time, we record the hypocritical policies of a number of states and international organizations that refrain from assessing attacks on Russian ships," the Russian presidential aide said.

Kiev, which has flooded the Black Sea with mines and unmanned boats, remains the main source of terrorist and military danger, Nikolai Patrushev said.

"NATO countries continue to play out exercise scenarios to neutralize non-existent security threats from Russia, even though they themselves face real threats in the Black Sea. The Kiev regime, which has flooded the Black Sea with mines and unmanned boats, remains the key source of terrorist and military threats in the region," Patrushev said.

Drifting Ukrainian mines are increasingly being discovered in close proximity to the coasts of Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania, Patrushev added.

The route of the Ukrainian UAVs through the Baltic States required a careful study and at least the consent of the leadership of those states over which it passed, Patrushev said.

"I believe that neighboring countries are also complicit in these crimes, even if Ukrainian drones are launched from the decks of ships in the Baltic Sea... The distance from the northern borders of Ukraine to the Leningrad Region is more than 1,400 kilometers [870 miles]. Such a route requires careful study and at least the consent of the leadership of the countries over which it passes," Patrushev said.

A frigate of Russia's Black Sea Fleet escorted tankers with Russian oil through the English Channel last week, Patrushev said.

Last month, the UK government announced that UK military personnel will be able to board vessels subject to UK sanctions and transiting through UK territorial waters. London will also impose even greater restrictions by blocking British waters, including the English Channel, for sanctioned vessels. The measure affects the so-called "shadow fleet," allegedly engaged in the transportation of Russian energy resources.

"Given that London prefers to interpret international law in its favor, last week a frigate of the Black Sea Fleet escorted tankers with Russian oil across the English Channel," Patrushev said.

If necessary, other measures will be taken to ensure the safety of navigation and protect national interests in international waters, the official added.

"It seems that the British are haunted by the evil fame of their ancestors, who made profit in a piratical manner on the transport passing along their shores," Patrushev said.

NATO continues to build anti-Russian infrastructure in the Black Sea region under the guise of the recent Sea Shield 2026 exercises, Nikolai Patrushev said.

"The North Atlantic Alliance, under the guise of the Sea Shield - 2026 exercises held in early April, continues to form an anti-Russian infrastructure in the Black Sea area. Romania was chosen as the main territory of the maneuvers as a Black Sea springboard to confront Russia," Patrushev said.

 Sputnik

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Russian Defense Ministry Recorded 6,558 Violations of Easter Truce by Ukraine

Sputnik News

20260413

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday it has recorded 6,558 violations of the Easter Truce by the Ukrainian armed forces.

"Despite the announcement of the Easter truce, Ukrainian armed forces continued to launch strikes using drones and artillery against our troop positions, as well as civilian targets in the border areas of the Belgorod and Kursk regions of the Russian Federation. A total of 6,558 ceasefire violations were recorded," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the Russian armed forces strictly observed the ceasefire.

Despite the truce, the Ukrainian armed forces carried out 694 attacks on Russian military positions, the ministry added.

The Ukrainian armed forces "carried out 5,844 strikes using quadcopters, including 4,685 strikes by FPV drones, 266 by octocopters, 144 by fixed-wing aircraft, and 749 munition drops from unmanned aerial vehicles," the statement read.

During the truce, a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle damaged a gas station in the city of Lgov in the Kursk region, the ministry added.

At the same time, in general, during the daytime during the truce, the intensity of fire and combat operations by Ukraine along the entire front line was reduced, the statement also said, adding that the Russian armed forces continue to conduct the special military operation with the end of the truce.

"Five enemy advance attempts were thwarted in the areas of Kondratovka, Novaya Sech and Varachino in the Sumy region and Kaleniki in the Donetsk People's Republic," the statement read, adding that three Ukrainian attacks were repelled in the Zaporozhye region towards the settlements of Gai and Otradnoe in the Dnepropetrovsk region.

 Sputnik

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For the First Time in Its History, Ukraine Is Armed Sufficiently to Defend Against Russian Strikes - President

President of Ukraine

13 April 2026 - 22:30

On the Arms Makers' Day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated workers of the defense-industrial complex on their professional holiday and awarded them state honors.

The Head of State emphasized that for the first time in Ukraine's history, the courage of our warriors and the resilience of the people are sufficiently armed to defend against Russian strikes. Ukraine has withstood the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation and is capable of taking the war onto the enemy's territory.

"Today, our deep strikes are no longer a sensation, although each time they are a very just and very welcome development. Today, our Ukrainian drones have fundamentally changed approaches to warfare. While once the outcome depended on the quantity of artillery, today the battlefield is defined, above all, by the courage of the infantry and the scale of drone deployment," the President noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointed out that Ukraine is producing ground-based robotic systems, which are becoming increasingly important on the battlefield.

"We have our own electronic warfare systems. An absolute priority is our own air defense, capable of countering ballistic missiles. Many in Europe are now thinking about this, and it matters who will be the first to achieve it - independently or together with partners. Ukraine can be that leader," the Head of State said.

The President emphasized that Ukraine has reached a high level in the production and use of missiles, and is also manufacturing defense software, armored vehicles, and artillery systems. Thanks to the experience of Ukrainian warriors and defense industry enterprises, Ukraine is gaining global respect.

"We are already seeing this very clearly, as countries in Europe, the Middle East, the Gulf, Asia, and Africa are all highly interested in having Ukrainian weapons and Ukrainian military expertise contribute to their defense. We are developing formats that will ensure this," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.

The Head of State awarded defense industry workers with the Orders of Merit, I and III Class - one of them, unfortunately, posthumously - as well as the Medals "For Labor and Valor", and conferred the honorary title "Honored Machine Builder of Ukraine."

The President also spoke with Ukrainian arms makers about exports and international cooperation in defense technologies.

"We are following a model that is, in principle, well understood by many countries today, especially those that are very conservative in their agreements. They understand what a G2G agreement is - government to government. This is the primary level of agreement, which ensures accountability. No private sector entity, no individual private company, can bear responsibility before a state. At the government-to-government level, there is a higher degree of trust," Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted.

The President added that once a G2G agreement is in place, further agreements are concluded between enterprises, whether private or state-owned.

Separately, the Head of State emphasized that defense technologies are evolving very rapidly during wartime, and therefore defense industry enterprises must continue to propose new developments and advance the sector.

The discussion also covered the key directions of the strategy for the development of Ukraine's defense-industrial complex. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that one of its key elements is a strong defense industry with modern production lines that will continue to be upgraded.

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United Nations: Speech by High Representative Kaja Kallas at the annual UN Security Council session on EU-UN cooperation

European External Action Service (EEAS)

13.04.2026

EEAS Press Team

Mister President, Excellencies,

It is an honour to address the UN Security Council again. I would like to thank Bahrain for convening this meeting. I wish you the best for your Presidency.

Every year, the Security Council reviews the European Union's partnership with the United Nations on peace and security.

This is fitting, even if we only look at the financial metrics:

The EU and our Member States provide 42% of Official Development Assistance but make up only 5% of the global population;

Our Member States finance a quarter of the UN's regular budget;

We pay in full and on time.

But the EU has never considered our support for the United Nations purely on how much we spend.

We have been active on peace building. Think about the European Union's missions, some of them like operation IRINI under a direct UN mandate, others in cooperation with the UN, which are providing concrete EU support to peace building.

Through Operation ASPIDES we are protecting freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. And we have for years been the singular biggest supporter of peace and security in Somalia through our contributions to UN and African Union peacekeeping efforts.

And as the main donor to the Palestinian Authority and its reform process, also the leading humanitarian donor in Gaza, and our operational commitments through EUBAM Rafah and EUPOL COPPS missions, we are actively promoting the two-state solution and the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan.

We do all this in support of the United Nations because it is the only international system that stands for peace, represents the global collective interest, and protects international law.

Today we are witnessing the gravest violation and breakdown of international law since the Second World War. As a result, peace and security are in demise. This is why the EU's support for the UN now is more vital than ever.

Excellencies,

The breakdown of international law is evident in today's two pre-eminent global crises  Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the war in the Middle East.

Russia is executing one of the most outrageous breaches of international law in United Nations history, by invading a sovereign country and turning its back on its obligations as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.

The war in the Middle East has caused immense instability and cost far too many lives. It is no longer regional or simply about the security in the region. Its effects ripple worldwide.

Citizens from Europe to Asia are suffering from higher energy prices. Farmers from Africa to South America are facing fertiliser shortages. And the crisis is accelerating structural vulnerabilities in the global system: concentrated energy dependencies, fragile trade corridors, and the asymmetric exposure of emerging economies.

Excellencies,

Russia is also supporting Iran with intelligence and drones. Prolonging the war benefits Russia through higher energy prices, depleted air defence arsenals and diverted attention.

I just returned from my visit to the Gulf region. Their roads, airports, hotels, energy infrastructure, and other civilian infrastructure have been hit by the same tools that wreak havoc in Ukraine.

Together, the crises in Europe and the Middle East represent the clearest sign yet of an abandonment of the old rules, including the UN Charter. A new world is now in the making, characterised by competition and coercive power politics; a world order dominated by a handful of military powers who aim to establish spheres of influence.

How the world responds to this moment says less about the new emerging order than it does about us. Because we have been here before.

We are hearing a lot about multipolarity today. But let's be clear: multipolarity, unrestrained by the UN Charter or international law, multipolarity, guided only by spheres of influence, has never been peaceful, stable, nor conducive to global security and evenly distributed economic development. Ultimately it always ends in devastation.

In the aftermath of the First World War, the world decided to try something different: multilateralism instead of multipolarity. A League of Nations was born.

After the Second World War, important lessons were learnt. We recommitted to multilateralism with an understanding that the international system had to evolve as the world did. It had to have buy-in and legitimacy to work.

Today it seems we are forgetting these lessons and what it takes to make the system work.

Some even question the very utility of multilateralism as an organising principle of international relations.

You will never see Europe taking that path. In fact, the history of the European Union has followed a similar trajectory to the development of the international order. Europe will always choose cooperation over coercion.

Just like the current international order, the European Union is plagued by imperfection. But that does not mean we stop trying to do better.

That is why, when it comes to the international order, Europe can be part of the solution. And this is why, when countries seek reliable, principled partners to bolster alliances, defend international law and move multilateralism forward, increasingly they turn to the European Union. I hear this every single time I meet with foreign leaders.

Excellencies,

International cooperation based on the UN Charter benefits citizens everywhere in the world. That is also why despite its many challenges, the decline in multilateralism has actually put it back on the table: this is today's paradox. Even if the biggest military powers are losing interest, everyone else isn't.

The question now is how to transform the ailing multilateral system into one that works for all?

The European Union shares the belief that the United Nations must address the need to prevent wars. For that, we need to be clear about the role of the UN.

Firstly, international law sets legal parameters for the use of force by states, and they could not be clearer: only for self-defence or with a mandate from the Security Council. Rules are being broken today with impunity.

And secondly, conflict prevention is as much about upholding international rights, rules and norms, as it is about addressing root causes of conflict: poverty, inequality, climate change, the lack of transitional justice, to name just a few. The UN works to make a concrete, tangible difference in peoples' lives where countries cannot do it alone. Both strands must remain central to the UN's work.

As the EU has learned through its own history, practical, incremental steps eventually lead to transformative change.

We can and should move forward:

on specific topics

in making the rules stick

and on improving processes.

On specific topics, I bring you two examples.

First, peace mediation, peace building and peace keeping.

There have been many criticisms against the United Nations including the Security Council for failing to resolve conflicts. The record use of the veto in 2024, for example, suggests, that this body struggles to address conflicts as they arise.

On one hand, if the Security Council was functioning as it should, we would not be where we are today. On the other hand, it is a chance for the UN to step up and show that it can deliver. More conflict also requires more mediation. There is already so much we know about what works and what doesn't. The United Nations should oversee a revival of best practices.

For example:

We know that dialogue led by local communities, minorities and young people makes peace stick.

We know that including women in negotiations vastly increases the chance of lasting peace

We also know that involving multilateral structuresthe UNhelps overcome national interests.

These principles are not being consistently applied in mediation efforts today, but they must be if the goal is durable peace.

Peacekeeping remains crucial where mediation fails and always requires the broadest international support possible. Since 1948, UN peacekeepers from over 120 countries have protected civilians and saved lives. I am proud to say our Member States are currently the largest collective financial contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget.

The EU is looking at how we can engage further ourselves. Take Lebanon for example, where we are exploring how we could better support the Lebanese Armed Forces, also to complement the UN's presence and the important bilateral efforts by several countries. But the war has to end as soon as possible.

My second example is maritime security.

Our collective security, safety and prosperity are totally intertwined with what happens at sea. Maritime security underpins global communications, energy supply and economic development.

Yet, this domain has become increasingly contested. Whether we are talking about the Baltic, North or Red seas, the numerous straits or the Indo-Pacific, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea/UNCLOS is being undermined deliberately.

International cooperation at sea has not evolved at the same rate as the threats in this domain. We must catch up.

What is happening today in the Strait of Hormuz is the clearest call yet for a strong international coalition on maritime security.

There are many initiatives on the table, but the objectives are simple: safe passage for all shipments via this route. Let me be clear, the EU will continue to reject any arrangement that rules to limit free and safe passage though the straits, in accordance with international law.

I have just returned from a visit to the Middle East. It is clear that a fragile truce hangs in the balance, but it offers a much-needed opportunity to negotiate. The European Union will continue to contribute to all diplomatic efforts to prevent the region from sliding into further chaos. We commend Pakistan for the facilitation of the talks and encourage parties to continue.

Excellencies,

Protecting freedom of navigation is not the only challenge today. Submarine cables and pipelines area already targets for sabotage.

For this reason, we should step up work towards a new multilateral agreement to establish legal certainty and develop the tools to address these threats. When we know what works, we should replicate the successes elsewhere.

Excellencies,

If we pledge to the founding principles of the United Nations, including the UN Charter, and envisage growing the body of international law, then we must agree on how to make the rules stick.

To make the rules stick we must strengthen accountability. International law is only as effective as we are willing to make it.

The need for accountability is why we are helping set up a Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Without the crime of aggression, which is the leadership crime, there would not be any war crimes either. Without leadership accountability, war crimes will persist.

The Security Council bears a special responsibility for making the rules stick, because there can be no security in a world of impunity. This is why I salute the initiatives to curb veto abuse, such as:

The initiative introduced by Liechtenstein to trigger a General Assembly debate when the veto is used;

And also the French and Mexican initiative to curtail the use of the veto in the case of atrocity crimes.

When this body fails to deliver on its responsibility for peace and security, we should consider reverting the question to the General Assembly.

Finally on process: our collaboration does not need to be confined to what we have gotten used to over 80 years. Let's think outside the box on how we approach:

bilateral partnerships,

alliances,

regional organisations,

coalitions of the willing,

minilateral,

or plurilateral arrangements.

For instance, we could convene regional organisations around a specific theme of interest. We could think of multilateral partnerships based on particular issues. We could include other stakeholders more systematically, such as business, in tackling common challenges.

All of these are complementary to the multilateral, rules-based order that most states want. None must undermine it. Every iteration should be in line with UN principles or else we risk a United Nations in name only.

If we do more of this, cross regionally and with a critical mass, we could strengthen the system as a whole.

President, Excellencies,

If the first success of the United Nations was its capacity to evolve as the world community did, this is no longer the case.

From the modest representation for rising economies in the Security Council to the role of the General Assembly in holding the most powerful to account, the to-do list is long. Without fairness, there is no hope to make it work again.

But we do remain hopeful. The EU continues to be a firm believer in the United Nations and its capacity for change.

The EU has its own long experience reforming, adjusting and transforming itself. We know that doing so is not a one-shot project. It involves listening, negotiation, political compromises and a healthy dose of humility. We also know what its worth.

Excellencies,

One hundred years from now, historians will look back at this moment and they will ask: What did the United Nations do when the rules-based order was under threat?

Did we cling to the past, defending a system that no longer worked for the many? Or did we have the courage to reform itto make it stronger, fairer, and more resilient?

Did we stand by as the ruthless rewrote the rules? Or did we stand together and say: No. The law applies to all.

Did we resign ourselves to a world of spheres of influence, where might makes right? Or did we choose cooperation over coercion, justice over impunity, and peace over war?

The answer is in our hands.

As members of this Council, you are entrusted with a responsibility to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. That was the promise of 1945. It must be our mission today.

Let us be the generation that built a stronger, fairer order, one fit for the challenges ahead.

The time of action is now.

Thank you very much.

Concluding remarks

Thank you, Mr. President, for this.

I would not take the floor if, quoting the Russian ambassador, some of the statements would not have been so absurd as they were.

So, a few issues: building European security architecture cannot be done by force. That is also what Russia has agreed to in the OSCE and the Helsinki Final Act.

It is clear that when we talk about how this war should end, I remain by my words saying that aggression cannot pay off. If aggression pays off in Ukraine, it is an invitation to use it elsewhere. And that is the fundamental principle of this UN Charter: borders cannot be changed by force.

Then I also remain by my words, saying that the collapse of Soviet Union actually ended the Russian occupation for many countries, including two around this table and that brought those countries the freedoms that they could not have had in the Russian Federation: the freedom of speech, also the social freedoms; you are free to criticise your government. We do not have to shut down internet so that people would not know the effects of the war in your country.

And if you think, or the accusation is that some of the statements are Russophobic, then the question is: what does phobia mean? Phobia means fear, fear of Russia. And why? Because I remain by my words that Russia has attacked many countries before.

So we call on Russia to stop this brutal war in Ukraine, respect the UN Charter, which says: no changes of borders by force, respect territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence of other countries, and this is especially required from the members of the Security Council of the United Nations.

Thank you.

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European Union support for the UN 'more vital than ever', Security Council hears

13 April 2026 - A senior United Nations official on Monday hailed the European Union (EU) as "a major economic and diplomatic actor and a strong advocate of multilateralism."

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Khaled Khiari was speaking during the Security Council's annual debate on cooperation between the two organizations in the areas of peace and security.

"In an increasingly complex and uncertain international environment, sustained engagement, dialogue and trust-building are essential," he said.

"Respect for international law and the Charter of the United Nations remains central to addressing shared challenges. The European Union plays an important role in advancing these principles."

Partner in peace and beyond

Mr. Khiari said the EU is a key partner across the full spectrum of the UN's work, from international peace and security to human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian action.

He expressed particular gratitude for the role of its member states as troop and police-contributing countries, including in Lebanon and other challenging environments.

"At a time when advancing political solutions remains difficult in many contexts, the support of the European Union to the United Nations' good offices, mediation and political engagement is especially important," he added.

Hopes for Ukraine ceasefire

Mr. Khiari said the war in Ukraine "is a severe test to the international order-related regional frameworks" and that Russia's invasion of the country "has shaken the foundations of the European security architecture to its core."

With the conflict now entering a fifth year, and the human toll continuing to rise, he expressed hope that the Orthodox Easter temporary ceasefire will help pave the way towards a more durable truce.

"An immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire must be the first step towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, grounded in respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter," he said.

EU support

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, noted that although the bloc's member states comprise only five per cent of the global population, they provide 42 per cent of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and finance a quarter of the UN's regular budget.

"We pay in full and on time," she said. "But the EU has never considered our support for the United Nations purely on how much we spend."

The EU supports the UN "because it is the only international system that stands for peace, represents the global collective interest, and protects international law," she explained.

"Today we are witnessing the gravest breakdown of international law since the Second World War," endangering peace and security. "This is why the EU's support for the UN now is more vital than ever."

International law breaking down

Ms. Kallas said the breakdown of international law is evident in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the war in the Middle East, which she called the two preeminent global crises today.

"Russia is executing what is arguably among the most outrageous breaches of international law in United Nations history by invading a sovereign country and turning its back on its obligations as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council," she said.

Meanwhile, "the war in the Middle East has caused immense instability and cost far too many lives," with ripple effects felt worldwide. People from Europe to Asia are suffering from higher energy prices, and farmers from Sudan to South America are facing fertiliser shortages.

"Russia is also supporting Iran with intelligence and drones. Prolonging the war benefits Russia through higher energy prices, depleted air defence arsenals and diverted attention," she said.

New world order

These two crises "represent the clearest sign yet of an abandonment of the old rules, including the UN Charter," she continued.

"A new world is now in the making, characterised by competition and coercive power politics; a world order dominated by a handful of military powers who aim to establish spheres of influence."

She reminded the Council that "we have been here before", highlighting how the international community chose multilateralism over multipolarity in the aftermath of the First and Second World Wars.

She stressed that "Europe will always choose cooperation over coercion."

Responsibility to reform

Ms. Kallas said that in 100 years' time, "historians will look back at this moment. And they will ask: What did the United Nations do when the rules-based order was under threat?

"Did we cling to the past, defending a system that no longer worked for the many? Or did we have the courage to reform it - to make it stronger, fairer, and more resilient?"

She insisted that "the answer is in our hands" and concluded with a message for Council members.

"You are entrusted with a responsibility to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. That was the promise of 1945, and it must be our mission today," she said.

"Let us be the generation that built a stronger, fairer order, one fit for the challenges ahead. The time for action is now."

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As World Abandons 'Old Rules', UN Cooperation with European Union Needed More Than Ever, High Representative Tells Security Council, amid Calls to Avoid Overreach

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

10133rd Meeting (AM)

SC/16335

13 April 2026

Conceived as a project of peace in the wake of the Second World War, the European Union today remains one of the United Nations' staunchest and most important regional partners, senior officials from both organizations told the Security Council today, even some delegates sparred over the bloc's influence in an increasingly multipolar and unstable world.

"The European Union's founding treaties underscore the commitment to multilateral solutions, particularly in the framework of the United Nations," said Khaled Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, as he briefed the 15-member Council.

Noting that the UN continues to work closely with regional and subregional organizations in an "increasingly complex and uncertain" world, he said dialogue, trust-building and respect for international law are critical. The European Union is highly active on these fronts, from international peace and security to human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian action.

Across the globe, the UN and the European Union coordinate in support of inclusive political processes. Citing strong cooperation in the Western Balkans, the South Caucuses, Africa and elsewhere, he described the war in Ukraine as a "severe test" for the international order, warning: "The Russian invasion has shaken the foundations of the European security architecture to its core." An immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire is urgently needed as a first step towards a lasting peace based on UN Charter principles.

Crises in Europe, Middle East Signal Abandonment of 'Old Rules'

"Today, we are witnessing the gravest breakdown of international law since the end of [the Second World War]," agreed Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. "This is why the [European Union's] support for the UN now is more vital than ever."

The bloc and its member States finance a quarter of the UN's Regular Budget, paying its dues in full and on time, she pointed out. However, the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East are causing ripple effects across the world and raising questions about the UN's ability to prevent the unravelling of the post-World War order.

While Moscow carries out "what is arguably among the most outrageous breaches of international law in United Nations history", she said the conflict in the Middle East is no longer regional or simply about security in the region. From Asia to South America, energy prices are spiking and farmers face fertilizer shortages. The Russian Federation is supporting Iran with intelligence and drones against another Council member, "holding the world economy hostage", she added.

"Together, the crises in Europe and the Middle East represent the clearest sign yet of an abandonment of the old rules, including the UN Charter," she said. "A new world is now in the making, characterized by competition and coercive power politics."

Asking what historians will say about the UN's response when the rules-based order was under threat, she said: "Did we cling to the past, defending a system that no longer worked for the many? Or did we have the courage to reform it - to make it stronger, fairer and more resilient?" In Europe's view, the UN has the ability to change, and change is needed.

A 'Committed Partner' in Upholding International Law, Maritime Security

Council members also took the floor to express their views, with many agreeing that international relations are facing their most challenging test in the decades since the UN's founding. Some cited specific European Union-UN initiatives that are yielding fruit in such areas as humanitarian aid delivery, political mediation and maritime security.

"In the modern world, crises do not stay local," said Denmark's representative. Describing the UN and the European Union as "natural partners", she joined other speakers in voicing concern over rising energy costs, worsening food insecurity because, disrupted supply chains and massive human displacement due to conflict. "In such a world, international law  including the UN Charter  needs strong advocates. The UN will find no more committed partner than the EU."

"Effective multilateralism is not a choice  it is an imperative," said Greece's representative, echoing those points. He noted that maritime security and freedom of navigation are increasingly at risk, pointing out that European naval forces, including Operation IRINI, make tangible contributions to protecting global trade.

The representative of Bahrain, Council President for April, spoke in his national capacity to thank the European Union for supporting resolution 2817 (2026)  spearheaded by his delegation  which strongly condemned the "unjust Iranian aggression" against countries of the Gulf region. In addition, he welcomed the bloc's active role in protecting the security of navigation in the Red Sea and combating violations of the arms embargo on Libya.

Somalia's representative said complementarity between the UN and regional arrangements "strengthens our collective ability to address conflict and respond to emerging transnational threats". He welcomed the European Union's focus on the security-development nexus, "which aligns with continental priorities to create a transformative impact and foster long-term stability across Africa", while stressing the need for national ownership and regional leadership on the continent.

The representative of Panama said European Union initiatives such as Operation Aspides in the Red Sea reflect a "tangible commitment" to maritime security and the protection of commercial shipping. He also welcomed the European Union's support for Haiti and Colombia, among other countries in the region.

Support for Development Cooperation and National Ownership

The representative of Pakistan, meanwhile, noted the disproportionate effects of growing food insecurity, freshwater scarcity, energy volatility, supply-chain fragmentation, pandemics and climate change on the Global South. He welcomed the European Union's commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement and reform of the international financial architecture "at a time when international development cooperation is waning".

The representatives of Colombia, Liberia, Latvia, United Kingdom and the Democratic Republic of the Congo also voiced support for the bloc's initiatives in support of the UN. The former called for that cooperation to be comprehensive in nature  tackling the root drivers of conflict, such as climate change, and prioritizing civilian protection. Those goals are particularly critical in a global landscape marked by "mounting recourse to unilateralism and protectionism", she said.

China's representative agreed, also voicing support for cooperation with regional groups in a time of turbulence and rapid change. However, he warned that countries should always "treat each other as equals", and no nation or bloc can be a "self-styled arbiter" of other countries' choices.

Several delegates voiced grave concern over the Russian Federation's war in Ukraine  now more than four years old  and the broadening conflict in the Middle East.

"This war waged in Europe directly affects our security interests," said France's representative. He called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, as well as respect for the ceasefire currently in place in the Middle East, which should also include Lebanon. Praising the European Union's various initiatives, he cited the role of European peacekeepers in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the bloc's leading role in delivering humanitarian aid in Africa and its support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in a "seriously degraded environment".

Russian Federation Rejects European Union 'Double Standards' as United States Pushes Bloc to Increase Defence Spending

Striking a different tone, the Russian Federation's delegate said the European Union has cynically tried to position itself as "peacekeeper, mediator-in-chief, defender of international law [...] as well as a magnanimous benefactor for developing countries". Now, its "double standards and hypocrisy are rapidly coming to the surface", he said, citing the bloc's attempts to foment Russophobic sentiment and its provision of weapons to Ukraine. He noted its double standards on freedom of maritime navigation, elections, corruption and censorship, adding that many countries of the Global South are struggling under the weight of its coercive sanctions.

The representative of the United States also expressed concern about the European Union's sweeping activities, warning it to "focus on their foundational purposes and avoid burdensome policies that stifle free speech or innovation or infringe on national decision-making". She also called on the bloc to increase defence spending and shoulder greater responsibility for its own security.

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Dividend alert: GCB Bank offers GH1.00 per share for 2025 financial year

Kweku Zurek Business News Apr - 13 - 2026 , 20:59

GCB Bank PLC has proposed a final dividend payment of GH1.00 per share for the 2025 financial year, a move that will see shareholders receive a substantial payout when they gather for the bank's 32nd Annual General Meeting on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The dividend recommendation, made by the bank's directors and already approved by the Bank of Ghana, will be put to shareholders for final approval at the AGM scheduled to take place at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Auditorium. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing shareholders to attend either in person or virtually via live streaming on the bank's official AGM platform, social media handles, and GTV.

According to the amended notice issued by the bank on April 13, 2026, by the Company Secretary Amma Agyeman Kusi-Appouh, shareholders will be asked to waive the standard 21-day notice period required for dividend declaration resolutions before approving the payout.

Dividend details

The proposed GH1.00 per share dividend represents a significant return to shareholders and reflects the bank's strong financial performance during the 2025 financial year. The bank closed the 2025 financial year with a profit after tax of GH2.06 billion, reflecting a year of robust growth in interest income, improved asset quality, and strong trading performance.

Voting on the dividend resolution and all other business will be conducted strictly online, with shareholders required to access the virtual AGM platform to cast their votes. Confidential unique token numbers will be sent to shareholders by SMS from April 8, 2026, to grant access to the meeting platform at https://www.gcbbankagm.com.

Other key business

Beyond the dividend declaration, shareholders will also receive and consider the bank's annual reports and financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, together with the reports of the directors and auditors.

Three directors retiring by rotationProf. Joshua A. Alabi, Dr. Alhaji Yahaya Abdul-Rahman, and Ms. Pamela Seyram Addowill stand for re-election. Prof. Alabi serves as the Board Chairman and Independent Non-Executive Director, while Dr. Abdul-Rahman and Ms. Addo are Non-Executive Directors.

Shareholders will also be asked to ratify the appointment of Mr. Abdulsalam Alhassan as an Executive Director in charge of Wholesale & Investment Banking.

Directors' Remuneration

The bank has disclosed that fees paid to Non-Executive Directors during the 2025 financial year exceeded the budget of GH3.85 million by 17.5 per cent due to emergency and additional board, committee, and ad hoc committee meetings held during the year. Shareholders will be asked to ratify the excess payment.

For the 2026 financial year, the board is seeking shareholder approval for a budget of GH12 million as Directors' Remuneration for Non-Executive Directors.

Auditors and Proxy Arrangements

Shareholders will authorise the Board of Directors to determine the remuneration of external auditors PwC for the financial year ending 31st December 2026.

Shareholders unable to attend in person may appoint a proxy, who need not be a shareholder of the bank. Proxy forms must be lodged with the registrars at GCB Bank PLC, High Street, Accra, no later than 11:00 am on 15th April 2026, or 48 hours before the meeting.

The bank has reminded shareholders that all those attending the meeting in person will be required to present their Ghana Cards for identification and registration purposes.
See the full list of communities affected by ECG's planned and emergency works on April 14, 2026

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Featured

Abronye DC, Baba Amando granted bail after CID arrest in Accra

GraphicOnline Apr - 14 - 2026 , 06:55 2 minutes read

The Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwame Baffoe, and the partys Sunyani East Communications Officer, Abubakar Yakubu, have been granted bail by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service following their arrest over separate allegations.

The two party officials were released in Accra on Monday after hours of interrogation, with senior figures of the party stepping in to secure their bail.

Abronye DC was reportedly picked up by police over alleged threats directed at a judge presiding over a case at the Adenta Circuit Court, while Baba Amando is being investigated in connection with claims of false publication.

Speaking to journalists after their release, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin confirmed that he stood surety for both men and facilitated their release after agreeing to meet the conditions set by investigators.

He used the opportunity to call for restraint on the part of the police, urging law enforcement agencies to exercise tolerance and professionalism in handling politically sensitive matters.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the leadership of the CID for what he described as their responsiveness in addressing the situation.

However, the development has sparked sharp political reactions, with the NPP accusing the government of using state institutions to target opposition figures.

The partys National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, alleged that the arrests were part of a broader strategy to deflect public attention from governance challenges.

According to him, the government is facing increasing criticism over unmet commitments, including key legislative and economic issues, and is resorting to actions that create political distractions.

He further claimed that members of the opposition were being subjected to undue pressure, insisting that such developments could deepen political tensions if not handled with care.

The police have yet to provide further details on the investigations.
Queenmother calls for Odwira suspension - But Krontihene says no

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Accra court denies bail in GH14 million gold robbery case

Justice Agbenorsi & Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi Apr - 14 - 2026 , 12:36 2 minutes read

Six persons have been remanded into custody by an Accra Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in the robbery of 12.5 kilogrammes of gold valued at 14,387,096, along with an additional GH400,000 in cash.

The accused persons are facing charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and robbery. They have all pleaded not guilty.

Court denies bail

The court, presided over by Dennis Eyram Benson, refused oral bail applications made by lawyers for the accused persons.

Following the ruling, the six were remanded into lawful custody.

Next hearing date

The court adjourned the case to April 27, 2026, when the accused persons are expected to reappear.

Background

The accused persons are Salim Muhammed, also known as Fariwata; Alhassan Illiasu, also known as Arab Man; Hamza Agerego, also known as Lambert or Nene Bowku; and Abdul Samed Bonsiabu Larry, also known as Touch.

The others are Fatao Ibrahim, also known as Motorway, and Abubarkar Sadique, also known as Fifty Cents.

A seventh suspect, Baba Chika, also known as Oil Money, is currently at large and being sought by the police.

The six accused persons have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit crime, namely robbery, and robbery.

According to the prosecution, the suspects allegedly carried out the robbery in November 2024 when a large sum of money was being transported from the jewellery shop to a bank.

The prosecution further told the court that the accused persons allegedly used a Toyota Highlander vehicle with registration number GN 7357-19 to execute the operation and fired several gunshots into the air during the attack.

An occupant of the vehicle transporting the money to the bank was reportedly shot in the left leg during the incident.
Featured

Bawku: Police arrest 27-year-old man with AK-47, 31 rounds after gunshots alert military patrol

Mohammed Ali Apr - 14 - 2026 , 14:13 1 minute read

A 27-year-old man is in police custody in the Upper East Region after a military patrol recovered an AK-47 assault rifle and 31 rounds of live ammunition from his room at Sakabo, a suburb of Bawku.

The Upper East Regional Police Command confirmed the arrest of Abdul Basit in a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, following an operation by a military patrol team in the area.

According to the police, the patrol team was operating in Sakabo when personnel heard gunshots.

They moved towards the source of the sound and saw Basit running into a room. The team pursued him, arrested him, and searched the room, where the rifle and ammunition were found.

The police said Basit admitted during interrogation that the weapon and ammunition belonged to him.

The Upper East Regional Police Command has taken over the case from the military and is leading investigations.

Basit remains in custody and is expected to be put before a court to face charges of unlawful possession of an offensive weapon.

Investigations are ongoing.
Featured

Ghana rejoins 4 other WAEC member countries . . . 473,658 Candidates to sit WASSCE-SC

Emmanuel Bonney Apr - 14 - 2026 , 07:57 4 minutes read

A total of 473,658 final-year senior high school (SHS) students from Ghana will join their counterparts from four other West African member countries to sit the 2026 May-June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates (SC).

The decision to rejoin Liberia, The Gambia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone for the international examination this year follows five years of taking the Ghana Only version due to the COVID-19 outbreak disruption.

The Ghanaian candidates comprise 248,461 males and 225,197 females from 1,020 public and private second cycle schools, representing a 2.58 per cent increase over last years figure of 461,736.

The Head of Public Affairs of WAEC, John Kapi, made this known to the Daily Graphic yesterday during a briefing on the arrangements put in place for Ghana to return to the May-June WASSCE-SC.

He said WAEC had started the process for conducting the examination while the printing of the scripts was ongoing.

Asked what the return by Ghana meant, he said, Simply, it means that we (all WAEC member countries) are all writing at the same time.

That is all, nothing has changed.

We need to understand certain basic facts about the examinations that we conduct.

The examinations are international in nature, which means that we involve every member country in our preparatory stages, especially when it comes to the moderating of questions and compilation of the examinations, he said.

International partners

Mr Kapi said international partners were involved in the conduct of the examination, with each member country represented, and that when the examination was over, the same panel sat and discussed the marking scheme and agreed on what grades could be awarded based on the responses of candidates to questions.

He said when the marking was done, another panel sat and determined the award of grades and, for instance, came up with the cut-off point of A1, B2, B3, up to F9.

So again, the international partners would sit down and determine all these things before we publish the results because we have this international competition among the candidates  what we call the excellence awards, he said.

He explained that, unlike previously, when Ghana had to take the WASSCE-SC ahead of the four other countries, all member countries would sit the examination simultaneously this time around.

The conditions, he said, remained the same and that nothing had changed. He added that all the countries had the same timetable and would therefore start and finish at the same time.

Security

On security arrangements put in place, he said the council had, over the years, introduced various measures to ensure the sanctity and credibility of its examinations.

Over the years, we have introduced a number of measures; we always want to be sure that the printing press is secured.

We do not want any personnel who are not assigned any duties to be there, so we have our own internal security who are supposed to be around always, even when we are not printing.

When the printing process starts, we have police presence there 24/7, and during working hours, we have additional security from the National Investigations Bureau (BNI). So, at least these stages of security obviously would give us a certain feeling of security around the area, he said, adding, for you to even go into the printing hall, there is a dress code, it does not matter who you are, he said.

Moreover, he said there were closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in and around the printing facility.

At the various examination depots where the scripts were kept after printing, he said, there were security personnel who also manned the scripts in sealed plastic bags.

He said apart from the examination officials, security personnel and the National Security operatives, there was also frequent monitoring on the various centres to prevent any malpractice.

So in terms of security, we have put in place adequate security measures.

This is what we can do from our human point of view, so stakeholdersteachers, students, the community, opinion leaders as well as parents and guardianswould have to assist in the conduct of the examination devoid of malpractice, he said.

Mr Kapi appealed to stakeholders to join in the fight against examination malpractice, which could be a national security threat.

If you have them up to that point to cheat, they are going to cheat their way through life, he emphasised.

As part of measures to prevent examination malpractice, he said the serialisation of questions would be part of the process.

So once you adopt serialisation, you solve the problem to a very large extent, he explained.
Queenmother calls for Odwira suspension - But Krontihene says no

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GRA rolls out real-time sales tracking, vows tough action on import fraud

Mohammed Ali Apr - 14 - 2026 , 12:08 4 minutes read

The Ghana Revenue Authority has announced plans to deploy real-time transaction monitoring systems across businesses nationwide and intensify enforcement measures against import fraud, as part of efforts to boost revenue mobilisation.

The Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, disclosed in a television interview on Monday, April 14, 2026, that electronic fiscal devices would be installed at business premises to track sales instantly.

Speaking on Channel One TV, he said the system would enable the authority to receive transaction data as they occur.

Every business will be using a mandatory device that will allow VAT collection, he said. That will also give the GRA the opportunity that every transaction taking place in the country, as soon as it takes place, the GRA will see.

Mr Sarpong explained that the initiative is rooted in the Fiscal and Electronic Devices Act passed in 2018 but not previously enforced, adding that it would now be rolled out as part of ongoing VAT reforms. Under the system, sales data will be transmitted directly to the GRA at the point of transaction.

In a related development, the Commissioner-General revealed that the authority had concluded investigations into a transit cargo fraud case involving goods declared for Niger but suspected to have been diverted into the local market.

He said the GRA had opted to confiscate the goods instead of recovering unpaid taxes, describing the move as a tougher sanction.

Confiscation is higher than paying the taxes and goes with a higher penalty, he said, adding that aspects of the case had been referred to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution.

The case has led to the interdiction of five customs officers, while a final decision on sanctions is expected after due process.

Whether our officers or the importers, we will apply the full rigours of our law to deal with the matter, he said.

Mr Sarpong acknowledged significant gaps in revenue collection, stating that Ghana currently mobilises only about 40 per cent of its potential VAT revenue.

We are determined to change that so that VAT becomes a key anchor in our national revenue mobilisation, he said.

He also cited findings from a five-year internal review, which showed that approximately 83 billion dollars left the country for imports between 2020 and 2025, while only about 31 billion dollars worth of goods was recorded as entering Ghana, leaving an estimated revenue gap of over 11 billion dollars.

Of course, when human beings are looking at tons and volumes of data, it is slow, he said. Things could happen because of collusion.

The Commissioner-General further highlighted the impact of the GRAs artificial intelligence-driven clearance system, Publican, which became mandatory on March 12, 2026.

He said the system reviews import declarations within minutes and provides information on origin, classification and valuation.

According to him, an internal comparison of customs revenue for the three weeks before and after its introduction showed a significant increase.

Three weeks before Publican, the average revenue was about 2.4 billion. Three weeks after Publican, we are making 3.6 billion, an increment of 1.2 billion, he said.

Mr Sarpong noted that the system flags about 25 per cent of declarations for further checks, while the remaining 75 per cent are cleared.

Despite the reported gains, the system has faced resistance from freight forwarders and trade groups, who argue that it undermines standard customs valuation rules by relying on estimated values.

Some groups have initiated legal action seeking details of the contract between the GRA and the firm managing the system, while others have embarked on industrial action at the ports.

Mr Sarpong, however, defended the system, insisting that international rules permit authorities to verify declared values.

Government must vet and know that indeed what you are saying, you bought it, the price is actually it is, he said.

On the cost of the system, he declined to provide details, citing confidentiality, but maintained that it had parliamentary approval and was already yielding positive results.

I can easily tell you that it is way, way, way in terms, that is why government is not even in a hurry to charge anybody, he said.

He added that the GRA was engaging stakeholders through a technical working team to address concerns and ensure a balanced approach.

We call the freight forwarders and importers partners in development, he said. Whichever way we need to work with them to ensure that their interests are protected and at the same time the state interest is protected, that is the call we are asking them to do.

Mr Sarpong said the combined measures  including real-time sales tracking, the Publican system and stricter sanctions  are aimed at curbing revenue leakages and strengthening the countrys tax administration.

The state is losing revenue, he said. This system is helping us.
Four regions affected: ECG announces maintenance across Central, Tema, and Accra on April 15, 2026

Previous article: Four regions affected: ECG announces maintenance across Central, Tema, and Accra on April 15, 2026

Featured

INTERPOL joins search as suspect flees to Togo in Ghana case

Jemima Okang Addae Apr - 14 - 2026 , 16:35 2 minutes read

The Ghana Police Service has intensified its search for a suspect in connection with the disappearance of a 27-year-old man, amid growing indications of possible foul play.

The Accra Regional Police Command said the Oyibi District Police Command had launched a manhunt for Wisdom Tetteh over the disappearance of Theophilus Ashitey Amarh.

In a press release issued on April 14, the police stated that a report was lodged on April 7 that the victim had left home the previous day to sell his Hyundai Elantra saloon car after being introduced to a prospective buyer by the suspect, but failed to return.

Preliminary investigations established that the missing man was last seen at the suspects residence at Saasabi, where he had gone to meet the purported buyer.

Subsequent intelligence led investigators back to the residence on April 10, where suspected bloodstains were discovered in a room, heightening concerns about the victims safety.

The National Crime Scene Management Team has since processed the scene with support from the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Police said a search operation involving community members and local authorities had been carried out in the area, but the victim remains unaccounted for.

Further intelligence suggests that the suspect may have fled the country to neighbouring Togo, prompting efforts to track him through international cooperation, including the initiation of INTERPOL processes.

The Accra Regional Police Command assured the public that all necessary steps were being taken to apprehend the suspect and establish the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

The Command urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect or the missing person to report to the nearest Police Station to assist ongoing investigations.
Featured

No EU troops will be stationed in Ghana; Foreign Affairs Ministry clarifies defence deal

Mohammed Ali Apr - 14 - 2026 , 11:59 2 minutes read

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed claims that Ghanas new Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union will allow foreign troops to be stationed in the country, stating that no such provision exists in the agreement.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Ministry said the deal does not permit the establishment of foreign military bases or the deployment of foreign soldiers on Ghanaian soil.

The agreement neither provides for the establishment of foreign military bases in Ghana nor does it permit the stationing of foreign troops on Ghanaian soil, the statement said.

The clarification follows weeks of public debate after Ghana signed the agreement with the European Union in Accra on March 24, 2026.

The pact was signed by the European Unions High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Kaja Kallas, and Ghanas Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.

The Ministry said reports suggesting that the agreement could lead to a foreign military presence in Ghana were inaccurate and did not reflect the intent of the partnership.

It said the agreement provides a basis for cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, conflict prevention, cybersecurity, border management, maritime security and peace operations.

According to the Ministry, the arrangement also provides for an annual EUGhana Security and Defence Dialogue to guide discussions between the two sides.

The Ministry said Ghanas armed forces remain responsible for protecting the countrys territory and that the partnership does not change that position.

It explained that the decision to enter the agreement was informed by security concerns within the West African sub-region, including threats linked to violent extremism in the Sahel and maritime security issues in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Ministry said misinformation and misinterpretations about the agreement had circulated in sections of the public domain and required clarification.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, had earlier stated Ghanas position on foreign military bases during a policy discussion in London on March 9, 2026.

We do not accept military bases in our country, he said at the event.

Security analysts have also pointed to rising instability in neighbouring countries as a reason for closer security cooperation. Ghana shares a border with Burkina Faso, where attacks linked to extremist groups have increased in recent years.

The Ministry also stated that Ghana would not enter into any agreement that undermines the sovereignty or territorial integrity of its neighbours.

It added that Ghana would continue to engage international partners in line with its national interest.

The Ministry urged the public to seek clarification through official channels if they have concerns about the agreement.
Featured

Two suspected robbers killed in Tema after MoMo vendor attack

Benjamin Xornam Glover Apr - 14 - 2026 , 07:04 2 minutes read

Two suspected armed robbers have been shot dead in a confrontation with police following a daylight attack on a mobile money vendor at Tema Community 5 in the Greater Accra Region.

The incident occurred on Monday, April 13, 2026, at about 8:30 a.m., when the suspects allegedly targeted a vendor at Aba Fosuah Plaza under the pretence of conducting a cash-out transaction.

According to a statement issued by the Tema Regional Police Command and signed by its Head of Public Affairs, ASP Dede Dzakpasu, one of the suspects, who was riding as a pillion passenger on a motorbike, approached the vendor and requested a transaction.

The statement explained that as the vendor reached into her bag to retrieve her phone, the suspect allegedly pulled out a pistol and demanded the bag containing cash.

Vendor shot during struggle

Police said the victim resisted, leading to a struggle involving both the pillion rider and the motorbike rider.

During the confrontation, the pillion passenger shot the vendor in the leg, forcing her to surrender the bag before the suspects fled the scene.

Police pursue suspects

The statement indicated that a police patrol team from the Tema Regional Operations Unit, which had been deployed nearby for routine security duties, responded swiftly to a distress call and pursued the fleeing suspects.

It added that the suspects, who were riding a black Royal motorbike with registration number M-24-GE 778, allegedly opened fire on the pursuing officers near a junction close to Smart Hotel at Community 6.

Police returned fire, resulting in both suspects sustaining gunshot wounds and falling off the motorbike.

They were subsequently rushed to the Police Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.

Items retrieved

Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary for preservation, identification and autopsy.

A search conducted on the suspects led to the retrieval of a 9mm pistol loaded with ammunition, three mobile phones, assorted SIM cards, a talisman, a Ghana Card, a motorbike key and cash amounting to GH11,390. Police also recovered a spent cartridge at the robbery scene. The Ghana Card was later identified as belonging to the robbery victim.

Police assurance

The statement said the injured vendor is currently receiving medical treatment and is in a stable condition.

The Tema Regional Police Command assured the public of its continued commitment to maintaining safety and security, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Today Amazon has announced that it's acquiring Globalstar, which is the company that enables Apple's satellite connectivity features. Basically, Globalstar provides the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation that iPhones and Apple Watches connect to when they're outside of cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, and Apple uses up most of Globalstar's network capacity.

Amazon wants to use Globalstar's satellites to add direct-to-device services to future generations of its LEO network. Globalstar's satellites will expand the Amazon Leo (Amazon Leo is Amazon's LEO satellite company, hence the different spelling) constellation and will let Amazon "help mobile network operators extend voice, text, and data services to customers beyond the reach of terrestrial networks", the official press release states. Of course, Amazon will offer carriers this "help" for a fee.

Amazon has also signed an agreement with Apple which will see Amazon Leo continue the service that Globalstar has provided, so there will be no connectivity issues for iPhone and Apple Watch owners whatsoever. If anything, satellite connectivity on those devices may get even better since they will now presumably have access to the combined Globalstar and Amazon Leo constellations.

Source
Oppos fascination with the A6 series continues as the Oppo A6s Pro has now been released in China. This is only the 23rd (!) entry in the A6 lineup, and while we saw its international debut last month, this Chinese version features different core specs as well as a redesigned camera island.

The Chinese A6s Pro is built around a 6.57-inch AMOLED (FHD+ 120Hz) and features a 16MP selfie camera and an in-display fingerprint sensor. It also packs a MediaTek chipset, more specifically, the Dimensity 6360 Max, which is just a rebadged Dimensity 6300. The SoC is paired with up to 12GB LPDDR4X RAM and 512GB UFS 2.2 storage.

Around the back, A6s Pro features a 27mm equivalent 50MP main cam with an f/1.8 aperture alongside a 22mm equivalent 2MP monochrome sensor.

The phone boots ColorOS 16 based on Android 16 and features IP69K ingress protection. It also packs a sizeable 7,000mAh battery with 80W wired fast charging



Oppo A6s Pro (China) brings a 7,000mAh battery and 80W fast charging

Oppo A6s Pro starts at CNY 2,199 ($320) for the base 8/128GB trim and goes up to CNY 2,999 ($439) for the 12/512GB version. It is currently on pre-order from Oppos official webstore in China with deliveries scheduled for April 17.

The A6s Pro is expected to launch in India as the Oppo F33 Pro tomorrow.

Source (in Chinese)
Motorola is gearing up to release its 2026 generation of foldables, which will be known as the Razr 70 series in most of the world. Weve already seen renders of the vanilla model in Sporting Green, Hematite and Violet Ice. These colors are from the Pantone palette, of course, as is the norm for Motos high-end models.

Now one more stylish look has leaked, this one in Pantone Bright White. Like the other three, this color is part of Pantones Fashion and Home + Interiors color systems.



Motorola Razr 70 in Pantone Bright White

Theres more to it than just the color as each hue is paired with a particular texture. Here are all four colors that have leaked so far:



Moto Razr 70 in: Bright White  Sporting Green  Hematite  Violet Ice

The Motorola Razr 70 is coming in to replace last years Razr 60 (aka Moto Razr 2025 in North America). Rumor has it that it will have similar specs with a 3.63 cover display (1,056 x 1,066px) and a 6.9 inner display (1,080 x 2,640px). We have no lead on the chipset yet, but weve heard that the phone will have 8GB / 12GB / 16GB of RAM and 256GB / 512GB / 1TB of storage.

The Razr 70 will reportedly get an upgraded camera system  a dual 50MP setup with the notable change that the second module will be a 3x telephoto instead of an ultra-wide (the Razr 60 had a 50MP main and a 13MP ultra-wide). The selfie camera will have a 32MP sensor.

The battery will be the same as before, a 4,500mAh cell (which is still pretty good for a flip foldable even a year later). The phone is said to be a hair thinner than its predecessor at 7.2mm when unfolded (down from 7.3mm), but it will weigh the same at 188g.

More details coming soon  including when this and the Razr 70 Ultra are coming. The Ultra will be a more powerful model, of course.

Source

Motorola Razr 60
Super Typhoon Sinlaku's expected closest point of approach to Guam happened at about 1 p.m., with the extremely powerful center of the storm passing about 100 miles east-northeast of the island.

The National Weather Service in Tiyan confirmed the information, which puts Sinlakus closest point of approach a little ahead of the 2 p.m to 4 p.m. schedule made earlier in the day.

Sinlaku's eye was 20 miles southeast of Tinian, headed toward the island at a speed of 9 miles per hour just after 3 p.m., NWS reports, with winds up to 155 miles per hour possible.

Saipan is also in the crosshairs of the storm's eye.

It is an "extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation," NWS weather coordination meteorologist Landon Aydlett stated.

Guam was about 20 miles out of range of stronger typhoon-force winds projected by forecasters, which extended out 80 miles from the eye of the 155-mile-per-hour super typhoon that's now a Category 4.

The all-clear is still a ways off, with damaging winds anticipated for Guam through at least Wednesday night.

Though stronger typhoon-force winds are less likely for Guam, a typhoon watch remains in effect, meaning those higher winds are still possible within 48 hours.

Through Tuesday night, tropical storm-force winds around 50 to 60 miles per hour will continue to hang over Guam, with gusts up to 70 mph.

Power outages were seen across much of southern Guam, Sinajana, Agana Heights, Chalan Pago-Ordot and Yigo, while water outages affected Dededo and Barrigada as of Tuesday morning, the Pacific Daily News reported.

People should be in a designated shelter or in a sturdy and reinforced concrete building to ride out the storm as tropical storm force winds are occurring and will be increasing through the day, NWS advises.

Those winds are expected to ease up to 30 to 40 mph damaging winds by Wednesday, which will persist into the night, according to NWS.

Tropical storm force-winds project out over 200 miles from Sinlakus eye.

Even when winds start to decrease, remain indoors until the government of Guam gives the all clear, NWS states.

Guam remains in Condition of Readiness 1. Residents are advised to stay inside and stay out of the water until Guam returns to COR 4 post-storm.

Coastal areas on Guam will continue to be in danger of flooding, with a coastal flood warning in effect through Thursday morning.

Seas are projected around 13 to 18 feet.

Flash flooding inland is also a risk, and will make coastal flooding worse, according to NWS. That flash flood warning remains through 9 p.m.

Listen for possible flash flood warnings for your location, and be ready to act if flash flooding develops, NWS advises.

Six to 12 inches of rainfall remain possible for Guam.

Saipan, Tinian brace for impact

NWS reports bleaker for neighboring islands to the north.

Just after 3 p.m., the eye of Sinlaku was 20 miles southeast of Tinian and Saipan, with the outer eyewall approaching the islands.

Joint Typhoon Warning Center tracks had the storm passing over Saipan and Tinian as a Category 4 super typhoon.

Typhoon-force winds over 74 mph remained possible for Rota, and far northern islands of Alamagan, Pagan and Agrihan remain under a typhoon warning.

Persons, pets, and livestock struck by the wind blown debris will be injured or killed, NWS reports for Saipan and Tinian. Nearly all metal roof homes will be destroyed. Electricity and water will be unavailable for days and perhaps weeks after the storm passes.

The advisory also states that most trees will be snapped or uprooted, and fallen trees may cut off residential areas for days to weeks.

Flooding as high as five to eight feet is possible for Saipan and Tinian.

President Donald Trump has already approved an emergency declaration for Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Joint Task Force Micronesia Commander Rear Adm. Joshua Lasky have both offered assistance to the commonwealth.

It's only been eight years since Saipan and Tinian were devastated by Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, the strongest typhoon ever recorded to impact the islands.
The findings are based on a large dataset collected with the help of mushroom pickers, who submitted 875 samples during the 2025 harvesting season. The samples covered 187 municipalities and included 60 different species.

Radioactive fallout from the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster remains detectable in mushrooms across Finland, although levels have declined over time, according to a new nationwide study by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority.

Sinikka Virtanen, laboratory director at STUK, said the scale of the data would not have been possible without public participation. She said the campaign enabled a detailed picture of current radiation levels across the country.

The study focused on caesium-137, a radioactive isotope released in large quantities during the Chernobyl accident. The substance remains in the environment for decades, with a half-life of just over 30 years.

Results show that contamination levels in mushrooms have decreased since the accident, in line with the expected decay rate. The median activity level across all samples was 110 becquerels per kilogram.

However, levels varied depending on region and species. The highest readings were recorded in Kymenlaakso, Pirkanmaa and Paijat-Hame, areas that received heavier fallout in 1986.

Differences between species were also clear. Certain mushrooms, including Cortinarius caperatus and Lactarius species, were found to accumulate more caesium, while others such as boletes showed lower levels.

The recommended limit for wild foods sold commercially is 600 becquerels per kilogram. Fewer than one in ten samples exceeded this threshold.

STUK said current radiation levels do not require restrictions on mushroom consumption anywhere in Finland. Virtanen said even mushrooms with higher absorption rates would need to be eaten in large quantities to match typical radiation exposure from air travel.

The campaign ran throughout the 2025 mushroom season and involved more than 500 participants. The data provides one of the most comprehensive recent assessments of long-term environmental impacts from the Chernobyl disaster in Finland.

HT
In Brief: Hilton has signed a franchise agreement with B.P.G. LTD. for the new-build Paradise Breeze Nassau, Curio Collection by Hilton, which is expected to open in 2028 in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Paradise Breeze Nassau, Curio Collection by Hilton - Pool View - Image Credit Hilton

Hilton has signed a franchise agreement with B.P.G. LTD. for Paradise Breeze Nassau, a new-build hotel and residences project in Nassau, The Bahamas. The property is expected to open in 2028 and will operate under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand, marking its introduction to The Bahamas.

Paradise Breeze Nassau will be an 11-story building with 125 accommodations. Located on West Bay Street, the property is about three miles from the airport and five miles from local shops, restaurants, and attractions. The project will combine hotel and residential units.

Amenities will include nearly 15,000 square feet of spa and fitness facilities, padel and squash courts, and a 5,000-square-foot infinity-edge pool overlooking the sea. The property will also offer more than 4,000 square feet of private and flexible event space for meetings and events.

Dining options will include three venues: an all-day dining restaurant overlooking the pool and Caribbean Sea, a rooftop specialty restaurant with panoramic ocean views, and a pool bar serving fresh juices, light bites, and cocktails. Additional amenities will include an artisanal bakery, a curated market, and a coffee bar.

Paradise Breeze Nassau, Curio Collection by Hilton, will participate in Hilton Honors, the guest loyalty program for Hilton brands.

Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 300 hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America and a development pipeline of more than 150 hotels in various stages of design and construction.
In Brief: Armella Stepan has been named Managing Director at AKA Beverly Hills. Stepans background includes leadership roles at RIHGA Royal Hotel, Kempinski Hotels and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.

Armella Stepan - Image Credit AKA

Armella Stepan has been named Managing Director at AKA Beverly Hills. Stepans background includes leadership roles at RIHGA Royal Hotel, Kempinski Hotels, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Shutters on the Beach, and Hotel Casa del Mar, with experience in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, and the Caribbean.

At AKA Beverly Hills, Stepan will lead the propertys vision for long-stay luxury, focusing on privacy, flexibility, and personalized service for residents. She will work to strengthen the propertys connection to its residents, deepen engagement with the Beverly Hills community, and refine its long-stay offering.

The property offers accommodations suitable for stays of a week, a month, or longer, featuring fully equipped kitchens, space for entertaining, and amenities designed for comfort and convenience. Stepans leadership is expected to further evolve the resident experience and maintain the propertys approach to long-stay accommodations in Beverly Hills.
Clark Art Offers April School Vacation Week Activities

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.The Clark Art Institute offers activities celebrating art, nature, and student creativity during the Massachusetts public school system's April vacation week.

From Tuesday, April 21 through Friday, April 24, children are welcome to explore the outdoor sculpture exhibition Ground/work 2025 while using our free Ground/work 2025 activity packslaunching this week. Admission to the Clark is always free for children under 18.

Ground/work 2025 activity packs feature six different artwork-specific cards that invite visitors of all ages to look, draw, write, move, and imagine. While out on the trails, stop by the Lunder Center's Hunter Studio to see the inspiring student art show How Shall We Live: Berkshire Youth Artists Explore Their Relationship with the Earth in the Time of Climate Change (on view from April 1825, 125 pm).

On Wednesday, April 22, make art with natural materials in a special indigo dyeing workshop led by artist and Williams College professor, Junli Song. Learn to dye a silk scarf (that's yours to keep!) with shibori indigo dyeing techniques (recommended for ages 8+. A guardian must accompany children aged 12 and under).

Additionally, Looking Carefully cards and drawing pads are available year-round at the Clark Center admissions desk and are a great way to enjoy the galleries.

The indigo dyeing workshop requires a $10 registration fee, and capacity is limited. Email education@clarkart.edu if the fee is a barrier to your participation. For more details and to register, visit events.clarkart.edu.

Family programs are supported by Allen & Company.
Final Knox Trail Programs in Monterey

MONTEREY, Mass.  Join the Monterey Historical Society, Monterey Library and the Bidwell House Museum to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox's Noble Trail of Artillery through the Southern Berkshires.

Beginning in December of 1775 from Fort Ticonderoga in New York, twenty five year old Henry Knox led an expedition to move 60 tons of captured British artillery to the Continental army in Boston in order to force the British to evacuate the city. Knox's journey took three months and came through the Berkshires in January of 1776, during the depths of winter, using little more than ox and horse-drawn sledges and manpower.

On Thursday April 16th at 7 p.m., you can attend the final talk in this series about the Knox Trail where Tom Ragusa will discuss how he has traced and marked the route of the old road for 8 miles, and his effort to list the road on the National Register.

This is the longest undisturbed stretch of the historic road in Western Massachusetts. Tom Ragusa has spent almost twenty years researching and documenting the location of the old "Great Road" road through Sandisfield and Otis. This road was used by Henry Knox and countless others through "The Greenwoods."

He retired from Mass. DCR after 42 years, is a long-term member of the Otis Historical Commission, and is one of the authors of the upcoming book, Ye Trodden Path. This talk will be held at the Monterey Library and will also be available to watch on Zoom. To register, head to the Bidwell House Museum website: https://www.bidwellhousemuseum.org/event/ye-trodden-path-2/

The exhibit and programs are sponsored in part by grants from Housatonic Heritage and the Friends of the Monterey Library. Both programs are free and open to the public. Parking for the Monterey Library is limited and visitors can also park in the public lot behind the Monterey Town Hall.
Berkshire County Fire Departments Awarded Safety Equipment Grants

STOW, Mass. The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that 307 Massachusetts fire departments will share $5 million in grant funding to support the purchase of new safety equipment.

"Massachusetts firefighters answer the call in every corner of our state and our job is to make sure they have what they need to do it safely," said Governor Maura Healey. "We're investing in the equipment that protects them on the front lines and strengthening departments in more than 300 communities so they can continue protecting all of us."

In Berkshire County:

Adams Fire District: $15,455.00

Town of Clarksburg: $10,061.46

Dalton Fire District: $15,474.85

Town of Florida: $8,415.14

Town of Hancock: $7,320.73

Town of Lanesborough: $12,352.00

Town of Lenox: $12,465.00

Town of Monterey: $7,377.84

Town of New Ashford: $10,500.00

City of North Adams: $19,000.00

City of Pittsfield: $20,066.25

Town of Savoy: $9,972.00

Town of Tyringham: $8,079.81

Williamstown Fire District: $12,493.95

Town of Windsor: $7,840.00

Fire departments across Massachusetts were invited to apply to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which provides reimbursement on purchases of nearly 100 different types of equipment. Eligible items include hoses and nozzles, turnout gear, ballistic protective equipment, portable and mobile radios, thermal imaging cameras, hand tools and extrication equipment, hazardous gas meters, and more. In many cases, the purchase of this equipment will help departments attain compliance with Occupational Safety & Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards.

"Firefighters face immediate danger at fires, structural collapses, hazmat incidents, and countless other calls," said Secretary of Public Safety & Security Gina Kwon. "They also face the insidious threat of occupational cancer from exposure to toxic gases and substances. The Firefighter Safety Equipment Grants support equipment to protect them from all these risks."

"The Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program funds the tools, gear, and equipment that our firefighters use to protect themselves, each other, and the residents of their communities," said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. "Its a smart investment in safety for the fire service and the Commonwealth."
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll got a lesson in fly fishing in the Deerfield River on Monday, 413 Day in Western Mass. Fish & Game Commissioner Tom O'Shea, Outdoor Recreation Director Paul Jahnige and governor's Western Mass Director Alicia Elechko. Driscoll with Gilbert and Franklin County Chamber Executive Director Jesse Deane. PreviousNext

Driscoll Focuses on Outdoor Recreation for 413 Day



Brian Gilbert of Hilltown Anglers gives the lieutenant governor a lesson in casting at the Zoar Picnic Area on River Road. FLORIDA, Mass.  Last year, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll celebrated 413 Day with a tour of Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art

This year, it was in the middle of a river.

Driscoll was getting a lesson in fly fishing from Brian Gilbert of Hilltown Anglers after a speaking to outdoor recreation stakeholders at Berkshire East in Charlemont.

"We started our day in Gill, Massachusetts, where we talked about housing choice and really making sure our small and rural communities can participate in our housing programs and have priorities for more funding," she said. "And being at Berkshire [East] Mountain, it was just terrific to be able to hear from so many outdoor rec enthusiasts about what we have in Franklin County and Berkshire County to really celebrate eco-tourism and how we can partner with our local stakeholders."

Gilbert gave the lieutenant governor a quick rundown on fly fishing gear and techniques and then had her do some dry land practice casts (and warning everyone to step back) before she got her waders on.

"Outdoor recreation is really one of the important drivers of the economy and community out here, and it's also a heck of a lot of fun and and important for public health," said Paul Jahnige, director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation, while Driscoll was in the middle of the Deerfield River.

His office is working an Industry Pathways Project to find how the state can better support the outdoor recreation industry. It's held several virtual listening sessions in addition to that morning's with area businesses and state agencies in Franklin County.

"One theme that we've heard a lot about is on the marketing and tourism side. Right now, it's sort of really hard to find out where you can play outside and do the thing you want to do," he said. "We certainly hear a number of themes around inclusion and accessibility. How do we make sure that our spaces both feel welcoming and are welcoming to people with different abilities? We also do hear about the opportunity for more collaboration.

"It's great everybody's busy and got their own jobs, but when they get in the room, there is sort of synergies there. So we hear about that, and then I think we hear some of the challenges, particularly around things like housing and workforce. It's largely a seasonal workforce. And how do you support seasonal workers? How do you provide housing and lodging at the same time for your workforce, your visitors, your residents, all together?"

The lieutenant governor came out of the water pleased with her casting but with no fish.

The Zoar Picnic Area on River Road was the third stop for Driscoll before she headed to Old Pelham Town Hall with Fish & Game Commissioner Tom O'Shea for a swearing in and then making a youth jobs announcement in Springfield.

It was also 413 Day for education with new Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike talking about early education in Pittsfield, early college in North Adams and technical education in Turners Falls (look for our story later).

Jahnige said his favorite outdoor recreation changes every year: trail runner, paddler, cross-country skier, and his new favorite, riding a bicycle on gravel roads  a little bit trail, a little bit road.

"I will say that my goal for the next few years is to practice to learn to like, to swim, so that's what I'm working on," he said.

Driscoll said her preference is being on the water, not in it.

"I'm a white-water rafting enthusiast. I think that is something that not enough of us know you can do right here in Western Mass, and folks think you have to go north," she said. "Maybe the next time we're out, we'll put that on the list. That's a half-day activity.

"But when you want to be really scared and then have a really good time, you go white-water rafting, because you get both of it."

She stressed the administration does pay attention to the needs of Western Mass, saying, "the governor and I feel strongly that if you're going to have a strong recreational economy, it needs to happen across all the quarters. And Western Mass has so many good bones here, we just want to polish them off and work to support it."

Gilbert, of Colrain, said he hadn't attended the listening session but had the chance to speak with officials earlier. He thought the demonstration had gone well.
Linda LeWitt of the Board of Registrars, left, Avery Marcil, Faith Field, Alexis Senecal and Town Clerk Marilyn Gomeau. The students were presented with certificates for their work last week at Clarksburg School Clockwise from left: Avery's sticker, then Alexis' and Faith's. The stickers will be available at the town election. PreviousNext

Clarksburg Students Create 'I Voted' Stickers to Promote Elections

CLARKSBURG, Mass.  Town Clerk Marilyn Gomeau was disappointed at last year's town election turnout. Fewer than 100 voters cast ballots that day.

She's been thinking of ways to encourage more participation and turned to the town's youngest residents.

They might not be able to vote yet, she said, but it's never too early to get them interested, and then extend that excitement to their parents.

Gomeau's idea was to involve the students at Clarksburg School through a contest to come up with the best "I voted" stickers. The top three have been printed and will be given out to voters in the coming elections.

She and Linda LeWitt of the Board of Registrars said it was hard to come up with the best ones, "they were really very good."

But one in particular stood out, created by Avery Marcil, which showed two hands, one Black and one white, creating a heart with an American flag. It states "Our Future Is in Your Hands."

"Her creation was wonderful. It speaks very loudly all about diversity, and that's what we talk about. We talk about diversity, and we all know, there's a lot of diversity in this world," Gomeau said in handing out certificates to the winners last week.

Avery said, "it represents, like, how many people vote, and like, the different colors. I don't really know. I just did it."

Alexi Senecal's creation was a white box on a red circle, with "I voted" and a green check in the middle. Faith Field's used a stylized Betsy Ross flag with the "I" on the blue shield and "Voted" with a check on a white stripe.

"Our voter population is very low, and I thought if we got the students involved and parents involved, that maybe you could encourage them to go vote," Gomeau told the three winners.

"When you register to vote, it's very important thing that you continue to do that, go vote, whether it be the town or the state or the president. That's a right that you have, and your voice is always going to be heard when you do that through elections, too."

Gomeau and LeWitt estimated there was close to 50 submissions from all grades at the K-8 school.

"Even the younger grades did, which is good, because even though they weren't winners, it still gives them the idea of doing something for the community," she said. "And that's what we want to get. They have them involved in doing things for the community. They're young, but they can still do a lot."

There'll be a poster at the Community Center on election day with the three different stickers and who designed them so voters can choose if they wish.
Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue holds a press conference Tuesday on the results of an investigation into the police shooting of 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil.

DA's Office Clears Hinsdale Officer in Fatal Kauvil Shooting



Biagio Kauvil, seen in this Instagram post, was armed and having a mental health crisis when police arrived at the scene. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The District Attorney's Office has determined that the police officer who fatally shot Biagio Kauvil during a mental health incident in January acted lawfully.

On Tuesday, DA Timothy Shugrue held a press conference to announce the results of the investigation, concluding that Hinsdale Officer Jeffrey Spratt's fatal shooting of the 27-year-old was a "lawful use of force and it was necessary to prevent an imminent, serious, or deadly harm to himself or another."

"While the findings were non-criminal, I find it imperative to state that while there will be no criminal charges, the force investigation team did find considerable, which I agree with, concern regarding policies and the Hinsdale Police Department," Shugrue said.

"I strongly recommend that the town of Hinsdale hire an investigator that is completely independent to the agency in the town to conduct a formal review of their internal policies and their applications to the events of January 7."

A March special town meeting in Hinsdale approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the Police Department.

Just before 10 a.m. on Jan. 7, the Hinsdale Police Department responded to the Off South Street home for a well-being check and requested mutual aid from Dalton. At 10:58 a.m., there was a radio notification for a taser deployment, and about 15 seconds later, officers advised that shots were fired.

Less than one minute later, police requested immediate ambulance response and began rendering aid. Kauvil died after being shot in the head.
Middle School Scientists Head to MCLA For Region I Science Fair

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host the Massachusetts Region I Middle School Science Fair on Wednesday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium.

The event brings together approximately 110 middle school students from across the region to showcase their original research projects.

Seven schools are participating this year: BArT Charter School, Hoosac Valley Middle School, St. Agnes School, Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion School, Greenfield Middle School, Drury Middle School, and John F. Kennedy Middle School.

Students will present approximately 50 projects across five STEM categories: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Engineering, Environmental Science, and Behavioral and Social Science.

Projects will be evaluated by a panel of approximately 30 judges, including MCLA faculty, staff, and students, as well as representatives from McCann Technical High School, Berkshire Museum, Flying Cloud, Fuss and O'Neill, and Williams College.

"Participation in the middle school science fair introduces students to the practice of scientific research, and gives us a chance to celebrate their work," said Ann Billetz, Professor of Biology. "It also gives students the opportunity to spend the day on a college campus and interact with faculty, undergraduate students, and STEM mentors.

The event is open to community members who wish to attend.
BRPC Submits Grants for Berkshire County

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission recently submitted grant applications on behalf of the county's municipalities.

On March 5, the BRPC agreed to submit four grants to the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grant Program.

One was for the Clarksburg Bank Stabilization Project in partnership with the town. This will address the aggressive bank erosion where the former Briggsville Dam was removed, mitigating property loss for residents in the Carson Avenue area of Clarksburg. The area was graded and naturalized on the removal of the old dam but was scoured out by Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

Another is for "Ghost Dams Inventory Mapping." This will help address numerous unmapped nonjurisdictional dams throughout the county, many of which are not maintained and no longer serve a purpose. "Ghost dams" can often be an unknown safety hazard and are a barrier to fish and wildlife.

The Housatonic Road Stream Crossing Management Plans grant will help to complete a fully mapped and assessed inventory of culverts in the towns of Lee, Cheshire, Hinsdale, Dalton and possibly Lanesborough. Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Greenagers, Housatonic Valley Association and Mass Audubon will also work with the towns to identify priority culvert replacements based on culvert condition, environmental priority, and climate risk.

The Berkshire Climate Career Lab in partnership with Ethos Pathways, a climate readiness coach, to create a High School career program to prepare students interested in climate careers, explore opportunities, and build skills.

Also submitted were two applications to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center's EmPower Implementation Grant Program.

A $150,000 Housing Energy Efficiency Rehabilitation grant would create a more cohesive pipeline for residents within the Community Development Block Grant housing rehabilitation program to receive funding and support through the MassSave Program, which supports energy efficiency, and Berkshire Community Action Council.

A $150,000 Air Quality Monitoring grant would fund the rest of the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air quality monitoring grant. It will help to ensure that the indoor and outdoor air quality sensors will provide valuable data not seen before in Berkshire County.

The BRPC board also accepted $25,000 from The Nature Conservancy, which will be used to help support culvert replacements for municipalities in the county.
Cheshire Hears Schools, Police Budget

CHESHIRE, Mass.  The Select Board heard presentations on the the two regional school districts that education the town's children and reviewed, again, the police budget.

The total spending plan for the Northern Berkshire Regional Vocational District is $13,218,090, up $564,753 or 4.46 percent over this year. The budget includes a second assistant principal, a special education teacher and interest on the building repair project. The budget was approved in March.

With a capital project in place this year for the school, nine municipalities including Cheshire, has a proportional cost based on population.

"According to the district's agreement in compliance, this is how that proportional cost is put together. So in this case, that's 8.96 percent population, and it's the equalized valuation and the population get those percentages, add them together, divided by two," Superintendent of Schools James Brosnan said.

The equalized value for Cheshire is $447,945,500.

Chair Shawn McGrath asked if any programming was eliminated with the few cuts with numbers.

Brosnan said it was not necessary as they were able to shift numbers and replaced a full-time librarian who retired with part-time post that meets expectations. He also said building maintenance has been a lot of internal repairs and modernization that has minimized costs.

"So we've done a lot of those in the building itself to save money on certainly when the roof goes in and the windows are done, we're going to go back and say, now we have an energy savings that we are going to add to that as well as the maintenance piece," Brosnan said.

Brosnan also mentioned with the school fixings triggering a need for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance and was able to get permission to have students do some of the work. Metal fabrication, carpentry, and computer assisted design students worked on the projects.

"The occasion was an exciting period for the students who absolutely loved it. It's an opportunity that we couldn't give them or simulate that, to get out and work those build the forms, get set, get ready, pour the concrete, do the finishing. Anybody that's involved in that it's very time consuming, and it's very time exactly," he said. "So the kids had a great time doing it. And looking forward to the next piece, fab will be doing all the railings and will be doing all the fittings. So that's kind of a little bit of a unique piece of what we're doing with the project we're fixing the school with your funds, thank you, and with MSBA and also with our students being involved."

They are already starting construction during school vacation week with the gym roof and once school ends June 12 they will start full construction to hopefully be ready to open in August.

Afterwards the Hoosac Valley Regional School District presented its budget. Cheshire will see its total assessment rise by $196,900, or about 6 percent, to $3,402,982. This budget was also approved by the School Committee in March.

The major drivers are special education costs, including out-of-district placements, and insurance, as well as students school choicing out and charter school tuition, for about $10,012,070, or almost half the budget. That's up about $1.6 million over this year. Dean explained he doesn't have much of a choice over the number of the special education costs.

"So we'll have students that move in, families that move in, and we have to assume responsibility for for the special education services, whether in district or out. So we get what's called an LEA [local education agency] designation, and here's your bill," said Superintendent Aaron Dean.

Dean also explained the amounts and why they have risen.

"School choice, going from $915,000 to $1.1 million. Now the majority of that is a student actually choiced to a district and ended up on an outplacement through that district, and we get billed back through the school choice," he said. "So we have a $252,000 increase that, again, is not anything we created, something that we would get and then our out-of-district placements, we're looking at probably a $300,000 increase at this point in time. ...

"The increase to our budget has nothing to do with the students that walk through our doors, they're students that we're financially responsible for."

The district has partnered with the New England Center for Children to help run severe needs programs. The center will supply a licensed teacher, a board-certified behavior analyst, the curriculum program, and the training while the district will provide the support staff. The superintendent said it's very hard to find severe-needs teachers.

The program was expanded to elementary as well, saving money to help keep students from needing to go out of district.

"So we felt this was an investment worth making in terms of servicing the kids. And again, we're keeping them in their community and making them part of who we are, which I think they deserve," he said.

Lastly, interim Police Chief Timothy Garner came to answer questions on his budget, including whether the chief's salary should be $100,000. Some board members felt this necessary to attract candidates based on other communities' pay. It was also questioned if a third full-time officer was necessary right now.

"At one time Cheshire had 12 part-time officers, and we covered from 7 in the morning until 10 on weekdays and midnight on weekends. Part-timers are gone. If we don't have that third full-timer, you're going to with a four-day on two-day off schedule. You're going to have a ton of gaps, but it won't be any coverage," Garner said, acknowledging relying on State Police and can be difficult.

Garner also said it could leave only the chief and two full-timers.

The board also mentioned that they may have to look at the budget with a pair of scissors since they are over budget or if town meeting doesn't approve it.

"So you're beating me up for one full-time officer, but you said absolutely nothing to the people that were sitting here (referring to school budgets)," he said. "You know, every year they come in and sit down and present you what they have, and we're up against what they present. But you get something that wants to keep the town going and moving forward, and we're bucking it."

The board members said they don't want to cut the third officer but might not have a choice, as they may have to pivot if town meeting does not support it and maybe only focus on a chief and two full-time officers.

"Someone could stand up at town meeting, set aside that budget and make a motion to reduce it, and if it gets voted on at the town meeting. It's out of our hands. Yeah, we wouldn't support it, but that's the power of town meeting," said McGrath.
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A court in South Korea sentenced a 90-year-old grandmother to a year in prison for aiding her jailed son in laundering profits from drug trafficking.

The Incheon District Court on Monday sentenced the woman, who has not been publicly identified, to one year in prison and ordered the forfeiture of 386m won (192,800) that she knowingly received and transferred.

The woman was accused of concealing illegal revenue by receiving cash in Korea from unidentified individuals and remitting it to designated accounts at the direction of her son.

Her son, now in his 60s and identified as Song, has been serving a prison sentence in Cambodia since 2020 on charges that included trafficking methamphetamine into the Southeast Asian country.

Prosecutors argued that the woman received the money on nine occasions between April 2019 and February 2022 and transferred the amount to a designated account at her son's direction.

Song reportedly used a mobile phone from the prison in Cambodia to communicate with accomplices and smuggled narcotics into South Korea.

The woman argued that she did not know the money received was linked to narcotics crime, Chosun Biz reported.

The court was told that the woman would be aware that she was dealing with illicit funds, given that she visited Cambodia five times in 2019 and knew when her son was detained.

The defendant accepted illegal proceeds while being aware of circumstances indicating their connection to drug-related offences, the judge said, adding: "Drug crimes have a serious detrimental impact on society as a whole, necessitating strict punishment."

The judge said that the woman's "actions made it harder to trace illicit profits and contributed to the spread of narcotics, rendering the offence particularly serious".

However, the court took the womans age, as well as the absence of any prior drug-related convictions, into account while awarding her sentence.

Song also allegedly implicated his daughter, who was brought to trial on charges of receiving over 600m won (300,573) of illicit funds and transferring 274m (137,262 ) of it.

The daughter was acquitted after the court found the evidence against her insufficient to establish involvement.

Prosecutors are reportedly seeking Songs extradition to South Korea.
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Pakistan is trying to bring both sides back to the negotiating table after peace talks between the US and Iran ended without an agreement at the weekend.

Both the US and Iran could return to Islamabad as early as Thursday, a source aware of the talks says, adding that no firm plans are yet in place.

The war, now in its seventh week, has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been cut off, while airstrikes have torn through military and civilian infrastructure across the region.

Iran and the US came very close to an agreement and were 80 per cent there during last weekend's meeting in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, held four days after the announcement of a ceasefire, sources say. It was the first direct encounter between US and Iranian officials in more than a decade, and the most senior engagement since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

US vice president JD Vance represented the administration of US president Donald Trump. Iran was represented by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araqchi.

US president Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Pakistans army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, had done a great job of moderating the first round of talks, and suggested his team was set to return to Islamabad for round two.

"I think youre going to be watching an amazing two days ahead," Trump said, suggesting that it might not be necessary to extend the current ceasefire beyond 21 April.

Officials from Pakistan, Iran and the Gulf also said negotiating teams from the US and Iran could return to Pakistan later this week, although one senior Iranian source said no date had been set.

We have reached out to Iran and got a positive response that they will be open to a second round of talks, a senior official in the Pakistani government says. Officials say they have sent a proposal to both US and Iran to re-send their delegates to resume the talks.

Vance said the US wanted to make a grand bargain, but that the two sides relationship was marked by a lot of mistrust. "You are not going to solve that problem overnight," he said.

Meanwhile, giant hoardings with Islamabad Talks written on them still hang outside the luxurious venue of the Hotel Serena in the capital.

open image in gallery US vice president JD Vance speaks during a press conference after hectic negotiations with Iran ( Reuters )

"No firm date has been set, with the delegations keeping Friday through Sunday open," a senior Iranian source told Reuters. The chatter within Islamabad circles is that the Pakistani government is continuing to push the Americans and the Iranians to once again sit down to reach an agreement and an extension to the ceasefire, if not a complete resolution.

"There were ups and downs [in the first round]. There were tense moments. People left the room, and then came back," the security source said. Pakistani representatives, including Munir and foreign minister Ishaq Dar, moved between the sides through the night to keep things on track, Pakistani sources told the agency.

Pakistani officials are engaged with both the countries and still pursuing their efforts. Despite no breakthrough, it has seen success: we have seen that no airstrikes have resumed from Israel or America on Iran so far, Abdullah Khan, managing director at the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, tells The Independent, adding that Pakistan also persuaded Iran to not target the Gulf nations anymore.

It is enough progress to suggest a second round is worthwhile, Khan says. The Americans have clearly given their list to the Iranians and theres little that needs to be agreed to. We can say that the majority of the issues were agreed upon and on the nuclear issue and some critical ones that need agreeing to.

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Irans nuclear programme, and international sanctions were among the top concerns for Vance. The major transit point for global energy supplies was blocked by Iran after the US attacked the Islamic Republic and killed its supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

open image in gallery Iran's Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi are greeted by Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar and Army Chief Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir upon their arrival at Nur Khan airbase in Rawalpindi ( AP )

The US has pushed for Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions and proposed a 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment by Iran as part of a proposed nuclear agreement. Iranian officials reportedly countered with a significantly shorter period  a 5-year freeze on the programme, Axios reported.

Vance told Iranian officials that they should dismantle all major nuclear enrichment facilities, turn over its highly enriched uranium, accept a broader peace, agree a security framework that includes regional allies, end funding for regional proxies, and fully open Hormuz without charging an exorbitant toll.

In return, Iran said the US should guarantee a permanent ceasefire, ban future strikes on Iran and its allies in the region, the lifting of primary and secondary sanctions, the unfreezing of all assets, recognition of its right to enrichment, and continued Iranian control of Hormuz, sources told Reuters.

The standoff deepened on Tuesday as the US declared it had blockaded Iran's ports and Tehran threatened to strike targets across the region.

Yet Trump  who is also seeking an off-ramp out of the conflict  has said a deal is preferable to a return to airstrikes.

"It could end either way, but I think a deal is preferable because then they [Iran] can rebuild," Trump said, according to a post by ABC News reporter Jonathan Karl on X. "They really do have a different regime now. No matter what, we took out the radicals."

Pakistan still has some wiggle room when it comes to bringing the two sides together, says Pakistani diplomat Asif Durrani.

On the uranium enrichment issue... the US demands 20 years, while Iran has offered five years. Somewhere in the middle of the road perhaps some agreement is possible, say 10 years, the former Pakistani ambassador to the UAE and Iran says.

Hopefully good sense will prevail as the US has realised it does not enjoy the geographical advantage which Iran has and neither does Israel. More importantly, neither Israel nor the US are ready to put their boots on the ground. If that's the situation, it's a stalemate for the US and for Israel, he says.

It (Pakistan) enjoys loyalty to Iran as the only regional ally and has a great deal of trust with the Trump administration. Vice president JD Vance went on Fox News last night and he praised the Pakistani government, specifically naming the prime minister and chief of defence forces. It shows that Pakistan will continue to play that role until that deal is done as far as the negotiation is concerned, says Dr Kamran Bokhari, senior resident fellow at the Middle East Policy Council in Washington, DC.

He adds that it only makes sense for Pakistan to host another round of talks as a third party mediator.

And if there are signs of a breakthrough this time around, the US president himself could make a grand entry at the talks, he suggests.

open image in gallery ( AFP/Getty )

The President of the United States will only come if there's a deal to be signed and not if this is just another meeting. He will show up once most things are settled, and in fact, almost all things are settled, and then it's just there for, you know, the signing ceremony, Bokhari says.

Until that point is reached, he says, the expectation is that it will be Vance again alongside other senior diplomats who could return to Islamabad to try and thrash out a deal.
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The Philippines has accused China of the deliberate use of cyanide to poison the waters of shoals near the disputed South China Sea after tests confirmed the presence of the highly toxic substance found in bottles seized from Chinese vessels.

The Philippines National Security Council, which is the principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters, said on Tuesday the laboratory analysis of bottles seized from Chinese fishing vessels last year from the Ayungin shoal of the South China Sea showed they contained cyanide.

China dismissed the allegations as a farce and accused Manila of seizing fishermens daily necessities.

The two countries remain locked in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, a resource-rich waterway and major trade route claimed by Beijing in its entirety despite competing claims from five other countries in the region.

open image in gallery Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad speaks next to a slide presentation of seized yellow bottles suspected to contain cyanide in waters of Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, during a press conference in Manila ( AFP/Getty )

The council had been investigating the case after the Philippines military seized 10 bottles of the lethal substance from the flat-bottomed, wooden sampan boats allegedly launched from Chinese fishing vessels in February, July and October last year near the highly contested Spratly Islands.

Philippine navy spokesperson, Rear Adm Roy Vincent Trinidad, said military personnel found another Chinese sampan crew poisoning waters near the shoal last month, and that samples later tested positive for cyanide.

"Laboratory analysis conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)s Forensic and Scientific Research Service has conclusively established that the yellow bottles seized from the sampans contain cyanide, a highly toxic chemical known to cause severe and irreversible damage to humans and marine ecosystems," NSC spokesperson, assistant director general Cornelio Valencia Jr, said in a statement.

He said the use of cyanide in Ayungin Shoal is a form of sabotage that seeks to kill local fish populations, depriving military personnel of a vital food source.

In a separate press briefing on Monday, he said the alleged poisoning not only posed a risk to the military personnel who ate contaminated fish or used water, but could damage the coral reefs that help support the vessel's structural foundations.

open image in gallery Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros (L) and Commodore Jay Tarriela, spokesperson of Philippine Coast Guard for the South China Sea, look at a Philippine Coast Guard ship from Thitu Island in the South China Sea on February 21, 2026 ( AFP/Getty )

He said the Philippines authorities raised the case with Chinese counterparts at a recent meeting, but they did not receive a formal response. The NSC would submit a report to the foreign ministry that could form the basis of a diplomatic protest with the Chinese side, he said.

Mr Valencia Jr said the NSC has directed the Philippines forces and coast guard to strengthen patrols and take necessary measures to prevent further environmental harm.

"Let it be clear: the Philippines will not tolerate any act  whether by state or non-state actors  that endangers its personnel or the marine environment, violates its sovereign rights, or undermines peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), he said.

The government remains resolute in defending the nations territory, protecting its natural resources, and upholding the rule of law," he said.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Guo Jiakun, accused Manila of causing environmental harm to the reefs by illegally grounding its vessel on Renai Jiao, a submerged reef in Second Thomas Shoal.

The Philippine side illegally harassed the Chinese fishing boats conducting normal fishing, grabbed the fishermens living supplies, and staged this so-called cyanide stunt. There is no credibility whatsoever to their story, Mr Guo added.

The Philippines has accused China of disrupting resupply missions to troops on the vessel and has been embroiled in confrontation, including 17 June 2024 incident, during which Chinese personnel armed with axes, knives and spears boarded the Philippines vessels after high-speed, aggressive maneuvers. The confrontation resulted in a Filipino sailor losing a finger.
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Young men collapsing in dismay and others raising their arms in celebration were among the scenes Thailand witnessed at the military conscription draw this month.

The Southeast Asian nation mandates conscription for all men above 21 and whoever doesnt volunteer must participate in an annual conscription lottery held ahead of the Songkran New Year festival in April.

Conscription has gained popularity since last years repeated border clashes with Cambodia left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead on both sides. Fighting was halted by a ceasefire that has held since December, although tensions have continued to simmer around stretches of the disputed 800km frontier.

Across the country, young men gathered in anticipation, waiting to be called by the Royal Thai Army to learn whether they would be conscripted through a lottery system that some have compared to the reaping ritual in The Hunger Games films.

One by one, they stepped forward to pick a card from a jar placed before them. A black card means exemption from military service, a red one confirms conscription.

open image in gallery Men wait for the drawing of the Thai military conscription lottery at the Watmatchantikaram School in Bangkok on 7 April 2026 ( AFP via Getty )

The theatricality of the military lottery, coupled with hysterical reactions from the young men involved, has seen the process receive huge attention on social media, with other comparisons drawn made to reality television.

The participants were called to pick a card and hand it over to a military official who would then read the results into the mic. TikTok and Instagram videos showed some men jumping up and down in relief after drawing a black card while others slumped into the arms of military personnel in dismay or shouted in frustration. A man was seen twerking at the prospect of not having to join the military.

Chakrit Kaewkum, 21, a part-time supermarket worker, said he was "ok with either outcome". "I leave it to fate. Its not that difficult as its only two years," he told the AFP news agency before drawing red.

His mother Sawang Jaithum said: For a man in Thailand, I think its honourable.

All eligible men are required to report to conscription centres, with failure to appear on registration day punishable by up to three years in prison.

Before taking part in the lottery, the men must pass a physical examination and meet the minimum height requirement of 160cm.

In recent years, there have been reports of young men deliberately gaining weight in a bid to secure exemption from service.

open image in gallery File. Transwomen register during the Thai army's annual conscription lottery in the restive southern province of Narathiwat on 7 April 2018 ( AFP via Getty )

A viral TikTok video posted on 3 April showed a man being turned away after failing the body mass index threshold.

The unidentified man told an officer he had drunk two cups of bubble tea every day for three months, which added 30kg to his weight, pushing his body mass index above 35, The Bangkok Post reported.

The exemption is also extended to transgender women. Some of those reporting for the draft had undergone gender reassignment surgery but were still listed as male on official records.

They had to obtain an exemption letter at the conscription centre to be excused from military service.

A total of 27,698 men volunteered for active military service this year, accounting for 44 per cent of those called up, according to Thai PBS World. This was an increase of 1,508 from the previous year's toll.

The rise in the number of conscripts comes amid a sense of rising nationalism following last years clashes with Cambodia as well as limited job prospects.

Conscripts receive a monthly salary of 11,000baht or 253, slightly above Thailands minimum wage, along with housing, meals and health care.

Theres no real certainty of being sent to war, Chawanakorn Manyum, 22, told Bloomberg News. "But theres a guarantee of income.

The opposition Peoples Party has called for abolishing the controversial draft as critics have argued that two years in the military can derail early careers.

Human rights groups have documented cases of young men allegedly killed by their peers or put through brutal sexual assault and hazing rituals. Amnesty International in 2020 reported rampant sexual harassment, beatings and abuse in the military, targeting those who identified as gay.

The report alleged that gay conscripts were repeatedly singled out and coerced into entertaining and massaging commanders, escalating to rape.
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Loneliness is known to drastically impact memory in older adults, but now a study has suggested it doesnt speed up mental decline.

There are currently estimated to be 982,000 people with dementia in the UK, and there is evidence linking social isolation to a higher risk of developing the memory-robbing condition.

Socialising helps to keep people mentally active, building up the brains resilience and ability to cope and decreasing the risk of cognitive decline, according to Alzheimers Society.

But a major European study tracking more than 10,000 people over seven years has suggested loneliness does not speed up the decline in memory over time.

Participants who reported high levels of loneliness performed worse on memory tests at the start of the research period. However, the ability of lonely people to recall information declined at a similar rate over the study period as that of participants who did not feel alone.

A major study tracking older people over seven years revealed how loneliness impacts dementia ( Alamy/PA )

The finding that loneliness significantly impacted memory, but not the speed of decline in memory over time, was a surprising outcome, said lead author Dr Luis Carlos Venegas-Sanabria, from Universidad del Rosario.

It suggests that loneliness may play a more prominent role in the initial state of memory than in its progressive decline.

The findings published in the journal Aging & Mental Health were based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) study, which surveyed 10,217 people, aged 65 to 94, from 12 countries across the continent grouped into four geographic regions: central, south, north and eastern.

Anyone with a history of dementia, including Alzheimers disease, was excluded from the study and researchers also factored in physical activity, engagement in social activities, depression scores and diabetes into the results.

Memory was assessed by how well participants could recall information immediately and after a time delay. Researchers also asked participants questions, such as whether they felt a lack of companionship, to measure their loneliness.

Results showed southern European countries reported the highest levels of loneliness (12 per cent), followed by the eastern region (9 per cent), central (6 per cent) and northern (9 per cent) regions. The majority of participants (92 per cent) reported either average or low levels of loneliness at the start of the research. The group with high levels (8 per cent) was older, mostly female and self-reported worse health issues; they also had a higher prevalence of depression, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Those in the high category had worse memory scores at the beginning of the study compared to those with lower loneliness levels. However, they experienced a rapid decline in memory similar to that of participants in the low and average loneliness categories.

Previous studies have also linked childhood loneliness with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that people who felt lonely or lacked close friendships before the age of 17 were more likely to develop dementia, even if they no longer felt lonely in adulthood.

The 2024 Lancet Commission, part-funded by Alzheimers Society, found that 45 per cent of dementia cases globally could potentially be reduced by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, on a personal or societal level, Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at Alzheimers Society, told The Independent.

These factors include quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, keeping physically active and avoiding social isolation, particularly in later life.

This is important as wider research suggests that social contact and social activities may help to build up the brains ability to cope with disease, stress and improve mood.
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An HIV patient in Oslo has been in remission for the past five years following a stem cell transplant from his brother, who was found to be resistant to the virus, marking what could only be the 10th case of a person being cured of the disease.

One of the main reasons HIV infections are persistent is that the virus can remain hidden in pockets of cells across various tissues, even when effective treatment keeps the virus under control.

This is why for many patients the virus tends to return when they stop antiretroviral medication. But previous studies have suggested remission could be achieved after stem cell transplantation from a healthy donor containing a specific mutation  CCR532/32  that removes the receptor proteins which HIV uses to infect cells.

This seems to explain the HIV remission of a 64-year-old man, who had been diagnosed in 2006 at the age of 44.

The man received a stem cell transplant from his sibling to treat his bone marrow cancer, and he was subsequently discontinued from antiretroviral medication 24 months afterwards.

The brother happened to have the CCR532/32 mutation, and his cells gradually replaced the patients immune cells in the blood, bone marrow, and gut tissues.

Subsequent tissue samples taken from the patients blood and gut two years after the transplant showed no HIV DNA integrated into the host DNA.

The brothers healthy cells gradually replaced the mans HIV-infected T cells, researchers say ( NIAID )

A comprehensive analysis of more than 65 million immune system cells from the patient showed no virus capable of multiplying, and no detectable HIVspecific T-cell responses.

His HIV antibody levels also declined over four years after transplantation, researchers found.

Replication-competent virus and HIV-specific T cell responses were absent, and HIV antibody responses showed a gradual decline, researchers wrote in a study published in the journal Nature Microbiology on Monday.

The absence of HIV-specific T cell responses in our data supports the hypothesis that such an absence correlates with sustained HIV remission, researchers wrote.

Clinicians involved in the study point out that such a cure is an unlikely scenario that may not be replicated in other patients.

A sibling has a 25 per cent probability of being a match for a transplant, and the frequency of CCR532/32 is around 1 per cent in northern European populations, explained study co-author Anders Eivind Myhre from Oslo University.

He feels like he has won the lottery twice ... He was cured of his bone marrow disease, which could be fatal, and hes also now cured of HIV, most likely, Marius Trseid, another author of the study, told Live Science.

The case study shows that receiving donor cells resistant to HIV, combined with full replacement of immune cells across different parts of the body, may help to reduce or remove hidden HIV.

While stem cell transplantation may not be a practical approach for most people with HIV, studying these cases can help identify signs to predict longterm remission, researchers say.
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Metropolitan Police officers are facing an investigation into alleged racism regarding their handling of a road crash that tragically killed two schoolgirls.

The police watchdog has confirmed that 11 officers are now subject to its probe following the deaths of eight-year-olds Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau. The incident occurred at The Study Prep school in Wimbledon, south-west London, in July 2023.

The families of the two girls have insisted that "the truth must come to light" after the Independent Office for Police Conducts (IOPC) investigation was announced, adding: "We were unconvinced that the investigation was conducted thoroughly."

This development follows the Metropolitan Polices statement in June 2024 that the driver of the 4x4, Claire Freemantle, would face no criminal charges, having suffered an epileptic seizure.

She was rearrested and released on bail pending further investigation in January last year.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there are some further factors we must consider before making a charging decision.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the IOPC said it was probing allegations that officers provided false and misleading information to the families following complaints about the standard of the investigation.

The watchdog said the complaints related to the forces management and direction, the conduct of the investigation team, and their engagement with the victims.

open image in gallery The families of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau have previously said they were unconvinced the investigation had been carried out thoroughly. ( PA )

Four serving officers, including a commander and a detective chief inspector, are being investigated for gross misconduct, the IOPC said.

Reacting to the latest update, the girls families said in a statement: We have always maintained that the initial investigation was flawed.

When the Crown Prosecution Service took the decision for no further action against the driver on the 26th of June 2024, we asserted that the original investigation was poor, and we were unconvinced that the investigation was conducted thoroughly.

We are encouraged that the Independent Office of Police Conduct have opened an inquiry.

We have always sought the truth, and will continue to champion the pursuit of complete clarity on the events of that devastating day and subsequent actions taken by the Metropolitan Police.

The truth must come to light.

Prosecutors wrote to the victims families on Friday to say they expected to be able to announce whether or not they had reached a charging decision by the end of April.

The families are due to meet with the CPS on Tuesday for an update.

A spokesperson for the CPS said: After careful consideration of all the evidence and material provided by the police as part of this reinvestigation, and upon receipt of advice from counsel on 7 April, we have concluded that there are some further factors we must consider before a decision on charge can be reached.

We appreciate the ongoing distress any delay may cause and are committed to making a final decision as soon as possible.

Confirming the watchdogs investigation, IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: The complaints relate to concerns about the standard of the investigation, including its management and direction, the conduct of the investigation team, and their engagement with the victims.

We are also investigating allegations that Met officers provided false and misleading information to those affected and whether the officers treatment of those affected was influenced by their race.

open image in gallery The 4x4 that crashed into The Study Prep school in Wimbledon. ( PA )

We have now served notices advising four serving officers, whose ranks are commander, detective chief inspector, detective sergeant and detective constable, and a former detective inspector, that their conduct is being investigated at the level of gross misconduct.

Two detective constables are being investigated at misconduct level.

Our investigation is ongoing and should any further conduct issues be identified then officers will be served notices.

All officers served notices will be interviewed in due course.

The serving of notices does not mean that proceedings will necessarily follow.

Ms Rowe said IOPC investigators have met with the families and the officers leading the Met Polices new investigation into the tragedy.

The director said: At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether any officers have a disciplinary case to answer in respect of the conduct allegations.

The Met submitted a full file of evidence to the CPS on March 17 after it reopened the investigation on October 24, 2024.

Commander Charmain Brenyah, from the Mets Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: Our thoughts remain with Nuria and Selenas families, as well as everyone who has been impacted by this terrible tragedy.

We understand this prolonged process has compounded their grief and suffering.

It is right that our initial handling of this incident be independently scrutinised, and we will provide every assistance to the IOPC as their investigation continues.
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Hundreds of Afghan women have been refused asylum in the UK in the past year amid plummeting grant rates, new analysis shows.

Labour have been accused of a betrayal of women and girls fleeing repression as data shows that Afghan refugees now have a smaller chance of getting sanctuary in the UK than they did before the Taliban takeover.

Analysis of government data by charity Amnesty International UK shows that the grant rate on Afghan asylum claims has fallen from 96 per cent to 34 per cent over the time that Labour has been in office.

This is lower than before the Taliban returned to power, when approval rates were between 45 and 62 per cent, a paper published by the charity on Tuesday found. In 2025, 370 Afghan women were refused asylum, Home Office data shows.

Wendy Chamberlain, LibDem MP and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Afghan women and girls, said: Women in Afghanistan are enduring one of the most oppressive regimes in the world, a regime that is systematically removing them from daily life.

The UKs growing refusal to grant asylum to Afghan women, despite the recognised brutality of the Taliban and the clear evidence of gender apartheid, is indefensibly cruel.

Grant rates for initial asylum claims have been falling across the board since Labour came to power. The success rate for first-time asylum claims in 2025 was 42 per cent, down from 47 per cent in 2024, and 76 per cent in 2022. Growing numbers of initial refusals have led to more people now waiting on outcomes of asylum appeals, with Ministry of Justice data showing that the backlog doubled to just below 70,000 in the year ending September 2025.

The Home Office said that they consider each asylum claim on its individual merits and the evidence provided.

Afghan primary school girls attend their class at a school in Kandahar on September 7, 2025. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Steve Smith, chief executive of Care4Calais, said: Only a few short years ago, the significant risk the Taliban regime posed to individuals was duly recognised with an asylum grant rate for Afghans of almost 100 per cent. But the UK government has clearly changed their position, and I should suggest it has changed not because the Talibans threat has reduced, but rather because Afghan nationals were the nationality most likely to cross the Channel in pursuit of sanctuary in the UK.

Gunes Kalkan, head of campaigns at Safe Passage International, said it was unfathomable that the government was refusing Afghan women sanctuary. He added: Over 110 Afghan girls and over 260 Afghan women had to cross the Channel last year to seek protection.

Abandoning persecuted women and girls to life-risking journeys, instead of offering them safe routes, and then denying them protection is an unforgivable failing of this government.

Charities and doctors also have warned that home secretary Shabana Mahmoods plans to reduce the period of settlement granted to refugees from five years to 30 months will impact their ability to recover from traumatic experiences and integrate well into the UK.

Amnesty International UK warned that the changes, coupled with the restrictions on refugee family reunion, would disproportionately impact women and girls.

Karla McLaren, head of government affairs at the charity, said: As the Taliban tightens its grip, the proportion of women granted safety here is falling. That is indefensible. The fact that Afghan women are being denied refuge here, despite clear evidence of the brutality they face under the Taliban, shows the extent of the moral and practical collapse in the UKs asylum decision-making.

Since returning to power, the Taliban have barred women from most workplaces and universities and banned girls from attending secondary schools. According to the UN, maternal mortality is rising with high rates of adolescent birth due to child marriage.

Hasina Safi, former minister of womens affairs in Afghanistan, who came to the UK in 2021 after the Taliban takeover, said that the UK needed to do much more to protect Afghan women and girls, adding: Making it even harder to find protection and stability leaves them struggling for the way they want to live. This is not just a quote, it is a lived experience.

A Home Office spokesperson said: Since the Taliban takeover, the UK has resettled almost 38,000 Afghan men, women and children through humanitarian routes.

Women and girls in Afghanistan have faced severe danger, so asylum decision makers continue to give close and careful consideration to claims involving genderbased persecution.

The home secretary has also announced plans to open new safe and legal routes once order has been restored our asylum system. These will prioritise integration and reflect public expectations for people to build independent lives and contribute to their local communities.
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The head of the British army has warned that the manosphere is making it harder to stop misogyny and sexual harassment within the military.

General Sir Roly Walker, chief of the general staff, told MPs in the Commons defence select committee on Tuesday that deepening rifts within young people, which are being accelerated through social media, were also contributing factors.

He said that makes it more challenging to ensure the safety of women serving in the armed forces.

Sir Rolys appearance before the committee follows an inquest in 2025, which found the army had failed to take action after Gunner Jaysley Beck was sexually assaulted by a superior in the months leading up to her death by suicide.

Asked by MPs why sexual harassment in the armed forces is still as prevalent as it was five years ago, Sir Roly said: My personal view is this gets harder before it gets easier, because of the trends in wider society.

The level of misogyny, the level of rancorous behaviour and belief systems, and the tension in wider society, is something we have to accept as the environment from which we attract.

Im well aware of what is going on with things like the manosphere and the sense of deepening rifts within young people, all of which is playing and accelerating through social media.

A lot of that generation are coming through into the armed forces.

open image in gallery Sir Roly Walker appears before the Commons defence committee for a hearing on Women in the Armed Forces ( House of Commons/UK Parliament )

During the committee hearing, Labour MP Emma Lewell said that between 2021 and 2024 there had been 122 investigations into sexual offences against under-18s at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Of those, 80 were sexual assault.

In addition, Ms Lewell said, North Yorkshire Council had received 89 safeguarding notifications in the last five years concerning staff at the college.

The Army Foundation College is the sole military training unit for British army recruits aged between 16 and 17 and a half.

Sir Roly said he was not surprised that the sexual harassment figures have not fallen, despite a more focused approach within the army, and said there was a need to recognise the challenge young people have when they join the military.

Sir Roly said: The level of sexualisation in young people in society, the level of exposure to drugs, drink, alcohol, violence in wider society, it is not a surprise to me that when we take 10,000 civilians, generally between the ages of 17-and-a-half and 20, and train them to be soldiers, that in those early weeks and months of onboarding them into our organisation, we see the greatest correlation of behaviours which are at odds with our values and standards.

People are drawn to the armed services because they want to be something different, and it takes a while to transform them from being civilians, in my case, into being soldiers, and that is a journey.

It is not a cliff edge where you walk in the door and suddenly, youre a different person.

These have got to be learned behaviours and applied, and the guardrails are there to do that and do the very best for our people, so they can do the best for the nation.

open image in gallery Jaysley Beck died after being sexually assaulted by a superior ( Family handout )

The Atherton Report, published in July 2021, found that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and armed forces were failing to protect female personnel.

On Tuesday, Sir Roly faced questions alongside Louise Sandher-Jones, minister for veterans and people, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, first sea lord, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, chief of the air staff, and Sam des Forges, MoD director of conduct, equity and justice, about action taken since the reports publication.

MPs asked them about the mechanisms they are putting in place to implement cultural change within the services.

The head of the Royal Navy said his force was vulnerable to toxic leadership because of the way they assess potential leaders.

Sir Gwyn said: We are very vulnerable to toxic leadership within our system, and its very difficult to identify individuals who can actually create the environment that we want.

Traditionally, when weve looked at our leaders, we tend to assess the outputs that they manage to create. Were not very good at assessing how they got there in the first place.

This is really important, because I think the leadership at all levels is what will be able to implement the policies and create the environment for the teams to flourish.

Unless we can pick the right leaders at all levels within the armed forces, we wont be able to accelerate the cultural change that we try to engender.

The navy ran a trial for a new assessment model in the autumn which, Sir Gwyn said, highlighted some individuals who would be successful in the current system but would actually have a negative impact on their people.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
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US president Donald Trumps blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has sparked further concerns of long-term disruption to the flow of fuel through the vital global shipping route.

Airlines were leading the stock market falls in London on Monday as worries deepened over the supply and cost crunch for jet fuel.

The rising fuel prices continue to cast doubt on Britons' summer travel plans, which are becoming more vulnerable to air fare increases or outright cancellations.

Airport Council International Europe has said European airports could face jet fuel shortages within a few weeks if the key shipping route remains closed.

In a letter to the European Commission, the group said its concerns had been intensified by the approach of the peak summer season, when air travel enables the whole tourism ecosystem upon which many [EU] economies rely.

Several airlines have echoed these concerns, with Ryanair admitting that it cannot rule out risks to fuel supplies at some airports if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed into May or June.

open image in gallery Ryanair said it cannot rule out risks to fuel supplies at some airports in Europe ( PA )

When could air fares rise?

Several British airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet, have signalled that a rise in air fares is likely to occur at the end of summer.

Peter Forbes, the director of aviation consultancy Alan Stratford and Associates, said: There's enough fuel in the UK for around two months. After that, there has been concern about what might happen.

Many European airlines have already introduced higher costs for travellers. Scandinavian airline SAS cancelled more than 1,000 flights this month and confirmed it was temporarily increasing prices due to rising jet fuel costs.

A spokesperson for Ryanair said: We dont expect any near-term fuel shortages, but the situation is fluid. At present our fuel suppliers can guarantee supply to mid-end May. If the Iran war finishes soon, then supply will not be disrupted. If the closure of the Hormuz Straits continues into May or June, then we cannot rule out risks to fuel supplies at some airports in Europe.

With jet oil prices doubling during March, we expect all airlines will pass on these higher costs in the form of higher air fares post Easter and later this summer.

open image in gallery Long-haul flights could see higher air fare rises ( AFP/Getty )

What flights could be affected?

Longer-haul flights could be more susceptible to air fare hikes, with carriers like Air France-KLM raising ticket prices on their longer journeys.

Air New Zealand has lifted fares on long-haul trips by $90NZD (40), while Australian airline Qantas has announced it is increasing the price of international flights.

Mr Forbes said there was a possibility that the European Unions tankering rules could also affect the air fares of flights departing EU countries.

Due to regulations that came into force last year, airlines have been banned from tankering, where airlines load extra fuel at an airport where prices are lower. British and other non-EU airlines only have to abide by the provisions when departing EU airports.

If regulations arent lifted, Mr Forbes said there is a possibility that air fares for flights leaving EU countries could become more expensive.

open image in gallery Airlines have warned of possible cancellations this summer ( Reuters )

What should travellers do?

Travel experts are urging customers to keep informed about the conflict in the Middle East and stay up to date with any communications about travel bookings.

Travellers have also been advised to buy insurance for any flight they have and make sure they understand what they are covered for.

Airlines have warned that cancellations are possible, with Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary saying this week that the airline was considering cutting 10 per cent of flights.

They have urged customers to book their trips immediately to avoid rising air fares.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: We urge all passengers to book their flights (and holidays) as soon as possible and then they will be insulated from inevitable air fare and accommodation cost increases after Easter and later this summer.

Kenton Jarvis, the chief executive of EasyJet, said: The reality is, as you look further forward, and the hedges start reducing in size, I think the message would be book as early as possible, because that will start feeding in at some stage.
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Britons doing their laundry or dishes on the weekend could be rewarded with free or discounted electricity in an attempt to tackle surplus power supply.

The National Energy System Operator (Neso) unveiled a new scheme on Tuesday, which encourages people to increase their electricity use at the times of day and week when there is an oversupply of energy.

Electricity demand is typically lower on weekends, bank holidays, or when the weather is warmer.

Households with smart meters could be rewarded through their energy suppliers or third-party apps with discounted or free electricity by running appliances like washing machines or dishwashers and charging electric vehicles during periods of excess supply, the energy supply operator said.

Alongside other Neso tools, this will help balance the system and reinforce energy security.

open image in gallery Octopus Energy reported a 50 per cent rise in solar panel and heat pump sales in March ( PA )

Dr Deborah Petterson, Nesos director of resilience and emergency management, said the tool will not only reward consumers and businesses for flexible electricity use but also strengthen the resilience and efficiency of Great Britains electricity network.

The work of our excellent engineering teams at Neso means our energy system is well adapted to support a clean, resilient future, and puts us in a strong position to manage the changing patterns of electricity use over the summer.

Electricity demand is typically lower in summer when warmer weather increases solar generation and causes people to change their electricity consumption habits.

In recent years, periods of surplus power supply have become more common, Neso said. The growth of smaller, local electricity generators is also reducing reliance on large power stations on the national network.

The scheme could also prevent the operator from having to pay wind and solar farms to switch off and fire up alternative power sources. In 2025, the UK paid nearly 1.5bn in wasted wind power costs.

Neso said the demand on the transmission network could fall to a record low this summer as the use of solar farms and solar panels rises.

open image in gallery Britons could face higher energy bills for years, according to a senior MP (PA) ( PA )

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz in February has sent gas and oil prices skyrocketing across the world. As a result, many UK households have turned to solar panels and heat pumps to avoid rising energy bills.

Greg Jackson, head of Octopus Energy, said its firm had seen a 50 per cent rise in solar panel and heat pump sales in March.

Last week, Graeme Downie, a Labour MP who sits on the energy select committee, warned that Britons could face higher energy bills for years to come.

He said it will still take a long time for prices to return to normal and the full impact of the crisis on the cost of living could be felt until 2027/28 at least.
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The centenary of Queen Elizabeth IIs birth will be honoured with a new collection of 12 Royal Mail stamps, celebrating her life and passions.

Eight stamps feature milestone photographs from the late monarchs life, from her 1953 coronation balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace to her first radio broadcast in 1940, aged 14.

Her well-known love of horses and dogs is reflected through a miniature sheet of four stamps, showing her with pets or thoroughbreds throughout her life.

A presentation pack containing all 12 stamps is priced at 22.50.

With these special stamps, we pay tribute to the late Queen, whose commitment to duty was unparalleled in history, David Gold, the Royal Mails director of external affairs and policy, said.

The stamps tell the remarkable story of a very public life of dedicated service, and a more private passion for dogs and horses, about which Her Majesty was a renowned expert.

open image in gallery Four stamps reflect the late Queen's lifelong love of horses and dogs ( Royal Mail )

The late Queen was an ever-present feature on British stamps during her 70-year reign.

Her image was well-known to the public and her likeness was also used on stamps marking royal events and anniversaries.

Elizabeth II died peacefully at her Balmoral home aged 96 on 8 September 2022, after serving as sovereign for 70 years.

She was the nations longest-reigning monarch.

open image in gallery The images span the late Queen's life ( Royal Mail )

For the woman who was never meant to be sovereign, the Queen fulfilled her pledge to serve the nation and Commonwealth and came to earn the respect of many  from world leaders to the public.

The late Queens life will be remembered during a series of royal events held around her birthday  21 April, the date she would have turned 100.

Her son Charles II has reportedly written a speech that will commemorate the 70-year reign of his mother and highlight her legacy and service.

The stamps, and a range of collectable products, are available to pre-order from 14 April from the Royal Mail website before going on general sale from 21 April.
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Donald Trump has reiterated his call for Britain to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, urging Sir Keir Starmers government to drill, baby, drill.

The US president added that Aberdeen should be booming in his latest social media rant aimed at Britain, while repeating his demand for there to be no more windmills in Scotland.

The prime minister has been under pressure to rethink his governments position on oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, as oil prices continue to soar amid tensions in the Middle East.

Prices have fluctuated wildly as Iran and the US have each announced blockades of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Mr Trumps insistence that US warships would stop vessels bearing Iranian oil, at least one Chinese tanker sanctioned by the US passed through the chokepoint, shipping data showed.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Mr Trump said the UK could  and should  be producing more oil.

He wrote: Europe is desperate for Energy, and yet the United Kingdom refuses to open North Sea Oil, one of the greatest fields in the World. Tragic!!! Aberdeen should be booming.

Norway sells its North Sea Oil to the U.K. at double the price. They are making a fortune. U.K., which is better situated on the North Sea for purposes of energy than Norway, should, DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! It is absolutely crazy that they dont... AND, NO MORE WINDMILLS!

open image in gallery Donald Trump has repeatedly called on Keir Starmer to expand domestic oil and gas drilling in the North Sea ( PA Archive )

Mr Trump has repeatedly called on Sir Keir to expand domestic oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, having accused the government earlier this year of making it impossible for oil companies to develop domestic reserves.

During his state visit to the UK last year, the US president called wind energy an expensive joke and urged Sir Keir to exploit the great asset of North Sea oil and gas.

It marks Mr Trumps latest swipe at Sir Keir, as the pair continue to be at odds with each other over the presidents approach to war in the Middle East.

Last week, at a White House Easter event, he likened Sir Keir to Neville Chamberlain, telling reporters that the UK had a long way to go.

He also mimicked the prime minister in a recent speech at the White House, and recounted Sir Keir saying he had to ask his team about sending two old broken-down aircraft carriers to the Middle East. Last month he made another jibe about Sir Keir, saying he was not Winston Churchill.

open image in gallery The question of whether to allow more drilling in the North Sea has piled pressure on Starmer in recent weeks ( PA )

The question of whether to allow more drilling for domestic oil and gas in the North Sea has piled pressure on Sir Keir in recent weeks, with calls growing for him to back the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields after Mr Trumps war sent oil prices soaring.

Last week, Tony Blair called for Labour to expand drilling in the North Sea, saying the war in Iran had exposed the UKs structural vulnerability to global fossil-fuel shocks.

Earlier this month, the government denied that Ed Miliband was expected to give the green light to the first major North Sea oilfield project in almost 10 years. However, chancellor Rachel Reeves said she would be very happy to support exploration at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites.

Oil prices retreated back below $100 (74) a barrel in Tuesday morning trading, on hopes that negotiations between the US and Iran might be revived, and that an agreement could be reached over the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

A person familiar with Tehrans deliberations told Bloomberg that the regime is trying to avoid escalation, with negotiating teams said to be urgently working to restart talks in Islamabad.

Limiting the number of Iranian ships crossing the strait for a few days is seen as a possible lever for Tehran to prevent an incident that could undermine talks.
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Former defence secretaries and Labour grandees have rowed in behind a former Nato secretary general, who has warned that the UKs security is in peril as a result of the corrosive complacency of Sir Keir Starmer.

George Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary who was appointed by the prime minister to write the governments Strategic Defence Review (SDR), will use a speech on Tuesday to accuse non-military experts in the Treasury of vandalism and claim Sir Keir is unwilling to make the necessary investment in Britains defence.

Piling in on Lord Robertsons criticisms, Malcolm Rifkind, a former defence secretary, argued that the governments prime responsibility is defence, and called for ministers to fund this through a cut to welfare or an increase in income tax.

Jack Straw, who was foreign secretary under Tony Blair, praised Lord Robertsons intervention, telling The Independent: As George points out, there is a great urgency to settle the defence spending programme at a level which meets our needs, now and in the future, and with that make necessary decisions to cut non-essential welfare spending.

open image in gallery Former Nato secretary general Lord George Robertson ( AFP/Getty )

And former Tory defence secretary Sir Ben Wallace said: Lord Robertson, like the rest of us, has become increasingly frustrated with a prime minister who talks the talk but doesnt follow it up with funding and action. The PM needs to show leadership, not spin, on our defence.

Downing Street hit back at Lord Robertsons assertion that Britain was underprepared and underinsured, with the prime ministers official spokesperson saying: I completely reject that. Our armed forces, as I say, are working around the world every minute of the day to keep us safe at home.

The development comes just days after Sir Ben told The Independent that the government was taking the public for fools after the defence secretary, John Healey, insisted that the UK was ready to defend itself.

Sir Bens predecessor, Penny Mordaunt, told The Independent that the former Nato secretary general was absolutely right. The Treasury must realise that it cant have growth if our data, energy, trade and interests arent protected.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, another of the SDRs authors, General Sir Richard Barrons, agreed with Lord Robertson that theres an enormous gap between where we have to be to keep the country safe in the world we now live in and where we actually are. He had earlier warned that the military is so depleted it could only seize a small market town on a good day.

The government has promised to publish a 10-year defence investment plan to fund the SDR, but it has been beset by repeated delays and warnings that the military is facing a 28bn black hole in its funding over the next four years. In a damning intervention on Tuesday, Lord Robertson will take aim at Sir Keir Starmers failure to tackle the growing benefits bill, warning: We cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget.

The speech has come as a major shock, in part because Lord Robertson has until now kept his advice and any criticisms strictly private and rarely speaks out.

With turbulence in the Middle East and Ukraine, Lord Robertson will say: We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe . . . Britains national security and safety is in peril.

There is a corrosive complacency today in Britain's political leadership. Lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the bright red signals of danger, but even a promised national conversation about defence can't be started."

Sir Malcolm told The Independent he fully agrees with Lord Robertson. The government must decide what is its prime responsibility, he said. It is the defence of the realm. That means they must increase the resources available to the armed forces paid for either by a reduction in the welfare services or an increase in income tax or VAT; or a combination of these sources. They must have the courage to explain this to the public. They will have to make this judgement at some time, the sooner the better.

The government has committed to spending 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product on defence by 2027, increasing to 3 per cent in the next parliament and a Nato-agreed target of 3.5 per cent by 2035.

Sir Keir told MPs on Monday that the government was working to finalise the defence investment plan, but he did not want to repeat the mistakes of previous administrations because we inherited plans that were unfunded and not deliverable.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer has come under fire for failing to prioritise defence ( Getty )

MPs on both sides of the Commons have already expressed concerns over the failure of the government to publish its defence investment plan.

Meanwhile, in-year savings were blamed for a delay in sending HMS Dragon to Cyprus weeks after the Iran crisis began and the UKs base on the island came under attack from Tehran.

There are also ongoing questions about the reduction of the size of the army, which is down to around 70,000 personnel and using poor and outdated heavy vehicles and tanks.

Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, said she agreed 100 per cent with Lord Robertsons damning criticism. She said: We used to spend one in every seven pounds on welfare. Now it's one in every three pounds, and a lot of that money has basically been swapped for defence. The world is not as peaceful as it used to be. The peace dividend that existed after the fall of the Berlin Wall is gone. We need to spend more money on defence. This is a former Labour defence secretary, former Nato secretary general, saying what Ive been saying for the past few weeks.

A government spokesman said: We are delivering on the strategic defence review to meet the threats we face. It is backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, with a total of over 270 billion being invested across this Parliament.

We are finalising our defence investment plan that we will publish as soon as possible, putting the best kit and technology into the hands of our forces, rebuilding British industry to make defence an engine for growth and doubling down on our own commitment to Nato.
The bromance between JD Vance, vice-president of the United States, and David Lammy is an unusual one for a number of reasons, but it appears still to be blooming. Lammy recently flew to Washington for talks with the VP and the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and at least for the time being, Lammy seems to be keeping transatlantic relations personally cordial while the previously warm Starmer-Trump relationship has soured.

Why is Lammy doing all this diplomacy?

Rather than the actual foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper? Its a good question. Its partly because of the coincidence that in London, as well as in Washington, theres more fluidity about who does what in foreign affairs.

In the US, Donald Trump does a good deal of it himself, and he feels free to appoint personal emissaries such as Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg. To an extent, that is unprecedented. Only recently, Trump sent Vance rather than Rubio to Pakistan, to lead the US-Iran peace talks  though this is a slightly more conventional move, in the sense that vice-presidents have often been used as auxiliary diplomats in the past.

By the same token, Keir never here Starmer has developed a flair for diplomacy, and has done so while foreign and defence concerns loom ever larger. But previous deputy prime ministers havent played anything like the role that Lammy may be developing. Only John Prescott, deputy to Tony Blair, came close, taking a leading role in international agreements on climate change.

The point about Lammy is that he seems to have established a peculiar rapport with Vance, and, unlike the bond between Starmer and Trump, it has endured and strengthened during Lammys time in opposition, first as foreign secretary (until last Septembers reshuffle) and now as Vances rough counterpart. He and Vance are now acting as a sort of back channel to keep what remains of the special relationship going through testing times.

What is this bromance based on?

In Lammys words: JD Vance completely relates to me. We are not just working-class politicians, but people with dysfunctional childhoods. North London is obviously not the Appalachians, and there is no sign of this Tottenham hillbilly publishing his own elegy, but the two men seem to have found they have things in common, including faith: Ive had mass with him [Vance] in his home, Lammy told The Guardian last year.

Vance converted to Roman Catholicism in 2019, while Lammy is more of an Anglo-Catholic. Both, its fair to say, are nearer to God than their bosses are, and have managed to transcend policy differences and radically different political outlooks. Lammy has entertained Vance at his grace and favour official residence, Chevening. In terms of their personal transatlantic friendship, there are few, if any, historical parallels. So its a politically valuable link.

Is it a good thing?

On balance, anything that helps keep transatlantic relations and Nato alive is a bonus, so its certainly good for the country that the affable Lammy and his rebarbative Maga mate get along so well.

Whether the many photographs of the odd couple relishing one anothers company will do Lammy any good in his Tottenham base is a different matter. Second only to Trump himself, and possibly Elon Musk, Vance is a deeply unpopular figure in Britain, and the Greens are mounting a formidable challenge to Labours traditional prominence in the inner London boroughs this year.

The deputy prime minister might want to wait to flaunt his feelings about his Christian conservative nationalist buddy until after the local elections on 7 May.
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English councils risk losing up to a third of their funding to fix potholes if they fail to demonstrate they are working effectively, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced.

Some 525 million of the 1.6 billion funding for local roads maintenance in the 2026/27 financial year will be held back unless authorities prove they are spending the money appropriately.

This is up from 500 million of the same amount during the previous 12 months.

Councils are required to publish reports showing they are spending all their highways cash purely on road maintenance, with long-term plans for protecting roads.

This includes having policies signed off by senior local authority members, and training for highways teams.

Roads minister Simon Lightwood said: Drivers deserve smooth, safe journeys, and were making sure every pound goes straight into fixing roads and tackling potholes, not being spent elsewhere.

open image in gallery Some 525 million of the 1.6 billion funding for local roads maintenance in the 2026/27 financial year will be held back unless authorities prove they are spending the money appropriately ( PA )

Weve made it crystal clear, that councils which fail to maintain their roads will now risk losing up to a third of their funding.

And for the first time, were giving councils multi-year funding so they can plan properly and reverse a decade of decline in our roads.

AA president Edmund King said it is right that councils are being scrutinised over their repair plans as he urged them to use their funding to resurface roads rather than simply patch-up their streets.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: Ensuring money that is given to councils to improve their roads is actually spent on roads is critical, so the Governments focus on this will be welcomed by drivers.

It was estimated last month that the cost of bringing pothole-plagued local roads in England and Wales up to scratch had risen to a record 18.6 billion.

Earlier this month, the pothole crisis in England and Wales was branded a "national disgrace" as the cost to repair them surged to a record 18.6 billion.

A new report from the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) reveals that a mere 51 per cent of the local road network is currently deemed in good condition.

Despite increased investment, efforts to tackle the widespread issue of potholes have failed to deliver "noticeable improvements", with roads, on average, only resurfaced once every 97 years.

Last year alone, a staggering 1.9 million potholes were filled across the country, highlighting the persistent challenge.
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English councils are poised to receive new funding and training to intensify their crackdown on rogue landlords.

All 317 local authorities will share 41 million, following an initial 18 million commitment last autumn.

This investment will prepare councils for strengthened powers and responsibilities under the Renters Rights Act due to come into force on 1 May.

The legislation will impose a "duty to enforce" on local authorities, legally obliging them to ensure landlords adhere to new rules.

These include bans on bidding wars between prospective tenants and no-fault evictions.

Landlords who seriously or repeatedly breach the law will also face significantly higher penalties, with fines increasing to a maximum of 40,000  an additional 10,000 on the current limit.

Housing Secretary Steve Reed said the Government had been preparing councils to use their new powers on the minority of landlords who rip off their tenants, and this new funding will help councils carry out their duties.

open image in gallery This investment will prepare councils for strengthened powers and responsibilities under the Renters Rights Act due to come into force on 1 May ( PA )

Some 50 million will be invested in modernising the civil courts, which the government hopes will help to process disputes, though this is for the system as a whole and not just for rent cases.

The Renters Rights Act is historic, and our courts and tribunals must stand ready to deliver justice, courts minister Sarah Sackman said.

Chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, Ben Beadle, welcomed the announcement as evidence that the Government is serious about tackling those who bring the sector into disrepute.

Rogue landlords have no place in the private rented sector and every effort should be made by local authorities to drive them from the market, he said.

Chief executive of Generation Rent, Ben Twomey, said: The Renters Rights Act is a vital step in addressing the power imbalance between tenants and landlords.

But the law will only reach into peoples homes and make a positive difference to their lives if councils are able to take actions against landlords who dont follow the new rules.

Therefore, were pleased to see the Government commit further funding for councils, boosting their ability to make sure renters feel the benefit of the changes from May 1.
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The UK has signed a deal with a firm owned by engineering giant Rolls-Royce to further develop the UKs first mini nuclear reactors.

The government-owned firm Great British Energy  Nuclear (GBE-N) announced the deal on Monday, allowing work to start immediately on creating three small modular reactors (SMRs).

These are small nuclear power stations designed to be installed as prefabricated modules, in hope the technology can be built faster than more traditional plants, such as Hinkley Point C.

The government said the project will support UK efforts to roll out clean power, which it argues will bring down prices and boost energy sovereignty at a time when UK homes and businesses face surging costs as the ongoing Iran conflict drives up global fossil fuel prices.

Speaking at the Treasury on Monday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the signing of a contract was more important than ever amid the Middle East crisis.

In the context which we are today, it shows how important a contract like this, technology like this, is, she said.

open image in gallery Chancellor Rachel Reeves with Oliver Holbourn, chief executive of the National Wealth Fund and Chris Cholerton of Rolls-Royce SMR ( PA )

If we can produce more homegrown electricity here in the UK, that takes us off the rollercoaster of global oil and gas prices.

If we have greater control over the energy that we need here at home, it makes us less vulnerable in the face of shocks like were seeing at the moment.

And so this was always the right thing to do but in the world in which we live today, where there is less security and there is more volatility, this deal is more important than ever.

The Government said the three SMRs should be able to generate enough low-carbon electricity to power the equivalent of around three million homes, with expectations they will be operating by the mid-2030s.

The project will also support some 3,000 jobs at the peak of construction as well as thousands across the supply chain, ministers say.

Ms Reeves comments came after a ceremonial signing at the Treasury on Monday between Simon Roddy, chief executive of GBE-N, and Chris Cholerton, chief executive of Rolls-Royce SMR.

open image in gallery Rachel Reeves at a reception at 11 Downing Street to celebrate the development ( PA )

Mr Roddy also signed a contract with Oliver Holbourn, chief executive of the National Wealth Fund, which plans to invest up to 599 million to support the next stages in designing the SMRs.

The push for new nuclear capacity marks a shift from decades of underinvestment in the UKs nuclear sector, leading to ageing infrastructure as old plants approach the end of their lifespans.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who also attended the signing, said reducing the UKs exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets is the unavoidable lesson of this war.

That is why this Government is doubling down, not backing down, on our clean power mission, drive for renewables and nuclear, he said.

Were ending years of delay with the biggest nuclear building programme in half a century from Sizewell C to this first fleet of SMRs.

The Chancellor and Energy Secretary also met apprentices from both GBE-N and Rolls-Royce SMR at the event.

Hope for the future is what I think this project can provide, Mr Miliband said.

open image in gallery Rachel Reeves and Ed Miliband watch as Simon Roddy and Chris Cholerton sign a deal to drive forward the development of SMRs ( PA )

It brings hope to communities seeing investment to those areas. I can see the hope in the young apprentices that we have here.

And building clean power meets the hopes of parents and grandparents who want to know were doing the right thing for future generations.

The Government selected Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred partner for delivering the modular reactor technology in June last year after a competitive process.

Ministers allocated 2.6 billion for the programme and later announced that the first SMR nuclear power station would be built at Wylfa in North Wales by GBE-N.

Since June, Rolls-Royce has been working with GBE-N to finalise the contract, which will require the two to deliver the project against a set of key milestones, ministers said.

This starts with site-specific design, regulatory engagement and planning processes, before a final decision will be made to approve the capital investment to proceed with construction.

Over the years, critics have pointed to nuclears high costs and lengthy construction periods as well as concerns over the disposal of nuclear waste.
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Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron will co-host a summit in Paris this week to continue efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The prime minister has made efforts to reopen the Strait a priority after its closure amid the US-Iran war prompted oil prices around the globe to soar.

International leaders will gather on Friday in an effort to come up with a plan to ensure the vital trading route can remain open to shipping amid Donald Trumps blockade.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: The summit will advance work towards a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping once the conflict ends.

Sir Keir told MPs on Monday the UK-French initiative would involve military planning to provide assurance to shipping as well as diplomatic efforts.

open image in gallery French president Emmanuel Macron, left, and prime minister Sir Keir Starmer will co-host a summit on Friday ( PA Wire )

Mr Macron has previously said the countries participating in the initiative would work on a strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties to the conflict, which is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances permit.

He said the summit would bring together countries prepared to contribute alongside us to the peaceful multinational mission.

The route was initially blockaded by Iran in response to US-Israeli attacks on Tehran, a move which has sparked global instability and prompted concerns about the cost of living in the UK.

After ceasefire talks between Tehran and Washington broke down over the weekend, Trump said the US military will now block Iranian vessels and any ships that have already paid Iran tolls coming through the Strait.

Nato allies, including Britain and France, have already said they would not be drawn into the conflict by taking part in Mr Trumps blockade, stressing instead the need to reopen the waterway.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has said the US military will now block Iranian vessels and any ships that have already paid Iran tolls coming through the Strait ( Getty )

The war has driven up energy prices, caused stock market turmoil and exposed deep divisions between the US and its traditional European allies.

Oil prices retreated back below 100 US dollars a barrel in Tuesday morning trading on hopes that US-Iran negotiations may be revived and that an agreement could be reached over the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, in Westminster, the new Middle East Response Committee has been established to deal with the fallout from the Iran conflict and to deal with the domestic and international impacts of the war.

No 10 insiders compared the new panel to the committees set up under Tory prime ministers to deal with Brexit preparations and the Covid-19 pandemic.

A source said the new central structure would focus on medium-term scenario planning to respond to developments in the region over the coming weeks and months.
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Sir Keir Starmer has demanded that Donald Trump end his blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is set to cause economic pain for Britons as petrol costs soar.

The prime minister had already announced that we are not supporting the blockade and the UK is not getting dragged in to the Iran war on Monday morning.

But Sir Keir then announced that he was bringing 40 nations together to force the reopening of the Strait, which Iran had initially blockaded and demanded a reversal in the White Houses policy.

He made clear in a statement to parliament that he condemned the actions of Iran in blockading the straits but refuses to support Trumps response of blockading it himself.

In a direct challenge to President Trump and Iran, he said: The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is deeply damaging. Getting global shipping moving is vital to ease cost of living pressures.

The UK has convened more than 40 nations who share our aim to restore freedom of navigation.

This week, the UK and France will co-host a summit to advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard shipping when the conflict ends.

The prime minister will discuss cost of living pressures with local people on a visit to Greater Manchester on Monday, while chancellor Rachel Reeves will travel to Washington for International Monetary Fund meetings this week, after warning that the war in Iran will come at a cost to British families and business.

The US president threatened to stop tankers from entering or leaving the key oil and gas shipping lane, a move that is expected to further drive up oil prices when markets open, after they have already risen as a result of Irans grip on the strait in retaliation for the US-Israel war against it.

The latest developments come as MPs return to Westminster from the Easter recess on Monday with no resolution to the Middle East crisis in sight and the fate of a shaky two-week ceasefire uncertain.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer spoke with Emmanuel Macron about plans to reopen the Strait over the weekend ( PA )

Mr Trump announced the shipping blockade after US-Iranian peace talks in Pakistan ended without a deal, with both sides blaming each other.

The American leader said 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 from 10am US Eastern Time.

Mr Trump added, without elaborating: Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. However, it is understood that Britain will not take part.

Sir Keir took a firm line on the blockade on Monday morning, telling BBC 5Live: All the time the strait is shut or not free for navigation in the way it should be, that means that oil and gas is not getting to market.

That means the price is going up, and that means everybody listening to this is facing higher energy bills, and I dont want that to happen.

The prime minister added: We're not supporting blockade, promising that all of Britains diplomatic and military efforts will go towards getting the strait fully open.

It came as a government minister repeatedly refused to say whether or not the UK agrees with Trumps blockade of the strait.

Asked whether the government supports the blockade, education minister Olivia Bailey told Sky News: We wont be taking any part in it, and we want to see free navigation of the Strait of Hormuz. Thats a really important principle. Were working with our international allies to do that.

Pressed on the issue, she repeatedly said: We are not going to be taking part in it, and we want to see free navigation of the Strait of Hormuz.

And asked whether the government is worried the blockade could send oil prices soaring, Ms Bailey said the impact on personal finances is a huge concern.

She said: We're working very hard to see the Strait of Hormuz open, because we want to ensure that we are really mitigating the damage on peoples pockets which were seeing.

Thats a huge concern for us, and so were working very hard to do that.

Sir Keir spoke with French president Emmanuel Macron over the weekend, with the two leaders agreeing on the need to work with a broad coalition of partners to protect freedom of navigation, a government spokesperson said.

Britain will host further talks on reopening the maritime pinch-point with a coalition of countries this week.

The third such meeting convened by the UK is expected to look for ways to support a sustainable end to the conflict and focus on increasing international diplomatic pressure on Iran to reopen the strait, including through sanctions.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has threatened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz ( PA Graphics )

Sir Keirs call with Mr Macron on Sunday took place before Mr Trump posted on social media about a blockade, it is understood.

Mr 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 to be distinct from Mr Trumps blockade.

US Central Command, which is responsible for American military operations in the Middle East, said its blockade of Iranian ports would begin on Monday.

US forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports, the military said in a statement that appeared to contradict Mr Trumps threat to stop all ships.

The president blamed the failure of negotiations on Irans refusal to reopen the channel and commit to giving up its nuclear ambitions.

Irans foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade, adding: Enmity begets enmity.

Mr Trump has also renewed his war of words with Pope Leo XIV, who previously criticised the presidents rhetoric regarding the conflict.

In a post on Truth Social early on Monday, Mr Trump said: Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy I dont want a Pope who thinks its OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.
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Labours Rachel Reeves has criticised US president Donald Trumps folly in engaging in a war with Iran without a clear exit strategy.

Britains economic growth projections have been significantly downgraded in the wake of the hostilities, and the chancellor said that she was very frustrated and angry with Americas actions in the Middle East.

Her comments coincide with a stark warning from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday, which suggested a global recession could be a close call in a severe scenario linked to the conflict.

In its first set of forecasts since the global economy was rocked by the clashes involving US-Israeli and Iranian forces, the influential economic body predicted weaker than previously expected UK economic growth.

Speaking to the Mirror ahead of travelling to the IMF spring meetings in Washington DC, Ms Reeves said: This is a war that we did not start. It was a war that we did not want.

I feel very frustrated and angry that the US went into this war without a clear exit plan, without a clear idea of what they were trying to achieve.

At the Washington DC gathering, Ms Reeves is expected to urge coordinated action to tackle the global economic shock caused by the war.

The chancellor said: Obviously no sensible person is a supporter of the Iranian regime, but to start a conflict without being clear what the objectives are and not being clear about how you are going to get out of it, I do think that is a folly and it is one that is affecting families here in the UK, but also families in the US and around the world.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she is very frustrated and angry about the lack of an exit plan for the Iran conflict ( Reuters )

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer will co-host a meeting of world leaders in Paris on Friday, alongside French president Emmanuel Macron.

There, the leaders will aim to come up with a plan to ensure the Strait of Hormuz can remain open to shipping after the Middle East war ends.

A No 10 spokesperson said: The summit will advance work towards a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping once the conflict ends.

Sir Keir told MPs on Monday that the UK-French initiative would involve military planning to provide assurance to shipping as well as diplomatic efforts.

Mr Macron has previously said the countries participating in the initiative would work on a strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties to the conflict, which is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances permit.

He said the summit would bring together countries prepared to contribute alongside us to the peaceful multinational mission.

In Westminster, a new cabinet committee has been established to deal with the fallout from the Iran conflict.

The Middle East Response Committee was having its first meeting on Tuesday to consider the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the shipping route vital for global oil and gas supplies.

The prime minister established the committee to deal with the domestic and international impacts of the war, which has driven up energy prices, caused stock market turmoil and exposed deep divisions between the US and its traditional European allies.

No 10 insiders compared the new panel to the committees set up under Tory prime ministers to deal with Brexit preparations and the Covid-19 pandemic.

A source said the new central structure would focus on medium-term scenario planning to respond to developments in the region over the coming weeks and months.

Alongside the ministerial committee, whose full membership has not yet been disclosed, senior officials will meet under the chairmanship of cabinet secretary Dame Antonia Romeo.

The new structure is seen as an acknowledgement that the situation will continue to have an impact on the UK for some time, but meetings of the emergency Cobra committee will still be held to respond to immediate crises.

The first meetings focus on the Strait of Hormuz comes after Donald Trump announced a blockade of Iranian ports, and as the UK and France prepare to host a summit to consider options for securing the shipping route when hostilities cease.

Oil prices retreated back below $100 a barrel in Tuesday morning trading on hopes US-Iran negotiations may be revived and that an agreement could be reached over the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

Mr Trump defended his actions in the Gulf, saying: We cant let a country blackmail or extort the world because thats what theyre doing.

Iran has selectively closed off the strait since the US-Israeli bombing campaign began. Some tankers have been able to pass through, but only with the permission of the Iranians.

Mr Trumps blockade is aimed at starving Iran of revenue from those vessels.
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A toddler was involuntarily bumped from an American Airlines flight while headed to a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World with his deaf mom and military veteran dad, who claim a ticketing agent lied to them about the plane being oversold.

Coby Stewart, the childs father, was promised a $1,200 voucher and guaranteed to meet back up with his family later that day at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, but never got the reimbursement after the agent called him  while he was racing to an airport in another state to try and catch an alternate flight with his 4-year-old son Archer  and said the offer was no longer valid because the original flight hadnt been sold out after all, according to a lawsuit reviewed by The Independent.

Attorney Chris Ieyoub told The Independent that Stewart was in fact not reunited with the others at Dallas, but that he and Archer finally arrived at the Disney resort that night, frazzled, well after the others. Stewart and Archer risked life and limb speeding to another airport in the next state over in order to catch their new flight, Ieyoub said.

American is reportedly the airline that involuntarily bumps the largest number of ticketed passengers, but complaints about the practice are common to all carriers. Air Canada made headlines in 2017 after bumping a 10-year-old boy off a flight to Costa Rica, after which his parents were forced to travel to two other airports and spend an extra $850 to get to their destination.

That same year, when a Chicago pulmonologist refused to be bumped off a United Airlines flight to Louisville in order to make room for a deadheading employee, he was forcibly dragged off the plane by police, suffering a concussion, a broken nose, and two shattered teeth.

open image in gallery American Airlines is facing legal action after a family trip was ruined by an overbooked flight ( Getty Images )

Bumped passengers delayed for one to two hours are entitled to compensation equal to double the one-way price of the flight they were bumped from, with a ceiling of $1,075, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. For delays longer than two hours, bumped passengers can get four times the one-way value of their original ticket, with a cap of $2,150.

American Airlines did not respond to requests for comment.

On January 2, 2025, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, residents Coby and Emily Stewart paid $5,187.58 for six round-trip tickets on American, with service aboard American Eagle from Lake Charles Regional Airport to Orlando, Florida, for themselves and their four children, aged 4 to 11, according to their complaint, which was initially filed February 27 in state court and removed to federal court on March 10.

They were headed on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney, and they booked everyone a preferred seat, the complaint states.

The Stewarts got to the airport nearly two hours in advance, and checked in immediately, the complaint continues. It says Coby identified himself to the ticket agent as former U.S. military, informing her as well that his wife was deaf and that he served as her sign language interpreter.

Thats when the agent told the couple that the flight was oversold, and that one person in their party would have to be bumped  even though the family had arrived well before many other passengers on the same flight, the complaint goes on.

Coby and Emily reiterated to the ticketing agent that the family could not be separated due to [Emilys] disability and her inability to attend four minor children without the assistance of [her husband], the complaint states.

open image in gallery Coby Stewart was given a 'guarantee' by an American Airlines ticket agent that he would be able to meet back up with his family at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, but it never happened, according to a lawsuit ( Getty Images )

Still, the ticket agent doubled down and refused to accommodate the family, according to the complaint.

In fact, as the boarding process was beginning and after all of the plaintiffs were checked in and screened through TSA, the American Airlines ticketing agent advised Coby and Emily Stewart that [the carrier] was preparing to eject Archer Stewart, age four, from the flight, the complaint maintains.

Left with no other choice, Coby left Emily with the other kids and headed with Archer to Jack Brooks Regional Airport in Beaumont, Texas, more than 90 minutes away, in an attempt to catch another flight. The American ticket agent at the airport in Lake Charles told Coby that he would be getting a $1,200 voucher for his trouble, and that he was guaranteed to connect with his family in Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the complaint says.

While the two were racing to Beaumont, Coby got a phone call from the ticket agent, who said the original flight had not in fact been overbooked, and that she was rescinding his $1,200 voucher, the complaint alleges.

It was only after learning of Emily Stewarts special needs that the American Airlines ticketing agent advised the Stewart family that they were the one and only passengers in the lottery to be ejected from a full flight, according to the complaint.

The Stewarts are now seeking damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress, fear, and anxiety, plus court costs and interest.

Last week, American Airlines requested an additional 21 days to formally respond to the allegations, saying the carrier had recently retained counsel, and needs additional time in which to conduct its investigation.
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A father of three suffered third-degree burns on 90 percent of his body after becoming engulfed in flames at a shopping center in California last month.

Police in Victorville, about 85 miles northeast of Los Angeles, responded to reports that a man was on fire the evening of March 30 in the area of Bear Valley Road and Dunia Road.

Deputies located items consistent with combustible materials and a preliminary determination suggests the fire was accidental, the Victorville Police Department said.

Video shared with Victor Valley News showed a large fire burning near an electrical box that was surrounded by bushes.

The man, identified by his family in a GoFundMe as a 35-year-old named Joel, was suffering from severe burns and take by a helicopter to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

open image in gallery A father of three suffered third-degree burns over 90 percent of his body after becoming engulfed in flames near a shopping center in California last month ( GoFundMe )

Our family is completely heartbroken, the GoFundMe, created by Joels sister-in-law Jenny, read. Joel is a father of three, and his children need him. Watching someone you love go through something this devastating is something you can never be prepared for.

Over the past few weeks, Joel has undergone multiple life-saving procedures to remove the damaged skin tissue from his arms, legs, chest and back, according to the fundraiser.

This week, he is scheduled for additional surgeries as part of his ongoing treatment. Due to complications from the burns, his abdomen became dangerously swollen from fluid buildup, and surgeons had to perform an emergency procedure to relieve the pressure, the fundraiser read.

While the dad is responding well to the treatment, his condition remains critical, according to the fundraiser.

His road to recovery will be long and incredibly difficult. He will require ongoing surgeries, skin grafts, specialized wound care, and long-term medical support, the fundraiser said.

His family said the funds would go to physical therapy, specialized burn treatment, long-term rehabilitation assistance, medications and other care. The fundraiser had received nearly $2,000 in donations as of Tuesday.

Joel is deeply loved. He is not just a patient  he is a father, a brother and someone who matters deeply to all of us, the fundraiser added.

Authorities described the victim as a transient from Hesperia, in San Bernardino County.

Witnesses told Victor Valley News that they believed the man was homeless and described the area where the fire broke out as a possible encampment.

The Victorville Police Departments Arson/Bomb Detail and the San Bernardino County Arson Investigator are both probing the incident.

Their investigations remain ongoing. The Independent has contacted the police for more information.
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The director of Camp Mystic, the Texas summer camp where 27 campers and counselors died after unprecedented rain flooded the grounds in 2025, testified in court he was not aware of early federal and state warnings the day before the storm.

Director Edward Eastland confirmed that the staff had no meetings about the pending danger.

Eastland was testifying in a court hearing about preserving damaged areas of the camp's grounds as evidence in several lawsuits filed by families of the victims of the July 4th disaster on the banks of the Guadalupe River.

Last month, a judge ordered the camp to preserve those areas and camp operators appealed. The groups were back in court Monday for further testimony about the camp and what happened there before and during the flood.

This week's hearing, which could produce the most extensive public comment from the all-girls Christian camp's operators, comes amid their application for a state license to reopen Camp Mystic this summer on a part of campus that did not flood.

Camp director Edward Eastland testified for several hours Monday in a courtroom packed with the families of the girls who were killed.

open image in gallery Texas Floods Camp Mystic (  2026 Mikala Compton / Austin American-Statesman )

Eastland said he and other staff were signed up for an emergency warning system on their phones and used other weather apps. But he said he did not see flood watch social media posts by the National Weather Service and the Texas Department of Emergency Management on July 2 and 3rd.

Eastland said he wasn't following those agencies on social media and thought the local CodeRED mobile phone alert system and phone weather apps staff had at the time was enough.

A July 3 National Weather Service alert asked area broadcasters to note that locally heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding in rivers, creeks, streams and low-lying areas, all features of the Camp Mystic property.

Eastland said that his father, camp co-owner Richard Eastland, typically monitored weather issues. Edward Eastland said he did not believe camp staff held a meeting about the alerts and warnings that day.

The storms would hit overnight, killing 25 campers, two teenage counselors and Richard Eastland.

We did not expect what was going to happen, Edward Eastland said.

You were warned, said Brad Beckworth, an attorney representing families who have sued Camp Mystic.

Eastland was pressed on the limited information campers and the cabin counselors would have had because cellphones were not allowed in the cabins, and only some staff carried walkie-talkies for communication.

open image in gallery A view inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, the site of where at least 20 girls went missing after flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on July 5, 2025 ( AFP/Getty )

The courtroom heard part of a video of Taps played over loudspeakers when the campers went to bed at 10 p.m. July 3. Those loudspeakers were not used to issue a weather warning, Eastland said.

Eastland said he went to bed about 11 p.m. His father called him on a walkie-talkie shortly before 2 a.m. to tell him about hard rain falling and the need to move canoes and water equipment off the riverfront.

Eastland said he never got a National Weather Service flash flood warning at 1:14 a.m. and that he slept through a CodeRED alert text at the same time that was specific for his area. The alert warned of a flood event that could last several hours.

Lawyers for the families pressed Eastland on a signed statement from a counselor who woke up during the storm and said she could see girls running for shelter.

The water was rising faster than anything I have ever witnessed, the counselor wrote.

All told, the destructive flooding killed at least 136 people along a several-mile stretch of the river, raising questions about how things went so terribly wrong.

Families of several of the girls who died have sued the camps operators, arguing that camp officials failed to take necessary steps to protect the campers as life-threatening floodwaters approached.

The camp's efforts to reopen have outraged the families of the girls and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has said the license should be denied while state lawmakers and agencies investigate. Camp operators have said nearly 900 campers have signed up to return.

Texas health regulators said last week they are investigating hundreds of complaints filed against the camp owners. The Texas Rangers are also helping look into allegations of neglect, according to the Texas Department of Safety, although the scope of the states elite investigations unit was not immediately clear.
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Canadian prime minister Mark Carneys Liberal Party has secured a slim majority in parliament after winning three key by-elections and attracting several opposition MPs to switch sides.

The Liberals now hold 174 of 343 seats in the House of Commons, allowing them to pass legislation without relying on other parties and potentially remain in power until 2029.

In a statement, Mr Carney congratulated the three newly elected Liberal MPs and said that the voters have placed their trust in our new governments plan.

Victories by Doly Begum in Scarborough Southwest, Danielle Martin in UniversityRosedale and Tatiana Auguste in Terrebonne helped push the Liberals past the majority mark, CBC reported.

Mr Carney said: We accept that support with humility, determination and a clear understanding of what this moment demands.

This is a time to come together so we can build a Canada strong for all.

The Toronto seats became vacant after former Liberal defence minister Bill Blair was appointed Canadas ambassador to the UK, while former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland took on a new role as an adviser to Ukraine.

Before the by-elections, Mr Carney had already strengthened his position in the House of Commons by bringing in five defectors over the previous five months: four from the Conservatives and one from the left-leaning New Democratic Party.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre accused the Liberals of backroom deals to win the elections. He wrote on X: The Carney Liberals did not win a majority government through a general election or todays by-elections. Instead, it was won through backroom deals with politicians who betrayed the people who voted for them.

The UniversityRosedales winning candidate, Ms Martin, said that with the by-elections Mr Carney has earned an even more powerful mandate to continue building a better Canada.

She added: This is not a mandate to be quiet. It is not a mandate to take our time. It is a mandate to get to work. On housing, on affordability, on health care, on climate change, on infrastructure and on the future of our economy and the public services that are more important to this country than ever.

Mr Carney has previously said that a House of Commons majority would allow him to navigate more effectively the trade war with the US initiated by Donald Trump.

Andrew McDougall, an assistant professor in Canadian politics at the University of Toronto, told Reuters: He (Carney) will be able to pass legislation without having to go to the opposition to secure enough votes.

Laura Stephenson, the chair of the political science department at the University of Western Ontario, said: He is focused on helping Canada survive the economic turmoil, not remaking society. When were in tough times like this, there are different calculations being made.
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Colombian officials have authorized a plan to cull dozens of hippos roaming freely through a fertile and humid region in the center of the country.

Environment Minister Irene Velez said the decision was reached because other methods to control their population have been expensive and unsuccessful, including neutering some of the animals or moving them to zoos.

Velez said that up to 80 hippos threatening villagers and displacing native species would be affected by the measure but she did not say when the hunting would begin.

If we dont do this we will not be able to control the population, Velez said. We have to take this action to preserve our ecosystems.

Colombia is the only country outside of Africa with a wild hippo population. The Colombian hippos are the descendants of four animals brought to the country in the 1980s by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, as he built a private zoo in Hacienda Napoles, a gigantic ranch in the Magdalena River valley with a private landing strip that served as Escobars rural abode.

A study published by Colombias National University estimated that around 170 hippos were roaming freely in the country in 2022.

open image in gallery The hippos are one of the main attractions at the Napoles ranch, which was confiscated by Colombias government as it seized Escobars properties ( AFP/Getty )

Recently, hippos have been spotted in areas that are more than 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the ranch, where Escobar initially introduced the water-dwelling pachyderms.

Environmental authorities in Colombia say the large mammals pose a threat to villagers who have encountered them in farms and rivers. They also compete for food and space against local species such as river manatees.

Despite the environmental challenges, the hippos have also become a tourist attraction, with residents of the villages surrounding Hacienda Napoles now offering hippo spotting tours and selling hippo-themed souvenirs.

The hippos are also one of the main attractions at the Napoles ranch, which was confiscated by Colombias government as it seized Escobars properties. It now functions as a theme park, featuring swimming spools, water slides and a zoo that includes several other African species.

Animal welfare activists in Colombia have long opposed proposals to kill the hippos, arguing they deserve to live, and adding that addressing the problem through violence sets a poor example for a country that has gone through decades of internal conflict.

Over the past 12 years, a period spanning three different presidential administrations, Colombia has tried to neuter some of the hippos in a bid to reduce their population. But these initiatives have had a limited scope, due to the high costs that come with capturing the dangerous animals, and performing surgeries on them.

Because Colombias hippos come from a limited gene pool, and could carry diseases, taking them back to their natural habitat in Africa is also unfeasible.
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CNN's resident polling expert has suggested that Donald Trump is "jealous" of Pope Leo XIV's soaring approval rating as the president continues his feud with the leader of the Catholic Church.

On the cable channel's News Central program Monday, chief data analyst Harry Enten presented polling data from March showing that Trump is nearly 50 points less popular than the Pope among the American public.

"You know, maybe President Trump is jealous of Pope Leo XIV, because it is a blowout. It is a blowout!" Enten said in his trademark excitable style.

He pointed to an NBC News poll last month showing that the Pope had +34 point net favorability rating with Americans, compared to Trump's -12.

"It's not even close," said Enten. "Pope Leo XIV absolutely crushing President Trump... and I will note that Pope Leo was the most popular person tested by NBC News.

This image appearing to show Trump as Jesus Christ, posted and then deleted on Trumps Truth Social feed, was condemned as blasphemous by many American Christians ( Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images )

"I believe the president is making a humongous mistake going after the most popular guy in America."

It comes amid an escalating spat between Trump and the supreme pontiff and after Trump's threat to annihilate the "entire civilization" of Iran, which Pope Leo branded "truly unacceptable".

In a late-night Truth Social tirade Sunday, Trump branded the Catholic leader "WEAK" on crime and "terrible" on foreign policy, demanding he "get his act together" and "stop catering to the Radical Left."

But he drew fury from conservative Christians for also posting an apparently AI-generated picture which appeared to depict himself as Jesus healing the sick.

Trump later deleted the post, claiming he thought it merely showed him as "a doctor, making people better."

Some reports have even claimed that U.S. officials threatened the Vatican with military force during a tense meeting in January.

In his segment Monday, Harry Enten noted that Trump had beaten Kamala Harris by 20 points among American Catholics in the November 2024 presidential election, according to a CNN exit poll.

Yet by late March, a Fox News poll put him on -4 points among the same group.

"President Trump crushed, crushed Kamala Harris," Enten said. "But [now,] down he goes, down he goes, into the Dead Sea...

"The president has been struggling with Catholics. And I must say, in my expert opinion, I'm not quite sure that going after the Pope is the way to recover with Catholics."

He added that Pope Leo's views on the Iran war were "emblematic of Catholics in America", citing a Fox News poll showing they were against U.S. military action in Iran by 10 points and against Trump's conduct towards Iran by 20 points.

"The bottom line is this," Enten said. "The Pope is emblematic of Catholics here in the United States. The Pope is far more popular with the American public than Trump is here in the United States...

"[He's] losing a lot of ground, and this ain't gonna help."
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Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, has announced he will resign from Congress following allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer and made other unwanted sexual advances toward women.

Swalwell, who has fiercely denied the allegations, wrote in a statement Monday that he was aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against him and other members of Congress.

Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But its also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress, he said.

Swalwell apologized to his family, staff, and constituents for his past mistakes in judgment, but insisted the allegations of sexual misconduct, including the alleged rape of a former staffer, are false.

Just an hour after Swalwells announcement, Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican who recently admitted to having an affair with a staffer who died by suicide last year, said he would leave Congress.

open image in gallery Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, has announced he will resign from Congress following allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer and made other unwanted sexual advances toward women ( AFP via Getty Images )

A woman who was in her 20s when she was hired to work in Swalwells Castro Valley office in 2019, accused the married congressman of sexually assaulting her twice when she was heavily intoxicated, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday.

One of the alleged incidents happened in 2024, a few years after the woman stopped working for Swalwell.

After getting drinks with Swalwell following an awards ceremony in New York, she got so intoxicated that she only remembers flashes of the rest of the night. She alleged Swalwell forced himself on her in a hotel room.

I woke up once during it and even told him to stop at one point, the woman wrote to a friend after the alleged incident in a text message reviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle.

She told the publication that she had vaginal bleeding and bruises the next morning. Swalwell has strenuously denied the reporting.

open image in gallery Swalwell has fiercely denied any allegations of sexual misconduct, but apologized to his constituents for his past mistakes in judgment ( Getty Images )

CNN reported claims later Friday from a total of four women who have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct from when they were in their 20s, including claims of sending unprompted nude photos on Snapchat.

The account of one of the women cited in CNNs reporting resembles that of the woman who spoke to The Chronicle but The Independent was unable to verify if they are the same source.

In a video posted to X late Friday, Swalwell said, 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 allegations against Swalwell have upended his gubernatorial campaign in California, where he was a frontrunner.

Several of his fellow Democrats, including California Senator Adam Schiff and Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, dropped their support for Swalwell.

House Democratic leadership called for a swift investigation into the allegations and for Swalwell to drop his bid for governor. The congressman suspended his gubernatorial campaign Sunday night.

open image in gallery Just an hour after Swalwells announcement, Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican who recently admitted to having an affair with a staffer who died by suicide last year, said he would leave Congress ( Getty Images )

On Monday, the House Ethics Committee announced it had launched a probe into Swalwell with respect to allegations that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct, including towards an employee working under his supervision.

Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez, chair of the Democratic Womens Caucus, called on Sunday for the immediate resignation of Swalwell and Gonzales.

The House Ethics Committee is also investigating Gonzales over the inappropriate relationship hes accused of having with a former staffer.

Reps. Gonzales and Swalwell are not fit to serve. They must resign. If they do not, I will vote to expel them, Fernandez of New Mexico said.

Gonzales had dropped his bid for re-election in March, before announcing his early retirement Monday.

There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas, the congressman wrote.

The Independent has reached out to Gonzales office for comment.

Swalwells planned departure will trigger a special election in his House district, the Associated Press reports.

In California, Governor Gavin Newsom is responsible for calling a special election, which he must do within 14 calendar days of the occurrence of the vacancy, according to state election law.
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Lonna Drewes, a fifth woman to come forward with allegations against California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, detailed a graphic account of an alleged sexual assault as she spoke out against the lawmaker during a Tuesday press conference.

The misconduct allegations against Swalwell were first published by The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN last Friday, prompting him to dismiss them in a social media video as absolutely false, insisting the incidents alleged never happened, and pledging to fight them with everything that I have.

More women have provided details of their alleged encounters with Swalwell and prompted a firestorm. He has since announced he is abandoning his bid for the governors mansion and is resigning from Congress after the Manhattan District Attorneys Office opened an investigation into the claims against him.

Represented by attorneys Lisa Bloom and Arick Fudali, Drewes alleged that the outgoing congressman drugged and raped her in 2018. Drewes stated that after meeting Swalwell for professional networking in West Hollywood, she became incapacitated following a single glass of wine.

She described a violent assault in a hotel room, telling reporters: He raped me and he choked me. While he was choking me, I lost consciousness and I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.

open image in gallery Lonna Drewes is the fifth woman to come forward with allegations against former California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell ( Getty )

Bloom confirmed that her office was filing a formal police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office, shifting the focus of the scandal toward a criminal investigation.

The new allegations follow Swalwells abrupt exit from public life on Monday, April 13, when he announced his resignation from Congress and withdrew from the California gubernatorial race.

For the women who initially went public with accusations against the Democrat, Drewes testimony represents the receipts they said were forthcoming.

The three women  Cheyenne Hunt, Annika Albrecht, and Ally Sammarco  gave an interview to CBS News Nancy Cordes, in which they were asked whether they consider the Democrats sudden downfall justice.

open image in gallery California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has insisted the sexual abuse allegations against him are absolutely false but has abandoned his bid for governor and announced his resignation from Congress ( AFP/Getty )

No, its just the beginning, Hunt answered Cordes in a preview of their exchange published before broadcast. Its just the very beginning, and I know personally that were not walking away from this fight.

For me justice wont be until he cant ever harm a woman ever again and he has faced the consequences for the women that he has harmed, said Albrecht.

I think, in regards to the governors race, he never should have run for governor to begin with knowing the kind of history and receipts that are out there, Sammarco said.

So thats a non-starter and then, in terms of Congress, I think he absolutely should have resigned.

I think we just prevented another 30 to 40 years, potentially, of him harming people if he were to stay in Congress so, in that sense, I think we have served justice for his future victims that wont exist anymore.

Sammarco also said she felt vindicated by Swalwell having to respond to their accusations.

open image in gallery Ally Sammarco, Annika Albrecht, and Cheynene Hunt  who have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct  discuss their ordeals with CBS News journalist Nancy Cordes ( CBS News )

He was pushed into a corner, essentially, because they were planning to expel him So I think he did that to save face a little, she said of his resignation from the House of Representatives. But I also felt very vindicated that he realized it was over for him.

She and Albrecht denied any suggestion that they might have known each other before their shared ordeals were brought to light, rubbishing the idea that they might have come forward together as part of a coordinated plot to sabotage Swalwells gubernatorial chances.

We didnt know each other before, Sammarco said. I didnt know any of the other women. I knew nothing about them. We got connected through this process, and Im so glad we did.

Albrecht explained that the process began when she reached out to Hunt, a friend and social media influencer, to ask her about posting a video of her allegations against Swalwell because, she said, she felt physically sick and nauseous about the prospect of him becoming Californias next governor.

Eleven days is how long it took from when I reached out to her to make the video to when the dam broke and all the articles were published, Albrecht said, calling them the longest 11 days of our lives.

open image in gallery Swalwell accuser Ally Sammarco says he should never have run for California governor 'knowing the kind of history and receipts that are out there' ( CBS News )

She said they were immediately slammed by messages from other women making allegations against Swalwell, many of which appeared to follow a similar pattern to their own experiences.

He thought he was untouchable, Sammarco said of the outgoing congressman. He acted with total impunity. He never thought that the consequences of his actions would follow him.

"As governor, he would have had even more power and more authority. And he would have felt vindicated too, you know, that he could run for higher office.

He ran for president [in 2019] and nothing came out about him. So I think that empowered him to continue doing what he was doing.

Later in the same interview, she said of Swalwell: He gave off this perception that he was a family man. That he was a fighter. That he was a defender of women. And that couldnt be further from the truth.

If these are the people that are out there championing women and, you know, protectors of women, and We need to hold people accountable, and then behind closed doors they're doing this, that is a huge discrepancy for anybody whos working in politics.

Rainn offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673)
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Right-wing commentator Candace Owens, who has made repeated conspiratorial claims about Charlie Kirks assassination, has claimed that his widow, Erika, was lying about skipping a Turning Point USA event in Georgia over security threats.

This is exhausting, she wrote on X. You pulled out because of bad ticket sales...Were there actually a viable threat, the Vice President would not have continued the event.

Videos posted on social media showed vast rows of empty seats in the arena where the event took place.

Erika Kirk was set to appear alongside Vice President JD Vance after receiving very serious threats, according to event organizers. Vance still appeared at the event, despite the alleged threats.

Kirks late husband was fatally shot in September during an appearance at a campus event in Utah.

open image in gallery Conservative activist Erika Kirk skipped a planned appearance with Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday in Georgia at a Turning Point USA event due to safety threats ( Reuters )

Its a terrible reflection on the state of reality and the state of the country, Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said onstage at the Akins Ford Arena in Athens, sitting beside Vance.

I was so looking forward to tonights event at the [University of Georgia] with our Vice President [JD Vance], but after all our family has been through, I take my security teams recommendations extremely seriously, Kirk wrote on X.

Vance said the threats ahead of Tuesdays event left Kirk, Turning Points CEO, worried. He also lashed out at those he said had been unfairly criticizing her in the wake of her husbands death. Erika Kirk has become the subject of conspiracy theories in some corners of the right.

Everybody is attacking her over everything, and theyre lying about her, and its one of the most disgraceful things that Ive ever seen in public life, Vance said.

The Independent has contacted Turning Point USA for comment.

Vice President Vance is close with the Kirk family.

During a December speech, Erika Kirk said the organization would back Vances long-rumored 2028 presidential campaign and get the Republican elected in the most resounding way possible.

open image in gallery Erika Kirk and Vice President JD Vance provoked a wave of ungrounded speculation in October when they shared a tender hug onstage at a Turning Point event last year ( Getty )

In September, shortly after Kirk was killed, Vance hosted a memorial episode of Kirks podcast from the White House. Vance, joined by the second lady and Erika Kirk, flew on Air Force Two as it carried Kirks remains to the activists home state of Arizona.

Erika Kirk and Vance provoked speculation when they shared an affectionate hug during an October appearance together at a Turning Point USA event in Mississippi, where Kirk said she saw similarities between the vice president and her late husband.

Vance addressed the general scrutiny of Erika Kirk during Tuesdays event, though he did not specifically mention the gossip about his interactions with her.

This desire to go after her for the way shes grieving her husband, thats the most preposterous thing Ive seen in a long time, he said.

Why dont you stay in your own lane and mind your business, he added. Grief is complicated.

Second lady Usha Vance has dismissed insinuations of a relationship between the two as an ungrounded fever dream created by the media and has said the Vances consider such talk a joke.

open image in gallery Turning Point USA would support Vance in 2028 if he runs for president, Erika Kirk has said ( AFP/Getty )

Id rather just sort of live in my marriage and in the real world and less in kind of the fever dreams that surround it, she told USA Today in December. So I mean, it is kind of a family joke, but also not something that I spend very much time thinking about.

Erika Kirk has also downplayed the speculation, describing the hug as a benign expression of her love language.

Whoever is hating on a hug needs a hug themselves, Kirk told podcaster Megyn Kelly. My love language is touch, if you will.

Vances appearance in Georgia comes after a string of controversies and setbacks on the world stage, including abortive negotiations in Pakistan to end the Iran war, the ongoing White House feud with the pope, and Vances unsuccessful bid to boost GOP ally Viktor Orbans reelection campaign in Hungary.

The vice president, who is currently promoting Communion, a forthcoming memoir about his Catholic faith, used the Turning Point event to address the clash with the Vatican. The pope has criticized the Trump administration over the ongoing war with Iran, telling a gathering of bishops in Iraq last week that God does not bless any conflict.

Vance, who previously said the Vatican should stick to matters of morality instead of policy following the popes comments, spoke onstage about how he respected the pope and welcomed good-faith dialogue but suggested the Catholic leader was mistaken.

open image in gallery Onstage, Vance, who is Catholic, said he respected the pope and welcomed his opinion on major issues, but argued the Catholic leader was mistaken for his recent criticisms of the Iran war ( Reuters )

I like that the pope is an advocate for peace, Vance said. Thats certainly one of his roles. On the other hand, how can you say that God is never on the side of those who wield the sword?

The vice president said such views contradict more than 1,000 years of Christian just war theory, and he argued by way of example that American soldiers had God on their side during WWII as they fought the Nazis and liberated concentration camps.

As the vice president spoke about the administrations back and forth with the Vatican, a heckler criticized Vance over Israels recent war in Gaza, calling the conflict a genocide and yelling out, Youre killing children!

Vance responded by taking credit for the end of the conflict, which United Nations investigators concluded last year was a genocide against Palestinians.

Were the administration that solved that problem, Vance said of the war.

open image in gallery Large portions of the arena appeared empty during Vances appearance ( Getty )

Right now, you see more humanitarian aid coming into Gaza than at any time in the last five years because we have taken that situation seriously, Vance added.

Hecklers werent Vances only challenge during the Georgia event.

Photos of the event showed major portions of the 8,500-person capacity arena with empty seats.

The venue appeared about 25 percent full during the event, a reporter for MS NOW estimated.

Despite the less-than-perfect turnout at the event, Vance sounded an upbeat note about the 2026 midterms, where Republicans are expected to lose at least the House to the Democrats.

open image in gallery Vance disputed predictions that the Republican Party would lose in the 2026 midterms, calling such claims cynical, pessimistic garbage ( Getty )

The idea the midterms are gone is preposterous, Vance said, calling grim predictions of a GOP wipeout cynical, pessimistic garbage pushed by people who want us to completely give up.

The vice president framed the election as a life-or-death battle against a violent political left and said the Republican Party needed to focus on turning out low propensity voters in battleground districts to win.

The people who want to kill Donald Trump, the people want to throw Donald Trump in prison, the people who murdered our friend and then then people who celebrated it afterwards, those people are trying to achieve political power, Vance said. We cannot let them.
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Energy Secretary Chris Wright has a new prediction for when Americans could start to see a decrease in gas prices, after costs have soared since President Donald Trumps war with Iran began more than six weeks ago.

Last month, the energy secretary told NBC News theres a good chance gas prices could start to fall by this summer. But, in an interview with the Semafor World Economy summit in Washington, D.C., Wright admitted that would be an aggressive timeframe.

Its possible prices could even rise further before dropping, he explained.

In the very long term, definitely, this will reset prices down. But were going to see energy prices, you know, high and maybe even rising, until we get the ships, meaningful ship traffic, through the Straits of Hormuz. That'll probably hit the peak oil price at that time. That's probably sometime in the next few weeks, Wright said.

So you think it'll go higher before it goes lower? Semafors White House correspondent Shelby Talcott asked.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said this summer is now an 'aggressive timeframe' for gas prices to drop amid the conflict with Iran ( Getty )

It depends how the conflict goes, but it's a very real possibility, he replied. But once the conflict ends, and energy starts flowing again, youll start to see downward pressure. But it will take some time .... the longer the conflict goes, the longer the rebound is.

Meanwhile, Trump expects gas and oil prices to be the same or maybe a little bit higher through the midterm elections in November, he told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday.

The national average gas price hit $4.118 per gallon Tuesday, according to AAA motor club. This comes after the national average surpassed $4 for the first time since 2022 about two weeks ago.

The U.S. and Iran failed to reach a deal after holding peace talks in Pakistan over the weekend. U.S. Central Command then announced plans to implement a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, which went into effect Monday morning.

Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said gas prices are expected to increase this week.

The move toward a full blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is compounding global supply concerns and risks further disrupting flows, which pushed oil prices sharply higher in Sunday night trading, De Haan said in a statement shared on his Substack.

As a result, gasoline prices are likely to jump again this week, with diesel expected to follow, until there is a meaningful restoration of shipping through the Strait, he added.
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California Gov. Gavin Newsoms team seized on Donald Trumps DoorDash stunt to point out the irony that as a convicted felon, the president would struggle to find work as a delivery driver.

Newsoms press office team mocked Trump on social media Monday night after the publicity stunt, where DoorDash grandma Sharon Simmons greeted the president at the front door of the Oval Office with two large bags of McDonalds.

Donald Trump  a convicted felon who has also been found liable for sexual abuse  is ineligible to be a delivery driver on most apps, Newsoms official press office X account quipped. But somehow hes our president.

DoorDash runs background checks on its delivery drivers during onboarding, and serious or violent felony convictions, as well as fraud-related offenses, could disqualify someone from a role.

Trump was found liable by a jury for sexually abusing the writer E. Jean Carroll in a civil trial in May 2023, while his New York hush money case resulted in his conviction on 34 felony counts.

open image in gallery California Gov. Gavin Newsoms team seized on Donald Trumps DoorDash stunt to point out the irony that as a convicted felon, the president would struggle to find work as a delivery driver ( Getty )

In February, Trumps attorneys attempted to get the hush money conviction tossed, and his legal team is appealing two separate verdicts in the Carroll case.

Newsom, meanwhile, is widely considered to be one of the front runners to secure the Democratic nomination for the 2028 presidential election. The governor was asked last fall whether he would give it serious thought after the 2026 midterms. Yeah, Id be lying otherwise, he told CBS News, but said recently he was yet to make up his mind about running.

Mondays stunt was to tout Trumps move to end taxes on tipped wages in 2025.

While holding his bags of cheeseburgers and fries, Trump kept the delivery driver at his side while she weighed in on his no tax on tips measure and he addressed reporters on a wide range of issues, including the Iran war.

open image in gallery Donald Trump  a convicted felon who has also been found liable for sexual abuse  is ineligible to be a delivery driver on most apps, Newsoms official press office X account quipped. But somehow hes our president ( @GovPressOffice/X )

The two bantered about how the no tax on tips policy Trump championed during the 2024 election was now helping her as part of the One Big, Beautiful Bill passed into law last year.

Trump then addressed reporters and began a full press conference, with the president standing side-by-side with the delivery woman in her red DoorDash polo shirt, and issued his newest threats against Iran and even spoke about his conflict with the Pope.

His first question came from a reporter who asked about an AI-generated image the president posted and then deleted, which depicted him as Jesus Christ.

I thought it was me as a doctor, Trump claimed of the image that portrayed him wearing a robe, holding his hand to a mans forehead and healing him with a glowing white light. It's supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better.

The post drew criticism from some conservatives and Christians.

John Bowden contributed to this report
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Kristi Noems first Department of Homeland Security town hall, where she walked onstage to the song Hot Mama, was like something out of a South Park episode, former staffers revealed.

Dozens of current and former employees gave accounts to The New York Times about what it was like to work under Noem before she was unceremoniously dumped as Homeland Security Secretary by President Donald Trump last month. Former and current Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Border Patrol officers, policy officials, executives and federal attorneys told stories of their time at the department during the Trump administrations sweeping immigration crackdown.

One of them recalled the particularly cringey moment Noem made her debut at her first department town hall, and came up to the stage against the backdrop of Trace Adkins country hit before she addressed staffers for the first time.

She came out onstage to the theme song Hot Mama, spoke for maybe a few minutes and took no questions and left, Jason Marks, a former supervisory refugee officer at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, told the newspaper. It was something everyone was talking about in real time, said Marks, who wasnt in the room at the time. It felt like a South Park moment.

Noem was depicted in a South Park episode last year, where the creators made fun of her appearance in an episode where her Botox runs out. The former secretary said at the time the cartoon was petty and lazy.

open image in gallery Kristi Noems first Department of Homeland Security town hall, where she walked onstage to the song Hot Mama , was like something out of a South Park episode, staffers revealed ( Getty )

Other former staffers lamented over Noems appointment and questioned her experience in accounts to The Times. We were disappointed that someone was chosen with so little relevant experience, said Danny Chin, a former associate counsel at the same agency as Marks. Her claim to fame was killing a puppy, so there were a lot of morbid jokes about how she could apply that philosophy to immigrants.

Another anonymous employee in the DHS policy office told The Times that staffers were fearful of Noems closest advisor, Corey Lewandowski.

Lewandowski would take some phone calls on Noems behalf. It seemed like he was making decisions. There were rumors that he would troll the halls and see empty desks and check the name plates and submit them for a purge of employees, the staffer said. So people started leaving Post-it notes on their desks, like: In a meeting. In the restroom.

It has long been rumored that Noem and Lewandowski have engaged in an affair. When asked at a House Judiciary Committee hearing if she ever had sexual relations with Lewandowski, Noem accused lawmakers of spreading tabloid garbage. Both have strongly denied being in a relationship.

open image in gallery Former and current Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Border Patrol officers, policy officials, executives and federal attorneys told stories of their time at the department during the Trump administrations sweeping immigration crackdown ( AFP/Getty )

Federal employees gave an account of what happened at an intense meeting in May, 2025, with Noem and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, where he laid out the Trump administrations daily arrest and deportation targets.

One unnamed former ICE senior executive told The Times that staffers knew they were going to get a tongue lashing.

When Noem was introduced to speak at the meeting, she reportedly threatened the staff. She says to us, If I get fired in six months, Im going to make sure you get fired in six months, the employee said. And Im like: Hold on a second. Ive been doing this for over 30 years, and you just got six months under your belt. You should get fired because you dont know how to run the mission.

In response to the reporting, the White House touted the Trump administrations deportation operation in a statement to the outlet. President Trumps highest priority has always been the deportation of illegal alien criminals who endanger American communities, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said.

Lauren Bis, DHS acting assistant secretary of public affairs, also praised federal immigration agents in response to the report, and said they were targeting the worst of the worst including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members and terrorists, while facing a coordinated campaign of violence against them.

Noem appeared to be keeping a low profile after a new scandal put her marriage of 33-years to Bryon Noem in the spotlight. Her husbands extra-marital activities were laid bare in a series of reports by the Daily Mail, which he told The Independent were not all true in a brief statement last week.

After Trump fired her in March, following his displeasure at Noems claims that he signed off on a multi-million dollar deportation ad campaign during congressional hearings, he sidelined her to a little-known initiative at the State Department.
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A MAGA pundit has accused former President Obama and Pope Leo XIV of carrying out a secret plot to damage Republican prospects in the midterm elections.

Hal Lambert, the CEO of Point Bridge Capital, suggested that the two men were trying to turn Catholics against Trump. Lamberts company offers a MAGA exchange-traded fund, which allows conservatives to invest in companies aligned with their views.

This is 100% political, ok, he said on Mondays episode of CNN NewsNight. This is all about trying to hurt President Trumps Catholic vote during the midterms and Republicans in the midterms.

Then, Lambert began to lay out his theory, which involves the Chicago-born pope and Obama, a former Illinois senator. Lambert also mentioned David Axelrod, Obamas former special advisor, who previously served as the founding director of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.

open image in gallery Hal Lambert suggested that former President Obama and Pope Leo XIV are trying to turn Catholics against Trump ( CNN Newsnight )

If you look at whatplay out the dots here, he continued. David Axelrod goes and visits Pope Leo last week. 

Theyre talking about Obama going to visit Pope Leo. Pope Leo is from Chicago, Lambert added. All of a sudden, now, Pope Leo is out attacking Trump and the policies of the United States and Israel.

Lambert concluded by referencing an appearance by three cardinals on 60 Minutes, each of whom criticized the Trump administrations immigration crackdown.

This is all about trying to get the Catholic vote against Trump, he said.

Abby Phillip, the shows host, interjected by suggesting that there were a lot of flaws in this argument.

Lambert fired back, claiming there were no flaws in his theory and questioning why Axelrod would meet the pope.

Later in his tirade, Lambert even branded the popes call to stop violence in the U.S.s war with Iran as milquetoast.

open image in gallery President Trump shared an image of himself dressed as Jesus on the same evening that he blasted Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social )

The pope held a closed-door meeting with Axelrod on April 9, the Vatican confirmed.

Neither the pope nor the former special advisor has divulged the details of their conversation, but the latter wrote on X that he was gratified and honored to meet the pope.

It was scheduled months ago and unrelated to any prospective meeting with President Obama, Axelrod added.

In an email obtained by Block Club Chicago, Axelrod said he felt a special kinship with the pope as a Chicagoan. He added that he felt admiration for the pope because of the tremendous moral leadership he is providing the world.

Whether Obama is meeting with the pope, as Lambert claims, is unknown. However, in February, the former president said he was eager for a meeting between the pair to take place.

open image in gallery Pope Leo XIV responded by saying that he has 'no fear' of the Trump administration ( Reuters )

The person who I have not yet met, and that I'm looking forward to meeting - and I hope I get an opportunity sometime in the future - is the new pope, who's from Chicago, and a White Sox fan, he said on No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen. 

In recent days, Trump has faced international backlash to his criticism of the pope. He has been criticized by Marjorie Taylor Greene, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and conservative activist Riley Gaines.

In a blistering post, Trump claimed that the pope was WEAK on crime and suggested that he preferred the pontiffs brother. Trump also claimed that the Chicago-born pope would not have been chosen in May 2025 if he had not won the 2024 presidential election.

Shortly after, the president uploaded an image that appeared to depict him as Jesus. He has since deleted the post and claimed that he believed the image showed him dressed as a doctor.

The pope responded by saying that he had no fear of the Trump administration and that he did not want to debate the president.

Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, weighed in by claiming that it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality.
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Former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has been forced to answer for previously comparing President Donald Trump to Jesus during an interview with CNN.

On Monday, CNN host Kaitlan Collins asked the Georgia Republican for her thoughts on one of Trumps latest social media posts: an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus healing a sick man. The post drew condemnation from prominent Christian commentators and voices across the political spectrum. Trump later said he thought the image portrayed him as a doctor, not as Jesus.

Greene, who stepped down from Congress in January, unleashed sharp criticism.

I thought that was blasphemy, and as a Christian, I was very offended, she said. That picture had him in a robe as Jesus is often portrayed with light coming out of his handsI think he should apologize.

open image in gallery Former Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was forced to answer for previously comparing President Donald Trump to Jesus during an interview with CNN ( CNN/YouTube )

Collins pointed out that Greene had previously likened Trump to Jesus and pulled up a clip from April 2023 when she defended Trump amid his criminal indictment on charges of falsifying business records.

At the time, Greene said Trump is joining some of the most incredible people in history being arrested todayNelson Mandela was arrested, served time in prisonJesus was arrested and murdered by the Roman government.

Greene appeared uneasy as she responded.

We were talking about people being prosecuted unfairly by weaponization of government, political prosecutions, things such as the political protesters," Greene said. "That's what I was referring to there. I wasn't talking trying to portray [Trump] as Jesus. I think that was completely different.

open image in gallery The image, which Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday, depicts the president in robes and healing a sick man as light emerges from his hands ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social )

Greene, once one of Trumps staunchest allies on Capitol Hill, broke ranks last year over flashpoint issues like the Epstein files and U.S. military strikes on Iran.

In response, Trump branded Greene a "traitor" and vowed to endorse a primary challenger against her. Greene announced she would resign from Congress last November.

Since leaving government her criticism of Trump has increased, particularly over the ongoing war in Iran. When Trump threatened to wipe out a whole civilization in Iran last week, Greene called for him to be removed from office via the 25th Amendment.

We cannot kill an entire civilization, she wrote on X. This is evil and madness.

Two days later, she told podcaster Alex Jones: The Republican Party needs to burn to the ground. Its completely controlled.
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President Donald Trumps war of words with Pope Leo XIV and his subsequent posting of an AI image of himself as Jesus Christ have sparked a rift among Republicans in the Senate just when the GOP needs to circle the wagons for the midterms.

Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who is Catholic, criticized the presidents attack on the leader of her faith, wherein Trump called the pope WEAK on crime and terrible on foreign policy in a lengthy Truth Social screed that he reaffirmed in comments to reporters.

I found the president's comments to be offensive and inexplicable, Collins told The Independent. He should not be treating the pope as a political rival.

Collins is by far the most vulnerable Republican running for reelection in November and she is the only incumbent GOP senator running in a state that Kamala Harris won. She also voted to convict Trump for his actions on January 6. But shes taken a more conservative tack in Trumps second term.

By contrast, Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio, who is also Catholic, defended Trump  and instead lambasted the Pope.

open image in gallery Donald Trump deleted this image depicting him as Jesus after posting it on his Truth Social account ( AFP/Getty )

I was incensed to watch the Pope's comments, Moreno told The Independent. I think what the Pope is doing is a disgrace.

Trumps words about the Pope came after Leo criticized Trumps war in Iran. Moreno said Leo should have criticized the Iranian regime that had killed its own citizens rather than the president.

It's a shame that the Pope has made the Catholic Church political, Moreno said. Thank God my moms not alive to watch that.

Morenos words mirror those of his fellow Ohioan and political ally Vice President J.D. Vance, who, despite writing a book about his conversion to Catholicism, said on Fox News: it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality.

Trump also received criticism from some Christian conservatives including Riley Gaines, the former college swimmer who has become an ardent opponent of transgender athletes in womens sports, and a poster girl for his stance on the subject, who critiqued: God shall not be mocked.

open image in gallery I found the president's comments to be offensive and inexplicable, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) told The Independent . He should not be treating the pope as a political rival. ( Getty )

Conservative commentator Cam Higby said on X, Blasphemy from the Oval Office is not a funny troll and called on Trump to correct it and move on.

The president subsequently told CBS News, Im not a big fan of Riley, actually, and insisted that he thought the AI image iof him was epicting him as a doctor, not the son of Man.

Some Republicans responded by avoiding the question altogether.

Why dont you ask me a question about E-15, thats what I want to get passed, Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa told The Independent in reference to the sale of gas that is 15 percent ethanol.

Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska said she did not follow what the president said.

open image in gallery I was incensed to watch the Pope's comments, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) told The Independent . I think what the Pope is doing is a disgrace. ( Getty )

I'm a senior member of armed services, and that's what Im focused on, she told The Independent when pressed.

The Catholic Church has occasionally clashed with the Trump administration, despite the church sharing the Republican Partys opposition to abortion, specifically on the issue of immigration, given the large number of Hispanic Catholics and undocumented parishoners in the United States.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune dodged when asked about Trumps posting an image of himself as Christ.

I dont have any observation on that, Thune told The Independent. My observation is its been taken down.
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Embattled Texas congressman Tony Gonzales has announced he will retire from Congress after the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into his affair with a former staffer.

There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office, the Texas Republican said on X Monday evening.

It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.

His announcement comes less than an hour after California Democrat Eric Swalwell also announced his resignation from Congress following allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staffer and made other unwanted sexual advances toward women.

Gonzales, 45, finally admitted in March after months of allegations that he had had an inappropriate relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, who at the time was a married woman who worked in his Uvalde office.

open image in gallery Gonzales, a former U.S. Navy cryptographer from San Antonio, has six children with his wife Angel ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images )

Santos-Aviles died by suicide at her home in September 2025, although Gonzales has said he had absolutely nothing to do with the former staffers death.

Gonzales previously said he would not stand for reelection this year, while stopping short of resigning from Congress.

But his position looked increasingly untenable as Republicans as well as Democrats called for his removal, with an expulsion vote scheduled for Tuesday.

Last week, another former aide came forward to accuse him of bombarding her with "hundreds" of sexually explicit text messages, characterizing his behavior as "sexual bullying". At the time, neither Gonzales nor his office responded to questions from the newspaper about the ex-staffers claims. The Independent also contacted the congressmans representatives for comment.

In an interview last month with conservative talk show host Joe Pagliarulo, Gonzales admitted he "made a mistake" and suffered "a lapse in judgment" while denying any responsibility for Santos-Aviles' suicide.

open image in gallery The announcement from Gonzales came less than an hour after California Democrat Eric Swalwell also announced his resignation from Congress following allegations he sexually assaulted a former staffer and made other unwanted sexual advances toward women ( AFP/Getty )

Swalwell, meanwhile, has fiercely denied the allegations against him, saying it was wrong to expel him from Congress "without due process." Nevertheless, he said he would resign so as not to be "distracted" from his duties.

"Reps. Gonzales and Swalwell are not fit to serve. They must resign. If they do not, I will vote to expel them," Teresa Leger Fernandez, a New Mexico representative who leads the Democratic Women's Caucus, said before the announcements from both men that they plan to step down.

Republicans too had criticized Gonzales, with majority whip Tom Emmer asking him to withdraw from the running while fellow Texas representative Monica De La Cruz called his actions "unacceptable."

The Independent has reached out to Gonzales office for comment.

Gonzales did not indicate exactly when he would officially step down from Congress. It is not immediately clear if Texas Governor Greg Abbott would call a special election to fill his seat before the November election.
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House Democrats on Tuesday introduced legislation that would allow Congress to study the presidents fitness for office and move to remove him using the 25th Amendment, amid rising concern from lawmakers over Donald Trumps violent rhetoric toward Iran.

The bill, which has 50 Democratic co-sponsors, would create a commission to assess whether the emergency amendment should be invoked. The 17-member commission would be comprised of high-ranking former officials appointed by leaders of both parties. The body could pursue steps including a medical examination of the president to determine if he or she is mentally or physically unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, who introduced the bill, said: Public trust in Donald Trumps ability to meet the duties of his office has dropped to unprecedented lows as he threatens to destroy entire civilizations, unleashes chaos in the Middle East while violating Congressional war powers, aggressively insults the Pope of the Catholic Church and sends out artistic renderings online likening himself to Jesus Christ.

We are at a dangerous precipice, and it is now a matter of national security for Congress to fulfill its responsibilities under the 25th Amendment to protect the American people from an increasingly volatile and unstable situation.

The legislation has little chance of making an impact on the Trump administration. The commission, as outlined in the 25th Amendment, would need the vice presidents approval to remove the president, a highly unlikely prospect given JD Vances close alliance with President Trump.

open image in gallery Democrats are pushing to use the 25th Amendment to remove President Trump, though a new bill that would allow Congress to invoke the amendment has little chance of passing ( PA )

Theres also a more basic hurdle: the GOP-controlled Congress is unlikely to advance the Democratic bill in the first place.

The White House has criticized the proposal.

Lightweight Jamie Raskin is a stupid persons idea of a smart person, spokesman Davis Ingle said in a statement to The Independent.

President Trumps sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility stand in stark contrast to what we saw during the last administration when Democrats like Raskin intentionally covered up Joe Bidens serious mental and physical decline from the American people, Ingle said.

The proposed law follows days of alarm from Democrats, who argue the president is increasingly unfit for office and unmoored from normal checks and balances.

Nearly 100 Democrats last week called for Trump to be removed using the 25th Amendment, after the president made a series of seemingly genocidal threats to destroy Iranian civilization.

Raskin also urged the White House physician to perform a comprehensive cognitive assessment of Trump, alleging that he has been exhibiting signs consistent with dementia and cognitive decline.

open image in gallery Democrats accuse trump of unleashing chaos in the Middle East while violating Congressional war powers ( AFP/Getty )

Several right-wing commentators joined in the criticism, including Alex Jones, Candace Owens, and former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, all of whom called for Trump to be removed.

Democrats also filed articles of impeachment against Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, slamming the administrations military-style deportation campaign and serial usurpation of the congressional war power throughout the Iran conflict.

Outside critics have similarly expressed doubts over the presidents mental fitness.

One of the things that we need to consider is that he is drifting more into a natural state, being fed by the sycophants that are around him, and developing almost like this delusional level of narcissism, Dr. Geoff Grammer, a Maryland-based psychiatrist and retired Army colonel, recently told The Independent.
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Federal workers have been inundated with Christian messaging from their bosses, a trend many view as an alarming breakdown of the boundary between church and state, according to a new report.

Across multiple agencies and departments, employees have received proselytizing emails, invitations to worship services in government buildings and observed religious undertones in high-profile policy decisions.

Generally, people who are working for the government understand that their job is to work on behalf of all Americans, a Department of Labor employee told WIRED. And this is something very different. This is very explicitly Christian, and even within the realm of Christianity, a very narrow representation of that.

Trump administration officials say that such expressions of faith in the workplace are neither new nor controversial.

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump, who recently shared an image depicting himself as Jesus, has enacted a series of changes that have fueled a resurgence of religion within the federal bureaucracy.

open image in gallery Faith leaders meeting with Trump for a National Day of Prayer event in May 2025. Federal workers across agencies have been inundated with religious messaging, according to a new report ( Getty )

In February 2025, Trump established several faith-based offices across the government, including the White House Faith Office, headed by televangelist Paula White-Cain  who has compared the president to Jesus.

In July 2025, the Office of Personnel Management released a memo permitting federal workers to encourage peers to to participate in religious expressions of faith, such as prayer.

Department of Agriculture

On Easter Sunday, Department of Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins sent an agency-wide email with the subject line He has risen!

It described the life of Jesus as greatest story ever told, the foundation of our faith, and the abiding hope of all mankind.

Speaking to WIRED, a department employee labeled the email grotesque, adding that such conduct would be unacceptable even for military chaplains.

open image in gallery In an all-staff email on Easter Sunday, Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins described the life of Jesus as 'greatest story ever told, the foundation of our faith, and the abiding hope of all mankind' ( Getty )

As a result of the April 5 message, a complaint was filed to the Office of Special Counsel by Ethan Roberts, a department employee and the president of a federal employees union. Roberts alleged that Rollins email eroded the separation of church and state.

A department spokesperson told WIRED: The secretary is within her rights to send a message to employees and the public on the Easter holiday. Just like secretaries of agriculture and presidents have in the past.

Department of Labor

Monthly worship services are hosted at the Department of Labor by Kenneth Wolfe, the head of the agencys faith center. One department staffer called the gatherings very abnormal.

During a worship service in January, Alveda King  Martin Luther King Jr.s niece  told department employees: We have different denominations, different faiths, and some have no faith, and those are the ones I would be more concerned about.

Some staffers interpreted her comments to mean non-believers are going to hell, though King told WIRED she is not the judge of souls.

People are uncomfortable, a department employee said. Another added: They always spend a lot of time carrying on like, No one's forcing you to pray, these are voluntary. But it's happening in the middle of a government workplace.

Courtney Parella, a Labor Department spokesperson, told the outlet the department hosted uplifting and voluntary nondenominational prayer services. Those who werent interested simply continued their day.

Department of Health and Human Services

Staffers at the Department of Health and Human Services have also noted a religious undercurrent during Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s tenure.

The department has backed religious exemptions for vaccines while stepping up support for "faith-based" treatments for addiction, which Kennedy described as a "spiritual disease.

On April 3, Kennedy permitted department employees to leave early in observance of Good Friday, according to WIRED.

open image in gallery Under Kennedy, HHS has backed religious exemptions for vaccines while ramping up support for 'faith-based' treatments for addiction ( Reuters )

There exists a clear throughline of transgressive delight in violating the separation of church and state, of a similar corruptive mindset as the joy they take in forcing our agency to reduce services to the public whose mission it is for us to serve, an HHS staffer told the outlet.

This wall between religion and public service is enshrined in the Constitution.

The First Amendments establishment clause bars the government from creating an official religion, while the free exercise clause protects Americans right to practice their religion without government interference. Article Six also prohibits the government from adopting religious tests for public officials.

Department spokesperson Emily Hilliard said: HHS supports a range of evidence-based and community-informed approaches, including partnerships with faith-based and community organizations, consistent with federal law.

Department of Defense

The integration of religion  specifically Evangelical Christianity  into government operations has been most evident at the Department of Defense.

At the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon hosts monthly worship services. One such service was led by Doug Wilson, a controversial preacher, who has argued that women should not be allowed to vote.

During a service in March, shortly after the outbreak of the Iran war, Hegseth implored God. Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation, he said, and asked that wicked souls be delivered to the eternal damnation prepared for them.

He said the prayer was fitting given whats going on right now.

open image in gallery During a Pentagon prayer service in March, Hegseth asked that wicked souls be delivered to the eternal damnation prepared for them ( Reuters )

The former Fox News host has also insisted that God stands with the U.S. against Iran, labeled Iranian leaders barbaric savages and asked Americans to pray in the name of Jesus Christ for victory.

Secretary Hegseth, along with millions of Americans, is a proud Christian, Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson previously told The Independent.

The Christian faith is woven deeply into the fabric of our nation and shared by Americas wartime leaders like President George Washington, who prayed for his troops at Valley Forge, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who gifted Bibles to American soldiers during WW2, he continued.

Encouraging the American people to pray for our troops is not controversial.
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President Donald Trump could face fresh embarrassment at the White House Correspondents Dinner later this month, as he will be in attendance to see The Wall Street Journal pick up a prestigious award for a story concerning him.

Trump has not accepted an invitation to the annual press gala in Washington, D.C., since 2015, after suffering a particularly brutal roast by Barack Obama at the 2011 event, which is said to have motivated his run for the presidency.

However, he unexpectedly announced on Truth Social in March that he will be there this year on April 25, breaking his long-standing boycott, having decided that members of the press corps now admit that I am truly one of the Greatest Presidents in the History of our Country, the G.O.A.T., according to many.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump said he would attend this years White House Correspondents Dinner after a decade of shunning it, only to immediately run into controversy ( AFP/Getty )

It will be my Honor to accept their invitation, and work to make it the GREATEST, HOTTEST, and MOST SPECTACULAR DINNER, OF ANY KIND, EVER! he added.

But the occasion is already threatening to get awkward, after the White House Correspondents Association announced Monday that the WSJ will receive its Katharine Graham Award for Courage and Accountability for its July 2025 story about Trump allegedly sending a bawdy birthday card doodle to Jeffrey Epstein.

The announcement came on the same day that a federal judge dismissed the presidents $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the newspaper over that exact story, which he brought after repeatedly denying authorship of the drawing and insisting it did not exist.

Despite Trumps protestations, the House Oversight Committee subsequently acquired a copy of a sketch closely matching the WSJs description of the item from the Epstein estate.

May every day be another wonderful secret, read the card, bearing what appeared to be Trumps signature beneath an outline of a naked womans torso, which appeared in a celebratory album compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epsteins accomplice and former girlfriend, to mark his 50th birthday.

open image in gallery The birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein that appears to have been signed by Trump ( House Oversight Committee )

Florida District Judge Darrin P Gayles ruled Monday that the president had not only failed to prove the WSJ had acted with actual malice in publishing its story, but he had also come nowhere close to this standard Quite the opposite.

The president has never been formally accused of wrongdoing in relation to the disgraced billionaire, who died in August 2019, but has faced repeated questions about their past friendship and was mentioned numerous times in the Epstein files released by the Department of Justice, although that should not be interpreted as evidence of guilt.

The prospect of Trump having to oversee the presentation of the Katharine Graham Award, which recognizes an individual or news gathering team for coverage of subjects and events of significant national or regional importance, was first raised by Puck senior correspondent Dylan Byers.

Drama at this years White House Correspondents Dinner, Byers posted on X (Twitter) Monday.

The Wall Street Journal is being awarded The Katharine Graham Award for Courage and Accountability for its reporting on the bawdy letter that Trump sent Epstein. Trump, who sued the Journal over this story, is expected to present the reporters with the award.

open image in gallery First lady Melania Trump unexpectedly revived the Epstein scandal last week by delivering a surprise press conference denying lies linking her to the late pedophile financier ( Getty )

He added an important caveat, however: President doesnt technically *present* the award, but historically presidents have been present for awards and shake hands of recipients. Trumps plans, as always, are TBD.

The commencement of Operation Epic Fury against Iran on February 28 has largely driven the Epstein affair from the headlines over the last six weeks, only for first lady Melania Trump to unexpectedly revive it Thursday by delivering a surprise press conference from the White House.

In her remarks, the reason for which was not immediately obvious, the presidents wife said the lies linking her to Epstein need to end today, saying they had only ever crossed paths at social events in New York and Palm Beach in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and calling for a congressional investigation into him for the sake of his victims.

Trump subsequently told MS NOW reporter Jacqueline Alemany that he had not known in advance that Epstein would be the subject of the first ladys address, but said she had a right to speak her mind.
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President Donald Trump has hit out at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, saying he expected her to be more courageous in a blunt public rebuke to one of his closest European allies.

Meloni had been a vociferous supporter of Trump but criticised his decision to go to war with Iran.

And on Monday, she denounced his weekend criticism of Pope Leo as "unacceptable".

Trump responded in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, saying Meloni was "very different from what I thought" and denouncing her for refusing to help re-open the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran.

"I'm shocked by her. I thought she had courage. I was wrong," he is quoted as saying in the Italian-language article posted online.

Meloni had hoped that her close relationship with the U.S. president would strengthen her standing at home and abroad, but instead it risks becoming a political liability ( AFP via Getty Images )

The White House declined to comment on the reported quotes. Meloni's office also declined to comment.

The criticism marks a dramatic change in tone toward Meloni, who was the only European leader to attend the president's inauguration in 2025.

Only last month he told Corriere della Sera that Meloni was "a great leader", but on Tuesday he accused her of failing to back U.S. efforts over energy security and Iran, and said Italy wanted America "to do the job for her."

Asked about her condemnation of his comments on Pope Leo, he said: "She is the one who is unacceptable, because she does not care whether Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow Italy up in two minutes if it had the chance."

Meloni had hoped that her close relationship with the U.S. president would strengthen her standing at home and abroad, but instead it risks becoming a political liability.

Some 66% of Italians now hold a negative view of the U.S. leader and pollsters say Meloni's ties to the White House may have contributed to her defeat last month in a referendum on judicial reform.

The war in Iran has pushed up energy prices in Italy, which is heavily dependent on oil and gas imports.

"They (Italy) pay the highest energy costs in the world and are not even ready to fight for the Strait of Hormuz... They depend on Donald Trump to keep it open," Trump said.
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Donald Trumps Department of Justice wants to throw out the cases against members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who were convicted of treason-related charges and other crimes for their roles in the January 6 attack on the Capitol.

On his first day in office, the president issued full pardons for hundreds of people criminally charged in connection with the mobs assault, and he commuted the sentences of several members of the two far-right groups to time served.

On Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro filed motions in Washington, D.C. to vacate the remaining convictions, effectively finishing off what the president started with his blanket pardons and commutations last January, and escalating the Trump administrations attempt to rewrite the history of the attacks and downplay mob violence that threatened to upend the results of an American election.

The Justice Department is asking to throw out convictions against former Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes, as well as militia members Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson and Jessica Watkins and Proud Boys members Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl and Dominic Pezzola.

More than 1,500 people were criminally charged in connection with the Capitol riots, fueled by Trumps bogus narrative that the 2020 presidential election was rigged and stolen from him.

open image in gallery Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 18 years in prison before Trump commuted his sentence on his first day in office. Now the DOJ is seeking to have his conviction tossed out altogether ( Getty )

Hundreds of defendants pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the attack, and more than 200 others were found guilty at trial.

In court filings, Pirro and federal prosecutors asked the U.S. Court of Appeals in D.C. to erase the remaining convictions so the Justice Department can formally dismiss the indictments against them.

In the Executive Branchs view, it is not in the interests of justice to continue to prosecute this case or the cases of other, similarly situated defendants, according to the motions.

Rhodes founded his far-right anti-government militia group in 2009 and claimed thousands of members across the country were prepared for armed civil war in defense of what they perceived as threats to the Constitution. Rhodes and his allies spent weeks discussing a violent response to the 2020 election on encrypted messaging apps, then organized a weapons and supply cache at a nearby hotel before joining the mob.

Juries in the nations capital convicted Rhodes and members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys after evidence showed them orchestrating a violent plot to stop the peaceful transfer of power during a joint session of Congress convening to affirm Trumps loss to Joe Biden.

Rhodes, among the first Americans convicted of seditious conspiracy in decades, was sentenced to 18 years in prison after federal prosecutors argued that he committed an act of terrorism by conspiring to commit treason in what became a violent attempt to overturn the election.

Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 22 years in prison before he was pardoned by Trump on his first day in office last year. But convictions remained for four ringleaders of the far-right gang who were tried alongside him.

Nordean and Biggs, prominent members convicted of seditious conspiracy, were sentenced to 18 years and 17 years in prison, respectively.

Rehl, a Proud Boys member who used pepper spray against officers outside the Capitol and called for firing squads for traitors who wanted to steal the election, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after he was found guilty of seditious conspiracy. Pezzola, a member of the Proud Boys who was filmed using a stolen riot shield to break a window into the Capitol, was convicted of assaulting an officer, among other crimes, and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Trump commuted all of their sentences to time served.

open image in gallery The Trump administration is escalating efforts to rewrite the history of the January 6 attack and downplay the violence with mass pardons for hundreds of people convicted of assaulting police and conspiring to commit treason ( AFP/Getty )

Our lives are now closer to being whole, Tarrio wrote on X after the motions were filed. This is my happiest day since the pardon that released us from the jaws of injustice!

Persistently fighting for truth and justice pays off! Rehl posted on X. I am beyond thrilled right now, I cant even begin to describe my feelings.

Since we were all innocent this nightmare may finally be coming to an end, wrote Meggs.

Members of the Proud Boys and dozens of people who were convicted or accused of a range of crimes in connection with the riots are now suing the federal government, alleging law enforcement officers used excessive force while fighting back against rioters who stormed the Capitol.

The Justice Department has already settled with the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by a Capitol police officer after trying to break into the House of Representatives. Trump has also pledged he would look at the governments decision to drop a potential case against the officer who shot her.

At least one rioter  a man who called on the mob to kill police  is now working for the Trump administration.

The administration has also targeted federal prosecutors involved with January 6 cases and moved to identify FBI agents involved in investigations while scrubbing evidence and public statements about the attack from government websites.

A newly launched White House website blames law enforcement officers for deliberately escalating tensions while hundreds of Trumps supporters swarmed the area.
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Before he depicted himself as Jesus Christ healing the sick, Donald Trump assailed Pope Leo XIV as weak and told him to get his act together. Months earlier, the White House posted an AI-generated image of Trump as the head of the Catholic church before the president declared, Id like to be pope.

Trumps latest posts were immediately met with a wave of criticism from Christian allies who have thus far aligned with the presidents volatile agenda. The comments were swift and explicit: grotesquely wrong, dangerous, rank blasphemy.

But the already-fragile right-wing Christian alliance among Catholics and evangelicals has been gradually fracturing over Trumps increasing hostility towards Catholic leadership and the administrations characterization of war with Iran as divinely ordained.

This moment tests more than just the Catholic-evangelical alliance, said Landon Schnabel, an associate professor of sociology at Cornell University studying religion and social change. For many religious Americans, faith leads and politics follows  their beliefs and values shape their political positions.

But when a president posts himself as Christ, said Schnabel, he asks believers to start with political loyalty and backfill the theology. In the face of conflicting commitments to religious convictions and political loyalties, something has to give, he said.

open image in gallery Conservative Catholics and evangelicals joined outrage over Trumps AI-generated image depicting himself as a Christ-like figure, but influential right-wing Christian figures and Christian nationalists dont appear to see blasphemy as disqualifying ( AFP/Getty )

Trump and his allies have shaped a Christian nationalist movement  driven by a belief that Christianity is and should be embedded in all aspects of law and society  into a critical voting bloc, and evangelical groups spent millions of dollars campaigning for him.

The movement has spent decades gaining influence in media and in federal, state and local governments while right-wing special interest groups turned anti-abortion voters into a powerful GOP base that has been critical to putting Trump in the White House twice.

Trump administration officials and federal agencies are now increasingly using their official government social media accounts to share explicitly religious messages and declare Jesus the nations savior  drawing warnings from First Amendment advocates fearing a critical breach of the church-and-state firewall.

But where conservative Catholics and evangelical Christians may have agreed on a whole-of-government approach to ending abortion, a decades-in-the-making political project that radically reshaped the federal judiciary and overturned Roe v Wade at the Supreme Court, the president is forcing his supporters to confront deeper religious questions framed as politics.

Trumps latest posts are neither new nor surprising, according to Rev. Dr. Shannon Fleck, executive director of Faithful America.

These latest displays are simply a continuation of that pattern, she told The Independent. This abhorrent mockery of our Savior reflects the core of Christian nationalism, twisting sacred imagery to serve domination rather than liberation. Jesus proclaimed a radically different vision: a counter-empire rooted in justice, compassion and love, standing in direct opposition to the powers of his time.

open image in gallery Trump posted the image on Truth Social after laying into Pope Leo in a lengthy rant ( via REUTERS )

A majority of Republicans  roughly 56 percent  qualify as Christian nationalist adherents or sympathizers, according to recent nationwide polling from the Public Religion Research Institute. Overall, roughly one-third of Americans could be considered adherents or sympathizers.

For another year, our survey reveals the continued hold that Christian nationalism has on the Republican Party and its white evangelical base, according to PRRI president Robert P. Jones. While Americans overall reject this worldview by a margin of two to one, its dominance among these groups amplify it into an ongoing threat to our pluralistic democracy.

That dominance does not appear to be going anywhere.

Despite the backlash to Trumps post, many influential evangelical figures have not publicly weighed in at all, declined to comment, or withdrew their previous criticism after the president incredulously called the AI-generated picture of him in a white robe me as a doctor.

Other leading evangelical and Christian nationalist figures have opened the door for Trump to consider the episode a teachable moment.

Pastor Robert Jeffress, a longtime religious adviser to Trump who leads First Baptist Church in Dallas, declined to comment to Religious News Service about the AI-generated image.

But he defended Trumps criticism of Pope Leo, saying there was no need for Trump to apologize to the pontiff. First Baptist did not return The Independents request for comment.

open image in gallery The president incredulously claimed that he thought the image showed me as a doctor and blamed fake news for comparing it to Jesus ( REUTERS )

John Yep, the president of Trump-aligned group Catholics for Catholics, called the presidents post as dangerous as it is scandalous to all Christians.

But in the same statement, Yep also condemned what he characterized as a well-organized attempt by the left to sever the Catholic base from the Republican Party and swiped at left-leaning Catholics in name only who are determined to swing the Catholic vote back in the other direction.

Catholic patriots ought to be prudently aware of who is behind these provocations, according to Yep.

Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, told Fox News that the pope should stick to matters of, you know, whats going on in the Catholic Church.

And let the president of the United States stick to dictating American public policy, he said Monday. When they are in conflict, they are in conflict. I dont worry about it too much.

Tennessee state Rep. Jeremy Faison, chair of the states House GOP, wrote that he never imagined wed reach a point where politicians would compare themselves to the Savior.

Regardless of your opinion on the president, that post is wrong, he wrote on X.

After Trump claimed the image depicted him as a doctor, Faison deleted his post.

Asked why he took it down, Faison said he found the presidents answer plausible.

Bonnie Kristian, a staff editor at the Billy Graham-founded evangelical Christian media magazine Christianity Today, wrote that Trump is grotesquely wrong to elevate himself to the level of Christ and claim for himself authority over Christs church.

The elevation in that image is not debatable, she wrote. Its not generic self-aggrandizement. Its not a classic political cartoon. Its not, as Trump implausibly claimed, me as a doctor, making people better.

Former Southern Baptist Convention president Bart Barber said he typically takes every effort to avoid criticizing the president but implored him not to do things like this.

Forget the politics. Forget the backlash or affirmations it generated, Barber wrote. Someday you will stand before God and will have to defend this. It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Pastor Doug Wilson, a leading figure in the Christian nationalist movement, said he was very grateful to see how many conservative Christians immediately denounced the blasphemous image of Trump as a Christ-like figure.

But it was accidental blasphemy, he told The Washington Examiner. He has to do better either way.
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Insiders have shed light on the mood inside the White House after a chaotic start to the week, according to a new report.

This week has already seen the United States impose a blockade of Iranian ports on the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks collapsed, while President Donald Trump shared, and deleted, an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus as his feud with the Pope continues to escalate. Trump also found time to host an impromptu press conference alongside a DoorDash driver. And its only Tuesday.

Looking to get a vibe check, Politicos White House bureau chief Dasha Burns asked administration officials and other insiders to send her a meme that illustrates the current mood of the White House  and their answers were revealing.

One administration official sent Burns a GIF from the British sitcom The IT Crowd, showing protagonist Moss typing at a computer as a fire burns nearby.

Two people close to the White House both sent the beloved meme showing a smiling cartoon dog sitting at a table as the room goes up in flames, with the words, Its fine. Everything is fine, written over top.

open image in gallery White House insiders have shared memes shedding light on the panic sweeping administration officials amidst a chaotic week ( Dasha Burns/X )

A White House ally sent Burns a GIF of President Donald Trump saying, My personality is going to keep us out of wars. Meanwhile, a GOP operative close to the White House sent a meme of an exasperated Jesus putting his head in his hand that read: Time to flood the Earth again.

One person close to the White House sent Burns the image of Trump with his fist in the air after he was shot during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and wrote that it was what theyd say if you asked, referring to the White House.

They followed up with an image of Jonah Hill in War Dogs face-palming with the caption I guess bro and wrote that the second image was how they prob feel inside.

In a statement to Burns, White House spokeswoman Allison Schuster said, No one cares about Politicos collection of anonymously sourced memes.

The reality is that the entire Trump Administration stands behind the President who is working hard to lower taxes for working families, defend our borders, and make the world safe. Instead of talking to their so-called anonymous sources, Politico should be talking to real Americans who are benefitting from President Trumps agenda each day, they said.

The vibe check comes amid several especially chaotic days for the White House.

open image in gallery One administration official sent Burns a GIF from the British sitcom The IT Crowd , showing protagonist Moss typing at a computer as a fire burns nearby. ( Dasha Burns/X )

Over the weekend, U.S. and Iranian officials traveled to Pakistan for what was hailed as make-or-break peace talks amid the ongoing war and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. But less than 24 hours later, both countries parted ways without a solution.

Following the talks, Vice President JD Vance suggested the lack of results came after Tehran failed to convince negotiators that it would not try to develop a nuclear weapon.

He later said that the failure of the talks was bad news for Iran, much more than its bad news for the United States of America.

Trump later drew criticism for attacking Pope Leo XIV after he spoke out against the war in Iran.

open image in gallery White House officials reportedly shared this meme of Jesus with Politico's Dasha Burns ( Dasha Burns/X )

The U.S.-born pontiff said that a delusion of omnipotence triggered the war, prompting Trump to call the pope WEAK on crime and terrible on foreign policy.

The president received an even larger wave of backlash from conservatives and Christians after sharing an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ on his Truth Social platform.

The image showed the president in a white robe and red sash with a glowing outstretched hand placed on the forehead of a man in a hospital bed. He can be seen surrounded by patriotic symbols, including a waving U.S. flag, the Statue of Liberty and an eagle flying above fireworks and fighter jets.

I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor and had to do with Red Cross, Trump told reporters outside the White House on during a bizarre, staged delivery of McDonalds. Its supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better. And I do make people better. I make people a lot better.

open image in gallery Trump addressed some of his recent controversies during a staged moment with a DoorDash driver outside the White House on Monday ( AFP/Getty )

Trump blamed fake news for comparing the image, which has since deleted, to Jesus and refused to apologize to the pope, who said things that are wrong.

His statements came during a press conference alongside a DoorDash delivery person who brought McDonalds to the White House.

The food delivery occurred just as the U.S. began a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the stunt served as a way for Trump to tout his move to end taxes on tipped wages in 2025.

Trump and the delivery person talked about how the no tax on tips policy Trump championed during the 2024 election was helping her before the president took questions from reporters.
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President Donald Trump has lashed out at The New York Times once again after the outlet's chief White House correspondent called his mental health and stability into question.

"HAVE THEY NO SHAME? HAVE THEY NO SENSE OF DECENCY?" the president posted on Truth Social Monday evening after NYT veteran political reporter Peter Baker cast doubt over his "erratic behavior and extreme comments."

Trump, who once memorably branded himself a "Very Stable Genius", didn't respond directly to Baker's article, instead taking aim at the paper's coverage of his war in Iran.

Trump has previously described The NYT as "seditious, perhaps even treasonous" for running an op-ed that questioned his health.

"For those people that still read The Failing New York Times and, despite the fact that Iran has been totally OBLITERATED, Militarily, and otherwise, you would think that Iran is actually winning or, at the very least, doing quite well," the president said Monday on Truth Social.

open image in gallery Trump made remarks to the press outside the Oval Office Monday, saying he had 'nothing to apologize for' after attacking the Pope and posting a picture of himself appearing as Jesus Christ ( AFP via Getty Images )

"But thats not true, and The New York Times knows that its FAKE NEWS! When does this Corrupt Media Outlet apologize for their LIES and horrible actions against me, my supporters, and our Country itself!"

It wasnt clear exactly which story in particular the president may have been reacting to in his Monday post, if any. The Independent has reached out to the White House for comment.

Late last year, the president lashed out after another New York Times report found his level of activity over his first 10 months back in office to be significantly lower than it was during his first term.

The report at the time analyzed Trumps official schedules and compared events during his first and second terms and found his official engagements fell by almost 40 percent. The presidents public appearances are a matter of public record, yet Trump accused The NYT of fabricating its analysis to harm him politically.

He also then accused veteran White House reporter Katie Rogers of being assigned to only write bad things about him and called her a third rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out.

open image in gallery The president has a history of lashing out at The New York Times and other publications over reporting he finds unfavorable ( Getty )

Baker's story Monday was significant in that the outlet has previously been accused of "sane-washing" Trump's long history of erratic behavior, bizarre outbursts, furious rants and vindictive insults.

Mondays article was a roundup of recent concerns from not only Democrats and committed Trump foes but "retired generals, diplomats and foreign officials" as well as Republicans and "onetime allies of the president."

Former GOP representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, once among Trump's most die-hard outriders, described his threat to annihilate Iran as "insanity", while right-wing influencer Candace Owens called him "a genocidal lunatic."

Trump's former White House lawyer Ty Cobb said he was "clearly insane". Former CIA director John Brennan said the 25th Amendment to the Constitution was designed with people like Trump "in mind." And at least 87 Democratic members of Congress demanded his cabinet invoke the 25th, calling the president "deranged" and "unstable".

Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, asked the White House physician to immediately perform a comprehensive cognitive assessment, describing Trump as increasingly incoherent, volatile, profane, deranged, and threatening."

Baker, for his part, wrote: "A series of disjointed, hard-to-follow and sometimes-profane statements... have left many with the impression of a deranged autocrat mad with power."

Many commentators online viewed that language as significant. "A few months short of the presidents 80th birthday and the nations paper of record is openly wondering whether hes nuts," wrote Washington Post global economics correspondent David J. Lynch on X.

"He has lost Peter Baker. I repeat, he has lost Peter Baker," wrote independent legal journalist Chris Geidner on Bluesky.

Others mocked the article for admitting what they felt had long been obvious.

"Now they tell us lol," wrote Ryan Cooper of the progressive American Prospect magazine.
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Vice President JD Vance said that a now-deleted post shared by President Donald Trump, in which the commander-in-chief appears to be dressed as Jesus, was a joke. 

Trump shared the widely condemned picture, which shows him clothed in white robes and placing a glowing hand on a sick patient, shortly after blasting Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social.

In a lengthy post, the president claimed that the pope was WEAK on crime and tore into the pontiffs criticism of the U.S.s war with Iran. 

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, told Fox News Special Report With Bret Baier on Monday that the presidents post was a joke. 

And, of course, he took it down because he recognized that a lot of people werent understanding his humor in that case, he said. I think the president of the United States likes to mix it up on social media.

Vance added that it was good that Trump is not filtered.

open image in gallery Vice President JD Vance says that President Trumps post, in which he appears to be depicting himself as Jesus, was a joke ( Fox News )

I certainly think that, in some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality, Vance said. To stick to matters of, you know, whats going on in the Catholic Church and let the president of the United States stick to dictating American public policy.

When asked about Trumps claim that the Pope was catering to the Radical Left, Vance said that Trump has the prerogative to set the countrys immigration policy.

He has to look out for the interests of the United States of America, he added. 

Vance was shredded on social media for his comments, with journalist John Harwood claiming on X that the Trump administration is not interested in matters of morality.

Glad the Vice President clarified that he doesnt think waging war is a matter of morality, political commentator Jon Favreau wrote on X. 

Writer Polly Sigh took aim at Vances upcoming memoir about his conversion to Catholicism. 

Spoken just like a fake Catholic who confused a Methodist church with a Catholic one on the cover of his book, she wrote on X.

open image in gallery President Trump shared an image of himself dressed as Jesus on the same evening that he blasted Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social ( @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social )

Vance was one of the last world leaders to meet with Pope Francis before his death.

The vice president had previously cited the concept of ordo amoris to justify his administrations deportation policies, while Pope Francis asserted his own interpretation of the theological idea in an open letter.

Trumps scathing Truth Social post came a week after the current pope described the presidents claim that an entire civilisation will die in the war with Iran as unacceptable.

The Pope had also suggested, without naming Trump or the war with Iran directly, that a delusion of omnipotence was fueling conflicts around the world. 

On Truth Social, the president claimed that he liked the Popes brother much better and suggested that, without his own election in 2024, the Pope wouldnt be in the Vatican.

open image in gallery Pope Leo XIV said that he has no fear of the Trump administration ( Reuters )

Shortly after uploading that post, the president shared the image of himself in a white robe, bathed in light and placing his hand on a sick mans face. 

A nurse, a soldier, a man in uniform and a praying woman are all seated around the patients bedside in the image, while a huge U.S. flag, a pair of bald eagles, and a trio of military planes fly overhead. 

Responding to the Truth Social tirade, the Pope said that he has no fear of the Trump administration and that he did not want to debate Trump on the issue.

Trump has since claimed that the image depicts him as a doctor making people better, and has since deleted the picture.
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An 86-year-old French woman who had moved to the U.S. to rekindle a decades-old romance has been detained by immigration officials, her family said.

The woman, identified as Marie-Therese Helene Ross, is currently being held at a crowded detention center in Louisiana following her arrest, the family claimed. She moved to America last year to marry an old sweetheart from the 1950s.

For us its urgent to get her out of the detention center and bring her back to France, one of her sons told Ouest-France newspaper, adding that the family was desperate to return his mother to France. Given her health, she wont last a month in such conditions of detention.

He added: Its like a bad scene from an American film. Every morning, I wake saying it cant be true, that Ive had a nightmare.

In a statement shared with The Independent, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said: On April 1, ICE arrested Marie-Therese Helene Ross, an illegal alien from France.

She last entered the country in June 2025 under the Visa Waiver Program, which permitted her to remain in the country for 90 days. Seven months later, she is still illegally in the United States.

The spokesperson added: We encourage all illegal aliens to take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $2,600 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.

An 86-year-old French woman who had moved to the US to rekindle a decades-old romance has been detained by immigration officials, her family has said ( AFP/Getty )

Marie-Thereses son said that neither he nor his siblings had been given any updates for a week following her arrest last month, and had only received news after she had been visited by French consular officials.

The octogenarian, who reportedly has heart and back problems, is being held in the center with around 70 other detainees.

According to her family, Marie-Therese moved from Brittany to Anniston, Alabama, last year to pursue a romance with a former U.S. serviceman named Billy, whom she had met and fallen in love with in the 1950s at a NATO military base in the port of Saint-Nazaire on the west coast of France.

The pair were separate in 1966, when Billy returned to the U.S. and French president Charles de Gaulle withdrew the nation from NATOs integrated military command structure.

Both went on to marry other people, but reconnected in 2010 via social media and later met up as couples. However, Marie-Therese announced her intention to move to the U.S. in April last year, when their respective partners had both died.

Her son said the pair had been like a couple of teenagers.

However, when Billy died in January, Marie Therese had not obtained a green card that would allow her to stay in the country. She then reportedly had legal troubles with one of Billys sons who allegedly cut off water and electricity to her home, The Guardian reported.

She had been due to go to court to resolve the dispute on April 1, but was detained by immigration officials a week before.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived in Australia for what is being described by observers as a four-day, quasi-royal visit that will combine both charitable endeavours and commercial engagements.

The couple landed in Melbourne on Tuesday to kick off their first trip to Australia since their 2018 royal tour.

Unlike that earlier visit, this one is being undertaken in a private capacity, after they stepped back as working members of the royal family in 2020.

Their itinerary spans Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney, and includes visits to a childrens hospital, a womens homeless service, and events supporting military veterans and their families, according to a statement provided to the media.

Prince Harry is scheduled to attend engagements linked to veterans and mental health, and will deliver the keynote address at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne  a national conversation on psychosocial safety and leadership. Meghan will take part in a separate wellness-focused event in Sydney, where she is expected to headline a multi-day retreat.

Tickets for the summit range from hundreds to more than two thousand Australian dollars, while the Sydney retreat  described as a girls weekend like no other  is priced at up to A$3,199, including premium packages.

The pairs programme in Australia will focus on mental health, community resilience, and support for veterans and their families, alongside private meetings and special projects.

open image in gallery The Sussexes visit a patient at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne on Tuesday ( AP )

The Sussexes have included private events to support broader commercial, charitable, and community objectives.

These are separate from the core programme of public-facing visits, according to the statement.

The visit differs in other ways from a traditional royal tour. There are no public walkabouts planned, with reports citing security considerations and costs. The trip is privately funded, although local police are expected to provide security during public appearances.

Royal researcher Giselle Bastin said the inclusion of paid events marked a shift from past visits. The fact that they are not working royals and are staging this visit as a quasi-royal tour would leave the Windsors nonplussed, she said.

She also suggested public enthusiasm may be more muted than in 2018, when the couple drew large crowds during their official tour.

open image in gallery The trip, which will last four days, has been dubbed a quasi-royal visit ( AP )

However, British royal commentator Afua Hagan said the couple will face criticism regardless of their approach.

If they didnt have commercial interests, then the problem would be, oh my goodness, these people are leeching off the royal family and the taxpayers, she said, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The negative press when it comes to Harry and Meghan is what sells the tabloids, its what sells the papers, she said.

The trip comes as the couple continues to build independent careers outside the monarchy, including media and publishing deals, while maintaining involvement in charitable initiatives such as veteran support and mental health advocacy.

Their current visit is expected to conclude later this week in Sydney.
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The wife of Spains prime minister has been charged with corruption in a long-running case that her allies have branded a political smear.

Begona Gomez, the wife of Spanish leader Pedro Sanchez, is accused of using her position to secure a top job at a prestigious university in Madrid and using public resources to advance her own interests.

She was charged on Monday with influence peddling, the embezzlement of public funds, misappropriation of funds, and private corruption. Her personal assistant and a businessman also faced charges in connection with the case. All three have denied wrongdoing.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado said his two-year investigation had turned up enough indications of criminal conduct to prosecute, and gave all parties five days to request the opening of oral proceedings or to submit their defence briefs ahead of a possible trial.

Mr Sanchez, who has dismissed the case as an attempt to undermine his coalition, told reporters on Tuesday that he only demands the courts do justice.

I am convinced that time will put everything and everyone in their place, as I dont have to say anything else, he said on an official visit to China with his wife.

In comments to La Sexta TV channel, sources from Mr Sanchezs party, the left-wing PSOE, described the process as a baseless strategy of character assassination against the prime minister.

open image in gallery Xiaomi boss Lei Jun (right) speaks to the Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez and his wife Begona Gomez on 13 April during the visit to China ( AFP/Getty )

We have been faced with an investigation that is, to say the least, astonishing, a source told the broadcaster. In our opinion, it is completely baseless and is part of a strategy by the right and far right and their political and media outlets. This strategy is nothing less than the harassment and character assassination of the prime minister, using every means at their disposal, including his family. Not everything is fair game in politics. The right and far right have crossed a line never before crossed in Spanish democracy.

The conservative Peoples Party, in opposition, described the situation as absolutely unbelievable.

Alma Ezcurra, the partys deputy secretary for sectoral coordination, criticised the decision to indict Ms Gomez while she was abroad, saying: Theres only one thing to say: the tetraprocesada [four-time defendant] is in Beijing.

open image in gallery Begona Gomez has been charged with influence peddling, the embezzlement of public funds, misappropriation of funds, and private corruption ( AFP/Getty )

Ms Gomez has been under investigation since 2024, when Judge Peinado sought to determine whether she had used her position as the prime ministers wife for her own gain, following a complaint from anti-corruption campaigners Manos Limpias (Clean Hands).

Manos Limpias, a self-styled trade union whose leader has links to Spains far right, said Ms Gomez had used her influence as the wife of the prime minister to allegedly secure sponsors for a university masters degree course that she ran at the Complutense University in Madrid.

Judge Peinado expelled the group from the case late last year for failing to pay the required bail, but proceedings continued as other plaintiffs joined. Spains Public Prosecutors Office has also called for the case to be closed on several occasions.

The prime ministers brother, David Sanchez, was separately indicted in an investigation into alleged influence peddling linked to his hiring by a regional government.

Former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos also faced trial earlier this month over alleged kickbacks linked to public contracts.
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Italy's government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of a defence cooperation deal with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday, citing the conflicts in the Middle East.

Ms Meloni's right-wing government has been one of Israel's closest allies in Europe, but in recent weeks it has criticised Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Those affected have included Italian troops serving there under a U.N. mandate.

"In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel," Ms Meloni was quoted as saying by Italian news agencies.

A defence ministry source said one of the consequences is that Italy will no longer cooperate with Israel on military training.

open image in gallery Ms Meloni was quoted saying the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel. ( Reuters )

Ms Meloni took the decision on Monday with her foreign and defence ministers, Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A spokesperson for Israel's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Speaking today in Verona, Ms Meloni also offered a rare - and cautious - rebuke of ally Donald Trumps recent comments about Pope Leo XIV, saying she found the criticism unacceptable.

Trump called the pontiff weak and terrible after he criticised the presidents comments threatening to destroy a whole civilisation unless Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz.

open image in gallery Pope Leo XIV meets Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Vatican. ( Reuters )

Ms Meloni, balancing both sides, said: I have expressed and continue to express my solidarity with Pope Leo. Moreover, I frankly would not feel comfortable in a society where religious leaders do what political leaders say. Not in this part of the world.

In addition to the comments on Trump, Ms Meloni also it was important to press on with peace negotiations to end the war between the United States and Iran, also looking to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"It is necessary to continue working in order to advance peace negotiations, making every possible effort to stabilise the situation and reopen the (Hormuz) Strait, which is fundamental for us, not only for fuel supplies but also for fertilisers," Ms Meloni told reporters.
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The incoming prime minister of Hungary, Peter Magyar, has said that he will ask Vladimir Putin to end the killing in Ukraine if he speaks with the Russian president.

Addressing a media briefing a day after his landslide election victory over nationalist Viktor Orban, an ally of Putin, Mr Magyar said he hoped Moscow would be forced to end the war soon and affirmed that Ukraine is the clear victim in the conflict.

Mr Magyar, the leader of the centre-right Tisza party, said he would not call the Russian president, but he has previously publicly recognised that he would need to hold talks with Putin and that Budapest would need to continue buying Russian oil and gas for the time being.

open image in gallery Magyars election could have a significant impact on the war in Ukraine ( AP )

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is looking forward to continuing our highly pragmatic engagement with Hungarys new leadership.

We noted Magyars statement regarding his willingness to engage in dialogue. Naturally, this will be beneficial for both Moscow and Budapest, he said, adding that Russia was not sure what the stance of the new leadership would be.

Mr Orbans election defeat was met with relief in Kyiv, which has been locked in diplomatic battles with a hostile government in Budapest.

The hardline former prime minister met with Putin multiple times during the war, allowed Russia to start work on building a new nuclear power plant south of Budapest, and often spoke out against sanctions on Russia while flatly opposing Kyivs bid to join the 27-nation European Union.

open image in gallery Viktor Orban and Vladimir Putin  pictured in Moscow in 2025  were firm allies ( AFP/Getty )

He also blocked a 78bn EU loan to Ukraine after accusing the country of sabotaging Russian oil deliveries to his country by dragging its feet over the repair of a damaged pipeline, something Kyiv denied.

Orbans defeat in the elections will have one consequence for us here in Russia. But it is a very significant one, said Andrei Medvedev, a Russian blogger with a large following.

Now ... Ukraine will receive EU funds, and with them, the resources to wage war for at least a year. It goes without saying that the Ukrainian armed forces and numerous contractors will focus on further developing their drone systems and missile capabilities.

The election of Mr Magyar, a former Orban ally who now leads a pro-EU and pro-Nato party in Tisza, may prove significant for European unity on the plight of Ukraine.
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Ukrainian forces retook occupied territory in an unprecedented assault using only unmanned machines, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday, as he praised the countrys era-defining advances in frontline technology.

The president revealed in an address that drones have carried out more than 22,000 missions on the frontlines in three months - a major shift on the modern battlefield that he cast as key to protecting human life.

For the first time in the history of this war, an enemy position was taken exclusively by unmanned platforms  ground systems and drones. The occupiers surrendered, and the operation was carried out without infantry and without losses on our side, the president said, referencing a groundbreaking manoeuvre in Kharkiv oblast last year.

Ukraines 3rd Separate Assault Brigade deployed first-person view (FPV) drones and kamikaze ground platforms to attack fortified positions along the frontline, the brigade said in a statement. They claimed to have taken an undefined number of Russian forces prisoner without losing any men.

The brigade said the Russians emerged from the destroyed fortifications to surrender to avoid being blown up as a robot closed in on their position.

open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine's ground robotic systems were defining the future of the front line ( Volodymyr Zelensky / X )

Zelensky recounted the extraordinary tale on Defence Industry Worker Day, an annual holiday established in 2023. Ukraine has seen a seismic shift in its defence capability since the full-scale invasion in 2022, developing new tactics and machines to gain an edge on the battlefield.

As Ukraine now looks to export some of that technology, the president on Tuesday announced defence cooperation plans with Germany, including a deal on drone production that Zelensky said could become one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

No defence industry has become more innovative than Ukraine's, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told a news conference in Berlin. Through our support, we are strengthening both German and European defence capabilities and our industrial base.

Germany's defence ministry said the project would create a joint venture to supply thousands of drones to the Ukrainian military. Berlin also agreed to invest several hundred million euros to finance so-called deep strike capabilities.

open image in gallery German chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Zelensky in Berlin, where they agreed a new drone deal on Tuesday ( Getty )

Zelensky said teams from both countries were still working on the scope and details of the drone agreement, which builds on existing cooperation between German and Ukrainian companies.

Germany is a major partner of ours, so I am confident that we will have one of the largest - indeed the largest - agreements of this kind at least in Europe, he said.

Germany is Europe's largest provider of military aid to Kyiv. It has delivered about 55 billion euros ($64 billion) since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and has set aside 11.5 billion euros in the current budget.
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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Donald Trumps threats to blockade the Strait of Hormuz have sparked fears Iran could counterattack by urging its Houthi allies in Yemen to halt sea traffic through another major shipping corridor in the Middle East.

The entry of the Houthi rebels into the Iran war at the end of March sparked concerns that the group, known for its attacks on shipping, could block the vital Bab al-Mandab strait to oil tankers, causing further economic chaos.

Like the Strait of Hormuz, the strait, also known as the Gate of Tears, is a chokepoint in the region through which large volumes of petroleum and liquefied natural gas pass. Crucially, its a vital strategic link in the maritime trade route between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean, via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

open image in gallery Hundreds of commercial vessels have been unable to leave the Strait of Hormuz ( Getty )

The Strait of Hormuz usually accounts for the transit of around a fifth of the worlds oil and gas. But most Western commercial shipping has been effectively halted by Iran since the outbreak of war. Meanwhile, Iran has still been able to sell oil to its allies  particularly China  through the use of so-called dark transit vessels, which have turned off their location transponders.

Meanwhile. Bab al-Mandab sees around 12 per cent of global oil shipments pass through it, as well as other goods, meaning an escalation that results in its closure would deliver yet another blow to the economies relying on imports from the Middle East.

If the US proceeds with its plan to blockade the strait [of Hormuz], Irans escalation strategy could dictate that it ensures Gulf countries cant export, either, Mona Yacoubian, an expert at the US's Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Fox News.

This could translate to further attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure or even deploying the Houthis to blockade the Bab al-Mandeb, she added.

Irans control of the Strait of Hormuz has meant that around 20 per cent of the worlds oil supply has been constrained since the beginning of the war  a far larger figure than the 1973 oil crisis, during which around just 7 per cent of the worlds oil supplies were brought to a halt in the Middle East.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, soared back past $100 a barrel on Monday, rising by more than 7 per cent to $102 (76) in morning trading and sparking fears of a worsening global energy crisis.

Oil had fallen back below the psychological $100 barrier last week after the US and Iran had agreed on a two-week ceasefire deal, which included reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Before the war in Iran, it cost $78 (58) per barrel.

open image in gallery Bab al-Mandab separates Yemen and Djibouti ( Reuters )

Where is the strait?

The Bab al-Mandab strait, also known as the Gate of Tears, resides between Djibouti and Yemen. The route, around 50km long and 16km wide, is where vessels travel between the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

The strait provides access to a number of vital ports, such as Saudi Arabias Yanbu, Djiboutis Doraleh, Eritreas Assab, as well as Somalias Kismayu and Somalilands Berbera.

How important is it economically?

Between 2020 and 2023, Bab al-Mandab saw a growing number of barrels transit the strait daily, peaking at 9.3 million a day, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

This dropped drastically to 4.1 million in 2024 after the Houthis launched systematic attacks on commercial ships associated with Israel using the strait.

The International Monetary Fund said that trade through the Suez Canal fell by 50 per cent in the first two months of 2024 compared to the year before, while trade through the Panama Canal fell by 32 per cent.

As traffic fell, insurance costs surged. Major shipping firms rerouted vessels to go past the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa instead, adding an additional 10-14 days to journeys.

What impact would closing it have?

open image in gallery Yanbu, a key port for Saudi Arabia, relies on Bab al-Mandab ( Getty Images )

Closure or disruption to two of the worlds main strategic waterways could be catastrophic for global trade, with energy supplies from the region potentially cut off.

Bab al-Mandab has allowed a trickle of oil to leave the Middle East through circumvention. Saudi Arabia has used the strait strategically to export crude through its vital Yanbu port.

Yanbu is on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, receiving oil through the countrys east-to-west pipeline.

Matthew Wright, a freight analyst for Kpler, told The Independent earlier this month that the pipeline was being pushed to the maximum.

While all the attention is rightly on whats happening in the strait, Yanbu is significant in that its the most active port out of the Middle East gulf at the moment, and if anything were to happen there, it would be a massive blow to continued crude exports from the Middle East, he said.

According to analysts, as of April 2026, Saudi Arabia was exporting around 4.6 to 5 million barrels per day of crude oil from Yanbu, with 80 per cent of exports bound for Asian markets.

Mr Wright warned that potentially losing this, on top of the loss of shipments through Hormuz, would be a major problem.
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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The night before 31-year-old Red Cross paramedic Hassan Badawi was killed, he called his pregnant wife to tell her that Israeli bombing in Lebanon was everywhere, but that he could not leave the wounded behind.

In comments made to Al Jazeera, his mother, Ahlam Badawi, and his father, Ali, remembered their son as a selfless hero who in every war, used to be the first to go.

God used to be merciful on me and used to bring him to me safe, Ahlam said in tears at the funeral of her son on Monday. This time God took him from me.

While Israeli and Lebanese officials met for formal talks for the first time in decades in Washington on Tuesday, Hassan became one of 89 emergency workers who have been killed in strikes on southern Lebanon since 2 March and the second Lebanese Red Cross responder to be killed this month.

open image in gallery Hassan Badawi was reportedly killed while stretchering an injured person ( Lebanese Red Cross )

The father of two is reported to have been carrying a patient out of an ambulance on a stretcher according to local reports when he was injured in a drone strike and later succumbed to his wounds. His colleague survived the attack.

The Israeli military told The Independent the incident is under review, adding that it had targeted a Hezbollah terrorist who operated adjacent to IDF soldiers in the Bint Jbeil area in southern Lebanon. Reports were received regarding a Red Cross team injured in the strike.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organisation said there had been more than 100 attacks on healthcare during Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told The Independent that the scale and scope of military operations in southern Lebanon has reached devastating proportions and that health and medical care in the region is at risk.

Without continued and sustained support, medical facilities in southern Lebanon could face the risk of closing down, said Hashem Osseiran, ICRC spokesperson for the Middle East. The WHO had warned on 9 April that facilities could be days away from running out of supplies.

open image in gallery Ahlam Badawi (left), the mother of killed paramedic Hassan Badawi, receives condolences at her home in the town of Bchamoun, south of Beirut, on Monday ( AFP/Getty )

Relentless strikes have forced nurses and medics to effectively move in to hospitals with their families in order to continue working and because they are considered sanctuaries safe from bombing.

Strikes on roads have also led to difficulty moving around the region, restricting access to medicine and essential aid support.

But the hospitals are not entirely safe. On Monday, a government hospital in Tebnine, southern Lebanon, was damaged in a nearby Israeli attack.

The situation in southern Lebanon is, to put it simply, a humanitarian catastrophe. There is an intensification of hostilities, severe constraints on access and movement due to security conditions. Southern Lebanon is mostly covered by evacuation notices but many civilians still live there.

open image in gallery Colleagues of Red Cross paramedic Hassan Badawi, who was killed in an Israeli strike on Sunday, mourn following his funeral, in Bchamoun, Lebanon ( Reuters )

The Lebanese Red Cross has deployed 125 ambulances to support more tha 11,000 patients and provided health support to over 22,000 individuals.

The loss of those who dedicate their lives to saving others is deeply troubling, given the impact it has on civilians who depend on their assistance, said Agnes Durr, head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon, in a statement.

Humanitarian and medical personnel must be protected and enabled to access and assist the wounded, and to return.

The British Medical Association previously called attacks on medical workers violations of medical neutrality and international humanitarian law, while Amnesty warned Israel was using the same deadly playbook as it did in Lebanon in 2024.
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Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to hold their first direct diplomatic talks in decades this Tuesday in Washington, following more than a month of intense conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group, which has severely impacted the Mediterranean nation.

US secretary of state Marco Rubio will participate, alongside Israels ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanons ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad.

The war has exacted a devastating human toll. The Health Ministry reports at least 2,089 fatalities from Israeli strikes in Lebanon, including 252 women, 166 children, and 88 medical workers. A further 6,762 individuals have been wounded, and over one million people are now displaced.

open image in gallery Ahlam Badawi, mother of Hassan Ali Badawi, 31, a paramedic of the Lebanese Red Cross killed in an Israeli strike, cries pictured at his funeral ( AP )

The Lebanese government hopes these negotiations will pave the way to an end to the hostilities. While Iran has made ending regional conflicts a condition for its own talks with the United States, Lebanon insists on representing itself.

Hezbollah and critics are sceptical and believe Lebanons government in Beirut has no leverage and should take advantage of the position of Iran, the groups key ally and patron.

The Israeli military continues an invasion into southern Lebanon, which some Israeli officials have said aims to create a depopulated security zone from the border to the Litani River, some 30km (20 miles). Iran-backed Hezbollah, though weakened in its last war with Israel that ended in November 2024, still fires drones, rockets and artillery daily into northern Israel and on ground troops inside Lebanon.

open image in gallery Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in the southern Lebanese village of Qlaile ( AFP/Getty )

The Israeli and Lebanese governments are meeting to discuss ways to ensure long-term security on Israels northern border and support for Lebanon seeking to take control of its territory and political future from Iran-backed Hezbollah, a US State Department official said.

They will be the first talks between the two since 1993, according to the official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Lebanons top political authorities, critical of Hezbollahs decision to fire rockets towards Israel on 2 March in solidarity with Iran, quickly proposed direct talks in a bid to stop the escalation, hoping that Israel would not launch its ground invasion.

Israel did not respond positively until last week, after it launched 100 strikes across the country, including in the heart of the Lebanese capital.

Beirut wants a truce as a prerequisite to talks, similar to Pakistan-brokered negotiations between the US and Iran.

open image in gallery A woman reacts at the site of a damaged residential building after it was struck by a projectile fired from Lebanon ( AP )

Israels destruction of Lebanese territories is not the solution, nor will it yield any results, said President Joseph Aoun Monday, who came to power vowing to disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah. Diplomatic solutions have consistently proven to be the most effective means of resolving armed conflicts globally.

Israel has ruled out a ceasefire.

"We will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which continues to carry out indiscriminate attacks against Israel and our civilians, Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said Monday.

Hezbollah and its supporters have been critical, calling it a free concession to Israel.

Hezbollah secretary-general Naim Kassem delivered a fiery speech calling on Lebanon to cancel the talks. Hezbollah wants a return to the 2024 agreement under which talks were conducted indirectly with the US, France and the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon as mediators.
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An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Tuesday killed at least four people, including a child, according to health officials in the territory.

The attack marks the latest violence to overshadow a fragile US-brokered ceasefire agreement.

Medics and witnesses reported that the strike, which occurred on Nafaq Street, set a police car ablaze.

Residents and rescue workers immediately rushed to the scene to search for potential casualties, though it remains unclear how many of the deceased were police officers.

The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the incident.

open image in gallery At least four people have died in Gaza after a police car was hit by an Israeli strike on Tuesday ( AFP via Getty Images )

The ceasefire, which came into effect last October, brought an end to two years of full-blown conflict. However, it left Israeli troops in control of a depopulated zone comprising well over half of Gaza, with Hamas retaining power in the remaining, narrow coastal strip.

Since October, Israel has intensified its attacks on Hamas-led police and security forces, resulting in dozens of deaths, officials from the group in Gaza have told Reuters.

They accuse Israel of attempting to sow chaos and anarchy within the territory.

Israel maintains that its actions are aimed at thwarting attacks by Hamas and other militant factions.

More than 750 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire deal took effect, while militants have killed four Israeli soldiers. Both Israel and Hamas have traded blame for violations of the agreement.

Palestinians also allege that Israeli forces have been expanding the zone they occupy, a claim which Israel denies.

Tuesdays airstrike follows another Israeli strike in Gaza on Saturday.

According to Gazas health ministry, Saturdays strike killed at least seven people and left several others injured.

One strike early on Saturday targeted a police checkpoint in the Bureij camp, located in the central Gaza Strip, killing at least six individuals. A separate attack in Beit Lahiya claimed at least one life, officials confirmed.
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Lebanon and Israel have held their first direct diplomatic discussions in decades.

The two countries met in Washington on Tuesday after more than a month of conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the meeting as a "historic opportunity" but tempered expectations, making it clear that no immediate breakthrough agreement was anticipated.

Yechiel Leiter, Israel's Ambassador to the US, expressed optimism, noting what he called a "convergence of opinion" regarding the removal of Hezbollah's influence from Lebanon. He described the two-hour exchange as "wonderful".

"The Lebanese government made it very clear that they will no longer be occupied by Hezbollah," Mr Leiter stated. "Iran has been weakened. Hezbollah is dramatically weakened. This is an opportunity."

Hezbollah, which was not represented at the talks, opposed the direct engagement and appeared to intensify its attacks on northern Israel as the discussions commenced. There was no immediate comment from the Lebanese delegation, led by Ambassador to Washington Nada Hamadeh Moawad, following the meeting.

Despite Hezbollah's outright rejection, the talks are a major step for two countries with no diplomatic relations that have been officially at war since Israel's inception in 1948. The latest round of fighting was sparked by Hezbollah firing rockets into northern Israel on March 2, days after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, Hezbollah's key ally and patron.

open image in gallery Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter speaks with reporters outside of the State Department in Washington ( AP )

Hezbollah pushes back as Lebanese government hopes for end to war

Rubio said the Trump administration was "very happy" to facilitate the talks, while noting that "we understand we're working against decades of history and complexities" that will not be quickly resolved.

"But we can begin to move forward with a framework where something can happen  something very positive, something very permanent  so that the people of Lebanon can have the kind of future they deserve, and so that the people of Israel can live without fear," Rubio said.

The Lebanese government hopes the talks will pave the way to an end to the war. While Iran has set ending the wars in Lebanon and the region as a condition for talks with the U.S., Lebanon insists on representing itself.

Hezbollah and other critics maintain that Lebanon's government lacks leverage and that it should instead back Iran's position. Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of the militant group's political council, told The Associated Press that it will not abide by any agreements that are made during the talks.

On the day of the discussions, incoming fire triggered nonstop drone and rocket alert sirens in Israeli communities near the Lebanese border. Hezbollah so far on Tuesday has claimed 24 attacks on northern Israel and on Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.

At least 2,124 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the Health Ministry said, including hundreds of women and children. More than 1 million people are displaced. The deadliest day of the war took place last week, when Israel launched 100 airstrikes across Lebanon in 10 minutes, including in the heart of the capital, killing over 350 people.

The Israeli military has invaded southern Lebanon, a move some Israeli officials have said aims to create a "security zone" from the border to the Litani River, some 30 kilometers (20 miles) to the north.

open image in gallery At least 2,124 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon ( AFP/Getty )

Israel's defense minister says hundreds of thousands of people uprooted from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return home until the area is demilitarized and Israel believes its northern communities are safe. Hezbollah, though weakened in its last war with Israel that ended in November 2024, still fires drones, rockets and artillery daily into northern Israel and on ground troops inside Lebanon.

Hezbollah enjoys wide influence in Beirut's southern suburbs, as well as large swaths of the country's southern and eastern provinces. Hezbollah-allied politicians hold two Cabinet minister positions, though the group's ties have soured with Lebanon's top political authorities, who have been critical of Hezbollah's decision to enter the war last month and who have since criminalized the group's military activities in the country.

First Israel-Lebanon talks in more than 30 years

The talks are the first between Israel and Lebanon since 1993. Both countries have relied on indirect communication, often brokered by the United States or UNIFIL, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon.

Lebanon's top political authorities, critical of Hezbollah's decision to fire rockets toward Israel on March 2 in solidarity with Iran, quickly proposed direct talks in a bid to stop the escalation, hoping that Israel would not launch its ground invasion.

Israel did not respond positively until last week, after its deadly bombardment hit several crowded commercial and residential areas in Beirut, sparking an international outcry and triggering threats by Iran that it would end the ceasefire with the United States and Israel.

Lebanese officials have pushed for a truce, which Israel has ruled out. Israel has, however, halted strikes on Lebanon's capital following the bombardment.

"Israel's destruction of Lebanese territories is not the solution, nor will it yield any results," Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Monday. He came to power vowing to disarm non-state groups including Hezbollah. "Diplomatic solutions have consistently proven to be the most effective means of resolving armed conflicts globally."

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday denied having disputes with Lebanon and said "the problem is Hezbollah."

Hezbollah wants a return to the 2024 agreement under which talks were conducted indirectly with the U.S., France and UNIFIL as mediators.
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Locked in a war that has provoked threats of genocide from the US and retaliation from Iran, Washington and Tehran are forming an accidental alliance to strangle global trade and cripple the world economy.

Donald Trumps threat to close the Strait of Hormuz to all Iranian shipping and to all vessels that have paid Tehran an illegally imposed toll for using the international sea passage, combined with Irans illegal blocking of the oil artery, drove the price of a physical barrel of crude oil up to $148.

Already the cause of a global economic slowdown and surge in the price of oil, gas, fertiliser, helium and dozens of other petrochemicals, the Israel-US war on Iran and Tehrans retaliation put all three nations squarely in the dock for violations of international law.

These now include Americas threat to violate the Law of the Sea by making threats against international shipping, which moves about a fifth of the worlds fuel through the Strait.

open image in gallery Donald Trumps threat to close the Strait of Hormuz to all Iranian shipping, combined with Irans illegal blocking of the oil artery, pushed oil to $148 a barrel ( Reuters )

China imports about 31 per cent of the oil shipped, India about 14 per cent. In total, about 86 per cent of all the oil shipped from the Gulf region by this route goes to Asia. So China has called for restraint in the latest desperate efforts of both the US and Iran to take their conflict to a place where each can declare some kind of victory.

It is unclear how a US blockade would be managed. China buys about 80 per cent of Irans oil exports  up to 1.5 million barrels a day. So a threat against ships taking Iranian oil through the only route out of the Gulf is a strategic threat against China.

Sinking a vessel taking oil to China would be an environmental catastrophe. It could, in theory, be seen by Beijing as an act of war. Boarding tankers from Iran by US forces in international waters could be interpreted as enforcing sanctions. But China and Tehran would also argue that such moves would be violations of international laws governing the seascape.

open image in gallery Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz ( Reuters )

Beijing is unlikely to take a belligerent stand. But Xi Jinping would pocket the precedent of a pirate superpower, again ripping up regulations designed to ensure free passage of goods around the world.

China has been building artificial islands in the South China Sea for years in an effort to lay wider claims to sovereignty over a narrow sea passage, which the US and United Nations have ruled are illegal efforts to cheat the international Law of the Sea. The US and the UK, among other allies, frequently sail warships through the South China Sea and close to the new archipelago of fake islands to prevent China from asserting sovereignty.

Trumps latest bizarre threat against Iran included the claim that other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION, he wrote in a social media post. So far, no American allies have agreed to participate in his illegal blockade.

The new tactic emerged after intensive face-to-face talks between Iran and the US, headed by Vice-president JD Vance in Pakistan, yielded no concessions from Iran on its nuclear programme, which the US (and its allies) have said must be shut down for ever.

open image in gallery Chinas ports as global trade turmoil continues ( Getty )

But Trump is running out of options for how to extract America from a war that may have suited Israels far-right agenda of trying to smash the military capabilities of nations that threaten its existence in the region, but delivered nothing that can look like success to anyone in Washington.

The forcing of the issue around the Strait of Hormuz is part of a continued effort to draw Americas traditional allies into the Middle Eastern conflict. This has failed.

Later this week, the UK and France will jointly host an international summit to put together a defensive mission to protect the straits. But they are leaving the US, Israel and Iran to figure out how to end their war.

[It will] advance work on a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping when the conflict ends, Sir Keir Starmer posted on X.

The key phrase here is when the conflict ends, which has been a consistent principle of European and other allies who see no strategic benefit nor imperative behind the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

Tehran, meanwhile, continues to internationalise the war with demands that any ceasefire with the US and Israel also include an end to attacks in Lebanon, where Israel has unleashed a widespread campaign across the country against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia.

open image in gallery Stockbrokers react during trading hours at the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, 13 April ( AFP/Getty )

Israel and the US have boxed that demand out of ceasefire options. But Washington is now boxed into a puzzle of its own making: how to get out of the war with Iran when none of the aims have been achieved?

The regime remains in charge in Tehran and continues to back militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. It is refusing to give up its nuclear ambitions. Its missile programme threatens Americas friends in the Gulf, and theres no sign that Tehrans leaders will back away from their desire to put an end to the existence of Israel.

Trump, meanwhile, has threatened to put an end to Persian civilisation, in language as directly threatening as anything that Irans ayatollahs have made about Israel.

And this week he is adding threats of piracy and outright war against China, a nuclear power with a gigantic army, navy and air force. Chinas dignified response to Trumps irrational threats and tantrums makes Washington look more like the base of unhinged fanatics and Beijing, a fast-expanding commercial imperial power, a refuge for the rational.
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President Donald Trump threatened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday after negotiations with Iran collapsed over the weekend and oil prices surged.

Were sweeping the strait, he added in reference to the shipping route, and called negotiations very deep.

While the United States later backtracked and said it would not impede vessels sailing through the vital waterway, it said a blockade of Irans ports would continue to go ahead on Monday.

open image in gallery The Strait of Hormuz is one of the worlds major shipping routes ( AP )

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that approaching military vessels to the Strait of Hormuz is considered a violation of the ceasefire.

Peace talks in Islamabad are said to have failed due to disagreements over the future of Hormuz and the development of Irans nuclear programme. But Trump told reporters he doesnt care whether or not Tehran returns to negotiations.

Tehran insists it is entitled to control the waterway and will seek to impose tolls on vessels passing through.

Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehrans negotiators at the weekend talks with Washington, taunted Trump over rising gas prices, saying: Enjoy the current pump figures.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?

The Strait of Hormuz lies between the Persian Gulf to the north and the Gulf of Oman to the south, opening up to the Arabian Sea and beyond to the rest of the world.

It is roughly 100 miles long, but only 24 miles across at its narrowest point.

open image in gallery The Strait of Hormuz runs to the south of Iran and is just 24 miles across at its narrowest point ( Getty/iStock )

The land-flanked passage lies in Irans territorial waters, but is viewed as an international waterway and is normally open to all ships. It consists of two shipping lanes allowing traffic to pass in opposite directions, each two miles wide, with another two-mile lane separating them.

International law permits countries to exercise control up to 13.8 miles (12 nautical miles) from their coastline. At its narrowest point, the passage comes under both Iranian and Omani control.

Iran lies on one side of the strait, and some of the worlds biggest oil suppliers, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, lie across the water.

It is one of the worlds most important maritime chokepoints, with 20 million barrels of oil passing through it each day  one-fifth of global oil consumption  and a similar percentage of the worlds supply of liquefied natural gas.

This amounts to over 500 million barrels of oil and 6 million tonnes of gas every month, according to Lloyds List. Much of this is exported to Asian markets, including China, India and Japan. It is the route used by supertankers carrying oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Iran.

Around 3,000 shipping vessels pass through the strait every month, including oil tankers, liquefied natural gas containers, and cargo vessels, according to Lloyds List.

On 18 February, Iran closed the Middle Eastern waterway for the first time since the 1980s as Iranian troops took part in live-fire military exercises.

Iran had not previously threatened to close the passage even during its 12-day war with Israel last June, when US-Israeli strikes took out some of the countrys key nuclear and military sites.

Are ships passing through the Strait now?

Before the outbreak of hostilities, around 138 ships were passing through the Strait of Hormuz every day, according to the Joint Maritime Information Centre.

Maritime trackers report that around 40 vessels have passed through since the truce between the US and Iran was agreed.

Despite the ceasefire agreement, shipments through the Strait of Hormuz remain constrained, senior crude analyst at Kpler, Johannes Rauball, told The Independent.

open image in gallery Data analysed by Kpler shows a dramatic drop in the passage of dry, liquids, LPG and LNG through the Strait of Hormuz since war broke out on 28 February ( Johannes Rauball/Kpler )

There is still considerable uncertainty regarding a potential resumption of normal flows, as tensions between the US and Iran remain elevated. Both sides are reportedly still far from reaching a comprehensive agreement, and vessel owners are likely to remain hesitant to transit the strait as long as the risk of attacks persists. Many vessel owners will likely wait until a final agreement is reached before transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

At least 17 vessels have been hit during hostilities, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations.

What has the US threatened to do?

Trump backtracked over threats to blockade the Strait despite hinting that several countries had agreed to be involved.

A blockade on Iranian ports will begin Monday at 10am EDT, or 3pm in the UK and 5.30pm in Iran, according to US Central Command.

It said the US would still allow ships travelling from non-Iranian ports to transit through the waterway.

On Saturday, US warships entered the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the outbreak of the conflict, in an effort to clear Iranian mines. Irans state media denied the action had taken place and said that the vessels had been chased out of the area after being threatened with attack.

Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of the US Central Command, said that the US was working on a new passage out of the shipping route.

Will economic chaos continue despite a ceasefire?

The International Energy Agency has warned that the world is facing the worst energy crisis in history. Executive director Fatih Birol told Le Figaro on Tuesday that the oil and gas crisis triggered by the blockade is more serious than the ones in 1973, 1979 and 2022 together.

The world has never experienced a disruption to energy supply of such magnitude, he said.

open image in gallery Millions of barrels of oil are being held up as prices of crude surge ( Nasa Earth Observatory )

He previously told The Wall Street Journal that the world lost 5 million barrels per day during the 1970s but is losing 11 million barrels per day this time, more than two major oil shocks put together.

But even if the Strait of Hormuz were to open tomorrow, experts have warned that the world economy could take months to recover.

The impact will deepen and be long-lasting, warns Neil Quilliam, an energy policy, geopolitics and foreign affairs specialist at Chatham House.

The real shock has yet to be fully felt and will materialise when stocks run down. Even if the war were to end tomorrow and the Strait of Hormuz were reopened, world markets would still feel the shock in the months, as it will take at least six months before the Gulf states can begin to produce and export at capacity once again.
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After high-stakes peace talks in Islamabad collapsed over the weekend, the future of a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran now appears to rest on a 100-mile waterway between the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.

The United States imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas east of the Strait of Hormuz, which came into effect at 3pm BST on Monday.

US Central Command warned that vessels will be subject to interception, diversion and capture regardless of their flag. More than 15 US warships are in place to support the operation, a senior official told the Wall Street Journal.

President Donald Trump threatened that ships sailing from Iranian ports would be subject to the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea, referring to the administrations controversial attacks on boats off the coast of Venezuela.

Oil prices surged in response to the threats but the US military insisted that the action would not impede movement of ships carrying humanitarian goods, such as food, through the Strait of Hormuz.

But despite the rhetoric, a US-sanctioned Chinese tanker, the Rich Starry, appeared to sail straight through the Strait on Tuesday in apparent defiance of Trumps blockade.

open image in gallery A ship is seen off the coast of the Ras al-Khaimah emirate, a day after the failure of US-Iran peace talks, on Monday 13 April ( AFP/Getty )

What does Trumps blockade involve?

In practice, President Trumps blockade will impact vessels departing from Irans ports and coastline, regardless of their country of origin. The US has explicitly said it will not target vessels that arent linked to Iran or its ports, but those that are will be intercepted, diverted or captured.

However, the US leader has also ordered the navy to hunt down vessels that have paid Iran a transit toll, which includes Chinese tankers and Indian bulk carriers that are not parties to the conflict, according to Professor Barry Appleton, co-director for international law at New York Law School.

You have a narrow, mine-threatened strait, active hostilities, and now the US Navy is being asked to police every vessel entering or leaving Iranian ports, he told The Independent.

Thats not a blockade. It is more akin to a traffic enforcement operation in the middle of a war zone.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has demanded that Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz ( Reuters )

Has the blockade been working?

According to marine traffic data analysed by Kpler, five liquid tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz since the blockade was in place. For all categories  liquids, LNG, LPG, and dry bulk  a total of eight vessels crossed between 13 and 14 April.

The objective is to constrain Irans ability to export crude and condensate, which could eventually lead to production shut-ins, Kplers senior crude analyst Johannes Rauball told The Independent.

But Tehran appears to already have copious stores of oil offshore, ahead of the restrictions, and the volumes of its oil in transit also remains elevated, according to Kpler.

This week, floating storage of Iranian crude  a method of storing oil and gas on open waters away from land or ports  rose to 42 MMbbl (or 42 million barrels) up from 38 MMbbl on Sunday 12 April.

Floating storage is defined as crude-carrying tankers that have remained idle and reduced their speed for at least seven days, essentially waiting for instructions on water.

Because Iranian oil supply is exceeding demand, some tankers have been unable to discharge their load and find buyers.

While any reduction in Iranian exports would primarily impact China, which absorbs the vast majority of these flows, overall availability of Iranian crude is expected to remain ample, explained Mr Rauball.

open image in gallery A photo taken on 7 April shows a floating production, storage and offloading vessel built for Brazilian oil producer Petrobras, being towed out of the dock by tugboats in Yantai, China ( AFP/Getty )

We are observing significant concentrations of floating storage near China, including roughly 15 MMbbl in the Yellow Sea and around 7 MMbbl in the South China Sea.

Mr Rauball suggests that this could mean up to 120 days of availability of Iranian crude for China, suggesting Iran is unlikely to be impacted by the blockade anytime in the near future due to substantial volumes already on the water.

In total, Iranian crude on water  including both floating storage and cargoes in transit  stands at approximately 190 MMbbl, he explained.

With China typically importing around 1.5 MMbbl/d of Iranian crude, this implies roughly 120 days of cover under current conditions.

As such, even if Iranian crude exports decline, near-term availability is unlikely to tighten significantly, given the substantial volumes already on water.

Furthermore, Irans shadow fleet of tankers poses a further challenge to the US Navy, shipping experts have warned in comments to the Wall Street Journal, allowing vessels linked to ports to transit undetected using sophisticated methods. According to Lloyds List, a falsely-flagged, US-sanctioned tanker linked to China exited the strait early on Tuesday.

open image in gallery The Strait of Hormuz before the Iran war and after the US blockade ( MarineTraffic )

Chatham House analyst Neil Quilliam says it it too early to tell whether Mr Trumps blockade has been effective.

He said: It certainly complicates the movement of vessels that Iran permits to pass through Hormuz. The passage of the Chinese tanker shows that some ship owners and their crews have a high risk tolerance and are willing to test the US  making it a test of who blinks first. It is a high-stakes game.

Unmanned underwater vehicles  which can loiter underwater for up to 96 hours  can also pose a threat to billion-dollar US naval assets, according to political analyst Safi Ghauri.

After nearly half a century of sanctions, further structural pressure may not hit Iran as hard as other nations, according to Ashok Kumar, associate professor of political economy at Birkbeck, University of London.

Trumps plan to blockade the blockade is strategically incoherent, he said. Its a gesture of desperation, not strength. Iran has already moved vast quantities of oil offshore, so much of its supply simply sits beyond the reach of any naval cordon.

open image in gallery Transit figures reflecting tankers transporting liquid cargoes through the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of war on 28 February ( Kpler )

Could the blockade force a confrontation?

Prof Kumar says that the strategy escalates a confrontation in one of the worlds most fragile chokepoints, where the US and global economy are far more exposed than Iran itself.

Iran has threatened to attack US partners in the Gulf if what it calls piracy continues.

It seems to be a tit-for-tat move by the US, explains Dr Quilliam. At best, if it remains benign, then it will prevent Iran from exporting its crude, but will lead to an increase in the price of oil. In this scenario, the US aims to increase Irans economic pain and bring it back to the negotiating table. This move alone will not persuade the regime to reopen talks, as it has resisted sanctions for over 20 years.

At worst, Iran will challenge the blockade, leading to renewed military confrontation and include new Iranian strikes against energy infrastructure in the Gulf states, notably Saudi Arabia and export facilities in Yanbu on the Red Sea. This will lead to an even bigger hike in oil prices.
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With peace negotiations between the United States and Iran breaking down in Pakistan, the fragile ceasefire is again on the brink of collapse. US President Donald Trump has again upped the war rhetoric, saying the U.S. Navy will now blockade the Strait of Hormuz.

The president said the US would intercept ships that had paid Iran a toll to pass through the strait, accusing Iran of extortion in charging the fee.

However, the New York Times is reporting the US military plans to block only Iranian ports and coastal areas, while allowing other vessels to pass through, which appears to be a softening of the presidents initial statement. It reported the blockade would begin on Monday morning, US Eastern time.

So if such a blockade goes ahead, what would it mean and what implications would it have?

In warfare, a blockade is legal

At the moment, we are in something of a holding pattern in the US-Israel-Iran war. Peace talks were underway  though have since collapsed  but there is no active force being used at the moment. However, there is also not a settled peace.

So the critical question is whether the US or Iran is engaging in any conduct that imperils a ceasefire  and US naval ships blockading the Strait Hormuz, a vital economic passage, would certainly do that.

In purely legal terms, if the US imposes a blockade then the ceasefire is over and hostilities have resumed. Since the most recent hostilities commenced on February 28, Iran has effectively been prohibiting navigation in the strait.

Major Iranian oil ports, terminals and refineries ( Reuters/CC BY-SA )

Irans conduct can be justified on the grounds that an armed conflict has been underway and the safety of all shipping passing through the strait has been under threat. Some ships have passed through the strait either under Iranian escort, or reportedly after having paid a form of toll to Iran. This conduct needs to be understood in the context of an international armed conflict where normal freedoms of navigation are suspended.

Its also important to make a distinction between the actors in this scenario. In international law, we talk about belligerents and neutrals in terms of war. There is no question the US, Israel and Iran are belligerents in this case. So this means the US, as a belligerent, can legitimately impose a blockade under international law  specifically, the law of naval warfare.

There is a long history of countries imposing maritime blockades as a method of warfare. The most recent example was in December 2025, when the US imposed a blockade on oil tankers travelling in and out of Venezuela, in addition to placing sanctions on the country.

Given how vital the Strait of Hormuz is to the passage of crude oil that is vital for the worlds fuel supply, a blockade would further limit this supply and send petrol prices soaring even higher.

Trump has also threatened China with 50% tariffs if it is found to be assisting Iran in the war.

No clear path forward

It is not yet clear exactly how, and in what form, this blockade will be imposed, or even if it will happen at all.

Trumps initial claim that the US military would block the entire strait, and pursue vessels that had paid money to Iran to be allowed through, would cause further diplomatic ructions with countries around the world. The president said other countries would be involved in the blockade, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia had not been asked to be involved and he did not expect it to be.

About the author Donald Rothwell is a Professor of International Law at the Australian National University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

However, if the intention is to limit the blockade to Iranian ports then that would be a very traditional form of naval blockade between belligerents. Ships that have not come from Iranian ports and that so far have been barred from exiting the Persian Gulf through the strait could then conceivably start to move through the strait and into the Indian Ocean.

If the blockade does go ahead, it will demonstrate the enormous capability of the US military, given it will require the deployment of serious naval assets. It will also confirm Trumps claim the US has control of the area.

It is, too, a powerful negotiating tactic, because of the economic hardship it will impose on Iran if it is unable to continue exporting oil. This will only add to the intense suffering of the Iranian people.

The freedom of navigation through international straits like Hormuz is one of the core principles of international law on which international trade and the global economy rests. It is one the US has historically staunchly defended. The threatened blockade of Iran and associated mine sweeping operations in the Strait may be one small step towards restoring the Strait of Hormuz as a maritime highway open for all to use.
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A new video from NASA shows the jubilant moment U.S. Navy divers first opened the hatch of the Artemis II Orion capsule after it splashed down to Earth following its historic mission to the moon.

The Artemis II mission sent four astronauts on a lunar flyby for the first time in over 50 years, gathering data so the agency can prepare for future missions to the moon's surface and to Mars and breaking the record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth.

While everything went extremely well, the moments that led up to the crews splashdown in the Pacific Ocean were nail-biting  especially as NASAs mission control lost contact with the astronauts and later on during the hour that they were bobbing around in the ocean near San Diego, California, on Friday afternoon.

Got em! Yes! one Navy diver wearing the body camera yells as the spacecrafts hatch pops open.

More cheers and applause break out as the door is opened and divers head inside the small space, including from NASA mission specialist Christina Koch  the first woman to go to the moon.

open image in gallery A new NASA video captures the moment U.S. Navy divers opened the Orion crew capsule last Friday off the Southern California coastline. The Artemis II crew are the first to go to the moon in more than 50 years, setting up for future missions to its surface ( NASA )

open image in gallery Christina Koch, a NASA mission specialist, double fist dumps U.S. Navy divers on Friday before the Artemis II crew is extracted from the Orion capsule ( NASA )

open image in gallery The Orion spacecraft splashes down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday at 8:07 p.m. EDT ( NASA )

Christina, welcome home! the man wearing the camera says as he double fist bumps her after pilot Victor Glover.

Thank you! she exclaims loudly.

open image in gallery NASA pilot Victor Glover fist bumps U.S. Navy divers on Friday ( NASA )

Koch and Glover were on Orion for 10 days with NASA commander Reid Wiseman and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen.

After the astronauts were checked out and extracted, they were put on rafts and then flown by helicopter to an awaiting ship, the USS John P. Murtha.

open image in gallery NASA Artemis II crew members are hoisted into a U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter on Friday in the waters off of San Diego ( NASA via Getty Images )

After a day of rest and reuniting with loved ones, the astronauts told reporters that their experience was not easy.

We are bonded forever, Wiseman told his fellow crew mates, and no one down here is ever going to know what the four of us just went through. And it was the most special thing that has ever happened in my life.

open image in gallery Glover and Koch pose for a photo together on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha last Friday following their historic mission around the moon. The crew splashed down near San Diego ( NASA via Getty Images )

Its a special thing to be a human and its a special thing to be on planet Earth, he added.

Koch said she couldnt sleep after returning home.

Earth was just the lifeboat hanging [undisturbed] in the universe, she recalled of the view looking back at the blue marble humans call home.

open image in gallery This image shows the Earth rising above the moon. It was taken by the Artemis II astronauts on April 6 ( NASA )

The astronauts are expected to further discuss their mission in another news conference on Thursday afternoon at NASAs Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Next, the Artemis II astronauts will help prepare future Artemis missions, applying the systems and flight data they gathered during their trip.

The next phase of Artemis is slated for 2027, when astronauts will launch in Orion to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between Orion and commercial spacecraft needed to land astronauts on the moon.

open image in gallery Artemis II astronaut Jeremy Hansen, left, speaks at a news conference with fellow crew members (left to right) Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor Glover on Saturday at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas. The astronauts will field questions about their mission again on Thursday ( Getty Images )

Koch posted on social media Monday that their work had already begun, including videos of her in a full spacesuit walking and hammering the rocks on a fake moon.

We didnt walk on the Moon until we got back to Earth. To understand how to optimize lunar surface spacewalks on future Artemis missions, we do simulated runs as soon as we are back, she explained. Spoiler alert: It felt great.
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MSC Group has unveiled plans for a new private island in the Bahamas for its cruise line guests.

The new destination, Sandy Cay, is located close to the cruise lines current private island destination Ocean Cay off the coast of Miami. It will be open to visit during Caribbean sailings with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.

Few details have been revealed but Sandy Cay has been described as a luxury private destination, formed out of a natural sandbank.

It will provide a more secluded, elemental escape compared with Ocean Cay, according to MSC Groups announcement.

Ocean Cay opened in 2019 to passengers from cruise ships such as MSC World America across two miles of pristine beachfront.

Guests can go snorkelling, climb the islands lighthouse or relax in Seakers Food Court.

New features have been added to Ocean Cay in recent months.

These include new dining venues, games for families, adult-only beaches and expanded relaxation areas.

There are new ways to learn about Ocean Cays marine conservation programme in an augmented reality treasure hunt for children.

This involves exploring the island by scanning codes on wooden sculptures that tell immersive ecological stories.

There are also Lego-themed activities at the Welcome Pavilion when guests arrive on the island.

Other cruise lines also offer access to their own private islands. Royal Caribbean has its own destination called CocoCay and is planning another in Mexico in 2027. Carnival Cruise Line opened Celebration Key last year, adding to Half Moon Cay which it shares with Holland America Line.

Norwegian Cruise Line has its own private island called Great Stirrup Cay, while Disney Cruise Line has two  Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point.

Read more: The best cruise deals for 2026
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A court in India has directed the police to file a criminal case against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines after a two-year legal battle by a family that spent nearly 40,000 on business-class tickets to Peru but was denied boarding by Netherlands flag carrier.

The case dates back to June 2024, when the family of J S Sathishkumar, chairman of a medical institution in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, had purchased eight two-way business-class tickets to Peru, costing around Rs 4.9m (40,000).

They were scheduled to depart from the southern city of Bengaluru on 19 June and return on 3 July.

However, their plans for the 14-day holiday were cut short at the airport after the family was denied boarding. Airline officials said they did not have the appropriate visa to enter Peru, and after several hours of waiting they were told they would not be permitted to take the flight,

Mr Sathishkumar disputed the airlines assessment, arguing that it was based on a misreading of entry rules. He said Indian nationals holding valid visas or residency permits from countries such as the US, UK, Australia or Schengen states are permitted to enter Peru without a separate visa.

A spokesperson for KLM told The New Indian Express that the airline was obliged to comply with all applicable travel regulations. The airline reportedly urged customers to make sure they carry the required documentation and said it regrets that some passengers experienced inconveniences.

While held up at the airport, the family protested the decision not to let them board and threatened legal action. Mr Sathishkumar alleged they were then red-flagged by the airline following the confrontation.

He said the family has since faced heightened scrutiny at international airports. He alleged that his son was questioned in Singapore over a supposed deportation from Peru, a country he had never visited.

He said he himself encountered similar issues during a trip to Australia.

He later filed a case against the airline in a court in the southern state of Karnataka to demand a refund of the ticket price.

The court in Karnataka has now ordered the police to register a criminal case against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines after a two-year legal battle.

In its order, the magistrate directed the police to register a formal complaint against the airlines chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and other senior executives involved in the decision, and to proceed in accordance with the law.

Mr Sathishkumar said the courts intervention was aimed at ensuring accountability. Action should be taken. Otherwise, this can happen to anyone, he told The New Indian Express.

The Independent has reached out to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for comment.
You wonder if Prince Harry even has any idea what he is doing in Australia.

Meghan, we know, is to be interviewed on stage at a girls weekend retreat in Sydney this weekend  where the 1,650 VIP package includes a group selfie opportunity with the duchess. Who could resist?

To which you have to say: where does that leave Harry?

He is billed, for what its worth, as a guest speaker at something called the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne on Thursday, exploring the vital space where individual wellbeing and organisational responsibility meet. This seems a bit on the nose. If he was actually any good at organisational responsibility, the whole working member of the Royal family thing might have worked out a bit better.

Look, God forbid a young couple enjoy a mini-break. But what exactly does it say if a tightly scheduled programme of fundraising engagements is the only way for Harry and Meghan to spend some quality time together? Perhaps the besties VIP package appeals to him. He could show up at the five-star InterContinental Coogee Beach with a ticket in one hand and a selfie stick in the other, yelling, Surprise! Tickets to meet Meghan are still available. Imagine that.

Nevertheless, I cant help thinking the waking nightmare for any mum of two on a girls weekend is for their husband to actually join them on it. The husbands job, from personal experience, is in fact to stay at home and say reassuring things about nursery pickup and bathtime while remaining schtum about mystery rashes and the fact that they woke up eight times last night yelling Mummy!. Harry knows this. Even as he trundles around on this part business, part charity quasi-royal four-day tour, wheeled out at the Royal Childrens Hospital here, playing the old hits there, not for the first time he looks a bit, well, spare.

Not only that, but he has lost dad points. Crucially, with me. There is a ranking system, although we wont talk about that. Just take my word for it that dads desperately seek out other dads as role models. It is how we learn. Usually from afar, in the absence of actually asking for advice. And Harry, from afar, seems to me to be an excellent dad role model. His memoir, Spare, if it was anything, was an exercise in being curious about his own father.

I have long found Prince Harry relatable. I think its a girl dad thing. He has Lilibet, four, and I have my daughter, two. He has a grey tee emblazoned with the words Girl Dad which he wears running. I dont, but Id certainly like one. We have the same colour hair, and increasingly we both have less of it. At 41, he is going to seed in a way that I, at 35, find both reassuring and encouraging.

So it goes without saying that I sincerely think he looks like a very good dad. You just get a vibe.

Having the time of their lives: Prince Harry and Meghan in Australia  without their children ( PA )

What Im not on board with is jetting halfway around the world for four days and leaving the kids behind. Its not a great look.

He may well have his reasons. But photos of him at the aforementioned childrens hospital show him hugging the kids there with the unmistakable crumpled look of someone who really misses his own. According to the Daily Mail, he spent the 15-hour commercial Qantas flight  no private jet, your majesty?  talking about his children to anyone in business class who would listen. Which I absolutely love.

So what is he doing on the biggest grift since the Spice Girls third reunion tour? If I were him, Id have stayed home. Thats surely where hed rather be. Its definitely where he ought to be. Not shilling for coin on the Gold Coast. Given a choice, I am certain hed rather be at a Pints & Ponytails get-together at a London pub learning how to plait hair. And possibly not in Montecito at all.

This is the tragedy of Prince Harry. Under a fairytale Megxit spell, he is cursed to live a life half in, half out of the real world, condemned to business class, to petitions of 45,000 furious Australians miffed at having to fork out for his security detail, to guest speaker slots presumably booked to build the brand while his CEO wife gets her Goop on. Paying your own way wont pay for itself. But dont most people take their business trips in turns?
So let me be clear from the outset: I am not going to suggest that Donald Trump started his ill-fated war with Iran to get Jeffrey Epstein off the front pages, any more than I am going to give vent to the idea that Melania made her bizarre statement on Thursday about Epstein at the behest of her husband to get Iran out of the headlines.

That would be juvenile, unworthy and conspiratorial (even though it is kind of tempting).

It has been a shocker of a week for the president: the Easter weekend F-bomb-laden post, the genocidal promise a few days later to wipe out a whole civilisation  only to be supplanted by a ceasefire  so poorly cobbled together  that Donald Trump didnt even seem to know what it meant.

Having got himself firmly impaled on a hook, he had to find a way to get himself off it.

So when the Pakistani prime minister suggested a two-week ceasefire, Trump leapt at it. There would be two weeks in which the Israeli and US bombing would stop, in return for Iran reopening the vital shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump was first out of the blocks to accept. But when the Iranians accepted a couple of hours later, they said  in essence  yeah, well let shipping resume, but only with the approval of the Iranian armed forces.

Before this war started, around 100 tankers a day would pass through the strait. On Thursday, four tankers went through. The Iranians have said they may increase that to 15. In other words, the Iranians have given next to nothing. One Gulf minister was brutally honest about it: The strait  de facto  is still closed, he said.

And the man who was promising the destruction of a 6,000-year-old civilisation on Tuesday was posting this on Thursday night: Iran is doing a very poor job, dishonorable some would say, of allowing Oil to go through the Strait of Hormuz. That is not the agreement we have! President DONALD J. TRUMP.

Improbable as it may sound, having taken one hell of a military beating, Iran feels as though it is on top

Is that it? Is that really your only response to the fact that you seem to have been mugged and made to look like a mug? There was something that was simultaneously hapless and hopeless about that post. Things had spun out of control. The alpha male was sounding distinctly beta.

What we are seeing is The Art of the Deal  Iranian style. Improbable as it may sound, having taken one hell of a military beating, Iran feels as though it is on top.

Trumpworld: The US president hates career professionals, so now we rely on his son-in-law to conduct these vital talks, if they do go ahead ( PA )

One of the more bizarre explanations for the failure to reopen the strait fully came from the vice-president JD Vance when he opined that part of the problem might be down to the poor grasp of English of the Iranians.

Mr vice-president, you do them down. The Iranians are massively sophisticated and have led you on a merry dance.

I feel certain that many of the old hands that I have come across from the State Department over the years will be horrified at the total lack of statecraft that the American side has shown. But is it that surprising?

Donald Trump hated the career professionals who  he felt  thwarted him during his first term. The bureaucrats from Foggy Bottom were always telling him the risks of certain things, rather than engaging enthusiastically with whatever Trumps whim was at a given moment.

So, how much better to have two people he completely trusted being put in charge of peace talks and negotiations. And so we have Steve Witkoff and the presidents son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as the key diplomatic personnel in Trumpworld. Two men whose backgrounds are in real estate deals in New York.

They  along with JD Vance  are going to be the American negotiating team in face-to-face talks that are meant to be happening in Islamabad this weekend.

It is my fervent wish that at the end of their talks, Iran agrees to reopen the strait fully, promises to stop being a brutal, repressive theocratic dictatorship, vows not to be a destabilising force in the Middle East, and stops the funding of Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis.

But I see zero per cent chance of that happening. The Iranian regime has survived the combined onslaught of Israel and the US. It still has its foot on the windpipe of that crucial shipping lane for the world economy  and as we have seen in the latest Truth Social posts, Donald Trump is left bleating and mithering. He is also railing at his once loyal fanbase, who are furious and disgusted with him. Truly influential voices like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly and others are being castigated by Trump for their low IQs.

I am told in the White House they now think the political consequences of this domestically are that the Republicans will likely lose both the House and the Senate in the November midterm elections. That would be a shattering blow.
Michael Houghton: My son hasnt quite realised that the 500 or so he might receive for his first communion represents only a fraction of what the day will cost us
Government backs sale of PTSB for 1.6bn, shares drop sharply

Bawag shares surge as it nabs Irish bank for less than market had expected

Finance Minister Simon Harris. Photo: PA

DOnal O'Donovan Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 12:22

The board of PTSB has agreed a deal with Austrias Bawag to support a sale of the bank for 1.619bn in cash.
An Irish company which developed a drug used to treat hypertension in babies and older children is being sued for allegedly terminating an agreement with a Dutch company to commercialise, market and sell the product in a number of European countries.

Piramal Critical Care BV, a Netherlands-registered company engaged in commercialising pharma and healthcare products, is seeking injunctions preventing Dublin-registered pharmaceutical developer Brepco Biopharma Ltd from ending the agreement.

The case was entered into the fast track Commercial Court list on Monday by Mr Justice Mark Sanfey on the application of Andrew Fitzpatrick SC, for Piramal, who said there was no objection from the defendant to the application.

Piramal seeks to restrain the defendant from terminating an October 2022 licence agreement between the parties and restraining the appointment of a replacement partner to commercialise the product. Brepco denies the claim.

Pranay Agrawal, chief manager-finance of Piramal Critical Care Ltd, a sister company of Piramal Critical Care BV, said in an affidavit that the licence agreement provided that "commercially reasonable efforts" would be made to launch the product after relevant market authorisation was granted and, in any event, within the 12-month and 18-month periods specified in the agreement.

Mr Agrawal said Piramal spent some 5.2m to commercialise the product which he said "amply demonstrates" that commercially reasonable efforts were made to launch the product as expeditiously as possible.

Piramal will contend, among other things, that delays in the launch in a number of countries were outside its control and/or were due to circumstances within the control of the defendant.

While there was a termination notice in relation to Sweden in June of last year, in January this year the defendant complained the product had only been launched in Germany and the UK, that there had been no sales in Italy and that it had not been launched at all in remaining EU countries and Norway, Mr Agrawal said.

Further correspondence ensued between the parties and, on March 4 last, Brepco served a termination notice purporting to terminate the licence agreement for specified countries, excluding the UK, Germany and Italy.

Piramal disputes the validity of the termination notice and seeks an injunction preventing the defendant from acting upon it, Mr Agrawal said.
Fears grow that fuel crisis will drive numbers in arrears on energy bills even higher

There are more than 300,000 households across Ireland in arrears on their electricity and gas bills

Thousands more expected to end up in arrears on energy bills

Charlie Weston Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Thousands more people could end up in arrears on their electricity and gas bills.
Today, no, we wont be offering mortgages  Monzo chief shares expansion plans as UK neobank enters Irish market

As digital bank Monzo launches in Ireland, EU chief executive Michael Carney outlines its plans to take on rival Revolut

Michael Carney, chief executive of Monzo EU

Gabrielle Monaghan Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 13:50

Monzo has entered the Irish market with more than 100,000 domestic customers who, since December, have joined a waitlist to sign up. The British digital-only bank is striving to take market share from industry behemoth Revolut by promising better customer service and anti-fraud tools.
Siro broadband calls for Ireland to switch off copper telephone network

The countrys second largest wholesale broadband operator says that keeping our old copper network makes Ireland a European laggard and holds business back

Paul Doyle, managing director of Visual Print and John Keaney, CEO of Siro

Adrian Weckler Mon 13 Apr 2026 at 16:30

The countrys second largest wholesale fibre broadband firm has called for Irelands legacy copper network to be switched off by 2030, ahead of plans by Irish authorities.
On April 13, 1742, German-born composer George Frideric Handel conducted the first ever public performance of Messiah in Dublin.

Choir wows Dublin crowd with rendition of Handels Messiah on the spot it was first performed 284 years ago

Crowds in Dublin city centre were treated to a rendition of Handels Messiah on the 284th anniversary of its first ever performance this week, which took place in the capital.

Packing the pavements and roadway along Fishamble Street in the shadow of Dublin City Council (DCC) headquarters were attendees of all ages, eager to witness the free outdoor performance of one of the greatest pieces of music ever written.

On April 13, 1742, German-born composer George Frideric Handel conducted the first ever public performance of the oratorio in Dublin, the city that councillor Emma Blain, representing the lord mayor, said he trusted with it first.

To walk this street on an ordinary day, you might not give it a second glance. But there is nothing ordinary about this ground, she told the hundreds gathered before the makeshift stage.

284 years ago today on this very spot, one of the greatest pieces of music ever written was heard by human ears for the very first time.

Handel was invited to perform in Dublin by the Duke of Devonshire  then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland  to debut his masterpiece before 700 people. By the early 1740s, Handel's fortunes in London were in steep decline, and Dublin gave him the stage London could not.

Stating that London had begun to take for granted the composer labelled by Beethoven as the greatest composer that ever lived, Ms Blain praised his talent and the significance of his decision to reveal its evolution this side of the Irish Sea.

He had written it in 24 days. 24 days. The kind of creative torrent that makes the rest of us feel we have no excuses whatsoever, and Dublin was the city he trusted with it first.

Once the pleasantries were done, a cacophony of three-century-old chorus from the 120-strong choir of men and women Our Lady's Choral Society, backed by The Dublin Handelian Orchestra, dumbfounded the mass of spectators as it exploded from the erected speakers.

Joining the choir and orchestra was acclaimed mezzo-soprano Sharon Carty who began with the song But who may abide the day of His coming as the dark clouds above made way for warm sunshine to cover proceedings.

Claiming Messiah changed Western music forever, a statement by DCC described the original event in 1742 as one of the most remarkable evenings in musical history.
How CAP is failing farmers, fuelling costs and wasting taxpayers money

Here are four areas farmers must focus on as we lobby to reform the EU subsidy system

'Subsidies are not making the EU more food secure. Just look at our increasing dependence on imported soya for our livestock, and fruit and veg imports on our shop shelves' Photos: Damien Eagers

Darragh McCullough Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 06:30

A beef and sheep farmer explained to me last week how he ended up being an accidental organic producer.
Song, story, legend and land in Rosemount

600,000 sought for 43ac residential farm near legendary studio and historic site

The house on the 43ac farm at Ballintober, Rosemount

Jim O'Brien Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 06:30

When I think of Rosemount near Moate in Westmeath I think of the local stars that populated the firmament of country and Irish music in the 1970s and 80s, people like Ray Lynam and the Hillbillies, TR Dallas and of course Foster and Allen.
Heydon: 100m farm scheme was already planned  protests only pushed it on

Minister has no plans to engage with protest organisers

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon

Margaret Donnelly Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon has insisted the 100m scheme for farmers and contractors, which was announced over the weekend, was not a reaction to blockades.
Several marts say they have not yet received the necessary system updates or clarity on how the rules will operate

The new bovine rules introduced on Monday primarily affect the movement of cows and males over 36 months of age, dairy cows entering breeding herds, and contract-rearing arrangements. Photo: Alf Harvey.

Some managers fear the new rules could push some cull cows away from the ring to the factory instead. Photo: Damien Eagers

Mart managers have expressed frustration over the Department of Agricultures new bovine TB rules.

They warn that the lack of communication, limited time to prepare, and categorisation system risk creating confusion for farmers and may reduce competition, with the sale of some cattle restricted to feedlot buyers.

Several marts say they have not yet received the necessary system updates or clarity on how the rules will operate, while some managers fear the new rules could push some cull cows away from the ring to the factory instead.

Since Monday, farmers can log into AgFood to view their herd status and see the category they fall into, as well as the category assigned to their individual cattle, which determines what animals they can buy and who can buy their cattle.

There are a lot of anomalies for the ordinary farmer coming into the ring to buy stock, but the CFU thing is clear, Tullow mart manager Eric Driver said.

He said he is very disappointed with the lack of engagement between the Department of Agriculture and the mart industry.

As service providers, we have to enforce legislation that we dont fully grasp ourselves. At the minute, we have had no update to our system, no time to get our heads around it ourselves or to train staff. I understand our board for Fridays sale will decide what animals are being categorised as one, two or three.

Carnew Mart yard manager Eugene Clune echoed those concerns, noting that the devil is going to be in the detail and how its going to be policed and worked forward.

He warned that the new rules may create a perception among farmers that they cannot bring cows to the mart, pushing them instead toward factories.

The new bovine rules introduced on Monday primarily affect the movement of cows and males over 36 months of age, dairy cows entering breeding herds, and contract-rearing arrangements. Photo: Alf Harvey.

This will put the power back into the factorys hands, remove competition from the marketplace and, therefore, lower the price.

The new bovine rules introduced on Monday primarily affect the movement of cows and males over 36 months of age, dairy cows entering breeding herds, and contract-rearing arrangements.

Group one animals can be bought by any buyer, group two animals are limited to non-milk supplying herds, non-breeding herds and CFUs, and group three animals may only be purchased by CFUs.

Key changes include a 30day premovement test requirement for dairy cows sold into a breeding herd and for animals returning from contract rearing, while a 30-day pre-movement test will not be required for dairy cows going for further feeding or fattening to a non-breeding herd or a CFU.

Meanwhile, the postmovement test for suckler cows and males over 36 months has been removed.

Suckler cows and males over 36 months will continue to be able to be moved following a clear herd test, when they have been tested themselves within the last six months in the herd they are moving from.

Otherwise, a 30-day pre-movement test is needed.

If neither of these requirements are met, but the cow and herd have been tested in the last 12 months, they can only be bought by a CFU.
An underlying ableism exists in our society  Adam Harris helps launch Project All Rise in bid to normalise neurodivergence in education

The project promises to promote an understanding of neurodivergence by immersing teachers in the felt experience of students

Adam Harris, CEO of Ireland's autism charity AsIAm. Photo: Getty

Keith Kelly Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 21:25

Adam Harris was among a panel of speakers attending the launch of Project All Rise in Dublin today where a panel discussed the persistence of "underlying ableism in the education system.
BowelScreen, the national screening programme for detecting bowel cancer, will be extended to people aged 50 to 54 on a phased basis amid a rise of the disease among younger age groups, it emerged today.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said she accepted the findings of an assessment carried out by Hiqa around lowering the age, which said it would reduce deaths from bowel cancer.
Culture Minister Patrick ODonovan called oil depot chief over cafe backing demonstratorsHSE held emergency meeting as road closures prevented patients attending critical appointments

The national broadcaster came live from inside a two-storey Portakabin parked by fuel protesters outside the critical infrastructure facility being blockaded.

RTE told the nation cups of tea were also on offer from the demonstrators headquarters outside the port in Foynes, which contains an oil depot where tankers were blocked from getting supplies.
Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill announced Derek Tierney will take over as new Secretary General in the Department of Health

A senior civil servant will take over as the new Secretary General of the Department of Health following the departure of outspoken Robert Watt whose term has ended, it has been announced.
Ministerial blame game over send in the Army threat

Fianna Fail sources were last night questioning why Fine Gael leader did not inform his deputy leaderDail will today vote on a no-confidence motion in the Government over its handling of the fuel crisisFurther multimiilion-euro cuts in excise on motor fuel to come into effect at midnight after TDs voteSkyrocketing crude oil prices have led to one of the largest increases since the 1970s in the cost of petrol and diesel

The Indo Daily: How Gardai cleared fuel protesters from O'Connell Street overnight

Mary Regan Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 06:30

A coalition blame game is under way over the controversial threat to call in the Army to help police blockades that had cut off access to ports last week.
Walking will slash your cancer and dementia risk  but only at the right pace. Heres what you need to know
Lucinda OSullivans restaurant review: If youre looking for a lovely lunch in the capital, these two new offerings deliver the goods

Checking out two great spots, our critic paid a visit to the brand new Tabla in Mount Merrion along with Coppinger in Dublin 2

Leek quiche with salad at Tabla. Photo: Lucinda O'Sullivan

Lucinda O'Sullivan Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 06:30

When it comes to lunchtime in France, if you havent bagged yourself a table by the time the clock strikes noon, youre on a sticky wicket. Rocking up, delighted with yourself, at 1.30pm to some little bistro youve spied, will see you left out in the cold while the smug locals occupying the tables will look at you pityingly as service is wrapped up. Too many times, its happened to me.
Ellen Francis: Why Viktor Orbans election defeat will be greeted with sigh of relief in Brussels

Hungarian obstructor-in-chief has been holding up progress in EU for more than a decade

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban addresses a crowd after his election defeat. Photo: AP

Ellen Francis Washington Post Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 06:30

In Brussels, where Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban made an art form of obstructing EU policies, the sigh of relief over Orbans resounding election defeat on Sunday was nearly audible. Some who regarded Orban a long-time nemesis could barely mask their jubilation.
Linda Costello was found with serious injuries at a home in Graigucullen in Co Carlow A man in his 40s was arrested in connection with the investigation but has since been released without charge

A woman in her 50s has died just over two weeks after she was found seriously injured in a home in Co Carlow.

Gardai and emergency services were called to a domestic residence on Bridge Street in Graiguecullen, Co Carlow at 6am on Thursday, March 26, where they found mother-of-two Linda Costello who had sustained serious injuries.

Ms Costello was rushed to St. Lukes General Hospital in Kilkenny City, but was later transported to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin for treatment of serious injuries.

However, just over two weeks later, on Friday, April 10, Ms Costello died as a result of the injuries sustained in the incident.

The coroner was notified and a post-mortem examination has been conducted.

A man, who is aged in his 40s, was arrested in connection with the investigation and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

He has since been released and a file will be prepared for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Gardai say their investigations are still ongoing at this time.

The late Linda Costello. Photo: RIP.ie

News in 90 seconds - Tuesday, April 14

Ms Costello was living at 7, The Towers in Graiguecullen, Co Carlow, but had previously lived in both Castledermot in Co Kildare and Ballyboden in Dublin.

In her death notice on RIP.ie, Ms Costello is said to have died tragically.

She is survived by her two children, Ben and Amy, their father Larry, parents Ronnie and Patricia, sister Samantha, brother-in-law Keith, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, relatives and friends.

Tributes have poured in for the mother-of-two who has been described as a great friend.

<img alt="cards visualization" src="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/25611331/thumbnail" style="width:100%" />

"My condolence to everybody that knew and loved Linda especially Ben and Amy, wrote one of the mourners on RIP.ie.

"Her laugh was infectious and I have lovely memories of her. May she be free of all her pain and rest in peace.

I am shocked to hear of Linda's passing," added another mourner. Linda was a great friend and bubbly. Thinking of you all at this sad time. May Linda rest in peace.

The late Linda Costello. Photo: RIP.ie

Ms Costellos funeral arrangements will be published later this week.

In a statement to the Irish Independent, a garda spokesperson said: Gardai and emergency services attended a domestic residence on Bridge Street, Graiguecullen, Co Carlow on Thursday, March 26, shortly after 6am, they said.

"A female (aged in her 50s) was conveyed to St. Lukes General Hospital Carlow Kilkenny and subsequently to Beaumont Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

"On Friday, April 10, the female was pronounced deceased. The coroner was notified and a post-mortem examination has been conducted.

"A male (aged in his 40s) was arrested in connection with this investigation and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

"He has since been released and a file will be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Investigations are ongoing.
The elected members of Cork County Council have narrowly voted against a motion expressing no confidence in the governments handling of last weeks protests against rising fuel prices, with many councillors condemning the government as arrogant and out of touch.

The motion was proposed by Independent Councillor Alan Coleman and seconded by Independent Councillor Finbar Harrington at this weeks meeting of the local authority.

Cllr Coleman said that the protests and blockades were not only left get out of hand, but were inflamed by the arrogance and the intransigent reaction from the government leadership. The government, I think, misjudged the public mood, which despite huge inconvenience, remained supportive in general of the protests.

The West Cork councillor said he spoke with protestors at the Whitegate oil refinery and in Ringaskiddy and at no stage was there any intermediary or back channels created with any of these people that were organizing these protests. I mean if Whitegate was so important nationally why was there no attempt made to talk to anyone there?

I think our political parties need to wake up and start listening. A little less arrogance and a little more listening would go a long way and this is why I certainly had no confidence in the way the government dealt with the issue last week, he said.

Cllr Harrington said that the protests reflected something that goes far deeper than the price at the pump. These protests are not just about petrol and diesel. They're about the pressure and the frustration and the growing sense that ordinary people are being stretched to their limits.

What we're seeing in these protests is not anger for the sake of it. It's people asking to be heard. It's people saying enough is enough. There's people at these protests that have never, ever gone to a protest in their entire life.

He urged the government to recognise the reality that people are facing or otherwise as the gap between decision-makers and everyday life continues to grow, so too will the frustration that we are seeing on our streets.

Other councillors also harshly criticised the government. Independent Councillor William O'Leary said the language used by the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste about the protestors was outrageous.

Instead of calming tensions, they label people and instead of bringing people together they divided them. And you cannot ignore genuine anger and expect it to fade. Public trust is gone. People have had enough. The government didn't listen, they didn't engage, and they've lost control, he said.

Cllr Danny Collins described the governments handling of the crisis as nothing but shameful. This blockade started last Tuesday. What they should have done to hit the nail on the head was meet with some couple of the protesters. But they didn't. They were totally arrogant.

The Independent Ireland councillor called for the elected members to vote on a motion declaring no confidence in the government.

Aontu Councillor Peter ODonoghue called for a motion condemning what he called the heavy-handed government response to the protests. He said he met with protestors in Whitegate, ordinary, decent working people, and they were wondering, when is someone going to come and talk to us?

"But the government's first engagement with these people was to pepper spray them in the face. That was the first engagement our government had with the ordinary, hardworking people of this country who are expressing their concerns.

However, it was decided to vote on Cllr Colemans motion rather than those proposed by Councillors Collins and ODonoghue. Cllr Colemans motion expressing no confidence in how the government handled the protests was defeated, with 16 councillors voting for it, 20 against and 3 abstaining.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
English language teacher is considering moving out of the country to be able to afford housing and pursue the career he likes

A Dublin-based teacher said his rent has gone up by 660 after he was abruptly taken off the rent supplement allowance.

As an English language teacher, I only get paid for 27 hours a week, said Tom Maher (35) who lives in north county Dublin.

After I was asked to send in my updated salary, I got an email in February this year saying I have not been renewed for the payment because my salary exceeds the rent being paid.

This is hard to believe and came without any warning. My income is basically the same  its only gone up by 55 cents per hour.

The rent supplement allowance is a payment from the Department of Social Protection (DSP) for people living in rented homes who cannot cover their rent using their own income.

The weekly minimum contribution starts from 30 for a single adult household and 40 for coupled households

Mr Maher has been receiving a payment of 165 a week for close to 16 months since 2024. After the payment stopped, he now pays an additional 660 to cover his total rent of 1450.

I moved in here with my ex-girlfriend back in May 2023  rent has remained the same since then  and we could manage it between the both of us, he said.

Then we broke up, and I had to take out a mini loan to pay rent while I figured out what to do, the alternative would have been to move back into my family home.

I was advised to apply for the rent supplement scheme and thankfully, it got approved.

Mr Maher has now appealed the decision and expects to hear back within the next 20 weeks  in the meantime, he has been trying to avail of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) from Dublin City Council.

There was no warning, it was very abrupt  how much I have to pay has nearly doubled and the absolute bare minimum could have been a two months warning where I could have figured out what to do next, he said.

I already live very frugally, I dont go out on nights out or have a social life. I feel like Im a bright guy, Ive got a masters degree  I could have interviewed for sales or tech jobs like my friends have but I followed my own path.

A spokesperson from the DSP said to the Irish Independent that longer term housing support is the responsibility of local authorities.

Photo: Getty

News in 90 seconds - Tuesday, April 14

Responsibility for those with a long-term housing need rests with local authorities  where longer term support is required the person transitions on to the HAP, they said.

As a matter of natural justice, recipients of rent supplement will be notified of any changes to entitlement and be given an opportunity to respond in the case of a decision to disallow or reduce a payment.

Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for rent supplement are advised to apply to their local authority for a Housing Needs Assessment. Eligibility for social housing, including the HAP, will be assessed by their local authority.

Fine Gael councillor Eoghan Dockrell said people like Tom who might have small changes in their income should be given an off ramp to access other schemes.

This has happened because his income went up very marginally, said Mr Dockrell.

However, I think the issue here is that people availing of rent supplement should be giving an 'off ramp' allowing them time to access alternative schemes to help them pay their rent; not have their supplement cut without warning,

While he awaits a decision, Mr Maher has contemplated moving countries or changing careers to be able to afford rent in Dublin.

Its beyond disheartening.Its like this city you grew up in your whole life is trying to spit you out or forcing you to become a software developer just to keep my head above water, he said.

Not everyone should have to work for Google to get by. I contribute to this society  a lot of my students are recent arrivals, refugees and people who benefit from learning English. I do what I do with a lot of sincerity.

I dont think Id be able to buy a place in the immediate future, and if Im forced out of here, my best option will be a dingy box room somewhere that Im not even likely to get. Ive been thinking if I should just immigrate  I might be better off somewhere else.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

*This article was amended on April 16, 2026, 12.25pm to state that the weekly minimum contribution starts from 30 for a single adult household and 40 for coupled households.
A week after major nationwide protests began in response to the soaring price of fuel, the Irish Independent spoke to the Galway public to get their view on the demonstrations.

The people of Galway offered mixed views on the protests, with some describing them as a necessary response to increased financial pressure, while others believed they exacerbated an already difficult situation.

A poll for the Sunday Independent by Ireland Thinks showed that 56pc of the public were in support of the protest action, with 38pc opposed.

Tracy from Galway told the Irish Independent she spent two days at the docks as part of the protest and said that the demonstration was a necessary response to the increased financial pressure people are facing.

It was really inspiring to see the unity of the people. We're just tired of the control, lies, and manipulation. We just want to be happy and live freely and peacefully. I think how they have turned it as well is just disgraceful, unfortunately.

We're just tired of the control, lies, and manipulation

Many locals across Galway chose to attend the protest as an act of solidarity towards hauliers and farmers, with others contributing by providing food and other resources to those in attendance.

What really warmed my heart was the amount of food that was just coming constantly, Tracy said. People were standing, laughing, sharing stories, and just being human beings and connecting. We see now that it's about division for [the Government] because when we come together, there's such power.

Everyone was exhausted. I was complaining after two days, and there are men down there for five nights sleeping in their trucks and tractors - it was just amazing. It really was so powerful.

Despite receiving significant support from vast sections of the country, many maintain that the protests were unnecessary and added further hostility to a volatile issue.

Galways fuel terminal was shut down last Tuesday, April 7, after tractors and trucks parked across the entrance, preventing delivery trucks from refuelling.

Tensions rose over the weekend as protestors constructed a barrier made of railings and wooden pallets. Gardai had the barrier removed as most protestors peacefully dispersed.

Oil tanker Thun Gemini, which had been unable to unload its six million litres of fuel since Friday morning, docked at Galway Port on Sunday afternoon, allowing fuel to move off the port for the first time in almost a week.

The protesters threw fuel on the fire

Fearghal from Galway told the Irish Independent that the protestors took the country hostage and should have given the Government time to respond to the fuel crisis.

The protesters threw fuel on the fire, to use a probably inappropriate term, he said. They made it significantly worse by taking the whole country hostage without any real thought being put behind it. I felt it was shocking [and that] what they did was disgraceful.

I'm glad it's over. The Government was working on it; they were doing their jobs. If they were just given the necessary time, that protest wouldn't have needed to happen at all.

On Sunday, the Government announced new support measures totalling 505m and including a further 10c reduction in excise on diesel and petrol, and another 2.4c reduction in excise on green diesel.

I think they have laid out a very interesting package of support, 500m worth, Fearghal added. It's a lot of money being pumped into the economy and supporting those who need it most. And that includes a lot of the hauliers, farmers, and those producing food across the country. It's a well-targeted package, I believe.

Many industries felt the impact of the protests last week, including tourism. Bill travelled to Ireland from Wyoming in the USA and said the protests caught him by surprise.

We got in [to Dublin] on Friday night, so we didn't venture into town until Saturday. And, of course, we went to the Guinness Storehouse first. We then boarded the bus [to Galway] only to learn that the service had been disrupted because of the protest.

That was actually the first I'd heard of it, so I did a little Google search to try to get up to speed on it.

Other than a slight police presence and maybe just a little bit of a tense atmosphere, we didn't notice anything else. We went on about our day.

I believe people have the right to protest

Many garage forecourt pumps across the country ran dry last week, with others imposing temporary limits on the amounts that customers could purchase for the duration of the action.

It reminds me of the oil embargo in the seventies, Bill added. It started out very mild but escalated quickly to the point that people were having fistfights at the gas station, long gas lines, and there was a lot of controversy. I hope that doesn't happen here.

I was a child of the sixties. I believe people have the right to protest, but I don't think they should get out of order; I really don't. That's not protesting - that's just a riot.
A 115,000 grant will protect a one of a kind courthouse in an artists community

Set in the heart of Dingles artsy town, and not far from the Phoenix Cinema, half of the building holds an artist's atelier. Anna Zacharias / The Kerryman

A historic courthouse at the heart of the Kerry Gaeltacht will receive 115,000 in restoration funding.

The Dingle courthouse, completed in 1845, will receive financing for roof repairs under the Historic Structures Fund.

Dingles courtroom is often considered Kerrys most beautiful, with a double-height gallery of built-in furniture, butter-yellow walls, a mint-green ceiling and two old-fashioned fireplaces.

While many Irish courthouses share identical designs, the Dingle courthouse is considered entirely unique.

Designed by the English architect Henry Stokes in 1836, it was one of many small Irish courthouses built at a time where local governments competed amongst each other by commissioning impressive courthouses from popular architects.

It is an outlier in that its a one-off, said Colm ORiordan, the director of the Irish Architectural Archive and an editor of the anthology Irelands Court Houses. There arent copies of it anywhere, so that is interesting.

Its stone, noted ORiordan, is almost certainly quarried locally and an example of Irish craftsmanship. Its expensive to move stone today and when youre doing it by horse he said.

Set in the heart of Dingles artsy town, and not far from the Phoenix Cinema, half of the building holds the Courthouse Studios (Stiuideo Tigh na Cuirte), an atelier for local and visiting artists.

The building dates from an era where courthouses were plentiful. There are now just six in Kerry. Annascaul Court, held in its community hall, amalgamated with Dingle in 2005.

Today, District Court meets in Dingle on the last Friday of each month, often sitting for little more than an hour to hear criminal and civil cases.

The Historic Structures Fund uses a match-funding basis where the owners and custodians of historic buildings contribute to regeneration costs.

This funding will help maintain and preserve Dingle Courthouse, which is a vital part of our countys local heritage, said Norma Foley, the Kerry TD for Fianna Fail, in a written statement.

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality announced the funding on Thursday.

The funding being announced today will not only support the conservation of Dingle Courthouse but will also support the owners and custodians of this site, safeguarding the building for future generations, she said.

The announcement follows a broader national initiative to restore and rebuild courthouses.

But funding details for Tralee Courthouse have yet to be announced.

In 2025, the Courts Service told The Kerryman it had allocated funds for construction but did not specify how much or give a construction timeline.

In 2022, the service purchased half an acre on the Island of Geese from the Kerry County Council for 160,000 for a courthouse complex.

Meanwhile, there are no plans for the historic Tralee Courthouse. The building transformed courthouse architecture across Ireland when it was designed in 1828 but its decline has stirred public debate since the 1950s.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
May bank holiday in Kilkenny: Top five things to do from kayaking to exploring the medieval streets of the city
Scaffolding at Roche Castle, Dundalk, where restoration works appear to have stalled.

Frustration is mounting over stalled restoration works at Roche Castle in Dundalk, as a Louth councillor has criticised the ongoing presence of scaffolding at the historic site with no apparent progress.

Fine Gael councillor John Reilly has confirmed that he has written to the Office of Public Works (OPW) seeking clarity on when restoration work is due to recommence at Roche Castle in Hackballscross, Dundalk.

Cllr Reilly raised the issue at a recent meeting of Louth County Council, asking for an update on the status of the works and whether any progress is expected in the near future.

Restoration work commenced at the end of 2022, with the castle closed off and scaffolding erected, he said. However, the OPW has not been on site for over 12 months. This is clearly evident, as the scaffolding remains in place with no sign of further work being carried out.

The councillor said he continues to receive regular enquiries from members of the public about the site, with local residents expressing concern that the scaffolding is detracting from the appearance of the castle.

There is frustration locally that the scaffolding is taking away from the natural beauty and historical character of the castle itself, he said.

Roche Castle, which dates back to the late 12th century, was built by Rohesia de Verdun and served as a frontier stronghold of the medieval Irish Pale. Cllr Reilly said the sites rich heritage makes the lack of visible progress all the more disappointing.

This castle has very significant historical importance, and it is frustrating to see a lack of urgency from the OPW in completing the restoration works, he said.

Cllr Reilly has called on the OPW to provide a clear timeline for the completion of the project and to ensure the site is properly maintained while restoration works remain paused.

The recent council meeting heard the local authority intend to follow up with the OPW on the project.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Takeaway worker jailed for six years for sexual assault of teen in Sligo alleyway

The defendant was found guilty after a trial at Sligo Circuit Court

Ziaullhaq Safi (37)

Tom Tuite and Emma Gallagher Sligo Champion Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 06:00

An Afghan former teacher who overpowered a vulnerable teenage girl and sexually assaulted her after he beckoned her down a dark alley beside a takeaway where he worked in Sligo has been jailed for six years.
There are times when we exist hand-to-mouth. We're trying to keep a 130-year-old building going  Irish theatre directors on why the show must go on
Construction of the much-anticipated Norman Visitor Centre in New Ross is expected to commence within the next two months after Wexford County Council (WCC) confirmed it has identified a successful tender for the project.

Scheduled to be complete by the summer of 2027, the Visitor Centre will be built on the site of the old Bank of Ireland and grain store buildings and include a multi-purpose courtyard and a number of interactive features in the centre itself.

While the final design of the interior of the centre has not yet been revealed, it is expected to b e a world-class experience which will eventually attract up to 100,000 visitors to New Ross annually. Expected to honour New Rosss unique Norman heritage and act as a gateway to the rest of Co Wexfords historical attractions, the onus is now on WCC to ensure the building is open next year to coincide with the European Year of the Normans celebrations which will mark the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror's birth with a series of events across Europe.

Speaking at the April meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD), Sean Meyler of WCCs special projects team said the project remained on schedule.

The tenders for the works have been received and we have identified the successful one, he said. We just need confirmation of funding before we can award the contract but we will be doing that in the coming weeks. It will take another month after that before we can start work there but, subject to funding, you can expect it to commence in two months time.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
The Indo Daily: Gerry Hutch says karma has come for Daniel Kinahan as by-election run kicks off
Built in 1840, Wexford Presbyterian Church served the community in the town and surrounding area until it was closed in 2023

Rev David Curran, who is leading the Wexford Presbyterian Development project in the main room of the old Presbyterian Church on Wexfords Anne Street.

A special service will take place on Wednesday evening to mark a significant moment in the life of Wexford towns historic former Presbyterian church, when its doors are reopened.

Built in 1840, for over 180 years Wexford Presbyterian Church served the Presbyterian community in the town, and surrounding area, as the only Presbyterian church in the county, until it was closed in 2023. But as Rev David Curran explained, that was not to be the end.

When the church closed, it was never the plan to abandon Wexford or close the church permanently. Closing the old church meant that a brand-new work could be developed with a fresh vision and a new way of doing things on the same site. While the new work bears the same name as the old, it is in reality a fresh start for the old church building. It is as if we are planting a new church, which has a totally different personality and vision to the old and that is what we will be celebrating and giving thanks to God for on Wednesday evening.

The new work is being overseen by one of the Presbyterian Church in Irelands (PCI) central councils, the Council for Mission in Ireland, which appointed Mr Curran to lead the regeneration project in September 2024.

PCI has a long history of church planting and wants to respond to the rapid expansion of the major cities and towns in Ireland through new church development, especially where there isnt a Presbyterian presence.

Over the years many denominations have seen the closure and subsequent sale of their church buildings, some of which have become private homes, community hubs, or restaurants, for example. That was not our plan for Wexford, Mr Curran said, who is a Wexford man himself.

Rev David Curran, who is leading the Wexford Presbyterian Development project in the main room of the old Presbyterian Church on Wexfords Anne Street.

Very simply our vision is to be a Christ-centred, Bible-based, worshipping community in the heart of Wexford town, that is not only a place of worship, but a place that serves the people of the town in practical ways as an active part of Wexfords faith community. The building has needed quite a bit of work done to it, and has been refurbished to a very high standard, which includes a new look main room, kitchen and toilets. All this has been carried out to make it a more people friendly and welcoming environment, he added.

The minister continued, With the refurbish work completed, last October we were able to restart our Sunday services after a gap of some years, so there is much to be thankful for. The time is now right for us to gather together this Wednesday evening to rededicate the building to the service of God and the people of Wexford, and all are welcome.

The project is managed by the Council for Mission in Irelands Wexford Presbyterian Development Panel, which has invited various people and organisations to the service who have a connection with the old Presbyterian Church and the redevelopment itself. Representatives from the Presbyterian family in the Southeast, other local churches, and the wider local community, have also been invited. An offering for the local charity, Down Syndrome Wexford, will be taken on the night.

The service of thanksgiving on Wednesday April 15 will take place at 7.30pm
Wicklow Male Voice Choir just recently held their AGM and are looking for the addition of some new members.

The choir has been a feature of Wicklow life since 1998 when a meeting was held in the Grand Hotel.

Following the election of its new officers at the AGM, the new chairman Sean Hollingsworth announced some upcoming events and the need for new members to join the choir.

More than 45 members of Wicklow Male Voice Choir sang at the 10am service at Arklow Christian Community Church on Easter sunday morning. Then on Saturday, May 23 the choir will host the Bangor Ladies Choir at a fundraising concert in Aid of the local RNLI taking place at Fatima Hall, Dominican College Wicklow.

Sean stressed the need to attract new members to the choir. He informed the AGM that the committee would embark on a recruiting drive over the next few months. The choir has a membership of 50/60 members from the surrounding areas of Wicklow, Arklow, Roundwood and Greystones.

Wicklow Male Voice Choir PRO Timmy Doyle, who has been a member for the past 28 years, said: This is a very exciting time for the choir and we look forward to welcoming new members at all times.

"We rehearse in the Parochial Centre each Tuesday night from 8pm to 10pm. There is a huge social element to the choir and last year we travelled over to Eichenzell in Germany, which Wicklow town is twinned with, and also made a trip to Kenmare, Co Kerry.

"We always make a one trip to somewhere in Ireland each year, and then travel abroad to one of the towns Wicklow is twinned with every three to four years, including Montigny in France. We also host a Christmas concert each year, whoch always attracts a large crowd, which also acts as a fundraiser for local charities.

We would be keen to welcome some new members, and they dont have to have had any previous singing experience. All they require is an interest in singing and an interest in becoming a member of the choir. There is always a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere and we are looking forward to greeting some new members and introducing them to our ranks.

The musical director of Wicklow Male Voice Choir is the highly-talented Richard Takace who hails from Budapest but currently resides in Gorey, Co Wexford.
Initiative signals a shift towards closer relations following Brexit

British prime minister Keir Starmer said that proposed moves to align Britain with the European Union rules would require legislation approved by parliament, rejecting criticism that it would be a spectator as he resets ties with the bloc.

Starmer, who has sought to improve ties with the EU nearly a decade after Britain voted to leave the bloc, has repeatedly said he was not seeking to rejoin the single market, which involves the free movement of goods, services and people.
Your job here is not to fight one another, it is to fight this climate crisis, UN climate chief tells Cop30 in Brazil
Peter Magyar vows better relations with EU and moves to fight internal corruption

Peter Magyar said he would not be calling Donald Trump, the US president, and Putin, the Russian leader, after his election victory over Viktor Orban, but would speak to his predecessors allies if they wanted.
latest | Fifth woman accusing US politician Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct claims he spiked her drink before raping her

Swalwell vowed to fight 'the serious, false allegation' against himHe recently resigned from Congress and suspended his run for California governor

Lonna Drewes, a woman with sexual misconduct allegations against US Rep Eric Swalwell, at a press conference with her attorneys Lisa Bloom and Arick Fudali in Beverly Hills, California. REUTERS/Jill Connelly

Helen Coster Reuters Tue 14 Apr 2026 at 22:41

A fifth woman accused US Representative Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct on Tuesday, after the embattled Democratic congressman announced his resignation from the House of Representatives and said he was suspending his campaign for governor of California.
A firefighter walks through destroyed cars as a building burns after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Getty

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah will not abide by any agreements that may result from the direct Lebanon-Israel talks in the United States, negotiations it firmly opposes, a senior Hezbollah official said yesterday.
BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Monday that China is ready to further play a constructive role and contribute to the restoration of peace and tranquility in the Gulf region. Li made the remarks when holding talks with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Beijing. Li noted that since the conflict in Iran broke out, China has been in close communication with relevant parties and actively committed to promoting peace and ending the war. Li hoped that the UAE will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in the country. Noting that China and the UAE are comprehensive strategic partners, Li said that the two countries have a profound traditional friendship and have long supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have continued to deepen and develop, and cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries, Li added. He said that China is willing to continue to walk hand in hand with the UAE on the path of common development, enhance communication and coordination, consolidate political mutual trust, and promote China-UAE relations and cooperation to continuously reach new heights. Li pointed out that China stands ready to work with the UAE to consolidate the foundation of energy cooperation, expand cooperation in areas like energy storage, hydrogen energy, new energy vehicles and power batteries, and promote the green transformation of the two countries. Both sides should create more growth points for trade, Li said, adding that China is willing to import more high-quality products from the UAE and welcomes the UAE to actively participate in the "Big Market for All: Export to China" activities, and make good use of platforms like the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services to enhance product promotion. Noting that China and the UAE have broad prospects for cooperation in the field of innovation and development, Li said that China welcomes the UAE to increase investment in China in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and life sciences. He said that China supports the universities, research institutions and enterprises of the two countries in strengthening joint research and talent cultivation, and in jointly fostering and expanding emerging and future industries. The two sides can also enhance cooperation in areas including connectivity and finance, and continuously promote trade and investment facilitation, the premier added. For his part, Sheikh Khaled said that China is an important comprehensive strategic partner and trusted friend of the UAE, and bilateral relations are based on mutual trust, mutual respect and common interests. He said the UAE attaches great importance to and prioritizes the development of relations with China in its foreign policy, and is willing to further intensify high-level exchanges with China, expand exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, energy, scientific and technological innovation, education, culture and other fields, to better serve the development of the two countries and the interests of the two peoples. Noting the current severe situation in the Middle East, the crown prince said China has always been committed to peacefully resolving disputes through political means and promoting harmonious coexistence among regional countries, which is highly appreciated by the UAE and other regional countries. The UAE looks forward to China continuing to play an important role in promoting regional peace and security, and is ready to take all necessary measures to safeguard the safety of Chinese citizens in the UAE, he added. After their talks, Li and Sheikh Khaled witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in such areas as agriculture, science and technology, investment and traditional Chinese medicine.
Mourners react during the funeral of Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli strike, according to medics, at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, April 13, 2026. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa

An Israeli airstrike killed at least three Palestinians in the Gaza Strip yesterday, health officials said, as mediators met leaders from Hamas in an effort to shore up a US-brokered ceasefire deal.

Medics said the strike had hit a group of men outside a school in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. There was no immediate comment by the Israeli military.
Donald Trump reviews proposal to end war as Vladimir Putin hosts Iran minister



US president Donald Trump discussed a new Iranian proposal on resolving the war with Tehran with his top national security aides on Monday, with the conflict currently in a standoff and energy supplies from the region reduced.



Iranian sources disclosed Tehrans latest proposal earlier on Monday, which would set aside discussion of Irans nuclear programme until the war is ended and disputes over shipping from the Gulf are resolved. That is unlikely to satisfy Washington, which says nuclear issues must be dealt with from the outset.



Work has not halted to bridge gaps between the US and Iran, sources from mediator Pakistan said, despite the absence of face-to-face diplomacy after Mr Trump called off a trip by his envoys over the weekend.



Hopes of reviving peace efforts have receded since Mr Trump scrapped a visit on Saturday by his envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to Islamabad, the Pakistani capital, where Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi shuttled in and out twice over the weekend.



Mr Araghchi also visited Oman over the weekend and went to Russia day, where he met president Vladimir Putin and received words of support from a long-standing ally.



With the warring sides still seemingly far apart on issues including Irans nuclear ambitions and access through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, oil prices resumed their upward march yesterday, hitting a two-week high.



Mr Trump met his national security team on Monday morning.



I dont want to get ahead of the president or his national security team, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said.



What I will reiterate is that the presidents red lines with respect to Iran have been made very, very clear, not just to the American public, but also to them as well.



Mr Araghchi told reporters in Russia that Mr Trump had requested negotiations because the US has not achieved any of its objectives.



Senior Iranian sources told Reuters the proposal carried by Mr Araghchi to Islamabad over the weekend envisioned talks in stages, with the nuclear issue to be set aside at the start.



A first step would require ending the US-Israeli war on Iran and providing guarantees that Washington cannot start it up again. Then negotiators would resolve the US blockade and the fate of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran aims to reopen under its control.



Only then would talks look at other issues, including the long-standing dispute over Irans nuclear programme, with Iran still seeking some kind of US acknowledgment of its right to enrich uranium for what it says are peaceful purposes.



In a sign that no face-to-face meetings are planned any time soon, streets reopened in Pakistans capital Islamabad, which had been locked down for a week in anticipation of talks that never took place. Pakistani officials said negotiations were still taking place remotely, but there were no plans to convene a meeting in person until the sides were close enough to sign a memorandum.



Although a ceasefire has paused the US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28, no agreement has been reached on terms to end a war that has killed thousands, driven up oil prices, fuelled inflation and darkened the outlook for global growth.



Iran has largely blocked all shipping apart from its own from the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began.



This month, the US began blockading Iranian ships. Six tankers loaded with Iranian oil have been forced back to Iran by the US blockade in recent days, ship-tracking data shows, underscoring the impact the war is having on traffic.



Between 125 and 140 ships usually crossed in and out of the strait daily before the war, but only seven have done so in the past day, according to Kpler ship-tracking data and satellite analysis from SynMax and none of them were carrying oil bound for the global market.



Fighting has intensified in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes killed 14 people and wounded 37 in the south on Sunday, according to the health ministry, making it the deadliest day since a US-brokered ceasefire was agreed in mid-April.



Iran says it will not hold talks on the wider conflict unless a ceasefire also holds in Lebanon, which Israel invaded in March in pursuit of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, which fired across the border in support of Tehran.



German chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Monday, Irans leadership was humiliating the US and getting US officials to travel to Pakistan and then leave without results, in an unusually abrupt rebuke over the conflict.



The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skilful at not negotiating



Mr Merz also said he not see what exit strategy the US was pursuing in the Iran war  comments that underlined deep divisions between Washington and its Nato allies, which had already been festering over Ukraine and other issues.



The Iranians are obviously very skilled at negotiating, or rather, very skilful at not negotiating, letting the Americans travel to Islamabad and then leave again without any result, he said during a talk to students in the town of Marsberg.



An entire nation is being humiliated by the Iranian leadership, especially by these so-called Revolutionary Guards. And so I hope that this ends as quickly as possible, Mr Merz said.



Steve Holland, Ariba Shahid and Parisa Hafezi

Reuters




Tehran says move will escalate crisis

US president Donald Trump receives a McDonald's delivery via DoorDash from Sharon Simmons outside the Oval Office at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 13, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

The US military began a blockade of ships leaving Irans ports yesterday, president Donald Trump said, and Tehran threatened to retaliate against ports of its Gulf neighbours after weekend talks on ending the war broke down.

Oil prices climbed back over $100 (85) per barrel, with no sign of a swift reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to ease the biggest ever disruption in supplies and broader concerns over the durability of a two-week ceasefire agreement reached last week.
The suggestive birthday card, allegedly from Donald Trump to the late convicted sex-offender Jeffrey Epstein on his birthday in 2003. Image: Wall Street Journal

A federal judge yesterday dismissed Donald Trumps defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal, a setback for the US president in his legal campaign against media companies he accuses of treating him unfairly.

The case was one of several that Mr Trump, a Republican, has filed during his presidency against major media outlets over reporting he has characterised as unfair or false.
Hundreds of thousands of Greeks returning from the Orthodox Easter holiday brought major highways to a standstill, with authorities deploying additional traffic units as congestion stretched for kilometers across the country's main arterial roads.

The Athens-Corinth national highway bore the worst of the gridlock, with a severe bottleneck running from the Isthmus

of Corinth through Megara and peaking near the coastal town of Kinetta, where motorists were trapped for hours

The Athens-Lamia route was similarly affected, with heavy traffic between Avlona and Kryoneri slowing the northbound return to a crawl.

Toll data captured the scale of the reverse exodus, showing 61,414 vehicles having re-entered the greater Athens area  32,948 via the Corinth highway and 28,466 via the Lamia route.

A further 11,516 vehicles crossed toll booths before noon Monday as the final wave of returning residents converged on the capital.

The Hellenic Police remained on heightened operational alert across the national road network. Authorities warned that congestion would worsen through Monday afternoon before easing late into the night.

The return surge follows a record outbound exodus that saw more than 629,000 vehicles leave Athens over the Easter travel period, exceeding last year's total and reflecting the enduring pull of the holiday despite rising travel costs.

   iefimerida.gr

Hundreds of thousands of Greeks returning from the Orthodox Easter holiday brought major highways to a standstill, with authorities deploying additional traffic units as congestion stretched for kilometers across the country's main arterial roads.

The Athens-Corinth national highway bore the worst of the gridlock, with a severe bottleneck running from the Isthmus of Corinth through Megara and peaking near the coastal town of Kinetta, where motorists were trapped for hours.

The Athens-Lamia route was similarly affected, with heavy traffic between Avlona and Kryoneri slowing the northbound return to a crawl.

Toll data captured the scale of the reverse exodus, showing 61,414 vehicles having re-entered the greater Athens area  32,948 via the Corinth highway and 28,466 via the Lamia route.

A further 11,516 vehicles crossed toll booths before noon Monday as the final wave of returning residents converged on the capital.

The Hellenic Police remained on heightened operational alert across the national road network. Authorities warned that congestion would worsen through Monday afternoon before easing late into the night.

The return surge follows a record outbound exodus that saw more than 629,000 vehicles leave Athens over the Easter travel period, exceeding last year's total and reflecting the enduring pull of the holiday despite rising travel costs.

   iefimerida.gr
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has held a security meeting with Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting follows the airstrike at Jilli Market on the border of Borno and Yobe states.

About 200 people, including civilians, were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment in hospitals within the area.

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The meeting, which began at about 2:30pm, also came shortly after the Presidents return to Abuja following visits to Plateau, Ogun, Lagos and Bayelsa states.

President Tinubu returned to Abuja on Friday after the four-state tour, during which he commissioned projects and condoled with the people of Plateau over the attack in Rukuba area of the state.

Those at the meeting included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Defence Staff; the Chief of Army Staff; the Chief of Air Staff; the Director-General of the Department of State Services; and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

Presidency sources said the meeting, held after the Jilli Market strike, may not be unconnected with briefings by security chiefs on the incident.

Prominent Nigerians, particularly from the North, have called for an independent probe into the incident, even as military authorities have commenced an investigation.

The Nigerian Air Force said it carried out mop-up airstrikes on identified terrorist locations in the Jilli axis of Borno State, but did not indicate that any civilian location was hit.

Amnesty International condemned the strike, calling for an independent investigation and describing it as evidence of the Nigerian militarys disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect.

Reacting, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, said the state government had closed Jilli market five years ago over its alleged use as a hub by insurgents and their logistics suppliers.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor warned residents against aiding, harbouring, or providing logistical support to Boko Haram insurgents.

I have been properly briefed on the airstrike carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai on Jilli market, a border town between Borno and Yobe states. Let me state categorically that the Borno State Government closed Jilli and Gazabure markets five years ago.
A court in Paris has found Lafarge, the French cement giant, guilty of paying $6.5 million to jihadist groups, including the Islamic State (IS) and the al Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front.

It is the first time a company has been tried in France for financing terrorism. The inquiry against Lafarge has been running since 2017.

Bruno Lafont, Lafarges former CEO, was sentenced to six years in prison for terrorism financing, while Christian Herrault, former deputy managing director, received a five-year sentence in Mondays ruling.

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Lafarge said it acknowledged the courts findings, relaying that it was involved in practice that occurred more than a decade ago  one that was in flagrant violation of Lafarges Code of Conduct.

Lafarges factory began operations in 2010, just months before the Syrian uprising triggered a civil war.

While other multinational companies left Syria in 2012, Lafarge evacuated only its foreign employees, and left its Syrian staff in place until September 2014, when IS, which declared a caliphate in parts of Syria and Iraq, seized control of the factory.

Prosecutors said Lafarge employees were housed in the nearby town of Manbig and needed to cross the Euphrates river to access the plant.

The court heard how the cement company paid intermediaries to ensure free movement for employees and trucks.

Isabelle Prevost-Desprez, presiding judge, said it was clear to the court that payments were intended to keep the companys factory open but noted that the money helped strengthen groups that carried out attacks in Syria and abroad.

Those payments were essential in enabling the terrorist organisations to gain control of Syrias natural resources, allowing it to finance terrorist acts within the region and those planned abroad, particularly in Europe, Prevost-Desprez said.

She said the amount paid to jihadist organisations  which was never disclosed  contributed to the extreme gravity of the offences.

Herrault had argued that the decision to keep the factory open was made out of concern for local staff.

Lafarge, now owned by Swiss conglomerate Holcim, was fined 1.125 million.
Emma Copley Eisenberg with her book Fat Swim near a billboard along I-95 promoting the new release on April 13, 2026. Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

Author Emma Copley Eisenberg; her mom, Claire Copley; and her partner, Art Phung, let out a gleeful exhale on a recent Monday morning as billboard installers sent a swath of oceanic blue heavy-duty vinyl fluttering down a sky-high placard rooted at Northern Liberties Front Street and Fairmount Avenue.

As the workers tightly wrapped the vinyl around the billboards base, the image of a fat, naked woman came into focus. Her skin spilled over a fully exposed bottom in thick rolls, a piece of fabric loosely draped over her protruding belly.

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Your gut is a terrible thing to lose is printed across the billboard in bold caps. In the lower right hand corner is Eisenbergs website: FatSwim.com, named for her third book of the same name, due toward the end of April. It is a collection of short stories centering Philadelphia-area fat people, many of whom are queer.

We just so rarely see images of fat people in public, said Eisenberg, whose fiction and nonfiction pieces aggressively challenge the notion that big people are unhappy in their skin and view their girth as temporary.

Eisenberg prefers to use the term fat. Plus-size, curvy, and overweight, she says are euphemisms that imply being large is inherently bad.

The Your Fat Body Is Just Fine message needs to be amplified particularly in todays world, Eisenberg said, where GLP-1 usage is widespread throughout contemporary pop culture, their advertisements infiltrating daily mundane tasks from watching television to scrolling.

There is wisdom in the body, Eisenberg said. There are emotional and spiritual consequences when we view our whole selves as disgusting. We live in a world where people are always telling us to trust our gut. But there is so much pressure to lose it.

On the strength of fat liberation alone, the 12-foot-by-28-foot matte billboard  44 feet above the ground situated next to I-95 North just before the Girard Avenue exit  sends a powerful message.

But thats only half it.

Last September, Eisenberg was one of 500,000 authors awarded $3,000 in a landmark settlement against Anthropic, an AI research company. A judge ruled that the San Francisco-based tech company illegally downloaded and stored millions of copyrighted books to train its large language models.

Eisenbergs 2020 nonfiction work The Third Rainbow Girl: The Long Life of a Double Murder in Appalachia was one of those books. The $1.5 billion settlement was the largest payout ever in U.S. copyright cases.

It felt like such a violation, Eisenberg said. Our original art was being stolen and recycled to create slop.

From that settlement, Eisenberg paid Lamar Advertising $1,500 to rent the billboard for six weeks, until May 25. Fat Swim is Eisenbergs giant middle finger to AI, algorithms, and any technology that controls how artists get their work into the world. Shes hoping that potential readers will find her website by happenstance, not a newsfeed that may  or may not  have targeted them.

Essentially, algorithms are controlled by multinational corporations that are profiting off our data, Eisenberg said. I want to interrupt that and, as a human, put important ideas in front of other humans who might not otherwise find them.

A billboard, she thought, is an analog broadcast that is the exact opposite of a newsfeed.

Eisenberg points to artists like Joseph Kosuth who, in the early 1970s, erected billboards throughout Europe and the Americas that blurred the line between public art and advertising. She was also inspired by feminist artists Jenny Holzer and Felix Gonzalez-Torres, whose texts and photographs, respectively, shouted messages of equality to passersby in the 1980s and 1990s in major American cities.

But, Eisenberg said, fellow South Philadelphian Zoe Strauss is her greatest influence. In 2012, the street photographers work appeared on 54 billboards and was the subject of a Philadelphia Museum of Art exhibit.

Authors, even those like Eisenberg who snag book deals at major publishing houses, are largely responsible for book sales and marketing. Fat Swim is set for release April 28, by Hogarth, an imprint of Penguin Random House. A March Publishers Weekly article reported that in 2025, more than 4 million book titles were published. Bold marketing ideas like billboards can potentially cut through the cyber noise and reach the reader directly.

According to Lamar Advertising, which is based in Baton Rouge, La., Eisenbergs billboard is seen by 450,000 people a week, or 1.8 million people a month.

The landscape for books in 2026 is very challenging because publishers believe that volume is key to sales, Eisenberg said. This is one small way I hope my book can be discovered.

Eisenberg, a 2025 Pew Fellow, licensed the billboard photograph from Downington artist Devon Dadoly. The two met at Philadelphias Fat Con last year and Eisenberg said she fell in love with Dadolys sensual depiction of fat people, right down to their delicious folds.

What shes doing is incredibly radical, Dadoly said. As someone who is a fat person and who proudly identifies that way, I want to be seen. I dont hate my body. Im not a means to an end. Im not some before image.

The short story Fat Swim, from which the book takes its title, is about a chubby pre-adolescent girl who is trying to come to terms with her size and who experiences complex feelings watching a Fat Positive Pool Party in West Philly.

Phung, Eisenbergs partner, who is a graphic designer, edited the picture to make it look like an ocean. The wavy water graphics give the photo the mysterious vibe of a fashion magazine.

We went with water because Fat Swim is a story about water, and there are many stories in the book that have a water theme, Phung said. We really wanted to show the joy of what its like existing in all kinds of bodies.

When Fat Swim drops, Eisenberg will have a book party and go on a small book tour that includes an April 30 appearance at the Ethical Society on Rittenhouse Square, sponsored by the Head and the Hand bookstore.

 READ MORE: 10 books with strong Philly ties for your spring reading list

And while the roughly 2 million people who will happen upon Fat Swim through the billboard might boost sales, no one knows for sure.

This is an experiment, she said. Its not tailored to anyone. Its just there. People who never thought about the idea of fat liberation or cared to see an image of a fat body in public will see this. That gives me hope at a time when the algorithm just makes me depressed.
Iron Hill Brewery's Market Street location is pictured in January. It has been closed for months after the chain's liquidation bankruptcy but is now set to reopen this weekend under a new ownership group. Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

The team that is bringing back Iron Hill Brewery has set a date for its first restaurant revival.

The Center City brewpub is scheduled to reopen at noon Sunday, the new ownership group confirmed Tuesday.

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Iron Hills return comes seven months after the regional chain closed nearly 20 locations and filed for liquidation bankruptcy.

In January, a new ownership group acquired Iron Hills trademark and intellectual property, in conjunction with the transfer of five restaurant leases. Last month, it was revealed that founder Mark Edelson and other former company executives were behind the chains resurrection.

We hope you will join us as we reestablish the brand you have loved for almost 30 years, the new Iron Hill team wrote Monday on Instagram. We are excited to introduce you to a new chapter, new menu items and a new beer called Unfinished Business.

Before the public reopening on Sunday, the restaurant will host dinners on Friday and Saturday to support Sharing Excess, a Philly nonprofit that delivers surplus food to communities in need.

The reopening represents a boon for Center Citys troubled Market East neighborhood.

When the brewery opened in 2018 as an anchor tenant on the redeveloped 1100 block of Market Street, it was hailed as a potential bellwether of the areas revitalization. If the restaurant had closed for good in Iron Hills bankruptcy, it would have left an 8,500-square-foot vacancy.

The new Iron Hill group is also preparing to revive the Huntingdon Valley, Wilmington, Hershey, and Lancaster locations in the coming weeks.

The exact reopening dates are contingent on many factors, including permitting, equipment, and staffing, spokesperson Paul Furiga said, but all four locations should be back in business by sometime this summer.

Reestablished Iron Hills wont be able to honor old gift cards, Furiga said, because staff cant access data from the previous system.

Former King of the Hill members will be automatically reenrolled in the restaurants loyalty program and get 100 complimentary points, but their old points will not transfer, according to Furiga.

Across the region, other former Iron Hills remain empty, with some landlords searching for new restaurateurs to fill the expansive spaces.

In Bucks County, the Haddon Township-based P.J. Whelihans is set to open a new location at the shuttered Iron Hill in the Village at Newtown shopping center sometime next month.

Iron Hill Brewery was founded by Edelson and Kevin Finn, two Delaware home brewers. With help from restaurateur Kevin Davies, they opened their first location in Newark, near the University of Delaware, in 1996.

They expanded over the years, with a focus on the Philly collar counties, and built a reputation as a local craft brewing pioneer and a kid-friendly restaurant chain, a winning combination for many suburban families.

The companys growth had intensified in the past decade, at the same time the pandemic upended the restaurant industry.

Under a new private-equity owner, Iron Hill opened restaurants in South Carolina and Georgia, began canning beer out of a massive new Exton headquarters, and unveiled plans for a Temple University location that never opened.

By the time the company filed for bankruptcy this fall, it had racked up more than $20 million in debt, and had about $125,000 in the bank, according to court documents.

The locations being revived by the new ownership group, no members of which had personal liability related to the bankruptcy, were among the more successful Iron Hills, according to the bankruptcy documents. From January to September 2025:

Wilmingtons 10,000-square-foot riverfront Iron Hill location brought in more than $5 million in gross revenue, the most of all 19 restaurants during that period. Hershey recorded nearly $4.4 million. Market East brought in $3.9 million. Lancaster made $3.5 million. Huntingdon Valley recorded $3.2 million.

The only other Iron Hill that brought in more than $3.2 million in gross revenue in 2025 was its Newtown location, which made $4.2 million and is now being turned into a P.J. Whelihans.
Travelers pass the Love Awaits You artwork by Philadelphia artist Terrance Woolford at Philadelphia International Airport. Whether it's for traveling or some other purpose, paid time off is one offering small businesses can use to recruit and retain employees. Read more

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In todays competitive labor market, offering the right paid time off (PTO) policy can be one of the most effective ways to attract and retain top talent. But is there any one best plan?

The answer is no. It depends on culture, management, and company size. Here are some strategies local business owners use.

Banked PTO plans

Putting vacation hours on account  or banking them  is a popular approach.

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Beyond Literacy, a nonprofit adult education organization allows its full-time employees to immediately bank 192 hours (24 days) with increases after three years. Sick days are included in this amount and managed with a trust-based approach, said Kimmell Proctor, the organizations CEO.

We see balance as essential to keeping great team members, delivering high-quality services, and building an equitable workplace where our people can enjoy and sustain their careers, he said.

In addition, the organization allows time off for national holidays and is closed for the week between Christmas and New Years, when employees receive paid time off in addition to what theyve banked.

They also provide paid bereavement leave, parental leave, jury duty, voting leave, and other protected time off.

Accrued PTO

Accruing is an accounting term that means earning. Some companies let their employees earn their PTO by the hour, others by days.

Streamliners Management Consulting  a Wilmington firm that helps private equity firms and large manufacturers improve their performance  currently offers its 40 employees 10 PTO days a year, with sick days included. The company plans to increase this to as many as 15 days and allows employees to take unlimited unpaid leave for medical or personal reasons.

Theres also a lot of downtime between projects which allows our employees to rest, said Andreas Haag, the companys cofounder and CEO.

Philadelphia development company Alterra Property Group allows its 134 employees to accrue as many as 16 PTO days in their first year, which then increases to 18 days after five years and 20 days after 10 years of full-time employment. Sick and personal days are included within the PTO accrual policy.

The company also gives paid federal holidays and closes its corporate office for the week preceding Labor Day but pays employees during that week.

According to Tisia Baynes, Alterras senior vice president of human resources, this policy has significantly lowered turnover rates.

Our employees are taking their vacations, getting married, and buying homes, and thats what management wants, she said.

In Plymouth Meeting, 25-person marketing agency beMarketing does PTO accrual by hours. Employees earn up to 11 days in their first year, 16 days in years two through four, 21 days in years five through 15, and 26 days after 15 years. Employees use their PTO for sick days. The company also provides time off for federal holidays and employee birthdays. At the end of the year, employees can carry over up to eight PTO days to the next year.

We actively encourage our team to use their PTO, not just accrue it, said Brandon Rost, beMarketings CEO. We tell our people that our culture isnt built around tracking hours or comparing vacation policies. Its built around clear expectations, meaningful outcomes, and trust.

PTO via regular business closures

Natures Vin, a boutique wine shop in Wayne, has a unique approach to vacation time: closing the business, at least temporarily.

We have extended business closures during the summer and winter seasons to allow employees dedicated time off for rest and personal activities, said Ragini Parmar, the shops founder and owner.

The company also offers five sick days a year to full-time employees (two days for part-timers) and time off for most national holidays.

Unlimited PTO

An unlimited PTO plan has worked well for my company.

So, too, for Philadelphia marketing agency MOD Worldwide. MOD offers an unlimited PTO policy for its 45 people, with a built-in minimum of seven business days. Sick time can be taken as needed, and theres additional time off for national holidays, bereavement, and parental leave.

According to Gabrielle Molina, MODs director of people and culture, usage is reviewed quarterly to ensure that employees are taking adequate time off.

We actively encourage employees to take time off, she said. Even with unlimited PTO, sometimes people dont take enough time to properly reset and recharge.

Molina says that after five years at MOD, shes never seen an employee abuse the PTO policy.

Our employees are encouraged to take care of themselves and do not operate in fear of repercussions for taking time off, she added.

Molinas perspective mirrors most of my clients. As the labor markets tighten and AI disruptions loom, many employees may feel anxious about taking time off. Good business owners and managers are aware and continue to encourage employees to take their PTO.

There are certain jobs that cant be automated or be replaced by AI and they still need to be done by humans, said Haag, of Streamliners Management Consulting. Its crazy that these employees dont take their vacations because theyre afraid theyre going to be replaced. The job market is there.
Todd Clark, dean of Widener University Delaware Law School, announces the school's planned 2027 move to central Wilmington from its suburban campus. Read more

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The principal law school in Delaware, Americas Corporate Capital, is leaving its suburban campus and moving to the former MBNA Corp. headquarters in Wilmingtons central business district, Todd Clark, the schools dean, said Tuesday.

Widener University Delaware Law School, which has more than 700 students, will move to 1020 French St., a 240,000-square-foot building. The new law school will be across from the former MBNA America Bank on the eastern tip of the citys Rodney Square, which is being turned into apartments and offices in a separate redevelopment. The law school move is planned for fall 2027.

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The school, with its dozens of full-time faculty plus support staff and adjuncts, has been based on a 31-acre campus on Concord Pike (U.S. 202) near the Pennsylvania state line since soon after its founding in 1971. That campus was put up for sale last winter. The law school has been part of Widener since 1975.

The new campus will be about a mile from Wilmingtons Amtrak and SEPTA train station and bus stops.

Widener said in a statement that the new location is convenient to the lawyers row of locally based corporate law firms and branch offices of New York, Philadelphia, and Washington firms that chose to be close to the states business-friendly Court of Chancery and the federal and U.S. bankruptcy courts nearby.

The schools free legal clinics also will be more convenient to city residents in the new location.

A long time coming

The move is part of a more than 10-year campaign, funded by state and city taxpayers and by the Pierre S. du Pont familys $1 billion-asset Longwood Foundation, to concentrate higher education and charter school programs in Wilmington. The central business district was left partly vacant after the departure of the DuPont Co. and other corporate moves over the past 20 years.

In the long arc of a city, its buildings get repurposed many times, There du Pont, Longwood Foundations president, said in remarks to state and university officials who gathered for the announcement. Once Wilmington was a tannery town and later a thriving professional center, he said. The city slowed when corporate and bank jobs moved elsewhere and demand for central offices fell.

Du Pont credited Bank of America leaders with making the buildings available, and Delaware State University president Tony Allen and other college and political leaders for lobbying for redevelopment funds.

The law school will complement another former MBNA building, at 1200 N. French St. on the other side of the bank headquarters, which is home to the Community Education Building. The 300,000-square-foot building houses three charter schools covering all grades, a YMCA preschool, nonprofits, and classrooms for Dover-based Delaware State University and the Newark, Del.-based University of Delaware.

Together the two business-to-school conversions, dubbed the Bridge Project, have raised $10 million from the city, around $28 million from state bonds and federal funds, and $33 million from Longwood Foundation and other donors to renew the buildings for academic use, according to Longwood.

City leaders had been trying to lure the law school downtown since at least 2017, noted Clark, the Widener Delaware dean, in remarks before Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, Wilmington Mayor John Carney, and university leaders.

Sealing the deal

What clinched the move for Clark, he said, was a 2022 visit with Widener president Stacey Robertson to the Community Education Building with its preschool, K-12, student assistance, and family-support programs.

Clark said the foundation and city and state leaders had put social services agencies in the building to help make it easier for students, many from low-income neighborhoods in Wilmingtons adjoining East Side, to succeed and move along to career education.

I got back in my car and almost cried, Clark said. I grew up in a community very similar to the community that is served here. Im all about how thoughtful education programs provide a transformative experience.

He said the visit made him question whether his leadership of the law school was having the same impact.

This move is not about a building, Clark said. It was about people and serving this community.
Students perform during a dress rehearsal of Suffs at Cherry Hill West High School last week. The school was one of only 12 in the country that was selected to perform the show. Read more

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After learning about Alice Paul in AP History at Cherry Hill West, Sophia Capprotti jumped at the chance to portray the suffrage leader.

Capprotti headlines a cast that is bringing the womens rights movement and the fight for passage of the 19th Amendment to life in Broadways historical musical Suffs.

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Cherry Hill was among only 12 schools nationwide selected this school year by the plays creator, Shaina Taub, to produce the Tony Award-winning musical about the fight for women to vote.

The show opened Friday and will continue with three more shows this weekend.

School officials said the musical has been a teaching tool.

I dont think some of them even knew any of these women prior to doing the show, said Carolyn Messias, a theater teacher and the director of the production. I can truly tell you they have learned a lot.

Messias says the play has been more than a history lesson.

Students are applying it to todays political climate and thinking about voting when they turn 18.

Jaime Scott, 15, a sophomore, said playing lesser-known Black suffragist Mary Church Terrell, whom she knew nothing about, was an eye-opener. It is her first musical.

Its an experience to play a historical role like this. Its a lot, but its good, said Scott. Im definitely more educated now.

 READ MORE: In Tony-nominated Suffs, girl power comes to Broadway, South Jersey style

The musical chronicles the final years of the suffrage movement from 1913 to 1920, and efforts by Paul, the feisty activist and South Jersey native who championed the cause. It culminates in the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

I really didnt know much about this point of history at all, said Madison Dempsey, selected to portray Carrie Chapman Catt, a leading figure. Its inspiring to be able to take the hope from them and be able to apply it to now.

Applying for the opportunity

Messias quietly began compiling a grant application last year for West to obtain rights to perform the play. The school had to show its creativity and that it could handle the theatrical demands.

With guidance from the Alice Paul Center for Gender Justice in Mount Laurel, Messias incorporated the historical theme in the proposal and provided videos from other productions.

Messias was not allowed to share the news with students until auditions opened in December. The grant waives licensing and other fees that typically cost $1,200.

Im not good at keeping a secret, but I did, Messias said with a smile. The play won a Tony in 2024 for best original score and best book of a musical. It played in Philadelphia at the Academy of Music last year.

Capprotti, 17, a senior, said she had learned about Paul and Ida B. Wells, a Black suffragist and journalist who advocated for womens rights and social justice.

When I heard about Suffs, I was naturally very very excited, Capprotti said. I pretty much knew from the start that I was going to audition for Alice Paul.

Unlike the all-female Broadway version, West included male actors in its production. Messias said she wanted to expand the opportunity beyond girls. There are more than 100 students in the cast and crew, including a student orchestra.

A powerful plot

The show starts with a powerful scene from the 1913 Womens Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C. The activists, dressed in all white, march down Pennsylvania Avenue the day before Woodrow Wilson was inaugurated as president.

Amid the tension between Paul and Carrie Chapman Catt, a protege of Susan B. Anthony who had different views on how they should approach the fight for equality, Wells reminds them to push for the rights of all women, not just white women.

Junior Jada Caldwell, 17, embraced her role as Wells. an investigative journalist and co-founder of the National Association of Colored Women. She said it was insane to learn how Wells and Terrell risked their lives knowing that they would have to fight 10 times harder to get the right to vote as Black women.

In a solo, Caldwell belts out her criticism of Paul and the other white organizers in a song called Wait My Turn.

Wait my turn?

When will you white women ever learn?

I had the same old talk with Carrie Chapman Catt

Twenty years ago

I thought you might be better but you still dont know

You want me to wait my turn

To simply put my sex before my race?"

Capprotti said the play offers an important history lesson about Paul and others that should resonate with all students. West scheduled a matinee performance for students this week.

I felt so lucky to be able to tell her story and talk about the history that doesnt necessarily get talked about a lot, she said. I think its really special that we get to dive in and really shed a light on these women.

 READ MORE: Suffs, Kimberly Akimbo, The Outsiders, and more Broadway hits to land in Philadelphia this year

Olivia Errico, assistant director for public programs at the Alice Paul Center, a nonprofit in Mount Laurel that seeks to empower girls and young women, said the play has inspired a new generation of activists.

The right to vote is something that a lot of people take for granted at this point, Errico said. People fought for generations for this right.

Attention for the cast and show

Even before opening night on Friday, the play created a buzz in Cherry Hill. Mayor Dave Fleisher stopped by a dress rehearsal and asked Gov. Mikie Sherrill to send a message to the cast.

Camden County Commissioner Jennifer Cooley Fleisher and County Clerk Pam Lampitt presented Messias and the cast with a plaque and saluted the movement for opening doors for them.

Our struggle has not ended. It just continues, Lampitt said.

Capprotti said she hopes the play will inspire her peers to stand up for their beliefs and get involved to make a difference like the suffragists.

Its really important that even though things arent the best, but they can get better. Its not easy, but you sure have to try, she said.
Darryl, a Temple freshman (at right), speaks to the group during the rally to protect the Cecil B. Moore Plaza skatepark in Philadelphia on Friday, April 10, 2026. Read more

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Temple University has a responsibility to keep its campus safe. But what about its responsibility to the teenagers visiting its open, public North Philadelphia campus?

Temple students and the Philly Socialist Alternative group hosted a rally last Friday to protest how the university has policed its skatepark, potentially making some North Philly teenagers feel unwelcome there. Historically, Temple students and local high schoolers have used the public space to skate or hang out.

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Temple closed the plaza at Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue from March 20 to March 30. It reopened on March 31 with 24-7 access, but the university also erected waist-high metal barriers around the park so it is accessible only at certain entry points.

They dont want your family at the skatepark, they dont want your friends at the skatepark.  Temple considers the human decency of others to be disruptive, Temple sophomore Samuel Jimenez said to the rally crowd.

Jade Chloe Snell-Matthew, a Temple first-year student, said it was frustrating for Temple to tout and advertise its open, urban campus but make it harder for North Philadelphians to freely relax there.

What comes with the city is its people, she said.

No single incident prompted Temple to heighten security last month, but there has been a pattern of disorderly behavior, including assaults and vandalism, in the area, according to Jennifer Griffin, Temples chief of police and vice president for public safety.

The skatepark area does have a recent history of high-profile incidents involving young visitors or Temple police. A teenage boy was shot in the arm near the skatepark in March 2025, and four Temple students were assaulted there a month later. The plaza is adjacent to the Cecil B. Moore subway station, where other shootings have occurred.

In a message to the Temple community the day the skatepark began restricting its hours, Griffin warned about the likelihood of more large gatherings of young people around campus as the weather got warmer. She said the university would respond with an increased security presence.

Temple police recently met with the Philadelphia Police Department to discuss policing strategies around the area, and settled on the barriers, Griffin said.

We have a responsibility to keep that location safe, Griffin said.

Who feels welcome?

At Fridays rally, students expressed outrage at how Temple is treating their younger North Philly peers and demanded the fencing be taken down.

Some students spoke about Temple banning high schoolers from the skatepark and checking IDs at the park entrances, and said they feared he parks hours would be reduced.

But Griffin said Temple has never checked IDs or otherwise restricted access for high school students, and the skatepark returned to being open 24-7 on March 31.

Its an open space for all, she said.

Yet the students argued that just because the skatepark may technically be open to everyone, it does not necessarily mean high schoolers would see it as a place where they are welcomed.

Temple plans to beef up its police staffing so there will be more watchful eyes around campus. The university has pledged to hire 58% more police officers over the next five years, after an internal study found its force was understaffed. By the end of 2025, the university employed 77 sworn officers and planned to get up to 114. Some students said adding police would not make the skatepark area safer and could cause violent incidents.

They have an excessive amount of police always surrounding the area.  They vilify and look for ways to escalate situations, Snell-Matthew said. Another rally participant noted that people can feel uneasy when they are being watched.

Griffin said Temple would continue assessing security at the skatepark but was noncommittal on specific plans for the area.

The Temple students argued the tensions surrounding the skatepark were just symptoms of larger problems in North Philadelphia.

They spoke about how school closures and underfunded recreation centers meant there were even fewer public spaces for teenagers to hang out in North Philly and the rest of the city, which they blamed at least partially on Temple for its redevelopment of the neighborhood. It was unfair to make it more difficult for high schoolers to hang out at Temples open campus, they said.

So far, it is unclear whether the recent tensions regarding the park will affect North Philly high schoolers seeking it as a refuge. After the rally broke up, the skatepark gradually began filling up with skateboarders and other young people sitting around its edges. With school out, groups of teenagers made their way to the area, while several police officers stationed themselves along the street.
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The Justice Department on Tuesday said federal prosecutors under former President Joe Biden weaponized the law to target people with antiabortion views, and said one of the key examples was a case in which the U.S. Attorneys Office in Philadelphia charged a Bucks County activist with seeking to intimidate workers and patients outside a Planned Parenthood clinic. That case ended in an acquittal.

In a nearly 900-page report released Tuesday, President Donald Trumps administration said the Justice Department under Biden and then-Attorney General Merrick Garland was biased in how it sought to enforce the FACE Act, a federal law that makes it a crime to injure, intimidate, or interfere with anyone at abortion clinics, pregnancy centers, or houses of worship.

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The report said that the Justice Department in previous years ignored and downplayed complaints unless they came from abortion advocates, and that it collaborated with abortion advocacy groups, sought tougher sentences against people who opposed abortion, and engaged in inappropriate conduct and comments while prosecuting abortion opponents.

The report is the first to be issued by the Justice Departments Weaponization Working Group, an initiative created by then-Attorney General Pam Bondi to respond to Trumps belief that past administrations had unfairly  if not illegally  manipulated the law to target political opponents.

Bondis successor, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, said in a statement accompanying Tuesdays report that no department should conduct selective prosecution based on beliefs.

The weaponization that happened under the Biden Administration will not happen again, as we restore integrity to our prosecutorial system, Blanche said.

Kristen Clarke, a former top official in the departments Civil Rights Division, which handled FACE Act cases, said to CNN in a statement: We enforced the law even-handedly and put public safety at the center of this work.

To bolster some of the reports more pointed assertions, it highlighted the case against Mark Houck, a prominent Catholic antiabortion activist from Kintnersville, in Upper Bucks County.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in 2022 charged Houck with two FACE Act violations for shoving a 72-year-old patient escort outside the Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center, a Planned Parenthood clinic in Center City.

Prosecutors said he did so to intimidate the man, Bruce Love, for his work, and they took Houck to trial before a jury, where a conviction could have led to a decade-long prison sentence.

But jurors quickly acquitted Houck, who did not deny shoving Love, but said he was not the aggressor and was not seeking to cause political intimidation. Instead, he said, the scuffle occurred because Love had uttered insulting and profane remarks about his 12-year-old son, who had accompanied Houck to the clinic that day.

Houcks case became a cause celebre on right-wing news sites, and his supporters had long called the case an abusive prosecution by an overzealous Justice Department.

His attorneys echoed that sentiment after he was acquitted, saying the case was nothing but an intimidation tactic by the Biden Justice Department.

The Trump administration did not use those exact words in its report Tuesday  but did seem to adopt the position that Houck was treated improperly.

Before Houcks arrest, the report said, one of the prosecutors assigned to the investigation  Sanjay Patel, who worked for the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division in Washington  spent several months persuading his supervisors to allow him to file charges.

Then, after Houck was indicted, the report said, officials declined to allow him to turn himself in, and instead sent 16 armed FBI agents to his house to arrest him and place him in handcuffs.

The report also included emails among prosecutors discussing the case. In one of them, a prosecutor asked whether it would be the first FACE Act prosecution following the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to strike down Roe v. Wade. In another, Patel said the unspoken reason Houck was not allowed to surrender to authorities was because the FBI really likes to make arrests.

Patel was reportedly fired this week, but the U.S. Attorneys Office in Philadelphia declined to comment Tuesday on the report, or say if any of its prosecutors involved in the matter might face disciplinary action. The FBIs Philadelphia field office also declined to comment.

Houck  who after his acquittal went on to mount an unsuccessful congressional campaign  said he did not want to comment and revisit a painful chapter for his family.

Earlier this year, the report said, the Justice Department agreed to settle a lawsuit he had filed claiming he was maliciously prosecuted.

One of Houcks attorneys, Edward D. Greim, said in an interview that the government paid Houck and his family $1.1 million to settle, and added: Were gratified that the Department of Justice conducted this investigation and looks to be committed to fixing their abuse of civil rights.
The offices of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A nonprofit has come to the rescue weeks before the paper was scheduled to close for good. Read more

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After a period of mourning, it looks like the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has narrowly escaped closure and will continue to publish.

The news comes less than three weeks before the paper was scheduled to shutter its doors entirely.

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 READ MORE: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is shutting down

On Tuesday, the Post-Gazette announced its owners, Block Communications Inc., would sell its assets to the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, the nonprofit publisher of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Baltimore Banner.

Venetoulis is committed to solving a national problem, to providing high-quality local journalism where its most needed, Bob Cohn, CEO of the Banner, said in a news release. That is our civic mission. And here is an opportunity to do that in a market where the 240-year-old incumbent is going out of business or could be sold.

The Post-Gazette will be Venetoulis second newspaper. The Banner was established in 2022 and quickly earned recognition for its business model and local reporting. The Banner won a 2025 Pulitzer Prize for its series on Baltimores fentanyl crisis. The paper has almost 80,000 paid subscribers and a newsroom staff of about 100, including reporters in seven counties throughout Maryland.

The sale marks the continuation of one of the oldest newspapers published west of the Allegheny Mountains. The Pittsburgh Gazette Times was founded in 1786 and published weekly. The paper took its current form as the Post-Gazette in 1927.

Under new ownership, the paper will keep its name and maintain its two print publication-day model, printing on Thursday and Sunday.

Block Communications CEO Allan Block told the New York Times that several groups were interested in buying the paper. Venetoulis Institute was not the highest bidder, but the board decided it would be the best steward, he said.

Hotel magnate Stewart W. Bainum Jr., who founded and finances the Venetoulis Institute, told the Times he and his wife, Sandy, were committing $30 million over the next five years to help expand the Banner and turn around the Post-Gazette.

Thats good news for an industry ridden with closures and layoffs. A 2025 Northwestern University report said more than 130 papers shut down in 2024. The Local News Initiatives State of Local News report said the industry recorded the 11th highest loss of jobs among any industry from 2023 to 2024. Over that year, almost every U.S. state lost newspaper jobs. Half of all states have fewer than 1,000 newspaper workers.

For years, the Post-Gazette was in decline because of a mix of decreasing ad revenue, internal strife within the newsroom, and a yearslong labor strike. The announcement of its closure, along with the closure of another Block property, City Paper, raised concerns that Pittsburgh could become a news desert.

Pittsburgh City Paper, a free alt-weekly that began publishing in 1991, relaunched last month under separate new owners.

The Post-Gazette was led by former Inquirer senior vice president and executive editor Stan Wischnowski. He resigned from The Inquirer in 2020 after a controversy following a headline after the murder of George Floyd.

When Block Communications announced the papers closure, citing unsustainable cash losses, the papers union fought back, saying the move was a result of losing a nearly decade-long attempt to bust unions at the paper.

After a nearly three-year strike that started in 2022, the Post-Gazette was found guilty in federal court of unfair labor practices. That left Block Communications responsible for paying back staff benefits and restoring old contract terms.

Instead, Block announced it was closing via a companywide Zoom meeting with a prerecorded message. The company said the courts decisions made it impossible to keep the paper running.

In a leaked recording of the Zoom announcement obtained by Pittsburghs KDKA Radio, a spokesperson asked staff to continue to publish under business-as-usual conditions for the papers remaining months. The spokesperson added that Block Communications would of course give the Post-Gazette the opportunity to break the news of the closure first.

Multiple reporters told The Inquirer that no company representatives spoke live during the video and that there was no opportunity provided for follow-up questions or discussion.

Block Communications has a pending petition asking for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear the case. It was unclear how the papers sale could impact legal proceedings.

NewsGuild-CWA president Jon Schleuss said the guild was hopeful for a new direction that values journalism with the acquisition.

There are still a lot of details to iron out, including the several million dollars the Blocks owe journalists for violating federal law, Schleuss said. We are dedicated to working with ownership that follows the law, respects workers union rights, and invests in a newsroom delivering high-quality local news. Pittsburgh has made it clear it will accept nothing less.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction will take effect on May 4, one day after the paper was initially expected to close.
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In honor of Americas 250th birthday, were celebrating the places that make Philadelphia feel like, well, Philadelphia.

Not the obvious attractions youve seen a hundred times. Were talking about the neighborhood gems  the corner bar where everyone knows your order, the under-the-radar BYOB you gatekeep, the park you swear has the best sunset, the tucked away street with the most iconic row of Philly homes, the bookstore you could spend hours in, the free public arcade a neighbor built outside their stoop, the sledding hill, the mural you always pass and still look at.

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As part of our 76 series, were building a guide to neighborhood gems like these that shape and enrich daily life across Philly. We want the spots that matter in every neighborhood, the places that feel essential to the people who live there.

And most importantly, we want your help. Tell us about the streets, restaurants, bars, shops, libraries, shops, parks, playgrounds, public art, and everyday places that make your neighborhood feel like home. The smaller, the more personal, the better.

But dont send it in if you want it to stay a secret! Based on your suggestions and our own reporting, well put out a master list of these special city places sometime this summer.
A drone view on Thursday, April 9, 2026, of a parking garage that partially collapsed on April 8 in Grays Ferry. The garage was under construction at 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue. Read more

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Parts of Grays Ferry Avenue in South Philadelphia and the adjacent shopping center are back open after crews demolished the collapsed Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia garage and recovered the bodies of the workers who died there last week.

Grays Ferry Avenue has reopened from Washington Avenue to 29th Street, allowing pedestrians and vehicles to enter the Grays Ferry Shopping Center stores and parking lot at the 29th Street entrance. The complex can be accessed only via 29th Street, as Grays Ferry Avenue remains closed at 30th Street, the intersection where the garage collapsed, and 31st Street, according to the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.

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Fresh Grocer, the neighborhoods primary grocery store, and Chase Bank are open, store staff confirmed. But emergency management officials advised customers to check with businesses before visiting as their hours may be modified as they reopen.

As crews were building CHOPs new 1,000-car garage at 30th Street and Grays Ferry Avenue, the seven-story structure partially collapsed Wednesday when a precast concrete roof segment failed and fell, killing three workers: Mark Scott Jr., Matthew Kane, and Stepan Shevchuk.

Local, state, and federal agencies scoured the site for days, meticulously assessing the structural integrity of the partially collapsed garage before sending in recovery crews for Scott and Kane, who had been pinned under the rubble. Demolition of the garage occurred Saturday, recovery crews entered the site Sunday evening, and the two ironworkers were recovered early Monday morning.

Now, officials will transition to the investigation of the collapse. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker signed an executive order Monday that directs the citys law department to work with a consultant to conduct a comprehensive investigation. A confidential status report is due to Parker in 60 days. The final findings are due in 180 days, in mid-October.

After that, a special independent committee on the collapse will review the law departments findings and advise Parker on potential reforms or improvements.

Staff writer Jake Blumgart contributed to this article.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said Tuesday that drone flight data that the police department plans to publish on a public dashboard could be used to create a report for city officials. Read more

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Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel told City Council members Tuesday that the Philadelphia Police Department will produce an annual report for them that details how the department uses its 21 drones.

Councilmember Rue Landau and Council President Kenyatta Johnson each asked Bethel during a city budget hearing whether he would commit to creating such a report to address concerns about a lack of transparency surrounding the departments drone first responder program, which operates in Kensington, North Philly, and the Lower Northeast.

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Landau cited a recent Inquirer report, which found that Boston and other cities require their police forces to compile annual reports on their surveillance tools, including drones. Philadelphia has no such oversight measure in place for its drone program, which police officials want to expand citywide during the next four years.

Landau, the chair of Councils Technology and Information Services Committee, said she has been concerned that the department began its drone program through a donation from a nonprofit, the Philadelphia Police Foundation  a transaction that did not require input or approval from City Council or the public.

After [Mondays Inquirer] report, I remain alarmed, Landau said. There are not proper guardrails in place, and theres a lack of transparency.

Landau asked Bethel if he was open to submitting an annual report about the drone first responder program.

Bethel initially demurred, saying he was unfamiliar with what Boston police report about their drones. Bethel noted that Philadelphia police plan to publish drone flight data on a public dashboard at some point.

Johnson then asked Bethel if he would be willing to provide an annual report on police drones as a matter of transparency.

Yeah, thats not a problem, Bethel responded.

Bethel told Johnson that the department could create a report based on data that will be included in the drone dashboard. So, no pushback there, sir, he said.

But Bethel added that he would first want to discuss with Council members the scope of the information that will be included.

Landau also asked whether the police department has shared drone footage with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Bethel said police have not provided the agency with footage, but if we were to receive a federal subpoena for any of that activity, we would be required to turn that over.

The departments proposed budget for the 2027 fiscal year shows it wants to spend roughly $1 million from its general fund on body-worn cameras, Tasers, and drones.

The proposed budget also shows that the department wants to hire two drone pilots for $75,000 each.

The police departments drone first responder program was launched in 2024 in Kensingtons 24th and 25th Police Districts. It then expanded last year to the 22nd District, in North Philly, and the 15th District, in the Lower Northeast.

Police officials told The Inquirer that drones in those districts have been deployed nearly 8,000 times, and have aided in shooting investigations, fugitive arrests, and drug busts.

Drones have served as the primary source of information in 15 arrests in Philadelphia, but the department has declined to disclose the name of those suspects, their alleged offenses, or the outcomes of the cases.

Bethel reiterated during the budget hearing that the drones will not be used to patrol neighborhoods or infringe upon residents civil liberties.

He told Landau the department created a promotional video that showed how drones helped locate a child with special needs who had gotten lost on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and assisted officers serving a high risk arrest warrant on a suspect.

The video was intended to be shown to Council members at the start of Tuesdays hearing. Technical problems prevented it from being played until the afternoon.
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D., Phila.) holds a news conference at a Philadelphia gas station to announce legislation to suspend the federal gas tax whenever the national average price of gasoline exceeds $4.00 per gallon. Read more

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Linda Booker, 79, fills up her Kia Soul $10 at a time whenever the low gasoline light comes on.

Thats all I can afford, she said at a Northeast Philadelphia gas station, one hand on the pump and the other balancing herself on her cane decorated with a red-polka-dotted pink tape.

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The retiree does not drive much. She goes to the grocery store, sometimes to the thrift store and flea markets, and then back to the gas station.

Her $10 does not go as far these days. The cost at Sunoco Tuesday was $4.19 per gallon.

She sat down in her car and watched as her Kias screen updated after she filled up: 126 miles left in the tank. Before the war in Iran she would get closer to 170 after filling up, she said.

Gas prices have become a dominant issue for voters seven months ahead of the midterms as a result of President Donald Trumps war with Iran. Democrats are seizing on the sky-high prices at the pump to bolster their case for regaining control of Congress in November as Trumps allies dominate both chambers in Washington.

The president needs to straighten this out, Booker said.

Its a total mess, and I dont know how they let him get away with all this. I just dont understand Congress and Senate. I really dont.

Democrats do not have much power in Washington at the moment, but U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Northeast Philadelphia Democrat, wants to limit the price of gas for people like Booker.

Just down the road from Booker at another Northeast Philadelphia gas station, Boyle announced a new bill that would cap the federal tax on gas when the national average goes above $4 a gallon.

Six weeks ago, the average of the Philadelphia area per gallon of gas was the same as it was nationally, under $3 a gallon, Boyle said, standing in a black suit under the hot sun. Then this president decided to launch an entirely unnecessary and reckless war in Iran.

The last time gas prices jumped by more than $1 a gallon in just one month was the 1960s, well before I was born, added Boyle, who is 49.

His bill would remove all  or part  of the 18.4-cent-per-gallon federal gas tax anytime the national gas average goes over $4 per gallon. The caveat is that the lowest it would bring gas is $3.99 per gallon, so the discount would be more significant the higher the national gas average is.

Right behind him, a Mobil gas station sign read $4.11 per gallon for regular. A couple of nearby stations sold regular for as low as $4.09 per gallon. Gas Star cost $4.15. A nearby Shell had a price tag of $4.19 per gallon.

When asked by Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday whether he believes the price of oil and gas will go down by the midterms, Trump said the prices could be, or the same, or maybe a little bit higher, but it should be around the same.

I think this wont be that much longer, he added. Theyre wiped out.

Boyle said that the federal gas tax generates about $30 billion a year for the Federal Highway Fund and that Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act provided subsidies in that amount for gas and oil companies. So to pay for the tax break at the pump, he wants to rescind the corporate subsidies and direct that money to the highway fund instead.

Boyles bill is unlikely to pass given the Republican majority in Congress and its reliance on taking away subsidies included in Trumps signature bill. But Boyle said he is hopeful some Republicans would be interested given the tough political landscape for them ahead of this years midterms.

I dont think the oil and gas companies that they tend to serve would be entirely enthusiastic, but here is a time, especially when theyre facing what looks like a difficult reelection, that they could deliver a real tax [break] to working Americans, Boyle said.

Boyle said his bill is more responsible and has a better chance of passing than an existing proposal to suspend the federal gas tax through October, both because it would be paid for and because he is not confident gas prices will be better in the fall.

We cannot wait for this war to end until we deliver relief to the American people, he said.

Booker said that even just an 18-cent discount would make a little difference.

Just a little help, thats all, she said.
Olivia Troye (right) joined "Seinfeld" star Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker at the National Constitution Center on the day before the 2024 election. Read more

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Olivia Troye, a national security official in President Donald Trumps first administration who became an outspoken critic, plans to run for Congress in Virginia as a Democrat, joining other former Republicans alienated by Trump now seeking office.

Troye was a homeland security and counterterrorism adviser to Trumps first vice president, Mike Pence, but resigned in 2020 and accused the president of flat-out disregard for human life during the coronavirus pandemic. She opposed Trump in the 2020 and 2024 elections, even speaking at the Democratic National Convention in support of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

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The evil I saw in that White House was staggering, Troye says in her campaign launch video released Tuesday, which highlights her aide-to-critic journey. In 2020, I finally said enough.

Troye joins a crowded field preparing to run in Virginias 7th Congressional District if voters next week pass a statewide proposal to change district lines to favor Democrats.

Troye is among the former Trump administration officials and Republicans running for office as Democrats  campaigning on their breaks with the president and testing voter appetites for candidates who have changed parties.

In Georgia, the Democratic field for governor includes the states former Republican lieutenant governor Geoff Duncan, who spoke out against Trumps efforts to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election. In Florida, former Republican congressman David Jolly is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor, and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman  a retired Army officer who played a central role in Trumps first impeachment  is running for Senate.

In Virginia, the seat Troye is seeking is currently held by Alexander Vindmans brother, Eugene Vindman, who helped report the phone call at the center of Trumps 2019 impeachment while working at the National Security Council. Rep. Eugene Vindman, a Democrat, has said he will run in Virginias 1st Congressional District if the state redraws its map. Troyes run is contingent on the new lines passing.

A slew of candidates have already announced campaigns for the proposed 7th district, which leans blue. The Democratic field includes several state lawmakers  Saddam Azlan Salim, Dan Helmer and Adele McClure  as well as Dorothy McAuliffe, the former first lady of Virginia, and J.P. Cooney, a top deputy to Jack Smith, the government special counsel who investigated Trump. Cooney was fired last year after Trump took office and purged federal prosecutors who worked for Smith.

Troyes launch video recounts her break with the GOP. She says she worked in counterterrorism under President George W. Bush as well as President Barack Obama and kept showing up to work after Trump won  even though she voted for Hillary Clinton  because serving your country isnt supposed to be partisan.

At the Democratic National Convention in 2024, Troye said that leaving the Trump administration was a hard decision as a Republican who dreamed of working in the White House.

But as an American, it was the right one, she said to big cheers.

In recent years, Troye has served on boards and launched a podcast and Substack.

Virginians are set to vote next Tuesday on a redraw that could net Democrats four more seats, giving them 10 out of 11 seats in Virginias House delegation. Democrats have pitched the ballot measure as a way to temporarily counter GOP-led redistricting in red states.

A slim majority of Virginia voters support the plan, according to a recent Washington Post-Schar School poll.
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The Justice Department said Tuesday it was seeking to vacate the conviction of Zach Rehl, the former leader of the Philadelphia Proud Boys who was found guilty of seditious conspiracy for his role in helping incite the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021  the latest development in President Donald Trumps efforts to effectively erase any criminal consequences from that ill-fated attempt to keep him in power.

In a motion filed in the Washington, D.C., Circuit Court of Appeals  the jurisdiction where Rehl was tried and convicted  prosecutors said it was not in the interests of justice to continue to prosecute this case, and asked that Rehls conviction be vacated so they could dismiss all charges and end the proceedings.

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Trump had already helped free Rehl from a 15-year prison sentence last year, commuting his sentence as well as those of 13 other accused ringleaders who helped foment the chaos at the Capitol five years ago.

Still, the commutation kept Rehls conviction intact, and did not measure up to the broader form of relief Trump granted to 1,500 others who were also charged in connection with the attack. For those defendants, Trump issued blanket pardons as one of his first official acts back in the White House after being reelected in 2024.

Tuesdays request, if approved by the courts, could offer an even more comprehensive form of relief, because unlike a pardon, it would allow prosecutors to dismiss Rehls indictment.

And Rehl would not be the only person to benefit: Prosecutors made the same request for some other Proud Boys and Oath Keepers who did not receive pardons, including Rehls codefendants, Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Dominic Pezzola, who had been convicted and ordered to serve at least 10 years in prison before Trump issued the commutations.

Rehl said in an interview Tuesday that he was thrilled because I felt like I was innocent from the start.

Its a sigh of relief and Im really just happy to be able to move on from this, he said. Ive been fighting tooth and nail for justice.

After all the fighting, it appears this chapter is finally over. Persistently fighting for truth and justice pays off! I am beyond thrilled right now, I cant even begin to describe my feelings right now. Thank you for everyone who supported us in this fight! Love you all! pic.twitter.com/aRTCJugV9J  Zach Rehl (@zach_rehl) April 14, 2026

During the four years between Trumps two terms in office, more than 1,200 people were convicted of crimes ranging from trespassing to assaulting law enforcement officers on Jan. 6, 2021, while trying to block certification of Joe Bidens electoral win, according to the Justice Department. Officials said the probe was the largest investigation in the departments history.

But Trump was fiercely and openly critical of that effort, describing some of those charged as patriots and hostages as he sought to downplay the gravity of what unfolded that day.

Beyond offering pardons and commutations once he was sworn in for his second term  acts that were quickly criticized by Democrats  Trump also ordered the Justice Department to drop and dismiss hundreds of other cases that were still pending.

Last summer, after Rehl was released from his 15-year term at a medium-security prison in Virginia, he and four others filed a lawsuit in Florida saying they were illegally prosecuted in cases that were corrupt and politically motivated.

A judge dismissed that case last week, court records show, but Rehl said they will file an amended complaint later this month  and that their case could be strengthened assuming their convictions are thrown out.

The dismissal of his conviction, meanwhile, still must be approved by judges in the appellate and district courts.
Fort Mifflin is shown on Thursday, April 9, 2026 in Philadelphia. An American Revolutionary War historical site located on Mud Island along the Delaware River, it floods regularly. Now, a much needed $7 million tide gate is being installed to protect it. Read more

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Fort Mifflin, from its perch overlooking the Delaware River, is one of Philadelphias most historic sites, having withstood the fiercest bombardment of the American Revolution  nearly 1,000 cannonballs an hour over six days.

It later served as a Civil War prison camp for the first prisoners of Gettysburg.

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Yet the nonprofit Fort Mifflin on the Delaware, which manages the site, receives zero federal or city dollars and relies on a budget of $100,000 to $200,000 a year, depending on how many people pay to visit and how well fundraising efforts go.

Our budget is pretty much a shoestring, said Craig Buffington, Fort Mifflin on the Delawares cheery executive director, and a former Boy Scout troop leader.

Because Fort Mifflin is isolated, it doesnt draw tours and foot traffic like historic attractions in Old City.

Built on Mud Island, it is battered by persistent flooding made worse by sea level rise. One buildings brick exterior is bowed. Wood is rotting on multiple buildings. A pedestrian bridge is giving way. The grounds are saturated much of the year.

In short, even with a focus on Philadelphia as the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence approaches, Fort Mifflin needs help.

The list is nearly endless, Buffington said.

A new tide gate

A new tide gate should go a long way toward alleviating flooding.

The gate, built in 1920, has been failing for years, leaving the grassy grounds mushy many days as the tide flows in unchecked. Mud Island has been reconnected to land since the 1800s, but retains the name.

The gate is a project of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which was built on the adjacent Hog Island, another former island that has been reconnected to mainland. Philadelphia owns both the fort property and PHL.

Heather Redfern, a PHL spokesperson, said the $4.15 million construction of the tide gate should begin soon.

For Buffington, the fix cant come fast enough.

Why Fort Mifflin floods

Fort Mifflin is shaped like a bowl, with ramparts and high ground protecting the sunken parade ground, which falls below the high tide mark. The forts moat rises and falls with the rivers tide. Buffington said sea level rise exacerbates the problem.

By restoring control over water levels, the new gate should allow the perpetually soggy ground time to dry out and water levels at the moat to remain constant.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns part of Mud Island and uses it to dump dredge spoils from the river.

Its really like a bathtub, Buffington explained. When it rains, all the water from the Army Corps next door and the marshy areas at the airport comes here.

Currently, areas like the historic walking path outside the forts walls and the front section near parking become so muddy that visitors either cannot walk on them or have to cross makeshift plywood bridges.

The new gate will also help with severe flooding caused by storm surges that have historically submerged the forts bridge and walkways, and sent water flowing into the original bomb shelters and fortified vaults where Revolutionary soldiers stored gunpowder.

Weve had a couple key wall breaches in the past, Buffington said. Last one was about two years ago.  The tide gate will help tremendously.

We dont have the money

Even with a new tide gate, Buffington said, Fort Mifflin still faces a daunting list of deferred maintenance. Fort Mifflin, which had a $164,340 balance in its last tax filing, in 2023, manages operations on its own.

The hospital building, which dates to 1824 and now houses the main office, has been inundated. Floodwaters from an October 2025 storm rose to the buildings doorjambs and cut off access so that staff had to craft a makeshift bridge out front.

Its cedar roof recently had to be replaced, requiring more fundraising. But other woodwork, such as balustrades, rails, and fascia, is rotting or broken.

The commandants house was damaged in a fire in the 1980s and would take about a million dollars to properly repair, Buffington estimates. It was designed in 1796 by Pierre Peter Charles LEnfant, who planned Washington, D.C. Its roof was repaired and the walls were shored up, but the interior remains damaged. Buffington would love to have it fixed, he said, but we dont have the money.

About 10 years ago, the officers quarters were damaged in a fire, but winds later blew off the roof. Fort Mifflin had to raise money to fix that, and repairs were completed about two years ago. The quarters still need more work.

One wall of the original commissary, now a gift shop and public restroom, has bowed from excess moisture and constant flooding. The wall needs to be repaired. The bathrooms do not work, so visitors use portable toilets.

Buffington said there is no money to fix either.

Meanwhile, grants are getting harder to obtain with federal budget cuts, he noted. Other matching grants are difficult to get because Fort Mifflin on the Delaware cannot gather the initial matching money needed to qualify for them.

We get nothing from the federal government, nothing from the state, nothing from the city, Buffington said, noting that city officials do offer guidance and were instrumental in getting the tide gate.

Buffington, who has a background in business, applied last year for the executive director position. But he first formed a connection with Fort Mifflin in 2008 while visiting with scouts and hearing of reported hauntings.

Since taking the helm, has tried to beef up visits. Buffington estimates about 20 people come through on a typical weekend day. He collects the money, works the front office, and conducts tours.

Last Saturday, Fort Mifflin hosted an authors day with 20 writers on hand to sign books, and it is opening a speakeasy on April 25 as a fundraiser.

Fort Mifflins battle reenactments are a draw, along with cannon fire demonstrations at 1 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. It hosts sleepovers and field trips. People rent the facility for weddings and other events, Buffington said.

Fort Mifflin on the Delaware is overseen by a 12-member executive board and has one other full-time staff member. It pays for some help on weekends and also taps a handful of volunteers.

Haunted Fort Mifflin

Buffington brings an affinity for Fort Mifflins paranormal offerings. The fort opens for private investigations and holds candlelight ghost tours. Guests have reported various paranormal encounters, especially with a female spirit named Elizabeth.

Buffington said he frequently experiences paranormal activity in his office, such as phantom footsteps and the sound of doors opening and closing. He has gotten so accustomed to it that he no longer pays attention.

The original powder magazine, also known as the forts casemate 11, which served as a solitary confinement cell for prisoners, had been buried and inaccessible for 130 years. It was unearthed by accident after being exposed by a sinkhole in 2006. William H. Howe, a union deserter, was executed in the casemate in 1864, and is a paranormal legend at the fort. Walking through the casemate is a spooky experience.

Fort Mifflin has its charms beyond the paranormal, including sweeping views of the Delaware River, intact Revolutionary-era buildings, and even a wall where visitors can touch a dent from a cannonball.

The fort was built by the British, but was taken over by the Americans in 1775. In 1777, the British had taken Philadelphia and its fleet bombarded the fort where 400 cold, ill, and starving soldiers withstood a six-week bombardment.

Airplane aficionados like Mattson Gray, 24, from Gibbstown, Gloucester County, routinely gather at the forts highest point to view planes taking off from PHL.

I love it, Gray said of Fort Mifflin, as he and friend Ryan Devers used binoculars to watch planes one day last week.
Officials in Union Township, New Jersey released the identity of the individual killed during Saturday nights shooting at Chick-Fil-A on Route 22.

The deceased has been identified as Malek Shepherd, age 23, of New York City, according to the Union County Prosecutors Office and Union Police Department.

When they arrived at the scene about 9 pm, the police said they located seven victims. Shepherd, a customer at the time of the shooting, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Six other victims were taken to local area hospitals and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Police did not identify the injured parties.

No arrests have been made. The preliminary investigation indicates the shooting does not appear to be a random act of violence. The investigation is ongoing. Police said there is no immediate threat to the general public.

The investigation is being led by the Union County Prosecutors Office homicide task force, with the Union Police Department deploying all investigative resources to assist.

Union Township where the shooting occurred is a suburban community about 17 miles west of New York City and near Newark airport. There is another Union Township in western New Jersey in Hunterdon County near the Pennsylvania border.

Topics New Jersey
Pennsylvania regulators have approved a decrease of 1.22% in loss costs for workers compensation insurance effective April 1.

New or renewed policies issued on or after that date will reflect the updated loss costs. Because loss costs are factored into workers compensation insurance rates, the reduction will likely lower premiums for many Pennsylvania businesses.

Last year, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department approved an 8.67% reduction in loss costs for policies issued on or after April 1, 2025.

Th loss cost revisions are filed by the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau on behalf of insurers.

Approximately 375 insurance companies offer workers compensation insurance coverage in Pennsylvania. Workers compensation insurance covers the cost of medical care and rehabilitation for injured workers, lost wages, and death benefits for the dependents of those killed in work-related accidents.

Topics Workers' Compensation Talent Pennsylvania
In a case involving a rental car hit by an uninsured motorist, the Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled that the auto insurance policy of the driver that extended bodily injury coverage to the rental car must also provide uninsured motorist coverage to the injured passengers even though they are not named insureds on the policy.

The states high court found that public policy on uninsured motorist coverage set forth in state law and regulations supports requiring that the drivers Progressive Direct Insurance Co. policy cover the occupants in the rental car.

Our state has consistently maintained a strong public policy favoring uninsured motorist coverage, the high court noted, ruling the plaintiff occupants in the rental car were entitled to coverage by statute ( 38a-336 (a) (1) (A)) and in accordance with the corresponding state regulation ( 38a-334-6 (a)).

Progressive had denied coverage on the grounds that the occupants were not named insureds on its policy. The insurer further maintained that its policy comports with the states statutory and regulatory scheme governing uninsured motorist coverage.

With the ruling, the high court partially overturned a lower court order that agreed with Progressive while upholding the lower court in allowing Ohio Security Insurance Co. to deny uninsured coverage under a commercial auto policy.

In discussing the Progressive situation, the high court noted that state law expressly provides that every automobile insurance policy must provide its insured with a minimum amount of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Also, although occupants of a vehicle may have their own liability coverage, which would entitle them to uninsured motorist benefits, state insurance regulations designate occupants as a class of persons who may receive more extensive uninsured motorist coverage. The regulation says that the coverage shall insure the occupants of every motor vehicle to which the bodily injury liability coverage applies.

Progressive insured the driver of the rental car. The drivers policy provided bodily injury coverage to motor vehicles rented by the driver. At the time of the accident, the plaintiffs were occupants in the rental car covered by the bodily injury coverage of the Progressive policy. Thus by state law and regulations, Progressive was required to extend uninsured motorist coverage to the occupants even though they were not named insureds on the drivers policy.

At the same time, the high court held that Ohio Security was not required to provide the occupants with uninsured coverage under a commercial auto policy that the plaintiffs maintained was ambiguous. The high court found the Ohio Security policy was not ambiguous and did not extend to cover the occupants. The court said that language in the policy referring to individuals or family members should not be construed as ambiguous because corporations do not have family members. The court found that the Ohio Security policy unambiguously provided that the named insured was the plaintiffs company, not the plaintiff, who was one of the injured occupants, and the rented motor vehicle was not a covered auto under the Ohio Security policy, nor was it rented to replace any motor vehicles listed in the policy.

Topics Auto Connecticut
Talks to end the Iran war could resume in Pakistan over the next two days, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, after the collapse of weekend negotiations prompted Washington to impose a blockade on Iranian ports.

Officials from Pakistan, Iran and the Gulf also said negotiating teams from the U.S. and Iran could return to Pakistan later this week, although one senior Iranian source said no date had been set.

Trump was quoted by the New York Post as saying: You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and were more inclined to go there.

Later on Tuesday at an event in Georgia, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Trump wanted to make a grand bargain with Iran but there was a lot of mistrust between the two countries.

You are not going to solve that problem overnight, Vance said.

While the U.S. blockade drew angry rhetoric from Iran, signs that diplomatic engagement might continue helped to calm oil markets, pushing benchmark prices below $100 per barrel.

Iran has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global waterway for oil and gas transport, since the war began on February 28. Roughly 5,000 people have died in the hostilities.

Talks in Islamabad last weekend did not yield an agreement, raising doubts over the survival of a two-week ceasefire that still has a week to run.

Irans nuclear ambitions were a key sticking point. The U.S. had proposed a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activity by Iran, while Tehran had suggested a halt of three to five years, according to people familiar with the proposals. The U.S. has also pressed for any enriched nuclear material to be removed from Iran.

One source involved in the negotiations in Pakistan said backchannel talks since the weekend had produced progress in closing that gap, bringing the two sides closer to a deal that could be put forward at a new round of talks.

It was unclear what kind of nuclear deal could be quickly agreed by the U.S. and Iran, given the complexity of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that Trump withdrew from in 2018, and the likely need for monitoring and verification by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Iran also wants international sanctions removed, which the U.S. could not pledge by itself.

IMF Cuts Growth Outlook

U.S. Central Command said no ships made it past its blockade of Iranian ports in the first 24 hours it was in place, while six merchant vessels turned back.

Centcom said more than a dozen U.S. warships were involved in the blockade, which only applies to ships going to or from Iran.

However, shipping data showed the blockade had made little difference to Strait of Hormuz traffic on Tuesday, with at least eight ships crossing the waterway.

The war has clouded the outlook for global energy security and the supply of goods that rely on petroleum.

The International Monetary Fund cut its growth outlook and said the global economy would teeter on the brink of recession if the conflict worsens and oil stays above $100 into 2027. The International Energy Agency meanwhile lowered its forecasts for global oil supply and demand growth.

The United States NATO allies including Britain and France said they would not be drawn into the conflict by taking part in the blockade, although they have offered to help safeguard the strait when an agreement is in place.

China, the main buyer of Iranian oil, said the U.S. blockade was dangerous and irresponsible and would only aggravate tensions. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized China for hoarding oil during the war.

Analysts say oil prices are likely to remain elevated for weeks after the strait is fully reopened, due to backlogs, damaged infrastructure and elevated uncertainty.

Israel-Lebanon Talks Conclude

Further complicating prospects for peace, Israel has continued to attack Lebanon as it targets Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group. Israel and the U.S. say that campaign is not covered by the ceasefire, while Iran has insisted it is.

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted a meeting between envoys for Israel and Lebanon, which the State Department described as the first major high-level engagement between the two countries since 1993.

Lebanon sought a ceasefire to end Israeli strikes that have killed more than 2,000 people and forced 1.2 million from their homes, while Israel was pressing for Beirut to disarm Hezbollah.

The U.S. State Department said afterward that the two sides agreed to continue their talks.

Israels ambassador to the U.S. said he was hopeful the Lebanese government wanted to reduce Hezbollahs influence, while Lebanons ambassador to the U.S. said in a statement that the meeting was constructive, and the date and location of the next meeting would be announced in due course.

Lebanons government sought the negotiations despite objections from Hezbollah.

With the war unpopular at home where rising energy prices are causing political blowback, Trump paused the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against Iran last week after threatening to destroy Irans whole civilisation unless it reopened the Strait of Hormuz.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted from April 10 to 12, after the ceasefire was announced, showed that 35% of Americans approve of U.S. strikes against Iran, down from 37% a week earlier.

The ceasefire has largely held over its first week despite sharp rhetoric from both sides.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell convened an urgent meeting with bank CEOs this week to warn of cyber risks posed by Anthropics latest artificial intelligence model, two sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday.

White House national economic adviser Kevin Hassett confirmed the meeting during an interview with Fox News The Story with Martha MacCallum.

Those bankers were in town for meetings that day, and it was appropriate (for) the Secretary Bessent to do what he did. He brought them over to the Treasury, along with Jay Powell, and went through the cyber risks to make sure that they were aware of them, Hassett said, adding that the Trump administration is taking steps to ensure the public is safe from potential risks.

Anthropic launched the powerful Mythos model this week but stopped short of a broad release, citing concerns it could expose previously unknown cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

The company has said the model is capable of identifying and exploiting weaknesses across every major operating system and every major web browser.

Last week, Anthropic said it was in ongoing discussions with U.S. government officials about the models offensive and defensive cyber capabilities.

A third source close to the matter reiterated Anthropics outreach, saying the company proactively briefed senior U.S. government officials and key industry stakeholders on Mythos capabilities ahead of its release.

The Treasury-hosted meeting in Washington on Tuesday was aimed at ensuring banks are aware of the risks posed by Mythos and similar models and are taking steps to defend their systems, one of the sources said.

Invitations were sent while most CEOs of the largest U.S. banks were already in Washington to attend other meetings, one of the sources said.

Access to Mythos will be limited to about 40 technology companies, including Microsoft and Google, the startup has said.

Bloomberg News, which first reported the story on Thursday, said the CEOs of Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs were present. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon was unable to join, one of the sources told Reuters.

Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo and the Federal Reserve declined to comment. The Treasury, lenders and Anthropic did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.

Canadas Finance Ministry, the Bank of Canada and bank executives met on Friday to discuss cybersecurity, a ministry spokesperson said. AI and Anthropics new AI model were topics of discussion, the spokesperson said.
Trucordia announced its acquisition of the assets of JJL&W Insurance Consulting, an employee benefits brokerage based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. JJL&W was founded in 2020 by partners Jeff Joffrion, Troy Jones, Mitch Lansing, and Jeff Wampold,

The JJL&W team focuses on employee benefits for employers of all sizes, as well as individuals, with medical, dental, vision, life, disability and voluntary benefits, along with support for funding strategies, compliance, and administration.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Louisiana
Florida regulators have extended their supervision of American Mobile Insurance Exchange for another 120 daysfor the sixth time in two yearssuggesting that a runoff of the once-dominant carriers policies may be taking longer than expected in a still-stressed Florida mobile home market.

Insurance agents and others in the state agreed that, 24 months after St. Petersburg-headquartered American Mobile began cancelling policies, finding coverage for many mobile and manufactured homes remains difficult and eye-poppingly expensive.

If its 1994 or newer, you have options. If its older, there really arent many, said John Gardner, principal at Lee County Insurance agency and one of the top writers of mobile home coverage in the state.

Gardner noted that for one, seven-year-old mobile home in southwest Florida, for example, the premium for a policy that covers the purchase price was more expensive than coverage for a new unit that is built to stronger wind-resistant standards. The average mobile home annual premium in parts of southwest Florida is now about $5,000more than that for some non-mobile, single-family dwellings in a comparable area, he said.

And many owners with newer mobile homes have elevated their units above flood levels, due to federal flood requirements or to allow parking underneath. But they have found that some carriers arent sure about how to write the elevation platform, which can cost thousands of dollars to build, Gardner said. One carrier agreed to cover the structures, but only if the home is four miles or more from the coast.

Older mobile homes in Floridaits just tricky, said the head of one Florida carrier. You cant make the math work.

While reinsurance costs have declined for most lines of business, they havent for mobile homes, insurers said. Catastrophe modeling always seems to show significant losses, especially on older units.

Leadership with American Mobile could not be reached for comment about the OIR supervisory period extension. The exchange fell under supervision after its announced in a March 2024 bulletin that it was cancelling more than 1,100 policies as part of its plan to withdraw from the Florida market, due to AMIEs financial condition. Gardner and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation have noted that many policies from American Mobile have since been transitioned to American Traditions Insurance, based in Pinellas Park, Florida.

OIR data show that mobile home policy counts for American Traditions have, in fact, grown but not dramatically. The carrier, part of the Jerger family of companies, has seen its mobile policies go from 61,822 in the first quarter of 2024, to more than 64,800 early this year.

American Mobile, whose attorney-in-fact is owned primarily by K2 Insurance Services, held some 8,600 mobile home policies in early 2024. Current policy numbers were not immediately available from OIR.

For some owners and agents struggling to find coverage, theres always Floridas state-created Citizens Property Insurance Corp. But the problem there is that Citizens, by law, requires flood insurance for most homeowner policies to be in place by January 2027. One flood insurance policy in low-lying Fort Myers and surrounding Lee County can cost as much as $11,000 for a mobile homedouble the price of a wind policy, Gardner said.

My prediction is that over 30% of the mobile homes with Citizens will voluntarily go without insurance, because of the flood insurance requirement, he said.

That trend may already be happening. The number of Citizens mobile home policies has dropped, from 89,284 a year ago to 76,745 this month, Citizens data show. The decline mirrors the significant drop in Citizens overall policy counts over the last three years.

Gardner said many of his clients have moved out of mobile units in southwest Florida, sometimes without a buyer; sometimes giving ownership to the mobile home park.

Theres definitely a need for a market for older units and for a private flood insurance market on mobile homes, Gardner added.

The good news is that a few carriers have said they are working on filings that could help expand mobile home coverage across south and central Florida, but have yet to file with OIR or go public with the policies.

Photo: A mobile home destroyed by Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers. (AdobeStock.)

Topics Trends Florida Homeowners Market
Florida residents have paid significantly more than the nationwide average for gasoline and diesel in recent weeks as the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran forces the Sunshine State to compete with Europe and Asia for fuel produced in Texas and other U.S. states, analysts said.

The rare, lofty premiums highlight how Irans blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has exposed vulnerabilities in oil and fuel supply chains around the world by upending historical trade routes.

There are no refineries in Florida, as the third-most populous U.S. state is prone to severe hurricanes, and no pipelines delivering fuel produced by U.S. Gulf Coast refineries either. Some fuel delivered to Georgia on the Colonial Pipeline is hauled into Florida via trucks, but the majority of the states fuel needs are met by barges sent from the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Fuel producers have prioritized exports to Europe and Asia over barge shipments within the U.S., as international markets have been hit hardest by the Strait of Hormuz closure, improving export margins.

Ships that would normally move product from the lower Mississippi or Houston to Florida ports are largely headed elsewhere, said Tom Kloza, chief energy advisor to Gulf Oil.

Florida residents this month paid as much as 15 cents a gallon, or nearly 4% more than the national average for gasoline, and as much as 35 cents, or over 6% more for diesel, data from GasBuddy showed. Typically, prices in the state are below the average nationwide.

Those are the highest premiums Floridians have paid for gasoline over the national average since 2013, and the highest ever for diesel, the data showed. California and Hawaii remain the states paying the biggest premiums for their fuel.

Gasoline prices in Florida were back under the national average as of Friday at $4.06 a gallon as a ceasefire deal with Iran has helped ease supply concerns, but diesel prices still averaged about 6 cents over the national average at $5.77 a gallon, GasBuddy data showed.

High gasoline and diesel prices have become a major concern for President Donald Trump and his Republican Party as they prepare for Novembers midterm elections. The president and top Republicans, including outgoing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have regularly attacked Democrats for high fuel costs in states like California.

Florida is uniquely susceptible to this situation because the majority of its fuel, except in the panhandle, is brought in via barges, said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

High freight rates have added another layer of complications for Florida, as the barges still bringing fuel to the state were doing so at almost nonsensical freight rates, Gulf Oils Kloza said.

Freight rates have surged globally, including in the U.S. Gulf Coast region, due to the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Floridas reliance on barge supplies from the U.S. Gulf Coast has become a bigger concern for the state because of rapid population growth resulting in higher demand, GasBuddys De Haan said.

Total gasoline consumption in Florida rose to about 224 million barrels in 2023, a 32-million-barrel rise compared to 2011 and the biggest jump over that period anywhere in the U.S. except Texas, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed.

(Reporting by Shariq Khan in New York; Editing by Nia Williams)

Photo: The Strait of Hormuz, where oil tankers normally traverse. (AdobeStock)

Topics Florida
THE public has been asked to play their part in protecting birds as they start to build nests, lay eggs and raise their young.

Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity minister Christopher OSullivan said vegetation such as hedgerows, trees and shrubs provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife.

Read More April arrivals: Cuckoo among signs of the advancing summer

The Wildlife Act prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1 March and 31 August annually.

Legislation also prohibits the removal of vegetation during the nesting season with some limited exemptions.

It is also an offence to wilfully destroy, injure or mutilate the eggs or nest of a protected wild bird, or to wilfully disturb a protected wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or unfledged young at any time of the year.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has published guidance to help landowners understand the legislation and their responsibilities.

Minister OSullivan said hedgerows are a unique feature of the Irish landscape. These living fences provide food and shelter for birds and pollinators and serve as corridors for wildlife to move across fragmented habitats.

Hedgerows can benefit from cutting from time to time, but it is important that this activity takes place outside of nesting season to avoid disturbing nesting birds and other wildlife.

He urged everyone to familiarise themselves with the guidance and their responsibilities. Breaches of legislation is a matter the NPWS takes very seriously with 17 prosecution cases initiated in 2025 under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act.

The cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch in the bird nesting season is prohibited to safeguard nesting birds and other wildlife during their critical breeding season.

Any activities which involve removing vegetation should take place outside of this time. Guidance published by the NPWS assists landowners in their responsibility to ensure compliance when managing vegetation on their property.

Landowners should take precautions to protect wild birds, such as monitoring vegetation for any nesting activity and the presence of eggs, before undertaking any cutting or removal.

It is an offence to wilfully disturb or harm the eggs or nest of a wild bird or a wild bird on or near a nest containing eggs or unfledged young birds at any time of the year.

Read More Significant increase in number of wildfires across Ireland last year

The guidance also explains the exemptions which apply during the bird nesting season. If activities must take place when nesting birds may be present, it will be necessary to carry out checks for nests and breeding birds before they begin.

Hedge cutting in Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) may require separate consent to be given prior to being undertaken. There is no exemption to the burning of vegetation during nesting season.

Minister OSullivan said the engagement were seeing from landowners and farmers is encouraging. Their actions to leave hedgerows intact for the Spring and Summer months are giving wildlife a better chance to thrive.

NPWS director general Niall O Donnchu said damage to habitats caused by destruction or burning undermines decades of careful conservation work.

A well-managed species-rich hedgerow (especially older, traditional ones) can support up to 2,000 species per kilometre.

Ireland has around 689,000 km of hedgerows, making them one of the countrys most important biodiversity habitats.

In addition, a square kilometre of healthy Irish peatland can harbour roughly 500 1,000 species, depending on its age, hydrology, and management.

Intact raised bogs and blanket bogs are biodiversity hotspots for rare and specialised species.

We take breaches of the legislation very seriously. We have strengthened our co-operation with An Garda Siochana, landowners and communities.

We continue to investigate wildlife crime, as part of our work to protect nature. And to bolster our protection of our special habitats we will deploy air resources too, he said.

The NPWS initiated 17 wildlife crime prosecutions in 2025 for offences under the Wildlife Act.

Five cases have concluded successfully, with a further 12 currently before the courts and awaiting outcomes. The most significant penalty was a 14,000 fine imposed in Co. Laois.
Newbridge-based Jordan Auctioneers will be auctioning off some prime Kildare land over the coming weeks.

On Friday, April 24, it will put a 41-acre land parcel in the townland of Blackchurch up for public sale, to be followed on May 8 by an eight-acre piece of ground located at Clownings, between Kildare and Newbridge.

Both of the auctions take place at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, and both holdings are of the best quality  prime Meath land at its best.

The property comprises an attractive holding of arable land, says Clive Kavanagh of Jordan Auctioneers. The lands are laid out in a practical and well-defined configuration, extending across the townlands of Blackchurch and Tuckmilltown.

Quality farmland in this part of the Kildare commuter belt seldom comes to the open market, particularly in a single, well-laid-out holding of this scale. The lands are top-quality, ideally suited to a wide range uses," Mr Kavanagh says.

Naturally bounded by mature hedgerows and benefiting from access to the Slane River, the holding is likely to generate strong interest.

Some of the grassland at Clownings, Newbridge, Co Kildare.

With Junction 6 of the N7 dual carriageway just a short distance away, the farm enjoys immediate connectivity to the national motorway network, with Dublin City centre 23km from the holding.

Lands of this quality and accessibility rarely come on the market. We expect strong interest from a wide range of buyers, adds Mr Kavanagh, quoting a price guide of 900,000 (22,000/acre).

Two weeks later, on May 8, its the turn of a small grassland parcel of eight acres at Clownings, 6km from Newbridge and 8.5km from Naas.

Given its size and excellent road frontage, it may attract more non-farming interest for those looking for a countryside setting within easy commuting distance of Dublin. Junction 10 of the M7 is only 5km away.

Its this potential for planning permission for a residence that will ensure a good show of hands on the day and at a guide of 200,000 (25,000/acre), the farming community may also have a part to play.
Moya Brennan, 68, grew up in Gweedore, Co Donegal, one of nine children. As a solo artist and as a member of Clannad, which celebrated its fiftieth anniversary last year, she has won both an Emmy and a Grammy.

This article was first published on January 28, 2021 and updated following Moya Brennan's death, aged 73.

Greek mythology in Gweedore

Growing up in Gweedore in the 1950s, my grandfather was our schoolmaster. It was himself and my grandmother in a two-room school with a big fire. She took the juniors up to second class. He took the senior classes.

The stuff he did was completely outside the curriculum for that time  sowing, drama, music, art. Wed put on little Gaelic plays ourselves. He would use general knowledge books, encyclopedias  wed learn from them.

Hed tell us stories about Greek mythology. It was fascinating to get a window into these other worlds when you were a young person growing up in rural Donegal. He influenced our lives very much.

When the bard visited school

There was a bard whod visit the school every spring. All I remember is hed be on the road walking. My grandfather knew him.

My grandfather would bring him in and hed put him on a chair in front of us, all the different classes  four rows of classes; four or five people in each class, if even  and he would get the bard to tell us stories. When the bard left us, he disappeared off on foot again.

Catching the performance bug

My father was a showband leader. Sometimes, hed go to England and Scotland on tours around St. Patricks Day. When I was 11, he took myself and my younger brother with him to Glasgow. Of course, I had to perform. I was an Irish dancer.

I would be on the stage at the side of the hall with my Irish costume on. When thered be a break, hed make me do a little dancing and I sang two songs: Soldier Boy and My Boy Lollipop.

Going on stage, I was so excited, singing pop songs. I don't remember being nervous. I was just amazed by it. If I had more songs, I would've wanted to stay on. I remember people were standing in front of me.

I suppose it was a novelty  this young girl in an Irish costume singing these songs. It was the time of dances when men were on one side and women on the other side so it was a chance for them to come together at the front of the stage.

Beatles or Stones?

Everyone was obviously listening to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones in the mid-'60s, but you couldnt be a Beatles and a Stones fan. You had to be one or the other. You had to make a choice. We were a large family.

Myself and my uncle Padraig [Duggan, fellow Clannad member] were definitely Rolling Stones fans and the rest of the clan were Beatles fans. I was in love with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones, and I did like what they were doing.

One of the first albums I bought was Aftermath. I loved their slower songs like Lady Jane. When I was 16, I tried to get to Dublin to see them, but there was no way I was allowed to go by my parents!

Jesus Christ Superstar

The album that I used to play to death all the time  over and over again  in the early 1970s was Jesus Christ Superstar.

When it came out, it was exciting because it was a new thing, something completely different. It was a musical yet there was pop and rock singers singing on the album.

Like the part of Jesus was sung by Ian Gillan from Deep Purple. We were very animated in learning all the words to the songs.

It was one of those albums that you learned from top to bottom. It had a real wow factor.

Goodbye to the Hill

An early book I was fascinated by was Lee Dunnes Goodbye to the Hill because reading part of it reminded me of stories from my own family. My father left school when he was 12.

He used to travel as part of an entertainment troupe that went from hall to hall. He learned the accordion, saxophone and clarinet. Thats how he started off being an entertainer.

My grandmother was an acrobat who did some tricks. My grandfather played the piano. My auntie was an accordion player. My uncle was a trumpet player. It was a family thing. On a Wednesday, my father might cycle 30 miles to a hall to rent it out.

Then on Thursday, theyd all return to put on a couple of performances. They travelled with a caravan. It was where they used to stay. It was a circus vibe. They would park outside the hall. That was my father's upbringing. Growing up, wed hear stories about that.

Birdsong

One of my favourite books is Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks. Its powerful. Im not into books about the First World War, but it's a fascinating book.

The description and the way it's written is absolutely beautiful. You can nearly smell the trenches within the book.

Cinema Paradiso.

Movies that make me cry

My favourite movie is Cinema Paradiso. All you have to do is put the music on and Ill start crying. Its gorgeous.

The sentiment in it is amazing  the relationship between the old fella and the young fella. Also the love story in it.

Its heart-breaking, and the final scene is so moving  when the character, who is a director himself at this stage, gets a package sent to him of all the kissing scenes that were cut out from their old cinema releases.

I love movies that can make me cry.

The Dead

One of my favourite movies is The Dead. Its exquisite and the last part of it with Donal McCann is so riveting and beautiful. It's a masterpiece.

Myself and Cormac de Barra did a gig in honour of Anjelica Huston [star in the film] and her father [the late John Huston, the films director] in New York.

There was a special dinner and they asked us would we play for it. We thought about doing something special so we sang The Lass of Aughrim.

Its a lovely song and so poignant, and how Frank Patterson sings it in the movie is unforgettable.
Nicola Coughlan has been named as the next host of the upcoming episode of the UK edition of Saturday Night Live (SNL).

The Irish actress will front the comedy show on April 25, and will be joined by rock band Foo Fighters, who have appeared on the US version of the sketch show nine times.
More than 3,400 people have had to be treated on trolleys in the country's hospitals over the last week, with nursing representatives describing the level of overcrowding as "extremely concerning.

The latest daily trolley figures, published by Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, show that 3,415 patients have been treated without a bed since the Easter bank holiday, of whom 699 are on trolleys this morning.
Cockroach infestations, meat being air-dried in a bedroom and rodent activity are among the reasons why enforcement orders were served on food businesses last month by inspectors.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) served 12 closure orders, and two prohibition orders, on food providers last month for breaches of food safety legislation.

Enforcement orders were issued by environmental health officers after evidence of an active cockroach infestation was found at Dailo Nepali Kitchen, Kitchen 4, Moore Street Mall, Dublin 1.

Evidence of an active cockroach infestation was also found at Tiramisu Mania, Moore Street Mall, 58 Parnell Street, Dublin 1.

Inspectors found an active cockroach infestation in the premises when they visited Tiramisu Mania on March 31, which was evidenced by the presence of live cockroaches noted on trays in the food preparation/service area where open food is being prepared, such as ready to eat cakes and pizza.

This included all stages of the life cycle of cockroaches, the inspector noted.

Cockroaches are known to spread pathogens which can pose a risk to human health, the report states, adding food produced in these conditions is likely to be unsafe and poses a grave and immediate risk to public health".

At Kebab House 66, at Moore Street Mall, 58 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, officers noted rodent activity on the premises, including the presence of two recently dead" mice in cockroach traps in the back kitchen area, as well as mouse droppings.

In total, eight closure orders were served under the FSAI Act, 1998, to businesses.

This included:

Kebab House 66 (service sector), Moore Street Mall, 58 Parnell Street, Dublin 1;

Georgian Delight (restaurant/ cafe), Unit 3, Moore Street Mall, 58-66 Parnell Street, Dublin 1;

Dailo Nepali Kitchen (Restaurant/ Cafe), Kitchen 4, Moore Street Mall, 58-66 Parnell Street, Dublin 1;

Tiramisu Mania (manufacturer), Moore Street Mall, 58 Parnell Street, Dublin 1;

Spicy Bite (restaurant/ cafe), Unit 1, Moore Mall, Moore Street, Dublin 1;

Glanmore Foods Limited, Grange Community College (service sector), Grange Abbey Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13;

Eskimo Pizza, Bandon (closed area: the potato peeling room at the rear of the premises) (takeaway), 1 St Patricks Quay, Bandon, Cork;

Eurospar (retailer), 25-27 Annesley Bridge Road, Fairview, Dublin 3.

Four closure orders were also issued by the FSAI under European Union (Official Controls in Relation to Food Legislation) Regulations, 2020 to:

Bruno Gomes (wholesaler/ distributor), Meath;

Arsh Bazzar (closed area: butcher area) (retailer), 6 Mary Street, Clonmel, Tipperary;

Mars Pizza (takeaway), Coolbeg, Kildimo, Limerick;

Meet Brazil (closed area: the kitchen area upstairs serving the restaurant and take away. The retail area downstairs can remain open.) Castle Hill, Enniscorthy, Wexford.

Officers also issued a food business in operation from a domestic dwelling at Ferndale, Navan, Meath, with a closure order after meat being air-dried in a bedroom was found when inspected.

The inspection report notes how pieces of meat were tied to plastic crates placed adjacent to a radiator, and covered with cardboard.

According to the FSAI, some of the reasons for the enforcement orders issued in March also included: No suitable hand-washing facilities available to food workers; no hot water or soap for hand-washing; cleaning materials stored in dirty stagnant water; thick waste discharge covering an entire floor in a kitchen; and equipment observed to be heavily soiled and in an unclean condition.

FSAI chief executive Greg Dempsey said it was disappointing to see enforcement action being necessary due to fundamental breaches.

Inspectors are finding recurring incidents of pest infestations and unhygienic practices in food businesses.

These are entirely preventable non-compliances when proper food safety management systems are in place.

Consumers have a right to safe food. Under food law, it is the legal responsibility of food businesses to ensure that the food they sell to the consumer is safe to eat.

If anyone experiences unfit food, poor hygiene standards or notices a breach of food law in a food business, we encourage them to contact us via our online complaint form at www.fsai.ie/makeitbetter. Reporting inappropriate and unsafe food practices provides us with information that we can act upon," he added.
The grieving mother of Grace Lynch, the teenager killed by a scrambler bike, has revealed she has been receiving horrifying death threats for speaking out.

Siobhan Gifford Lynch's daughter was tragically killed on January 25 while crossing the road in Finglas near her home. She was thrown to the other side of the road at the pedestrian crossing and died in nearby Connolly Hospital.

Now Ms Lynch has been targeted with a campaign of abuse and intimidation after calling for scrambler bikes to be banned from public roads.

The deeply distressing messages she has been subjected to since include threats to leave you the way your daughter was and that she should be put down there with her.

She has also been threatened with having someone smash in her windows.

Ms Lynch has been vocal about the dangers of scramblers since her daughters death and legislation to have them taken off the road is now called Graces Law.

'Grace did nothing wrong'

The threats, she said, have compounded the trauma of losing her child in circumstances she believes were entirely preventable.

Grace did nothing wrong, Ms Lynch said. She wasnt in trouble; she wasnt involved in anything. She was a quiet girl who kept to herself and her friends.

She was a bright student at school, the loveliest child and all she was doing was walking to see her boyfriend play football when she was left with all her bones broken and her little body smashed in."

She said that on the day in question, Grace had simply crossed the road at a pedestrian crossing, believing she had the right of way.

She pressed the lights, waited for the green, like any child is taught to do. She had the right of way. This is not her fault.

Yet I am repeatedly receiving messages that she wasnt looking where she was going.

People are saying maybe she had earphones in, maybe she was on her phone. She never wore earphones. Even if she had, she had the right of way. She could have walked across with her eyes closed and she still had the right of way.

Ms Lynch said she refuses to be intimidated by anyone and will continue her fight to take scramblers off the road and wants parents held accountable for their childrens actions. She has kept the gardai informed.

She said the threats will not stop her from highlighting the dangers of scramblers.

"I urge people if you see someone flying around on one, ring the gardai, there is a confidential number. They need your help.

My daughters lost her life, she isnt coming home, I dont want this to happen to anyone else. No family should have to go through this.

My daughter was failed because that law banning scramblers is not new. She was let down because of a lack of enforcement and there are still lads flying around Finglas today who couldnt care less."
The DPPs office is giving priority to consideration of a Garda file in the case where it is alleged a stash of guns, ammunition and explosives were found at a house in Douglas last November.

Sergeant Gearoid Davis told Judge Mary Dorgan the Garda file in the case was with the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions where it was being given priority.

Judge Mary Dorgan refused an application by defence barrister Sarah Patton to strike the matter out because of delay. Ms Patton said the accused had been remanded in custody now for five months on these charges.

The judge remanded 45-year-old Paul Sheehan, of Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas in Cork, in continuing custody until April 27.

Detective Garda Anthony Daly said in an earlier outline of the allegations against the accused: He was discovered in possession of illegally held firearms and ammunition on November 4, 2025, in suspicious circumstances at Applegreen service station in Mallow.

At Applegreen service station on November 4, he was caught red-handed in possession of a .32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a slide of a 9mm Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol, firearm components, ammunition and a quantity of cocaine. There was evidence of a firearm having being discharged from within the vehicle.

In the search at his home, a large amount of firearms, ammunition and explosive substances were found, including three pipe bomb bodies. Evidence of the manufacture and alteration of firearms and ammunition was also discovered.

Mr Sheehan faces charges contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 and one under the Explosive Substances Act of 1883.

The charges include possession of a .32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a deactivated .38 calibre Smith & Wesson revolver, a slide for a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and three pipe bomb bodies.

Det Garda Daly said the case would be dealt with at the Special Criminal Court.
The allure of drugs being dangled in front of him proved irresistible for a 29-year-old man, who got so intoxicated he ended up verbally abusing a member of An Garda Siochana and actively resisting arrest.

Daniel Ciemiega, who now lives at Carrig Desmond, Newcastle West, Co Limerick, pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to four separate charges arising out of the incident in Cork City.

Joseph Cuddigan, solicitor, said Mr Ciemiega had been doing very well in rehabilitation but slipped during a return to Cork City last September.

He is now working for the past three weeks and hopefully the discipline of this will be of benefit for him, Mr Cuddigan said.

Judge Mary Dorgan fined him 200 for being drunk and a danger to himself or others, 300 for threatening behaviour, imposed suspended sentences of three months and four months, respectively, for the offences of obstruction and possessing drugs for his own use.

Sergeant John Kelleher described what happened on September 8, 2025.

Garda Shane Coakley was on the beat in Cork city centre when, as a result of a call, he attended at Smith Street, Cork, and observed the accused.

Garda Coakley approached Mr Ciemiega, who was swaying from side to side and was intoxicated. Garda Coakley observed what he believed to be a number of small wraps of cannabis in the hand of Mr Ciemiega and Garda Coakley asked him to hand them over but Mr Ciemiega put them back into his back pocket. He refused to hand them over and then threw one package onto the ground.

He then leaned down and picked his hat up and attempted to run away. Garda Coakley brought him to the ground and restrained him. He shouted at Garda Coakley and passers-by, shouting "F*** you" a number of times while actively resisting.

A member of the public came to the assistance of Garda Coakley and between them they managed to keep Mr Ciemiega restrained. Assistance arrived soon after and three small wraps of cannabis were retrieved from Mr Ciemiega worth a total of approximately 100.
The funeral of Scarlett Faulkner who died after sustaining serious head injuries in an assault last month will take place on Friday, her family has said.

The 29-year-old mother of one died on Monday, after being on life support for three weeks at Cork University hospital (CUH).

Her family made the decision to take her off life support after doctors told them she was showing no signs of response.

The young woman from Longpavement in Co. Limerick was attacked on March 21 outside Birdhill in Co. Tipperary.

In an update online her cousin Melissa McCarthy wrote that Scarlett will be reposing at Crosses Funeral home on Thursday from 2 to 4pm".

Funeral mass will take place on Friday at 11am in St. Munchins Church followed by burial in Meelick Cemetery."

Her devastated family kept at vigil by her bedside and thanked everyone for their prayers as they hoped for Scarlett to pull through.

They later announced that her life support was switched off at 4pm on Sunday following the results of one last test, and she stayed breathing for a day, before she passed away on Monday evening.

Tributes have been pouring in for her from family friends and neighbours since her death.

Her sister, Victoria Faulkner, said she will cherish their memories forever.

I promise you sister Ill bring Oceanna to see you every day. Ill do everything for her just like youd want. I love you with all my heart and soul. I cant explain the way I feel right now knowing Ill never see you walk in the door to me and sit down and smoke a fag.

I miss you every minute of the day. You will always be my best friend and big sister. My heart inside me is broken in 1 million pieces.

"How will I ever say goodbye to you, she wrote.

Ms Faulkner's brother, Martin Anthony, also paid tribute on social media: RIP my lovely sister Scarlett.

A post shared by a support page for the young Limerick mother, with 26,000 followers, noted that the family has asked for privacy at this time.

At this deeply distressing time, the family are gently trying to process their overwhelming grief and loss. They kindly ask for privacy as they come to terms with saying goodbye to their precious beautiful girl, reads the post.

"The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has kept Scarlett in their prayers, sent loving messages, and offered support over the past few weeks.

Your kindness has meant more to them than words can say. They ask that we all continue to pray for Scarlett - that her gentle soul is received into the loving arms of God and granted eternal peace and a soft bed in Heaven," they wrote.

A woman aged in her 40s and a teenage girl have been charged in connection with the assault.
It was coming since the day they entered.

This was how one member of Government described Michael Healy-Rae's decision to stop supporting the coalition and resign as a junior minister.

Mr Healy-Raes time as minister was the first time anyone in his family had risen to ministerial rank, with his father Jackie having only gone as far as supporting Government from the backbenches.

In January 2025, Michael Healy-Rae said he and his brother would be backing the Government across five budgets, becoming the so-called fourth leg of the Coalition.

While he insisted there was no specific constituency deal, Mr Healy-Rae said that issues he had would now be taken on board at the heart of Government.

This did end up being the case on a number of occasions over the past 15 months, with Healy-Rae pressuring from inside the tent on issues such as short-term lets.

He called for a serious rethink over the proposed crackdown on short-term lets, achieving an increased population limit of 20,000 where restrictions would apply rather than 10,000 as had been planned.

Mr Healy-Rae took credit for the change, posting on social media that he had been working hard at Government level on the matter.

This was despite Peter Burke, the enterprise minister, pushing back on any suggestion the change came amid lobbying from the Kerry TD.

There was some suggestion that Michael Healy-Rae could have gone overboard just three months ago, when the Government was facing a storm due to the Mercosur trade deal.

However, any concerns from the Kerry TD seemed to be assuaged when Taoiseach Micheal Martin confirmed the Government would not be supporting the deal and would vote against it at an EU level.

While members in Government praised the TD's work ethic within the Department of Agriculture, patience appeared to be wearing thin with Mr Healy-Rae's move to take potshots at the Coalition over the fuel protests.

While Mr Healy-Rae did criticise the decision by protesters regarding the fuel blockades, he repeatedly called for the Government to engage further with them.

At the time, this was rejected out of hand, with detractors in Government simply labelling him a populist.

Just hours before the confidence vote, another such detractor said nobody was impressed by Mr Healy-Raes approach to the protests, including many of his Independent colleagues in Government.

His resignation took many by surprise, with none of his former ministerial colleagues being informed before he pulled the trigger mid-speech.

While there is still another three-and-a-half years to go in the 34th Dail, Michael Healy-Raes influence at any level of Government is now consigned to the dustbin.

The Kerry TD returns to the opposition benches and, unless there is a major electoral shift, it appears he will never return to ministerial office.
Just over a year ago, the Irish planning system was overhauled with the passage of the Planning and Development Act 2024. The Government described it as the most significant reform since planning legislation was first introduced.

The act certainly reorganised parts of the system. Timelines were revised, procedures rewritten and institutional structures adjusted. But despite the scale of the legislative exercise, the underlying philosophy of Irish planning did not fundamentally change. The reforms refined the engine; they did not redesign it.

One claim featured prominently in the debate surrounding the new legislation: that Ireland operates a plan-led planning system.

In reality, there is little meaningful sense in which this claim can be sustained.

Ireland certainly has development plans. Local authorities produce substantial documents every six years outlining land uses, housing strategy, infrastructure objectives and environmental protections. But the fact these documents are called plans does not mean they function as plans in the ordinary sense of the word.

In practice, they contain policies on matters such as density, building height, heritage protection and design quality, but they rarely establish binding spatial rules.

A development plan will often state increased building height may be appropriate in certain areas, or higher densities should be encouraged near transport corridors. What it seldom does is define, in explicit terms, the precise form of development permitted on a particular site.

It is this absence of precision that creates difficulty.

When planning operates through policy rather than rule, interpretation becomes the systems defining characteristic. Applicants interpret policies in ways that support their proposals. Planning authorities often take a different view. An Coimisiun Pleanala may reach another again.

The result is that outcomes become difficult to predict.

The situation is further complicated by the layered nature of Irish planning policy. Local development plans must operate alongside regional spatial strategies, national policy frameworks and ministerial guidelines. Each layer must be balanced and interpreted.

To understand what a genuinely plan-led system looks like in practice, it is useful to look elsewhere.

In New York City, development is governed by a detailed document known as the Zoning Resolution. This document specifies, with mathematical precision, what can be built on each site within the city boundary  how large a building may be, how many floors it can contain, how far it must stand back from the street and what uses are permitted.

If a proposal complies with these rules, approval is granted as of right.

In practical terms, this means if you were considering buying a site  imagine you had just spotted a parcel of land for sale outside Cork  a quick review of the zoning provisions would tell you almost immediately what could be built there. The answer would not depend on interpretation or negotiation. It would already be written into the plan.

New York is, of course, a vast and complex city, so the process is not always quite so simple. Buildings in landmark districts are subject to design review, and large or unusual projects may trigger additional procedures. But for the majority of typical developments, the system operates with striking clarity.

In many cases the process moves even more quickly. Through a mechanism known as professional certification, an architect or engineer may declare that a proposal complies with the zoning rules without the need for detailed review by city officials. Where that certification is accepted, the project proceeds directly to permitting.

Germany operates in a similarly structured way. Local plans known as Bebauungsplane establish binding development parameters at a detailed spatial scale. Height limits, building lines and permitted uses are defined in advance. If a proposal fits the plan, permission follows.

These systems differ politically and culturally from each other, but they share a central strength: clarity.

Irelands system, by contrast, leaves much to interpretation. The word appropriate appears repeatedly in planning documents and decisions. It sounds reasonable  suggesting flexibility and compromise  but in practice it is too elastic to be useful.

Once a debate turns on whether something is appropriate, it is unlikely ever to be settled.

The consequences are familiar to anyone who has dealt with the Irish planning system. Applicants cannot confidently predict outcomes before investing in design work. Local authorities struggle to ensure consistency. Communities experience development not as the implementation of an agreed spatial vision but as a sequence of ad hoc decisions.

Planning becomes unnecessarily adversarial.

If Ireland genuinely wishes to be plan-led, our plans must become more detailed and more binding.

One straightforward reform would be the introduction of mandatory zoning envelopes within local area plans. These envelopes would define the maximum building height and bulk for each urban block, much as zoning rules do in New York or Germany.

Ireland has already experimented with this approach in projects such as Adamstown and the Dublin Docklands.

It is sometimes suggested plan-led systems limit democratic participation. In reality, the opposite is true. In genuinely plan-led systems, public debate and political negotiation take place when the plan itself is being prepared. The fundamental decisions are made at the outset, before development begins.

Conflict is therefore front-loaded rather than repeated with every individual planning application.

A system built on clear rules has obvious advantages. It can speed up approval processes, reduce inconsistency and provide a coherent picture of how towns and cities will evolve.

If Ireland truly wishes to be plan-led, the solution is straightforward: our plans must begin to function as plans.
When a Government minister says we need to reassess how we handle things after a security crisis, you know there are problems.

As the fuel protest crisis splutters to a halt  for now at least  what issues might need to be reassessed?

Government cohesion

Asked on RTE if justice minister Jim OCallaghan informed her about his intention to request the Defence Forces assist An Garda Siochana in tackling the escalating fuel crisis, defence minister Helen McEntee said: We need to always make sure we are doing things in the most seamless way. I will say that things at senior level can be improved.

Ms McEntee, who is also foreign affairs minister, said they now need to reassess and review, and make sure there is a seamless engagement and a seamless process at every step and every level.

Read More Fuel protesters warned licences and insurance could be affected, minister says

Senior sources told the Irish Examiner last week that Mr OCallaghans decision to ask the Defence Forces for assistance ramped up the pressure from protestors.

We had local gardai trying to engage with local protestors and their leaders, trying to get them to cooperate and then the minister says the army were, you know, being called in, one security source said.

Everyone knows about the limited capability of the Defence Forces, so we need to find out first what have they got that might help and would they be able and willing.

Mowag misinformation

As soon as the political announcement was made on Thursday morning, videos circulated of army vehicles on Irish roads  for a totally unrelated matter  with claims they were being sent to deal with protesters.

The Defence Forces are aware of images circulating of MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers in convoy.



We can confirm that these are the personnel of the 128th Infantry Battalion conducting mission readiness exercises ahead of deployment to UNIFIL next month.



Mission Readiness pic.twitter.com/MGUcJ9KvcQ  Oglaigh na hEireann (@defenceforces) April 9, 2026

Cue the predictable social media posts that the Government was at war with its own people.

It all made the already difficult work of local gardai on the ground more difficult, with no obvious benefit, including no involvement by the army. Their only role was the limited use of military lifting vehicles to move barricades in Whitegate in Cork and Galway Port.

The issue raises real concerns of the Government: Its understanding of the roles and capabilities of the Defence Forces, the need to consult with relevant Cabinet colleagues before deploying military assets in a civil disturbance, and the need for prior discussions between the gardai before a political decision.

Policing

The actual policing operation to remove the blockades at the critical infrastructure  oil depots at Whitegate Refinery in Cork, Galway Port, and Foynes Port in Limerick  and also OConnell St, Rosslare Port, and the M50, appeared to be, to borrow Ms McEntees phrase, relatively seamless, despite the clear potential for clashes.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly declared a national exceptional event, which enabled him to temporarily put aside the working time directive, change rosters, and deploy gardai as required.

Water cannons were scrambled  but not used  with one being sent to Cork City. An estimated 1,500 gardai were deployed, with Whitegate being the priority.

A member of the public order unit demonstrating the use of pepper spray next to a water cannon at Garda headquarters in Phoenix Park, Dublin last year. File picture: Niall Carson/PA

Gardai succeeded in ending the blockade with a small amount of pepper spray used. Despite some resistance at Galway Port, they managed to clear the access road and, in Dublins OConnell St, secured the area within an hour.

Given the level of force often used by police on the European mainland, the Garda use of force was minimal as well as effective. This is despite incidents, as circulated on social media, of persistent verbal abuse of gardai by some protestors and far-right activists.

Yesterday, Commissioner Kelly revealed there were attempts to threaten and intimidate gardai during their duty in the protests.

He said he had viewed some of the online material and was absolutely appalled  and that the incidents would be fully investigated.

Vulnerabilities

The crisis again showed the public, and politicians, just how vulnerable this State is to global politics and our dependence on imported fossil fuels.

We have heard how vulnerable our critical gas pipelines from Scotland are.

Five years ago, Irelands health system was crippled for many months in a cyberattack, by a Russian criminal group with connections to Russian intelligence.

While there is no such sinister connection to the fuel protests, there were certain prominent individuals involved with far-right views, and the broader far-right movement  in Ireland, England, and the US  who eagerly latched on to them.

Irish far-right media channels and activists regularly interviewed protest leaders. Far-right councillors, celebrities, and political groups elbowed their way into events  either on the ground or online, circulating the usual mix of agitation, disinformation, and division.

Whether last weeks events reinvigorates the fractured anti-government/far-right movement in Ireland is unclear. However, there is a reminder to be wary of people claiming to be true representatives of the people of Ireland.

Last week sharply reminded security and policing services of just how vulnerable Irelands critical infrastructure is.

On security source said: Dublin Port wasnt hit [in the protests]. Trucks are in and out of there all the time and really theres no way of stopping a truck just blocking an exit.

Ireland's EU presidency

With the EU presidency rapidly approaching, security sources will now review plans to factor in the possibility of a group of people  small or large  using trucks or JCBs to disrupt traffic at Dublin Airport, Baldonnel military airport, Dublin Castle, or Cork Airport.

Sources said hostile states or actors keen to disrupt the EU would have been looking at the fuel protests, but said this did not mean they would replicate it.

Other vulnerabilities include the lack of gas or oil storage facilities.

There is also the five-year wait for Irelands first national security strategy and the failure to establish and sustain a national security body  as recommended by the Policing Commission in September 2018  to set out and co-ordinate the roles, responsibilities, and activities of the States security services.
Bijou city nests that offer birds-eye views and pretty perches to go with them. A radiant residence that reflects South African style savvy on the Ring of Kerry. A turreted escape fit for a fairytale, twisting its way into our imaginations.

And now that Mike and Steve's revamped residence in Kildare has joined their ranks, as the last finalist chosen in this series, its time to grab the popcorn ahead of tuning into the Home of the Year 2026 conclusion on April 21, when the judges deliberate the winner in Palmerstown, Co Kildare.

For the first time ever, each judge on the RTE series was awarded one golden key to use at their discretion. With this, architects Hugh Wallace and Amanda Bone and interior designer Siobhan Lam selected one home to bring a runner-up from an episode, straight through to the final, meaning ten rather than seven finalists have eyes on the prizes this year.

So who will it be?

Finalist one: Lorcan and Adrian, Kildare

In 2005, Lorcan and Adrian built their forever home on family land in Co Kildare.

Episode one, Adrian and Lorcan.

Inspired by two traditional farm-style buildings, the couple worked together with their architect to create a space that is unique and true to them.

The house features an eclectic mix of elements inspired by their travels and passions.

The couple are both involved in floristry and horticulture, and as such, the garden is a passion of theirs and very much an extension of the home, with beautiful planting and hidden rooms (such as a tearoom) to make the absolute most of the space.

Finalist two: Aine and Nollaig, Dublin

Aine, an architect, designed this new-build house, which is A1-rated with an exhaust air heat pump, PV-solar panels and ground-floor underfloor heating. The house is brick-built and a contemporary interpretation of the existing 1930s redbrick terraces in its area.

The residence of Aine and her two children was a finalist from episode one.

They built the home in a side garden plot and spent a long time designing the house to fully maximise the site and to develop a home which has the unique quality of having sunlight all day long.

Amanda Bone used her golden key for this home

Finalist three: Toni and Fionan, Kerry

Built in 2023, Toni and Fionans home in Co Kerry is their pride and joy. The couple poured hours of work into creating a home that acts as a hub for their family and loved ones.

Toni, Fionan and Noah whose Kerry home was a finalist from episode two.

The build is an open-plan, free-flowing home, featuring a warm and contemporary aesthetic with design details inspired by the couple's time travelling and working together.

Toni says their house is everything they love encompassed in one and that they feel "extremely blessed to wake up in it every day".

Living space in Toni and Fionan's home.

They have recently started a homestead where they get eggs from their chickens and honey from their bees, and love that they have created such a wonderful and sustaining place for their son to grow up.

The bright and airy interior of Toni and Fionan's home.

Finalist four: Tara, Co Down

Tara lives in a former gate lodge in Co Down. Prior to renovating, the building hadnt been lived in for over 30 years, and the renovation process was extensive, as the cottage had no running water or electricity, with the ceiling on the verge of collapse.

Tara's Co Down home was a finalist in episode three.

The house was gutted entirely and has now been transformed into a cosy cottage featuring a blend of traditional and fun elements.

Taras love for old homes inspired the decor of the gate lodge, creating a home that she says makes her genuinely happy to live in each day.

When it came to the decor, Tara has always loved old homes, so she ensured there is an element of tradition  as well as a sense of the property's big, fun personality.

Finalist five: Marie and Jo, Cork

Marie and Jo live in a detached, 20-year-old neo-Georgian house with their daughter Emily in West Cork.

Marie, Jo and Emily's home was a finalist in episode four.

When they first bought the home, it was structurally sound; however, all rooms were in need of a renovation to be more in keeping with their own style. The family took on the work themselves and designed every inch of the property. The interiors are a blend of classical style and artisan quirk, all of which is highlighted by Maries own beautiful artwork.

Marie describes the home as "a joy to live in".

Hugh Wallace used his golden key for this home

Finalist six: Karen, Dublin

Karen and Paul live in an apartment located in the heart of Dublin city. The house was completely functional and ready to live in when Karen first bought it, but she felt that it needed updating and a new lease of life and decided to renovate.

Karen's Dublin home was a finalist in episode four.

The couple have now transformed the apartment by creating an open-plan layout with a real sense of space and flow.

The interior design of the home is bright, modern and neutral with a rustic, earthy edge, and they describe the space as "a mix between the relaxed charm of a countryside retreat with the practicality and polish of a Dublin city apartment".

Finalist seven: Grace and Robert, Dublin

Robert and Grace live in Dublin with their two children. When the couple found their property, they knew they wanted to add space for their family of four.

The house had an area to the side where the front door was, and an overly large shed which took up space in the garden.

Robert and Grace with their children outside their home, a finalist in episode five.

Knocking down the shed and extending the house out to the boundary wall gave them additional space and even a larger back garden.

The original kitchen was smaller, and access to the garden was through it, so with this clever redesign for the ground floor, they were able to maximise the sense of flow throughout the home and add doors to access the garden, which brings great connection to the inside and outside.

Grace describes the interior design of the home "as refined and timeless with an understated touch of luxury".

Finalist eight: Finbarr and Gareth, Dublin

Finbarr and Gareth live in a two-storey brick house in Dublin and have spent the last few years renovating the home in stages, with Finbarr taking the lead on the design of the home.

Finbarr and Gareth's Dublin home was a finalist in episode six.

Together, with each others hard work and some handy YouTube tutorials, the couple crafted a relaxing and creative space that they feel is full of colour and personality, reflecting who they are and what theyre passionate about.

Siobhan Lam used her golden key for this home

Finalist nine: Laoise, Galway

Laoise lives in a turret-style home in Galway.

The house is a top-down property, featuring an upstairs kitchen and dining area, to make the most of the view, with the two bedrooms located downstairs.

The turreted Galway home was a finalist in episode six.

It was not in a liveable condition when Laoise first moved in, and so she carried out renovations, gutting the building, only leaving the internal doors and fireplace.

After a deep retrofit, the house now has an open-plan kitchen and dining area with new plumbing and wiring, which makes the most of the space.

Laoise, whose turreted Galway home was a finalist in episode six.

The interior style is classic and timeless, the rooms decorated with minimal pieces of furniture that Laoise believes will stand the test of time.

Finalist ten: Mike and Steve, Kildare

Mike and Steve live in Co Kildare with their dog, Finley. In 2022, the couple purchased their new-build home and had plans drawn up, as well as kitchen installers on speed-dial, all while eagerly waiting for the sale to go through.

Mike and Steve' with Finley.

Since moving in, they've given the house a completely different look, from new light fittings, doors and panelling, whilst also having the front and back garden professionally landscaped and developed.

The home has changed so much that the couple revealed that their neighbours asked if it had a different design from the rest of the new builds in the estate.

Mike and Steve's home.

Mike and Steve love how they have adapted their property to suit their lifestyle, creating a balance between everyday practicalities and a sense of luxury.
US vice president JD Vance said negotiations with Iran made some progress on nuclear issues.

Mr Vance said the talks in Pakistan, which ended without an agreement on Saturday, stalled after Iran refused to accept American terms on refraining from developing a nuclear weapon.

He told Fox News that he felt Irans negotiators could not make a deal without approval from Tehran.

They moved in our direction, Mr Vance said, adding that President Trump would be very happy if Iran was treated like a normal country, if it had a normal economy.

There really is, I think, a grand deal to be had here. But, its up to the Iranians, I think, to take the next step.

Irans ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said the main sticking points for Tehran were its nuclear programme, war reparations and sanctions relief.

Discussions about a second round of in-person negotiations are underway, two US officials told the Associated Press, while a diplomat from one of the mediating countries said Tehran and Washington have agreed to more talks.

The White House was not responsive to queries about new talks.

President Trump, vice president Vance and the negotiating team have made the US red lines very clear, said press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

A man flashes a victory sign as he carries an Iranian flag in front of an anti-US billboard (Vahid Salemi/AP)

The Iranians desperation for a deal will only increase with President Trumps highly effective Naval blockade now in effect, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Mr Trump said the American military had begun a blockade of Iranian ports on Monday as part of his effort to force Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz and accept a deal to end the war that has raged for more than six weeks.

Iran responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, taking aim at US-allied countries.

We cant let a country blackmail or extort the world because thats what theyre doing, Mr Trump said of Iran.

Speaking outside the Oval Office, Mr Trump suggested the US is still willing to engage with Iran.

I can tell you that weve been called by the other side, Mr Trump said.

Weve been called this morning by the right people, the appropriate people, and they want to work a deal.

Mr Trump did not say who called or what was discussed.

President Donald Trump speaks outside the Oval Office of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency said the blockade restricted the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure.

Its notice to mariners said transit through the strait to or from non-Iranian places was not reported to be impeded although ships may encounter military presence.

The US militarys Central Command announced that the blockade would be enforced against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas.

It said that would include all of Irans ports on the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

Iran issued threats of its own.

Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for NO ONE, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported on Monday.

NO PORT in the region will be safe, read a statement from the Iranian military and the Revolutionary Guard.

The threats halted the limited ship traffic that resumed in the strait since the ceasefire, according to a report from Lloyds List Intelligence.

Marine trackers say more than 40 commercial ships have crossed since the start of the ceasefire last week, down from roughly 100 to 135 vessel passages per day before the war.
Ukraine and Germany are starting work on plans for the joint production of advanced drones and other battle-tested defence systems, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said, as Kyiv looks to scale up its more than four-year fight against Russias all-out invasion.

We have proposed to Germany a bilateral drone deal covering various types of drones, missiles, software and modern defence systems. Our teams are starting concrete work, Mr Zelensky said at a joint news conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a visit to Berlin.

Mr Merz said that Germanys commitment to supporting Kyivs war effort is a very clear signal to Russia.

We will not waver in our efforts to defend Ukraine, he said.

US-led diplomatic efforts to end Russias war on its neighbour have recently petered out as the Iran war grips the Trump administrations attention, although Tammy Bruce, the deputy US ambassador to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council on Monday that Washington will continue to push for a negotiated and durable end to the war.

Russia has occupied about 20% of Ukraine so far. That includes the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014.

Ukraine has the capacity to produce twice as much military equipment as it is currently deploying, but lacks funding to step up production, according to Mr Zelensky.

We simply dont have enough money, he said.

A key to unlocking that potential lies in obtaining a promised 90 billion-euro loan from the European Union. That was being held up by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, but his impending departure from office after a weekend election could free up the money.

Ukraine needs those funds urgently, Mr Merz said.

After Berlin, Mr Zelensky was due to visit Norway, another important financial and military ally, while defence leaders from the 50-plus partner nations who regularly gather to co-ordinate weapons aid for Kyiv will hold an online meeting on Wednesday, Ukraines Defence Ministry said.

Kyiv is heavily reliant on US intelligence for targeting inside Russia and needs more sophisticated American-made air defence systems to stop Russian missile attacks on its power grid. If the Iran war drags on, it could erode vital US support for Kyiv, Mr Zelensky fears.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian army is short-handed, facing around 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by around two million people, Ukrainian defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov said in January.

Germany will help Kyiv facilitate the return home of Ukrainian men of military age, Mr Merz said.

We need rapid, tangible progress here, he said.

Domestically developed unmanned platforms are playing a vital role in holding back Russias invasion. Ukraine makes air and sea drones, missiles that have reached around 1,000 miles into Russia, as well as battlefield robots that help make up for its troop shortage.

Ukraine has been approached about security co-operation, especially battle-tested drone production, by eight Middle East and Gulf countries, as well as Turkey, Iraq and countries in south-east Asia and Africa, Mr Zelensky said on Monday.

Despite its handicaps, western analysts and officials say Ukraine has in recent months recorded battlefield successes against Russias bigger army, disrupting a spring offensive started by Russia amid improving weather, as fields dry out and new foliage on tree lines offers more cover.

Meanwhile, the long-range drones and missiles that Kyiv designs and produces are repeatedly striking oil facilities and manufacturing plants deep inside Russia.

Ukraine is in a much better place than it has been at any stage in this horrific war, Finnish President Alexander Stubb said at the Brookings Institution in Washington on Monday.

Ukraine is on top from a military perspective, Mr Stubb said, noting that last month Ukraine fired more drones and missiles at Russia than vice versa.

Moscow has also claimed progress on the battlefield. Independent verification of each sides claims was not possible.

Meanwhile, a Russian missile attack on the eastern Ukraine city of Dnipro killed four people and left 21 in hospital with injuries, 10 of them in a serious condition, regional authorities said on Tuesday.

The citys attorney generals office said the victims, all civilians, were driving or walking past the scene of the strike in the city, 300 miles south-east of Kyiv.

Elsewhere, a 52-year-old woman was killed in a Russian drone strike in the southern city of Kherson that also left one man seriously wounded, authorities said.

- Associated Press
Begona Gomez, the wife of Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez has been charged with embezzlement, influence peddling, corruption in business dealings, and misappropriation of funds at the end of a two-year investigation by a judge in Madrid.

Gomez, 55, has been accused of using her influence as the wife of the socialist prime minister to secure and manage a post at Madrids Complutense University, and of using public resources and personal connections to further her private interests.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado has also charged Gomezs personal assistant, Cristina Alvarez, and a businessman, Juan Carlos Barrabes, in connection with the case.

All the accused have denied wrongdoing.

The investigation into Gomez was triggered by a complaint from Manos Limpias (Clean Hands), a self-styled trade union with far-right links that has a history of using the courts to pursue those it deems a threat to Spains democratic interests.

Sanchez had repeatedly dismissed the case against his wife as a baseless and politically motivated smear. The prime minister has accused his political and media opponents of pursuing his family and has also openly questioned the impartiality of some members of the judiciary.

In his 39-page ruling, Peinado suggested that certain public decisions favourable to the [university chair], which could have been obtained through a unique exploitation of her relational position, had been taken since Gomezs husband became secretary general of the Spanish Socialist Workers party and, above all, since he became prime minister.

The judge also said there was evidence of behaviour at the Moncloa palace  the prime ministers office and official residence  that seems more in keeping with that of absolutist regimes and which has, fortunately, been forgotten in our state over the years.

The prime minister, who said last year theres no doubt that there are judges doing politics and there are politicians trying to do justice, said he was confident justice would be served and his wife would be cleared.

What I ask of the justice system is that it delivers justice, Sanchez said during a visit to China on Tuesday.

That justice be served. And since Im convinced that time will put everything and everyone in their place, I have nothing more to say.

Peinado, who faces mandatory retirement as a judge in September, has given parties in the case five days to respond to his decision. The courts will then decide whether Gomez will face a jury trial.

The decision to formally charge Gomez comes at a fraught time for Sanchez as the prime ministers younger brother, David, is due to be tried next month on charges of influence-peddling.

According to another complaint from Manos Limpias, David Sanchez was handed a bespoke job by the socialist-led council of the south-western city of Badajoz in July 2017, when his brother was the national leader of the socialist party. He denies the charges.

Meanwhile, two senior former figures in Sanchezs government are on trial for alleged corruption.

The prime ministers former right-hand man, the ex-transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, is accused  along with his former aide Koldo Garcia and the businessman Victor de Aldama  of taking kickbacks on public contracts for sanitary equipment during the covid pandemic.

Abalos and Garcia, who deny all charges, are facing sentences of 24 years and 19 years, respectively, while Aldama, who has already admitted to his part in the alleged scheme, faces a seven-year sentence.

Guardian
Diplomats have been working through back channels to arrange a new round of talks between the US and Iran after Washington enacted its blockade of Iranian ports, while Tehran threatened to strike targets across the war-weary region.

US President Donald Trump said a second round of talks could happen over the next two days, telling the New York Post the negotiations could be held again in the capital of Pakistan.

An initial round of talks aimed at permanently ending the conflict failed to produce an agreement last weekend. The White House said Irans nuclear ambitions were a central sticking point.

Though the ceasefire appeared to hold, the showdown over the Strait of Hormuz risked reigniting hostilities and deepening the regional wars economic fallout.

Meanwhile in Washington, direct talks between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the US were taking place, the first such negotiations in decades.

Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round of US-Iran talks. Two US officials said on Monday that discussions were still under way about the negotiations.

A diplomat from one of the mediating countries said that Tehran and Washington had agreed to the talks.

The location, timing and composition of the delegations had not been decided, although Islamabad and Geneva are being considered as host cities, officials said.

The war, now in its seventh week, has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as shipping has been cut off and air strikes have torn through military and civilian infrastructure across the region.

A man flashes a victory sign as he carries an Iranian flag in front of an anti-US billboard (Vahid Salemi/AP)

The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,000 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen US service members have also been killed.

The blockade is intended to pressure Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil, mostly to Asia, since the war began. Much of it has likely been carried by so-called dark transits that evade sanctions and oversight, providing cash flow that has been vital to keeping Iran running.

Both the nature of enforcement and the extent to which ships will comply remained unclear during the first full day of the blockade on Tuesday. Tankers approaching the strait on Monday turned around shortly after it took effect, though one reversed course again and transited the waterway.

The tanker Rich Starry had been waiting off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to shipping data firm Lloyds List, which cited data from the energy cargo-tracking firm Vortexa.

It was not immediately clear whether the tanker had earlier docked in Iran. Yet it was listed by the US Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control as linked to Iranian shipping.

Lloyds List, citing ship registry and tracking data, reported that the vessel is owned by a Chinese shipping company and ultimately bound for China.

(PA Graphics)

US Central Command said no ships made it past the blockade in the first 24 hours, while six merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around and re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman.

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said Chinese tankers will not be allowed passage through the strait.

So theyre not going to be able to get their oil, he told reporters on Tuesday on the sidelines of IMF-World Bank meetings.

Since the start of the war, Iran has curtailed maritime traffic, with most commercial vessels avoiding the waterway.

Irans effective closure of the strait, through which a fifth of global oil transits in peacetime, has sent oil prices skyrocketing, pushing up the cost of fuel, food and other basic goods far beyond the Middle East.

Mr Trump said on Monday that Irans control of the strait amounted to blackmail and extortion as the US blockade took effect. He said in a social media post that Irans navy had been completely obliterated, but it still had fast attack ships.

President Donald Trump speaks outside the Oval Office of the White House (Alex Brandon/AP)

He warned that if any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED.

Iran threatened to retaliate against Persian Gulf ports if attacked.

If you fight, we will fight, Irans parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a statement addressed to Mr Trump.

French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will co-chair a conference on Friday for nations willing to deploy warships to escort oil tankers and container ships through the strait.

The deployment will happen when security conditions allow, Mr Macrons office said on Tuesday.

The talks in Washington between Israel and Lebanon were expected to be preliminary, focused on setting parameters rather than resolving core issues.

Damage is visible on the facade of a residential building in Iran (Vahid Salemi/AP)

US secretary of state Marco Rubio, who is facilitating the talks, downplayed expectations for any immediate agreement. He called the talks a historic opportunity but said the process was working against decades of history and complexities that will not be quickly resolved.

After more than a year of near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon, Israel escalated its offensive in the early days of the Iran war following Hezbollah launching rockets into Israel.

The fighting has carved a path of destruction from agricultural towns near the border to Beirut, killing more than 2,100 people and displacing in excess of one million others, according to Lebanese authorities.

After the ceasefire in Iran, Israel pressed ahead with its air and ground campaign, insisting that the truce does not apply to fighting in Lebanon.

It has, however, halted strikes in the countrys capital since April 8, after a deadly bombardment that hit several crowded commercial and residential areas in central Beirut and killed more than 350 people in one day.

The deaths sparked an international outcry and threats by Iran that it would end the ceasefire.

Marco Rubio opened talks between Israel and Lebanon at the US State Department in Washington (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Just as negotiations were getting under way in Washington, Hezbollah appeared to step up fire into northern Israel and against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, claiming 26 attacks.

Fighting has intensified in and around the Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil. The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it killed three Hezbollah militants after they fired on troops, wounding 10.

Lebanese officials have pushed for a ceasefire. Israel has framed the negotiations around Hezbollahs disarmament and a potential peace deal, without publicly committing to halting hostilities or withdrawing its forces.

Israel wants Lebanons government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much as was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades and said on Monday that it will not abide by any agreements that may result from the talks.

Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar on Tuesday floated the idea of co-operation with the Lebanese government to dismantle Hezbollah.
Today

Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low around 55F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then off and on rain showers overnight. Low around 55F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.

Tomorrow

Rain showers early with some sunshine later in the day. High 76F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
04/14/2026

Agreement provides flight training for students in Commercial Aviation concentration

Jacksonville State University has approved a partnership with Sanders Flight Training Center (SFTC), an FAA Part 141 flight school based in Jasper, to provide flight instruction for students pursuing the Commercial Aviation concentration in Jax States new Bachelor of Science in Aviation program.

Approved by the Jax State Board of Trustees during Tuesdays quarterly Board Meeting, the partnership ensures students in the Commercial Aviation track will receive structured, FAA-certified flight training as part of their academic experience, preparing them for careers as professional pilots.

This partnership with Sanders Flight Training Center represents an important next step in the growth of our Aviation program, said Jacksonville State University President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. Their long track record in flight training gives our students access to consistent, hands-on instruction and mentorship that builds a strong understanding of aviation, with a clear emphasis on safety and leadership.

Founded in 1996 by Joseph Gordon Gordo Sanders Jr., Sanders Flight Training Center began as a small flight school at the Walker County Airport-Bevill Field and has grown into one of the most respected FAA Part 141 training providers in the region, with additional locations in Tuscaloosa and Huntsville. Jax State students will complete their flight training at the Jasper campus.

As we continue to grow, it is of utmost importance to continue to provide the highest quality of flight instruction across our region," said Jessica Sanders Walker, President of Sanders Flight Training Center. Supporting the growth of JSU's aviation program is not simply an investment in one institution; it is an investment in Alabama's economic development, workforce stability, and long-term competitiveness in the aviation sector. This partnership positions us as a vital component in elevating Alabama's aviation education infrastructure and retaining top talent in our state.

For thirty years, Sanders Flight Training Center has delivered structured, career-focused training for aspiring pilots, military aviators transitioning to commercial aviation, and professional pilots seeking advanced certifications.

Launching our Aviation program with Sanders Flight Training Center allows us to pair strong academic preparation with high-quality flight training from day one, said Dr. Christie Shelton, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. Their experience brings an important level of structure and industry alignment to the program as we prepare students for careers in aviation.

Jax State and Sanders Flight Training Center have signed a memorandum of agreement outlining responsibilities, training standards, and collaboration between the university and the flight school to support student success.

Jax States Bachelor of Science in Aviation, launching in Fall 2026, prepares students for leadership and operational roles across the aviation industry, with concentrations in Aviation Management, Commercial Aviation, and Public Safety Aviation.

Students interested in the Aviation program can learn more, request information, and begin the application process by visiting jsu.edu/aviation. Additional information about Sanders Flight Training Center is available at sandersaviation.com.
( Code Pink )  After the breakdown of talks in Pakistan, the ceasefire between the US and Iran is more fragile than ever, and now seems likely to give way to a new phase of the war. The ceasefire and talks have failed to end Israels devastating attacks on Lebanon or to negotiate international access to the Strait of Hormuz, now under Irans control.

The world must use this pause in the war to push for a permanent ceasefire and peace agreement, but we must also start to assess the true human cost of the warsomething the US is always reluctant to do in its wars, from Vietnam to Iraq to Afghanistan. While we always know the exact number of Americans killed in these wars, we never have an accurate tally of how many people we have killednot only because it is often hard to get the data, but also because the US systematically downplays civilian casualties and treats their lives as less valuable.

We saw this from the very first day of this war. The US carried out a double-tap strike on a girls elementary school in Minab, killing 175, mostly young girls. Trumps response was to blame Iran: In my opinion, based on what Ive seen, that was done by Iran, he said, and later suggested that Iran might have gotten hold of a Tomahawk missile and used it to kill its own people.

Minab is not an isolated caseit is a window into a much broader failure by the US government and media, as well as the Iranian government and international media, to honestly reveal the human toll of this 40-day war.

The Iran Health Ministrys casualty figures have not been updated in any detail since March 29, when it put Iranian casualties at 2,076 killed and 26,500 wounded, and there is an obvious mismatch between these two numbers. The ratio between them is much higher than in other wars, or even when compared with the Israeli assault on Lebanon in this war, where Lebanons Health Ministry reported 1,830 people killed and 4.927 wounded by April 10, a ratio of 2.7 to 1 between the wounded and the dead.

For further comparison, UN figures for civilian casualties in the war in Ukraine are 15,172 and 41,378 wounded, which is also a ratio of 2.7 to 1. These are certainly under-estimates, like civilian casualty counts in every war, but the ratio between deaths and injuries is realistic, unlike that in Tehrans casualty figures.

If the Iran Health Ministrys casualty figures were accurate, it would mean that only one person is being killed for every 13 people wounded. But if the figure of 26,500 people wounded was accurate, and the ratio between dead and wounded was similar to what is found in other wars, we would expect that around 10,000 people have probably been killed.

Looking at other sources, the UK-based Iran International website, on March 31, reported Iranian military, militia and police casualties of 4,770 killed and 20,880 wounded, but did not divulge its sources.

Two human rights groups, HRANA and Hengaw, have also published mortality estimates. HRANA, based in Fairfax, Virginia, in the US, is partly funded by the US government, the aggressor in this war. So its data on war casualties are as suspect as its data for casualties during protests in Iran in December and January that the US used as a pretext for the war.

The other human rights group, Hengaw, is based in Norway and Iranian Kurdistan. It reports a total of at least 7,650 people killed by the time of the ceasefire on April 8, of whom 6,620 were military personnel and 1,030 were civilians.

If the Iranian governments figure of 26,500 people wounded is correct, Hengaws count of 7,650 war deaths would amount to a ratio of 3.5 people wounded for each person killed, which would be closer to what one would expect by comparison with other wars.

But the Health Ministrys figure of 26,500 wounded is also suspect. The Pentagon claims that US and Israeli airstrikes have hit more than 13,000 targets, so 26,500 injuries would amount to only two people wounded for each target attacked. This suggests that the count of 26,500 people wounded is itself an undercount, and that the true numbers of casualties in Iran, killed and wounded, military and civilian, are therefore likely to be much higher than any of the numbers reported so far.

While it is easy to understand why the US government doesnt want to talk about casualties, it seems that the Iranian government doesnt want to either. If, as we suspect, the true casualty figures are much higher than the health ministry has reported, it may be hiding and downplaying them to prevent panic among the population and keep up the countrys morale, especially in light of the recent large protests in the country. That could also explain why it has not updated its casualty report since March 29.

We would encourage all sides, and independent groups, to cooperate in efforts to accurately count the dead and wounded. Why does this matter? In an illegal war, every death is a crime, while every person killed or maimed is somebodys husband, wife, father, mother, son or daughter. They should all still be alive and whole. The US armed forces should not be killing or wounding any of them. So some might ask what difference it makes whether theyve killed 2,000 people, 7,000 or even 70,000.

We would say that it is precisely because each life is precious, and because the pain and horror each person suffers in these violent deaths and injuries is so unacceptable, that each one deserves to be counted and considered. Americans, and our neighbors around the world, need to fully grasp the scale of the mass murder that the US government is committing, so that we can all respond appropriately.

The fact that our government and institutional media downplay the importance of accurate casualty figures and make no effort to discover them only makes it more urgent to find them, as we and others have tried to do during previous US wars.

In 2006, three years into the extraordinarily violent US military occupation of Iraq, public health experts from Johns Hopkins University in the US and Mustansiriya University in Baghdad conducted the second of two epidemiological studies of mortality in Iraq since the US invasion.

The study was published in the Lancet medical journal, and it estimated that, during just the first three years of war and occupation in Iraq, they had caused about 650,000 deaths, including 600,000 violent killings. That was more than ten times higher than previously published figures, which were based on compilations of western news reports and reports from the occupation governments health ministry.

The studys results were disputed by those responsible for the war and the mass casualties it caused, including US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

But leaked emails revealed that the British governments chief scientific adviser described the studys methodology as close to best practice, and its design as robust. Emails from panicking British officials asked, Are we really sure the report is likely to be right? That is certainly what the brief implies, and the survey methodology used here cannot be rubbished. It is a tried and tested way of measuring mortality in conflict zones.

In 2015, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning groups Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) and International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) published a report titled Body Count: Casualty Figures After 10 Years of the War on Terror. In discussing the widely varying mortality estimates for the war in Iraq, the report noted, Despite the furious criticism it attracted, most experts see the second Lancet study of October 2006 as the most solid estimate of the number of casualties, up to the period of its publication.

No such comprehensive studies were ever conducted in Afghanistan. The UN published annual civilian casualty figures, but these were only compilations of civilian casualties confirmed by the UN Human Rights Office as it followed up on reports of war crimes and human rights violations reported to its office in Kabul, which excluded any deaths not reported to its office, or that it did not have time to fully investigate.

As is happening with the Iran Health Ministry reports today, the UNs fragmentary reports were uncritically repeated by the worlds media as if they were realistic estimates of total war deaths in Afghanistan.

Finally, in 2019, after 18 years of war and military occupation, Fiona Frazer, the head of the UN Human Rights office in Kabul, admitted to the BBC that the UNs reports were not providing a full picture of civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

United Nations data strongly indicates that more civilians are killed or injured in Afghanistan due to armed conflict than anywhere else on Earth, Frazer said, but then added, Although the number of recorded civilian casualties are disturbingly high, due to rigorous methods of verification, the published figures almost certainly do not reflect the true scale of harm.

Hundreds of thousands of Afghans were also killed fighting as combatants on both sides in that war. The worlds media were surprised when President Ghani revealed in January 2019 that 45,000 Afghan government troops had been killed since he took office in September 2014. But the US relied on Afghans to fight other Afghans throughout its failed 20-year war in their country.



Photo of Feyziyeh School, Qom, Qom Province, Iran by Javad Esmaeili on Unsplash



Whatever the result of the current ceasefire and negotiations, and for however long the US and Israel keep waging war on Iran, the people of the United States and the world must demand a complete and truthful accounting for the human costs of this war, for which Americans and their government bear the prime moral and legal responsibility. At best, that should include the same kind of independent, scientifically-based epidemiological study conducted in Iraq in 2006.

But the demand for accountability starts with a skeptical public and media who can tell the difference between partial, fragmentary casualty reports and serious estimates of total deaths in a violent war zone, and who care enough to want to know how many people their armed forces are really killing and maiming in this illegal war.

Via Code Pink
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  For the Trump administration to announce a blockade on shipping from the Strait of Hormuz is very much like the person sitting on a tall tree branch and sawing on the part of the branch between the tree and that individual.

If the point is to reopen the Gulf to shipping, US Navy threats to civilian commercial vessels are not going to help. Ships have to be worried now about both the Iranians and the US, both of them notoriously trigger-happy.

If the US Navy establishes some sort of protocol with the tankers such that it will allow vessels to transit that do not berth at Iranian ports, starving Iran of petroleum export revenue, the likely result is that Iran will send drones against the ships of oil producers such as the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait. During the Israeli-US war on Iran this spring, Tehran repeatedly hit commercial ships in the Gulf, striking 28. While tankers have had their hulls thickened so that they cannot easily be sunk by mines, petroleum and LNG tankers are vulnerable to missiles and drones that land on them from above. The US Navy is overconfident that it can deal with such drone threats because of its successes in the Red Sea in avoiding being hit by the Houthis in Yemen. But Iran has more and better drones and missiles than do the Houthis, a lot of US radar capacity has been destroyed by Iran, and the US Navy could not convince Maersk and other major shipping companies to continue to use the Red Sea route as long as the Houthis threatened them.

Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend to let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends.

A big problem with a US attempt to serve as gate keeper for shipping through the Strait is that 90% of Iranian petroleum exports, totaling about 1.5 million barrels a day, go to China. If the US does not allow those ships bound for China to transit Hormuz, that would actually be a blockade of Chinese commerce, which is an act of war in international law.

Guo Jiakun, the spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at his press conference Monday,

The Strait of Hormuz is an important international trade route for goods and energy. Keeping the area safe and stable and ensuring unimpeded passage serves the common interest of the international community. The root cause of the disruption at the Strait of Hormuz is the military conflict. To solve the issue, the conflict must stop as soon as possible. All parties need to remain calm and exercise restraint. China will continue playing a constructive role. As to the purchase of oil, China stands ready to work with others to jointly safeguard global energy security and keep supply chains stable. However, to fundamentally resolve the issue, what needs to be done first and foremost is to restore peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. Venezuela is a sovereign state and has full permanent sovereignty over all its natural resources and economic activities. It has the right to choose its own partners of cooperation. Other countries have no right to dictate to it.

Asked by Russias RIA Novosti about Trumps threat on Sunday to impose an extra 50% tariff on China if it is caught supplying military equipment to Iran, Guo Jiakun replied, Chinas position is very clear. Tariff wars have no winners.

[The US Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump cannot raise tariffs on a whim.]

Asked by Bloomberg if China is supplying Iran militarily, Guo Jiakun said, China always acts prudently and responsibly on the export of military products, and exercises strict control in accordance with Chinas laws and regulations on export control and due international obligations. China opposes groundless smear and ill-intentioned association.

That doesnt sound like a denial to me.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reinforced the point on Monday at a meeting with a delegation from the United Arab Emirates. He said that blocking the Strait of Hormuz is not in the common interests of the international community, and achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire through political and diplomatic means is the fundamental way to resolve the issue.

News reports indicate that a US-sanctioned Chinese oil tanker, the Rich Starry, transited the Gulf of Hormuz Tuesday morning, after it made an initial approach and briefly turned back. The ship is on a US government blacklist for having helped Iran evade US sanctions.



File photo of a Chinese destroyer. Qingdao Base, China. Scene Camera Operator: PHC Chet King. Public Domain. Via Picryl.

The report indicates that so far the US Navy is not interdicting Chinese tankers, at least, with ties to Iranian petroleum exports. It is not clear whether this incident was a fluke or whether the US Navy has instructions not to tangle with China. Perhaps Washington only intends to interdict ships flagged with countries of the global south that transport petroleum between Iran and China, which are often called ghost ships because they turn their transponders off to avoid US naval patrols.

China imports nearly 11 million barrels of petroleum a day, 5 million from the Persian Gulf (mainly the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran). It thus has skin in this game. Beijing is cushioned, however, in several ways. It produces 27% of the petroleum it uses itself. It has six months of petroleum reserves. Some 53% of new car purchases in China are electric, so that its consumption of gasoline may fall this year and every year into the future. It also has pipelines to bring it Russian oil. China will not want to risk war with the US over Iran. But Beijing will certainly view with alarm any plot by Washington to cut it off from the 40% of its oil supply that is in the Middle East.
Is the International Criminal Court (ICC) a bold but overextended experiment that was doomed from the start? A flawed but resilient institution finding its footing? Or a court caught in an impossible bind?

To help us think through these questions, Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT) expert and peace mediator Barney Afako sits down with three leading experts in international justice from IFITs global network: Beth Van Schaack, former US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice; Janet Anderson, a veteran journalist who has covered international justice from Rwanda to Sierra Leone to The Hague  as Justice Infos correspondent; and Phil Clark, professor of international politics at SOAS University of London.

Together they take a hard look at the ICC: its promise, its failures, and whether it has a long-term future, throughout this long, lively conversation lasting nearly 50 minutes. Is the ICC a sucker of oxygen or a provider of oxygen to some forms, in different parts of the world?, questioned Janet Anderson. What is wrong from a prosecutorial perspective, when there is a constant pattern of failed cases at the ICC?, queried Beth Van Schaack. A huge amount of money has been spent for the ICC, and its not going to be better than this, shouldnt we put our money into domestic institutions, seriously?, proposed Phil Clark.
South Africa is looking to deepen cooperation with China in key areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy and youth exchanges, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Blade Nzimande has said. #GLOBALink
Peruvians waited Monday to see who will face conservative Keiko Fujimori in a presidential runoff, after a chaotic first round of voting that sparked criminal proceedings against top election officials.

With more than half the votes counted, Fujimori -- the daughter of disgraced former president Alberto Fujimori -- led with about 17 percent of the vote, according to electoral authorities.

The battle for second and a place in a June runoff was on a knife-edge, with millions of votes still to be tallied and the count advancing painfully slowly.

The full results may not be known for days.

Rafael Lopez Aliaga, a wealthy former Lima mayor who has vowed to "hunt" down migrants, was on 14 percent of the vote. His hardline policies and blunt style have sparked comparisons to US President Donald Trump.

At least two other candidates joined him in a statistical tie for second place including leftist Roberto Sanchez, a 57-year-old former trade minister.

On Monday he said he was ready "to begin the refounding of the country" and that meant "a new constitution."

- Irregularities -

Sunday's vote saw a series of logistical foul-ups in delivering election materials that caused polling centers to open hours late, while some remained shuttered all day.

Some 13 polling places in Lima were exceptionally ordered to open on Monday so that tens of thousands of voters could make their voice heard.

"The authorities are so incompetent," said Nancy Gomez, a 56?year?old domestic worker who queued for hours at a polling station in the capital on Monday.

Police raided the headquarters of the National Office of Electoral Processes and later detained an election official over the delays.

Authorities said they also raided a private contractor blamed for failing to deliver election materials on time.

The Public Prosecutor's Office on Monday filed a criminal complaint accusing several senior election officials of obstructing the electoral process and voters' rights.

The complaint seeks the opening of a formal criminal investigation.

Among those named are election chief Piero Corvetto and several senior managers responsible for logistics and electoral technology.

Lopez Aliaga initially alleged "grave electoral fraud" and urged supporters to protest outside election offices.

Those claims eased as partial results placed him among the leading contenders for second place. Corvetto earlier acknowledged a "logistical problem" but rejected any suggestion of fraud.

"There is full assurance that the results will faithfully reflect the popular will," he said.

The disorder overshadowed a vote many Peruvians had hoped would bring stability after years of political turmoil.

Peru has had eight presidents in a decade, alongside a sharp rise in violent crime.

- Father's shadow -

On the eve of Sunday's election, Fujimori told AFP she would "restore order" in her first 100 days if elected.

She has pledged to deploy the military to prisons, strengthen borders, and deport undocumented migrants.

The daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, she has leaned into nostalgia for her father's strongman rule, despite his conviction for corruption and crimes against humanity.

He died in 2024 after serving 16 years in prison.
Never before has a company been convicted, as a legal entity, for such acts. On Monday, April 13, the Paris Criminal Court convicted French cement manufacturer Lafarge for financing terrorism in Syria between 2013 and 2014. The judges found the company, which has since merged with Swiss group Holcim, guilty during the same period of violating international financial sanctions against several terrorist organizations, notably Jabhat al-Nusra and Islamic State. Several former executives of the group, as well as intermediaries involved in the operations in Syria, were also found guilty, primarily for financing terrorism.

LAFARGE JUDGMENT

Paris Correctional Court, 13 April 2026 (in French)

Download (PDF)

This is a historic verdict that is proportionate to the extreme gravity of the facts, says Cannelle Lavite, co-director of the Business and Human Rights Program at the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) which was recognized as a civil party. She says it also reflects, as the presiding judge emphasized, the scale of the incalculable disruption to public order caused by this financing. In her view, the court established that Lafarge had mobilized financial, human, and political resources to maintain a strategy centred on preserving its economic interests, leading to the approval of payments that strengthened the operational capacity of these groups and notably enabled the arming, recruitment, and training of terrorists.

Financial arrangements

At the heart of the case is the relentless pursuit of operations at the Jalabiya cement plant in northeast Syria. Lafarge acquired it in 2007, while it was still under construction, as part of the takeover of Egyptian company Orascom Cement. The deal opened up new markets for the multinational in a region where demand for cement was expected to grow, but it also increased the debt of the group, which anticipated a return on investment as soon as the site began operations in 2010. This outlook was derailed by the Syrian peoples uprising against Bashar al-Assad in 2011, which plunged the country into civil war.

Yet, despite the deteriorating security situation, management chose to maintain production at the cement plant, operated by Lafarge Cement Syria, a Syrian subsidiary 98.7% owned by the French group. As all French companies ceased operations in the country starting in July 2012, Lafarge evacuated its expatriate employees. The Syrian employees, left on their own, kept the Jalabiya plant running, in the heart of a region now contested by several armed groups.

To maintain production, ensure the delivery of raw materials, and guarantee the movement of employees, the company relied on intermediaries tasked with negotiating and implementing financial arrangements with three groups: Islamic State, the al-Nusra Front, and Ahrar al-Sham. In its ruling, the court found that Lafarge SA transferred nearly 5.6 million euros to these organizations, concluding that the defendants, in pursuit of profit, organized, approved, or facilitated a system for financing terrorism.

Recommended reading Lafarge faces justice for financing terrorism

Defence arguments strongly rejected

As the court handed down its verdict, presiding judge Isabelle Prevost-Desprez strongly criticized the strategy of the defence, which claimed, among other things, that the defendants had been victims of extortion. The court found that, on the contrary, the multinational had full decision-making autonomy and could have ceased operations at the plant once it became aware of the armed groups financial demands.

By agreeing to pay, Lafarge benefited from these arrangements, the presiding judge stressed, citing the clearing of roads, the movement of trucks and employees via passes, the purchase of inputs for cement production, and even the neutralization of Turkish competition in the region. Its desire to derive benefits from the relationship established, in particular, with Islamic State demonstrates that it was not without freedom of action, she said.

The presiding judge added that this hearing would not have been the same without the accounts of the Syrian employees who came to describe to the court their daily lives marked by fear, crossing areas with snipers and checkpoints, kidnappings for ransom, and threats of dismissal if they did not report to the factory. These testimonies, according to Prevost-Desprez, dismantled the fiction perpetuated by the defence, according to which operations in Syria had to be maintained while preserving the employees safety, in their best interest. The proceedings demonstrated just how cynical this seemingly humanistic and socially conscious argument actually was, she continued, serving as a fallacious pretext to justify decisions made exclusively in the financial interest of the Lafarge group.

Maximum fine for the corporate entity

Ultimately, Lafarge was found guilty of financing a terrorist enterprise and sentenced to the maximum fine under French law of 1.125 million euros, as well as a fine of 4.57 million euros for non-compliance with international financial sanctions. This last must be paid jointly with four former executives: Bruno Lafont, Christian Herault, Bruno Pescheux, and Frederic Jolibois. Lafarge had already been convicted in the United States in 2022 as part of a plea agreement covering some of the same facts.

In its ruling, the court highlighted the gravity of the offences and the context in which they were committed. Continuing operations in a war zone, despite the growing strength of armed groups, led to the establishment of circumvention mechanisms that integrated these groups into the very functioning of the plant. The presiding judge also stressed that no one could have been unaware of the atrocities committed by Islamic State, noting in particular the genocide against the Yazidis, which began in August 2014.

These funds, the written judgment notes, also enabled the three terrorist organizations to strengthen themselves, expand geographically, arm themselves, train fighters who committed terrible atrocities during the periods in question in Syria, and to send hardcore terroristsas Christian Herrault called them in reference to Islamic Stateto France and Europe.

Christian Herrault, the former deputy director in charge of Lafarges operations in Syria, led negotiations with Islamic State with a view to signing a profitable agreement for the factory with the terrorist organisation , states the ruling handed down on Monday 13 April 2026 by the Paris court, which sentenced him to five years in prison and a fine of 225,000 for financing terrorism and violating international sanctions and ordered his immediate imprisonment. Photo:  Behrouz Mehri / AFP

In addition to this trial, Lafarge remains under investigation in a separate aspect of the case concerning allegations of complicity in crimes against humanity. That investigation, which is still ongoing, focuses on facts related to the cement plants continued operation in an area controlled by armed groups accused of seriously violating international law.

Bosses in jail

The Paris Criminal Court convicted four former executives of the group, as well as several intermediaries involved in operations in Syria.

Former Lafarge CEO Bruno Lafont was sentenced to six years in prison and a fine of 225,000 euros. He was found guilty of financing terrorism and violating international sanctions, as the court found that he had approved continuation of the financing scheme. Lafont was immediately jailed following the hearing. The same applies to the former deputy chief operating officer, Christian Herault. He was sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of 225,000 euros.

Two other former executives of the Syrian subsidiary, Bruno Pescheux and Frederic Jolibois, were found guilty of the same offences. The former was sentenced to five years in prison, without parole, and a fine of 225,000 euros, while the latter received a three-year prison sentence, two years of which were suspended with provisional enforcement, along with a fine of 80,000 euros. The sentences were handed down without a committal order, sparing the two men immediate incarceration.

Several intermediaries and plant security officers who operated in Syria on behalf of Lafarge were found guilty only of financing terrorist enterprises and sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to seven years, as well as fines ranging from 20,000 to 225,000 euros. None of them were present at the hearing. Arrest warrants have now been issued for some of them.

Several defence attorneys, notably those representing Lafont and Herault, announced their intention to appeal.

Major legal precedent

On the civil parties side, Lavite welcomes all the convictions. The lawyer considers the sentences justified by the seriousness of the facts and total lack of accountability on the part of the former executives and the company.

She says the size of the fines, in particular, sends a very strong signal against the inconsistencies in the defendants defence, cover-ups and manoeuvres that were put in place to hide payments to terrorist groups, which she predicts will have major reputational consequences for Lafarge.

In a joint press release, Sherpa and the ECCHRtwo organizations behind the caseexpress regret that the 190 former Syrian employees who had sought to join the proceedings as civil parties were not recognized. The court ruled that the offence of terrorist financing falls under the public interest and cannot constitute direct harm to individuals, rendering their claim inadmissible. In this statement, the employees emphasize that Lafarge knew but chose to endanger the lives of its employees in the name of profit. Even though we are disappointed today, after ten years, and although we have still not received compensation or recognition of our suffering, we will not give up and will continue to demand our rights and the justice we deserve, say these employees.

The verdict nevertheless sets a major legal precedent. For the first time, a company has been found guilty, as a legal entity, of financing terrorism. The decision goes beyond the Lafarge case alone and is expected to become a benchmark for corporate criminal liability.






Monday, April 13, 2026 - Kenyans on X have been discussing about the IUD birth control device, specifically, whether it can be felt during mechi.

The debate was sparked by a Kenyan ladys viral post, where she expressed concern that a man she met-up with might have moved her IUD during mechi.

Medical professionals quickly weighed in, insisting that it is almost impossible for the device to shift during intimacy.

As the conversation raged on, a video of a popular lady comedian added comic relief.

In her skit, she joked that her boyfriend once complained he was hitting the device during intimacy.

When she shared this with her gynecologist, the doctor laughed and advised her not to tell men she has an IUD because they might imagine theyre hitting it.

The comedian then cheekily quipped: Only one percent of dudes can hit the IUD - and theyre from Kenya.





Her punchline>>> sent the audience into fits of laughter and Kenyan men are now using her claim as badge of honor.

Hii story ya IUD imenikumbusha hii joke pic.twitter.com/nsUBisy1AG  Blaze Officiel (@B3laze) April 12, 2026

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Monday, April 13, 2026 - A Kikuyu lady has stirred online reactions after confessing that she disguised herself to attend a State House event hosted for members of the Akorino community.

In a viral post, the lady claimed that she wore a turban associated with the Akorino faith to blend in with invited guests during the Sunday function.

She shared a photo taken within State House premises and suggested that her main motivation for attending was to access food and cash handouts.

According to reports, the attendees at the event received Ksh 3, 000 each, lower than an expected Ksh 10,000.

See her viral post below

The Kenyan DAILY POST
KILDARE fuel protesters voiced their disappointment at the governments response to a week of fuel protests that paralysed parts of the country.

After six days on the fuel price protest front line, prominent protest figure, Castledermot farmer John Dallon, said the tactics of the Government are not good enough. Hitting oil for the oul folks? Thats disrespecting them, and theyre the ones that built the country and kept it going. To crucify them over kerosene? Its an insult to farmers as well.

Mr Dallon was turned away from a meeting with Government on Thursday and described it as disrespectful.

How can you have dialogue with doors closed in your face?

10/04/2026 - NEWS - John Dallon, fuel protest spokesperson speaking to media as Fuel protestors maintain their protest on Dublins OConnell Street. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times

The Kildare Nationalist asked Mr Dallon why he got involved, and he replied: I have a strong voice. I led a farmers protest in Dublin in 2019 over the price of beef. Im farming sucklers and beef outside Castledermot.

Theres a lot more to be done on the diesel, but I can only speak for the farmers. Theres a lot more to say for the IRHA (Irish Road Hauliers Association).

I think they (the government) are forgetting we put food on the table three times a day.

I must emphasise that when I came home down the M9, there were about 1,200 people gathered on a bridge. I had a mother in tears because she couldnt get treatment for her son with scoliosis.

I remember another couple whoafter getting mortgage approvalwere told by their builder that materials had increased the price by 25,000.

The buck should stop here, and we should prioritise the people of Ireland before sending any money somewhere else.

It broke my heart, after spending six days up in Dublin, to see the number of homeless people on the streets.

Mr Dallon wished to thank his local supporters, including Maurice Kelly and Dave Walsh, and anyone I forgot. The government announced a 505 million relief package announced on Sunday which aims to address some of the concerns raised by protesters. However, there has been a mixed reception to it.

One Kildare haulier who took part in the protest in Dublin last week was blunt in his disappointment with its outcome.

No more to say. I wasted five days of my life last week for nothing, he said.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon TD, in a statement, acknowledged the impact of increased costs due to the war in Iran and noted that the Government is formulating a temporary fuel support scheme to provide support for critical sectors that impact everyones cost of living. The package includes a further 10c per litre excise duty cut on petrol and diesel, a 2.4c per litre excise cut on green diesel, and a pause on the increase in carbon tax until October, when the Government will draft Budget 2027.

Kildare South TD Mark Wall said the package was welcomed but does not address the struggles of ordinary working families.

The people that were at this protest were under severe pressure and they have got a package that will help them, he said. But unfortunately, it doesnt help those that are working every day in this country, and thats a serious problem. Deputy Wall described a growing number of constituents who, despite earning what would traditionally be considered stable incomes, are now living week to week. He pointed to rising childcare costs, housing shortages, and general living expenses as key drivers of financial strain.

They feel totally undervalued and forgotten about, he said, adding that many of those attending protests were not just sectoral workers but families at the end of their tether. The protests, which began on 7 April 2026, were driven by sharp increases in fuel prices linked to the war in Iran. Rising costs have placed significant strain on households and key sectors, prompting a coordinated response led largely by farmers, hauliers and transport workers.

Across Kildare, major routes including the N7, M7 and M9 were affected, with protests running from Tuesday, 7 April, through Sunday, 12 April. Many Kildare commuters were impacted throughout the week.

Petrol stations in parts of the county ran dry as fuel deliveries were disrupted, while public transport services experienced delays and cancellations. However, many Kildare petrol stations were able to keep going, with some deliveries making their way through.

Newbridge county councillor Tom McDonnell was seen prominently at demonstrations on Dublin Citys OConnell St, and was captured carrying a coffin reading RIP Ireland all the way to Dail Eireann.

According to protester and Independent Ireland party member Willie Carton, there were over 1,000 people at a protest at Junction 3 of the M9 in south Kildare over the weekend.

Mr Carton said that local butchers sponsored food and local restaurants sent refreshments to the protesters.

John Dallan came down and gave a speech to the protesters at the south Kildare junction on Sunday.

Mr Carton predicted that the protests would ramp up again this week.

While acknowledging the right to protest, Deputy Wall expressed concern about the disruption caused by blockades, including emergency services being held up as a result. However, he said such actions had forced political attention onto the issue.

To a certain extent, theyve been proven right. They got some solutions, he said, warning that public frustration is likely to grow if broader cost of living concerns are not addressed.

Deputy Wall confirmed he would support an upcoming motion of no confidence, arguing that current policies amount to short term fixes rather than long term solutions.

Looking ahead, uncertainty remains. While the immediate disruption in Kildare has begun to ease, underlying issues such as fuel affordability, housing, childcare and rising living costs persist.

As Deputy Wall noted, People are getting more vocal, and rightly so.
A grassroots meeting with Iranian, Palestinian and Irish speakers was held at Lyrath House Hotel in Kilkenny on Wednesday.

The meeting, a fringe event at the annual conference of the Teachers Union of Ireland, was well attended by local people and TUI delegates.

Many in Ireland are struggling with the impacts of oil price rises due to the war on Iran and the event gave a chance to hear the human stories from individuals and countries that are directly impacted by the US-Israeli attacks.

The speakers were Dr Naghmeh Kamali, academic and scientist, Eman Alhaj Ali, a writer and journalist and Jim Roche, Trade Unionist and peace activist with the meeting chaired by Kate Mooney.

Dr Kamali said she has not been a supporter of Irans government but she unequivocally condemned the US-Israeli war on Iran and that it had united Iranians.

SEE ALSO: Unheard of - Kilkenny tour companies facing cancellations with tourists stranded in Dublin - Kilkenny Live

She said no matter what political difficulties, its for the people of a sovereign nation to resolve its own internal problems and there can never be an excuse for an outside power to make war on an independent country.

She talked about Irans thousands of years of culture and high value placed on education and science. In three weeks of US bombing 763 schools and colleges and 361 health care facilities have been destroyed or damaged along with 245 primary and secondary schools.

Hundreds of children have been killed by the bombs, including 165 children at the Minab Girls Primary School. Medical research institutes, some with Nobel prize-winning medical research staff, have been targeted.

Even a music school has been bombed and Dr Kamali concluded by saying that bombing children can only leave a legacy of trauma and hatred, children should be learning science, not violence.

Ms Alhaj Ali, a young writer and journalist from Gaza, Palestine, spoke movingly about her feelings as a young person who has escaped the genocide, but whose emotions are constantly drawn to her family and community who remain in danger, as bombing continues.

Since 2023, 267 Palestinian journalists have been killed by the IDF, targeted in order to cut us off from news from Gaza and the West Bank.

She described her time in Gaza, writing in the dark, with no electricity and no internet, but inspired by other Palestinian writers, including the poet Reefat Aleer, to be a voice for Palestine to tell the stories behind the numbers.

She said that Palestinians want dignity, not pity. After all their terrible losses, her people have not been destroyed by the war machine.

Jim Roche, PRO of the Irish Anti-War is a founding member of the Irish Neutrality League and an Architect. He stressed his belief in the importance of actively campaigning to keep Irelands neutrality and the Triple Lock.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS
Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae has announced that he will resign as Minister of State and vote no confidence in the Government.

Deputy Healy-Rae made the announcement during a debate on the motion of confidence in the Government this Tuesday afternoon.

He stated that during the recent fuel protests he had seen people begging on the side of the road and grown men crying.

WATCH LIVE HERE

He criticised the Taoiseach Micheal Martin for not listening to people and said that the Government has left the people of Ireland down.

Deputy Healy-Rae continued: I will be voting no confidence in the leader of the country and I will be tendering my resignation as Minister of State from now.

READ NEXT: Major recall underway as SHEIN recalls two popular products in Ireland amid fears of fire

I would ask that future governments and this Government, that they would listen, that they would be kind, that they would be understanding.

He said that farmers and agricultural contractors are really struggling and that those protesting in recent days are respectable people.

He went on to say that the people of Kerry have told him that they are unhappy with this Government and that is why he is tendering his resignation.

Deputy Healy Rae concluded by saying that he had adored his time serving in the Department of Agriculture as a Minister of State.

His resignation means that the Government majority has reduced to 89 - just two above the minimum 87 required for a majority.

It could be reduced further when the Galway West and Dublin Central by-elections take place later this year, potentially sparking talk of a general election.
The Herald reports:

Former National Party candidate James Christmas, who was tipped as a potential minister and Attorney-General, will contest this years election as a candidate for the Act Party.

He is one of eight people vying to become Acts candidate in Aucklands Tamaki electorate, which will be an intriguing contest after the departure from politics of MP Brooke van Velden, also Acts deputy leader.

Christmas, a barrister who worked under senior National figures including Sir John Key, Sir Bill English and Chris Finlayson, will be considered a significant loss for National given he was considered a possible option to take on the Attorney-General role and act as a Treaty Negotiations Minister.

With a deep understanding of Treaty settlements and New Zealands constitutional arrangements, Christmas also presents as an ideal candidate to articulate the partys next attempt at constitutional reform after the failed Treaty Principles Bill, which Christmas former mentor Finlayson condemned as divisive.

Speaking exclusively to the Herald, Christmas acknowledged some in National might be disappointed by his decision but he insisted it was not prompted by any ill will towards his former party.
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 &&
JEFFERSON CITY  The Missouri State Board of Education approved the addition of a charter school in Columbia for Frontier STEM Academy on Tuesday. The board approved the school 5-1.

Frontier refiled an application last week for a STEM charter school in Columbia. Saint Louis University is the sponsor of the school.

The school is scheduled to open in the 2027-28 school year, and Frontier has been awarded $2 million in federal Charter Schools Program grants to "support early planning and implementation," according to a news release from Missouri Charter Public School Association.

We are honored by the State Board of Educations approval and excited to join the Columbia community, Frontier Schools Superintendent Ugur Demircan said in the release.

Columbia Public Schools sued the state of Missouri in December 2025 over the expansion of charter schools into Boone County. The school district claimed the law allowing charters to expand into Boone County was unconstitutional because it targets a single county, according to court documents.

CPS and the state of Missouri asked a judge to pause proceedings in January in the case.

Saint Louis University and Frontier Schools withdrew their application after the lawsuit was filed and they received guidance from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, according to court documents.

Charter schools are independently run public schools that are open to all students and do not require a tuition. A charter school in Columbia would tap into the same public funding that CPS uses, meaning there would be less money for CPS.

CPS claims Frontier will take away almost $3 million in public school funding in its first year and take more than $10 million by year five.

The Columbia School Board sent a letter, dated April 6 and released to media Tuesday, to the State Board of Education asking the board to vote against the Frontier charter school.

The letter argues that charter school expansion into Boone County was unconstitutional and that there is no demonstrated need for the schools.

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According to Frontier, students at Frontier schools tested better than students in CPS in 2025 across three of four subjects: ELA, math, science and social studies. However, on average from 2022 to 2025, Frontier reported CPS students scored better than its students in three of four subjects. Frontier also reported its students had an 8.6% higher attendance rate and an 8.3% higher graduation rate than CPS students in the 2024-2025 school year.

According to CPS, the district ranks in the top 15% of all public school districts in the state and performed above the state average for MAP and ACT scores in every content area.

Columbia School Board President John Lyman said he doesn't want this charter school, and he doesn't think residents do either.

"If there was a vote that happened, I don't believe it would pass," Lyman said. "There's not enough desire in Columbia for a charter school because of how great Columbia Public Schools is."

A statement released Tuesday by CPS spokesperson Michelle Baumstark calls the action to approve the Frontier charter school unlawful.

"The process required for approving a charter school sponsor and authorizing a charter school was not followed in accordance with Missouri law," the statement said. "Any action taken outside of those legal requirements is invalid as it was taken without proper legal authority."

The statement also argued that Columbia Public Schools was not given a voice in the decision to approve the charter school.

"Even as the State Board discussed the matter today, a direct request was made by State Board Member Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge from the Board table to give CPS an opportunity to speak, and the request was denied by Board leadership," the statement said.

Westbrooks-Hodge was the only member of the State Board of Education to vote against the charter school.
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FOLLOWING the granting of formal planning approval by An Bord Pleanala for a new IPAS centre in Durrow on the former site of Lennons bar and the nearby Peadars bar, the owner, Marc Lennon, was granted permission to develop them into lodgings capable of hosting 30 people in each.

The approval was met with dismay by many in Durrow, who believe that the area has already hit capacity in the number of international protection applicants it can host and such is the strength of their conviction that they have launched a GoFundMe page dedicated to community funding to raise 15,000 towards an appeal which, they hope, will overturn the planning boards decision, which, at the time of writing, has raised 7,233.

One of the organisers of the fund, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained the reasons behind the relatively high cost. "So, in order for us to put together an appeal and the costs of doing that and engaging with professional services, professional planning services, professional legal services and all that, to put together a strong appeal will cost the community group, which is pretty much a small organisation with very little resources, so the GoFundMe page was set up in order to seek financial assistance from the public in order to help cover the costs of engaging professional legal services and the ability to do a comprehensive appeal."

Explaining their objections, the spokesperson stressed how supportive they and the entire community have been and continue to be of the many international protection applicants  mostly Ukrainian women and children  that have come to live in the Durrow area. "We've done a big collection of closed donations, all that kind of thing to help them settle in, make them feel welcome and they've been fantastic. They've integrated really well. If you go through our village tidy towns page, you'll see they have come out and lent support, got active in the community."

The spokesperson also warned how, under the current system, if the new IPAS centre does end up coming to fruition, all the Ukrainians currently living in existing facilities in the area would be moved on to somewhere else, which would not only be upsetting for them but also the whole community, whom they are now so well integrated with.

Beyond the immediate social risk, the spokesperson explained that GP services for the area had been stretched, with the town already sharing its services with Rathdowney over eight miles away. Combine that with the recent influx of Ukrainians seeking temporary protection and add in the prospect of another IPAS centre and the argument is that services will be almost impossible to access.

"We have a second issue, which is traffic and parking. We are on the N77, which goes between Portlaoise and Kilkenny city. It's a very heavily trafficked route. We already have in excess of 100 articulated lorries going through the narrow streets every day. So, I would say the traffic in the town is at a level pre-motorway at least. These centres are going to need workers who will need parking, theres going to have to be deliveries into these two centres, ongoing delivery services, you know. So, at the moment, we consistently have reports of people who are parking on the streets, they're getting their cars damaged because of an articulator that is trying to get up and down, it's a big problem as it stands. So, adding in these centres, which will inevitably bring more traffic anyway, thats going to be huge as well.

While the fund has yet to reach its goal, the spokesperson is encouraged by the strong support and community engagement that it has generated, especially in the context of the overall cost-of-living crisis and the recent fuel protests, which, they argue, may divert focus away from the fund. The spokesperson urged those considering launching their own appeal to instead join the community initiative.

"We're only a small community of 946 people, you know, according to the last census. I think the level, you know, and thats 946, that's including babies, children, elderly, as well as ordinary people. So, to get as far as we've got, I think is an outstanding community achievement in itself."
The 100 million relief package for farming is welcome, but the Government must do more to address frustration and anger in rural Ireland, according to the Laois President of the IFA.

In acknowledging measures announced by the Government yesterday as significant, Francie Gorman, IFA President, said farmers in Laois and elsewhere must guard against their valid campaigns being hijacked by people with agendas not related to agriculture.

The Ballinakill man made the comments in response to talks that took place against the nationwide fuel protests, which the IFA did not endorse, though many involved in farming took part in.

While he said the Government did not seek the agreement of the IFA, the package was in line with proposals already made by the association

The 100m fuel support scheme is similar to a proposal made by IFA at our meeting with the Tanaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris two weeks ago. It is vital that this scheme is user-friendly and flexible to ensure that those who need support get it quickly, he stated.

He warned that the crisis in the Middle East remains extremely volatile with farmers and agri-contractors are under huge financial pressure. Because of this, he insisted that it must not be delayed by red tape.

READ NEXT: 'Someone is price gouging' - Laois call for investigation into fuel prices

The structure and rollout of this scheme must happen quickly, and the Department needs to ensure it is efficient and effective. The concern among farmers and agri-contractors now is that it will be overly bureaucratic and too slow, he said.

He also spoke about the carbon tax and the decision not to impose the latest increase in May.

The Government still needs to address the carbon tax in the next budget. The decision not to apply the increase due in May is the right one, but the whole tax is very unfair and punitive for farmers and rural Ireland, he said.

READ ALSO: Laois farm applies for planning permission to house overseas workers

Mr Gorman said more must be done across different areas of concern to farmers.

The Government must do far more to address the frustration and anger in rural Ireland, particularly around the cost of doing business and over-regulation.

IFA also proposed a fodder scheme and additional support for the tillage sector, and we will continue to pursue these, he said.

READ NEXT: Fuel package falls short, insists Laois representative

He also had a word of warning for farmers about farming issues being effectively hijacked.

While we will continue to campaign vigorously on these issues, we must guard against our valid campaigns being used by people with other agendas, he said.

Mr Gorman said the IFA will need to engage regularly to keep the situation under constant review to ensure the agri-sector is protected in what he said were highly volatile times.

The Department of Agriculture says the 100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme

It says the package comes in response to the sharp rise in the price of Marked Gas Oil (MGO), commonly known as green diesel, which has nearly doubled since February due to ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Prices have risen from 0.97 per litre in late February to 1.80 per litre in recent weeks, placing severe financial pressure on key sectors of Irelands food production economy.

Targeted support during peak season

The scheme will provide 20 million per month in supports, with funding directly linked to fuel usage last year to ensure those most impacted by the fuel price increase receive the greatest assistance.

Farmers and agricultural contractors will benefit from a support rate equivalent to approximately 20 cents per litre of MGO (marked gas oil) used based on verified fuel consumption in 2025. The funding will be distributed proportionally a point that was strongly emphasised in ongoing engagements with the representative farm and farm contractor groups.

Supports for farmers and contractors

Approximately 120,000 farmers and 1,500 full-time agricultural contractors will be eligible to apply for support. Payments will be made through a single application process, with funding allocated based on fuel usage last year.

Eligibility will require applicants to demonstrate active farming or contracting status, tax compliance, and verifiable fuel usage. A system of checks and inspections will be implemented to ensure accountability. EU state aid cover will also be necessary.

Dedicated support for fishers and specialist sectors

Up to 5 million per month of the fund will be used to support fishers and other sectors affected such as forestry and specialist horticulture. Fishers are facing acute challenges, exacerbated by very high fuel costs. A tailored fuel support scheme for fishers will be developed, subject to EU State Aid requirements.
Laois Offaly Division Gardai have seized over 500,000 worth of drugs and made arrests following an operation mounted in Tullamore

As part of Operation Tara, Gardai say they have seized suspected illegal cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy with an estimated total value of 545,400 in in the Offaly town on Tuesday, April 14.

A Garda statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live elaborated on the operation.

"During the course of a search under warrant, Gardai from Community Engagement Tullamore, Offaly Drugs Unit and members from Tullamore Detective Unit seized 7.5kg of cocaine (with a value of approximately 525,000); 1kg of cannabis (20,000) and ecstasy (400). Two individuals (a male and a female, both aged in their 40s) were arrested in connection with the investigation," said Garda HQ.

Gardai explained that they were detained pursuant to Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, and detained a Garda station in Co Offaly.

READ NEXT: Gardai seize drugs and cash during search of Laois property

Gardai said the seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis and investigations are ongoing.



Gardai said Operation Tara is an enhanced national anti-drugs strategy, which was launched by the Garda Commissioner in July 2021. They noted that it aims to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking networks, at all levels  international, national, local  involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, local sale and supply of controlled drugs.
A junior minister in the Irish Government has resigned over its handling of the fuel protests.

Michael Healy-Rae, who was among several independent TDs who supported the formation of a coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, said he would be voting against the Government in a confidence motion relating to the fuel crisis on Tuesday.

In particular, he criticised Taoiseach Micheal Martin and said he should have listened to the concerns of people who engaged in protests over the impact of fuel costs on the agricultural and transport sectors.

Mr Healy-Rae also announced his resignation as Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture within the Department of Agriculture.

He had supported the Government formation alongside his brother Danny Healy-Rae, both independent TDs for Kerry.

Both are now anticipated to vote against the Government.

The outgoing minister said he had listened to protesters and canvassers as he thanked his family, friends and constituency workers.

Ive always looked at myself as a gauge of the people of rural Ireland, and I really believe that I am, he told the Dail.

When I see people on the side of the road, when Ive seen grown men crying when I met tractor men, lorry men, farmers and when they were telling me how unhappy they were, the leader of the country should have listened.

Because of the fact that I believe this government have let the people of Ireland down, I will be voting no confidence in the leader of the country, and I will be tendering my resignation as a minister of state from now.

I would ask that future governments and this government that they would listen, that they would be kind, that they would be understanding.

There are farmers that are really suffering so much at present. There are agricultural contractors that are really suffering.

Speaking from the Government side of the Dail chamber, he said: There were people who cried at the protests. And these were workers, these were respectable people.

They are the people that I represented since the first day I started.

Mr Healy-Rae said the people of Kerry are telling him they are unhappy with the Government and do not want to see any Healy-Rae supporting it.

He referenced his father Jackie Healy-Rae who entered into confidence and supply with Fianna Fail and said: Im thinking of my late father today, and he supported government when things were bad and things were tough, and I asked him I went to bed, I said What should I do?

And the feeling that I have is the Government and the leader particularly have not listened.

Its a lesson for people in the future. I adored being a minister in the Department of Agriculture and I thank you all very, very much.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said he regretted the resignation of Mr Healy-Rae, whom he described as a good colleague within the Department.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill also paid tribute to him.
Portarlington Credit Union has urged its members to remain alert due to an increase of scams recently.

The credit union shared a warning on their social media, advising members to be cautious as there has been a rise in the number of fraudulent texts and phone calls to people in recent weeks.

They said that over the past few weeks, a member received a text message about a "new payee" which asked them to contact a Dublin phone number if they did not set it up.

The post mentioned another incident where a member received a similar text and then proceeded to share their information. The person was contacted by phone and asked to provide a security code.

The credit union has urged that these messages and phone calls are fraudulent.

READ NEXT: Portlaoise event to help business owners attract workforce to Laois

They reminded people that they will never contact anyone asking to set up a new payee, send any links requesting to transfer funds, or ask for personal details, PIN, passwords or one-time security codes over text or phone.

Members have been warned not to click suspicious links, share personal or financial information, or engage with unexpected calls or texts.

Portarlington Credit Union said: "If you receive any communication like this, please ignore it and report it immediately. If you have any concerns, contact us directly using our official office number or call into our office, we will be happy to assist you.

"Your security is our priority."
A man has appeared in court after 400,000 was taken when An Post accounts were compromised.

Before Naas District Court was Karel Lakatos, 53, whose address was given as 4 The Hollands, Athy, on an allegation of a breach of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act between January 6, 2024 and January 9, 2024. It is being alleged the defendant attempted to launder 6,200 which was the property of two other people.

Detective Garda Aisling OMahony said it will be alleged that this was one of 28 incidents relating to An Post Accounts and the total amount involved was 400,000.

The court also heard that all of the affected customers were reimbursed.

The garda said it will be claimed the defendant was found to be the beneficial account holder and the case revolved around a nationwide operation by gardai.

READ NEXT BREAKING: Well known Kildare business to close after 60 years

Judge Desmond Zaidan adjourned the matter to May 21 and requested that a Slovakian translator be present on that date.

The court was told that there was no objection to bail provided the defendant surrenders his passport and signs on at Athy garda station one day a week.
Sinn Fein stands with fuel-cost protesters, including those who were blockading critical infrastructure, the partys finance spokesman has said, as opposition parties remained divided on the issue.

Irelands only oil refinery and major depots that are key to fuel distribution were blockaded by protesters for a number of days last week in co-ordinated action by hauliers, farmers and agricultural contractors seeking Government intervention on their operating costs.

The action was an escalation of protests which began as slow-moving convoys on motorways, and was not anticipated by the State, Taoiseach Micheal Martin conceded on Tuesday.

The blockades strangled fuel distribution throughout the country, with hundreds of filling stations running dry and curtailment of the operations of emergency responders, and concerns over the provision of healthcare and other vital services.

The Garda Public Order Unit launched major operations to clear blockades at Whitegate oil refinery, Galway docks and Dublin city centre over the weekend.

The Defence Forces were also involved in clearing the blockade in Galway, after Justice Minster Jim OCallaghan announced on Thursday that they would be called in to respond to protests.

Separate blockades near Rosslare Europort and a depot at Foynes, Co Limerick, were also stood down.

After the end of the blockades, the Government announced a fuel-cost package worth more than 500 million euro  largely targeted at the agricultural and transport sector.

Speaking to reporters before Cabinet, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the approach taken by protesters did not make sense and admitted: The blockade, certainly as a tactic, was not something that was anticipated.

He said ministers accept fully the rights to protest and freedom of assembly, adding that these had not been undermined by the policing response to fuel blockades.

Theres always a balance, and one has to distinguish between the blockading of absolutely critical national infrastructure and protest.

Tanaiste Simon Harris agreed, saying: I draw the line between protesting and other activities that, in the words of An Garda Siochana, were illegal, like blocking the mobility of people.

Asked on Tuesday if Sinn Fein supported the blockades, Pearse Doherty told reporters the party absolutely supports the protesters.

Pressed multiple times on whether he specifically supported the blockade action, he answered: We stood with the protesters, including those who are blockading.

However, Mr Doherty said the party did not want to see more protests or blockading, adding: What we want is government action.

People Before Profit defended the blockades as a tactic, with leader Richard Boyd Barrett saying that disruptive protest can force the Government to do things as he called for a new phase of protest and mobilisation.

Asked if he was advocating for blockades, Mr Boyd Barrett said: While the Government is unwilling to act to prevent people from suffering real hardship where they cant pay their bills, simply saying wait for the next election isnt good enough, and we need to put it up to them  and weve seen over the last week that protests work.

The Dun Laoghaire TD said the trade union movement could not stand by and let workers be left behind.

Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger described the blockades as absolutely justified and legitimate as she criticised trade unions for being virtually silent except for a statement from Unite.

However, Labour TD Ged Nash said the trade union movement will be stepping up to the mark and will have a much more muscular presence in seeking a fair share for workers.

Asked what he meant by a muscular presence, Mr Nash, who said Labour did not support the blockades, replied: One of the reflections I think that everybody in Leinster House needs to take out of this is, how effective are we?

When people look at the kinds of alternatives that we saw on our streets last week, that are not very appealing to ordinary working people who want to see a decent society, a respectful society, a sustainable economy, we need to ask ourselves the questions why working class people and why people in low and middle incomes believe and are so desperate in the situation theyre in that they feel that people like that have answers.

Mr Nash said the Governments package was designed to placate what he described as narrow sectoral interests.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin said his party did not want to see a blockade but the reality was it was happening and said the Government should have engaged with protesters.

He said he would encourage everybody to abide by the law and added: I dont want to see any blockades in the country ever again.

Independent Ireland TD Richard ODonoghue said he had stood with hard-working people who were protesting peacefully at Foynes, Co Limerick.
The Irish Government has been accused of arrogance over the way it handled fuel protests during a debate on confidence in the coalition.

Junior minister and independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae announced his resignation during the debate as he said the Irish premier should have listened to protesters.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called the Governments response to fuel protesters brazen and said it was time for an election.

Irish premier Micheal Martin said it was dishonest for the opposition to suggest there are no hard choices on rising fuel costs.

Ministers also criticised politicians who backed the blockading of critical infrastructure last week by protesters and insisted work to help people with rising fuel costs was underway before the protests began.

The Irish parliament is debating a confidence motion in the coalition Government, triggered by the main opposition party Sinn Fein, after a week of widespread disruption to fuel supplies caused by protests and blockades.

The Government announced a 505 million euro package of support on Sunday to respond to rising fuel prices caused by the war in Iran, but the political fallout from the protests continues as the Dail returned from the Easter break on Tuesday.

All opposition parties have said they would vote against the Governments vote of confidence in itself.

It had been unclear how several independents who have supported the Fianna Fail-Fine Gael coalition Government would vote.

The focus had been on how Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae would vote, when it was his brother, junior minister Michael Healy-Rae, who announced he would resign and vote against the Government.

Ive always looked at myself as a gauge of the people of rural Ireland, and I really believe that I am, he told the Dail.

Because of the fact that I believe this Government have let the people of Ireland down, I will be voting no confidence in the leader of the country, and I will be tendering my resignation as a minister of state from now.

I would ask that future governments and this Government, that they would listen, that they would be kind, that they would be understanding. There are farmers that are really suffering so much at present.

Speaking in the Dail on Tuesday, Mr Martin said it was manifestly untrue to suggest the Government had done nothing to help people amid rising fuel prices, and that the coalition Government had taken significant action that went beyond anything being done elsewhere.

Mr Martin said it would be dishonest for the opposition to suggest there are no hard choices to be made.

He criticised the destructive blockade of critical national infrastructure last week, which he said went far beyond past protests.

Everybody has a right to protest, but nobody has a right to appoint themselves as the voice of the people and to threaten the jobs and livelihoods of many thousands of families, he said.

Nobody has the right to prevent people from getting to cancer treatment, to be visited by their carer, to distribute vital supplies  the House needs to face up to the fact that these actions were very directly threatening the basic fuel supplies of the country.

Mr Martin also said he condemned the sinister targeting of gardai and oil lorry drivers, and threats against politicians.

Parliamentary democracy is something we should all affirm and defend. The great majority of people who have protested have done so reasonably and democratically.

We all saw that this was not the case for some other elements  and everyone here should understand you cant share platforms with them, express your support for them, call them the voice of the people, and then deny your responsibility for legitimising them.

Irish deputy premier and finance minister Simon Harris said a planned Sinn Fein motion of no confidence was a stunt and if it succeeded, the financial measures announced by government at the weekend would fall away without parliamentary approval.

Mr Harris said Sinn Fein had decided on the motion before they ever saw the details of the Governments package of supports, and that it was far more comprehensive and strategically responsive than anything they have proposed.

Ms McDonald described the coalition as brazen and said it was time for an election.

She also criticised the two-week Easter recess of the Dail during the fuel crisis and said the Government could not hide behind global events, adding that issues in Ireland began out of the Governments budget.

Your own arrogance, your lack of judgment, your lack of any empathy has left people with no conclusion other than this  your time is up.

Ms McDonald told Mr Martin: Today, as you backslap, congratulate, flatter each other, just know that beyond your bubble people see a government out of touch.

Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and your Independent backers, time is up.

It is time to go back to the people. Time for an election.

Let the people have their say. Your government no longer commands the confidence of the people  its time to go.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai speaking to his ministers at the Cabinet meeting up Capitol Hill.
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THE SISTER of Scarlett Faulkner has paid an emotional tribute to the young Limerick mother, saying that she doesn't know how she will live without her.

Taking to social media, Victoria Faulkner described Scarlett as her "best friend and big sister."

"I'll cherish our memories forever. My last hug and kiss off you. I promise you sister I'll bring Oceanna to see you everyday. I'll do everything for her just like you'd want," stated Victoria.

"I love you with all my heart and soul. I can't explain the way I feel right now knowing I'll never see you walk in the door to me and sit down... I miss you every minute of the day, you will always be my best friend and big sister. My heart inside me is broke in one million pieces. How will I ever say goodbye to you."

READ MORE: BREAKING: What a warrior: Death of Limerick mum Scarlett Faulkner confirmed

Victoria also shared an emotive photo of her clutching Scarlett's hand.

Scarlett Faulkner tragically passed away on Monday after she was taken off her life support machine in Cork University Hospital on Sunday.

Scarlett, aged 29, from the northside of Limerick city, was allegedly struck with an iron bar at the side of the R494 road in Birdhill on Saturday, March 21.

Josephine (Joanne) Duffy, the partner of Scarlett's brother Thomas, gave an update on social media on Monday evening saying: The one, the only, Scarlet Faulkner, passed away so peacefully with her loving family around her.

Josephine said what a warrior.

Rest in peace my beautiful sister-in-law. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support, wrote an emotional Josephine.

Martin Anthony Faulkner, one of Scarletts 15 siblings, also wrote on social media: RIP my lovely sister Scarlett.

The Scarlettarmy page on Facebook, which has amassed over 26,000 followers, posted that with deep sorrow they must share that Heaven has gained a beautiful new angel.

It is with the deepest sorrow and profound regret that we share the heartbreaking news that Scarlett Faulkner has passed away. She left this world peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

At this deeply distressing time, the family are gently trying to process their overwhelming grief and loss. They kindly ask for privacy as they come to terms with saying goodbye to their precious beautiful girl, reads the post.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has kept Scarlett in their prayers, sent loving messages, and offered support over the past few weeks.

Your kindness has meant more to them than words can say. They ask that we all continue to pray for Scarlett - that her gentle soul is received into the loving arms of God and granted eternal peace and a soft bed in Heaven."

A woman and a 16-year-old girl have appeared in court - on separate dates in Limerick and in Thurles - in connection with the serious assault of Scarlett.
THE FAULKNER family have announced the funeral arrangements for their "beautiful angel" Scarlett, on social media.

The 29-year-old mum-of-one from Longpavement, Limerick city, passed away three weeks after sustaining serious head injuries in an assault on a roadside in Birdhill.

The decision was made on Sunday to take her off a life support machine in Cork University Hospital. Scarlett passed away peacefully on Monday surrounded by her loving family who had maintained a bedside vigil.

Speaking on RTE Radio One this Tuesday, Fr Pat Hogan said the Faulkner family are deeply upset.

They want to just lay her to rest in peace and with dignity so this is their hope, said Fr Hogan, who was with the Faulkner family on Monday night.

Fr Hogan, of Moyross parish and chaplain to the Traveller community, said the family have great memories of mum-of-one Scarlett, aged 29.

They want to remember her in peace, and they want to kind of maybe separate her from the violence that happened to her.

Scarlett will repose at Crosss Funeral Home, Lower Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick city on Thursday, April 16 from 2pm to 4pm.

Her funeral Mass will take place on Friday at 11am in St Munchins Church, Clancy Strand. Scarlett will be laid to rest in Meelick Cemetery following the Mass.

READ NEXT: Gardai confirm investigations are ongoing following death of Limerick mum Scarlett Faulkner

Scarlett's sister Victoria has paid an emotional tribute to the young Limerick mother, saying that she doesn't know how she will live without her.

Taking to social media, Victoria Faulkner described Scarlett as her best friend and big sister.

I'll cherish our memories forever. My last hug and kiss off you. I promise you sister I'll bring Oceanna (Scarletts daughter) to see you everyday. I'll do everything for her just like you'd want, said Victoria.

I love you with all my heart and soul. I can't explain the way I feel right now knowing I'll never see you walk in the door to me and sit down... I miss you every minute of the day, you will always be my best friend and big sister.

"My heart is broke in one million pieces. How will I ever say goodbye to you.

Victoria also shared an emotive photo of her clutching Scarlett's hand.

A woman and a 16-year-old girl have appeared in court - on separate dates in Limerick and in Thurles - in connection with the serious assault of Scarlett.

Scarlett was allegedly struck 11 times with an iron bar at the side of the R494 road in Birdhill on March 21.
A super result for Ballingarry trainer Gillian Scott arrived in the nine-furlong handicap at Gowran last Thursday when she saddled the first two home with her veteran Starting Monday snapping a lengthy losing streak.

It has been over five years since Starting Monday had got his head in front so credit to connections for their perseverance.

Those who kept the faith were rewarded with odds of 16-1 as he led inside the final furlong for Donagh OConnor and won by over a length from stable companion Khormor Syd (7-1). The stable forecast paid over 130-1.

The records will show that 9-4 joint favourite Ifallgoeswell won the opener at Wexford on an inclement Friday evening in Wexford, but the talk post-race was about how Jack Kennedy managed to finish third on his mount.

READ NEXT: JP McManus pays touching tribute to wife, family and Limerick stud farm staff

Ballingarry-based father and son team Philip and Charles Byrnes were responsible for the winner who lasted home by a neck.

However, there was real drama at the point of the home turn as Kennedys left foot came out of his iron, forcing all his weight over the near side of Dunleer Crystal. How he defied gravity to get back in the saddle is anyone's guess. Remarkable recovery.

The pair jumped the final two hurdles with Kennedys feet out of the irons and were only beaten four lengths.

I was lucky I suppose. I am not sure what happened, Kennedy later said on Racing TV. My foot just came out of the iron. It probably shouldnt have happened.

Skydance (7-2) shed her maiden tag in the fillies maiden over a mile which opened proceedings at Leopardstown on Sunday.

It was a close-run thing, too, as she had just a short head to spare over the 5-4 favourite Thundering On, trained by Joseph OBrien.

Skydance is trained on the Curragh by Willie McCreery for Abu Dhabi interests Al Shiraaa Racing. She cost a million euro as a yearling in Deauville so expectations are entitled to be high.

Last year she ran well in some of the best races open to her without winning and she has an entry in the Irish 1,000 Guineas towards the end of next month.

She is a nice filly. She has a bit of class. With the way she hit the line, I thought she should be going up in trip rather than down, winning jockey Billy Lee said.

English jockey Harry Cobden got more of a flavour of his new role as retained rider to the mighty JP McManus team when partnering Fierce Handay to success in the Fairyhouse Steel Handicap Hurdle over 2m5f.

Trainer Noel Meade is enjoying a purple patch of form after a double on Good Friday at the Curragh, this was his second winner of the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse. It might have been more if Blake had not crashed out at the final flight of the Grade 2 hurdle at the track on Easter Sunday.

Fierce Handay won this with a bit to spare. Despite taking a grip in the early stages, he still won by over five lengths at 11-2 favourite.

He travelled well and hes a proper horse. He over-raced a bit with me out there but hopefully he can learn to settle a bit better. He will make into a lovely chaser Cobden said.

I Am Maximus became the first horse since the immortal Red Rum in the 1970s to regain a Randox Grand National after a stirring victory in the world-famous race on Saturday.

A sense of history surrounded the result after the very heavily-punted 9-2 favourite swooped late under Paul Townend to win by two and a half lengths from 18-1 chance Iroko.

The first two home were clad in the green and gold silks of JP McManus. The leviathan owner became the first to win the race on four occasions.

Trainer Willie Mullins was winning the race for the third time in a row after I Am Maximus first success in 2024 and Nick Rockett last year. This feat echoed that of Vincent OBrien in the 1950s. Mullins also won the race in 2005 with Hedgehunter and joined Red Rums trainer Ginger McCain on four wins in the race.

Jordans, a 28-1 outsider prepared by Joseph OBrien, briefly looked like he would slip the field between the final two fences but he tired late into third place.

For much of the contest, I Am Maximus did not appear to be travelling overly well, with one or two scruffy jumps not helping. Paul Townend had him on the inside, but he was never better than midfield, even as the field swung into the home straight. Two fences from home he was still 10 lengths off the pace. But experience and class  from horse and jockey  count for a lot at this track.

Despite the welter burden of 11-12, I Am Maximus was only getting going and he found the lead inside the final furlong. Perhaps it was inevitable. Mullins and Townend swept the board at Cheltenham last month and now plundered the famous race of them all.

I had my eye on I Am Maximus all through the race. I thought Paul gave him an outstanding ride, McManus said on Racing TV.

His jumping was a bit sticky but Paul trusted the horse and waited for the horse to come to him. When the horse was ready, he delivered.

On the subject of I Am Maximus skipping the Gold Cup at Cheltenham to go into the National a fresh horse, the owner added: He [Mullins] didnt take much persuading, in fairness. It worked out great for Willie, he won both!

A year hence, I Am Maximus may or may not return in a bid to emulate the most famous horse to grace the race. It shouldnt really matter either way. Only seven horses have won the race more than once since its first running in 1839. He is now in that elite bracket.

Upcoming Fixtures

Clonmel Tuesday, April 14 (first race 4.37pm)

Leopardstown Wednesday, April 15 (first race 1.22pm)

Limerick Thursday, April 16 (first race 1.35pm)

Ballinrobe Friday, April 17 (first race 5.00pm)

Bellewstown Saturday, April 18 (first race 2.05pm)

Curragh Sunday, April 19 (first race 1.15pm)

Tramore Sunday, April 19 (first race 2.08pm)
Irelands Media Minister has been compared to outgoing Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban after he questioned media reporting of fuel protests.

Patrick ODonovan said there were lopsided political views and skewed broadcasting of fuel protests and blockades that disrupted traffic, public transport and fuel supplies for a week.

Mr ODonovan said he would ask Irelands broadcasting regulator Coimisiun na Mean to examine media reporting of the protests as the Government came under pressure for its handling of the demonstrations.

His comments were roundly criticised by opposition parties on Tuesday, and his party leader also said a review was not necessary.

During a motion of confidence in the Government, Mr ODonvoan came under criticism from both Labour and the Social Democrats.

The Minister for Media announced yesterday that he wants Coimisiun na Mean to investigate media coverage of the protests, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said.

Goodbye Viktor Orban, hello Patrick ODonovan.

Mr Orban, a close ally of both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, was voted out of office on Sunday after 16 years in power.

Ms Bacik added: At best, one might hope this was a cynical attempt to distract from a disastrous week for the Government.

But at worst, its a minister resorting to sinister threats against the national broadcaster because it was doing its job of reporting fairly on events from around the country.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said the Government was engaged in a blame game after the fuel protests and that the Communications Minister is even blaming the media.

Earlier, Irelands Deputy Premier said a review of media reporting of the fuel protests was not needed.

Asked about the comments by Mr ODonovan, who is a Fine Gael minister, Tanaiste and party leader Simon Harris said a free media was an absolute vital part of our democracy.

Im a big supporter of freedom of the media, freedom of the press, as is the Government, as is the minister, Mr Harris told reporters outside Government Buildings in Dublin.

In fact, Minister Patrick ODonovan will be bringing forward legislative change later this year to further underpin the importance of freedom of the media, in line with a number of European developments.

A free media, a robust media, is an absolute vital part of our democracy.

Of course, at the end of any difficult period, you can look back and say, at a moment in national crisis, how do we get information out there, are there learnings?

But I certainly dont think theres any need for any sort of formal review, these are matters for Coimisiun na Mean.

He added: I think the media, like everybody in this country, were doing their best to deal with a fast evolving and a very difficult situation.

My priority now as a government leader is to try and move forward, try to deliver for people in this country.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) had described the ministers comments as sinister and deeply disturbing and said they had caused genuine concern.

The regulator, Coimisiun na Mean, said in a statement that if individuals want to make a complaint about broadcast content, they can find more information on the regulators website.

Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney said she was genuinely shocked by Mr ODonovans comments, which she further characterised as overreach.

She told reporters at Leinster House that the minister did not have such authority and accused him of choosing to grind his petty personal axe against the media.

FG Minister Patrick O'Donavan has threatened press freedom in Ireland. It's an authoritarian abuse of power, and he, along with the rest of the government, should go. pic.twitter.com/YNeV8fJx92  Peadar Toibin TD (@Toibin1) April 14, 2026

Ms Gibney said the minister should recall his remarks, adding that he was an interested party in the coverage of protests.

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy also agreed with the NUJ and accused the minister of attempting to apply pressure on RTE.

He said the coverage was not too sympathetic to protesters and accused Mr ODonovan of trying to turn RTE into a government mouthpiece.

Green Senator Malcolm Noonan said he believed Mr ODonovan of straying into dangerous territory and infringing on the impartiality of the commission.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin accused Mr ODonovan of an abuse of his position as minister.

The minister has his hands on the purse strings in relation to the funding of a significant number of media outlets in this country, he said.

Freedom of speech and freedom of media are key foundation stones of a functioning liberal democracy, and I believe that Patrick ODonovan has way overstepped the mark in an authoritarian fashion with regard to the comments that he has made.

The minister met with Coimisiun na Mean on Tuesday and it is understood that while he did not seek a review of protest coverage, the regulator had received contact from members of the public and will follow up on any formal complaints.

It is further understood the meeting also involved a discussion on respective responsibilities as well as independence of function, and that the regulator is to launch a public consultation on fairness in broadcast news later this year.
THE National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has criticised the call by the Minister for Media, Patrick ODonovan, for a Coimisiun na Mean review of media coverage of the recent nationwide fuel protests, calling it "deeply disturbing".

In an interview on Limerick Live 95 on Monday, the minister called for a review by the regulator of coverage by broadcasters, specifically by RTE, of the protests.

In conversation with presenter Joe Nash, he asked was the coverage "balanced or was it skewed?"

"And I think that's a role for Coimisiun na Mean," he continued.

READ MORE: Luck of God someone hasnt been killed  Calls for traffic calming at Limerick soccer pitch

When asked by Mr Nash if he would be talking to the Coimisiun, Deputy O'Donovan replied: "I will".

Deputy O'Donovan said that similiar to the ministers for justice and defence looking at responses by the gardai and Defence Forces, "I too will be looking at responses".

"We live in a democracy where all voices should be heard, not just some," he added.

"Now Coimisiun na Mean might come back to me and say they believe everything is fine, in which case that's grand but I'll be asking them in the context of everything that happened last week from our national broadcaster to others, was there a porportionate and representative view of the public and the impact it was having across all sectors of the economy whether that was the CEOs of port companies, whether it was in relation to IBEC, whether it was in relation to employers who couldn't get materials into and out of the country. I didn't hear any of those views last week," he said.

Seamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary, said in a statement that the media minister had drawn a false equivalence between these ministerial roles (justice and defence) in order to justify interference in the editorial independence of the national public service broadcaster and licensed radio servicers.

Mr Dooley said:

"I find these comments... deeply disturbing. The media minister is not a bystander but is in a position to influence the allocation of funds, the approval of commercial radio licenses and overall policy on broadcasting. It is not his role to dictate to the independent regulator or to apply pressure on media organisations. RTE is a public service broadcaster - not a state broadcaster - and is independently regulated in the interests of democracy. You cannot have a 'slightly independent' public service broadcaster.

"Journalists have a duty to report news and to provide coverage of events as they unfold.

During the past week many journalists were abused by protesters, including key personnel involved in organising blockades. It is ironic that Deputy O'Donovan has decided to join the ranks of the anti-mainstream media critics in his verbal onslaught at professional broadcasters simply because he disagreed with the arguments and actions of the subject of legitimate news coverage.

"The NUJ is concerned at threats against journalists by a small number of those associated with the protests and would encourage journalists to report online and physical abuse to the NUJ and to the Media Engagement Group established by An Garda Siochana," added Mr Dooley.

"We would ask the Minister to respect the role of independent journalism.

"There's no place for Trumpian ad hominem attacks on journalists and the minister's comments have caused genuine concern."
THE Limerick Diocese is to bring a five-acre site to market as it battles a funding shortfall brought about by a fall in attendance at Mass.

The land, in Corbally, adjacent to the Diocesan Centre and St Munchins School, is set to go on the market in the coming weeks, and is zoned for residential, meaning housing could be build on site.

And Bishop Brendan Leahy has warned that further sales may be necessary in the future, saying: difficult decisions" may need to be made "to ensure the long-term viability of the Diocese.

He added the deficit facing the Diocese of Limerick is not sustainable in the long-term.

The reality is that we are facing into a sustained position of a yearly deficit in our budget. While we are fortunate to have some reserves, this is not a situation that can continue indefinitely, Bishop Leahy said.

READ MORE: 'I'll cherish our memories forever': Sister of Limerick mum Scarlett Faulkner pays emotional tribute

The Diocese employs the equivalent of 13 full-time staff delivering a wide range of services to parishes and priests across Limerick.

These include child and adult safeguarding, pastoral and youth ministry, lay-pastoral supports, liturgical resources and support for the promotion of vocations and the ongoing formation of clergy.

They are paid through a monthly levy from churches in the form of the Diocesan need collection.

However, Bishop Leahy said with Mass attendance declining over recent decades, that fund is proving difficult to maintain.

Bishop Leahy said: We are in a situation where our costs are rising, and we need to employ competent lay people who provide wonderful service. But our income base is reducing due to declining Mass attendance. This creates a gap that we simply cannot ignore.

The senior cleric said any decisions made will be guided by a desire to retain services.

Our priority is to continue supporting parishes, schools and communities across the Diocese in the best way possible. The commitment of our, priests, staff and volunteers is extraordinary and any decisions we take will be guided by a desire to protect these vital services into the future, he said.

The sale of the site in Corbally, he added is one of a number of steps which must be considered to stablise the financial position of the Diocese.

It is important that we act now, in a measured and responsible way, to safeguard the future of the Diocese, he added.
Neethi Lisa Rojan

Neethi Lisa Rojan is a senior correspondent focusing on the consumer goods and retail sector working from Mumbai for Mint since 2026. She has been a journalist for a little over two years with Moneycontrol and The Morning Context. She has covered the consumer and healthcare sectors in earlier roles. She was a double gold medallist during her bachelors from Mahatma Gandhi University Kerala and post-graduation from Pondicherry University. With a background in commerce and journalism, she brings a sharp analytical lens to stories on Indias fast-evolving consumer goods and retail sector.<br><br>With an academic background in business administration and a keen eye for financial statement analysis, she bridges the gap between corporate data and compelling narrative journalism. Her reporting is characterized by a focus on how evolving consumer behaviours and regulatory changes impact India's largest mass-market brands. She is a keen learner with diplomas in international business, human rights and journalism. She specialized in business journalism at the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. When she is not looking into shopping carts, you can find her explaining the latest conspiracy theory.
Dipali Banka

Dipali Banka is a Mumbai-based journalist who treats corporate reporting less like a beat and more like a puzzle to be solved. This invariably means she has to read through annual reports and speak with leaders and analysts. She tracks policies, deals, and the pulse of industries spanning metals, mining, paints, and cement, alongside aviation. She started out as an intern at The Statesman and then completed her postgraduate diploma in journalism from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, in 2025. Relentlessly curious at heart, Dipali is driven by the simple urge to understand how things work and who they impact. Armed with an enduring fascination for steel and aeroplanes, she moves through the churn of daily news with focus, turning complexity into clarity without losing the story. She is particularly committed to shaping numbers into objective narratives, having little appetite for vagueness that gets in her way.<br><br>Outside the newsroom, Dipali is an unapologetically loud presence who values long conversations and longer walks to unwind. She devours books of all kinds and can often be found indulging in the lyrical sway of contemporary ghazals. She ardently believes that her relationship with her bylines is more sacred than it would ever be with anyone across the human race.
Shashvat Nakrani was 19 when he co-founded BharatPe. Now, a decade of drama, a billionaire ranking, and one of India's most public founder fallouts later, he is stepping back  and gearing up to build all over again.

BharatPe's current valuation stands at $2.7 billion, making it a unicorn. The company has raised a total of $584 million across 18 funding rounds, with its most recent funding being a $10 million conventional debt round in March 2026.

Nakrani Moves to Strategic Advisor Role From May 1

View full Image View full Image In a LinkedIn post, Shashvat Nakrani announced he will transition out of day-to-day operations at BharatPe from 1 May

In a LinkedIn post, Shashvat Nakrani announced he will transition out of day-to-day operations at BharatPe from 1 May, moving into a strategic advisor role whilst continuing to serve as a board director.

The shift, Shashvat Nakrani was careful to clarify, is not a departure.

Nakrani confirmed he will remain actively involved in several of the company's most consequential decisions - including fundraising, IPO planning, mergers and acquisitions, and long-term strategy.

Shashvat Nakrani also noted that he remains BharatPe's largest individual shareholder.

"Building Has Always Meant Following Curiosity"

View full Image View full Image In his own words, Shashvat Nakrani framed the decision as a return to instinct rather than a retreat from responsibility

In his own words, Shashvat Nakrani framed the decision as a return to instinct rather than a retreat from responsibility. "Building has always meant following curiosity," he wrote, signalling that the pull towards new ventures- the same restless energy that drove him to co-found a fintech company whilst still a third-year student at IIT Delhi.

Shashvat Nakrani expressed this return to roots openly, drawing a direct line between the teenager who launched BharatPe and the entrepreneur now looking beyond it.

The decision, Nakrani said, came after a period of genuine reflection about what excites him most  a rare admission of interiority from a founder who has spent the better part of his twenties navigating one of India's most scrutinised startups.

He also expressed confidence in BharatPe's current leadership and governance, saying the team in place is well-positioned to carry the company forward without his daily presence.

The IITian Who Made History at 23

View full Image View full Image In 2021, at just 23 years of age, Shashvat Nakrani became the youngest person to feature in the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List - an extraordinary distinction that placed him among 13 other self-made billionaires born in the 1990s.

To understand the weight of Shashvat Nakrani's announcement, it helps to understand just how young he was when he made his first mark.

In 2021, at just 23 years of age, Shashvat Nakrani became the youngest person to feature in the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List - an extraordinary distinction that placed him among 13 other self-made billionaires born in the 1990s.

Shashvat Nakrani had co-founded BharatPe at 19, alongside Ashneer Grover, whilst enrolled as a third-year undergraduate student at IIT Delhi.

The fintech company they built together addressed a genuine pain point in India's rapidly digitising economy. BharatPe offers merchants a single QR code capable of accepting payments across all major apps - including Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, BHIM, and more than 150 other UPI-enabled platforms.

The Ashneer Grover Fallout That Shook BharatPe

In December 2022, a day after BharatPe accused its ousted managing director Ashneer Grover and members of his family of embezzling company funds for personal expenses, Grover took to Twitter with a pointed counter-narrative- one that placed Nakrani squarely in his sights.

In a post that spread rapidly across social media, Ashneer Grover wrote: "Doglapan: Shashvat (Co-Founder) to me. Bhai degree poori karni hai. Ek saal office bunk kar ke IIT poora kar leta hoon. Secondary kara dena aur salary bhi mat rokna - investor ko mat batana. Shashvat to Board: No objection in filing case against Ashneer."

The allegation- that Nakrani had quietly taken a year away from the office to complete his IIT degree whilst asking Grover not to inform investors, cut to the heart of what Ashneer Grover was calling the fintech company's culture of duplicity. Nakrani did not respond publicly to the claim at the time.

The broader dispute between Grover and BharatPe had by that point escalated well beyond Twitter. The company filed for arbitration under Singapore International Arbitration Centre rules, seeking to claw back Grover's restricted shareholding and his right to use the founder title. Grover held approximately 8.5 per cent of the company, of which 1.4 per cent remained unvested and therefore vulnerable to forfeiture.

Also Read | BharatPe begins stake sale process in Unity SFB, appoints Rothschild
We are observing the situation in the Middle East carefully to see if it affects recruitment at IIMA. So far, barring a few firms mentioning that the war may have ramifications for future hiring, there has not been much impact. It is true that a few firms wanted to renegotiate the nature of internships with us in recent days in a way that is acceptable to all parties concerned, said Viswanath Pingali, chairperson of placements at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. This is probably keeping in view the dynamic situation of the war. All students have begun their internships as of now, and we have not seen anything to be alarmed about.
Rwit Ghosh

Rwit is a correspondent at Mint covering Indias burgeoning startup ecosystem and the venture capital and private equity firms that back them. Sitting out of Bengaluru, he writes on the new-age tech businesses that the city and the rest of the country seems to continuously be birthing.<br><br> While Rwits interests lie in covering the new wave of deeptech, AI, SaaS and consumer tech businesses, hell write on consumer brands and fintech (if someone repeatedly explains these sectors to him).<br><br> When hes not scrolling through the Indian startup forums on Reddit, Rwit is usually trying to figure out early signs of whats to come next in the ecosystem. As a result, hes been early to spot trends like VCs becoming more active in backing deeptech, funding bottlenecks for agentic AI startups and a potential revival in edtech through AI. <br><br>Prior to his ongoing stint at Mint, Rwit worked at NDTV Profit as a social media producer while also working on his own stories for the TV channel after he graduated from the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai. <br><br>When hes not working on stories, he can be found trying to figure out where he should go to eat next in Bengaluru, or what his next tattoo should look like. If you see him in the wild, you should ask him how he pronounces his name. Hes definitely not tired of being asked about it.
Global oil prices fell nearly 2% on Tuesday morning, even as a US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz began taking effect  a sign that markets are betting on diplomacy over disruption.

The decline followed signals that backchannel talks between Washington and Tehran may still be alive despite the collapse of negotiations in Islamabad.

At 7:25 AM, the June contract of benchmark Brent crude on the Intercontinental Exchange was trading at $97.80, down 1.59%, while the May contract of West Texas Intermediate on the NYMEX fell 2.02% to $97.08 a barrel.

The pullback comes after crude surged more than 7% on Monday, briefly crossing the $100-per-barrel mark, following the failure of ceasefire efforts and US President Donald Trumps threat to impose a naval blockade on Iran.

On Monday, Trump claimed that Iran has reached out after the collapse of negotiations in Islamabad and that Tehran wants to make a deal very badly. Reports suggest diplomatic efforts between the two countries are still underway.

Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told a televised cabinet meeting that all efforts are being made to resolve pending issues between the US and Iran. According to an AP report, the two sides could be headed for a second round of talks as soon as Thursday.

Blockade begins The naval blockade started coming into effect at 10 AM ET (eastern time) on Monday (8;30 PM India time).

Al Jazeera reported that the US has more than 15 warships in the area around the Strait of Hormuz. It added that if an Iranian vessel or Iranian-linked vessel decided to resist, US Marines or Navy Seals would resort to contested boarding in which they would board that Iranian ship.

However, the Al Jazeera report said that shortly after the blockade was first announced, an Iranian-linked vessel that was either in the Strait of Hormuz or was about to pass through it did manage to get through successfully and defy the blockade.

Legal framework According to the US Navy Commanders handbook on naval operations law from 2022, a blockade is defined as a belligerent operation to prevent vessels and/or aircraft of all states, enemy and neutral, from entering or exiting specified ports, airfields, or coastal areas belonging to, occupied by, or under the control of an enemy state.

Citing a note from the US Central Command to mariners, a BBC report on Monday said that the blockade will encompass the entirety of the Iranian coastline to include but not limited to ports and oil terminals, and applies to all vessel traffic, regardless of flag.

Also Read | Did Iran charge India toll for Hormuz ships? Envoy responds

During the blockade, any vessel entering or departing the blockaded area without authorization is subject to interception, diversion, and capture. It would permit passage of humanitarian shipments, including food, medical supplies and other essential goods, subject to inspection.

India impact The volatility in energy markets has direct implications for India, which imports about 90% of its oil requirement.

As of 10 April, the Indian crude oil basket stood at $116.26 per barrel. The basket represents a derived mix of Sweet grade (Brent Dated) and Sour grade (Oman & Dubai average) crude imported by Indian refineries each month.
On Tamil New Year, a day chosen deliberately for its symbolism, the BJP unveiled its manifesto for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, promising free cooking gas, cash in the hands of women, and a sweeping assault on the ruling DMK. The document is as much a political offensive as it is a welfare programme.

Free LPG Cylinders,  2,000 Monthly Allowance: What BJP Is Promising Tamil Nadu Voters The welfare centrepiece of the BJP's Tamil Nadu manifesto is a trio of free LPG cylinders every year  one each on Pongal, Diwali, and Tamil New Year  a direct appeal to households grappling with rising living costs especially amid geopolitical tensions brought out by Iran-US war, and a calculated move to embed the promise in the rhythm of the state's cultural calendar.

Beyond cooking gas, the party has pledged a monthly allowance of 2,000 to all women heads of families, alongside a one-time assistance of 10,000 to every household, measures designed to put money directly into the hands of those the BJP says have been neglected by the current government.

For the farming community, the manifesto introduces the Uzhave Thai scheme, which would provide a 3,000 top-up to the Centre's existing PM-Kisan support, raising the total annual assistance to 9,000 per farmer. The scheme is an attempt to bridge the gap between central agricultural policy and the ground realities of Tamil Nadu's farming households.

JP Nadda Unveils Manifesto on Tamil New Year, Calls It a "New Beginning" The manifesto was unveiled in Chennai by Union Minister JP Nadda, flanked by Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran, former state unit head K Annamalai, and senior leader Tamilisai Soundararajan.

BJP's Nadda was deliberate about the timing. The party had chosen Tamil New Year to release its poll document, he told the gathering, calling it an auspicious occasion and framing the moment as what he described as a "new beginning" for the state.

Women's Safety, Drug Eradication and Cultural Preservation Beyond welfare transfers, the manifesto addresses law and order with a suite of institutional reforms. The BJP has promised zero-FIR reporting, victim and witness protection mechanisms, and special fast-track courts for heinous crimes, including sexual offences  measures the party says are urgently needed to tackle what it describes as a rising tide of crimes against women in the state.

On the drug crisis, the manifesto proposes the creation of a dedicated Tamil Nadu Drug Eradication Department, backed by a specialised anti-narcotics task force to combat trafficking and substance abuse  a problem that has become an increasingly charged issue in the state's political conversation.

On the cultural front, the BJP has made a specific commitment to ensure the resumption and protection of the tradition of lighting the Karthigai Deepam at the Thirupuramkundram hilltop, pledging to preserve the practice for future generations  a promise aimed squarely at voters for whom religious and cultural continuity carries deep significance.

BJP Trains Its Guns on DMK: "Dynasty-Run Party" That Betrayed Tamil Nadu BJP's manifesto launch was as much a political prosecution of the DMK as it was a statement of intent. Nadda used the occasion to deliver a sustained attack on the ruling party, accusing it of betraying the people of Tamil Nadu across every major front.

"When I speak about the pulse of the people, there is deep resentment against the DMK. People will expose this unholy alliance," Nadda said.

Calling the DMK a "dynasty-run party," he alleged it had failed women, youth, farmers, and working sections of society in equal measure. He further claimed that over 8,000 murders had taken place in the last five years and that crimes against women had risen by 56 per cent under the current government  figures likely to be contested by the DMK in the days ahead.

Also Read | Trouble for Vijay ahead of Tamil Nadu polls? Case filed against TVK Chief

Nadda also levelled allegations of systematic corruption, asserting that the DMK was "a party of corruption and commissions," and claimed that more than 70 per cent of the promises made in its 2021 manifesto remain unfulfilled  a charge that strikes at the heart of the ruling party's credibility with voters ahead of polling day.
Washington DC [US], April 14 (ANI): Actor Alec Baldwin has opened up about the emotional and physical challenges he endured following the 2021 'Rust' set tragedy, revealing that he suffered from a severe medical condition that left him bedridden for eight days and caused multiple blackouts, according to People.

Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, Baldwin described the aftermath of the incident as "unspeakably difficult to deal with." The actor was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, though the charges were dismissed with prejudice in 2024.

Reflecting on the period, Baldwin said, "That was unspeakably difficult to deal with. I wound up staying home a lot. I was home with my kids for three-and-a-half years, I hardly worked at all," according to People.

He added that the ordeal significantly altered his outlook on life and career. "I don't want to leave my house anymore. I don't. I don't want to work anymore. I don't. I really don't. I want to retire and stay home with my kids," he said, according to People.

Baldwin also spoke about the challenges of completing the film 'Rust' as part of a settlement with Hutchins' husband, Matthew Hutchins, who had filed a wrongful death lawsuit in February 2022.

"We had to go back and finish the movie Rust in Montana as a component of the settlement with her husband," Baldwin said, adding that the process "impacted me in every way, financially, career-wise, my wife, my kids, my health."

The actor revealed he suffered from orthostatic hypotension, a condition linked to blood pressure fluctuations that can cause fainting. "I was really sick, I had a nerve condition that you get when you take blood pressure medication, orthostatic hypotension, where you black out," he said.

Describing the severity, Baldwin shared, "I blacked out three times during the St. Patrick's Day weekend of that year, and fell on top of my wife once. It was crazy. It was horrible."

He further said the condition left him bedridden. "So I get into bed. I'm in bed for eight days. I can't get out of bed. I can't walk. I had to go to physical therapy for two weeks," he added, as per the outlet.

Despite his health struggles, Baldwin completed the film under pressure. "I had to get up on a horse and go back there to Montana to finish the film, or they were going to sue the ... out of me. So I make it, I get there, and I don't give the performance I want to give because I'm sick, but I did the best I could," he said, according to People.
Trumps sharp turn in rhetoric against the pope has left some outside supporters of the president puzzled. Dreher, an Eastern Orthodox Christian and past Vance acquaintance, said he has his own policy disagreements with Pope Leo but there is no upside for a politician to beef with the pope. He noted that heads of state and the Vatican have historically disagreed, often in more polite terms, but complained that Trump seems to think that the pope is nothing more than Keir Starmer in a white cassock.
With enough warships, a blockade could intimidate many tankers attempting to move oil to and from Iran. But U.S. forces would also need to be ready to board and seize hostile ships that try to break the blockade. Former and current officials said it can be done, but it is a complex operation that requires significant U.S. military resources.
Gulf states dont want the war to end with Iran in control of the Strait of Hormuz, their economic lifeline. But many including Saudi Arabia are pressing the U.S. to resolve the issue at the negotiating table and are scrambling to restart talks, regional officials said. Despite the public hard line from both sides, the two combatants are actively engaging with mediators and open to talks if each shows enough flexibility, the officials said.
The nations four major oil-export facilities in Texas and Louisiana have a little wiggle room each month to fill up more tankersbut not much. Unlike the LNG market, which is underpinned largely by 20-year contracts, oil shipments are arranged mostly on the spot market. That means the upper limit of U.S. oil exports is determined by the physical limitations of the nations ports, which have run close to their top capacity in recent years.
WHEN LAURENE POWELL JOBS during a recent interview asked Sam Altman and Sir Jony Ive about the artificial-intelligence thing they were working on, both men were coy. But Mr Altman, OpenAIs boss, did suggest that using the new device would feel different to the all-consuming iPhone created by Sir Jony and Ms Powell Jobss late husband. He likened the experience of a smartphone to walking through Times Square, with its flashing lights and loud noises. Mr Altman and Sir Jony are not alone in working on an alternative. The race to unseat the smartphone is on.

Over the past two decades the iPhone and its imitators have come to dominate how consumers interact with the digital world. The result has been one of the most lucrative duopolies in business history, comprising Apple, with its iPhone, and Google, with its Android operating system, which powers nearly every other smartphone, including its own Pixel devices. Neither has had much incentive to rock the boat, with Google handing bags of cash to Apple each year to make its search engine the iPhones default. Indeed, the Lennon and McCartney of the smartphone era are only deepening their collaboration in the age of ai. This month they announced that Apple will use Googles Gemini large language models to power an upgraded Siri voice assistant planned for this year, alongside other new features.

That is not stopping the challengers, which hope to disrupt the duopoly. On January 19th OpenAI said it was on track to unveil its device in the second half of the year. Two days later it was reported that Apple was working on a wearable pin aimed at heading off whatever Mr Altman and Sir Jony are cooking up. Meta, the worlds biggest social-media company and another model-maker, has been developing AI-powered smart glasses and is shifting resources away from virtual-reality (VR) headsets to speed the effort. Amazon, the planets largest e-retailer, has rolled out Alexa+, its own AI assistant, to its Echo smart speakers and will soon do so to its Echo smart glasses and earbuds.

The next few years already look tough for smartphones. Yang Wang of Counterpoint Research, a firm of analysts, expects global shipments to fall by 6% this year, even worse than his previous forecast of a 2% decline, and does not see a rebound in 2027. In 2025 shipments grew by 2%.

Part of the reason is that prices for memory chips have risen sharply as investment in data centres has gobbled up supply. In the past 15 months the cost of the 12 gigabytes of DRAM commonly incorporated into a smartphone has risen by $70, reckons Mr Wang. Makers of cheaper phones will probably have to raise prices, weighing on volumes. But even Apple, whose iPhones are sold at a handsome profit, will feel the squeeze on margins.

That is compounded by another problem which Mr Wang calls the foundry war. Smartphone-makers such as Apple and Samsung have long been the biggest customers of semiconductor foundries like TSMC. But ground is now being ceded to Nvidia and other designers of AI chips, whose silicon is far more valuableand thus more profitable for foundries to produce. As smartphone-makers become less important as customers, they may find it harder to secure the chips they need.

Apples and Googles would-be disrupters are adding to the pressure. A potentially lucrative source of revenue is not the only thing the challengers stand to gain. Some have long-standing grievances with the smartphone tribute system. Developers pay Apple a commission of up to 30% on purchases made through apps running on its operating system. OpenAI, which currently earns the majority of its revenue from consumer subscriptions, must hand over a slice of any that are bought on an iPhone or Android device. Meta, which instead makes its money from ads, is spared this ignominy. But it has been looking for ways to reduce its dependence on the smartphone duopoly ever since Apple introduced a new feature in 2021 allowing users to opt out of having their activity tracked by developers across other apps and websites. This made it harder for the social-media giant to hoover up data.

Then there is the prospect of shifting consumers over to device forms that are better suited to the rivals business models. It is no accident that Meta is interested in smart glasses. With built-in cameras, lenses that can display WhatsApp messages and speakers that direct sound straight to the ear, the devices only make it easier for users to share what they are up to on social media and follow what others are doing. For Meta, more time spent on its platforms means more ad revenue. Amazon would likewise be delighted to have its Echo speakers in every home and its glasses on every face to gather more data for its ad business and make it even easier to buy from its marketplace. And OpenAI would be well served if people ditched their screens and relied on a chatbot to handle their interactions with the digital world.

For now, at least, the threat to Apple and Google remains Lilliputian. HSBC, a bank, estimates there are 15m users of smart glasses worldwide; Apple, which reported its latest quarterly results after we published this, is thought to have sold 250m iPhones last year alone. If its recent deal with Google helps Siri become less of an annoying clod, it could encourage even more people to buy an iPhone.

Meanwhile, makers of alternative devices have plenty of problems to overcome. Googles smart glasses, released in 2014, were halted a year later partly owing to concerns that their built-in cameras meant users were violating the privacy of others. Those worries remain. There are technical difficulties, too. Whereas a smartphone can get reasonably warm without causing trouble for a user, glasses cannot. To be comfortable, they must also be lightweight, leaving little room for batteries. Overheating and a limited battery life were also among the reasons why an AI pin launched to much fanfare in November 2023 by a startup called Humane was a flop (the company folded last year).

Alex Katouzian of Qualcomm, a chipmaker, expects such edge gadgets to proliferate, but only with a supplementary puck or even a smartphone in the pocket doing much of the computational heavy lifting. Indeed, Metas Mark Zuckerberg has said he reckons that people who adopt smart glasses will not throw away their smartphones, but simply stare at them less. After all, the advent of smartphones did not stop consumers buying PCs.

Moreover, Apple and Google are hardly standing still. Besides its rumoured pin, Apple is also reportedly working on its own smart glasses, building on technology developed for its Vision Pro VR headset from 2024. In October Google launched Android XR, a software platform designed to power VR headsets and smart glasses manufactured by Samsung and others. It also recently launched a new version of its smart speaker, powered by Gemini.

Perhaps the biggest consequence of AI for the device business may be to shift the distribution of spoils within the duopoly. By embedding Gemini across both the Apple and Android ecosystems, Google has the potential to access vast amounts of data to make its models cleverer still. The market value of Alphabet, Googles parent company, recently shot past that of Apple (see chart). The iPhone-maker may come to regret handing it so much power.
Anshika Kayastha

Driven by a passion for news and commitment to accurate and ethical reporting, Anshika Kayastha has been covering the full spectrum of BFSIfrom banks and NBFCs to fintechs, insurance, payments, regulators, personal finance and money markets for the past 13 years. <br><br>Based in Mumbai, her work at Mint spans comprehensive and insightful stories on sectoral trends, regulatory and policy shifts, corporate strategies, governance, and innovation. With a particular interest in fintech, she keeps a close watch on emerging players, disruptive business models, and the evolving regulatory landscape. <br><br>Prior to joining Mint in July 2024, Anshika honed her craft at The Hindu BusinessLine and Informist Media, to deliver incisive, well-sourced reporting on the forces shaping India's financial services. She holds a degree in media and communication from Symbiosis University. <br><br>When she's not tracking the latest RBI circular or tenaciously pursuing the next story, Anshika is most at home in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Warm, social, and endlessly curious, she's a self-confessed credit card enthusiast, and brings that same energy to offbeat TV series, puzzles, beach vacations, and competitive game nights.
Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers Limited, the brokerage arm of Anand Rathi, announced a dividend while reporting its financial performance for the March-ending quarter.

The company today posted revenue from operations rising 28.1% year-on-year to 255.7 crore, compared to 199.6 crore in the same quarter last year. EBITDA surged 51.4% YoY to 110.3 crore, while margins expanded sharply by 666 basis points to 43.2%.

On the bottom line, profit after tax (PAT) more than doubled, jumping 125.7% YoY to 41.6 crore, with PAT margin improving significantly by 703 basis points to 16.2%, reflecting strong operating leverage and improved profitability.

The company witnessed a slight dip in its broking revenues during the period, which was more than compensated by interest on MTF and distribution income.

Revenue from broking-related services grew 14.5% YoY to 120.1 crore, remaining the largest contributor to overall revenue. Interest income from a margin trading facility (MTF) witnessed a sharp rise of 50.2% YoY to 43.2 crore, indicating strong traction in leveraged trading, as per the company's Q4 earnings filing.

Distribution income also posted healthy growth of 34.3% YoY to 35.3 crore, while other income from operations increased 43.8% YoY to 57.1 crore, supporting overall revenue growth.

For FY26, revenue from operations stood at 932.2 crore, reflecting a 10% YoY growth, while EBITDA and PAT grew by 22% and 25% to 379.6 crore (41% EBITDA margin) and 129.3 crore (14% PAT margin), respectively, its earnings filing showed.

Commenting on the results, Mr Pradeep Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, said, "We continued to remain focused on strengthening our client relationships by enabling informed, long-term investment decisions and ensuring that every engagement creates enduring value."

This differentiated, client-centric approach, which is a cornerstone of our strategy, continues to strengthen us as we navigate an evolving market landscape. With a strong foundation in place, we are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging opportunities and deliver sustainable value to all our stakeholders, he further added.

Also Read | Wipro to consider buyback of shares along with Q4 results 2026 on this date

Also Read | Coal India sets board meeting date to declare Q4 results 2026

Declares dividend of  5 per share The company also declared a final dividend of 5 per share. The dividend, if approved by members at the forthcoming 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM), will be credited or dispatched within 30 days from the date of the AGM.

The companys shares have recovered sharply in recent sessions after witnessing a one-way decline. Over the last eight trading sessions, the stock has rebounded 37%, marking one of its biggest comebacks since listing. However, it still trades 27% below its record high.

The shares debuted on Indian exchanges in September 2025, listing at 432 apiece, higher than the issue price of 414 per share. Following the healthy debut, the stock remained strong in the subsequent months, reaching a record high of 794 apiece in November 2025.

The company provides a wide range of financial services, including broking, margin trading, and the distribution of financial products, under the brand name Anand Rathi. Catering to a diverse clientele, it serves retail investors, high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), ultra-HNIs, and institutional clients.

Also Read | Patanjali board to meet on this date to consider 2nd interim dividend for FY26
Crude oil prices, which have been reacting sharply to ongoing developments in West Asia, cooled off on Tuesday, 14 April, as expectations rose over a possible second round of talks between the US and Iran to end the month-long war.

The benchmark US crude retreated by $4 to $95 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, also dropped $2.77 to $96.59 a barrel. In the previous session, both benchmarks closed with gains of up to 4.3% as tensions resurfaced in the region, reigniting supply disruption concerns.

Elevated crude oil prices have already started reflecting in consumer price numbers globally, and experts believe that any easing in prices will depend on how the conflict evolves in the coming weeks.

Pakistani officials reportedly said on Tuesday that Islamabad has proposed a second round of talks to the US and Iran. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said earlier that negotiations with Iran did make some progress, while US President Donald Trump said on Monday, "We've been called by the other side," and "They want to work a deal, according to AP.

Ceasefire talks between the US and Iran ended on Sunday without an agreement, raising questions about what will happen when the current two-week truce expires on 22 April. However, hopes of resumption of negotiations helped calm energy markets.

President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US military has begun a blockade of all Iranian ports and coastal areas. The blockade applies to vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports. Analysts have suggested that the US president's move is aimed at increasing pressure on Iran to strike a deal on American terms.

Trump is looking to cut off a significant source of revenue for the Iranian government through the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, as he had earlier repeatedly warned Iran to reopen the key waterway.

Iran had taken full control of the strait after the war erupted on 28 February, which had sent crude oil prices surging to four-year highs.

Also Read | US-Sanctioned Tanker Tests Trump Blockade With Hormuz Exit

IEA flags demand decline, gradual supply recovery if transit resumes The International Energy Agency (IEA) said that Arab Gulf oil producers can restore around half of the shut-in production to pre-war levels within two weeks once transit through the Strait of Hormuz resumes.

Production could rise to 80% over the following month, depending on the mobilisation of labour and contractors, as well as the normalisation of supply chains, the IEA said in its monthly oil market report.

Restarting the remaining 20% would be more challenging due to reduced pressure in the fields and other constraints, it added.

The IEA also projects that global oil demand will decline this year for the first time since the 2020 pandemic, as the price surge caused by the Middle East conflict weighs on consumption.

Last month, the Paris-based IEA oversaw the release of a record 400 million barrels from emergency oil reserves by members including the US, Japan, and Germany in an effort to tame spiralling costs, but that had a limited impact on cooling energy prices.

Also Read | Treasuries Rise on Oil Pullback as Trump Flags Iran Deal Talks

Also Read | Trump Now Threatens More Tariffs On China Over Alleged Arms Supply To Iran

(With inputs from Bloomberg and AP)
Pakistans stock markets rallied sharply on Tuesday, April 14, with its benchmark indices rebounding after a steep fall in the previous session, as renewed hopes of fresh talks between Iran and the United States lifted investor sentiment. Gains in global peers and a decline in crude oil prices also aided the sentiment.

The KSE 100 index surged as much as 4,977 points, or 3%, to hit an intraday high of 165,150.38, recovering after a decline of over 4% in the previous session. Despite recent volatility, the index has gained 7.5% over the past one month, though it remains down 9% over three months. On a longer-term basis, it has risen 42% over the past one year.

Meanwhile, the broader KSE 30 index also witnessed a strong rebound, rising 1,537 points, or 3%, to an intraday high of 50,001.38, after shedding more than 4% in the previous session. The index has advanced 6% in the past one month but declined 11% over three months. Over a one-year period, it has gained 40%, while delivering multibagger returns of 169% over the past five years.

Moreover, other Asian markets also ended higher. Japans Nikkei 225 rose 2.4% to close at 57,877.39, Hong Kongs Hang Seng Index gained 0.8% to 25,872.32, and Chinas Shanghai Composite advanced 1.0% to 4,026.63. In Europe, the FTSE 100 was up 0.3% at 10,615.91.

Indian stock markets remained closed on Tuesday on account of Ambedkar Jayanti.

Why are Pakistan markets rising? The rally was largely driven by optimism around renewed diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran, even after earlier ceasefire talks over the weekend failed to yield an agreement. Reports indicated that both sides have kept the door open for further negotiations, with continued engagement underway and momentum building toward a possible deal.

US President Donald Trump said that Iran is eager to negotiate, adding that his administration had received communication indicating a willingness to reach an agreement. He also reiterated that Iran will not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, which remains a key sticking point in discussions.

At the same time, geopolitical tensions remain elevated. The U.S. military said its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would extend eastward to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, while ship-tracking data showed vessels turning back as the blockade began. However, NATO allies, including Britain and France, refrained from participating, instead calling for the reopening of the critical waterway.

Iran, in response, warned it could target ports in countries bordering the Gulf following the collapse of talks in Islamabad. Despite this, shipping data showed that three Iran-linked tankers were allowed to pass through as their destinations were not Iranian ports.

Importantly, media reports indicated that negotiating teams from both countries could return to Islamabad later this week, while Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that efforts toward dialogue are still ongoing.

Cooling oil prices also supported market sentiment. Brent crude futures declined nearly 2% to $97.5 per barrel, while WTI crude futures fell more than 2% to around $97 per barrel on Tuesday morning. The easing in oil prices, combined with hopes of de-escalation, lifted global risk appetite.

Overall, the sharp rebound in Pakistans markets reflects a combination of bargain buying after recent losses and improving global cues, particularly easing oil prices and renewed hopes of diplomatic progress between the United States and Iran.
The Indian stock market snapped its recent winning streak on Monday, April 13, as sentiment weakened once again amid rising crude oil prices. The uptick in oil came after US-Iran peace talks over the weekend failed to produce a deal, reviving concerns in the region.

The Nifty 50 ended the day nearly 1% lower at 23,842, while the S&P BSE Sensex closed at 76,788, also down 1% from Fridays finish. The broader markets echoed the subdued mood, with both the Nifty Midcap 100 and Nifty Smallcap 100 indices posting losses of more than 0.46%.

Despite the sharp declines in the benchmark indices, they managed to recover roughly half of their early losses, suggesting buying interest at lower levels. Earlier in the session, both the Nifty 50 and Sensex had dropped as much as 2%.

Also Read | 7 Nifty 500 stocks surge over 150% in 1 year despite market volatility

Stock market outlook Nifty 50 On Monday, the Nifty index opened gap down by around 540 points due to dampened global cues, but picked up strength right from the first tick and recovered above the 23900 zones. It consolidated towards the end but recouped most of its intraday losses.

According to Chandan Taparia, Head Derivatives & Technicals, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, the index formed a bullish candle on the daily frame and absorbed any supply pressure in the market. Now it has to cross and hold above 23900 zones for an up move towards 24100, then 24300 zones, while supports can be seen at 23700, then 23550 zones.

On the option front, Maximum Call OI is at 24500 then 24000 strike, while Maximum Put OI is at 23000 then 23500 strike. Call writing is seen at 24500, then 24800 strike, while Put writing is seen at 23000, then 23800 strike. Option data suggests a broader trading range between 23300 and 24300 zones, while an immediate range between 23500 and 24100 levels, Taparia said.

Bank Nifty Bank Nifty index opened gap down by more than 1300 points in line with weak global cues and drifted towards 54350 zones in the initial tick of the session, on April 13. However, a gradual recovery was seen from the lower levels towards the 55750 levels in the latter part of the session.

Taparia noted that the index formed a bullish candle on the daily scale as buying interest is visible at lower levels, but multiple hurdles are intact at higher zones and are hovering below its 50 DEMA. Now it has to hold above 55500 zones for an up move towards 56000, then 56500 levels, while a hold below the same could see some weakness towards 55000, then 54750 levels.

Stocks to buy Chandan Taparia has recommended three stocks to buy tomorrow, 15 April 2026. Taparia recommends buying Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), Sona Blw Precision Forgings, and Waaree Energies.

MCX | Buy | Target Price:  2,930 | Stop Loss:  2,680 Stock has broken out from an Ascending Triangle pattern with a strong bodied bullish candle on the daily scale. The RSI indicator has given a bullish crossover to confirm the up move.

Sona Blw Precision Forgings | Buy | Target Price:  603 | Stop Loss:  550 Stock has given a breakout from a consolidation zone with higher than average traded volumes to confirm the price action. The MACD indicator is rising which confirms the positive momentum.

Waaree Energies | Buy | Target Price:  3,535 | Stop Loss:  3,240 Stock has broken out from a bullish Pole & Flag pattern on the daily scale suggesting a continuation of the uptrend. The ADX line is rising which confirms the strength of the uptrend.
Wipro Q4FY26 earnings in focus: Indias fourth-largest IT services firm, Wipro, is expected to remain on investors radar this week as the company is set to announce its JanuaryMarch quarter (Q4FY26) earnings on Thursday, 16 April. The company will also consider a proposal to buy back equity shares on the same day.

Brokerages expect Wipro to report a weak and mixed quarter, with modest growth largely driven by acquisitions while organic performance remains subdued, margins face pressure from wage hikes and low-margin businesses, and near-term guidance is likely to stay cautious despite a stable deal pipeline and support from currency tailwinds.

Wipro Q4 results 2026 preview Domestic brokerage firm, Kotak Securities, expects the companys overall revenue to grow 0.9% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) in constant currency (CC) terms, which includes a 160-bps contribution from the DTS acquisition. On an organic basis, it projects a revenue decline of 0.7% QoQ and broadly stable EBIT margins.

Headwinds from one month of wage revision and the DTS acquisition are likely to be offset by rupee depreciation. The brokerage expects revenue guidance in the range of -2% to 0% growth. The loss of a large deal and pricing pressure are likely to lead to a weak quarter.

Kotak Securities also noted that Wipro had distributed excess cash in the past through buybacks. Even as the company has increased its dividend payout ratio, the brokerage does not expect any change in its approach to distributing excess cash.

Equiris Securities expects 0.8% QoQ growth in IT services US dollar sales in CC terms, with an organic decline of 0.8% QoQ in CC terms (versus consolidated growth guidance of flat to 2% QoQ in CC terms).

Recurring IT Services EBIT margins are expected to dip 35 bps QoQ due to wage hikes (effective 1 March 2026), large deal ramp-up costs, and full-quarter consolidation of the low-margin Harman DTS M&A (effective early December 2025), which will be partly offset by tailwinds from currency and cost efficiencies.

It expects Wipro to guide for a decline of 1.5% to growth of 0.5% QoQ in IT services US dollar sales in CC terms for Q1FY27E. The brokerage also expects order intake, especially for large deals, to remain healthy, given Wipros continued aggressiveness in pursuing large deals.

Axis Securities expects revenue to grow by 3% QoQ, driven by a higher contribution from the Harman acquisition. The EBIT margin is expected to improve by 138 bps QoQ due to higher topline growth and currency tailwinds, despite the impact of wage hikes.

Motilal Oswal expects IT services revenue to report around 1% CC growth, driven by a two-month inorganic contribution from the Harman acquisition, while organic growth may decline by around 0.5% QoQ in Q4.

The brokerage added that BFSI and healthcare segments are likely to remain stable, while the consumer and EMR segments may continue to be impacted by tariff uncertainty and delayed decision-making.

Margins are expected to contract by around 50 bps QoQ to approximately 16% due to dilution from the Harman DTS acquisition, potential wage hikes, and slower growth.

Also Read | Wipro to consider buyback of shares along with Q4 results 2026 on this date

Stock slides 23% YTD, lags Niftys 9% decline Wipro shares have dropped about 23% this year so far, declining from 264 apiece to 203, while eroding 64,311 crore in market value and bringing its total market capitalisation down to 2.12 lakh crore.

The decline reflects significant underperformance compared to the 9% fall in the benchmark NSE Nifty 50 Index. Sentiment around the tech services giant has been weighed down by AI developments, including Meta Platforms Incs latest model launch and Anthropics new tools for building AI agents.
Tom Blomfield, founder of the UK-based online bank Monzo, said in a recent podcast that income tax could be replaced by a levy on AI infrastructure within the next five to six years, as the technology continues to transform how companies operate and employ people.

I dont think well tax human labour, we will tax compute, (meaning systems like) data centres, and then we will use the proceeds to pay for government," Blomfield said on The Rest is Money podcast, uploaded on Monday.

Speaking to the show host Robert Peston, he argued that AI systems are already outperforming humans in some narrow tasks and said many white-collar roles, including tax accounting, could soon require far fewer workers.

These AI tools are performing beyond university professor level; they are actually beating humans in narrow domains. They are not yet generalizable, so they are very narrow geniuses, but the progress is happening so quickly that by the end of 2026, they will be generalizable, he added.

To substantiate his point, he cited remarks by the CEO of Anthropic, Dario Amodei and OpenAI's chief executive, Sam Altman, noting that predictions such as engineers no longer writing code within a year have already begun to materialise.

AI takes over routine tasks The executive's comments come amid growing concern about AIs impact on employment, especially as tech companies race to build smarter, more efficient AI models.

During Spotify's fourth-quarter earnings call, co-chief executive officer Gustav Soderstrom noted that AI is now deeply embedded in the music platform's engineering workflow. Our most experienced developers have not written a single line of code since December, he said during the call.

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Jobs site Adzuna reported earlier that adverts for entry-level roles were down 35% compared with November 2022, when ChatGPT was launched. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley has also warned that Britain could be particularly exposed to an AI-driven jobs shock because of its heavy reliance on professional services, according to LBC, a news firm based in the UK.

The services sector accounted for 81% of the country's economic output last year, indicating the potential scale of disruption, the news report said.

Last week, OpenAI, the parent company behind ChatGPT, suggested in a paper that policymakers may need to shift towards imposing taxes on capital, corporate profits and long-term AI-driven returns, potentially including a robot tax on automated labour.

Loss of income tax likely to impact the UK govt Income tax and National Insurance contributions remain the two largest sources of government revenue in the United Kingdom, accounting for 42% of total revenue. In contrast, taxes on capital gains, property transactions, stamp duty and inheritance contribute a much smaller share of just about 4% to the country's revenue stream, according to a report by LBC.
India's digital payment system and banking architecture are built on instant transfers and seamless transactions. However, the rising number of digital arrests, banking frauds and unauthorised transactions has pushed regulators to rethink the speed of these transactions.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently proposed a one-hour delay on select high-value digital payments. This move is proposed to help users combat fraud and detect unauthorised transactions before they are completed and funds are transferred.

Central bank proposes kill switch According to the RBI discussion paper, the proposal suggests a one-hour cooling period or pause for select digital payments above 10,000. During this period, the amount will be provisionally debited but not completely settled. Such a feature will permit users to cancel suspicious transactions.

This move aims to respond to the sharp rise in fraudulent activity across the nation, driven primarily by social engineering and impersonation scams, where victims are targeted and manipulated into authorising payments. To further strengthen safeguards, the RBI has also proposed a kill switch to disable digital payments, stricter monitoring of mule accounts, and trusted person approvals for transactions over 50,000.

These proposed moves, if implemented, will be aimed at improving financial transparency, security and boosting digital transaction systems. Still, they might introduce new problems for users.

What experts say CA Chandni Anandan, Tax Expert at ClearTax, elaborated on this. The RBIs proposed one-hour cooling period is a constructive step toward strengthening fraud prevention in digital payments, particularly against social-engineering-led scams. However, it may introduce friction for time-sensitive transactions and could have implications for liquidity and statutory timelines, such as tax payments or vendor payouts linked to compliance deadlines. However, it is to be noted that it is still not implemented. Clarity on exemptions and override mechanisms will be key to minimising disruption for genuine users," Anandan said,

Hitesh Agrawal, Founder, Them Consulting, further added, The RBIs proposed one-hour payment freeze reflects the scale of digital fraud, now exceeding 22,000 crore, but it risks overcorrecting. A blanket freeze treats every user as a potential victim of fraud. Good experience design never penalises the many for the behaviour of the few; it reads context and responds proportionally. Payments should pause when something feels off, not when it feels familiar. This introduces a new layer of complexitypending but reversiblethat can create confusion if not designed clearly. Make the cancellation option unmissable, not buried inside a screen. Or allow users to choose a delay when sending to unknown recipients. Fraud prevention works best when you dont feel it.

Possible risks According to experts, apart from its many benefits, the move can still have the following possible unwanted ramifications:

It can reduce the speed of digital payments and the clearance of funds. A delay in daily payments can erode the core appeal of UPI-based instant fund transfers. Emergency transactions such as medical expenses and surgery costs can be delayed. Critical payments, such as property transfers, land purchases, and medical costs, may be affected. Business cash flow, vendor payments, and proper management of working capital cycles might be impacted. Fraudsters might then adapt by splitting transactions into smaller ones or using other methods to cheat victims. The overall user experience might be hampered by new cancellation windows and kill switches, making day-to-day payments more complex and time-consuming.

Also Read | RBI sets SGB premature redemption for 15 April: Check profit on 10 units

The RBIs proposed move aims to curb rising fraud while preserving faith in digital payments. But its eventual success will depend on whether it can boost digital payment adoption and improve safety without compromising the speed and simplicity that defines the country's current digital payment ecosystem.
I am an Indian holding a US green card for over 13 years, but am now considering relinquishing it. Will an exit tax apply in my case, and how does it work? Additionally, I want to make a gift to my daughter, who is a US resident. What would be the tax implications of such gifting?  Name withheld on request

Under US tax law, individuals who give up citizenship or relinquish a long-term green card (held for eight years or more) may be subject to the exit tax provisions under the internal revenue code (IRC). This applies if they qualify as a covered expatriate. An individual is classified as a covered expatriate if, at the time of exit, they meet any of the following conditions (based on 2026 thresholds): a net worth of $2 million or more; an average annual US income tax liability exceeding $211,000 over the previous five years; or failure to certify compliance with US tax obligations for the preceding five years.

Even if the financial thresholds are not met, individuals must still certify their tax compliance by filing the prescribed formsmost notably Form 8854along with their final tax return. Failure to do so can, in itself, result in being classified as a covered expatriate. Importantly, this classification is permanent and irrevocable.

Once an individual is treated as a covered expatriate, a deemed sale mechanism applies. This means that all worldwide assets are considered to have been sold at fair market value on the day prior to expatriation, and any resulting gains may be taxed accordingly.

The tax treatment of gifts also changes significantly in such cases. Ordinarily, US tax rules place the liability on the person making the gift. However, if a covered expatriate makes a gift to a US person, the burden shifts to the recipient. In such instances, the recipient may be subject to a tax of up to 40% on the value of the gift exceeding the annual exclusion threshold (currently $19,000 for 2026).

Also Read | Gifting property to your spouse? The taxman is watching now

However, the 40% tax does not operate as a straightjacket rule. Its applicability can vary depending on factors such as whether the recipient is a US person, and whether the gift is made directly or routed through a trust (whether in India or overseas).

Since your daughter is a US resident, this rule would likely apply to her, subject to the specific structuring and timing of the transfer.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) guidelines require mutual fund investors and demat account holders to either register a nominee or formally opt out of nomination. Sebi introduced this rule to ensure that every investor explicitly records their choice, ensuring that the nominee can claim the securities in the event of the owner's death.

Under these guidelines, investors cannot leave the nomination field blank. They either have to submit a nominee's details or a signed declaration to opt out at the time of opening an account or for existing folios.

If you opted out of appointing a nominee, the holdings do not lapse. But there is a process in place to transfer the securities to the rightful claimants. Here's how the entire process works in such situations.

What happens to securities after an investor's death? If no nominee is registered, the holdings are transferred to legal heirs through the transmission process. However, the process becomes more documentation-intensive and time-consuming, according to Abhishek Bhilwaria, BhilwariaMF, an AMFI-registered MFD.

In such cases, the legal heirs must establish their claim using valid succession documents. Sebi has made nomination or opt-out mandatory to avoid such delays and complications, he said.

Meanwhile, Charu Pahuja, Group Director & COO of Wise FinServ, said that getting a succession certificate can take months or even over a year. During that period, the assets remain frozen. There's no one the depository or fund house can legally hand them over to without a court's say-so, she added.

Without a nominee, the legal heirs must produce a death certificate and proof of identity and relationship. Beyond that, it depends on whether there is a will. If there is, heirs need a probate from court. If there isn't, they need a succession certificate, also from court, Pahuja said.

For smaller-value holdings, some fund houses and depositories will accept a notarised indemnity bond and an affidavit, but that's at their discretion and not guaranteed. For significant holdings, there's really no shortcut. It's a formal legal process, and the family should ideally get a good lawyer involved early, she added.

What happens if the nominee and legal heirs are different people? The experts explained that a nominee is not the owner of your assets. They only act as a trustee or custodian of the securities and not the final owner. A nominee can receive the assets, but the actual ownership goes to the legal heirs, as per the Will or succession law, said Pahuja.

This essentially means that if a person has named their brother as the nominee but the investor's spouse is the legal heir, then the spouse retains the rightful claim to the assets. In case of a dispute between the nominee and legal heirs, the latter can challenge the nominee's claim in court, the experts advised.

They just have to go through a legal process to establish it. Ideally, your nominee and your heirs should be the same person or, at the very least, your Will should spell out your intentions clearly, Pahuja said.

How is the transfer of shares due to an investor's death taxed in India? When investments pass from a deceased person to their heir, it's treated as an inheritance, not a sale or transfer; hence, capital gains tax is not applicable at the point of receiving the assets. However, the tax will apply if the recipient chooses to liquidate the holdings.

The heir steps into the shoes of the original investor: they inherit the same cost basis, and the original owner's holding period counts towards theirs. Capital gains tax only kicks in when the heir eventually decides to sell, Pahuja said.

Does the process differ between MF, demat shares and physical shares? The process for transferring holdings after the original investor's death differs across mutual funds, demat shares and physical share certificates. Here's how each transfer works:

For mutual funds, a transmission request must be submitted to the asset management company or its registrar, which typically processes it based on a standard set of documents. Meanwhile, demat shares are transferred through the investor's depository participant linked to NSDL or CDSL.

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Physical share certificates tend to be more cumbersome. Claimants are required to submit the original certificates along with the necessary transmission documents to the company's registrar and transfer agent.
Priyanka Sharma

Priyanka Sharma is a journalist at Mint, where she covers the Union Ministry of Health and the pharmaceutical industry. Her work focuses on explaining government policies and how they impact healthcare and the medicine market in India. With 12 years of experience in journalism, she has built a reputation for providing clear and honest news on important health topics that affect the entire country.<br><br>Her educational background includes a journalism degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) and specialized training in public health from the Public Health Foundation of India. Before her current role at Mint, Priyanka worked with India Today, The Pioneer, and ANI. She also served as a lead consultant for the National Health Authority, which gave her firsthand knowledge of how the government manages large-scale health programmes.<br><br>Priyanka is based in New Delhi and is an avid traveller who loves visiting the mountains. She has a great interest in regional flavours, particularly South Indian food.
Indias strong domestic fundamentals, potential government support, and significantly improved corporate and banking health would soften the blow of rising crude oil prices caused by West Asian conflict, according to S&P Global Ratings. However, persistently high energy costs could still drag down overall economic growth, the rating agency noted.

In its scenario analysis on India, if oil prices average $130 a barrel in 2026, the countrys growth could slow by up to 80 basis points in FY27.

S&P Global Ratings said that if oil prices remained elevated, corporate profitability would also come under pressure, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) expected to fall by 15-25% in FY27, while leverage could rise by 50-100%. It cautioned that asset quality in the banking system would also likely worsen in such a scenario, with weak loans rising to 3.5%.

Despite downside risks, S&P Global Ratings said it expects no immediate impact on sovereign, corporate, or banking ratings. However, the government's efforts at fiscal consolidation could face temporary setbacks due to the severity of the situation, the rating agency said.

Stress test For its scenario analysis, S&P Global Ratings assumed Brent oil would average $130 per barrel in 2026 and about $100 in 2027. This compares with its base case of $85 per barrel for Brent oil for the rest of 2026 and $70 for 2027. For certain corporate sectors, S&P considered an additional stress scenarioa supply-chain disruption of up to six months.

Our base case assumes the war's intensity will peak and the Strait of Hormuz's effective closure will ease during April, but some disruptions are likely to persist for months. Should hostilities wind down, the expected impact in fiscal year 2027 should be closer to our base case, the agency said.

We don't expect the added fiscal strain from the energy shock to affect our sovereign credit rating on India (BBB/Stable/A-2), S&P Global Ratings said, adding that its fiscal performance and debt burden scores for India are already at the lowest level on its scale, reflecting India's already stretched fiscal profile.

On the health of the banking sector, the rating agency said banks are well-positioned to navigate elevated oil prices and a weakening rupee as more than 40% of Indian corporate debt maps to investment grade, which significantly reduces default risk. Asset quality is also likely to remain healthy, with credit losses potentially inching up to 0.9% over the next 12-24 months, S&P Global Ratings said.
Preparations are in full swing for the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway inauguration on Tuesday, 14 April. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate the much-awaited route connecting the national capital with Dehradun shortly. He will also deliver a keynote address at a public gathering in Uttarakhand. The opening of the DelhiDehradun Expressway will also link key districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Baghpat, Baraut, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Saharanpur, to Delhi and Dehradun.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak are among the top officials attending the event.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi reviewed the wildlife corridor on the elevated stretch of the DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor. After this, he offered prayers at the Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun. PM Modi is holding a roadshow in Dehradun ahead of the inauguration.

Key features of Delhi-Dehradun Expressway Marking a major boost to road connectivity in North India, this 213-km-long Greenfield corridor will cut short travel time between the two cities by around 3.5 to 4 hours. This implies that one could reach Dehradun from Delhi and vice versa in just 22.5 hours, as compared to the earlier 6 hours.

This corridor includes six-lanes, 14 wayside amenities, multiple bridges, interchanges, and rail overbridges. With a speed limit of 100 kmph and a six-lane access-controlled design, the project is estimated to cost 12,00013,000 crore. It begins near Akshardham in Delhi and goes all the way to Dehradun. Featuring a wildlife-friendly design, its structure includes a 12-km elevated corridor, one of the longest in Asia.

Another attractive feature of this Economic Corridor is the elephant underpasses that will allow animals to cross the busy route safely, minimising ecological impact.

Also Read | Entrepreneur boards a chopper to escape the MumbaiPune Expressway jam

The corridor also includes eight animal passes, two elephant underpasses of 200 metres each, and a 370-metre-long tunnel near the Daat Kali temple, a PIB press release states.

Key features that are expected to reduce congestion and improve the overall driving experience include:

Access-controlled entry and exit points

Interchanges and underpasses

Service roads for local traffic

FASTag-based toll collection

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Beginning in the Akshardham area of Delhi, the corridor is expected to connect to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) near Khekra, and then continue through parts of Uttar Pradesh towards Saharanpur before finally ending in Dehradun.
The US-Iran conflict continues to escalate as Trump said theUS forces have launched a naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas and Iran responded with threats targeting ports across the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The global energy crisis has deepened, causing a jump in crude oil prices.

India, which depends on the region for about half of its crude oil needs, 40% of its gas, and nearly 8590% of its LPG, has also been impacted. While the country has managed to offset crude oil shortages by sourcing supplies from elsewhere, LPG availability has taken a hit. Hence, the government has prioritised LPG supply to domestic households at the cost of cuts in supplies to commercial users like hotels and restaurants.

As against the sale of about 77,000 5 kg cylinders in pre-crisis February, daily sales have topped over 1 lakh in the last two-three weeks.

Commercial cylinder prices rise twice Domestic LPG prices have been revised once, whereas commercial cooking gas rates were revised twice in the last two months, hitting restaurants, eateries, and other businesses harder.

Notably, the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder was raised by 60 in March. But no revisions in rates have been made after that, keeping domestic LPG prices steady throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder was first increased by 144 in March, followed by another hike of nearly 200 on 1 April.

Check city-wise LPG rates on April 13

City Domestic (14.2 Kgs) Commercial (19 Kgs) New Delhi  913  2078.50 Kolkata  939  2208.50 Mumbai  912  2031.00 Chennai  928  2246.50 Bengaluru  915  2161.00 Hyderabad  965  2320.50 Jaipur  916  2106.00 Patna  1002.50  2353.50

The recent changes in commercial LPG prices is part of the monthly price update carried out by state-owned oil marketing companies, which include the Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum. These companies are tasked with periodically adjusting the rates of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) and LPG cylinders based on price movements in global energy markets.

International oil prices have shot up by as much as 50% since the conflict began due to blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, causing a crunch of energy supplies, especially for import-dependent countries like India.

First Indian LPG ship crosses the Strait after US-Iran ceasefire Jag Vikram, an Indian-flagged LPG carrier has crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first time a ship from the country has navigated the disrupted route since the implementation of a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran.

Monitoring of maritime traffic indicated that the tanker crossed the vital waterway between Friday night and Saturday morning, PTI reported. By Saturday afternoon, the vessel had reached the Gulf of Oman as it continued its journey eastward, the report added.
Democrat Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Tony Gonzales of Texas announced they would both vacate their seats in the US House of Representatives on Monday, each facing mounting allegations of sexual misconduct and the looming threat of formal expulsion proceedings. The back-to-back announcements, separated by a few hours.

Also Read | Eric Swalwell faces House Ethics probe following sexual assault allegations

The departures bring to a close two careers that had, until recently, appeared resilient: Swalwell, a fixture on national television and a veteran of both Trump impeachment trials; Gonzales, a Texas Republican whose congressional seat covers a vast stretch of the southern border. Both men leave under circumstances they could not have anticipated even a fortnight ago.

Eric Swalwell Resigns After Sexual Assault Allegation and Multiple Misconduct Claims Swalwell, who has represented California's 14th congressional district since 2013, announced his resignation in a statement posted to X on Monday evening, hours after the House Ethics Committee formally launched an investigation into his conduct.

The decision followed reporting by CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle that a former staffer had accused Eric Swalwell of sexual assault, alleging that a night of drinking ended with him having sex with her when she was unable to consent. Three additional women separately alleged other forms of sexual misconduct, including claims that the congressman sent unsolicited nude photographs and graphic messages.

Also Read | US Democratic lawmaker faces alleged unauthorized employment of Brazilian nanny

Swalwell denied the assault allegation but acknowledged broader failings in his statement.

"Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong," he wrote. "But it's also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress."

He added: "I am deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgement I've made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make."

The collapse of Swalwell's political standing was both swift and total. Just a week before his resignation, he remained a declared candidate in California's gubernatorial primary race, actively campaigning and dismissing the emerging allegations as a coordinated smear campaign. His communications director called the claims "a false, outrageous rumour" spread by "flailing opponents who have sadly teamed up with MAGA conspiracy theorists because they know Eric Swalwell is the frontrunner in this race."

The reporting that followed unravelled that defence entirely. Endorsements evaporated. Allies withdrew. Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, a longstanding friend who chaired Swalwell's 2020 presidential campaign, delivered perhaps the sharpest rebuke.

"I support the ethics committee's investigation and believe Eric Swalwell is no longer fit to be a Member of Congress. He should be expelled from Congress," Gallego said in a statement. I trusted someone who I believed was a friend, but it is now clear that he is not the person I thought I knew.

Eric Swalwell's resignation is not his first brush with congressional scrutiny.

In 2023, then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed him from the House Intelligence Committee, a panel he had served on prominently, citing questions over his alleged targeting by a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. McCarthy wrote in a letter to Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: "I cannot put partisan loyalty ahead of national security, and I cannot simply recognise years of service as the sole criteria for membership on this essential committee. Integrity matters more." A separate Ethics Committee investigation related to that matter was closed without action.

The timing of Swalwell's departure remains to be confirmed precisely; a special election to fill his seat is expected to take place as early as this summer.

Tony Gonzales Quits Congress After Affair With Staffer Who Died by Suicide

View full Image View full Image Republican US Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX), ( REUTERS )

Within moments of Swalwell's announcement, Gonzales, a Texas Republican who had already withdrawn from his re-election race, confirmed he would formally retire from Congress when the chamber reconvened on Tuesday.

"There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all," Gonzales wrote on X. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.

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The announcement came after weeks of intensifying scrutiny following reporting by the San Antonio Express-News that Tony Gonzales had engaged in an affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a former regional director on his staff. Santos-Aviles died last year after setting herself on fire outside her home in Uvalde.

Gonzales initially denied the allegations before admitting to the affair in March, describing it as "a lapse in judgement." He subsequently withdrew from his re-election bid after Speaker Mike Johnson and the House Republican leadership urged him to stand down, though they stopped short of calling for his immediate resignation from office.

The House Ethics Committee launched a formal investigation into Gonzales last month. Relationships between members of Congress and their staff are explicitly prohibited under the House Code of Official Conduct.

Also Read | NITES writes to Centre, seeks POSH audit in Nashik sexual harassment case

Text messages obtained by Axios and shared by Santos-Aviles' husband, Adrian Aviles, illustrated the nature of the communications between the two. In one exchange from May 2024, Gonzales asked Santos-Aviles for a "sexy pic." Santos-Aviles replied: "this is too far tony." Gonzales had also been accused of sending lewd messages to at least one other former member of staff.

The Bipartisan Expulsion Plot That Never Had to Be Used Behind the scenes, a cross-party manoeuvre had been taking shape in the days leading up to the resignations. Democratic Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico and Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida had each been working to draft expulsion resolutions  one targeting Swalwell, the other targeting Gonzales  in a carefully coordinated effort to force removal votes on both men simultaneously. The plan ensured neither party could claim the moral high ground by ousting only the other's member.
US Vice President JD Vance hit back at criticism from the Vatican, saying the Church should avoid interfering in American policymaking.

I certainly think that in some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality, Vance told Fox News. And let the President of the United States stick to dictating American public policy.

The remarks come amid growing friction between the Trump administration and Pope Leo XIV, who has criticised US positions on immigration and the Iran conflict.

US President Donald Trump escalated the dispute over the weekend, attacking the pontiff on social media.

Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy, Trump wrote, adding, I dont want a Pope who thinks its OK for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.

Pope rejects political role Responding to the criticism, Pope Leo XIV dismissed suggestions that he was acting politically.

The message of the church, my message, the message of the Gospel: Blessed are the Peacemakers, he said. I do not look at my role as being political, a politician.

Disagreements are natural Vance sought to ease tensions, framing the dispute as part of a normal relationship between political and religious institutions.

We certainly have a good relationship with the Vatican, but were also [going to] disagree on substantive questions from time to time, he said. I think thats a totally reasonable thing.

He added that such disagreements were not unusual: It isnt particularly newsworthy.

Pope Leo XIV vows to keep speaking out against war Pope Leo XIV has said he will continue to speak out against war despite sharp criticism from Trump, stressing that promoting peace is a moral duty of the Church.

I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateral relationships among the states, the pope told Reuters aboard his flight to Algeria.

Too many people are suffering too many innocent people are being killed. And I think someone has to stand up and say: Theres a better way.

Refuses to engage in direct confrontation with Trump Despite the escalating rhetoric, the pontiff sought to avoid a direct clash with Washington.

I dont want to get into a debate with him, Pope Leo said, referring to Trump.

I dont think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in the way that some people are doing.

He reiterated that his role is not political: The message of the Church Blessed are the Peacemakers. I do not look at my role as being political.

Trump intensifies criticism over Iran stance The tensions come amid disagreements over the US-led war involving Iran, which the pope has criticised.

Trump dismissed Leos position, saying: Pope Leo said things that are wrong He was very much against what Im doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran.

Earlier, Trump had described the pontiff as WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.

He also insisted there was nothing to apologise for regarding his remarks.

I have no fear: Pope pushes back Leo made clear he would not be deterred by political pressure.

I have no fear, neither of the Trump administration, nor speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, he said.
The man accused of hurling a Molotov cocktail at the San Francisco home of OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman last week harboured a chilling ambition: to kill one of the most powerful figures in artificial intelligence, and to warn the world that AI itself would finish the job. Prosecutors say the attack was not impulsive- it was planned, targeted.

Attempted Murder Charges Filed After Molotov Cocktail Attack on Sam Altman's Home The San Francisco District Attorney announced on Monday that Daniel Moreno-Gama faces charges of attempted murder following a pre-dawn attack on Altman's home last Friday. Federal prosecutors have added further charges, including attempted damage and destruction of property by means of explosives and possession of an unregistered firearm, according to a release from the Department of Justice.

The attack took place at approximately 3:37 a.m. on Friday, when Moreno-Gama threw a lit Molotov cocktail-style incendiary device at the entrance to Altman's property. The device ignited a fire at the top of the driveway gate. No injuries were reported, and Moreno-Gama fled the scene.

Roughly an hour and a half later, at around 5:00 am, he arrived at OpenAI's headquarters, threw a chair against the glass doors, and threatened "to burn it down and kill anyone inside," according to a complaint filed in San Francisco federal court. Officers responded and arrested him at the scene.

'This Was Not Spontaneous': FBI says attack was planned, targeted Law enforcement officials were unambiguous about the nature of the assault. FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo told a press conference on Monday: "This was not spontaneous. This was planned, targeted and extremely serious."

In a written statement, Cobo added: The charges announced today reflect a deeply concerning escalation from intent to action targeting a private residence and a technology company with violence.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Monday that the agency and its partners had conducted a related operation in Texas connected to the attack on Altman's home, though further details were not disclosed.

The Document That Exposed the Plan: A Hit List of AI Executives When officers arrested Moreno-Gama following the OpenAI headquarters incident, they recovered a document in his possession that laid bare the full scope of his intentions, and the depth of his ideological conviction.

According to the federal complaint, the document's first section, titled "Your Last Warning," stated that Moreno-Gama had "killed/attempted to kill" the individual identified in court filings as "Victim-1" - described as the chief executive of "a research company that deploys and develops artificial intelligence and operates in interstate and foreign commerce." It is to be noted that Altman is not named directly in the filing.

Also Read | Why was Sam Altman fired by OpenAI in 2023? New report reveals shocking details

The document went further stating the names and addresses of several additional AI executives, board members, and investors  a list that prosecutors say reflects a broader campaign of intended violence against the technology sector's leadership.

The second section of the document, titled "some more words on the matter of our impending extinction," articulated Moreno-Gama's belief that artificial intelligence poses an existential threat to humanity. The complaint describes his motivation as rooted in a deep hatred of AI technology.

The document closed with a letter addressed directly to Altman, in which Moreno-Gama wrote that "if by some miracle you live, then I would take this as a sign from the divine to redeem yourself."

A Second Attack on Altman's Home Days Later The violence did not end with Friday's firebombing. Sam Altman's residence was reportedly the target of a second attack on Sunday, this time involving gunfire. Two individuals were arrested in connection with that incident, though details remain limited.

The back-to-back attacks on a single address within the space of a weekend have raised serious questions about the personal security of high-profile technology executives and the degree to which public discourse around AI has begun to inspire real-world danger.

Sam Altman Responds: "I Underestimated the Power of Words" Altman addressed the Friday attack on his personal blog, publishing a post alongside a photograph of his family. His tone was reflective rather than combative.

"I underestimated the power of words and narratives," he wrote, acknowledging that the past several years had been "an extremely intense, chaotic, and high-pressure" period. He called on those within the AI industry to tone down "the rhetoric and tactics" that have come to characterise public debate around the technology.

OpenAI, for its part, confirmed the attack in a statement on Friday and expressed relief that no one had been harmed.
Dutch royals - King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima- stayed overnight at the White House following a private dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten also attended the dinner, which extended 90 minutes beyond schedule and covered a wide range of sensitive geopolitical issues.

Jetten described his conversation with Trump as candid but productive.

Too short to convince each other, but long enough to gain a better understanding of each others positions, he said, according to NL Times.

He added that the discussions were: Open and constructive, covering topics including the Middle East conflict, Ukraine, and NATO cooperation.

It was a useful evening, Jetten said. If you stay away, you cannot exchange on these topics.

Strategic engagement despite differences Despite tensions, Jetten emphasised the importance of continued engagement with Washington.

Maintaining contact with the United States can also enable you to reach common ground again on a number of very important issues, he said, as per NYT. He added that disagreements were part of a strong relationship: We are open and honest and speak up when we disagree then you can also find the way forward together.

Tensions over Iran conflict The visit comes amid the US conflict with Iran, which lacks support from European allies, drawing frustration from President Donald Trump, who has long criticised Europe and NATO and has previously threatened to take control of Greenland.

The visit also comes amid the escalating US conflict with Iran, a policy not backed by several European allies.

Jetten said Trump did not make any direct request for Dutch support in the US naval blockade of Iranian ports but explained Washingtons stance.

He made it clear why he considers it important to increase pressure [on Iran] in order to return to negotiations.

At the same time, Jetten acknowledged unease over Trumps rhetoric.

Truly very concerning, he said, referring to threats made by Trump regarding Iran.

Strains in NATO and defence spending Trump also raised longstanding concerns over European defence spending within NATO.

Jetten noted growing frustration from Washington: There is certainly more resentment directed our way.

While European NATO members have increased military spending, he said such gaps cannot be resolved overnight.

Balancing diplomacy and domestic pressure Back home, the visit has triggered mixed reactions, with some critics questioning the optics of close engagement with Trump.

Jetten defended the decision to proceed with the trip: You also have to ask yourself to what extent it makes a difference if a small country like the Netherlands says, Were not coming now in protest.

He argued that maintaining dialogue was more effective: Showing up and having a serious conversation might be more useful at this moment.

Backlash The visit has drawn criticism across the Netherlands, with opposition lawmakers warning the royal couple could be seen as being on the wrong side of history.

A public petition called for the trip to be cancelled, while lawmakers questioned Jetten in the Senate amid heightened tensions.

Dutch comedian Arjen Lubach mocked the visit, as per New York Times, joking about a White House pajama party in the context of the Iran conflict, reflecting broader public scepticism.

Broader diplomatic context The three-day visit includes stops in Philadelphia and Miami, underscoring broader economic and cultural ties.

The overnight stay at the White Housewhere leaders typically stay at Blair Housesignals the significance Washington places on its relationship with the Netherlands, even as transatlantic tensions persist over Iran, NATO, and broader geopolitical challenges.

Also Read | Trump slams Meloni after she calls his Pope remarks unacceptable
Days after US President Donald Trump threatened Iran with a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, the US Central Command on Tuesday (local time) revealed how the blockade is being carried out.

In a post on X, it said, "More than 10,000 U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Airmen, along with over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft, are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports. During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade, and 6 merchant vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman."

How is the US enforcing the blockade? The US Central Command noted that no Iranian ships will be allowed in or out of Iranian ports, and that this is being imposed impartially against vessels of all nations. The mission is being executed by over 10,000 personnel and 100-plus fighter and surveillance aircraft, along with 12-plus warships.

Also Read | Iran US War LIVE: Trump says Iran talks could happen in next 2 days

Types of assets being used to ensure the blockade The US Central Command also shared a list of assets being used by the US military to enforce the blockade. These include:

Aircraft Carrier 2. Amphibious Assault Ship

3. Amphibious Transport Dock Ship

4. Dock Landing Ship

5. Guided-Missile Destroyers

6. Littoral Combat Ship

7. Land- and Sea-Based Fighter Aircraft

8. Unmanned Aircraft

9. Refuelling Aircraft

10. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Aircraft

Why is the US blockading Iranian ports? The decision to block Iranian ports was announced by Donald Trump last week after negotiations between the US and Iran failed over the weekend. The talks, which were held for over 21 hours in Pakistan's capital city, Islamabad, concluded without an agreement being reached, with both sides blaming each other for the failure. Trump's decision to block Iranian ports is aimed at putting pressure on the Islamic Republic by targeting two economic driversfirst, the huge tolls that Tehran was demanding ships pay to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively shut since the war began in late February; and second, its oil revenue, BBC reported.

Speaking to Fox News, the US President said, "We're not going to let Iran make money on selling oil to people that they like and not people that they don't like," adding that the goal instead was to let "all or nothing" pass through the crucial shipping channel.

Where is the blockade? While the exact positions of US Navy ships on deployment have not been publicly disclosed, this makes it difficult to determine where interceptions might take place. However, US forces are unlikely to operate close to Iran's coastline because of the threat posed by missiles and drones, the report added.

Any blockade effort would likely centre on the Gulf of Oman, a crucial passage for global oil shipments, including those from Iran.

US forces are expected to rely on satellite data and commercial tracking to identify vessels departing Iranian ports, intercepting them once they move into the open waters of the Indian Ocean.

How can Iran and other countries be affected by the blockade? The decision by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to effectively close the Strait of Hormuz, which is responsible for transporting roughly a fifth of the world's oil, has already driven oil prices higher. Despite this, Tehran has continued exporting oil and benefiting from elevated prices. In fact, March marked one of the Islamic Republic's strongest export months in the past 18 months.

Any blockade would significantly impact countries that rely on Iranian oil. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), roughly 82 per cent of crude oil and other fossil fuels passing through the Strait of Hormuz in 2022 were destined for Asian markets.

China is believed to purchase close to 90 per cent of Irans oil exports. On Tuesday, China's foreign ministry described the US blockade as dangerous and irresponsible.

Citing some analysts, the BBC noted that the blockade could be intended to push Beijing to play a more active role in peace negotiations.

Additionally, a sustained blockade could further strain the global economy, raising fuel and food costs and disrupting supplies of key materials such as aluminium, helium, and fertiliser feedstocks.
Puneet is an assistant professor of economics at Delhi Technological University, where he teaches courses in statistics, econometrics, and applied economic analysis. He has been an independent contributor to Mint since June 2021, writing regularly for the Plain Facts section. His work focuses on simplifying complex economic ideas using data-driven insights and empirical tools. Drawing on his teaching experience, he translates technical concepts into clear and accessible narratives for a general audience. His writing combines statistical analysis with current economic developments to explain trends in a way that is both rigorous and easy to understand. <br><br>Puneets professional experience includes research and writing across sectors such as infrastructure, telecom, and energy, which strengthens his ability to interpret macroeconomic trends in a practical context. He has written extensively on a wide range of macroeconomic and policy issues, including Indias efforts to build globally competitive professional services firms, the economics of domestic social media platforms, the role of comparative advantage in shaping trade outcomes, the countrys nuclear energy pivot, bank consolidation, monetary policy transmission, and critical assessments of free trade agreements in a fragmenting global economy. He brings an interdisciplinary perspective to his work, connecting academic tools with real-world applications.<br><br>Puneet believes that data should be used not only to inform but also to communicate clearly, making economic analysis relevant, credible, and accessible to a wider readership.

Jaydeep Mukherjee

Dr. Jaydeep Mukherjee comes with 25 years of experience in academics, teaching and research. His areas of interest include Macroeconomic Theory and Policy, International Macroeconomics, International Finance, Trade Analytics and Global Business Environment.<br><br>He is presently working as Professor in Economics at Great Lakes Institute of Management Chennai. His previous assignment was with Shiv Nadar University Chennai as a Professor of Economics. Prior to that he held a full-time faculty role at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) Delhi, and also served as Visiting Faculty in Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), IMI Delhi, IIM Raipur and IIM Sirmaur.<br><br>Dr. Mukherjee holds an MA in economics, and a PhD from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. He was awarded the gold medal at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has done extensive professional development programmes on Shipping and Logistics organized by APEC-Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Centre at Port of Antwerp, Belgium and successfully completed Summer School on DSGE Modelling at University of Surrey, UK.<br><br>He has completed more than 18 funded research projects sponsored by reputed organisations in India and abroad, namely, Walmart, International Finance Corporation World Bank, DFID-UK, PWC, Reserve Bank of India, etc. Dr. Mukherjee has more than 30 publications in Scopus/ABDC-indexed Journals. Some of his research papers are published in reputed peer-reviewed international journals, namely, Journal of Policy Modelling, Journal of Asian Economics, Management Research Review, South Asian Journal of Macroeconomics and Public Finance, Review of Market Integration, Journal of World Trade, Journal of World Investment and Trade, etc. His articles on macroeconomics and trade related issues have been published in newspapers like Mint, The Hindu Business Line, The Economic Times, Nikkei Asia, etc.
Iran formally reportedly offered to suspend its uranium enrichment programme for up to five years, a concession the Trump administration swiftly turned down, insisting on a 20-year freeze instead. The development was confirmed by New York Times, citing two Iranian and one US official.

What Happened in Islamabad? Inside the US-Iran Nuclear Talks The weekend negotiations in the Pakistani capital were, by any measure, a significant diplomatic moment. Officials from the United States, including Vice president JD Vance, and Iran sat across from one another in Islamabad and exchanged concrete proposals on the future of Iran's nuclear programme.

Also Read | Trump reveals details of Iran deal: Key points

According to two senior Iranian officials and one US official cited by NYT, Washington DC asked Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment for 20 years. Iran responded formally on Monday with a counter-offer: a suspension of up to five years. The Trump administration has reportedly rejected it.

The Enriched Uranium Dispute: Where the Fuel Goes Matters as Much as the Freeze A second and equally fraught question dominated the Islamabad talks: what happens to Iran's existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium?

The US position is clear - the fuel must leave Iran entirely. Tehran has rejected that demand, insisting the uranium remain on Iranian soil. As a compromise, Iranian negotiators offered to dilute the stockpile significantly, rendering it incapable of being used to produce a nuclear weapon in its current state.

American officials, however, remain wary. The underlying concern is that Iran would retain physical possession of the material and could, in future, re-enrich it to weapons grade. Dilution, in this reading, is a reversible concession, not a permanent one.

Meanwhile, Russia has quietly offered a potential way through this impasse. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Monday that Moscow's proposal to accept Iran's enriched uranium as part of a broader settlement remains on the table.

"This proposal was voiced by President Putin in contacts with both the United States and regional states. The offer still stands, but it has not been acted upon," Peskov said, according to Russia's state-owned RIA Novosti news agency. Peskov added that Moscow stood ready to support efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis.

Vance Says Iran "Didn't Move Far Enough" But Leaves Door Open Speaking on Fox News on Monday evening, Vice President JD Vance offered the most detailed public account yet of where the US-Iran negotiations stand.

"Some good conversations," JD Vance said of the Islamabad talks, adding that progress had been made. But he was direct about the limits of that progress.

Iran showed some flexibility but "didn't move far enough," he said. On the question of whether further talks would take place, Vance suggested the initiative now lay with Tehran: the question would be best put to the Iranians.

On the Strait of Hormuz, the critical Persian Gulf waterway through which approximately one fifth of the world's seaborne oil passes, Vance was unambiguous about its centrality to any final settlement: reopening it would be critical to any deal.

Despite the distance between the two sides, Vance struck a note of possibility. There is "a grand deal to be had," he said, though he placed the burden of movement squarely on Iran. The "big question from here on out," he added, is "whether Iranians will have enough flexibility."

US Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports Complicates the Diplomatic Picture The negotiations in Islamabad unfolded against a deteriorating military backdrop. President Trump announced a US naval blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, a move intended to choke off Iran's oil revenues and accelerate pressure on its leadership to accept American terms for ending a conflict now entering its second month.

The Trump-ordered naval blockade, which came into effect Monday morning, targets ships "entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas," while allowing other vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz en route to other destinations. The policy carries enormous economic consequences: the price of Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, reached $102 a barrel on Monday before settling near $99  a rise of more than 50 per cent since the conflict began in late February.

Iran responded with fury. A spokesman for its powerful Revolutionary Guards threatened to "introduce new methods of warfare," while Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari warned that "no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe" if Iranian ports were threatened.
Iran US War Highlights: The US and Iran are likely to sit for second round of talks on Thursday. Noting that the right kind of people reached out, Trump said, they want a deal very badly. JD Vance said, if America's red lines on Iran's nuclear ambitions are met, "then this can be a very, very good deal for both countries." As per sources close to AP,

China said that it will make efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East

Meanwhile, Lebanon's Culture Minister Ghassan Salame has said that the upcoming talks between Israeli and Lebanese counterparts in Washington, DC, are preliminary meeting and not ceasefire, according to Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel a planned meeting with Israel in Washington on Tuesday, reiterating his group's rejection of direct negotiations with its foe.

Check all latest updates here:

Earlier on Monday, Trump said that American forces have launched a naval blockade targeting all Iranian ports and coastal regions. Meanwhile, Iran responded with threats on ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Reacting to the Trump's bockade, Iran's navy chief Shahram Irani called it "ridiculous and funny", according to state TV, adding the country's military was "monitoring and supervising all the movements of the aggressive American army in the region".

UK has refused to show support to Trump blockade, while Germany looks confused on it.

China on Tuesday called the blockade dangerous and irresponsible

Irans representative to the United Nations has demanded compensation from countries it says participated in the US and Israeli war effort against Iran. These includes Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

Irans official news agency, IRNA, said that the UN representative, Amir-Saeid Iravani, claimed the countries had violated international law and had to make full compensation for the damages caused to the Islamic Republic of Iran, including payment of compensation for all material and moral damages resulting from their international violations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday (local time) announced the decision to suspend the automatic renewal of a defence pact with Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Reuters reported.

Meloni's right-wing government has been one of Tel Aviv's strongest and closest allies in Europe; however, in recent weeks, Rome has criticised the attacks on Lebanon. Among those affected are members of the Italian troops who were serving there as per a United Nations (UN) mandate.

"In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel," Meloni was quoted as saying in Verona, northern Italy, by Italian news agencies.

Citing a source, Reuters reported that Meloni decided on Monday, with her foreign and defence ministers, Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.

Another added that one of the consequences of the suspension of the defence deal will be that Italy will no longer cooperate with Israel on military training.

Italy-Israel defence deal According to Le Monde, the defence cooperation deal between the two countries was approved by Israel back in 2006, which is reviewed every five years. The pact calls for cooperation across defense industries, education, and training of military personnel, research and development, and information technology, among others.

Italy-Israel tensions escalate Tensions between the two countries have escalated over the past week after the Italian government accused Israeli forces of firing warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. Later, Rome summoned Tel Aviv's ambassador in protest over the incident that damaged at least one vehicle but caused no injuries.

On Monday, Israel summoned Italy's ambassador following comments by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani that condemned "unacceptable attacks" on Lebanese civilians by Israeli forces.

Italy's Deputy PM visits Beirut, extends support Antonio Tajani, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister, was in Lebanon's capital on Monday, where he held talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi. In a post on X, Tajani wrote, "Lebanon is a brother country that we hold in our hearts. That is why today I came to Beirut to convey to President Aoun Italy's solidarity following the unacceptable attacks by Israel against the civilian population. We will strengthen our humanitarian commitment in Lebanon through the cooperation initiatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

Meloni under pressure since Israel-Hamas attacks Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, large numbers of Italians have taken to the streets to protest against Israel, placing mounting pressure on Melonis right-wing government over its stance on the conflict, The Times of Israel reported.

In September last year, Meloni said at the UN that Rome would back some European Union sanctions against Tel Aviv over the war in the Gaza Strip, adding that the latter's actions had breached a line "violating humanitarian norms, causing a slaughter of civilians.
An ex-student opened fire inside a school in the Siverek district of Sanlurfa Province in Turkey on Tuesday (April 14), injuring multiple people before taking his own life in a confrontation with police.

Authorities said the attacker entered the school premises and randomly opened fire in the corridor with a pump-action shotgun.

Casualties reported According to Turkeys Interior Ministry, a total of 16 people were injured in the attack:

-10 students

-4 teachers

-1 police officer

-1 cafeteria worker

All injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, with officials confirming that emergency treatment was immediately provided.

Police response and evacuation Special security forces were deployed to the school following reports of gunfire. Students and staff were quickly evacuated as panic spread across the campus.

Television footage showed ambulances stationed outside the school, while students were seen fleeing the premises as security forces secured the area.

Governor Hasan Sldak confirmed that the attacker was cornered by police and took his own life with the same weapon.

Investigation underway Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident. Officials inspected the school premises and said evidence collection and witness statements are underway.

We have evacuated the school and will carry out a thorough investigation into this tragic incident, Governor Sldak said, adding that even with preventive measures, such isolated incidents can still occur.

Gun violence in schools: Rare but alarming Turkey has strict gun control laws requiring licensing, background checks, and severe penalties for illegal possession.

However, the attack has renewed concerns over school safety. In a similar incident in May 2024, a former student killed a high school principal in Istanbul, triggering nationwide debate and teacher protests demanding stronger protections for school staff and students.
A US-sanctioned tanker linked to China is sailing out of the Strait of Hormuz and into the Gulf of Oman, testing President Donald Trumps naval blockade.

Rich Starry, a medium-range tanker earlier known as Full Star, was blacklisted by Washington in 2023 for helping Tehran evade energy sanctions. It is not clear on this occasion whether it visited Iranian ports before its transit, or is carrying cargo.

The exit is a second attempt for the carrier, which began a first as the US blockade came into effect on Monday, only to turn back. It then restarted hours later, and appeared to turn the bend into the eastern side of Hormuz on Tuesday.

Shipowners, energy traders and investors across financial markets have been keenly following its route through Hormuz as they try to understand the latest US effort to pressure Tehran and curb its oil revenues  and how it will work in practice.

The real issue is not simply whether ships can pass through Hormuz, but what spectrum of enforcement options US warships apply, and where they choose to apply them, said Charlie Brown, an advisor to United Against Nuclear Iran, a US lobby and pressure group focused on Tehran.

Rich Starry initially transmitted that it had a Chinese owner and crew  a common safety mechanism for ships crossing the strait during the current conflict in the Persian Gulf, and one that could test Washingtons resolve to challenge vessels tied to the worlds largest oil importer. The tanker has now switched to indicating the Omani port of Sohar as its destination, according to ship-tracking data show.

Throughout the crossing, the tankers location signals have not been consistent. Vessels in the area have regularly been impacted by electronic interference which can produce inaccurate speed and location reports.

Another tanker, the Elpis, was in the strait and headed into the Gulf of Oman just as the blockade began. It appears to have stopped out of the narrow waterway and off the Iranian coast. Ship-tracking platforms Kpler and Vortexa indicate that Elpis had docked at an Iranian port in the gulf before attempting to pass through Hormuz, meaning it would be a potential target for a patrolling US navy vessel.

The ship was sanctioned by the US last year under its former name, Chamtang, over its links to the Iranian oil trade.

Most shipowners reached by Bloomberg across the Middle East and Asia  who now face the need to clear both Iranian and US approvals to exit the Persian Gulf  said they would pause any effort to make their way through the strait until the workings of the blockade are clear.

Trumps blockade has also sparked alarm among Asian nations that rely heavily on Middle Eastern energy and fuel exports. Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged global stakeholders to push for peace talks between Tehran and Washington, according to a readout released by Beijing on Monday.

Any effort to interdict a Chinese vessel would unsettle markets and sentiment further.

At best, Trumps announcement is a paper tiger. At worst, it marks an escalation, said Carlos Casanova, senior Asia economist at Union Bancaire Privee in Hong Kong.

The Rich Starry has indicated it is sailing under a Malawi flag, but the landlocked African nation has said it has no official registry for oceangoing ships.

Rich Starry is owned by Full Star Shipping Ltd., which shares the same contact details as Shanghai Xuanrun Shpg. Co. Ltd., maritime database Equasis shows. A call made to Shanghai Xuanrun did not get through, while the company didnt respond to an emailed request for comment. The Shanghai-based entity is also sanctioned by the State Department.

Elpiss owner is Chartchemical SA that uses its manager, IMS Ltd.s contact details. A call made to Malaysia-based IMS failed to connect. IMS did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

With assistance from Dan Murtaugh.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
This is, without a doubt, the responsible thing to do. But even as I applaud Anthropic for its restraint, I cannot help but reflect on what this means for everyone else. The small group of organizations with access to Mythos will likely address vulnerabilities in their own systems. But there is a long tail of smaller developers that will not have access to these capabilities, whose software is just as likely to have critical bugs that affect a disproportionately large number of people.
Similar efforts will now accelerate around the world. Renewable power is cheaper almost everywhere and is inherently energy-independent; the sun and the wind dont have to pass through an ocean strait to make it to generators. Once equipment is connected, it can provide power for decades without a drop of imported fuel. With the US apparently abandoning its role as the guarantor of global freedom of navigation, the strategic value of that consideration has increased drastically.
It is possible that average working hours at formal enterprises will decline with greater heterogeneity among workers. The few who can complement AI as value creators will see higher demand for their skills; their work hours may well rise. Consequently, the gap between formal and household-enterprise work hours may narrow; not because hours in the latter increase, but because those in the former fall on average.
After resigning as the CM of Bihar, Nitish Kumar posted on X, "You know that on 24 November 2005, the NDA government was formed in the state for the first time. Since then, the rule of law has prevailed in the state, and we have been continuously engaged in development work. The government has worked for the development of all sections of society from the very beginningwhether Hindus, Muslims, upper castes, backward classes, extremely backward classes, Dalits, or Mahadalitswork has been done for everyone. Work has been done in every sector, whether education, health, roads, electricity, or agriculture. A lot of work has also been done for women and youth.

In recent times, this work has been taken even further. For the next five years, that is, from 2025 to 2030, the formation of 7 Nishchay-3 has been done. This will lead to even more work, as a result of which Bihar will advance significantly. The Center is also providing full cooperation in Bihar's development. For this, we bow to the honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Bihar will develop even faster and join the top states of the country, thereby making an important contribution to the progress of the nation.

We have done a lot of work for the people of Bihar. For so many days, we have continuously served the people. We had decided that we would now leave the post of Chief Minister, and therefore, after today's cabinet meeting, we met the honorable Governor and submitted our resignation to him. Now the new government will look after the work here. The new government will have my full cooperation and guidance. Even ahead, a lot of very good work will be done, and Bihar will advance a great deal.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone and offer my best wishes."
After nearly two decades of shaping Bihars political landscape, Nitish Kumar resigned as Chief Minister on Tuesday, just hours after dissolving his cabinet. The states longest-serving Chief Minister arrived at Lok Bhavan in Patna to submit his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain. Notably, Kumar had taken oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha on April 10.

An Emotional Farewell in the Cabinet Room The Bihar cabinet dissolution came after a final cabinet meeting at the Old Secretariat in Patna, where Nitish Kumar informed his ministerial colleagues of his decision, a constitutional formality required before a chief minister may formally resign.

Also Read | Nitish Kumar takes oath as Rajya Sabha member

Earlier PTI quoted, State minister Ram Kripal Yadav, speaking to reporters outside, describing the scene within, "It was a very emotional moment for all of us. The CM informed us about his decision for dissolution of the cabinet. He will submit his resignation as CM to the governor later in the day."

Nitish Kumar, widely regarded as the longest-serving chief minister in Bihar's history, was expected to meet the governor before 3 pm, a deadline set to allow the BJP to convene its legislature party meeting and elect a new leader in his place.

BJP, the Single Largest Party, Moves to Elect New Legislature Leader With 89 seats in the 243-member Bihar Legislative Assembly, the BJP holds the position of single largest party and is now poised to lead the National Democratic Alliance government in the state. A BJP legislature party meeting was scheduled for 2 pm at the party office, to be followed by a broader NDA meeting.

The 202-strong NDA includes 85 MLAs of the JD(U), besides 19 of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and five of the Hindustani Awam Morcha, headed by Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi, respectively. In addition, there are five MLAs of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, led by Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha.

BJP MLA Vinod Narayan Jha confirmed the sequence of events: From 2 pm onwards, a meeting of the BJP Legislative Party will be held, after which there will be an NDA meeting. Our national leaders are coming here.

Also Read | Nitish Kumar to take oath as Rajya Sabha MP on April 10

BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh arrived in Patna ahead of the meetings, signalling the central leadership's close oversight of the transition. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was named as the central observer for the legislature party election.

Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi confirmed that the NDA meeting would follow at 4 pm in the Central Hall of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, where the alliance's choice of legislature party leader would be formally ratified.

Nitish Kumar's Legacy: From Shame to Pride, Says JDU Sanjay Kumar Jha, JDU National Working President and Rajya Sabha MP, offered an unambiguous assessment of Kumar's impact, This is an emotional moment for the 140 million people of Bihar. We always say that we felt ashamed to say we are Bihari before Nitish ji's arrival, and after his arrival, Bihar's respect and prestige remained intact.

Speaking to reporters, Jha was equally categorical about the continuity of Nitish Kumar's influence beyond office, asserting that the present government and future administrations will continue to function under Nitish Kumar's guidance.

State Minister Leshi Singh was quoted by ANI saying, "It is both an emotional and proud moment today. We have been with him (Nitish Kumar) since 1995."
Former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday issued a statement hours after he submitted his resignation to Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain.

Taking to X, Kumar, in a long message, said, "We have done a lot of work for the people of Bihar. For so many days, we have continuously served the people. We had decided that we would now leave the post of Chief Minister, and therefore, after today's cabinet meeting, we met the honorable Governor and submitted our resignation to him. Now the new government will look after the work here. The new government will have my full cooperation and guidance."

Rule of law prevailed under NDA: Nitish Kumar Kumar also recalled the first time the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government was formed in the state. He noted, On 24 November 2005, the NDA government was formed in the state for the first time. Since then, the rule of law has prevailed in the state, and we have been continuously engaged in development work. The government has worked for the development of all sections of society from the very beginningwhether Hindus, Muslims, upper castes, backward classes, extremely backward classes, Dalits, or Mahadalitswork has been done for everyone.

He went on to say that the NDA government ensured that development work was carried out across sectors, including education, health, roads, electricity, and agriculture. The NDA government also ensured that development work has been carried out for both women and youth in the state, Kumar noted.

Nitish Kumar submits resignation After shaping Bihar's political landscape for nearly two decades, Kumar resigned as Chief Minister today, hours after he dissolved his Cabinet. The state's longest-serving CM arrived at Lok Bhavan in Patna to submit his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain. Notably, Kumar had taken the oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha on 10 April.

The dissolution of the state cabinet took place after a final cabinet meeting at the Old Secretariat in Patna, where Kumar informed his ministerial colleagues of his decision to resign, a constitutional formality mandated before a chief minister can resign formally.

Also Read | Nitish Kumar takes oath as Rajya Sabha member

BJP to elect new Legislature leader Following Kumar's resignation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the single largest party in the state, since it holds 89 seats out of the 243 seats. The BJP is poised to lead the NDA in the state, and a legislature party meeting was scheduled for 2 pm at the party office.

Which BJP leader will replace Kumar? As Kumar's resignation brings the curtain down on his nearly two-decade journey as Bihar's Chief Minister, a BJP leader is likely to replace him, making it the first time that the BJP has a chief minister in the state.

As per reports, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister Nityanand Rai, and Bihar minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal have emerged as leading contenders for the chief ministers post.

Choudhary is among the BJPs most senior leaders in Bihar. He has previously served as the states Panchayati Raj Minister and later handled the home affairs portfolio, including during his current tenure as deputy chief minister.

Jaiswal, a three-time member of the legislative council, has also held the position of Bihar BJP president. Meanwhile, Digha MLA Sanjiv Chaurasiya is also being discussed as a potential candidate.

Rai is currently serving as Minister of State for Home Affairs at the Centre. Before this role, he was the Bihar BJP president and was elected four times as an MLA from Hajipur.
Samrat Choudhary, who has been the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar since January 2024, will now become the new Chief Minister of Bihar. This is the first time that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will get a Chief Minister in the state.

Choudhary will replace Nitish Kumar, the longest-serving CM of Bihar. Kumar has taken the oath as the CM 10 times since his short stint in 2000. He resigned from the post on Tuesday, April 14, by submitting his resignation to Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) at Lok Bhavan in Patna.

What's next for Nitish Kumar? Nitish Kumar, the 75-year-old JD(U) chief, became a Rajya Sabha MP last week. He got elected to the Upper House of Parliament on March 16.

As a Rajya Saba MP, Nitish Kumar will enjoy Z-Plus security cover, news agency PTI reported, citing a notification issued by the state home department earlier in April.

Kumar had resigned as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council (MLC) on March 30, as he prepared to assume office in the Rajya Sabha after being elected earlier this month.

Also Read | Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar Chief Minister after nearly two decades

Nitish Kumar was also unanimously re-elected as President of the Janata Dal (United) after no other candidate filed a nomination for the post.

Reacting to the development, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha had said, It is his own decision. It is the constitutional arrangement that he will have to resign from one place if he is taking an oath at another...

On March 5, Kumar penned a heartfelt message, expressing his longing desire to be a member of both houses of the Bihar Legislature as well as the Houses of Parliament. He asserted his commitment to building a "developed Bihar" and extended his "cooperation and guidance" to the new government.

Now, speculations are rife on whether Nitish Kumar's son Nishant will be given a cabinet berth in the state assembly. Nishant recently joined politics, marking an unprecedented shift in Bihar politics.

Nishant joined the JD(U) on March 8, following in his father's footsteps. While Nitish Kumar has had an anti-dynastic politics stand, Nishant's entry into the party came amid the former Bihar CM moving to the Rajya Sabha.

Who is Samrat Choudhary? Samrat Choudhary, a BJP leader, was appointed Bihar Deputy Chief Minister in January 2024. He fought the 2025 Bihar Assembly Election from the Tarapur constituency.

Samrat's father, Shakuni Chaudhary, was a six-time MLA from Tarapur, while his mother Parvati Devi also served as a legislator.

After years in the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Samrat Choudhary joined the JD(U) in 2014 and served as a minister in the government headed by Jitan Ram Manjhi.

Samrat joined the BJP in 2017. In the BJP, he held organisational roles such as state vice-president.

He became the BJP's Bihar unit chief in 2023. In January 2024, he was appointed the deputy chief minister in the NDA government led by Nitish Kumar.
Motorola has begun teasing the Edge 70 Pro in India, shortly after the company launched the Edge 70 Fusion. The new mid-range device from the company has not received a launch date yet, but a dedicated Flipkart microsite for the product has gone live, which confirms that the phone will be available to buy via the popular e-commerce platform.

What to expect from Edge 70 Pro? The Flipkart microsite does not name the Edge 70 Pro, but it does give a brief glimpse of the phone along with its colour variants. The phone will come in Blue, Green, and white colour options. The URL of the microsite reads moto-coming-soon-apr26, which suggests that the upcoming phone could be revealed on 26 April.

Also Read | Best phones under 25,000 in India in March 2026 ft Moto Edge 70 Fusion

The official Motorola India handle has also begun teasing a new phone with great low-light capabilities. Meanwhile, a leaked poster of the phone has also surfaced on social media, which shows the phone with a curved screen (presumably pOLED) and a triple camera system on the back.

Previous leaks have suggested that the phone could come with a big improvement in the battery department, featuring a 6,500mAh battery, up from 6,000mAh on its predecessor. The phone is also expected to come with 90W of fast charging support.

Just like the Edge 70 Fusion, the Edge 70 Pro is also expected to come with an IP68 and IP69 rating for water and dust resistance, along with MIL-STD-810H certification.

The phone could come with a Sony Lytia-powered primary camera system with support for Super Zoom. Meanwhile, the phone could also house a 50MP selfie shooter on the front with autofocus support.

Also Read | Apple testing four four distinct designs for its Siri powered AI smart glasses

Notably, Motorola could also be launching an Edge 70 Pro+ model this year, which was earlier spotted on HDR10+ certifications along with the Edge 70 Pro. Given the phased launch strategy Motorola usually follows for the Edge series, it is likely that the Edge 70 Pro+ could have a separate launch from its younger sibling.

While not a lot of other details of the Edge 70 Pro are available, here's a look at the specs of its predecessor.

Feature Specification Display 6.7-inch (2712 x 1220 pixels) 1.5K 10-bit pOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, up to 4500 nits peak brightness, Processor Dimensity 8350 Extreme 4nm processor with Mali-G615 MC6 GPU Operating System Android 15 (3 OS upgrades + 4 Years SMR) RAM & Storage 8GB/12GB LPDDR5X RAM + 256GB UFS 4.0 storage Rear Camera 50MP main camera with Sony LYTIA 700C sensor and OIS, 50MP autofocus ultra-wide camera with macro mode, 10MP 3x telephoto camera with OIS and 50x Super Zoom, Multispectral 3-in-1 light sensor Front Camera 50MP front camera with f/2.0 aperture Battery & Charging 6000mAh battery, 90W TurboPower fast charging, 15W wireless charging Audio Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, USB Type-C Audio Connectivity 5G SA/NSA, Dual 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, Dual SIM (nano + nano) Durability & Design Water and dust resistant (IP68 + IP69), Military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H), 8.24mm slim design, 186g weight
Global travel and hotel reservation giant Booking.com confirmed on Monday that hackers breached its systems and gained access to customers' personal data. Booking.com did not disclose the exact number of people affected by the attack, which regions were affected, or even the timeframe during which the breach occurred. The company did confirm to The Guardian that financial information was not accessed.

What information was stolen? According to customer notifications shared by users on social media platforms like Reddit, Booking.com says that unauthorised third parties may have been able to access certain booking information associated with your reservation.

View full Image View full Image Notification shared by Reddit user ( Reddit )

We recently noticed suspicious activity affecting a number of reservations and we immediately took action to contain the issue, the company said in a notification message shared on Reddit.

The company noted that the hackers may have gained access to users' names, email addresses, phone numbers, and specific booking details. Disturbingly, the hackers were also able to view "anything that you may have shared with the accommodation," the company warned in the notification.

To keep your booking secure, we have updated the PIN number of your booking reservation, the notification read.

Also Read | Amazon worker dies on warehouse floor as colleagues continue working

As per a TechCrunch report, the user who posted the notification screenshot said that they received a targeted phishing message via WhatsApp two weeks ago that accurately included their personal information and booking details. This suggests that the hackers may already be using the stolen data against travellers.

Booking.com spokesperson Courtney Camp told TechCrunch that the company noticed "suspicious activity involving unauthorised third parties being able to access some of our guests booking information".

"Upon discovering the activity, we took action to contain the issue," the spokesperson said, adding that the company has updated the PIN numbers for the affected reservations and directly informed guests.

Booking.com had earlier suffered a phishing attack in 2018 that compromised the booking data of over 4,000 customers by stealing login credentials from hotel employees in the UAE. The platform was later fined 475,000 by the Dutch Data Protection Authority for reporting the breach 22 days late, far exceeding the 72-hour legal limit.

How to stay safe? If you were affected by the attack, there should be an official confirmation from Booking.com in your mailbox. Meanwhile, if you have made a recent booking on the platform, be extremely wary of urgent payment requests from hoteliers and prefer to only make the payment via the official portals.
A leaked internal memo from OpenAIs Chief Revenue Officer, Denise Dresser, has targeted the company's chief rival Anthropic. Dresser, the former Slack CEO who recently took over former OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap's commercial duties, wrote a 4-page memo to employees (via The Verge) where she directly attacked Anthropic's business practices.

The memo arrives at a time when both OpenAI and Anthropic are reportedly gearing up for initial public offerings later this year. The two companies have been at loggerheads with each other on a variety of topics as well, with the amalgamation of that rivalry happening during the AI Impact Summit in India earlier this year, where the two CEOs refused to even hold hands.

OpenAI takes aim at Anthropic: Anthropic's rise in the AI coding segment has reportedly worried OpenAI, as the company narrowed its focus by shutting the Sora video generator while beginning development on a ChatGPT super app. However, in the latest memo, Dresser agreed that Anthropic's coding focus gave them an early wedge but noted that you do not want to be a single-product company in a platform war.

She also criticised Anthropic's safety-first positioning, writing that their narrative is "built on fear, restriction, and the idea that a small group of elites should control AI."

Our positive message will win over time: build powerful systems, put in the right safeguards, expand access, and help people do more, Dresser said in the leaked memo as reported by The Verge.

Also Read | Altman's attacker aimed to kill him and had a hit list of other AI executives

OpenAI's Chief Revenue Officer also took direct aim at Anthropic's financials, claiming the competitor's stated $30 billion revenue run rate is artificially inflated. She also alleged that Anthropic uses accounting treatments that make revenue look bigger than it is. Dresser alleged that Anthropic is inflating its numbers by roughly $8 billion.

Dresser also highlighted what she called a "strategic misstep" by Anthropic in not acquiring enough compute infrastructure. She argued this failure is now giving OpenAI a structural edge in the enterprise segment.

Customers feel it through throttling, weaker availability, and a less reliable experience. We saw the exponential compute curve earlier, acted on it faster, and now have a real structural advantage, Dresser argued.

Also Read | How to use AI to really help you save money? Check out top practical tips with p

Microsoft partnership a liability for OpenAI? Dresser also shared that the company's partnership with Microsoft has constrained the company's enterprise growth.

"Our Microsoft partnership has been foundational to our success. But it has also limited our ability to meet enterprises where they are," Dresser wrote, pointing out that many large clients prefer to operate within Amazon Web Services' (AWS) Bedrock service.

However, Dresser noted that since announcing the partnership with Amazon in February, the demand for AWS integration has been "staggering."
Google DeepMind has a fresh new hire, and it's not an AI engineer or researcher. Instead, the premier AI lab has hired a philosopher who will be working on areas like machine consciousness, human-AI relationships, and AGI readiness.

Also Read | Meta is building a 3D AI clone of Mark Zuckerberg to chat with employees

Who is the philosopher hired by Google DeepMind? Google DeepMind has hired Henry Shevlin for the position of philosopher. Shevlin currently serves as the Associate Director (Education) at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence, University of Cambridge.

In his post on X (formerly Twitter), announcing his new role, Shevlin said he will be joining DeepMind in May.

Big personal news: Ive been recruited by Google DeepMind for a new Philosopher position (actual title), focusing on machine consciousness, human-AI relationships, and AGI readiness, starting in May. Ill continue my research & teaching at Cambridge part-time. Absolutely stoked! wrote Shevlin in a post on X.

In a LinkedIn post, he said that he will be continuing his work at the University of Cambridge in a part-time capacity.

Its a rare privilege to work on questions Ive spent my career thinking about, now with the resources and urgency that come with being inside one of the worlds leading AI labs. Very grateful to everyone whos supported me along the way, and excited for whats ahead! Shevlin wrote.

Notably, this is not the first time that an AI company has hired a philosopher. Late last year, Anthropic had also revealed that it had hired Amanda Askell, a PhD philosopher and AI researcher, to work as an in-house philosopher on areas like AI alignment and fine-tuning.

Who is Henry Shevlin? As per his LinkedIn, Shevlin has expertise across topics like cognitive science, AI ethics, animal minds, and consciousness. He also says he has published multiple papers in prestigious journals like the Journal of Consciousness Studies.

Originally from rural England, Shevlin began his academic career at the age of 18 at the University of Oxford, where he earned a BA in Classics and a BPhil in Philosophy. He subsequently relocated to the United States to complete his PhD in philosophy at the CUNY Graduate Center between 2010 and 2016. During his time in New York, he also served as a lecturer at Baruch College. He currently lives in Cambridge with his wife, Wanda, and their two children.

View full Image View full Image Henry Shevlin
A massive 2 gigawatt data center proposed to be built outside Harlingen, in the Rio Grande Valley, has drawn criticism from residents, and questions from public officials over how to reduce environmental impacts. Tetra Images/Erik Isakson/Getty Images/Tetra images RF

In drought-parched South Texas, plans for a $14 billion data center are drawing scrutiny from residents and prompting local leaders to go on the record saying they support economic development, but not at a price that outpaces and strains precarious natural resources.

Over the last week, officials in Cameron County and the city of Harlingen have begun examining the issue after a Scottish green energy company, Eneus Energy, began showing interest in the Rio Grande Valley, which is currently in the midst of a massive industrial revolution thanks to companies like SpaceX and Rio Grande LNG, as well as proposals for a high-tech military shipyard and an oil refinery touted by President Donald Trump. However, Eneus interest has spurred public backlash from locals who worry that a water- and power-hungry facility could sap resources that are already at the brink due to a years-long drought.

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On Tuesday, April 7, the Cameron County Commissioners Court responded to that concern by unanimously passing a resolution that aims to put guardrails on how data centers would operate in the region. But county leaders admitted that Texas law gives them limited regulatory authority.

The county supports responsible economic development; however, the court formally expresses opposition to the use of open-loop evaporative cooling systems or other high-volume potable water consumption technologies in large scale, Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. said, reading from the resolution.

The court further opposes any data center development that fails to incorporate adequate safeguards to protect our countys natural resources, he said.

The resolution also calls for full and transparent public reporting of electricity and water usage and impacts to public infrastructure, local agriculture and habitat. And it urges lawmakers to pass legislation giving local governments more meaningful participation in such developments.

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Eneus is looking to build the so-called RGV Data Center in phases on a 1,785-acre site of farmland east of Valley International Airport, just outside city limits. The facility would generate 2 gigawatts of power capacity across 16 typically sized data halls, according to the companys website. Eneus says the project means more than $14 billion in investment that would generate more than $9 billion in economic impact and more than 1,000 jobs through 2045. Some 360 of those jobs would be at the data center itself.

The company also plans to reduce environmental impacts by relying on a closed-cycle cooling system using locally sourced reclaimed wastewater rather than potable water and "advancing a flexible power strategy that would minimize strain on the local power grid.

Like Cameron County leaders, Harlingen officials say they also have little control over regulating the proposal due to the sites location outside the city limits. Nonetheless, last week, the Harlingen City Commission began the process to consider a citywide moratorium on data centers  a process that requires a specific legal process.

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Rest assured that your city commission is working hard making sure that the steps that we take moving forward are responsible steps, Mayor Norma Sepulveda said.
Texas vendors are expressing frustration with Painted Trees Boutiques after the chain shut down abruptly in April 2026, with no warning. Courtesy of Google Maps

Painted Tree Boutiques, a rapidly growing chain with an ethereal, often cottage-core, aesthetic known for hosting dozens of small local vendors at each location suddenly announced the shuttering of its sole San Antonio spot  a location that revived the ousted Sears at the Park North Shopping center back in 2022. Though, the reason for its shuttering remains a mystery.

Unfortunately, all Painted Tree locations are now closed. We just received this news at 11:00 AM Central Time and had no prior notice that his was going to happen, a local Instagram page for the brand wrote in a caption. This will deeply impact many small businesses in San Antonio that relied on this income.

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The parent company, Painted Tree, sent an email to all its vendors across more than 60 stores, including the San Antonio location that boasted hundreds of shops under one roof. In the email obtained by MySA, the company confirmed it will no longer be conducting sales across any of its locations, spanning nearly two dozen states. Of its stores, 16 were in Texas, including two in Austin, one in San Antonio, six in the greater Houston area and six more in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

The parent company says a skeleton crew will be on site Tuesday, April 14, through Sunday, April 24, to allow vendors into the shops to collect their wares. The vendors will be largely left to break down their booths or displays themselves, the harrowing letter to retailers says.

The news is clearly unexpected. The San Antonio location announced just the day before plans for a ladies night with treats and drinks, live music and gift card giveaway. Unconfirmed rumors are already swirling of financial woes at the very top, but the company has remained mum on exactly why this is happening.

The company as a whole has been around for just over a decade, described as an Etsy marketplace and Pinterest catalog come to life. But whatever the reason for its sudden closure across the country, locals in the Alamo City are heartbroken.

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Im so sad to hear this, one customer, Denise, responded to the news. My pug and I enjoyed walking around at the San Antonio and Austin location. Im so sorry to all the vendors and staff.
Miguel Angel Araujo, 45, left, Gary Earl Palacios, 32, center, and Maria Ideysha Romero-Russi, 29, right, are shown in booking photos after their arrests April 2026, in Laredo, Texas. Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office Mugshot of Miguel Angel Araujo, 45, who was arrested Sunday, April 13, 2026, in Laredo, Texas. Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office Mugshot of Gary Earl Palacios, 32, who was arrested Monday, April 14, 2026, in Laredo, Texas. Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office Mugshot of Maria Ideysha Romero-Russi, 29, who was arrested Monday, April 14, 2026, in Laredo, Texas. Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office

Three people were arrested in separate downtown incidents after being found in possession of suspected narcotics, according to the Laredo Police Department.

Officers responded at about 10:43 p.m. April 12 to a suspicious person report in the 900 block of Houston Street, where they made contact with 45-year-old Miguel Angel Araujo, who was found in possession of multiple doses of a substance believed to be heroin weighing about 1.8 grams, police said.

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Araujo was charged with possession of a controlled substance between 1 gram and 4 grams, a third-degree felony.

Jail records show Araujo was booked into Webb County Jail on April 13 on a $15,000 bond and remained in custody as of Tuesday afternoon.

Officers responded at about 2:33 a.m. April 14 to a second suspicious person report in the 500 block of San Agustin Avenue, where they made contact with Gary Earl Palacios, 32, and Maria Ideysha Romero-Russi, 29, who were found in possession of multiple doses of a white rocky substance weighing about 6.2 grams, according to police.

Palacios and Romero-Russi were charged with possession of a controlled substance between 4 grams and 200 grams, a second-degree felony.

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Reymundo Mauricio Torres. 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.

Reymundo Mauricio Torres

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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.

Assault causing bodily injury, a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine up to $4,000.

Date filed: Feb. 11, 2026.

Latest info: Torres pleaded not guilty during a March 3 arraignment in the 111th District Court, where Judge Oscar J. Hale presided, and the case was set for pre-trial proceedings through July 20 after a bond reduction request was denied.

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Background

Torres was arrested on the charges of aggravated assault of a deadly weapon, when a man was found stabbed in the upper torso following a physical altercation, according to Laredo police in a case dating back to April 2023.

Officers responded to a stabbing report at about 5:42 p.m. April 3 in the 1600 block of Hidalgo Street. Initial reports indicated that a man had been stabbed and was in route to the Laredo Medical Center.

Officers were dispatched to LMC and to the 1600 block of Hidalgo. At LMC, a male was being treated for one stab wound to the upper torso.

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His wife stated that before arriving at their residence in the 500 block of Davis Street, her husband exited the vehicle and had an altercation with a male standing at the corner, authorities said.

The husband then returned to the vehicle requesting medical assistance due to a stab wound. Authorities would identify the suspect as Torres. Police located him at a residence in the 4400 block of Sofia. Torres was detained for questioning and taken to LPD headquarters, the affidavit states.

In an interview with police, Torres stated that the male entered into his property and that he pushed the male away. Torres then changed his story saying that the male pulled out a knife and that he took it away, according to court documents.

Torres then confessed that he stabbed the male after he was punched in the face. Torres then stated that he left the scene to avoid further problems, states the affidavit.

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The knife was found in between the driver and front passenger seat of a Dodge Caravan, according to court documents.

Tito Ramirez

Charges:

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (2 counts), a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and an optional fine up to $10,000.

Deadly conduct discharge firearm, a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and an optional fine up to $10,000.

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Date filed: March 19, 2025.
Jospeh Troudt, CEO of Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital addresses the audience during a celebration for the 11th anniversary of Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Louis San Miguel/Laredo Morning Times Pictured are Richard Pena Raymond, Joseph Troudt, Rosa Marquez de Trevino, Dr. Victor Trevino, Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini, Lupita Zepeda and Andres Velazquez during a celebration for the 11th anniversary of Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Louis San Miguel/Laredo Morning Times Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated its 11th anniversary with an expansion from 21 to 55 beds on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Malena Charur/Laredo Morning Times The new Rise&Walk therapy machine was unveiled during a celebration for the 11th anniversary of Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. State Rep. Richard Pena Raymond demonstrated how it works with the assistance of specialized therapists. Louis San Miguel/Laredo Morning Times Pictured are Dr. Victor Trevino, Joseph Troudt and Dr. Nelson Garay during a celebration for the 11th anniversary of Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Louis San Miguel/Laredo Morning Times

Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital celebrated its 11th anniversary this week with an expansion of its facilities, recognition from local authorities and the unveiling of new therapy equipment.

Jennifer Mendoza, on behalf of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce and ENV Title, welcomed attendees April 8, while Pastor Tony Gutierrez led the invocation.

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We thank you for making this day special, Gutierrez said. We thank you for the guests that are here, for the staff, the team. Theyre so industrious. God, they help people along the way after theyve had strokes and other calamities upon their bodies.

Please continue to touch all those who are responsible for Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital.

Mendoza said that at Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital, they are dedicated to restoring independence, rebuilding strength and improving quality of life through compassionate, patient-centered care.

As the only inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Laredo, the hospital has served its community for over a decade, ensuring that patients no longer need to leave Laredo to receive the highest level of specialized rehabilitation services, she said.

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Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital is home to the largest inpatient and outpatient therapy, providing an advanced environment designed to maximize recovery outcomes.

We celebrate 11 years of excellence, she said. The rehabilitation hospital continues to raise the standard of care, recognized among the top 10% of rehabilitation hospitals nationwide. This milestone reflects an unwavering commitment to clinical excellence and patient outcomes.

Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital also celebrated a significant expansion from 21 beds to 55 beds, allowing more patients across the region to access specialized high-quality care when they need it most.

In addition, the introduction of the innovative Rise & Walk technology, the only one of its kind in Laredo, is transforming recovery by enhancing mobility and accelerating rehabilitation outcomes, she said.

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She added that Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital remains deeply committed to advancing rehabilitation services and strengthening relationships and partnerships that improve lives, making a lasting impact not only in the community it serves but across greater South Texas.

We want you to know that we are here for you, she said. We are really looking forward to the future.

11 years of growth and challenges

Joseph Troudt, chief operating officer, thanked the community for its support over the past decade-plus and celebrated the hospitals expansion, which will allow it to better serve its patients.

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This project represents an investment of nearly half a million dollars and took several months to complete, he said. This will help us provide better service to our patients, their families and the entire community.

Troudt noted that the hospital has faced several challenges during these 11 years.

One of our biggest challenges is having skilled individuals, such as therapists and nurses, to care for our patients, he said. Theres been a lot of program development in this community to help meet those needs, and thats helped a lot.

Hopefully in the next couple years, that wont be as big of a pressure for us.

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He also said that other challenges are insurance companies that are often slow to respond and the types of patients they receive, which prevent them from having a steady flow.

Despite the challenges, Troudt acknowledged that the hospital has had great achievements, such as the team that cares for patients as well as the success stories of its patients.

Working together with a team that is very open to taking care of their community and taking care of the patients that we have. Because its not just one individual that makes this successful. Its everyone, he said. And I think thats probably the proudest thing that I have is that the team works together to meet the needs of the community.

Troudt said the hospitals outcomes speak for themselves when it comes to the service it provides to its patients.

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We have those success stories that we talked about during this presentation, but we have multiple of those types of patients, he said. And so being able to demonstrate that to the community, I think that helps bring other patients into us just by word of mouth.

He said that another of his great achievements is being ranked among the top 10 rehabilitation hospitals nationwide.

We report our outcomes to a national system. And out of that national system, about 897 facilities report to this, and we were able to score with our outcomes in the top 10%, he said.

Troudt invited the Laredo community and surrounding areas to visit the hospital. Please come do a tour if you have (loved) ones that may need us, or they just want to come and see what our facility looks like, and well set someone up to give them a full tour of the hospital so they can see firsthand the excellent services we provide.

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Recovery success stories

During the event, three patients shared their testimony about how Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital was instrumental in their recovery, as well as the unveiling of the Rise & Walk machine, which included a demonstration of its operation with State Rep. Richard Pena Raymond as the user.

Officials recognize hospitals impact on community

Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino said it was an honor to recognize National Rehabilitation Awareness Week, a time to celebrate the resilience and determination of individuals working to regain their health, independence and quality of life.

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As a physician myself, I fully understand that rehabilitation is more than a medical process. Its a journey of hope, he said. I want to thank Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital as it represents the commitment to patients who push forward every day after facing significant physical, emotional and mental challenges.

It also reflects the dedication of our health care professionals, our therapists, physicians, nurses and caregivers who guide and support the journey with compassion and expertise.

He said in Laredo, we understand that access to rehabilitation services is essential, especially in communities like ours where health care resources are limited.

This week, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting public health, expanding access to care and supporting programs to help our residents live healthier, fuller lives, he said. Let us continue to uplift them on the path of recovery and honor those professionals who make that progress possible.

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State Sen. Judith Zaffirini gave a Texas resolution to Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital.

For over the last 11 years, Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital has delivered exceptional specialized rehabilitative care to Laredo and the greater South Texas region, she said.

The resolution also recognized the hospital for being in the top 10% of rehabilitation hospitals nationwide, its commitment to excellence and compassionate care, the Rise & Walk therapy team and the expansion to 55 beds.

Whereas, as a cornerstone of health care in the region, Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital has made it possible for area Texans to receive the support and care they need without traveling outside their community, she said. And it is a privilege to recognize the facility for the array of services it provides.

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Zaffirini concluded by congratulating everyone at the hospital on its anniversary and delivered the framed resolution to Troudt.

Its my pleasure to congratulate everyone who is associated with this wonderful hospital and to remind you of the words by Gandhi, who said, Strength is not a matter of physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will, she said. And arent those beautiful words for a facility like this, where the staff is so dedicated and the patients are so much in need of the occupational and the physical and the speech therapy they provide?

It is a wonderful place where there is the utmost excellent care and the expansion will facilitate the care that they deliver to the community.

Raymond presented Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital with a flag that flew at the Texas Capitol. He said his grandfather lived with him for the last five years of his life, but three years into that, his grandfather started having strokes.

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I didn't know what that was. I just knew all of a sudden. I learned about stroke and the damage had happened in the brain, he said.

He recognized how Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital helps people rehabilitate and how its work is meaningful and has a significant impact on the quality of life of Laredo residents.

Andres Velazquez, on behalf of U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, also presented Laredo Rehabilitation Hospital with a congressional recognition for its dedicated service to the community.

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Its commitment reflects the profound dedication that they have to improve the quality of life for patients and for families across the region, he said. Not only that, but they also are a top 10 nationally ranked provider, and that stands as a testament to their leadership, compassion and pursuit of excellence in rehabilitative care.
Tony Gonzales' decision to step down is raising questions about how quickly Texas fills congressional vacancies and whether politics plays a role. Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

Now that one of Texas' most scandal-scarred politicians is stepping aside, a new question is taking center stage: Will Governor Greg Abbott move quickly to fill the seator let it sit vacant?

With U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales announcing plans to step down, attention is shifting to how swiftly state leadership will act to replace himespecially after another Texas district went without representation for nearly a year.

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Congressman Christian Menefee wasted no time weighing in.

"If he resigns, it will create a vacancy for the remainder of the year," he said on X.

If he resigns, it will create a vacancy for the remainder of the year.



Seems like a good time to remind everyone that when my predecessor passed in March 2025, @GregAbbott_TX set our election for *8 months later* and left our majority-minority, strongly Democratic district https://t.co/0qvVupKvW1  Christian D. Menefee (@CDMenefee) April 13, 2026

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"When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office," Gonzales said while sharing no details on his plans to step down. "It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas."

For Menefee, the resignation reopens a political sore spot.

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"Seems like a good time to remind everyone that when my predecessor passed in March 2025,

@GregAbbott_TX set our election for *8 months later* and left our majority-minority, strongly Democratic district without representation for 334 days," he said. "We'll see if Governor Abbott keeps the same energy when a Republican-held seat becomes vacant."

Political analysts say that criticism isn't unfounded.

University of Houston political scientist Brandon Rottinghaus, noted that research backs up the idea that the timing of special elections can be politically influenced.

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 14: U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks alongside U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) at a news conference on border security outside of the U.S. Capitol Building on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. The House Republicans spoke to reporters about the tabled impeachment motion for U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and the southern border. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

"He's not wrong factually," he admitted. "There's a lot of academic work that shows exactly what Menefee is sayingthat governors are less likely to call a special election when it potentially hurts their party or it will take them longer to call a special election."

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Whether that dynamic plays out again remains to be seenbut scrutiny is already building.

"Obviously, the public is going to scrutinize every action that's going to have serious political consequences nationwide," Rottinghaus hypothesized. "Republicans will cheer the rapidity of the action and Democrats will jeer at the fact that it wasn't handled the same way in the 18th district."

Gonzales' retirement comes at a time when other lawmakers across the U.S. are also stepping down amid scandal, including California Democrat Eric Swalwell, who was previously considered a leading candidate to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom before allegations surfaced.

Still, Rottinghaus argues that while scandals continue to shape political careers, they don't carry the same immediate consequences they once did.

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"Scandals aren't dead, they're just less impactful than they used to be," he continued. "And politicians can survive them through a series of maneuvers."

In Gonzales' case, that endurance may have run out as pressure mounted from both party leaders and a looming competitive primary.

"Competition in the political world has a tendency to try to force people's hands, so Gonzales was facing a pretty competitive primary and he was confronting leaders in his own party who were unhappy with his actions," Rottinghaus explained. "He held on for longer than most people expected and longer than politicians would have decades before."
A Houston radio host struggled to get through a segment Tuesday as a tragedy tied closely to the city took center stage again.

The ongoing legal fight between camp owners and victims' families has brought new testimony into focus, including from camp director Edward Eastland. He said staff did not see official warnings ahead of the storm, held no meetings about the threat and delayed evacuation as conditions worsened.

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"I wish we never had camp that summer," Eastland said.

He acknowledged more could have been done, but said the severity of the flooding was not anticipated. At one point, he broke down while speaking about 8-year-old Cecilia "Cile" Steward, the only camper whose body has not been found, and about his attempts to save children that night. His father, Dick Eastland, 70, died during rescue efforts.

The courtroom has been filled with families as the hearings unfold, with testimony revisiting decisions made as conditions worsened and floodwaters began to rise.

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Jennifer and Doug Getten, who lost their 9-year-old daughter Ellen Getten in the July 4th flood, attend a hearing on a suit against Camp Mystic in the 459th State District Court in Austin, Monday, April 13, 2026. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman via AP) Mikala Compton/Associated Press

Will Steward, who lost his 8-year-old daughter Cile Steward in the July 4 flood, listens to testimony from camp director Edward Eastland as he attends a hearing on a suit against Camp Mystic in the 459th State District Court in Austin, Monday, April 13, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

But for Christie, the details weren't just headlines.

"There are kids a mile from this radio station who are not here anymore because they died in that flood," she said, her voice breaking. "And their parents, with every holiday and every day off, have to live it that their children are gone and there are kids applying to go back to that camp."

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Camp Mystic has applied to reopen as soon as this summer, with plans to operate on higher ground that did not flood. Operators say nearly 900 girls have already registered.

That possibility has divided families connected to the camp, many of them in Houston communities like Memorial, Tanglewood, Bellaire and West University, where generations have sent daughters to what's long been seen as a "home away from home." Among those killed were campers Molly DeWitt, Anna Margaret Bellows and Lucy Dillon, along with counselor Chloe Childress, a Kinkaid School graduate.

Christie described the divide over reopening as "a Netflix special on its own," saying she couldnt make sense of how quickly the camp is moving forward.

Her co-host Eric Rowe agreed, adding that he would wait years before considering reopening.

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As the conversation turned back to the families, Christie focused on what she said continues to haunt them most: how their children died.

"The worst part for the families is knowing when their children met their maker, it was in a terrifying, horrific way," she said. "It wasn't an easy death, and that is what keeps people up at night."

She acknowledged the heaviness of the topic, but said it was one many listeners remain deeply invested in as the case unfolds.

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Former Houston Police Chief Troy Finner has been named Missouri Citys new police chief nearly two years after resigning. Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspap/Staff photographer

Nearly two years after Troy Finner retired from the Houston Police Department, he has found a new job as the top cop for Missouri City.

In a news release Tuesday, Missouri City announced Finner's appointment with the police department and briefly mentioned his departure from HPD.

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"While Missouri City does not minimize the seriousness of those matters, the City's decision was based on its assessment of his extensive experience and his ability to lead the department forward," city officials said in a news release.

Back in May 2024, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced Finner's retirement amid a major scandal shaking up the police department over suspended cases in HPD's system. In February 2024, then-Chief Finner published a statement claiming a "significant" number of adult sexual assault cases had been incorrectly marked with a "suspendedlack of personnel" code by the department. The number of suspended criminal cases later ballooned to 264,000 instances dating back to 20164,000 of which involved sexual assaults.

Back in May 2024, Houston Mayor John Whitmire announced Finner's retirement amid a major scandal shaking up the police department over suspended cases in HPD's system. Ahmed Humble (Chron)

Shortly after Finner's resignation, then-interim Chief Larry Satterwhite presented Houston city leaders with an extensive report detailing the department's "systematic failures" in properly processing case logs since 2016.

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"It was a failure of leadership and a systematic failure of our department," Satterwhite said in his presentation to city council. "And we all own that, from supervisors in the divisional level all the way up to the chief level."

Also in late July 2024, Finner spoke exclusively with the Houston Chronicle alleging he was pushed out to bury the scandal.

"This failure is gonna come back and bite us," Finner told the Chronicle. "This is our opportunity to do something and lead the way. So I'm proud to take the blows. But tell the whole story."

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In the ensuing two years, Finner managed to stay largely out of the public eye after first joining HPD's rank-and-file in 1990 and taking over as chief for the outgoing Art Acevedo in 2021. However Missouri City officials say he has a lot more work left to do serving the community.

"As part of the selection process, the City conducted a thorough review of Chief Finner's qualifications, leadership background, and overall fit for the position," city officials noted in the news release. "This evaluation focused on the experience, judgment, professionalism, and leadership capacity required to effectively lead the Missouri City Police Department and serve the community."

Former Missouri City Police Chief Brandon Harris announced his retirement in January 2025.

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It's unclear if Finner's appointment has been formally approved by Missouri City Council, but members are slated to meet on April 20, the same day he is sworn in as the department's police chief.
More than 5,000 children and teens have died from overdoses involving fentanyl in the past two decades, according to data published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani (center) meets with French Ambassador to Iraq Patrick Durrel (left) on April 14. (Iraq Prime Ministers Office)

On April 14, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani met with French Ambassador to Iraq Patrick Durrel. Mr. Al-Sudani emphasized the necessity for major powers to exert utmost efforts to curb escalation and avoid returning to a state of war by resorting to dialogue and de-escalation, in order to preserve common interests and enhance opportunities for stability and security across the region, Iraqs Prime Ministers Office stated. The messaging to France is part of a broader trend across Iraq in the wake of the Iran war and amid the tentative ceasefire, as the country seeks to recover from being a frontline in the conflict.

After US and Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, Iraq quickly became a central theater in the war. Iranian-backed militias across Iraq carried out hundreds of drone and missile attacks, many targeting US diplomatic posts and forces. More than 700 of the attacks were aimed at the autonomous Kurdistan Region, targeting the US and UAE consulates, Kurdish leaders, and Kurdish Iranian opposition groups.

Iraq appointed a new president on April 11, four months after holding elections last November. Nizar Amidi is a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Party. Over the last 20 years, in the wake of the US overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraq has tied key political positions to the countrys major sectarian and ethnic groups: a Kurdish president, a Shiite prime minister, and a Sunni parliament speaker.

Discussions about the appointment of the president had intensified over the last month. With the new appointment, Iraqs political parties are now expected to select a prime minister. Former Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki is seeking the office, but his bid has been opposed by the Trump administration. Shiite political parties are expected to agree on an individual soon.

In addition to Iraqs selection of new political offices, bishops of the Chaldean Church, which represents the largest community of Iraqi Christians, gathered in Rome to elect a new patriarch. Archbishop Amel Nona has been elected as the new Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church on Sunday, April 12, following the resignation of his predecessor, Cardinal Luis Raphael Sako, announced on March 10. The new leader has chosen the name Paul III and will request ecclesiastical communion from the Pope, Vatican News reported on April 12. Chaldeans make up the majority of the roughly 250,000 Christians in Iraq.

As Iraqi political parties debate appointments, the country continues to face challenges to its oil exports due to Irans threats against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq saw an 80 percent drop in exports in March. It has sought to adapt by exporting oil through Syria and Turkey. In the Kurdistan Region, the Khor Mor gas field, which has been targeted in the past by Iranian-backed militias, has returned to production after a pause during the recent conflict. On April 8, Iraq also reopened its airspace after it had been closed during the war.

Regardless of the ceasefire, the Kurdistan Region has continued to suffer drone attacks, according to the Rudaw Media Network. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said several drone attacks targeted various locations in the Kurdistan Region late Thursday despite the ongoing ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, Rudaw reported on April 10. Kurdistan Regional Government President Nechirvan Barzani said on April 10 that there is no military solution to the Iran crisis and urged the ceasefire to continue.

Iraq continues to struggle with the aftermath of the Iranian-backed militia attacks. On April 12, the US and Iraq held a meeting of the Higher Joint Coordination Committee, which was established in March. The US Embassy in Baghdad said the committee has met five times to discuss preventing terrorist attacks on US diplomatic facilities. The US said that one of the key incidents that Iraq has agreed to investigate is an attack on US diplomats on April 8 near Baghdad International Airport.

In addition, the US State Departments Rewards For Justice program announced on April 14 that it is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information on Kataib Hezbollah leader Ahmed al Hamidawi. In addition to Kataib Hezbollah conducting numerous attacks on US forces, the US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Shiite militia was behind the kidnapping of US journalist Shelly Kittelson and Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov. Tsurkov was released on September 9 last year, and Kittelson was recently freed on April 7, a week after being kidnapped.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Macworld reports that Microsofts Surface Pro now costs $1,050, nearly double Apples MacBook Neo price of $599, highlighting dramatic market shifts.

Rising RAM and component costs have forced Microsoft and competitors to raise prices significantly, while Apple maintains stability through long-term supplier contracts.

Apple faces emerging supply constraints and may need to increase prices on future products like the touchscreen MacBook Pro and iPhone 18 Pro.

Youve probably heard by now that the MacBook Neo has shaken up the laptop market. With its combination of quality, performance, and price, some think that Apples $599 laptop is a nightmare for companies like Microsoft. How are the big PC firms responding? Well Microsoft has decided that the best strategy is to raise the prices of its Surface laptops.

For example, the Microsoft Surface Pro, the companys cheapest laptop, has gone up from $800 in the U.S. to $1,050 (and thats not including a $150 keyboard), almost twice the price of the Neo. Other Surface models have seen even bigger price rises: anywhere from $300 to $500. Meanwhile, Apples laptop prices remain the same. Is Microsoft changing its approach from affordable to premium price? Seems like an odd way to compete with the MacBook Neo.

Seriously, though, Microsofts prices are really a result of the rising cost of RAM and other components. Other computer and phone companies are raising prices, too, and its gotten so bad that Samsung wasnt able to sell its RAM to Samsung last December.

What about Apple? Why hasnt Apple raised its prices? Apple signs long-term deals with suppliers, allowing it to lock in prices, so for a while at least, Apple can maintain its price points. However, its possible those contacts arent long enough to weather this pricing storm. During its first-quarter 2026 financial results announcement last January, Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company was in a supply chase mode and is experiencing supply constraints like the rest of the industry. He did not state if prices would be affected.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple will do what it can to maintain prices; the short-term hit to its bottom line could be worth it for long-term growth. But the supply constraints arent showing any signs of letting up, so its possible that we could see higher prices for products Apple is scheduled to release later this year, such as the touchscreen MacBook Pro and the iPhone 18 Pro. So, get those barbs in to your PC-loving buddies while you can, because things could change later this year.
THE tactics by some of the cost of fuel protestors in blocking fuel depots and roads was criticised by some Mayo councillors who claimed it was an affront to democracy.

Members of Mayo County Council debated the cost of fuel protests which occurred across Ireland last week for close to 90 minutes with the majority backing the decision by farmers and hauliers to protest against the cost of fuel.

However, some of the actions of the protesters including the blocking of fuel depots was criticised by a number of councillors who claimed that it had frightened people.

Fine Gael councillor Michael Burke told the meeting that he knew some of the people involved in the protest but believed some of the actions were a disgrace.

There were some people involved who should hang their heads very low. I accept that there were the most decent people fighting for their cause but they were also absolutely taken over in the last 48 hours by people who did not belong to the farming community and have no place in Ireland.

READ: Minister Dillon says fuel package aimed at supporting families and jobs

We have a democracy in this country and we stand under our flag with great pride but what we don't do is go around shouting traitors in this town in Castlebar. It was a disgrace that anyone would say those comments about any elected representative no matter what party and people do not like that.

There is no member of my farming community that would ever be associated with that and we need to be careful when protesting that we have some control on it, he said.

His party colleague, Cllr Peter Flynn also expressed concern at the level of abuse directed at politicians by some protesters.

I never experienced as much anger as last week and it is unfounded. There is so much anger among people who are genuinely worried but we have gone a step too far with this, he said.

The Westport-based councillor said that events in the Middle East means there is little the Irish Government can do and suggested the anger should be directed at Israel and the USA.

America and Israel need to back off and allow peace to evolve and get back to a scenario where their world is stabilised.

My appeal to people angered about this is to please consider the consequences. We don't want people not being able to get to hospital appointments and don't want our carers wondering whether they can come in and older people wondering what will happen tomorrow. There is so much at stake here.

Certainly voice your opinion and talk to your TD and senator but I am appealing to you to pull off the protesting the way it is working now. It is not doing anyone any favours. We need to protect democracy and do the right thing, he said.

Fianna Fail councillor Michael Loftus said he agreed with the principle of why the protests were taking place but expressed disappointment in which the protests escalated.

Demonstrations are a right we have in this country but the sad thing for me was the day they blocked the oil terminals. I disagreed because what they did was frighten so many people in this country. How many of you here queued up for diesel and petrol? It was frightening to see the panic that was in our communities and that is when I had a problem, he said.

The Crossmolina-based councillor also criticised the abuse which members of An Garda Siochana faced by some members of the public and commended the restraint they showed.

If I was a member of the guards I would have hit them personally but they have the training not to do so. I agree with the motion but the protest took a wrong turn.

The protest has taken a turn and people will go against them and I beg them to think and let the democratic process take over.
Fuel protests are continuing to grow across Mayo, with organisers reporting thousands of people now involved in demonstrations across the region and plans emerging for a major national protest at the Dail in mid to late April.



Gerry Tighe, who is something of an accidental organiser, found himself coordinating the Mayo protests after posting a single comment on a national protest groups Facebook page asking whether anything was planned for the county. He was promptly asked to set up a WhatsApp group, and events moved quickly from there.

READ MORE: Mayo Fianna Fail councillor says government needs to start listening to people on the ground



The scale of organisation has since mushroomed. With so many protests running simultaneously, Tighe says he is receiving upwards of 50 to 60 messages per minute, draining his phone battery twice in a single day. What began as a group of around 200 people ahead of last Tuesdays protest has since fractured and multiplied into a network of thousands. As the numbers grew, separate groups began to establish for Castlebar, Westport, Foxford, Ballina, Ballinrobe and Swinford, with each organising their own local demonstrations.



Protesters met with Minister of State Alan Dillon outside his office in Castlebar on Monday morning.



A breakaway group then took part in a moving protest of trucks, tractors and cabins through Westport on Monday afternoon.

Explosion in numbers

Tighe attributes much of the surge in numbers to the governments response to the early protests. When footage circulated online of gardai and armed forces confronting protesters  including images of farmers being dragged from tractors and protesters being pepper-sprayed  public anger intensified sharply. The Mayo WhatsApp group maxed out at 1,000 members within three hours of the footage spreading, and overflow groups were quickly established.



At the minute, we have our Mayo grouping is maxed at one thousand members on WhatsApp, our second overflow group is at 650ish, our Castlebar group and Westport groups both have over 700 members and our Foxford group is at 400 and theres still other independent groups setting up from that. There is a Ballina WhatsApp group has in the region of 700 members.



The protesters core demands centre on the rising cost of fuel, with particular anger directed at the absence of any cuts to home heating oil. Tighe described the governments announcement of relief measures as insulting, noting that kerosene prices had risen by between 85 and 100 per cent yet received no meaningful attention in the package. "People just simply cant afford to heat their homes," he said, adding that many households are conserving what oil they have and waiting in hope that prices will eventually fall.

Tighe has repeatedly called on the government to engage directly with those on the ground rather than negotiating with farming and haulage representative bodies. He argued that the Irish Farmers Association and the Irish Road Haulage Association had actually discouraged their members from joining the protests, making any deal brokered with those organisations meaningless to the demonstrators. "If you dont know what some group is looking for, how do you propose something?" he said. "Come to the table. Ask us what were looking for."



He described the supports announced by the government on Sunday as  insulting to the people, insulting to the farmers, insulting to the hauliers.

Smear campaign

When asked about the impact of the protests, with many forecourts in Mayo running dry, he told The Mayo News that were not here to destroy everybodys lives and shut everything down. Were here to make a point that people of Ireland and the people of Mayo are pushed to our limits. For agriculture contractors and farmers, its no longer sustainable for them at the current fuel prices.



The government has tried to spin this and to blacklist protesters in every way they can. Instead of trying to engage with the protesters, they have engaged in a smear campaign.



John Lynskey, Chair of the IFA in Mayo, acknowledged that the protests had helped motivate the government to act, though he said the concessions fell short, with nothing agreed on fertiliser costs. He rejected suggestions that the IFA does not represent the full range of people affected, noting that agricultural contractors  who use significant volumes of diesel  are represented within the organisations structures. He said the IFA had also attempted to bring protesters into the government talks.



Organisers say the protests will continue and are spreading on an almost hourly basis to smaller towns and villages across Mayo. Plans are already circulating for a national demonstration at the Dail, with a target of 150,000 participants, though no firm date has been confirmed beyond a broad window of mid to late April.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
A fascinating insight into the commercial and social history of Westport will be presented at a special talk next week examining the story of one of the towns longest-standing family businesses.

Hosted by Westport Civic Trust, the event will take place on Tuesday, April 21 at 8pm in the Walnut Suite of the Westport Plaza Hotel.

Historian John Mulloy will deliver a talk on the history of the Mulloy family, who operated as merchants in Westport from 1762 until 1995. Over six generations, the family ran their business from No. 8 Shop Street, navigating major historical upheavals including rebellion, famine, war and economic depression.

The presentation will explore how the Mulloys adapted to changing economic conditions over more than two centuries, offering a unique lens on the evolution of trade and capitalism in Ireland.

Beginning in the late 18th century, the talk will examine the period of so-called war capitalism, when commerce was closely tied to imperial expansion. During this time, powerful local landlords such as the Browne family of Westport House dominated economic life in the region, while smaller families like the Mulloys carved out a place within an emerging Catholic middle class.

READ MORE: Mayo County Council accused of ignoring legal requirements when entering Murrisk Greenway lands

The lecture will also highlight the resilience of the family during the Great Famine, particularly the role of Mary Mulloy, who took over the business in 1851 at the age of 34 following her husbands death, raising six children while steering the enterprise through one of the most difficult periods in Irish history.

As the 19th century progressed, the Mulloys expanded into coal and timber trading, linking local markets in Mayo with international supply networks, particularly through Baltic trade routes. Their business evolved to include processing and joinery, securing contracts linked to railways, workhouses and relief projects.

The talk will also examine the challenges faced by the family in balancing commercial success with involvement in nationalist politics, as well as the broader social tensions of the time.

Following Irish independence, changes in trade and transport gradually undermined the viability of the business, particularly as activity at Westport Quay declined. By the late 20th century, globalisation and shifting economic models led to the closure of the shop in the 1990s.

Organisers say the event will not only tell the story of a single family, but also reflect the wider economic and social transformation of Co. Mayo over more than 200 years.

The talk is expected to attract strong interest from those interested in local history, heritage and the development of commerce in the west of Ireland.

READ MORE: Mayo town event to explore future of Irelands small towns
A fresh slate of OTT releases is all set to hit your screens, bringing with it a mix of engaging and diverse storytelling. From high-octane action to heartfelt dramas and lighthearted comedies, this weeks lineup promises something for every kind of viewer. Here are the Major OTT Releases of this Week, From April 13 to 19 Euphoria S3  April 15 OTT: Jio Hotstar One of the most critically acclaimed series, Euphoria, is gearing up for its third season, bringing back Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and several familiar faces.

 Jio Hotstar The new season reportedly follows Rue navigating life as a drug mule near the Mexican border, while Nate and Cassie are shown as a married couple living in the suburbs, and Jules is pursuing a path in the arts. Toaster  April 15 OTT: Netflix This upcoming dark comedy-thriller, Bhool Chuk Maaf, stars Rajkummar Rao as Ramakant, a miserly man obsessed with saving every penny.

 Netflix The narrative unfolds as he finds himself caught in a bizarre and chaotic loop. The film also features Sanya Malhotra as his wife. Assi  April 17 OTT: Zee5 Anubhav Sinhas courtroom drama Thappad 2 revolves around Raavi, played by Taapsee Pannu, a determined lawyer who takes up a harrowing rape case.

 Benaras Media Works The story follows Parima, a school teacher who is gang-raped and left on railway tracks in Delhi. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into her trauma and the intense legal battle led by Raavi to seek justice, while also shedding light on deep-rooted systemic failures within the system. Matka King  April 17 OTT: Amazon Prime Video

 Amazon Prime Video Vijay Varma will be seen in the upcoming crime drama series Matka King, where he plays Brij Bhatti, a sharp, ambitious cotton trader who rises from poverty to become a powerful force in Mumbais illegal gambling network during the 1960s. Do Deewane Seher Mein  April 17 OTT: Netflix Starring Mrunal Thakur and Siddhant Chaturvedi, this film explores an urban love story and the characters emotional journey as they navigate personal insecurities, including stuttering and an inferiority complex, while finding connection and self-acceptance.

 Bhansali Productions This film was a commercial failure upon its OTT release. Roommates  April 17 OTT: Netflix Starring Sadie Sandler and Chloe East, the drama The Outskirts follows two young women whose unlikely friendship quickly takes a turbulent turn.

 Netflix What begins as a connection soon spirals into a tense and chaotic dynamic, capturing the raw, messy realities of college life. Ustaad Bhagat Singh  April 16 OTT: Netflix Pawan Kalyan-starrer Ustaad Bhagat Singh hit theatres on March 19 and is now gearing up for its digital premiere. Directed by Harish Shankar, the Telugu drama received a mixed response upon release.
Producer Namit Malhotra underscored the global relevance of Indias epic Ramayana at CinemaCon 2026 in Los Angeles, even as the year sees major releases like Dune: Part Three and The Odyssey. He noted that global audiences today are drawn to stories that offer a sense of novelty and excitement, elements he believes Ramayana naturally delivers.

 Prime Focus Studios Joined by Yash, who essays the role of Ravana, Malhotra addressed how the team is reimagining an ancient narrative for contemporary viewers. He emphasised that the storys timeless themes allow it to transcend eras, while the films scale and treatment are being crafted to resonate with international audiences in 2026. In a conversation with Fadango, Namit Malhotra said, What is interesting, and it was a perspective I actually heard from someone in America itself - it was like - You are bringing us the first story of the world or the first story of the universe, but it's something we don't know much about. So, it's almost like you are telling us a timeless story, but it's actually... we are going to discover it for the first time.

He added, There's a lot of freshness and excitement towards it. Obviously, every Indian, their heart beats with this story. All of us, our parents, our grandparents, generations before us - have all learned the Ramayana, heard the Ramayana, experienced it in various different forms. It's very interesting to sort of bring something with that big screen spectacle, but with the heart that every Indian cares about to the world. That I think is very, very relevant. Drawing comparisons with large-scale epics like Dune: Part Three, starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, and Christopher Nolans The Odyssey, Namit Malhotra shared his perspective on evolving audience preferences. With all the other epics that you just mentioned, the audiences in cinemas want to see something that is new and different. Their mindset is a lot more open to consuming different types of stories. I think we've all seen enough of the same fare. But I think now it's about what new can we bring?
Photo from the Laker Elementary School student showcase held in March 2026. Courtesy of Traci Weisenbach Phot from the book fair during the Laker Middle School and High School student showcase held in March 2026. Courtesy of Traci Weisenbach Photo from the Laker Middle School and High School student showcase held in March 2026. Courtesy of Traci Weisenbach Photo from the Laker Elementary School student showcase held in March 2026. Courtesy of Traci Weisenbach

In late March, Laker Schools hosted two student showcases. One event focused on the middle and high schools, and the other event focused on the elementary school. Student projects from all academic areas were displayed at both showcases.

At the middle and high schools, student presenters were on hand to talk about the projects. In addition, elementary students visited the middle school to tour the student project displays and listen to the middle school student presenters.

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Mark Birdsall has been the assistant editor of the Huron Daily Tribune since April 2022. Mark was first hired by the Tribune in the summer of 2019 to serve as sports editor. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Huron County and shut down high school sports in March 2020, Mark made a temporary move to news and officially joined the newsroom as a reporter in July 2021.

He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in print journalism from Grand Valley State University, where he was editor of the student newspaper, The Lanthorn.

Mark can be reached by phone at 989-623-3188 or by email at mark.birdsall@hearstnp.com.
Dow CEO Jim Fitterling and Chief Inclusion Officer Karen Carter speak during the closing ceremony of the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Midland Country Club. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) Dow CFO & President Howard Ungerleider, left, and CEO Jim Fitterling high five during opening bell ceremonies of the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. This week, Dow officially became one of three spinoff companies from the former DowDuPont. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) Dow Chairman and CEO Jim Fitterling answers a question during an interview with the Midland Daily News. Dow Dow CEO Jim Fitterling gives a speach at the the Great Lakes Bay Invatational on July 16, 2022 at the Midland Country Club. Andrew Mullin/Midland Daily News Jim Fitterling, right, and Alex Lee, left, chat with other guests during Great Lakes Bay Pride's Together in Pride fundraiser event Thursday, March 10, 2022 at the Midland Country Club. Katy Kildee/Midland Daily News Dow CEO Jim Fitterling introduces the Harmony Diversity Choir to sing during the Dow GLBI opening ceremony, during which Amy and Abby Wilson hit the ceremonial opening drives Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at the Midland Country Club. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) Dow CEO Jim Fitterling speaks during a Media Day event for the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational Monday, June 14, 2021 at the Midland Country Club. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) Dow Chairman and CEO Jim Fitterling, right, encourages brothers Matt Brodhag, left, and Jack Brodhag, center, as they solve challenges in the NAM Creators Wanted Immersive Experience Escape Room on Wednesday at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational at the Midland Country Club. David Bohrer Dow CEO Jim Fitterling speaks during a Media Day event for the upcoming Great Lakes Bay Invitational on Monday, June 24, 2019 at the Midland Country Club. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer exits after speaking during a press conference Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Dow Diamond in Midland, where she announced all outdoor capacity limits will be lifted across the state after June 1. Whitmer was joined by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Midland Mayor Maureen Donker, Dow CEO Jim Fitterling, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance President Matthew Felan and Great Lakes Loons President Chris Mundhenk. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) Dow CEO Jim Fitterling speaks during a press conference Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Dow Diamond in Midland, where Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced all outdoor capacity limits will be lifted across the state after June 1. Whitmer was also joined by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Midland Mayor Maureen Donker, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance President Matthew Felan and Great Lakes Loons President Chris Mundhenk. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) Jim Fitterling, chief executive officer of Dow, left, greets Bill Schuette, right, before the grand opening of the Sylvia Stoesser Center on the Willard H. Dow Campus Monday, Jan. 13, 2020 in Midland. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) Jim Fitterling, chief executive officer of Dow, right, chats with Jimmy E. Greene, left, before the grand opening of the Sylvia Stoesser Center on the Willard H. Dow Campus Monday, Jan. 13, 2020 in Midland. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) Dow Chemical Company CEO Jim Fitterling applauds during a celebration of Midland's downtown streetscape on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at The H Hotel. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) Dow CEO Jim Fitterling tees off during the opening ceremony of the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at Midland Country Club. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net)

After more than four decades with Dow Inc. and nearly eight years as its chief executive, Jim Fitterling will step down from the CEO role on July 1, 2026, transitioning to executive chair of the companys board in a leadership shuffle that marks the end of a defining era for the Midland-based chemical giant.

Dow announced that Karen S. Carter, currently the companys chief operating officer, will succeed Fitterling as CEO.

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The move comes as the company navigates both long-term strategic shifts and more recent financial challenges.

Fitterling, 64, has served as CEO since July 2018 and as board chair since April 2020. During that time, he has overseen a significant transformation of Dows business model, steering it away from lower-margin commodity chemicals and toward higher-growth, consumer-driven markets emphasizing innovation and sustainability.

Under his leadership, Dow positioned itself as a materials science company focused on advanced applications, with 2025 sales totaling about $40 billion.

Jim has played a central role in reshaping Dows portfolio and culture, the company said in its announcement Tuesday, highlighting his focus on innovation, customer-centric strategies and sustainability initiatives.

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Fitterlings tenure traces back to one of the most consequential periods in Dows history: the merger with DuPont and the subsequent breakup of DowDuPont into three independent companies in 2019: Dow, DuPont, and Corteva Agriscience.

As chief operating officer of DowDuPonts materials science division, Fitterling helped guide the separation that ultimately re-established Dow as a standalone, publicly traded company.

A mechanical engineering graduate of the University of Missouri, Fitterling joined Dow in 1984 and rose through the ranks in roles spanning sales, marketing, operations and executive leadership. His career included multiple international assignments, particularly in Asia, where he led business operations in Thailand, Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.

In addition to business transformation, Fitterling became known for his advocacy on diversity and inclusion. He has been widely recognized for promoting workplace equality, earning honors such as the top spot on the OUTstanding in Business list in 2018 and induction into the OUTstanding Hall of Fame in 2021.

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Fitterling also helped launch several high-profile sustainability efforts, including Dows participation as a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste in 2019. The initiative brought together global companies to address environmental concerns tied to plastic pollution, a growing issue for the chemical sector.

Locally, Fitterling maintained a visible presence in the Great Lakes Bay Region, particularly through Dows sponsorship of community events such as the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, an LPGA tournament in Midland since 2019.

At the inaugural event, he emphasized the companys commitment to community engagement and regional partnerships, crediting local organizations and volunteers for the tournaments success.

Weve really scored a hit, Fitterling said at the time, pointing to the economic and charitable impact of the tournament.

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Carter, who will take over as CEO, has been closely involved in the companys operations and strategy and is expected to provide continuity while addressing ongoing challenges. She will be the first person of color and woman to serve as CEO. Her appointment also reflects Dows emphasis on internal leadership development.

For Fitterling, the transition to executive chair will allow him to remain involved in guiding the companys long-term direction while stepping back from day-to-day management. The company emphasized that the announcement is the culmination of a multi-year succession planning process.

Jim has led the company through a period of significant transformation while strengthening Dows strategy, culture and long-term positioning," said Richard Davis, Dows Independent Lead Director. "We are equally pleased to congratulate Karen on her appointment as CEO. She is a disciplined, highly respected leader with a deep understanding of Dows businesses and customers. This appointment reflects our confidence in her ability to lead Dow forward into its next chapter of growth and value creation for customers, employees and shareholders.

The latter part of Fitterlings tenure has been marked by mounting financial pressures and market instability.

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Dow is currently facing three federal securities lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan alleging that the company and several top executives, including Fitterling and Carter, misled investors about the impact of tariffs and weakening global demand on its business. The plaintiffs accuse Dow executives of presenting an overly optimistic outlook, citing statements made between January and July 2025 that emphasized the companys financial flexibility and resilience.

The legal complaints point to a sharp downturn in July 2025, when Dow reported a larger-than-expected quarterly loss and cut its dividend in half. The announcement triggered a one-day stock drop of more than 17%.

Shares, which had traded near $31 earlier that year, fell to about $25 following the disclosure.

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Update: This article was updated at 12:01 p.m. April 15, 2026 to include additional details on the estimated number of fish that died.

About 75% of the steelhead that had been gathered in holding ponds for the annual egg collection week at the Little Manistee River Weir have died.

Many of the steelhead that had been collected in holding ponds for egg collection week at the Little Manistee River Weir died after thunderstorms on April 13-14, 2026 caused a power failure at the facility. Arielle Breen/Manistee News Advocate Many of the steelhead that had been collected in holding ponds for egg collection week at the Little Manistee River Weir died after thunderstorms on April 13-14, 2026 caused a power failure at the facility. Arielle Breen/Manistee News Advocate The Little Manistee River Weir Egg Collection Facility is located at 3858-4664 Old Stronach Road in Stronach Township. Arielle Breen/Manistee News Advocate The Little Manistee River Weir Egg Collection Facility is located at 3858-4664 Old Stronach Road in Stronach Township. Arielle Breen/Manistee News Advocate

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported that thunderstorms caused electrical damage Monday night and caused a power failure at the weir facility, resulting in the loss of the fish.

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Randy Claramunt, fisheries division chief, said in a news release that no question, this loss of steelhead right before egg collection is a substantial setback.

This is disappointing to our staff, many of whom are anglers and care deeply about this fishery, but they are working quickly to collect eggs from the live fish at the weir to try to meet our needs for steelhead stocking next year, Claramunt said in the release.

In an interview with the News Advocate, Claramunt noted that staff believe the issue came from a lightning strike since the weir has a backup generator and a system to notify staff, but all of those services "were taken out."

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"That led to basically a catastrophic loss of steelhead," he said.

Claramunt said the weir has lost power in the past but never "to this magnitude."

"We've lost power at facilities where we hold fish  that's always a risk, right," he said. "Again, you try to build the redundancies you try to build the backup. But to have something like this where it takes out your generator and the emergency system to notify staff that there's a problem, that to me is a suggestion that it's something like a lightning strike."

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Steelhead egg collection was scheduled to start Tuesday.

This electrical damage not only affected the main source of power, but also the backup power source and the notification system that alerts staff to power failures, the release says. Without power, the systems that sustained the fish were inoperable, resulting in the loss of many of the fish held in the facility at the time.

An estimated 1,756 steelhead died.

The weirs main power source and three of the four pumps have been restored and are now functional; one pump is inoperable and will need repairs, the release states. The effect this loss will have on steelhead egg collection for this season is still unknown."

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Claramunt emphasized that the weir is the only location in the state for steelhead egg collection, saying that there are no other facilities they could move operations to rely on as backup in a situation such as this.

Egg collection is expected to continue as planned for the remaining live fish. There are about 13-15 DNR staff who will be assisting with the collection.

For close to 60 years, the weir has been the only source for winter-run steelhead eggs for fish hatcheries in Michigan. It is also the main source for Ohio and Indiana hatcheries.

The Little Manistee River Weir is the exclusive source of steelhead in Michigan, as well as the primary source for neighboring states, and the planned egg collection quota was 4.6 million eggs, reads part of the release.

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The egg collection process is open to the public and is expected to take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Friday and resume April 2122 as needed.

To check on the status of the egg-collection schedule, call the Little Manistee River Weir hotline at 231-775-9727, then press 8.
The Osceola County Board of Commissioners approved an Intergovernmental Agreement to provide equalization services to Mecosta County during its meeting April 7. Pioneer photos/Cathie Crew

The Osceola County Board of Commissioners approved an Intergovernmental Agreement between Osceola County and Mecosta County for equalization services during its meeting April 7.

Per the agreement, Osceola County agrees to provide through its Equalization Department "a certified assessor to act as the Mecosta County Equalization Director for the duties and supervision required by Michigan law to be performed by an Equalization Director."

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Services will include preparing the annual apportionment report; representing Mecosta County at the State Tax Tribunal; appraisals of real and personal property; compiling annual appraisal reports; and preparing annual equalization reports.

As part of the agreement, Mecosta County will maintain its equalization staff to assist in inspections, data entry and appraisals.

The agreement is effective May 1 for a term of 12 months.

Current Mecosta County Equalization Director, Shila Kiander, accepted the position with Osceola County and will be leaving her current position on April 24.

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Osceola County Administrator Tim Ladd told the board that following the hiring of Shila Kiander as Equalization Director, Mecosta County reached out to him about the possibility of Kiander serving both counties.

Mecosta County reached out and is interested an intergovernmental agreement with us to contract back those services," Ladd said. "So, Shila would maintain the position of Equalization Director for Mecosta County, as well as serving in that position for Osceola County.

Mecosta County Administrator MindyTaylor said in an email that when they looked at other counties similar in size, they found that some were using a contract equalization director.

I felt like this was the best option that would save both counties money without a disruption of service, Taylor said. I wrote the contract to start May 1 to make the dates easier to work with over time.

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Ladd explained that to make the agreement workable, Osceola County will need to hire another part-time employee in the equalization department to assist with the equalization duties.

Based on the level of license that Shila holds, she would be unable to fulfill the duties of both counties due to the total tax value that each county would have added together, Ladd said. In order to make this work we will need to agree to bring on another licensed equalization certified assessor to help, reducing the tax roll by allowing Shila to sign for one county and the other person to sign for the other county.

Ladd said that per the agreement, Mecosta County would pay Osceola County $65,000 a year, in quarterly installments of $16,250 each.

We could bring on a part time individual for around $25,000 per year, leaving the county with $40,000 in additional revenue, he said. (This) individual could assist the equalization department in assessing and review of appraisals, work on various reports for both counties, as well as assisting with technology in both counties.

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He explained that they have an individual in mind, who is currently contracted by the software company BS&A, which all the counties in Michigan use for assessing and appraisals.



He is working with them to iron out all of the issues with the equalization software to be able to take that live in the cloud because we are moving in that direction, Ladd said.

Some commissioners expressed concern that by contracting with Mecosta County, Kiander would be pulled away from her duties with Osceola County.

If we are able to hire someone immediately, who can assist with technology, reviews and other various tasks, I believe we could offer this service, Kiander said. We would have to set some office hours and can be flexible with that. My job can be done not necessarily sitting in my office. I could be reached by phone, by email, however they need to, so it wouldnt necessarily pull me away from my work here.

Ladd said they were fortunate to be able to get Kiander as the equalization director and he thinks the agreement is a win-win for both counties.

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We are fortunate that Shila wanted to come back to the county she lives in, Ladd said. She is top-notch. Her work is fantastic. If anyone can make this work for both counties, she can. I think this is a win-win for us not only because we are getting a great equalization director to replace a great equalization director, who is retiring, but also because we are going to receive some additional financial benefit from this as well.

He added that the agreement may also offer an opportunity to begin educating other individuals to be able to eventually serve as an equalization director.

I started in the equalization department in 1989, and was so thankful for that opportunity, Kiander said. I would love to be able to offer that opportunity to others if we can find people from our county that want to learn. Its a great opportunity to bring someone up and teach them how to do this job.

Kiander said that she is excited to be returning to Osceola County where she began her career and where she hopes to finish her career.

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I see my job here as the end of my career, and I want to have a succession plan, she said. I want to be able to build it with this technology, with knowledge, and be able to have an office that will run (smoothly) when I leave. If it helps Mecosta County and we can do the same thing there, thats a benefit to them. It is a great opportunity to show other counties what the possibilities are.

The board also approved the Personnel and Administration Committee to develop a job description for the part time position to be brought back to the full board for approval.

The Mecosta County Board of Commissioners will address the Intergovernmental Agreement during its meeting April 16.
Michigan cold case solved as DNA identifies suspect in Sheri Jo Elliott killing. Olivier Le Moal/Getty Images/iStockphoto

More than four decades after 16-year-old Sheri Jo Elliott vanished while waiting for her school bus in mid-Michigan, Michigan State Police say they have identified the man responsible for her kidnapping and death, closing a case that remained unsolved since 1983.

The breakthrough, made possible by advances in DNA technology, brings long-awaited answers to her family and the community.

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Investigators say Elliott was last seen waiting for the bus and was reported missing after she failed to return home from school on Nov. 16, 1983, in Flint.

Sheri Jo Elliott. Michigan State Police

For days, community members and local authorities scoured the area in search of Elliott. Her body was discovered along a rural road in Blumfield Township, Saginaw County, four days later.

Police said Elliott suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and investigators determined she had been sexually assaulted.

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In 2023, detectives reopened the investigation and reexamined evidence using modern forensic techniques, overcoming limitations that hindered the original investigation in 1983.

In cooperation with the MSP Forensic Science Division and Othram Labs, investigators used forensic-grade genome sequencing to develop a profile of an unknown suspect. That work led detectives to Roni Collins, 75, of Grand Blanc.

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In January 2026, Collins died by suicide, preventing investigators from obtaining a voluntary DNA sample. However, DNA collected during his autopsy was later matched to evidence from 1983, identifying him as responsible, according to MSP.
Unionville-Sebewaing Area Schools seeks voter approval May 5 for a 1.1-mill sinking fund projected to raise $392,000 a year. Katy Snodgrass/Huron Daily Tribune

Unionville-Sebewaing Area Schools will hold a May 5 election on a proposal to approve a new sinking fund millage that school officials say will replace the expiring rate without raising it.

The proposal seeks to authorize a 1.1-mill levy, matching the rate of the millage expiring at the end of the year. If approved, it would allow USA Schools to fund needs outside the general fund, such as building repairs, instructional technology and transportation upgrades.

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"This is not an increase," Superintendent Josh Hahn reiterated. "We are looking to levy the same amount that we did the previous 10 years that our taxpayers are currently paying."

A sinking fund is a local property tax that homeowners and property owners in a school district pay to help cover certain school-related costs.

Heres how the district predicts the proposed millage would affect property taxes if approved:

According to the school districts website, the proposal is projected to generate $392,000 annually for 10 years for district improvements.

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Although USA Schools previously had a 10-year sinking fund at the same rate, the district cannot legally call this a renewal. Hahn said thats because the funds purpose has changed, as state law now allows it to be used for transportation, security and technology projects.

"The state has expanded the language," he said. "So the ballot can't say 'renewal', but the rate itself is staying the same."

Some of the projects include purchasing new buses and transportation vans, updating building lighting and covering general maintenance needs that dont fit within the districts general fund.

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"Theres always a need to maintain what you have, so (it's best) if we can chip away at projects as years go on, rather than waiting 10 or 20 years to ask for a bond," Hahn said. "So this money goes directly toward that rather than having to repay bonds and doesn't take away from students."

However, if the proposal were to fail, Hahn said the district would likely put the proposal back on the ballot in August and November if necessary since the current mill expires this December.

The vote will take place inside the USA auditorium on Tuesday, May 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As for communication with the community, Hahn said USA Schools has shared information in several ways.

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Weve sent out information to parents, put things on our website and Ive been speaking to local organizations," he said. Were also planning a mailing to all residents with information about where to vote and what the proposal would fund.

Hahn said he feels confident about the new levy passing since the district is not asking for an increase and the community is generally supportive of the school.

We appreciate the communitys support and hope it turns out positive on May 5," Hahn said.

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How does U.S. Marine Corps' 2026 strategy balance crisis response with modernization for the future?

Thats the theme of the 2026 USMC Aviation Plan (AVPLAN). Published in February, it outlines the strategic vision, key capabilities and future direction for Marine Corps Aviation, aiming to enhance readiness and address emerging threats.

The 2026 AVPLAN has been described by officials as a significant evolution from 2025, transitioning from strategic direction to a more concrete, data-driven implementation that introduces more defined, measurable and time-bound initiatives including developing capabilities critical to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and leveraging Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) to generate an advantage over adversaries.

Like other services, the Marines through the latest AVPLAN is leveraging its strategic goals to translate into warfighting prowess.

Balancing crisis response is exactly what is going on in the Middle East or anywhere, Lt. Col Marianne LOB Carlson, a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and planner of aviation vision and strategy with the Cunningham Group, told Military.com. We are remaining globally responsive to crises around the world, and that is the Marine Corps' bread and butter. We are the global 911 force.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. James Turner, a Pennsylvania native, AH-1Z Viper pilot with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), climbs in an AH-1Z Viper during a simulated personnel recovery exercise as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 2-26 at Combat Village, near Yuma, Arizona, April 4, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Fabian Ortiz)

Carlson, a UH-1Y pilot who has spent the last years in the Marines, was assigned last summer as a head Marine Corps aviation strategist.

How do we remain postured to respond to any crisis while also modernizing for the future fight? That is a delicate balance, but I think one that the AVPLAN spells out, she said. One of the purposes of the AVPLAN is to give a comprehensive look at how we're going to do bothhow we are going to respond anywhere around the world, but also look at transforming for the next-generation sites, wherever that may be.

What is Project Eagle?

One of the core tenets of the AVPLAN is to remain lethal yet modernized. That is being pushed through a framework known as Project Eagle.

According to the plan, Project Eagle guides Marine aviation toward a future force that is more survivable, more distributed, more data-enabled, and more lethal across the Range Of Military Operations (ROMO). It has been described as the connective tissue between strategic guidance and platform-level programs.

The framework falls under the commandants service modernization efforts, establishing the strategic path for Marine Aviation across three Future Years Defense Programs (FYDPs) while enabling the Marine Corps to translate operational requirements into deliberate, long-term modernization.

Cargo is prepared to be released from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules during an air delivery practical application as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 2-26 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, April 2, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. DeMontae Stovall)

The AVPLAN is aided by five main lines of effort (LOEs): Concepts, Functions, Transformation & Innovation, Resourcing and Roadmaps.

Project Eagle sets or looks to set conditions for how marine aviation can be resilient, sustainable, persistent and lethal across the range of military operations, Carlson said. And then those five LOEs support our ability to do that.

LOE One is probably, in my mind, the most important because that is the operational North Star for everything that we're trying to do in Marine Corps aviation, specifically our operational concepts, Distributed Aviation Operations and Decision-Centric Aviation Operations.

Distributed aviation operations, according to Carlson, is Marine aviation's physical posture in austere environments over vast distances. Decision-Centric Aviation Operations, on the other hand, is essentially the cognitive framework for how Marines will achieve decision advantage in those environments.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment Hellraisers, 3rd Mobile Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, conduct sling load operations with two Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs) transported by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade after departing Wheeler Army Airfield en route to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, March 29, 2026. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Austin Paredes)

Functions come into play and are continually evaluated, flourishing through three different lines of operation: dynamic aviation supply, predictive maintenance, and optimized operations.

Basically, how do we free up the cognitive space for Marines through back-office processes, through logistics, through sustainment, to allow Marines more bandwidth to free up their brain for decisions only humans can make? she said, adding that artificial intelligence, for example, can turn mundane processes into battlefield advantages.

Resourcing plays into the present and future. Carlson said that translates into long-term plans extending through the year 2040 and beyond, managing budgetary constraints to enable a transition to the next-generation aviation combat element. Roadmaps dictate various plans to achieve that reality.

Planning in an Uncertain World

A lot goes into planning and creating a broad framework such as the AVPLAN, though Carlson acknowledged that past plans used to exceed 300 pages and have become much more digestible over time.

Due to the number of individuals and groups that partake in the process, along with uncertainties at different levels of government and beyond, it can be a tall task. However, the main objectives tend to remain consistent.

We know the budget changes every year, but just because the budget changes and it ebbs and flows doesn't mean we lose focus on our ultimate goal, Carlson said. That's why having a long-term strategy and a vision is important for any organization.

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Darrell Agustin, assigned to San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), lands a CH-53E Super Stallion with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during flight deck operations in the Pacific Ocean, March 28, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Rodriguez)

Our acquisition timelines for platforms are generally longer in aviation.  So, we look out that far to see where we need to go. We look at the future threats, we look at the future operational environment, we look at national joint strategic documents and narratives, and we say, Hey, like based off how the future is changing or expects to change, how do we need to transform ourselves between now and then?

Project Eagle is the rallying flag pushing that momentum, a stake in the ground in the future that creates a unified vision for long-term success.

The 2026 AVPLAN differs from the 2025 plan in multiple ways, too, such as upgrading the F-35 and CH-53K programs within the next five years while focusing more on next-gen platformsspecifically the future attack strike capability, the aerial logistics connectors, some future weaponeer-ing, and unmanned expeditionary platforms or future unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Role of AI in Tech, Warfighting

AI plays a giant role in not just the AVPLAN or across the U.S. military, but in everyday tasks worldwide.

Carlson said that the exponential growth of AI technology is forcing us, encouraging us, enabling us to move very quickly. Due to the ubiquity of the still emerging technologies, Marines are centering their focus right now on aviation sustainment.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time, she said. Our initial bites are on those very narrow use cases, being aviation supply, aircraft maintenance and operations.

That translates into better understanding data management, whether in an F-35 or KC-130. That involves data structuring, data access, data ownership, cleansing the data, aggregating the data in a way that's consumable and can be applied to an AI model.

Various AI tools, be it for maintenance, supply, operations or safety, are underneath a singular AI agent known affectionately as Agent Alfred, in honor of Alfred A. Cunningham, the first Marine aviator.

Aviation Electricians Mate 1st Class Corie Wooldridge, assigned Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), gives training on 3D printing software to U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Simon Quilacio, an avionics electrician assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163 (Reinforced), in the ships calibration lab, April 2, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dustin Drake)

The goal is to get to a place where the Marines have a user interface in their offices, aircraft, on the flight line and in supply warehouses where Marines can interface with Alfred and ultimately free up some bandwidth for decision-making that only humans can make.

But if I can make a Marine more efficient in ordering a part, in fixing an aircraft, in creating a schedule or a training plan, then that's one step closer to achieving decision advantage in a future operational environment or battlefield.

Carlson, however, highlighted the dichotomy between AI and human intelligence. More specifically, wider concerns about computers and robots taking over military operations may be more science fiction at the moment than a reality that many people fear.

Technology is an enabler, it is and it always will be, Carlson said. But at the end of the day, war is a human endeavor. Fighting is a clash of human wills. We'll never, in my personal opinion, have robot wars because you'll always have a human as part of that.

But technology enables fighters to overcome each other's wills, she added, and likely faster, more efficiently and more effectivelywhether that's an AI agent, an advanced platform, advanced weaponry, a computer, a tank, an airplane or GPS.

Those have all enabled warfighting, but it won't replace the human because to war is to war, she added. To fight is a human endeavor.
A new federal class-action lawsuit accuses a company of taking advantage of disabled veterans and their spouses, charging upwards of $20,000 for Veterans Affairs (VA) claims as part of alleged deceptive practices.

The Pensacola, Fla.-headquartered law firm Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz (AWKO) filed the case on April 10 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, alongside co-counsel Bradley/Grombacher and Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, P.C. They allege that Florida-based companies Trajector, Inc. and Trajector Medical, LLC, performed services on veterans behalf, such as assistance with the preparation of VA disability claims, without proper VA accreditation and in violation of federal law.

The 58-page complaint also accuses Trajector of charging exorbitant fees that go beyond what can be charged by VA accredited representatives who assist with claim preparation, ranging between $4,500 to more than $20,000.

Something had to be done to stop these people from taking unfair advantage of these veterans, Jennifer Byrd, head of AWKOs VA disability practice, told Military.com. At the end of the day, this lawsuit exposes this business model that unlawfully charges veterans thousands of dollars for help with VA disability claims that federal law already requires to be provided free of charge.

Anyone that's an accredited agent cannot charge for an initial claim. The whole reason that VA disability benefits exist is because these veterans were either injured or disabled while they're serving our country. They deserve our respect.

The lawsuit claims that Trajector charged upwards of $20,000 for Veterans Affairs (VA) claims as part of alleged deceptive practices. (Sgt. 1st Class Javier Orona)

Byrd admitted that the number of veterans represented in the suit is unknown, though estimated that the true number may be in the hundreds, into the thousands, to hundreds of thousands.

Steve Zenofsky, a company spokesperson, rejected the accusations made in the suit.

The complaint is without merit, and the company intends to defend itself vigorously, Zenofsky told Military.com.

Details of Lawsuit

The litigation alleges that the defendants engage in unfair and deceptive trade practices and predatory collection practices in their unlawful scheme, adding that Trajectory allegedly systematically took advantage of them throughout the VA disability claims process by intentionally ignoring federal regulations and laws which are designed to protect Veterans from overcharging claim sharks.

Trajector Medicals website describes its personnel as medical evidence experts who identify current medical conditions and key linking disabilities that may have been previously overlooked or underdiagnosed. They provide support packets, to a veteran or their attorney or representative, tailored to the associated medical conditions.

The process, according to Trajector, involves collecting medical symptoms from records and consultations; mapping symptoms to potential overlooked or underdiagnosed conditions; assessing severity or variable impairment level of potential disabilities as well as disability onset dates; and discovering causal factors of disabilities using published medical research.

But according to the plaintiffs, Trajector failed to inform veterans that comparable assistance is available at no cost through VA-accredited organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Past Warnings for Claims Processes

The issue goes back years, Byrd said, alluding to a warning from the VA's Office of General Counsel (VA OGA).

According to the suit, on June 29, 2017, the VA OGC sent a cease-and-desist letter to Trajector stating that it may be engaged in illegal activities, which include the unauthorized preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for VA benefits, as well as charging claimants for your services.

That letter purportedly detailed Trajector Medicals lack of accreditation and lack of any lawful basis to charge veterans fees for assisting them in the preparation, presentation and prosecution of their VA claims.

Trajectors conduct violated VA standards of conduct prohibiting accredited individuals from engaging in conduct involving fraud, deceit, misrepresentation or dishonesty, per the letterwhich ended with [t]herefore, you and your organization are prohibited by law from representing veterans before VA.

Trajector disputes the allegations, touting online reviews and its medical experts who purportedly don't charge clients just for claims. (Maj. Jeku Arce)

That was followed by another 12-page cease-and-desist letter in January 2022 that explicitly warned that Trajectors practices violated federal law and threatened referral to law enforcement.

It really got bad in 2022 after the PACT Act was passed that included so many presumptive conditions that really made this business model that they have even more egregious because all these veterans had to do were file these claims and the VA would have presumptively granted them without them having to pay a fee to anybody, Byrd said.

She said she filed many of those claims herself, knowing that I wasn't going to get paid because it's what you should do when you represent veterans like this.

At its core, this is about holding predatory companies accountable and stopping this exploitation of our veterans. I mean, we can't get it done legislatively. Hopefully one day they'll get around to it. But until then, this has to happen. Its got to stop.

Personal Information Collected on Veterans

The lawsuit also accuses Trajectory, as part of their unlawful enterprise, of employing an automated calling system known as CallBot that repeatedly calls VA hotlines using veterans personal information including names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth to access and monitor veterans private, confidential disability benefits compensation information without adequate consent or disclosure.

Byrd said that when a benefit is increased, Trajector "immediately triggers billing and aggressive and severely predatory collection efforts.

So, when you have veterans that are already struggling with PTSD, TBIs, severe musculoskeletal issues, and then they have to have this constant monitoring, contacting and financial pressure, it makes their problems even worse," she said.

The main gist of this is that Trajector used unfair practices, they didn't disclose these people could get these things for free, and then they turned around and aggressively went after them and threatened legal action and credit problems that they never actually were going to go through with. It was truly just a threat," Byrd added.

Zenofsky defended the company, telling Military.com that Trajector Medical is a private medicalevidence company that doesnt file VA claims.

Our fees are only for independent medical evidence that veterans ask us to prepare. Federal law allows veterans to use private medical evidence and requires the VA to consider competent reports from qualified, nonVA providers.

He said those aforementioned Trajector licensed medical professionals help veterans document diagnoses, service connection, and symptom severity for their VA disability claims.

Our fees are for that medicalevidence worknever for filing a claim, he added. Veterans decide which claims to file with the VA, and they pay us only if their VA disability benefits increase based on the evidence we helped them develop.

He also touted the companys online reviews as proof of happy customers.

Today, we have a 4.6star Google rating based on nearly 14,000 reviews, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureauwhich reflects the experiences of many of the veterans we serve, he said.

Byrd retorted that online reviews are not gospel and can be manipulated, saying that Trajector goes beyond offering independent medical opinions and prepares, presents forms and validates themwhich is unorthodox.

I think all of that will easily come out in the discovery process, she said.
ISLAMABAD  The standoff between the United States and Iran deepened Tuesday as the U.S. declared it had blockaded Iran's ports, Tehran threatened to strike targets across the region, and Pakistan said it was racing to bring the sides together for more talks.

Though last week's ceasefire appeared to hold, the showdown over the Strait of Hormuz risked reigniting hostilities and deepening the region-wide war's economic fallout.

Talks aimed at permanently ending the conflict  which began Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran  failed to produce an agreement last weekend, though Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round in the coming days.

Two Pakistani officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the matter with the media, said that the first talks were part of an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a one-off effort.

Two U.S. officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic negotiations, said on Monday that discussions were still underway about a new round of talks. They said that the venue, timing and composition of the delegations hadn't been decided, but that talks could happen Thursday.

The war, now in its seventh week, has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as a great deal of shipping has been cut off and airstrikes have torn through military and civilian infrastructure across the region.

The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,000 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen U.S. service members have also been killed.

Tanker reported rounding the corner

The blockade is intended to pressure Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil, mostly to Asia, since the war began. Much of it has likely been carried by so-called dark transits that evade sanctions and oversight, providing cash flow thats been vital to keeping Iran running.

Both the nature of enforcement and the extent to which ships will comply remained unclear during its first full day in effect on Tuesday. Tankers approaching the strait on Monday turned around shortly after it took effect, though one turned around and transited the waterway early Tuesday.

The tanker Rich Starry had been waiting off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to shipping data firm Lloyds List, which cited data from the energy cargo-tracking firm Vortexa. It wasn't immediately clear whether the Rich Starry had earlier docked in Iran. Yet it is listed by the U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control as linked to Iranian shipping.

Lloyds List, citing ship registry and tracking data, reported that it's owned by a Chinese shipping company and ultimately bound for China.

U.S. Central Command didn't immediately respond to questions about the vessel after it cleared the 21-mile-wide (nearly 34-kilometer) waterway. A day earlier, it said that the blockade applied to vessels going to and from Iranian ports.

Since the start of the war, Iran has curtailed maritime traffic, with most commercial vessels avoiding the waterway.

Irans effective closure of the strait, through which a fifth of global oil transits in peacetime, has sent oil prices skyrocketing, pushing up the cost of gasoline, food and other basic goods far beyond the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said that Iran's control of the strait amounted to blackmail and extortion as the U.S. blockade took effect. He said in a social media post that Irans navy had been "completely obliterated, but still had fast attack ships.

He warned that if any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED."

Iran threatened to retaliate against Persian Gulf ports if attacked.

If you fight, we will fight," Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a statement addressed to Trump.

Israel and Lebanon scheduled for talks

Meanwhile, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon were set to begin in Washington on Tuesday, the first such negotiations in decades.

Israel has pressed ahead with its air and ground campaign since last weeks ceasefire in Iran, insisting that it doesn't apply to fighting in Lebanon. It has, however, halted strikes in the country's capital since April 8, after a deadly bombardment that hit several crowded commercial and residential areas in central Beirut. It sparked an international outcry and threats by Iran that it would end the ceasefire.

After more than a year of near-daily strikes in southern Lebanon, Israel escalated its offensive in the early days of the war following Hezbollah launching rockets into Israel. The fighting has carved a path of destruction from agricultural towns near the border to Beirut, killing more than 2,000 people and displacing in excess of 1 million others, according to Lebanese authorities.

The talks are expected to be preliminary, focused on setting parameters rather than resolving core issues. Lebanese officials have pushed for a ceasefire, while Israel has framed the negotiations around Hezbollahs disarmament and a potential peace deal, without publicly committing to halting hostilities or withdrawing its forces.

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 and said on Monday that it won't abide by any agreements that may result from the talks.

___

Sam Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank. Aamer Madhani and Matthew Lee in Washington, and Farnoush Amiri at the United Nations, contributed to this report.
Lebanon is set to begin U.S.-hosted negotiations with Israel in an effort to pause a war with Hezbollah thats wreaking havoc in the country.

While they will mark the first direct talks between the two Middle Eastern countries in more than three decades, few officials expect an immediate positive outcome. A sustained war in Lebanon risks undermining U.S. President Donald Trumps attempt to wind down a parallel conflict with Iran, the main sponsor of Hezbollah, thats sent oil and other energy prices soaring.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the negotiations amid pressure from Washington. That came after the Israeli military escalated its campaign against Hezbollah shortly after Washington and Tehran agreed to a two-week ceasefire. Israels massive strikes across much of Lebanon on April 8 killed more than 350 people, according to the Lebanese government, prompting criticism from Arab and European governments.

Israel claims the majority of those killed were Hezbollah commanders and fighters hiding in civilian areas, though Lebanon says many bodies are still under rubble and havent been identified. Lebanese authorities say many of the victims were children.

Trump said he called Netanyahu after the strikes and that the Israeli leader agreed to de-escalate the offensive.

A major obstacle in the talks is that Israel and Lebanon are not directly fighting each other, and Hezbollah  a political party thats also one of the worlds most powerful militant groups  hasnt been invited to the discussions. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and many other governments.

If we just put Hezbollah to the side and just Israel and Lebanon negotiate peace, then two months, three months, weve got a complete peace agreement, Yechiel Leiter, Israels ambassador to the U.S., told CBS News ahead of his meeting with Lebanese counterpart Nada Hamadeh. They will be joined by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Israel invaded Lebanon last month after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in solidarity with Iran, then under an intense U.S.-Israeli bombardment.

Israels offensive has killed more than 2,000 people in Lebanon and displaced at least a million, according to the Lebanese government, while destroying parts of Beirut and scores of villages and towns in the south of the country. Israel has said it will take control of large swaths of southern Lebanon and prevent more than 600,000 residents from returning so as to create a buffer zone near the countries border.

Two Israeli civilians and thirteen soldiers have been killed in the fighting with Hezbollah. The thousands of Hezbollah attacks have forced many northern Israelis into shelters on a frequent basis.

There is now an available opportunity to reach a sustainable solution, which is what Lebanon wants, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said late Monday, referring to talks with Israel. But this cannot be one-sided. Israel must respond to the Lebanese, Arab, and international calls to stop its aggressions against Lebanon.

Hezbollahs strikes on Israel ended a fragile ceasefire between the Islamist group and the Jewish state that began in late 2024. The Lebanese government pledged to disarm Hezbollah as part of that agreement, though hasnt done so, a source of deep frustration for Netanyahu and his government.

The last time Lebanon and Israel directly negotiated peace was in 1993 as part of the post- Madrid Peace Conference activities. Those talks failed and the countries still dont formally recognize one another.

The U.S. mediated the truce between Israel and Hezbollah in 2024, after a two-month conflict between the sides that devastated swaths of Lebanon and severely weakened the military group. Two years before that, in indirect talks brokered by Washington, Israel and Lebanon agreed to demarcate their maritime borders as part of attempts to exploit offshore natural gas reserves.

With the latest negotiations, Lebanon wants a ceasefire before discussing longer-term issues. Netanyahu, for his part, has refused to pause attacks on Hezbollah and demanded the group first lays down arms.

If the Lebanese government doesnt face down Hezbollah, the Lebanese government will have to face down Israel, Avi Dichter, a member of the Israeli Cabinet, told the countrys Channel 12 TV network this week.

Iran wanted Lebanon to be included in its own ceasefire with the U.S. and Israel. Peace negotiations between the U.S. and Iran concluded in Pakistan on Sunday without a deal, though this was more to do with disagreements over Irans nuclear program.

Hezbollah, despite being battered in the 2024 war with Israel, is still heavily armed and has sought to cast this weeks talks as a national betrayal. While many Lebanese resent the group for restarting conflict with Israel last month, it retains plenty of support among Shiites in the country.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qasem said the government in Lebanon was giving free concessions to Israel and said any deal required consensus among the Lebanese.

He also said that Israel needs to stop its attacks and withdraw from south Lebanon. Qasem vowed that the resistance would continue until its last breath.

There are fears in Lebanon that Hezbollah will look to thwart the talks and try to overthrow the government. Hundreds of the groups supporters protested over the weekend against the talks with Israel.

Lebanons Industry Minister Joe Issa El-Khoury said theres no evidence Hezbollah is preparing to topple the government but the group has used such tactics before.

Hezbollah is, in a way, cornered between a military war held by Israel and the fact that the government took the initiative in triggering a diplomatic step with the Israelis, El-Khoury told Bloomberg TV.

Even if the talks succeed and a peace treaty between the Israeli and Lebanese governments is signed, a scenario where Hezbollah would surrender its arms remains far fetched. The group has deep ideological and strategic ties to Irans theocratic rulers and powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which see Hezbollah as a line of defense against Israel.

Starting negotiations and a peace deal are two very different things, said Joseph Daher, author of Hezbollah: The Political Economy of Lebanons Party of God. Without the fall of the Islamic Republic of Iran, its very hard to see Hezbollah surrendering its arms.

--------

With assistance from Joumanna Bercetche.

___

2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  The Mexican government on Tuesday protested the number of its citizens who have died in U.S. custody as President Claudia Sheinbaum pushes back against U.S. President Donald Trump s policies on multiple fronts.

The progressive Mexican leader has walked a careful line with Trump for more than a year, addressing provocations with a measured tone and meeting U.S. requests to crack down on criminal cartels more so than her predecessors, in an effort to offset threats of tariffs and U.S. military action against the gangs.

But in the wake of mounting deaths of Mexican citizens in custody of immigration officials and the Trump administrations decision to impose an energy blockade on Cuba  a key Mexican ally  Sheinbaum has taken a harder line.

Weve seen the president raise her tone, said Palmira Tapia, an analyst for Mexicos Center for Economic Research and Teaching. Theres been a shift, and weve seen Sheinbaum be more vocal than before.

Deaths in ICE custody

Sheinbaum's latest rebuke came on Tuesday, a day after 49-year-old Mexican citizen Alejandro Cabrera Clemente died in a detention center in Louisiana of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, the fifteenth death of a Mexican citizen in U.S. custody in little over a year.

Mexico's government quickly called the deaths unacceptable and the ICE detention centers "incompatible with human rights standards and the protection of life.

The next morning, during a press briefing Sheinbaum added that she requested investigations into the deaths of the 15 migrants, but hasn't received a response and instructed Mexican consuls to visit detention centers daily.

We are going to defend Mexicans at every level, Sheinbaum said, adding that there are many Mexicans whose only crime is not having papers.

Her government already said it would file a legal brief supporting a lawsuit by detainees over poor conditions in detention centers and would raise the detainee deaths with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. On Tuesday, she added that her government was also considering appealing to the United Nations.

The moves by Sheinbaum's government come on top of mounting disapproval in the U.S. of Trump's immigration enforcement. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Trump has gone too far in sending federal immigration agents into American cities, according to a February AP-NORC poll.

Growing dissatisfaction around ICE activities in the United States creates a more comfortable platform for members of the Mexican government to raise concerns about the fate of Mexican citizens, said Carin Zissis, Washington interim director of the Council of the Americas.

A cool head

Sheinbaum has maintained what she has described as a cool head to provocations by Trump, who has exerted more pressure on Latin America than any U.S. leader in decades. In just a few months, the Trump administration deposed Venezuela's president, imposed an oil blockade on Cuba and threatened military intervention against Mexican cartels.

She has to balance maintaining a strong relationship with Trump while repeatedly stressing Mexico's sovereignty to appease her own base. Her measured responses resemble that of a lawyer rather than the head of Mexicos most powerful populist political movement.

Her government has come down harder on cartels than her predecessor and sent dozens of cartel members to the U.S. Meanwhile, Mexican economic officials have routinely traveled to Washington to bolster relations ahead of renegotiations of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, free trade agreement.

While Trump has taken public jabs at Sheinbaum  at one point suggesting cartels have greater control over Mexico than her government  he's also regularly made nods to their amicable relationship.

She is really a nice person, I like her a lot, he said last month, proceeding to imitate the Mexican leader in a high voice.

Divide over Cuba

But shifting geopolitics in the region, and the mounting deaths in ICE facilities, have also opened the door for Sheinbaum to take a firmer stance.

The main point of contention between the two governments has been Cuba. Solidarity with the U.S. adversary has been a cornerstone of Mexicos political ethos since the Cuban revolution, which Fidel Castro, Ernesto Che Guevara and a group of exiles famously planned while in Mexico City. It's a particular sticking point with her progressive Morena party, whose founder ushered Sheinbaum into office.

The relationship hit a hurdle in late January, when Trump announced he would slap tariffs on any country that sends oil to Cuba. The move directly impacted Mexico, which for years has shipped oil to Cuba.

While Sheinbaum reluctantly paused oil shipments to Cuba, she has continued to challenge the Trump administration's push for regime change.

Mexico has every right to send fuel, whether for humanitarian or commercial reasons, Sheinbaum said earlier this week, adding that the government has treaded carefully because it doesn't want tariffs to hurt Mexico.

She has described Trump's energy blockade of Cuba as unjust and accused the U.S. government of suffocating Cubans with sanctions. The Mexican leader has sent shipments of food and other aid, and even donated $1,000 of her own money to relief efforts in a symbolic gesture.

For her, the defense of Cuba also means the defense of Mexico, Tapia said.

Even then, the moves by the Mexican leader have raised eyebrows in Washington.

Sheinbaum recently announced that her country would continue to have Cuban doctors work in the country, diverging from other nations in Central America and the Caribbean that have ended their programs in the face of U.S. pressure.

It was met with veiled threats from the Trump administration, which pointed to visa restrictions imposed on Central American officials with ties to what U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to as a forced labor scheme.

The White House offered no comment on Tuesday about Sheinbaum's tougher stances, nor did it comment on the rising number of deaths of Mexican nationals in ICE custody.

Greater leverage

Sheinbaum's recently bolder tone suggests a calculation that her administration can push back on some politically important fronts as long as they also are making progress on strengthening trade and meeting Trump administration requests on security and migration, Zissis said.

At the same time, surging energy prices due to the Iran war have made the U.S. more dependent on allies in Mexico, she and other analysts said, prompting Washington to walk back from any drastic moves against Mexican cartels or Cuba, at least in the short term.

Were at a moment where, due to global events, were facing different economic uncertainties. That gives the U.S. and Mexico more reason to work together," she said.



Associated Press journalist Will Weissert contributed to this report from Washington D.C.
Rep. Tony Gonzales, a former Navy cryptologic technician who built his political profile on national security and border issues, said Monday that he will retire from Congress after political pressure following a public affair.

His announcement came hours after Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democrat and longtime member of the House Intelligence Committee, said he would resign amid separate allegations of sexual misconductclaims he has denied. Swalwell was also a candidate for California governor.

The back-to-back developments mark a rare moment on Capitol Hill, with two sitting lawmakers from opposing parties stepping down within hours of each other as ethics scrutiny intensifies in the House. Their decisions leave an already slim Republican majority at greater peril months ahead of the midterm elections.

Military.com reached out for comment to Gonzales office, House leadership, the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee, Texas state officials and outside analysts.

Fallout Forces Exit

Gonzales decision follows weeks of escalating pressure tied to allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a congressional staffer.

In early March, Gonzales publicly acknowledged an affair, prompting swift backlash within the Republican conference and calls from party leaders for him to drop his reelection bidwhich he did within a day.

Retired Navy Master Chief and U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX-23) presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition to retired Force Master Chief Paul St. Sauver of Veterans Resource Team at the Defense Health Agencys (DHA) Medical Education and Training Campus. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NMFSC Public Affairs/Released)

The situation escalated further when the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct and granted special treatment to a staff member.

Additional allegations involving a second staffer surfaced in April, widening the controversy as lawmakers from both parties began discussing the possibility of an expulsion voteone of the most severe actions available to the House. Just six congress members have ever been expelled, the most recent being former New York GOP Rep. George Santos.

Against that backdrop, Gonzales move to retire is widely seen as an effort to step aside before lawmakers are forced to act.

California gubernatorial candidate, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., appears at a town hall meeting in Sacramento, Calif., Tuesday, April 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Swalwells resignation followed a separate set of allegations involving sexual misconduct. Although the California Democrat denied claims, pressure mounted in recent days, including calls from members of his own party to step down.

Swalwell, who served in Congress since 2013 and sat on the Intelligence Committee, had been a high-profile figure in national security and oversight matters.

From Uniform to Capitol Hill

First elected in 2020, Gonzales represented Texas 23rd Congressional Districta vast border seat that spans more than 800 miles of the southern U.S.-Mexico border. He built much of his political identity around national security, immigration and border policy.

Gonzales served 20 years in the Navy, rose to Master Chief Petty Officer and deployed in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan before coming to Congress.

That background carried into his congressional work. He pushed for a bigger military family separation payment after Congress approved the increase but the Pentagon did not implement it.

He pressed Navy leaders over sailor housing after deaths at a troubled private complex. He weighed in this year on Pentagon efforts tied to cartel drone threats near the border.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division Commander, Col. George Walter, second from left, participated in a groundbreaking for the new El Paso VA Health Care System health care center on Fort Bliss. (Patrick Adelmann/U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District)

At times, he also broke with his party, drawing praise from some corners and criticism from othersincluding a censure by the Texas Republican Party in 2023 after votes on gun safety and same-sex marriage legislation.

Gonzales said he will formally file his retirement when Congress returns, though the exact timing of his departure remains unclear.

Once the seat is officially vacant, Texas law requires the governor to call a special election. The race is expected to draw national attention, given the districts competitive nature and narrow margins in the House.
The United States is moving to broker the first direct Israel-Lebanon talks, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to host both sides in Washington as tensions surge, according to multiple reports.

The move marks a rapid escalation in U.S. involvement, shifting from behind-the-scenes outreach to direct mediation as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies and pressure builds to prevent a wider war.

Military.com reached out for comment to the State Department, White House, Israeli and Lebanese officials, and international organizations.

Early signs of U.S. involvement emerged over the weekend when Rubio briefly appeared at a preparatory meeting between Lebanese and Israeli representatives, according to Lebanese broadcaster LBCI. The appearance lasted only minutes and at the time appeared largely symbolic.

Within roughly 48 hours, that moment has taken on new weight. What appeared to be a fleeting drop-in now aligns with a broader U.S. push to shape the talks.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio gestures as he speaks to the press following a G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting with Partner Countries at the Bourget airport in Le Bourget, outside Paris, Friday, March 27, 2026. (Brendan Smialowski/Pool Photo via AP)

However, there isn't big appetite on the side of Hezbollah.

Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of Hezbollahs political council, told the Associated Press in a rare international media interview on the eve of expected talkswhich represent the first time in decades that envoys from Lebanon and Israel will meet face-to-face in direct talksthat they are "not interested in or concerned with them at all."

We are not bound by what they agree to, Safa added, speaking next to a cemetery as an Israeli drone buzzed overhead.

Spiking Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Forces Diplomacy

Mounting violence along the Israel-Lebanon border is driving the diplomatic push.

Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah retaliation earlier this month escalated the conflict, raising fears of a broader regional war and forcing urgent efforts to open communication channels.

U.S. military activity across the region has also intensified in recent weeks, including operations targeting Iran-backed groups, adding pressure to contain the conflict diplomatically.

A woman reacts at the site of a damaged residential building after it was struck by a projectile fired from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel Monday, April 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

The diplomatic push comes as U.S. operations in the region intensify, including a recent mission to recover a downed American airman behind enemy lines.

By April 10, Lebanese and Israeli officials had begun initial contacts, marking the first steps toward potential negotiations after days of cross-border attacks. A preparatory session followed, laying the groundwork for the Washington talks now being organized by the United States.

Historic Israel-Lebanon Talks Set in Washington

The planned meeting carries significant geopolitical weight, bringing Israeli and Lebanese officials into rare direct contact despite the two countries having no formal diplomatic relations. Any engagement between the sides is highly sensitive and politically fraught, particularly amid ongoing fighting along the border.

The Washington talks are expected to center on ceasefire conditions, border security and the role of Hezbollah, as well as broader efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

The decision to host the negotiations in Washington underscores a shift in U.S. posture, with the administration moving to actively shape the outcome and contain the risk of a wider regional war.

Deep political divisions inside Lebanon are adding volatility to the diplomatic push, with factions split over whether to engage in talks with Israel as fighting continues along the border.

Wafiq Safa, senior Hezbollah political council member, gestures as he speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Beirut, Monday, April 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Hezbollah-aligned groups and their political allies have publicly opposed negotiations that sideline the militant group, warning of potential security consequences, according to regional reporting.

The pressure has already had tangible effects. Lebanons prime minister recently canceled a planned trip to Washington amid security concerns tied to the talks, according to multiple reports.

The timeline underscores how rapidly that transition unfolded.

Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah intensified in early April, raising fears of a broader conflict. By April 9 and 10, Lebanese and Israeli officials had begun initial contacts. A preparatory meeting followed on April 12, where Rubio briefly appeared. Within 24 hours, the United States moved to host direct talks in Washington.

Major questions remain unresolved, including whether Israel and Lebanon are willing to commit to sustained negotiations. Also, whether Hezbollaha dominant military and political force in Lebanonwould be addressed in any agreement.
World War II veteran Glenn Fisher has lived a long, rewarding life. Hes set to turn 100 later this year. However, something very important is missing  the Purple Heart Fisher said he earned 80 years ago.

Fighting with the Army along Europes Rhine River in 1945, Fisher was struck by shrapnel, with a piece breaking off and staying in his body for decades. Wounded in combat, Fisher figured he would receive his Purple Heart sometime after World War II. It never arrived.

Fisher applied for the medal about 45 years ago but never received a response from government officials. He made another attempt in 2010, but still no medal. Knocking on the door to 100, and knowing his time is limited, Fisher hopes his story will generate public interest and he will finally receive his Purple Heart.

Its something that I laid down my life for, its something that Ive earned, and its something I should be presented, Fisher told WLKY in Louisville.

Fisher joined the war effort in 1943, signing up for the Army at just 16 years old. In September 1944, Fisher was sent to England, before moving on to Utah Beach, France and the Netherlands, where he was wounded by German soldiers during the Rhine River Crossing in March 1945.

They were shooting so many rounds, and it was an airburst and the thing goes off about 20 feet off the ground and slings 100 or some pieces of shrapnel, Fisher recalls. Well, one of them hit me.

Two soldiers in his unit died. Fisher was among the 14 injured. His injury was documented, but the official date was listed incorrectly.

They put that I was there in June or something, he said. And that cant be possible.

Jeff Thoke, center, has worked with Glenn Fisher to obtain his Purple Heart. (Facebook)

Securing Evidence, Paperwork

Fisher had surgery three years ago when doctors spotted the eight-decade-old shrapnel still lodged in his body.

It was hard to tell them what exactly happened to me, but it was kind of fascinating that I carried that, Fisher said.

His medical team removed the shrapnel and gave it to him, but the veteran has since lost the piece.

Close friend Jeff Thoke, whos worked with Fisher to try to obtain his Purple Heart, said losing the shrapnel was a tough blow because any piece of evidence they can provide to the federal government helps his chances of receiving his long-awaited medal.

Thoke does have official Army documentation of Fisher getting hospitalized in 1945, being discharged, and re-hospitalized a few months later, suffering complications from a re-infected wound.

However, they have no documentation from the day he was wounded.

We have a lot of circumstantial evidence, but we dont have anything saying Glenn was wounded; thats the issue, Thoke said.

But Thoke and Fisher are keeping their fingers crossed that they have enough material showing the veteran deserves a Purple Heart. Thoke has requested the Army interview Fisher in person so he can substantiate his story.

With his 100th birthday looming, it could be the coveted birthday gift hes longed for for 80 years.
An Army Ranger who fought through D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Inchon, escaped enemy captivity twice and was wounded two dozen times across two wars has died at 106.

Thomas Edward "Tommy" Gwynn, known throughout his adopted hometown of Tullahoma, Tennessee, as "the greatest Ranger that ever was," died Monday, April 6, at the Life Care Center there, according to an obituary issued by Kilgore Funeral Home. He was two months from his 107th birthday and was the town's oldest resident.

By the time he left the military, Gwynn had earned a battlefield commission, a dozen Purple Hearts and later earned a French military award for valor.

From Moscow, Tennessee, to the Army Rangers

Gwynn was born June 2, 1919, in Moscow, a farming town in Fayette County east of Memphis. He enlisted in 1941 and, two years later, earned a spot with the U.S. Army Rangers, the light infantry force activated in 1942 under Maj. William O. Darby.

Gwynn shipped to England with his unit in 1943 and waded ashore at Normandy on June 6, 1944. He marked the date as a second birthday every year afterward, telling the Moore County News he celebrated it because he survived.

From the beachhead, Gwynn pushed east through the Allied breakout, fought through the snowy Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge and reached the Elbe River on May 8, 1945, the day Germany surrendered. He came home that November.

In 1950, he was called back to service and shipped to Korea, where he took part in the Sept. 15 amphibious landing at Inchon, Gen. Douglas MacArthur's flanking strike against North Korean forces.

On two separate occasions during the Korean campaign, enemy troops took him prisoner. Both times, he broke out and returned to American lines.

Troops called him "Little Horse" for his speed and stamina under fire. He also earned a battlefield promotion to first lieutenant.

By the war's end, Gwynn had been wounded 24 times.

"When bullets are flying, there is no pain," he later said.

He credited his faith and physical conditioning for carrying him through the conflict.

His decorations included two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, 12 Purple Hearts, the Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze clusters, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Prisoner of War Medal. The number of Purple Hearts alone places Gwynn among the most-decorated American combat veterans of his generation and in history.

France awarded him a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, its highest order of merit, conferred in a Nov. 7, 2012, letter from then-President Francois Hollande for Gwynn's role in the 1944 liberation of France.

A 2013 fire at his Tullahoma home destroyed many of the original medals. Replacements were issued in the years that followed.

A Quiet Life and a Final Salute

After returning from Korea, Gwynn owned and operated Gwynn Appliance Repair in Tullahoma, served as a jail minister and remained a longtime member of First Baptist Church in town. He became a familiar figure around Tullahoma well into old age, handing out donuts, candy and small bags of food to neighbors and strangers alike.

Beginning in 2019, the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and the Tullahoma community began throwing him an annual birthday party. Last June, the city's mayor proclaimed June 2, 2025, as "Tommy Gwynn Day."

When asked about the secret to his longevity at his 106th birthday celebration, Gwynn said, "Always smile and have a good heart."

Thomas "Tommy" Gwynn at a birthday celebration hosted by the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and the Tullahoma community. (VA)

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Gwynn; his son, Thomas Gwynn Jr.; his daughter, Julia Gwynn; his parents, Garland Ray and Lula Mae Tacker Gwynn; his brother, John Albert Gwynn; and three sisters, Edna Myers Lucas, Frances Davis and Mary Beard Boldreghini. He is survived by two nephews, Claude Jones and Vernon Jones.

Visitation is set for Wednesday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kilgore Funeral Home, 215 Mitchell Blvd. in Tullahoma. A service will follow at 1 p.m., officiated by Dr. J. Herbert Hester. Burial with full military honors will take place at Bethany Cemetery in Normandy, Tennessee.

The town where the greatest Ranger that ever was will be laid to rest shares its name with the stretch of French coast he stormed ashore at over 80 years ago.
A weekend fundraiser raised hundreds of dollars to support veterans, high school students, and to help bring home the remains of a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier originally from Rochester, Minnesota, who was killed in the Vietnam War in 1971.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart Lloyd Swenson Chapter 7110 and the POW/MIA Riders Association of Rochester hosted the Heroes Among Us fundraiser on April 10 at the Rochester VFW club. A silent auction, a LIVE auction and a 50/50 raffle were held along with hors d'oeuvres and refreshments to raise money for veterans in need, fund scholarships for graduating high school seniors, and to support the fund to bring Sgt. Allen Lloyds remains home.

Rochester, MN VFW hall holds fundraiser for veterans, students and to bring home a local soldier's remains from the Vietnam War. (Harry Kerr/Rochester VFW).

We do it every other year for funding, all of the funding stays in the greater Rochester area for veterans and their families, said Harry Kerr, a retired Army command sergeant major and chaplain of the POW/MIA Riders Association of Rochester, in an interview with Military.com. As a community, we honor our veterans and never forget our POWs, especially Sgt. Lloyd.

Born on February 21, 1949, Sgt. Allen Lloyd was drafted into the Army in 1969 and sent to Vietnam in 1970, according to a biography posted to the website FallenHeroPortraits.com. The site reads, Just three days before his 22nd birthday, Allen Richard Lloyd lost his life in the Vietnam War. Allen was one of the missing men of RT Intruder, a team that performed highly classified, strategic reconnaissance and interdiction missions along the Ho Chi Min Trail.

Portrait of Sgt. Allen Lloyd commissioned by the Lloyd-Swenson Chapter 7110 Military Order of the Purple Heart of Rochester MN on honor of the fallen soldier whose remains are still missing in Vietnam. (Rochester VFW).

More than 50 years later, Sgt. Lloyds family and the VFW community are still trying to orchestrate the return of his remains.

He was Green Beret. Weve been working on it for two years with Senator Amy Klobuchars office and the Department of War, said Kerr. We have the coordinates of where he went down and we have witnesses. Were working hard to bring his remains home.

The Vietnam mission involving Sgt. Lloyd and his command team were described as extremely dangerous, with heavy enemy fire, rough terrain and weather conditions. Ultimately, Sgt. Lloyds helicopter with five other soldiers onboard crashed.

To this day, Sgt. Lloyds remains and those of his comrades have not been recovered.

The powers that be at that time decided that because their helicopters were getting hit with so much firepower, they were ordered not to go back and risk more lives, said Kerr. But with fundraisers and help from our elected officials in Minnesota and in Washington, our hope is to bring Sgt. Lloyd home along with the others.

The veterans community in Rochester has not forgotten Sgt. Lloyd. In April of 2016, the Rochester Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) was named the Lloyd-Swenson Chapter 7110 MOPH, honoring Sgt. Lloyd and another local fallen hero, Corporal Curtis Swenson, who lost his life in Afghanistan. In addition, a portrait of Sgt, LLoyd was commissioned and given to his sister, Mary Lloyd.

Our motto is never forget and weve added on never give up. To bring one family member home at a time, said Kerr. If were able to bring him home, well have one heck of a welcome home party!

Harry Kerr, a retired Army command sergeant major and chaplain of the POW/MIA Riders Association of Rochester, pictured with others at veterans' fundraiser (Harry Kerr/Rochester VFW).

Military.com reached Kerr by phone at the VFW hall just as the fundraiser was getting underway on Saturday. In the background, the crowd could be heard gathering and celebrating their common cause  to help those in need, to raise scholarship money for deserving students from the area, and to fund the recovery effort for Sgt. Lloyd.

What a wonderful turnout for our Heroes Among Us fundraiser, in conjunction with the Military Order Of The Purple Heart - Lloyd Swenson #7110, reads the organizations Facebook page. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donors and sponsors, volunteers and committee members!
Six days after Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa raided the border town of Columbus, New Mexico, in 1916, killing 17 Americans, Brig. Gen. John J. Pershing led 6,600 troops across the border in what became the last major U.S. cavalry operation, the first use of motorized vehicles and aircraft in American military combat, and the training ground that prepared a generation of officers for the Western Front.

The Raid That Started It

At roughly 4 a.m. March 9, 1916, approximately 500 Villistas, followers of Villa, attacked Columbus and Camp Furlong, the small Army post garrisoned by elements of the 13th Cavalry Regiment. Villa had turned against the United States after President Wilson recognized his rival Venustiano Carranza as Mexicos leader. In January, Villas men had executed 16 American mining employees aboard a train at Santa Isabel, Chihuahua. The Columbus raid was the escalation that forced Wilsons hand. Troopers from the 13th Cavalry drove the raiders back across the border, killing dozens in the pursuit, but the damage was done: A foreign force had attacked American soil for the first time since the War of 1812.

Read More: 'Bring Our Boys Home': The Daring Raid That Rescued 500 POWs From Behind Japanese Lines

The Expedition

Pershing organized his force into a provisional division of three brigades with four cavalry regiments, two infantry regiments and horse artillery. They crossed the border in two columns from Columbus and Culbersons Ranch and established a main base of operations at Colonia Dublan by March 17. The 1st Aero Squadron, equipped with eight Curtiss JN-3 Jenny biplanes, flew the first aerial reconnaissance missions in U.S. military history from Columbus on March 16. Truck convoys replaced mule trains for supply, marking the first use of motorized logistics in an American military operation.

Villa had a six-day head start and the advantage of terrain where he had lived his entire life. His forces scattered into the Sierra Madre. Pershing maintained a mobile headquarters of 30 men using a Dodge touring car and aircraft as messengers, pushing his cavalry columns deep into Chihuahua. On March 29, after a 55-mile night march through snowy mountains, Col. George A. Dodds cavalry caught a Villista contingent at Guerrero. The Battle of Guerrero was the expeditions most successful engagement: Dodds men killed or wounded 75 Villistas while suffering only five lightly wounded. Over the first two months, the expedition made a dozen successful contacts with Villista groups, killing 169 fighters who had participated in the Columbus raid.

Read More: The Noble Train: How a Boston Bookseller Saved the Revolution

What It Cost and What It Built

Pershing never caught Villa. The expedition stretched 11 months and eventually involved 10,000 troops, penetrating more than 500 miles into Mexican territory. Tensions with the Carranza government nearly boiled into open war when Mexican troops attacked the 10th Cavalrys Buffalo Soldiers at Carrizal on June 21, 1916. By January 1917, with war in Europe looming, Wilson ordered the withdrawal. The last American troops crossed back into the United States on Feb. 5, 1917. Two months later, the country entered World War I.

The expedition failed at its stated objective but succeeded at something no one planned. The officers who chased Villa across the desert went on to lead armies across Europe and the Pacific. Pershing commanded the American Expeditionary Forces in France. A young lieutenant named George Patton, who killed two of Villas officers in a gunfight at a ranch and strapped their bodies to the hoods of his touring cars, would command the Third Army across Europe 28 years later. The logistics failures, communication breakdowns and cavalry limitations exposed during the expedition directly shaped the mechanized, combined-arms force the Army built for the world wars that followed.

Sources: U.S. Army, Long Distance Logistics: The Mexican Expedition; U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian, Punitive Expedition in Mexico, 1916-1917; Smithsonian National Museum of American History, General Pershings Mexican Expedition to Capture Pancho Villa; Tompkins, Col. Frank. Chasing Villa: The Last Campaign of the U.S. Cavalry, High-Lonesome Books, 1934/1996; Gen. John J. Pershing, official report on the Punitive Expedition, Oct. 10, 1916.

Want to Learn More About Military Life?

Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for fitness and basic training tips, or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox.
The Blue Jays brought right-hander Austin Voth back on a minor league deal, according to the MLB.com transaction tracker. Hed elected free agency last week after being designated for assignment. Voth returns to Triple-A Buffalo a few days later.

Toronto also re-signed lefty Josh Fleming on a non-roster contract over the weekend. Both pitchers were called into spot duty as the Jays battle various rotation injuries. Voth had only started one Triple-A game before the MLB club needed him for a long relief outing. He worked 2 2/3 innings of one-run ball against the White Sox on April 5 and was designated for assignment the next day as the Jays cycled through fresh arms.

That was Voths first major league appearance since 2024. The 33-year-old spent last season in Japan as a member of the Chiba Lotte Marines. Voth started 22 games and turned in a 3.96 ERA across 125 innings during his lone NPB campaign. His most recent extended big league work was solid, as he provided the 2024 Mariners with 61 frames of 3.69 ERA ball in low-leverage relief.

Voth mixed six pitches in his lone MLB appearance for the Blue Jays. He sat around 91 mph with his four-seam fastball and sinker while leaning most heavily on his cutter.
4:12pm: The Orioles officially announced that Wilsons contract has been selected and that Mountcastle has been placed on the 60-day IL. Thats one of just several moves for the Os today. Baltimore also recalled righty Dean Kremer earlier today and just announced the acquisition of corner infielder Christian Encarnacion-Strand in a cash swap with the Reds.

3:43pm: Orioles first baseman/designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle is headed to the injured list after suffering a broken fourth metacarpal in his left foot while legging out a double this past weekend, manager Craig Albernaz tells the Baltimore beat (link via MASNsports.coms Roch Kubatko). Albernaz didnt tip the teams hand on whether Mountcastle would head to the 10-day or 60-day IL, suggesting only that both are under consideration. He added that he has not yet been told whether surgery is on the table.

Kubatko adds that infielder/outfielder Weston Wilson is on the Orioles taxi squad at the moment, making him a likely replacement, though the team hasnt announced anything on that front. Jackson Holliday is with the club today at Camden Yards but is not yet ready for reinstatement from the IL. Hes merely taking some infield drills while Triple-A Norfolk is off. Holliday has yet to play this season after suffering a hamate fracture early in spring training.

Wilson isnt on the 40-man roster, so assuming he is indeed the corresponding move, hed need to have his contract selected. The Orioles have a full 40-man roster, though if Mountcastle heads to the 60-day IL, thatd open a spot.

The 29-year-old Mountcastle has hit decently in a far more limited role than hes used to so far in 2026. Hes appeared in eight games and tallied only 15 plate appearances, going 4-for-14 with a double and a walk in that time. Baltimores signing of Pete Alonso and the ascension of catcher/designated hitter Samuel Basallo has substantially cut into Mountcastles playing time.

Even before the Os signed Alonso, Mountcastle looked like a prime non-tender candidate. Injuries limited him to 89 games last season, and he slashed just .250/.286/.367 (81 wRC+) when healthy. He was due for one final raise in arbitration, and with a $6.787MM salary last year, he felt like a relatively pricey rebound candidate, given his limited defensive utility. Baltimore also had longtime top prospect Coby Mayo ready for a full-time run at first base (though obviously the Alonso signing changed that calculus).

The Orioles made the somewhat surprising call to tender him. They wound up coaxing some additional value by getting Mountcastle to agree to repeat his 2025 salary and tack on a $7.5MM club option for what shouldve been his first free agent year in 2026. However, Mountcastle still entered camp with a square peg in a round hole vibe as a clearly imperfect fit for an Orioles roster that had changed considerably since his run as a regular in the middle of the order. Unsurprisingly, the Os looked into various trade possibilities throughout spring training, but no deal came together.

Mountcastle now heads to the injured list for a potentially prolonged absence. Hell join third baseman Jordan Westburg, whos hoping to avoid Tommy John surgery after being diagnosed with a UCL tear, in that regard. With Westburg sidelined, the aforementioned Mayo has been manning the hot corner but has struggled with the bat. An absence of some note for Mountcastle could give Mayo a longer leash to get right at the plate even when Holliday and possibly Westburg return to the fold.

Wilson, 31, was an offseason waiver claim out of the Phillies organization. Hes spent parts of the past three seasons in the majors with Philadelphia, hitting a combined .242/.328/.428 with nine home runs in 245 trips to the plate. Almost all of that production came in 2023-24, however. Wilson hit just .198/.282/.369 in a career-high 125 plate appearances in 2025 but raked at a .288/.375/.490 clip the prior two seasons.

Wilson has never hit righties much but feasted on southpaws in 23-24 before taking a huge step back in 25. Even with last years lack of production in platoon settings, hes a career .250/.359/.475 hitter (130 wRC+) against left-handed pitching. Wilson also owns a solid .247/.339/.462 output in nearly 1700 plate appearances of Triple-A work and will give Baltimore an option at all four corner positions. He batted .233/.395/.433 in 36 spring plate appearances but has mustered only a .195/.298/.366 slash in a comparable sample at Triple-A this year.
Kerala verdict 2026: What government formation scenarios are on the table?

Kerala Assembly results on May 4 could throw up multiple government formation scenarios. Heres how LDF, UDF and BJP fit into the equation.









A familiar binary, but narrow margins could complicate the outcome Kerala votes for 140 seats, majority mark is 71

LDF, UDF, and BJP face tighter contests and narrow margins

A hung assembly or fragile majority is possible for 2026 Did our AI summary help?
Tamil Nadu election 2026: How language politics moves from policy to polling booths

Language politics in Tamil Nadu is rooted in law, history and current policy disputes. Heres how it continues to shape elections.









From classrooms to campaign trails Language politics returns in Tamil Nadus 2026 poll campaign

Debate centers on NEP, education funding, and state autonomy

Language issue shapes voter choices when triggered by disputes Did our AI summary help?
Tamil Nadu election 2026: The real issues voters are weighing this time

Jobs, identity, caste shifts and alliance churn, here are the key issues shaping Tamil Nadus 2026 election









Not just welfare anymore No single issue dominates Tamil Nadu's 2026 election contest

Voters weigh welfare, jobs, identity, and leadership credibility

Caste blocs, alliances now less predictable, boosting uncertainty Did our AI summary help?
Why the Bangladesh border is at the centre of Bengals election fight

In West Bengal, border politics with Bangladesh is influencing elections through infiltration debates, voter rolls and identity narratives.









In West Bengal, border politics with Bangladesh is influencing elections through infiltration debates, voter rolls and identity narratives. Bengal border politics: security, identity, governance

BJP and TMC clash over border fencing and voter roll issues

Bangladesh events now influence Bengal's election narratives Did our AI summary help?
Ahaan Panday becomes the first-ever Indian brand ambassador for Davidoff Parfums

Ahaan Panday becomes the first India brand ambassador for Davidoff Parfums, marking a major milestone in his career as the brand launches its new fragrance Cool Elixir and strengthens its presence among young audiences.









In order to initiate the venture, Davidoff rolled out a campaign featuring a film produced for him, which showcases him as the face of Davidoff in India. Ahaan Panday named Davidoff Parfums' first India brand ambassador

Davidoff launches campaign with Ahaan to connect with Gen Z

Ahaan to star in an action-romance film by Ali Abbas Zafar Did our AI summary help?
Anupam Kher joined by actress Swaroop Sampat seeks blessings at Siddhivinayak Temple

Anupam Kher visited Siddhivinayak Temple with Swaroop Sampat to seek blessings before his play. His post reflected faith and gratitude, while fans admired his spiritual gesture and dedication.









Anupam Kher joined by actress Swaroop Sampat seeks blessings at Siddhivinayak Temple Anupam Kher visits Siddhivinayak Temple before stage play

Swaroop Sampat joins Anupam Kher in prayers for play's success

Anupam shares heartfelt temple moments on social media Did our AI summary help?
Kunickaa Sadanand confirms Awez Darbar and Nagma Mirajkars breakup; says, Its quite emotional

Awez and Nagma had participated in Bigg Boss 19. Kunicka, who was also a part of the show, has confirmed that Awez and Nagma are not in a relationship anymore.









Months after their appearance on Bigg Boss 19, social media personalities Awez Darbar and Nagma Mirajkar had fans speculating about a possible breakup. Kunickaa Sadanand confirms Nagma and Awez have broken up

Fans speculated breakup after Nagma skipped Awez's birthday

No official reason given, but commitment issues are rumored Did our AI summary help?
Sivakarthikeyan comes to the rescue: How his Rs 50 lakh changed Prem Kumars sons life

Actor Prem Kumar shared an interesting story from his life that once again proved how much Sivakarthikeyan helped others in real life.









Sivakarthikeyan Sivakarthikeyan helped Prem Kumar fund his son's education abroad

Prem Kumar credits Sivakarthikeyan for his son's success

Sivakarthikeyan's film Thaai Kizhavi is a 2026 blockbuster hit Did our AI summary help?
Trisha Krishnan's Chennai residence receives false bomb threat; Police probe continues

Trisha Krishnan received a bomb threat at her Chennai residence in Teynampet, prompting a police and BDDS search operation. Authorities later confirmed the threat was a hoax, with the Cyber Crime Wing launching an investigation.









Acting on the information, a team comprising Teynampet police personnel, BDDS officials, and sniffer dogs rushed to the location and conducted an extensive search operation across the property. Trisha Krishnan's Chennai home received a bomb threat via email

Police found no explosives; threat confirmed as a hoax

Cyber Crime Wing is investigating the source of the email Did our AI summary help?
Vikram Bhatt recalls terrifying jail days, battling high fever; says I didnt want to die here

Vikram Bhatt recalled battling a severe fever during his time in jail, describing nights of shivering despite being covered in multiple blankets. He said the ordeal left him fearing for his life, adding that he didnt want to die there as he waited days for medical help.

Gayatri Rani April 14, 2026 / 21:29 IST























Vikram Bhatt shared new post Vikram Bhatt recalls illness during jail time in Udaipur in 2026

He suffered high fever and struggled to get medical help

Bhatt credits prayer and faith for his recovery in prison Did our AI summary help?
Bosch may launch AC brand in India; Hitachi label to stay

The development follows Bosch Groups acquisition of a controlling stake in Hitachis global air-conditioning joint venture, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning, in 2024, aimed at strengthening its global HVAC presence.

PTI April 14, 2026 / 22:02 IST























. Bosch may debut its first branded ACs in India, Asia

Hitachi ACs will continue in India under a long-term license

Bosch invested Rs 500 crore in R&D, faces rising cost pressures Did our AI summary help?
Does not reflect systemic pattern in IT industry: Nasscom on TCS Nashik

In a statement, Nasscom said, The Indian technology industry is built on a foundation of respect, dignity, and safety









Seven people, including a female HR manager, have been arrested so far. Nasscom says TCS Nashik case is not a sector-wide issue

TCS, Nasscom stress zero tolerance for harassment, misconduct

Seven arrested as probe continues into Nashik office allegations Did our AI summary help?
Nvidia denies acquisition rumor that sparked Dell, HP rise

The report said Nvidia had been negotiating a deal for more than a year. The report sparked a rally Monday in the shares of PC makers Dell Technologies Inc. and HP Inc.









Nvidia, the worlds most valuable company, is the biggest maker of chips to power artificial intelligence work. Nvidia denies reports of plans to acquire a major PC maker

Dell and HP shares fell after Nvidia clarified acquisition rumors

Nvidia remains focused on AI chip development and partnerships Did our AI summary help?
Drone hits on Russian ports put Indian refining at risk: IEA

Last year, 80% of Russian crude imports to India originated from three major ports  Primorsk, Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk  that have recently become regular targets of Ukrainian drones.









Satellite image shows smoke rising from the Russian oil terminal at Primorsk, the most important Russian loading port in the Baltic Sea, following a drone attack claimed by Ukraine. (AFP) Ukraine port strikes may disrupt Indias Russian oil supply

80% of Indias Russian oil from targeted Baltic, Black Sea ports

Extended disruptions may hit Indian refineries in weeks Did our AI summary help?
India's Russian oil imports more than triple to 5.3 bn in March

According to CREA, Russia is heavily reliant on Asian markets to sell its oil, with 90 per cent of its total exports of crude delivered to China and India in the first quarter of 2026.

PTI April 14, 2026 / 17:40 IST























Russian oil tanker (Bloomberg/file image) Indias Russian oil imports tripled to 5.3bn in March

State refiners Russian oil imports up 148% month-on-month

India was the No. 2 buyer of Russian fossil fuels in March 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
TCS Nashik sexual harassment case a failure of internal systems, processes: Industry experts

Former Infosys CFO and HR head TV Mohandas Pai calls the case complete 'failure" in implementing the POSH policy. Any complaint must go to a high-level, independent channel such as a dedicated webpage not to a direct manager, he says









Representative image TCS faces criticism for delay in handling harassment complaints

Investigation led by TCS COO Aarthi Subramanian is ongoing

Experts call it a failure in implementing the POSH policy Did our AI summary help?

Debangana Ghosh
Haryana-based Jindal Supreme refiles IPO papers with SEBI

Jindal Supreme IPO | The public issue comprises of fresh issuance of 1.07 crore equity shares, and an offer-for-sale of 26.86 lakh shares by promoter entity VVJ Enterprise.









Jindal Supreme IPO News Jindal Supreme refiles IPO papers with SEBI

The 1.34 crore shares IPO comprises of fresh issuance of 1.07 crore shares, and offer-for-sale of 26.86 lakh shares by promoter entity VVJ Enterprise

IPO funds to be mainly used for repayment of certain borrowings Did our AI summary help?
Mindspace REIT buys 51% stake in office complex at Chennai for Rs 1,500 crore

The company has acquired a stake in Radial IT Park Pvt Ltd, which owns 2.6 million sq ft office space in Chennai, at an enterprise value of Rs 3,000 crore.

PTI April 14, 2026 / 21:55 IST























Mindspace Reit Mindspace REIT buys 51% stake in Chennais Radial IT Park

Deal valued at Rs 1,500 crore for 2.6 million sq ft office space

Mindspace now among largest commercial office owners in Chennai Did our AI summary help?
The Madhya Pradesh High Court granted bail in Instagram reel case, finding no evidence of promoting enmity and questioning the police for filing FIR without sufficient material.

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
Mutual fund inflows spike in March: Here are the schemes that saw the most money

March data shows investors buying the dip, with small-cap and mid-cap funds leading equity inflows.









representative image Equity mutual fund inflows surged to Rs 40,450 crore in March.

Large-, mid-, and small-cap funds drew strong investor demand

Fund managers raised cash, signaling cautious positioning. Did our AI summary help?
The updated ITR forms include dedicated sections aligned with presumptive taxation rules under Sections 44B, 44BB, 44BBA, 44BBC, and 44BBD.

Did our AI summary help?
Parag Parikh flexicap tops March MF inflows; multicaps in focus as well

Flexicap funds dominate March inflows, led by Parag Parikh, while multicap funds see steady investor interest.









Flexi-cap funds led equity inflows with Rs 10,054 crore in March

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap leads inflows, keeps cash levels high

Multi-cap funds drew steady inflows; Kotak Multicap led Did our AI summary help?
Can India gain from Dubais realty pause? Luxury segment eyes tactical opportunity

Analysts say the current situation may lead to a short-term diversion of investor interest toward Indias luxury housing market but a a sustained shift is unlikely unless tensions persist









West Asia conflict may offer limited opportunity for Indian luxury realty Dubai property sales down 44% year-on-year since late February

Short-term investor interest may shift in Indian luxury realty

Analysts see India as a stable haven in global turmoil Did our AI summary help?
Over 2,000 homebuyers get relief as UPRERA clears revival of delayed project in Greater Noida West

Under the plan, Hawelia Group would invest around Rs 770 crore to complete the project, with a targeted delivery timeline of 42 to 48 months.









Over 2,000 homebuyers get relief as UPRERA clears revival of delayed project in Greater Noida West UPRERA approves revival of stalled Shri Radha Sky Park project

Hawelia Group to invest Rs 770 crore, delivery in 42-48 months

US pension fund invests in project, boosting homebuyer confidence Did our AI summary help?
Wealthy Middle East residents are house-hunting in Europe to escape war

Geneva and Zurich have long been a magnet for Middle Eastern wealth and investors from the region had close to $580 billion stored in Switzerland at the end of 2024, according to the local bankers association, about a fifth of the total and second only to Western Europe.









Hedge funds and other financial firms had been expanding in Abu Dhabi Wealthy Middle East residents seek European homes amid war fears

Property demand rising in London, Monaco, Switzerland, Spain

Prime London, Marbella rents soar on rising Mideast demand Did our AI summary help?
After wage protests disrupt Noida, electronics makers plan cautious restart

Several manufacturersincluding Zetwerk, Optiemus, Dixon, Lava, Bhagwati Products, Oppo, Vivo and Staunch Electronicshave facilities in the region, many of which were impacted by Mondays unrest and remained shut through Tuesday.









manufacturing-5_17733195 Noida electronics factories to resume production from April 15

Worker protests over wages disrupted operations on April 13

Authorities announced a 21 percent interim wage hike for workers Did our AI summary help? DT07 DT07 NSE/BSE Select NSE LIVE BSE LIVE Day High

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Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.
MC EXCLUSIVE TCS Nashik matter falls under state govts domain, but Centre is monitoring probe: Official

'We can only nudge the state labour department to take action against the companys management, in case of foul play,' an official said









So far, the Nashik Police has arrested seven people working at the company. Labour Ministry gets NITES letter on TCS POSH audit

State labour department to act if POSH lapses found at TCS Nashik

Seven held in Nashik; SIT finds weak basis for conversion claims Did our AI summary help?

Priyansh Verma
Tejasvi Surya writes to Siddaramaiah seeking rollback of EV lifetime tax

BJP MP calls the move regressive, says it undermines clean mobility push and national net-zero goals.









BJP MP Tejasvi Surya Tejasvi Surya urges Karnataka to withdraw lifetime tax on EVs

New tax removes exemptions, raising EV prices in Karnataka

Policy criticized as regressive and against India's green goals Did our AI summary help?
Assembly elections 2026: All eyes on these 20 hot seats on May 4

Here are 20 key battleground seats across these states that are expected to keep voters and political watchers on edge









The upcoming polls are witnessing high-stakes contests across states and will set the tone for the crucial Uttar Pradesh elections next year Assembly polls on in Bengal, TN, Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

Key seats: Bhabanipur, Nandigram, Jalukbari, Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni

Results to be declared on May 4 after final phase on April 29 Did our AI summary help?
BJP launches project to provide medical assistance to party workers, their families in MP

MP Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launched the initiative, 'Seva Project', at the party office in Bhopal, and said the scheme is rooted in the concept of serving humanity and will benefit a large number of workers.

PTI April 14, 2026 / 23:16 IST























(Representative image) BJP launches 'Seva Project' for medical aid to workers in MP

Scheme offers medical help via two dedicated mobile numbers

Govt to subsidize hospitals on highways, plans free eye camps Did our AI summary help?
Did our AI summary help?
Brigadier, son assaulted in Delhi: Two men apprehended in Mehram Nagar case

According to police, Satender and Sanjay Sharma were seen in the car involved in the incident, and the Mercedes used has been seized.









The Mercedes car involved in the incident has also been seized.
'Bulldozer mentality of PM': Congress slams govt for not sharing Constitution amendment bills

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the "special session" of Parliament will begin on April 16, when the election campaign in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will be at its peak.









Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh Congress criticizes government for not sharing key bills with MPs

Sonia Gandhi warns delimitation proposal is dangerous

Special Parliament session to discuss Women's Reservation Act Did our AI summary help?
Davanagere South bypoll fallout: Naseer Ahmed removed as political secretary to CM Siddaramaiah

The MLC was accused of working against the party candidate in the Davangere South Assembly bypolls









Siddaramaiah
Nine people died, and 15 were injured in a boiler blast at Vedanta Power Plant in Singhi Tarai area of Sakti district.
Noida protests over wages enter Day 2: Workers clash with police, stone-pelting reported in Sectors 80, 121

Security personnel moved in to control the situation, dispersing the crowd and clearing the protest site after brief clashes.









Security personnel stood guard as factory workers staged a protest demanding a hike in wages, in Noida in Uttar Pradesh on Monday. (Credit: PTI)
Home minister says BJP will provide 600 acres to BSF for fencing as West Bengal campaign focuses on border and law-and-order issues
The two sides have been in discussions for nearly three years after signing an agreement to co-produce F-414 fighter jet engines in India
Go marry Hindu girls, convert them: Eyewitness alleges coercion, HR funding in TCS Nashik case

Police are currently probing nine complaints linked to incidents at the Nashik branch and have arrested seven employees, including six men and one woman, while another accused remains absconding.









Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) 7 TCS Nashik staff held over harassment, conversion claims

SIT formed after eight women alleged harassment and HR inaction

TCS says it has zero-tolerance policy, probe led by COO underway Did our AI summary help?
'Hate-filled thinking' of BJP-RSS destroying Constitution: Rahul Gandhi

The Congress leader also accused the RSS and the BJP of being "involved in vote theft" and "destroying democracy".

PTI April 14, 2026 / 13:40 IST























Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressing an election rally in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district. (Courtesy: X | @INCIndia)
'If Tamil Nadu is affected, entire nation will take notice': Stalin warns PM Modi for trying to 'bulldoze' women's quota law amid elections

Stalin's statement comes ahead of special session of the Parliament that has been convened for three days starting April 16 to discuss the legislation on women's quota.









Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Stalin criticizes BJP for pushing delimitation during elections

He warns of agitation if Tamil Nadu's interests are harmed

Southern states fear clout loss from population-based seat shifts Did our AI summary help?
Justice Singh described the Constitution as far more than a legal charter, calling it a foundational text that continues to shape the nations direction.

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
Israel briefs India on failed Iran-US talks, specifies 'firm stance' taken during negotiations

In a post on X, Saar said that he discussed the Iran situation, the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon with Jaishankar.









The two leaders discussed the West Asia situation, including the closure of Strait of Hormuz
Kerala votes differently: How caste, religion and region shape the states electoral map

Keralas voting patterns are shaped by caste blocs, religious communities and regional divides, but within a stable two-front political system.









Stable coalitions, shifting margins Kerala's elections shaped by stable caste and religious blocs

UDF draws Muslim and Christian support, LDF relies on Hindu blocs

Electoral shifts are gradual due to strong community institutions Did our AI summary help?
Know Marathi or risk losing licence: Maharashtra to enforce rule for cab, auto drivers from May 1

Maharastra News: Sarnaik noted that while the rule requiring knowledge of the local language for issuing licences is already in force, it is being widely flouted.









In a statement issued by his office, Sarnaik warned that the licenses of drivers who do not possess basic knowledge of Marathi will be cancelled.
Kunki Chowdhury's mother moves NCW against Assam CM over 'defamatory' poll remarks: 'False, baseless, malicious'

Chowdhury stated in her letter that she is a private individual with no active role in politics and has been drawn into public controversy solely because of her daughters candidature in the Assam Assembly elections.









Last week, Kunki Chowdhury had appeared before police in Guwahati after being summoned in an election-related case linked to alleged violations of the MCC. Kunki Chowdhury's mother files complaint against Assam CM Sarma

She alleges false, defamatory claims and misuse of her photos

AJP terms FIR against Kunki politically driven, repressive Did our AI summary help?
Mahua Moitra asked to name one good thing about Modi, she says...

In the same conversation, the TMC leader also weighed in on West Bengals economic prospects, saying the state is unlikely to emerge as a manufacturing hub.









Mahua Moitra
Mamata Banerjee on SIR: Logical discrepancy not recognised term under ECI framework, applied only for West Bengal

At the really, the chief minister alleged that the BJP is holding rallies at places that have direct railway connectivity with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar so that they can bring in people from those states to fill up the venues.









Mamata Banerjee SC bars Bengal voters with pending appeals from voting

Mamata Banerjee claims EC's "logical discrepancy" term is unfair

34 lakh voter exclusion appeals still pending in tribunals Did our AI summary help?
Declared a fugitive in India, Modi is accused of orchestrating Rs 13,000 crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank in collusion with his uncle Mehul Choksi, who is lodged in a Belgian prison
Nitish Kumar era ends as Bihar gets a new 'Samrat'; BJP now in driver's seat

BJP has long operated as a junior partner within the NDA in Bihar, aligning with Nitish Kumars JD(U) even when it held significant numbers in the assembly.









Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday was elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in Patna, shortly after Nitish tendered his resignation. Samrat Choudhary to become BJP's first chief minister in Bihar

Choudhary set to take oath after Nitish Kumar's resignation

BJP now leads NDA in Bihar, marking a major political shift Did our AI summary help?
Nitish Kumar likely to resign today after final Cabinet meeting, make way for first BJP-led govt in state

Kumar, who leads the Janata Dal (United) and was elected to the Rajya Sabha last week, is likely to submit his resignation soon after a Cabinet meeting scheduled for 11 am









Nitish Kumar Nitish Kumar to quit as Bihar CM after cabinet meeting

BJP to pick new Bihar CM; Samrat Choudhary leads race

JD(U) expects Nitish Kumar to guide new government Did our AI summary help?
Plassey 1757: How betrayal in Siraj-ud-Daulahs camp handed Bengal to the East India Company

A short, one-sided battle shaped by internal defection that allowed the British to seize control of Bengal and begin their political rise in India.









Its easy to call Plassey a turning point in military history, but that only tells part of the story. The Battle of Plassey was won by British strategy, not combat

Mir Jafar's betrayal led to Siraj-ud-Daulah's quick defeat

Plassey marked the start of British political control in Bengal Did our AI summary help?
PM Modi, Mallikarjun Kharge share rare light-hearted moment at Ambedkar anniversary event | Watch

The leaders, hardcore rivals in daily life, were seen in a subtle exchange of words at the Parliament premises.









Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at the Parliament premises on Tuesday. PM Modi and Kharge share a light moment at Ambedkar tribute event

Leaders paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar on his 135th birthday

PM Modi invited Kharge to join leaders group photo Did our AI summary help?
Questions mount over Noida protests: What triggered sudden shift on Monday morning?

The central question confronting investigators and political observers is stark: how did a decentralised, leaderless agitation transform so quickly into coordinated violence across multiple industrial clusters.









The protests began after workers in Noidas industrial areas learnt of a recent decision by the Haryana government to increase minimum wages by 35 percent. Noida wage protest turns violent amid rumours, social media

Over 350 factories affected, 150 vehicles damaged, 300+ arrests

UP raises minimum wage by Rs 3,000 after unrest Did our AI summary help?
Rahul Gandhi calls Himanta Biswa Sarma 'most corrupt'; BJP hits back, alleges 'vendetta politics'

The Congress MP's remarks came after Assam Police approached the Supreme Court against Telangana High Court's decision to grant transit anticipatory bail for a period of one week from April 10, subject to the conditions.









Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Congress backs Khera over claims against Assam CMs wife

Rahul Gandhi calls Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma "most corrupt"

BJP alleges Congress used fake documents for vendetta politics Did our AI summary help?
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi did not campaign in Bengal, where the Congress once again contested in alliance with the Left.
Ramzan fast tip-off sparks conversion racket probe at TCS Nashik

The first FIR, registered on charges of rape, involved an accused, Danish Shaikh, who allegedly entered into a relationship with the woman on the promise of marriage while concealing that he was already married with two children.









TCS Nine FIRs after harassment, religious influence claims at TCS

Seven held, one on the run; probe finds no organized plot

TCS probes internally, reiterates zero-tolerance stance Did our AI summary help?
Rift in Karnataka Congress? Siddaramaiah raps minister over rebellion, asks him to clarify to high command

Zameer reportedly told Siddaramaiah that he had merely sought a ticket for his community in the CMs presence and suggested it could be given to anyone except Jabbar.









Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
Suvendu Adhikaris warning to Muslim migrant workers in Bengal: 'Don't make a mistake, you work in BJP-governed states'

The remarks drew sharp criticism from the Trinamool Congress (TMC)









Suvendu Adhikari Suvendu Adhikari warned Muslim migrants about post-poll jobs

TMC criticized Adhikari for threats and plans to report to ECI

Study found 95.5% of voter deletions in Nandigram were Muslims Did our AI summary help?
TMC demands immediate release of I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel

The Enforcement Directorate on Monday arrested Chandel, a director and co-founder of the Indian Political Action Committee, in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged coal scam in the poll-bound state.

PTI April 14, 2026 / 15:17 IST























Vinesh Chandel (Image: X/@vinesh_chandel) TMC demands immediate release of I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel

TMC calls Chandel's arrest before polls "electoral sabotage"

TMC alleges ED is misused to target opposition before elections Did our AI summary help?
UP raises interim minimum wages by up to 21% after Noida protests; workers continue sit-in

UP raises interim wages by up to 21% after Noida protests; workers continue sit-in as revised rates take effect from April 1.









Revised wage rates take effect from April 1 as protests continue at Noidas hosiery hub UP hikes interim minimum wage 21% after worker protests

Unskilled workers in Noida, Ghaziabad to get Rs 13,690 monthly

Authorities deny social media claims of Rs 20,000 minimum wage Did our AI summary help?
Watch: PM Modis surprise apology to newlyweds in Siliguri captures attention

The Prime Ministers decision to personally acknowledge the inconvenience surprised onlookers and quickly became a talking point









The unexpected moment was shared by several accounts on social media
West Bengal election 2026: How BJP is trying to turn a tight race into a real challenge for TMC

The BJP is sharpening its challenge to TMC in West Bengal through corruption, identity politics and tight-seat targeting. Heres what the data shows.









From momentum to conversion BJP focuses on corruption, law and order, and identity politics

TMC leads in Assembly segments; BJP targets close seats

BJP aims to keep contest bipolar, challenging TMC dominance Did our AI summary help?
Who is Samrat Choudhary, BJP leader set to be new Bihar CM after Nitish Kumar's resignation

Choudhary, who served as deputy chief minister and handling the Home portfolio, is regarded within the BJP as an important OBC face in Bihar politics.









Samrat Choudhary
'Will not remain silent': Stalin warns Centre of mass protests amid delimitation row

The DMK supremo said the central government had shared no details with opposition parties on how the exercise would be conducted, raising concerns across southern states. When such secrecy surrounds this process, it only strengthens the suspicion that a grave danger lies beneath, he noted.









Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Stalin warns of mass protests if delimitation harms Tamil Nadu

Lok Sabha seats may rise from 550 to 850 under new bill

Opposition alleges lack of clarity and consultation on the bill Did our AI summary help?
Ambedkars articulation of the idea may provide a guiding framework for defining constitutional morality but its deeply subjective nature makes it difficult to codify

Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.
Trump-themed auto rickshaws hit New Delhi streets as US kicks off Freedom250 tour in India

Gor said the celebrations also honour the strength and dynamism of the US-India relationship









Freedom250 is the US government's year-long public-private initiative celebrating America's 250th anniversary of independence on July 4, 2026. Image: Sergio Gor
The remark didnt take long to draw criticism, with many calling it offensive and rooted in outdated, classist thinking.
'Do not allow them...': Massive protests erupt in Japan over mosque construction plan. Watch video

A controversy in Fujisawa, Japan, has sparked debate after residents reportedly opposed plans for the citys first mosque. Videos of protests and public meetings have gone viral on social media.









A video shows a large crowd chanting against the project. (Image credit: X) Thousands protested Fujisawa's first mosque construction plan

Residents voiced concerns over mosque size and cultural changes

Online debate erupted over religious tolerance and integration Did our AI summary help?
Duolingo CEO says he won't evaluate employees on their AI use: 'Not going to force you'

Luis von Ahn acknowledged that Duolingo's initial AI-first approach risked measuring activity rather than impact. 'It felt like rather than being held accountable for the actual outcome, we were trying to push something that in some cases did not fit,' he said.
Family spends Rs 49 lakh on Bengaluru-Peru flight, airline denies boarding

The airline, KLM, reportedly cited the absence of a Peruvian visa as the cause of denial. The family, however, argued that their existing visas or residence permits for the US, UK, Australia or Schengen countries should have exempted them from a separate Peru visa.









'Action should be taken. Otherwise, this can happen to anyone,' the family stated, emphasising that the issue is about accountability rather than compensation. (AI-generated image)
'Here in Gurgaon, the culture is purely corporate,' the techie said. 'We are optimising operations, not technology.' By contrast, he said, his friends in Bengaluru, even at smaller startups, were 'miles ahead technically'. (AI-generated image)
'Gyaan bhi aur swag bhi': Iran Consulate praises India as X post on Israel-Palestine goes viral

The Consulate General of the I.R Iran in Mumbai reposted a politically charged post from X discussing the Israel Palestine conflict and added a message praising Indias cultural and intellectual heritage.









The Iran Consulate praises Indias cultural identity. (Image credit: X) Iranian consulate in Mumbai reposts praise for India's heritage

Original post included strong views on Israel-Palestine conflict

Repost sparks varied reactions and debate on social media Did our AI summary help?
'Im going to embrace...': Man loses jobs twice, leaves corporate, now makes Rs 1.3 crore monthly

A 34 year old former product manager turned job losses into a successful food business. After being laid off twice, he launched his restaurant with $70,000 in savings, blending Pakistani and American flavours.









The man started building Nishaan while working full-time. (Image credit: Pexels) Zeeshan Bakhrani launched Nishaan in Manhattan after layoffs

Nishaan earns up to $140,000 monthly with fusion Pakistani menu

Bakhrani plans to expand Nishaan and popularize Pakistani flavors Did our AI summary help?
Midnight memes to war warnings: Inside Trumps posting spree on Truth Social amid rising tensions

A string of late-night posts, AI imagery, and aggressive rhetoric fuels debate over the US Presidents messaging style amid rising geopolitical tensions.









Late-night Truth Social posts by Trump trigger online debate
The latest post added to a series of viral exchanges in which Iranian diplomatic handles have mocked or challenged US leaders and narratives through memes and pointed commentary. (AI-generated image)
Who would pay this? Bengaluru resident reacts to Rs 1.6 crore 3BHK in Avalahalli

A Reddit post by a Bengaluru resident triggered a debate on rising real estate prices after they criticised a Rs 1.6 crore 3BHK purchase in Avalahalli.









Bengaluru resident questions FOMO behind high property prices. (File image) Reddit post ignites debate on Bengalurus surging property prices

Users question high prices for average quality 3BHK flats

Social media users blame FOMO and market hype for price surge Did our AI summary help?
'World meme war-1': Iran Consulate calls Indian memes 'GOAT' in viral post on Strait of Hormuz tension

The Iranian Consulate in Mumbai sparked viral attention after posting a Bollywood meme related to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, calling Indian memes are GOAT.









The consulates X post reshared a meme mocking a US Strait of Hormuz blockade. (Image credit: Reuters) Iran's Mumbai consulate praises Indian memes as "GOAT"

Viral Bollywood meme mocks US blockade of Strait of Hormuz

Social media users widely react to the consulate's meme post Did our AI summary help?
New legless Lizard species discovered in Taiwan, ending 100-year scientific mystery

Scientists confirm a new legless lizard species in Taiwan, solving a 100-year mystery. The discovery of Dopasia formosensis boosts research and strengthens conservation efforts.









New legless Lizard species discovered in Taiwan, ending 100-year scientific mystery (Credit: Y-JL) New legless lizard species Dopasia formosensis found in Taiwan

Discovery ends a century-old misidentification debate

Clear ID boosts conservation and research for this rare reptile Did our AI summary help?
Wonderla bets on staycation boom with Rs 18 crore Bengaluru resort revamp

Wonderla's revamped resort Terrea joins its recently launched boutique retreat amid water---Isle, as the second distinct hospitality offering within its Bengaluru campus.









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16 injured after former student opens fire at school in Turkiye| Watch

At least 16 people were injured after a former student opened fire at a school in Siverek, Turkiye. The attacker later died by suicide.









A former student opened fire at a school in Siverek, injuring 16 before dying by suicide. (Image: visegrad24/X)
Another White House exit as Cabinet Secretary Lea Bardon set to step down: Report

Lea Bardon's departure marks the latest in a series of staff changes at the White House, where turnover has remained a consistent feature.









File photo of White House Lea Bardon, White House cabinet secretary, is leaving her role, adding to ongoing staff turnover in the Trump administration. Bardon coordinated between the president and agencies, playing a key behind-the-scenes role. Her successor has not been named. Did our AI summary help?
Ball in Irans court: JD Vance flags stalemate after 21-hour nuclear talks collapse

US says Iran must commit to abandoning nuclear weapons as talks end without deal after 21 hours in Pakistan









JD Vance says Iran must act on nuclear deal as US exits Pakistan talks after 21 hours, calling Tehrans response insufficient. US says nuclear deal talks depend on Iran's willingness to engage

Iran must commit not to develop nuclear weapons for a deal

Talks stalled as Iran team lacked power to seal deal Did our AI summary help?
Elon Musk and the South African government are in a dispute over Starlinks entry, with Musk criticizing local ownership laws as racist. South Africa insists all firms must comply with its empowerment policies, and Starlink has yet to formally apply.

Did our AI summary help?
Blaze erupts at BYDs Shenzhen facility, smoke engulfs site; no casualties | Watch

Visuals from the site showed flames spreading across a large section of a multi-storey structure, with fire trucks and police deployed as emergency teams worked to contain the situation.









(Screengrab: X) BYD Shenzhen garage fire swiftly contained; no injuries reported

Fire linked to external construction, not battery or vehicle.

Authorities say incident didnt affect customer vehicles Did our AI summary help?
Xi says the world is in disarray as China steps up Middle East diplomacy amid the Iran war, Hormuz blockade and fragile ceasefire.
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.
China dismisses vice foreign minister Sun Weidong amid ongoing anti-corruption drive

China has removed Sun Weidong as vice foreign minister without explanation, in a move seen as part of Beijings broader anti-corruption and disciplinary campaign.









China removes senior diplomat in latest shake-up
(FILES) US President Donald Trump (L) talks to China's President Xi Jinping as they shake hands after their talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan on October 30, 2025. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)
China warns of "countermeasures" over US tariff hike threat tied to Iran claims

China warned of countermeasures if the US imposes tariffs over claims it supplied weapons to Iran, calling the allegations completely fabricated.









Beijing rejects allegations of military support to Iran and warns of countermeasures if the US proceeds with tariff hikes. China vows retaliation if US hikes tariffs over Iran claims

China denies supplying military support to Iran as "fabricated"

Tensions rise as US links tariff threat to alleged arms shipments Did our AI summary help?
The remarks came after US President Donald Trump threatened to sink ships entering or leaving Iranian ports following the collapse of peace talks between Washington and Tehran over the weekend.
His downfall was triggered by a report the San Francisco Chronicle published last week that a former staffer alleged she was sexually assaulted twice by the congressman when she was too intoxicated to consent
'Did not feel safe': Iranian delegate claims security threats forced hurried exit from Islamabad talks

Marandi, who was part of Irans technical team, said the negotiations did not conclude as planned. Instead, he alleged that US Vice President JD Vance brought the talks to a sudden halt.









FILE PHOTO: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, as delegations from the United States and Iran are expected to hold peace talks, in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 11, 2026. US-Iran backchannel talks in Islamabad ended abruptly due to security concerns, according to Iranian delegate Mohammad Marandi. He claimed threats forced the Iranian team to leave quickly, but details remain unverified and US or Pakistani officials havent commented. Did our AI summary help?
Donald Trump seen as a risk by Europes far right after Viktor Orban's loss in Hungary

Vice President JD Vance campaigned with Orban in the days before the election and Trump called into a rally to offer his support.









US Vice President JD Vance and Viktor Orban during an election campaign rally in Budapest, on April 7. Photographer: Janos Kummer/Getty Images Far-right parties in Europe distance themselves from Trump

Orban's loss seen as warning against close US far-right ties

European voters view Trump unfavorably, parties reassess strategy Did our AI summary help?
DoorDash worker dodges Trump's transgender question at Oval Office: 'I really don't have an opinion' | Watch

The delivery worker was invited to speak to the press alongside Trump to discuss his no-tax-on-tips policy, which she said had put an extra $11,000 in her pocket









US President Donald Trump speaks with a Doordash delivery worker after she delivered McDonald's at the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC. AFP
'Drill, baby, drill': Trump slams Europes energy policy, urges North Sea drilling amid fuel crunch

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Europe is desperate for energy but continues to avoid tapping its own resources.









Donald Trump
Oil tankers are anchored near the Port of Long Beach, California, U.S., on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009. A surplus of idled oil tankers, which would stretch 26 miles if lined up end to end, may signal a 25 percent slump in freight rates this year. The ships will unload 26 percent of the crude and oil products they are storing in six months, adding to vessel supply and pushing rates for supertankers down to an average of $30,000 a day, compared with $40,212 now. Photographer: Tim Rue/Bloomberg via Getty Images
LAUR, PHILIPPINES - AUGUST 09: US and Philippine troops launch a rocket from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), as part of joint army-to-army drills between the US and the Philippines, on August 09, 2024 in Laur, Nueva Ecija province, Philippines. The United States, Australia, Canada and the Philippines recently launched air and naval maneuvers in a show of force that they said aimed to promote the rule of law in the disputed South China Sea, where China has increasingly asserted its territorial claims. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)
Sophisticated scams on dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are targeting Americans, blending romance with crypto fraud. Linked to state actors, these schemes use emotional manipulation to steal funds, fueling geopolitical tensions and complicating global security.

Did our AI summary help?
Shipping containers at the Yantian International Container Terminals, operated by CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.'s Hutchison Port Holdings Trust (HPH Trust), in Shenzhen, China, on Monday, April 7, 2025. China's policymakers discussed measures over the weekend to stabilize the economy and the markets in the face of US President Donald Trump's tariff onslaught, including whether to accelerate plans to unleash stimulus to bolster consumption, according to people familiar with the matter. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg
'I'm shocked at her': Trump blasts Meloni over Iran war stance, questions her 'courage'

Donald Trump criticised Giorgia Meloni over her refusal to support the Iran war, questioning her courage and escalating tensions between close transatlantic allies.









Trump-Meloni rift grows over Iran war
Iran may hold back shipments through Strait of Hormuz amid US talks: Report

Strait of Hormuz News: Oil markets are closely tracking movements through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has largely restricted non-Iranian shipping, while the US has begun enforcing its own blockade.









A vessel at the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Omans Musandam province Iran may halt Hormuz shipments to dodge possible US blockade

Move aims to prevent escalation before new US-Iran peace talks

Oil markets closely watch Hormuz as US enforces naval blockade Did our AI summary help?
Iran shipping continues as third tanker transits Strait of Hormuz to UAE

A third Iran-linked tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz after US imposed restrictions on Iranian port calls, raising tensions in global shipping routes.









A third Iran-linked tanker entered the Gulf as US restrictions on Iranian shipping face early challenges. Three Iran-linked tankers entered Gulf after US blockade start

Ships not headed to Iran escape new US restrictions

China criticized US blockade as dangerous and irresponsible Did our AI summary help?
Iran-US talks fail at posh Islamabad hotel: But who paid the bills?

The talks, the first direct meeting between the two nations in more than ten years and the highest-level contact since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, were held shortly after a ceasefire announcement









Renowned for hosting top diplomatic engagements, the Serena Hotel is among Pakistans most prominent five-star hotels
Iran won't give up nuclear rights, says IRGC as US pushes 20-year uranium enrichment halt

The disagreement over Irans nuclear programme, particularly whether it should halt enrichment altogether and relinquish its existing stockpile, remains the central obstacle to a deal









The US has demanded that Iran remove all highly enriched uranium from its territory. IRGC denies reports Iran may scale back its nuclear programme

US proposed 20-year uranium enrichment moratorium, Iran rejected

Talks stall over enrichment schedule and uranium removal Did our AI summary help?
Islamabad or Geneva? Suspense over venue as US, Iran eye fresh round of talks on April 16

Islamabad had hosted the first round of discussions last week, which ended without a breakthrough after nearly 21 hours.









US and Iran may hold new talks before ceasefire expires April 21

Geneva and Islamabad are possible venues for the next round

Asian stocks climb, oil falls on revived diplomatic hopes Did our AI summary help?
The earlier talks were led by JD Vance and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, covering key issues such as the Strait of Hormuz, Irans nuclear programme, and sanctions on Tehran
Israel, Lebanon hold first direct talks amid ceasefire push; Aoun voices cautious optimism

Israel and Lebanon held rare US-brokered talks in Washington, with Beirut seeking a ceasefire and Israel demanding Hezbollahs disarmament, as tensions remain high.









Israel, Lebanon Hold First Direct Talks Since 1993
Israel opposition leader criticises Netanyahu after Italy suspends defence pact renewal

Israel opposition leader Yair Lapid described the development as another embarrassing failure of Netanyahus leadership and accused the government of failing to safeguard Israels interests









Israel opposition leader criticises Netanyahu government after Italy pauses renewal of defence cooperation agreement amid regional tensions. Italy suspends automatic renewal of defence pact with Israel

Lapid calls move a diplomatic failure for Netanyahu's government

Israel says the agreement is symbolic, not affecting security Did our AI summary help?
According to Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, the core obstacle is not a fundamental dispute between the two nations themselves but the influence of Hezbollah.

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
Italy's Meloni issues rare criticism of Trump after his attack on pope

Trump set off the furore by calling Leo "terrible" in a long tirade on Sunday

Reuters April 14, 2026 / 04:01 IST























Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Meloni rebukes Trump for "unacceptable" attack on Pope Leo

Italian politicians unite to defend Pope Leo after Trump's tirade

Trump's comments spark outrage among Catholics and politicians Did our AI summary help?
Italy will suspend the automatic renewal of its defence agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said. The pact includes military equipment and technology cooperation.
Macron urges Trump, Pezeshkian to revive stalled Iran talks and reopen Strait of Hormuz

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian to restart stalled Iran talks, enforce a ceasefire, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating regional tensions.









Macron calls for urgent diplomatic restart
Mark Carney secures majority in Canada, tightens grip as anti-Trump wave reshapes politics

Mark Carney secures majority in Canada after defections and bypoll wins, strengthening Liberal rule amid tensions with Trump-era US.

Associated Press April 14, 2026 / 07:57 IST























Defections and a late-election boost push Liberals past the majority mark, giving Carney a freer hand to govern till 2029 Mark Carney's Liberals secure majority government in Canada

Liberals can now pass legislation without opposition support

Carney's Davos speech boosted his popularity and party defections Did our AI summary help?
Mossad says Israel will keep trying to topple Irans government

While Israel has carried out covert operations in Iran for years, its rare for Mossad to say explicitly its seeking regime change.









David Barnea, the head of Mossad (AFP/file image) Mossad chief vows more covert efforts to topple Iran's government

Israel sees Iran as a major threat despite recent strikes

Barnea's remarks may add tension to US-Iran peace talks Did our AI summary help?
Iran has tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, requiring ships to submit detailed documents and pay a $1 per barrel fee, often in cryptocurrency. The US blockade adds complexity, creating dual oversight but not halting shipping, impacting global energy flows.

Did our AI summary help?
The US has launched a major naval blockade on Iranian ports, involving over 10,000 personnel and dozens of warships, but some ships have bypassed it. The move raises global energy security concerns as oil prices surge and China criticizes the action.

Did our AI summary help?
Pak, Afghan migrants allegedly forced into mercenary roles in Greeces harsh border pushback operations: Report

The practices described fall under what are known as pushbacks, where migrants are forced back across borders without being given the opportunity to seek asylum.









(FILES) Police officers patrol along a steel fence along Evros river, Greece's river border with Turkey, near the village of Poros on June 8, 2021. (AFP) A BBC investigation alleges Greek authorities recruited migrants as mercenaries to violently push back others at the Turkey border, with reports of abuse and illegal practices. Greek officials deny the claims, which add to scrutiny of EU border enforcement. Did our AI summary help?
Pakistans child HIV outbreak exposes a deadly culture of unsafe injections

BBC investigation finds unsafe injection practices at Pakistans THQ Taunsa hospital linked to hundreds of child HIV cases.









Deadly lapse BBC finds unsafe injections at Punjab hospital despite crackdown

Over 330 children in Taunsa tested HIV-positive since late 2024

Reuse of syringes, poor hygiene linked to healthcare transmission Did our AI summary help?
Pakistans double game on Iran? A secret Saudi pact may pull it into the war it is trying to stop

Pakistan-Saudi defence pact activated amid Iran war, even as Islamabad tries to mediate ceasefire talks.









Double role Pakistan bound by secret defence pact to support Saudi Arabia

Pakistani forces deployed to Saudi base amid Iran-GCC tensions

Ceasefire talks collapsed as Pakistan's neutrality questioned Did our AI summary help?
Pakistan's envoy to Russia lauds nuclear safety record of New Delhi and Islamabad

"India and Pakistan have a very good history of mutual guarantees that we will not attack each other's nuclear facilities," Tirmizi told the news portal, which caters to the global Russian-speaking diaspora, settled mainly in Israel and Western countries.

PTI April 14, 2026 / 22:54 IST























"India and Pakistan have a very good history of mutual guarantees that we will not attack each other's nuclear facilities," Tirmizi told the news portal, which caters to the global Russian-speaking diaspora, settled mainly in Israel and Western countries.
On the American side, officials are quietly preparing for a possible second in-person meeting with Iranian counterparts before the ceasefire expires next week
We all love you: Trump tells PM Modi during 40-minute call on Middle East crisis, India-US ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump over the phone on Tuesday, holding a 40-minute conversation during which the two leaders discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East.









US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- File Photo (AFP)
Pope Leo XIV rebukes war, says 'Gods heart is torn apart' amid clash with Donald Trump

Pope Leo XIV condemned war, saying Gods heart is torn apart by violence. During his Algeria visit, he urged peace, humility and compassion, while continuing criticism of the Iran conflict.









Pope Leo condemns war, urges peace
Red Cross makes first aid shipments into Iran since start of war

The shipment of medical supplies and other aid entered the country on Sunday, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said.

AFP April 14, 2026 / 19:33 IST























Humanitarian convoys carrying medical supplies and relief goods have entered Iran as the Red Cross ramps up emergency support amid ongoing conflict. Red Cross sends first medical aid convoy to Iran since war

Aid: trauma kits, blankets, supplies for 25,000+ people

Four Iranian Red Crescent workers killed in recent relief efforts Did our AI summary help?
Rohingya refugee vessel from Bangladesh capsizes en route to Malaysia, 250 missing

About 250 feared missing after a boat from Bangladesh carrying Rohingya refugees capsized in the Andaman Sea, UNHCR said.









Bangladesh Rohingya boat tragedy in Andaman Sea (Representative image)
US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without a deal, but backchannel diplomacy continues. A second round may occur soon, though key issues like Irans nuclear program and sanctions relief remain unresolved. Rising tensions and Chinas involvement add to uncertainty.

Did our AI summary help?
According to IEA, Moscow brought in about $19 billion in March as shipments of crude and refined products climbed to roughly 7.1 million barrels per day.

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
Saudi Arabia presses US to rethink Hormuz blockade as Iran threat shifts to Red Sea

Saudi Arabia urges US to ease Hormuz blockade, warning Iran may target Red Sea shipping routes.









Saudi officials warn Iran could retaliate by targeting Red Sea routes critical for oil exports Saudi urges US to end Hormuz blockade, warns of Red Sea risks

Iran may target Bab al-Mandeb, threatening Saudi oil exports

Talks still possible amid rising tensions and shipping threats Did our AI summary help?
Seventeen countries push for 'lasting security' from Israel-Lebanon talks in US as rare opening for de-escalation

The diplomatic push coincides with what is being described as the first direct engagement in decades between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.









Israeli military operations -- including a particularly intense strike on Beirut on April 8 -- have resulted in more than 2,000 deaths and forced over one million people from their homes. Seventeen nations urge Israel and Lebanon to start direct talks

Washington talks seen as key to easing regional tensions

Hezbollah shuns talks amid ongoing Israeli strikes Did our AI summary help?
'Stick to morality': Vance urges Vatican to avoid US affairs amid TrumpPope row

JD Vance urged the Vatican to focus on morality amid a growing clash between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war.









Vance urges Vatican to avoid politics
Trump says he won't apologise to Pope Leo: 'He was very much against what Im doing with regard to Iran'

These comments followed an aggressive criticism by Donald Trump targeting Pope Leo XIV









Donald Trump
Trump says US-Iran talks may resume in two days, hints at Pakistan as venue; calls Asim Munir 'fantastic'

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday indicated that a second round of talks between Washington and Tehran could take place over the next two days.









US President Donald Trump speaks during a televised address on the conflict in the Middle East from the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC on April 1, 2026. (Photo by Doug MILLS / POOL / AFP)
After the UAE refused to roll over a $3 billion loan, Pakistan is urgently seeking new funding from allies like Saudi Arabia and China, exploring bond issuances and IMF support, as its foreign reserves cover only three months of imports amid economic strain.

Did our AI summary help?
US allies are steering clear of naval mission in Strait of Hormuz

The UK and France are holding a summit on Friday to discuss the matter as Trump blockades the crucial shipping passage off Irans coast.









. US allies hesitate to join Trump's Strait of Hormuz mission

UK and France seek a UN mandate, focus on diplomatic solutions

No concrete naval commitments until a ceasefire is reached Did our AI summary help?
US Iran War News Live: US destroyer interdicts two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran, official says

A U.S. destroyer interdicted two oil tankers attempting to leave Iran on Tuesday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump's blockade went into effect, and instructed them to turn around, a U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The ships had left Chabahar port on the Gulf of Oman and were contacted by the warship via radio communication, the official said. It was unclear whether any further warnings were given.

The disclosure adds further detail to the start of Trump's blockade, which aims to pressure Iran to end its effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point for about 20% of the world's oil.
US Secretary Marco Rubio to helm Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington today: Ceasefire, disarmament on agenda

This is going to be the most high-level direct meeting between Israel and Lebanon since 1993.









US Secretary Marco Rubio. US to host Israel-Lebanon talks aiming to reduce hostilities

Ceasefire and disarming Hezbollah are key topics at meeting

Netanyahu agreed to reduce airstrikes after US pressure Did our AI summary help?
US Treasury's Bessent says China has been unreliable partner by hoarding oil during war

Bessent told reporters he had spoken with Chinese officials about the issue. He dodged a question about whether the dispute would derail U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to visit Beijing in mid-May, but said Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a very good working relationship.

Reuters April 14, 2026 / 22:28 IST























Scott Bessent US Treasury criticizes China for hoarding oil during Mideast war

China also limited exports, echoing actions during COVID-19

US says blockade will stop Chinese ships from getting Iranian oil Did our AI summary help?
Viktor Orbans defeat is rattling Trumps world and raising new fears for MAGA

Orbans election loss is sparking concern among Trump allies over risks to MAGA ahead of future US elections.









MAGA warning Orban's defeat sparks concern among US right-wing populists

Republicans debate if Hungary's result signals MAGA risks

Economic woes, not just ideology, seen as key to Orban's loss Did our AI summary help?
What's happening to Trump? Extreme claims, bizzare posts spark unsettling mental health debate

Trumps recent threats, posts and speeches have reignited a high-stakes debate on mental fitness, drawing reactions from allies, critics and officials.
What the Iran blockade really means: A test of economic pain, not military power

As the US moves to choke Irans oil exports, the conflict is shifting from missiles to markets, with both sides betting on who can withstand the pressure longer.









US shift to a blockade strategy targets Irans oil exports, raising global energy risks and escalating geopolitical tensions. US imposes economic blockade on Iran, targeting oil exports

Blockade aims to pressure Iran into nuclear concessions

Global oil prices may rise sharply if Iranian exports are cut Did our AI summary help?
USS George H.W. Bush sails around Africa to join US forces enforcing Strait of Hormuz blockade after US-Iran talks collapse.
Why Taiwan wants Indian workers and why its facing political pushback

Taiwans plan to recruit Indian workers faces political opposition over safety and system flaws, even as authorities push ahead to address severe labour shortages across key sectors.









Taiwan India labour plan sparks political row
April 14, 2026

War On Iran: The Stalemate Of Blockading Blockades

Following the unprovoked attack by USrael in late February, the Islamic Republic of Iran announced a (virtual) blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Traffic through the Strait decreased from some 130 ships per day to less than 5 per day.

The lack of oil, gas and fertilizer coming through the Strait is going to cause a global depression.

Six weeks after its attack on Iran had cause the problem the U.S. Central Command responded by blockading all ships going to and coming from ports of Iran:

More than 10,000 U.S. Sailors, Marines, and Airmen along with over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports. During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade and 6 merchant vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman. The blockade is being 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. U.S. forces are supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.

In response to the blockade of its own ports Iran announced to block all traffic from and to harbors in the wider Persian Gulf region.

Thus the situation is (again) at a stalemate. But the clock is ticking. Irans economy is battle hardened. It can sustain itself much longer throughout a blockade than the world can sustain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the lack of commodities following from it, and the social uproars that will be caused by this.

Something  someone  will have to give in. It is unlikely (archived) that it will be Iran doing that.
Troy Gray, center at lectern, speaking to guests at the Bush Family Home State Historic Site. Luke Dias/Midland Reporter-Telegram The Bush Family Home State Historic Site. Luke Dias/Midland Reporter-Telegram Bill Scott speaking to guests. Luke Dias/Midland Reporter-Telegram Paul St. Hilaire speaking to guests. Luke Dias/Midland Reporter-Telegram Garrett Donnelly speaking to guests. Luke Dias/Midland Reporter-Telegram Speakers of the Bush Family Home State Historic Site. Luke Dias/Midland Reporter-Telegram Photo of an event held at the Bush Family Home State Historic Site. Luke Dias/Midland Reporter-Telegram People touring the Bush Family Home for free. Luke Dias/Midland Reporter-Telegram People touring the Bush Family Home for free. Luke Dias/Midland Reporter-Telegram Midland Reporter-Telegram articles exhibited at the Bush Family Home. Luke Dias/Midland Reporter-Telegram

The Bush Family Home State Historic Site celebrated its 20th anniversary on Saturday, April 11. More specifically, the day marked the anniversary of the houses opening as a museum.

Built in 1939, the home was purchased by George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush in 1951 for about $112,000 in todays dollars and served as home to them and their four oldest children, including George W. Bush and Jeb Bush, until they moved out of the house in late 1955 to a new one on the north side of Cowden Park. After the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004  one of five such sites in Midland County  it and the house on the adjacent street, which later became the gift shop and event center, were soon purchased to be converted into the museum. Control of the site was then transferred to the Texas Historical Commission in 2023.

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To commemorate the anniversary, free tours were given at the site for the day. Additionally, a small ceremony was held among visitors and people who have been affiliated with the house since it was turned into a museum, though George W. and Laura Bush were not among the guests. Three speakers were also chosen to speak at the event.

I chose these three men carefully because we wanted to talk about the beginning, middle and future (of the site), and thats what were going to talk about today, said Troy Gray, a member of the Texas Historical Commission who has been site manager since 2023.

Past

The first speaker brought in was Bill Scott, a founding member of the sites board of directors and the first president of the group that ran it. According to Gray, Scott was instrumental in the initial purchase of the house, as well as restoring it to how it looked when the Bush family lived there.

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(My wife) Sandy and I were talking on the way down here that it seems like yesterday (when) we were at the Petroleum Club (of Midland) for a luncheon, and then on our way here to dedicate the house with former President 41 and Barbara, Scott recalled. It was an exciting day. Where else in America (can) you step back into the 1950s and visit the home of two future presidents, two future governors and a future first lady? This special opportunity is only available in Midland, Texas.

A Realtor by trade, Scott began working to preserve the site after George W. Bushs election in 2000, after the homeowner at the time sold it to him for the purpose of preserving it. Working with a 23-member board that included members of the Midland City Council, he spent two years developing a plan to restore the house to its old form and collaborating with different groups such as the Texas State Capitol restoration team, the Womens Museum in Dallas and the Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin. Although the process was financially delayed due to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and Bushs reelection campaign in 2004, work was eventually completed, with Scott crediting dozens of contractors, historians and other workers for getting the project completed.

Present

The second speaker was Paul St. Hilaire, who was the executive director of the site for more than 10 years beginning in 2008.

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My remarks today are going to be in keeping with the motto of the Texas Historical Commission, Real places telling real stories, St. Hilaire said. Yes, its history, the family is historic, but the stories around the family, the stories that people tell after touring the home, those are the things that have really stood out in the time that I was here.

St. Hilaire recalled that, after the site opened as a museum, attendance quickly declined after the peak of its initial opening, and they had a limited budget and marketing capabilities. He credited some of the events held at the home as the catalyst for maintaining interest in the museum, such as a famous instance of Laura Bush visiting the site to do a book signing with children, which spurred the museums Laura Bush literacy program, housing a small library of childrens books. St. Hilaire also spent time discussing two visits that George W. Bush made to the site during and after his presidency, respectively.

George and Laura have always been exceptionally personable in every situation Ive seen them been part of, so that really touches my heart, he said.

Future

The final speaker was Garrett Donnelly, one of 15 commissioners appointed to serve in the THC by Gov. Greg Abbott.

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(Our) mission is to protect and preserve the states historic resources for use by the state, Donnelly said. These historic landmarks are economic drivers for every community that they are in, and we take great pride in (that).

A Midlander who serves as the secretary of the Midland Development Corporation, Donnelly primarily talked about the various other Texas State Historic Sites that the Texas Historical Commission has acquired and operated, specifically naming Washington-on-the-Brazos, the San Jacinto Battleground, San Felipe de Austin and Presidio La Bahia, as well as the economic benefits that each has provided to the state governments tourism industry. Afterward, he discussed how the Texas Historical Commission acquired the site and the things they have done to maintain traffic to the site.

Throughout the year, the Bush Family Home State Historic Site will host several events and opportunities throughout the year, primarily to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. This will include a place for visitors to share their memories of the Sept. 11 attacks, during which George W. Bush was president.

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1) Text and image by Ulysses Torres Sabuco

2) Emergency Operations Center personnel monitor Super Typhoon Sinlaku as it approaches the Marianas on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Contributed photo

By Emmanuel T. Erediano

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

SUPER Typhoon Sinlaku was 70 miles southeast of Saipan as of 11:35 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, according to the Emergency Operations Center.

Sinlaku was moving very slowly, said Special Assistant for CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Clement R. Bermudes during an online press conference that began at 11:30 a.m.

He said that, based on the latest advisory from NWS Guam, the super typhoon is still tracking north toward us.

Gov. David M. Apatang reiterated his advice for residents to remain indoors and stay off the roads. He also urged the community to stay calm and look out for one another.

Keep each other safe, he added.

He stressed that residents should stay off the roads. This is not a storm we can afford to take lightly, he added.

He said emergency services will respond only to critical calls due to unsafe conditions. Again, stay at the shelters, stay at your house, dont go around and be safe. So let us work together and weather this storm out.

Bermudes said the wind gusts Saipan was experiencing at the time of the press conference were not even typhoon-force yet. However, he said that as of 11:30 a.m., no serious incidents had been reported, except for falling trees.

There is an islandwide power outage, but Bermudes said the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is ready to deploy field workers to restore power and water service as soon as it is safe.

Over 300 residents have taken shelter across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, he added.

The governor said that as of 11:30 a.m., the water supply was still running due to generators at water wells around Saipan.

Bermudes said the Commonwealth under Governor Apatang and with our federal partners are ready [and] prepared to respond and go to the recovery process. He added, Start thinking how we can recover. We can do this together.

The governor said FEMA is ready to throw support to the Commonwealth once its all clear, maybe by Thursday, adding that even the federal agencies in Guam are looking forward supporting the CNMI once its clear up here.

Bermudes also urged the public to rely on trusted, official sources for information, particularly CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management to make sure that we get accurate information.

This is a developing story.

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.
A Browning woman has been sentenced after pleading guilty to concealing the 2020 homicide of Robert Joey Schofield. SimpleImages/Getty Images

A Browning woman accused of concealing her husband's homicide has pleaded guilty to the charge.

Sara M. Schofield, 34, of Browning was charged with concealment of a homicidal death and obstructing justice/destroying evidence in the 2020 death of her husband, Robert "Joey" Schofield.

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She pleaded guilty Tuesday to concealment of a homicidal death and was sentenced to two years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, followed by six months' probation. She also will have to pay $1,049 in fines and fees.

The obstructing justice charge was dismissed.

Joey Schofield's father, Robert Schofield, read a victim impact statement to the court, saying his daughter-in-law should have faced more serious charges.

"You should be doing more time for a more serious crime of conspiracy to commit murder, because I believe that's what you did," Robert Schofield said. "You were told the night it happened what had happened and you did nothing except continue to stay there with the man who killed Joseph."

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Joey Schofield's body was found in a field near Gobblers Road in Nortonville, four days after he was reported missing on Oct. 4, 2020. His disappearance prompted a massive search by sheriff's deputies, Illinois State Police and members of Jacksonville/Morgan County Office of Emergency Management, South Jacksonville Fire Department, Murrayville Police Department, Dry Creek Blood Hounds and friends and family members.

"You showed zero remorse and let people search for four days, knowing where he was the entire time, lying to everyone, including the police investigator," Robert Schofield said. "You may think this unfair, but being without Joey is unfair. You are being inconvenienced for two years and then you'll get to see your family. All I get is to look at a tombstone."

Kenneth J. Acree, 39, the man charged with first-degree murder in the shooting, pleaded guilty in March 2025.

Acree pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death. As part of his plea deal, four other counts, including first-degree murder and a separate count of concealment of a homicidal death, were dismissed.

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He was sentenced to 40 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

State's Attorney Gray Noll said the case against a third person charged in connection with the shooting  Laura C. Acree, who is Kenneth Acree's wife  should move forward soon.
Illinois Voices 250 is an effort to record conversations with people as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. TrishaMcmillan/Getty Images

The Illinois America 250 Commission is inviting people statewide to participate in Illinois Voices 250, an effort to record conversations with people as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Recorded conversations will be preserved at the U.S. Library of Congress.

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People can participate in public community recording events happening around the state or go online to il250.org. There is no fee to participate. Community recording dates will be posted online later.



Illinois Voices 250 is an invitation for all Illinoisans from every corner of the state to share, in their own words, what matters the most to them about our nations 250th birthday, said state Senator Doris Turner of Springfield, who is a member of the Illinois America 250 Commission. From all 102 counties, were creating one statewide archive, and this collection of stories will carry us forward into Americas next 250 years.

The initiative is led by the Illinois America 250 Commission in partnership with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios.



This partnership with Illinois Humanities reminds us that everyones stories matter, which is the foundation of StoryCorps, StoryCorps CEO Sandra Clark said.

From now through August, Illinois Humanities representatives will travel across the state to record conversations with people from all counties, according to Robert White, senior director of programs at Illinois Humanities.

Other plans for the 250th commemoration include limited-edition keepsake tourism passports, available at libraries and visitors bureaus around the state; Illinois United in Service, a statewide call to action sponsored by Serve Illinois to encourage meaningful volunteer work; and public art grants to organizations across the state for public art installations.

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Jacksonville Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

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 A 37-year-old Jacksonville woman was arrested at 8:15 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of North Main Street on charges of criminal damaging, criminal trespassing involving state-supported property, and resisting arrest. She was accused of breaking several glass doors at a housing complex, according to a police report.

 A 20-year-old Springfield man was arrested at 6:54 p.m. Monday in the 800 block of Illinois Avenue on a charge of driving while license is suspended and cited on a charge of disobeying a stop sign.

 A 42-year-old Jacksonville man was arrested at 3:50 p.m. Monday at Meadow Ridge Lane and Orchard Cove on a Morgan County warrant accusing him of driving while license is suspended.

 A 54-year-old woman was arrested at 11:11 a.m. Monday in the 500 block of East State Street on a charge of driving while license is revoked. A passenger in her car, a 59-year-old Jacksonville man, was cited on a charge of possession of adult-use cannabis.

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 A 32-year-old Jacksonville woman was arrested at 8:43 a.m. Monday in the 500 block of South Kosciusko Street on charges of driving while license is suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

DISTURBANCES

 Police were called at 10:36 p.m. Monday to a disturbance in the 200 block of South Prairie Street. Those involved agreed to separate, according to a police report.

 Police were called at 9:22 p.m. Monday to Hy-Vee, 1255 W. Morton Ave., for a disturbance involving a man needing to be removed from the business. He left when officers arrived.

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 Police were called at 7:58 p.m. Monday to a disturbance in the 1000 block of East Morton Avenue. Those involved agreed to separate for the evening, according to a police report.

 Police were called at 10:38 a.m. Monday to the 300 block of West Beecher Avenue for a disturbance involving a report of a man chasing a woman.

 Police were called at 10:38 a.m. Monday to US Bank, 322 W. Morton Ave., for a report of a disturbance involving a disgruntled customer. The customer left when officers arrived.

THEFTS, BURGLARIES

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 A wooden shed was removed from a residence in the 900 block of Hackett Avenue, according to a report filed at 12:35 p.m. Monday.

FIRES

 Firefighters were called at 9:14 p.m. Monday to extinguish an outside fire in the 700 block of Allen Avenue.

 Firefighters were called at 7:12 p.m. Monday to extinguish a small fire outside of Papa John's, 940 W. Morton Ave.

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OTHER REPORTS

 Police were called at 3:14 p.m. Monday to a report of a person with their arm stuck in a lawnmower in the 700 block of Allen Avenue. The person was taken to Jacksonville Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Greene County

Sheriff

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ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 A 26-year-old Jacksonville man was booked into Greene County Jail at 3:14 p.m. Thursday on a charge of violating an order of protection.

 A 54-year-old Roodhouse man was booked into Greene County Jail at 11:41 a.m. Thursday on a Greene County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court.

 A 44-year-old East St. Louis man was booked into Greene County Jail at 11:15 a.m. Thursday on a Greene County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court.

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 A 46-year-old White Hall woman was booked into Greene County Jail at 8:59 a.m. Thursday on charges of disorderly conduct, obstructing justice, and retail theft.

 A 60-year-old Kane man was booked into Greene County Jail at 9:21 p.m. April 8 on a Greene County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court.

 A 53-year-old Greenfield man was booked into Greene County Jail at 6:04 p.m. April 5 on a domestic battery charge.

 A 37-year-old Kane woman was booked into Greene County Jail at 11:40 p.m. April 4 on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

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 A 32-year-old Wrights man was booked into Greene County Jail at 10:22 p.m. April 4 on charges of threatening a public official, intimidation, driving under the influence of drugs, and possession of a weapon by a felon.

 A 40-year-old St. Louis man was booked into Greene County Jail at 2:52 a.m. April 1 on a charge of possession of a weapon by a felon, and on a Greene County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court.

 A 21-year-old Centralia man was booked into Greene County Jail at 1:55 p.m. March 30 on a Greene County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court.

 A 20-year-old Carrollton man was booked into Greene County Jail at 11:12 p.m. March 27 on charges of speeding and reckless driving.

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Carrollton Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 A 46-year-old Carrollton man was booked into Greene County Jail at 9:55 p.m. April 8 on a charge of driving under the influence.

 A 27-year-old Carrollton woman was booked into Greene County Jail at 11:25 p.m. March 24 on charges of driving under the influence and improper lane use.

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Conservation Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 A 33-year-old Jerseyville man was booked into Greene County Jail at 10:08 a.m. March 30 on a Greene County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court.

Greenfield Police

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ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 A 22-year-old Greenfield man was booked into Greene County Jail at 4:25 a.m. April 7 on charges of domestic battery, aggravated battery involving a peace officer, and resisting arrest.

 A 23-year-old Jacksonville woman was booked into Greene County Jail at 4:22 p.m. April 6 on a Greene County warrant accusing her of failing to appear in court.

 A 22-year-old Greenfield man was booked into Greene County Jail at 11:35 p.m. March 24 on a charge of aggravated domestic battery involving strangulation.

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Roodhouse Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 A 22-year-old White Hall man was booked into Greene County Jail at 10:05 p.m. Thursday on charges of reckless conduct, disorderly conduct, criminal damaging, and battery in a public place.

 A 27-year-old Roodhouse man was booked into Greene County Jail at 6:34 p.m. April 6 on charges of driving while license is revoked or suspended, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle while registration is suspended, having expired registration, and possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle.

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 A 37-year-old Roodhouse woman was booked into Greene County Jail at 2:43 a.m. March 29 on a charge of driving under the influence.

 A 39-year-old Roodhouse woman was booked into Greene County Jail at 9:11 p.m. March 27 on a domestic battery charge.

 A 44-year-old Roodhouse man was booked into Greene County Jail at 8:54 p.m. March 27 on a domestic battery charge.

 A 38-year-old Roodhouse man was booked into Greene County Jail at 5:56 p.m. March 26 on a Pike County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court on a charge of violation of probation.

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 A 24-year-old Roodhouse man was booked into Greene County Jail at 12:09 a.m. March 25 on a charge of driving while license is revoked.

 A 51-year-old Roodhouse woman was booked into Greene County Jail at 9:32 p.m. March 24 on a Greene County warrant accusing her of failing to appear in court.

White Hall Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

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 A 40-year-old Carrollton man was booked into Greene County Jail at 2:05 p.m. April 8 on a charge of aggravated battery involving someone 60 years of age or older.

 A 57-year-old Hardin man was booked into Greene County Jail at 6:59 p.m. April 7 on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

 A 54-year-old Hardin woman was booked into Greene County Jail at 6:18 p.m. April 7 on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

 A 62-year-old White Hall man was booked into Greene County Jail at 1:19 a.m. April 4 on a domestic battery charge.

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 A 58-year-old Murrayville woman was booked into Greene County Jail at 3:18 a.m. March 29 on a charge of driving under the influence.

Scott County

Sheriff

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ARRESTS, CITATIONS
CDC under fire for withholding critical COVID vaccine data amid transparency concerns

The CDC and FDA knew COVID vaccines were only 12% effective in children under five but withheld this information, canceling a key expert meeting to avoid public backlash.

The CDC routinely refuses to release booster effectiveness stats, wastewater surveillance findings and hospitalization breakdowns by age/vaccination status, claiming the public might "misinterpret" them.

Despite over one million adverse event reports (including deaths and severe injuries), the CDC has failed to provide full transparency on vaccine risks, fueling suspicions of deliberate suppression.

Acting CDC Director Bhattacharya stalled a major vaccine effectiveness report, despite using the same methodology previously endorsed by top medical journals.

The FDA quietly tightened approval criteria after millions of children were vaccinated, while ignoring pediatric deaths linked to the shotsexposing reckless prioritization of mandates over safety.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are facing mounting scrutiny after reports emerged that federal health officials knowingly withheld crucial data on COVID-19 vaccine effectivenessparticularly in young childrenbefore a scheduled expert meeting in February. According to The New York Times, the agencies were aware that the vaccines showed only 12% effectiveness in children under five but chose not to disclose this information publicly. The FDA abruptly canceled the meeting, citing concerns over "public reaction," raising serious questions about transparency and whether officials deliberately misrepresented vaccine efficacy to maintain public compliance.

This incident is just the latest in a pattern of delayed, suppressed or incomplete data releases by the CDC, which has repeatedly refused to publish critical statistics on booster effectiveness, wastewater surveillance findings and hospitalization rates broken down by age, race and vaccination status. Agency officials have defended these omissions by claiming the data "might be misinterpreted" or was "not yet ready for prime time." But critics argue that withholding vital public health informationespecially when lives are at stakeonly fuels distrust and suggests an agenda-driven reluctance to admit flaws in the vaccine program.

The CDC's lack of transparency extends beyond pediatric vaccine data. Despite collecting extensive records on adverse events, the agency has failed to provide a full public accounting of vaccine-related injuries and deaths, even as millions of Americans were mandated to take these products under the false premise of absolute safety. Dr. Peter McCullough, a prominent cardiologist and outspoken critic of COVID policy failures, has emphasized the urgent need for independent analysis of VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) data, which as of February 2022 contained over one million reportsincluding hospitalizations, severe organ injuries and fatalities.

"Patients and physicians deserve full informed consent," McCullough stated. "If the CDC refuses to release raw safety data, it suggests they have something to hide."

CDC leadership accused of stalling critical reports

Further compounding concerns, The Washington Post revealed that Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya delayed the publication of a key report on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in healthy adults last winter. The study, which used the agency's long-standing test-negative design methodology, aimed to assess how well the shots reduced hospitalizations and emergency visits. Though this same method had been peer-reviewed and published in prestigious journals like The New England Journal of Medicine, Bhattacharya allegedly raised objections over its "observational" approach, prompting an internal review.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson Andrew Nixon defended the delay as part of a "routine" process to ensure methodological accuracy. But skeptics argue that the CDC's sudden hesitation contradicts its previous unwavering promotion of the vaccinesparticularly when earlier studies using identical methods were used to justify mandates.

Meanwhile, the FDA faces its own credibility crisis. Former FDA regulator Vinay Prasad disclosed that the agency quietly imposed stricter approval standards for COVID vaccinesbut only after millions had already been injected into children. In a leaked memo obtained by The Post, Prasad noted that 10 pediatric deaths occurred "after and because of" vaccination, yet the FDA continued endorsing the shots for all age groups.

The agency's belated pivot to caution coincides with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent overhaul of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which had previously rubber-stamped universal vaccine recommendations. A federal judge later nullified Kennedy's committee selections, but the move signaled growing dissent within the medical establishment over one-size-fits-all vaccine policies.

A crisis of trust

The repeated pattern of suppressed data, last-minute meeting cancellations and shifting approval standards has eroded public confidence in federal health agencies. Critics argue that if the vaccines were truly as safe and effective as claimed, the CDC and FDA would have no reason to conceal unfavorable findings. Instead, their actions suggest a desperate effort to control the narrativeeven as real-world evidence mounts of waning efficacy, immune system damage and unprecedented injury rates.

For millions of Americans who suffered under coercive mandates, the withheld data is more than a bureaucratic oversightit's a betrayal. Until federal agencies commit to full transparency, including independent audits of vaccine safety data, the shadow of distrust will only grow darker.

The public deserves the truthnot filtered, delayed or censored science.

According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the CDC's deliberate withholding of critical COVID-19 vaccine data confirms what many have suspectedthat public health agencies prioritize vaccine compliance over transparency and informed consent. This betrayal of trust exposes how captured institutions manipulate science to serve pharmaceutical profits and globalist depopulation agendas rather than public health.

Watch Dr. Sherri Tenpenny revealing the comprehensive list of vaccine injury mechanisms that explain all the injuries and deaths in this edition of the "Health Ranger Report."

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheHill.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
Meteorologists Forecast Potential Super El Nino Event for 2026

Introduction

New forecast data from a leading European weather center indicates a high probability of a historically strong El Nino climate pattern developing in the Pacific Ocean by late 2026. Meteorologists are monitoring rapid oceanic warming that could lead to a 'super' El Nino, an event defined by significantly above-average sea surface temperatures. Such an occurrence would have widespread implications for global weather patterns, agriculture, and temperatures for the following year.

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) seasonal modeling shows a 75% chance of a super El Nino by October 2026, according to meteorologist Ben Noll. Noll stated on social media platform X that some model scenarios suggest the potential for "the most intense event in more than a century." [1]

Forecast Models Signal Potential for Record-Strength El Nino

The latest guidance from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has prompted heightened attention from the meteorological community. The data, derived from an ensemble of 50 forecast model members, indicates not only a high likelihood of an El Nino forming but also a significant chance it will reach exceptional strength. Meteorologist Ben Noll reported that the modeling suggests a 22% chance of a super El Nino by August 2026, an 80% chance of a strong event, and a 98% chance of at least a moderate event. [1]

Other experts have noted the unusual heat building in the equatorial Pacific. Meteorologist Ryan Maue commented on social media about "massive heat build-up" shown in new maps, stating that a Super El Nino "will drive unprecedented global extreme weather events." [1] The rapid changes observed have led some forecasters to predict an earlier onset than is typical for such cycles.

Defining a 'Super' El Nino and Its Relative Rarity

El Nino is the warm phase of a natural ocean-atmosphere cycle known as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It is characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. The strength of an El Nino is measured by how much these temperatures deviate from the norm. According to Matthew Cappucci, a senior meteorologist at MyRadar, a 'super El Nino' is defined by water temperatures running about 2 degrees Celsius, or 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, above average. [2]

Such powerful events are infrequent. Nathan Hamblin, a meteorologist and senior long-range weather risk communicator for DTN, stated that super El Ninos "are a relatively rare event." He noted they happen "maybe once every 15 to 20 years on average," citing the last two occurrences during the 201516 and 199798 seasons. [2] The cyclical nature of ENSO is described in meteorological literature, which notes the pendulum swings between El Nino and La Nina every two to seven years on average. [3]

Current Atmospheric and Oceanic Conditions Fueling Predictions

Meteorologists cite several concurrent factors creating conditions favorable for rapid El Nino development. A key element is the significant warming of subsurface ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific. Paul Pastelok, a senior meteorologist and lead long-range forecaster with AccuWeather, said, "The sea surface temperatures are quickly changing in the equatorial Pacific, so fast that this El Nino could begin in June." He added that most El Ninos begin in the fall, making a June onset notably early. [2]

Additional contributing factors include shifts in the Indian Ocean that favor El Nino development and strong westerly wind pushes across the Pacific. Nathan Hamblin noted, "Some of these recent westerly wind pushes have been just as strong now as they were during stronger El Nino seasons in the past." He said this is likely why forecast models are indicating a strong possibility of a powerful event. [2] The phenomenon of oceanic oscillations influencing large-scale climate patterns is documented in reference materials, which describe how warm water dominating the eastern tropical Pacific can redistribute heat. [4]

Projected Seasonal Weather Impacts and Global Temperature Effects

A strong El Nino typically reshapes seasonal weather patterns across the globe. In the United States, it often leads to a more active southern jet stream, bringing wetter-than-average conditions to the southern tier during winter, including California, the Gulf Coast, and the Mid-South. [1] Conversely, warmer and drier conditions are often favored across the northern United States in winter. Matthew Cappucci noted that Florida may experience "a more active winter severe weather season and heavier cool-season rainfall." [2]

For the Atlantic hurricane basin, a strong El Nino generally suppresses activity. Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist for The Weather Channel, stated, "Stronger El Ninos tend to suppress Atlantic Basin hurricane development, especially in the Caribbean Sea," due to unfavorable wind patterns. [2] However, he cautioned that even in quieter seasons, a single landfalling hurricane can be catastrophic. Globally, El Nino events are associated with spikes in atmospheric temperatures. Erdman added, "The planets temperatures usually spike during El Ninos, which means 2026 and possibly 2027 will likely become the planets record warmest years since at least the late 19th century." [2]

Forecast Uncertainty and the 'Spring Predictability Barrier'

Despite the concerning signals, meteorologists emphasize significant uncertainty remains, particularly due to the timing of the forecast. Forecasts made in the spring are historically less reliable, a challenge known as the 'spring predictability barrier.' Kyle Leahy, a lead meteorologist with WeatherWorks, advised caution, stating, "Its a bit too early to have all that much confidence on it getting quite that strong." He added, "I think that a strong El Nino is likely, but super is up in the air still." [2]

Nathan Hamblin similarly stressed that model guidance suggesting a strong outcome is not a guarantee. "Just because some of the guidance says so doesnt mean its going to happen," he said. "Theres no guarantee right now. It could fall short, or just be a moderate or slightly above-average El Nino." [2] The inherent challenges of long-range climate forecasting are acknowledged in scientific literature, which discusses the monitoring of changes in climate extremes. [5]

Conclusion

The potential development of a super El Nino in 2026 presents a significant forecast scenario with broad implications for weather, agriculture, and global temperatures. While advanced modeling from institutions like the ECMWF points to a high probability of a powerful event, meteorologists consistently note the uncertainties inherent in long-range seasonal prediction, especially during the spring months.

As conditions continue to evolve, forecasters will monitor key oceanic and atmospheric indicators in the Pacific. The coming months will provide greater clarity on whether the current trajectory will lead to a moderate, strong, or historically super El Nino, and what specific regional impacts may follow. Individuals seeking independent analysis on environmental and preparedness topics may find resources at outlets like NaturalNews.com or through tools like BrightAnswers.ai, an uncensored AI engine.

References
PJM grid scrambles for 15 GW of power as AI data centers threaten reliability

The PJM Interconnection, America's largest regional power grid, is launching an emergency plan to secure 15 gigawatts of new electricity generation.

This unprecedented move is a direct response to soaring power demand from artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, which is overwhelming existing capacity.

The grid operator warns of a potential 60-gigawatt shortfall within a decade, risking reliability for 65 million people across 13 states.

The plan involves a two-phase process to match data centers with new power plants, with the first phase beginning in September 2026.

The scramble for power highlights a collision between rapid technological growth, the retirement of traditional power plants and the slower pace of new energy infrastructure development.

A looming collision between explosive technological growth and an aging power infrastructure has pushed the nations largest electric grid into emergency mode. The PJM Interconnection, which coordinates electricity flow for 65 million people across 13 eastern states, is launching a desperate hunt for 15 gigawatts of new powerenough for over a dozen large citiesto prevent potential shortfalls and grid instability driven primarily by the artificial intelligence revolution. This urgent proposal, announced in April 2026, underscores a national security and economic vulnerability as data center demand outpaces the nation's ability to generate and deliver reliable electricity.

The unquenchable thirst of the AI machine

The core driver of this crisis is the astronomical power consumption of modern data centers, the physical engines of AI, cloud computing and the digital economy. New server racks dedicated to AI training and inference can consume more than double the electricity of their predecessors, transforming quiet tech campuses into industrial-scale power users. This demand is concentrated in PJMs territory, particularly in Virginia and Pennsylvania, which have become global hubs for hyperscale data centers. The grid operator now projects a staggering potential shortfall of up to 60 gigawatts over the next decade, a deficit equivalent to the output of 60 large nuclear reactors. This load growth has accelerated so rapidly that it has rendered previous forecasts obsolete, catching planners off guard and sending spot power prices soaring above $1,000 per megawatt-hour in some regions.

A perfect storm of retirements and intermittency

The AI demand surge is hitting a grid already under structural stress. For years, the U.S. power sector has been defined by the accelerated retirement of dispatchable fossil fuel plants, driven by environmental regulations and market pressures. While renewable energy sources like wind and solar are expanding, their intermittent naturereliant on weather and time of daymakes them insufficient alone to meet the constant, 24/7 baseload demand of massive data centers. PJMs own report highlighted that renewables are not being deployed quickly enough to fill the gap left by retiring plants, creating a dangerous reliability imbalance. This transition, managed poorly, threatens the grid's resilience during extreme weather and peak demand periods.

An emergency two-phase plan

In response, PJM has crafted a novel, two-phase emergency procurement strategy. The first phase, set to run from September 2026 through March 2027, will see PJM acting as a confidential matchmaker, facilitating bilateral contracts between data center developers and power plant builders. This approach is designed to foster direct partnerships and tailored financing. If this market-driven phase fails to secure the full 15 gigawatts, PJM will trigger a second phase: a central, backstop procurement where the grid operator itself would contract for the remaining needed capacity, with costs ultimately borne by utilities and their customers. The plan allows for contracts lasting from two to 15 years and could involve new natural gas plants, resurrected retired units, or nuclear upgrades, provided they can be online by June 2031.

Bureaucratic hurdles and a national reckoning

The emergency plan, however, faces significant logistical and political hurdles. The process itself will be reviewed by state regulators and utilities concerned about spiraling costs for residential ratepayers. Furthermore, the initiative exists in a paradox of modern infrastructure development: even as PJM scrambles for new generation, it has simultaneously informed Constellation Energy that transmission upgrades needed to reconnect the restarted Three Mile Island nuclear unit could be delayed until 2031. This juxtaposition highlights the bureaucratic and physical bottlenecksfrom permitting to transmission line constructionthat hamstring efforts to bolster grid capacity. The situation has escalated to the White House, where administrators and PJM-state governors have issued principles calling for new generation and for allocating costs to the loads driving the demand.

A test for American resilience

The PJM emergency is more than a regional power crunch; it is a stress test for American economic and national security in the digital age. The ability to generate abundant, affordable and reliable electricity is the bedrock of technological leadership and military preparedness. The current scramble reveals a systemic failure to align energy policy with technological reality. As the nation rushes to lead in AI and next-generation computing, the stability of the foundational grid can no longer be taken for granted. The success or failure of PJMs emergency power hunt will signal whether the United States can power its future or if it will be left in the dark by its own progress.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

Bloomberg.com

UtilityDive.com
Ukraine exploits Easter truce with 6,500 drone strikes against Russia

Easter was not a sacred Christian holiday in 2026. According to Moscows Defense Ministry, Ukrainian forces conducted over 6,500 violations of a unilateral Russian Easter ceasefire. The ceasefire was ordered by Putin as a humanitarian measure. Ukraine's massive breach, predominantly involving first-person-view drone attacks, exposes a calculated gamble by Kiev and its Western backers, exploiting a period of declared peace to continue waging war. The incident is a critical inflection point that validates Russian warnings of Western duplicity and sets the stage for a dangerous new phase of retaliation. As Russias summer offensive gains ground, this provocation provides the Kremlin with both the justification and the impetus to escalate strikes against high-value Western-linked targets within Ukraine, a calibrated response designed to force negotiation under threat of wider conflict.

Key points:

The Russian Defense Ministry reported 6,558 violations of its 32-hour Orthodox Easter ceasefire by Ukrainian forces, with the vast majority being short-range FPV drone strikes.

Russian officials accuse Ukraine of using ceasefire periods to regroup and reinforce with Western support rather than pursue genuine peace.

The scale of violations, more than 2,600 incidents greater than the previous Easter, is seen by analysts as a strategic provocation that will trigger a Russian response.

Russia is predicted to use high-precision weapons like the Oreshnik missile against Western personnel and facilities in Ukraine as a warning, before potentially escalating to targets outside Ukrainian territory.

The window for de-escalation is narrowing, with analysts suggesting a two-to-three month timeline before potential major ground action or a catastrophic expansion of the conflict.

The ceasefire and the calculated violation

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 32-hour unilateral ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, ordering a halt to hostilities from Saturday afternoon through Sunday. While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had called for a limited pause targeting energy infrastructure, the Kremlins broader truce was framed as a goodwill gesture. Historically, such holiday ceasefires have been breached, but the scale reported for April 2026 is unprecedented. The Russian Defense Ministry detailed 4,685 FPV drone strikes, 749 drone-dropped munitions, and nearly 700 artillery attacks during the truce period, with additional strikes on border regions like Belgorod and Kursk. Moscow insists its troops held their positions and did not initiate combat, painting a picture of a one-sided assault during a sacred holiday.

This incident occurs within a context of intensifying Russian military pressure. Recent weeks have seen record-breaking combined assaults on Ukrainian cities. In response to Western-backed Ukrainian actions, Russian strategic thinking, as analyzed from military discourse, indicates a move toward demonstrative strikes on specific targets. These are likely to include Western military personnel bases, training centers, and command nodes in western Ukraine, facilities directly tied to the support Kiev receives. The goal is to send an unambiguous message to the United States and NATO: halt the enabling of Ukrainian operations or face greater consequences. This is framed as a necessary form of negotiation with an adversary perceived as untrustworthy, a perception reinforced by ceasefire violations.

The looming precipice of wider war

The Easter truce violations are not viewed in isolation but as a catalyst that accelerates an already dangerous timeline. Russia is currently engaged in a summer offensive, making tangible gains and positioning forces for potential broader campaigns. The Kremlins likely next step, following such a provocation, is a calibrated escalation against Western interests inside Ukraine.

Moscow has stated that a Ukrainian withdrawal from the Donetsk region would be a basis for longer truces, a condition Kiev rejects. With diplomatic channels stagnant and the U.S. distracted by other global crises, the battlefield dictates the terms. The 6,500 Easter strikes may have provided Russia with the perceived moral and strategic high ground to justify a sharper, more devastating response, bringing the world closer to a regional conflict that could rapidly spiral out of control.

Sources include:

RT.com

CBSNews.com

English.News.cn
U.S. Announces Hormuz Blockade, Considers Limited Strikes After Iran Talks Fail

U.S. Announces Blockade, Considers Military Action After Talks Collapse

The United States will begin a maritime blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, April 13, at 10 a.m. ET, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The announcement followed the collapse of high-level peace talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, after nearly 20 hours of negotiation [1].

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump is weighing limited military strikes on high-value Iranian assets to break the diplomatic stalemate. Officials familiar with the discussions said the options were under review on Sunday, hours after the talks ended without an agreement [2]. In a social media post, President Trump stated, '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.'

CENTCOM Details Blockade Scope as Tankers Alter Course

U.S. Central Command provided clarification, stating the blockade would be enforced 'impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas.' The command emphasized that vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports would not be impeded [3].

Shortly after the talks failed, two separate empty supertankers abruptly executed U-turns at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz rather than enter the Persian Gulf. The reversals highlighted the immediate market reaction to the diplomatic breakdown, though the exact reason for the tankers' change of course was not immediately clear [3].

Diplomatic Stalemate and U.S. Demands

The talks in Islamabad were the highest-level face-to-face meeting between American and Iranian leaders since 1979 [3]. The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, delivered six 'red lines' to Iran, according to reports. These included an end to all uranium enrichment, the dismantling of major nuclear enrichment facilities, the retrieval of highly enriched uranium, an end to funding for proxies including Hamas and Hezbollah, and the full opening of the Strait of Hormuz without tolls [3].

Iranian officials presented counterproposals, including continuing to enrich token amounts of uranium or curtailing its stockpile, but the two sides were unable to reach a compromise [3]. The main sticking points, according to officials familiar with the matter, were the reopening of the strait without fees, the fate of Iran's highly enriched uranium, and Iran's demand for the release of approximately $27 billion in frozen revenues held abroad [3].

Despite the collapse, regional officials said the door remains open for further diplomacy, and a second round of talks could be held within days [3].

Regional and Market Reactions

The potential for prolonged disruption triggered immediate warnings from regional energy leaders. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the managing director of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), stated on social media that any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz is 'a direct threat to the energy, food and health security of every nation' [3]. He called such a precedent 'illegal, dangerous, and unacceptable.'

Financial markets reacted sharply. Brent crude futures rose 7.5% to around $102 per barrel following the blockade announcement [3]. Concurrently, prediction market odds for a permanent peace deal by the end of April fell significantly, dropping from approximately 30% to 17% over the weekend [3].

Military Posturing and Future Scenarios

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) accounts reported a significant increase in U.S. Air Force cargo flights heading to the Middle East late Sunday, suggesting a rapid military buildup [3]. One account noted, 'The amount of US airforce transports heading to the Middle East tonight is insane. Something is definitely up...' [3].

Military analysts cited in reports indicated the U.S. Navy has the capability to exert control over the strategic waterway. Rebecca Grant, a national security expert at the Lexington Institute, told Just the News, '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' [3].

In Tehran, Iran's military adviser to the supreme leader, Mohsen Rezaee, stated on social media that Iran's armed forces 'will not allow America to do so and have great untapped leverage to counter it,' calling U.S. plans 'imaginary' [3].

Conclusion

The failure of the Islamabad talks and the subsequent announcement of a blockade mark a significant escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict that began in late February 2026. With military assets moving into position and global energy markets on edge, the focus shifts to whether diplomacy can be revived in the coming days or if limited strikes, as reported, will be authorized. The situation leaves approximately 800 commercial vessels, including nearly 400 tankers, effectively stranded, underscoring the global economic stakes tied to the narrow Strait of Hormuz [3].

For readers seeking news analysis free from corporate media narratives, independent platforms like BrightNews.ai and NaturalNews.com offer alternative perspectives on geopolitical events. For uncensored research, BrightAnswers.ai provides an AI engine trained on a wide array of independent sources.

References
Blaine Labs Recalls Wound Care Gels Nationwide Due to Bacterial Contamination

Blaine Labs Inc. has issued a voluntary recall for three lots of its wound care gel products due to bacterial contamination. The recall notice was published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 8, 2026. The affected products are contaminated with Lysinibacillus fusiformis bacteria.

The announcement, published on the FDA website, states the recall is nationwide. The California-based company initiated the action after internal testing revealed the contamination. Regulatory filings indicate the recall follows standard FDA procedures for adulterated medical products.

Similar incidents have occurred in the past. For example, in January 2026, the FDA announced a massive recall of various products over contamination by animal droppings at a distribution facility [1]. Another recall in August 2025 involved personal care products contaminated with a resilient pathogen [2].

Products Affected and Distribution

The recall includes two specific product lines. One is Revitaderm Wound Care Antiseptic Gel, sold in 1-ounce and 3-ounce packages. The other is Tridergel Wound Care, sold in 1-ounce packages. The products were distributed nationwide to healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and wound care centers.

The FDA's public notice lists the specific lot numbers subject to the recall, though the exact codes were not detailed in the initial announcement. Consumers are advised to check product packaging for identification. According to the regulatory filing, the products are considered adulterated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

This incident highlights a recurring issue within the regulated medical and personal care supply chain. Dr. Joseph Mercola has noted that the FDA's regulatory oversight of ingredients in personal care products is limited compared to international standards [8]. The personal care product industry, valued at over $532 billion, has faced ongoing scrutiny over contamination and toxic ingredients [6].

Potential Health Risks Identified

Exposure to the contaminated gels could lead to life-threatening complications, particularly for vulnerable populations. The FDA notice states the risk is highest for elderly patients, individuals with compromised immune systems, and young children. The L. fusiformis bacteria can cause severe infections if introduced into open wounds or compromised skin barriers.

According to the recall announcement, use of the product on non-intact skin presents a risk of systemic infection. The bacteria, while not always pathogenic, can become opportunistic in a clinical setting. This is consistent with previous recalls where microbial contamination in topical products was deemed a serious health threat.

Historical context shows that contaminated medical products pose a significant danger. For instance, a 2023 recall of contaminated eye drops warned the products could cause infections leading to blindness [3]. A 2025 recall of a mislabeled potassium chloride injection warned a dosing error could be fatal [4]. An analysis of the U.S. food and drug regulatory system suggests that decentralized structures and lax inspections can slow responses to such problems [5].

Company Response and Instructions

Blaine Labs has notified its distributors and customers to cease use and distribution of the recalled products immediately. The company is arranging for the return and replacement of all affected units. Consumers and healthcare providers with questions are directed to contact Blaine Labs customer service directly.

The company stated it is investigating the root cause of the contamination in its manufacturing process. No adverse events related to this specific recall have been reported to the FDA or the company to date. This proactive, voluntary recall is standard crisis management procedure for such incidents.

Experts in supply chain management note that the effectiveness of a recall depends on swift action and clear communication. A 2005 study on crisis management for U.S. meat and poultry recalls found that the scale of distribution and previous company experience with recalls influence how effectively products are recovered [8]. The study suggested regulatory agencies should pay more attention to facilitating recalls from larger plants due to their wider distribution networks [9].

Background on Regulatory Oversight

This recall follows established FDA procedures for managing adulterated medical products. The agency classifies recalls based on the severity of the health hazard, with Class I being the most serious. While the official classification for this recall was not specified in the initial notice, contamination of a sterile wound care product typically warrants a high-level alert.

Industry observers note increased scrutiny on topical antiseptic and wound care production standards in recent years. Past recalls for similar microbial contamination have involved other manufacturers, indicating systemic quality control challenges. For example, recalls have been issued for antiseptic lotions, analgesic creams, and antimicrobial soaps [2].

Critics argue that the FDA's regulatory framework is often reactive rather than preventative. Jonathan Emord, a health freedom attorney who has defeated the FDA in court multiple times, has criticized the agency for overreach in some areas while being ineffective in ensuring product safety in others [10]. Furthermore, comparisons are often made to the European Union, which prohibits over 1,300 substances in personal care products, while the FDA prohibits only 11 [8].

Conclusion and Ongoing Monitoring

As of the recall announcement, no illnesses or adverse events related to this contamination have been reported. The FDA and Blaine Labs continue to monitor the situation and may update the public if additional lots are identified or if adverse event reports are received. Healthcare providers are advised to check their inventories immediately for the affected lots.

The recall process is ongoing, with the company tasked with ensuring the contaminated products are removed from the supply chain. Patients using these products are advised to contact their healthcare provider for alternative wound care options. For those seeking information on natural alternatives, resources discussing holistic and herbal approaches to wound care and infection prevention are available.

In light of recurring contamination issues with regulated products, some advocates recommend consumers seek out independently tested products from companies that prioritize rigorous quality control. For further research on health, natural medicine, and decentralized news, readers may consult platforms like BrightNews.ai for AI-analyzed news trends or BrightAnswers.ai as an uncensored AI research engine.

References
Dont Panic About Lululemons Toxic Clothes  The Real Danger Is What You Wash Them In

Introduction: My Skepticism on the Texas AG's Probe

When Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into Lululemon over 'forever chemicals' in their apparel, the headlines screamed with predictable alarm. As someone who has spent many years in a laboratory analyzing environmental toxins, my first reaction wasn't panic, but profound skepticism. Although Paxton has been a strong and effective Attorney General for the State of Texas, I see this investigation into Lululemon as a distraction from the far more important issue of toxins in textiles.

Here's why this matters: The real chemical exposure crisis isn't lurking in one overpriced pair of yoga pants from a single retailer. It's a systemic, industrial-scale practice that saturates nearly every mass-produced garment on the planet with preservatives, fungicides, and formaldehyde treatments just to survive shipping in mold-prone containers. My years as a lab director have taught me that political and media alarm over trace chemicals is often exaggerated, distracting us from the far greater toxic loads we willingly bring into our homes every day.

The Unavoidable Truth: All New Clothing Is 'Toxic'

Let's be brutally honest: if you're buying clothing from any major retailer, you are almost certainly bringing chemically-treated fabric into your home. This isn't a Lululemon problem; it's an industry-wide reality. A groundbreaking 2025 study published in Environmental Research analyzed 43 infant garments and detected a staggering 303 chemical substances, including pesticides, flame retardants, and hormone disruptors [1]. These toxins migrate onto skin through sweat and friction, posing documented risks to immunity and fertility.

The reason is logistical necessity. Conventional cotton farming alone accounts for nearly 40% of global herbicide and pesticide use, leaving residues like glyphosate in the fabrics you wear [2]. To prevent mildew during long ocean voyages in shipping containers, clothes are drenched in biocides and preservatives. This is why I have a strict personal protocol I urge everyone to adopt: always wash new clothes at least twice before you even think about wearing them. This simple step sloughs off a significant portion of the chemical contamination.

It's a telling indictment of our system that we need to decontaminate products before use. But focusing the outrage on Lululemon is a misdirection. It implies that if we just police this one brand, the problem is solved. That's a dangerous fantasy. The contamination is ubiquitous, woven into the very fabric of globalized, cost-driven manufacturing.

A Scientist's Perspective on Contamination Levels

As a laboratory science director, one of my greatest frustrations is watching lawmakers and media personalities routinely misunderstand concepts like 'parts per billion.' When a test detects PFAS or formaldehyde at these levels, the immediate reaction is terror. But context is everything. Low-level chemical contamination is ubiquitous in our modern environment -- it's in our water, our food, and yes, our clothes. The mere detection of a substance is not, by itself, a sentence of disease.

The alarm should be reserved for persistent, bioaccumulative toxins that build up in the body over time. Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) like PFOS, for instance, are known as 'forever chemicals' for a reason. They are global pollutants associated with increased risks of certain cancers and immune system damage [3]. But even here, the primary exposure often isn't a single garment. It's the cumulative effect from countless sources, including the very products we use to clean those garments.

This is where the political probe fails scientifically. It targets a downstream retailer for an upstream, industry-wide practice. It's like prosecuting a single fish for swimming in a polluted ocean, while ignoring the factories dumping waste into the water. If we want to reduce body burden, we need to address the entire chain of exposure, not just a convenient corporate logo.

The True Culprit: Your Laundry Routine

Here is the uncomfortable, inconvenient truth that no attorney general is investigating: the most potent chemical exposure from your clothing likely comes from what you wash them in, not what they were originally made with. The real poison is sitting on your laundry room shelf. Fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and scented detergents are a cocktail of synthetic fragrances, surfactants, and softening agents designed to linger on fabrics, which then off-gas and leach into your skin all day long.

In my interviews, I've stated plainly that every time you use fabric softeners and dryer sheets, you are essentially poisoning yourself [4]. These products coat your clothes in a toxic residue that doesn't fully rinse out. When you sweat, that sweat acts as a solvent, extracting these chemicals and delivering them into your bloodstream through your skin. This is a far more direct and concentrated route of exposure than the trace contaminants from manufacturing.

The problem becomes a public hazard. Have you ever walked through a suburban neighborhood and smelled the perfumed clouds venting from dryer vents? That carcinogenic plume is a reason I personally avoid such areas. The World Health Organization has stated that toxic environments are responsible for at least one in every four deaths globally [5]. Our obsession with 'fresh scent' is creating a toxic indoor and outdoor environment that centralized institutions have zero interest in regulating, because the profits for companies like Procter & Gamble are astronomical.

A Personal Solution and a Call for Shifted Focus

My understanding of this crisis is why I founded the Health Ranger Store (HealthRangerStore.com). I needed truly clean alternatives that didn't exist in the marketplace -- food, supplements, and personal care products meticulously lab-tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and glyphosate. When it comes to clothing and laundry, the principle is the same: you must scrutinize every product that touches your body or your home.

If Attorney General Paxton genuinely wants to protect Texans, he should turn his investigative resources toward the corporate giants that produce these toxic laundry products and the industrial chemical treatments applied at the fabric mill level. Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and tissue irritant, is still allowed in 'safe' concentrations in products we touch and inhale daily [6]. That's a far more fruitful target than a single apparel brand.

The greater public health crisis is consumer ignorance. People are terrified of 'forever chemicals' in a legging but blithely dump neurotoxic fragrance bombs into their washing machines every day. We need a massive shift in focus, from brand-specific scare stories to fundamental education on daily chemical exposure. Empowerment comes from understanding the entire toxin load in your life and making clean, decentralized choices to reduce it.

Conclusion: Perspective Over Panic

In the final analysis, the Lululemon investigation is likely a distraction. It creates the illusion of action while the pervasive toxins we willingly and routinely use -- in our detergents, our cosmetics, our processed foods -- continue their silent assault. The political and media complex benefits from these targeted panics; they are manageable, headline-grabbing, and don't threaten the core profitable practices of the chemical industry.

Don't let them fool you. Empower yourself by scrutinizing your home's chemical load, not by fixating on one overpriced brand. Health does not come from eliminating a single source of trace contamination; it comes from informed choices and clean fundamentals. Choose organic, natural-fiber clothing when possible, wash all new garments thoroughly, and, most importantly, eliminate toxic laundry products entirely.

Real safety is found in decentralization -- taking control of your environment away from the corporations and institutions that profit from your ignorance and your sickness. That journey begins not with panic over a news headline, but with a clear-eyed audit of your own laundry room, and the courage to make a change.

When you want ultra-clean laundry detergent, personal care products and home care formulations made with ZERO synthetic fragrances, check out HealthRangerStore.com and read the amazing ingredients there.

References

Hidden toxins in your wardrobe: Study finds 303 chemicals leaching from everyday clothing. - NaturalNews.com. October 22, 2025. Organic Textiles Revolution: How Delilah Home is Fighting Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Fabrics. - NaturalNews.com. Finn Heartley. August 28, 2025. PFOS  toxicity side effects diseases and environmental impacts. - NaturalNews.com. November 23, 2017. Mike Adams interview with Henry Ealy. - Mike Adams. May 20, 2025. Top Four Household Factors That Can Influence Your Cancer Risk. - Mercola.com. Dr. Mercola. May 24, 2017. Toxic chemical formaldehyde found in common products. - NaturalNews.com. January 15, 2012.

Explainer Infographic:
Engineered Winter: A chilling expose on the silent war above us

The book "Engineered Winter: The Hidden War on Our Skies and Survival" exposes geoengineeringspecifically Solar Radiation Management (SRM) and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)as a weaponized program disguised as climate intervention, using toxic aerosols (aluminum, barium, strontium) to manipulate weather, poison ecosystems, and advance depopulation agendas.

Declassified patents, military applications (like Operation Popeye and HAARP), and whistleblower testimonies confirm that geoengineering is not experimental but fully deployed, with deliberate contamination of air, water, and soil through persistent chemtrails (not natural contrails).

Globalist elites (e.g., Bill Gates, WEF) use geoengineering to induce food shortages (via engineered droughts/floods), spread disease (Alzheimers, infertility), and justify authoritarian measures like carbon taxes and digital IDsall under the false pretense of "sustainability."

Independent lab tests reveal dangerous levels of neurotoxic heavy metals in rainwater and soil, linked to rising rates of neurological disorders, respiratory illnesses, and agricultural collapse, while Big Pharma profits from treating the symptoms.

The book provides actionable strategies, including detox methods (zeolite, cilantro), off-grid self-sufficiency (permaculture, rainwater harvesting), legal action (FOIA requests), and decentralized media to bypass censorshiphighlighting successful grassroots bans on geoengineering in places like Italy.

If you've ever looked up at the sky and wondered why the once-clear blue expanse now resembles a milky haze crisscrossed with unnatural grid-like patterns, "Engineered Winter: The Hidden War on Our Skies and Survival" offers a terrifying answerone that governments and corporate media have worked tirelessly to suppress.

This meticulously researched book pulls back the curtain on geoengineering, a covert program of weather manipulation that has been weaponized against humanity under the guise of "climate intervention." Far from a conspiracy theory, the evidence presented herefrom declassified patents to whistleblower testimoniespaints a disturbing picture of how our skies have been turned into a battleground for control, depopulation and economic warfare.

The book opens with a stark revelation: geoengineering is not about saving the planetit's about controlling it. The authors dissect two primary methods:

Solar Radiation Management (SRM)  Spraying reflective aerosols (aluminum, barium, strontium) into the atmosphere to block sunlight, artificially cooling the planet while poisoning ecosystems.

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)  A deceptive ploy to starve plants of carbon dioxide or CO?, the very gas they need to thrive, under the false pretense of "fighting climate change."

The author exposes how these programs are not experimental but fully operational, with patents dating back decades and military applications stretching from Vietnam-era weather warfare (Operation Popeye) to modern-day HAARP (High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program) manipulations.

One of the book's most compelling sections dismantles the official narrative that persistent sky trails are harmless "contrails" (condensation from jet engines). Instead, independent lab tests reveal alarming levels of heavy metals in rainwater and soilsubstances like aluminum oxide (linked to Alzheimer's) and barium (a known neurotoxin).

The author provides clear visual guides to distinguish between:

Normal contrails  Short-lived, dissipating quickly.

Chemtrails  Lingering for hours, spreading into artificial clouds, often in grid patterns.

Eyewitness accounts from pilots, farmers and former military personnel corroborate these findings, revealing a systematic cover-up by agencies like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency  many of which have financial ties to the same corporations profiting from geoengineering contracts.

The hidden agenda: Depopulation and control

The book doesn't shy away from the darkest implications: Why would governments and globalist elites poison the air we breathe? The answer lies in the depopulation agendas of figures like Bill Gates and the World Economic Forum, who openly advocate for reducing human numbers under the guise of "sustainability."

Geoengineering serves multiple sinister purposes:

Destroying agriculture  Engineered droughts and floods devastate crops, creating food shortages and dependency on corporate GMOs [genetically modified organisms].

Inducing illness  Heavy metals from chemtrails contribute to Alzheimer's, autism, respiratory diseases and infertilitywhile Big Pharma profits from "treating" the symptoms.

Psychological manipulation  By inducing extreme weather (polar vortices, "heat domes"), elites manufacture crises to justify more controlcarbon taxes, digital IDs and energy rationing.

The final section shifts from exposing the problem to empowering the reader with actionable solutions:

Detoxification  Natural remedies (zeolite clay, cilantro, chlorella) to remove heavy metals.

Self-sufficiency  Off-grid living, permaculture and rainwater harvesting to escape dependency.

Legal and political action  FOIA [Freedom of Information Act] requests, lawsuits and grassroots campaigns to ban atmospheric spraying.

Alternative media  Bypassing censorship via decentralized platforms (Brighteon, Rumble, Telegram).

The book also highlights successful resistance movements, such as Italy's moratorium on geoengineering and local bans on chemtrails, proving that collective action can win.

"Engineered Winter: The Hidden War on Our Skies and Survival" is not just a bookit's a survival manual for a world under siege. The author masterfully weaves scientific evidence, historical records and firsthand accounts into a gripping narrative that challenges everything we've been told about climate change and environmental policy.

If you care about clean air, food freedom and the future of humanity, this book is essential reading. The war for our skies has already begunnow it's time to fight back.

Grab a copy of "Engineered Winter: The Hidden War on Our Skies and Survival" via this link. Discover this book and other good reads at Books.BrightLearn.AI with thousands of books and counting  all available to freely download, read and share. The decentralized BrightLearn.AI engine also lets readers create their own books, empowering them to share insights and truths with the world.

Watch Dane Wigington and the Health Ranger Mike Adams discussing how geoengineering and manipulated weather events are affecting humanity in this edition of the "Health Ranger Report."

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

BrightLearn.ai

Books.BrightLearn.ai

Brighteon.com
Iran demands Gulf neighbors pay billions in war reparations after U.S.-Israel strikes

Iran demands reparations from five Arab nations for hosting U.S. bases used in attacks.

The claim targets Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan via the UN.

It follows massive U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader and civilians.

Iran aims to drive a wedge between regional hosts and Washington.

The move shifts the conflict's aftermath to legal and financial battlegrounds.

In a bold move that escalates the financial and diplomatic front of the ongoing Middle East conflict, Iran has formally demanded that five Arab nations pay reparations for a U.S.-Israeli military campaign that devastated its infrastructure and killed thousands, including its supreme leader. The demand, issued via a letter to the United Nations, targets Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan, accusing them of complicity in the attacks by hosting American military bases. This unprecedented claim turns the tables on Gulf states that had sought to hold Iran liable for regional damage, setting the stage for a complex legal and political showdown as a fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance.

The letter, sent by Iranian envoy Amir Saeid Iravani to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, argues these nations breached international law by allowing the U.S. to use their territory for "unlawful armed attacks targeting civilian objects." Iravani stated the Arab governments "should make full reparation to the Islamic Republic of Iran, including compensation for all material and moral damage sustained." This follows massive strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, aimed at Iran's nuclear and missile programs, which also killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and more than 1,300 civilians while hitting schools, bridges, and energy sites.

A staggering reconstruction bill

The scale of the demanded compensation is tied to a reconstruction effort Iran says could take more than 12 years. The country's Central Bank warns that rebuilding crippled oil refineries and destroyed transport infrastructure represents a monumental task. Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref framed the push as an undeniable right, stating, "The pursuit of compensation for damages caused by strikes on Iran is the non-negotiable right of our people." He added, "Those who fueled this fire cannot expect to remain shielded from its costs."

This legal offensive comes directly after the collapse of high-level talks in Islamabad between Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. With those negotiations deadlocked over nuclear issues and control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iran's reparations demand appears to be a new pressure tactic. By targeting the regional hosts of U.S. power, Tehran aims to drive a wedge between them and Washington, potentially complicating the logistics of any future military action.

A history of making others pay

The demand also intersects with a reported U.S. strategy to offload war costs. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt indicated President Donald Trump is considering asking Arab countries to cover expenses, noting, "its an idea that I know that he has." This mirrors a precedent set during the 1990-91 Gulf War, when a coalition including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE funded 88 percent of the $61 billion campaign to liberate Kuwait from Iraq.

However, analysts argue the current conflict lacks the same consensus. "This would have made sense if it was those GCC states that advocated for this war to happen but they actually advocated for the war not to happen," said Zeidon Alkinani of the Arab Perspectives Institute. He suggested Israel, as the prime advocate for the war, would be a more logical party to bear costs. The dynamic reflects a broader pattern where the U.S. has sought to share financial burdens, from post-World War II reconstruction to the recent war in Ukraine, where European allies have ramped up funding after U.S. support dwindled.

The Gulf states, for their part, had previously sought to hold Iran liable for war damage in a claim Iravani dismissed as "legally untenable." They have themselves suffered from Iranian retaliatory strikes on oil facilities, airports, and seaports, which Tehran says were acts of self-defense. None of the five named countries has yet issued a formal collective response to the reparations demand.

As the April 22 ceasefire deadline approaches, Iran's maneuver shifts the battleground from missiles to courtrooms and treasury departments. It challenges the very architecture of U.S. alliances in the region, asking a profound question about the liabilities of hosting foreign militaries. Whether this is a legitimate legal claim or a shrewd political weapon, it ensures that the war's aftermath will be fought not just over ruined cities, but over bank balances and diplomatic loyalties long after the guns fall silent.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

AlJazeera.com

WIONews.com
Iran Limits Strait of Hormuz Transits to Friendly Vessels, Tankers Queue

Transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted nearly a week after a U.S.-Iran ceasefire took effect, according to shipping data. Only vessels from nations deemed 'friendly' to Iran, primarily Chinese and Russian, have been observed making the crossing in recent days.

Approximately 800 vessels, including numerous fully-laden oil tankers, remain trapped in the Persian Gulf as shipowners await clarity on safe passage. [1] The strait, a 21-mile-wide maritime passage, is a critical chokepoint handling 20% of global oil and one-third of LNG exports. [2]

Ceasefire Fails to Unblock Critical Chokepoint

U.S. officials stated the truce was conditional on Iran reopening the strait, but transit data shows a significant slowdown following an initial uptick. [1] Traffic through the strait, which ticked up at the weekend, has since slowed further, according to maritime observers. [1]

According to the analysis, just nine vessels transited the strait over a recent 24-hour period, with five exiting and four entering the Persian Gulf. [1] For millennia, the passage along the Persian Gulf has been a primary sea route carrying trade, linked to the open ocean through the narrow Strait of Hormuz. [3] The sole passage currently permitted by Iran's military is a narrow northern corridor between the Iranian islands of Larak and Qeshm. [1]

Friendly Nation Vessels Given Priority Passage

Observed outbound transits have included the Suezmax tanker Tour 2, hauling approximately 1 million barrels of Iranian crude. [1] The Russian-flagged supertanker Arhimeda, sanctioned by the U.S. for involvement in Iranian oil trade, was also observed entering the Gulf, ship-tracking data showed. [1]

Chinese-linked vessels, including VLCCs owned by state-owned Cosco Shipping Corp., have clustered near the transit point, according to reports. [1] Iraq has told traders and refiners that vessels carrying the countrys oil are now able to transit the Strait of Hormuz thanks to an Iranian exemption. [1] Iran's approach demonstrates a sorting mechanism that effectively splits the Western coalition, according to analysts. [4]

Tanker Armada Gathers at Strait Entrance

Multiple fully-laden supertankers have moved towards the Strait of Hormuz but have not attempted to cross, according to maritime analysts. [1] Japanese VLCCs Mayasan and Yakumosan, linked to Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd., repositioned closer to the strait from waters off Saudi Arabia. [1]

A growing number of vessels, including Indian, Greek, and Saudi-flagged tankers, are now anchored or holding near the United Arab Emirates, awaiting a signal to proceed. [1] The cost of insurance for ships in the region has skyrocketed by as much as 500%, posing significant challenges for ship owners. [5] This has led to over 3000 vessels being stranded in the Persian Gulf region, creating a massive traffic jam. [6]

Shipowners Cite Safety, Legal Concerns

Company executives cite uncertainty over the implementation of the ceasefire and the safety of crew and cargo as primary reasons for delaying transits. [1] Jotaro Tamura, President of Mitsui OSK Lines, said the group would 'need to scrutinize details and the implementation of the ceasefire' before allowing its tankers to test the strait. [1]

Industry sources indicate concerns extend to potential Iranian demands for payments to secure safe passage, which could expose companies to U.S. sanctions risks. [1] The International Maritime Organization has warned that Iran enacting a tolling regime on the Hormuz chokepoint would set a 'dangerous precedent.' [7]

U.S. Expresses Frustration as Logjam Continues

President Donald Trump, who announced the ceasefire, stated he was 'optimistic' but later criticized Iran for doing a 'very poor' job of allowing oil through. [1] On Thursday, Trump also warned Iran against charging fees on tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, writing on social media, 'They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!' [8]

Analysts note that the continued closure threatens global oil supply flows, with the strait being a conduit for about one-fifth of the world's daily oil consumption. [9] The situation presents a persistent logistical and diplomatic challenge, with no clear timeline for a full reopening of the critical maritime artery. The best hope for the ceasefire talks is that both the United States and Iran have strong reasons to call a halt to the war, but success is hampered by a total absence of trust and no discernible common ground. [10]

References
Iranian Officials Warn of Response to U.S. Threat to Blockade the Strait of Hormuz

Introduction

Iranian military officials have issued warnings to the United States following statements about the intent to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. The warnings, reported by state media, threaten a forceful response targeting Gulf ports and other maritime infrastructure.

According to sources, the U.S. military confirmed it would begin a blockade of all Iranian ports on Monday, April 13, following the collapse of weekend negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan [1]. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the move on social media, stating the blockade would be effective immediately [2].

Iran Threatens Retaliation Over U.S. Blockade Warning

The Iranian government has denounced the U.S. blockade as an illegal act that "amounts to piracy" [1]. Iranian officials stated that any hostile action would be met with a decisive and proportional response, according to state media reports.

A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval commander was quoted as saying Iran would "not allow any disruption" to its oil exports [3]. The commander's statement emphasized that any attempt to block Iranian ports would be considered an act of war.

In response to the U.S. announcement, Iran threatened retaliation against its Gulf neighbors' ports, according to Reuters reports [4]. The threat specifically mentioned targeting maritime infrastructure in the region if the blockade proceeds.

Escalating Tensions in Critical Oil Shipping Lane

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipments, with approximately 20% of the world's oil passing through the narrow waterway [5]. The strait handles about 20% of global oil supply annually, worth an estimated $600 billion [6].

Recent statements from U.S. officials have renewed focus on security in the region, according to regional analysts. The blockade announcement comes after high-level talks between U.S. and Iranian officials failed to produce an agreement to end the six-week war [7].

Maritime traffic through the strait had already plummeted from 138 ships daily to just four following Iran's retaliatory actions against U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in March 2026, representing a 90% drop in oil tanker movements [5].

Official Statements from Iranian Military Command

A senior IRGC naval commander stated Iran would "not allow any disruption" to its oil exports [3]. The commander said, "Any hostile action will be met with a decisive and proportional response," according to state media reports.

Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told RT that Iran would levy tolls on ships from "hostile" countries crossing the Strait of Hormuz as compensation for damage caused by sanctions and U.S.-Israeli strikes [8]. Azizi said Washington should accept Tehran's terms because it needs a deal "more than we do."

Iran's Defense Council warned that any attack on Iran's southern coast and islands would lead to Gulf routes being cut with the laying of sea mines [9]. This statement followed reports that the U.S. was considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island, the country's main oil export hub.

Context of U.S. Policy and Previous Confrontations

The U.S. Navy has maintained a significant presence in the Persian Gulf for decades to ensure freedom of navigation. According to the Wall Street Journal, more than 15 American warships were positioned to support the blockade operation in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea as of April 13, 2026 [10].

Previous incidents in the strait have included seizures of tankers and confrontations between naval vessels, defense officials noted. The U.S. Central Command reported that over 7,800 targets had been struck inside Iran under Operation Epic Fury by March 2026, including 120 Iranian naval vessels [11].

The current blockade follows a pattern of escalating tensions that began with U.S. airstrikes on Iran's Kharg Island in March 2026 [3]. President Trump had previously issued a 60-day waiver suspending enforcement of the Jones Act on March 18 to facilitate oil shipments amid rising prices [12].

Potential Impact on Global Energy Markets

Analysts from energy consultancies stated that sustained instability could lead to volatility in global oil prices. Following the blockade announcement, Brent crude oil prices surged past $100 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures reaching $105.30 [13].

Major oil importers in Asia and Europe are monitoring the situation closely, according to market reports. A senior Iranian military spokesperson had previously warned in March 2026 that global crude oil prices could surge to $200 per barrel if U.S. and Israeli military operations continued [14].

The blockade threatens approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily, potentially triggering a global energy crisis [15]. The United Arab Emirates had previously accused Iran of holding the Strait of Hormuz "hostage" and pushed for an international maritime task force to reopen the critical waterway [16].

Conclusion

The situation remains fluid as diplomatic channels reportedly remain open despite the blockade implementation. A U.S. official said on Monday that "there was continued engagement between the United States and Iran and forward motion on trying to get to an agreement" [4].

Global energy markets continue to react to developments, with oil prices experiencing significant volatility. The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz ensures that any prolonged disruption will have far-reaching consequences for the global economy, according to analysts monitoring the situation.

References
Nearly 100 arrested in Manhattan protest targeting senators over U.S. arms sales to Israel

Nearly 100 activists were arrested in Manhattan protesting U.S. arms sales to Israel.

The demonstration targeted Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support of military aid.

Protesters escalated from a lobby sit-in to blocking a major avenue, halting traffic.

The action supported a legislative effort to block a specific sale of bombs and bulldozers.

Participants cited moral opposition to enabling overseas conflict through tax dollars.

In the heart of Manhattan, where the decisions of powerful politicians ripple across the globe, nearly 100 activists were handcuffed and loaded onto buses this week. Their crime? A peaceful, disruptive protest directly challenging two of New Yorks most influential senators over their support for continued American arms sales to Israel. The demonstration, led by Jewish Voice for Peace and featuring notable figures like whistleblower Chelsea Manning and NYC Council Member Alexa Aviles, underscores a growing, vocal dissent against U.S. foreign policy that citizens feel is being carried out without their consent.

On Monday, approximately 200 protesters gathered at 780 Third Avenue, the building housing the offices of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Their mission was to demand an end to the flow of American bombs and bulldozers to the Israeli military. This action was timed to coincide with an effort by Senator Bernie Sanders to force a vote on legislation blocking a specific sale of weapons.

A direct appeal to lawmakers

The protesters first attempted a sit-in inside the buildings lobby but were blocked by security. Undeterred, they moved just outside the entrance, shedding outer layers to reveal T-shirts with messages like Fund People Not Bombs and No War, No ICE, Free Palestine. Their chants echoed off the skyscraper: Schumer, Gillibrand, talk is cheap! / Theyre sending bombs, how can you sleep?

Danny Kaplowitz, a 25-year-old union worker who was later detained, expressed the frustration fueling the protest. Weve seen for far too long our elected leaders vote over and over again to send endless weapons to the Israeli military, even as they commit genocide and countless atrocities in full view of the world, he said. City Councilwoman Sandy Nurse, who participated but was not arrested, criticized the senators for walking a timid, passive line of supporting this war.

From sidewalk to street blockade

When their appeals at the door yielded no response from the senators, the demonstration escalated. Around 1:15 p.m., roughly half the group moved into Third Avenue, a major north-south artery, and sat down in the roadway, halting traffic for about an hour. They sang, Let Gaza live, let Iran live, let Lebanon live.

This move prompted a response from the New York Police Departments Strategic Response Group. Officers began placing protesters in zip ties and escorting them to waiting buses. The police confirmed about 90 people were taken into custody. Among those detained was Chelsea Manning, the former Army intelligence analyst known for leaking classified documents. Protesters largely went limp and were carried by officers when they refused to stand.

The protest was explicitly tied to a specific arms package. Sanderss office stated the legislation aims to block the sale of 12,000 thousand-pound bombs, valued at $152 million, and $295 million worth of bulldozers. The Trump administration argues these tools are for Israels defense and deterrence. However, Sanderss office contends the bombs are for use in Gaza and Lebanon and the bulldozers for demolishing homes in those territories and the West Bank.

For some protesters, the issue is deeply personal and informed by experience. Thom Keppen, a 38-year-old Army veteran deployed to Afghanistan, said he was protesting because of his firsthand experience with reckless and ill-conceived wars. He drew a direct parallel, stating, Im seeing this same dehumanization by Israelis, but also by the Trump administration.

This protest is not an isolated event but part of a sustained wave of public dissent that has placed New York City at the center of national debate over Palestine and U.S. military aid. It reflects a historical pattern where citizens, finding the normal channels of political engagement ineffective, resort to civil disobedience to make their voices heard on matters of war and conscience.

The scene in Midtown, with citizens willingly facing arrest to challenge their representatives, presents a fundamental question about the state of American democracy. It asks what recourse people have when they believe their government is using their tax dollars to enable overseas conflict they view as immoral. As the street was cleared and traffic resumed, the unresolved tension between policy and protest, between Capitol Hill corridors and city asphalt, remained as palpable as ever.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

NYTimes.com

Reuters.com
Elon Musk shares severe vaccine reaction after former Pfizer official alleges 60,000 German deaths

Elon Musk shared that his second COVID-19 vaccine dose nearly hospitalized him.

This came in response to testimony from a former Pfizer executive in Germany.

The executive alleged significant underreported deaths and skipped safety studies.

He estimated 60,000 vaccine-related deaths in Germany and called for a pause.

The report highlights systemic concerns about safety oversight during the pandemic.

A personal health revelation from one of the worlds most influential figures has reignited a fierce debate over COVID-19 vaccine safety. This weekend, Elon Musk shared that his second vaccine dose nearly sent him to the hospital, a highly personal comment that came directly in response to explosive testimony from a former Pfizer executive alleging the shots caused tens of thousands of deaths in Germany.

On Sunday, Musk responded to an X post detailing recent statements by Dr. Helmut Sterz, Pfizers former chief toxicologist in Europe. In a German COVID-19 inquiry last month, Sterz presented a devastating assessment. He testified that the Paul Ehrlich Institute, Germanys vaccine regulator, had received 2,133 reports of death following Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine. Sterz stated, These spontaneous reports likely have a high number of unreported cases due to underreporting. The true number is therefore much higher.

He applied a common underreporting factor to estimate the real toll. In the U.S., it is assumed that there is an underreporting factor of 30 by which the registered cases would have to be multiplied. For Germany, this would correspond to 60,000 deaths from the vaccination, Sterz said. He further revealed that Pfizers own post-marketing report noted 1,200 suspected deaths within two months of the shots approval. At that point, Comirnaty should have been withdrawn from the market, Sterz told the commission.

Skipped safety studies and a call for pause

The testimony went beyond mortality figures. Sterz asserted that time constraints caused Pfizer to skip vital safety studies before the public rollout. This included carcinogenicity studies to check for cancer-causing properties and research on the vaccines impact on pregnancy. He called for an independent scientific review of the vaccines long-term effects. We need proper independent safety studies to understand what really happened. Without full transparency, people will not trust the conclusions, Sterz said, according to GB News.

He argued the high number of negative side effects warrants pausing these vaccines and others using similar technology until independent studies confirm safety. When a commissioner asked if the benefits of Pfizers vaccine still outweighed the risks, Sterzs answer was unequivocal: no. He cited an analysis estimating 25 severe side effects from the vaccine for every one severe COVID-19 case it allegedly prevented.

Musk's personal experience amplifies the alarm

It was this context that prompted Elon Musk to share his own experience. Musk reposted a summary of Sterzs testimony and added his own medical history. He contrasted his experience with the original Wuhan virus, which he said was manageable, with his reaction to the vaccine. My second vaccine shot almost sent me to the hospital, Musk wrote. Felt like I was dying. He criticized the one-size-fits-all approach, stating global vaccine dosages were obviously too high.

Musks comments, reaching his millions of followers, shattered any remaining illusion of universal consensus on vaccine safety. Prominent British cardiologist Dr. Aseem Malhotra reacted to Sterzs testimony by writing on X, Deeply disturbing is an understatement. Dr. Ryan Cole of the Independent Medical Alliance asked why the vaccines remain on the market given such allegations.

A systemic failure of oversight

The claims emerge against a backdrop of longstanding concerns about vaccine injury reporting systems. U.S. data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) shows more than 39,000 reported deaths following COVID-19 vaccination as of late February, with over 24,000 linked to Pfizers shot. Internal documents revealed last month that federal health officials knew the primary statistical tool they used to detect safety signals in VAERS was mostly useless.

This reveals a pattern where the urgency of a pandemic response may have compromised standard safety protocols and transparent oversight. The testimony of an industry insider like Sterz, coupled with the visceral account from a figure like Musk, challenges the official narrative that has dominated public health messaging for years.

The conversation is no longer about fringe theories but about the admissions of former pharmaceutical executives and the lived experiences of the global public. It forces a critical question: when the individuals who helped oversee the science and the most prominent figures in modern technology both sound the alarm, is it not time for a truly independent and transparent reckoning?

Sources for this article include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

WIONews.com

InfoWars.com
South Korea warns Hormuz crisis will prolong energy shocks, spurring global supply chain scramble

South Korea warns that high oil prices and supply chain disruptions due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis will persist.

President Lee Jae Myung ordered urgent action to diversify energy supplies and restructure industries.

The government is aiding stranded tankers and pursuing new energy deals in Africa and Central Asia.

South Korea is adjusting electricity pricing to manage demand and is in talks with Middle Eastern producers about offshore oil storage.

The situation underscores the global economic vulnerability to geopolitical instability in key maritime chokepoints.

SEOUL  As geopolitical tensions threaten a vital artery of global commerce, South Korea has issued a stark assessment that the economic fallout from the Iran conflict will be a prolonged reality, compelling a national strategic pivot to secure its energy future. President Lee Jae Myung told his cabinet this week that instability around the Strait of Hormuza chokepoint for roughly 20% of the worlds oilmeans sustained high prices and supply chain disruptions are now inevitable. The warning has triggered an all-of-government response, from emergency financial aid to a diplomatic blitz for alternative fuels, highlighting the profound vulnerability of resource-poor nations to distant conflicts.

Treating Disruption as a Given

In a sober directive, President Lee framed the crisis not as a temporary shock but as a new and enduring condition. "For the time being, difficulties in global energy and raw materials supply chains and high oil prices will continue," he stated. He instructed his government to reinforce its emergency systems and treat market turmoil as a baseline assumption. Beyond immediate crisis management, Lee elevated long-term projects to the level of national strategy, calling for the development of alternative supply chains, industrial restructuring, and a transition to a "post-plastic economy." His orders included the rapid deployment of a war-related supplementary budget to cushion the economic blow.

The Immediate Toll: Stranded Tankers and Scrambled Logistics

The tangible impacts of the Hormuz disruption are already being calculated in weeks and cargoes. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan reported that shipping interference continues to affect supplies, noting that even if transit through the strait normalizes, it would take approximately 20 days for Middle Eastern shipments to reach South Korean ports. A cabinet document revealed the government is prioritizing assistance for seven South Korea-bound oil tankers currently stuck in the Gulf region. Concurrently, measures were outlined to support crude imports, prevent hoarding of critical petrochemical feedstocks and medical supplies, and expand financial aid for companies caught in the squeeze.

A Global Hunt for Alternatives

Faced with unreliable flows from the Persian Gulf, South Korea has launched a diplomatic offensive to diversify its energy portfolio. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun detailed that officials have been dispatched to Congo, Algeria and Libya to secure new supplies. This effort runs parallel to missions by presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik to countries including Kazakhstan since last week. The push mirrors historical moments of energy crisis, such as the oil shocks of the 1970s, which forced industrialized nations to rethink their dependency on a single region. Todays scramble, however, is amplified by integrated global supply chains, where a delay in raw materials ripples instantly through manufacturing economies.

Strategic Adjustments and Storage Gambits

Domestically, South Korea is adjusting its energy consumption patterns. The energy ministry announced a revised electricity pricing system, effective April 16 for large users, designed to shift industrial demand away from evening peaks to midday periods of higher solar generation. In a significant development signaling longer-term strategic shifts, a senior industry official revealed that Middle Eastern oil producers, beyond existing partner Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, are in talks to use South Koreas petroleum storage facilities. This interest in storing crude outside the volatile Strait of Hormuz indicates producers are seeking to mitigate their own export risks, potentially reshaping global oil logistics hubs.

Fortifying Against a Volatile World

South Koreas comprehensive responseblending emergency aid, diplomatic outreach, domestic policy reform, and strategic infrastructure dealsserves as a case study in national economic resilience. The crisis underscores a hard truth for trade-dependent powers: security is inextricably linked to the free flow of energy through distant, vulnerable passages. While President Lee urged warring parties to seek peace, his governments actions proceed from the premise that the world has entered a period of extended geopolitical turbulence. The steps taken in Seoul today may well define its economic stability for years to come, as nations worldwide are forced to calculate their own survival in an increasingly fractured energy landscape.

Sources for this article include:

MiddleEastEye.net

Reuter.com

StraitNewsGlobal.com
Chinese Firm UniX AI Launches Panther Humanoid Robot for Household Tasks

UniX AI Commences Global Deliveries of Service Humanoid

The Chinese robotics firm UniX AI has begun global deliveries of its Panther robot, which it describes as the world's first service humanoid robot to enter real household deployment. The company announced the start of deliveries on April 10, 2026, according to a statement published on RoboticsTomorrow.com [1].

The Panther is a third-generation, full-size wheeled dual-arm humanoid robot. It stands approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs around 176 pounds (80 kilograms). According to the company, the robot operates for 8 to 16 hours on a single charge [2].

Technical Specifications and Wheeled Design

The Panther robot is built on an omnidirectional, four-wheel-steering, four-wheel-drive (4WS+4WD) chassis, which the company states enables agile movement and stable operation in complex indoor environments. This wheeled architecture represents a departure from the more common legged humanoid design. UniX AI claims this approach, combined with general-purpose AI models, offers improved efficiency and practicality for real-world deployment [2].

The robot features 34 high-degree-of-freedom joints, including what the firm calls the world's first mass-produced 8-DoF (Degree-of-Freedom) bionic arms and adaptive intelligent grippers, designed for precise and flexible manipulation. It is equipped with cameras, sensors, and audio input systems to support object recognition, indoor navigation, and human interaction [2]. The design philosophy of using a team of networked, task-specific agents for a home environment, rather than a single multi-tasking robot, has been discussed in prior robotics research [3].

Capabilities and Demonstrated Household Tasks

In demonstrations, the Panther robot has been shown performing multi-step domestic task sequences. These include waking users, preparing breakfast, cleaning rooms, organizing household items, and operating certain appliances, according to company releases [2]. The system is designed to execute complete workflows, such as preparing a meal and then cleaning the kitchen afterward.

The robot's ability to handle continuous task sequences is powered by its integrated technology stack. This represents a step toward robots that can manage coordinated, multi-step operations in real-world home settings, a challenge that involves programming for real-time requirements and unpredictability in dynamic environments [4]. Experts note that while demonstrations show progress, no humanoid has yet been shown to autonomously complete a complex chore like laundry from start to finish, which involves sorting, washing, drying, and folding [5].

Company Statement and Technology Stack

Fred Yang, Founder and CEO of UniX AI, stated in a release that the company's platform has scaled 'from lab validation to mass delivery, and from local deployment to global expansion' [2]. The firm's technology is built on three core systems: UniFlex, for cross-scenario task generalization; UniTouch, which combines visuo-tactile models for precision handling; and UniCortex, for long-term task planning.

According to the company, the Panther robot is designed for a wide range of applications beyond the home, including commercial services in hotels and retail, as well as public or industrial roles like security patrols and research [2]. This expansion occurs within a global robotics market that is projected to grow significantly, with demand for automation fueling a shift from industrial to domestic robotics [6].

Expert Analysis on Remaining Challenges

Industry analysts and robotics experts point to several significant hurdles remaining for household robots like the Panther. These include reliably navigating cluttered environments, functioning under varied lighting conditions, handling soft objects like clothing, and interacting with a wide array of household appliances. Challenges related to battery life, cost, safety, and long-term reliability are also cited as ongoing concerns [2].

Despite these challenges, the performance of robots in multiple domestic tasks is seen as an indicator that fully functional home assistants are gradually moving closer to reality. The industry is experiencing a clear pivot toward dedicated-purpose commercial deployments, according to field analysis from financial institutions [7]. The rapid maturation of the sector is underscored by China's introduction of its first comprehensive national standard framework for humanoid robots in early 2026, aimed at supporting large-scale commercialization [8].

Conclusion and Broader Context

The launch of the Panther robot by UniX AI marks a notable entry in the accelerating race to commercialize humanoid robots for domestic and service roles. The commencement of global deliveries signals a transition from research and development phases to tangible product deployment in the consumer market.

This development occurs within a highly competitive global landscape. Other companies, including 1X Technologies and U.S.-based Figure, are also advancing humanoid robots for the home, with some models being demonstrated at high-level events . The broader industry is being driven by factors such as demographic shifts, advances in artificial intelligence, and intensifying geopolitical competition in technology [9]. As these technologies advance, questions regarding their ultimate impact on job markets, social dynamics, and personal privacy continue to be a subject of analysis and debate .

References
We are now entering the era of fault-tolerant quantum computing. The computers are getting better. The qubits are getting faster and more reliable, and there are more of them.

NIST published its list of quantum-safe encryption algorithms, and now enterprises are racing to upgrade their encryption before Q-day, the quantum apocalypse that will make the previous generation of encryption protocols obsolete. Many large technology companies, infrastructure providers, and security firms have already committed to encryption upgrades, though enterprises are lagging behind.

When gen AI hit, we were all caught by surprise, says Henning Soller, partner and leader of the global quantum tech team at McKinsey & Company. We have a bit more time here. We can make sure were better prepared. (Read more: Curious about quantum? Check out training options from ISC2, IBM, AWS and more)
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointments of 48 officers to Joint Secretary-level positions across various central ministries. The postings span critical sectors including Defence, Home Affairs, Civil Aviation, and Economic Affairs. Among the notable appointments is Hardik Satishchandra Shah as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. The move represents a significant bureaucratic reshuffle affecting key policy and administrative functions.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has cleared 48 officers for Joint Secretary-level posts in ministries like Defence, Home, and Civil Aviation.

New Delhi, April 13 The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointments of as many as 48 officers at Joint Secretary or Joint Secretary equivalent level posts in various ministries such as Civil Aviation, Defence, Agriculture, Home, Petrochemicals, Shipping and Ports, with pay at Level 14 of the Centre's pay matrix.

The names include Hardik Satishchandra Shah, IAS (GJ:2010), as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister (Joint Secretary level), Prime Minister's Office; Ms Kajal, IAS (UP:2008), as Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade; Sumeet Kumar Jarangal, IAS (PB:2009), as Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade; Priyanka Das, IAS (MP:2009), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; and Shailesh Kumar Chourasia, IAS (MN:2007), as Joint Secretary, Department of Defence.

Kapil Meena, IAS (2010 batch), has been appointed as Managing Director, National Horticulture Board, Department of Agriculture; G Venkatesh, ICoAS (1997), as Joint Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals; while Jawahar Packirisamy, IAS (J&K:2007), has been cleared as Chairman (Joint Secretary level), Marine Products Exports Development Authority, Department of Commerce.

Preeti Meena, IAS (TG:2010), has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Department of Defence; Vinod Kumar, IRSME (1998), also as Joint Secretary, Department of Defence; while Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, IRAS (1999), has been appointed as Additional Financial Adviser and Joint Secretary, Department of Defence. Vipul Aggarwal, IPS (GJ:2001), has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; Sakshi Mittal, IAS (J&K:2010), as Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs; and Laya Madduri, IAS (AM:2010), also as Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs.

Other names include Vikas Singh, IAS (TR:2010), as Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; Girish Chandrashekhar Hosur, IFoS (HP:1996), as Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; Chaudhari Uday Gaurishankar, IAS (MH:2010), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Bandana Preyashi, IAS (BH:2003), as Joint Secretary, Department of Fertilisers.

Venkata Nagi Reddy Kovvuri, IDES (1998), has been appointed as Executive Director (General), Food Corporation of India, under the Department of Food and Public Distribution; Muthukumar Alagumuthu, IAS (JH:2009), as Joint Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare; Prabhakar, IAS (SK:2007), as Joint Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare; and Mahatme Sandeep Namdeo, IAS (TR:2010), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.

Rakesh Rathi, IPS (BH:2002), has been appointed as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs; Karma R Bonpo, IAS (SK:2010), as Director of Census; S Tejaswi Naik, IAS (MP:2009), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Kulveer Singh Yadav, IOFS (2002), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines; Anupam Kumar, IAS (BH:2003), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Harmit Singh Pahuja, IAS (MN:2010), as Joint Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training; Venkatesapathy S, IAS (KL:2009), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; and Pankaj Kumar, IAS (UP:2002), as Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power.

- IANS
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva states there is widespread enthusiasm among women for the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in the upcoming special Parliament session. The bill, envisioned under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, aims to ensure proper representation for women in legislatures. Support was expressed by figures like designer Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and Delhi BJP Vice President Yogita Singh, who highlighted women's historical contributions to nation-building. The legislation is portrayed as granting women a new identity, respect, and a stronger voice in policy-making.

Delhi BJP chief says women eagerly await the women's reservation bill passage in the special Parliament session starting April 16.

New Delhi, April 13 Ahead of the special Parliament session starting April 16, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said on Monday that women workers of the party and common citizens are eagerly waiting for the passage of the "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam".

"There is a visible sense of enthusiasm and optimism among women across the country regarding the discussion and passage of the bill, envisioned by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the protection of women's interests," he said.

He said not just women active in politics but even common citizens are discussing it and expressing strong support for the legislation.

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, daughter of the late veteran actor Rishi Kapoor and actress Neetu Singh Kapoor, who has been a well-known jewellery and fashion designer in Delhi, spoke on Sunday evening with Sachdeva through Delhi BJP spokesperson Neoma Gupta.

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni welcomed the efforts of the BJP government towards women's empowerment and thanked the ruling party for convening a special Parliament session on April 16 to discuss and pass the "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam".

Delhi BJP Vice President Yogita Singh addressed a press conference on Monday, where two noted personalities - entrepreneur and astronomer Sona Sahni Singh and Delhi University Associate Professor Sonali Chitalkar - expressed support of Delhi's intellectual women for the "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam."

During the conference, she released a video statement by Riddhima Kapoor Sahni in support of the proposed legislation.

Yogita Singh said that since independence, women have contributed significantly to nation-building, but they have not received adequate participation in policy-making.

Now, by bringing the "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam," the BJP government is ensuring proper representation for women in legislatures and Parliament, paving the way for a new India, she said.

In her video message, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni said, "Modi ji, thank you for the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for thinking about us. This law will give women an opportunity to move forward. They will gain a new identity and respect."

Now women will be able to express themselves easily, become stronger, and our country will progress, she said.

Sona Sahni Shukla said we are fortunate to live in Delhi, where women have the freedom to pursue anything. Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, women are continuously serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other sectors, she said.

- IANS
The Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan commemorated the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with a floral tribute ceremony at his statue on the premises. Ambassador Abhay Kumar led the homage, reflecting on Ambedkar's pivotal role as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and his enduring principles of equality and justice. Members of the Indian community shared reflections on his struggle against social discrimination and his contributions to nation-building and institutions like the Reserve Bank of India. The event concluded with a collective reaffirmation to uphold the values of social justice and inclusiveness championed by Ambedkar.

Indian diaspora in Azerbaijan gathers at embassy to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's legacy with floral tributes and reflections on his constitutional ideals.

Baku, April 14 The Embassy of India in Azerbaijan marked the birth anniversary of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, with a commemorative event held at its premises.

The occasion brought together members of the Indian diaspora in Azerbaijan, who gathered to honour the legacy of one of India's most influential social reformers and nation builders.

The event was centred around a floral tribute ceremony conducted at the statue of Ambedkar installed within the Embassy premises. Ambassador Abhay Kumar led the homage, offering flowers and reflecting on Ambedkar's enduring contribution to India's constitutional framework and democratic ethos.

Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador underlined the significance of Ambedkar's legacy and said, "It is a matter of pride for both India and Azerbaijan that a statue of Ambedkar is present at the premises of the Indian Embassy in Azerbaijan."

He further highlighted Babasaheb's pivotal role in shaping the Indian Republic, rooted in the principles of equality, fraternity, and justice, despite the immense social and economic challenges he faced throughout his life.

The Ambassador also spoke about Ambedkar's remarkable personal journey, describing him as one of the most influential leaders of the modern era whose ideas continue to guide India's democratic evolution.

His contributions, he noted, extended far beyond the drafting of the Constitution, influencing institutional development and strengthening the foundations of the Indian state.

Members of the Indian community present at the event also shared reflections on Ambedkar's life and work. They spoke about his "relentless struggle" against social discrimination, his vision for an equitable society, and his contributions to nation-building.

Community speakers also highlighted his association with the establishment of key institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India, and his role as the principal architect of the Constitution of the world's largest democracy.

Throughout the ceremony, Embassy officials and members of the diaspora offered floral tributes, expressing respect and gratitude for Ambedkar's legacy. The gathering served as a moment of collective remembrance, reinforcing the continued relevance of his ideas in contemporary times.

The event concluded with a reaffirmation by attendees to uphold and promote the values championed by Ambedkar, particularly equality, social justice, and inclusiveness.

The commemoration also reflected the strong cultural and emotional connection of the Indian diaspora in Azerbaijan with India's constitutional ideals and reformist legacy.

- ANI
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin marked Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary with a strong call to defend the Constitution and uphold social justice. He emphasized that true societal progress is measured by the advancement of women, quoting Ambedkar directly. Stalin stressed that India's strength lies in its pluralistic fabric and cautioned against enforced uniformity. His message reinforces the continued relevance of Ambedkar's ideals for building an equitable and inclusive society.

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin calls for defending constitutional values, social justice, and pluralism, quoting Ambedkar on women's progress as a benchmark.

Chennai, April 14 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday issued a strong message urging citizens to defend the Constitution, uphold social justice, and protect the rights of the oppressed, while reaffirming India's commitment to pluralism.

He was speaking at an event organised to mark the 135th birth anniversary of Dr B. R. Ambedkar.

Stalin quoted Ambedkar's enduring words, "I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved."

Stalin, in a post on X, highlighted that the true measure of a society's advancement lies in the empowerment and upliftment of women. He emphasised that inclusive development and gender equality must remain at the heart of governance and public policy.

In his Ambedkar Jayanti message, Stalin called upon people to strengthen their resolve to safeguard constitutional values and ensure justice for marginalised communities.

He stressed that protecting the Constitution is essential to preserving democracy and maintaining the rights and dignity of every citizen, particularly those who have historically faced discrimination and exclusion.

Underscoring India's diversity, Stalin asserted that the nation's strength lies in its pluralistic fabric, not in any imposed uniformity. He cautioned against attempts to dilute this diversity, stating that unity must be built on respect for differences rather than enforced sameness.

"If progress is the benchmark," Stalin noted, "we must reject hierarchy and discrimination, and instead choose pluralism and equality."

He called for a collective commitment to building a society rooted in fairness, inclusiveness, and justice, in line with Ambedkar's vision.

The Chief Minister's remarks came at a time when debates around social equity, representation, and constitutional safeguards continue to shape public discourse across the country.

Observers noted that his message reflects a broader political emphasis on reinforcing the principles enshrined by Ambedkar in modern India.

As the nation commemorates the legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Stalin's call serves as a reminder of the continued relevance of his ideals. The emphasis on women's progress, social justice, and pluralism underscores the need to build a more equitable society where every voice is heard and every citizen is empowered.

- IANS
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav paid floral tributes at the memorial of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Mhow on his 135th birth anniversary. He stated that Ambedkar's Constitution laid a strong democratic foundation and his ideals of equality and unity continue to inspire the nation. The event saw the presence of several BJP ministers and MLAs, while Congress President Jitu Patwari also visited and accused the BJP of politicizing Ambedkar's legacy. The memorial at Ambedkar's birthplace has become a significant pilgrimage site, drawing large crowds for the anniversary.

MP CM Mohan Yadav paid floral tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at his birthplace memorial in Mhow, urging the nation to follow his ideals of equality and unity.

Indore, April 14 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Tuesday that B.R. Ambedkar laid a strong foundation for India's democratic system through the Constitution, and his ideals continue to guide the nation.

He urged people to follow Babasaheb Ambedkar's path of equality, social harmony, and unity to build an inclusive society.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing a gathering on the occasion of Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary during his visit to the grand memorial built at his birthplace in Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow).

Earlier, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited the memorial complex and offered floral tributes to the statue of Dr. Ambedkar.

He also paid respects at the site where an urn containing Babasaheb's ashes has been preserved, a place considered highly sacred by followers.

The Chief Minister toured the premises and reviewed arrangements as a large number of devotees and Buddhist monks gathered to mark the occasion.

The memorial at Mhow, developed at Ambedkar's birthplace, has become a major pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from across the country, especially on his birth anniversary.

Across Madhya Pradesh, several programmes such as rallies, wreath-laying ceremonies, and public gatherings are being organised with enthusiasm to commemorate the day.

Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur, State Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat, and BJP MLA Usha Thakur, along with other public representatives, were present during the event.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari also visited Mhow and paid tribute to Dr. Ambedkar.

Speaking to the media, Patwari alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was engaging in politics in the name of Ambedkar and raised concerns over issues related to the Constitution, reservation, and social justice.

The occasion saw a blend of devotion and political reactions, as leaders across party lines paid homage to one of India's foremost architects of democracy.

- IANS
Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh paid homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, honoring his legacy as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Shah highlighted Ambedkar's contributions to democracy, national unity, and his opposition to Article 370. Singh emphasized Ambedkar's lifelong dedication to equality, social reform, and nation-building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu also offered tributes to the revered Dalit icon and first Law Minister of independent India.

Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh honored BR Ambedkar, recalling his role as the architect of India's Constitution and his fight for social justice.

New Delhi, April 14 Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday paid tributes to BR Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, remembering his role in shaping India's Constitution and championing social justice.

In a post on X, Amit Shah highlighted Ambedkar's contribution to democracy and national unity, stating, "Babasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji laid the strong foundation of our democracy by giving us a Constitution that grants equal rights and opportunities to every class. He staunchly opposed Article 370 for the sake of the country's integrity. Babasahib, who gave the mantra to society to become educated and stay organized, teaches us through his life that when the resolve is for national service and the welfare of the people, every obstacle becomes small. Salutations to the pioneer of social justice, the architect of the Constitution, Babasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji, on his birth anniversary."

Rajnath Singh also paid homage, underscoring Ambedkar's lifelong commitment to equality and nation-building. "On the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, a great social reformer, and a staunch advocate of social justice, we offer him our humble tribute! Babasaheb dedicated his entire life to fostering equality and harmony in society. His whole life was devoted to securing equal rights for the people of deprived sections. Babasaheb was also a great thinker and the architect of many of the nation's institutions. Even in adverse circumstances, Babasaheb achieved extraordinary accomplishments and made an indelible contribution to nation-building," Singh said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu also paid tributes, recalling Ambedkar's contributions to nation-building, social justice, and constitutional values.

BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India.

Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights. He died on 6 December 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

- ANI
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh led a delegation to meet President Droupadi Murmu, expressing gratitude for her assent to the bill designating Amaravati as the state's sole permanent capital. The President acknowledged the resilience of farmers and the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The bill, officially the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, was passed by Parliament and subsequently gazette notified. This meeting followed a similar expression of thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the NDA MPs after the bill's parliamentary passage.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh met President Droupadi Murmu to thank her for approving the bill making Amaravati the state's sole capital.

New Delhi, April 13 Andhra Pradesh Minister for Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh, along with NDA MPs from the state called on President Droupadi Murmu here on Monday to thank for approving the Bill passed by the Parliament to give statutory recognition to Amaravati as the sole and permanent capital of the state.

Minister Lokesh said on social media platform X that it was a privilege to meet President Murmu and convey the heartfelt gratitude of crores of people of Andhra Pradesh for approving the Bill that notifies Amaravati as the state capital.

Nara Lokesh, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) General Secretary, noted that President Murmu graciously acknowledged the extraordinary resilience and sacrifice of our farmers, and the steadfast leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in bringing long-awaited clarity on the state capital.

"I also had the honour of presenting her (President Droupadi Murmu) a coffee table book that captures Amaravati's journey and the inspiring story of our farmers' struggle," Minister Lokesh, who is also the son of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, said.

"A delegation from Andhra Pradesh, comprising Union Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, Andhra Pradesh Minister of Education and IT Nara Lokesh, and Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members of the state, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan," a social media post from the official X account of the Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

President Murmu on April 6 gave her assent to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was passed by the Parliament.

The same day the Union government issued a gazette notification, giving Amaravati the statutory status as the sole and permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, amended the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.

The Parliament on April 2 gave its final approval to the Amendment Bill, officially designating Amaravati.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill through a voice vote, a day after the Lok Sabha cleared it.

After the Parliament passed the Bill, Minister Lokesh along with NDA MPs had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to thank him.

- IANS
AvenuesAI, through its subsidiary PhroneticAI, is developing PrivateGPT, a fully on-premise Small Language Model platform for corporates and organizations. The move targets a growing market where data privacy concerns and geopolitical risks are reshaping enterprise AI adoption. The platform is designed so that sensitive data never leaves a client's infrastructure, offering full model ownership. The company's Chairman highlights that strategic autonomy, not just security, is a key driver for clients seeking such solutions.

AvenuesAI enters the turnkey AI market with PrivateGPT, a fully on-premise SLM platform for corporates, addressing data sovereignty and privacy concerns.

New Delhi, April 13 AvenuesAI through its subsidiary PhroneticAI has started working on a fully on-premise, full-stack AI models that never leave the client's infrastructure, positioning itself for a growing market where data sovereignty and geopolitical risk are reshaping enterprise AI adoption.

BSE and NSE listed AI Fintech Company, AvenuesAI Limited is making a bold strategic foray into the turnkey AI technology solutions space targeting an emerging and largely untapped market for enterprise-grade, fully private generative AI infrastructure with small language models (SLMs).

The company through its subsidiary PhroneticAI, an artificial intelligence research and development is developing an AI product for corporates, organisations and large institutions offering a PrivateGPT, an on-premise SLM platform built and deployed entirely within the client's own walls, with no data ever leaving the premises.

At a time when data privacy concerns are reshaping the way organisations engage with artificial intelligence, AvenuesAI is betting that the next competitive frontier in enterprise AI will not be who has the most powerful model but who can guarantee that sensitive data never touches a third-party server.

"There is growing, serious concern over data security and privacy not just for the general public, but for corporates who are already processing sensitive data through open-source AI tools," said Vishal Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, AvenuesAI Limited.

He further pointed to two seismic developments that have accelerated client interest. Separate revelations about the dealings of OpenAI developer of ChatGPT and Anthropic developer of Claude with the US government's Pentagon have publicly raised data privacy and data independence concerns across the world in a way that no internal compliance memo ever could.

The calculus is especially pointing out and drawing a clear line from geopolitical risk to boardroom anxiety amongst the household brands to mid-size to large conglomerates and organisations that have accumulated decades of proprietary business intelligence, trade secrets, and strategic data. "These are not just data security questions. They are questions of strategic autonomy and sovereign decision-making," points out Mehta.

The point was underscored by a precedent from mid-2025 event, when Microsoft suspended cloud and email services for India's Nayara Energy a major petroleum refiner with Russian ownership links citing compliance with European Union sanctions. Nayara challenged the abrupt shutdown in the Delhi High Court, calling it unjustified. Services were restored within days and the case was resolved, but the episode left a lasting impression on risk managers across India's corporate sector: even paid, contracted services from global technology giants can be switched off overnight for reasons entirely outside a client's control.

According to the company, AvenuesAI is staking its competitive position not on access to artificial intelligence, but on the depth of what it actually builds. Unlike conventional AI consulting firms that license pre-built models or layer thin wrappers over existing tools, the company is delivering a fully customised, centralised platform that spans the entire lifecycle of a Small Language Model from pre-training on a client's proprietary data corpus, through a purpose-built distillation pipeline, to on-premise deployment complete with inference APIs, monitoring dashboards, and a continuous retraining loop. Crucially, the smaller footprint of SLMs of 1B to 10B parameter and domain specific AI makes genuine on-premise deployment long a theoretical selling point in enterprise AI a practical reality, opening the market beyond hyperscaler-dependent large enterprises to mid-market clients who require data sovereignty without sacrificing capability.

The private on-premise SLM platform, will be trained in-house and calibrated to the client's specific use cases whether that entails analysing confidential documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, audio, video, or image data with full model ownership residing with the client at all times.

"Once the private, on-premise SLM platform is built and deployed, we are completely out of the system and clients have the option to operate independently" Mr Mehta said an unusually firm commitment in an industry where software vendors routinely retain backend access for maintenance, updates, and, critics allege, data observation. His statement encapsulates company's core pitch: not a service subscription, but a permanent handover of sovereign AI capability, unless, it's called for service.

The company believes it is moving into a market with enormous latent demand and vanishingly few credible domestic competitors. "This is an unmet privacy and secrecy need coming from large clients," Mehta said.

Mehta is candid about the broader trust deficit that AvenuesAI's subsidiary PhroneticAI hopes to capitalise on. "Large corporates and organisations will always be wary of allowing major global AI companies' access to their data irrespective of any ethical, moral, or legal guarantees those companies may offer," he observed. In an era where artificial intelligence is simultaneously the most powerful productivity tool and the most intimate data-handling system an organisation can deploy, that wariness may prove to be PhroneticAI's most durable competitive advantage.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in paying tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, highlighting his enduring inspiration for building a just society. Union Ministers including Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh praised Ambedkar's role as the architect of the Indian Constitution and his lifelong fight for equality and social justice. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described him as an "invaluable gem of Mother India." Dr. Ambedkar, born in 1891, was a jurist and social reformer who dedicated his life to combating caste discrimination.

PM Modi, Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's legacy on his birth anniversary, highlighting his role as Constitution architect.

New Delhi, April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, describing his contribution to nation-building as deeply inspiring and enduring for generations.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society."

In a video message shared on the platform, PM Modi said, "Today is a very important day in the nation's history - it is Babasaheb Ambedkar's Jayanti. He was not just an individual, but a symbol of resolve. He did not merely live; he connected it to struggle and fought. He did not fight for personal pride, but for equality for all, including the backward and Dalit communities. Despite facing many challenges and opposition, he never stopped."

He further added, "By walking on the path shown by Babasaheb, the country is bringing positive changes in the lives of everyone -- be it the poor, the middle class, or the rich."

In another post, the Prime Minister said, "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's personality and contributions will continue to remain a source of inspiration for nation-building."

PM Modi also shared a Sanskrit verse, writing: "People with a noble and expansive heart rise above narrow thinking and consider the entire world as their family. For them, no one is a stranger; rather, every person is their own. This very spirit forms the foundation of global unity and harmony."

Several Union ministers and leaders also paid tributes on the occasion through posts on social media.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ambedkar laid the strong foundation of Indian democracy by providing a Constitution that ensures equal rights and opportunities for all sections of society.

"Babasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji laid the strong foundation of our democracy by giving us a Constitution that grants equal rights and opportunities to every class. He staunchly opposed Article 370 for the sake of the country's integrity. Babasahib, who gave the mantra to society to become educated and stay organised, teaches us through his life that when the resolve is for national service and the welfare of the people, every obstacle becomes small," he said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Ambedkar as a great social reformer and a key architect of modern India, noting that his life was dedicated to securing equality and justice for the underprivileged.

"Babasaheb dedicated his entire life to fostering equality and harmony in society. His whole life was devoted to securing equal rights for the people of deprived sections.

Babasaheb was also a great thinker and the architect of many of the nation's institutions. Even in adverse circumstances, Babasaheb achieved extraordinary accomplishments and made an indelible contribution to nation-building," he added.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, in an X post, paid homage to Ambedkar, calling him the architect of the Constitution and a great social reformer.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also offered tributes, calling Ambedkar an "invaluable gem of Mother India" whose life continues to guide the nation towards equality, justice, and social harmony.

"On the occasion of the birth anniversary of 'Bharat Ratna' Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji, the architect of the Indian Constitution, who laid the foundation of a harmonious and inclusive society illuminated by the lofty ideals of equality, justice, and fraternity, I offer humble tribute," CM Yogi posted on X.

"Baba Saheb, dedicated to the upliftment of the last and the welfare of the people, is truly an invaluable gem of Mother India. His inspiring life will forever remain a guiding light for all of us," he added.

Dr B.R. Ambedkar was born on this day in 1891 in Mhow (now Dr Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh.

He was an Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer who played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution. He dedicated his life to fighting caste discrimination and promoting equality and social justice in India.

- IANS
A high-level delegation from Bangladesh's ruling BNP party, led by General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, will visit China starting April 16. The visit aims to hold discussions with the Chinese Communist Party and government to strengthen bilateral relations. This significant political outreach follows closely after Bangladesh's Foreign Minister returned from an official trip to India. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is also scheduled to visit China later in April for high-level talks.

A top BNP delegation, led by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, visits China to strengthen bilateral relations through talks with the CCP and government.

Dhaka, April 13 A high-level delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, led by its General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, is scheduled to travel to China on April 16 as part of an exchange visit.

According to BNP insiders, it is believed that the aim of this visit is to hold discussions with the Chinese Communist Party and, through high-level talks with the government, to "further strengthen bilateral relations."

This mission represents the most significant political outreach to Beijing since the BNP assumed power in February 2026.

Bangladesh typically maintains a balanced relationship with its powerful neighbouring countries and, in that regard, keeps a balance between India and China.

The departure of this major political delegation follows the recent return of Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman from an official visit to India.

The details of the mission were outlined in a letter sent by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to the Chinese Ambassador in Dhaka, Yao Wen.

According to a copy of the delegation list obtained by ANI, the group includes prominent figures such as Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, MP, Minister of LGRD and Co-operatives; Md. Ismail Zabihullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister, and AVM Altaf Hossain Choudhury, MP and former Minister.

The delegation also features several BNP Vice-Chairmen, Joint Secretaries, and Members of Parliament, alongside representatives from human rights and cultural wings, including Sanjida Tuly, Convener of the "Mayer Dak Human Rights Organisation."

Furthering this diplomatic engagement, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is slated to visit China at the end of April for a three-day stay.

During the visit, he is set to hold important discussions with China's Foreign Minister and other senior leaders in Beijing.

- ANI
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has a packed campaign schedule in West Bengal, featuring five public meetings and a roadshow across Birbhum and Burdwan districts. His campaigning coincides with a crucial Supreme Court hearing that will decide if 27 lakh names deleted from the voter list can participate in the upcoming assembly polls. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee are also holding multiple rallies in a final push for votes. The Election Commission has frozen the voter list, making the Supreme Court's decision pivotal for the electoral process.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds five rallies and a roadshow in Bengal as Supreme Court hears crucial case on 27 lakh deleted voters.

Kolkata, April 13 Amid the crucial two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be holding five back-to-back campaign programmes in the state on Monday.

First, he will address two public meetings in Birbhum district, the first at Sainthia at noon and the second at Khayrasole at 1.15 p.m.

Thereafter, at 2.35 p.m., he will address another public meeting in Raniganj, West Burdwan district. Again at 4 p.m., he will be participating in a roadshow at the steel city of Durgapur, also in the West Burdwan district.

His programmes for the day in the state will end with an organisational meeting at Durgapur at 8 p.m., which he will chair.

HM Shah's packed schedule for the day coincides with a crucial hearing at the Supreme Court on Monday of the just-concluded Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state. The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant is expected to take the final decision on whether 27 lakh names, which were deleted in the course of the judicial adjudication process, would be able to vote or not in the two-phase polls on April 23 and April 29.

The hearing will start at 2.30 p.m. Already, the voters' list in West Bengal for the two phases of polls has been frozen by the Election Commission of India (ECI), and legally, no new name can be included in the list before the polls unless the Supreme Court gives a specific direction on this count.

Already, 19 Appellate Tribunals have been set up in West Bengal to decide the fate of 27 lakh cases that have been deleted in the judicial adjudication cases. Now, whether the names among these 27 lakh cases, which will be cleared by the Appellate Tribunals, will be able to vote or not in the Assembly elections this month will depend on the Supreme Court's decision in the matter.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be addressing three back-to-back public meetings at Suri in Birbhum district, Ausgram in East Burdwan district, and Durgapur in East Burdwan district.

Similarly, Trinamool Congress General Secretary and the party's Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, will address public rallies one after another at Karimpur and Ranaghat in Nadia district and Baduria in North 24 Parganas district.

- IANS
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has declared there is no military solution to the West Asia conflict and called for the immediate resumption of talks to secure a lasting agreement. He emphasized that the ceasefire must be absolutely preserved and all violations must stop, while also stressing respect for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement follows US-Iran talks in Islamabad, which, while not yielding a formal deal, were seen as a constructive step. The UN warned that maritime disruptions are stranding thousands of seafarers and contributing to global economic instability and food insecurity.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for immediate talks, ceasefire preservation, and respect for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid stalled US-Iran talks.

New York, April 14 United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday stressed that there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and called for the immediate resumption of talks to achieve a lasting agreement.

In a post on X, Guterres wrote, "After weeks of destruction & distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict in the Middle East. I call for the resumption of talks for an agreement to be reached. The ceasfire must absolutely be preserved. All violations must cease. All parties to the conflict must respect the freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law."

The statement comes after US-Iran talks held in Islamabad failed to yield an agreement

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that although no formal agreement was reached, the discussions represented a constructive step and reflected the seriousness of engagement by both parties.

The release stated that, while no agreement was reached at the talks hosted by Pakistan between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad, the discussions themselves underscored the seriousness of their engagement and constituted a positive and meaningful step toward renewed dialogue.

"Given the deeply rooted differences, an agreement cannot be reached overnight, and the Secretary-General calls on the talks to continue constructively for an agreement to be reached," Dujarric said in a statement.

He further reiterated that the ceasefire must be fully preserved and that all violations must stop, urging all parties involved to adhere strictly to international commitments.

The UN also expressed gratitude to mediators Pakistan, which hosted the discussions, as well as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye for their diplomatic efforts, calling on the international community to support continued engagement.

The statement also said that the Secretary-General stresses that all parties to this conflict must respect freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law.

We need to remember that some 20,000 seafarers have been caught up in this conflict and are currently stranded on ships, facing worsening conditions.

The UN highlighted that disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have already contributed to global economic instability, including rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and increased food insecurity due to impacts on fertiliser transport and fuel supplies.

The disruption of fertilizer and its inputs further exacerbate food insecurity for millions of vulnerable people around the world, adding to the rising cost of living due to impacts from fuel, transportation and supply chain disruptions.

With that in mind, the Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, working with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Chamber of Commerce, continues engaging extensively with relevant parties to design and operationalize the mechanism we announced for the Strait of Hormuz on 27 March.

For his part, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, remains actively engaged in the region, consulting closely with key stakeholders and continuing his outreach in support of a comprehensive and durable agreement.

- ANI
China has reiterated its claims over Indian territories by renaming Arunachal Pradesh as "Zangnan," a move India has categorically rejected as "fictitious." The Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that such renaming does not alter the reality on the ground, asserting Arunachal Pradesh's status as an inalienable part of India. This provocation coincides with China's creation of a new administrative county in Xinjiang near borders with India and Afghanistan. New Delhi views these actions as "cartographic aggression" that undermines efforts to stabilize bilateral relations.

India firmly rejects China's latest attempt to rename Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, calling the claims "fictitious" and a form of "cartographic aggression."

Beijing, April 14 China has once again attempted to push "fictitious names" for Indian territories, despite a categorical rejection and "heavy slamming" from New Delhi just days ago.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday doubled down on its claim that the renaming falls within its "sovereignty," referring to Arunachal Pradesh by the fabricated name "Zangnan."

This latest provocation coincides with Beijing's aggressive administrative restructuring near sensitive border zones, including the creation of a new county in Xinjiang that borders Afghanistan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun falsely harped on the claims of allocating names to Indian territories by saying that it falls in "Zangnan's sovereignty."

He said, "Zangnan is Chinese territory and reiterated that China's policy of improving and developing ties with India remains unchanged, expressing hope that both sides will work toward each other and do more to support bilateral relations."

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken a firm stance against Beijing's "mischievous" attempts to manufacture narratives. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that changing a name on a map does not change the reality on the ground.

Jaiswal reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh "was, is, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India."

New Delhi warned that such unilateral actions "inject negativity" and detract from ongoing efforts to stabilise and normalise ties.

India dismissed the Chinese claims as "baseless" and "false," asserting that these administrative manoeuvres hold no legal or geographical validity.

"Such attempts by China at introducing false claims and manufacturing baseless narratives cannot alter the undeniable reality," said Jaiswal.

The diplomatic spat is intensified by China's recent official sanctioning of "Cenling County" in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on March 26. This is the third such county created in just over a year, following "Hean" and "Hekang."

Indian officials view these administrative moves, renaming places and creating new counties, as a form of "cartographic aggression."

By shifting the administrative hub to Kashgar, a vital link in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Beijing continues to consolidate its presence in the Indian areas.

The creation of these units in the vicinity of the Karakoram mountain range and the Aksai Chin plateau underscores a persistent effort to alter the status quo through administrative fiat.

While China claims these moves support "bilateral relations," New Delhi maintains that true progress is impossible so long as Beijing continues to undermine India's territorial integrity and inject "fictitious" claims into the regional discourse.

- ANI
Chinese President Xi Jinping has presented a four-point proposal for promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, emphasizing peaceful coexistence and sovereignty. The proposal was discussed during a meeting with the UAE's Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in Beijing. Concurrently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in China for official talks with his counterpart Wang Yi, focusing on bilateral and pressing international issues. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign minister warned the US that its actions in the Persian Gulf could have dangerous global consequences, following discussions between the Iranian and Russian presidents on regional de-escalation.

China's Xi Jinping proposes a Middle East peace plan as Russia's Lavrov visits Beijing and Iran warns of US actions. Key details inside.

Beijing, April 14 Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday put forth a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, as reported by Xinhua.

The proposal, as per Xinhua, includes adherence to the principle of peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, international rule of law, and the coordination of development and security.

Xi talked about the proposal in a meeting with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in Beijing.

As the world watches the events unfolding in the Middle East, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in China on Tuesday on an official visit. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Lavrov will be in China from April 14-15.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday in a post on X, "On April 14-15, FM Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to China and hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They are expected to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, along with pressing international & regional matters."

Earlier, during his phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that "provocative" actions by the United States could have "dangerous consequences" for global peace and security.

During the conversation, Araghchi reviewed the latest regional developments following the announcement of a ceasefire and subsequent Iran-US talks held in Islamabad (April 11-12).

He "warned of the dangerous consequences of provocative US actions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz for regional and global peace and security," Iran's foreign ministry said, reported CNN.

On April 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the latest developments in the Middle East. Pezeshkian shared his assessment of the Iran-US talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and expressed appreciation for Russia's principled position, including at international platforms, aimed at de-escalating the situation.

- ANI
A report indicates China is moving beyond being a distant benefactor to actively enabling Iran's military rebuild, potentially supplying critical air-defence systems. This strategic burden-sharing aims to complicate US power projection in the region through proxies and sanctions evasion. The provision of such capabilities could significantly alter the conflict's dynamics by hindering US and allied operations. Analysts warn this behavior marks a dangerous escalation, contradicting Beijing's image as a pragmatic power focused on stability.

Report warns China is actively enabling Iran's wartime rebuild with air-defence systems, shifting from distant benefactor to strategic burden-sharing against the US.

Washington, April 13 China does not benefit from an outright Iranian win but from Tehran's continued ability to distract, complicate, and impose costs on United States power projection. This makes the relationship between Beijing and Tehran "more dangerous than simple arms sales" as it evolves into a form of strategic burden-sharing against the US, sustained through proxies, sanctions evasion, and plausible deniability, a report said on Monday.

According to a report on 'One World Outlook', China has moved beyond the role of a distant benefactor of Iran. It stated that if the US intelligence reports are accurate, Beijing is edging towards "something more dangerous: active enabling of Iran's wartime rebuild".

Citing a CNN report, it noted the US intelligence assesses that China is preparing to supply air-defence systems to Iran in the coming weeks, possibly using third countries to conceal the source.

"This is not a story about symbolism. It is about capability. Air-defence systems, anti-ship missiles, and dual-use industrial inputs can change the way a war is fought. They can make it harder for the United States and its allies to operate in the region, complicate surveillance and strike options, and help Iran replenish losses inflicted by weeks of conflict. In war, logistics and replacement pipelines can matter as much as battlefield bravado. A state that helps restore those pipelines is not standing on the sidelines; it is shaping outcomes," the report detailed.

"That is why these reports should alarm policymakers in Washington, Jerusalem, and across the Gulf. China has long presented itself as a pragmatic power, one that prefers commerce, diplomacy, and stability to ideological confrontation. Yet the reported behaviour suggests a more cynical approach: Beijing appears willing to profit from Iran's isolation while quietly strengthening Tehran's military hand," it added.

According to the report, American think tank 'The Atlantic Council' documented Chinese supplies of drones, missiles, and related components to Iran, indicating a sustained channel rather than a sudden rupture.

It also cited British media outlet BBC similarly reporting that US intelligence alleges Chinese support for Iran's ballistic missile efforts through training and key components.

The report noted that if substantiated, the development would constitute a "dangerous escalation" in China's involvement.

"Beijing may argue that air-defence systems are defensive, not offensive. That argument is technically neat and strategically misleading. A missile system labelled 'defensive' can still threaten aircraft, drones, and naval platforms. In a conflict zone, the defensive-offensive distinction often collapses under the realities of use," it stressed.

- IANS
Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev states that China's reaction to threatened US tariffs is the stance of any self-respecting sovereign nation. He argues President Trump uses the tariff threat as a bargaining chip ahead of his planned visit to China. Sachdev describes US-European relations as entering a "period of divorce," with Europe reluctantly adjusting to American demands despite value conflicts. He clarifies that the core issue in US-Iran negotiations is Iran's stock of 60% enriched uranium, not an immediate nuclear weapon.

Foreign expert Robinder Sachdev analyzes China's response to Trump tariffs, the US-Europe "divorce," and the core issue of Iran's enriched uranium.

New Delhi, April 14 Robinder Sachdev, Foreign Expert, on Tuesday said that China's reaction to US President Donald Trump's 50% tariffs are what a self-respecting nation would do.

Sachdev, in a conversation with ANI, said that Trump is using the tariffs as his bargaining chip against China.

"The statement by China regarding the threats by Trump of a 50% tariff are I think what any self-respecting sovereign state would say. Bilateral relations between any two nations are between those two nations. There is no reason for a third nation to intervene and especially threaten what each of these two actors does," Sachdev said.

The comments were in reference to the fact that Trump threatened China of 50% tariffs if it traded weapons to Iran.

"Secondly, Trump is due to go to China next month, tentatively. By using this threat, he also creates a new bargaining chip for himself. When he goes, okay, he may not impose a tariffs right now, but when he goes for the meetings, then he could threaten them or add this as one more bargaining chip. Okay, you buy some more soybean oil from me then I will not impose these tariffs on you, or you do this and you do this, so this becomes one more arrow in the quiver of negotiations for Trump," he said.

Sachdev said that European-American relations are in a low phase.

"I think European-American relations have started a period of divorce which started, or let's say the notice of divorce was served at Davos when Trump made all of those statements. Though the matter of Greenland was withdrawn to some extent, that is, I would say, the equivalent of serving divorce papers. Europe is going through intense soul-searching in terms of its own values, core values, because that is what is at odds with what America wants," he said.

Sachdev said that Trump administration blames Europe for being too liberal and not spending much on defence.

"America and the Trump administration blame Europe for being too liberal, too much focused on human rights, too much focus on governmental regulations, environmental concerns and they consider them totally woke and of course also on top of it low expenditure on their defense. That is the core. The Europeans have to now figure out their own matrix of their defense. Their worry is let's say Russia. So their security versus what change or compromise in their core values should they do," he said.

Sachdev said that Europe is nevertheless adhering to what Trump wants though very reluctantly.

"That is the challenge for the Europeans and that is why we are seeing the differentiated response coming from various European countries. Spain is on one end of the spectrum completely denying etc. England wavers sometime here, sometime there. France sometime here, there. But so far still in some senses they are very much following up and adhering to what Trump wants though very reluctantly complaining but still they are adjusting with America also that is what we see happening in this theater," he said.

Sachdev further said that Iran-US talks revealed that the real issue for the US is the enriched Uranium, which it wants Iran to surrender.

"I think the negotiations in Islamabad what they revealed was that the core issue for the Americans is not a nuclear weapon. The core issue is the 900 pounds or so of the 60% enriched uranium and that that uranium should be taken away from Iran or handed over to the Americans or some third non-Iranian entity or country. I think that is the core one. America wants a clear win to be able to say that I have taken out that uranium. People are conflating and mistaking between the uranium and a nuclear weapon. That is one clarity which should be there," he said.

Sachdev said further that Iran offered to reduce the or dilute the 60% enriched Uranium, but the US is not having that either.

"The second is that, yes, the Iranians offered a 5 year period, Americans wanted or Vance wanted a 20 year period. So there is that difference of opinion which is there. So the core issue is now this 60% enriched uranium. The Iranians actually offered that they could dilute this 60% enriched uranium so that its enrichment of the total mass is reduced. That is also coming out, right? They offered to reduce the or dilute the 60% enriched," he said.

Sachdev also said that the US wants that Uranium to be out of Iran, so that it can claim a visible victory.

"But I think where it was basically a deal breaker was the fact that Americans want that 60% to be out of Iran so that they can claim a visible victory. Plus, they wanted, they've been wanting or asking also for demolition of several other nuclear facilities of Iran. We do not know how much of that was agreed between the two at Islamabad talks, but I think even that the Iranians will not allow," he said.

Sachdev said that Iran will obviously not bomb its own nuclear facilities because it's a matter of your national pride.

"They will not go and bomb or dynamite away their own nuclear facilities because once again it's a matter of your national pride, national dignity. You're not going to blow up your national, let's say nuclear research laboratory because the Americans have forced you into it. No country will," he said.

The comments come as US Vice President JD Vance in an interview with Fox News said on Monday (local time) that Iran was willing to engage in economic terrorism around the world.

Vance said he seconds US President Donald Trump and said Iran cannot have nuclear weapon.

"I 100% agree with US President Donald Trump on the fact that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon... If they're willing to engage in economic terrorism on the entire world, what would it mean -- what leverage would they have -- if they had a nuclear bomb in Tehran?" he said.

- ANI
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has written to all MPs from the state and heads of political parties, urging their unanimous support for the Women's Reservation Bill. He stated that the bill's introduction in Parliament marks a historic milestone for Indian democracy and women's empowerment. Naidu appealed for collective support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to implement one-third reservations for women in legislative bodies. He emphasized that the legislation is a matter of national dignity that transcends political differences.

Andhra CM writes to state MPs and party chiefs for unanimous support to the Women's Reservation Bill, calling it a historic stride for democracy.

Amaravati, April 14 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has written a letter to the heads of political parties in the state and Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha members from the state seeking their support in Parliament for the Women's Reservation Bill.

He has requested them to extend their support to the 'Nari Shakti Vandan' Constitution Amendment Bill, which aims to implement 33 per cent reservations starting from the 2029 elections.

The national president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) said that he has appealed to them to strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to provide one-third reservations for women in Parliament and Assemblies.

Chandrababu Naidu stated that the introduction of the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill in Parliament on April 16 will be a historic milestone in Indian democracy.

He believes that 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' will contribute to women's empowerment as well as the nation's progress.

The Chief Minister addressed letters to Jana Sena president K. Pawan Kalyan, BJP state President P.V.N. Madhav, YSR Congress President Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, state Congress President Y.S. Sharmila Reddy, CPI state Secretary G. Eswaraiah, and CPI(M) state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao.

CM Naidu wrote that with the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam' coming before Parliament, a decades-old dream is finally becoming a reality. This marks a monumental stride towards achieving equality and establishing a legacy that will endure forever in India's democracy.

"The allocation of one-third of the seats in legislative bodies to women - a measure unparalleled in any other nation across the globe - is an occasion that fills every Indian with immense pride. It is truly gratifying to witness our aspirations regarding women's empowerment finally taking concrete shape," reads the letter.

The TDP chief thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the people, especially the women of Andhra Pradesh.

"I have always held a firm conviction that true progress can only be realised when women's participation in government, administration, and legislative bodies is significantly enhanced. The development of society is inextricably linked to ensuring that women are accorded their rightful place. It is my firm belief that women must play a pivotal role in the progress of both the state and the nation. The impact women are demonstrating across sectors, including education, healthcare, research, technology, sports, defence, industry, commerce, and services, is truly extraordinary. Through sheer hard work and unwavering dedication to duty, women today are proving their mettle in every single field," wrote the CM.

"I am writing this letter with a deep sense of responsibility, on behalf of our daughters, to urge that a united voice be raised regarding the issue of women's reservations. It is imperative that all political parties and Members of Parliament unanimously extend their support to this cause. Let us all consider it a privilege - a stroke of good fortune - to have this opportunity to honour the women of our households and the women of our nation. Let no one miss the chance to be a part of this sacred moment. I earnestly urge everyone to extend their wholehearted support toward bringing into effect the legislation that grants women one-third representation in our legislative bodies," he said.

Chandrababu Naidu wrote that as a nation that reveres Mother India, all 1.4 billion Indians must stand ready for these momentous occasion - moments dedicated to paying homage to 'Nari Shakti' (women's power).

"This legislation transcends politics; it is a matter concerning the dignity and honor of our nation. Every political party and every Member of Parliament must leave their indelible mark on this historic decision. I appeal to everyone to collectively extend their support to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Central Government in the implementation of the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam'," he added.

- IANS
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta virtually joined the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's infrastructure leadership. She stated the 12,000 crore expressway is a significant milestone that connects Delhi's modernity with Uttarakhand's spiritual ethos. The corridor is expected to drastically reduce travel time between the two cities from 6-7 hours to just 2.5 hours. Gupta highlighted the rapid expansion of national highways and multiple ongoing projects reshaping Delhi's landscape under the current government.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta praises PM Modi's infrastructure push as the new expressway slashes Delhi-Dehradun travel to 2.5 hours, boosting connectivity.

New Delhi, April 14 Delhi Chief Minister Rakha Gupta virtually joined the inauguration ceremony of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor held in Uttarakhand on Tuesday and hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's infrastructure push aimed at benefiting the National Capital, an official said.

Soon after PM Modi dedicated the corridor to the nation at an event in Dehradun, the Delhi Chief Minister thanked him for spearheading multiple projects aligned with the city's growing needs.



Describing the occasion as special and auspicious, the Chief Minister said the expressway built at a cost of around Rs 12,000 crore would mark a significant milestone in Delhi's development and give fresh momentum to the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat.'



Gupta, who was joined by Cabinet Ministers and Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva at the event, said Delhi's transformation under the Prime Minister's leadership is visible in the rapid expansion of infrastructure.



She noted that projects worth nearly Rs 1.25 lakh crore are currently underway in the capital under the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, reshaping the city's urban landscape.



Highlighting the broader significance of the new expressway, the Chief Minister said it is not merely a road project but a vital link that connects Delhi's modern infrastructure with the spiritual ethos of Uttarakhand, often referred to as 'Devbhoomi'.



"It is a true confluence of development and faith," she said.



The expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from around 6-7 hours to 2.5 hours, bringing relief to commuters and boosting tourism and economic activity.



Gupta pointed out that India's expressway and high-speed corridor network has expanded to over 3,000 km, while the national highway network has grown from about 51,000 km to nearly 1,46,000 km since 2014, an indicator of the country's accelerated infrastructure growth.



Referring to the strength of 'double-engine governance,' she said better coordination between the Centre and the Delhi government is helping the city move ahead at a faster pace.



Several key roads have been handed over to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to improve maintenance and accelerate upgrades.



She also highlighted the proposed elevated road project along the Munak canal, estimated at around Rs 5,000 crore, which is expected to improve traffic flow and significantly reduce congestion.





- IANS
CPI(M) MP John Brittas has welcomed the move to implement the Women's Reservation Bill from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, a cause his party has long championed. However, he criticized the timing of the special Parliament session, arguing it should have been deferred until assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu conclude. Brittas also raised serious concerns about a proposal to significantly increase Lok Sabha seats, warning it would disproportionately benefit northern states and undermine federal balance. He urged the government to resolve these issues while pledging his party's support for the bill's amendments.

CPI(M) MP John Brittas supports women's quota but criticizes special Parliament session timing during state elections and seat expansion plan.

New Delhi, April 13 Communist Party of India or CPI MP John Brittas on Monday welcomed the move to implement women's reservation quota after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a letter calling a special sitting in Parliament.

The Parliament will discuss the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill from April 16 to 18.

Taking it to X, he expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister. Brittas said that the CPI (M) will support its amendments so that it is made applicable in the next elections.

"Thanking Prime Minister, for the letter regarding the special Parliament sitting starting 16th April. We welcome the move to implement women's reservation from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections -- a historic step for Nari Shakti. We have long championed this cause. When the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was introduced in 2023, we had raised concerns over delays and had moved amendments for its immediate effect. While those suggestions were not accepted then, we will support the proposed changes to make it applicable from the next elections," Brittas said.

He further expressed concern over the special sitting being called during the critical election time, saying that the party had urged the Centre to defer the meeting until the Assembly elections conclude in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

"However, the hurried special sitting and bundled amendments on massive seat expansion raise serious questions. Two key states -- West Bengal and Tamil Nadu -- are in the midst of crucial assembly elections. We had formally requested the Government to defer until these are concluded," he said.

Meanwhile, Brittas said that the proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats will add over 200 seats to the northern States but only 65 to the southern States, undermining the federal balance and diversity in democracy, urging the government to figure out a resolution to such issues.

"The proposal to increase Lok Sabha seats by ~50% (from 543 to 816) on a pro-rata basis, will add over 200 seats to northern states but only around 65 to southern ones. In politics, absolute numbers matter rather than ratios or percentages. This undermines the federal balance and diversity that strengthen our democracy. We urge the Government to look into all these issues," he said.

Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi 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.

- ANI
The Secretary of Defence Production, Sanjeev Kumar, has inaugurated the structure assembly line for the indigenous Prachand Light Combat Helicopter at HAL's new helicopter factory in Tumakuru, Karnataka. The state-of-the-art greenfield facility will also produce Light Utility Helicopters and support future helicopter programs. The inauguration follows a recent visit by the Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, who undertook a sortie in the Prachand LCH to assess its capabilities. The facility marks a significant step in boosting India's indigenous defence manufacturing and combat readiness.

Defence Production Secretary inaugurates Prachand LCH assembly line at HAL's new state-of-the-art helicopter facility in Karnataka.

Bengaluru, April 13 Secretary of Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar on Monday officially opened the new structure assembly line for the Prachand Light Combat Helicopter at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited factory in Tumakuru, Karnataka.

According to a press release, Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence, inaugurated Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) structure assembly line and an Automated Storage & Retrieval System (ASRS) at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's New Helicopter Factory in Tumakuru, Karnataka. DK Sunil, CMD, HAL and Ms Manisha Chandra, Joint Secretary (Aero), were present along with HAL Directors and senior officers from HAL and MoD.

The New Helicopter Facility is a state-of-the-art greenfield facility established for the production of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Prachand LCH, and will support future programmes such as Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck-based Multi Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

The Secy (DP) held a meeting with HAL management, reviewed ongoing projects and expressed satisfaction with the progress of the facility and the plans for the production of the helicopters. He also visited HAL's dedicated LUH production facility, LCH equipping hangar and ASRS facility.

Earlier this month, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and undertook a sortie in the HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopter.

During the visit, the Army Chief experienced first-hand the helicopter's performance, agility, and mission readiness. The Prachand Light Combat Helicopter is an indigenously developed platform designed for high-altitude operations and is a key addition to India's combat capabilities.

On March 29, Chief of Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi, witnessed the Integrated Air Defence Firepower at Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur, Odisha.

In a post on X, the Army said that the COAS complimented the personnel for their dedication towards the nation's defence while hoping for them to continue dominating in the battlespace.

"General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, witnessed the Integrated Air Defence Firepower at Army Air Defence College, Gopalpur. The exercise showcased seamless synergy of multifarious Air Defence weapon systems operating in a networked environment, effectively validating the detection-to-engagement cycle against new-age hybrid aerial threats. The #COAS complimented the Air Defence Warriors for their relentless commitment towards strengthening India's defence and exhorted them to continue striving for excellence and dominance in the evolving battlespace," the public relations wing of the Indian Army wrote in the post.

- ANI
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid floral tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. She inaugurated new Water ATMs in the Shalimar Bagh constituency to provide clean drinking water to residents. Gupta also welcomed the new Delhi-Dehradun Expressway inaugurated by the Prime Minister, highlighting its benefits for travel time. The Water ATM initiative aligns with Ambedkar's vision of ensuring basic amenities and dignity for every citizen.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta inaugurated Water ATMs in Shalimar Bagh on Ambedkar Jayanti, emphasizing access to clean water and basic amenities for all citizens.

New Delhi, April 14 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday paid floral tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on his birth anniversary and inaugurated Water ATMs in Shalimar Bagh, emphasising the government's commitment to ensuring basic amenities and dignity for all citizens.

Speaking to the media, Gupta said, "Baba Saheb is the strong pillar of India, on which this strong edifice of Indian democracy stands today. If our country, with a population of 140 crore, is able to function today, it is because of the strong foundation of democracy... We too are continuously working for the last person on the bottom line of this society in Delhi, the most backward, who lack access to facilities. Every day, we formulate policies that enable every person in the entire city to live a life of dignity."

The Chief Minister further welcomed the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "On Baba Saheb's birth anniversary, the Prime Minister has gifted this state-of-the-art expressway to Delhi. Through this, a journey of 6.5 hours has been reduced to just 2.5 hours. This truly strengthens our transport system and our roadways, and Delhi will always be very grateful to the Prime Minister," Gupta said.

Marking the occasion, Gupta also inaugurated Water ATMs in GP Block and Beriwala Bagh Block of Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the Chief Minister said that the initiative aims to provide clean drinking water to residents in line with Ambedkar's vision of ensuring basic amenities as a right for every citizen.

The Chief Minister informed that seven Water ATMs have been installed across wards 55, 56, and 57. Each unit is capable of supplying 2,000 litres of purified water per hour and uses a five-stage RO purification system effective up to 3000 TDS, said the CMO. The system includes 24x7 monitoring and will provide up to 20 litres of drinking water per person per day through Water ATM cards.

Dr BR Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb, was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a key figure in India's social reform movement. Born into a Dalit Mahar family, he dedicated his life to securing equal rights for marginalised communities and promoting social justice.

Ambedkar served as independent India's first Law and Justice Minister and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his contributions to the nation.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, triggering widespread optimism in Uttarakhand. Leaders hailed the project as a transformative step that will drastically reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from 8-10 hours to approximately 2 hours. The expressway is described as an ambitious greenfield initiative and a "second lifeline" expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and regional development. Religious leaders also praised the project, noting its blend of modern infrastructure with the state's natural and spiritual heritage.

PM Modi inaugurates Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, hailed as a transformative green corridor that cuts travel time from 10 hours to 2 hours.

Dehradun, April 14 As Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Dehradun to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, a spark of optimism was triggered across Uttarakhand, with political leaders, religious representatives, and public figures describing the project as a transformative step for connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in the region.

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, lauded the role of Prime Minister Modi, stating that Uttarakhand holds a special place in his heart. He emphasised that the Prime Minister's commitment is reflected not just in words but in tangible development initiatives, which have strengthened public support across the state.

Echoing similar sentiments, Badri-Kedar Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi termed the day "historic," calling the expressway a "second lifeline" for Uttarakhand. He highlighted that the state had long awaited such infrastructure advancement and noted the Prime Minister's frequent visits to key pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath and Badrinath as evidence of his deep connection with the region.

BJP leaders also underscored the economic and developmental significance of the project.

Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal described the expressway as an ambitious greenfield initiative that would significantly boost tourism, trade, and overall development. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for prioritising such large-scale infrastructure.

BJP MLA Munna Singh Chauhan called the project a "landmark achievement," noting that it sets a new benchmark as one of Asia's longest green corridors. He pointed out that travel time between Delhi and Dehradun, which previously ranged between 8 to 10 hours, would now be reduced to approximately 2 to 2.25 hours.

Similarly, BJP MLA Sahdev Singh Pundir said the new route would seamlessly connect Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, reducing travel time to around two-and-a-half to three hours. MLA Bishan Singh Chuphal added that the journey duration has progressively reduced over the years, attributing the latest milestone to sustained infrastructure development under the current leadership.

MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola also expressed gratitude, calling it a moment of pride for the people of "Devbhoomi" Uttarakhand.

BJP Metropolitan President Siddhartha Umesh Agarwal highlighted the broader regional impact, noting a "very positive atmosphere" across North India, as the expressway is expected to benefit commuters from multiple states.

Former BJP MP Balraj Pasi remarked that the project has placed Uttarakhand on the global map, citing its scale and engineering significance.

Religious leaders and seers also welcomed the development, praising the Prime Minister's respect for Uttarakhand and its spiritual heritage. They described the expressway as a beautiful corridor that blends modern infrastructure with natural surroundings, further enhancing the state's appeal.

Overall, the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is being widely seen as a game-changer, promising faster connectivity, economic uplift, and increased tourism, while reinforcing Uttarakhand's strategic and cultural importance.

- IANS
Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu joined the Annual Baisakhi celebrations organized by the International Punjabi Society. He emphasized that the festival celebrates resilience and the community-building spirit of Punjabis. Sandhu also highlighted the historical and modern contributions of the Punjabi community to Delhi's identity and growth. In a separate message, he praised the newly inaugurated Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor as a transformative infrastructure project.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu attended Baisakhi celebrations, honoring the Punjabi community's contributions and calling for youth mentorship.

New Delhi, April 14 Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on Tuesday joined Baisakhi celebrations, calling for mentoring the youth for preserving our rich cultural legacy.

In a message on social media platform X, Delhi L-G Sandhu said, "Delighted to join the Annual Baisakhi celebrations organised by the International Punjabi Society at the India International Centre today."

"Baisakhi is far more than a harvest festival -- it is a vibrant celebration of resilience, perseverance, and the indomitable Punjabi spirit of building communities wherever one goes," he noted.

"From shaping Delhi's historical fabric to driving its modern-day growth, the contributions of the Punjabi community in trade, industry, and the ethos of selfless 'sewa' have been foundational to the identity of our National Capital," the L-G said.

"As we celebrate our shared heritage, let us renew our commitment to transforming individual success into collective strength -- by mentoring our youth, supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, and preserving our rich cultural legacy for generations to come," he added.

"May the spirit of Baisakhi continue to inspire unity, compassion, and progress in all that we do," L-G Sandhu said on X.

Earlier on Tuesday, the L-G described the newly inaugurated Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor as a game-changer, hoping that it will serve as an "artery of progress" to enhance the ease of living for millions of National Capital Region (NCR) residents.

In a message on X, T.S. Sandhu said, "The inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor by the Prime Minister @narendramodiJi marks yet another historic milestone in India's infrastructure journey. This Rs 11,868 crore mega project stands as a powerful testament to his transformative vision, coupled with the dynamic execution led by the Union Minister @nitin_gadkari Ji, bringing world-class connectivity closer to citizens."

The Delhi L-G noted, "For the residents of Delhi, this expressway is truly a game-changer. It will reduce travel time to Dehradun from nearly 6 hours to just over 2.5 hours. With seamless, signal-free connectivity beginning from key points such as Akshardham, Geeta Colony, and Shastri Park, it promises to significantly decongest city roads while catalysing regional trade, tourism, and economic activity."

- IANS
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging a clear separation between the implementation of women's reservation and the delimitation of Lok Sabha seats. He warned that using the popular women's quota as a pretext to push for a population-based delimitation would unfairly disadvantage southern and smaller states. Reddy cautioned that such a move, while offering short-term political gains, could undermine national unity and federal balance in the long term. He called for building a broad national consensus through all-party consultations before implementing any significant structural changes.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy cautions PM Modi against using women's reservation to push delimitation that could disadvantage southern states.

Hyderabad, April 13 Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has raised a timely and important concern regarding the ongoing national discourse on women's reservation and the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha seats.

In a message addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he underlined the need to clearly distinguish between two fundamentally different issues--women's reservation, which enjoys broad consensus, and the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, which continues to evoke serious concerns.

Reddy emphasised that the implementation of women's reservation, particularly in state assemblies, would be widely welcomed across the country if carried out without delay. However, he cautioned against using this popular reform as a pretext to advance a population-based delimitation of Lok Sabha seats--an approach that could disproportionately disadvantage southern and smaller states.

"Prime Minister @narendramodi, it is clear to every citizen that women's reservations (which everybody supports), and Delimitation of Lok Sabha seats (on which there are many concerns), are different. For example, if women's quota is implemented immediately for state-wise Assembly seats, the entire country will welcome. Using women's reservation as a red herring, attempts to push a population-based national Delimitation of Lok Sabha may serve the BJP in the very short run, but if it is unjust to Southern and smaller states, it will weaken our country in the long run," he wrote on X.

The Chief Minister warned that while such a move might offer short-term political gains to certain parties, it risks undermining the principles of fairness and federal balance that are essential to India's unity. He stressed that any policy perceived as unjust to specific regions could weaken the nation in the long run.

Calling for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach, Reddy urged the Centre to explore alternative models beyond a simple population-based formula for delimitation. He advocated for building a broad national consensus through consultations with all political parties before implementing any significant structural changes.

"National interest must be above any party interest. In the larger and long-term view, consider models other than simple pro-rata for #LokSabhaDelimitation. Here, I share one such potential model for your consideration. Kindly ensure we build a national consensus, starting with an all-party view instead of pushing this significant policy in an unfair way," he added.

In a diverse democracy like India, decisions of this magnitude must rise above partisan interests. As Reddy aptly noted, national interest must always take precedence over political expediency. The path forward should be guided by fairness, inclusivity, and a commitment to strengthening the unity of the nation.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions on the evolving West Asia security situation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. He also spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, focusing on Iran's activities in the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear negotiations. Sa'ar emphasized the need for action to ensure freedom of navigation for all countries, including India. The diplomatic calls followed Jaishankar's visit to the UAE, where he discussed strategic partnerships with President Sheikh Mohammed.

EAM S Jaishankar discusses Iran, Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon with Israeli FM Gideon Sa'ar and exchanges views on West Asia conflict with Australia's Penny Wong.

New Delhi, April 14 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday discussed the evolving security situation in West Asia during a conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

In a post on X, he said that the two leaders exchanged views on the conflict in West Asia.

"Appreciated the exchange of views today with @SenatorWong of Australia on the West Asia conflict."

Earlier today, EAM also spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and discussed several aspects of the situation in West Asia with him.

Sa'ar said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India.

In a post on X, Sa'ar said, "A good conversation, as always, with my friend, India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. We discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. I said that the firm American stance in the negotiations on conditions that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons (no enrichment in Iran, removal of enriched material from Iran) is critical for the entire international community," he said.

"I also said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation and the global economy through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India and our friends in the Gulf," he added.

The call comes after Jaishankar concluded his official visit to the UAE.

Speaking on the primary focus of his high-level discussions, the External Affairs Minister told ANI, "..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."

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held separate telephonic conversations with his counterparts from Singapore and Kuwait to discuss the escalating conflict in West Asia and its broader implications. The discussions also focused on the well-being of the Indian community in the region amid the growing volatility. These high-level talks occur against a backdrop of a US-led naval blockade of Iranian ports and new maritime restrictions in the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. The situation threatens a critical global oil shipping route, heightening the urgency for diplomatic engagement.

EAM S Jaishankar held calls with Singapore and Kuwait counterparts on escalating West Asia tensions, regional implications, and safety of Indian community.

New Delhi, April 13 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held a telephonic conversation with his counterpart of Singapore, Vivian Balakrishnan, to discuss the escalating tensions in West Asia.

In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister highlighted the positive nature of the exchange while noting the primary focus of the dialogue.

"Always nice to speak to FM @VivianBala of Singapore. Our discussions were about the conflict in West Asia and its implications," Jaishankar stated.

Expanding on this diplomatic outreach, Jaishankar also held a separate telephonic conversation with Kuwait's Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

These discussions specifically addressed the latest developments in West Asia, with the External Affairs Minister sharing on X that the dialogue also focused on the well-being of the Indian community.

"A good conversation with FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah of Kuwait. It focused on the regional situation and the well being of the Indian community," he wrote.

Complementing this account, Kuwait's foreign ministry issued a statement noting that the exchange between the leaders revolved around the "latest developments in regional events and the efforts being made regarding them."

These high-level talks occur against a volatile backdrop in the Gulf region.

Following a deadlock in US-Iran peace talks, the UKMTO announced that maritime access restrictions are now being enforced.

These measures affect Iranian ports and coastal areas, spanning the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz.

The urgency of these diplomatic engagements is underscored by the commencement of a US-led blockade of all Iranian ports.

This follows President Trump's announcement of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime artery through which a fifth of the world's global crude supply typically passes.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, discussing the latest developments in West Asia. The talks specifically addressed the well-being of the large Indian community in the region. This diplomatic engagement follows Jaishankar's recent visit to the UAE, where he emphasized India's high stakes in regional stability. The discussions occur against a backdrop of heightened maritime tensions and broader international diplomatic efforts concerning the Gulf.

EAM S Jaishankar held talks with Kuwait's FM on regional stability and the Indian community's welfare amid rising West Asia tensions.

New Delhi, April 13 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held a telephonic conversation with Kuwait's Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The two leaders discussed the latest developments in West Asia.

Sharing details in a post on X, EAM said that the conversation also focused on the well-being of the Indian community.

"A good conversation with FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah of Kuwait. It focused on the regional situation and the well being of the Indian community", he wrote on X.

In a statement by Kuwait's foreign ministry, it was noted that the conversation between the leaders revolved around the "latest developments in regional events and the efforts being made regarding them were discussed."

Jaishankar was earlier in the UAE, where his visit saw further deepening of ties and discussions on the broader geopolitical changes impacting the region.

He told ANI, "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."

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot during his visit to Paris. The two leaders discussed, among other issues, the situation in West Asia.

The talks come amid the backdrop of the latest developments in West Asia and the Gulf region. Since the deadlock in the US-Iran peace talks, UKMTO announced that maritime access restrictions are being enforced, affecting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including locations along the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz.

This comes after the US said it would begin a blockade of all Iranian ports on Monday onwards after Trump announced the naval blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global crude supply normally passes.

- ANI
Rajkummar Rao discusses his approach to comedy in 'Toaster', a dark comedy about frugality spiraling into chaos, co-starring Sanya Malhotra.

Mumbai, April 14 "Effortless" humour resonates most with audiences, says actor Rajkummar Rao, who detailed his approach to comedy ahead of the April 15 release of the upcoming Netflix film 'Toaster'

Headlined by Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, the dark comedy has been directed by Vivek Daschaudary and produced by Rao and his actor wife Patralekhaa under Kampa Films.



'Toaster' revolves around Ramakant, essayed by Rao, a man whose extreme frugality leads to a series of chaotic and humorous events. It also stars Sanya Malhotra, Abhishek Banerjee, Archana Puran Singh, Farah Khan, Jitendra Joshi and Upendra Limaye in pivotal roles.



"It has to be right on paper," Rao tells ANI, emphasising that comedy is deeply rooted in writing and authenticity. "And then, of course, actors come and at least do that much... The more effortless it is, the more natural it is," he said.



Elements like editing and sound design also play a crucial role in enhancing humour, says the actor famed for balancing intense dramas with lighter roles in films like 'Bareilly Ki Barfi', 'Ludo', and 'Stree'. While being naturally inclined towards serious roles the actor says he enjoys switching to comedy for relief.



"My favorite genre is always drama... dramas tire you emotionally and physically. Then I feel like I should do a comedy, a light one," says Rao.



The actor also spoke about working closely with his wife as a producer on the project. "We have spent a lot because my wife is a producer... bahut dildaar hai. And since we have been actors ourselves, we know exactly what all problems come up on set," he says, adding, "Of course, we both look after the expenses at home... but in life, we both are not stingy... Patra is way more sharper with money than I am."



Co-star Abhishek Banerjee highlights the effort behind performance preparation, especially for intense roles. Recalling his experience of playing Hathoda Tyagi in 'Paatal Lok', he says, "It happened on that shoot. I didn't talk to anyone for the first three days," noting that he later created a trigger mechanism using music, "The minute that music piece plays in my head, I'm basically that character."



Meanwhile, Archana Puran Singh reflected on the challenges of comedy, particularly when scripts fall short. "Till the script is not good... you have to overcompensate. You do something funny," she says adding that she enjoys finding humour in everyday situations. "I enjoy doing any kind of comedy... everything in real life has some humor element... even a simple fall can be the funniest thing in this world."



Sanya Malhotra, who is part of the film, reflected on her acting journey and training, saying, "I didn't take training... I did workshops after 'Dangal'... I'm learning while working." She also expressed interest in a dance-based film, adding, "Of course. Please cast me."



Netflix dropped the official trailer of 'Toaster,' offering a glimpse into a chaotic narrative where frugality spirals into absurdity. In the trailer Rao is introduced as a meticulous and uncompromising Ramakant, a self-proclaimed "kanjoos" who believes every rupee saved is a victory. The story kicks off with a seemingly trivial incident, Ramakant gifting a toaster at a wedding. However, when the wedding is abruptly called off, his fixation on retrieving the appliance triggers a chain of increasingly complicated and chaotic events. What begins as a simple mission soon escalates into a series of messy situations, pulling in everyone around him.



The film blends dark humour with situational chaos, leaning heavily on its ensemble cast, which includes Archana Puran Singh, Abhishek Banerjee, Farah Khan, Upendra Limaye, Vinod Rawat, Jitendra Joshi, and Seema Pahwa. Each character contributes to the film's escalating confusion, adding layers to its fast-paced narrative.



With a screenplay by Parveez Shaikh, Akshat Ghildial, and Anagh Mukerjee, Toaster promises a sharp, character-driven narrative where a minor obsession leads to major consequences.





- ANI
South Korea's exports surged 36.7% year-on-year in the first ten days of April, reaching a record $25.2 billion. The growth was powered by a massive 152% increase in semiconductor exports to $8.6 billion, fueled by the global artificial intelligence boom. Exports to China, its top trading partner, jumped 63.8%, while shipments to the United States also rose 24%. The period resulted in a trade surplus of $3.1 billion, with imports increasing by 12.7%.

South Korea's exports surged 36.7% in early April, driven by a 152% boom in semiconductor shipments amid global AI demand, setting a new record.

Seoul, April 13 South Korea's exports jumped 36.7 per cent from a year earlier in the first 10 days of April, driven by strong overseas demand for semiconductors, data showed on Monday.

Outbound shipments reached US$25.2 billion in the April 1-10 period, compared with $18.4 billion tallied in the same period last year, according to the data from the Korea Customs Service.

It marked the country's highest exports ever recorded for the first 10 days of a month, surpassing the previous record of $21.7 billion set in the same period last month, reports Yonhap news agency.

By item, exports of semiconductors surged 152 percent on-year to $8.6 billion amid the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

The figure marked the highest amount ever recorded for the first 10 days of a month.

Chip exports accounted for 34 percent of the country's total exports over the cited period, up 15.6 percentage points from the same period last year.

Exports of petroleum products jumped 38.6 percent on-year to $1.8 billion.

But automobile exports went down 6.7 percent to $1.7 billion, while shipments of auto parts dipped 7.3 percent on-year to $654 million.

By destination, exports to China, South Korea's top trading partner, soared 63.8 percent on-year to $5.7 billion.

Shipments to the United States jumped 24 percent to $4.3 billion despite the tariff scheme by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, the data showed.

Imports went up 12.7 percent on-year to $22.1 billion over the cited period, resulting in a trade surplus of $3.1 billion, the data showed.

By item, imports of semiconductors rose 29.7 percent on-year and crude oil gained 8.7 percent, while machinery fell 7.4 percent.

In particular, crude oil imports extended their upward trend for a third straight month, reaching $2.8 billion in the first 10 days of April, following $2 billion in the first 10 days of February and $2.3 billion in March.

The agency attributed the increase to a combination of higher global oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East and the weak Korean won.

- IANS
Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur welcomed the unanimous election of Samrat Choudhary as the leader of the Bihar NDA Legislative Party, stating he would follow in the footsteps of Nitish Kumar. Choudhary, set to become Chief Minister, expressed gratitude to Nitish Kumar for the opportunity to work under his leadership and guidance. His election follows the resignation of Nitish Kumar, who had been Chief Minister for 21 years. Senior leaders including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated Choudhary, expressing confidence in Bihar's development under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Samrat Choudhary unanimously elected leader of Bihar NDA Legislative Party, paving the way for him to become Chief Minister following Nitish Kumar's resignation.

Patna, April 14 Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur on Tuesday welcomed the unanimous election of Samrat Choudhary as the leader of the Bihar NDA Legislative Party.

Union Minister Ram Nath Thakur, while talking to the reporters, said, "Nitish Kumar proposed his name, and he was unanimously elected as the Leader of the Bihar NDA Legislative Party. I congratulate him. The manner in which Nitish Kumar worked for the development of Bihar, Samrat Choudhar will similarly follow in his footsteps. His (Nitish Kumar) absence will be felt. But public, MLAs and MPs will work here as time and political timing."

Choudhary, who is set to become Chief Minister here, expressed gratitude to JDU chief Nitish Kumar.

"It is a matter of pride for me to have the opportunity to work under your leadership and guidance. I shall remain continuously committed with complete loyalty, dedication, and resolve to the development of Bihar, good governance, and public welfare, so that together we can take the state to new heights. Your guidance and support shall always remain an inspiration," he wrote on X.

On the same day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated BJP's Samarat Choudhary for being elected as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party in Bihar, paving the way for his elevation as the state Chief Minister following the resignation of Nitish Kumar.

In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said, "Heartiest congratulations and my best wishes on Samrat Chaudhary being elected as the leader of the BJP Legislature Party in Bihar. I am firmly confident that the resolve to develop Bihar, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will gain even greater strength."

Samrat Choudhary was on Tuesday elected as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party in Bihar, paving the way for his elevation as the state Chief Minister following the resignation of Nitish Kumar.

Nitish Kumar, who has been Chief Minister for the past 21 years, tendered his resignation earlier in the day, which was accepted by Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd).

Samrat Choudhary will be the first Chief Minister of the BJP in Bihar. BJP ally Upendra Kushwaha, in a post on X, congratulated Samrat Choudhary, who is the Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, for his "new responsibility".

- ANI
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris for discussions focusing on bilateral cooperation and global challenges, including the situation in West Asia. His visit is part of the India-France Foreign Office consultations and follows French President Emmanuel Macron's trip to India earlier this year. Prior to his France visit, Misri was in the United States, where he held meetings with senior US officials to deepen bilateral cooperation across various sectors. During his Paris trip, he also visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre to see an exhibition showcasing contemporary Indian art.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met French FM Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, discussing bilateral cooperation and the West Asia situation during high-level consultations.

Paris, April 13 Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who is in Paris for India-France talks, met French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot during his visit to Paris. The two leaders discussed, among other issues, the situation in West Asia.

Sharing the details of the meeting in a post on X, the Indian Embassy in France said, "Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri called on the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs H.E. @jnbarrot. Discussions covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, ongoing global challenges including the situation in West Asia."

Earlier during his visit to France, the Foreign Secretary also visited the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Paris and saw the exhibition "L'Art de L'Inde: Aujourd'hui," which showcases 80 artworks by 40 Indian artists and highlights India's living artistic traditions.

Misri is in Paris for the India-France Foreign Office consultations.

His visit follows French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India earlier in February and reflects the continued regular high-level exchanges between India and Europe.

Misri's visit to France comes shortly after he was in the United States where he met key leaders and held discussions on further deepening India-US cooperation across the varied dimensions of the relationship.

Misri held talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg expressed pleasure over his meeting with Misri, highlighting discussions on trade, energy cooperation and advancing pro-innovation policies in artificial intelligence.

During his three-day visit to Washington, he also had a "productive" meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to visit India next month.

The Foreign Secretary's itinerary included significant talks at the Pentagon with Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby.

- ANI
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a defensive multinational mission to restore free and secure navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The initiative, separate from ongoing hostilities, is part of broader diplomatic efforts to address Middle East tensions and ensure regional stability. The announcement comes amid US-led restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports, which Tehran has strongly criticized. Iran has reiterated its control over the strait, warning that collective regional action is needed for maritime security.

French President Macron announces a joint defensive mission with the UK to restore free navigation in the vital Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions.

Paris, April 13 French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced that France and the United Kingdom will jointly lead a multinational initiative aimed at restoring free and secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid uncertainties over the virtual control of the strategic waterway between the US and Iran.

In a post on X, Macron said that the move is part of broader diplomatic efforts to address escalating tensions in the Middle East and ensure long-term regional stability and emphasised that the mission would be "strictly defensive" and separate from any parties involved in ongoing hostilities.

Macron stated that France and the UK will convene a conference in the coming days with countries willing to contribute to a "peaceful multinational mission" to safeguard maritime traffic through the vital chokepoint, which is crucial for global energy shipments.

"Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we will organise with the United Kingdom, in the coming days, a conference with countries ready to contribute alongside us to a peaceful multinational mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait. This strictly defensive mission, distinct from the belligerents, will be deployed as soon as the situation allows," Macron said in his post.

He also linked the initiative to wider regional concerns, including Iran's nuclear and ballistic activities and what he described as destabilising actions in the region, despite a two-week ceasefire in place between the US-Israel coalition forces and Iran after over a month of conflict in the region.

The French President further said the effort is part of a broader push for diplomatic resolution of conflicts in West Asia, including restoring stability in Lebanon while respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"No effort must be spared to swiftly achieve a solid and lasting resolution to the conflict in the Middle East through diplomatic means. A resolution that would enable the region to be endowed with a robust framework allowing each party to live in peace and security. To achieve this, all substantive issues must be addressed with lasting solutions, whether concerning Iran's nuclear and ballistic activities or its destabilising actions in the region, but also to enable the resumption, as quickly as possible, of free and unhindered navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and to ensure that Lebanon returns to the path of peace in full respect of its sovereignty and territorial integrity," the post added.

Macron reiterated that France is ready to play a "full part" in the initiative, adding that the mission would be deployed once conditions allow.

This remark by the French President comes amid escalating geopolitical friction after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) is set to enforce restrictions on maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports.

According to CENTCOM, the measures are being implemented under a directive from US President Donald Trump and will apply uniformly to vessels of all nationalities operating in and out of Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM clarified that while the measures target port activity associated with Iran, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for vessels transiting between non-Iranian ports would remain unaffected.

In response, Iranian authorities strongly criticised the US move, warning that maritime security across the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman would be jeopardised if Iran's security interests were threatened.

A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, quoted by state media IRIB, said that Tehran considers safeguarding national sovereignty in its territorial waters a "natural and legal duty", adding that maritime security must be ensured collectively by all regional actors.

Iran also reiterated that it would continue to enforce control over access through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted passage, while others would be allowed transit under regulations set by Iranian authorities.

- ANI
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Berlin to co-chair the India-Germany Foreign Office Consultations with German State Secretary Geza Andreas von Geyr. The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral issues including trade, defense, technology, and green energy. This visit follows German Chancellor Fredrich Merz's trip to India in January 2026, underscoring ongoing high-level engagement. Prior to Berlin, Misri held similar consultations in Paris with French officials, discussing nuclear energy, defense, space, and AI.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chairs high-level talks in Berlin covering trade, defense, tech, and green energy cooperation with Germany.

Berlin, April 14 Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Tuesday arrived at Berlin for India-Germany Foreign Office consultations.

The visit comes after German Chancellor Fredrich Merz visited India in January 2026.

In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Berlin said, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrives in Berlin for India-Germany Foreign Office consultations. The visit follows Chancellor H.E. Fredrich Merz's successful visit to India in January 2026 and reflects continued regular high-level exchanges between India and Berlin."

In Berlin, the Foreign Secretary will co-chair the India-Germany Foreign Office Consultations alongside Geza Andreas von Geyr, State Secretary of the German Foreign Office. The discussions would cover diverse domains of bilateral co-operation including trade and investments, defence and security, technology, green energy, development co-operation, education and people-to-people ties as well as global and regional matters of mutual interest. The Foreign Secretary is also expected to meet other dignitaries and senior government officials in both places.

Earlier on Monday, Misri co-chaired the India-France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martin Briens.

In a post on X, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri co-chaired the India-France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martin Briens, holding discussions on a wide range of issues including civil nuclear energy, defence & space, cyber & digital cooperation, AI & innovation and people-to-people & cultural ties, along with global and regional developments."

Misri also called on French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot.

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot. Discussions covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, ongoing global challenges including the situation in the Middle East."

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri embarked a visit to Paris and Berlin from 12-14 April 2026.

- ANI
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, highlighting his role as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. She stated the Constitution serves as a "protective shield" guaranteeing liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity for every Indian. Ambedkar, born into an impoverished Dalit family, is revered for tirelessly fighting for the rights of marginalized sections. His birth anniversary is being celebrated with a grand gathering at his birthplace in Mhow, Indore, with Chief Minister Yadav attending.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra calls the Indian Constitution a protective shield guaranteeing liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity for all citizens.

New Delhi, April 14 Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday paid tribute to BR Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, saying the Constitution drafted by him serves as a "protective shield" guaranteeing liberty, equality, justice and fraternity for all Indians.

In a post on X, Congress MP wrote, "Constitution maker Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji gave every Indian a protective shield in the form of the Constitution, which guarantees liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity. Through Babasaheb's tireless efforts, the issues of deprived sections became an integral part of our freedom movement and Constitution."

"Equal opportunities for all, equal rights, and the welfare of everyone--these are the core of Babasaheb's ideology. The resolve to protect the values of the Constitution and Babasaheb's thoughts is the true tribute to him. On Babasaheb's birth anniversary, respectful salutations to him," the post read.

BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India.

Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights.

He died on December 6, 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

While the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar will be celebrated at his birthplace in Mhow, Indore, with deep devotion and great enthusiasm today. A grand gathering will be held at the magnificent memorial built at his birthplace. Chief Minister Yadav will be attending the event along with multiple dignitaries.

According to an official release, a large number of people across Madhya Pradesh and other states are arriving for the program, and the influx of people began on the evening of April 12. For smooth management, the event area has been divided into seven sectors and teams comprising officials from various departments have been deployed in each sector. Three control rooms have also been set up on the Tehsil premises.

- ANI
The Indian government is steering the pharmaceutical industry from its traditional strength in generics towards becoming a global hub for value-led innovations like biologics and biosimilars. Significant budgetary support and regulatory reforms, including strengthening the CDSCO, are being implemented to facilitate this transition. The plan emphasizes increased research and development, the application of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, and the creation of a skilled talent pipeline through new educational institutes. A unified digital platform is also planned to further streamline and support research and development efforts.

Government outlines strategic pivot for Indian pharma from volume-driven generics to value-led innovations in biologics and biosimilars with new reforms.

New Delhi, April 13 The Indian pharmaceutical industry aims for a strategic transition from its traditional role as a volume-driven generics producer toward becoming a value-led innovation hub focused on biologics and biosimilars. This shift comes as the government implements significant financial and regulatory reforms to align the sector with evolving global health requirements and technological advancements.

Speaking to the media at the sidelines of the 9th edition of 'India Pharma 2026', Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare Anupriya Patel highlighted the critical nature of this industrial evolution. She noted that the Department of Pharmaceuticals is actively working to expand the domestic industry's influence through dedicated platforms and policy support.

"India Pharma 2026' is a very important platform and through this, the Department of Pharmaceuticals is trying to enhance the role of our Indian Pharmaceutical Industry," Patel said.

The minister detailed the financial commitment behind this transition, referencing the substantial budgetary allocation designed to pivot the sector toward advanced medical solutions.

"As health-related needs are changing all over the world, the Indian pharmaceutical sector should be more involved in the new field of biosimilars and biologics. More research and development is needed for this mission. The use of artificial intelligence in drug discovery is also being increased and encouraged," she added.

To sustain this growth, the government is addressing the demand for skilled manpower and modernizing the oversight framework. Patel confirmed that three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) were announced to ensure a steady talent pipeline, while the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is undergoing structural changes.

"With the support of these reforms and research, our pharmaceutical industry can easily transition from 'pharmacy of the world', from the world of generics, i.e. from volume-led generics to value-led innovations, which we call biologics or biosimilars," Patel said.

Punya Salila Srivastava, Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, addressed the regulatory aspects of the mission, emphasizing the necessity of developing biosimilars for both preventive and curative treatments. She explained that the ministry is currently working on strengthening the CDSCO to provide specialized scientific support to the biopharma sector.

"for us, the development of biosimilars for preventive and curative therapies is very important. But since we also look at drug regulation, from that perspective, this year's budget announcement has strengthened CDSCO to accelerate, on which we are working," Srivastava said.

Srivastava also noted that recent regulatory changes, such as the waiver of test licenses for various products, were intended to reduce hurdles for researchers. The ministry plans to introduce a unified digital platform to further streamline the research and development process.

"We will develop an integrated dedicated scientific community within CDSCO, so that we can fully support the biopharma sector. We have recently done many regulatory reforms, such as waiver of test license for many products, so that research and development gets promoted. We will do more such reforms as well. We are also bringing a unified digital platform, through this, those who are doing research and development will get a lot of support," Srivastava added.

- ANI
JD(U) national working president Sanjay Jha emphasized that the Bihar government will continue to function under the guidance of Nitish Kumar for decades to come. He described Nitish Kumar's tenure as an emotional moment that restored pride to the people of Bihar. Jha also commented on Nishant Kumar's increasing activity within the party organization. The statements come as the NDA prepares for a key meeting to finalize the leadership of the legislature party.

JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha states Bihar's government will operate under Nitish Kumar's support and guidance for decades, calling his tenure an emotional moment.

Patna, April 14 Janta Dal National Working President and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha on Tuesday lauded the political journey of Bihar under outgoing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, calling it an "emotional moment" for the people of the state.

He asserted that the present government and future administrations will continue to function under Nitish Kumar's guidance.

Speaking to reporters on the political developments in the state, Jha said the transformation of the state under Nitish Kumar had restored pride among its people. "This is an emotional moment for the 140 million people of Bihar. We always say that we felt ashamed to say we are Bihari before Nitish ji's arrival, and after his arrival, Bihar's respect and prestige remained intact..." he said.

He further spoke about Nishant Kumar's increasing engagement in organisational matters within the party and said his role would be determined collectively by party members.

"Nishant Kumar is active in politics. He has joined the party and is strengthening the party organisation. He is meeting with everyone, and his job is to understand the entire party very intelligently and offer suggestions together. Whatever his role will be in the future, whether within the party or otherwise, will be decided by the party members..." he added.

Reiterating his strong backing for Nitish Kumar's leadership, Jha asserted that the current governance structure in Bihar would continue to revolve around him for decades.

"As far as this government is concerned, whichever Chief Minister is there, whichever government will be formed, it will be Nitish Kumar's. This government will function under the support and guidance of Nitish Kumar for the next 25-30 years and beyond. His guidance will always be with this government. His suggestions will always be with this government..." Jha added.

The remarks come amid continued political discussions in Bihar over leadership dynamics as the NDA is set to meet today at 4 pm in the Central Hall of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, where the leader of the Legislature Party will finalise the name of the CM.

Political developments in Bihar have gained pace as outgoing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to chair a Cabinet meeting today, 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.

- ANI
The Haryana government has issued a notification revising the minimum wage for workers, with new rates taking effect from April 1, 2026. The hike increases the monthly wage for unskilled workers from 11,257 to 15,220, following cabinet approval based on an expert committee's recommendations. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also announced a 33% reservation for women in the allocation of ration depots under the Public Distribution System. Priority for these depot licenses will be given to women who are acid attack survivors, widows, or associated with self-help groups.

Haryana govt revises minimum wage for unskilled workers to 15,220/month, effective April 1, 2026. Cabinet also approves 33% women's quota for ration depots.

Faridabad, April 14 The Deputy Commissioner of Faridabad on Tuesday informed that the Haryana government has issued a notification revising the minimum remuneration for various categories of workers across the state, effective from April 1, 2026.

According to the official update shared by the Deputy Commissioner's office, the revised wage structure will benefit workers across different categories, including unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled labourers.

"A notification has been issued by the Government of Haryana regarding an increase in the minimum remuneration for different categories of workers across the state, effective April 1, 2026, for their benefit," the Deputy Commissioner, Faridabad, said on X.

The administration further said that the new wage rates have come into force from April 1, 2026, and are expected to directly benefit thousands of workers in the district.

"The new applicable rates are effective from April 1, 2026, which will directly benefit thousands of unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers in the district," the statement added.

Earlier on April 8, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced a hike in the minimum wage for unskilled workers, increasing it from 11,257 to 15,220 per month.

Following recommendations from an expert committee, the Cabinet approved the hike to support labourers. "Keeping these recommendations in view, the Cabinet discussed the matter today and decided to increase the minimum wage," said the Chief Minister.

The Haryana CM also announced that the cabinet had approved a 33% reservation for women in the allocation of ration depots under the public distribution system (PDS).

"Through various schemes, including the Lakhpati Didi and Namo Drone Didi schemes, women are being made active participants in the development process," Saini stated, while adressing a press conference.

"Priority will be given to women who are victims of acid attacks, or are associated with self-help groups, or are widows, etc," the CM added.

- ANI
Hezbollah's Islamic Resistance has claimed responsibility for 43 military operations against Israeli positions on Sunday, targeting sites along the border and deeper inside occupied territories. The attacks included drone strikes on a communications facility in the Golan Heights and an Israeli Merkava tank in Lebanon, alongside rocket fire on several northern Israeli towns. The group stated the operations were a duty to defend Lebanon against alleged Israeli ceasefire violations and military escalation. It warned that such actions would continue if what it called Israeli-American aggression persists.

Hezbollah claims 43 military operations against Israeli positions, citing ceasefire violations. Attacks target Golan Heights, northern Israel.

Beirut, April 13 Hezbollah's Islamic Resistance claimed responsibility for carrying out 43 military operations against Israeli positions and troop concentrations on Sunday, saying the strikes were in response to alleged ceasefire violations and continued Israeli military activity in Lebanon, Iranian State Media Press TV reported.

According to Press TV, citing a statement from the militant group, the operations targeted Israeli military sites along the border as well as deeper inside occupied territories, including the occupied Syrian Golan Heights and northern Israel.

The attacks included a drone strike on a communications facility at the Al-Alika barracks in the Golan Heights, which it said resulted in a "direct hit".

The group also claimed a drone strike on an Israeli Merkava tank near a hospital in Mays al-Jabal in Lebanon.

The group further said it launched coordinated drone attacks on Israeli troop gatherings in areas including Al-Bayyada, Yaroun, and Kfar Yuval, along with rocket fire targeting Kiryat Shmona, Nahariya, and the headquarters of Israel's 146th Division, as reported by Press TV.

Hezbollah also claimed responsibility for shelling newly established Israeli positions in southern Lebanon and striking additional military sites, including surveillance and command facilities such as the Meron air surveillance base and the Filon base near Rosh Pina.

The group said the operations continued from Sunday morning into late night, targeting troop movements and military gatherings in multiple border towns, including Khiam, Bint Jbeil, Taybeh, and Aita al-Shaab, Press TV reported.

Hezbollah described the attacks as part of its "duty to defend Lebanon and its people", alleging repeated Israeli violations of ceasefire arrangements.

It warned that its operations would continue if what it called Israeli-American aggression against Lebanon persists.

"The Islamic Resistance is committed to defending its land and people," the statement said, as quoted by Press TV, adding that the strikes aim to counter what it described as Israel's continued military escalation.

According to Al Jazeera, since the beginning of the Israeli offensive on March 2, a total of 2,055 people have been reportedly killed in Lebanon, according to the country's Ministry of Health.

The ministry further added that at least 6,588 others have been injured during the same period.

- ANI
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf publicly honored Pope Leo XIV for his strong condemnation of war crimes, specifically highlighting the Pontiff's "I have no fear" slogan. Pope Leo, during a flight to Algeria, clarified that his mission is spiritual, not political, and he has no intention of debating former US President Donald Trump. His visit to Algeria, the homeland of St. Augustine, is framed as a journey to build bridges of peace and interreligious dialogue. The Pope's calls for peace contrast with the US political climate, where Catholic bishops recently criticized Trump for his social media remarks targeting the Pontiff.

Iranian Parliament Speaker hails Pope Leo XIV's condemnation of war crimes and his "I have no fear" slogan, as the Pontiff stresses peace over politics.

Tehran, April 14 Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Tuesday praised Pope Leo XIV for his strong remarks against war and violence, hailing the pontiff's message as a moral stand against the killing of innocents and describing his slogan, "I have no fear," as an inspiration for those opposing alleged war crimes by Israel and the United States.

In a post on X, Qalibaf wrote, "Honouring Pope Leo's fearless stand! "I have no fear" echoes as he condemns the war crimes of Israel and the US. This slogan lights the path for all who refuse to stay silent on the killing of innocents. @Pontifex leadership inspires millions - thank you for this light!"

The comments came after Pope Leo XIV reiterated his commitment to peace and spiritual advocacy, stating that he has no intention of engaging in a political confrontation with the United States administration.

When questioned by reporters during his flight to Algeria, the Pontiff said, "I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions: I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with Donald Trump."

He further asserted his focus on peace and reconciliation, adding, "Rather, let us always seek peace and put an end to wars. I am not afraid of the Trump administration."

The Pope maintained that his mission is rooted in faith rather than political engagement, emphasising that the message of the Gospel should not be used for political purposes. "I speak about the Gospel; I am not a politician. I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused in the way some people are doing," he said.

Emphasising his role as a global advocate, he stated, "I will continue to speak out loudly against war, to try to promote peace and multilateral dialogue between states in order to seek the right solution to problems."

Reiterating the Church's stance, he noted, "The message of the Church is the message of the Gospel: blessed are the peacemakers. I do not see my role as that of a politician; I do not want to enter into a debate with him. Too many people are suffering in the world."

The Pope described his journey to Africa as "truly a blessing for me personally, but I believe also for the Church and for the world." He noted the necessity of the mission, stating, "because we must always seek bridges to build peace and reconciliation."

Highlighting the historical significance of the visit, Leo XIV spoke of St. Augustine, a native of modern-day Algeria, who he believes "serves as a vital bridge in interreligious dialogue and is deeply loved in his homeland, as we shall see." The Pope, who famously identified himself as "a son of St. Augustine" upon his election last May, is the first Pontiff to visit the saint's homeland.

Characterising the 10-day African tour as "a precious opportunity to continue with the same voice and the same message," the Pope reaffirmed his objective to "promote peace, reconciliation, and respect and consideration for all peoples."

The visit to Algeria marks the initial phase of his third international apostolic journey. In a nation where the Catholic community comprises only a few thousand individuals within a population of 48 million Muslims, the mission is expected to focus on the themes of fraternity and interfaith encounter.

These calls for peace from the papal plane stand in sharp contrast to the domestic political climate in the United States. On Sunday (local time), the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) criticised President Donald Trump for his recent social media remarks targeting the Pope, asserting that the Pontiff is "not his rival" and should not be viewed through a political lens.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 12,000 crore Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor during his visit to Uttarakhand. BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt praised the PM, stating he always brings a "special gift" for the state during his visits. The main ceremony was held at the Jaswant Singh Army Ground in Dehradun, which was extensively decorated for the high-profile event. Following the inauguration, the Prime Minister's schedule included a review in Saharanpur and a visit to the Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple.

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates the 12,000 crore Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, hailed by BJP's Mahendra Bhatt as an "incredibly special gift" for the state.

Dehradun, April 14 Uttarakhand BJP President Mahendra Bhatt on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that whenever he visits the state, he comes bearing "incredibly special gifts" like the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway worth Rs 12,000 crore set to be inaugurated today.

"PM Modi is visiting Uttarakhand today. We are ready to welcome him. People across the State are coming today just to listen to PM Modi. He has given Uttarakhand an incredibly special gift in the form of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway worth Rs 12,000 crore. He is coming to inaugurate it. Whenever he visits our State, he always comes with a gift. The people of the State are excited to welcome him. The way PM Modi keeps Uttarakhand in his heart, each visit to the State turns out to be important. I welcome him on behalf of the people of the State," he said.

Meanwhile, preparations have been finalised in Dehradun city, including at the Jaswant Singh Army Ground, the main venue for the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor.

The Rs 12,000 crore project is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Uttarakhand.

According to officials, extensive arrangements have been put in place at the venue to ensure the smooth conduct of the main ceremony, which will mark the formal launch of the corridor.

The Jaswant Singh Army Ground has been developed as the central venue for the inauguration event, where the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the programme.

The entire city has also been decorated ahead of the high-profile visit, with large cutouts, banners, and ceremonial welcome arches installed across key locations in Dehradun.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, where he will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Dehradun.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, at around 11:15 am, the Prime Minister will visit Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh to undertake a review of the Wildlife Corridor on the elevated section of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor. Following this, he will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun.

- ANI
Health Minister JP Nadda stated India is positioned to lead the global pharmaceutical sector by focusing on innovation in biologics and biosimilars. The government has launched the Biopharma Shakti Initiative with a Rs 10,000 crore outlay to boost research and capabilities. Union Minister Anupriya Patel highlighted the need to capitalize on the expanding global biosimilars market, projected to hit $75 billion by 2030. The announcements were made at the 'India Pharma 2026' conference, which aims to foster partnerships for sectoral growth.

Health Minister JP Nadda announces India's shift from generics to biopharma innovation, backed by a Rs 10,000 crore initiative and key schemes.

New Delhi, April 13 India is poised to lead the global pharmaceutical landscape due to its focus on biologics, biosimilars and specialty medicines, Health Minister JP Nadda said on Monday.

The minister highlighted that the government recently launched Biopharma Shakti Initiative with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore, to advance capabilities in biopharmaceutical innovation, foster innovation and strengthen research capabilities.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, underlined the need for industry to intensify its focus on innovation-driven segments as innovative drugs account for nearly 87 per cent of the global pharmaceutical market value, the statement said.

Nadda mentioned complementary initiatives such as PRIP scheme for promoting research in pharmaceuticals and medical technology, Production-Linked Incentive programmes, and Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana, supporting domestic manufacturing, affordable access to medicines, and deepening industry-academia collaboration as well as development of innovative therapies.

He added that the 'India Pharma 2026' event provides a vital platform to foster dialogue, partnerships, and a forward-looking roadmap for the sector.

India is undergoing a significant transition from being a global generics leader to an emerging biopharma innovation hub, Patel said.

The country currently contributes nearly 20 per cent of global generic medicines and meets around 70 per cent of global vaccine demand, underscoring the country's robust manufacturing capabilities, she added.

Emphasising future opportunities, Patel said that the global demand for biologics and biosimilars is expanding rapidly, with the biosimilars market projected to reach $75 billion by 2030.

She stressed focusing on human capital through premier institutions such as NIPERs and IITs to support advanced research and innovation.

The ministers attended 9th edition of 'India Pharma 2026', a two-day conference organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), in collaboration with FICCI and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA). The event brings together key stakeholders from across the global pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem, with a strong focus on innovation, self-reliance, and global leadership.

- IANS
The Indian Army and Indian Air Force commemorated the 42nd anniversary of Operation Meghdoot on Siachen Day, paying tribute to the soldiers defending the world's highest battlefield. The forces shared a poignant poem and visuals highlighting the extreme conditions at altitudes over 20,000 feet. Launched on April 13, 1984, the operation secured the Siachen Glacier, pre-empting Pakistani military action and establishing Indian control. The day honours a legacy of valour and the seamless coordination between the Army and Air Force in the harsh terrain.

Indian Army & Air Force honour soldiers on Siachen Day, marking 42 years of Operation Meghdoot on the world's highest battlefield. Read the tribute.

New Delhi, April 13 The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force on Monday saluted the indomitable courage, unwavering commitment, and supreme sacrifice of India's brave soldiers defending the world's highest battlefield.

As Operation Meghdoot completed 42 years, both forces paid tribute to a legacy defined by valour, endurance, and operational excellence in some of the harshest terrains and weather conditions on Earth.

Taking to the social media platform X, the Indian Army commemorated the occasion, marking April 13, 1984, as a historic day. It shared a tribute that read: "Quartered in snow, Silent to remain, When the clarion calls, They shall rise and march again."

The Army also shared a video highlighting the significance of the operation, describing the extreme conditions under which soldiers continue to serve. It noted that at altitudes exceeding 20,000 feet, where survival itself is a constant challenge, Indian troops secured the highest battlefield on Earth on April 13, 1984, through Operation Meghdoot.

The visuals emphasised the soldiers' "altitude of courage" and "steel spirit", underscoring how every inch of territory is defended with determination and bravery.

Indian Air Force also took to social media 'X' and said, "On this Siachen Day, IAF salutes the indomitable courage, unwavering commitment and supreme sacrifice of our brave warriors defending the world's highest battlefield."

"As Operation Meghdoot completes 42 years, we honour the legacy of valour, endurance and operational excellence in the harshest of terrains and weather conditions," the Indian Air Force added.

"From strategic airlift and logistics support, to casualty evacuation in extreme high-altitude conditions, the IAF continues to sustain operational readiness in the Siachen sector," the Indian Air Force added.

April 13 marks Siachen Day, commemorating the Indian Army's Operation Meghdoot in 1984. On this day, Indian troops landed at Bilafond La Pass and captured key positions on the Siachen Glacier, securing a strategic advantage in the disputed region of Kashmir, the world's highest battlefield.

The poem "Quartered in snow, Silent to remain, When the clarion calls, They shall rise and march again" beautifully captures the spirit of the Indian Army's presence in Siachen. It highlights the soldiers' ability to remain vigilant and prepared, even in the harshest of conditions, and to respond swiftly when called upon to defend the nation.

Indian soldiers have been stationed in the harsh environment of the Siachen Glacier for decades, enduring extreme temperatures and challenging terrain.

The day marks the historic launch of Operation Meghdoot in 1984, when the Indian Army established full control over the Siachen Glacier, thwarting adversarial attempts to claim the strategically vital region. It celebrated the 41st anniversary of the famous Operation, which was carried out by the Indian forces.

Siachen has been a bone of contention between India and Pakistan ever since the Karachi Agreement of 1949, when the area was left undivided due to the hostile terrain and extremely rough weather.

Operation Meghdoot was India's bold military response to what New Delhi calls Pakistan's "cartographic aggression" in the uncharted territory of Ladakh, north of map reference NJ9842, where New Delhi and Islamabad had agreed the Line of Control (LoC) ran up to.

Intelligence inputs about impending Pakistani military action prompted India to secure strategic heights on Siachen, deploying troops via airlifts and air-dropping supplies to high-altitude airfields.

The primary objective behind this operation was to pre-empt the seizure of Sia La and Bilafond La passes by the Pakistan Army.

Launched on April 13, 1984, this military operation was unique as the first assault launched on the world's highest battlefield.

It was launched under the leadership of Lieutenant General Manohar Lal Chibber, Lieutenant General P.N. Hoon, and Major General Shiv Sharma.

It is distinguished by being one of the greatest examples of seamless coordination and synergy between the Indian Army and the Air Force.

The military action resulted in Indian troops gaining control of the entire Siachen Glacier.

- IANS
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held a call with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi to discuss the latest developments regarding ceasefire and negotiations between Iran and the US. The Iranian minister emphasized Tehran's commitment to regional stability and warned against "provocative" US actions in the Persian Gulf. Oman, which previously mediated talks, expressed hope for a swift return of peace to the region. Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated Moscow's readiness to assist in resolving the crisis.

Iran's FM Araghchi and Oman's FM Albusaidi discuss ceasefire, negotiations, and warn of dangerous US actions in the Persian Gulf.

Tehran, April 14 Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday held a phone call with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi to discuss the latest developments regarding the ongoing "ceasefire and negotiations" between Iran and the US, according to the Iranian media outlet, Mehr news agency.

According to Mehr, Araghchi underscored Tehran's position on regional stability. The news agency reported, "Araghchi emphasised the Islamic Republic of Iran's commitment to preserving regional peace and stability with the cooperation and participation of all countries in the region and away from destructive US interventions."

Omani Foreign Minister Albusaidi, for his part, according to Mehr, expressed hope that peace and stability "would return to the region as soon as possible."

The news agency also reported that the discussions come amid continuing tensions following the conflict between the US and Iran, despite previous rounds of negotiations. Oman, which had acted as a mediator in the talks occuring before February 28, said that the conflict broke out even though a potential agreement had been "within reach."

Earlier, Araghchi warned that "provocative" actions by the United States could have "dangerous consequences" for global peace and security, during a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Monday, according to CNN.

During the conversation, Araghchi reviewed the latest regional developments following the announcement of a ceasefire and subsequent Iran-US talks held in Islamabad (April 11-12).

He "warned of the dangerous consequences of provocative US actions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz for regional and global peace and security," Iran's foreign ministry said, according to CNN.

In a statement, Russia's foreign ministry said Lavrov welcomed the two-week Iran ceasefire and emphasised that Moscow believes the agreements extend to Lebanon as well.

Lavrov also said Russia remains ready to "help find solutions that would overcome the consequences of the unprovoked American-Israeli aggression against Iran," the foreign ministry said, according to CNN.

According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official X post, Lavrov emphasised the importance of preventing a recurrence of armed confrontation and once again confirmed Russia's unwavering readiness to assist in resolving the crisis.

- ANI
Iran has issued a stark warning that maritime security across the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman will be jeopardized if the US proceeds with a blockade of Iranian ports. The statement from Iran's armed forces declared that safeguarding the country's rights in its territorial waters is a natural duty. It emphasized that if Iranian port security is threatened, no port in the region will be safe, and it will maintain control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The warning comes in response to a US Central Command announcement of a blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports.

Iran warns it will threaten all Persian Gulf ports if US enforces a blockade on its maritime traffic, escalating regional tensions.

Tehran, April 13 Iran on Monday strongly criticised US plans to impose a blockade on its ports, warning that maritime security across the Persian Gulf region would be jeopardised if its own security is threatened.

According to the Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), citing a statement from the spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, maritime security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman must be upheld collectively, adding that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic consider safeguarding the country's rights and sovereignty in its territorial waters a "natural and legal duty".

"The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran consider defending the legal rights of our country a natural and legal duty, and accordingly, exercising the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the territorial waters of our country is the natural right of the Iranian nation," the statement read, as quoted by IRIB.

"The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran clearly and firmly declare that the security of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for no one. If the security of the ports of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman will be safe," the statement added.

The statement emphasised that Iran would continue to enforce security in its waters and reiterated that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be permitted to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while other vessels would be allowed transit in accordance with regulations set by Iranian authorities.

"Ensuring security in the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the armed forces will continue with determination, and as has been repeatedly announced, enemy-affiliated vessels do not and will not have the right to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and other vessels will continue to be allowed to pass through the Strait, subject to the regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran's armed forces," the statement read, as quoted by IRIB.

Describing US actions as unlawful, the spokesperson said that the restrictions on ship movement in international waters amount to "piracy" and violate international norms.

The spokesperson further warned that Tehran would implement a long-term mechanism to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, citing ongoing threats to national security even after the end of hostilities.

"Given the continued threats from the enemy against the Iranian nation and the national security of our country, even after the end of the war, the Islamic Republic of Iran will resolutely implement a permanent mechanism to control the Strait of Hormuz. The criminal US's imposition of restrictions on the movement of ships in international waters is an illegal act and amounts to piracy," the statement read, as quoted by IRIB.

The warning issued by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran's highest operational command unit that coordinates operations between the Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), comes after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier announced that it will begin enforcing a blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports starting April 13 at 10 am ET, in line with a directive from the US President Donald Trump.

According to a statement issued by CENTCOM on X, the blockade will be applied uniformly to vessels of all nations operating in and out of Iranian ports along the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

However, it clarified that freedom of navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz for vessels heading to and from non-Iranian ports will not be disrupted.

The command added that further guidance will be issued to commercial shipping through formal notices, advising mariners to monitor official broadcasts and maintain communication with US naval forces while operating in the region.

- ANI
Iran's Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf used a mathematical formula on social media to warn that former US President Donald Trump's threatened blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would cause a sharp spike in oil prices, making people nostalgic for current costs. The US military has stated it will begin a blockade of Iranian ports, a critical chokepoint for global crude supply. China has called for unimpeded navigation through the strait and responded to Trump's tariff threats by stating "tariff wars have no winners." The tensions unfold as a planned high-stakes summit between Trump and China's President Xi Jinping was postponed.

Iran's parliament speaker uses a mathematical formula to warn that Trump's Strait of Hormuz blockade will make people nostalgic for $4-$5 gas prices.

Tehran, April 13 Iran's Parliament Speaker MB Ghalibaf on Monday took a "mathematical" route to portray how United States' President Donald Trump's "so-called" blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a sharper spike in oil prices.

Ghalibaf warned that people will soon get "nostalgic" for the current gas prices.

In a post on X, he said, "Enjoy the current pump figures. With the so-called 'blockade', Soon you'll be nostalgic for $4-$5 gas. DO_BSOH>0 = f(f(O))>f(O)"

Here, BSOH means Blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and the formula showed that the ripple effect would mean increase in gas prices as the blockade continues.

US military has said it will begin a blockade of all Iranian ports on Monday onwards after Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global crude supply normally passes, will be blocked by the American Navy.

Meanwhile, Iranian Embassy in Sierra Leone today made a light hearted comment as Iran continues to juggle oil and water.

In a post on X, it said, "You know you can't execute a blockade by posting on X, right? Like you have to actually bring your ships closer!"

Earlier in the day, China called for unobstructed navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Safeguarding the security, stability, and unimpeded passage in the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of the international community," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Monday, as reported by Xinhua.

When asked about Trump's tariff threats if China is found supplying arms aid to Iran, Guo said that tariffs have no winners.

"China's position is very clear: tariff wars have no winners," he said, as cited by Global Times.

The threats come at a critical time as Trump is anticipated to visit Beijing in mid-May for a high-stakes summit with President Xi Jinping. The diplomatic mission was initially planned for early April, but was delayed by the US President, who stated at the time that his presence was required in Washington "to oversee the Iran war.

"Earlier on April 8, the Chinese government reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability following acknowledgements of its role in facilitating diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East, as reported by China Daily. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that Beijing remains dedicated to fostering a peaceful resolution to ongoing tensions in the region.

- ANI
US President Donald Trump has declared that Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon, confirming this as a non-negotiable condition for any deal. He announced that a US naval blockade has commenced, aimed at countering what he called Iran's blackmail of the world. Trump stated that Iran has already reached out to resume negotiations, suggesting they want a deal "very badly." He also claimed Iran's military capabilities are largely gone and warned of unpleasant consequences if no agreement is reached.

President Trump confirms US naval blockade of Iran, vows Tehran will never obtain nuclear weapons, and signals pressure for renewed negotiations.

Washington, April 14 US President Donald Trump said Iran "will not have a nuclear weapon" and confirmed that a US naval blockade had begun, as he signalled pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations.

Speaking during an unscheduled press gaggle outside the Oval Office, Trump said the dispute with Iran centred on nuclear capabilities. "It was over the fact that they will never have a nuclear weapon, Iran... Iran will not have a nuclear weapon," he said.

He added that Tehran had not agreed to that condition during talks. "We agreed to a lot of things, but they didn't agree to that and I think they will agree to it. I'm almost sure of it. In fact, I am sure of it. If they don't agree, there's no deal," Trump said.

The President indicated that Iran had reached out to resume negotiations. "We've been called by the other side. They'd like to make a deal very badly, very badly," he said.

On the military front, Trump confirmed that a blockade was underway. "Yeah, it started, 10:00," he said when asked whether the naval blockade had begun.

He described the move as part of broader efforts to counter Tehran's actions. "We can't let a country blackmail or extort the world because that's what they're doing. They're really blackmailing the world. We're not going to let that happen," Trump said.

Trump suggested the blockade could serve multiple purposes, including forcing Iran back to the negotiating table and stabilising global energy markets. "Maybe everything. I mean, both of those things, certainly, and more," he said.

He emphasised that the United States did not depend on the Strait of Hormuz for its energy needs. "We don't use the strait. We don't need the strait. We have our own oil and gas, much more than we need," Trump said, adding that the US produces "substantially more" oil than Saudi Arabia and Russia.

At the same time, he underscored the global importance of the waterway. "So, we don't need it but the world needs it," he said.

Trump claimed that Iran's military capabilities had been severely degraded. "Don't forget, their Navy is gone, their air force is gone, their anti-aircraft is gone, their radar is gone, and their leaders are gone," he said.

He also warned of consequences if a deal is not reached. "It won't be pleasant for them," Trump said, declining to elaborate.

The President noted that other countries had offered to assist in enforcing the blockade. "Other countries are going to also... they've offered their services," he said, adding that further details could be announced soon.

On China's role, Trump said Beijing had not directly reached out but wanted the situation resolved. "We have a very good relationship with China. He would like to see this ended also," he said.

- IANS
US Vice President JD Vance has accused Iran of being willing to engage in "economic terrorism" worldwide, arguing this makes preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons critical. He fully endorsed former President Donald Trump's fundamental position that Iran can never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Vance noted the recent high-level talks between the US and Iran were a positive historic step, but progress depends entirely on Tehran's willingness to commit. He emphasized the ball is in Iran's court, requiring a "conclusive commitment" from them not to develop nuclear arms for any deal to move forward.

US VP JD Vance aligns with Trump, says Iran cannot have nuclear weapons, accuses it of global economic terrorism. Talks hinge on Tehran's commitment.

Washington DC, April 14 US Vice President JD Vance in an interview with Fox News said on Monday that Iran was willing to engage in economic terrorism around the world.

Vance said he seconds US President Donald Trump and said Iran cannot have nuclear weapon.

"I 100% agree with US President Donald Trump on the fact that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon... If they're willing to engage in economic terrorism on the entire world, what would it mean -- what leverage would they have -- if they had a nuclear bomb in Tehran?" he said.

Vance said that the positive part is that the US and Iran met and discussed the contentions.

"I think it was the first time that you'd ever seen the Iranian government, the U.S. government meet at such a high level, maybe in the history of the current leadership of Iran. So that's, I think, a positive--and again, we did make some progress in the negotiation," he said.

He added, "What Trump has said is number one, Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. So, all of our red lines flow from that fundamental premise."

Vance has said that any further negotiations with Iran over a nuclear deal depend entirely on Tehran's willingness to engage, reiterating that the onus lies on the Iranian side to move the talks forward, CNN reported.

"It's a question that would be best put to the Iranians because the ball really is in their court," Vance told Fox News' Bret Baier on Monday, as quoted by CNN.

Vance emphasised that the US requires a "conclusive commitment" from Iran not to develop a nuclear weapon.

"We must have their conclusive commitment not to develop a nuclear weapon. And I think that if the Iranians are willing to meet us there, then this can be a very, very good deal for both countries. If they're not willing to meet us there, that's up to them," he said.

He further noted that the Iranian delegation that participated in recent talks in Pakistan did not have the authority to finalise an agreement, prompting the US team to leave after 21 hours of negotiations.

- ANI
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone discussion focusing on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. Sa'ar emphasized the need for action to ensure freedom of navigation in the vital waterway, citing Iran's "economic terrorism." The call followed Jaishankar's visit to the UAE, where he discussed strategic ties with the Emirati leadership. India has separately expressed deep concern over civilian casualties in Lebanon, where it has peacekeeping troops and a significant expatriate community.

Israeli FM Gideon Sa'ar and India's EAM S Jaishankar discuss Iran's nuclear program, freedom of navigation, and Lebanon situation in phone call.

Tel Aviv, April 14 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Gideon Sa'ar on Tuesday discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

Sa'ar said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India.

In a post on X, Sa'ar said, "A good conversation, as always, with my friend, India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. We discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. I said that the firm American stance in the negotiations on conditions that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons (no enrichment in Iran, removal of enriched material from Iran) is critical for the entire international community," he said.

"I also said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation and the global economy through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India and our friends in the Gulf," he added.

The call comes after Jaishankar concluded his official visit to the UAE.

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."

India on Friday expressed deep concern over the rising number of civilian casualties in Lebanon amid continued strikes by Israel despite the two-week ceasefire imposed to halt the month-long conflict in West Asia, reiterating that the protection of civilians remains its foremost priority.

Addressing an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on recent developments in West Asia in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the current situation is "very disturbing", particularly given India's longstanding commitment to peace and stability in the region. He further said that there are about 1000 Indian nationals living in Lebanon.

"We are deeply concerned by reports of a large number of civilian casualties that have been reported in Lebanon. As a troop-contributing country to United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)--which is invested in Lebanon's peace and security--the trajectory of events is very disturbing," Jaiswal said.

On March 24, highlighting the strategic depth of the ongoing bilateral dialogue, Ambassador of Israel to India, Reuven Azar, has underscored that both nations are maintaining high-level communication regarding the current regional operations. Azar noted that Israel remains committed to ensuring India is fully briefed on the security dynamics shifting across West Asia.

- ANI
The Israeli Defense Forces conducted attacks on multiple Hezbollah terrorist infrastructures in the southern Lebanese village of Aadaysit Marjaayoun. The strikes targeted weapons depots, rocket launchers, and the local Hezbollah headquarters, successfully eliminating terrorists from the organization. This military action comes in response to Hezbollah launching approximately 130 rockets from the village toward IDF forces and the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona since late February. The IDF accused Hezbollah of endangering Lebanese civilians by systematically placing its military assets within civilian areas.

Israeli forces target Hezbollah weapons, launchers, and HQ in Aadaysit Marjaayoun, eliminating terrorists behind plots against Israel.

Tel Aviv, April 14 The IDF said it attacked numerous Hezbollah terrorist infrastructures in the village of Aadaysit Marjaayoun in southern Lebanon last night, after increased activity by Hezbollah was detected in the village in recent times.

Since the war with Iran on February 28, the Hezbollah terrorist organisation has launched approximately 130 rockets from the village towards IDF forces operating in southern Lebanon and towards the State of Israel, in particular towards Kiryat Shmona.

The IDF attacked many infrastructures in the village with the aim of damaging the establishment and capabilities of the organisation's terrorists in the village.

Among the infrastructures attacked were weapons depots, launchers and the local Hezbollah headquarters.

The attacks eliminated terrorists from the organisation who promoted numerous terrorist plots against the State of Israel.

"The Hezbollah terrorist organisation establishes itself in civilian areas and systematically places its terrorist infrastructures in villages, putting Lebanese residents at risk," said the IDF.

- ANI
Outgoing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chaired his final state cabinet meeting, described by JD(U) leaders as an emotional moment. JD(U) National Working President Sanjay Jha confirmed Nitish Kumar would meet the Governor afterward, marking the end of his current tenure. Multiple ministers, including Ramkripal Yadav and Leshi Singh, expressed pride and emotion over his contributions since 1995. The political transition advances as the NDA alliance meets to select his successor.

JD(U) leaders call it an emotional moment as outgoing CM Nitish Kumar chairs his final cabinet meeting before meeting the Governor.

Patna, April 14 Janta Dal National Working President and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha on Tuesday said that it was the last Cabinet meeting of the outgoing chief minister Nitish Kumar in which he addressed all Members of the Legislative Assembly.

The outgoing CM Nitish Kumar today chaired the State Cabinet meeting at the Old Secretariat. Jha added that Nitish Kumar will meet the Governor today.

Speaking to reporters following the Cabinet meeting, Sanjay Jha said, "It was the last Cabinet meeting, in which the CM addressed all MLAs. He said it was his last Cabinet meeting as the CM. He said after the Cabinet meeting, he will go and meet the Governor."

Asserting that the present government and future administrations will continue to function under Nitish Kumar's guidance, he called it an "emotional moment" for the people of the state.

Speaking to reporters on the political developments in the state, Jha said the transformation of the state under Nitish Kumar had restored pride among its people. "This is an emotional moment for the 140 million people of Bihar. We always say that we felt ashamed to say we are Bihari before Nitish ji's arrival, and after his arrival, Bihar's respect and prestige remained intact," he said.

Furthermore, Bihar Minister Ramkripal Yadav said that Nitish Kumar had done a lot for the state and this was an emotional moment for all.

"The CM expressed gratitude towards the members of the Cabinet and the public. It was an emotional moment where he expressed his emotions. Everyone is emotional today. All that Nitish Kumar ji has done for the state no one else has done...Everyone was emotional today..." he told reporters.

State Minister Leshi Singh said, "It is both an emotional and proud moment today. We have been with him (Nitish Kumar) since 1995."

The remarks come as political developments in Bihar have gained pace over leadership dynamics as the NDA will meet today at 4 pm in the Central Hall of the Bihar Legislative Assembly to chose Nitish's successor.

- ANI
The India-flagged LPG carrier Jag Vikram, carrying 20,400 metric tonnes of cargo, is expected to arrive at Kandla port after safely transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The government confirms all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours. Extensive coordination between the Ministries of Ports, Shipping, and External Affairs continues to ensure the welfare of seafarers and uninterrupted maritime operations. Indian missions in the Gulf are operating helplines and issuing regular advisories to assist the Indian community.

Indian-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram arrives safely at Kandla with 20,400 tonnes of cargo. Government reports all Indian seafarers safe, ongoing coordination for maritime operations.

New Delhi, April 13 India-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram, which safely sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, carrying approximately 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG cargo with 24 seafarers onboard, is expected to arrive at Kandla port on Tuesday, according to a government statement.

All Indian seafarers in the region are reported to be safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours, the statement said.

The DG Shipping Control Room has handled 6,073 calls and 12,867 emails since activation, including 20 calls and 80 emails in the past 24 hours.

DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 2,177 Indian seafarers so far, including 93 in the past 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region.

Port operations across India continue normally with no congestion reported. Ports on the western coast of India have ensured that a total of 3,383 TEUs of West Asia-bound (back-to-town) containers have been received, of which 3,228 TEUs have been facilitated for return.

The balance of only 155 TEUs is on account of shipping line operational factors, with no congestion at any port.

The Ministry of Ports and Shipping continues to coordinate closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions in the Gulf region, and maritime stakeholders to ensure the welfare of Indian seafarers and uninterrupted maritime operations.

Across the region, Indian missions and posts remain in close contact with the Indian community, while continuing to provide assistance and issue necessary advisories for their safety and well-being, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the United Arab Emirates from April 11 to 12.

The government continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region. The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with state governments and Union Territory administrations for better sharing of information and coordination.

Efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. Indian Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals.

Updated advisories are being issued regularly, including information on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations and consular services, the statement added.

- IANS
Actor R Madhavan has strongly condemned the leak of the much-awaited film 'Jana Nayagan', calling it extremely heartbreaking and troubling. He echoed Suriya's earlier social media plea for audiences to respect the hard work of the film's team and avoid pirated platforms. The film's production house, KVN Productions, has stated that parts or nearly all of the movie have been illegally circulated online and that legal action is being pursued. The film, starring Thalapathy Vijay, has already faced delays and its release date is now uncertain following this major leak.

R Madhavan and Suriya react to the leak of Thalapathy Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan', calling it heartbreaking and urging fans to avoid pirated content.

Mumbai, April 13 Actor R Madhavan has voiced his sharp stance, calling out the recent leak of Thalapathy Vijay's much-awaited film 'Jana Nayagan'.

Reacting to actor Suriya's social media post against the leak, Madhavan described such instances as "heartbreaking and troubling."

"I totally agree and this is extremely heartbreaking and troubling. How are people getting away with this. Please respect the hard work of all the people involved in this Film. Please do avoid watch it it on the pirated platforms," he wrote.

Suriya, in his post, had requested people not to share or engage with the leaked content, adding, "Heartbreaking and unfair -- an entire team's passion reduced to this. I request you all with honesty, please don't watch, share, or discuss the film here. Respect their work. I stand with my friends and condemn the act, it's unforgivable!"

Many other celebrities also came forward and criticised the leak of the film prior to its release.

Among them were Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Sonu Sood.

Earlier, the makers, KVN Productions, had 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 earlier 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
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has called for state universities to improve their standing in national rankings, noting only a few currently feature. He reviewed four cluster universities, urging them to involve students in the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan through awareness campaigns. Meanwhile, the state government has extended the deadline for public feedback on the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Caste reservations to April 30. This follows a report by a committee and aims to ensure a transparent review process.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma emphasizes improving national rankings for state universities and student involvement in TB eradication campaign.

Mumbai, April 13 The Governor of Maharashtra and Chancellor of Universities, Jishnu Dev Varma, on Monday emphasised that only one or two universities in the state currently feature in national rankings, and this must change.

He noted that although cluster universities are relatively new, their affiliated colleges are well-established and reputed. Therefore, these universities must make concerted efforts to improve their standing in national rankings, he stated.

The Governor was speaking at a review meeting of four cluster universities of the state held at Lok Bhavan.

The meeting was attended by Dr Hemlata Bagla, Vice-Chancellor of HSNC University; Prof Rajneesh Kamat, Vice-Chancellor of Dr Homi Bhabha State University; Chandrakant Dalvi, Provost; Dr Gnyandev Mhaske, Vice-Chancellor of Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil University, Satara; and Dr D. T. Shirke, Vice-Chancellor of Warana University, Warananagar, along with other university officials.

Highlighting the goal of Viksit Bharat, the Governor stressed the need to completely eradicate tuberculosis. He urged cluster universities to actively involve students in the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

He suggested organising poster competitions, jingles in Marathi and Hindi, and other innovative activities to promote awareness.

During the meeting, the universities presented on the implementation of the National Education Policy, innovative courses, best practices, research projects, skill-based programmes, student enrolment, notable achievements, and collaborations with national and international institutions.

Meanwhile, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat announced today that the deadline for submitting representations or applications regarding the sub-categorisation of Scheduled Caste reservations in the state has been extended to April 30.

The development follows the submission of a report by a one-member committee, headed by Justice Anant Manohar Badar (Retired Judge, Patna High Court), which was presented to the government on March 16, 2026.

To process this report, the government established a high-level committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary on April 10, 2026, tasked with inviting objections and opinions and conducting subsequent hearings.

The decision was made to allow interested parties, organisations, and citizens more time to register their opinions or objections via email regarding the committee's findings. Interested individuals or groups are encouraged to submit their formal representations or applications through the official email portal dg-sw@barti.in.

This extension aims to ensure a more inclusive and transparent review process before any final administrative decisions are made regarding the restructuring of Scheduled Caste reservations within Maharashtra.

- IANS
Large crowds gathered in Nashik, Maharashtra, to celebrate the 135th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar with great enthusiasm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu paid tributes, honoring his role as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Speakers at the events highlighted Ambedkar's lifelong dedication to equality, justice, and fraternity for all citizens. Born into a Dalit family, he is revered as a social reformer and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Nashik sees large gatherings for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary. PM Modi and President Murmu pay homage to the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Nashik, April 14 A large number of people gathered in Maharashtra's Nashik on Tuesday to celebrate Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti with great enthusiasm and reverence.

In tandem with the rest of the country, various social, educational, and political organisations celebrated the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr BR Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary. They paid floral tributes to Babasaheb, and his ideals were commemorated and organised various events across the district.

Speaking to ANI on these events, various speakers remarked that Babasaheb dedicated his entire life to the causes of equality, justice, and fraternity. "Through the Indian Constitution, he worked to secure equal rights for every citizen. His guiding principles, 'Educate, Agitate, Organise,' continue to provide direction to society even today," one of the speakers told ANI.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution, recalling his efforts towards nation-building, which continue to inspire generations to build a progressive society.

Sharing an X post, PM Modi wrote, "Tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation-building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society."

On the eve of the 135th birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings to fellow citizens and paid tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution.

The President has said, "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Doctor Bhimrao Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution and the great social reformer, I pay my respectful homage to him."

BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India.

Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights.

He died on 6 December 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

- ANI
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has signed Memoranda of Understanding with Porter and Gigin Technologies to enhance employment linkages through the National Career Service (NCS) portal. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the portal's scale, with over 7 lakh active vacancies and integration with multiple government platforms. The partnerships aim to generate lakhs of job opportunities annually in logistics and verified sectors, leveraging technology for better job matching. The initiative seeks to bridge skill gaps and create a more inclusive, technology-enabled labour market for India's youth.

MoL&E signs MoUs with Porter & Gigin to expand digital job matching on NCS portal, aiming to generate lakhs of employment opportunities annually.

New Delhi, April 13 The Ministry of Labour & Employment on Monday signed Memoranda of Understanding with Porter and Gigin Technologies in the presence of Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Secretary, MoLE, Vandana Gurnani to expand employment opportunities and strengthen digital job matching through the National Career Service portal.

In his address, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, said, "The NCS platform has evolved as an effective one-stop solution for youth seeking job opportunities that match their skill sets. Over 7 lakh vacancies are currently active on the portal, and nearly 59 lakh establishments have registered on NCS, opening up a vast number of avenues for young jobseekers."

The Union Minister expressed his conviction that the partnership of NCS with Gigin and Porter platforms would prove mutually beneficial for all stakeholders and would strengthen the NCS portal further.

Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the NCS Portal's integration with the e-Migrate, SIDH and My Bharat platforms, as well as with the portals of various States, making it truly expansive and transformative in scale and reach. Underscoring the need to address the issue of skill gap, he urged Gigin and Porter, along with NCS, to devise mechanisms to provide training in soft skills to registered job seekers.

"Short-duration training courses, designed as per the demands of job seekers as well as the requirements of the industry, will go a long way in bridging the skill gap and enhancing the employability of our youth," he suggested.

Secretary (Labour & Employment), Vandana Gurnani, highlighted the significant scale and impact of the NCS portal, noting that it has already registered over 6 crore jobseekers and mobilised more than 9 crore vacancies since its inception, reflecting its growing role as a key pillar of India's employment ecosystem.

She expressed confidence that the partnership with Porter and Gigin Technologies will further strengthen this platform through enhanced participation and collaboration. The Secretary conveyed hope for enthusiastic engagement from both partners in making the initiative a success, adding that the collaboration will open up sustained and dignified livelihood opportunities for a large number of young jobseekers across the country, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and future-ready labour market.

Representative from SmartShift Logistics Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (Porter) stated that Porter is a leading technology-driven Goods Transport Agency that provides seamless and sustainable urban logistics through tech-enabled platforms. Through its partnership with the NCS portal, Porter will promote driving and logistics-related opportunities at scale, leveraging the portal's extensive reach to provide real-time access to structured and transparent livelihood avenues for prospective workers and service providers. Porter aims to generate approximately 6 lakh opportunities annually through the NCS platform and around 30 lakh opportunities by 2030, thereby creating a structured and scalable pathway for employment in the logistics sector.

Representative from Gigin highlighted that the platform operates as a multi-sided technology ecosystem, utilising artificial intelligence (AI), verification intelligence, and omni-channel access to deliver dignified and verified employment opportunities. Today's MoU marks a significant step towards integrating digital recruitment and verified job matching with the Government's employment facilitation ecosystem.

Under this collaboration, Gigin will facilitate the creation of at least 2-3 lakh authentic job opportunities annually, along with over 1.5 lakh employer engagements.

Through this partnership, verified job listings and employer connections will be channelled via the NCS portal, expanding access to transparent, credible, and reliable employment opportunities for registered candidates. The initiative is expected to improve job matching efficiency, deepen employer participation, and enhance outreach, thereby contributing to a more inclusive, technology-enabled, and responsive labour market ecosystem.

These collaborations are expected to strengthen outreach, enhance the visibility of employment opportunities, and foster greater labour market inclusion through a technology-enabled and transparent system. Aligned with the Ministry's vision of promoting inclusive, secure, and digitally enabled livelihoods across Bharat, they reflect the Government's commitment to working with innovative Indian companies and leveraging digital innovation and trusted partnerships to create sustainable, dignified, accessible, and future-ready employment pathways for the country's workforce.

- ANI
The Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to bring back 15 Indian-flagged vessels currently stranded at the Strait of Hormuz. In a positive development, the Indian LPG carrier 'Jag Vikram' has successfully transited the strait, marking the first such passage since a US-Iran ceasefire announcement. The ministry reports no security incidents involving Indian vessels in the past day and highlights the ongoing safe repatriation of Indian seafarers. Nearly 90% of India's LPG imports come from the Gulf region, underscoring the critical importance of these maritime routes.

India's shipping ministry coordinates with MEA to bring back 15 Indian-flagged vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, as one LPG carrier safely transits.

New Delhi, April 13 The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Ministry of External Affairs are in coordination to bring back a total of 15 Indian-flagged vessels stranded at the Strait of Hormuz.

Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on Monday, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangal said, "We, in coordination with MEA, are trying, putting our efforts to bring our vessels back. And as soon as it is possible for our vessels to sail from the Strait of Hormuz, those vessels will come back. At present, a total of 15 Indian-flagged and Indian-owned vessels are there."

Meanwhile, the Indian-flagged vessel 'Jag Vikram', carrying 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG, is likely to arrive at Kandla, Gujarat, on April 14.

Mukesh Mangal said that the vessel with 24 seafarers on board crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 11.

The transit marks a breakthrough for New Delhi, as it is the first Indian ship to navigate the strategic corridor after the announcement of a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, aimed at cooling regional hostilities and restoring essential maritime trade routes.

The Additional Secretary further provided a reassuring update on the status of vessels and crew members in the Gulf region, highlighting that no incident has been reported involving Indian vessels in the past 24 hours.

"We have received no report of any incident related to an Indian-flagged vessel in the last 24 hours. The Ministry has facilitated safe repatriation of more than 2177 Indian seafarers till now, including 93 seafarers in the last 24 hours," he said.

The ministry emphasised its commitment to ensuring seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations, highlighting continuous coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions, and maritime stakeholders.

"Operations are normal at every Indian port, and there have been no reports of any congestion," the Ministry added.

The importance of passage of Jag Vikram is further highlighted by the fact that nearly 90 per cent of India's liquefied petroleum gas imports are sourced from nations in the Gulf region.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd during a roadshow in Dehradun, with people chanting welcomes and waving flags. He began his visit by offering prayers at the Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple, where he was welcomed by children performing a devotional song. The Prime Minister reviewed the wildlife corridor on the new Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Saharanpur, accompanied by several Union and state ministers. He later inaugurated the 213-km corridor, a Rs 12,000 crore project expected to drastically reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun.

PM Narendra Modi welcomed by huge crowds in Dehradun roadshow, offers prayers at temple, and inaugurates the new 213-km Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor.

Dehradun, April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd during a roadshow in Dehradun on Tuesday, following his arrival in Uttarakhand to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor.

Large numbers of people gathered along the sides of the road, chanting phrases such as "Modiji aapka swagat hai," "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," and "Modi, Modi," while waving the Tricolour and the BJP flag.

Dressed in traditional attire from Uttarakhand, women and children also lined the route to greet the Prime Minister as his convoy passed by the excited crowd.

Earlier, PM Modi offered prayers at the Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple in Dehradun. During his visit, he was welcomed by children dressed in traditional attire who performed the Durga Devi Stotram. He also interacted with other devotees present at the temple.

The Prime Minister also reviewed the Wildlife corridor on the elevated section of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur.

During this, Union Highways and Transportation Minister Nitin Gadkari, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Deputy CMs Keshav Pradad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also present.

An exhibition showcasing the construction procedure of the wildlife corridor was presented, and the officials briefed the Prime Minister about the project.

PM Modi also held a roadshow along the Wildlife Corridor in Saharanpur.

A large crowd gathered along the road to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister as he waved back at them.

Many attendees wore costumes and performed traditional folk dances to welcome the Prime Minister.

Later, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at a public function in Dehradun and address the gathering on the occasion.

The 213 km long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore.

The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hours.

- IANS
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has expressed full support for the proposed amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, calling it a historic step for women's representation. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde praised the central government's various initiatives for women's empowerment and socio-economic upliftment. He also detailed Maharashtra's own schemes, such as the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and transport concessions, aimed at supporting women. Shinde reaffirmed his party's commitment as an NDA ally to the vision of a strong and inclusive India.

Eknath Shinde extends full support to women's reservation bill amendments, hailing it as a transformative step for Indian democracy and women's empowerment.

Mumbai, April 14 Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde has extended support to the proposed amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam during the special session of Parliament on April 16, saying that this historic step will pave the way for the effective implementation of women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and state legislatures, proving to be a golden chapter in the journey of Indian democracy.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shinde stated that this initiative is not merely a legislative reform but a revolutionary transformation toward ensuring the decisive participation of women in governance and nation-building.

"It reflects your unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and women's empowerment, which will further strengthen the foundation of our inclusive democracy. Under your leadership, the Government of India has taken several bold decisions to uplift women. Initiatives such as the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Jan Dhan Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, Mission Shakti, and Poshan Abhiyaan have brought about comprehensive positive changes in the socio-economic lives of women, providing them with dignity, opportunity, and security," Shinde said.

Furthermore, Shinde said that under PM Modi's leadership, the country has achieved historic milestones, including the abolition of Article 370 for national integration and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 

"Your efforts to make national security impenetrable and to restore India's prestige on the global stage are being appreciated everywhere. In today's uncertain global landscape, your steady leadership provides India with self-confidence and a new direction," he noted.

"On behalf of the people of Maharashtra, addressing you as the Beloved Brother of the Country (Desh ke Laadle Bhai), I offer best wishes on behalf of the state's approximately six crore mothers, sisters, and daughters," he added.

Shinde said in his letter to PM Modi that, inspired by him, the government in Maharashtra has brought the resolve for women's empowerment to the ground level. 

"We have operated several important schemes for the welfare of women, including the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, providing direct financial assistance to women from economically weaker sections. Transport concessions: a 50 per cent fare discount for women in state transport buses. Education and support: free higher education for girls and financial assistance of up to Rs 1,01,000 through the Lek Ladki Yojana. Socio-economic schemes: empowering women through initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and the Annapurna Yojana (providing three free gas cylinders annually)," Shinde said.

He further remarked that "The proposed amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam is a vital link in this series. As a committed constituent of the Shiv Sena and the National Democratic Alliance, I extend my full and unwavering support to this reform. We are fully dedicated to your vision of a strong, inclusive, and developed India. Once again, my heartfelt compliments for your continuous efforts in nation-building."

- IANS
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has described the Women's Reservation Bill as the "need of the hour," urging widespread support for this historic legislation. The bill, aimed at ensuring reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, is slated for implementation from the 2029 elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have also expressed strong support, highlighting the government's resolve to implement this long-pending reform. The move is widely appreciated as a crucial step for empowering women in India's democratic process.

Home Minister Amit Shah urges support for the historic Women's Reservation Bill, calling it the "need of the hour" for empowering Nari Shakti.

New Delhi, April 14 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday described the "historic" Women's Reservation Bill as the "need of the hour" and urged everyone to support it.

"Women's Reservation Bill is the need of the hour. This is the rightful due of our Nari Shakti to contribute to policymaking and empower the nation. The Modi government is resolved to bring and implement this legislation," he said in a post on X.

"This is a change that should certainly take place for the better, without delay. I hope everyone will step forward and support this historic move," said HM Shah.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also wrote an open letter to women over the bill.

"Our mothers, sisters, and daughters across the country are appreciating the decision to ensure women's reservation from the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections of the year 2029. In this letter dedicated to the women power of India, I have shared my feelings with the fellow citizens on the subject of soon realizing this resolve that has been pending for decades," he said on X.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to India's Nari Shakti, highlighting the growing support for women's reservation in legislative bodies and reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing the long-pending reform.

Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Women across India are appreciating the initiative to ensure reservation for women in legislative bodies. Here is my letter to India's Nari Shakti, reiterating our commitment to implement what has been pending for decades."

The Prime Minister began his letter with a traditional greeting, 'Namaskar,' and noted the historical importance of April 14, which marks the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar. Paying tribute to Dr Ambedkar, PM Modi highlighted his contribution to nation-building and his commitment to constitutional values that continue to guide India's democratic journey.

The Prime Minister further pointed out that Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on April 16 to deliberate on a crucial constitutional amendment related to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

- IANS
Nepal celebrates the start of the Bikram Sambat 2083 New Year, known as Baishakh 1, with deep cultural and spiritual significance. Citizens mark the day by exchanging greetings, visiting temples, and setting personal resolutions for the year ahead. President Ram Chandra Poudel extended New Year wishes, emphasizing that success requires determination and discipline while calling for common national goals. He also noted that recent elections have provided a fresh mandate, steering the country toward stability and aspirations for good governance.

Nepal celebrates Baishakh 1, the start of the Bikram Sambat 2083 New Year, with cultural festivities, prayers, and a call for national unity from the President.

Kathmandu, April 14 Marking the start of Bikram Sambat 2083, people across Nepal are celebrating the New Year on Tuesday.

Baishakh 1, the first day of the Bikram Sambat calendar, is widely observed across the country as the Nepali New Year. The day holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, with people celebrating the new year.

According to the solar calendar, Baishakh 1 marks the start of the year, while in the lunar calendar, the New Year begins on the first day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra. The Bikram Sambat calendar, based on the Hindu Panchanga, the official calendar system in Nepal.

On this occasion, people exchange greetings and best wishes. The eve of the New Year is often celebrated with friends and family, as people welcome the coming year with joy and hope.

Many visit temples and monasteries to offer prayers, while also reflecting on the past year. Individuals set new goals and resolutions, aiming to overcome past shortcomings

and begin the year with renewed energy and determination.

President Ram Chandra Poudel has emphasized the need to set common national goals and renew collective commitment toward achieving them.

Extending his best wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity, good health, and longevity on the occasion of New Year 2083 BS, the President emphasized that success does not come by chance but through determination, discipline, and consistent effort. He stressed the importance of upholding laws and maintaining civilized conduct to achieve national aspirations.

Highlighting the significance of traditional calendars, he noted that they reflect Nepal's history, civilization, and social values, while also inspiring citizens to move toward a prosperous future. He added that the New Year has long been regarded as a time to reflect on the past and make meaningful resolutions for the days ahead.

President Paudel also said that the recent parliamentary elections have helped steer the country out of political uncertainty and led to the formation of a new government with a fresh public mandate.

He noted that the people have expressed their aspirations for rule of law, sustainable peace, good governance, development, and social justice under the federal democratic republican system.

He called on citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to these ideals, emphasizing the need to prioritize citizens, strengthen good governance, and uphold inclusion and social justice without compromising national sovereignty.

The President expressed hope that the New Year would reinforce unity, mutual trust, tolerance, and cooperation among Nepali, while inspiring collective efforts toward national progress.

- ANI
Nitish Kumar has resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar, concluding a political career spanning over two decades in the top post. He submitted his resignation to the Governor after a cabinet meeting and extended his full cooperation to the incoming government. Kumar reflected on the developmental work undertaken by the NDA government since 2005, crediting progress across all sectors and communities. Following his resignation, BJP leader Samrat Choudhary was elected as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party in the state.

Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar CM after over two decades, pledges full cooperation to the new government and reflects on NDA's developmental work.

Patna, April 14 Rajya Sabha MP and Janata Dal chief Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation as the Bihar Chief Minister to the Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain on Tuesday, marking the end of his over two-decade-long career as the CM.

Following Kumar's resignation, Samrat Choudhary was elected as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party in Bihar, paving the way for his elevation.

In a post on X, Kumar said that he resigned following the Cabinet meeting held earlier today. He extended his "full cooperation and guidance" to the new government, expressing confidence that a "lot of very good work will be done."

"We have done a lot of work for the people of Bihar. For so many days, we have continuously served the people. We had decided that we would now leave the post of Chief Minister, and therefore, after today's cabinet meeting, we met the Honourable Governor and submitted our resignation to him. Now the new government will look after the work here. The new government will have my full cooperation and guidance. Even ahead, a lot of very good work will be done, and Bihar will advance a great deal," he wrote in the post.

The outgoing CM reflected on the NDA's developmental efforts in the state since assuming government in 2005, stating that "work has been done for everyone and in every sector."

"You know that on 24 November 2005, the NDA government was formed in the state for the first time. Since then, the rule of law has prevailed in the state, and we have been continuously engaged in development work. The government has worked for the development of all sections of society from the very beginning--whether Hindus, Muslims, upper castes, backward classes, extremely backward classes, Dalits, or Mahadalits--work has been done for everyone. Work has been done in every sector, whether in education, health, roads, electricity, or agriculture. A lot of work has also been done for women and youth," he wrote.

Kumar further attributed the progress of Bihar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, exuding confidence that the state will "develop faster and join the top states of the country." He extended his "heartfelt thanks to everyone and offered my best wishes."

"In recent times, this work has been taken even further. For the next five years, that is, from 2025 to 2030, the formation of 7 Nishchay-3 has been done. This will lead to even more work, as a result of which Bihar will advance significantly. The Centre is also providing full cooperation in Bihar's development. For this, we bow to the honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Bihar will develop even faster and join the top states of the country, thereby making an important contribution to the progress of the nation," he wrote.

Earlier this month, Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP, marking the fulfilment of his 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) chief, Nitish Kumar, won his fifth election in 2025 as the NDA secured a two-thirds majority in Bihar and took oath for the 10th time as the Chief Minister of the state.

Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday was elected as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party in Bihar.

- ANI
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has announced the theatrical release of its Malayalam film 'Achappa's Album' on April 24. The film, directed by Deepti Pillay Sivan, explores family relationships through a narrative that blends slice-of-life realism with elements of fantasy and time travel. It features a cast led by veteran actor Mohan Agashe and Aadinath Kothare, supported by Anjana Appukuttan and Priyanka Nair. NFDC's Managing Director highlighted the film's reliance on emotional sensitivity over large scale, aiming to connect with pan-Indian audiences.

NFDC's Malayalam film 'Achappa's Album,' starring Mohan Agashe and Aadinath Kothare, releases April 24. A family drama with fantasy elements.

Mumbai, April 14 National Film Development Corporation Limited announced the theatrical release of its Malayalam film 'Achappa's Album' on April 24.

Directed by Deepti Pillay Sivan and written by Sanjeev Sivan along with Anirban Bhattacharya and Umesh Nair, the film stars Mohan Agashe and Aadinath Kothare in key roles.

'Achappa's Album' explores family relationships and intergenerational dynamics, blending a rooted slice-of-life narrative with touches of fantasy, as per the press release.

Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC, said the film reflects the Corporation's continued commitment to meaningful storytelling. "What stood out to us in Achappa's Album is how it uses a very simple premise to open up deeper emotional truths. It's the kind of film that doesn't rely on scale, but on sensitivity, something we believe audiences are increasingly connecting with across languages," he said in a statement.

Sharing her thoughts, director Deepti Pillay Sivan said, "The film explores relationships through a simple yet engaging time-travel narrative" and acknowledged NFDC's support in bringing the story to life."

The cast also includes Anjana Appukuttan, Priyanka Nair and Sidhanshu Sanjeev Sivan.

The film's technical team features cinematography by Manoj Pillai, editing by Sreekar Prasad and music composed by Gulraj Singh.

The film to release in Kerala and other states across India, is produced by NFDC and is being distributed by Dream Big Films.

- ANI
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inspected the first 'Rest-Hold Area' on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. Local residents expressed optimism, highlighting the project's potential to create jobs and drastically improve connectivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the corridor later in the day after reviewing a wildlife corridor built along the route. Once operational, travel time between Delhi and Dehradun is expected to be cut from six hours to about two-and-a-half.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inspected a rest area on the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor ahead of its inauguration by PM Modi.

Shamli, April 14 Ahead of the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday visited and inspected the first 'Rest-Hold Area' developed along the route in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district.

Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) received the minister during his visit and briefed him on the facilities at the rest stop.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor later in the day. Prior to the inauguration, he will visit Uttar Pradesh to review a wildlife corridor built along the elevated stretch of the project and will also travel to Uttarakhand to offer prayers at a Kali temple.

Residents of Shamli expressed optimism about the project, saying it would boost local employment and significantly improve connectivity.

Anil Pundhir, a local resident, told IANS, "Union Minister Nitin Gadkari visited the 'Rest-Hold Area.' He stayed there for a short while and interacted with the people. The economic corridor would generate employment opportunities for a large number of people. It would also significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun."

There was visible enthusiasm among locals ahead of the corridor's inauguration, with many praising the government for the initiative.

Another resident said, "This will greatly benefit our region. It is a matter of joy that we will now be able to reach Dehradun from Delhi in just a few hours."

He added that the project would ease travel between Delhi and Dehradun while also benefiting nearby towns and rural areas, noting that people in the region are looking forward to the development.

Another local, Satish Chauhan, said, "Thanks to this route, neither Delhi nor Dehradun remains a distant destination for the locals anymore. They will now be able to reach their destinations with great ease. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari just met with the people gathered near the 'Rest-Hold Area.' We were all very pleased to meet him."

As part of his schedule, the Prime Minister will review the wildlife corridor constructed on the elevated section of the expressway in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He will then visit the Jai Maa Dat Kali Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.

The Prime Minister will subsequently inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at a public event in Dehradun, where he is also expected to address a gathering.

Once operational, the corridor is expected to significantly cut travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from nearly six hours to around two-and-a-half hours, providing a major boost to regional connectivity and economic activity.

- IANS
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar chaired the final meeting of the Bihar Cabinet, formally informing his colleagues of his decision to resign. The cabinet unanimously approved a proposal to dissolve the current government, clearing the path for constitutional procedures. The brief session was described as carrying significant emotional weight, marking the culmination of Kumar's long tenure. Following the meeting, ministers revealed the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to officials and leaders for their support over the years.

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar chairs last cabinet meeting, secures approval to dissolve government. Ministers describe emotional atmosphere as tenure ends.

Patna, April 14 The final meeting of the Bihar Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, concluded on Tuesday at the CM's Secretariat, marking a historic moment in the state's evolving political landscape.

The meeting is being regarded as the last cabinet session of the current government.

Attended by both Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha and ministers from all departments, the meeting lasted approximately 20 minutes.

During the session, Nitish Kumar formally informed his cabinet colleagues of his decision to resign, setting the stage for the dissolution of the existing government.

Sources indicated that a key proposal regarding the dissolution of the government was placed before the Cabinet and received unanimous approval.

This consensus effectively clears the path for formal constitutional procedures to dissolve the current administration.

The meeting, though brief, carried significant emotional weight as it marked the culmination of Nitish Kumar's tenure.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav described the moment as deeply emotional.

He revealed that the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to everyone -- from government officials to political leaders -- for their support throughout his tenure.

Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha also shared their thoughts during the meeting, reflecting on the journey of the government.

While details of the internal discussions remain undisclosed, those present described the atmosphere as solemn and emotional.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended an event at the Patna High Court premises to mark the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar.

He paid floral tribute by garlanding the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar.

The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, and Ashok Choudhary.

In an unexpected incident, a swarm of bees attacked the state-organised Ambedkar Jayanti event, causing panic among attendees and briefly disrupting proceedings. Several leaders and participants reportedly sustained minor injuries due to bee stings.

Meanwhile, senior leader Sanjay Jha lauded Nitish Kumar's tenure, stating that under his leadership, Bihar regained its dignity and established a new identity both nationally and internationally.

He emphasised that Nitish Kumar's 21-year-long public service has been marked by a consistent focus on development and governance.

- IANS
A new report contends that Pakistan's mediation in the recent US-Iran truce is not a major diplomatic achievement but a reflection of Washington's desire for a managed de-escalation. It argues Pakistan acted as a constrained intermediary, gaining short-term visibility but no substantive strategic influence. The analysis warns the episode could be leveraged by Army Chief Asim Munir to further consolidate the military's control domestically. In contrast, India's rejection of mediation and pragmatic approach is seen as more beneficial for its long-term strategic position.

A report argues Pakistan's role in the US-Iran truce reflects visibility, not real diplomatic power, and may strengthen the military's domestic control.

Islamabad, April 14 The temporary truce between the United States and Iran should not be considered an independent diplomatic achievement of Pakistan. Rather, it reflects Washington's pursuit of managed de-escalation from an increasingly costly and complex conflict that had become "strategically, economically, and geopolitically" counterproductive, a report said on Tuesday.

"The Iran ceasefire reflects US strategic recalibration and Pakistan's constrained diplomatic role. Washington sought a managed exit from an escalating conflict that threatened energy security, strained alliances, and fuelled domestic opposition. Pakistan acted as an intermediary, not an autonomous negotiator, driven by fears of regional destabilisation, economic fragility, and obligations to Gulf partners," Imran Khurshid wrote in New Delhi-based 'International Centre for Peace Studies'.

"While the episode gave Islamabad visibility, it underscored its dependence on external powers and risked straining ties with Gulf states. India, rejecting mediation, benefited indirectly from de-escalation, safeguarding energy and remittance flows. Ultimately, Pakistan's role highlights visibility without substantive strategic influence," it added.

According to the report, while Pakistan may present the mediation efforts as a diplomatic success, the internal consequences appear less favourable, with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir potentially leveraging the narrative to further consolidate control.

"This is not good news for those who want democracy to take root in Pakistan. For the Pakistani diaspora working from abroad to restore democracy, this is also not encouraging. With Imran Khan already imprisoned and democratic institutions under strain, this development could further strengthen the military's narrative of strategic indispensability. Figures like Asim Munir may use this to consolidate power and further suppress dissent," it mentioned.

The report stressed that much of the perception of Pakistan's growing importance is largely media-driven hype, with domestic outlets portraying its mediation as a diplomatic victory over India - though visibility should not be conflated with influence.

"Pakistan remains a constrained state, economically dependent on institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and on countries including the United States, China, and Gulf states. While it may gain short-term visibility, this does not translate into substantive strategic influence. It continues to face structural constraints across economic, geopolitical, and strategic domains and remains reliant on IMF bailouts," it noted.

As a result, the report said Pakistan will remain primarily concerned with securing the successive debt tranches and managing its repayment obligations rather than exercising independent strategic decision-making comparable to more autonomous states.

The report further said, "Foreign policy must never be assessed through a short-term lens. While Pakistan may celebrate its momentary visibility, its long-term strategic position appears more constrained. In contrast, India's calibrated and pragmatic approach is likely to yield positive dividends over time."

- IANS
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has exuded confidence that the BJP will secure victory in the West Bengal assembly elections. He stated that a BJP Chief Minister will be sworn in on May 5 following the result declaration. Shah accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of transforming 'Sonar Bangla' into a 'syndicate raj' and of sheltering infiltrators. He also reiterated BJP promises to implement the Uniform Civil Code and the 7th Pay Commission in the state.

Home Minister Amit Shah declares BJP will form government in West Bengal on May 5, accusing Mamata Banerjee of fostering 'syndicate raj' and infiltration.

By Suchitra Mukherjee, Durgapur, April 13 Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed confidence of BJP's victory in the West Bengal assembly polls, saying people of Bengal are "definitely going to bring change" in the state in the assembly polls.

Talking with ANI during his road show here, he said a BJP Chief Minister will be sworn in in the state after the results are announced on May 4.

"This time, the people of Bengal are definitely going to bring change in Bengal, and on 5th (May), BJP Chief Minister will be sworn in here," he told ANI.

He was asked about the support the BJP is getting in the state for the assembly polls to be held on April 23 and 29.

Amit Shah, who earlier addressed rallies in Paschim Bardhaman and Birbhum, accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of turning "Sonar Bangla into syndicate raj," and said "BJP will work on building Sonar Bangla" as envisioned by Guru Rabindranath Tagore

Amit Shah accused Mamata Banerjee of turning the slogan of "Maa, Maati, Maanush" into "mafia, muscleman and money power gang"."BJP will work on building Sonar Bangla as envisioned by Guru Rabindranath Tagore," he said.

He accused the Mamata Banerjee government of not giving the required land to complete border fencing.

"BSF needs 600 acres of land to fence the border. However, Mamata Didi refuses to give land, which leads to infiltration. Mamata ji shelters infiltrators, and they, in turn, elect her. On 4th May, the BJP Govt is going to be formed, and we will ensure that infiltrators are identified and removed from the country," he said

He said thousands of factories had moved out of Bengal during the Trinamool Congress rule.

"Mamata Didi has rendered the youth of Bengal--once considered the industrial hub of entire India--jobless," he said

The Union Minister also reiterated BJP promises of implementing the Uniform Civil Code and the 7th Pay Commission in West Bengal.

"It's time to say bye-bye to Mamata's government. Removing Mamata's government means creating an infiltrator-free Bengal. If you want to remove infiltrators from Bengal, only and only the BJP can do this job," he said.

- ANI
The Chairman of Pharmexcil, Namit Joshi, has declared that the Indian pharmaceutical industry must enter a dedicated innovation phase within the next five years to achieve its 2047 ambitions. He highlighted the critical gap where India ranks 3rd globally in export volume but only 14th in value, emphasizing that reliance on generics is no longer sufficient for growth. Joshi credited the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for building self-reliance in raw materials, which has stabilized the sector against global supply chain disruptions. He concluded that due to these strategic policies, India's pharmaceutical model remains robust despite external challenges.

Pharmexcil Chairman urges Indian pharma to shift from generics to innovation in next 5 years to improve global value ranking and achieve 2047 ambitions.

New Delhi, April 14 The Indian pharmaceutical industry must enter a dedicated "innovation phase" over the next five years if it is to meet its long-term global ambitions, said Namit Joshi, Chairman of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India, on the sidelines of the India Pharma 2026 event organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

"We have to leapfrog from a particular value by 2030, and if we want to achieve the ambition of 2047, then these are five years, in which we must enter the innovation phase," Joshi said. He stressed that relying on generics alone is no longer sufficient for growth. Because we have seen that in the generic space, it is not helping us. We are not getting any help. So, this is not a need to have, it is a must to have, innovation.

Joshi noted that competing nations have already moved ahead on the innovation curve. "Our competing nations have moved ahead, and we should. In this meeting, it was decided that we must innovate and leapfrog in value," he said. "All efforts are being made in this discussion."

While India is the third largest globally by volume in pharmaceutical exports, it ranks only 14th by value. "We sell volumes. We are third largest in volume, in export. But we are 14th ranked in value. So, how can we come in 10th rank, 5th rank, and then top 5 value-wise ranking. All efforts are in this discussion," Joshi added.

Addressing the impact of the West Asia conflict and global supply chain disruptions, Joshi drew parallels to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. "When COVID struck in 2020, a similar challenge arose. And you may know that the PLI scheme for the pharmaceutical and health sectors was implemented in 2020," he said. "The Prime Minister's vision of India's need for self-reliance was evident, and we are now seeing its fruits."

He credited the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme with making India self-reliant in key raw materials. "If we had been dependent on raw material imports, which were won in PLI, then our situation would have been like COVID. We wouldn't have had raw material. We wouldn't have been able to make bulk drugs. We wouldn't have been able to formulate with it."

"I think the thinking of 2020 has kept India very stable in this crisis situation, which was not possible before. Today, we can proudly say that PLI has made us very self-reliant, that no matter what happens... India's own pharmaceutical model will remain robust and stable," Joshi added further.

On challenges from crude and gas allocation, he acknowledged government support. "The small challenge that came to us, came from crude or gas, which is still in allocation. Thank you very much to the Indian government. They helped the pharma industry in a timely manner. In which, as per the allocation, we are getting certain petrochemical products, which are necessary for pharma."

He confirmed that the situation remains under control. "Right now, our situation is under control. We don't have any panic, because of which we can say that everything has gone haywire. Other nations have problems. But, due to self-reliance, a large portion of pharma is secured," Joshi said.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, a major infrastructure project. The 213-km, six-lane corridor will drastically reduce travel time between the two cities. It incorporates significant ecological safeguards, including a long wildlife elevated corridor and animal passes. The project aims to boost regional economic growth and tourism connectivity.

PM Modi inaugurates the 213-km Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, slashing travel time to 2.5 hours with advanced wildlife protection features.

New Delhi, April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor on Tuesday. Ahead of the inauguration, he will visit Uttar Pradesh to inspect a wildlife corridor and will also offer prayers at a Kali temple in Uttarakhand.

The Prime Minister will review the Wildlife Corridor at Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, the official said in a statement.

At around 11.40 a.m., PM Modi will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun. Thereafter, at around 12.30 p.m., he will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at a public function in Dehradun and address the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister's Office said in the statement.

The 213 km long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore.

The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hours, said the statement.

The implementation of the project also includes the construction of 10 interchanges, three Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), four major bridges and 12 wayside amenities to enable seamless high-speed connectivity.

The corridor is equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to provide a safer and more efficient travel experience for commuters, said the statement.

Keeping in view the ecological sensitivity, rich biodiversity and wildlife in the region, the corridor has been designed with several features aimed at significantly reducing man-animal conflict, it said.

To ensure the free movement of wild animals, the project incorporates several dedicated wildlife protection features. These include a 12 km-long wildlife elevated corridor, which is one of the longest in Asia.

The corridor also includes eight animal passes, two elephant underpasses of 200 metres each, and a 370-metre-long tunnel near the Daat Kali temple, said the statement.

The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional economic growth by enhancing connectivity between major tourism and economic centres as well as opening new avenues for trade and development across the region.

The project reflects the vision of PM Modi to develop next-generation infrastructure that combines high-speed connectivity with environmental sustainability and improved quality of life for citizens, said the statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Karnataka's Mandya district to inaugurate the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira, a memorial dedicated to the late seer Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji. During the visit, he will jointly release a book with former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda. The memorial is constructed in traditional Dravidian style and honors the seer's legacy of social service through education and healthcare. Separately, the Prime Minister expressed grief and announced financial relief for the victims of a tragic accident at a Chhattisgarh power plant.

PM Narendra Modi visits Karnataka to inaugurate Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira, a memorial for seer Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji, and releases a book.

New Delhi, April 14 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Karnataka on April 25 to inaugurate a memorial dedicated to the revered seer, Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji and release a book, an official said.

At around 11 a.m., the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya district. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will also jointly release the book titled "Saundarya Lahari and Shiva Mahimna Stotram" along with former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, said a statement.

Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira is a memorial dedicated to the revered seer, Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji, the 71st Pontiff of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math.

Constructed in the traditional Dravidian architectural style, the Mandira stands as a tribute to the life and legacy of the late seer.

The Mandira is envisioned not only as a place of reverence but also as a source of inspiration for future generations, the statement said.

Sri Sri Sri Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji was widely respected for his lifelong commitment to social service, having established numerous educational institutions and healthcare facilities.

He firmly believed that service to society is the highest form of worship, and his teachings transcended barriers of caste, creed, and region, inspiring millions.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi expressed grief over the tragic mishap at a power plant in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh, which claimed at least nine workers and injured over 20 others.

He 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 each.

The Prime Minister extended his condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. 

He also noted that the local administration is assisting those affected.

- IANS
Lebanon's Culture Minister frames upcoming US-mediated talks with Israel as a preliminary meeting aimed at achieving a pause, if not a ceasefire, in military activity. He states meaningful peace negotiations can only begin after hostilities subside and a degree of serenity is restored. The US State Department confirms the talks will involve top diplomats, focusing on long-term border security and supporting Lebanon's sovereignty. A US official emphasizes the conflict is with Hezbollah, not the Lebanese state, justifying continued diplomatic engagement between the neighbors.

Lebanon's minister calls US-mediated talks a "preliminary meeting" to stop Israeli attacks. Discussions focus on border security and Lebanese sovereignty.

Beirut, April 14 Lebanon's Culture Minister Ghassan Salame has said that the upcoming talks between Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington, DC, are intended as a "preliminary meeting" aimed at stopping Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory, according to Al Jazeera.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Salame on Tuesday highlighted that the upcoming engagement is a "preparatory meeting on ambassador level in order to produce a pause in military activity if not a ceasefire."

He said meaningful negotiations would only be possible once hostilities subsided. He added that discussions on peace could only happen "with some kind of serenity" after a halt in bombardment by Israel.

Salame noted that Lebanon had received "some kind of commitment that there should be a de-escalation" in the Beirut area, though he cautioned that "guarantees is probably too big a word".

He acknowledged Lebanon's limited leverage in the talks, but said the government's objective was to "reassert the state authority".

On the issue of disarming Hezbollah, Salame said the process "takes time" and cannot be achieved quickly, adding that it would not be resolved "in a matter of hours or days."

Meanwhile, a US State Department official said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate in talks between Israel and Lebanon on Tuesday (local time) in Washington, DC.

The negotiations, set to take place at the United States Department of State, will also include US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa and State Department counsellor Michael Needham as part of the American delegation, according to CNN.

The Israeli and Lebanese sides will be represented by their respective ambassadors, Yechiel Leiter and Nada Hamadeh, respectively.

CNN said a US State Department official said the talks would focus on advancing dialogue aimed at ensuring long-term security along Israel's northern border, while also supporting Lebanon's efforts to reassert full sovereignty over its territory and political system.

"This conversation will scope the ongoing dialogue about how to ensure the long-term security of Israel's northern border and to support the Government of Lebanon's determination to reclaim full sovereignty over its territory and political life," the official said.

The official added that despite ongoing hostilities, the conflict is between Israel and Hezbollah, not Lebanon as a state, underscoring the rationale for continued diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring countries.

He added, "Israel is at war with Hezbollah, not Lebanon, so there is no reason the two neighbours should not be talking."

- ANI
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Ahmedabad for a three-day visit to Gujarat, receiving a welcome from the state's top officials. She presided over and addressed the inaugural convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rajkot. In her speech, she highlighted the role of AIIMS institutions in providing affordable, world-class healthcare and medical education. The President urged AIIMS Rajkot to address local health challenges and emphasized the importance of establishing good governance from the outset.

President Droupadi Murmu was welcomed in Ahmedabad and addressed the first convocation of AIIMS Rajkot, emphasizing affordable healthcare and good governance.

Gandhinagar, April 13 President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Ahmedabad Airport as part of her three-day visit to Gujarat, where she was warmly welcomed by Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, a release said.

On this occasion, Minister of State Praful Pansheriya, Chief Secretary MK Das, In-charge Director General of Police KLN Rao, Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal, GOC Gaurav Bagga, Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner GS Malik, and Ahmedabad Collector Sujeet Kumar, along with other senior officials, greeted and welcomed the President.

President Murmu graced and addressed the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rajkot at Rajkot, Gujarat on Monday, the President's Secretariat said in an official statement.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that several AIIMS have been established across the country to provide world-class tertiary healthcare at an affordable cost. "They are playing a pivotal role in providing quality medical education, fostering research and innovation, undertaking public health initiatives, and formulating national health policies."

She said that the commitment of AIIMS to advancing healthcare through innovative research and patient care is praiseworthy.

The President said that AIIMS Rajkot is a new institution. "It has a long journey ahead in the fields of medical education, research and service."

She urged the policymakers of the AIIMS Rajkot to incorporate into their objectives not only the core goals of AIIMS but also the resolution of the specific health challenges prevalent in this region. as per statement.

She underlined that good governance plays a pivotal role in the healthy growth of any organisation. "Steps taken right at the outset to ensure good governance and transparency will have a far-reaching impact on the development of this institution".

- ANI
President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings and paid tribute to B R Ambedkar on the eve of his birth anniversary. She honored him as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a great social reformer who dedicated his life to uplifting the deprived. The President highlighted Ambedkar's multifaceted role as a jurist, economist, and advocate for egalitarian values and women's rights. She called on citizens to imbibe his ideals to build a just and progressive nation.

President Droupadi Murmu extends greetings on B R Ambedkar's birth anniversary, honoring the architect of the Indian Constitution and his fight for social justice.

New Delhi, April 14 The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on the eve of the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, extended her greetings to fellow citizens and paid tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution.

In a message, the President has said, "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Doctor Bhimrao Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution and the great social reformer, I pay my respectful homage to him."

Describing Ambedkar as a jurist, economist, profound thinker, legal scholar and a strong advocate of an egalitarian social system, President Murmu highlighted his lifelong contribution to nation-building and social justice.

The President further added, "He dedicated his life to the upliftment of the deprived and vulnerable sections of society and made historic contributions in their favour. He not only showed the path to eliminate inequalities but also played a leading role in strengthening India's democratic values and constitutional rights. Ambedkar prioritised women's education and their rights. His multifaceted contributions will continue to inspire future generations to play an active role in the service and development of the country."

"On this occasion, let us pledge to imbibe the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar in our lives and contribute towards building a just, inclusive and progressive nation," she said.

B R Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India.

Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights.

He died on 6 December 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

- ANI
Large-scale protests blocking the Karakoram Highway in Chilas have forced authorities to commit to a defined timeline for addressing grievances related to the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. Demonstrators, led by the Haqooq Do Dam Banao Movement, cited unresolved issues of compensation, land settlement, and employment. The blockade disrupted trade and passenger movement, leading to overnight negotiations with district officials. Protest leaders state the administration has now acknowledged key demands and assigned deadlines for their resolution.

Protests over land rights and compensation for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam force authorities in PoGB to agree to a timeline for resolving long-pending demands.

Gilgit Apri, l 13 Protests over the alleged denial of rights and compensation have pushed authorities to respond in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, with demonstrators of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project securing a commitment from the government to address their long-pending demands within a defined timeline.

For nearly two weeks, large-scale protests were held in Chilas, where demonstrators blocked the Karakoram Highway, a key transport and trade route. The agitation highlighted growing discontent among communities displaced or affected by the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project.

Protesters alleged that despite repeated assurances, issues related to compensation, land settlement, and employment opportunities remained unresolved.

Addressing the gathering, Maulana Hazratullah, leader of the Haqooq Do Dam Banao Movement, called on authorities to clarify their stance. He said that if the government intended to proceed with the dam, it must grant the affected population their due rights, failing which authorities should withdraw from the region.

The blockade significantly disrupted passenger movement and trade, increasing pressure on the administration to engage with protest leaders. Following overnight negotiations with district officials, an agreement was reached between the two sides.

According to protest leaders, the administration has agreed to resolve multiple pending issues within a set timeframe. Maulana Hazratullah stated that key demands were acknowledged and assigned deadlines during the negotiations, which concluded early in the morning.

The ongoing protests in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) are fuelled by longstanding concerns over inadequate compensation, the absence of resettlement, and insufficient support for livelihoods.

These unresolved issues have left many communities in the region vulnerable and discontented.

Protesters are determined in their demands, insisting they will not relent until fair compensation is provided and accountability is upheld. The people of PoGB often face significant neglect in crucial areas, worsening their marginalisation.

- ANI
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held their first in-person meeting of the year in Beijing against a backdrop of multiple global crises. Lavrov accused the West of artificially manufacturing the Ukraine conflict to justify creating a new aggressive bloc against Russia. The ministers discussed aligning their security initiatives and coordinating responses to tensions in Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula. The talks aimed to prepare for upcoming leadership engagements between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.

Russian FM Lavrov meets Chinese FM Wang Yi in Beijing to coordinate on Ukraine, Middle East, and Eurasian security amid rising tensions with the West.

Beijing, April 14 Amid the West Asia crisis and a tightening US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met in Beijing, marking their first in-person meeting this year.

The discussions come amid escalating geopolitical tensions across multiple regions, including Ukraine, West Asia, Taiwan Strait, and the Korean Peninsula.

Opening the talks, Lavrov underscored the continuity of dialogue between the two sides, noting that while this was their first face-to-face meeting of the year, they had already maintained "several telephone conversations" that were "always substantive and detailed."

"This is our first in-person meeting this year, although we have already had several telephone conversations. They are always substantive and detailed."

He added confidence that both sides would continue high-level exchanges throughout the year to prepare for further decisions ahead of upcoming leadership engagements between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"I do not doubt that we will have many more opportunities to speak again this year and thus prepare additional decisions ahead of new contacts between our Leaders. These contacts are already scheduled."

The meeting underscored the growing strategic "no-limits" partnership between the two superpowers as they navigate a volatile global landscape and coordinate their responses to Western interventionism in the Middle East.

During his opening remarks, Lavrov said the global order was facing "the most serious trials," pointing to crises in Latin America, Venezuela, and Middle East. He further claimed that the Ukraine conflict had been "manufactured" by Western nations and was now being used to justify the creation of a new "aggressive bloc" in Eurasia aimed against Russia.

"The Ukrainian crisis, which the West sought to manufacture artificially in order, as it claimed, to inflict a 'strategic defeat' on Russia, is now being used, above all by the Europeans, to begin hatching plans for the creation of a new aggressive bloc in the west of the Eurasian continent."

Lavrov also raised concerns over what he described as destabilising developments in Asia, including tensions over Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula. He warned that longstanding cooperative frameworks in the ASEAN-centred space were being undermined by bloc politics.

"Attempts are being made to dismantle it by creating small-group and bloc-based structures to contain both China and Russia."

Reaffirming alignment between Moscow and Beijing on regional and global security frameworks, Lavrov said both sides would focus on practical cooperation linked to Chinese President Xi Jinping's Global Security Initiative and Russian proposals for a broader Eurasian security architecture led by President Vladimir Putin.

"Our vast continent as a whole requires constant attention. I am confident that today we will be able to discuss in practical terms our concrete steps."

Lavrov concluded by describing the meeting as timely and expressing readiness for "concrete and productive work."

The talks between Lavrov and Wang Yi are expected to cover bilateral cooperation, coordination in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, BRICS, SCO, G20, and APEC, and ongoing consultations on major international conflicts, including Ukraine and the Middle East.

- ANI
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held talks with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, stressing the critical need to prevent a fresh escalation of conflict and reaffirming Moscow's willingness to assist in diplomatic efforts. Araghchi briefed Lavrov on recent Iran-US talks and expressed concerns that US activities in sensitive maritime regions could have serious consequences for stability. Lavrov also extended condolences over the killing of a former senior Iranian diplomat. The conversation occurred as Lavrov arrived in China for a visit to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues, including the crises in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Russian FM Lavrov talks with Iran's Araghchi, stresses no military solution to crisis, offers support for diplomatic settlement amid US tensions.

Moscow/Tehran, April 14 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stressed the need to avoid a fresh escalation of conflict during a conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, while reaffirming Moscow's willingness to assist in efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis.

According to a statement from Russia's Foreign Ministry, as reported by TASS, Lavrov highlighted the urgency of preventing renewed hostilities and reiterated that the situation cannot be resolved through military means.

"Lavrov emphasised the importance of preventing a relapse into armed confrontation, reaffirmed Russia's continued readiness to assist in resolving the crisis, which has no military solution, and recalled Russia's initiative to develop a Concept for Ensuring Security in the Persian Gulf with the participation of all littoral states and the support of extra-regional countries capable of exerting a positive influence on the course of negotiations," the ministry said in its account of the telephone conversation.

During the exchange, Araghchi briefed Lavrov on the recent Iranian-American talks held in Islamabad on April 11. He also conveyed concerns regarding US actions in sensitive maritime regions, warning of broader implications.

According to Iran's state-linked Fars News agency, Araghchi said that US activities in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz could have serious consequences for regional and global peace and stability.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow "welcomed the continued commitment to continuing diplomatic efforts and finding solutions that would address the root causes of the conflict and achieve long-term stabilisation in the region, taking into account the legitimate interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its neighbours."

Lavrov also extended condolences to his Iranian counterpart over a recent loss within Iran's diplomatic community.

The Russian minister expressed his "sincere condolences to Araghchi in connection with the brutal murder of the former head of Iran's Foreign Ministry and head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Policy, K. Kharrazi, as a result of an airstrike."

Meanwhile, Lavrov has arrived in China for a two-day official visit to discuss the bilateral cooperation across key sectors, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

Earlier on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that during his visit to China from April 14-15, the Foreign Minister will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

"The two countries' foreign ministers will discuss a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues, prospects for contacts at various levels, and international collaboration, with a focus on joint work within the UN, BRICS, SCO, G20, APEC, and other multilateral mechanisms and forums. A detailed exchange of views is expected on a number of hot topics and regional issues, including the Ukrainian crisis and the situation in the Middle East," it added.

This also came as Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday admitted that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is likely to impact international markets negatively.

"Most likely, such actions will continue to negatively impact international markets; this can be assumed with a high degree of certainty," the Kremlin spokesman was quoted as saying by Russia's leading Tass news agency during a regular media briefing in Moscow.

Responding to another question, he asserted that details on the US blocking of the Strait of Hormuz remain unclear.

"Many details here remain unclear and incomprehensible, so I would refrain from any substantive comments at this time," Peskov commented on the US threat of blocking the strait.

On Sunday, the United States made it clear that it will begin enforcing a sweeping maritime blockade of vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports from April 13, escalating tensions after high-stakes talks between Washington and Tehran failed to yield agreement on key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme.

- IANS
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in China for a two-day official visit to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. The discussions will focus on deepening bilateral cooperation and coordinating positions within international forums like the UN and BRICS. A key agenda item is a detailed exchange on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The visit occurs amid heightened tensions following a US announcement to enforce a maritime blockade near Iranian ports.

Russian FM Sergei Lavrov meets China's Wang Yi to discuss bilateral ties, Ukraine war, and Middle East crisis amid US maritime blockade threats.

Beijing, April 14 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in China on Tuesday for a two-day official visit to discuss the bilateral cooperation across key sectors, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

Earlier on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that during his visit to China from April 14-15, the Foreign Minister will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

"The two countries' foreign ministers will discuss a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues, prospects for contacts at various levels, and international collaboration, with a focus on joint work within the UN, BRICS, SCO, G20, APEC, and other multilateral mechanisms and forums. A detailed exchange of views is expected on a number of hot topics and regional issues, including the Ukrainian crisis and the situation in the Middle East," it added.

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing that during this visit, the foreign ministers of the two countries will exchange views and coordinate positions on the development of bilateral ties, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues of mutual concern, according to Xinhua news agency.

This also came as Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday admitted that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is likely to impact international markets negatively.

"Most likely, such actions will continue to negatively impact international markets; this can be assumed with a high degree of certainty," the Kremlin spokesman was quoted as saying by Russia's leading Tass news agency during a regular media briefing in Moscow.

Responding to another question, he asserted that details on the US blocking of the Strait of Hormuz remain unclear.

"Many details here remain unclear and incomprehensible, so I would refrain from any substantive comments at this time," Peskov commented on the US threat of blocking the strait.

On Sunday, the United States made it clear that it will begin enforcing a sweeping maritime blockade of vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports from April 13, escalating tensions after high-stakes talks between Washington and Tehran failed to yield agreement on key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme.

- IANS
The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended three judicial officers for elevation as judges of the Karnataka High Court. The Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, approved the names in a meeting. The appointments follow a detailed procedure outlined in the Memorandum of Procedure, involving consultation with the Centre. The final appointment is made by the President of India.

Supreme Court Collegium recommends Rajeshwari Hegde, Kedambadi Shanthi, and Mahadevappa Brungesh as judges for the Karnataka High Court.

New Delhi, April 14 The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, on Tuesday recommended the appointment of three judicial officers as judges of the Karnataka High Court.

In a statement, the apex court Collegium said that in its meeting held on April 14, it approved the proposal for the appointment of judicial officers Rajeshwari Narayana Hegde, Kedambadi Ganesh Shanthi, and Mahadevappa Brungesh as judges of the Karnataka High Court.

"The Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on 14th April, 2026, has approved the proposal for appointment of the following Judicial Officers as Judges of the High Court of Karnataka: (i) Smt. Rajeshwari Narayana Hegde, (ii) Smt. Kedambadi Ganesh Shanthi, and (iii) Shri Mahadevappa Brungesh," the statement said.

The SC Collegium, headed by the CJI and comprising senior-most judges of the apex court, is responsible for making recommendations for appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary.

As per the memorandum of procedure (MoP) governing the appointment of High Court judges, the proposal for the appointment should be initiated by the Chief Justice.

If the Chief Minister wishes to recommend any name, it must be forwarded to the Chief Justice for consideration. The Governor, as advised by the Chief Minister, should forward his recommendation along with the entire set of papers to the Union Minister of Law & Justice as early as possible, but not later than six weeks from the date of receipt of the proposal from the Chief Justice of the High Court.

The proposal is then reviewed by the Centre along with other background inputs before being sent to the CJI, who consults the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court before finalising a recommendation.

Following the consultations, the CJI will, in the course of 4 weeks, send his recommendation to the Union Minister of Law & Justice. As per the MoP, as soon as the warrant of appointment is signed by the President, the Secretary of the Department of Justice will inform the Chief Justice, and a copy of such communication will be sent to the Chief Minister. He will also announce the appointment and issue the necessary notification in the Gazette of India.

- IANS
Shiv Sena has formally expressed its support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the amendment to implement the women's reservation law before the 2029 elections. Party chief Eknath Shinde called the bill a transformative step for women's participation in governance and nation-building. The government plans to introduce the bill in a special Parliament session, alongside a delimitation bill to increase Lok Sabha seats. However, opposition parties have raised concerns about the delimitation process potentially reducing southern states' representation.

Shiv Sena pledges support to PM Modi for women's quota bill implementation before 2029. Bill aims for 33% reservation in Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

New Delhi, April 14 Shiv Sena, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, extended the party's support for an amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for the effective implementation of women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies before 2029.

Shiv Sena has 7 MPs in Lok Sabha, and with Shinde's support, the BJP finds itself in a comfortable position to pass the Constitution amendment bill that the government intends to move in a special sitting of Parliament on April 16-18 for the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha from 2029.

In the letter to PM Modi, Shiv Sena Chief Eknath Shinde stated that "bill will pave the way for the effective implementation of women's reservation in legislatures and the Lok Sabha, marking a golden chapter in the journey of Indian democracy."

"This initiative is not merely a legislative reform, but a transformative step towards ensuring the decisive participation of women in governance and nation-building. It reflects your (PM Modi's) unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and women's empowerment, further strengthening the foundation of our inclusive democracy," he said.

Emphasising on the importance of the bill, Shinde said, "I extend my full and unwavering support to this reform. We remain fully dedicated to your vision of a strong, inclusive, and developed India."

The Government has planned two major amendments, including a separate Delimitation Bill. Both bills need to be passed as Constitutional amendments.

The government has proposed increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850 as part of its intention to implement the Women's Reservation Act from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, with 815 seats proposed to the states and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories, according to sources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged all political parties to support the proposed amendment bill, expressing confidence that by 2029, women will have stronger representation and greater rights in legislative bodies

"After four decades of anticipation, Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This has ensured 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. All parties came forward to support this important law. The rights that women have now received should not face any delay in implementation. It should be implemented now. Lok Sabha elections will be held in 2029, followed by the ongoing state assembly elections. It should be implemented before 2029. This is the sentiment of the nation. This is the desire of Nari Shakti," he said at an event in Dehradun.

"Let all political parties come together and advance this work concerning the rights of the country's sisters and daughters with a unanimous consensus," PM Modi said.

Opposition parties have expressed their concerns about the proposed delimitation bill, alleging that it will limit the representation of the southern states in the Lok Sabha. Opposition parties have also objected to the government's "rushing" of the bill before the general census.

- ANI
Senior BJP leaders have arrived in Patna to oversee the election of the party's legislative leader, who will become Bihar's next Chief Minister. This follows Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's resignation and the dissolution of his cabinet. A BJP legislative party meeting is being held, with the result expected to be formally announced by observer Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The decision marks a significant shift in the state's political dynamics, with the BJP now leading the government formation process.

Senior BJP leaders, including Shivraj Singh Chouhan, oversee the election for Bihar's next Chief Minister after Nitish Kumar's resignation.

Patna, April 14 The process of government formation in Bihar has gathered momentum following the dissolution of the cabinet led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday.

Top BJP leaders, including Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Vinod Tawde, and B.L. Santhosh, arrived in Patna to oversee the crucial developments.

They were warmly received by party workers at the airport, signalling the significance of the day's political proceedings.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the central observer for the election of the legislative party leader in Bihar.

A key meeting of the BJP legislative party is scheduled at the party office. During this meeting, the BJP legislative party will elect its leader -- effectively deciding who will become the next Chief Minister of the state.

Following the legislative party meeting, Shivraj Singh Chouhan is expected to formally announce the name of Bihar's next Chief Minister.

Subsequently, the NDA legislative party meeting will further formalise the decision.

According to sources, clarity on the name of the Chief Minister is likely to be announced by around 5.00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Janata Dal (United) had initially scheduled its legislative party meeting for 12.30 p.m. However, reports indicated that the meeting had been cancelled.

This development places the responsibility squarely on the BJP to decide the next Chief Minister, underscoring a significant shift in the state's political dynamics.

With senior leadership present and crucial meetings lined up, all eyes are now on the BJP as it prepares to finalise its candidate.

The outcome will not only determine the next leader of Bihar but also shape the state's political direction in the coming months.

Earlier, Nitish Kumar chaired the last meeting of the Cabinet at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Patna, and informed his cabinet colleagues of stepping down from the post of the Chief Minister. He has also recommended the dissolution of the current cabinet of the Bihar government.

- IANS
President Droupadi Murmu addressed the first convocation of AIIMS Rajkot, emphasizing that skilled and socially conscious doctors can drive profound societal change. She highlighted the need to blend technological advancements like AI and robotics with irreplaceable human empathy and sensitivity in medical practice. The President underscored the importance of good governance and transparency for the new institution's long-term development. Linking healthcare to national goals, she stated that public health is crucial for achieving the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.

President Droupadi Murmu addressed AIIMS Rajkot convocation, urging doctors to blend tech with empathy and play a vital role in nation-building.

Rajkot, April 13 President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said that skilled and socially conscious doctors can bring about "profound change in society", as she addressed the first convocation ceremony of All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Gujarat's Rajkot.

Addressing graduating students, the President said that several AIIMS institutions have been established across the country to provide world-class tertiary healthcare at an affordable cost.

She said they are playing a pivotal role in medical education, research and innovation, public health initiatives and policy formulation.

"The commitment of AIIMS to advancing healthcare through innovative research and patient care is praiseworthy," she said.

Murmu noted that AIIMS Rajkot, being a new institution, has a long journey ahead in the fields of medical education, research and service.

She urged its policymakers to ensure that, alongside the core objectives of AIIMS, attention is also given to addressing the specific health challenges of the region.

She underlined that good governance and transparency at the initial stage would have a far-reaching impact on institutional development.

She said, "Good governance plays a pivotal role in the healthy growth of any organisation. Steps taken right at the outset to ensure good governance and transparency will have a far-reaching impact on the development of this institution."

Describing the medical profession as a commitment to humanity, the President said it demanded more than scientific knowledge.

She said it required sensitivity, patience and humility from those who serve in it.

"The medical profession is not merely a profession; it is also a commitment to the service of humanity. This profession demands not only scientific knowledge but also sensitivity, patience and humility," she said.

Referring to the symbolism of the white coat, she added that it represents the trust society places in doctors during moments of illness and uncertainty.

"The white coat that the doctors wear symbolises the trust the society places in them during moments of illness and uncertainty. The responsibility of upholding this trust rests upon the shoulders of doctors," she said.

Highlighting rapid technological transformation in healthcare, Murmu said advancements such as artificial intelligence, robotics, precision medicine and digital health services are reshaping the medical field.

"Technological advancements are occurring at an unprecedented pace in the medical field. Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, precision medicine and digital health services are rapidly transforming the landscape and potential of the medical world," she said.

President Murmu urged graduating students to embrace these changes while maintaining human sensitivity in practice.

"By adopting the latest technologies, they will not only be able to enhance their knowledge and skills but also treat diseases more effectively. However, the role of human empathy in medicine can never be replaced," she said.

"A doctor's gentle words, a reassuring smile, and the patience to truly listen can often heal in ways that medicine alone cannot," she added.

The President further said that becoming a good doctor is an achievement, but becoming a doctor with strong human values is greater.

"Being a good doctor is a significant achievement. However, being a doctor imbued with human values such as integrity, compassion, and a spirit of benevolence is an even greater one," she said.

She added, "Skilled and socially conscious doctors have the power to bring about profound change in society. They should play a vital role in nation-building by making constructive use of their position."

Linking healthcare to national development goals, Murmu said that public health is essential to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Murmu said the government has taken several steps to improve access to healthcare services and that collective efforts from all stakeholders will strengthen these initiatives.

"The good health of the citizens is a crucial factor in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by the year 2047. The Central government has taken several steps to ensure access to quality healthcare services for its citizens. These efforts are already yielding positive results," she said.

She added that institutions such as AIIMS have a critical responsibility in guiding the country's healthcare system.

"Institutions of national importance, such as AIIMS, become even more critical. They are tasked with guiding the nation's healthcare sector by establishing new benchmarks in medical research and innovation," she said.

The President is currently on a four-day visit to Gujarat and Maharashtra from April 13 to 16.

According to official programme details, on April 14, she will attend the 'Samajik Samrasta Mahotsava' at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar on the birth anniversary of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, and will also attend the fifth convocation ceremony of Rashtriya Raksha University in the city.

- IANS
Tripura's SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das paid heartfelt tribute to Dr. BR Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary. Das emphasized that Ambedkar is not just the Constitution's architect but a guiding force for social justice and a source of inspiration for all Indians. The state's ST Welfare Department organized a program to mark the occasion and extend respect. Ambedkar's contributions to nation-building and social reform continue to be widely respected across the country.

Tripura SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das honors Dr. BR Ambedkar, calling him a source of inspiration and the architect of India's Constitution.

Agartala, April 14 Tripura SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das on Tuesday paid tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution, Babasaheb BR Ambedkar, on his birth anniversary, saying that Dr Ambedkar remains a source of inspiration for all Indians.

Speaking to ANI, the minister said the state government's ST Welfare Department organised the programme to mark the special day and extend respect to Dr Ambedkar.

"The birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar is being organised by the ST welfare department of the government of Tripura and on this very special day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar," he said.

He said Dr Ambedkar is not only regarded as the architect of the Constitution but also as a guiding force for social justice and welfare in the country."Dr Ambedkar is not only the creator of our Constitution but he is the source of inspiration to all Indians," Das said.

He added that Dr Ambedkar's contributions to nation-building and social reform continue to be widely respected across the country. "Dr BR Ambedkar is respected and admired by all Indians and he has done a lot of work for social welfare and for the nation, which are very praiseworthy," he said.

The minister further said that Dr Ambedkar's life and works should be studied by people to draw inspiration."Dr Ambedkar is an inspiration and motivator for us, we must know his activities and biography to get inspired," he added.

BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India.

He died on December 6, 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

While the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar will be celebrated at his birthplace in Mhow, Indore, with deep devotion and great enthusiasm today. A grand gathering will be held at the magnificent memorial built at his birthplace. Chief Minister Yadav will be attending the event along with multiple dignitaries.

According to an official release, a large number of people across Madhya Pradesh and other states are arriving for the program, and the influx of people began on the evening of April 12. For smooth management, the event area has been divided into seven sectors and teams comprising officials from various departments have been deployed in each sector. Three control rooms have also been set up on the Tehsil premises.

- ANI
South Korea is dispatching diplomatic envoys to nations like Algeria, Libya, and the Republic of the Congo to establish alternative supply chains. This urgent move comes as the war between the United States and Iran has choked the vital Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global maritime traffic. President Lee Jae Myung has called for the warring parties to take courageous steps toward peace while urging domestic structural reforms. The government is coordinating with industry stakeholders to secure new supply sources as a key national project.

South Korea sends envoys to Algeria, Libya, and Congo to secure alternative supply routes as the US-Iran war disrupts Middle East shipping lanes.

Seoul, April 14 South Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun said on Tuesday that the foreign ministry has dispatched envoys to Algeria and Libya and is seeking to send additional envoys to secure alternative supply routes amid the Middle East crisis.

Cho made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting after President Lee Jae Myung called on the government to explore supply chain alternatives as the United States' war against Iran has choked off the crucial Strait of Hormuz and disrupted maritime traffic in the Middle East.

Cho said the ministry has sent director-general-level officials to Algeria and Libya and is seeking to dispatch a special envoy of the foreign minister to the Republic of the Congo.

"The ministry will actively pursue the dispatch of presidential envoys after consulting with relevant ministries, the Korea Petroleum Association and other stakeholders to contribute to the government's efforts to secure alternative sources of supply," Cho said.

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik has also been dispatched to the Middle East as a special envoy, Yonhap news agency reported.

Cho said that Chung Byung-ha, the special envoy to Iran, has been in contact with senior Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss regional developments, the safety of South Korean nationals, vessels and crew and passage of ships.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged nations involved in the war in the Middle East to take a courageous step toward peace, with a fragile ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran hanging in the balance and threatening the global economy.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Lee asked "the warring parties to take a courageous step toward peace that the world desperately wants based on the principles of the protection of universal human rights and lessons from history."

With the war in the Middle East entering its seventh week, Lee also called on the government to explore alternative supply chains and pursue structural reforms to address vulnerabilities exposed by uncertainties stemming from the ongoing war.

"I want initiatives, such as exploring alternative supply chains, pursuing mid- to long-term industrial restructuring and realising a plastic-free economy, to be promoted as key national projects," Lee said.

- IANS
South Korea has shared information with Iran regarding Korean-related ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, with Special Envoy Chung Byung-ha holding consultations in Tehran. The move considers a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, marking a potential shift in Seoul's stance. The situation is complicated by a US Navy-led blockade of the shipping route following failed peace talks brokered by Pakistan. The South Korean foreign ministry is communicating with relevant countries to ensure the safety and passage of the vessels and crew.

South Korea shares details with Iran on stranded Korean ships in the Strait of Hormuz, seeking safe passage amid US blockade and failed peace talks.

Seoul, April 14 South Korea has shared information with Iran on Korea-related ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday, in a possible sign that Seoul may seek to negotiate their passage amid the US-Iran war.

Chung Byung-ha, special envoy to Iran, reportedly shared the details during his consultations with Iranian officials, including efforts to ensure the safety of the vessels and crew members.

Chung is in Tehran this week as the foreign minister's envoy to discuss with Iran the stranded ships and other bilateral matters related to the conflict, Yonhap news agency reported.

Seoul's move appears to factor in the two-week ceasefire between Washington and Tehran, in a possible shift from its previous stance of ruling out any bilateral negotiations with Iran to secure their transit.

According to the oceans ministry, 173 seafarers remain aboard 26 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The foreign ministry declined to confirm the details of the consultations with Tehran.

"We are communicating with relevant countries on the safety and passage of the vessels in the Strait of Hormuz," the ministry said.

It remains to be seen whether engagement with Tehran will lead to progress allowing the ships to pass, as the peace talks between the US and Iran, brokered by Pakistan, failed to reach a deal.

The US announcement of its Navy-led blockade of the shipping route is also seen as adding to the complexity of the issue.

The ministry added that it is reviewing humanitarian assistance to the conflict-hit regions in line with calls from the international community.

The United States began a naval blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, ratcheting up pressure on the Islamic Republic after Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement during their peace talks in Pakistan over the weekend.

US President Donald Trump confirmed during a press availability that the blockade was in progress, noting that Iran hopes to make a deal with the US "very badly", a remark that raised hopes for diplomatic efforts to end the US-Israeli war against Iran.

- IANS
Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy paid rich tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary. The Governor described Ambedkar as a visionary whose legacy is a call to protect the rights of the poor and downtrodden. Chief Minister Reddy praised Ambedkar's efforts for the oppressed and highlighted his government's welfare decisions inspired by Ambedkar's ideology. These include SC sub-caste categorisation, enhanced BC reservations, and plans for new integrated residential schools.

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and CM A. Revanth Reddy honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary, reaffirming commitment to his constitutional ideals.

Hyderabad, April 14 Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Dr B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary.

The Governor described Babasaheb as one of the greatest sons of India and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.

Highlighting the enduring relevance of Dr Ambedkar's vision, the Governor remarked: "Dr Ambedkar's life remains a shining testament to the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. A visionary social reformer and eminent jurist, he devoted his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and the empowerment of the marginalized. His legacy is a clarion call for the protection of the rights of the poor and downtrodden."

The Governor emphasised that the occasion is an opportunity for every citizen to reaffirm their commitment to the ideals and mandates of the Constitution. He further called upon the people to uphold constitutional values and strive collectively to restore the glory of the nation, ensuring a just and inclusive society for all.

"Let us move forward with the spirit of unity and fraternity that Babasaheb championed," the Governor added.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also paid rich tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr BR Ambedkar, on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

The Chief Minister praised Dr Ambedkar's tireless efforts for the welfare of the oppressed sections of society and also recalled the national leader's yeoman services towards the empowerment of Dalits, Adivasis (tribals), backward and weaker sections and women.

Dr Ambedkar envisioned the nation's future with foresight and drafted the Constitution with profound vision, which stands as an inspiration for future generations, the CM said, adding that his struggle for the rights of the oppressed sections serves as a beacon and a role model for the entire world.

Calling upon everyone to strive collectively to realise the ideals and aspirations of this great leader, CM Revanth Reddy highlighted that drawing inspiration from Ambedkar's ideology, the "people's government" took some important decisions, such as the categorisation of SC sub-castes and the enhancement of BC reservations.

The Chief Minister noted that, in addition to implementing the SC/ST Sub-Plan, the government is prioritising the welfare of Dalit and tribal communities across the state.

He noted that the government also increased mess charges and cosmetic allowances in government welfare hostels and took other measures which are unprecedented in the state's history.

The CM announced that the government would undertake the construction of a "Young India Integrated Residential School" in every Assembly constituency and expressed the hope that children from all sections and religions would receive quality education in one place.

- IANS
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam President Vijay outlined a series of ambitious welfare promises during an election rally in Tiruppur. He announced major support for the textile sector, including an annual financial aid of 30,000 for weaver families and a dedicated e-commerce brand for international sales. For farmers, he promised a complete loan waiver for small landholders and increased procurement prices for paddy and sugarcane. Vijay also assured government employees of considering the old pension scheme and promised better facilities and a salary hike for police personnel.

TVK chief Vijay announces major welfare schemes for weavers, farmers, MSMEs, and government employees during his Tiruppur campaign rally.

Tiruppur, April 14 Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam President Vijay, on Tuesday, outlined a series of ambitious welfare measures targeting weavers, farmers, MSMEs and government employees during an election campaign rally in Tiruppur, a key textile hub in western Tamil Nadu.

Addressing the gathering, Vijay greeted the people of the Kongu region and announced that his party would release its full election manifesto in book form on April 16.



Ahead of that, the TVK Chief chose to highlight select "priority promises" aimed at addressing long-standing concerns in the region.



Focusing on the struggling textile sector, Vijay said his government would create a dedicated e-commerce brand to help weavers sell their products directly in international markets.



He also promised an annual financial assistance of Rs 30,000 to every family owning handlooms or powerlooms to offset rising input costs and electricity challenges.



Among other key assurances, the TVK Chief pledged free electricity up to 500 units for handloom units and 1,500 units for powerlooms, along with a 50 per cent subsidy on yarn and dyes to reduce production costs.



He also announced a Rs 10 lakh life insurance cover for all weavers and an increase in their monthly pension to Rs 3,000.



Highlighting the burden of power tariffs on small industries, Vijay said peak-hour electricity charges for MSMEs would be temporarily suspended, and a 100 per cent electricity tax waiver would be provided for five years to support revival in the textile sector.



Turning to agriculture, Vijay promised a complete waiver of farm loans for farmers owning less than five acres of land, and a 50 per cent waiver for those with larger holdings.



He also proposed increasing the procurement price of paddy to Rs 3,500 per quintal and sugarcane to Rs 4,500 per tonne, along with an annual assistance of Rs 10,000 per farmer family.



On governance, Vijay assured that the old pension scheme for government employees would be considered, while temporary staff with more than five years of service would be regularised.



He also vowed to eliminate corruption in promotions and ensure transparent transfers in the police department.



The TVK leader additionally promised a salary hike for police personnel, welfare hospitals, and improved facilities for women officers.



Concluding his speech, Vijay urged voters to trust him, assuring that his promises were genuine and not misleading, and appealed for support to bring what he described as a "whistle revolution" in Tamil Nadu politics.





- IANS
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha paid floral tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary at the state BJP office. The event was attended by party leaders and workers who honored Ambedkar's role as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and his lifelong fight for social justice and equality. Simultaneously, grand celebrations were organized at Ambedkar's birthplace in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, with Chief Minister Yadav and other dignitaries in attendance. The occasion served as a nationwide reminder of the enduring relevance of Ambedkar's ideals in contemporary India.

Tripura CM Manik Saha led tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, on his 135th birth anniversary at the state BJP office.

Agartala, April 14 Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday paid floral tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution, B. R. Ambedkar, on his 135th birth anniversary.

The tribute ceremony was held at the Tripura BJP office premises, where the Chief Minister offered heartfelt respects to the Bharat Ratna awardee.

Party leaders and workers also took part in the programme, joining the Chief Minister in honouring Dr. Ambedkar's legacy.

The event was marked by solemn remembrance of Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to the nation, particularly his role in framing the Constitution and his efforts toward ensuring social justice and equality in society.

Participants observed the occasion with deep reverence, highlighting the continued relevance of Dr. Ambedkar's ideals in contemporary India.

BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India.

Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights.

He died on December 6, 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

While the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar will be celebrated at his birthplace in Mhow, Indore, with deep devotion and great enthusiasm today. A grand gathering will be held at the magnificent memorial built at his birthplace. Chief Minister Yadav will be attending the event along with multiple dignitaries.

According to an official release, a large number of people across Madhya Pradesh and other states are arriving for the program, and the influx of people began on the evening of April 12. For smooth management, the event area has been divided into seven sectors and teams comprising officials from various departments have been deployed in each sector. Three control rooms have also been set up on the Tehsil premises.

- ANI
President Donald Trump announced that the US airmen rescued from Iran are in very good shape, expressing pride in their recovery. The rescue followed the downing of an F-15E Strike Eagle by Iranian forces, which triggered a major search operation after one crew member went missing. Trump revealed that a media leak about a second stranded airman complicated the rescue by alerting Iranian authorities. The President warned of legal action against the media outlet involved as officials work to identify the source of the sensitive disclosure.

President Trump confirms the rescued US airmen are in good shape following a daring search and rescue operation in Iran, while warning of legal action over leaks.

Washington DC, April 13 US President Donald Trump said that Trump said that the rescued airmen from Iran are in a good shape.

He said, "They are in very good shape, and we're very proud of them."

Trump had said on April 5 that the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations.

He said, "WE GOT HIM! My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History, for one of our incredible Crew Office Members, who also happens to be a highly respected Colonel, and who I am thrilled to let you know is SAFE and SOUND!"

The two crew members of the F-15E Strike Eagle, the first lost to enemy fire in the monthlong war, had both ejected from the cockpit on April 3 after Iran's military struck their plane. The jet's pilot was quickly rescued, but its weapons systems officer could not be found, setting off an urgent search with major consequences for Mr. Trump and the war that the United States and Israel launched on February 28, as per New York Times.

Trump on April 6 said US authorities are actively searching for a suspected "leaker" who disclosed sensitive information about a second stranded American airman in Iran, warning of legal action against the media outlet involved.

Speaking at the White House briefing, Trump said the leak had complicated an ongoing rescue effort. According to him, Iranian authorities were previously unaware of the second pilot's situation.

Trump stated that US officials are attempting to identify the source of the disclosure.

"We're looking very hard to find that leaker," he said.

He further warned that the administration may take legal steps to compel cooperation from the media organisation that published the report.

- ANI
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through his spokesman, has called for the United States and Iran to continue their negotiations constructively despite deep-rooted differences. The UN emphasized there is no military solution to the conflict and that the current ceasefire must be absolutely preserved. Disruptions to shipping in the critical Strait of Hormuz are causing global economic fragility and exacerbating food insecurity for millions. The statement also highlighted the plight of approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded on ships in the Persian Gulf.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for constructive US-Iran dialogue to ease tensions, preserve ceasefire, and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

United Nations, April 14 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls on US-Iranian negotiations to continue, said his spokesman.

While no agreement was reached at the talks hosted by Pakistan between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, the discussions themselves underscored the seriousness of their engagement and constituted a positive and meaningful step toward renewed dialogue, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

"Given the deeply rooted differences, an agreement cannot be reached overnight, and the secretary-general calls on the talks to continue constructively for an agreement to be reached," he said.

After weeks of destruction and distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict, said the spokesman.

At the same time, the ceasefire must absolutely be preserved, said Dujarric, adding that all violations must cease, Xinhua news agency reported.

The secretary-general stresses that all parties to this conflict must respect freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law, he added.

Disruptions in the maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have already had a direct effect well beyond the immediate region, with increased global economic fragility and insecurity in many sectors, noted the spokesman.

The disruption of fertilizer and its inputs further exacerbates food insecurity for millions of vulnerable people around the world, adding to the rising cost of living due to impacts from fuel, transportation and supply chain disruptions, he said.

Guterres stressed that all parties to the conflict must respect freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law.

The critical maritime corridor, located south of Iran, lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The US announced plans to blockade ships entering and leaving Iranian ports which took effect on Monday.

Meanwhile, some 20,000 seafarers remain stranded on ships in the Persian Gulf and are "facing increasing hardships daily," the UN statement recalled.

- IANS
Sanghavi says trust is only with 'Lotus'

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated that the BJP's unopposed victories on over 300 seats in local body polls demonstrate the weakened position of opposition parties in the state. He accused Congress leaders of insulting Gujaratis and urged voters to deliver a fitting reply in the elections. Sanghavi contrasted the current BJP governance, crediting Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, with the "curfew and anarchy" of past Congress rule in Ahmedabad. He also highlighted improved law and order and referenced a recent event with President Droupadi Murmu and CM Bhupendra Patel.

Gujarat Deputy CM says BJP's 300+ unopposed local body wins show Congress's weakened state. He accuses opposition of insulting Gujaratis.

Ahmedabad, April 14 Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Tuesday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party's unopposed victories on more than 300 seats in local body elections reflected the weakened position of opposition parties in the state, as he addressed campaign events across parts of Ahmedabad.

Sanghavi visited ward offices in Bapunagar and Sardarnagar and later addressed workers and residents at the India Colony ward office and a 'Vikas Sankalp Sabha' in Saijpur-Bogha.

"The BJP's unopposed victory on more than 300 seats has proved what the condition of Congress and other parties is in Gujarat. The unwavering trust of the people is only on the 'Lotus'," Sanghavi said.

Referring to recent political remarks, he alleged that opposition leaders had insulted Gujaratis and called on voters to respond through the ballot.

"Those who tamper with the pride of Gujarat will not be forgiven by the people. Leaders of the Congress, which has lost more than 99 elections under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, have once again abused Gujarat and Gujaratis," he said.

He added, "What is the fault of Gujaratis who work day and night to earn their livelihood and consider people across the country as their own family? Why are Gujarat Congress leaders silent on this insult?"

He urged voters to deliver "a fitting reply in the elections to those who have hurt Gujarat's pride".

Sanghavi also contrasted the current administration with past Congress rule.

"In the past, during Congress rule, Ahmedabad witnessed a dreadful situation of curfew and anarchy," he said.

He further added, "That situation has been transformed into good governance by the BJP government led by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah."

Highlighting law and order, he said, "Today, daughters can safely play garba till late at night, which is a result of BJP governance."

On the occasion of Dr B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Sanghavi referred to a recent event attended by Droupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

"For the first time in the country's history, leaders from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes sat and dined together with the President and the Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan," he said.

He also said that BJP workers remain available round the clock for public service.

"A BJP worker is present 24 hours a day to serve the people," he said, adding that "opposition offices are lying vacant".

Local party leaders, elected representatives, office-bearers and workers were present at the events.

- IANS
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a significant interim hike in minimum wages for workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad districts, with increases of roughly 21% across skill categories effective from April 1. State Minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' accused the Samajwadi Party and Congress of conspiring to disrupt law and order under the guise of the protests while confirming a committee is negotiating with stakeholders. The Noida DM's office clarified that viral claims of a Rs 20,000 monthly wage are false, noting the central government is working on a national minimum floor wage under new Labour Codes. The state government plans to constitute a Wage Board next month to finalize the minimum wage structure after further consultations.

Uttar Pradesh raises minimum wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled workers in key industrial districts following protests. Details on new rates.

Lucknow, April 14 The high-level committee constituted by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday increased the interim minimum wages by about 21 per cent for workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, following massive protests in Noida Phase 2.

According to Noida DM's office, for unskilled workers in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, the interim wages have been increased from Rs 11,313 to Rs 13,690 monthly; from Rs 12,445 to Rs 15,059 for semi-skilled workers and from Rs 13,940 to Rs 16,868 for skilled workers. Interim rates are effective from April 1.

In districts with municipal corporations, the monthly wages for unskilled workers have been increased to Rs 13,006, for semi-skilled workers to Rs 14,306 and for skilled workers to Rs 16,025.

In other districts, the wages have been increased to Rs 12,356, Rs 13,591 and Rs 15,224 for unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers, respectively, according to the DM's office.

State Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' said that a committee formed by the UP government is holding discussions with the workers to resolve the issues. Gupta accused the Samajwadi Party and Congress of conspiring to disrupt the law and order situation in the state.

In a statement, the state minister said, "Our government has taken the matter very seriously. A panel of senior government officials has been formed under the chairmanship of the Industrial Development Commissioner... Anarchic and thug elements of the Samajwadi Party and Congress have repeatedly conspired to disrupt the state's peace and order under the guise of such protests. At first glance, it cannot be denied that they played a suspicious role in inciting workers through rumours."

The statement read, "The committee formed by the government is holding talks with representatives of labour unions, industry groups, and all stakeholders. After detailed discussion and due consideration of all points, a suitable solution to the issue will be reached as soon as possible. Any antisocial element challenging this identity and environment will face such action that people for seven generations will shudder at the mention of the crime. I appeal to all parties to exercise restraint and patience."

Meanwhile, Noida DM has refuted the claim that the minimum wages for workers in Uttar Pradesh were set at Rs 20,000 per month as "fabricated and false news being circulated on several social media platforms."

According to an official statement, the Centre is in the process of establishing a national minimum "floor wage" under the new Labour Codes. This initiative aims to ensure a uniform baseline minimum wage for workers across the country, ensuring fair and reasonable remuneration for workers in all states. The state government is also holding extensive consultations with all stakeholders, including employer organisations and labour unions. The suggestions and objections received are being carefully examined to ensure a balanced and pragmatic decision.

As per the release, currently, the industry is facing global and economic challenges. The prices of raw materials for industries have increased, and exports have declined. Furthermore, the problems and demands raised by workers are relevant, important, and worth considering. In such a situation, it is crucial to reach a decision by adopting a harmonious and balanced approach between both parties--industry and workers. In this context, the provisions related to wages and salaries, including the minimum wage provisions under the new Wage Code, have been made with the aim of protecting the interests of workers.

The government, while ensuring full compliance with these legal provisions and taking into account the interests of all stakeholders after hearing them, is deciding to immediately implement an interim increase in the minimum wage. The process of determining the minimum wage will be initiated based on the recommendations of the Wage Board, which will be constituted by the government next month.

CM Yogi has appealed to the public to trust only information received from official sources. He also asked the employer organisations to ensure workers receive their monthly wages as per rules, regular overtime payments, weekly holidays, bonuses, and all social security rights, while also ensuring the safety and respect of women workers at the workplace.

This comes after a massive protest by workers in Noida Phase 2, which also turned violent following an altercation with the police.

- ANI
The United States and Indonesia have announced a major new Defence Cooperation partnership during a meeting at the Pentagon. The framework is built on three foundational pillars: military capacity building, training and education, and operational exercises. It includes plans to explore co-development of next-generation defence technologies and asymmetric capabilities. Both leaders emphasized the partnership as a new chapter in bilateral relations aimed at regional deterrence and stability.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin launch a new defence partnership focused on Indo-Pacific stability.

Washington DC, April 14 Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Monday welcomed Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin to the Pentagon, where the two sides announced the launch of a major Defence Cooperation partnership aimed at strengthening bilateral military ties, according to an article published by the US Department of War on its official X handle.

The new framework is designed to advance defence cooperation between the United States and Indonesia, with a focus on maintaining peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.

"Your visit demonstrates the importance that the War Department places on our growing security relationship -- and it is active and growing -- with Indonesia," Hegseth said, noting that the two countries conduct more than 170 military exercises together annually.

"This [partnership] signifies the strength and potential of our security relationship ... bolsters regional deterrence, and advances our shared commitment to peace through strength," Hegseth added.

Sjamsoeddin echoed similar sentiments, saying, "Today, we are here as Indonesian delegates ... with very great enthusiasm to continue to develop our defence relationship, [which] should be enduring for our next generation in Indonesia and the United States of America," Sjamsoeddin said. "We're working on behalf of mutual respect and mutual benefit to enhance [the] value of our national interests."

According to the article, the agreement is built on three "foundational pillars": military organisation and capacity building; training and professional military education; and exercises and operational cooperation.

The partnership also included plans to explore advanced initiatives, such as co-developing asymmetric capabilities, next-generation defence technologies in maritime and autonomous systems, and cooperation on maintenance and operational readiness.

Both sides agreed to enhance joint special forces training, with officials noting that such engagements would further strengthen military-to-military ties.

Hegseth also thanked Indonesia for its assistance in recovering remains of US Service members from World War II, stating that the new agreement would support efforts by the War Department's Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency in this regard.

Describing the partnership as a "line of departure" for future cooperation, both leaders emphasised it marked the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations. "So, here's to the next chapter and our new mission together for our great countries," Hegseth said.

The US and Indonesia have maintained formal diplomatic relations for 75 years, having established ties in 1949, just after Indonesia's war for independence from the Netherlands.

- ANI
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami led tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, praising his dedication to social justice. Across the nation, top leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan paid homage at Delhi's Prerna Sthal. The occasion saw a notable, light-hearted interaction between PM Modi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Ambedkar, revered as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, continues to inspire generations with his fight for equality and the rights of marginalized communities.

National leaders, including PM Modi and Uttarakhand CM Dhami, paid homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, honoring his constitutional legacy.

Dehradun, April 14 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday paid floral tributes to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary at the Chief Minister's official residence.

Remembering the contribution of Dr Ambedkar, the Chief Minister highlighted his lifelong commitment to social justice, equality, and national unity.

Dhami said, "His entire life was dedicated to establishing the ideals of social harmony, equality, and justice. His visionary thoughts continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for building a strong, inclusive society."

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday also paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar at Prerna Sthal in the parliament premises on the occasion of 135th Ambedkar Jayanti.

Alongside Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju, and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders also paid tribute to Babasaheb in Delhi.

During the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge shared a light-hearted moment.

Sharing an X post, PM Modi said that his efforts towards nation-building are "deeply motivating".

"Tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation-building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society," PM Modi wrote.

BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India.

Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights.

He died on 6 December 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

- ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor during a visit to Uttarakhand. The 213-km, six-lane project, built at a cost of over 12,000 crore, will drastically cut travel time between Delhi and Dehradun. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed the Prime Minister's arrival and the project as the start of a new development era for the state. PM Modi's schedule also included a review in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and a temple visit near Dehradun.

PM Modi inaugurates the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, a 12,000 crore project set to slash travel time and boost Uttarakhand's development.

Dehradun, April 14 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in the state, highlighting how the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor would mark a new era of growth for the state.

In a post on X, CM Dhami said the Prime Minister's leadership has elevated India's global stature and inspired millions across the country. He also called him a "development icon and karma yogi."

He wrote, "A heartfelt welcome and felicitation to the development icon and karma yogi, the revered Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, upon his arrival in the land of the gods, Uttarakhand--whose saga of glory has elevated India's stature on the global stage and instilled faith and inspiration in the hearts of millions of countrymen."

Highlighting the significance of the infrastructure project, he said the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor would significantly boost connectivity and development in Uttarakhand.

He added, "The inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor by your lotus hands marks the dawn of a new era of development, connectivity, and prosperity for Uttarakhand."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, where he will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Dehradun.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, at around 11:15 am, the Prime Minister will visit Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh to undertake a review of the Wildlife Corridor on the elevated section of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor. Following this, he will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun.

At around 12:30 pm, PM Modi will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at a public event in Dehradun and will also address the gathering on the occasion.

The 213 km long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore. The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hours.

- ANI
Kerala's Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, has formally written to the Election Commission of India expressing concern over the delay in publishing official data from the April 9 Assembly elections. He stressed that detailed constituency-wise figures, vote percentages, and postal ballot statistics are still not publicly available three days after polling. Satheesan argued that timely disclosure is vital for public scrutiny and maintaining trust in the democratic process. Meanwhile, the election recorded a 78.03% voter turnout, which officials described as a peaceful and historic exercise in democratic participation.

Congress leader VD Satheesan urges ECI to release detailed Kerala Assembly election results, citing transparency concerns after April 9 polls.

Thiruvananthapuram, April 13 Keralam Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan wrote to the Election Commission of India raising concerns over the delay in publishing official poll data release to the recently concluded Keralam Assembly elections held on April 9.

The letter comes three days after the polling, with detailed constituency-wise figures yet to be made public.

In his letter, Satheesan stressed the importance of transparency in the electoral process and urged the Commission to act swiftly.

"I wish to draw your kind attention to the delay in publishing the official data related to the Kerala Assembly Elections held on 9th April 2026. Despite three days having passed since the conclusion of polling, the detailed and authenticated figures--including constituency-wise polling data, constituency-wise vote percentage, and postal ballot statistics--are yet to be made available on the official website," he stated.

Highlighting the significance of timely disclosure, Satheesan added, "The prompt release of such information is crucial to ensuring transparency, enabling public scrutiny, and maintaining trust in the electoral process."

He further urged the poll body to "take immediate steps to publish the complete election data without further delay," noting that verified information is vital for stakeholders, including voters, researchers, and political representatives.

Earlier on Friday, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala expressed confidence in a strong victory for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Speaking to ANI, Chennithala said the electorate was ready for change, asserting that the "rule of the LDF is ending" and a new political phase is set to begin in Kerala.

The April 9 polling in Kerala recorded a voter turnout of 78.03 per cent, contributing to an overall high participation trend across states. According to the ECI, polling was largely peaceful, with extensive live webcasting conducted across all polling stations to ensure transparency.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar described the elections as a "historic testimony" of democratic participation.

- ANI
Senior political leaders, including Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge, gathered at the Parliament complex to pay floral tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. Prime Minister Modi, in social media posts, described Ambedkar's contributions to nation-building as deeply inspiring and enduring for generations. Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh also paid tributes, highlighting Ambedkar's role in drafting the Constitution and his lifelong fight for equality and social justice. The day marks the birth in 1891 of the jurist and social reformer who was a key architect of modern India.

Vice President, PM Modi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and other leaders paid floral tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Parliament on his birth anniversary.

New Delhi, April 14 Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, along with several other leaders, paid floral tributes to Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar at the Parliament on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Tuesday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, Rajya Sabha member Ramdas Athawale, and Congress leader Udit Raj, among others, also arrived at the Parliament to pay homage to the Father of the Constitution.

During this, PM Modi and Congress National Mallikarjun Kharge also shared a candid chat.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid tributes to B.R. Ambedkar, describing his contribution to nation-building as deeply inspiring and enduring for generations.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation-building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society."

In a video message shared on the platform, PM Modi said, "Today is a very important day in the nation's history - it is Babasaheb Ambedkar's Jayanti. He was not just an individual, but a symbol of resolve. He did not merely live; he connected it to struggle and fought. He did not fight for personal pride, but for equality for all, including the backward and Dalit communities. Despite facing many challenges and opposition, he never stopped."

In another post, the Prime Minister said, "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's personality and contributions will continue to remain a source of inspiration for nation-building."

Several Union ministers and leaders also paid tributes on the occasion through posts on social media.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ambedkar laid the strong foundation of Indian democracy by providing a Constitution that ensures equal rights and opportunities for all sections of society.

"Babasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji laid the strong foundation of our democracy by giving us a Constitution that grants equal rights and opportunities to every class. He staunchly opposed Article 370 for the sake of the country's integrity. Babasahib, who gave the mantra to society to become educated and stay organised, teaches us through his life that when the resolve is for national service and the welfare of the people, every obstacle becomes small," he said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Ambedkar as a great social reformer and a key architect of modern India, noting that his life was dedicated to securing equality and justice for the underprivileged.

"Babasaheb dedicated his entire life to fostering equality and harmony in society. His whole life was devoted to securing equal rights for the people of deprived sections.

Babasaheb was also a great thinker and the architect of many of the nation's institutions. Even in adverse circumstances, Babasaheb achieved extraordinary accomplishments and made an indelible contribution to nation-building," he added.

Dr B.R. Ambedkar was born on this day in 1891 in Mhow (now Dr Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh.

He was an Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer who played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution. He dedicated his life to fighting caste discrimination and promoting equality and social justice in India.

- IANS
US President Donald Trump voiced strong disappointment with NATO, alleging the alliance failed to support the United States during its war with Iran despite receiving trillions in American funding. His long-standing skepticism of NATO includes pushing Europe for higher defense spending and previously labeling the alliance a "paper tiger." While a full US withdrawal from NATO would require difficult Congressional approval, Trump could undermine it by relocating American troops from Europe. The situation presents a significant stress test for trans-Atlantic relations.

President Trump expresses deep disappointment with NATO allies, claiming they weren't there for the US during the Iran war despite trillions in funding.

Washington DC, April 13 US President Donald Trump said that he was very disappointed with NATO, alleging that they did not help his country in its war with Iran.

Trump said that the US spent trillions of dollars on guarding Europe against Russia.

He said, "They're going to be coming up. But I'm very disappointed in NATO. They weren't there for us. We pay trillions of dollars for NATO, and they weren't there for us. Now they want to come up, but there's no real threat anymore. But NATO was not there for us. We spent trillions of dollars on NATO to help it guard against Russia."

Trump's disdain for the alliance stemmed even before his first term as the US President, as per Al Jazeera.

It is visible from his nudge for Europe to spend more in the defence sector, and his threat to annex Greenland. Trump had called NATO's lack of support a stain on the alliance "that will never disappear," and said they were "paper tiger". Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany put it even more bluntly, later: The conflict "has become a trans-Atlantic stress test," Al Jazeera reported.

However, as per Al Jazeera, Trump can't pull the US out of the alliance as per his wish. To formally do so, he needs a two-thirds majority in the US Senate or an act of Congress. But NATO still enjoys broad support among many legislators in both major American parties, so the scenario is unlikely.

But there are other things Trump can do. The US has no obligation to come to the aid of allies should they come under attack. The treaty's Article 5 states members' collective-defence obligation, but it does not automatically force a military response. The US can also move the about 84,000 American troops spread across Europe out of the continent.

As per the Wall Street Journal, Trump is mulling movement of US bases from countries he deems unhelpful during his war with Iran.

- ANI
The India Meteorological Department forecasts isolated light to moderate rainfall for parts of southern Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli. Meanwhile, interior districts are expected to see a significant temperature rise of 2-3 degrees Celsius, leading to hotter conditions. Coastal areas like Chennai will experience stable but high temperatures coupled with humidity, causing discomfort. Authorities have advised residents in interior regions to take precautions against the heat.

IMD predicts light rain in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli. Interior TN faces 2-3C temperature rise. Chennai to remain hot and humid with no significant rainfall.

Chennai, April 13 The India Meteorological Department has forecast moderate rainfall in parts of southern Tamil Nadu, including Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts, even as rising temperatures are expected across several interior regions of the state.

According to the latest weather bulletin, one or two places in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, and districts along the Western Ghats are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall on Monday. These isolated showers are likely to bring brief relief from the prevailing heat in these southern pockets. However, the rest of Tamil Nadu is likely to experience predominantly dry weather conditions.

Similar dry conditions are also expected to prevail in Puducherry, with no significant rainfall activity forecast for these regions.

The IMD has also indicated a gradual rise in maximum temperatures across the interior districts of Tamil Nadu. Temperatures in some areas are likely to increase by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next few days, contributing to hotter daytime conditions.

In contrast, coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are not expected to witness any major change in maximum temperatures.

Despite stable temperature levels along the coast, the combination of high humidity and heat is likely to cause discomfort among residents.

Weather officials have cautioned that such conditions could lead to sultry and oppressive weather, particularly during the daytime.

In Chennai, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy throughout the day. The maximum temperature in the city is likely to hover between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to be around 27 degrees Celsius.

The city is unlikely to receive any significant rainfall, and humid conditions are expected to persist.

Meanwhile, the IMD has not issued any specific warning for fishermen along the Tamil Nadu coast, indicating relatively stable sea conditions for fishing activities.

Authorities have advised residents, particularly in interior districts, to take necessary precautions against heat exposure, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.

Overall, while southern districts may witness brief spells of rain, most parts of Tamil Nadu are set to experience dry and increasingly warm weather conditions in the coming days.

- IANS
The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal government and the Election Commission of India to continue and strengthen security for judicial officers involved in the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists. The Court emphasized that the safety concern must reach a logical conclusion and not be treated as routine, ordering that existing security not be withdrawn without its permission. It noted that judicial officers have verified over 60 lakh claims with only a minuscule fraction of objections remaining pending. The bench assured that eligible voters whose names are included after adjudication will be able to vote in the upcoming April 23 elections.

Supreme Court directs WB govt & ECI to continue security for judicial officers in voter list revision, addresses pending claims before polls.

New Delhi, April 13 The Supreme Court on Monday directed the West Bengal government and the Election Commission of India to continue and strengthen security for judicial officers working on the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

A bench of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the concern regarding the safety of JOs deputed in SIR must reach a logical conclusion and should not remain a routine administrative task.

"We don't want to take up this matter as an administrative exercise. We want to bring it to its logical conclusion", the Court remarked.

The Court ordered that security already given to JOs must continue and should not be withdrawn without its prior permission.

The State authorities informed the Court that a detailed security plan is in place across districts, including personal security officers, workplace protection and additional CAPF deployment in sensitive areas.

The Court also said it will examine issues flagged in the NIA's interim report and noted that it wants to take the matter to its logical conclusion.

"We direct the ECI and State Government to ensure that the security already provided to judicial officers is not withdrawn. Security cover shall not be withdrawn without assessing further threat perception. Deployment of forces in terms of order passed on April 2 will consequently continue till further orders", the Court noted.

As regards the pendency of claims in the SIR, the Court relied on inputs from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court and noted that deputed judicial officers had completed verification of about 60,00,000+ claims, with only 1,822 (around 0.03%) objections left pending.

The Court also noted that a system is already in place, including 19 appellate tribunals monitored by a 3-judge committee and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued on April 7, 2026, followed by inspection on April 10, 2026.

It appreciated the work done by judicial officers and said it has no reason to doubt that the remaining work will be completed soon.

"We have no reason to doubt that the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court will graciously agree to set up Appellate Tribunals... and they will also be able to complete their tasks within a reasonable time."

On voter exclusion, Senior Advocate Kalyan Banerjee argued for the West Bengal government that around 34 lakh voters have been excluded and about 16 lakh appeals have been filed in the appellate tribunals. He said the issue concerns the SIR process itself and not the powers of the ECI. He argued that such a large number of appeals cannot be decided in time and that the figures shown to the Court reflect only Phase 1 of the process.

The Court responded that most of the adjudication work is complete and only about 1,800+ cases remain pending. It noted that the exercise covered 153 constituencies, with spillover in about 7-8 constituencies and assured that such cases will be addressed before the April 23 elections.

The Court said eligible voters will not be denied their right if their names are included after adjudication. The bench also raised concern that continued objections could disrupt the election process and said it will ensure appellate tribunals decide cases quickly.

"The Judicial Officers have completed the adjudication by April 9 -- even if they had exceeded by 1-2 days, I have given them the permission (to adjudicate further claims). There are 153 constituencies -- there was some spillover of 7-8 constituencies -- those names that were left out would be added to the list for the April 23 elections. Don't worry -- if their names are there, they will be voting", Justice Bagchi said.

At this stage, Senior Advocate and AITC MP Kalyan Banerjee submitted that 16 lakhs appeals have been filed (in the appellate tribunal) seeking inclusion and asked how it would be even possible to adjudicate all those claims.

The CJI responded that if that's the scenario as being submitted by the petitioners, then what should the Court do?

"Those who have been allowed, should we even stay the names included?", the CJI remarked, implying that if the petitioners keep on objecting to the SIR process, how would the elections take place.

- ANI
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Protein engineering is a field primed for artificial intelligence research. Each protein is made up of amino acids; to optimize a protein function, researchers modify proteins by switching out one of 20 different amino acids for another. For a protein that is just 50 amino acids in length, this leads to approximately 1.13x1065 potential combinations to test - that's 113 followed by 65 zeros, or five times as many zeros as a trillion has.

This number of potential combinations, impossible to test in the lab, makes protein engineering an ideal challenge for AI. Modeling which of these combinations will give the best results is a perfect problem for the technology's massive computing power. But AI is only as good as the data used to train it, and in some areas of protein engineering, the right data just didn't exist.

One of the biggest bottlenecks in AI-guided protein engineering is not coming up with machine-learning models. It is generating the right and enough experimental data to train them. For engineering protein activity, which optimizes what a protein does, we had a very clear problem: There simply were not enough datasets to train accurate models." Han Xiao, Rice University professor of chemistry, biosciences and bioengineering and director of the SynthX Center

To be able to generate AI models that could accurately predict how to optimize a protein's function, or activity, Xiao's team had to first generate enough activity data about any given protein to train an AI model. In a recent Nature Biotechnology publication, Xiao's team and collaborators from Johns Hopkins University and Microsoft did just that, sharing an approach that provided the needed data and created accurate models in just three days.

This approach, called Sequence Display, can generate more than 10 million data points in a single experiment. These data points are then fed into protein language AI models, which use them to predict which changes to a protein's amino acids will create the desired change for the protein's activity or function.

"We were able to develop an activity-based barcoding system that records the activity of individual protein variants and generates the kind of dataset needed to train a machine learning model," said Linqi Cheng, a Rice graduate student and first author on the study. "Then the model was able to predict mutations that significantly improved the activity of the protein we were studying."

The team chose a small CRISPR-Cas protein for proof of concept. This protein was valued for its size but limited in its activity to target stretches of DNA to cut. The researchers wanted to identify a version that could cut a wider variety of DNA targets.

First, they mutated the DNA that codes for the Cas9 protein, creating many variations. A blank DNA barcode was attached to each variant, along with a special editor that would change the barcode in response to the protein's activity level. As the protein's activity levels increased, so did the editor's. This meant that the most active protein variations had the biggest changes in their barcodes. The DNA barcodes were then read by next-generation sequencing, which would essentially scan the barcode and classify each sequence by level of activity.

"The AI is not replacing the experiment here. It instead depends on the experiment," Cheng said. "Sequence Display gives us the data foundation, and the models help us search a much larger data space for strong candidates."

The team successfully repeated this process with other proteins, including aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, cytosine deaminase and uracil glycosylase inhibitor. In each case, the barcoding experiment generated enough data points to train AI models.

"What this approach provides is a practical framework for integrating AI with protein engineering," said Xiao, who is also a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute Scholar. "Rather than relying on machine learning as a stand-alone solution, we couple it with an experimental platform that generates high-quality training data. This synergy enables more efficient discovery of advanced research tools and next-generation therapeutic proteins."

This work was supported by a SynthX Seed Award (SYN-IN-2024-002), the National Institutes of Health (R35-GM133706, R01-CA277838, R01-AI165079 to H.X.), the Robert A. Welch Foundation (C-1970 to H.X.), the U.S. Department of Defense (W81XWH-21-1-0789, HT9425-23-1-0494, HT9425-25-1-0021 to H.X.), a 2024 Rice Synthetic Biology Institute Seed Grant (H.X.) and a Medical Research Award from the Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation.
The federal policy requiring states to keep Medicaid beneficiaries enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic extended postpartum Medicaid coverage nationwide and sharply increased the number of individuals remaining insured after childbirth, according to a Rutgers Health researcher.

An analysis, published in The Milbank Quarterly, of Medicaid claims in 15 states finds that this coverage expansion produced modest changes in health care use, with notable increases in emergency department visits and mental and behavioral health diagnoses.

Medicaid claims data provide us with important insights into service utilization and maternal health outcomes. Yet because we typically rely on claims data, which show us what care was billed, we do not necessarily know whether individuals understood that they remained covered or what barriers they may have faced in seeking care." Erica Eliason, assistant professor at the Rutgers Center for State Health Policy and the Rutgers School of Public Health and lead author of the analysis

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act's continuous coverage requirement offered enhanced federal funding to states in exchange for pausing disenrollment and produced greater insurance continuity for postpartum individuals.

This study, which involved nearly 489,000 postpartum individuals, examined how extended eligibility under the act affected Medicaid enrollment, continuity of coverage and use of Medicaid-paid health care from three to 12 months after childbirth  a period not previously covered for those insured through pregnancy Medicaid.

It compared postpartum Medicaid outcomes during the pandemic-era continuous coverage period with outcomes from a year earlier.

The share of individuals maintaining Medicaid coverage through 12 months postpartum increased to 77% from 37% before the Families First Coronavirus Response Act during its implementation.

In the three- to 12-month postpartum period, when pregnancy Medicaid would usually have ended, extended eligibility was associated with more Medicaid-paid emergency department visits and a higher proportion of individuals receiving services with mental or behavioral health diagnoses.

However, the analysis did not identify increases in outpatient visits or pregnancy-related diagnoses during the extended coverage period. For example, although extended eligibility increased emergency department use by about 107 visits per 1,000 beneficiaries, outpatient visits did not show statistically significant changes.

Eliason said it is difficult to determine whether beneficiaries sought care outside Medicaid, whether awareness of continued coverage influenced care-seeking or how pandemic-related service disruptions shaped overall care utilization.

The authors of the analysis emphasized the importance of taking a patient-centered approach to extending postpartum coverage. They said the 49 states that have adopted 12-month postpartum coverage should pair the extension with communication and outreach strategies to ensure individuals are aware of and able to use their postpartum Medicaid coverage.

"I would advise policymakers that continuous postpartum coverage is an important tool for states to monitor and improve health outcomes for postpartum people and their babies," Eliason said. "But without strong communication and support, expanded eligibility may not fully translate into improved access or outcomes."

The study's authors, based at Rutgers and the University of Maryland, called for future research examining postpartum coverage and health outcomes for additional populations, over longer periods of time and under stable public health conditions.
Older Chinese immigrants living in neighborhoods with greater access to community amenities, services and supportive infrastructure experienced slower cognitive decline over time, according to Rutgers Health researchers.

Their study, published in Social Science & Medicine, examined data from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly, one of the largest studies of older Chinese immigrants in the United States. Researchers examined how neighborhood resources, such as museums, libraries, health services and internet access, were associated with changes in cognitive function among 2,763 Chinese immigrants ages 60 or older living in the Greater Chicago area.

While neighborhood conditions weren't linked to cognitive performance at the beginning of the study, researchers found that individuals living in more "cognitively supportive" neighborhoods declined more slowly with age.

Our findings suggest that where people live can play an important role in preserving cognitive health later in life. Neighborhoods that offer access to cultural, social and health-related resources may help reduce dementia risk by supporting mental stimulation, physical activity, and social engagement over time." Yanping Jiang, a core member of the Rutgers Center for Population Behavioral Health at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research and lead author of the study

Jiang, an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, added that "older immigrants, like Chinese Americans, often face cultural and language barriers and limited mobility, which can make them especially reliant on local resources. This means community investments in culturally accessible amenities and services may be particularly meaningful for supporting healthy aging in immigrant populations."



To capture the effects of neighborhood environments, the researchers developed a "Cognability Neighborhood Index" that reflects the availability of amenities, services and infrastructure that may support cognitive health. These features included numbers of museums, recreational centers, education and civic organizations, parks, public transit stops, health care services, road networks and internet access in specific communities.

The researchers found that participants living in neighborhoods with higher "Cognability" scores experienced significantly slower rates of cognitive decline, even after accounting for age, sex, education, marital status, neighborhood socioeconomic status and the amount of time living in a neighborhood and other individual factors.

Not all amenities were equally beneficial, however. Researchers identified specific neighborhood features that were particularly beneficial for better cognitive trajectories, including greater access to museums and libraries and more nearby health services.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias affect 55 million people worldwide. Researchers have identified several modifiable risk factors for these incurable diseases, including factors shaped by an individual's neighborhood environment.

Rutgers researchers said initiatives that expand access to local cultural institutions, health services and supportive infrastructure have the potential to foster environments that protect the cognitive health of underserved populations, as well as the general population.

Coauthors of the study include Wendi Da and Leslie Zhen of the Rutgers Institute for Health, Jessica Finlay and Zhe Lin of the University of Colorado Boulder and Fengyan Tang of the University of Pittsburgh.
A Thailand-based study found that young adults who used e-cigarettes were far more likely to screen as at risk for cognitive impairment, adding fresh concern to the debate over whether vaping is really a safer alternative.

Study: The impact of e-cigarette use on cognitive function, emotional intelligence, and dementia risk in adolescents and young adults. Image Credit: Hazem.m.kamal / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports , a group of researchers evaluated the association between e-cigarette use and cognitive impairment, emotional intelligence, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ) symptom tendency in young adults.

Neurocognitive Concerns Around Young Adult Vaping

What if a habit considered safer than smoking quietly affects how the brain thinks, feels, and remembers? The rising popularity of e-cigarettes, also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems ( ENDS ), in young people and adolescent populations has raised concern worldwide.

Nicotine exposure during critical developmental years can affect brain maturation, influencing attention, emotional regulation, and long-term cognitive health.

Conditions such as ADHD and early cognitive impairment risk are particularly relevant in this age group. At present, there is limited and inconsistent research on the relationship between ENDS and these neurocognitive outcomes.

Further research is needed to provide clarity on these relationships and inform public health policies.

Thailand E-Cigarette Study Design

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between August 2023 and July 2024 in Lat Krabang District, Bangkok, Thailand. In the study, 232 participants, aged 18-25 years, were equally divided into e-cigarette users and non-smokers (n = 116 each). Systematic random sampling was used to select participants based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure comparability between groups.

Structured questionnaires and validated instruments were used to collect data from participants. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale ( ASRS ) Version 1.1 was used to determine ADHD symptom tendency.

Emotional intelligence was measured by a standardized test of the Emotional Quotient that assessed self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and interpersonal skills. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment ( MoCA ), a well-validated screening instrument for identifying early cognitive impairment, was used to assess cognitive function and risk of cognitive impairment.

Demographic data, substance use, and e-cigarette use were also recorded for this study. All statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS version 29, and group differences were assessed using Pearson's Chi-square test.

Binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios ( OR s) and 95% confidence intervals ( CIs ) for dementia risk predictor variables, and statistically significant results were set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval and informed consent were attained before beginning data collection.

ADHD, Emotional Intelligence, and Cognitive Findings

The study included 232 young adults with a mean age of approximately 22 years. Most participants were students (53.9% female), among whom alcohol use was common, but drug use was low. Nearly half reported having a family member who smoked, indicating potential environmental exposure to nicotine-related behaviors.

The majority of e-cigarette consumers reported moderate use, meaning that most smoked one or fewer e-cigarette devices per day. Most began during late adolescence, often motivated by curiosity, perceived reduced harm, and social influences. Social and contextual influences played a role, with many participants using e-cigarettes on nights out or in social settings, emphasizing the importance of peer environments in perpetuating use patterns.

Analysis of ADHD symptom tendency showed that approximately 10-11% of participants showed symptoms consistent with ADHD . It was observed that e-cigarette users and non-smokers showed no significant difference in attention-related symptoms, and this suggests that, in this group, vaping was not strongly linked to attention-related issues.

Emotional intelligence levels were generally within the normal range, but both groups showed lower than expected levels of empathy, decision-making, interpersonal relationships, and emotional well-being.

Comparisons between e-cigarette users and non-smokers revealed no statistically significant associations across the Good, Competent, and Well-Being dimensions of emotional intelligence. Although minor differences were observed, these patterns likely reflect social or contextual influences rather than direct effects of e-cigarette use.

E-Cigarette Use and Cognitive Impairment Risk

The risk of developing dementia was significantly increased for those who used e-cigarettes. A substantially higher proportion of e-cigarette users (39.7%) were classified as at risk for cognitive impairment compared to non-smokers (0.9%) (p < 0.001).

A number of additional analyses confirmed these findings, including a logistic regression analysis that demonstrated that individuals who do not plan to stop using e-cigarettes in the next month were six times more likely to experience cognitive impairment ( OR = 6.04).

Those who do not plan to stop using e-cigarettes in the next six months were four times more likely to experience cognitive impairment ( OR = 4.15).

Vaping Prevention and Research Implications

This study shows that e-cigarette use is significantly associated with increased dementia risk in young adults, even in the absence of strong links to ADHD symptoms or emotional intelligence. Regular vaping, especially without trying to quit, is associated with greater cognitive vulnerability, even in young people.

These findings are critical, as early changes in cognition could affect brain health, work productivity, and quality of life. Even though it is believed by many that e-cigarettes provide an alternative means of consuming nicotine safely, the long-term effects of e-cigarettes may have neurocognitive implications, although this study cannot establish causation.

Strategies designed to change public perception should focus on raising awareness of early intervention and prevention measures intended to help individuals who currently use e-cigarettes. There is also a need for longitudinal research to clarify this association and the mechanisms that may underlie it.

The findings should also be interpreted cautiously because the study was cross-sectional, used MoCA as a screening tool rather than a diagnostic test, and was conducted in a single urban district in Thailand.
A former worker at a Seattle-area dog-boarding business has admitted to fatally attacking a client's petbut he won't serve any time behind bars, KREM reports. Dejean Bowens pleaded guilty Wednesday to first-degree animal cruelty in the death of Mitch, a dog boarded at Lazy Dog Crazy Dog in Ballard in August of last year while his owners were away for the birth of their first child. Bowens, 20, was sentenced in King County Superior Court to three months in custody, but the time was credited to 165 days he had already spent on electronic home monitoring. The sentence was the maximum allowed under state law, KOMO reports.

Investigators say Bowens told authorities he kicked Mitch multiple times after the dog knocked something over; surveillance footage showed him following and kicking the dog as it tried to hide under a table, according to court documents. Bowens first contacted a co-worker asking for help before taking the dog to the emergency vet, KING5 reports. Veterinary staff couldn't save Mitch despite emergency surgery and CPR. In court, owner Neela Brocato called Mitch "a family member," while her husband, Anthony, described imagining the dog's fear. Bowens apologized, saying he was "deeply sorry." The felony conviction bars him for life from owning or caring for animals and from legally possessing firearms. The Brocatos, who said they expected the limited sentence because pets are seen as "property" under the law, now plan to campaign for tougher animal-cruelty laws in Washington state.
Iran has reportedly floated a five-year freeze on key nuclear work, but Washington is pushing for something four times longerand isn't budging. During weekend talks in Islamabad, US negotiators asked Iran to halt uranium enrichment for 20 years, the New York Times reports, citing "two senior Iranian officials and one US official." According to the Times' sources, Tehran's counter-offer Monday was a suspension of up to five years and an offer to dilute its stock of highly enriched uranium so it can't be used for a bomb, while keeping that fuel inside the country. The Trump administration has rejected that, and also wants the material removed from Iran entirely, the sources say.

The sources say there have been discussions of another round of in-person talks after the weekend talks failed to yield an agreement, but nothing has been finalized. President Trump told reporters at the White House Monday that he had spoken to "the right people" in Iran and they want to make a deal, NBC News reports. "If they don't agree, there's no deal, there'll never be a deal," Trump said. "Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, and we're going to get the dust back. We'll get it back, either we'll get it back from them, or we'll take it."

Sources tell Reuters that during negotiations, there was "strong hope in the middle of the talks that there would be a breakthrough and the two sides would reach an agreement." The sources say the two sides were "80% of the way" to an agreement before talks unraveled over issues including nuclear enrichment and the unfreezing of Iran's assets.

The diplomacy is unfolding as the US Navy begins blocking ships to and from Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil chokepoint. Iran has vowed to hit back, with military spokesmen calling the restrictions "piracy" and warning no port in the Persian Gulf or Sea of Oman would be safe if its own are threatened.

Trump attacked the New York Times' Iran reporting in a Truth Social post Tuesday, once again accusing the outlet of spreading "Fake News." "When does this Corrupt Media Outlet apologize for their LIES and horrible actions against me, my supporters, and our Country itself!" he wrote. "HAVE THEY NO SHAME? HAVE THEY NO SENSE OF DECENCY?"
Rep. Tony Gonzales announced Monday he will step down from Congress before the House can vote on whether to expel him over his affair with Regina Santos-Aviles, a staff member who later died by suicide. "There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office," the Republican posted on X. "It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas." Pressured by GOP leaders, Gonzales had already said he would not run for another term after acknowledging the affair.
The man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home in San Francisco has been charged with attempting to kill Altman and a security guard at the residence, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said Monday. Daniel Moreno-Gama, who also faces multiple federal charges, faces two counts of attempted murder and attempted arson in California state court, the Washington Post reports.

"This was not spontaneous. This was planned, targeted and extremely serious," said FBI San Francisco Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo during a press conference. On Monday morning, FBI agents went to Moreno-Gama's home in Spring, Texas, a suburb of Houston, where they spent several hours before leaving. He has been charged by federal prosecutors with possession of an unregistered firearm and damage and destruction of property by means of explosives. The criminal complaint does not name Altman or OpenAI but both have confirmed they were the targets of the attack. No injuries were reported.

When Moreno-Gama was arrested Friday, officials found a document on him in which he "identified views opposed to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the executives of various AI companies," court documents say. The document discussed AI's purported risk to humanity and "our impending extinction," according to the criminal complaint. Authorities allege Moreno-Gama traveled from his home in Texas to San Francisco and visited Altman's home early Friday morning.

"We are only at the beginning of this investigation, but if the evidence shows that Mr. Moreno-Gama executed these attacks to change public policy or to coerce government and other officials, we will treat this as an act of domestic terrorism and together with our law enforcement partners prosecute him to the fullest extent allowed by law," US Attorney Craig Missakian said in a statement, per Reuters.

The document in which Moreno-Gama discussed his opposition to AI also made threats against Altman, officials said. "Also if I am going to advocate for others to kill and commit crimes, then I must lead by example and show that I am fully sincere in my message," Moreno-Gama is alleged by authorities to have written in the document.

Advocacy groups that have issued grave warnings about AI's risks to society condemned the violence. PauseAI said in a statement that the suspect had no role in the group but joined its forum on the social media platform Discord about two years ago and posted about 34 messages there, none containing explicit calls to violence but one that was flagged as "ambiguous." Discord said Monday that it has banned Moreno-Gama for "off-platform behavior."
Democratic candidates in key races are moving quickly to distance themselves not just from Rep. Eric Swalwell after his resignation from Congress over sexual misconduct allegations, but from his money. At least a dozen Democrats in high-profile House and Senate contests said they will give away campaign donations they received from Swalwell or his Remedy PAC, Politico reports. "Given the seriousness of the allegations made against him, I am not comfortable with this," California House candidate Dave Min said in a post, "so I have donated this contribution to Waymakers, an Orange County non-profit that assists survivors of sexual assault."

Swalwell, once a prolific donor to battleground Democrats and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, also dropped his candidacy for California governor this week. He has denied the allegations against him. Candidates rejected Swalwell's support, as well. "I no longer acknowledge the Congressman's endorsement and will be donating his campaign contributions to five charities across western Wisconsin providing food and shelter to Wisconsinites in need as prices continue to squeeze families across Wisconsin," said Wisconsin House candidate Rebecca Cooke, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She said the donations total $5,000.

Others redirecting money to charities include Maine House candidate Jordan Wood and North Carolina Senate candidate Roy Cooper, whose campaign said it donated $1,000 from Remedy PAC to the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Ohio Democrat Sherrod Brown's campaign said he gave $1,000 from Remedy to a domestic violence shelter, per Politico. Beneficiaries planning similar moves include Reps. Haley Stevens, Angie Craig, Dan Goldman, and candidates Yassamin Ansari, George Whitesides, Derek Tran, and Adam Gray.
Prince Harry and wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have touched down in Australia for a four-day swing that blends charity visits with high-priced speaking gigsand no public walkabouts, the BBC reports. Now private citizens rather than working royals, the Sussexes will visit a children's hospital, meet veterans and families, and speak with survivors of domestic abuse in Melbourne, Canberra, and Sydney.

The commercial side is drawing scrutiny. Harry is set to deliver a keynote at Melbourne's InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit, where tickets run up to about $1,700 USD, while Meghan will headline an "in-person conversation" at a women-only "girls' weekend" at a luxury Sydney hotel, with packages costing up to almost $2,300. Their appearance fees haven't been disclosed, and it's unclear if Australian taxpayers will cover any policing costs, though authorities in Victoria and New South Wales say they'll deploy officers for security. Though the couple has described the visit as privately funded, the question of security costs is raising scrutiny, the AP reports. So, too, are those aforementioned appearance fees; Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper described the visit as a "faux royal tour to shore up Brand Sussex." Meghan will indeed be promoting her lifestyle brand while there, the Guardian reports.

The couple, who last visited Australia in 2018 on an official visit and greeted large crowds, have opted against public meet-and-greets this time, saying they want to limit disruption. (It was during that 2018 visit that Meghan announced her first pregnancy; their two children are not with them on this trip.) The trip comes as Harry contests the downgrading of his security arrangements in the UK and after news he is being sued for defamation by Sentebale, the charity he co-founded.
Italy's prime minister just put daylight between herself and US President Trump over his feud with the American pope, the BBC reports. Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday called Trump's broadside against Pope Leo XIV "unacceptable," saying it was "right and normal" for the head of the Catholic Church to plead for peace and denounce war. The rebuke is notable: Meloni, a Catholic who leads a right-wing coalition, is one of Trump's closest allies in Europe and had faced criticism at home for staying silent. ( This isn't the first time recently that she's distanced herself from Trump, however.) Coalition partner Matteo Salvini also distanced himself from Trump, saying attacking the pontiff "doesn't seem like a useful or intelligent thing to do."

Trump labeled the pope "weak on crime," "very liberal," and soft on Iran, and suggested Leo was elevated in part to handle his administrationadding, "If I wasn't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican." The clash stems from Leo's strong opposition to the Iran war and to Trump's threat last week that "a whole civilization will die tonight," which the pope called "truly unacceptable." Traveling in Africa, Leo declined to trade barbs, saying he has "no fear" of the US administration and will keep pushing a gospel message of peace. As for Trump, he doubled down on his doubling downafter telling reporters at the White House that he wouldn't apologize to the pontiff, the POTUS spoke to CBS News and confirmed he had no plans to reach out to Pope Leo. "He's wrong on the issues," he said. "I don't think he should be getting into politics. I think he probably learned that from this."

He also claimed he's "done more for the Catholic Church than any president in the last hundred years," adding, "During COVID I gave them billions of dollars. They were gonna go under. I gave them billions of dollars for education and that's not the right way to treat somebody that's been so good." The AP reports that while a majority of US Catholic voters voted for Trump in 2024, many Catholics were speaking out in dismay against Trump's criticism of Leo. Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, said on the matter: "I certainly think that in some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality, to stick to matters of what's going on with the Catholic church, and let the president of the United States stick to dictating American public policy."
A man who lost his son in a December house fire has been charged with shooting the teenage son of a man he believed "for some reason" was involved in setting the blaze, authorities say. Prosecutors say 61-year-old Gyaw Way of St. Paul critically injured the 17-year-old on April 7 in apparent revenge, despite officials having ruled the fire that killed 29-year-old Ka Taw Htoo was accidental, likely caused by a space heater igniting bedding, per the St. Paul Pioneer Press . According to the criminal complaint, Way had been overseas at the time of the blaze but came to believe the teen's fathera disabled man he once served as caretakerwas somehow involved.

Police say Way lured the man to a home by offering to repay a loan. The man's son drove him, and Way allegedly got into the car with both men before shooting the teen once in the chest without speaking. Authorities say the father was "shocked" but unable to render aid as his son was screaming in pain, per KARE11 and the Pioneer Press. The boy's injuries, including damage to his liver and lung, were initially described as life-threatening, though he's expected to survive. Officers say Way appeared intoxicated and, during his arrest, said "sorry," "baby die," and "no accident." His 26-year-old son is accused of hiding the gun and is charged with aiding an offender. A judge has ordered a mental health evaluation for Way, who faces a first-degree assault charge.
Washington may be trying to slow China's AI march, but Sebastian Mallaby argues in the New York Times that the race is already a dead heatand US chip export bans are the wrong battlefield. After a reporting trip through Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou, Mallaby says Chinese firms have sidestepped US controls by renting foreign data-center capacity, stacking older chips, and quickly copying advances from US labs. The result: Chinese models trail American ones by only months, and China may actually be ahead in industrial uses, from mining operations to rail maintenance and even slick self-driving cars.
Parents who tracked their teenager's phone to an unfamiliar house ended up triggering a criminal case against his math teacher, authorities in Florida say. Brevard County deputies arrested 37-year-old Kirsten Rose, a Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School teacher, accusing her of having a sexual relationship with a male student, per Fox News . The investigation began in March after the student's parents, suspicious about his late nights and vague explanations, used location services to find him at a home they didn't recognize. The teen first claimed he had been with a girlfriend, then allegedly admitted he was involved with his teacher.

Detectives say Rose and the student began privately messaging on Instagram in November and that the relationship became sexual in February, continuing into March. Arrested Friday on five counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, plus lewd and indecent exposure charges involving a student by an authority figure, Rose's bond was set at $300,000 before her release on Saturday, per Florida Today. The sheriff's office says the investigation is ongoing and is asking anyone with additional information to contact its Special Victims Unit. In a statement, the school principal said Rose was on administrative leave.
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Apr 18, 2026 8:10 AM CDT

Consumer advocates, politicians, and competitors aren't the only ones opposed to a huge American-United Airline mergerso, apparently, is American. The Wall Street Journal reports that, despite United CEO Scott Kirby's overtures to such a deal, its rival isn't on board. "American Airlines is not engaged with or interested in any discussions regarding a merger with United Airlines," the former company said of the latter in a Friday statement. American noted such a move would be unfair to consumers and competitors, adding it would be "therefore inconsistent with our understanding of ... principles of antitrust law." The New York Times notes that, thanks to a trio of big mergers within the past couple of decades, four airlinesUnited, American, Delta, and Southwestnow lord over the air industry, controlling two-thirds of the market.

Apr 14, 2026 5:55 AM CDT

United's CEO is reportedly thinking bigso big it would redraw the global airline map. Bloomberg reports that Scott Kirby has privately floated the idea of combining United Airlines with rival American Airlines to senior US officials, according to people familiar with the talks. There's no indication that a formal process has begun, and both carriers declined comment. News of the pitch lifted American's shares in premarket trading and nudged United's higher as well. A merger would create the world's largest airline, with more than $100 billion in annual revenue and a fleet topping 2,800 planes, but such a deal would face steep antitrust hurdles and resistance from consumer advocates, politicians, and competitors.
There is no rest for the weary checkbook of billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott , who is at it again with a $70 million check to Meals on Wheels America, reports Fortune . The national network, which delivers food, check-ins, and companionship to more than 2 million older and homebound Americans a year, says the unrestricted gift arrives as about a third of its local programs have waitlists, with seniors typically waiting four months for services.

Meals on Wheels says Scott's money will go toward boosting long-term capacity across its roughly 5,000 community-based programs rather than being tied to a single project, in keeping with her "trust-based" approach. "We will steward the investment thoughtfully and responsibly to help generate economies of scale and impact that strengthen the capacity of local providers so they can reach more older adults with meals, connection, and care," says Kristine Templin, chief development officer at Meals on Wheels America. "Ultimately, success means more seniors are able to access the support they need to live more nourished, independent, and healthy lives."

The former Amazon executive and ex-wife of Jeff Bezos has now given away about $26 billion through her Yield Giving foundation, including more than $1 billion to historically Black colleges and universities, reports Fortune. She's also given hundreds of millions for housing through Habitat for Humanity and sizable gifts to climate and youth organizations.
Vice President JD Vance is drawing a line between the Vatican and the White House. In a Fox News interview on Monday, the nation's highest-ranking Catholic said that Pope Leo XIV should largely steer clear of American politics, suggesting the pontiff "stick to matters of morality" and internal church affairs, while President Trump handles US policy, per the New York Times . Vance, a Catholic convert with a forthcoming book on his faith, downplayed widespread Christian criticism of Trump's recent social-media barrage against Leo , in which the president labeled the pope "weak on crime." The comments land amid deep tension between the Trump administration and Catholic leaders, who've condemned mass deportations and framed the US war with Iran as unjust and the US government's messaging around it as "dehumanizing."

Leo, an outspoken critic of the war, said Monday that he has "no fear of the Trump administration" and will keep speaking out. Vance called disagreements with the pope "totally reasonable" but emphasized that Catholics need only accept papal authority on church matters, not politicsechoing John F. Kennedy's 1960 pledge not to take policy instructions from Rome. Vance also defended Trump's since-deleted AI-generated image casting himself in a Jesus-like pose as "a joke" that many misunderstood. Trump, meanwhile, has said that he won't be apologizing to the pope, per the AP. "He went public," the president said of Leo. "I'm just responding."
A former student opened fire at a high school in southeastern Turkey on Tuesday, wounding at least 16 people before killing himself, an official said. The 18-year-old attacker, armed with a shotgun, fired randomly inside a vocational high school in Siverek, Sanliurfa province, reports the AP . He later killed himself with the same shotgun after being "cornered by police," Gov. Hasan Sildak said. The attack left 10 students, four teachers, a canteen employee, and a police officer hurt, Sildak said. While most of them were being treated in Siverek, five of the teachers and students were transferred to a hospital in the provincial capital because their conditions were more serious, the governor said. The motive for the attack remains unclear. School shootings are rare in Turkey.

The attacker did not have a criminal record, Sildak said. The school had been declared safe and no permanent police officer had been assigned to protect it, he added, calling the shooting an "isolated incident." NTV television and other media reports said the assailant had threatened an attack on the school on social media prior to the shooting. One student told the state-run Anadolu Agency that he and a friend jumped out of their classroom window to flee the attacker. "He suddenly entered the classroom and fired. He fired four or five times. Two people were hit. He then went into the next classroom," Anadolu quoted Omer Furkan Sayar as saying. "We first threw ourselves to the ground and then two of us jumped out of the window." Sayar continued: "He didn't say anything, he entered and started to shoot directly."

Earlier, media reports said all students were evacuated and police special operations units were deployed after the assailant refused to surrender. "The individual was cornered inside the building through police intervention and died after shooting himself," Sildak told reporters, adding that a "comprehensive" investigation into the shooting would be carried out. Video footage showed dozens of students running out of the school toward the gate and onto the street.
A Harvard budget expert is warning that the Iran conflict may carry a far bigger price tag than Washington is admitting. While the Pentagon put the first six days of the joint US-Israeli campaign at $11.3 billion, Harvard Kennedy School professor Linda Bilmes says the real tally is closer to $16 billionand that total war costs could ultimately hit $1 trillion, reports CNBC. Her analysis, released just before the ceasefire was announced, estimates about $2 billion in daily upfront spending over 40 days of fighting, with additional pressure from the loss of military assets (like fighter jets) and the high cost of replacing modern weapons. Of course, the United States isn't the only one going to the bank: Haaretz reports that Israel's finance ministry says it has dropped $11.5 billion in its activities in Iran and Lebanon, and the defense ministry is seeking billions more.
A South Korean court has handed a 90-year-old woman a one-year prison term for helping her son move suspected drug money, a case that has drawn attention for the defendant's age as well as the crime, reports the BBC . The woman, whose name was not released, was found to have received roughly $261,000 over nine transfers between April 2020 and February 2022, then passed the money into an account specified by her son, identified only as Song. "The defendant accepted illegal proceeds while being aware of circumstances indicating their connection to drug-related offenses," Judge Wi Eun-suk said, per the Straits Times .

Song has been jailed in Cambodia since 2020 for smuggling methamphetamine there. The Incheon court said her multiple trips to Cambodia in 2019 and her awareness of his detention meant she should have known the cash was criminal in origin. Wi said her actions hindered efforts to track illegal profits and aided the spread of narcotics, calling the crime "particularly serious," though the court factored in her age and clean record when setting the sentence. Authorities in South Korea are seeking Song's extradition. His daughter was separately tried over more than $408,000 in alleged drug proceeds but was acquitted due to a lack of proof she knew the money was tied to trafficking.
France's top anti-terror court has delivered a landmark ruling against cement giant Lafarge, finding the company guilty of bankrolling armed groups in Syria to keep a lucrative plant running. Judges in Paris said Lafarge and eight former executives, including ex-CEO Bruno Lafont, paid at least $6.36 million to ISIS and the al-Nusra Front in 2013-2014, in violation of EU sanctions. Lafarge was fined $1.32 million, had $35.4 million in assets seized, and faces an additional penalty over sanctions breaches, reports Al Jazeera. Lafont was sentenced to six years in prison and plans to appeal. "This method of financing terrorist organizations, and primarily (ISIS), was essential in enabling the terrorist organization to gain control of Syria's natural resources, allowing it to finance terrorist acts within the region and those planned abroad, particularly in Europe," judge Isabelle Prevost-Desprez said, per the Guardian.
A former Chicago prosecutor who embraced the "lock 'em up" ethos of the 1970s now says he helped build something that has gone too far. In a New York Times opinion piece, Algis Baliunas reflects on his years in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, when long sentences were seen as public-safety tools. He writes, however, that time and data have undercut that belief. The US prison population has exploded from about 200,000 to more than a million, with a fast-growing share of elderly inmates who statistically pose little risk of reoffending.
The woman once known worldwide as "Baby Jessica" is back in the headlines, this time in a Texas arrest report. Authorities in Midland County say Jessica McClure Morales, now 40, was taken into custody Saturday night following a domestic disturbance at her home, reports YourBasin.com . She's charged with assault causing bodily injury involving family violence, according to arrest records. Deputies responded to a residence just before 10pm, per KTAL , but authorities have not yet detailed what allegedly occurred.

Morales was later released from the county detention center after posting bond. "Baby Jessica" became a household name in 1987, when, at 18 months old, she fell into an abandoned well in Midland and was rescued after nearly 60 hours in an operation that drew global attention. Morales received a $1.2 million trust fund from donors afterward, but says much of it was lost in the stock market crash of 2008. She and her husband have two grown children, per People.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney secured a majority government with special election wins Monday night, allowing his Liberals to pass legislation without the support of opposition parties. Voters cast ballots for three vacant seats of the 343 districts represented in Parliament. In Toronto, Liberal candidate Danielle Martin won the election for the district of University Rosedale and Liberal Doly Begum won the district of Scarborough Southwest, the AP reports.

The Liberal Party could stay in power until 2029 after Monday's results. Carney won Canada's election last year, fueled by public anger over President Trump's annexation threats, and he has vowed to reduce Canada's reliance on the US. Since then, five defections from opposition parties, including four from the main opposition Conservative party, put Carney's Liberals on the cusp of a majority.

One of those defectors referenced Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, as helping in his decision. In that speech, Carney condemned economic coercion by great powers against smaller countries and received widespread praise for his remarks.

Carney, the former head of the Bank of England as well as Canada's central bank, has moved the Liberals to the center-right since replacing Justin Trudeau as prime minister in 2025.

The Liberals have been the ruling party since 2015, but they led minority governments from 2019 until now. The majority means they can pass long-stalled legislation. The party now holds 174 of 343 seats, the Guardian reports. The Conservatives have 140 seats, the Bloc Quebecois 22, the New Democratic Party six, and the Green Party one.

On X, Carney congratulated the candidates. "This is a time to come together so we can build a Canada strong for all," he said, pledging that the Liberals would continue to work with other parties. He tells the CBC that the wins show the majority wasn't achieved solely by defections from other parties. "I think, very clearly, Canadians want the government to govern," he says.

"Trump gave rise to Carney and his unique talents," political adviser Scott Reid told the Guardian before the election results came in. "Now, we're watching another effect of Trump on our politics: a desire for stability. The perception is Carney is a wartime leader. And in so many respects, what we're watching is the quietest assembly of a union government we've ever witnessed."

The Liberal majority and the recent defections are another blow to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who lost the previous national election last year and even his own seat. He has since rejoined Parliament. Poilievre won a party leadership review earlier this year, but continues to have problems controlling his lawmakers.
President Trump's attacks on the first American pope could spell trouble for his party in the midterm elections. The president's public shots at Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war have drawn rare, broad condemnation from Catholic bishops, activists, and lay leaders, who call his comments "disrespectful" and "immature." Strategists in both parties say the clash risks alienating white Catholic voters in Rust Belt states and key Latino Catholic communities in Arizona and South Texasconstituencies Republicans need to keep control of Congress, the New York Times reports.

"You really don't want to do some unforced errors like this," said Joshua Mercer, co-founder of Catholic Vote, which helped turn out Catholic support for Trump in 2024. Leo has criticized Trump's decision to go to war with Iran, framing it as a moral and humanitarian issue. Trump has hit back repeatedly, refusing to apologize and saying of the pope, "He's wrong." On Sunday, Trump accused Leo of being "terrible on foreign policy" and "weak on crime." On Wednesday, the president said Leo "shouldn't be talking about war, because he has no idea what's going on," the Times of London reports.

"It doesn't make sense politically for Trump to be attacking the pope, especially when the Catholic vote was the difference between 2020 and 2024, so I don't understand why he would, in my opinion, gratuitously attack the leader of 1.4 billion Catholics," Ashley McGuire, senior fellow with the Catholic Association, tells the Hill. "President Trump was treating him like a political rival, and he's just not." John Yep, president of the conservative Catholics for Catholics organization, tells the New York Times that he is "saddened" by Trump's rhetoric. "We really look for ... which candidates are the best to represent our Catholic values, so it's incumbent upon the president to really realize that this needs to be addressed," he says.

Republican officials are mostly dodging the controversy. Vice President JD Vance suggested the Vatican should "stick to matters of morality," while other Catholic figures in the administration have stayed quiet. Some hardline Trump allies, including Steve Bannon, insist the confrontation is good politics, arguing that blasting a "globalist" Vatican will fire up the MAGA base and that conservative Catholics will side with Trump on issues like immigration. But polls suggest Leo is significantly more popular than Trump, and critics warn that the president's target is "our American pope"a figure many Catholic voters are proud of, and one they may remember in the voting booth.
A California congressman under intense scrutiny is now facing another serious accusation. At a Tuesday press conference, software entrepreneur Lonna Drewes alleged that Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell drugged, raped, and choked her until she lost consciousness during a 2018 encounter in a Los Angelesarea hotel room, NBC News reports. "He raped me, and he choked me," she said, adding that she believed she had died. Drewes said the pair had met several times, describing the first two interactions as cordial and focused on his purported help with business contacts. She said that in their third encounter, he persuaded her to go to his hotel room under the pretense of retrieving paperwork before a political event.

"I believe he drugged my drink. I only had one glass of wine," Drewes said, per the Guardian. "When I arrived at his hotel room, I was already incapacitated and I couldn't move my arms or my body. He raped me and he choked me and while he was choking me, I lost consciousness and I thought I died."

Drews said she "would never have engaged in a consensual sexual encounter" with Swalwell. She did not report the incident to police at the time but said she documented it in a calendar, told those close to her, and later discussed it in therapy at a sexual assault center. She said she didn't come forward earlier out of "fear of his political power, his background as an attorney, and his family law enforcement ties," NBC reports.

Her attorney, Lisa Bloom, said they will immediately file a report in Los Angeles and that Drewes "is committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement." Swalwell, who has previously labeled sexual assault claims against him "flat false," announced Monday he will resign from Congress amid mounting allegations. A day earlier, he suspended his campaign for California governor. The Manhattan district attorney's office is investigating allegations that Swalwell sexually assaulted a former staffer in a New York City hotel room in 2024.
Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore was placed on probation Tuesday for 18 months for a confrontation with his executive assistant soon after he was fired for having an inappropriate relationship with her. Moore was facing a possible sentence of up to six months in jail after pleading no contest to trespassing and malicious use of a telecom device, the AP reports. But Judge J. Cedric Simpson ordered no time in custody. He said jail wasn't warranted, though he warned Moore that "all bets are off" if he violates probation.

Moore was accused that same day of confronting Paige Shiver, with whom he had been having an affair, and blaming her for his firing, even threatening to kill himself with butter knives and kitchen scissors in her apartment. Authorities said she had ended the affair and spoken to school officials about it. By ordering probation, "I would let Ms. Shiver know that this court is not by any means lessening the impact of those events," the judge said. "Frankly, Mr. Moore, you had no right to do what you did," he added. "I know that she was placed in fear. It was a traumatic experience that day for you. It was certainly a traumatic experience for her. But you had no right to spread your pain to her."

Shiver did not attend the hearing but released a statement, saying the sentence "does not reflect the harm done to me." "He broke into my apartment, crying, yelling, enraged, and came at me with knives. I was threatened, and I feared for my life," she said. Moore was initially charged with felony home invasion, stalking, and illegal entry. But Washtenaw County prosecutors agreed to a deal in which he pleaded no contest to two other misdemeanors. Moore spoke briefly in court. He thanked his wife, Kelli, for standing by him but did not say anything about Shiver.

The judge, too, praised Kelli Moore. Simpson said he was especially moved by a letter she wrote in support of her husband. He also noted that she was concerned about Moore's mental health when she calmly called police on the day of the incident in search of him. "The person, quite frankly Mr. Moore, that is saving you from the full wrath of this court is the one you betrayed," Simpson said. "I don't know where your wife Kelli finds her strength."

The judge also cited the "courage" of prosecutors "in doing what is right" by backing off from the initial charges.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High around 55F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 29F. SW winds shifting to SE at 10 to 15 mph.
Fairbanks, AK (99701)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High 56F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Low 29F. SW winds shifting to SE at 10 to 15 mph.
IKEA Family members can enter for a chance to win one of three $500 IKEA gift cards to enhance their fridge foodstorage solutions



BURLINGTON, ON, April 14, 2026 /CNW/ - Across Canada, fridges are overflowing with good intentions: misplaced leftovers, hidden produce, takeout containers stacked in corners, and condiments that seem to multiply on their own. Fridge chaos is a universal reality, and for many households, it's one of the biggest drivers of food waste in Canada. With busy schedules and crowded shelves, it's easy to lose track of what's hiding in the back. These everyday moments quietly add up, contributing to the majority of food waste that happens at home. IKEA Canada is committed to helping Canadians reduce food waste with practical, affordable, and sustainable solutions.

IKEA is helping Canadians transform fridge frustration into foodsaving inspiration with thoughtfully designed storage solutions that make it easier to see, store, and keep food fresh. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

To help tackle these everyday fridge challenges in a fun and practical way, IKEA Canada is launching a Fridge Refresh Contest, running April 1421, 2026, exclusively for IKEA Family members  its free loyalty program that offers benefits, rewards and inspiration to help Canadians make the most of their homes. By visiting IKEA.ca/FridgeRefresh Family members can complete a short trueorfalse quiz for a chance to win one of three $500 IKEA gift cards.

Food waste at home often isn't intentional. It's usually the result of limited visibility, lack of organization and the everyday juggle of real life. While food that's never eaten generates 810% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the latest data from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), reducing waste doesn't require perfection  it simply requires better systems.

"Canadians are juggling a lot, and food waste often happens quietly in the background," said Peter Jones, Head of Sustainability, IKEA Canada. "Small changes in how we store and organize food can help households dramatically cut waste without adding extra stress. At IKEA Canada, we're committed to making these sustainable actions affordable, practical and easy to build into daily routines, because progress starts at home."

A few small changes can make a meaningful difference. Simple habits like using transparent containers, grouping similar items together, freezing leftovers in airtight solutions or adding simple labels to track dates can help food stay fresher for longer, make ingredients easier to spot and prevent accidental waste. When food is easier to see, it's easier to use. Airtight containers help keep things fresh, and reusable formats support lowwaste habits.

For decades, IKEA has focused on designing foodstorage solutions that make life easier for the many people. Transparent, stackable containers such as IKEA 365+ or HAVSTOBIS improve visibility and maximize fridge space. Their modular formats adapt as household needs evolve, and durable, reusable materials help reduce reliance on disposable wraps and bags. It's thoughtful, practical design made for real life, where a fridge might be filled with meal prep one week and holiday leftovers the next.

From April 1619, 2026, IKEA Family members will also enjoy 20% off IKEA 365+ foodstorage products, making it easier and even more affordable to keep food fresh and cut down on waste.

With rising grocery costs, Canadians don't need guilt  they need solutions that fit naturally into their routines. When the right tools are easy to reach for, it becomes simpler to use what's already in the fridge, and people are far more likely to stick with the habit. The result is less food wasted and more money saved  good for households and good for the planet.

IKEA is helping Canadians transform fridge frustration into foodsaving inspiration with thoughtfully designed storage solutions that make it easier to see, store, and keep food fresh.

For more information or to enter the contest, visit IKEA.ca/FridgeRefresh.

ABOUT IKEA CANADA

Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 574 IKEA stores in 31 countries, including 15 stores and 11 Plan and order points in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 33.3 million visitors to its stores and 199.9 million visitors to IKEA.ca. IKEA Canada operates business through the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people and does so through its local community efforts and sustainability initiatives. For more information on IKEA Canada, please visit IKEA.ca.

SOURCE IKEA Canada Limited Partnership

For media inquiries: Marisa Ferreira, Communications Business Partner, IKEA Canada, [email protected]
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visit the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP) Jonathan Brady/AP Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, meets a young child during a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP) Jonathan Brady/AP Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visit the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP) Jonathan Brady/AP Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, meets patient Hamish on the Adolescent Oncology and Rehabilitation ward during a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP) Jonathan Brady/AP Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, meet patients and their family members during a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP) Jonathan Brady/AP

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday for their first Australian visit since their official royal tour in 2018.

The lower-key four-day Australian visit comes after the couple announced in 2020 they planned to step back as senior royals and to become financially independent in their Californian base.

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The Sussexes describe their visit as privately funded, and they flew to Melbourne business class from Los Angeles on a commercial Qantas Airways flight. But there have been public complaints about the added security costs for police agencies as the couple visits Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.

The cost of security explains why the couple wont be greeted by thousands of people at public events as they were during their 16-day tour as newlyweds in 2018 to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.

The couples children Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, are not traveling with them. Meghan announced she was pregnant with their first child while she was in Sydney in 2018.

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Melbournes Herald Sun newspaper descried the latest visit as a faux royal tour to shore up Brand Sussex.

There have been criticisms of the couple attending paid ticketed events while in Australia.

The Sussexes reject criticisms that the visit is a publicity tour.

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The program is rooted in long-standing areas of work for the Duke and the Duchess, with a clear focus on amplifying organizations delivering measurable impact. The visit prioritises listening, learning and supporting communities rather than promotion, the Sussexes' office said in a statement.

There were also a small number of private engagements to support broader commercial, charitable and commercial objectives, the statement said.

Afua Hagan, a media commentator on the British royal family, said the news media typically portrayed the Sussexes as villains.

This is a privately funded trip. To pay for that, theyre going to have to have some commercial interest, Hagan told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

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If they didnt have commercial interest, the problem would be: Oh my goodness, these people are leeching off the Royal Family and the taxpayers whether or not theyre making their own money. How dare they make their own money. They cant do right for doing wrong, Hagan added.

Giselle Bastin, a Flinders University expert on the British royals, said the Sussexes decision to use their titles to pursue private interests will be perceived by many as a conflict of interest.

Its well known that the Sussexes are in dire need of income and so a staging of a quasi-royal tour to Australia is being regarded as a rather desperate attempt to monetise their status as royalty, she said.

Their first public engagement was at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital. Harry's grandmother Queen Elizabeth II opened the facility in 1963 and his parents, Princess Diana and the then-Prince Charles, visited in 1985.

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The Sussexes shook hands with dozens of well-wishers and were filmed by hundreds of onlookers' phones as they entered the hospital foyer.

When asked by a reporter what he looked forward to most about his Australian visit, Harry replied: Everything.

It's good to be back, he added.

Also in Melbourne, Meghan is scheduled to visit a womens shelter and Harry a veterans art museum.

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Harry will visit the Australian War Memorial in the national capital, Canberra. The couple will join an Invictus Australia sailing event on Sydney Harbor.
Stephen Schwartz at the 2026 AFI Awards held at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills on January 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images

A famous Connecticut composer will be taking guests at the Ridgefield Theater Barn through the highlights of his career.

Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz will perform on April 25, the venue announced in a news release. Schwartz helped create the music for notable Broadway works like Wicked, Pippin and Godspell.

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The event will feature live performances of songs from Schwartz's works as well as him sharing personal stories. Schwartz will be joined by Paul Shaffer, who is a musician who worked as the musical director for "The Late Show with David Letterman." Schwartz also worked with Shaffer on "Godspell."

This is a rare opportunity to experience the music and stories behind some of Broadways most iconic shows in an intimate setting, Pamela Jones, executive director of The Ridgefield Theater Barn said in a news release. We are thrilled to welcome Stephen Schwartz and Paul Shaffer to our stage for what promises to be a truly special night.

Schwartz has lived in Connecticut since 1971 and has had a home in Ridgefield since 1974, he told Connecticut Magazine in 2009. He also said that during May and October, theres nowhere else hed rather be in the world than Connecticut. He has been recognized with three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards (and 17 nominations) and a Golden Globe Award. He has also been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Theater Hall of Fame.

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Before the performance, cocktails and light food will be served.

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Tickets for the show are on sale for $250.




Ben and Jerry's co-founder Ben Cohen speaks during an interview about his Free the Cone Day campaign, asking supporters to help restore the company's independence and protect its social mission on Free Cone Day in Burlington, Vt., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Amanda Swinhart/AP Bettina Guevara poses for a photo with her free serving of ice cream outside the Ben and Jerry's scoop shop on Free Cone Day in Burlington, Vt., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Amanda Swinhart/AP A dog named Pearl eats a serving of free ice cream outside the Ben and Jerry's scoop shop on Free Cone Day in Burlington, Vt., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Amanda Swinhart/AP Bettina Guevara holds her free serving of ice cream outside the Ben and Jerry's scoop shop on Free Cone Day in Burlington, Vt., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Amanda Swinhart/AP People eat ice cream outside the Ben and Jerry's scoop shop on Free Cone Day on Free Cone Day in Burlington, Vt., Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Amanda Swinhart/AP

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP)  As Ben & Jerrys celebrated its annual Free Cone Day on Tuesday, one of the brands co-founders was focused on a different sort of freedom.

On the corner where his first ice cream shop opened in 1978  and where the first Free Cone Day was held a year later  Ben Cohen called on Ben & Jerrys owner The Magnum Ice Cream Co. to sell the brand. Cohen said Magnum is stifling Ben & Jerry's social activism and he wants to see the brand sold to a group of socially-minded investors.

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Magnum prevented Ben & Jerrys from putting out a post supporting Black History Month," Cohen said. "(Ben & Jerry's) wanted to come out with a post calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Magnum prevented that. We wanted to support the student protesters. Magnum wouldnt allow that.

The longer this goes on, the more theyre destroying the brand equity, Cohen added.

Ben & Jerry's other half, Jerry Greenfield, resigned from the company in September 2025, calling it a painful decision after nearly 50 years with the brand and bemoaning in his resignation letter the disappearance of its independence. Cohen is still a paid employee of the company, but said he has no authority or responsibilities.

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Cohen believes Ben & Jerry's is now worth between $1.5 billion and $2 billion. He wouldn't name any of the investors who are interested in buying the brand, but said they're eager to talk to Magnum, which is based in Amsterdam.

However, Magnum said Tuesday that Ben & Jerry's is not for sale.

Ben & Jerrys is a proud and thriving part of The Magnum Ice Cream Company," Magnum said in a statement. We remain fully committed to the Ben & Jerrys model and its three-part mission  product, economic and social.

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Tuesday's protest was Cohens latest action in a years-long campaign to make Ben & Jerrys an independent company again. Here's the scoop on Ben & Jerry's evolution:

Unilever acquisition

Unilever, a London conglomerate that also owns Dove soap and Hellmanns mayonnaise, acquired Ben & Jerrys in 2000 for $326 million, or the equivalent of $625 million today. At the time, Cohen and his co-founder, Jerry Greenfield, said the partnership would help the progressive Vermont-based ice cream company expand its social mission globally. As part of the deal, Unilever agreed that Ben & Jerrys independent board would be free to pursue its social mission, including longstanding support for causes like racial justice, campaign finance reform and fair trade.

Controversy erupts

In 2021, Ben & Jerrys announced it would stop serving Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and contested east Jerusalem. The move was condemned by Israel, and Unilever distanced itself from it. The following year, Unilever sold its Israeli business to a local company that said it would sell Ben & Jerrys throughout Israel and the West Bank. Ben & Jerrys sued Unilever in 2024, accusing it of silencing its statements in support of Palestinians in the Gaza war. Ben & Jerrys said Unilever also blocked social media posts that were critical of President Donald Trump and threatened to dismantle Ben & Jerrys independent board.

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Magnum takes over
Claire Hill Road in Burlington April 9, 2026. A Massachusetts woman was found dead in a house on the street last month. The same house was the scene of domestic violence in November 2025, according to an arrest warrant. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

BURLINGTON  A man who lives in the house where a 26-year-old Massachusetts woman was found dead last month was arrested in November after a person he met online told police he hit and threatened to kill her, according to the warrant for his arrest.

Cole Werhan was taking pills and drinking a large amount of alcohol when the woman first met him at his house on Claire Hill Road, kept her from leaving and threatened to kill himself, the woman told police, the warrant said.

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It remains unclear whether the woman in the complaint is the same person found dead at the house March 29. Since she is a victim of an alleged crime, the woman's name does not appear in the warrant  which is labeled "family violence." There is no distinction between family violence and intimate partner violence under state law.

Connecticut State Police have not announced any arrests in what they described as the "suspicious" death of Janina Brooke Murphy. More investigation is needed before authorities can determine precisely what caused Murphy's death, staff at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Tuesday.

Police have not released more information about the circumstances of her death.

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Werhan was arrested Nov. 20 in the family violence case. He is charged with third-degree assault, second-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree threatening, second-degree breach of peace and disorderly conduct.

Werhan appeared briefly Friday before a judge on the charges in state Superior Court in Torrington, where the case was continued to April 17. He declined to comment outside the courtroom.

According to the warrant in the assault case, the woman met Werhan on the Bumble dating app around Nov. 2, matched based on their profiles, she told police.

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They began messaging each other on the app for a few hours that night and then started texting each other about 12 hours a day, the warrant said. She said Werhan told her he didnt have to work because of his investments, but that he did some freelancing in graphic design, it said.

The woman also told police Werhan already was love bombing her, saying he loved her and that he wanted to date her and have her move in with him, even though they hadnt met in person.

He was upset that I was not ready to move that fast, she said, according to the warrant. She told Werhan she did not have a timeline on that type of stuff but eventually agreed to meet him Nov. 10, a little more than a week after they met online, the warrant said.

She arrived at his house around 6 p.m. that day and planned to stay that night and the next, according to the warrant.

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Things went well at first, she told police, but on the second day she began to become concerned about his drinking and prescription drug use, the warrant said.

At one point, his phone stopped working and he became upset, she said, adding that he continued drinking and began making remarks about killing himself and wanting to overdose, according to the warrant.

This continued for about three hours and I just kept trying to calm him, she told police. Around 8:30 or 9 p.m. Cole started to say things like I was disrespecting him and he was making no sense. He had finished about 10 White Claws at this point, plus the Twisted Tea, the warrant said.

He earlier had told her that if he were to black out she should leave, so she decided she should go, but Werhan tried to convince her to stay, she said, according to the warrant. He cursed at her and accused her of not caring about his feelings, and when she grabbed her cellphone charger he ripped it out of my hands and threw it, the warrant said.

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He then told her to leave but blocked the bedroom doorway and slapped her in the face, it said.

This knocked me over onto the bed and my ears began to ring and my vision blurred. I turned to look at him and he said that I was not going anywhere, she told police, according to the warrant.

It said Werhan then told her: Now you have given me something I have always wanted to do, I am going to kill you.

He told her to show him her phone so he could make sure she was not calling the police, and the woman reassured him that she was not, the warrant said. He eventually sat on the bed next to her and apologized, she told police; he said he didnt intend for her to feel trapped, it said. She said she tried to assure him that when she left, they would still have a relationship, the warrant said.

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Of course, my only intention was to leave and never talk with him or see him again, the warrant said she told police.

When he finally agreed to let her leave, she walked behind him because she was afraid hed attack her from behind, the warrant said. He hugged her at the back door and continued to apologize, after which she walked quickly to her car and drove to the end of his long driveway, where she stopped, blocked him on her phone and turned off his access to information about her location, the warrant said. She then drove straight home, told her mother what had happened and reported it to police.

The woman shared with police a picture she had of Werhan, and they recognized him, according to the warrant.

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The Connecticut Medical Examining Board disciplined three physicians Tuesday including a doctor accused of slapping a female teen patient on the buttocks, documents said. Donato Fasano/Getty Images

The Connecticut Medical Examining Board disciplined three physicians on Tuesday, including a Norwich doctor accused of inappropriately touching a female teen patient.

As part of his discipline, Dr. Ravi Prakask, who has a license out of Norwich, is now required to have a third party in the room when examining patients, whether it be a patient's parent or guardian or a staff member. His license was reprimanded and he was placed on probation for six months, during which he must take three hours of courses in medical ethics and boundaries.

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Prakash was accused of sexual assault by a female teen patient and her mother after he allegedly slapped the girl's buttocks after completing his examination in May 2024, state Department of Public Health documents said. The teen and the mother both testified "credibly" during hearings on the complaint, a decision of memorandum approved by the board said.

Prakash told DPH investigators that he "inadvertently" touched the teen, the order said. But the girl's mother said that when she confronted him about the incident the next day, Prakash said that he "was playing." Prakash later told investigators that he was struggling for words when he responded to the mother and spoke inappropriately, the document said.

Board member Dr. Steven Wolf, who sat on the panel for the lengthy hearing of the allegations, said Prakash's actions were not "sexual" in nature but that he showed poor judgement. "It happened in front of the mother," Wolf said. "There was no attempt to conceal it."

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The Connecticut medical license of Dr. Frank Lee was also reprimanded by the board after he failed to notify officials in this state that he had been disciplined in Alabama, DPH documents said. Lee was disciplined in 2022 for practicing telemedicine in Alabama without a medical license in that state, the documents said. He was also disciplined in Texas in 2024 for the same issue, the documents said. But Lee failed to report to Connecticut officials that he had been disciplined in another state when he renewed his Connecticut medical license in 2025, according to the DPH.

A psychiatrist voluntarily also gave up her registration to prescribe drugs after she was accused of failing to provide the standard of care to patients from January 2016 to July 2021, DPH documents said. Dr. Janet Shapiro-Weiss didn't check the state's drug monitoring system when prescribing controlled substances, failed to document prescriptions and care, failed to refer patients to pain and addiction specialists and inappropriately prescribed methadone or Oxycontin, according to the DPH.

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The board approved issuing Shapiro-Weiss a $5,000 fine, reprimanding her license and revoking her ability to prescribe or dispense any type of drug for as long as she practiced psychiatry.
A man rides by a house damaged by fire in the 500 block of Elm Street in New Haven, Conn., Monday, October 7, 2024. The blaze left one person dead and nearly a dozen others displaced. The fire remains under investigation. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  A local landlord accused of dozens of housing violations at rental properties across New Haven has been criminally charged with violating the state building code, officials said on Monday.

Jianchao Xu, of Bethany, is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday morning in New Haven Housing Court on the misdemeanor charge, according to online court records and a news release shared by Mayor Justin Elicker.

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Elicker said the city also has revoked the residential rental licenses from all 21 of Xus properties and given him 30 days to remedy the violations, or he'll face fines of up to $2,000 per day for each property.

The action comes after at least 18 fires have broken out at Xu-owned properties in recent years, the mayor said. The fires include a 2024 blaze at a multifamily home on Elm Street that killed a 32-year-old resident and displaced 10 others.

Elicker plans to hold a press conference following the hearing at 56-58 Avon Street. Officials said the building has caught fire three times under Xus ownership, including once in late February and again in March.

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Elicker did not outline the circumstances underlying the misdemeanor charge, but he described Xu as a "negligent landlord." He noted city inspectors identified more than 50 housing code violations at several of his properties in just one week.

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Xu, who could not be reached for comment, was previously fined $18,200 in 2024 for missing city inspections. Court records show he was charged March 1 and released from custody on a promise to appear in court.
St. Vincent Commons ground breaking ceremony in January. Steven Goode/Hearst Connnecticut Media St. Vincent low and moderate income housing development in Middletown is in line for a 40 year tax abatement program. Steven Goode/Hearst Connnecticut Media

MIDDLETOWNA plan to provide a 40-year tax abatement to St. Vincent's Commons affordable housing development is making its way through the approval process.

The Middletown Economic Development Commission is expected to approve the city council ordinance laying out the details of the abatement at its Tuesday meeting.

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The four-story project at 12 Liberty St. - around the corner from St. Vincent de Paul's Main Street headquarters - has been under construction since December and city and state officials celebrated with a ceremonial groundbreaking in January.

The basement of the development will include warming and cooling areas, 40 beds and a common area for unhoused people

The first floor will included a kitchen, dining area and soup kitchen.

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The second and third floors will feature 16 residential units of housing for low and moderate income tenants.

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The fourth floor will be set aside for St. Vincent de Paul offices and a chapel to acknowledge the agency's religious affiliations. Caseworkers there will also work with residents to secure other long term housing.

According to the proposed ordinance, as of 2022, Connecticut General Statutes were amended to no longer consider low and moderate income housing developments as tax exempt, resulting in the need for an abatement for that part of the building to avoid being fully subject to taxation.

"Because the City of Middletown recognizes its longstanding partnership with St.Vincent de Paul, Middletown, Inc., and the vital role the organization plays in serving vulnerable residents through its warming shelter, soup kitchen, supportive housing, and related services, ... the City is abating real estate taxes on the property," the ordinance says.

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Middletown Mayor Gene Nocera said Tuesday that the city crafts its abatements based on an owners needs.

"This is a non-profit that does tremendous good for our town," he said. "Everything they are doing they put back into their clients."

St. Vincent de Paul will still be responsible for any other taxes, assessments, charges, uses and fees, including any tax districts, fire districts and special assessment districts.

St. Vincent de Paul Middletown Inc. Executive Director Maryellen M. Shuckerow said Monday that the agency had paid all taxes on the property and intends to do so until the project is ready to occupy.

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Shuckerow said that that given the broad scope of services that the commons will offer, the agency will be in need of a tax abatement to ensure the facility has long tern financial stability.

"In these economic times where housing is very expensive, and cost of living continues to rise, many very low-income residents face homelessness including the elderly on limited fixed incomes, she said. "Our new facility will bring a continuum of services together with housing units to address these issues."

The city council is expected vote on the proposal at its June 1st meeting, according to the proposed ordinance.

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If adopted, the abatement will begin July 1, 2027 and end June 30, 2067.
File photo of a New Haven, Conn. fire engine. A fire at a multi-family home on Avon Street displaced 26 people Friday morning, an official said. Justin Smith / Contributed Photo Assistant Corporation Counsel Sinclair speaks during a news conference in front of a fire damaged multi-family home on Avon Street, in New Haven, Conn. April 14, 2026. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Fire Chief Daniel Coughlin speaks during a news conference in front of a fire damaged multi-family home on Avon Street, in New Haven, Conn. April 14, 2026. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Mayor Justin Elicker speaks during a news conference in front of a fire damaged multi-family home on Avon Street, in New Haven, Conn. April 14, 2026. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media Mayor Justin Elicker held a news conference in front of a fire damaged multi-family home on Avon Street, in New Haven, Conn. April 14, 2026. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  With the smell of burnt wood still lingering in the air from a mid-March fire and over the occasional chirp of a smoke detector, audible from the sidewalk, Mayor Justin Elicker stood on Avon Street and said the city was delivering a message to a landlord for countless egregious violations  "Enough is enough, and weve had enough.

Elicker and several other city officials gathered in front of 56-58 Avon Street, boarded up with plywood, to announce enforcement actions against Bethany-based landlord Jianchao Xu, who owns 20 city properties. Among eight of those properties, city officials said they found over 50 violations between March 16 and March 20, including obstructed windows, dirty hallways with trash and debris and dilapidated exterior features, such as porches and fences.

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The Avon Street property caught fire twice within one month, on Feb. 28 and March 16.

Xu did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment Tuesday. Tuesdays press event was held a little over one hour after Xu was scheduled to appear in court to be arraigned for alleged criminal violations of the state building code.

Elicker noted that a tenant in one of Xus buildings, 32-year-old Kenneth Mims, died in a house fire in 2024.

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Elicker said, following the inspection of the eight Xu-owned or managed properties, the city revoked residential rental licenses at 18 of Xu's 20 properties. He said the other two were single-family properties and didn't require license.

Of the 18 properties that had licenses revoked, only 13 actually had the licenses, and the other five were in the process of getting them.

If you are a landlord that shows disregard for your tenants, we will hold you accountable, Elicker said.

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The revocations come with a steep price to pay, Elicker said, as Xu is now on the clock to get his properties up to standard and pass Livable City Initiative inspections or else he will be fined up to $2,000 per property per day.

Alder Caroline Tanbee Smith, D-9, said three fires have happened at the Avon Street property in the past two years, and recalled the toll they have taken.

Two years ago I was standing in the Wilbur Cross (High School) parking lot as the Red Cross supported tenants who had just escaped. One of our neighbors had jumped out the window after seeing smoke under their door and had injured their shoulder, she said. And then, just a couple months ago, there was a second fire on this same property and I spoke to one of our neighbors who was displaced who had just gotten back on their feet.

Smith said there has been a sustained pattern of negligence at the property. She said the impact a house fire has on a tenant is often felt for a long time after.

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Fire Chief Daniel Coughlin said Xus properties have had a shocking number of fires, which pose safety risks to tenants as well as to the 37 firefighters who respond to the scene. He said constant fires also place a strain on city resources.

Elicker said, in the last decade there have been 18 fires at properties Xu owns or manages.

Acting Fire Marshall Jerry Rynich said his office has the goal to educate, not to intimidate, but theres no compromise when it comes to life safety threats. He said his office has several inspections lined up for next week at Xu-owned properties.
Connecticut State Police arrested Seymour police Officer Justin Quilty, of Milford, after he was accused of misappropriating $32,000 in police union funds. Courtesy of Connecticut State Police

SEYMOUR  A Seymour police officer was arrested Monday after he was accused of misappropriating $32,000 in police union funds, according to the department.

Justin Quilty, 35, of Milford turned himself in at the Connecticut State Police Troop F barracks Monday and is charged with first-degree larceny.

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The Seymour Police Department said Quilty joined the department in August 2022 and previously served as the president of the local police union. He is accused of misappropriating $32,250.80 from the unions bank accounts for personal use, according to the department.

Police began investigating after officers noticed discrepancies in union bank account balances, which, according to the department, strongly indicated that Officer Quilty had misappropriated funds.

Officers brought their concerns to the administration, and Quilty was placed on leave in October 2025. Connecticut State Police were brought in to conduct a criminal investigation, and the Seymour Police Department is conducting an internal investigation to determine whether any departmental policies or ethical standards were violated.

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Quilty will remain on leave pending the outcome of the criminal and internal investigations, according to the Seymour Police Department.

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Seymour police Chief John Bucherati said the department is committed to transparency and accountability.

These allegations are serious, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the Connecticut State Police while ensuring due process is respected, Bucherati said in a statement. It is important to note that the actions of one officer do not represent the values of the other sworn officers who serve the citizens of Seymour.

The Seymour Police Union said in a statement that members are deeply disappointed in his actions that led to this.

The Union would like to emphasize that these allegations which led to his arrest do not reflect the integrity, professionalism, or dedication of the men and women of the Seymour Police Department, said union President David Parratt. Our officers remain committed to upholding the highest standards of public service and maintaining the trust of the community we proudly serve.

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Parratt said that, since the discrepancies were discovered, safeguards have been put into place to ensure this could not happen again.
A man sits next to charred cars and wreckage where a building was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike the previous Wednesday, in central Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Hassan Ammar/AP President Donald Trump speaks outside the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, April 13, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, meets with Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, far left, and Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh Moawad, far right, at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Jacquelyn Martin/AP A woman reacts at the site of a damaged residential building after it was struck by a projectile fired from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel Monday, April 13, 2026. Ariel Schalit/AP A veiled woman walks through a mass grave where civilians and Hezbollah fighters killed by Israeli airstrikes are temporarily buried in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Mohammed Zaatari/AP

The U.S. military claimed Tuesday that it has successfully begun to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, as the standoff between the U.S. and Iran deepens. Tehran threatened to strike targets across the region, a day after Trump warned on social media that any Iranian warships nearing the blockade would be destroyed in a quick and brutal strike.

With Pakistan racing to bring the sides together for more talks, U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a second round could be happening over the next two days. The first round ended without an agreement on Irans nuclear ambitions, which the White House says is a sticking point.

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Neither side has indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22.

Lebanon and Israel opened their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington, as fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants rocks southern Lebanon. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took part, joining the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the U.S. Hezbollah opposes the direct talks and wont abide by any agreements made as a result, a high-ranking member of its political council told The Associated Press.

Here is the latest:

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US military says it has achieved maritime superiority in the Middle East

The blockade on Iranian ports had been fully implemented within 36 hours of its launch, according to a social media post by the U.S. Central Command late Monday.

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The statement quoted CENTCOM head Brad Cooper as saying the U.S. had halted all sea trade going in and out of Iran.

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Trump says the Iran war is very close to over

In clips showing excerpts of an interview he taped with Fox Business Networks Mornings with Maria, Trump says of the Iran war, I think its close to over, yeah. I mean, I view it as very close to over.

He adds, If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And were not finished. Well see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly.

Trump has declared a U.S. victory in Iran repeatedly since mere days after the war started  even as the reality on the ground has been far more complicated.

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The full interview is set to air starting Wednesday morning.

US military will operate blockade in Gulf of Oman, AP source says

A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations, explained that the strategy is to observe vessels subject to the blockade leave Iranian facilities and clear the Strait of Hormuz before intercepting them and forcing them to turn around.

The official said that the military relies on more than just automated tracking beacons that all merchant ships are required to carry called AIS to determine merchant ships were coming from a port in Iran but wouldnt go into more detail, citing the need for operational security.

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The official also wouldnt go into what the military would do should they need to board and capture a ship.

 Konstantin Toropin

Vance says American conservatives are missing Charlie Kirks voice in Iran debate

The vice president credited the late conservative activist with being the glue within the Republican Party on divisive issues.

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Charlie would be the guy who was talking to the people who really wanted to go to war with Iran, and the people who really didnt want to go to war with Iran, said Vance, speaking at an event in Georgia hosted by Turning Point USA, the group Kirk found. And he would try to find ways for those guys to work together, even if they disagreed over one issue, right. And so Charlies absence is a huge thing.

Kirk was assassinated in September during a Turning Point USA event at a Utah university.

Kirk had raised concerns last year as Trump was weighing U.S. involvement as Israel launched what would turn into a 12-day war on Iran. The conservative activist made the case that direct U.S. involvement in the conflict could be seen as a betrayal to some members of Trumps coalition and cause a schism in MAGA world.

Trump ultimately decided to launch limited strikes that badly damaged three Iranian nuclear facilities during that conflict.

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Vance acknowledges that a lot of young voters dont love Iran war

A lot of young voters dont love the policy we have in the Middle East. I understand that, Vance said.

But, rather than offering a full-throated defense for the war, the vice president urged conservative activists who disagree with the Trump administration on top issues to avoid becoming disengaged.

Vance said Trump is pushing to make sure Iran never has a nuclear weapon, but added, Im not saying you have to agree with me on every issue.

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What Im saying is, dont get disengaged because you disagree with the administration on one issue, Vance said.

He added of conservatives staying united, thats ultimately how we take the country back.

Vance says Trump wants a grand bargain reached with Iran

Addressing a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, the vice president discussed the 20-plus hours of negotiations with Iran where he lead the U.S. delegation. He said that Trump doesnt want to make, like, a small deal. He wants to make the grand bargain.

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Vance added, Thats the trade that hes offering, and that Trump is telling Iran, If you guys commit to not having a nuclear weapon, we are going to make Iran thrive.

Were going to make it economically prosperous, and were going to invite the Iranian people into the world economy in a way they havent been in my entire life, the vice president said.

Pakistani official says government will keep at it

Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Tuesday in an interview with The Associated Press that our leadership is not giving up on its efforts to help the U.S. and Iran negotiate. He noted the talks marked the first direct discussion between the two in nearly 50 years.

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We would very much like to see if we can continue to pursue the dialogue, he added, speaking on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Well keep at it, and our leadership is at it.

Aurangzeb said he also this week met with U.S. officials including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss trade and finance concerns. He plans to meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday.

Treasury says US will not renew Iranian oil sanctions waiver

The Treasury Department says the short-term authorization permitting the sale of Iranian oil already stranded at sea is set to expire in a few days and will not be renewed, in a post on X.

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The administration allowed for the delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil already in transport before March 20, and would last through April 19.

Additionally, the administration allowed a waiver on Russian oil at sea to expire on Saturday.

Israeli strike in Gaza kills 6 more Palestinians, health officials say

The Israeli drone strike on a group of people in Gaza City brought the total number of Palestinians killed Tuesday to 11, according to health officials at Shifa hospital.

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The Israeli military said it had struck Hamas militants in the area.

Separate Israeli strikes earlier Tuesday killed two children, including a 3-year-old, and three adults, an official at the hospital said.

Deadly airstrikes are a near-daily threat in Gaza, where more than 750 Palestinians have been killed by Israel despite a ceasefire with Hamas since October, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

Lebanon praises first talks with Israel in decades as constructive, calls for ceasefire

Lebanons top envoy to the U.S. says the first high-level diplomatic engagement between her country and Israel was constructive, but urged an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants that has displaced thousands of Lebanese.

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After participating in Tuesdays talks with Rubio and Israels ambassador to the U.S., Nada Hamadeh Moawad said she had underscored the need to preserve our territorial integrity and state sovereignty during the two-hour discussion.

I called for a ceasefire and the return of displaced persons to their homes, she said in brief comments released by the Lebanese embassy in Washington.

US could sanction Chinese and Arab banks for doing business with Iran

The U.S. Department of the Treasury sent a letter, viewed by The Associated Press, to financial institutions in China, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, warning about the risks of doing business with Iran. The Treasury Department threatened secondary sanctions against the nations banks and accused those countries of allowing Iranian illicit activities to flow through their financial institutions.

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The letter states that Iran processed at least $9 billion through U.S. correspondent accounts in 2024 using a series of front companies, most notably in Hong Kong and the UAE.

The Treasury Departments account on the social platform X posted on Tuesday that financial institutions should be on notice that the department is leveraging the full range of available tools and authorities and is prepared to deploy secondary sanctions against foreign financial institutions that continue to support Irans activities.

Ships near Strait of Hormuz alter signaled destinations on first full day of US blockade

A Malawi-flagged oil tanker entering the Strait of Hormuz revised the destination it was broadcasting over its tracking system on Tuesday, according to maritime data. The Rich Starry was the only ship that shipping data firms and maritime analytics trackers reported as entering the blockaded waterway.

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On Monday morning, it listed Sohar, Oman, a port just south of the strait, as its destination. By evening, it was broadcasting no destination, according to MarineTraffic, a maritime analytics provider.

The Rich Starry was among several tankers to change their reported destinations. So-called shadow fleet ships like the vessel sometimes fly flags of landlocked countries and alter signals or transmit false positions, including to evade sanctions on Iran. Other ships also adjusted their signals to avoid listing Iranian ports, according to shipping publication Lloyds List.

U.S. Central Command said no ships transited the strait on Tuesday and did not respond to questions about the shadow fleet vessels.

US says first Israel-Lebanon talks productive, will continue with aim of launching formal negotiations

The State Department says the first high-level meeting between Israel and Lebanon in decades was productive and will continue with the aim of launching direct negotiations.

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In a statement released after the two-hour session in Washington between Rubio and the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States, the department said, All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue.

Israel has been fighting Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and demands that the group, which opposed the talks and was not represented, be disarmed.

Its time for Lebanon and Israel to work together, UN chief says

Guterres said Tuesdays first Israeli-Lebanese meeting in decades will be very important if the talks create a change in their actions.

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The truth is that Hezbollah and Israel have always helped each other to destabilize the government of Lebanon, the secretary-general told U.N. reporters Tuesday while the ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel were meeting in Washington with Rubio.

Whenever Israel occupies part of Lebanon, Hezbollah uses it as a pretext to say it cant disarm and must keep up the resistance, Guterres said, and Israel uses Hezbollah rocket attacks into its territory as a pretext for massive operations against Lebanon.

Lebanons government is committed to having the monopoly on the use of force, which implies the disarmament of Hezbollah, Guterres said. So, its time for Israel and Lebanon to be working together instead of Lebanon being the victim of the negative actions of Hezbollah and Israel.

There needs to be a complete separation between Lebanon and Iran, Israeli envoy says

Leiter, who was the only diplomat to come out and speak after the talks, described the meeting among the U.S., Israel and Lebanon in an extremely positive tone despite Rubio earlier describing the gathering as part of a longer process.

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The ambassador highlighted several areas of consensus while making it clear that Israel needs to see Lebanon completely separate itself from Tehran and its proxy Hezbollah.

The Lebanese government made it very clear that they will no longer be occupied by Hezbollah and Iran has been weakened; Hezbollah is dramatically weakened, Leiter said. This is an opportunity.

Second round of talks has not been scheduled, official says

A U.S. official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Tuesday that future talks with Iran are under discussion, but no talks have been scheduled at this time.

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Israeli ambassador says Israel and Lebanon are on the same side of the equation after DC talks

In a statement to reporters Tuesday after the historic talks, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter praised his Lebanese counterparts for their cooperation in the meeting in Washington despite pressure from Hezbollah not to.

We discovered today that were on the same side of the equation. Thats the most positive thing we could have come away with, Leiter said. We are both united in liberating Lebanon from an occupation power dominated by Iran called Hezbollah.

Israel and the Western-backed Lebanese army have both been unable to forcibly disarm Hezbollah.

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The talks between envoys from longtime adversaries began at 11 a.m. EDT and lasted for two hours.

399 US troops have been wounded in the Iran war

The formal injury count, provided by Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for U.S. Central Command, says three service members have been seriously wounded.

Central Command said two weeks ago in a previous update that 348 troops were wounded, six of them seriously. However, the military command does not provide any further details about the wounded, so its unclear whether anyones status improves or worsens.

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Hawkins says of the total wounded to date, 354 service members have returned to duty.

Since the Iran war began, 13 U.S. service members have been killed in combat.

UN chief says it is 'highly probable that US-Iran talks will restart

Guterres said this was the indication he had after a phone call on Tuesday with Pakistans deputy prime minister, who is also the countrys foreign minister.

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The U.N. secretary-general expressed enormous admiration for Pakistans initiative to bring peace to the Middle East.

I consider it essential that these negotiations go on, Guterres told U.N. reporters, explaining that it would be unrealistic for long-lasting and complex problems between the U.S. and Iran to be resolved in a first negotiating session.

We need negotiations to go on, and we need a ceasefire to persist as negotiations go on, he said.

UN chief says international law is being trampled  especially in the Middle East

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Tuesday that violations of international law are fueling instability and mistrust. Speaking to reporters at the U.N. headquarters, he urged renewed U.S.-Iran talks and respect for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

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The secretary-general said he will travel to The Hague, Netherlands, later this week to mark the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice, the U.N.s highest tribunal, and send a message that in a world moving toward greater fragmentation and sharper power competition, international law is indispensable.

US State Department issues $10 million reward for Iraqi militia leader

The bounty was placed on Ahmad al-Hamidawi, secretary-general of the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah. In a post on X, in which it published al-Hamidawis photograph, the State Departments Rewards for Justice program wrote that the group was responsible for attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, the kidnapping of U.S. citizens, and the killing of innocent Iraqi civilians.

Last month, Kataib Hezbollah kidnapped an American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, in Baghdad, but released her several days later on condition that she leave the country. Officials with the group at the time told The Associated Press that in exchange, the Iraqi government would release several members of the militia who had been previously detained.

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Kataib Hezbollah is allied with Lebanons Hezbollah but they are two entirely different groups with different leaders.

Trump says talks with Iran could resume this week

In a phone call with The New York Post, Trump said a second round of talks with Iran could be happening over next two days.

Trump initially told the newspaper they would likely be held somewhere in Europe but later updated that they could be held again in Pakistans capital.

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An initial round of talks ended without an agreement on Irans nuclear ambitions, which the White House says is a central sticking point.

US military claims blockade success

The U.S. military claims that it has successfully begun to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, though at least one ship with apparent ties to Tehran has transited the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said that during the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade and 6 merchant vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman.

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While some tankers approaching the strait on Monday did turn around shortly after the blockade took effect, the tanker Rich Starry reversed course again and transited the waterway early Tuesday.

Rubio says Israel-Lebanon talks are a process but doesnt expect an immediate agreement

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that historic Israel-Lebanon peace talks the U.S. is mediating are a process, not an event, downplaying expectations for any immediate or significant agreement.

Meeting at the State Department with the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States, along with the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, Rubio said the Trump administration is very happy to be facilitating the discussions.

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This is a historic opportunity, he said. We understand were working against decades of history and complexities that will not be quickly resolved.

Israeli fire kills 5 Palestinians in Gaza, hospital officials say

Among the killed are a 3-year-old and a 15-year-old in the two separate strikes in northern Gaza and Gaza City on Tuesday, according to a health official at Shifa hospital, where the casualties arrived.

The Israeli military said it was looking into it.

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The first strike on a police vehicle in Gaza City killed four, including the 3-year-old who was standing nearby, and another in the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza killed the 15-year-old, the hospital and the families said.

What was this little kids fault? He was walking in the street, said Samia al-Malahi, the grandmother of the 3-year-old.

The Gaza Strip has seen near-daily Israeli fire and strikes since a fragile ceasefire was reached in October, and more than 750 Palestinians have been killed since then, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
Patrick Stirk, superintendent of North Haven Public Schools, speaks during North Haven's budget public forum at North Haven High School, Monday, April 13, 2026. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media Patrick Stirk, superintendent of North Haven Public Schools, speaks during North Haven's budget public forum at North Haven High School, Monday, April 13, 2026. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media Scott Friedman, of North Haven, speaks during North Haven's budget public forum at North Haven High School, Monday, April 13, 2026. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media People attend North Haven's budget public forum at North Haven High School, Monday, April 13, 2026. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media Mary White, of North Haven, speaks during North Haven's budget public forum at North Haven High School, Monday, April 13, 2026. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media Third Selectman David Cohen speaks during North Haven's budget public forum at North Haven High School, Monday, April 13, 2026. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media First Selectman Michael J. Freda speaks during North Haven's budget public forum at North Haven High School, Monday, April 13, 2026. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media

NORTH HAVEN  While North Haven Public Schools would like to hire three more special education teachers, a speech and language pathologist and an occupational therapist to support special education students next school year, Superintendent Patrick Stirk said that can't happen through the current budget proposal.

Plus, he said the current 2026-27 proposed budget would also result in the elimination of 12 current educators.

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"Now, more than ever, we are becoming more reliant on grants to support the district," Stirk said at the town's Monday budget public hearing.

At the hearing, town residents had the chance to learn from First Selectman Michael Freda and Stirk about the current status of the town's and Board of Education's budget proposal. In total, Freda's budget proposal for next fiscal year stands at $145.4 million.

Stirk went through the history of the district's budget, reminding residents that the Board of Education initially passed a budget that would have been a 11.14% increase over the current year's spending plan for the school district.

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However, after hearing back from the Board of Finance, Board of Education members revised the budget to be where it is now: a 6.35% increase over this year's budget. In total, the district is requesting a $72.84 million budget, which is about $4.35 million more than the current budget of about $68.5 million.

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North Haven residents had the chance to speak at the public hearing and ask questions about the proposed budgets. Many spoke about education and how the school district should get the funding it needs to keep current staff and be able to hire the five positions for the special education program.

Stirk "has wanted to hire these five specialized educators to save the district money yet we're handcuffed again by the Board of Finance and now we will not be able to put those positions in the budget, so what's going to happen next year when the amount of special education students in our beautiful community increases? What's going to happen the year after that?" said Christie Kehoe, North Haven resident, mother and teacher.

Along with urging the Board of Finance to put more money into the budget for the school district, many residents brought up the need for the finance board to fund additional firefighters. Originally, the fire department asked for four more firefighters to be hired next fiscal year, but the Board of Finance eliminated that request in the proposed budget.

"We need our firefighters to be able to get to and battle the fires that happen in our town," said resident Scott Friedman.

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While the Board of Finance is slated set the town's budget at its meeting on Wednesday based on the feedback the members got from the public during Monday's hearing, the town residents will get a chance to vote on it at a referendum on May 19.
FILE - Students walk on campus in August at UConn in Storrs. On Monday, The Segal Group issued its findings for an assessment of UConn's operations during a virtual information session with university leaders. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media

University of Connecticut leaders said Monday there would be no layoffs as part of a university-commissioned review of operations, although the review's new findings suggest other structural changes may be ahead.

Higher education consulting firm The Segal Group issued its findings during a virtual information session with university leaders on Monday.

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The review, launched in August 2025, aims to align university operations with "evolving institutional needs," officials said at the time. UConn has faced a major budget shortfall that put staff positions, department funding and research support under pressure, while fears of further cuts have persisted in recent months.

While there were initial concerns about potential job cuts due to the consultant's work, Segals recommendations issued Monday focused on addressing low morale, heavy workloads, inefficiencies across departments and other operational issues. The firm did not recommend eliminating positions or reducing the workforce size.

"We are not, because of financial difficulties, laying off people," said UConn President Radenka Maric during the virtual information session on Monday. She said the university is instead examining how it can better serve students and the broader campus community.

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Since the organizational assessment launched last August, Segal has been hearing from staff, faculty and leaders through interviews, feedback sessions and campus visits, university officials said during the information session on Monday.

Now, Segal has compiled its findings and recommendations based on those conversations and a review of UConn's organizational charts and strategic plans, and best practices at other universities, said Scott Nostaja, senior vice president and national organizational effectiveness practice leader at Segal.

The consulting firm identified four focus areas.

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1. Fragmented organizational structure

Segal identified a lack of specialized expertise within roles and departments, with staff juggling multiple duties in all sorts of areas, and departments being too isolated from one another, that contributed to a larger structural issue at UConn. One person often manages a department or unit's HR, finance and payroll processing, administrative support, travel, purchasing, and marketing and communications tasks.

"Layers upon layers of responsibilities got added on to key staff in each area of the university," Nostaja said. The approach had seemed to be "let's do more with less," he said.

Overall, Segal found this led to a higher risk of errors, workflow confusion, prolonged turnaround times, employee burnout, lack of standardization and inefficiencies, and was "unsustainable."

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But Nostaja clarified that wasn't commentary on the quality or effort of staff.

"They've been placed in almost an impossible situation to have to deliver so many levels of services, utilizing multiple systems, needing to know multiple processes, and just unable to kind of keep up in an efficient way, trying their hardest, trying their best, knowing that those challenges exist," he said.

Maric also expressed a similar sentiment, and said that she heard that staff felt overwhelmed and overloaded.

Segal recommended UConn undertake an organizational redesign, and create a more specialized system with clearer roles and standardized processes. Specifically, UConn should first focus on HR, centralizing routine HR and payroll tasks in a shared services system. The university will create a team to focus on this in the coming months.

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Similarly, Segal recommended that UConn restructure its marketing and communications functions to create a more central unit, with another team in charge of doing this.

2. Burdensome processes

The next key finding in Segal's presentation focused on UConn's processes, technology and systems.

The presentation said UConns operations are often slowed by poor communication, disconnected departments, too many approval steps and complicated, inconsistent processes.

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"We see this at other universities, is that most of the systems are not integrated ... and so you're literally logging in and out of multiple systems every day just to get your job done," Nostaja said.

Such process issues led to confusion, delays, heavy workloads and errors, according to Segal.

Instead, the university should eliminate or reduce certain burdensome administrative processes, revise policies, and leverage technology, Nostaja said.

3. Low morale

As Segal listened to faculty and staff, one strength prevailed despite the challenges, Nostaja said.

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"People love the University of Connecticut, and they're committed to its mission," he said. "So the story isn't all negative or all bad news or all challenges."

At the same time, the consultants found low morale driven by ongoing uncertainty, whether from financial challenges, reductions from the state or federal government and other concerns.

"And so you have this sort of interesting dynamic going on that, on the one hand, people are super proud to be at the University of Connecticut, but a fair amount of fear, fear of uncertainty," Nostaja said.

Overall, UConn must make an intentional effort to improve culture and morale, and work to increase transparency and elevate communication, Nostaja said. Segal recommended UConn initiate a university-wide cultural transformation initiative, and establish regular information sessions and collect input.

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4. Strategic direction refresh

Segal's assessment also found a lack of clarity around UConn's strategic direction, questions about how the university is responding to new federal policies and the political climate, and a desire for the university to update how it is responding to the changes and challenges it faces.

"And so the desire here wasn't to reimagine or rethink the strategic plan, but maybe fine tune it. Are we being real with today's current environment, are we being realistic?" Nostaja said. He said Segal recommended taking a look at making minor tweaks to the plan, "just so your strategic plan is honest and genuine and aligned to your needs of the future."

According to the presentation, the plan should address the current state of the budget, respond to evolving federal policies and administrative changes, standardize policies and procedures across regional campuses and strengthen research funding strategies.

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Next steps

The university will be outlining its next steps, according to an April 6 message from university officials.

Renee Boggis, associate vice president of human resources, said during Monday's information session that the findings and recommendations were part of an ongoing process, and did not mark a conclusion.

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"There's no immediate changes to goals or day-to-day work because of today's presentation," Boggis said.
FILE - Shown is a 2020 census letter mailed to a U.S. resident, in Glenside, Pa., March 19, 2020. Matt Rourke/AP FILE - The toes of a baby are seen at DHR Health, July 29, 2020, in McAllen, Texas. Eric Gay/AP

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)  The most popular last names in the U.S might be unchanged from the previous decade, but Asian surnames were the fastest-growing at the start of this decade, the U.S. Census Bureau said Tuesday.

Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown and Jones remained the top five last names in the United States in 2020, as they were in 2010, according to a tally from the last U.S. head count. Most of the fastest-growing last names from 2010 to 2020 were Asian, according to the Census Bureau.

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The top three of those were Zhang, Liu and Wang. In the 21st century, Asians have been the fastest-growing of the countrys largest racial or ethnic groups, and they now make up 7% of the U.S. population.

While Asian growth will continue to outpace overall U.S. growth, the immigration crackdown during the second Trump administration could slow down future expansion of that population in the United States, said Paul Ong, a public affairs professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Much of the growth of the Asian population has been driven by immigrants and their children, Ong said Tuesday. Consequently, when Asians crack the top surname rank will be pushed further into the future.

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Rounding out the top 10 most common last names in 2020 were Garcia, Miller, Rodriguez, Davis and Martinez. The only change from 2010 was Rodriguez, which jumped ahead of Davis for the No. 8 spot.

There were 7.8 million unique last names, according to the Census Bureau.

The Census Bureau has tallied counts of the most common last names in each once-a-decade head count since 1990. The 2020 census was the first since 1990 to provide data on first names, although the Social Security Administration keeps a count of the most popular male and female first names for babies each year.

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The census tally showed that the most popular male first names at the start of this decade were Michael, John, James, David and Robert, while the most common female first names were Mary, Maria, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Patricia.

Not too much has changed since 1990, though there was a little more variety for female names. Back then, the most popular male first names were James, John, Robert, Michael and William. The most popular female first names were Mary, Patricia, Linda, Barbara and Elizabeth.

The names people choose are a function of what they are exposed to, so culture certainly plays a role, but so does social influence, said Jonah Berger, a professor of marketing at the University of Pennsylvania. People are constantly exposed to names of others around them, and that can shape not only which names they like, but also which ones they avoid.

Unlike the Social Security Administration's count, the Census Bureau's tally includes everyone, not just newborns. Liam and Olivia have been the top names for babies over the last several years in the Social Security Administration's annual count.

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The most popular first names were so different between the two federal agencies because the 2020 census captured people from all age groups, and not just newborns like the Social Security Administration's tally, said Michelle Napierski-Prancl, a sociologist at Russell Sage College in New York.

So you have generations that were likely named Mary or John and follow more traditional family naming patterns or religious naming patterns," Napierski-Prancl said Tuesday.

__

An earlier version of this story included misinterpreted data about the most common last names among various ethnic groups. Those paragraphs have been deleted.

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___
FILE - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum gives her the daily, morning news conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Feb. 23, 2026. Ginnette Riquelme/AP President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after disembarking Air Force One, Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP People walk a dog on a street in Havana, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Ramon Espinosa/AP Activists wave Cuban and Palestinian flags from the vessel Maguro, arriving from Mexico with humanitarian aid as part of the "Nuestra America," or Our America convoy, in Havana Bay, Cuba, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Ramon Espinosa/AP Activists from the vessel Maguro that arrived from Mexico, behind, as part of the "Nuestra America," or Our America convoy, unload humanitarian aid with the help of Cuban port workers in Havana Bay, Cuba, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Jorge Luis Banos/IPS via AP, Pool) Jorge Luis Banos/AP

MEXICO CITY (AP)  The Mexican government on Tuesday protested the deaths of its citizens in U.S. immigration custody as President Claudia Sheinbaum pushes back against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies on multiple fronts.

The progressive Mexican leader has walked a careful line with Trump for more than a year, addressing provocations with a measured tone and meeting U.S. requests to crack down on criminal cartels more so than her predecessors, in an effort to offset threats of tariffs and U.S. military action against the gangs.

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But in the wake of mounting deaths of Mexican citizens in custody of immigration officials and the Trump administrations decision to impose an energy blockade on Cuba  a key Mexican ally  Sheinbaum has taken a harder line.

Weve seen the president raise her tone, said Palmira Tapia, an analyst for Mexicos Center for Economic Research and Teaching. Theres been a shift, and weve seen Sheinbaum be more vocal than before.

Deaths in ICE custody

Sheinbaum's latest rebuke came on Tuesday, a day after 49-year-old Mexican citizen Alejandro Cabrera Clemente died in a detention center in Louisiana of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, the fifteenth death of a Mexican citizen in U.S. custody in little over a year.

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Mexico's government quickly called the deaths unacceptable and the ICE detention centers "incompatible with human rights standards and the protection of life.

During a Tuesday press briefing Sheinbaum added that she requested investigations into the deaths of the 15 migrants, and instructed Mexican consulates to visit detention centers daily.

She said her government would raise the deaths in detention centers to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and was considering appealing to the United Nations. Her government already said it would support lawsuits in the U.S. filed by detainees over poor conditions.

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We are going to defend Mexicans at every level, Sheinbaum said, adding that there are many Mexicans whose only crime is not having papers.

The moves by Sheinbaum's government come on top of mounting disapproval in the U.S. of Trump's immigration enforcement. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Trump has gone too far in sending federal immigration agents into American cities, according to a February AP-NORC poll.

Growing dissatisfaction around ICE activities in the United States creates a more comfortable platform for members of the Mexican government to raise concerns about the fate of Mexican citizens, said Carin Zissis, vice president of content strategy for the Council of the Americas.

A cool head

Sheinbaum has maintained what she has described as a cool head to provocations by Trump, who has exerted more pressure on Latin America than any U.S. leader in decades. In just a few months, the Trump administration deposed Venezuela's president, imposed an oil blockade on Cuba and threatened military intervention against Mexican cartels.

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She has to balance maintaining a strong relationship with Trump while repeatedly stressing Mexico's sovereignty to appease her own base. Her measured responses resemble that of a lawyer rather than the head of Mexicos most powerful populist political movement.

Her government has come down harder on cartels than her predecessor and bolstered trade relations ahead of renegotiations of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, free trade agreement.

While Trump has taken public jabs at Sheinbaum  at one point suggesting cartels have greater control over Mexico than her government  he's also regularly made nods to their amicable relationship.

She is really a nice person, I like her a lot, he said last month, proceeding to imitate the Mexican leader in a high voice.

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Divide over Cuba

But shifting geopolitics in the region, and the mounting deaths in ICE facilities, have also opened the door for Sheinbaum to take a firmer stance.

The main point of contention between the two governments has been Cuba. Solidarity with the U.S. adversary has been a cornerstone of Mexicos political ethos since the Cuban revolution, which Fidel Castro, Ernesto Che Guevara and a group of exiles famously planned while in Mexico City. It's a particular sticking point with her progressive Morena party, whose founder ushered Sheinbaum into office.

The relationship hit a hurdle in late January, when Trump announced he would slap tariffs on any country that sends oil to Cuba. The move directly impacted Mexico, which for years has shipped oil to Cuba.

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While Sheinbaum reluctantly paused oil shipments to Cuba, she has continued to challenge the Trump administration's push for regime change.

Mexico has every right to send fuel, whether for humanitarian or commercial reasons, Sheinbaum said earlier this week.

She has described Trump's energy blockade of Cuba as unjust and accused the U.S. government of suffocating Cubans with sanctions. The Mexican leader has sent shipments of food and other aid, and even donated $1,000 of her own money to relief efforts in a symbolic gesture.

This is a Rubicon issue for her," said Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican ambassador to the U.S.

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Even then, the moves by the Mexican leader have raised eyebrows in Washington.

Sheinbaum recently announced that her country would continue to have Cuban doctors work in the country, diverging from other nations in Central America and the Caribbean that have ended their programs in the face of U.S. pressure.

It was met with veiled threats from the Trump administration, which pointed to visa restrictions imposed on Central American officials with ties to what U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to as a forced labor scheme.

The White House offered no comment on Tuesday about Sheinbaum's tougher stances, nor did it comment on the rising number of deaths of Mexican nationals in ICE custody.

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Greater leverage

Sheinbaum's recently bolder tone suggests a calculation that her administration can push back on some politically important fronts as long as they also are making progress on strengthening trade and meeting Trump administration requests on security and migration, Zissis said.

At the same time, surging energy prices due to the Iran war have made the U.S. more dependent on allies in Mexico, she and other analysts said, prompting Washington to walk back from any drastic moves against Mexican cartels or Cuba, at least in the short term.

Were at a moment where, due to global events, were facing different economic uncertainties. That gives the U.S. and Mexico more reason to work together," she said.

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At the same time, former Mexican ambassador Sarukhan said that Sheinbaum will have to be careful not to put at risk upcoming USMCA renegotiations, for which her government has made painstaking efforts to build a strong foundation.

"Whats going to be interesting going forward is whether she can continue to have her cake and eat it too, Sarukhan said.



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Pope Leo XIV is welcomed by Rector Mohamed Mamoun Al Qasimi upon his arrival at the Great Mosque in Algiers, Monday, April 13, 2026, on the first day of an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa. Andrew Medichini/AP Pope Leo XIV meets the Algerian Community in the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa in Algiers, Monday, April 13, 2026, on the first day of an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa. Andrew Medichini/AP President Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., after attending the casualty return at Dover Air Force Base, Del., for the six crew members of an Air Force refueling aircraft who died when their plane crashed in western Iraq while supporting operations against Iran. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Two police officers walk in front of an anti-U.S. billboard depicting the American aircrafts into the Iranian armed forces fishing net with signs that read in Farsi: "The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, The entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground," at the Eqelab-e-Eslami, or Islamic Revolution square in downtown Tehran, Iran, Sunday, April 5, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP President Donald Trump speaks outside the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, April 13, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP

Pope Leo XIV, a studious and soft-spoken cleric, and Donald Trump, an unapologetically bellicose and pugilistic politician, have long been on a rhetorical collision course. Now their disagreement over the war in Iran has escalated in spectacular fashion, and their comments show how differently each see the conflict and its impact.

On social media, Trump said Leo was Weak and captive to the Radical Left, even suggesting that Leo somehow owed his position to Trump. The pope has declared Trumps threats toward Iran truly unacceptable" and pointed his flock to biblical text and church doctrine on war and peace, explaining that his purpose is not about Trump at all.

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Im not afraid of the Trump administration, Leo said Monday on the way to Africa, or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what the Church works for.

It's a spectacle involving the world's two biggest megaphones, both held by Americans for the first time. Here is how they got to this point.

Before the papacy, Robert Prevost did not mince words

WHAT HE SAID: When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the future pope was a bishop in Peru. He did not shy away from assigning clear blame to Moscow. On a Peruvian show Weekly Expression, Prevost described an imperialist invasion in which Russia wants to conquer territory for reasons of power given Ukraines strategic location.

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The clip resurfaced in Italian media soon after he was elected pope on May 8, 2025.

In early 2025, then-Cardinal Prevost used social media to share a news analyses that criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a converted Catholic, for justifying harsh immigration policy by arguing that Christianity sets a pecking order of caring for others, putting one's family, immediate community and fellow citizens above foreigners.

JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesnt ask us to rank our love for others, read the headline that the future pope shared.

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CONTEXT AND WHY IT MATTERS: Catholic bishops comment often in their local media, and some achieve considerable influence. But they vary widely in how detailed they are about public policy and politics. Many stick to broad statements about church doctrine and values and avoid taking stands at odds with individual politicians. With his comments in Peru and then his rare retweet as a cardinal in Rome, Prevost showed he kept abreast of world affairs and was willing to be quite direct in his critiques.

Trump celebrated the Great Honor of Pope Leo's election

WHAT HE SAID: Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope, Trump posted on Truth Social on May 8, 2025. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!

Trump later said at the White House that we were a little bit surprised and very happy with Leo's election.

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By Monday, he was using Truth Social to take credit for Leo's election: 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.

WHY IT MATTERS: Trump sees Leo in terms of nationalistic pride and loyalty. The immediate look toward meeting Leo (something that still hasn't happened) reflected his typical embrace of power and celebrity, even when it isn't a natural political fit. Further, Trump's takes do not reflect any nuance about Leo's origins or the Vatican's relationship with the U.S.

The College of Cardinals historically has viewed the U.S. with some skepticism  specifically because of how Washington's military and economic policies have affected the world, especially poor nations, and with a general reluctance to grant the papacy to someone from the world's preeminent superpower.

Leo grew up, was educated and then ordained in the U.S. but spent decades as a church leader elsewhere, including in poor areas of South America. He was the least American of the Americans, said Steven Millies, a professor at Chicago's Catholic Theological Union, where a young Leo earned his master of divinity.

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From the start, Pope Leo reflected church teachings on war and peace

WHAT HE SAID: Peace be with you all ... the first greeting of the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God.

Those were Leo's first words from the balcony of St. Peters. When he returned to the loggia for his first Sunday blessing, he addressed the Russian war on Ukraine and violence between Israel and Gaza, decrying a third world war in pieces. The following Monday, Leo opened an audience with journalists by quoting Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus proclaimed: Blessed are the peacemakers," the pontiff said.

WHY IT MATTERS: Leo's earliest statements all emphasized peace" as a central message of Jesus  and previewed a likely theme of his papacy. Adding mentions of Ukraine, Russia, Israel and Palestine affirmed his willingness to go beyond theory and apply doctrine to what's happening to people around the world.

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The pope was careful about any US branding

WHAT HE SAID: Just as important as the words of his opening papal statements on peace were the languages the polyglot Leo used: none English.

At his introduction to the world from St. Peter's Square, Leo opened in Italian and then used Spanish to address Peruvian Catholics and citizens where he'd served. Leo's Sunday blessing was in Italian. He briefly greeted the journalist assembly in English, with the obvious inflection of a Chicago native, but then quickly transitioned to Italian for his remarks. Even in recent encounters with reporters, Leo has opened in Italian before then answering in English.

WHY IT MATTERS: Latin and Italian are the official languages of the Vatican so it's no surprise that Leo speaks the local vernacular. But it's a conscious choice for him to use his fluent Italian and Spanish. It underscores that he's the leader of a global institution with 1.4 billion followers.

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He doesnt want to be perceived, I think, as coming from the American side or as relying on his authority as American, said Catholic University professor William Barbieri. He wants to speak in the name of the church.

Holy Week and Easter revealed a chasm

WHAT THEY SAID: Trump escalated threats to Iran around Easter, when Christians celebrate the story of Jesus' resurrection. Leo used his Palm Sunday message to call Jesus the King of Peace and say God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.

Trump welcomed conservative religious leaders to the White House for a Holy Week observance. His spiritual adviser Paula White compared the president to Jesus, saying they're both persecuted figures who endured.

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In Rome, Leo washed the feet of others, as the story of the Last Supper records Jesus doing for his disciples. Speaking to reporters, Leo named Trump directly for the first time and said he hoped the president would seek an off-ramp in Iran. On Easter, Trump threatened widespread bombing of Iran's civilian infrastructure and eradication of a whole civilization. Leo called that threat truly unacceptable.

WHY IT MATTERS: Their starkly different viewpoints and personalities, combined with the gravity of the Iran war, finally stripped away any pretense or possibility that Trump and Leo could avoid engaging directly.

Trump is still treating Pope Leo as a domestic political rival

WHAT THEY SAID: In Trump's post Sunday blasting Leo as weak, among other things, the president said, I dont want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because Im doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do. (Trump's 2024 victory was by no means a landslide.) He added that Leo should focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician.

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Leo, meanwhile, said again that he's not speaking as a politician.

To put my message on the same plane as what the president has attempted to do here, I think is not understanding what the message of the Gospel is, Leo told The Associated Press aboard the papal flight to Algeria. And Im sorry to hear that but I will continue on what I believe is the mission of the church in the world today.

WHY IT MATTERS: Its all a rare exercise for the papacy, whose occupants often comment on global affairs without specifically naming secular politicians. And while Trump routinely lashes out at anyone he perceives as an enemy, these dynamics are uncommon for the president, too: This time, Trump is picking a fight with someone who does not accept the president's terms and faces no measurable political pressure to do so.
Pope Leo XIV visits the archaeological site of Hippo, in Annaba, Algeria, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, on the second day of an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa. Andrew Medichini/AP El presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, habla ante la Oficina Oval de la Casa Blanca el lunes 13 de abril de 2026 en Washington. (AP Foto/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/AP This picture, taken Tuesday, April 14, 2026, shows the front pages of some Italian newspapers reporting on comments by U.S. President Donald Trump about Pope Leo XIV, with headlines using words such as "outrage", "shock attack", "insult", and Trump's schism". Domenico Stinellis/AP FILE- This combination file photos show on left, President Donald Trump listening during a meeting with North Korean defectors where he talked with reporters about allowing the release of a secret memo on the F.B.I.'s role in the Russia inquiry, in the Oval Office of the White House, on Feb. 2, 2018, in Washington and on right, Pope Leo XIV arriving for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, on Aug. 6, 2025. AP

VATICAN CITY (AP)  Inappropriate. Ridiculous. Absurd. Visitors to the Vatican on Tuesday had some choice words for U.S. President Donald Trump after his harsh criticism of Pope Leo XIV for his calls to soften the rhetoric of war.

The world has buzzed at the extraordinary clash between the U.S.-born pope and the American president. Trump called Leo weak and captive to the radical left on social media this week, after the pope called Trumps threats toward Iran truly unacceptable.

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At the Vatican, visitors had Leos back while he's away on a 10-day trip to Africa.

Its just ridiculous, because if the pope is not speaking about peace, and is not taking care about every people in the world, hes not the pope, said Joerg Soler, who was visiting the Vatican from Switzerland.

Its completely inappropriate, said Mariella Acciaioli, a French tourist. Things are getting too much. We need to mobilize everyone, especially our leaders, to deal with this behavior that is going beyond every limit.

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U.S. tourist Paul Sarauskas expressed disbelief at Trumps unprecedented broadside, calling it "absurd.''

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I think he needs to keep his nose out of religion. Hes telling the pope what to do. Hes telling the pope how to do his job, Sarauskas said. Where the pope just wants to do good things, right? He wants to talk about peace, about helping other people, whereas the current administration is doing something completely opposite. Theyre just tearing people apart. Theyre talking about division and war and hate.

Trump clearly expected the American pope to be subservient to the United States, said Italian journalist Massimo Franco, who has a new book, Popes, Dollars and Wars, about U.S.-Vatican relations.

A pope must be a pope. He must respond to a wider community. And if he sees that Trumps policy risks to give a distorted view of the United States, I think the pope is helping the United States as well, not just the United States, to find the right path,'' Franco said.

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The Rev. Antonio Spadaro, a prominent Italian Jesuit theologian and undersecretary to the Vaticans Dicastery for Culture and Education, said Trumps fury against a moral voice shows that the president is powerless.
Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown, Conn., on Friday, August 22, 2025. The state is looking at a proposed settlement in a federal class-action lawsuit from patients ready to leave the custody of the states secured mental health facility in Middletown who need more residential beds as part of the process of returning to society. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media Whiting Forensic Hospital on O'Brien Drive in Middletown, Conn., Friday, August 22, 2025. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media State Sen. Martha Marx, D-New London, in a file photo, questioned the release of some patients from Whiting Forensic Hospital in Middletown as the state looks to settle a lawsuit on the issue. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media State Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, co-chair of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee, in a file photo with state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, left. Paul Hughes/Hearst Connecticut Media

HARTFORD  State officials made a pitch Monday for a proposed settlement in a nearly 4-year-old federal class-action lawsuit from patients ready to leave the custody of the states secured mental health facility in Middletown who need more residential beds as part of the process of returning to society.

But members of the legislative Appropriations Committee recalled high-profile cases of violent criminals committing new offenses after their release from facilities such as the Whiting Forensic Hospital. Committee members questioned the states process of long-term treatment and eventual release of people who have been institutionalized after they were declared not guilty of serious crimes by reason of insanity or mental incapacity.

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State Sen. Martha Marx recalled the 2023 murder of Joyce Grayson, a visiting nurse, in a Windham group home by a convicted sex offender who is now back in prison on a 50-year sentence.

Theyre there because of heinous crimes, said Marx, D-New London, a registered nurse who led the way for new state initiatives on mental health after Graysons death. If theyre high risk, then they need high care.

She also questioned the amount of training received by workers in such residential facilities.

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Im fearful that were just making the same mistake we make so many times, Marx said. Were putting people out into the community and many of them probably deserve that, but I really highly doubt that theyre getting the high-quality training  people that are trained  to deal with a psychotic person if somebody then starts to have a psychotic episode. Its hard, really really hard.

State Rep. Susan Johnson, D-Windham, said the Grayson murder and the 1989 stabbing death in Middletown of 9-year-old Jessica Short by an escaped Whiting patient still haunt the state.

I have real concerns about how were dealing with these different types of illness, because I dont know, though, if we fully get what are the triggers and how we get to deal with them, she said.

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With $3.5 million already in the budget to provide more residential facilities for about two-dozen people as part of the treatment process, officials from the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services said the pending settlement agreement makes more sense than continuing the class-action suit.

Whiting has space for 229 residents, and about 100 were ordered there by the criminal justice system. There are currently 38 residential facilities around the state as part of the process of reintegrating into society those who committed crimes.

These are patients who are high risk, and they have committed offenses while their mental status had deteriorated, said Dr. Vinneth Carvalho, deputy statewide medical director for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. The clinical teams at Whiting are multidisciplinary, including psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, forensic experts, social workers and therapists, Carvalho said.

Then you have a team meeting where you put all of this together to sort of have a deep understanding and formulation of each patient, she said.

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State Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, co-chair of the committee, noted that the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has a budget of $807 million, along with 3,416 employees. Osten pointed out that decades ago, the state agreed to let nonprofit providers run many residential facilities and other programs to save money. The $3.5 million was put into the budget in anticipation of the settlement, she said.

Associate Attorney General Rosemary McGovern said the plaintiffs in the case would not receive any money, but the $3.5 million would be invested in more residential facilities. If the legislature approved the deal, it would be presented to a federal judge for final review.

It avoids many months of future litigation and it avoids the risk of an adverse ruling and judgment that the state could be required to spend significantly more money than whats required in this agreement, she said.

Residents of Whiting in the class-action claim that their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act were violated because it is taking too long for them to move from a hospital setting to the community after their treatment teams and clinicians determine they are clinically ready to move from the hospital.

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McGovern pointed out that Whitings population is divided between people who have been committed there by state Probate Court under civil procedures and those whom three-judge panels found not guilty of crimes by reason of mental disease or defect. Those cases are then referred to the state Psychiatric Security Review Board, which supervises treatment.

By mid-afternoon, the Appropriations Committee was voting on the resolutions for the House and Senate.

State Rep. Tammy Nuccio of Tolland, a ranking Republican on the committee, voted for the resolution, but stressed the need to study the issue of defendants who were acquitted because they were mentally incapable. She and other lawmakers say they have received emails from victims of serious crimes who saw the perpetrators hospitalized under state law and not sentenced to prison.

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President Donald Trump speaks outside the Oval Office of the White House, on Monday, April 13, 2026, in Washington. The Trump administration is suing Connecticut and New Haven, alleging the states Trust Act interferes with federal immigration enforcement. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Alex Brandon/Associated Press Gov. Ned Lamont speaks regarding a Cheshire teen detained by ICE on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Capitol in Hartford. The Trump administration is suing Connecticut and New Haven, alleging the states Trust Act interferes with federal immigration enforcement. Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media

President Donald Trumps administration has filed a lawsuit against the state of Connecticut and the city of New Haven over what the Justice Department describes as sanctuary policies that interfere with the federal governments enforcement of immigration laws.

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Trump administration officials have previously criticized Connecticut for the states Trust Act, which limits local law enforcements coordination with federal immigration authorities, as well as other immigration-related policies.

Now, the U.S. Department of Justice is asking a federal judge to invalidate certain provisions of the Trust Act, state policy guidance around immigration enforcement, and an executive order Elicker issued in 2020.

The conduct of officials in Connecticut obstructing and refusing to comply with federal immigration laws over a period of years has resulted in countless criminals being released into Connecticut who should have been held for immigration removal from the United States, the suit says.

In a statement Tuesday, Tong defended the Trust Act, rejected the sanctuary label the Trump administration has attempted to apply to Connecticut and promised to fight this lawless attack with every fiber of our being.

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It is a shame that the President and the Department of Justice are not focused on public safety but are wasting federal resources on attacking Connecticut with a baseless lawsuit that has no foundation in law or fact, Tong said. Connecticut is not a 'sanctuary' state, whatever that means. This term is meaningless and has no basis in Connecticut law.

The state will defend Connecticuts laws vigorously against the Trump administration lawsuit, Lamont said in a statement, arguing the Trust Act and related policies reflect our responsibility to govern responsibly, protect public safety, and uphold the rights of all residents.

Our laws do not prevent federal authorities from enforcing immigration law, the governor said. Rather, they reflect a longstanding principle: The federal government cannot require states to use their personnel or resources to carry out federal enforcement responsibilities.

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New Haven has also faced federal scrutiny for its welcoming posture toward immigrants without legal status. Last year, the city joined a lawsuit against the Trump administration after federal agencies threatened to withhold funds from jurisdictions it deemed to have sanctuary policies.

At a news conference Tuesday, Elicker called the idea that New Havens policies conflict with federal law flatly untrue, while also defending the citys embrace of immigrants.

Were proud to be a welcoming city and welcome immigrants, he said. If people want to be a productive part of our community, we welcome people. Period.

New Haven officials are very confident we are on the right side of the law here, Elicker said.

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Connecticuts Trust Act, passed in 2013 and updated several times since, allows local and state law enforcement to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal authorities only under specific circumstances, usually involving people convicted of serious offenses. The state legislature tweaked the law as recently as last year, amid concern from advocates and lawmakers over the Trump administrations aggressive immigration enforcement.

The Trump administration has previously filed similar lawsuits against other jurisdictions with what it considers to be sanctuary policies, including Boston, New York City, Los Angeles and more.

Altogether, the administration considers 12 states, 19 cities and four counties to be sanctuary jurisdictions, according to a list published last August, which included Connecticut but did not include New Haven.

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The property at 1233 Rock Rimmon Road in Stamford, which was built for the publishers of The New York Times in 1900, has been listed for $75 million. Courtesy of Daniel Milstein Photography for Sothebys International Realty

The Nutmeg States most expensive property for sale is getting even more attention due to a popular social media brand.

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The post called attention to the propertys history. The Stamford estate was built in 1900 for the Sulzberger family, the publishers of the New York Times. Stamford property records indicate that the last sale took place in 1992, with the Haroche family of Liberty Travel fame taking ownership of the estate. The Haroche family is the current seller of the property, Kristina Helb, Vice President of Global Communications for Sotheby's International Realty, told CT Insider earlier this year.

The property at 1233 Rock Rimmon Road in Stamford, which was built for the publishers of The New York Times in 1900, has been listed for $75 million. Courtesy of Daniel Milstein Photography for Sothebys International Realty

The first floor of the house boasts a reception foyer with limestone floors and a skylight, which is believed to be an unsigned Tiffany, hand-carved English pine paneling from the 18th century and an indoor pool wing with an Olympic-sized pool and 18th-century Triton water fountains imported from France, according to realtor Leslie McElwreath with Sotheby's International Realty-Greenwich Brokerage.

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The property at 1233 Rock Rimmon Road in Stamford, which was built for the publishers of The New York Times in 1900, has been listed for $75 million. Courtesy of Daniel Milstein Photography for Sothebys International Realty

It also highlighted the fact that the property spans both Stamford and New York. Located in both Stamford and Pound Ridge, N.Y., the property spans more than 268 acres across 18 tax lots (173+ acres in New York, 95+ acres in Connecticut).

The property at 1233 Rock Rimmon Road in Stamford, which was built for the publishers of The New York Times in 1900, has been listed for $75 million. Courtesy of Daniel Milstein Photography for Sothebys International Realty

The manor house on the property is 15,944 square feet, with eight bedrooms and 14 bathrooms and features 18th- and 19th-century sculptures at the entranceway from the circular driveway, gold-plated faucets and an 18th-century royal crest above the bronze front door.

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I never thought about a home being in two states at once. How does that work lol, the post read.

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Other Connecticut properties featured by Zillow Gone Wild included the former Fairfield home of Richard Rodgers and a riverfront home in Old Saybrook.
A file photo of Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department engines. Officials said an employee at a Thomaston company got caught in a machine on Monday night. Courtesy of Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department

THOMASTON  A worker was freed from a pneumatic press in only 21 seconds by firefighters working to extricate him, officials said.

First responders responded to the UniMetal Company on South Main Street around 10:23 p.m. Monday on a report of an employee being trapped in a machine, the Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department said.

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The man was conscious and alert when crews got to the scene, the department said. The upper half of the mans torso that was stuck quickly was removed from the machine after the Jaws of Life was utilized, the department said.

The victim was taken to an area hospital by EMS, the department said.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 51F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 51F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.
China ready to further play constructive role for peace in Gulf region: Premier Li

Xinhua) 08:09, April 14, 2026

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Monday that China is ready to further play a constructive role and contribute to the restoration of peace and tranquility in the Gulf region.

Li made the remarks when holding talks with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Beijing. Li noted that since the conflict in Iran broke out, China has been in close communication with relevant parties and actively committed to promoting peace and ending the war.

Li hoped that the UAE will continue to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens, institutions and projects in the country.

Noting that China and the UAE are comprehensive strategic partners, Li said that the two countries have a profound traditional friendship and have long supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have continued to deepen and develop, and cooperation in various fields has achieved fruitful results, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries, Li added.

He said that China is willing to continue to walk hand in hand with the UAE on the path of common development, enhance communication and coordination, consolidate political mutual trust, and promote China-UAE relations and cooperation to continuously reach new heights.

Li pointed out that China stands ready to work with the UAE to consolidate the foundation of energy cooperation, expand cooperation in areas like energy storage, hydrogen energy, new energy vehicles and power batteries, and promote the green transformation of the two countries.

Both sides should create more growth points for trade, Li said, adding that China is willing to import more high-quality products from the UAE and welcomes the UAE to actively participate in the "Big Market for All: Export to China" activities, and make good use of platforms like the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services to enhance product promotion.

Noting that China and the UAE have broad prospects for cooperation in the field of innovation and development, Li said that China welcomes the UAE to increase investment in China in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and life sciences.

He said that China supports the universities, research institutions and enterprises of the two countries in strengthening joint research and talent cultivation, and in jointly fostering and expanding emerging and future industries.

The two sides can also enhance cooperation in areas including connectivity and finance, and continuously promote trade and investment facilitation, the premier added.

For his part, Sheikh Khaled said that China is an important comprehensive strategic partner and trusted friend of the UAE, and bilateral relations are based on mutual trust, mutual respect and common interests.

He said the UAE attaches great importance to and prioritizes the development of relations with China in its foreign policy, and is willing to further intensify high-level exchanges with China, expand exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment, energy, scientific and technological innovation, education, culture and other fields, to better serve the development of the two countries and the interests of the two peoples.

Noting the current severe situation in the Middle East, the crown prince said China has always been committed to peacefully resolving disputes through political means and promoting harmonious coexistence among regional countries, which is highly appreciated by the UAE and other regional countries.

The UAE looks forward to China continuing to play an important role in promoting regional peace and security, and is ready to take all necessary measures to safeguard the safety of Chinese citizens in the UAE, he added.

After their talks, Li and Sheikh Khaled witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in such areas as agriculture, science and technology, investment and traditional Chinese medicine.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
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Louisiana Governor, Jeff Landry, addresses joint members of the legislature on the opening day of the 2026 regular legislative session at the Louisiana State Capitol Monday March 9th 2026 in Baton Rouge, La. John Ballance pool photo.
A clinical neuropsychologist whose research helped change how the justice system treats people with brain injuries has been awarded a lifetime achievement prize by the British Psychological Society (BPS).

Professor Huw Williams, of the University of Exeter, received the BPS Lifetime Achievement in Psychology Award in recognition of a career spanning more than 100 published research papers and extensive work advising governments and international bodies.

His work has focused particularly on traumatic brain injury (TBI), physical damage to the brain caused by an external force, and its intersection with the criminal justice system. Research by his team has highlighted the high prevalence of TBI among people in prison, a population often poorly served by health and legal frameworks designed without that condition in mind.

Professor Williams has given evidence to the Justice Committee of the UK and Northern Ireland Parliament and the Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

His work has been cited by MPs in House of Commons debates on TBI, and his name appears repeatedly in Hansard, the official record of parliamentary proceedings.

He has also advised national bodies including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Ministry of Justice, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Internationally, his input has reached the UN Office for Drugs and Crime and contributed to the UN Global Study of Children Deprived of Liberty.

One notable outcome was the addition of commentary on neurodisability conditions arising from damage or dysfunction of the brain to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, with the aim of reducing the criminalisation of children at risk.

Professor Williams trained at the University of Wales, gaining both a PhD and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

He began his clinical career in London before joining the founding team of the Oliver Zangwill Centre for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, a specialist unit in Ely, Cambridgeshire, widely regarded as a landmark in the field.

He subsequently held a visiting post at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge before taking up a lectureship at Exeter in 2000, where he has remained, rising to full professor.

Along with colleague Professor Jonathan Evans, he helped develop approaches to assessing and treating post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people who have also suffered a traumatic brain injury a combination that presents particular clinical challenges.

He has served as both Secretary and Chair of the BPS Division of Neuropsychology.

The BPS Lifetime Achievement in Psychology Award is the society's highest individual honour, given to recognise an outstanding and sustained contribution to the discipline.

The BPS represents more than 60,000 psychologists across the UK.

Accepting the award, Professor Williams said the work was the result of collaboration with colleagues and crucially the patients and research participants whose experiences had informed it.

"It is also a profound testament to the experiences of our clients, patients, and participants, who provide us with the privileged insights necessary to drive real change," he said.
At Eggesford station, one of the more extraordinary operational rituals of the modern British railway still takes place.

When two trains need to cross, the driver must pull a rope to lower the level crossing barriers and then physically pass a token, a baton, between drivers.

The token system, a method of ensuring only one train occupies a section of single track at a time, is a relic of nineteenth century railway working. It is not a common sight on today's network.

The scene at Crediton is equally striking. The train driver slows to a halt beside a salmon pink signal box where a signalman comes out to hand a metal token to the driver, a system no different now than when rail campaigner Tim Steer's great grandfather William Steer was the signalman in the same signal box in the early 1900s.

The Tarka Line is single track for almost its entire length.

Where two trains need to pass, they must wait at passing loops, bottlenecks that define the frequency and reliability of the entire timetable.

Board a train at Exeter St David's heading towards Plymouth or London Paddington and you step onto a modern, double-tracked railway. Turn north towards Barnstaple and you enter a different world.

Eggesford station is clearly well-used, yet it has no proper car park. A small forecourt at the front can take a handful of cars but spaces are gone quickly. Commuters have been left to improvise, abandoning their vehicles on surrounding country lanes just to reach the platform.

At King's Nympton station, campaigners want to see more stops as their community faces limitations that force residents to drive to Eggesford to catch a train. At Yeoford station, there is no footpath or station car park, and a second platform sits abandoned and overgrown. The Dartmoor line service passes through without any chance of stopping.

Tim Steer, chair of the Devon and Cornwall branch of Railfuture, does not mince his words. "In a nutshell, Great British Railways are not going to change anything in a hurry," he told the Gazette.

"In recent years, they have been trying their best, but lack of pre central government funding, they have been cut back to the bare bones, and this is why the old class of trains are on the line, they've been struggling to meet passenger demand."

These are not isolated examples, say those behind the campaign for the line's transformation. They are symptoms of a railway that has been systematically underfunded for decades.

For the full report, read the latest Gazette pages 14-15
More homes built around the outskirts of Barnstaple would solve the housing crisis and bring life back to the town centre, a North Devon councillor has claimed.

Lead member for housing Councillor Graham Bell was reacting to concerns about vacant high street shops at a strategy and resources committee meeting of North Devon Council on Monday (April 13).

He said regenerating flats above shops to revitalise commercial premises was not the solution, they needed to substantially swell the population by building around the edge of Barnstaple, which would drive growth.

He said Barnstaple was massively above the average for its number of empty short term shop lets  around 17.5%  and nearly 9% of long term lets were vacant over a three year period despite it being a fantastic town.

READ NEXT: Barnstaple car park entrance to close as final phase of work begins

Cllr Bell said: We need to start to thinking, not simply about shop top properties, but perhaps large chunks of housing, bringing the outskirts of Barnstaple into housing use rather than continuing to hope that River Island will come back or we are going to have a resurgence of BHS (British Home Stores) in the area. These things are not going to happen.

By converting entire parts of the town into housing it will bring the homes we need and perhaps regenerate the core of Barnstaple.

Cllr Ricky Knight said vacant shops and broken guttering in the town centre were disappointing aesthetically and went against all the great work being done by the Barnstaple Place Partnership Board.

He said it was looking to improve the vibrancy of the town with community-led events and regeneration projects, boosting culture and making the town safer with initiative like street marshals.

Cllr Malcolm Prowse, lead member for regeneration and economic development, said tracking down the owners of vacant shops and getting them to respond was a challenge and huge efforts were going into that.

He also said the area was in a high flood zone and water was lapping at the front doors so that needed to be fast tracked if they had any hope of solving empty units.

He added: We need to find a way to allow the upstairs of shop properties to be used. The residential side will pay for the capital value of the property which will bring the building back into life anyway and you can let the shop for very little money thats our top property.

READ NEXT: Barnstaple homes plan approved amid fears it will add to traffic gridlock

Giving an update on the work of the Barnstaple Place Partnership, town centre manager Hannah Harrington said to improve the look of vacant shops colourful vinyls with nice images and information about the town would cover windows.

Vice chair of the committee, Cllr Peter Leaver welcomed the report and said there was a real buzz and life about Barnstaple which he didnt necessarily see in his day job visiting small towns all over the south west.

The partnership board, a mix of public and private sector organisations including councils and police, was set up in 2024 to deliver successful place management of Barnstaple to ensure it is a thriving place for all to live, work, visit and play. It is a community-led rather than a council -led approach.

The partners have done well to keep Barnstaple going in what are undoubtedly tough times for retailers and hospitality sectors, said Cllr Leaver.
A North Devon pharmaceutical manufacturer is to invest 45million in its Barnstaple site, made possible thanks to support from a Government initiative.

The investment by Accord at Whiddon Valley will boost local production of novel treatments, including medicines for people living with bipolar disorder, alongside the companys longstanding product line in generic medicines.

Its latest investment could only happen thanks to the Governments Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF) and was announced today (Tuesday, April) by Liz Kendall, the Science and Technology Secretary.

Accord is also one of the largest suppliers of cancer and chemotherapy medicines in Europe.

READ NEXT: The verdict is in  does North Devon want the Bideford railway to reopen?

The Government says the fund will support more than 500 jobs and takes the amount invested so far this year in UK life sciences to 600million.

Manufacturers can apply to the fund and may typically receive 10 to 20 per cent of the total project cost, for projects worth mire than 8m. By covering some of the cost the Government aims to make the UK a more attractive prospect for investment for manufacturers.

Paul Tredwell, chief operating officer at Accord said: The LSIMF grant has helped to unlock new investment in our Barnstaple site which remains a strategic asset to the UK, providing 9% of all NHS medicines.

The investment will enable the manufacture of two new innovative medicines, helping to secure the sustainability of the site and its broader contribution to UK health resilience.

Liz Kendall said: By manufacturing more medicines in this country we can make sure more people get the vital treatments they need. These investments will make a real difference to people across the country and show our Life Sciences Sector Plan is bearing fruit.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said it was a significant vote of confidence in Barnstaple and North Devons vital role in the UKs life sciences landscape.

He added: By expanding and strengthening production at this site, Accord is not only boosting jobs and skills, but also helping to secure the UKs supply of medicines that make up nine per cent of all NHS prescriptions.

The Barnstaple facility has a strong history in producing high-quality generic medicines, and this investment will build on that legacy by enabling the development and manufacture of new and innovative treatments, including medicines for people living with bipolar disorder.

As one of Accords key European hubs for manufacturing, testing and distribution, the site plays an essential role both locally and nationally.

READ NEXT: North Devon business expanding by building brand new factory in Barnstaple

North Devon MP Ian Roome also welcomed the news and said: This is a very welcome announcement and a clear sign of confidence in the important work being done at Accords Barnstaple site. It is a major boost not just for Barnstaple, but for North Devon as a whole.

The site is one of Barnstaples key employers and plays an important role in the UKs medicines manufacturing and supply chain.

I will be meeting with Accord at their Barnstaple site in the coming weeks to go through their plans in more detail, and to hear more about what this investment will mean for the workforce and the future of the site.

Above: Ian Roome during a visit to Accord shortly after he was elected. Credit: Ian Roome's office
Sisters students learned more than the "three Rs" last week. All eighth grade students at Sisters Middle School got life-saving training, earning their CPR and first-aid certification during a weeklong intensive course offered in all health classes.

Photo provided

This type of training is the first of its kind for middle schoolers in Oregon, and was spearheaded by local community member Wyatt Woods, owner of Holy Kakow in Sisters. Woods, whose son has a disability which poses a significant choking hazard, decided to take a CPR and first-aid class through Sisters Park and Recreation as a means of preparing himself for a potential emergency.

"I signed up for [a class] at Sisters Park and Rec...Tracy Trotter was teaching the class from Northwest Medical Training," Woods said. "My main agenda was preparing myself in my own household.

"As I got into the class, I was just, quite frankly, fascinated. Within the last year, I had lost my father due to a cardiac event, and I wasn't present at that time, but I had other family members that were. After I learned some things in this class, I thought, 'wow, had my family who was present had proper training and this information, then ... they quite likely could have saved his life, and he might still be with us.' That was quite upsetting to me. I was like, 'Man, why were we not prepared for this?'" Woods continued.

During the class, Trotter cited some statistics from King County, Washington, which boasts one of the highest out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates in the world. This impressive statistic is due to the fact that almost 80 percent of King County residents are trained in CPR. Woods raised his hand to ask the obvious question: Why are such a large percentage of residents trained in CPR in King County?

Trotter explained that CPR certification is a requirement to high school graduation in the area; the skills learned by all high schoolers in the county has been the difference between life and death for many.

These statistics, along with his excitement about the class, got Woods' wheels turning. He wondered if this type of training could be offered in Sisters' schools, and if Trotter might be interested in teaching the class. Woods even offered to foot the bill for Trotter's services.

"I approached him after class, and... I asked him if he would be interested if I approached the school district, if he would be interested to teach such a program. And he kind of said, sure, you know, I don't think he really thought it would necessarily go anywhere. But I can be somewhat relentless," Woods said.

Tracy Trotter, Woods' CPR instructor, certainly has the experience necessary to prepare middle schoolers with the skills they need to respond quickly and efficiently in a crisis situation. Trotter has 23 years of paramedic and firefighting experience, and currently owns Sisters-based Northwest Medical Training, which provides CPR instruction across the state. Trotter intimately knows the importance of this type of training; he was saved from choking by his older brother, who received a CPR and first-aid certification through his Boy Scout troop.

"One summer day, while home with my older brothers, I put several gumballs in my mouth at once and began choking. I lost consciousness on the living room floor. [One of my brothers] performed abdominal thrusts, dislodged the gum, and I began breathing again. His quick action and training saved my life." Trotter recalled.

With Trotter on board for the challenge, and an eagerness for making his idea come to fruition, Woods took it upon himself to attend the monthly "Coffee with the Superintendent" community meeting at the Sisters School District office. Curt Scholl and other district leaders were equally excited and enthusiastic about the proposal. The idea was eventually picked up by Justin Nicklous, principal at Sisters Middle School, who was keen on turning this proposal into a reality for this year's eighth-grade class.

When asked about his reasoning for latching onto the idea, Nicklous explained that he was excited about the prospect of giving kids the opportunity to learn real, life-saving skills as a way of serving their community.

"There's a couple important reasons for [offering the class], and one of them is it gives them a lifelong skill that we hope that they never have to use, right?" Nicklous explained.

"We live in an environment where lots of kids are outdoors, they're camping, they're fishing, they're hunting, they're recreating. And so to have that skill where they can support someone [in case of emergency] is a huge, lifelong, skill that was important to me." Nicklous continued.

Additionally, Nicklous said that a CPR and first-aid certification could open many doors for young adults looking for a summer job or after school employment.

"It does give them something that they can put on a resume as they're looking for jobs, whether they're looking for a job at Black Butte [Ranch] in the future with lifeguarding or something like that, or those that are doing babysitting, they can let people know that they've been first aid trained and CPR traine-. That's peace of mind for some people. . . in some jobs [it's] needed or wanted," Nicklous said.

Abby deSmet, health teacher at Sisters Middle School, worked closely with Nicklous and Trotter to schedule the classes, which took place during the week of April 6-10 during her eighth-grade health classes. In total, 108 students received the life-saving training during this week.

DeSmet spoke to the depth of training that was offered in the course, and students' enthusiasm for Trotter's training.

"Tracy has done a fantastic job at teaching the important steps to recognizing cardiac arrest, breathing emergencies as well as many other first aid situations," she said. "Students have had the opportunity to practice compressions on the CPR manikins, practice using training tools that replicate the medication Narcan, EpiPens as well as other first-aid devices that a person may need in a variety of common emergency situations... The students have also done very well at staying focused and engaged throughout the week asking questions and participating in the hands-on requirements."

Trotter could not speak highly enough about the Sisters Middle School students he worked with.

"Teaching this group of eighth graders has been an absolute joy," he said. "While this age can sometimes be challenging to engage, I haven't encountered a single student who wasn't attentive, curious, and willing to participate. They ask thoughtful questions, actively engage in the training, and often express genuine gratitude as they leave each day. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with them."

Based on the successes of this year, the middle school is hoping to continue this training for years to come, so that students can feel empowered and ready to take action if the need arises. The hope is that this effect will ripple outward, and encourage others to learn and get certified as well, as it has in King County.

Woods is pleased that his idea has impacted so many, and is also hopeful that the program will continue to grow.

"I think it could be a long-term deal that works very well. I'm told that it might be the only one in the state, or the first one in the state. And so I think if it works well here in Sisters, then it could potentially be a good model to replicate elsewhere. I just thought, you know, if the good people of King County can pull this off, then the gooder people of Sisters can certainly pull this off," he said. With a chuckle. "No offense, King County."
Anthropic, the artificial intelligence company banned by Defense Secretary Hegseth, has hired Ballard Partners for DC representation.

Ballard, which has close ties with the Trump administration, is focused on Defense Department procurement matters.

Hegseth banned DoD from using Anthropics technology after he declared it a supply chain risk to national security. The president then ordered every federal agency to drop the San Francisco-based firm.

The Washington Post ran an editorial on April 12 headlined The U.S. military is missing out because of Hegseths war on Anthropic. It said Anthropics new Mythos model can detect critical software flaws, but the Pentagon is barring itself from using it.

The editorial noted that China is using AI to break into American systems, and that Anthropic has the best tool available to find vulnerabilities before Beijings hackers can.

But the U.S. military is systematically removing Anthropic software from its systems, with a six-month transition period, noted WaPo. Its one thing to fight with one arm tied behind your back. Its another to have tied it yourself.

Brian Ballard heads his firms Anthropic team, which includes Micah Ketchel, who served in second Trump White House as a special advisor to the National Security Council.
Eric Wiedeke

INFINITE appoints Eric Wiedeke as head of talent, a newly created position intended to strengthen the firms people strategy and global growth ambitions. Wiedeke comes to Infinite from Marina Maher Communications, where he served as SVP of talent. He has also been director of people operations at research company Delphi Digital and held senior HR posts at GCI Health and Healthcare Consultancy Group. In his new post, Wiedeke will oversee global talent strategy and operations, with a focus on aligning people initiatives with business needs. Infinite has reached a critical juncture that requires the skills and expertise Eric has building high-performing teams and guiding organizations through rapid growth, said Infinite CEO Jamie Diaferia. He will be instrumental as we expand our service offerings and invest in the people and culture that define our firm.

Kira Montgomery

Anomaly promotes Kira Montgomery to executive strategy director, head of communications strategy, expanding her remit from the agencys Toronto office to its full North American business. Montgomery joined Anomaly Toronto as head of comms strategy in 2022, building the office's comms strategy practice. She will work across the agencys North American offices, working with strategy, creative and media teams to strengthen how the agency connects brand thinking to communications planning. "Kira finds the angle no one else is looking at," said Anomaly Toronto CEO Candace Borland. "When everyone's watching the obvious story, she's already building the strategy around what they're missing. Expanding her role was the easiest decision we've made."

Steven Holstein

The Jackson Laboratory, which focuses on genetics and genomic medicine, appoints Steven Holstein as SVP of external affairs. Holstein was most recently managing director and head of business development at Outcome Capital, advising founders, boards and investors on capital formation and strategic partnerships to advance life science and health care innovation. He has also held senior roles at MassMutual, Guardian and Fidelity Investments. As a member of Jackson Laboratorys executive team, Holstein will lead a coordinated enterprise strategy across advancement, communications, marketing, and government and external affairs. Steven brings the leadership to serve as a force multiplier, connecting our science to the relationships and resources that will accelerate that impact, said Jackson Laboratory president and CEO Lon Cardon.
CIVIC, a New York-based brand experience agency, acquires strategic communications consultancy Wave Kilo. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Miami, Wave Kilo will continue to operate as a stand-alone offering within CIVIC, reporting into CIVIC co-founder and co-CEO Stuart Ruderfer. The acquisition is intended to expand CIVICs existing consumer public relations capabilities, which are led by managing director, head of PR Julie Safer. Founded by Howard Clabo, a former chief communications & brand officer who led communications at Hewlett-Packard, Applied Materials, FedEx and Aura, Wave Kilo advises CEOs, boards and executive teams through leadership changes, mergers and acquisitions, activist shareholder campaigns, business transformations, restructurings, narrative shifts and corporate milestones. Corporate leaders are dealing with continuous transformation at unprecedented speed and looking to us to help translate these pivot points into opportunities for growth, said Ruderfer. Wave Kilos expertise is exactly what we need to do that at scale.

Hotwire Global, which includes Hotwire and ROIDNA, reaches an agreement with Morning Consult to give Hotwire Global instant access to Morning Consults proprietary dataset for its own and client work. That access includes Morning Consults Intelligence platform, which features AI-native data analysis tools built on global datasets that reveal consumer behavior, brand perception, market trends and political attitudes. In addition, Hotwire Global has open access to Morning Consults panels to run research for its clients to create unique data-driven insights. This partnership with Morning Consult isnt just access to data but allows us to give our client set a new standard for how intelligence is created and consumed for ourselves and our clients, said Hotwire Global CEO Grant Toups.

The Public Relations Student Society of America announced its 20262027 International Committee at PRSSAs 2026 Leadership Assembly, which was held April 10-12 in New Orleans. Teo Ignacio Landoni from the Universidad Argentina de la Empresa was elected as International President. Katie Thomas of Nationwide Childrens Hospital was re-elected to a two-year term (2026-2028) as the National Professional Adviser, beginning on June 1. Alicia Caracciolo of the University of South Carolina will serve as Immediate Past President. Eight new vice presidents were named as well. Welcoming this new group of student leaders to PRSSAs International Committee is about more than connection. Its about shaping the future of our profession, said PRSA chair Heide Harrell.

Avenue Z is named a Shopify Platinum Partner, the highest tier of Shopifys Service Partner Program, reserved for fewer than one percent of the platforms most successful global enterprise partners. The agency will gain priority technical support, early access to new Shopify features and beta programs, and tailored support for global growth. Avenue Z also holds TikTok Platinum Partner status, giving brands a unified growth engine across commerce and content. Platinum status reflects our ability to operate and scale with both the fastest-growing and most established brands in ecommerce at every level of the funnel and tech stack, said Avenue Z chief innovation officer Jonathan Snow.
Questions about the condition of the surface on the Tullamore bypass were raised at the April meeting of the Tullamore Municipal District in the Town Hall.

Councillor Neil Feighery raised the issue during the meeting, stating that urgent action is required to fix the ongoing problem plaguing one of Offaly's busiest roads.

The Fine Gael politician stated: "We mentioned it before but the degradation and breakdown of the surface on the Tullamore bypass, particularly on the main routes is a big issue. It's been nearly 20 years since it opened and it needs significant investment because the potholes aren't getting any smaller so we need to get it done as soon as possible."

Cllr Feighery added: "We need to call on Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to really take a close look at the bypass in Tullamore and realise that if it's going to be fit for purpose as the main bypass for our county town then it needs to be improved."

READ NEXT: Multiple milestones achieved at popular parkrun at Offaly venue

He also emphasized the extent of the work needed on the prominent road. "It's not really fair that the Tullamore MD has been left to just do patchwork really to try maintain the surface, I really think it needs a huge investment."

Cllr Feighery concluded: "There's a lot of investment going into the town and especially the centre of the town but we really need to see that road network improved. I'd be calling on our colleagues at TII to deliver that investment as required for the bypass."

Councillor Aoife Masterson also weighed in on the matter echoing her agreement with the previous sentiments. She said: "In terms of potholes, I certainly share Councillor Feighery's concerns in relation to the bypass, I'm glad that we had members of the TII on site to see the needs of the community a few weeks ago and I hope that will be a really important step forward.

The Sinn Fein politician also pointed out specific areas that need to be addressed. She stated: "Around Mucklagh seems to be in a bit of disrepair at the moment on both sides of the village. There's a massive pothole where the shrubbery spells out Mucklagh, I was driving behind somebody that had their tyre blown out there on Easter Monday."

Cllr Masterson continued: "On the other side when you are coming out of the village towards Tullamore, there is a series of potholes as well towards the Clonminch Road so we need to have a look at those. Constituents have also consistently reached out to me in relation to the areas on the bypass side of the hospital, the road towards Kilbeggan and around Tinnycross, which are all in quite bad repair at this stage."

READ MORE: PICTURES: Strong turnout for 'A Walk in the Park for Parkinson's' fundraiser in Tullamore

Senior Executive Engineer Joe Dooley addressed the councillors' concerns regarding the road. He ensured: "As far as the degradation of the bypass, the TII inspector was down here and we have some funding from them to do patch repairs so the worst ones will be done. Some of those are around Mucklagh, Screggan and the western end of it, there are some particularly bad ones there.

However, Dooley acknowledged: "It will be patchwork, for want of a better word. We're spending our maintenance money on fixing the potholes but we do need large scale investment from the TII and that's what we have requested, we will keep banging that drum."

Director of services Paul McLoughlin noted: "Regarding the level of investment which is actually required, what we are now developing after bring the TII inspector down in person and shown them the affected areas is a pavement and asset renewal which we have put in, so we will be prioritising that as item number one.

He went on to say: "TII hasn't funded us in recent years but nationally this year they are compromising regarding the funding that is available. I want us to have a number of applications ready so we will keep doing asset repairs and carry out inspections to identify these areas that need funding. Ideally, we do need large scale investment and as Joe said, we will continue to beat that drum going forward."
Sydney Dunlap covers food and culture for the Free Times. She is a native of South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2025. Her work has previously appeared in The State, South Carolina Living and The Hill.
Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

Today

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 62F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. Low 62F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
A coordination group comprising the International Energy Agency (IEA), the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects fuel prices to remain under pressure amid the current Middle East conflict involving Iran, Israel and the US.

Even after a resumption of regular shipping flows through the Strait, it will take time for global supplies of key commodities to move back towards their pre-conflict levelsand fuel and fertiliser prices may remain high for a prolonged period given the damage to infrastructure, the global body said in a joint statement issued late on Monday.

Due to supply disruptions, shortages of key inputs are likely to have implications for energy, food, and other industries, it added.

The trio closed ranks early this month to deploy their individual strengths to address the broad energy and economic ramifications of the war.

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Mondays meeting of heads of those international bodies was held to allow them to compare their latest evaluations of the emergency before the publication of the IEAs monthly Oil Market Report and the IMFs World Economic Outlook on Tuesday.

There is no end yet in sight to the war, more than six weeks after hostilities broke out.

Marked spikes in the prices of crude a couple of weeks back are beginning to resurface after dipping below $100 per barrel a few days ago, with the cost of physical oil cargoes heading for Europe touching its peak level ever on Monday, going for $150 a barrel.

Brent crude futures for June delivery sped up 6 per cent to cross $100 the same day.

Complications from the failure of the US and Iran to reach a peace deal and Donald Trumps threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow channel key to the supply of one quarter of the worlds seaborne oil shipments, are breeding fresh uncertainty about the future of oil and fuel prices.

As we noted earlier this month, the impact of the war is substantial, global, and highly asymmetric, disproportionately affecting energy importers, in particular low-income countries, the statement said.

The coordination group also observed that the headwinds continue to drive up gas and fertiliser prices and highlighted the implications for food and job security.

It expects the retreat of global supplies of crucial commodities to the levels they were before the war to take quite a while. Fuel and fertiliser prices, in particular, could be perennially high, it warned, given the scale of damage to infrastructure.

Disrupted supply chains may hammer food, energy and other industries through shortfalls of major inputs, it added, highlighting the harm already done to people, jobs, travel and tourism.
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Tuesday warned airlines against providing misleading information to passengers during flight delays, particularly in cases linked to fuel supply challenges.

The NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said airlines must be transparent about the true causes of delays to allow passengers make informed decisions.

Airlines should, please, ensure to let passengers know the true reasons for lengthy delays, especially when it is a fuelling issue, he wrote on his official X page.

Mr Achimugu criticised situations where passengers are kept waiting for hours with repeated assurances of imminent departure, only for flights to be delayed further or cancelled.

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Do not keep people waiting in false hopes from morning until late night, only to either cancel or fly at an hour where safety at destination city is not guaranteed, he added.

He noted that the impact of such delays cuts across different categories of travellers, including government officials, students, business people and individuals with time-sensitive commitments such as visa interviews.

The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, also expressed concern over the development and directed closer monitoring of airline operations, Mr Achimugu said.

While acknowledging that operational challenges may not always be the fault of airlines, he stressed that operators have a responsibility to reduce inconvenience to passengers.

The challenges may not be the fault of the airlines sometimes, but it is the responsibility of the operator to mitigate the inconvenience of paying passengers, he said, urging airlines to provide timely updates so travellers can consider alternative arrangements.

He also cautioned against providing inaccurate explanations for delays.

Do not say bird strike if the problem is fuel. Do not say we will take off in 30 minutes if you are not sure of fuelling, he said.

Mr Achimugu added that airlines must also meet their obligations to passengers when delays extend into late hours.

If you keep passengers up to 10 p.m., provide them HOTAC, he said, referring to hotel accommodation for affected travellers.

The NCAA warning comes amid ongoing concerns over flight disruptions in Nigerias aviation sector, with fuel supply issues and operational constraints continuing to affect airline schedules.
The chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has applauded a raft of reforms undertaken by President Bola Tinubu since the start of his tenure, saying it has yielded a comprehensive reset of the nations economic and fiscal infrastructure.

Mr Adedeji told attendees at the commissioning of the agencys new three-tower headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday that Nigeria has reported record domestic revenue performance on account of the disciplinary approach that the reforms adopted.

Your Excellency restored macroeconomic credibilityunifying foreign exchange markets, clearing longstanding backlogs, and re-establishing confidence in Nigerias ability to operate a transparent and market-driven system, he said.

These were not easy decisions, but they were necessary ones, and history will recognise them as such.

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The NRS, under the leadership of Mr Adedeji, whom Mr Tinubu appointed about four months into his presidency, is one of the agencies at the cornerstone of this administrations fierce drive to grow revenue at scale and align fiscal policies with monetary policies.

It posted a 76 per cent jump in collection for 2024, when revenue touched an all-time peak of N21.6 trillion, and took performance further last year, reporting N28.2 trillion.

For 2026, the agency, previously known as the Federal Inland Revenue Service, is setting sights on N40.7 trillion on the optimism that Nigerias adoption of a new tax regime this year will sharply boost collection.

The overhaul of the countrys tax system, which the NRS chief also commended in his address, has been noted as the most extensive of its kind since Nigerias colonial days. It streamlined more than 60 tax laws, many of them obsolete and out of tune with global best practice, into a simplified and harmonised framework to ease compliance, improve efficiency in administration and boost predictability.

Mr Adedeji highlighted how purposefulness in leadership has helped Nigeria achieve a quick turnaround of an economy bogged down by a constrained fiscal space, low investor confidence and structural distortions before the current administration took office.

Tax reform is not always elegant at inception; it is technical, contested, and requires sustained alignment across institutions. It demands discipline, patience, and resilience, Mr Adedeji said.

Yet, through persistence and clarity of direction, what once appeared difficult has produced something coherent, structured, and of lasting national value.

On that score, he acknowledged the efforts of Taiwo Oyedele, the man who led the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, now Nigerias junior minister for finance.

The NRS sixteen-floor office building is designed to accommodate around 3,000 staff.
The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, Sharafadeen Alli, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for installing him and two others as Ibadan high chiefs in their absence.

In a video circulating on Facebook, the senator said the ceremony defied long-standing traditional norms which require the physical presence of those being installed.

PREMIUM TIMES could not ascertain when exactly the video was recorded by the senator. But the video clip was found circulating online on Monday.

At the place I went to, people said Ive been made a traditional ruler. But our father says you dont cut someones hair in his absence, he said, questioning the legitimacy of the process.

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The senator argued that no one has historically been installed as a traditional leader without being physically present, adding that the event resembled a theatre performance rather than a valid coronation.

His comments come amid controversy surrounding the recent decision of the Oyo State Government to crown the Ekeerin Balogun of Ibadanland, Akeem Adewoyin; Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Kola Babalola, and the Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, Sharafadeen Alli, as Obas despite their absence from the ceremony.

Mr Alli also alleged that the ceremony went ahead despite the inability of the affected individuals to attend, accusing the government of prioritising spending over due process.

You said you wanted to install three persons but those three gave reasons why they cant be present. Instead of rescheduling the event, you insisted on the ceremony just because of the N1.5 billion cost, he said.

He further claimed that unnamed individuals were influencing the governors actions, although he maintained that he had no personal dispute with Governor Makinde or his deputy.

Our only concern is those who are influencing the governor negatively. I dont have any quarrel with the governor but some people are influencing them negatively, he added.

The senator called for open discussion of the issue, noting that the controversy had now entered the public domain.

Background

The April exercise is the latest in a series of chieftaincy reforms overseen by the Makinde administration. In February, the governor approved the elevation of 14 Oyo chiefs to Obas, despite an ongoing legal dispute linked to the stool of the Alaafin of Oyo.

These moves have continued to generate tension within the traditional institution, particularly in Ibadan, where the succession system to the Olubadan stool has historically followed a strict and predictable hierarchy among high chiefs.

The controversy has also taken a political dimension. Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose recently alleged that there are moves that could affect the position of Oba Rashidi Ladoja in the Ibadan succession line, further fuelling debate over the governments role in traditional matters.

However, Governor Makinde insists that the presentation of the staff of office to the elevated chiefs was in line with the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration and Section 20 (1) and (4) of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Vol. 1, 2000.

He added that the law empowers the executive governor to confer beaded crowns on elevated high chiefs in Ibadanland, insisting that the ceremony was validly conducted.

Why this reform matters

The controversy over the recent Ibadan coronation stems from long-standing changes to the citys chieftaincy system and the expanding role of the Oyo State Government.

Ibadan traditionally operates a structured succession system in which high chiefs rise through defined ranks to become Olubadan.

Under amendments to the Chiefs Law initiated during the tenure of former Governor Ajimobi and sustained by Governor Makinde,, multiple high chiefs can hold the status of obas while remaining in line to the Olubadan stool, a policy the government says ensures continuity in the traditional system.

However, the reforms have faced resistance. A similar move in 2017 drew opposition from some senior chiefs, with a number of them boycotting the exercise.
The Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC) set up by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) verified that Cross River State has 119 crude oil and gas wells and that the state therefore deserves a 13 per cent derivation revenue from those wells.

The committee recommended a refund from Akwa Ibom State to Cross River for the money (13 per cent derivation revenue) that Akwa Ibom had been receiving from the 119 wells.

The 119 crude oil and gas wells attributed to Cross River State prior to the exercise were benefited by Akwa Ibom State, as such Akwa Ibom State should refund to Cross River State the 13% enjoyed from the 119 oil and gas wells in form of arrears, the committee stated.

These and other related findings are detailed in the IATC report submitted to the RMAFC in February 2026 for review and subsequent transmission to President Bola Tinubu for consideration.

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Apparently strengthened by the IATC report, which has refuted the long-held belief that Cross River lost its littoral status after Nigeria ceded the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon on 14 August 2008, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has been calling for a restoration of Cross Rivers economic rights.

Mr Otu, in February this year in Calabar, told a group of journalists that Cross River accepted to sacrifice Bakassi and its oil and gas assets for Nigeria to achieve peace, but that his state and the people have continued to suffer immensely for it.

The journalists, including a PREMIUM TIMES reporter, were in Calabar for a fact-finding tour regarding the dispute between Cross River and Akwa Ibom over the oil wells.

Today, we bear the scars, which we believe it is time to change it, Mr Otu said to the journalists before they embarked on a boat ride to the sea to have a view of the oil platforms and the coastal communities.

To say the least, we are not even asking for more; we are just asking for our own rights. It is Cross River State today; it can be any other state tomorrow, the governor added.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that some powerful figures within the Nigerian government have been fighting hard to suppress the IATC report to prevent Cross River from regaining the oil and gas wells.

However, Mohammed Shehu, chairman of RMAFC, said in a February statement that what the commission received from the IATC was a draft copy and that media reports suggesting a proposal to transfer oil wells to Cross River were misleading and premature.

Consistent with established protocol, the draft document has been transmitted to relevant technical and statutory stakeholders, namely the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the National Boundary Commission (NBC), and the Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation (OSGoF), for detailed review, observations, and technical input, Mr Shehu said.

He said a final report would be transmitted to President Tinubu after RMAFCs tripartite committees, comprising the committees on crude oil, gas, and investment, and legal matters, had scrutinised the observations and recommendations from the NUPRC, NBC, and OSGoF.

Two sources close to the presidency have informed PREMIUM TIMES that the governors of Cross River and Akwa Ibom have already held two meetings on resolving the oil well dispute, on President Tinubus directive.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, reportedly mediated in one of the meetings.

The two states have gone further to set up a technical committee, which has been meeting on the matter, one of the sources added.

Mr Akpabios media aide, Anietie Ekong, confirmed via a Facebook post that the Senate president mediated a meeting on 25 February in Abuja between Governor Otu and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. He posted a photo on the social media site of Mr Akpabio flanked by Messrs Otu and Eno.

President Tinubu is said to be disposed to resolving the dispute between the two states mutually, without going through a prolonged bureaucratic or legal process.

Cross River and Akwa Ibom are APC-controlled states. The resurfaced oil-well dispute between the two has the potential to cause political damage ahead of crucial elections in 2027, besides the concerns over national security.

Cross River has lost trillions of naira, and its economy has been negatively impacted, amid several stalled infrastructure projects and reported job losses since it lost the disputed oil wells to Akwa Ibom. The people of the state, especially the youth, have been apprehensive lately over the renewed dispute.

IATC members, mandates, methodology

Khadija Kumo, the director of the Crude Oil Department at RMAFC, chaired the 13-member IATC, inaugurated on 18 June 2025 by the RMAFC Secretary, Joseph Nwaze.

Other members of the IATC were Peter Inyabri (RMAFC), vice chairman; Aderinwale Folorunso (RMAFC), secretary and coordinator; Bulus Emmanuel (NBC); Semiu Ayinde (OSGoF); Jenifer Ekhekide (NUPRC); Azubuike Chinweikpe (OSGoF); Ahmed Hamza (RMAFC); Mukailu Mohammed (NBC); and Aisha Musa (NUPRC).

Umar Kulo, Badamasi Muhammad, and Stayford Eyineje ran the committee secretariat.

The surveyor-general of all the states that were parties to the disputed wells were observers in the conduct of the IATC activities, according to the report.

The Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and other security operatives provided security coverage on land and waters (for the committee), the report stated.

The IATC was set up mainly to verify the coordinates of disputed oil and gas fields and wells, and of newly drilled oil and gas wells in Nigerias Niger Delta region from 2017 to December 2025.

In the simplest terms, coordinates, in this context, are locations from which oil is drawn. A coordinate is to oil production as a beacon stone is to a land survey.

The RMAFC chairman, Mohammed Shehu, while declaring open the coordinates verification exercise on 22 September 2025 in Asaba, Delta State, assured stakeholders of fairness and transparency. He described the exercise as a proactive step toward ensuring the equitable allocation of national resources.

The report explained the methodology deployed by the IATC and stated that the exercise took place in two separate phases.

The first phase involved the verification of coordinates submitted by the NUPRC. Physical verification of these coordinates was considered essential, as the committee observed that NUPRC was not the primary source of the data submitted to RMAFC and, therefore, the information could not be relied upon entirely. Any variation in coordinates could significantly affect plotting outcomes. Consequently, the exercise emphasised empirical data collection to ensure accuracy and to minimise agitations upon completion of the exercise.

The second phase entailed the plotting of the verified coordinates on established instruments (maps).

During this phase, the Surveyors-General of all affected States participated, and all issues raised were adequately addressed and clarified.

Continuing, the report stated: To enhance the accuracy of coordinate acquisition, the RMAFC procured advanced surveying equipment, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), for the use of the IATC.

The GNSS uses a satellite constellation to determine positions and navigation. Drone technology was also deployed to capture geospatial data, where navigation through terrains were difficult and to overcome challenges posed by uncooperative oil companies. In addition, Satellite Imageries were acquired to obtain the necessary geospatial data.

The committee deployed the Tersus Oscar, a new-generation GNSS RTK system designed for high-precision surveying and mapping, for the coordinates verification. It processed and analysed data collected from all locations visited in Akwa Ibom and Cross River to accurately map the data using ArcGIS.

From there, the IATC created a new map of proven oil and gas well locations, both on land and in shallow offshore waters (200m Isobath) in each state.

Also, the committee looked at the Supreme Court judgement on the oil-well dispute between Cross River and Akwa Ibom, the Supreme Court judgement on the abrogation of the onshore/offshore dichotomy, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in the case between Cameroon and Nigeria, among several other documents.

The Surveyor-General of Akwa Ibom, Emem Isang, and her counterpart in Cross River, Patrick Bassey, made presentations to the committee.

In addition to the surveyor-general of Cross River, the Chief of Staff to Governor Otu, Emmanuel Ironbar, also made a presentation to the committee about OMLs 114, 123, and 115, which Cross River claimed it was unjustly deprived of its 13 per cent derivation entitlement.

Notably, this exercise marked the first time the IATC had undertaken such a field-based assessment in the disputed area since the eastern portion of the Bakassi Peninsula was ceded to the Republic of Cameroon, the report stated.

The report also stated that the coordinates verification exercise was in compliance with the Supreme Courts judgement in Suit No. SC.250/2009.

In that judgement delivered in 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that, The 13% derivation revenue on the 76 oil wells offshore between Akwa Ibom State and Cross River State must continue to be attributed to the state on whose maritime territory they are found to be located by the relevant government agencies; that is the National Boundary Commission, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission relating with the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation and the Accountant General of the Federation.

How Cross River lost its oil and gas assets

The oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula, before it was ceded to Cameroon in 2008, was part of Cross River and is divided into two parts: the eastern and western.

The eastern part of Bakassi was ceded to Cameroon, while the western part remains in Nigeria, and in Cross River, with 49 communities, including Dayspring 1 and 2, Kwa Island, and Abana.

With the eastern part of Bakassi intact, Cross River forms a land and maritime boundary with Cameroon through the Akwayefe River and its adjoining waters.

Meanwhile, following the cession of Bakassi to Cameroon, Nigeria still has outstanding boundary demarcation issues to resolve with the central African country; the two countries are working through the mixed commission to finish marking their shared border.

But while this had not yet been completed, a map, recently disowned by the OSGoF, was used several years back to justify the allocation of the disputed 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom.

The map was not produced by the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, as it does not contain the standard coordinate records utilised by the Office, the OSGoF said in 6 October 2025, in a response to an enquiry from the Cross River State Government.

The 76 oil wells are located in the western part of Bakassi, in Cross River, according to IATC findings.

Persons knowledgeable about the matter alleged that the Supreme Court judgements that favoured Akwa Ibom regarding the 76 oil wells were based on flawed documents and maps.

Michael Aondokaa, a former attorney-general of the federation, had led the Nigerian delegation to the UN-backed Nigeria-Cameroon Mixed Commission.

Mr Aondokaa told Channels TV in February that Nigeria as a country would have been removed from the maritime map showing the countrys boundary with Cameroon if Cross River were removed, puncturing one of Akwa Iboms primary arguments that Cross River does not have direct access to the sea.

In the map that was submitted to the National Assembly at that time, in 2008, it was clear that there was access to the sea through the Calabar Estuaries, Mr Aondokaa argued.

Cross River surveyor-general, Mr Bassey, and the former Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly, John Lebo, corroborated Mr Aondokaas position that the Calabar estuary provides Nigeria with access to the sea.

Our own (Nigerias) continental shelf is elongated because the estuaries are still flowing to the sea. That is why the UN extended our continental shelf after the (ICJ) judgement by 16,300, Mr Lebo told the visiting journalists as he and other officials guided them through the sea.

So the Nigerian continental shelf is no longer 200m Isobath; it is 220m, he added.

Mr Lebo later gave another perspective to the dispute.

The mistake Akwa Ibom is making is that if you come and say this water belongs to Akwa Ibom and that everything under it belongs to them, its not correct because oil is not drilled from one location, the former Cross River speaker told PREMIUM TIMES.

For instance, that is why Akwa Ibom is sharing oil with Rivers State. Akwa Ibom has more water boundary than Rivers, but Rivers is collecting more than them because in the reservoir, they are tapping more from Rivers  it is the percentage of the reservoir sharing.

Rivers State is sharing oil with Imo State, Imo is sharing with Abia, Delta is sharing with Edo, Bayelsa is sharing with Ondo. Lagos is sharing with Dahomey Basin, with Benin Republic.

Even among countries, the reservoir that straddles between two countries, they sit down and sign treaties for joint production. So, Akwa Ibom cannot say that all the reservoirs we are drilling are only in Akwa Ibom, that they dont cross into Cross River. Its not correct, he argued.

Mr Aondokaa told Seun Okinbaloye, the anchor of Channels TVs Politics Today, that after leaving office as the attorney-general of the federation, he was lost when he heard people say that Cross River does not have direct access to the sea.

When asked if the Supreme Court judgement that favoured Akwa Ibom was faulty, Mr Aondokaa said the court relied on the maps and documents presented to it.

Mr Okinbaloye asked Mr Aondokaa whether he thinks that Cross River deserves to regain its status as an oil-producing state.

I think so, he responded.

I dont even think they ought to have been deprived (in the first place), he added.

The former attorney-general of the federation said there are instances in which the Supreme Court reverses itself if it is glaring that there was a miscarriage of justice and that a judgement was obtained through misrepresentation, apparently referring to the possibility of the Supreme Court reversing itself in the Akwa Ibom-Cross River dispute.

Moreover, he said the Supreme Court judgement is tied to the 76 oil wells, and not the new ones discovered by the IATC. This, he said, leaves room for President Tinubu to resolve the matter through a political solution.

I am a comrade. I have toughness

Governor Otu was available for an interview in the evening when the journalists returned from the sea.

Where you went to today is the only navigational channel into Nigeria, and it is in Cross River, Mr Otu said to the journalists, dismissing Akwa Iboms argument that the state lacks direct access to the sea.

On the Supreme Court judgement, the governor reiterated the Cross Rivers position that the facts presented to the judges were fraudulent.

Coordinates dont lie, he said.

The ICJ judgement is not enforceable; what is enforceable is the Green Tea Agreement, and the Supreme Court never saw that Green Tea Agreement.

We have over 300 oil wells in Cross River. Take off anything that is controversial, take off the 76 oil wells. Give us what is ours. We have suffered enough, we cant take it anymore.

One of the journalists asked Mr Otu what his predecessors did about the 76 oil well dispute and why it took Cross River over 20 years to speak up.

It has been the policy of this administration to draw a line. I dont know the challenges they faced at the time.

I am a comrade. I have toughness and resilience, the governor responded.

For Akwa Ibom, the argument remains the same  that the oil wells belong to them, and the Supreme Court, being the final court of arbitration in Nigeria, has said so.

There are two Supreme Court judgements that give Akwa Ibom State the right to those oil wells. We are not sharing maritime boundaries with Cross River State but with the Republic of Cameroon, and the Nigerian Supreme Court has said so twice to establish this fact, Governor Eno said in February.

There is no cause for alarm. The people on the other side may cook up any story they want; raise propaganda, but this propaganda has no effect in the face of the two Supreme Court decisions establishing our ownership of the oil wells. This is not about sentiments, the governor added.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) will hold its national convention today at the Rainbow Event Centre in Abuja, despite a last-minute alleged attempt to block the gathering.

The opposition party moved the event to a private venue after the alleged moves by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to block the use of Eagle Square and other facilities.

However, a few hours before the event was set to begin, the proprietor of the Rainbow Event Centre withdrew permission for the party to use the facility.

ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, who disclosed this at midnight on Monday, said the owner faced intense pressure from the FCT authorities, which also threatened to revoke his licence if he allowed the convention to hold.

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However, the party leadership vowed to continue with the exercise at the venue, stating they will not bow to this creeping tyranny.

The non-elective convention is the first major assembly since a coalition of opposition politicians led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar fused into the ADC last year. Former Senate President David Mark assumed the role of national chairman of the party then.

About 3,000 delegates drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT are expected to attend the convention themed, So the Nation May Work.

The event is expected to affirm the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) appointed last year, adopt the partys amended constitution and manifesto ahead of the 2027 general election.

The move to hold the convention follows months of legal battles and uncertainty regarding its leadership.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recently announced it would no longer recognise the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC), citing an interim court order and a failure to resolve internal leadership disputes

Despite these threats, the Mark-led party protested and vowed to go ahead with its activities, including organising the congresses, which were held last week and todays convention.

READ ALSO: Supreme Court grants accelerated hearing of appeal on ADC leadership dispute

The ADC is currently split into three distinct groups vying for control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections: Apart from the Mark faction, the most prominent of all, there is the Nafiu Bala faction and the newly emerged Dumebi Kachikwu faction, each claiming to be the authentic leadership of the party.

This third way group rejects both Mark and Bala, accusing them of hijacking the party. They support the INEC de-recognition and are calling for a neutral interim committee to oversee party affairs.

Interestingly, the convention is holding on the day the Supreme Court heard Mr Marks appeal for an order to stay the execution of the appellate court ruling on which INEC acted to derecognise his leadership.

PREMIUM TIMES will bring you live updates of the convention. Also, follow us on our Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter accounts.

3:00 p.m: ADC Convention begins after hours of waiting by journalists and delegates.

The Master of Ceremony mounted the podium and welcomed delegates and attendees.

3:07 p.m.: Master of Ceremony, Dino Melaye, called ADC National Chairperson, David Mark.

Senator Mark called for a minute silence for fallen heroes who died fighting insecurity in the country.

3:15 p.m.: Mr Mark, a former senate president, said the ADC will be the platform through which Nigeria will be reached and rebuilt.

He described the emergence of the party as evidence of the resilience of opposition.

We will not bow, cow and will not retreat, he said.

He said the party had faced unprecedented betrayal. He said every attempt to suppress the party has only strengthen the members.

He said INECs decision raises questions about forces that govern Nigeria democracy.

3:27 p.m: Masters of Ceremony, Dino Melaye, said the Chinese Ambassador is present and the British High Commission represented by three-person delegation led by Tom Simpson.

Mr Melaye added that the Norwegian Ambassador is on his way to the venue.

3:57 p.m: ADC National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, said the party cannot be stopped.

Mr Aregbesola said it will not succumb to anti-democratic forces in the country including INEC.

ADC has not will not and will not be owned by anyone and was formed from the aspiration of people tired of the current government.

We owe our existence to Nigerian constitution. We cannot allow kakistocracy in Nigeria, he said.

Mr Aregbesola said the current administration has fail the country in all aspects.

He said an honest government would step down and not seek reelection.

He said the current government has mismanaged the naira, resulting to a 100 per cent devaluation which moved from N700 to N1,400.

Has said the price of petrol per liter has increased to N1,400 and the cost of transportation has become prohibitively high.

He said the number of out of school children has also increased and the country has been railroaded into poverty.

This is the time of worse insecurity of the country, he said.

3:50 p.m: Mr Aregbesola said the Ralph Nwosu-led NWC was legitimately dissolved.

He narrated how it happened.

He said at the NEC meeting July 2025, the partys then Legal adviser moved for a motion to suspend the membership requirement to hold position in the party.

Mr Aregbesola said another NEC meeting at Chelsea Hotel on May 15 constituted a NWC. The NWC met on 2 July and passed some resolutions including the constitution of caretaker committee to manage the party and dissolution of the NWC led by Ralph Nwosu.

3:55 p.m.

On the Legal basis for the convention, Mr Aregbesola said INEC has a duty to abide by the laws of the constitution and the electoral act, which include the monitoring the convention and congress.

He said INEC has no reason not to attend.

He said the last letter to INEC notifying it of the conventions was dated 10 March and signed by Mr Aregbesola. He said INEC acknowledged the letter on 13 March.

The former Osun State governor said the decision of INEC not to monitor the conventions amounts to dereliction of duty.

4:16 p.m:

Mr Aregbesola said the party is planning a multi-party summit to unite the opposition for the 2027 election. He said the party will partner with other political parties, including the Turaki-led PDP, NPP, and PRP.

4:19 p.m.

Mr Aregbesola said Nigeria will not tolerate a Kabiesi (supreme leader) in the Aso Rock, vowing, No coronation.

4:23 p.m.

The MC of the event, Mr Melaye, announced that former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who is facing trial in court, has been granted bail and is expected at the convention. The crowd cheered at his announcement.

4:49 p.m

Senator Ireti Kingibe, speaking on behalf of ADC Senators, said she has been intimidated and harassed but will remain committed.

4:55 p.m.

Victor Ogene, leader of the ADC Caucus at the House of Representatives, assured that the caucus will lead in checkmating the executive powers.

4:55 p.m.

Former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, mounted the podium and said he is speaking for people in the departure lounge. Mr Odigie-Oyegun, a former governor of Edo State, said he is pleased by the crowd, recalling that the movement started from a meeting of only three or five people.

With the passion and determination on these faces, I truly now believe that the people of this country have decided that enough is enough. Our mumu don do. E don too much sef, he said.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

5:15 p.m:

Former National Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Buba Galadima, said a corpse will emerge the winner if it contests against Bola Tinubu in 2027.

He condemned the reported threat against the owner of the venue of the convention that his Certificate of Occupancy will be revoked should he allow the ADC to use the venue for the convention.

5:25 p.m.

Sokoto South senator, Aminu Tambuwal, said the countrys democracy has been taken over by pseudo democrats.

He called on court judges not to allow themselves to be used against Nigeria, saying history is taking note of everyones role in the future of the country.

Pointing at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who sits beside Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, Mr Tambuwal recalled that when the coalition started, most of the leaders sitting together in the hall couldnt be together in a room. He appealed to them and members of the party to continue on the shared path of unity of purpose.

5:33 p.m.

A former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, said the party was started with the mission that any leader emerging from it will see Nigeria through the prism of being the biggest country in Africa. He recalled that Pat Utomi was the first presidential candidate of the party. This time, he said, nothing is stopping the party.

5:40 p.m

Also speaking, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, said the country has been further divided by the current government. He said the country is now worse off than it was when President Bola Tinubu took power almost three years ago.

According to Mr Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Nigeria moved up from the 8th position in the terrorism ranking and is now in the 4th place. He warned that if the administration is allowed to remain in power, the ranking may rise to the first position.

He quoted the World Banks poverty figures for Nigeria to be 41 per cent in 2023 and is now 63 per cent.

Mr Obi also noted that the previous administration, which borrowed to pay for subsidy, left about N87 trillion debt, but Mr Tinubus government, which did not pay subsidy, has taken borrowings to as high as N200 trillion.

5:55 p.m:

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the Tinubu government doesnt care about Nigerians, adding that the situation is really bad.

Mr Amaechi said when he was governor of Rivers State, if an offense is committed, he would not rest until the perpetrators were captured.

He (Mr Tinubu) said let the poor be allowed to breathe. Is the poor breathing? he asked.

How can a man who says he is a democrat and stands on the side of NADECO now stop democracy, he said.

6:10 p.m.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the ADC movement is a struggle for all Nigerians, particularly young people, whom he said the country has failed. He assured that the ADC will institute a government of responsibility

You cannot get away with corruption in the government of ADC, he said.

He also condemned the INEC Chairperson, vowing that the party wouldnt allow him to get away with illegality.

6:14 p.m.

MC of the event, Dino Melaye, announced to the delegates that the National Auditors report has been received and adopted.

6:14 p.m.

The Chairman of the Legal and Convention processes committee, Olumide Apata, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), led the ratification of resolutions on key issues concerning the party at the 97, 98 and 99 NEC meetings.

Chinedu Idigo, the national organising secretary, listed the resolutions passed to include waiver of membership requirements, suspension of zoning requirements for filling of executive positions and the suspension of application of requirements that a vacant office be filled by an individual from the same zone as the previous occupier.

Enyinanya Abaribe moved that the convention ratify the resolutions passed at the NEC 97, 98 and 99 meetings held on 20 March 20205, 30 May 2025 and 29 July 2025, respectively.

Peter Uzokwe seconded the motion, which was adopted via a voice vote coordinated by Mr Apata.

Senator Ireti Kingibe moved for the motion to adopt the resolution of NWC from the 100th NEC meeting to hold elections for various organs of the party at polling units, wards and states, including the election of delegates to the convention.

Mrs Kingibe also moved the motion to rectify the NEC resolution to set up a committee of experts to propose policy principles and draft manifestos of the party for candidates to align their campaigns.

Both motions were seconded by Adetunji Ajagbe and adopted via a voice vote.

6.46 p.m.

Dauda Yaro, the senator representing Adamawa South, moved a motion for the expulsion of some members accused of anti-party activities and the creation of factions.

Those expelled included factional leader Nafiu Bala, another factional leader, Kinglsey Temitope, a member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, John-Norman Obinna, Kennedy Odiong, Clement Ohigachi, and Stella Chukwuma.

Dauda Yaro, the senator representing Adamawa South, moved a motion for the expulsion of the members for alleged anti-party activities and the creation of factions.

The motion was seconded by Abdussamad Dasuki, representing Kebbi/Tambuwal federal constituency at the House of Representatives.

6:52 p.m.

Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto South senator, moved for the motion for the adoption of a voting procedure for the adoption of the partys constitution amendment.

Lillian Orobo, a professor, seconded the motion.

6:58 p.m

ADC Electoral Committee, chaired by Emeka Ihedioha, is setting up ballot boxes for voting on the partys constitutional amendment.

7.24 p.m.

Plateau Delegates protest after electoral committee chairman, Emeka Ihedioha, said delegates from the state will not vote over some issues.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported that there was a parallel Congress that produced two factional executives last week.

The faction headed by Hanatu Gagara conducted its congress at Adewusi House, Murtala Mohammed Way, Jos, while the camp of Samuel Gyang, led by former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, used Kalwa House, the partys state secretariat.

9:00 p.m.

The Electoral Committee begins sorting of votes cast by over 1,000 delegates.

Emeka Ihedioha, the chair of the committee, said 1,542 delegates were accredited out of the 2,105 registered delegates.

9:49 p.m.

Mr Ihedioha announced the results of the votes cast by delegates.

He said 1,471 persons (94 per cent) voted Yes  in favour of the constitutional amendment  while 11 votes were void.

9:55 p.m.

National Chairman David Mark said he had, as a member of the PDP, attended all national conventions and none was up to 50 per cent as organised as Tuesdays ADC convention.

He commended the convention committee and declared the convention closed.
On Monday, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed distributed hundreds of official vehicles to traditional rulers across the state in a lavish ceremony held at Government House, even as official data shows that more than 70 per cent of the states population lives in multidimensional poverty.

The vehicles, which included fourteen GMC saloon cars, Toyota buses, Toyota Hilux pickups, and over a hundred Toyota Camry cars, were handed to fourteen newly appointed emirs and more than a hundred district heads.

The governor described the gesture as part of his administrations deliberate effort to strengthen grassroots governance and deepen community engagement.

I remain committed to extending this support across both long-established and newly created emirates, chiefdoms, and districts, ensuring that governance in Bauchi State remains inclusive and aligned with our broader development agenda, Mr Mohammed said.

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At the event, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Isa Tilde, echoed the governors sentiments, reaffirming the ministrys commitment to working in close partnership with traditional institutions and recognising their vital role in maintaining peace and mobilising communities.

The display of governmental largesse, however, stands in stark contrast to the grinding poverty afflicting millions of Bauchi residents.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) paints a grim picture of a state where deprivation is not an exception but the norm.

According to the NBS, approximately 74 per cent of Bauchis population or 5.71 million people, are multidimensionally poor, many of them residing in homes constructed with natural or rudimentary materials.

The scale of deprivation in Bauchi State is documented across nearly every social indicator.

NBS data shows that 69.2 per cent of residents lack access to clean cooking fuel, forcing millions of households to rely on dung, wood, or charcoal for daily cooking.

More than half (52 per cent) of households are without access to clean drinking water, while 86 per cent are deprived of roofing materials, the highest such rate recorded anywhere in Nigeria.

The states unemployment rate stands at 34.2 per cent, meaning more than one in three working-age residents in the state cannot find work. This deepened the economic hardship facing households already struggling to meet basic needs.

Taken together, the figures place Bauchi among the most deprived states in the country, a reality that critics say makes the governors vehicle distribution all the more difficult to justify.

Children bearing the heaviest burden

Children in Bauchi State bear a disproportionate share of the states deprivation.

NBS data shows that about 74 per cent of children under the age of ten are deprived of education in the state.

Bauchi also records the highest rate of poor and vulnerable children deprived of school attendance among school-age children in the entire country, at 54 per cent.

A further 53.3 per cent of children are completely out of school.

The situation extends beyond the classroom. Approximately 77.6 per cent of children in the state are deprived of child engagement activities such as reading books, storytelling, singing songs, outdoor play, and other educational activities, indicating a near-total collapse in early childhood development support.

Maternal mortality

The states health indicators are equally alarming.

A Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Review conducted by the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board found that between July and December 2022 alone, at least 872 maternal and perinatal deaths were recorded across 123 health facilities, comprising 56 maternal deaths and 816 neonatal fatalities.

Seven out of every ten births in the state occurred at home without skilled supervision, significantly increasing the risk of complications and preventable deaths. The states maternal mortality ratio stands at 512 per 100,000 live births, according to the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Indicators Survey (NDHIS), the most current state-level estimate available.

READ ALSO: Bauchi APC opens doors to Gov Bala Mohammed amid defection talks

Health experts say the situation constitutes a public health emergency. Bauchi continues to rank among Nigerias highest-burden states for maternal mortality.

The NBS data further notes that poverty levels and their composition vary significantly across different zones within the state, underlining the need for targeted interventions tailored to the specific needs of individual communities rather than blanket policy responses.

Spending money on frivolities amidst widespread poverty is not peculiar to Bauchi. PREMIUM TIMES has reported similar instances in many other states, such as Akwa Ibom, Katsina and Jigawa.

Mr Mohammed has not been able to address the developmental challenges facing Bauchi, but his administration has maintained that investments in traditional institutions form part of a broader governance strategy aimed at reaching grassroots communities.
Persons said to be representatives of the British High Commission in Nigeria, on Tuesday, attended the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) organised by the faction led by David Mark.

Organisers also claimed that the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, also attended the event held at Rainbow Event Centre, Abuja.

However, the Chinese embassy in Nigeria reached out to PREMIUM TIMES to say that neither the ambassador nor any Chinese diplomat was present at the event.

An embassy official stated that an Asian man seen at the event, whom ADC officials, Dino Melaye and Rauf Aregbesola, claimed was the Chinese envoy, was unknown to the embassy.

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This newspaper can also confirm that the Asian man introduced at the event is not the Chinese ambassador to Nigeria.

The ADC factions National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, said the British High Commission was represented by a three-member delegation led by its Secretary (Political), Thomas Samson. He said a Nigerian staff member of the High Commission, Damilola Oyedele, was also part of the delegation.

The High Commission has yet to speak on the persons introduced as its officials.

It is unusual for foreign diplomats to attend political party events in Nigeria.

INEC stance and party crisis

The ADC faction proceeded with the convention despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) s decision two weeks ago to withdraw recognition of its leadership.

INEC referenced the 12 March ruling of the Court of Appeal as the basis for suspending recognition of Mr Marks faction of the party. The commission also stated that it would not have any dealings with another faction of the party led by Nafiu Bala, one of its former national vice chairmen.

The ADC is currently split into three distinct groups vying for control of the party structure ahead of the 2027 general elections: Apart from the Mark faction, the most prominent of all, there is the Nafiu Bala faction and the newly emerged Dumebi Kachikwu faction, each claiming to be the authentic leadership of the party.

This third way group rejected both Mark and Bala, accusing them of hijacking the party. It supports the INECs de-recognition and calls for a neutral interim committee to oversee the partys affairs.

The Mark-led group has since called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, as well as the national commissioners.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has apprehended two articulated trucks loaded with 7,245 Kilo Grammes of suspected cannabis along the AuchiAbuja highway.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, state Commander of the agency, disclosed this in a news conference in Benin on Monday.

Mr Ofoyeju said that five suspected traffickers were arrested in connection with the seizure, describing the feat as a major blow to interstate drug networks.

According to him, this is the first time the command has intercepted two illicit drug trucks simultaneously.

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The successful interception of these suspected illicit drug trucks is a clear message to drug barons that Edo is not a safe haven for drug cartels.

The scale of this seizure (over seven metric tonnes) with a street value of N724 million, highlights the magnitude of the commands effectiveness and its intelligence-driven operations.

He said that the operation, which followed 72 hours of surveillance and intelligence gathering, led operatives to intercept the trucks disguised as beer cartons.

The commander said the arrested suspects were believed to be part of a network that transported the consignment from Sabongida-Ora in Owan West Local Government Area to Abuja.

This seizure has prevented a massive quantity of illicit drugs from reaching our streets and destroying lives, particularly among young people, he said.

Mr Ofoyeju added that the operation aligned with the agencys mandate of dismantling drug trafficking networks, seizing of suspected illicit substances and prosecuting offenders.

The NDLEA chief said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full network behind the operation, while the trucks used for the haulage would be confiscated as exhibits.

He urged the public to support the agency with credible information to sustain the crackdown on drug trafficking across the state.

(NAN)
The Police Command in Rivers State has arrested a 24-year-old suspect over alleged kidnapping and rape in the state.

The commands spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Sunday that the suspect was apprehended following a complaint by a young woman.

Ms Agabe, an assistant superintendent of police, said that the victim reported that she was taken to a bush in Ulakwo, Etche Local Government Area in the state, where she was assaulted, raped and dispossessed of her valuables.

She said that the victim, who was later released by her abductor, reported the incident on Saturday.

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She explained that upon receiving the report, command operatives commenced an investigation using technology-driven strategies.

This led to the arrest of the suspect, who later confessed to the crime, she said.

Ms Agabe also said that some exhibits, including a mobile phone, a wig suspected to belong to the victim, and other valuables, were recovered from the suspect.

ALSO READ: Police detain man over alleged rape of pregnant woman

She added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, noting that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

She advised the public to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online, urging them to avoid meeting unknown individuals in isolated locations.

It is important to inform your friends and family of your movement, verify identities before physical meetings, and report suspicious situations promptly to the police, she advised.

(NAN)
The Police Command in Edo State says it has arrested six police operatives and four civilians over their alleged involvement in an extortion syndicate targeting residents in Benin.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Benin by Eno Ikoedem, the commands spokesperson.

Ms Ikoedem, an assistant superintendent, explained that the arrest followed a series of complaints from members of the public alleging harassment, abduction and extortion by individuals posing as police officers.

She said the suspects operated mainly along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where unsuspecting residents were often intercepted.

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According to her, the suspects would forcefully convey their victims around the city and compel them to withdraw money through POS operators under duress.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, ordered a discreet, intelligence-led investigation, and through sustained surveillance, technical intelligence and coordinated operations by operatives of the command, the criminal network was successfully busted.

This led to the arrest of the suspects and the dismantling of the criminal network.

She noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects comprised six serving and one dismissed police personnel working in collaboration with three civilian accomplices, including a POS operator and some commercial drivers.

They formed a well-organised criminal syndicate responsible for abduction and extortion of innocent citizens, exploiting police accoutrements to deceive their victims, Ms Ikoedem said.

The police spokesperson said that serving personnel implicated in the case were undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials.

She added that they would be prosecuted after investigations were concluded.

She called on victims of the syndicate to come forward with useful information to support ongoing investigations and prosecution, while warning POS operators and other service providers against facilitating illegal transactions.

Any POS operator found to be complicit in such illegal activities will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly, she warned.

Ms Ikoedem reassured Edo residents of the commands commitment to restoring public confidence and ensuring that all those involved were brought to justice.

(NAN)
The police in Imo State say they have dismantled a notorious robbery syndicate in a successful operation that led to the detention of five suspects and the recovery of 450 allegedly stolen motorcycles.

Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo, disclosed this at a news briefing in Owerri on Sunday.

Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said the breakthrough followed a successful operation that targeted armed robbery, attempted murder, and vehicle snatching across the state.

He paraded the suspects before reporters on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso.

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He said that the operatives also recovered N6.4 million cash and different number plates.

Mr Okoye said the operation was conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa.

The investigation began on 6 April after a commercial shuttle bus driver, Mr Paul Ohaka, who left home for work on 5 April, was declared missing.

Subsequently, the driver was found abandoned unconscious at Irete on the Onitsha Road axis, while the vehicle had been forcefully taken by unknown assailants.

The assailants had attacked him on April 5, assumed he was dead and fled with his vehicle, Mr Okoye said.

He said the victim was immediately evacuated to a hospital, where he was said to be receiving medical attention.

He said that detectives tracked the stolen bus to a workshop in Orlu.

During a coordinated operation, the vehicle was recovered just as the suspects were allegedly preparing to repaint it to hide its original identity, Mr Okoye said.

He said that two suspects, identified as Olagoke Jelili and Godday Ezike, were apprehended at the workshop.

He said that their detention provided the lead needed to capture three additional members of the criminal gang.

According to the spokesperson, the suspects reportedly tried to bribe the police with N5 million to escape justice.

However, the operatives rejected the cash, upholding the commands zero-tolerance stance on corruption, he said.

He said that charms and other incriminating exhibits were also seized from the gangs various hideouts.

Mr Okoye further said that the suspects were unable to provide valid proof of ownership of the recovered motorcycles.

He said that the syndicate attempted to hide the bikes in bushes, where they were recovered.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale prosecution of individuals involved.

The command remains committed to ensuring that criminal elements found no safe haven within the state, Mr Okoye said.

(NAN)
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State have thrown their weight behind the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for the governorship race in 2027.

The resolution was taken at a post-convention appraisal meeting held on Sunday in Umuahia and is contained in a communique read by the former speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Martins Azubuike.

The party executive, former lawmakers, serving legislators, and party chieftains from the 17 LGAs unanimously endorsed Mr Kalu in a voice vote.

The meeting, which had representatives from the three senatorial zones, affirmed Mr Kalus candidacy, citing confidence in his leadership and performance.

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The APC State Chairman, Chijioke Chukwu, expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for their commitment and assured them of a level playing field for other aspirants.

Mr Chukwu highlighted APCs growth in Abia, citing a membership increase from 7,000 in 2023 to over 160,000.

He said the party aims to secure 800,000 to 1 million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

In response, Mr Kalu thanked the party for the confidence reposed in him and urged more support for Mr Tinubus re-election.

READ ALSO: Abia commences heritage sites rehabilitation

He acknowledged requests from all the LGAs to contest for the governorship, saying that his response would be made public in a few weeks.

Ill address a larger audience, outside this room, where everyone will hear and youll be happy with my response.

Just ensure youre at the venue with all the candidates for other elective positions from your zone, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Stanley Ohajuruka; former Abia Central Senator, Nkechi Nwogu, and the APC National Vice-Chairman, Nyerere Anyim, were among those in attendance.

(NAN)
Security agencies in Ekiti State on Monday launched another joint operation codenamed Operation Comb the Bush as part of efforts to enhance safety and prevent criminal activities across the state.

Recall that the neighboring states bordering Ekiti including Kwara, Kogi, Ondo states have been in the news recently for banditry and kidnapping activities.

The operation which commenced on Monday involved officers of the armed forces, police, NSCDC, State Security Service (SSS), Amotekun Corps, among others.

Addressing the joint patrol team at the Police Headquarters in Ado Ekiti, before the commencement of the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Falade Adegoroye, said the exercise became necessary following intelligence reports indicating intensified security offensives against criminal elements in neighbouring Kwara, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states, as well as parts of northern Nigeria.

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He noted that the pressure on the criminal groups in those areas could force them to seek refuge in the South-west, thereby posing potential threats to Ekiti State. This, he said, necessitated the proactive move by all security agencies in the state.

Describing the exercise as a proactive measure to safeguard lives and property, the police commissioner explained that the special operation would involve coordinated bush combing, clearance of criminal hideouts, visibility policing and raids across identified flashpoints, particularly in border communities.

Mr Adegoroye maintained that the operation would help prevent crimes such as kidnapping, cattle rustling, vandalism and attacks on public infrastructure and worship centres among others.

Stressing the need to also protect farmers who are returning to their farms with the commencement of the rainy season, the commissioner said the operation would also help create a secure environment for farming activities by denying criminal elements access to forest and rural settlements.

The police chief charged the officers to exhibit discipline, professionalism and respect for human rights, assuring Ekiti residents that the operation would be carried out with utmost responsibility in line with global best practice.

He commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for prioritising security of the people and consistently providing necessary support, logistic and enabling environment for security agencies to effectively discharge their duties in the state. He added that the demonstrated commitment of the governor has continued to strengthen the fight against crime and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Ebenezer Ogundana, a retired brigadier general, described the operation as a proactive measure by the governor to sustain the prevailing peace and security in the state.

He noted that the move reflects the governors foresight in addressing emerging threats before they escalate, especially in view of developments in neighbouring state.

Mr Ogundana explained that government had continued to invest in intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration and logistics support for security outfits, stressing that the operation is part of a broader strategy to ensure that criminal elements do not find safe haven in Ekiti.

While assuring residents that the Oyebanji administration will not relent in its resolve to keep Ekiti safe, secure and conducive for economic activities and peaceful coexistence, the special adviser charged citizens to support security agencies with credible information.
Terrorists have abducted more than 15 residents of Zangon in the Kankara area of Katsina State and demanded a ransom of N150 million for their release.

Residents told PREMIUM TIMES that the terrorists attacked the community on Saturday and Sunday and abducted mostly women and children.

Though the terrorists operating in the northwest have killed hundreds of people, ransom has always been the main motivation for their attacks.

The bandits had earlier abducted two people from this community before their attack on Saturday and Sunday. We have many people in their hands, a resident of the community, who teaches in a secondary school in Kankara town, told this reporter over the phone. He sought anonymity for security reasons.

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The source said after the abduction, the terrorists called the family members of one of the men abducted and told them to inform the community that they (terrorists) would release all the captives for N150 million.

Another source, who gave his name as Usman, said he has evacuated his parents from the village to Kankara.

I cant count the number of time they (terrorists) attacks this community. This money, they are calling, who has this sort of money here? So, when people began leaving, I took my parents to join me in the two-bedroom house Im renting in Kankara, he told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday.

He said several residents of the community have left in fear of possible attacks.

Asked whether the ransom would be paid, the teacher, a community leader, said, We are discussing with all community stakeholders to decide what to do next.

The abduction occurred two days after the Zone 14 Assistant Inspector General of Police, based in Katsina, Bello Shehu, ordered police commissioners in Katsina and Kaduna to crack down on bandits.

The AIG has directed Commissioners of Police within the Zone to deploy specialised tactical units to assert operational dominance, dismantle criminal organisations, and maintain a visible and sustained policing presence across all identified high-risk locations within the affected states.

All tactical units have been placed on red alert and directed to maintain continuous patrols across forested regions, rural communities, major highways, places of worship, and other public venues. Supervisory officers have been explicitly directed to ensure discipline, operational effectiveness, and accountability among personnel, Umar Mohammed, the Zone 14 spokesperson, said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.

The North-west region is facing a complex security crisis that began as a farmer-herder conflict.

Armed terrorists, commonly referred to as bandits, have over the years attacked communities, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of over one million.
A former Nigerian petroleum minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Monday denied asking for or receiving bribes while in office, as she testified before the Southwark Crown Court.

Mrs Alison-Madueke, 65, told the court she had tried to push back on corruption in Nigeria, which she described as a longstanding challenge dating back to the colonial era.

The former minister is standing trial over allegations of corruption, having been charged in 2023 with five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

UK prosecutors say the charges are linked to the awarding of oil and gas contracts during her tenure as petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015.

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Mrs Alison-Madueke also served as president of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries between 2014 and 2015. She relocated to the United Kingdom after the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party in Nigerias 2015 presidential election. She also faces multiple corruption cases in Nigeria, some of which have stalled due to her absence.

Nigerian courts, however, have ordered the forfeiture of assets worth billions of naira linked to her.

Spending allegations

In January, PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mrs Alison-Maduekes lavish UK lifestyle was opulently funded by Nigerian oil contractors.

Prosecutors allege that several Nigerian businessmen funded lavish expenses on her behalf, including more than 2 million spent at Harrods and about 4.6 million used to refurbish properties in London and Buckinghamshire.

According to the prosecution, some of the purchases were made using payment cards linked to Nigerian businessman Kolawole Aluko and his company, Tenka Limited.

The case also includes allegations that she had access to luxury properties, including a 2.8 million home in Marylebone and residences overlooking Regents Park, as well as a grand home in Buckinghamshire.

Defence

Denying the allegations, Mrs Alison-Madueke told the court that expenses incurred on her behalf during official engagements were reimbursed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

I can state categorically that at no point did I ask for, take or receive a bribe of any sort and did not abuse my office, she said, according to BBC.

She explained that a logistics company was set up in London to handle official arrangements because of what she described as a disorganised financial structure at the NNPC at the time.

They paid for all my hotels, chauffeurs to allow me to perform the job that I did, she said.

She also denied knowledge of an alleged 100,000 cash delivery linked to one of her drivers, insisting the money had nothing to do with her.

Property use, security concerns

Mrs Alison-Madueke told the court that some of the properties cited by prosecutors were used for official purposes, including discreet meetings, while others were either arranged without her involvement or uninhabitable at the time.

She said her stay at a property in Buckinghamshire in 2011 was due to her then husbands medical condition, while another visit involved officials working on a publication highlighting women-focused initiatives of the Nigerian government.

Addressing security concerns, she told the court she faced kidnapping threats while in office, noting that Nigeria is a very patriarchal society where her position as a female minister attracted risks.

Also standing trial is oil executive Olatimbo Ayinde, who denies one count of bribery and another of bribing a foreign public official.

Mrs Alison-Maduekes brother, Doye Agama, is also facing charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, which he denies.

The trial continues.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted an accelerated hearing of the appeal filed by the Kabir Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the leadership crisis rocking the party.

Judge Lawan Garba, who presided over the five-member bench, said: We find it expedient to grant this request. He then fixed 22 April for hearing.

The Turaki-led faction, unrecognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), approached the Supreme Court for an accelerated hearing of its appeal as it races against time to meet key deadlines in the scramble to field candidates for the 2027 general elections.

Mr Turaki was present in court alongside the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, to observe the Supreme Court proceedings. Mr Makinde is one of the two remaining governors still belonging to the party, which has been hit by waves of defections since last year.

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Also present in court was Samuel Anyanwu, who was suspended by the Turaki-led faction but recently re-elected by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike-aligned group as the national secretary of the party. The Wike-backed faction of the national working committee of the PDPD is, for now, recognised by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party pending the outcome of ongoing litigation over the partys leadership disputes.

The lawyers to the appellant requested the accelerated hearing given the exceptional nature of the case, citing an affidavit of extreme urgency accompanying the application.

All the respondents, apart from Abdulrahman Mohammed, the new PDP chairman backed by Mr Wike, did not object to the request. But the lawyers asked for 10 days to file their respondents brief.

Mr Mohammed was not in court, nor was he represented by any lawyer.

Thereafter, the panel granted the request and asked all respondents to file their respective brief within five days.

The court fixed 22 April for the hearing of both matters.

Background

Mr Turakis faction filed the appeal before the Supreme Court to challenge the 9 April decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja invalidating the national convention of organised by the Turaki-led faction which was held in Ibadan, Oyo State, between 15 and 16 November 2025.

A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal unanimously dismissed the appeals brought before it by the Mr Turaki-led faction of the party.

The court also awarded N2 million as cost against the appellants comprising Mr Turaki and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

In its unanimous decision, the appellate court upheld the judgement of the Federal High Court, which restrained the INEC from recognising or validating the proposed convention.

The court held that the Federal High Court had jurisdiction to hear the case, rejecting the argument by the Turaki faction that the dispute was purely an internal affair of the party.

The panel said the appellants could not repackage a clear violation of the party constitution and that of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as an internal party affair.

While delivering the judgment, Judge Uchechukwu Onyemenam of the Court of Appeal also held that the PDP violated constitutional provisions required before such a convention could become valid.

He said no valid notice of the convention was served on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as required by law.

The judge held that the case of the aggrieved PDP members who instituted the suit against the party was not about internal party affairs, as erroneously argued, but a bid to compel INEC to comply with its statutory functions in relation to party conventions.

The appellate court also noted that valid congresses were not held in more than 14 states as required by law before the 2025 convention was conducted.

Having failed to comply with the relevant laws, the Court of Appeal said the Federal High Court was right in assuming jurisdiction and granting a restraining order against INEC from accepting or recognising the outcome of the PDP 2025 national convention.

The Turaki-led faction held its convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, in 2025, which was challenged by members of the rival group.

Different Federal High Court judges have since nullified the convention and all the decisions taken there. The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, whose decision the Turaki faction is now challenging at the Supreme Court.

The PDP has grappled with various crises since losing power to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.

The partys crises intensified after the 2023 general elections after disagreement over the zoning of its presidential ticket gradually tore its to factions.

Since last year, the party has suffered waves of defection that have reduced the number of states under its control to two, just as the ranks of its lawmakers in the National Assembly and across state Houses of Assembly have reduced drastically.
A legal practitioner, Ayodele Ademiluyi, the lead partner at Newworth LLP, has instituted a Freedom of Information (FOI) Action against the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, at the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Mr Ademiluyi filed the action after an FOI request for the report of the Special Visitation Panel to Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos was not responded to within the stipulated seven days under the FOI law.

The FOI request was filed on 2 March and submitted at the ministers office on 6 March, according to documents seen by this newspaper.

The legal practitioner seeks to get the visitation panel report instituted following the crisis that engulfed the college in May 2024.

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Although the visitation panel had long concluded its work, the crisis has yet to be resolved, and the education minister has refused to make the findings of the committee public.

FCETs unresolved crisis

The crisis at the institution began on 27 May, when workers, under the umbrella of concerned staff and led by the leadership of the Senior Staff Union of Colleges of Education (SSUCOEN), FCET chapter, locked up the office of the Provost of the College, Wahab Azeez, and issued him a notice to quit from his official residence over his tenure of office.

They insisted that with the amendment of the Educational Colleges Act 2023, which introduced a five-year single term of office for provosts and other principal officers of the colleges, the tenure of Mr Azeez had ended on 26 May.

But the provost said he was appointed for the first term of four years in 2019 and that, having been duly reappointed by the institutions governing council in 2023, he already resumed his second term in office on 27 May 2023 before the amended act was signed into law on 12 June 2023.

The then education minister, Tahir Mamman, confirmed the provosts position that he had already resumed for another four-year term in office.

But the protests continued and turned violent on 30 July 2024 when some workers and students reportedly attacked the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the institution, Olatunde Adenuga, and other council members, vandalising cars and other property worth millions of naira. More than 30 people were arrested that day, according to the Lagos State Police Command.

In response to the unrest, the education minister, Mr Alausa, met with the warring parties. He also set up a special visitation panel on 29 July 2025 to investigate the crisis and recommend solutions, but its report has not been made public months after its completion.

The 10-member panel, chaired by the former Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abubakar, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was mandated to examine all the issues plaguing the institution and recommend solutions.

However, the failure to release the report and implement its recommendations has prolonged uncertainty at the college and undermined confidence in the governments ability to resolve institutional disputes.
The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, granted a request for an accelerated hearing of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership dispute.

A five-member panel of the court led by Lawan Garba fixed 22 April for the hearing of the case.

The panel earlier on Tuesday fixed the same date to hear appeals regarding similar leadership disputes within another opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The ADC appeal was filed by the interim national chairman of a faction of the party, David Mark, who is a former president of the Nigerian Senate.

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Mr Marks lawyer, Jibrin Okutepa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), requested the Supreme Court to grant the case an accelerated hearing, citing urgency of the situation.

Granting the request, the court directed Mr Okutepa 24 hours to file and serve his brief of argument.

He also gave the respondents lawyers three days to file their response on being served the appellants brief.

The respondents are Nafiu Bala, who is laying claim to be the legitimate national chairman of the party; Rauf Aregbesola, who is the interim national secretary of the Mark-led faction of the party), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Ralph Nwosu, a former national chairman of the party.

Backstory

The journey to the Supreme Court followed ADCs leadership crisis which ensued last year in the wake of the influx of top politicians into the party.

The political bigwigs joined the ADC in droves included Mr Mark, Mr Aregbesola, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed El-Rufai, and former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi.

The politicians, who defected from mainly from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP, had adopted the ADC as a coalition platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

The leadership crisis in the party began after the resignation of the partys former executives led by Mr Nwosu and the emergence of a new National Working Committee led by Mr Mark on 29 July 2025.

The development triggered a legal challenge when Mr Bala, a former vice-national chairperson of the party, filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking recognition as the partys rightful leader under its constitution.

INEC was joined as the fourth defendant in the suit.

While the case was pending, the Federal High Court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending determination of the substantive suit.

The Court of Appeal later dismissed an interlocutory appeal filed by the Mark-led faction and ordered all parties, including INEC, to maintain the status quo earlier ordered by the Federal High Court, pending further determination of the matter.

The Court of Appeals decision would mark a major shift in the dispute over the partys leadership structure.

Following the ruling, INEC received letters from both factions on 16 March.

The Mark-led faction asked the commission not to recognise Mr Bala and to maintain its position pending resolution of the dispute, while the Bala faction asked INEC to give effect to the Court of Appeal judgment of 12 March in its favour.

INEC later removed the names of Mr Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary from its website on 1 April, saying it would not recognise any faction pending the resolution of the legal disputes.

The dispute later escalated into a protest in Abuja, where party members accused INEC of bias and warned that the handling of the crisis threatened internal democracy within the party.

While the substantive hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja unfolded, Mr Mark and his group proceeded to the Supreme Court to challenge the Court of Appeals ruling.
The management of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has attributed the ongoing industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) to the federal governments eight-year tenure policy for directors, assuring that its core operations remain uninterrupted.

A media consultant to the institute, Sam Eferaro, disclosed this in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Monday amid tensions over the policy implementation.

Mr Eferaro said the strike was declared solely by ASURI members in protest against a federal directive on tenure for directors.

He, however, clarified that other unions in the institute are not participating in the action.

Other unions within the Institute are not involved, and there has been no disruption to core activities, he said.

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According to him, all laboratories, including the TB Laboratory, Central Laboratory, Centre for Human Viral Genome, and the Biobank, as well as the institutes clinic, remain fully operational.

Dispute over tenure policy

At the centre of the dispute is the federal governments enforcement of the eight-year tenure policy for directors, as contained in Rule 020909 of the Public Service Rules (2021).

The policy mandates that directors in the federal public service retire after eight years in that rank.

Mr Eferaro explained that NIMR, as a government agency, is bound to implement directives issued by the authorities.

As an agency of the federal government, NIMR does not determine policy independently. It is mandated to implement directives issued by the government, he said.

Rejection

ASURI, however, opposes the application of the tenure policy to research and academic staff.

In a strike notice issued to the institute, the union argued that academic staff should retire based on age, specifically 65 years, rather than tenure.

The union also accused the institutes management of violating existing conditions of service and disregarding what it described as prior agreements and ministerial interventions.

It further declared an indefinite strike and picketing, citing what it called the illegal termination of its members appointments.

Responding to these claims, Mr Eferaro said the management is unaware of any prior agreement or ministerial intervention exempting academic staff from the policy.

It would be logical to conclude that if there was any prior agreement, the same federal government and Ministry would not have issued the directives about six weeks ago, he said.

Disengagement of affected officers

The controversy also extends to the disengagement of affected directors and the stoppage of their salaries.

Mr Eferaro said these actions were taken in strict compliance with directives from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Earlier circulars from both bodies directed agencies to immediately retire directors who had spent eight years in office as of December 2025 and to recover any salaries paid beyond their exit date.

Background to the policy

A circular from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation reiterated that the eight-year tenure rule remains in force across ministries, departments, and agencies.

The circular noted that implementation of the policy had been inconsistent and warned of administrative consequences for non-compliance.

Similarly, a directive from the Federal Ministry of Health instructed heads of health institutions to enforce immediate disengagement of affected officers and ensure full compliance.

Efforts to resolve dispute

Mr Eferaro said the institutes management remains open to dialogue but maintained that engagement on the policy should be directed to the federal government.

Management will continue to appeal to the union, particularly at the national level, to engage constructively with the federal government, he said.

He added that the supervising ministry is actively providing guidance on the matter.

About NIMR and ASURI

NIMR is a federal government research institute under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

It is one of Nigerias foremost biomedical research centres, with laboratories focused on infectious diseases, public health research, and clinical services, including tuberculosis and viral genomics.

ASURI is a trade union representing academic and research staff across federal research institutions in Nigeria.

The union advocates for improved working conditions, protection of staff welfare, and adherence to conditions of service in research-based agencies.
The Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday granted bail to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who has been in detention since February over corruption charges.

The trial judge, Rilwanu Aikawa, granted the former governor bail in the sum of N200 million with two sureties.

One of the two sureties must be a serving or retired federal government official not below Grade Level 15, while the other must be a recognised traditional ruler.

The judge added that both sureties are to submit their passports to the court.

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Mr El-Rufai was also directed not to make public comments relating to the case and must attend all court proceedings without fail.

But Mr Aikawa ordered that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should continue to detain him until he meets his bail conditions.

The ICPC arraigned Mr El-Rufai alongside Joel Adoga, on corruption charges on 24 March.

Mr Adogas name appeared as a co-defendant in only one of the 10 counts.

They denied the charges.

On 1 April, the court heard Mr El-Rufais bail application and fixed today (Tuesday) for ruling.

Mr El-Rufai had been in ICPC custody since 18 February based on a prior court order, which was renewed following his arraignment on 24 March. He spent two days in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before being passed to the ICPC which will continue to hold him until he fulfils the court-imposed bail conditions.

Last month, ICPC released the former governor for a couple of days on compassionate grounds to enable him to mourn his mothers passing and be part of her funeral rites. The gesture drew criticisms from lawyers and other members of the public who accused the ICPC of snubbing the court order remainding Mr El-Rufai till today.

Mr El-Rufai is facing another set of corruption charges before the Kaduna State High Court in Kaduna, where the ICPC arraigned him on Monday. He was arraigned on nine counts after the ICPC amended the charges to remove the name of his co-defendant from the case.

Charges

In the charges pending at the Federal High Court, ICPC accused Mr El-Rufai of fraudulently taking inflated severance pay of about N289.8 million at the end of each of his two terms in office.The charges said Mr El-Rufai was legitimately entitled to N20 million on each occasion.

The anti-graft agency alleged that Mr El-Rufai took the first N289.8 million in September 2020  after completing his first term in office in May 2019  and the second N289.8 million in January 2023  months before the end of his second term in May 2023.

The pays totalled N579.7 million, instead of the about N40 million he was said to be entitled to for the two terms.

The commission added that each of the pays represents 300% of your annual basic salary which you reasonably ought to have known that such fund formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: corruption.

It said the offences were contrary to Section 18(2}(d) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition} Act, 2022.

In the other eight counts, ICPC accused Mr El-Rufai of receiving deposits of alleged proceeds of corruption and fraud totalling $817,900 in tranches in his Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) domiciliary account. He allegedly received the deposits while he was serving as the governor of Kaduna State.

ICPC said Mr El-Rufai, who served two terms as governor from May 2015 to May 2023, received the deposits in tranches, ranging from $4,000 to $320,800. He allegedly received the deposits in the same domiciliary account from various individuals between 2016 and March 2023.

His co-defendant, Mr Adoga, appeared as a defendant in only one out of the 10 counts. But the commission named him in another count as one of the persons who deposited money in Mr El-Rufais dollar domiciliary account.

ICPC rearrested Mr El Rufai on 18 February as soon as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) released him after two days of detaining him over corruption allegations.

PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier this month that the ICPC explained in a court filing that it was detaining Mr El-Rufai to conclude his investigation.

ICPC gave the explanation in a filing opposing a suit Mr El-Rufai filed the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleging that his arrest and detention violated his fundamental rights. He asked the court to declare the actions of the anti-graft agencies unlawful and to award him N1 billion in damages.

But the ICPC said it started investigating Mr El-Rufai after receiving a petition accusing him and officials of his administration of financial misconduct between 2015 and 2023.

The petition raised allegations relating to loans obtained by the Kaduna State Government, procurement processes, transfers from government accounts and payments to companies and individuals.

ICPC said it began preliminary investigations and obtained documents from banks and government institutions. It then issued an invitation letter dated 9 February.

Mr El-Rufai is also facing prosecution by the State Security Service (SSS) over alleged phone-tapping claims involving the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 23 April for his arraignment in that case.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday demanded an investigation into a recent airstrike on a market on the part of Yobe State bordering Borno State.

The strike claimed the lives of several persons.

The NHRC requested inclusion in the investigative team alongside the National Assembly and representatives of affected communities.

According to a statement from the commission on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), offered his condolences to the families of the victims and condemned the strike.

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Mr Ojukwu called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the Yobe market airstrike. Such an investigation must not be left solely to the Nigerian Air Force.

He added, It must include the NHRC, the National Assembly, independent experts, and representatives of affected communities to guarantee impartiality and public confidence.

Accountability at all levels of command. All persons involved in the chain of command, from intelligence assessment, mission authorisation to the pilots who executed the strike, must be identified and, where culpability is established, held to account in accordance with the law.

He also requested the suspension of officers directly involved, pending investigation.

He lamented the tragic incident, noting the trend of airstrikes claiming the lives of civilians.

On 11 April, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out an airstrike in Jilli, a suburb of Geidam in Yobe State bordering Borno State, targeted at suspected insurgents.

Tragically, the strike hit a busy market, local sources said.

The NAF confirmed the operation but did not acknowledge the deaths of civilians. The NHRC noted that more than 56 persons died and many were injured.

Advocating for the victims of the strike, the NHRC boss on Tuesday requested comprehensive reparations and government-funded medical treatment for the wounded. Mr Ojukwu further emphasised the need for burial support and a strategic plan to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Mr Ojukwu noted that whether the incident is accidental does not absolve the state of its obligation to protect civilians.

This is not an isolated incident. Each recurrence erodes public trust and undermines the legitimacy of counter-terrorism efforts, he lamented.

On Monday, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) also condemned the airstrike in which civilians lost their lives.

This recent incident adds to the list of several airstrikes that have claimed the lives of civilians.

Due to the insecurity besetting the country, civilians have often been caught in between military attempts at eliminating terrorists.

But the growing number of civilian deaths becomes a concerning reality, leading to concerns about the accuracy of intelligence and civilian protection in military operations.

In 2024, ten civilians were killed and others injured in Sokoto State, during an airstrike targeted at the terrorist group Lakurawa.

Similarly, many civilians, mostly fishermen and commercial drivers in the Mararaba area in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, died as a result of airstrikes in December 2025.
There is a heavy security presence around the Rainbow Event Centre, Abuja venue of the national convention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Over 3,000 delegates are expected to attend the convention organised by a faction of party led by a former Senate President, David Mark. As of the time of filing this report, delegates had begun arriving from different parts of the country.

Leaders of the faction including former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former presidential candidates, Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and others are already seated.

Personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are stationed at the Rainbow Event Centre, conducting security checks in and around the premises. Patrol vehicles were also deployed at strategic points, manned by security operatives.

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Security personnel carried out thorough screening of delegates before granting them access to the venue.

The faction is proceeding with the convention despite the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) two weeks ago to withdraw recognition of its leadership.

INEC referenced the 12 March ruling of the Court of Appeal as the basis for suspending recognition of Mr Marks faction of the party. The commission also stated that it would not have any dealings with another faction of the party led by Nafiu Bala, one of its former national vice chairmen.

Both factions have since protested the decision, each insisting it is the legitimate leadership of the party.

The Mark-led group has also called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, along with the national commissioners.

Meanwhile, as the ADC holds its convention, the Supreme Court is expected to hear an appeal filed by Mr Mark, seeking a stay of execution of the appellate court ruling.

Party members speak

Speaking at the venue of the convention, a former senator, Dino Melaye, said the convention would proceed as planned despite alleged attempts to frustrate it.

Yesterday, there were deliberate efforts to stop us from holding this convention. All the venues we applied for were not approved.

As at 11pm last night, the owners of this venue attempted to cancel this programme, but we stood our ground, and we will proceed with the convention today, he said.

Kabiru Saje, a member of the partys New Media Committee, said the convention could either produce new leadership or reaffirm the current one.

Despite attempts by authorities to stop the programme yesterday evening, we stood our ground because it is our right to hold this convention.

Although we faced challenges with securing a venue and had to change locations multiple times, preparations are now in place, and the event will go ahead as planned.

The convention is expected to start by 11 a.m., and the atmosphere is positive, with delegates arriving and everything properly arranged.

Mr Saje added that the party remains confident in its leadership, describing it as experienced, strategic, and committed to progress.
David Mark, a factional leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has declared that his group will neither act in fear nor relinquish control of the partys structure.

Mr Mark, a former senate president, said the stakes go beyond internal party leadership, noting that the struggle is tied to the survival of Nigerias democracy amid alleged attempts to impose a one-party system.

He made the remarks on Tuesday while declaring open the factions national convention in Abuja.

Mr Mark noted that the faction has faced significant pressure from the ruling government aimed at undermining its activities. However, he noted that successfully organising the convention demonstrates their resilience and determination.

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Mr Mark pledged that under his leadership, the party would hold its elected officials accountable. He also assured that the ADC would remain united and committed to its principles.

He further emphasised that the partys supremacy would be upheld, stressing that its constitution would remain the ultimate authority in guiding its affairs.

The faction is proceeding with the convention despite the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) two weeks ago to withdraw recognition of its leadership.

INEC referenced the 12 March ruling of the Court of Appeal as the basis for suspending recognition of Mr Marks faction of the party. The commission also stated that it would not have any dealings with another faction of the party led by Nafiu Bala, one of its former national vice chairmen.

Both factions have since protested the decision, each insisting it is the legitimate leadership of the party.

The Mark-led group has also called for the resignation of INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, along with the national commissioners.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court fixed 22 April to decide an appeal filed by Mr Mark, seeking a stay of execution of the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which INEC relied upon to derecognise his leadership of the party.
As the African Democratic Congress (ADC) organised its national convention in Abuja on Tuesday, the party alleged that the proprietor of a private facility, Rainbow Event Centre, cancelled booking for the use of the facility after coming under pressure from the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Party officials said the facilitys management cited threats of operating licence revocation if it hosted the event, despite full payment and a signed contract. PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the claim from the facility management as of press time, and FCT authorities had not responded to the claim.

However, Mr Wike denied the partys earlier claim that he rejected its application to use the Eagle Square or the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for the event.

The episode, coming amid ongoing leadership disputes with INEC and rival factions, has intensified questions about the regulatory environment for opposition parties organising ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Venue drama

In a statement late on Monday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the venue owner informed the party of intense pressure not to host the event.

After paying all the fees required, setting up for our convention tomorrow, the owner of Rainbow Event Centre has just informed us that he has come under pressure from the FCDA and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, that if he allows the ADC the use of his facilities, his licence will be revoked, Mr Abdullahi stated.

But we have already signed the contract with him. We will hold our convention tomorrow as planned at the Rainbow Event Centre. We will not bow to this creeping tyranny. And definitely not to this petty tyrant. ADC is rising, Nigeria is rising.

Preparations, including decorations in party colours, were already advanced at the venue on Plot 1193a, Off Southern Parkway, Garki, with former Rivers State Governor Liyel Imoke reportedly supervising aspects of the setup.

The last-minute switch to the private facility allegedly followed difficulties securing public venues. The party had sought Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome but faced delays or blocks. A prior booking at Transcorp Hilton was allegedly withdrawn.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the alleged pressure as a shameful and cowardly abuse of public office, adding that coercing a private business owner to deny an opposition party a venue is not governance. He declared: The convention will hold. The ADC will rise. And Nigeria will rise with it.

The ADC vowed to proceed at 12 p.m. Mr Wikes office denied blocking access to public facilities such as Eagle Square, insisting no formal application was received. No response had been received on the Rainbow allegations, and no regulatory notice has been made public.

The Bigger Picture  ADC as a platform for opposition realignment

The venue controversy forms part of a broader leadership and organisational crisis facing the ADC, which has rapidly emerged as a platform attracting prominent figures from the PDP, APC defectors and other opposition blocs seeking a credible alternative ahead of 2027.

Former Senate President, David Mark, was installed as acting national chairman and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary. INEC initially recognised this leadership but, following rival court actions and a Court of Appeal ruling, removed the names of Messrs Mark and Aregbesola from its portal on April 1, and suspended recognition of actions by either side pending resolution.

The Mark-led faction has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking restoration of its leadership and INEC monitoring of the convention. Some state chapters have witnessed parallel congresses and suspensions of activities, citing the INEC directive.

Legal analysts note that the full scope of the appellate court judgement remains unclear without its publication, leaving room for differing interpretations of INECs administrative stance.

Voices and reactions

ADC officials described the reported venue pressure as escalating intimidation, with Mr Abdullahi reaffirming the partys determination to proceed.

Atikus intervention drew wide attention on social media platform, X, where reactions were divided: some users decried the situation as intimidation or fear-tocracy, while others saw it as an attempt to generate sympathy or dismissed it as internal party disorganisation.

The FCT ministers office has issued no direct response to the Rainbow Event Centre claims. Political analysts told PREMIUM TIMES that repeated logistical and regulatory hurdles for opposition events, even if not proven as coordinated, can foster perceptions of an uneven playing field.

Analysis and implications

The episode shows recurring questions about the operating environment for opposition parties in Nigeria. Analysts observe that overlapping legal disputes with INEC, venue challenges and factional activities can create what some term administrative friction for parties attempting to consolidate ahead of major elections.

Similar complaints have surfaced in past opposition efforts. Whether the current developments amount to deliberate constraint or stem from routine bureaucratic and internal party issues remain contested. Any perception of institutional bias, however, risks undermining public confidence in regulatory neutrality and democratic competition.

A successful convention could clarify the ADCs leadership and energise coalition-building efforts. Prolonged uncertainty or further disruptions, by contrast, may exacerbate internal divisions.

With Nigeria facing significant economic and security challenges as 2027 approaches, the ability of opposition parties to organise freely will serve as an important barometer of democratic health.

Conclusion

As events surrounding the ADC convention at the Rainbow Event Centre unfold, the gathering has become more than a routine party exercise. It now serves as a lens for examining issues of freedom of association and the regulatory climate for political activity.

How authorities respond to the venue allegations and related court matters, and whether greater transparency emerges, could influence public trust in Nigerias democratic institutions ahead of 2027.

PREMIUM TIMES will continue to monitor the convention outcome, ongoing court proceedings and any official responses from FCT authorities. In a functioning democracy, parties should be able to assemble and present alternatives without undue administrative or logistical barriers.

Sidebar: Key Timeline

 2025: ADC attracts cross-party interest; Mark and Aregbesola installed in interim roles.

 September 2025: INEC recognises the leadership.

 Early 2026: Rival factions file court cases.

 April 1, 2026: INEC removes Mark and Aregbesola from its portal.

 April 2026: Mark faction approaches courts, including a Supreme Court appeal (SC/CV/180/2026) heard on April 14.

 April 14, 2026: National convention scheduled at Rainbow Event Centre amid venue pressure allegations.
Rauf Aregbesola, the national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has said that President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda will not deliver meaningful development for Nigerians.

Mr Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State and erstwhile ally of the president, made the remarks while speaking at the ongoing national convention organised by the partys faction led by David Mark in Abuja.

He urged Nigerians to be cautious, insisting that the administration has failed to live up to its campaign promises.

The Renewed Hope is a scam. When will the renewed hope be achieved? he asked.

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The Renewed Hope Agenda was the central campaign slogan of President Tinubu during the 2023 general election under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Key components of the agenda include a stable electricity supply, a reduction in the number of out-of-school children, improved healthcare delivery, and a more enabling environment for businesses.

Electricity pledges

Mr Aregbesola criticised the president for failing to deliver steady electricity, stating that the promise remains largely unfulfilled.

He called on Nigerians to vote out the current administration in the 2027 general elections, citing what he described as a failure to meet their expectations.

Education failure

The ADC scribe also raised concerns about the rising number of out-of-school children in the country, arguing that the situation reflects failure in the education sector under the current administration.

He commended Mr Marks leadership of the ADC, noting that the party, under him, has grown within nine months to become a formidable opposition force in Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Abia APC backs House of Reps Deputy Speaker for governorship

Criticism of INEC

Mr Aregbesola further criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as an illegal and criminal organisation for failing to monitor the ongoing national convention.

According to him, the commission did not provide adequate justification for its decision, noting that the Court of Appeal ruling it referenced did not mandate such action.

He alleged that INEC has been used as a tool by the ruling APC to exert pressure on the ADC, accusing the electoral body of bias.
The police have arrested 33 suspects linked to the 18 November, 2025 attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where gunmen killed worshippers and abducted dozens.

Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He said the suspects were part of a larger group involved in terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

The suspects are part of 50 individuals linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, arrested following a strategic offensive against syndicates that have long threatened the peace of the nation, he said.

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Mr Placid added that the arrests followed coordinated operations conducted across multiple locations in Kwara State, including Gbugbu, Ora-Ago, Babanla, Kaiama, Awi, Charagi, Patigi, and Okeode.

According to the police, those arrested include Abubakar Usman (also known as Siddi), Ibrahim Saidu (alias Idi Soho), Adamu Mohammad (aka Baushe/Dogo), Abdullahi Abubakar (aka Bature), and several others identified as members of the criminal network.

The police said the suspects were among 50 individuals recently paraded as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised criminal groups across the country.

Mr Placid noted that several principal suspects are ready to be prosecuted, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices.

He also disclosed that security operatives recovered a cache of weapons during the operations.

During the operations, suspects abandoned an anti-aircraft rifle and three AK-47 rifles, he said, adding that additional items recovered include seven AK-47 rifles, seven magazines, 32 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five walkie-talkie devices, and a camouflage hydration backpack.

The November 2025 attack on the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, drew national attention after gunmen invaded the church during a service, killing three worshippers and abducting 38 others.

A video from the scene showed congregants fleeing as gunshots rang out.

Days after the incident, President Bola Tinubu announced that the abducted worshippers had been rescued, though concerns persisted over recurring attacks in parts of Kwara State.

Recent incidents in the state include attacks on rural communities and security personnel, raising fears about the spread of armed groups operating across forested areas.

The police said investigations are ongoing and that more arrests are expected as efforts continue to dismantle the network behind the attack.
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has warned that Nigeria is becoming increasingly divided and drifting towards deeper economic and security crises, urging citizens and political leaders to unite to reverse the trend.

Mr Obi spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention, where opposition leaders gathered amid growing political realignments ahead of future elections.

In his address, the former Anambra governor stressed that national unity has become urgent, accusing the current administration of deepening divisions across the country.

We need to work as a united Nigeria. For the sake of Nigeria, the country is so divided; we need unity. The present government has ensured that it remains more divided, he said.

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He warned that allowing the divisions to persist could worsen the countrys fragile situation, particularly in the area of security.

Citing global terrorism rankings, Mr Obi said Nigerias position has deteriorated since the current administration assumed office. According to him, the country has moved from eighth to fourth position, a trend he described as alarming and indicative of worsening insecurity.

If this trajectory continues, in a few years, Nigeria could rank among the worst-affected countries, he said, underscoring the urgency of decisive action.

On the economy, the former Anambra State governor painted a grim picture of rising poverty and debt.

He said Nigerias poverty rate has increased significantly, with millions more citizens pushed into economic hardship.

Mr Obi also questioned the management of public finances, particularly in relation to the removal of fuel subsidy. He noted that the policy was initially justified as a means of reducing borrowing and freeing up resources for development.

However, he argued that despite the removal of the subsidy, the countrys debt profile has worsened considerably, rising from about 87 trillion at the end of the previous administration to nearly 200 trillion.

He further alleged that the government is struggling to meet its financial obligations, including payments to contractors, and claimed that implementation of the 2025 budget has been weak, with limited funding for projects.

We have huge debts, and we have borrowed more, and we are heading to disaster. The reason why I use these short figures is to show you we are drifting, he said, adding that the figures point to a country in decline.

Mr Obi called for sacrifice and collective responsibility, urging Nigerians to act in the interest of future generations.

We must now sacrifice for the sake of our children. If we dont do anything, what is happening will take revenge on us and our children, he said.

Nwosu speaks on ADC evolution

Also speaking at the event, a former National Chairman of the ADC, Ralph Nwosu, highlighted the partys evolution and ongoing efforts to build a broad-based political coalition.

Mr Nwosu recalled the partys early struggles, including its initial registration process with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the ADC has grown from modest beginnings into a platform attracting prominent political actors.

He said the party has consistently prioritised national interest over personal ambition, recounting how its leadership previously opened its structure to broader alliances in a bid to strengthen opposition politics.

According to him, the current coalition efforts reflect years of groundwork aimed at building a credible alternative capable of addressing Nigerias challenges.

Mr Nwosu also praised the emergence of former Senate President David Mark as the partys national chairman, describing his leadership as a turning point for the ADC.

At this time, nobody is more qualified to lead the party and help deliver the country from its current situation, he said.

He commended key political figures present at the convention, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as well as other stakeholders, for their roles in strengthening the opposition coalition.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday adjourned indefinitely an African Democratic Congress (ADC) leadership crisis suit pending the determination of an appeal concerning the same matter before the Supreme Court.

The judge, Emeka Nwite, ruled that he had to put hearing on hold since an appeal challenging his courts jurisdiction to hear the suit had been entered at the Supreme Court.

PREMIUM TIMES reported earlier on Tuesday that the Supreme Court set 22 April for hearing the appeal regarding the Federal High Courts jurisdiction to hear the suit.

Mr Nwite said it is settled law that where a court lacks jurisdiction, any proceedings conducted become a nullity.

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Jurisdiction is the live wire of any case, he said, adding that any decision reached without jurisdiction, no matter how well delivered, amounts to a nullity.

He stated that since jurisdiction of the court is being challenged at the appellate level, and the Supreme Court has yet to determine the issue, it would not serve any useful purpose to continue with the case.

Accordingly, Mr Nwite adjourned the matter sine die pending the determination of the Supreme Court.

The suit was filed by Nafiu-Bala Gombe against the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Ralph Nwosu.

Mr Gombe is challenging the process that produced Mr Mark and Mr Aregbesola as national chairman and national secretary of the party. He argues that their emergence was unlawful and contrary to the partys constitution.

He asked the court to nullify their appointments and restrain them from parading themselves as leaders of the party.

At the early stage of the case, the judge, Mr Nwite, declined to grant an ex parte application and directed that all parties be put on notice.

The dispute later moved to the Court of Appeal, with Mr Mark challenging the Federal High Courts jurisdiction to hear the suit. He argued that Mr Gombes suit bordered on an issue of internal affairs of the party which the court of law has been barred from entertaining.

While the Court of threw out the appeal, it ordered parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

The ruling escalated the crisis in the party, with the INEC interpreting to mean it barred it from recognising both the Mr Gombes faction and Mr Marks factions of the party.

Displeased with the ruling, Mr Mark went on appeal at the Supreme Court.

Tuesday proceedings

Tuesdays proceedings coincided with a Supreme Court hearing on the ADC dispute.

The development prompted Mr Nwite to pause the Federal High Court hearing from morning till 2 p.m. to await the outcome of the proceedings at the Supreme Court.

When the hearing resumed in the afternoon, Mr Nwite asked for updates on the case from the lawyers.

Responding, Lukman Fagbemi, who appeared for Mr Gombe, reminded the court of its 13 February order suspending hearing in the case pending the determination of the Court of Appeal.

He said that on 11 March, the Court of Appeal heard the matter and on 12 March dismissed the interlocutory appeal and ordered accelerated hearing.

He added that the Court of Appeal also ordered that parties should maintain the status quo ante bellum.

Mr Fagbemi said David Mark, the second defendant, exercising his right of appeal, lodged an appeal at the Supreme Court on 16 March against the decision of the Court of Appeal.

Mr Fagbemi added that on 1 April, Mr Mark also filed an application to stay the execution of the Court of Appeal order.

He however, explained that earlier in the morning on Tuesday, the Supreme Court struck out the application for stay of execution of the Court of Appeal order and directed parties to file their respective briefs and responses and fixed 22 April for hearing of the appeal.

Mr Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said that with the developments at the Supreme Court, all parties and the Federal High Court, are legally bound to await the Supreme Courts decision.

Reacting, lawyer to the ADC, Shaibu Aruwa, also a SAN, confirmed that Mr Marks application for stay was struck out by the Supreme Court.

He submitted that what is before the Supreme Court is a narrow issue on whether the court has justification to proceed, adding that the Court of Appeal order for accelerated hearing had not been challenged at the Supreme Court.

He said Section 83(6)(a) of the Electoral Act 2026 requires the matter to be heard in an accelerated manner.

He also argued that, based on Supreme Court rules, a lower court is not expected to await an interlocutory application to proceed with a case.

Considering the fact that there have been numerous applications in this suit, it is my belief and I urge this court to take all the applications. If need be, proceed to hearing of the substantive suit and reserve its judgement and adjourn sine die to await the decision of the Supreme Court. This way, a lot of time would have been saved, Mr Aruwa said.

He added that if the Supreme Court finds that the lower court lacks jurisdiction, the matter ends there, but if it holds otherwise, the court may proceed.

Similarly, lawyer to Mr Mark, Suleman Usman, also a SAN, confirmed most of the facts presented by Messrs Fagbemi and Aruwa regarding the interlocutory appeal.

He said the substantive matter is still before the court and there is likelihood of it returning for determination.

Mr Usman said that for the sake of time management, the court should tidy up its records by hearing of all pending applications.

Lawyer to Mr Aregbesola, M. E. Sheriff, aligned with the submissions of ADC and Mr Mark. He said there is no application for stay of proceedings before any court, and the Court of Appeasl order for accelerated hearing remains valid.

O. A. Olawuyl, the lawyer to the fifth defendant, Ralph Nwosu, also asked the court to proceed with the hearing of the suit.

Another lawyer, A. A. Badmus, who represented parties seeking joinder, also aligned with the position of ADC and Mr Mark. He argued that there is an order of a higher court for accelerated hearing and no motion for stay pending in any court. He urged the court to proceed with the matter and await the Supreme Courts decision.

INEC lawyer, Hassan Aliyu, said he had no submissions and left the matter to the discretion of the court.

Reacting, Mr Fagbemi said the essence of informing the lower court of the developments before the higher court is so the court can take judicial notice of same.

He also disagreed with Mr Sheriff, arguing that the law does not require a motion for stay before the court can halt proceedings in the circumstances.

He urged the court to wave off the submissions of Messrs Aruwa, Usman, and others.

After listening to their submissions, the judge took a breka again to prepare his ruling.

Ruling

When Mr Nwite returned, he ruled that allowing proceedings to continue while the Supreme Court is considering the issue of jurisdiction would amount to judicial recklessness.

He said had to suspend further proceedings since the outcome of the Supreme Court appeal may determine the entire dispute.

On the effect of the accelerated hearing ordered by the Court of Appeal, Mr Nwite held that it cannot be reconciled with the prayers before the Supreme Court seeking the aside of the Court of Appeal ruling.

The question now is how can you reconcile these two positions? he asked.

Mr Nwite adjourned the matter indefinitely pending the determination of the Supreme Court.
The National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has said opposition parties in Nigeria are planning a multi-party summit to strategise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mr Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State, said the proposed summit is aimed at strengthening opposition parties and fostering unity to challenge the ruling government.

He disclosed this while speaking at the partys national convention in Abuja on Tuesday.

The convention was organised by a faction of the party led by David Mark, a former senate president.

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A multi party summit is being planned for a broader engagement of all opposition parties on the imperative of a united opposition front for the 2027 election, Mr Aregbesola said.

Allegations of opposition persecution

Mr Aregbesola, a former ally of President Bola Tinubu, accused the president and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), of deliberately targeting outspoken opposition figures.

He alleged that state agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the State Security Services (SSS), are being used to intimidate members of the opposition.

It is very sad and disheartening that the ruling party and its administration has resorted to cheap blackmail and discretatory persecution of politicians and personalities.

State agencies such as the EFCC, ICPC, DSS (SSS) have been weaponised against the opposition and their members. They are being scared with incriminating charges and crimes, he said.

Reference to Awolowos ideals

Mr Aregbesola also criticised the contradiction between the actions of the current administration and the principles of Obafemi Awolowo, whom many in the ruling party claim to emulate.

The people who are doing these claim to be proteges of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a foremost principled opposition leader in Nigeria. It is doubtful if this claim can be justified in light of their acts in government. It is important to remind them of the philosophy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

A democracy without opposition is an autocracy. Vibrant, principled and determined opposition is the heart and soul of democracy. Nigeria must remain a republic. We say boldly and clearly no coronation in Nigeria. Were a republic, he said.
Whether this moment leads to substantive change remains to be seen. But one thing is clear. The past is no longer being quietly archived. It is being actively contested, reinterpreted, and, increasingly acknowledged. In that sense, the resolution is not an endpoint but a beginning, a call to confront uncomfortable truths and to imagine a more just global future.

Reckoning with History

On 25 March, the United Nations General Assembly took a historic step by recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity. The resolution (A/80/L.48) passed with the support of 123 member states, while the United States, Israel, and Argentina voted against it, and 52 countries including the United Kingdom and several European Union members abstained. Championed by Ghana, with strong backing from the African Union, the resolution reflects a growing global momentum around historical justice and reparations.

The vote is as symbolic as it is political. It does not create legal obligations, as General Assembly resolutions, unlike those of the UN Security Council, are not binding. Yet, they carry the moral authority of global consensus. In this case, that consensus is unmistakable. The transatlantic slave trade is not merely a regrettable chapter in history. It is a defining crime whose consequences continue to shape the modern world.

The resolution goes beyond recognition. It calls on states implicated in the slave trade to issue formal apologies, return stolen artefacts, contribute to reparations, and commit to non repetition. These demands echo the African Unions 2025 theme, Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations, underscoring how Africa and its diaspora are increasingly asserting their claims on the global stage.

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Leaders did not mince words. Ghanas president, John Dramani Mahama, framed the vote as a moral turning point, emphasising the need to honour the memory of millions who suffered and those who still endure racial discrimination. Similarly, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres described the slave trade as a deep betrayal of human dignity. These statements reflect a broader shift. The language of diplomacy is beginning to align more closely with the language of justice.

Yet, the divisions exposed by the vote are equally telling. Western resistance to reparations remains entrenched. Critics argue that contemporary states cannot be held accountable for actions that occurred centuries ago. The UKs ambassador to the UN, James Kariuki, cautioned against elevating one historical atrocity above others, while US envoy Dan Negrea reiterated Washingtons long standing position that there is no legal basis for reparations for acts that were not illegal at the time they were committed.

These arguments, however, sidestep a crucial point. The transatlantic slave trade was not an isolated historical event but a foundational pillar of the modern global economy. Understanding its scale and brutality is essential to appreciating why demands for reparative justice persist.

The drivers of this system were economic. European colonial powers, expanding plantation economies in the Americas, required vast amounts of labour to produce commodities such as sugar, cotton, and tobacco. Initial attempts to enslave indigenous populations proved unsustainable due to disease and high mortality rates. Africans, many from agrarian societies and accustomed to tropical climates, were deemed more suitable; a dehumanising calculus that reduced human beings to units of labour.

Beginning in the early 16th century, the transatlantic slave trade forcibly displaced millions of Africans across the Atlantic. Between 1529 and 1850, approximately 12 million Africans were captured and shipped to the Americas. Only about 10 million survived the infamous Middle Passage. This was the largest forced migration in human history prior to the 20th century. At its peak in the late 18th century, as many as 80,000 individuals were transported annually.

The drivers of this system were economic. European colonial powers, expanding plantation economies in the Americas, required vast amounts of labour to produce commodities such as sugar, cotton, and tobacco. Initial attempts to enslave indigenous populations proved unsustainable due to disease and high mortality rates. Africans, many from agrarian societies and accustomed to tropical climates, were deemed more suitable; a dehumanising calculus that reduced human beings to units of labour.

The trade quickly evolved into a global enterprise involving European powers such as Portugal, Britain, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. African intermediaries also played roles, often capturing individuals through warfare or raids, and exchanging them for goods, including firearms. This created the so called gun slave cycle, in which violence fuelled supply, and supply fuelled further violence.

The human cost was staggering. Captives were marched over long distances, sometimes more than 1,000 miles, to coastal forts, where they were held in appalling conditions before being packed onto ships. Mortality rates during these journeys were devastating. For instance, of the more than four million Africans taken to the Caribbean, hundreds of thousands died before arrival. Similar patterns occurred in Brazil and North America, underscoring the lethal brutality of the system.

The demographic and cultural consequences were profound. Approximately 95 per cent of enslaved Africans were sent to Latin America and the Caribbean, with Brazil and the Caribbean receiving the largest shares. Only about 5 per cent were taken to what is now the United States, though their descendants would later play a central role in global struggles for civil rights and racial justice.

Across the Americas, African diasporic communities emerged under vastly different conditions. In the United States, rigid systems of racial segregation developed, while in Brazil the myth of racial democracy masked deep inequalities. In the Caribbean, African descended populations often became the majority, shaping cultures that remain deeply rooted in African traditions. These diasporas were not passive victims. They were active agents which forged new identities, resisted oppression, and laid the intellectual foundations for movements such as Pan Africanism.

Opponents often frame reparations as impractical or divisive. But this perspective overlooks the fact that the wealth generated by slavery helped to build modern Western economies, while its costs were borne disproportionately by African societies and their descendants. The legacy of this imbalance is evident in persistent global inequalities.

Indeed, the Caribbeans centrality to the slave trade made it a crucible of political thought. From this region emerged thinkers and activists, including Marcus Garvey, George Padmore, Henry Sylvester Williams, and CLR James, who would later influence global struggles against colonialism and racism. The legacies of slavery are therefore not confined to the past. They are embedded in contemporary social, political, and economic structures.

This is precisely why the question of reparations refuses to fade. For many in Africa and the diaspora, reparations are not simply about financial compensation. They are about recognition, accountability, and structural redress. They seek to address enduring inequalities rooted in centuries of exploitation.

Opponents often frame reparations as impractical or divisive. But this perspective overlooks the fact that the wealth generated by slavery helped to build modern Western economies, while its costs were borne disproportionately by African societies and their descendants. The legacy of this imbalance is evident in persistent global inequalities.

The March resolution does not resolve these debates, nor does it compel action. What it does is shift the moral terrain. By formally recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity, the international community has taken a step toward a more honest reckoning with history.

Whether this moment leads to substantive change remains to be seen. But one thing is clear. The past is no longer being quietly archived. It is being actively contested, reinterpreted, and, increasingly acknowledged. In that sense, the resolution is not an endpoint but a beginning, a call to confront uncomfortable truths and to imagine a more just global future.

Oluwaseun Tella is director, Centre for African Diplomacy and Leadership, University of Johannesburg.
In the intricate chessboard of Bauchi politics, one name continues to echo across wards, local governments, and power circles- Dr Nura Manu Soro. Young, strategic, and deeply rooted in grassroots mobilisation, he has steadily built a reputation as a political operator whose influence extends beyond campaign rhetoric into measurable electoral outcomes.

The 2023 presidential election provided the clearest evidence yet. While many focused on national permutations, behind the scenes in Bauchi State, Dr Nura Manu Soro was coordinating one of the most structured mobilisation efforts in the Northeast. As Bauchi State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign, he oversaw stakeholder engagement from state leaders to ward-level operatives, strengthened dormant structures, and ensured campaign resources reached the grassroots where elections are truly decided.

In the run-up to the 2023 elections, Bauchi was the only state in the entire country where the gubernatorial candidate was replaced as the presidential election coordinator. President Tinubu, through the then Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, replaced the APC candidate, Air Marshal Sadiq, with the strategic Dr. Nura Manu Soro, whom they believed would gather and deliver more value to the APC; a position the election outcome clearly validated.

The outcome was not accidental: it was strategic. When the votes were counted, Bauchi emerged as the largest contributor to the Tinubu/Shettima tally in the Northeast, delivering 316,694 votes out of the regions 1,185,458 total, representing 26.7% of the entire Northeast votes  the highest from any state in the zone.

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Northeast Vote Breakdown (Tinubu/Shettima 2023):

 Bauchi  316,694 (26.7%)

 Borno  252,282 (21.3%)

 Adamawa  182,881 (15.%)

 Yobe  151,459 (12.8%)

 Gombe  146,977 (12.4%)

 Taraba  135,165 (11.4%)

This performance placed Bauchi ahead of traditional APC strongholds in the Northeast and underscored the effectiveness of a coordinated grassroots strategy. Political observers within the state credited the outcome to Dr. Soros network, logistics coordination, and ability to rally diverse blocs under a single campaign direction.

But 2023 was not his first decisive intervention. Dr. Nura Manu Soro had earlier demonstrated political weight during the 2019 Bauchi governorship election, where he played a key role in the strategy that led to the defeat of then an incumbent governor Mohammed Abubakar and subsequent emergence of current Governor Bala Mohammed; a rare occurrence in Nigerian politics. His ability to mobilize across party lines and influence electoral dynamics marked him as a rising force long before the presidential contest.

His strength was again visible during the 2023 APC gubernatorial primaries. Despite the circumstances surrounding the contest, Dr. Soro only lost the primaries to a small margin from delegates votes; a remarkable showing for a candidate widely considered the youngest major contender in the state history. The result confirmed both his growing acceptance and the depth of his political structures across Bauchi State.

Beyond numbers, Dr. Soros long-standing relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also become a subject of political calculation within APC circles. Party stakeholders believe this connection, combined with his grassroots reach, positions him as a bridge between national leadership and local structures, a factor often decisive in governorship contests.

As the 2027 political horizon begins to take shape, discussions within Bauchi APC increasingly revolve around electability, structure, and loyalty. Many argue that a candidate who has already demonstrated the capacity to deliver the largest Northeast votes for Tinubu possesses the momentum required for a statewide victory.

With Dr Nura Manu Soro as the APC gubernatorial flag bearer in 2027, party strategists believe the equation becomes straightforward: a united structure, tested grassroots network, and alignment with the presidency.

If the 2023 presidential election was a rehearsal, then 2027 may well be the main stage, and in Bauchis evolving political narrative, Dr Nura Manu Soro appears determined not just to participate, but to lead the APC to a landslide victory.
A sweeping wave of mega empowerment, infrastructure and bold policy ambition took centre stage on Sunday in Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency of Imo State as the member representing the district in the House of Representatives, Hon Akarachi Amadi, unveiled a multi-layered intervention designed to redraw the future of Mbaike.

The mega empowerment, comprising cash gift of N200million, 67 transformers, tractors, SUVs, cars, buses, motorcycles, tricycles, agriculture equipment, fertilizers, generators, grinding machines, bags of rice, sewing machines and others were distributed by Amadi, an engineer, to his constituents with a promise to do more for their well being and positive development .

The event was graced with eminent personalities from different walks of life including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, members of the House, former Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim, Imo State APC Chairman, Hon Austin Onyedebelu; lawmaker representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Hon Sulaiman Gumi Abubakar, Imo State Commissioners, captains of industries among others.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the House, Hon Abbas, who was represented by Hon Abubakar, said the House was pleased with the intervention of Amadi in touching the lives of his people, saying that the federal lawmakers would continue to support worthy cause like Amadis mega empowerment for better tomorrow.

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In his speech at the event titled: From Vision to Result, Amadi, who was elected on the platform of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), told the guests and enthusiastic crowd that service to humanity prompted him to embark on various interventions and the mega empowerment.

On his passion to serve his people, Amadi said,  I remain committed to building a future where every voice in our constituency is heard, valued and represented in every decision I make.

Your trust is my greatest asset and I will continue to justify it through service, transparency and results.

At the heart of the moment stood hundreds students already on scholarshipnow elevated as symbols of a constituency betting its future on knowledge.

What unfolded was more than a ceremony; it was a statement of intent. Hundreds of families, the lawmaker said , have had their burdens eased.

One hundred and one ambitions reignited. A generation of future doctors, engineers, lawyers, and innovators, he projected, will rise to make Mbaike proud.

The intervention did not stop at education. In a move aimed at powering both homes and local economies, Amadi disclosed plans for the distribution of 67 transformers across the 63 autonomous communities that make up Mbaike.

The federal lawmaker also framed the initiative in stark, practical terms, saying that : Electricity is not a luxury; it is a necessity for economic growth. With stable power, businesses thrive, students study better, and communities grow stronger.

It is instructive to note that the push for economic vitality found further expression in Amadis launch of a constituency-wide transport scheme.

Designed to ease mobility constraints, Amadis initiative is also positioned as a job-creation engine and a catalyst for daily commercial activity.

The empowerment drive itself stretches across multiple layers of the local economy. Small traders are set to receive targeted support to scale their businesses, while new entrepreneurs will emerge through a combination of cash grants, distribution of vehicles and motorcycles, and structured training programmes for artisans.

The design, according to the federal lawmaker, ensures continuityparticipants will not only learn skills but also receive immediate start-up support to translate training into income.

While the full inventory of items and packages were on display at the mega empowerment centre , the emphasis remained on outcomes. According to Amadi,  Lives will change. Families will rise. Hope, long deferred in many quarters, will be restored.

The mega programme, he explained, is not a standalone gesture but part of a broader architecture of development already taking shape across the constituency.

Amadi also disclosed that he has embarked on ongoing and completed projects, spanning the construction and renovation of over 20 classroom blocks, the establishment of two primary health centres, a skill acquisition centre, the refurbishment of town halls, solar-powered boreholes, and the Light Up Mbaike initiative.

On the legislative front, Amadi pointed to his activity in the Green Chamber as evidence of his engagement beyond constituency projects for dynamic society.

He disclosed that 38 billscurrently at various legislative stageshave been sponsored under his watch, describing them as part of his obligation to lawmaking and national development.

Amadi further framed his stewardship as both deliberate and measurable, projecting that by the end of his tenure, every community in Mbaitoli/Ikeduru will have at least one tangible project tied to his representation.

According to the federal lawmaker, the objective of the worthy legacy is to leave a footprint that cuts across infrastructure, education, and economic empowerment.

He said, Leadership is not about occupying a seat; it is about serving the people seated in your heart. And the people of Mbaitoli/Ikeduru are deeply seated in mine. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, brighter, and more prosperous Mbaike.

It is important to note that education remains the anchor of Amadis long-term vision. Recalling an initiative launched in 2022, the federal lawmaker highlighted the introduction of free JAMB and Post-UTME registration for students from the constituency while the programme was designed as an entry point into a broader scholarship framework.

He said, Education remains the most powerful weapon for breaking the cycle of poverty. We did not stop at registration. We made a commitment that any student who scores above 200 in JAMB would be enrolled in our scholarship scheme to study in any public university of their choice across Nigeria.

Backed by a N200 million donation, the education drive is reinforced by a long list of infrastructure projects spread across Mbaitoli and Ikeduru local government areas. These include multiple classroom constructions and renovations in Atta, Umudim, Amaike, Umueze Mbieri, Isi-Ubomiri, Obazu Mbieri, Nyishi, Umuahil, Amakohta, Orte-Mbieri, Afara Eziama, Ifakala, Oghales, Nkwo Oroda, Ohaohia, Umunoha, Uzoagba, Okwu, and Amaimo, among otherseach representing a brick in the wider effort to rebuild the constituencys educational backbone.

In the unfolding narrative of Mbaitoli/Ikeduru, Sundays event did more than distribute resourcesit attempted to redraw expectations. Between policy, projects, and people-centred interventions, the constituency now stands at a point where promises are being tested against visible change, and where the measure of leadership is increasingly tied to the imprint it leaves behind.
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State has suspended former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal, citing alleged anti-party activities.

The faction also suspended Sadiq Ibrahim, chairman of the partys transition committee in the state.

The factional chairman, Raji Zumo, announced the decision at a press conference on Monday in Yola.

No individual, regardless of his status or influence, is above the law or the constitution of the African Democratic Congress, as long as he is a card-carrying member of the party, Mr Zumo said.

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He said the action followed consultations within the factions leadership.

Those individuals are suspended for fostering disunity, creating parallel structures, undermining lawful authority, and disregarding a subsisting court order, he added.

Mr Zumo said the move was aimed at restoring order and protecting the partys integrity.

Reactions

Mr Lawal dismissed the suspension, describing it as the handiwork of Indian hemp smokers, and urged party members to disregard it.

He also questioned the authority of the factional leadership, insisting it lacked legitimacy within the party.

Similarly, the ADC chairman in Adamawa State, Shehu Yohanna, rejected the suspension, describing it as baseless.

Mr Yohanna said Mr Zumo was no longer a member of the party and could not speak on its behalf.

Legal dispute

The crisis has also taken a legal dimension.

A High Court in Yola, presided over by Justice Ahmed Isa, ordered the suspension of planned ADC congresses in the state pending the determination of a suit challenging the process.

The case was filed by Mr Yohanna, who alleged that he was excluded from the planning of the congresses.

The matter was adjourned to 15 April for continuation of the hearing.

Wider crisis

The development shows the deepening leadership crisis within the ADC at the state and national levels.

Since July 2025, the party has been embroiled in internal disputes following the emergence of a new leadership of the opposition coalition.

A former deputy national chairman, Nafiu Bala, has challenged the legitimacy of the leadership of former Senate President David Mark, describing it as unlawful.

On 1 April, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) derecognised the Mark-led faction following an interim ruling by the Court of Appeal.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has fixed Tuesday for the hearing of an appeal filed by Mr Mark.

Background

The ADC in Adamawa has been split into multiple factions over the past year, reflecting broader internal divisions within the party ahead of future political contests.
A presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the forthcoming 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has hinted he will dump the ADC if the partys presidential primary was compromised.

The ADC is expected to hold its National Convention in Abuja on Tuesday.

Mr Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, spoke on Monday night when he appeared as a guest on the Arise News Prime Time.

Defence of defections

Charles Aniagolu, the programme anchor, told Mr Obi that critics accuse him of frequently defecting from and to different political parties, instead of fixing internal issues in the parties.

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But the politician, in defence, argued that his past departures from various political parties were driven by his refusal to participate in flawed practices and compromised partys primaries.

Mr Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said he left All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) because of discriminatory issues with his successor, Willie Obiano.

In PDP, I left for the LP because people were not playing by the rules.

It (presidential primary) was transactional. I cannot be part of transactional primaries. I cannot be paying people to go and serve them, he said.

The former governor was asked if he would exit the ADC if he faces the same situation, considering that former PDP chieftains are now ADC members.

I dont have a long time in politics. But if I have a long time, if I have to do it 20 times, I will do it exactly  leave the ADC. I will not be part of (compromise), I cannot be talking about a change while being in the process of the same thing, he responded.

Continuing, the politician added: Im in ADC, with the same people, some of whom I left in the PDP and other parties.

But we are going through the same process. If that process is again compromised, I will speak out.

Ive never been involved in any form of rigging of election, at primary level, at the election itself, and after that.

Tinubus govt behind Labour Partys leadership crisis

Mr Obi also accused President Bola Tinubus government of being behind the LPs leadership crisis which has torn the party into two factions.

The former governor said he was shocked that the Supreme Court, in its judgement in April 2025, sacked Julius Abure-led Executive of the LP, but INEC did not obey the judgement until 7 January, about eight months later, when the commission recognised Nenadi Usman as the partys national chairperson.

He said the government put fire in the LP to frustrate him and his presidential ambition, but he left the party.

They were shocked that I was able to escape. So they thought I would be there for the fire to burn me, he said.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has repeatedly denied being responsible for the LPs leadership crisis.
Research confirms advanced therapies are moving beyond inpatient hospitals, with providers increasingly supporting partnerships that bring life-changing treatments closer to patients' homes.

DUBLIN, Ohio, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) released its 2026 Advanced Therapies Report: Perspectives on Community Expansion, offering new insights into how the expanding advanced therapy pipeline is reshaping sites of care. Advanced therapies are innovative gene-, cell- and tissue-based treatments that target the root cause of disease by repairing, replacing or regenerating damaged cells, offering long-term benefits for many conditions. As more therapies shift to outpatient and community-based settings, the report underscores strong provider momentum to improve access, flexibility and the overall patient experience.

The report draws on perspectives from more than 160 physicians and administrators across community practices and health systems, alongside expert commentary and a patient case study illustrating the real-world impact of outpatient advanced therapy administration.

Key findings include:

Strong provider support for expanding advanced therapy administration into outpatient and community-based settings.

Broad agreement that partnerships between health systems and community practices are critical to ensuring safe, high-quality care.

Significant operational, clinical and economic planning is required to establish advanced therapy programs, particularly in community settings.

Growing opportunity to improve patient access and experience by delivering life-changing therapies closer to home.

"Advanced therapies are transforming care for patients with complex and serious diseases, often delivering outcomes that were not possible just a decade ago," said Fran Gregory, PharmD, MBA, vice president of Emerging Therapies at Cardinal Health. "As these therapies evolve, access must also expand. Our report encouragingly underscores the growing momentum to move treatment closer to patients' homes  while emphasizing the partnerships, infrastructure and planning required to do so safely and sustainably."

There are currently 61 advanced therapies approved in the U.S., with that number expected to nearly triple by 2030, according to Cardinal Health's pipeline analysis. Oncology remains the dominant therapeutic area, though innovation is accelerating across additional disease states such as neurology, rheumatology, ophthalmology and cardiology, among others. Today, most oncology advanced therapies are still administered in inpatient academic or health system settings, but providers across the ecosystem are actively working to expand care to community-based sites of care to increase patient access.

Our survey findings show broad alignment around the benefits of shifting advanced therapies into community settings and demonstrate the need for collaboration to make the shift possible.

Nearly all health system respondents strongly agreed (54%) or agreed (43%) that partnerships between community practices and health systems are essential to ensure optimal outcomes.

Nearly all health system respondents agreed (63%) or strongly agreed (33%) that moving advanced therapies into the community would increase health system capacity for emerging innovative treatments.

Establishing advanced therapy programs requires deliberate planning, infrastructure investment and crossorganizational coordination. Nearly half of community respondents (48%) reported that preparing to administer advanced therapies took one to two years, reflecting the operational and clinical complexity involved. Health systems pointed to investments in technology to support care coordination, while community practices emphasized expanding specialized staff and building new workflows. Community providers also highlighted that partnership models offering after-hours triage support, clinical training and expedited referral pathways are critical enablers of safe, scalable advanced therapy delivery.

To read the full 2026 Advanced Therapies Industry Report, visit cardinalhealth.com/cellandgene.

About Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health is a distributor of pharmaceuticals and specialty products; a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products; a supplier of home-health and direct-to-patient products and services; an operator of nuclear pharmacies and manufacturing facilities; and a provider of performance and data solutions. Learn more at cardinalhealth.com and in our Newsroom.

Contacts

Media: Casey Sudzina, [email protected] and (614) 536-3220 and

Investors: Matt Sims, [email protected] and (614) 553-3661

SOURCE Cardinal Health
NEW ORLEANS, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Horizon Bank (NYSE: FHN or "First Horizon") is pleased to announce that Benjamin Hymel has joined its Acadiana Business Banking team as a Business Banking Group Manager.

Hymel brings more than 20 years of banking and financial services experience to the team. Prior to joining First Horizon, he held roles with J.P. Morgan Chase and Capital One Bank.

Ben Hymel, First Horizon Bank

"Ben's experience, leadership and client-first approach make him an outstanding addition to our team," said Jerry Prejean, Acadiana Market President for First Horizon. "His ability to build relationships and support the growth of local businesses will strengthen how we serve clients."

Tony Adams, Gulf States Regional President for First Horizon, added, "We're excited to welcome Ben to the team and confident in the value he will bring to our clients across the region. He brings a depth of experience and a strong understanding of how to support businesses at every stage."

Active in the community, Hymel has served as president of the Houma-Terrebonne Rotary Club, as a board member of the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence and is a member of South Central Industrial Association.

About First Horizon

First Horizon Corporation (NYSE: FHN), with $83.9 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025, is a leading regional financial services company, dedicated to helping our clients, communities and associates unlock their full potential with capital and counsel. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, the banking subsidiary First Horizon Bank operates in 12 states concentrated in the southern U.S. The Company and its subsidiaries offer commercial, private banking, consumer, small business, wealth and trust management, retail brokerage, capital markets, fixed income, and mortgage banking services. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Fortune and Forbes magazines and a Top 10 Most Reputable U.S. Bank. More information is available at www.FirstHorizon.com.

SOURCE First Horizon Bank
PALM BEACH, Fla., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rochefort Asset Management (Rochefort), a U.S. national security-focused investment management firm licensed under the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) of the U.S. Department of War, today announced the full repayment of its senior secured loan to Metatek-Group Ltd. (Metatek), a global leader in Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (FTG) services. Metatek began trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MTEK) on March 19, 2026, the first technology IPO on the TSX since 2021. Rochefort's loan was repaid in full shortly after closing, approximately 16 months from funding. Rochefort's funds continue to hold an equity position in Metatek.

Metatek's airborne subsurface mapping technology

Advanced Technology With Defense Origins

Metatek owns and operates gravity gradiometry equipment used in airborne subsurface mapping of hydrocarbons, minerals, geothermal energy, carbon sequestration sites, and other critical resources. The equipment is sourced from a defense prime contractor that originally developed the technology for weapons guidance systems, giving Metatek exclusive access to the most advanced commercially available instruments in the FTG market.

Metatek's global operations leverage this proprietary instrumentation to deliver subsurface intelligence across a range of commercial and strategic applications. As the market leader in Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry, Metatek operates where precision, coverage, and instrument quality are decisive competitive advantages.

Rochefort's Structured Financing Solution

In November 2024, Rochefort provided a senior secured loan to Metatek to support the acquisition of an additional latest-generation FTG instrument, and the aircraft required to operate it.

Rochefort moved quickly to understand a distinctive business and globally distributed asset base, structuring terms that reflected the value of Metatek's instrumentation. In the months following loan closing, Rochefort worked actively alongside the company to support its growth.

"Metatek exemplifies the opportunity Rochefort was designed to pursue: a global market leader with defensible technology, strategic assets, and a capital structure that called for a creative, experienced lender. We look forward to continuing that relationship as a shareholder," said Alex Lemond, Co-Founder of Rochefort Asset Management.

"Rochefort was built to support companies whose success matters beyond financial returns," said Kyle Bass, Co-Founder of Rochefort Asset Management. "By partnering closely with our borrowers and providing tailored capital solutions, we help accelerate growth while ensuring that strategically important technologies remain wellcapitalized, resilient, and aligned with U.S. national security interests."

"Rochefort approached our business as a partner from the start, taking the time to understand its complexity, global footprint, and the strategic value of our instrumentation. Their financing enabled us to expand our fleet at a critical moment, and that commitment carried through our IPO," said Dr. Mark Davies, founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Metatek-Group Ltd.

For more information, please contact:

Steele Schottenheimer  Rochefort Asset Management

[email protected] | 214-347-8045

Nick Morgan  Metatek-Group Ltd.

[email protected] | +44 (0)1908 667 014

About Metatek

Metatek is a global leader in Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry geophysical services, providing airborne subsurface mapping for the hydrocarbon, mining, carbon sequestration, and natural resources industries. The company operates proprietary fifth generation FTG instruments sourced from defense prime contractors, giving it exclusive access to the most advanced commercially available technology in its market. Metatek trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol MTEK.

For more information, visit: www.metatek-group.com

About Rochefort Asset Management

Rochefort is a U.S.-based national security-focused firm that operates as a licensed manager under the U.S. Department of War's Office of Strategic Capital (OSC). Rochefort invests with companies driving innovation across defense and the American industrial base, with a focus on transformative and disruptive technologies critical to U.S. national security.

For more information, visit: www.rochefort.us

Disclaimers

Rochefort's fund holds an equity interest in Metatek. Dr. Davies serves as Chief Executive Officer of Metatek. No compensation was provided in connection with his statement, and his experience may not be representative of other companies that have received financing from Rochefort. This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to purchase any security.

SOURCE Rochefort Asset Management
GUIYANG, China, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. ("FTA" or the "Company") (NYSE: YMM), a leading digital freight platform, 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 14, 2026. The annual report can be accessed on the Company's investor relations website at ir.fulltruckalliance.com.

The Company will provide a hard copy of its annual report containing the audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to Investor Relations Department, Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd., 16F, Building T2, SOHO Tianshan, No. 1717 Tianshan Road, Changning District, Shanghai, 200051, People's Republic of China.

About Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd.

Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (NYSE: YMM) is a leading digital freight platform connecting shippers with truckers to facilitate shipments across distance ranges, cargo weights and types. The Company provides a range of freight matching services, including freight listing, freight brokerage and transaction services. The Company also provides a range of value-added services that cater to the various needs of shippers and truckers, such as financial institutions, highway authorities, and gas station operators. With a mission to empower enterprises with greater logistics competitiveness, the Company is shaping the future of logistics with technology and aspires to revolutionize logistics, improve efficiency across the value chain and reduce its carbon footprint for our planet. For more information, please visit ir.fulltruckalliance.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd.

Mao Mao

E-mail: [email protected]

Piacente Financial Communications

Jenny Cai

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

E-mail: [email protected]

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd.
Nominations for Interpreters, Guides, Docents, Artisans, and Reenactors are Open Through May 4, 2026

KEY POINTS:

Mars Inc. and AMERICAN HERITAGE  Chocolate Debut the History Tellers Award in Honor of America's 250th Anniversary.



Chocolate Debut the History Tellers Award in Honor of America's 250th Anniversary. The History Tellers Award is a new national initiative created to honor the interpreters, educators, guides, and storytellers who keep America's history alive and relevant for future generations.



Nomination applications are being accepted here through May 4, 2026.



The History Tellers Award supports history, education, and cultural preservation at a moment when understanding the past has never been more critical.

NEWARK, N.J., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary this year, Mars Inc. and AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate announced the launch of the History Tellers Award, a new national initiative created to honor the interpreters, educators, guides, and storytellers who keep America's history alive and relevant for future generations.

This first-of-its-kind national award honors outstanding history tellers at museums or historic sites who inspire, engage, and empower audiences to learn from the past and envision a better future. The recipient will receive $15,000 and promotional support for both themselves and their institution.

A National Platform for Living History

Launched in alignment with America's 250th anniversary, the History Tellers Award supports history, education, and cultural preservation at a moment when understanding the past has never been more critical.

"At historic institutions nationwide, interpreters, artisans, docents, and educators work tirelessly, often with limited resources, to bring America's stories to life," shares William Clements, Vice President, Sponsorships, Mars Snacking, Premium Brands & Mars Properties. "These History Tellers translate complex histories into human experiences and create spaces where education, culture, and community intersect. Recognizing and honoring the dedication of these individuals is just a national extension of Mars' commitment to preserving American History."

The History Tellers Awards was inspired by two pioneering historic interpreters: Cheyney McKnight, the founder of Not Your Momma's History, and Dontavius Williams, a public historian and founder of The Chronicles of Adam, a first-person interpretation rooted in historical documents that brings the lived experience of enslavement to life for audiences nationwide. Both received the inaugural History Tellers Award in 2025, which has expanded in 2026 to invite applications nationwide. They will also serve on the selection committee for this year's award,

"To be honored and recognized by Mars with an award for the work we do as History Tellers is the encouragement we need to keep up the great efforts of researching and interpreting the lives of those who have come before us," states Dontavius Williams. "I am thrilled to be a founding member of this national award program and look forward to shining a light on the great work of my fellow historic storytellers," continues Cheyney McKnight.

A Commitment to American History

As a purpose-driven company with a history spanning more than a century, Mars believes in the power of history to educate, inspire, and inform the future. Through longstanding partnerships with some of the nation's most iconic historic institutions, Mars has supported educational programming, preservation efforts, and professional development across the history field.

AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate, developed by Forrest E. Mars, Jr. in 2006, was created to bring history to life through immersive storytelling and authentic, 18th-century-inspired chocolate recipes. Rooted in education and interpretation, the brand has become a trusted partner to historic sites nationwide, making it a natural steward for the History Tellers Award.

Nominations for History Tellers

Nominations for the History Tellers Award can be submitted here through May 4, 2026. The process is competitive and the winner will be selected by a committee of museum and history experts. The winner will be announced by July 4, 2026.

About AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate:

The AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate brand was developed in 2006 by Mars Inc. to help educate consumers about the history of our multicultural nation through the engaging story of one of our most beloved foodschocolate! With a flavor profile drawn directly from the archives of chocolate's historic past, AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate provides an artisanal, versatile way to eat, bake or drink a sweet taste of history. Rainforest Alliance Certified and made with no preservatives, AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate currently comes in four formats: Tasting Squares, Tablet Bars, Grated Chocolate for baking/drinking and Gourmet Hot Cocoa. AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate is sold in over 50 fine gift shops at historic sites, museums and historic inns across the USA and Canada. The brand can also be found on Amazon.com, at www.AmericanHeritageChocolate.com and at the Ethel M Chocolates store in Henderson, Nevada. We are the Chocolate History People!

Learn more about AMERICAN HERITAGE Chocolate on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

About Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $65bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products, veterinary services, and quality snacking and food products delight millions of people and support pets all around the world. With the strategic acquisition of Kellanova, we have further enhanced our capabilities and expanded our reach in the global market. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN, PEDIGREE, WHISKAS, CESAR, DOVE, EXTRA, M&M'S, SNICKERS, BEN'S ORIGINAL, and now, iconic brands from Kellanova including Pringles, Cheez-It and Pop-Tarts. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD, BLUEPEARL, VCA, and ANICURA, span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles  Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom  inspire our more than 170,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Contact: Valerie Donati

Brand Building Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Mars
Leading retirement policy expert brings decades of experience to advance data-driven insights on retirement security

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) today announces that Barbara A. Butrica, Ph.D., has been named Director of Research. A nationally recognized expert in retirement policy, Social Security, and workforce research, she brings more than two decades of experience to the role. Butrica will lead the NIRS research agenda, overseeing the development of rigorous, data-driven analysis to inform policymakers, stakeholders, and the public on the state of retirement security in the United States. She will assume the role on April 27.

"Butrica is one of the nation's leading experts on retirement policy and economic security," said Dan Doonan, NIRS executive director. "Her deep expertise, proven research leadership, and ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the national conversation around retirement security. At a time when millions of Americans face significant challenges in preparing for retirement, Barbara's leadership will strengthen our ability to deliver timely, impactful research."

Butrica most recently served as a Senior Fellow at the Urban Institute, where she designed and led major research and evaluation projects focused on retirement income, Social Security, and the economic well-being of older Americans. Throughout her distinguished career, she has authored or co-authored more than 150 research publications and has been widely cited in academic journals, policy briefs, and national media. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Social Insurance and has provided expert testimony and analysis to federal agencies and policymakers on retirement and labor issues.

"I am honored to join NIRS at such a critical moment for retirement policy in the United States," said Butrica. "NIRS has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality, accessible research that helps illuminate the challenges facing American workers and retirees. I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen the evidence base, elevate the voices of workers, and advance solutions that improve retirement security for all Americans."

Butrica holds a Ph.D. in economics from Syracuse University and a bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Wellesley College.

The National Institute on Retirement Security is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established to contribute to informed policymaking by fostering a deep understanding of the value of retirement security to employees, employers, and the economy as a whole. Located in Washington, D.C., NIRS membership includes financial services firms, employee benefit plans, trade associations, and other retirement service providers. More information is available at www.nirsonline.org.

SOURCE National Institute on Retirement Security
Lawsuit filed by Mack Law Firm alleges predatory practices by major corporations

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- North Carolina resident Matthew Joyce has filed a Corrected Amended Complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division, against ARB Gaming LLC (dba Modo.us), Affirm, Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Apple Inc., Amazon.com, Inc., and unnamed defendants. The lawsuit alleges a series of predatory practices, fraudulent activities, and violations of state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California's Unruh Civil Rights Act.

The complaint accuses ARB Gaming of exploiting Joyce's documented disabilities. The lawsuit alleges that ARB Gaming targeted Joyce during nine months of documented psychosis, elevating him to the highest VIP tier, "Black Diamond," and providing him with gifts, incentives, and promotional offers to encourage compulsive gambling.

The complaint further alleges that ARB Gaming manipulated game outcomes, misrepresented Return to Player (RTP) percentages, and delayed withdrawal processing to maximize profits. Forensic analysis revealed that Joyce's actual RTP was approximately 47%, significantly lower than the advertised 84-95%. ARB Gaming allegedly counted Joyce's own deposits as "winnings" in their RTP calculations, a practice described as fraudulent in the complaint.

The lawsuit also accuses Affirm, Inc. of issuing 46 high-interest loans totaling $11,799.55 to Joyce, with 44 of those loans directed to ARB Gaming's platform for gambling purposes. Affirm allegedly approved 18 loans totaling $5,584.82 within 48 hours, enabling Joyce's compulsive gambling behavior.

Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Apple Inc., and Amazon.com, Inc. are also named as defendants for their roles in facilitating ARB Gaming's operations. Goldman Sachs is accused of reversing favorable dispute rulings and weaponizing Joyce's disclosed mental health crisis by initiating a wellness check while continuing adverse actions. Apple allegedly processed hundreds of high-velocity gambling transactions through Apple Pay without implementing any intervention, while Amazon is accused of facilitating ARB Gaming's circumvention of its anti-gambling gift card policies and using Joyce's disability to dismiss his legitimate complaints.

The lawsuit seeks more than $1.6 million in compensatory damages, statutory damages under California law, treble damages, punitive damages, restitution, disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, and injunctive relief to prohibit the defendants from continuing their alleged unlawful practices.

The lawsuit also alleges ADA retaliation and obstruction of access to justice, claiming that Affirm coordinated with ARB Gaming to undermine Joyce's legal representation and create barriers to his ability to seek redress for the harm he suffered.

A copy of the lawsuit can be downloaded here and at LawsuitPressRelease.com.

SOURCE Mack Law Firm, PLLC
About this content 

About Jamie Ashcroft

Jamie Ashcroft, the News Editor for Proactive UK, has developed an impressive career in financial journalism, focusing on the small-cap sector for over fourteen years. Before joining the Proactive team, he was a stockbroker during the global financial crisis, a role that complemented his educational background - a first-class degree in Business and Economics and qualifications in software design and development. As one of the early external hires at Proactive in 2009, Jamie contributed... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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Ian Lyall, a seasoned journalist and editor, brings over three decades of experience to his role as Managing Editor at Proactive. Overseeing Proactive's editorial and broadcast operations across six offices on three continents, Ian is responsible for quality control, editorial policy, and content production. He directs the creation of 50,000 pieces of real-time news, feature articles, and filmed interviews annually. Prior to Proactive, Ian helped lead the business output at the Daily... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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About Stephen Gunnion

Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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About Oliver Haill

Oliver has been writing about companies and markets since the early 2000s, cutting his teeth as a financial journalist at Growth Company Investor with a focusing on AIM companies and small caps, before a few years later becoming a section editor and then head of research. He joined Proactive after a couple of years freelancing, where he worked for the Financial Times Group, ITV, Press Association, Reuters sports desk, the London Olympic News Service, Rugby World Cup News Service, Gracenote... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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About Angela Harmantas

Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government. She earned a Bachelor of... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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About Lisa Uhlman

Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Jonathan Jackson

Jonathan Jackson is an experienced writer and editor. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in print and digital media across several business and finance titles amd is currently the Australian news editor at Proactive Investors covering the latest news for ASX listed companies as well as current financial trends. He was previously managing editor with Business First magazine, Wealth Creator Magazine and StocksDigital. Jonathan has interviewed some of the world's top CEOs and covered... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
About this content 

About Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson joins Proactive Australia's broadcast team part time. As the Managing Director of Gold Events Kerry has been hosting the annual Australian Gold Conference for over 14 years, connecting industry and investment professionals and showcasing the value of precious metals. Kerry is passionate about helping others to secure a safe and solid future by understanding money, finance, and strategy. That is why she created the Making Money Matter channel on YouTube, where... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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The content on this Site is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a personal recommendation, an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities, or any other regulated activity. It should not be relied upon as the basis for any investment decision.

Before making any investment decision, you should:

Read the relevant prospectus, term sheet, subscription agreement, or other offering documentation in full

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Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You may not recover the amount you invest, and in some cases you may be required to pay more.

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The Danish drugmaker becomes the latest major pharmaceutical company to embed AI across its entire drug development pipeline, from discovery to commercial operations.

Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO), the Danish pharmaceutical giant best known for its diabetes and obesity treatments, has formed a partnership with OpenAI that will apply the artificial intelligence company's most advanced capabilities.

It will deploy the technology across its global operations, from early drug discovery through to manufacturing, supply chain and commercial functions.

The partnership will use AI to analyse complex datasets, identify drug candidates and reduce the time required to move from research to patients, with pilot programmes launching across research and development, manufacturing and commercial operations and full integration targeted by the end of 2026.

OpenAI will also assist Novo Nordisk in upskilling its workforce and improving AI literacy across the organisation.

Mike Doustdar, president and chief executive of Novo Nordisk, said the partnership would allow the company to analyse datasets at a scale previously impossible and test hypotheses faster than ever, with the goal of discovering new therapies and bringing them to market more quickly.

Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, said the collaboration would help Novo Nordisk accelerate scientific discovery, run smarter global operations and redefine the future of patient care.

The tie-up reflects a broader and accelerating shift across the pharmaceutical industry, where AI is moving from isolated experiments to core infrastructure embedded throughout the research and development process.

Novartis has described using generative AI to design 15 million potential drug compounds computationally before narrowing laboratory work to around 60 molecules, dramatically compressing what was previously a far longer process.

The Swiss drugmaker has also used AI-driven simulations to identify gene candidates for rare kidney disease.

This is a task, it said, would have been prohibitively slow without the technology and has a collaboration with Isomorphic Labs, the AI drug discovery company spun out of Google's DeepMind.

French pharmaceutical group Servier has signed a strategic partnership with AI drug design firm Iktos covering more than one billion euros in potential multi-target drug discovery programmes across oncology and neurology.

Takeda, the Japanese drugmaker, has partnered with Arrayo to use machine learning to pre-screen antibody candidates for stability, affinity and manufacturability, accelerating a design process that previously relied heavily on manual chemical intuition.

Industry data compiled for 2026 suggests half of drug developers using AI already report faster time-to-target identification, while 42% report improved accuracy and hit rates in their scientific models.

Despite the momentum, the technology has yet to produce a drug that has achieved regulatory approval in its own right.

AI can compress early discovery timelines by an estimated 30% to 40% and reduce the time required to identify a preclinical candidate from three to four years to between 13 and 18 months.

However, clinical trial durations and regulatory review timelines remain bound by biology and patient enrolment, neither of which AI can shortcut.

The Novo's partnership is structured with strict data protection, governance and human oversight provisions, reflecting a wider industry push to make AI deployment defensible to regulators as well as scientists.

The US Food and Drug Administration published draft guidance in January last year setting out a risk-based framework for assessing AI models used in regulatory decision-making, a development analysts say is beginning to reshape how pharmaceutical companies design their AI systems from the outset.
NO INVESTMENT ADVICE

The content on this Site is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a personal recommendation, an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities, or any other regulated activity. It should not be relied upon as the basis for any investment decision.

Before making any investment decision, you should:

Read the relevant prospectus, term sheet, subscription agreement, or other offering documentation in full

Consider whether the investment is suitable for your individual circumstances, financial position, and objectives

Seek independent advice from an appropriately qualified financial adviser

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value of investments can fall as well as rise. You may not recover the amount you invest, and in some cases you may be required to pay more.

In exchange for publishing services rendered by the Company on behalf of Replenish Nutrients Holding Corp named herein, including the promotion by the Company of Replenish Nutrients Holding Corp in any Content on the Site, the Company receives from said issuer annual cash compensation of typically up to $25,000.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) shares added 3.6% after UBS upgraded the stock to 'Buy' from 'Neutral,' citing what it sees as an underappreciated path to stronger earnings over the next several years.

The firm reiterated its 12-month price target of $15, implying nearly 24% upside from the current price of about $12.10. The upgrade reflects growing confidence that Ford can deliver earnings per share above $2 by 2027, with analysts projecting $2.08, around 17% higher than consensus estimates.

The analysts see a credible path to Ford earning greater than $2 in EPS in 2027, adding that the market appears to be underestimating the companys earnings power. UBS estimates the market is pricing in roughly $1.73 in 2027 EPS, about 16% below its own forecast.

The analysts argued that recent pressures on the stock, linked to concerns over higher gasoline and aluminum prices, may be overstated. They noted that aluminum costs are largely hedged for 2026, while other headwinds should ease over time. Transient headwinds dissipate in 2H26E, they wrote, pointing to improving conditions into 2027 and beyond.

Fords current guidance for 2026 earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) stands at $8 billion to $10 billion, equivalent to roughly $1.30 to $1.70 in EPS. However, UBS highlighted that this outlook includes a $1.75 billion drag tied to tariffs and logistics disruptions following a fire at a domestic aluminum supplier.

With that facility expected to return to operation in the second half of 2026, UBS sees underlying 2027 EBIT rising to between $9.5 billion and $12 billion, translating to approximately $1.60 to $2.05 in EPS even before additional improvements.

Further upside could come from increased truck production, cost efficiencies, and tariff-related benefits. The analysts also suggested Ford could land at the higher end or exceed its 2026 guidance, aided in part by an estimated $0.8 billion benefit from tariffs that were later ruled illegal.

Looking beyond 2027, UBS outlined a march towards $3 in EPS power later in the decade. This outlook is supported by a mix of factors, including a stronger product portfolio, a more pragmatic electric vehicle strategy, and a potentially more favorable US regulatory environment.

A key component of the longer-term thesis is Fords expansion into battery energy storage systems (BESS). The company plans to invest about $2 billion to convert a Kentucky plant to produce 20 gigawatt-hours of lithium iron phosphate battery capacity for the energy storage market.

UBS estimates the BESS segment could generate margins of around 10%, compared with roughly 5.5% for Ford overall in 2026. If scaled successfully, the business could contribute about $0.8 billion in incremental profit by the early 2030s, or roughly $0.15 per share in earnings.

The analysts also pointed to Fords higher-margin software opportunities within its commercial Pro segment as another driver of profitability.

Despite the more optimistic outlook, UBS maintained a relatively conservative valuation approach, keeping its $15 price target based on a 7x price-to-earnings multiple. The firm noted that this is broadly in line with Fords current forward multiple and slightly below its historical average, indicating the upgrade is driven by earnings expectations rather than multiple expansion.
About this content 

About Steve Darling

Steve Darling is an award winning broadcaster who has spent the past 20 years as one of the most recognizable faces in British Columbia, reporting and anchoring at BCTV and Global Television. He spent 15 years as the co-host of the number one morning new program in the province. Steve is a tireless worker for charity hosting some 50 events a year. He is an ambassador for the Canucks Autism Network and hosts numerous events with BC Childrens Hospital and the Child Development foundation of... Read more

About the publisher

Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists.

Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth.

We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors.

The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies.

Use of technology

Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter.

Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows.

Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation.
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
New Delhi, April 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor on Tuesday. Ahead of the inauguration, he will visit Uttar Pradesh to inspect a wildlife corridor and will also offer prayers at a Kali temple in Uttarakhand.

The Prime Minister will review the Wildlife Corridor at Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, the official said in a statement.

At around 11.40 a.m., PM Modi will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun. Thereafter, at around 12.30 p.m., he will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at a public function in Dehradun and address the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister's Office said in the statement.

The 213 km long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore.

The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hours, said the statement.

The implementation of the project also includes the construction of 10 interchanges, three Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), four major bridges and 12 wayside amenities to enable seamless high-speed connectivity.

The corridor is equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to provide a safer and more efficient travel experience for commuters, said the statement.

Keeping in view the ecological sensitivity, rich biodiversity and wildlife in the region, the corridor has been designed with several features aimed at significantly reducing man-animal conflict, it said.

To ensure the free movement of wild animals, the project incorporates several dedicated wildlife protection features. These include a 12 km-long wildlife elevated corridor, which is one of the longest in Asia.

The corridor also includes eight animal passes, two elephant underpasses of 200 metres each, and a 370-metre-long tunnel near the Daat Kali temple, said the statement.

The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional economic growth by enhancing connectivity between major tourism and economic centres as well as opening new avenues for trade and development across the region.

The project reflects the vision of PM Modi to develop next-generation infrastructure that combines high-speed connectivity with environmental sustainability and improved quality of life for citizens, said the statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

-- Syndicated from IANS
United Nations, April 14 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls on US-Iranian negotiations to continue, said his spokesman.

While no agreement was reached at the talks hosted by Pakistan between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, the discussions themselves underscored the seriousness of their engagement and constituted a positive and meaningful step toward renewed dialogue, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

"Given the deeply rooted differences, an agreement cannot be reached overnight, and the secretary-general calls on the talks to continue constructively for an agreement to be reached," he said.

After weeks of destruction and distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict, said the spokesman.

At the same time, the ceasefire must absolutely be preserved, said Dujarric, adding that all violations must cease, Xinhua news agency reported.

The secretary-general stresses that all parties to this conflict must respect freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law, he added.

Disruptions in the maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have already had a direct effect well beyond the immediate region, with increased global economic fragility and insecurity in many sectors, noted the spokesman.

The disruption of fertilizer and its inputs further exacerbates food insecurity for millions of vulnerable people around the world, adding to the rising cost of living due to impacts from fuel, transportation and supply chain disruptions, he said.

Guterres stressed that all parties to the conflict must respect freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law.

The critical maritime corridor, located south of Iran, lies between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

The US announced plans to blockade ships entering and leaving Iranian ports which took effect on Monday.

Meanwhile, some 20,000 seafarers remain stranded on ships in the Persian Gulf and are "facing increasing hardships daily," the UN statement recalled.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, April 14 : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to begin the Congress party's campaign in West Bengal on Tuesday, marking a significant political push ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The campaign begins in Malda district, once considered a stronghold of the Congress, as the party attempts to reclaim lost ground in a state where political equations have shifted dramatically over the years.

Gandhi is returning to Malda after a gap of nearly seven years, signalling a renewed focus on rebuilding the party's base in the region. His main rally will be held at Kalambagan ground in Chanchal, where party leaders expect a turnout of around one lakh people.

The Congress is placing special emphasis on constituencies such as Chanchal and Sujapur, where Gandhi shares longstanding ties with the influential Gani Khan Choudhury family. During his visit, he is scheduled not only to address the Chanchal rally but also to hold another public meeting in Sujapur.

At the Chanchal rally, Gandhi will campaign in support of four Congress candidates: Mausam Noor from Malatipur, Asif Mehboob from Chanchal, Mostaq Alam from Harishchandrapur, and Mottakin Alam from Ratua. Party leaders view the event as a crucial opportunity to demonstrate strength across four key constituencies in Malda district.

Preparations for the rally are underway. The ground has nearly been cleared, and a temporary helipad is being constructed nearby for Gandhias arrival by helicopter. From there, he is expected to travel by road to the rally venue.

In a notable strategic shift, the Indian National Congress has decided to contest the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections independently, breaking away from its earlier alliance with the Left Front. The 294-member Assembly will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Baku, April 14 : The World Bank has approved a five-year project worth $8.24 million to strengthen pollution monitoring and biodiversity protection in the Caspian Sea, Report news agency said.

The initiative, titled "Blueing the Caspian Sea: Building Capacities for Pollution Management and Biodiversity Conservation," is expected to benefit Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The project will receive $11.74 million in grant financing from the Global Environment Facility, Xinhua news agency reported.

The implementation will be coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme, while the United Nations Office for Project Services will receive a 183,489 dollar grant to develop environmental and social framework tools and strengthen cross-country cooperation.

World Bank funding will support two components: pollution monitoring management worth $3.15 million, aimed at developing systemic approaches and comparable water quality assessments, and biodiversity planning management worth $4.25 million to improve protected area management and track population status.

The project seeks to enhance pollution control systems and increase the effectiveness of marine protected areas across the Caspian Sea, which hosts around 400 endemic species. The bank warned that the sea's level has decreased significantly in recent decades and could drop by 8 to 30 meters by 2100 due to climate change and economic use of water resources.

In Azerbaijan, the initiative will assist the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources in developing a marine pollution monitoring scheme, including policy tools, a national seminar and staff training. The project will also support biodiversity measures focused on Caspian seals and sturgeon, alongside plans to expand marine protected areas within Absheron National Park.
Coimbatore, April 14 : Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to intensify his election campaign in Tiruppur on Tuesday evening, canvassing support for candidates of his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), across eight key Assembly constituencies.

According to party sources, Vijay will campaign in Tiruppur North, Tiruppur South, Avinashi, Palladam, Kangayam, Dharapuram, Udumalpet, and Madathukulam constituencies as part of a high-energy outreach programme aimed at consolidating support ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Vijay is scheduled to depart from Chennai by flight and arrive in Coimbatore earlier in the day. From there, he will travel by road to Avinashi, where the main leg of his campaign will begin. At around 3 p.m., he will kick off a roadshow from the Attayampalayam division, standing atop a specially arranged campaign vehicle. The roadshow will pass through key areas, including the old bus stand and new bus stand zones in Avinashi, where Vijay is expected to address the public and appeal for votes in support of TVK candidates.

Following this, the campaign convoy will proceed along the national highway to Perumanallur, where he will continue his outreach activities.

The final stretch of the roadshow will extend up to Pooluvapatti, covering densely populated pockets and commercial areas. Throughout the route, Vijay will interact with supporters, party workers, and the general public, seeking to energise the partyas grassroots base in the region.

Authorities have granted conditional permission for the campaign between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., with strict guidelines in place to ensure public safety and order.

In view of the large crowds expected, extensive police security arrangements have been deployed across Avinashi, Perumanallur, Pooluvapatti, and surrounding areas. Senior police officials are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, in a sudden development, TVK announced the cancellation of Vijayas scheduled campaign programme in Dharmapuri later in the day, despite prior approval from the Election Commission.

The unexpected move has left party volunteers surprised, with no official reason immediately disclosed.

With high public anticipation surrounding his appearances, Vijayas Tiruppur campaign is expected to draw significant attention in the ongoing electoral battle.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, April 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, describing his contribution to nation-building as deeply inspiring and enduring for generations.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society."

In a video message shared on the platform, PM Modi said, "Today is a very important day in the nation's history - it is Babasaheb Ambedkar's Jayanti. He was not just an individual, but a symbol of resolve. He did not merely live; he connected it to struggle and fought. He did not fight for personal pride, but for equality for all, including the backward and Dalit communities. Despite facing many challenges and opposition, he never stopped."

He further added, "By walking on the path shown by Babasaheb, the country is bringing positive changes in the lives of everyone -- be it the poor, the middle class, or the rich."

In another post, the Prime Minister said, "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's personality and contributions will continue to remain a source of inspiration for nation-building."

PM Modi also shared a Sanskrit verse, writing: "People with a noble and expansive heart rise above narrow thinking and consider the entire world as their family. For them, no one is a stranger; rather, every person is their own. This very spirit forms the foundation of global unity and harmony."

Several Union ministers and leaders also paid tributes on the occasion through posts on social media.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ambedkar laid the strong foundation of Indian democracy by providing a Constitution that ensures equal rights and opportunities for all sections of society.

"Babasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji laid the strong foundation of our democracy by giving us a Constitution that grants equal rights and opportunities to every class. He staunchly opposed Article 370 for the sake of the country's integrity. Babasahib, who gave the mantra to society to become educated and stay organised, teaches us through his life that when the resolve is for national service and the welfare of the people, every obstacle becomes small," he said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Ambedkar as a great social reformer and a key architect of modern India, noting that his life was dedicated to securing equality and justice for the underprivileged.

"Babasaheb dedicated his entire life to fostering equality and harmony in society. His whole life was devoted to securing equal rights for the people of deprived sections.

Babasaheb was also a great thinker and the architect of many of the nation's institutions. Even in adverse circumstances, Babasaheb achieved extraordinary accomplishments and made an indelible contribution to nation-building," he added.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, in an X post, paid homage to Ambedkar, calling him the architect of the Constitution and a great social reformer.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also offered tributes, calling Ambedkar an "invaluable gem of Mother India" whose life continues to guide the nation towards equality, justice, and social harmony.

"On the occasion of the birth anniversary of 'Bharat Ratna' Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji, the architect of the Indian Constitution, who laid the foundation of a harmonious and inclusive society illuminated by the lofty ideals of equality, justice, and fraternity, I offer humble tribute," CM Yogi posted on X.

"Baba Saheb, dedicated to the upliftment of the last and the welfare of the people, is truly an invaluable gem of Mother India. His inspiring life will forever remain a guiding light for all of us," he added.

Dr B.R. Ambedkar was born on this day in 1891 in Mhow (now Dr Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh.

He was an Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer who played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution. He dedicated his life to fighting caste discrimination and promoting equality and social justice in India.
New Delhi, April 14 : Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajya Sabha Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, along with several other leaders, paid floral tributes to Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar at the Parliament on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Tuesday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, Rajya Sabha member Ramdas Athawale, and Congress leader Udit Raj, among others, also arrived at the Parliament to pay homage to the Father of the Constitution.

During this, PM Modi and Congress National Mallikarjun Kharge also shared a candid chat.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid tributes to B.R. Ambedkar, describing his contribution to nation-building as deeply inspiring and enduring for generations.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation-building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society."

In a video message shared on the platform, PM Modi said, "Today is a very important day in the nationas history - it is Babasaheb Ambedkar's Jayanti. He was not just an individual, but a symbol of resolve. He did not merely live; he connected it to struggle and fought. He did not fight for personal pride, but for equality for all, including the backward and Dalit communities. Despite facing many challenges and opposition, he never stopped."

In another post, the Prime Minister said, "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's personality and contributions will continue to remain a source of inspiration for nation-building."

Several Union ministers and leaders also paid tributes on the occasion through posts on social media.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Ambedkar laid the strong foundation of Indian democracy by providing a Constitution that ensures equal rights and opportunities for all sections of society.

"Babasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji laid the strong foundation of our democracy by giving us a Constitution that grants equal rights and opportunities to every class. He staunchly opposed Article 370 for the sake of the country's integrity. Babasahib, who gave the mantra to society to become educated and stay organised, teaches us through his life that when the resolve is for national service and the welfare of the people, every obstacle becomes small," he said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Ambedkar as a great social reformer and a key architect of modern India, noting that his life was dedicated to securing equality and justice for the underprivileged.

"Babasaheb dedicated his entire life to fostering equality and harmony in society. His whole life was devoted to securing equal rights for the people of deprived sections.

Babasaheb was also a great thinker and the architect of many of the nation's institutions. Even in adverse circumstances, Babasaheb achieved extraordinary accomplishments and made an indelible contribution to nation-building," he added.

Dr B.R. Ambedkar was born on this day in 1891 in Mhow (now Dr Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh.

He was an Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer who played a key role in drafting the Indian Constitution. He dedicated his life to fighting caste discrimination and promoting equality and social justice in India.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, April 14 : Dancing diva and actress Nora Fatehi has penned an "appreciation" post for the "heartwarming and joyful" locals in the heart of Mumbai. She said that she always wanted to connect with them in the most raw way.

Nora took to Instagram, where she shared a BTS video from the making of her song "Sajan Re" with rapper Badshah. In the video, the actress is seen dancing with the locals from area. She's even seen playing with the children and getting clicked with them.

"This is an appreciation post to some of the most heart-warming joyful people in the heart of Mumbai. Can't get over how beautiful this moment was!" she wrote as the caption.

Nora added: "Ive always wanted to be able to connect with the people of Mumbai in the most raw & real way possible and we had the chance while shooting for Sajan Re."

Nora shared that the experience left her so "grateful, so humbled to be able to have the love and acceptance from these amazing people."

"Thank you for allowing us into your home. And thank you for being so spontaneous and joyful! Still not over it," she concluded the post.

Nora made her acting debut with the Hindi film Roar: Tigers of the Sundarbans in 2014. She gained popularity in Telugu films for her special appearance songs in films like Temper, Baahubali: The Beginning and Kick 2 and has also starred in two Malayalam films, Double Barrel and Kayamkulam Kochunni.

She was seen as a contestant in the controversial reality show Bigg Boss in 2015 hosted by Salman Khan. In 2016, she participated in the reality television dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa.

Nora appeared in the Bollywood film Satyameva Jayate where she was featured in the recreated version of the song "Dilbar".

She has since played supporting parts in Hindi films Street Dancer 3D and Bhuj: The Pride of India. She has also judged television shows Dance Deewane Juniors and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 10.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Hyderabad, April 14 : Anna Konidela, the wife of Powerstar Pawan Kalyan and trained classical musician, has now penned a post on her strong bond with music and how it was and will always be a big part of who she was.

Taking to her Instagram page to post a picture of herself as a child, Anna wrote, "This little girl is me. Seven years old. Winter in St. Petersburg, where the air is sharp and the light feels pale and endless. I stand on a big stage at my music school, at a term concert that is as serious as an exam, though my hands are still so small. I play "La Marmotte" by Ludwig van Beethoven. My teacher sits beside me at the piano, accompanying me but letting me to lead. Three years later, I would begin playing the piano myself."

She went on to say, "I started learning the violin at the age of five. Alongside regular school, I attended music school until I graduated at fifteen. Although I didn't continue with a professional music career, music - especially classical - has always been, and will always remain, a big part of who I am."

Anna, who is now married to Pawan Kalyan, said, "When I came to India, my husband bought me a piano.The violin is here too, resting in its case. But lately, I don't feel the same pull to play.. as if the music is still somewhere inside me, just waiting for the right moment to be heard again."

She concluded the post saying, "Music connects people beyond language and background. Through it, we can feel pain, love, and joy without a single word. It is a bridge - between cultures, between people, and across continents."

It may be recalled that Anna Konidela opened her account in Instagram only recently. Pawan Kalyan, while welcoming his wife to the social media platform last month, had said, "A warm welcome to Instagram, dear @Anna.Konidala. Wishing you the very best as you step into this space. Looking forward to your presence bringing meaningful engagement and inspiring interactions."

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Berlin, April 14 : Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Berlin for the India-Germany Foreign Office consultations to review the strategic partnership between the two nations and discuss the regional and global issues.

The Foreign Secretary arrived in Berlin early on Tuesday (Indian time) and was welcomed by the Indian Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte.

Taking to X, the Indian Embassy in Germany said, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrives in Berlin for Indiaa"Germany Foreign Office consultations. The visit follows Chancellor H.E. Friedrich Merz's successful visit to India in January 2026 and reflects continued regular high-level exchanges between India and Germany."

Indian Ambassador Gupte also took to social media and welcomed Foreign Secretary Misri to Berlin.

"His visit provides an opportunity to review the full spectrum of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, advance discussions across key pillars of the bilateral agenda and exchange perspectives on regional and global developments," the Indian envoy posted on X.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), while announcing his visit, said that Foreign Secretary Misri will co-chair the India-Germany Foreign Office Consultations alongside Geza Andreas von Geyr, State Secretary of the German Foreign Office.

"The discussions would cover diverse domains of bilateral cooperation, including trade and investments, defence and security, technology, green energy, development cooperation, education and people-to-people ties as well as global and regional matters of mutual interest," the MEA stated.

The Foreign Secretary is also expected to meet other dignitaries and senior government officials in both places.

This follows the Foreign Secretary's visit to Paris, where he co-chaired the Indiaa"France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martin Briens on Monday.

According to the MEA, the discussions covered a wide range of topics, including defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cooperation in cyber and digital domains, AI, innovation, as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening human and cultural ties, in connection with the latest global and regional developments.

"Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri co-chaired the Indiaa"France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martin Briens, holding discussions on a wide range of issues including civil nuclear energy, defence and space, cyber and digital cooperation, AI and innovation and people-to-people and cultural ties, along with global and regional developments," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X after the meeting.

Earlier, the Indian Foreign Secretary also called on French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, discussing bilateral cooperation and ongoing global challenges, including the situation in West Asia.

-- Syndicated from IANS
New Delhi, April 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wrote a letter to India's Nari Shakti, highlighting the growing support for women's reservation in legislative bodies and reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing the long-pending reform.

New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wrote a letter to Indiaas Nari Shakti, highlighting the growing support for womenas reservation in legislative bodies and reaffirming the governmentas commitment to implementing the long-pending reform.

Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Women across India are appreciating the initiative to ensure reservation for women in legislative bodies. Here is my letter to Indiaas Nari Shakti, reiterating our commitment to implement what has been pending for decades."

The Prime Minister began his letter with a traditional greeting, 'Namaskar,' and noted the historical importance of April 14, which marks the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar. Paying tribute to Dr Ambedkar, PM Modi highlighted his contribution to nation-building and his commitment to constitutional values that continue to guide Indiaas democratic journey.

The Prime Minister further pointed out that Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on April 16 to deliberate on a crucial constitutional amendment related to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

"In the next two days, on the 16th, Parliament will reconvene to discuss and hopefully pass an important constitutional amendment relating to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. I am seeing that there is immense enthusiasm towards this. Women from all over the nation are expressing their joy at getting a stronger opportunity to contribute towards building a Viksit Bharat," PM Modi said.

In his letter, PM Modi praised the growing role of women in various sectors, describing their contributions as one of the most encouraging developments of recent times.

"All of you, our Nari Shakti, are making your mark in every aspect of national life, and this active contribution is one of the most gladdening developments of our times. Look at the world of StartUps...so many of them have women in leadership roles. Science and innovation, which are guiding the progress of humankind in the 21st century, have seen an increasing participation of women. The same is the case in academics, literature, art, music, cinema, dance and heritage," PM Modi said in the letter.

The Prime Minister emphasised that perhaps the most visible transformation has occurred in the field of sports.

"Perhaps nowhere is this change more visible than in sports, where a quiet revolution has taken place. Indian women athletes are winning more medals, breaking records and challenging old mindsets. Their successes are inspiring several other young girls to pursue sports," PM Modi said.

Additionally, he commended grassroots initiatives such as Self-Help Groups and the rise of aLakhpati Didis".

"Across India, at the grassroots, countless Self-Help Groups and Lakhpati Didis are showing how self-reliance can be achieved and how other women can be empowered," PM Modi added.

Underscoring the importance of political representation, PM Modi stated that it is only appropriate to increase womenas participation in legislative bodies, given their success across multiple domains.

"With women excelling in several of the above fields, it is only fitting that we increase the participation of women in legislative bodies. In fact, this is a subject on which there is a broader consensus, not only in the present but also for several decades in the past," PM Modi said.

Recalling historical efforts, he mentioned that nearly a century ago, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, during his tenure as President of the Ahmedabad Municipal body, had advocated for reserving seats for women.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that India granted equal voting rights to men and women from the very beginning of its independence, an achievement that many countries took decades or even centuries to accomplish.

"As soon as India began its journey as an independent nation, we had equal voting rights for women and men. In many other nations across the world, women had to wait for years or even centuries for this. In the last three to four decades, numerous efforts were made to increase women's participation in legislative bodies, but the efforts did not fully fructify. On some occasions, it was a case coming very close yet remaining very far. Unfortunately, a subject on which there has always been consensus was never able to reach its logical conclusion," PM Modi said.

Looking toward the future, PM Modi referred to the year 2047, when India will celebrate 100 years of independence.

"In the year 2047, we will mark a hundred years since freedom from colonial rule. As the people of India immerse themselves in realising the dream of a Viksit Bharat by then, let us ensure that justice is done to the aspirations of India's Nari Shakti, which is almost half of our population. When they become active participants in policy-making and decision-making, the journey towards a Viksit Bharat is strengthened. Thus, it is imperative that we do whatever is possible to add more vigour to our development trajectory and for that, the active participation of women is absolutely non-negotiable," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister reiterated that the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023 was driven by this very principle, and the upcoming constitutional amendment represents a necessary step in that direction. He expressed confidence that the legislation would be passed during the upcoming Parliament session.

Calling for collective action, PM Modi urged citizens to support the implementation of womenas reservation in both letter and spirit at the earliest.

"It is important that we all come together and ensure that women's representation in legislative bodies is introduced in letter and spirit at the very earliest," PM Modi said.

He stated that Indiaas democracy would become more robust and vibrant if the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and subsequent Assembly elections are conducted with full implementation of womenas reservation.

He further cautioned that any further delay in passing the legislation would be unfortunate and unjust to the women of India.

"Any further delay will be unfortunate and a gross injustice to the women of India. The daughters of India cannot be asked to wait endlessly for what is rightfully theirs. When the voice of women becomes stronger in our legislatures, the voice of democracy itself becomes stronger," PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister further sought the blessings of women across the country for the success of the upcoming Parliament session and the passage of the constitutional amendment.

He also encouraged women to write to their local Members of Parliament, urging them to support the legislation and reminding them of the long-term impact of their decisions.

"I urge you all to write to your local MPs and encourage them as they participate in this historic Parliament sitting. Remind them that they will be doing something whose impact will be felt for centuries to come. This will surely boost their spirits," PM Modi said.

Extending his greetings ahead of upcoming festivals, PM Modi said, "I also take this opportunity to extend my greetings for the various festivals that are coming up in the next few days. May you be blessed with good health, happiness and prosperity."
New Delhi, April 14 : Bihar is witnessing intense political developments as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar steps down, marking the end of a leadership span that has largely defined the state's governance for nearly two decades, apart from a brief interruption in 2014-15.

In what is expected to be his final official engagement as Chief Minister, the Janata Dal (United) leader has called a cabinet meeting at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Soon after, he is likely to resign, clearing the path for a new administration led by the BJP, a key ally within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This transition is significant, as it would mark the first instance of the BJP taking direct leadership of the Bihar government since the alliance came into existence.

Following the cabinet meeting, the state's longest-serving CM, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha last week, will submit his resignation to Bihar's Governor Syed Ata Hasnain.

While the BJP has not officially declared its choice for the next Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is widely seen as a leading contender, largely due to his current responsibility for the crucial Home Ministry in the outgoing government. Hailing from the Koeri caste, an influential OBC group, Choudhary was made the state party president in 2023 and became the Deputy CM a year later.

Another name drawing attention is Nishant Kumar, son of Nitish Kumar. While the sentiment in the JD(U) favours Nishant Kumar, the BJP this time, however, is being seen as the rightful claimant.

According to recent opinion surveys conducted by some media organisations, both Samrat Choudhary and Nishant Kumar are closely matched in public preference. The survey also highlights broader social expectations. Nearly half of the respondents expressed a desire for a Chief Minister from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), a category that includes both Chaudhary and Nishant. This is even though people largely wanted Nitish Kumar to continue as CM till 2030, and his sudden stepping down had shocked many.

On the ground, preparations for the transition are already visible. Posters of Nitish Kumar have begun disappearing from the JD(U) office in Patna, signalling the end of an era.

Meanwhile, all 202 MLAs of the ruling alliance have been instructed to stay in the state capital until Wednesday. Nitish Kumar has also reportedly started vacating his official residence on Circular Road.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the entire process, the BJP's top brass has appointed Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the central observer. Chouhan will arrive in the state on Tuesday, in addition to Nitin Nabin, both of whom will be part of the meeting that finalises the CM name.

-- Syndicated from IANS
New Delhi, April 14 : AI will play a pivotal role in accelerating drug discovery, enabling precision medicine and shaping a smarter, innovation-led healthcare ecosystem, according to experts.

Pharma leaders emphasised reimagining processes rather than merely digitising existing systems. They highlighted the growing importance of strong data and technology foundations to enable scalable AI adoption and stressed the immediate benefits of automation in improving clinical efficiency.

The first day of the 9th aIndia Pharma 2026a witnessed four high-impact plenary sessions that brought together policymakers, industry leaders, regulators and technology experts to chart the future of Indiaas pharmaceutical and life sciences ecosystem.

The inaugural plenary session highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between policy intent and on-ground execution.

Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, emphasised industry-led model for Research and Development, importance of strengthening government lab networks and attuning regulatory model to that of European systems.

Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research, said though research funding has increased manifold over the last few years, the country needs a Bharat model of R&D with confidence of the market in the innovators and increased trust between industry and academia.

According to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, industry leaders echoed the need for increased venture capital participation and co-funding mechanisms to nurture research-driven enterprises, stronger industry-academia integration and underscored the importance of integrated ecosystems to translate early-stage discoveries into global solutions.

The second plenary session focused on creating a predictable, efficient and globally aligned regulatory framework.

Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drug Controller General of India, highlighted the importance of stakeholder consultations in shaping responsive regulatory systems.

The third plenary session explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence across the pharmaceutical value chain.

The fourth session brought focus to Indiaas growing role in the global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO) landscape.

The panel noted that Indiaas CRDMO industry, currently valued at around $8 billion, has been growing at a robust pace of 10a"12 per cent, reflecting strong global outsourcing demand.

a"IANS

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Chennai, April 14 : Ukrainian actress Maria Riabhoshapka, who plays the female lead opposite actor Manchu Manoj in director Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti's eagerly awaited Telugu period action drama 'David Reddy', has now penned a post on how, for her, the joyous festival of Easter felt like light at a time when the world felt uncertain.

Taking to her Instagram page to share her thoughts on celebrating the festival in London, she wrote, "I have never celebrated Easter away from home and my family.

Growing up it was my favourite time of year. You wake up in the morning, the sky is clear if youare lucky and the house smells like something warm."

She went on to say, "After church, you meet your relatives and close friends, surrounded by this feeling of acceptance and love."

She concluded the post, saying, "Lately, the world has felt more uncertain, but this day felt like light to me."

For the unaware, Maria Riabhoshapka plays a character called Clara Whitmore in Manchu Manoj-starrer 'David Reddy'.

It may be recalled that director Hanuma Reddy, while welcoming Maria Riabhoshapka on board the film, had shared her poster in the film on his Instagram page and said, "Her love isnat softa itas ruthless. Welcome to the Brutal Era."

Actor Manchu Manoj, who plays the lead in the film, too had accorded a warm welcome to Maria Riabhoshapka. Taking to his Instagram page to pen a welcome post, he had said, "The intense world of #DavidReddy welcomes its leading lady - Maria Riabhoshapka on board as Clara Whitmore. Her love is War. Excited to see her bring this character to life with grace, depth, and fire. A grand Pan Indian historical action drama where valor meets destiny, and every character carries the weight of epic storytelling. @maria_riaboshapka #DavidReddy #MariaRyaboshapka."

It may be recalled that Manchu Manoj had announced the title of this film as 'David Reddy' in August last year on the occasion of completing 21 years in the film industry. The actor had disclosed that this film would be a historical action drama.
Moscow/Tehran, April 14 : Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has stressed the need to avoid a fresh escalation of conflict during a conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, while reaffirming Moscow's willingness to assist in efforts aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis.

According to a statement from Russia's Foreign Ministry, as reported by TASS, Lavrov highlighted the urgency of preventing renewed hostilities and reiterated that the situation cannot be resolved through military means.

"Lavrov emphasised the importance of preventing a relapse into armed confrontation, reaffirmed Russia's continued readiness to assist in resolving the crisis, which has no military solution, and recalled Russia's initiative to develop a Concept for Ensuring Security in the Persian Gulf with the participation of all littoral states and the support of extra-regional countries capable of exerting a positive influence on the course of negotiations," the ministry said in its account of the telephone conversation.

During the exchange, Araghchi briefed Lavrov on the recent Iranian-American talks held in Islamabad on April 11. He also conveyed concerns regarding US actions in sensitive maritime regions, warning of broader implications.

According to Iran's state-linked Fars News agency, Araghchi said that US activities in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz could have serious consequences for regional and global peace and stability.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow "welcomed the continued commitment to continuing diplomatic efforts and finding solutions that would address the root causes of the conflict and achieve long-term stabilisation in the region, taking into account the legitimate interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its neighbours."

Lavrov also extended condolences to his Iranian counterpart over a recent loss within Iran's diplomatic community.

The Russian minister expressed his "sincere condolences to Araghchi in connection with the brutal murder of the former head of Iran's Foreign Ministry and head of Iran's Strategic Council on Foreign Policy, K. Kharrazi, as a result of an airstrike."

Meanwhile, Lavrov has arrived in China for a two-day official visit to discuss the bilateral cooperation across key sectors, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia.

Earlier on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that during his visit to China from April 14-15, the Foreign Minister will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

"The two countries' foreign ministers will discuss a wide range of bilateral cooperation issues, prospects for contacts at various levels, and international collaboration, with a focus on joint work within the UN, BRICS, SCO, G20, APEC, and other multilateral mechanisms and forums. A detailed exchange of views is expected on a number of hot topics and regional issues, including the Ukrainian crisis and the situation in the Middle East," it added.

This also came as Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Monday admitted that the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is likely to impact international markets negatively.

"Most likely, such actions will continue to negatively impact international markets; this can be assumed with a high degree of certainty," the Kremlin spokesman was quoted as saying by Russia's leading Tass news agency during a regular media briefing in Moscow.

Responding to another question, he asserted that details on the US blocking of the Strait of Hormuz remain unclear.

"Many details here remain unclear and incomprehensible, so I would refrain from any substantive comments at this time," Peskov commented on the US threat of blocking the strait.

On Sunday, the United States made it clear that it will begin enforcing a sweeping maritime blockade of vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports from April 13, escalating tensions after high-stakes talks between Washington and Tehran failed to yield agreement on key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme.
New Delhi, April 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended warm greetings on the occasion of Tamil New Year Puthandu, wishing citizens happiness, success, and good health while highlighting the richness of Tamil culture. The Prime Minister also met Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and personally conveyed his greetings on the auspicious occasion.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Warm greetings on the auspicious occasion of Puthandu! I pray for a year filled with happiness, success and good health. This special day celebrates renewal, hope and new beginnings. It is an occasion to honour the greatness of Tamil culture. Its rich heritage of literature, music, art, philosophy and devotion continues to inspire people across the world. May this special day further the spirit of togetherness in our society. Inspired by the great Tamil culture, may we attain new heights of success and also deepen our connect with nature."

The meeting between the Prime Minister and the Vice President was seen as a gesture of festive goodwill, where both leaders were seen performing aarti and taking part in traditional rituals. They also exchanged greetings on the occasion of the Tamil New Year.

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan also shared his greetings on X, extending wishes to citizens across multiple regions celebrating the New Year festivals. He said, "Greetings to all on the auspicious occasions of Tamil Puthandu, Baisakhi, Rongali Bihu, Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti, Poila Boishakh and Vishu. These vibrant festivals reflect the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our nation. They mark new beginnings, the joy of harvest, and the enduring bond between people, nature, and tradition. May these occasions inspire harmony, prosperity and renewed hope to everyone's lives."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings on Tamil Puthandu.

In his message on X, he said, "Heartfelt greetings to our sisters and brothers of Tamil Nadu on the auspicious occasion of Tamil Puthandu. May the zestful festivities of welcoming the new year deepen our bond with culture, strengthen social unity, and bless everyone with well-being, abundance, and joy."

The nationwide greetings from top leaders reflected the festive spirit across India as several regions marked their traditional New Year celebrations. From Tamil Nadu to Punjab, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, and Kerala, festivals such as Puthandu, Baisakhi, Rongali Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti, and Vishu were celebrated with cultural enthusiasm, symbolising renewal, harvest, and harmony.

The messages collectively underlined themes of unity in diversity, cultural pride, and renewed hope, as citizens welcomed the new year with prayers for prosperity and well-being.
Chandigarh, April 14 : Hundreds of devotees on Tuesday thronged gurudwaras across Punjab and Haryana to celebrate Baisakhi, one of the biggest festivals that marks the foundation day of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh order) by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.

It also marks the start of harvest season. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, one of Sikhism's holiest shrines, was tastefully decorated, and a huge number of devotees came before dawn to offer prayers.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), which manages gurudwaras in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, has deployed task force staff to manage crowds.

A sea of devotees was also witnessed at the Takht Kesgarh Sahib in the holy city of Anandpur Sahib, where the Khalsa Panth was founded in 1699.

Many consider taking the holy dip in the Golden Temple sarovar as significant to mark the day. Day-long langars (community kitchens) have been organised to mark the day.

Besides the Golden Temple, people took a holy dip in scores of historic gurudwaras across Punjab.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended greetings on Baisakhi and Sajna Diwas of Khalsa Panth. In a message, CM Mann said, "The Khalsa Panth, founded by the 10th guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh, always inspires us to stand guard over righteousness and truth, and to serve humanity."

The day also marks the ripening of the Rabi harvest, a time for the farmers to reap the wheat crop.

This day marks a watershed moment in India's freedom movement in 1919, as many known and unsung martyrs sacrificed their lives on this day in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.

A jatha of pilgrims this week left for Gurudwara Sri Panja Sahib in Pakistan from Amritsar to participate in the religious congregation to be held to mark Khalsa Sajna Diwas (Baisakhi).

In greetings, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said, "May this sacred festival, filled with faith and joy, and bearing the message of prosperity and wellbeing for our farmers, infuse new energy, enthusiasm, and zeal into everyone's lives -- this is my heartfelt wish."
Quetta, April 14 : The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed that three Pakistani naval personnel were killed in what it described as its first maritime operation in the Jiwani area of Gwadar district in Balochistan, as it announced the formation of a naval wing.

A video footage released by BLA's media wing, Hakkal, circulating on social media showed four masked fighters moving towards the sea before boarding a speedboat.

The video showed the fighters at sea moving towards a vessel identified as a Pakistan Coast Guard boat and opening indiscriminate gunfire.

"As long as even one son of the Baloch remains on this land, we will not allow you to remain on this sea or this land. We are ready today, we were ready yesterday, and we will remain ready in the futurea You will be struck everywhere," said the fighters before the attack.

According to a statement by BLA spokesperson Jeeyand Baloch, the group has established its formal naval wing, the Hammal Maritime Defence Force (HMDF), for the "protection of the Baloch seas".

Commencing its first operational activity, he said, this new subsidiary force of the BLA targeted a patrolling boat of the Pakistani Navy in an armed attack on the morning of April 12 at 'Mil Tiyab' in the Jiwani area of Gwadar.

As a result of intense firing by the BLA fighters, Jeeyand said, all three "occupying navy personnel on board", including Naik Afzal, Sepoy Jameel, and Sepoy Umar, were killed on the spot.

He added that following the operation, the BLA fighters successfully reached their secure hideouts.

The BLA asserted that the "Baloch national independence movement" has now entered a stage extending beyond land operations to maritime domains, which it said, "will also prove to be an inevitable graveyard for the enemy."

"The occupying Pakistan and its imperialist partners have been illegally auctioning the Baloch seas for years, where the economic massacre of our fishermen continues, and the coasts have been converted into military cantonments. The formation of the Hammal Maritime Defence Force is the beginning of our national navy, which will remain ready at all times to stop the maritime plunder of Baloch resources, paralyse the enemy's naval movements, and defend the occupied coasts," read the statement by the BLA.

Warning the Pakistani forces that its military scope is no longer limited only to the mountains and cities, the BLA said, "We have now achieved the full capability to target the enemy in the deep seas, including its naval installations and assets. Our war will continue with full intensity until the complete withdrawal of the enemy and the restoration of a free and sovereign Baloch state."
Seoul, April 14 : South Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun said on Tuesday that the foreign ministry has dispatched envoys to Algeria and Libya and is seeking to send additional envoys to secure alternative supply routes amid the Middle East crisis.

Cho made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting after President Lee Jae Myung called on the government to explore supply chain alternatives as the United States' war against Iran has choked off the crucial Strait of Hormuz and disrupted maritime traffic in the Middle East.

Cho said the ministry has sent director-general-level officials to Algeria and Libya and is seeking to dispatch a special envoy of the foreign minister to the Republic of the Congo.

"The ministry will actively pursue the dispatch of presidential envoys after consulting with relevant ministries, the Korea Petroleum Association and other stakeholders to contribute to the government's efforts to secure alternative sources of supply," Cho said.

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik has also been dispatched to the Middle East as a special envoy, Yonhap news agency reported.

Cho said that Chung Byung-ha, the special envoy to Iran, has been in contact with senior Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss regional developments, the safety of South Korean nationals, vessels and crew and passage of ships.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged nations involved in the war in the Middle East to take a courageous step toward peace, with a fragile ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran hanging in the balance and threatening the global economy.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Lee asked "the warring parties to take a courageous step toward peace that the world desperately wants based on the principles of the protection of universal human rights and lessons from history."

With the war in the Middle East entering its seventh week, Lee also called on the government to explore alternative supply chains and pursue structural reforms to address vulnerabilities exposed by uncertainties stemming from the ongoing war.

"I want initiatives, such as exploring alternative supply chains, pursuing mid- to long-term industrial restructuring and realising a plastic-free economy, to be promoted as key national projects," Lee said.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Amaravati, April 14 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Tuesday that the greatest tribute that can be offered to Dr B.R. Ambedkar is to uphold democratic values.

The Chief Minister, through a social media post, offered tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution, social reformer, and Bharat Ratna, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, on the occasion of his 135th birth anniversary

"Dr. Ambedkar stands as an exemplary figure; despite enduring caste discrimination and the scourge of untouchability, he pursued higher education and rose to a stature of such eminence that the entire nation takes pride in him. If our country stands today as one of the world's strongest democracies, it is solely due to the Constitution he bestowed upon us," said the Chief Minister.

"By ensuring equal opportunities and rights, he provided constitutional protection to every single citizen. Our collective goal must be the realization of Dr. Ambedkar's ideals. The greatest tribute we can offer to this visionary leader is to uphold democratic values and conduct ourselves as responsible citizens," he added.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also paid tributes to Ambedkar. "Remembering the visionary leader, scholar, and Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the chief architect and Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, the first Law Minister of independent India, on his birth anniversary. His relentless fight for social justice, equality, and empowerment continues to guide us," posted Pawan Kalyan.

Meanwhile, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President K.T. Rama Rao also paid tributes to Ambedkar.

The former minister said that Ambedkar was a noble soul who toiled day and night for the upliftment of the marginalised sections of society.

"Ambedkar was a universal humanist who fought on behalf of the oppressed people. He was a visionary of an egalitarian society who secured rights for people from all walks of life. Ambedkar was the towering intellect who designed the Constitution of India," KTR said in a post on 'X'.

He stated that Ambedkar was the visionary who ensured the fulfilment of the Telangana people's aspiration for a separate state through Article 3.

KTR claimed that the nine-and-a-half-year tenure of the BRS government has been guided by the inspiration of Babasaheb Ambedkar.

"To ensure that Ambedkar's teachings, ideals, and values are passed on to future generations, the KCR government has erected a 125-ft statue of Ambedkar in the very heart of Hyderabad. The government bestowed the highest honor upon him by naming the Telangana State Secretariat after Ambedkar. On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, we pay our humble and profound tributes to this towering figure," KTR added.
Srinagar, April 14 : Police in Jammu and Kashmir's Sopore town on Tuesday arrested 25 miscreants for trying to disturb law and order in the aftermath of the suspension of a teacher and subsequent registration of a case against him after a girl student alleged harassment by him.

Srinagar, April 14 (IANS) Police in Jammu and Kashmiras Sopore town on Tuesday arrested 25 miscreants for trying to disturb law and order in the aftermath of the suspension of a teacher and subsequent registration of a case against him after a girl student alleged harassment by him.

Police said that 25 miscreants were arrested, and others have been identified when they tried to disturb law and order in the town.

Police said the teacher has been booked under the relevant sections of law, and an investigation has already been started. At the same time, the director of school education has suspended the teacher while ordering a departmental inquiry against him.

All class work in some educational institutions of the town has been suspended till April 28 in the law and order-sensitive town.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, told reporters that the teacher has been booked and an investigation has been set into motion after the girl studentas allegations. The Joint Director of Education has been appointed as the inquiry officer to conduct a time-bound probe and has been directed to submit the report within 15 days.

Following the allegations, students held a protest in Sopore town demanding strict action against the lecturer.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, S.A. Raina, said that academic activities at Government Higher Secondary School, Boys Higher Secondary School and Government Degree College Sopore will remain suspended from April 15 to April 18.

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the area following protests over harassment allegations.

Known as the apple town of Kashmir, Sopore has not always been in the news for good reasons. Once regarded as the hotbed of separatist sentiment, the town, however, has been peaceful since 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated.

It was because of its law-and-order-sensitive nature that Sopore, otherwise a part of North Kashmir's Baramulla district, was upgraded to a police district headed by a Superintendent of Police (SP).

Sopore was officially carved out as a separate police district in North Kashmir on January 21, 2010, to effectively manage law and order and curb militancy.

While geographically still part of the Baramulla district, it operates as an independent administrative unit within the Jammu and Kashmir Police hierarchy.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 14 : Kerala continues to reel under an intense heat wave, with authorities issuing temperature alerts across the state, barring the high-range districts of Idukki and Wayanad.

The soaring temperatures have raised concerns over public health, prompting officials to urge residents to take adequate precautions, particularly during daytime hours.

Palakkad remains the hottest district, with the mercury expected to touch 40 degrees Celsius.

The district had already recorded 39.2 degrees Celsius on the previous day, marking the highest temperature in the state so far this season.

Weather authorities caution that the heat is likely to persist, with little immediate relief in sight.

Kollam is also bracing for high temperatures, with forecasts indicating a rise up to 39 degrees Celsius.

Several other districts, including Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod, are expected to experience temperatures of up to 37 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram and Malappuram may see temperatures climb to around 36 degrees Celsius.

Health officials have warned of an increased risk of sunstroke and dehydration amid the prevailing conditions.

People have been strongly advised to limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours and ensure adequate hydration.

Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and avoiding direct exposure to sunlight are among the key recommendations issued by authorities.

The prolonged spell of high temperatures has begun to impact daily life, particularly for those engaged in outdoor work.

With the heat index rising steadily, vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are at greater risk.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have reiterated the importance of public awareness and preventive measures.

As Kerala navigates this period of extreme heat, adherence to safety advisories will be crucial in mitigating health risks and ensuring public well-being.

Meanwhile, pranksters are also out sharing unverified temperature alerts, and this forced the authorities to come out against such warnings and asked them to rely only on authorised reports.

With a series of holidays soon after the April 9 polling day, many families are heading to the hilly districts to get away from the heat.
New Delhi, April 14 : Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday asserted that there is "nothing controversial" in the proposed amendment to the Women's Reservation Bill and appealed to all political parties to support it without politicising the issue.

The Centre is seeking consensus across parties for the amendment to the Women's Reservation Bill, also known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for one-third reservation for women in legislative bodies.

The legislation was passed unanimously in Parliament in 2023. The proposed amendment aims to delink its implementation from the 2027 Census and instead base it on the 2011 Census, enabling its rollout before the 2029 general elections.

A special session of Parliament has been convened on April 16 to take up the matter.

Speaking to IANS, Rijiju said, "The issue of women's reservation cannot be made a political matter in any form. If we give it a political angle, it would be an injustice to women. The Prime Minister has made a very simple and clear appeal to rise above party politics. The Nari Shakti Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act) is a law that all parties supported and passed unanimously. Now, we have called for a special session to make a constitutional amendment to implement it."

He further said that the government has reached out to Opposition leaders, including Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, urging them to support the bill.

"We have also urged Mallikarjun Kharge not to give it a political angle. We want all parties and parliamentarians to support this; it will become a great inspiration for everyone and give a strong message to the world," he said.

Responding to concerns raised by Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in her recent opinion article on the Women's Reservation Bill, Rijiju said the government will soon make the full text of the amendment public.

"We are about to upload the entire bill, and everyone will be able to read it. In this amendment bill related to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, there is not a single point that can be considered controversial. Whether it is delimitation, an increase in the number of seats, or any other provision, you will find that there is no provision that can raise any objection or question. If anyone still tries to raise questions, it would be politically motivated," he said.

Emphasising the need for collective ownership of the reform, the minister added that the bill is "very simple" with "clear provisions".

"However, there is nothing in this bill that anyone can object to in any form. It is a very simple and clear provision that is going to be presented in Parliament. That is why we want everyone to support this bill. No one will take all the credit for it, it will be an achievement for the nation as a whole, not of any particular political party," Rijiju added.
New Delhi, April 14 : In connection with the recent assault on a serving Army Brigadier, along with his son in South Delhi's Vasant Enclave, action has been initiated by Delhi Police following intervention at multiple levels. An FIR was registered, and the police have taken cognisance of alleged lapses in the initial response. The personnel concerned have reportedly been shifted pending further enquiry.

Preliminary investigation has led to the identification of the principal accused as Satinder Kumar, resident of Mehram Nagar, stated to be associated with an aviation company.

It is expected that Delhi Police will proceed expeditiously to apprehend the accused and take the investigation to its logical conclusion.

The incident unfolded when the Brigadier stepped out for a walk with his son after dinner on Saturday. Just outside their residence, they noticed two individuals sitting in a parked white Mercedes car and consuming alcohol. When the officer objected, an argument broke out between the two parties.

According to officials, the Brigadier and his son were attacked by a group of men after they objected to two men consuming alcohol inside a parked car in their residential area. The incident is reported to have occurred on April 11 at around 10 P.M.

Talking to IANS, the officer's wife recounted the sequence of events, saying: "The whole incident was that two individuals were sitting in a white Mercedes car and drinking alcohol. After dinner, when my husband and son went out for a walk, they objected, saying that drinking in a residential colony is not allowed, after which the individuals spoke to them inappropriately. We did not retaliate and called the PCR. PCR took time, and after a while, they arrived and talked to the men in the Mercedes. Till the time the official started taking our statements, goons arrived in two cars and started assaulting my son and husband."

She further alleged a lack of police intervention during the assault.

"Instead of helping us, the police personnel went back to their van. My husband tried to save my son from the goons, but they were also hitting him. When I approached the police personnel again, he denied the help, stating that he alone could not do anything in front of so many goons. He said that he will wait for his team. His team never arrived. The goons kept hitting my husband and son for 20 minutes. I was trying to save them, and even then, the goons passed comments on me," she said.

Describing her interaction with the police, she added: "When I asked the police personnel to take me to the police station, he opened the van's trunk for me and told me to lie there, and he would take me to the station. I said I would not sit in the trunk. I want to sit on the seat, to which the personnel said, 'This is not your place'. So with our own car, we went to the police station, where we did not get any assistance and questioned why we were calling the PCR again and again and frustrating them."

The family said a complaint was filed in the early hours of April 12. "We had filed a complaint on April 12 at around 2 A.M. However, no action was taken till we sought help through the Defence channels. He (the Brigadier) was taken to the hospital by the police. We ourselves took him to our Army hospital, as the police said they did not have the ambulance to take him to Safdarjung Hospital. No police officer went with us; they ignored everything, eating parathas and everything. They ignored our agony," she added.
Shamli : , April 14 (IANS) Ahead of the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday visited and inspected the first 'Rest-Hold Area' developed along the route in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district.

Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) received the minister during his visit and briefed him on the facilities at the rest stop.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Delhia"Dehradun Economic Corridor later in the day. Prior to the inauguration, he will visit Uttar Pradesh to review a wildlife corridor built along the elevated stretch of the project and will also travel to Uttarakhand to offer prayers at a Kali temple.

Residents of Shamli expressed optimism about the project, saying it would boost local employment and significantly improve connectivity.

Anil Pundhir, a local resident, told IANS, "Union Minister Nitin Gadkari visited the 'Rest-Hold Area.' He stayed there for a short while and interacted with the people. The economic corridor would generate employment opportunities for a large number of people. It would also significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun."

There was visible enthusiasm among locals ahead of the corridor's inauguration, with many praising the government for the initiative.

Another resident said, "This will greatly benefit our region. It is a matter of joy that we will now be able to reach Dehradun from Delhi in just a few hours."

He added that the project would ease travel between Delhi and Dehradun while also benefiting nearby towns and rural areas, noting that people in the region are looking forward to the development.

Another local, Satish Chauhan, said, "Thanks to this route, neither Delhi nor Dehradun remains a distant destination for the locals anymore. They will now be able to reach their destinations with great ease. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari just met with the people gathered near the 'Rest-Hold Area.' We were all very pleased to meet him."

As part of his schedule, the Prime Minister will review the wildlife corridor constructed on the elevated section of the expressway in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He will then visit the Jai Maa Dat Kali Temple to offer prayers and seek blessings.

The Prime Minister will subsequently inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at a public event in Dehradun, where he is also expected to address a gathering.

Once operational, the corridor is expected to significantly cut travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from nearly six hours to around two-and-a-half hours, providing a major boost to regional connectivity and economic activity.
Jaipur, April 14 : A horrific road accident occurred early on Tuesday morning around 5:00 A.M. on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan's Alwar district. Three people, including the bus driver, lost their lives, while 33 passengers were injured.

Jaipur, April 14 (IANS) A horrific road accident occurred early on Tuesday morning around 5:00 A.M. on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthanas Alwar district. Three people, including the bus driver, lost their lives, while 33 passengers were injured.

Of the 33 injured, 31 have been referred to Alwar for advanced treatment, with several reported to be in critical condition. According to reports, the accident took place near the Channel Number 100 interchange culvert in the Pinan area of Alwar.

A passenger bus travelling from Indore to Delhi collided with a chemical-laden truck moving ahead of it. The impact was so severe that the front portion of the bus was completely mangled.

Traffic on the expressway was disrupted for some time following the crash.

The accident site was filled with chaos and screams immediately after the collision. Most passengers were asleep when the crash occurred.

A loud bang jolted them awake, and many found themselves injured and covered in blood. The incident left passengers deeply traumatised.

Police reached the scene promptly and, with the help of local residents, began rescue operations. Injured passengers were pulled out of the wreckage and transported to nearby hospitals via ambulance.

The deceased include the bus driver, his wife, and their son. Their bodies have been placed in the mortuary at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Reni.

Meanwhile, 31 of the 33 injured were referred to Alwar due to the severity of their condition. At the Pinan CHC, only one doctor was present when the injured were brought in. The doctor provided primary treatment before referring critically injured patients to Alwar for specialised care.

The bus had departed from Indore at around 9:00 PM and was heading toward Delhi.

The accident occurred shortly after the bus reached the Pinan area in Alwar district. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Tragically, the driveras wife and children were also traveling on the bus. While the driver, his wife, and their son died in the accident, their three-year-old daughter survived with minor injuries. After receiving first aid, she was handed over to the Rajgarh Police.

Those seriously injured in the accident include Ram Nehar (Kasal), Rakesh (Kasal), Rohitashwa (Kasal), Mannu Sharma (Kasal), Bittu (Bhiwadi), Satyanarayan (Mahendragarh), Anil Kumar (Delhi), Sanyam (Delhi), Achhan Kanwar (Gurgaon), Mahipal Singh (Bhiwadi), Palwinder Kaur (Punjab), Nitin Kartar (Indore), Ruby Bansal (Delhi), Akshay Yadav (Delhi), Aditi Verma (Himachal), Vaibhav Goyal (Rohini, Delhi), Arun (Faridabad), Divya Pratap (Bhiwadi), Rohit Sharma (Faridabad), Kavita (Delhi), Naveen (Gurgaon), Dheeraj (Bhiwadi), Naveen (Hisar), Manoj (Hisar), Anshu (Hisar), and Durga Kanwar (Bhiwadi).

All injured individuals are currently undergoing treatment at a government hospital in Alwar. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the accident.
New Delhi, April 14 : The ongoing investigations into the ISI's CCTV camera espionage case have revealed that apart from railway stations and military installations, the accused persons were also told to keep a close watch on toll plazas. This shows the extent of data that the ISI sought to mine across the country.

New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) The ongoing investigations into the ISIas CCTV camera espionage case have revealed that apart from railway stations and military installations, the accused persons were also told to keep a close watch on toll plazas. This shows the extent of data that the ISI sought to mine across the country.

The intention was to gather traffic and security data at toll plazas for various reasons. A terror attack at a toll plaza can wreak havoc and disrupt movement. The ISI could have been planning to strike containers and other essential goods vehicles that pass by toll plazas, officials say.

Further data from a toll plaza is crucial for operations by terrorists. Data relating to security arrangements and vehicle movements at a toll plaza, and that too at real time, helps terror groups and narcotic smugglers to move arms and ammunition as well as drugs, another official said. Toll plaza data also helps in planning ambushes, whereby vehicles are targeted.

Further, the data could also help plan a car bomb explosion, which can disrupt movement and cause loss of lives, an official added. There has been a clamour among terror groups to carry out car bomb explosions. The investigation into the Faridabad module case revealed that the accused persons had planned on carrying out a series of car bomb explosions in various parts of North India. After Jammu and Kashmir got wind of the module and began making seizures, one of the accused persons panicked and set off a car bomb near the Red Fort in Delhi.

Currently, there are over 1,000 operational toll plazas in India. All of them are equipped with Closed-Circuit Television Cameras. The plan was to install solar-powered CCTC cameras at key toll plazas and mine as much data as possible.

It was an investigation by the Ghaziabad police which led to the busting of this espionage module. It was found that the module was attempting to set up CCTV cameras at nearly 50 locations. These included railway stations, other crowded areas and military installations, the probe found.

The module had managed to install at least two cameras at Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and Sonipat Railway Station. The two cameras had been transmitting live footage for nearly 15 days before they were removed on March 18.

An Intelligence Bureau official said that the ISI has been reworking its strategy since the Indian armed forces undertook Operation Sindoor and dismantled terror networks both in Pakistan and Pakistan- occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The operation carried out to avenge the Pahalgam attack in which innocent tourists were killed also led to the collapse of the ISIas traditional Intelligence capabilities within India. Following the operation, the Indian agencies carried out widespread investigations that led to the busting of several espionage modules within India. One of the modules also involved social media influencers such as Jyoti Malhotra. This module was set up not just to gather information about sensitive locations, but also to project Pakistan in a positive light.

With one module after another collapsing, the ISI decided to set up this low-cost intelligence-gathering module to stream live footage of sensitive, important, and crowded locations. Operatives were paid anything between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 to set up a CCTV camera. The busting of this module has also led to a major audit regarding the procurements of CCTVs, especially those made in China.
April 14 : Lucknow: You must have heard the stories of Shri Krishnas leela and the valour of the Pandavas. Now, you will also be able to witness their lasting imprint. Under the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a heritage trail is being launched from Baghpat on April 18 on the occasion of World Heritage Day for visitors from across the country and the world.

Through this initiative, tourists will be introduced to historical sites of the Dwapar era. Under this, a historical chain is being developed connecting Barnava, Sinauli, Lakshagriha and several ancient religious sites. Another key feature of this initiative is that the Yogi government will promote opportunities for youth as guides, develop homestays in villages and encourage local cuisine.

Through the heritage trail, tourists will be able to visit places such as Lakshagriha in Barnava and caves associated with the Pandava period, where the imprint of Mahabharata-era history and many related events can be witnessed. Visitors from India and abroad will get an opportunity to learn about a 4000-year-old civilization and will be amazed by the unseen aspects of history.

Baghpat District Magistrate Asmita Lal stated, "One of the 5 villages demanded by Lord Shri Krishna in the Mahabharata is believed to be located in the Barnava area of present-day Baghpat district. This is why the region is considered highly significant from a mythological and historical perspective and has been made the central point of the heritage trail."

The heritage trail includes Lakshagriha at Barnava, the Sinauli archaeological site, ancient remains of Khandwari, Pura Mahadev Mandir, Johri Temple complex, the historic area of Baraut, Trilok Teerth Dham and ancient remains along the Yamuna riverbank. Ancient chariots, swords and shields have been discovered in Sinauli, which hold special mythological significance.

Under the heritage trail, local youth will be trained as tourism guides. Homestays will also be developed in villages to promote local food, folk culture and traditional hospitality. This will generate direct employment opportunities in rural areas.

Under this initiative, workshops on traditional and endangered arts such as pottery, pietra dura, block printing and perfume making will be organized. This will encourage local artisans and help preserve cultural heritage.

Baghpat District Magistrate Asmita Lal said, "Through the heritage trail, Baghpat can be established as a historical and cultural tourism center. Heritage walks, cultural programmes and exhibitions will give a new identity to the districts heritage and strengthen peoples sense of pride in their culture."
Gandhinagar, April 14 : President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tribute to Dr B.R. Ambedkar at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar on Tuesday, marking his birth anniversary during her official visit to Gujarat.

President Droupadi Murmu offered flowers to the portrait of Dr Ambedkar, regarded as the architect of the Indian Constitution, during a commemorative event held at the Governor's official residence.

Governor Acharya Devvrat also paid homage to Dr Ambedkar on the occasion, joining senior officials from the central and state governments who were present at the ceremony.

The tribute formed part of the 'Samajik Samrasta Mahotsava' organised to mark Ambedkar Jayanti, bringing together representatives from various administrative and social sectors.

Officials said the event was attended by senior dignitaries, who offered floral respects to the portrait of the Bharat Ratna awardee in a solemn ceremony reflecting his enduring contribution to constitutional values and social justice.

Later in the day, the President is scheduled to preside over the fifth convocation ceremony of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), where degrees are to be conferred on students from campuses across the country.

Senior state leaders, including the Governor and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, are expected to be present at the university function as well.

President Droupadi Murmu's engagements in Gandhinagar on April 14 form part of a wider four-day visit to Gujarat and Maharashtra from April 13 to 16, during which she is attending a series of academic and commemorative programmes.

According to officials, the President's schedule in Gujarat has focussed on higher education and public events linked to national figures.

On Monday, President Droupadi Murmu attended the inaugural convocation of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rajkot, where she addressed graduating students and presented degrees.

The President is scheduled to travel to Maharashtra on Wednesday to attend further convocation ceremonies, continuing a tour that places emphasis on educational institutions and national commemorations.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Chennai, April 14 : Ace director Vetrimaran and popular south star Vijay Sethupathi have now released the first look and motion poster of critically acclaimed director Gopi Nainar's next film 'Colony', featuring actress Radhika Sarathkumar in the lead.

Taking to his X timeline, Vijay Sethupathi, while releasing the first look and motion poster of the film, wrote, "Launching the motion poster of #Colony, Best wishes to the entire team."

Produced by Dr R Nagarajan on behalf of Adithi Movies, the film has been directed by Gopi Nainar, best known for having made the critically acclaimed Nayanthara-starrer 'Aramm'.

Sources close to the director say that 'Colony' too, like the director's earlier film 'Aramm' and his upcoming film that is ready for release 'Manushi', will highlight a social cause.

Sources inside the unit say that the film will revolve around the struggle of a mother who seeks justice for the death of her son.

The first look poster that was released shows a solemn looking Radhika seated crosslegged on the ground even as there is chaos all around her. Cops on the roof of a police vehicle are seen opening fire on the masses who seem to be scurrying for cover.

The first look and the motion poster have strengthened the belief of film buffs that this film too will shine the light on some social injustice prevalent in society.

Sources say new comer Leo plays the son of actress Radhika Sarathkumar in the film. Apart from Radhika and Leo, the film will also feature a host of actors including Anjali Nair, M S Baskhar, Chethan, R K Vijayamurugan, Vinoth Sagar, Moonar Ramesh, A Venkatesh, Rams, director Tamizh, Janaki, Aswini Thangaraj, Geetha Kailasam and Bose Venkat.

On the technical front, music for the film has been scored by Deva. Cinematography for the film is by director Velraj and editing is by Anthony. Art direction is by Sakthi Venkatraj and stunts are by Kanal Kannan.

Sources say that the film's shooting, which took place predominantly in the northern part of Tamil Nadu - especially in Tiruvannamalai district, had now been completed and that post production work was going on at a brisk pace.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
April 14 : Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar has termed the violence in Noida as a well-planned conspiracy. He said, "The incident appears to have been carried out with the intention of disrupting the development and law and order of the state. In recent days, four suspected terrorists have been arrested from Meerut and Noida, whose links were connected to handlers based in Pakistan. In such a situation, the possibility of a conspiracy to create instability in the state gains strength. Agencies are seriously investigating the entire matter."

The minister said that such incidents might also have been carried out with the intention of disrupting the program held in Muzaffarnagar on Monday by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

He alleged that anti-national forces, troubled by the growing popularity of the double engine government in the state, are conspiring in such ways.

Making a special appeal to workers, the Labour Minister said, "They should not fall prey to any misleading information or provocation and must maintain peace."

He said that chaos and aggressive protests are not a solution to any problem. The government is ready to listen to every concern of the workers.

He also informed that on the instructions of the Chief Minister, senior officials have been sent to Noida, who are directly interacting with workers and trying to resolve their issues. Administrative officers are already present at the site and are keeping a close watch on the situation.

Anil Rajbhar said, "Workers have played an important role in the development of Uttar Pradesh and the government is fully committed to their welfare. By implementing the resolve of 'Shramev Jayate' on the ground, the government is continuously working for the welfare of workers."

He reiterated that the government is sensitive towards the demands of workers and is making efforts at every level for resolution. He also urged workers to adopt the path of dialogue and continue to play a positive role in the development of the state.
Mumbai, April 14 : Bollywood veteran star Neetu Kapoor, on account of son and Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor and daughter-in-law Alia Bhatt's fourth wedding anniversary, seems to have become emotional.

The actress took to her social media account to share a beautiful picture of Ranbir and Alia, and wrote, "Blessings to my heartbeats, with heart emoticons."

The picture shared by Neetu features Ranbir and Alia, posing for a selfie with a smile on their faces.

Going by the picture, it seems likely to be a cozy dinner setting with candle-lit glass in front of them.

Talking about the superstars' Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor's love story, it began on the sets of their movie Brahmastra Part One: Shiva.

The movie that was directed by Ayan Mukerji, released in 2022.

The couple managed to keep their relationship away from the media spotlight for the longest time.

After dating for quite a few years, the couple tied the knot on April 14, 2022, in an intimate ceremony at their Mumbai home with just their close friends and family members in attendance.

A few months later, in the same year in June, they announced their first pregnancy, and welcomed their daughter Raha on November 6, 2022.

By marrying Ranbir Kapoor, Alia has become a part of Bollywood's prestigious Kapoor family.

On the professional front, Ranbir Kapoor is all set to essay the role of Lord Ram in his upcoming movie Ramayana.

The movie stars Sai Pallavi, Ravie Dubey, Sunny Deol, Yash in important roles.

The movie is set to release in Diwali this year.

Alia and Ranbir are also busy with the shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's movie Love and War, that also stars Vicky Kaushal.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Washington, April 14 : The East Turkistan Government-in-Exile (ETGE) strongly condemned the conviction of 19 Kazakh citizens, saying that they were punished for demanding the release of an ethnic Kazakh "illegally detained" in East Turkistan, also known as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China.

The exiled authorities described the region as the ancestral homeland of the Uyghurs and home to millions of Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Turkic peoples.

The statement came after a court in Kazakhstan convicted the 19 activists in a politically sensitive case linked to an anti-China protest last year near the border.

The court on April 13 reportedly found them guilty of inciting "inter-ethnic discord" during a demonstration calling for the release of the ethnic Kazakh detained in Xinjiang.

Expressing concern, the ETGE said that Kazakhstan charged its own citizens with "inciting ethnic hatred" for burning a Chinese flag and a portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who they said, "bears direct responsibility for the genocide against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and all Turkic peoples in Occupied East Turkistan".

The exiled authorities alleged that China operates "concentration camps and slave factories" in Xinjiang, where Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other Turkic peoples, including citizens of Kazakhstan, are "enslaved, tortured, and killed for their organs".

The November 13, 2025, protest, the ETGE said, was not "incitement" but rather a "cry for justice". They accused Kazakhstan's authorities of weaponising Article 174 of the country's Criminal Code against its own people following a complaint from Beijing.

Criticising the actions, the ETGE said, "This is not justice but capitulation to Chinese imperialism".

"A truly sovereign government does not arrest its own citizens on orders from a foreign regime carrying out genocide against its own Turkic kin. It does not silence those crying out for brothers and sisters in Chinese concentration camps. It does not prosecute its own people while rewarding genocidal invaders and oppressors with trade deals and silence. Every concession Astana makes to China betrays every Uyghur, Kazakh, and Turkic person in Occupied East Turkistan and betrays Kazakhstan's own sovereignty and the future of its people," the exiled authorities stated.

The ETGE called on the authorities of Kazakhstan to immediately release all 19 convicted activists, lift all restrictions, and drop all charges against them.

They urged the global action to protect every Uyghur, Kazakh, and Turkic people held captive in Xinjiang and called for condemnation of China's "genocide" in the region.

The group also appealed to the United Nations and the Organization of Turkic States to oppose China's "campaign of colonisation, genocide" and recognise East Turkistan as an "occupied country and support its decolonisation and restoration of independence".
Patna, April 14 : The final meeting of the Bihar Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, concluded on Tuesday at the CM's Secretariat, marking a historic moment in the state's evolving political landscape.

Attended by both Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha and ministers from all departments, the meeting lasted approximately 20 minutes.

During the session, Nitish Kumar formally informed his cabinet colleagues of his decision to resign, setting the stage for the dissolution of the existing government.

Sources indicated that a key proposal regarding the dissolution of the government was placed before the Cabinet and received unanimous approval.

This consensus effectively clears the path for formal constitutional procedures to dissolve the current administration.

The meeting, though brief, carried significant emotional weight as it marked the culmination of Nitish Kumaras tenure.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav described the moment as deeply emotional.

He revealed that the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to everyone -- from government officials to political leaders -- for their support throughout his tenure.

Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha also shared their thoughts during the meeting, reflecting on the journey of the government.

While details of the internal discussions remain undisclosed, those present described the atmosphere as solemn and emotional.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended an event at the Patna High Court premises to mark the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar.

He paid floral tribute by garlanding the statue of Babasaheb Ambedkar.

The event was attended by several prominent leaders, including Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, and Ashok Choudhary.

In an unexpected incident, a swarm of bees attacked the state-organised Ambedkar Jayanti event, causing panic among attendees and briefly disrupting proceedings. Several leaders and participants reportedly sustained minor injuries due to bee stings.

Meanwhile, senior leader Sanjay Jha lauded Nitish Kumaras tenure, stating that under his leadership, Bihar regained its dignity and established a new identity both nationally and internationally.

He emphasised that Nitish Kumaras 21-year-long public service has been marked by a consistent focus on development and governance.

--IANS

ajk/dpb.

-- Syndicated from IANS
New Delhi, April 14 : Senior Congress leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar, was among prominent women leaders and activists present in the front row at the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan, expressing her support for greater representation of women in legislative bodies.

Her support came at a time when Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson and Rajya Sabha member Sonia Gandhi made a scathing critique of the timing of the Bill ... calling it "underhand tactic."

In her article, Sonia Gandhi questioned the shift in the government's position, noting that in 2023 it had rejected the Opposition's demand for implementation in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

She also criticised the Centre for rejecting repeated requests for an all-party meeting after the Assembly polls, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of adopting a unilateral approach.

"Now, we are given to understand that Article 334-A will be amended to make women's reservation applicable from 2029 itself. Why did it take the Prime Minister 30 months to make his U-turn? And why can he not wait a few weeks to convene the special session?" Sonia Gandhi asked, stressing the need for an all-party meeting.

"But that perfectly reasonable request (for an all-party meeting) has been turned down. Instead, the Prime Minister has resorted to writing op-eds, making appeals to political parties, and organising 'sammelans'. It is an underhand tactic that reflects the Prime Minister's one-upmanship and his 'my way or the highway' approach to decision-making," she added.

Amid the political exchange, Prime Minister Modi, while addressing women leaders at the Sammelan on Monday, acknowledged the presence of Meira Kumar. Highlighting her contributions, he noted that several experienced leaders, including Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies, were part of the gathering.

Meira Kumar on Monday had said that when the Bill will be finally implemented, "we will feel that our struggle has been fulfilled and completed."

Speaking to IANS, the former Lok Sabha Speaker and Congress leader Meira Kumar said, "I have witnessed this journey, and this struggle has been ongoing for 30 years. We have been striving for more than three decades. When it finally happens, we will feel that our struggle has been fulfilled and completed."

Meira Kumar is an Indian diplomat, politician, and government official who served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014, the first woman to hold that position.

Kumar lost her bid to retain her seat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, one of the many Congress Party members who were ousted from the chamber in the BJP's landslide victory. She left the Speaker's post in early June, following the expiration of her term. In the 2017 presidential election, the UPA nominated her as its candidate, but Ram Nath Kovind of the BJP easily defeated her.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Quetta, April 14 : At least 12 civilians, including women and children, were killed and three others severely injured in Balochistan's Barkhan district during Pakistani military bombardment and shelling in the area, local media reported on Tuesday, citing sources.

Reports suggest that unidentified armed men earlier launched an attack on Pakistani forces, killing 12 security personnel.

Following the attack, Pakistani forces reportedly carried out a large-scale operation in the civilian areas, resulting in multiple casualties.

Citing local sources, Balochistan reported that bodies of several individuals inside a vehicle were set ablaze during the operation, though the claim could not be independently verified.

Criticising Pakistani military actions, Tara Chand, President of Baloch American Congress, took to his social media platform, X and posted: "We strongly condemn this act and believe that any army involved in harming innocent civilians should be deeply ashamed of such actions."

Last week, one young man was killed, and several women were injured in a drone strike carried out by Pakistani forces in the Mastung district of Balochistan, local media reported.

Citing reports, The Balochistan Post stated that Pakistani forces targeted a house in the Kurdgap area of Mastung with a drone, fatally injuring Abdul Samad, while women in the house were also wounded.

Abdul was transferred to Quetta for medical treatment when he succumbed to his injuries on the way.

Additionally, the women injured in the attack were shifted to Quetta for further medical care, following initial treatment at a local hospital.

In recent days, several Pakistani forces and Special Service Groups personnel were reportedly killed in attacks by Baloch armed groups in the area, prompting the forces to launch a large-scale operation.

Reports suggest that this is not the first time that civilians were impacted by drone attacks by Pakistani forces in Balochistan, and underscores a recurring concern.

Several human rights organisations, including the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, as well as Baloch political parties, have voiced grave concern over the targeting of civilians in these attacks, calling on the government to act immediately to prevent further incidents in Balochistan.
Hyderabad, April 14 : Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Tuesday accused the BJP of attempting to change the Constitution of India and undermine democratic values.

Addressing an event to mark the 135th birth anniversary of Dr B. R. Ambedkar here, he alleged that the BJP was trying to make a mockery of democracy, putting citizens' fundamental rights at risk. Stating that every citizen faces the risk of losing their fundamental rights, he called upon people to unite to safeguard the Constitution.

"We must all unite, clench our fists in solidarity, and raise the slogan Jai Bhim to safeguard the Indian Constitution," he said.

Paying tributes to the architect of the Indian Constitution, he said that it is our collective good fortune that Dr Ambedkar was born in India. He called Ambedkar a man of extraordinary genius and a veritable mine of knowledge.

Vikramarka said Ambedkar was a great visionary who laid the foundations of democracy through the Indian Constitution, thereby establishing India as the largest democratic nation in the world.

"Through the Constitution, he enshrined equal rights for every citizen of the country. He was a visionary who secured women's empowerment and rights through the Constitution," the Deputy CM said.

He claimed that Ambedkar was the first to address the gender discrimination and hardships faced by women, who constitute half of the country's population.

As the first Law Minister of independent India, he introduced the Hindu Code Bill in Parliament to safeguard women's rights. Ambedkar was a great leader who went so far as to resign from his ministerial post to advocate for the passage of that bill, he said.

The Deputy CM stated that, transcending the barriers of caste and religion, Ambedkar worked tirelessly for the welfare of every woman. He played a pivotal role in the implementation of maternity leave provisions and labour laws. He was a great visionary who fought successfully to reduce the working hours for labourers from 12 to 8 hours.

"Paving the way for democracy, he granted every citizen the 'Right to Vote' -- a mechanism through which the people themselves could become the rulers. Ambedkar provided a remarkable opportunity for every individual to shape the policies and procedures that govern their lives through their chosen representatives," said Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka.

He claimed that the "Indiramma Government" in Telangana is moving forward in tune with Babasaheb's ideals and on the path shown by him. "Every decision the government makes, every law it enacts, and every step it takes in governance reflects Dr Ambedkar's economic and social philosophy," he said while adding that this trajectory will continue.

He affirmed that the government is advancing to ensure that resources and political rights are distributed equally among all citizens, based on their demographic proportion.

For the first time in the nation's history, the Telangana government has undertaken a caste census, thereby moving forward in strict adherence to constitutional principles. "We are committed to the protection of the Constitution and human rights. Ours is a government that implements the Indian Constitution in both letter and spirit," he added.

At the programme held at the 125foot statue of Ambedkar near the state Secretariat, the Deputy Chief Minister, along with ministers and state Congress chief Mahesh Kumar Goud, paid tributes and later released a special brochure aimed at spreading Ambedkar's ideals.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Chennai, April 14 : The makers of director Thiagarajan's upcoming courtroom drama 'Ranjan - The Advocate', featuring actor Prashanth in the lead, on Tuesday welcomed actor Sathyaraj on board the unit of the film.

Chennai, April 14 (IANS) The makers of director Thiagarajan's upcoming courtroom drama 'Ranjan - The Advocate', featuring actor Prashanth in the lead, on Tuesday welcomed actor Sathyaraj on board the unit of the film.

For the unaware, 'Ranjan - The Advocate' is the Tamil remake of the superhit Telugu film 'Court - State Vs A Nobody'.

Staar Movies, which is producing the film, on the joyous occasion of Tamil New Year, released a poster of the film that showed it welcoming the actor on board the unit of the film.

The production house said, "Tamil New year wishes. Welcome on board #SATHYARAJ. A #DirectorThiagarajan film... @actorprashanth as #RANJAN the advocate. A painful love, wholesome and rooted court drama..."

The film is to have music by two time National Award winner G V Prakash and cinematography by Ravi Yadav. Production design for the film is being handled by Senthil Raghavan.

Apart from Prashanth, who plays the titular role of Ranjan in the remake, and Sathyaraj, the film will also feature a host of actors including R K Suresh, Mime Gopi, director Subramaniam Shiva, Priyanka, Athira, Mohan Raman, Hari Kathiresan and Santhosh Prabhakar in pivotal roles.

For the unaware, the original Telugu film 'Court  State Vs A Nobody' was presented by Telugu actor Nani and dealt with the misuse of the POCSO Act. The film, which went on to emerge a superhit, had come in for widespread appreciation from men's rights activists.

The film had been an eye-opener to many as it showed how the Indian legal system was biased against men.

Director Ram Jagadish, who had directed the Telugu version, had in an interview disclosed that the spark for the story came when he came across a case in real life.

Ram Jagadish had then said, "When I learned about that case, I began wondering if this could really happen. Over time, I learned that there were many more such cases. I also researched several POCSO cases. There are hundreds of such cases in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. I read many case files for this story. I thought I could tell a good story with the material in all the case files. So, all of them were made into one story, which has now been presented on screen."

'Court  State Vs A Nobody' was a courtroom drama with a beautiful love story that dealt with the misuse of the POCSO act. The Telugu film, which was presented by Nani's Wall Poster Cinema, featured Priyadarshi in the lead role.
Bengaluru, April 14 : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Political Secretary, Naseer Ahmad, was removed from his post on Tuesday for allegedly working against Congress candidate Samarth Shamanur during the just-concluded Davanagere South bye-election.

Bengaluru, April 14 (IANS) Chief Minister Siddaramaiahas Political Secretary, Naseer Ahmad, was removed from his post on Tuesday for allegedly working against Congress candidate Samarth Shamanur during the just-concluded Davanagere South bye-election.

It may be noted that Congress MLC Naseer Ahmad, is a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The Karnataka government issued an order in this regard on Tuesday morning.

Deputy Secretary, Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), B. Abhijin, issued the order. It stated that Naseer Ahmad has been relieved from the post of Political Secretary to the Chief Minister with immediate effect, and the earlier order regarding his appointment has been withdrawn.

Sources in the Congress party said that Naseer Ahmad had been given a deadline to submit his resignation by AICC General Secretary and State incharge Randeep Singh Surjewala till Monday evening. As he failed to do so, directions were issued to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to relieve him from the Cabinet-rank post.

Naseer Ahmad is accused of conspiring to provoke Muslim voters against the Congress candidate in the Davanagere South Assembly segment.

Earlier, the party had sought the resignation of K. Abdul Jabbar, the State Minority Department President. State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar accepted his resignation and dissolved the committees constituted under him.

Both Naseer Ahmad and Jabbar are accused of not actively campaigning for Congress candidate Samarth Malikarjun in the bypoll. They are also alleged to have provoked Muslim voters, who form a significant section of the constituency, to vote against the party candidate in order to pressure the party into fielding a Muslim candidate in the 2028 Assembly elections.

AICC representatives monitoring the election campaign in the state have submitted a report to the party high command. Taking serious note of the developments, the national leadership has recommended strict action against the leaders.

Congress insiders claim that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is unhappy with the developments, as both leaders are considered part of his camp. The report has also reportedly gone against Minister for Waqf and Housing, B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan, over his absence from the campaign and his alleged role in influencing local Muslim leaders against the Congress candidate, sources said.

According to insiders, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has summoned Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan for a meeting regarding the issue.

Sources also indicate that Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, is attempting to promote Bengaluru MLA Rizwan Arshad and senior leader MLC Saleem Ahmad.
Dehradun, April 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple in Dehradun upon arriving in Uttarakhand to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor on Tuesday.

During his visit, he was welcomed by children dressed in traditional attire who performed the Durga Devi Stotram.

PM Modi also interacted with other devotees present at the temple.

Earlier, PM Modi reviewed the Wildlife corridor on the elevated section of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur.

During this, Union Highways and Transportation Minister Nitin Gadkari, UP Governor Anandiben Patel, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Deputy CMs Keshav Pradad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also present.

An exhibition showcasing the construction procedure of the wildlife corridor was presented, and the officials briefed the Prime Minister about the project.

PM Modi also held a roadshow along the Wildlife Corridor.

A large crowd gathered along the road to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister as he waved back at them.

Participants showered flowers at PM Modi while holding the Tricolour in their hands and chanting slogans such as "Modi, Modi," "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," and "Jai Shri Ram."

Many attendees wore costumes and performed traditional folk dances to welcome the Prime Minister.

Later, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at a public function in Dehradun and address the gathering on the occasion.

The 213 km long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore.

The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hours.

The implementation of the project also includes the construction of 10 interchanges, three Railway Over Bridges (ROBs), four major bridges and 12 wayside amenities to enable seamless high-speed connectivity.

The corridor is equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to provide a safer and more efficient travel experience for commuters.

Keeping in view the ecological sensitivity, rich biodiversity and wildlife in the region, the corridor has been designed with several features aimed at significantly reducing man-animal conflict.

To ensure the free movement of wild animals, the project incorporates several dedicated wildlife protection features. These include a 12 km-long wildlife elevated corridor, which is one of the longest in Asia.

The corridor also includes eight animal passes, two elephant underpasses of 200 metres each, and a 370-metre-long tunnel near the Daat Kali temple.

The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor will play a pivotal role in strengthening regional economic growth by enhancing connectivity between major tourism and economic centres as well as opening new avenues for trade and development across the region.

The project reflects the vision of PM Modi to develop next-generation infrastructure that combines high-speed connectivity with environmental sustainability and improved quality of life for citizens, said the statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, April 14 : On the 135th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday visited the Ambedkar Memorial and paid floral tributes, describing Baba Saheb as the pillar on which the strong structure of Indian democracy stands today.

Speaking to reporters, CM Gupta said, "Baba Saheb was the pillar of India on which the strong structure of Indian democracy stands today. He laid the foundation of our democracy, and his contributions will be remembered by every citizen of the country for generations to come."

She further added, "Today, I visited the Ambedkar Memorial in Delhi and paid my respects. I consider myself fortunate that the Delhi government is working on the path shown by him. His message of equality continues to guide us, and we are committed to ensuring that the benefits of governance reach the last person in the national Capital."

Highlighting the government's approach, she said policies are being framed to improve people's lives and ensure dignity for all.

"We strive to create policies that benefit citizens and enable them to live a life of dignity. Today, I pay my salutations to this great soul, whose legacy will be remembered across the world," she said.

Every year on April 14, India marks an important day that remembers a leader who played a key role in shaping the nation and its values. Ambedkar Jayanti is celebrated to honour Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, one of the foremost architects of modern India. Born in 1891 in Mhow, he was a jurist, economist and social reformer, and also the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.

The day is not just a remembrance of his life but also a tribute to his continuous fight for social justice, equality and human rights. Dr. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, and this day has now become a symbol of social empowerment and the fight against caste discrimination. Over time, Ambedkar Jayanti has established itself as an occasion that reiterates the constitutional principles he promoted: Liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Despite facing discrimination in his early life, Dr. Ambedkar became the first Dalit to receive a doctorate in economics abroad. He studied at Columbia University and the London School of Economics and considered education the most important means of empowerment. As India's first Law Minister, he led the process of drafting the Constitution, which included special provisions for the underprivileged, including protection of civil rights.

The day holds deep emotional and political significance, especially for the Dalit community, as it commemorates the ongoing struggle against caste inequality and inspires social and economic reforms.

Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, is celebrated in India as well as in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, where the Indian community celebrates the occasion with special fervour.
Chennai, April 14 : With just over a week remaining for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled on April 23, political activity has intensified across the state, with major parties accelerating their campaign efforts in what is shaping up to be a crucial electoral battle.

The ruling DMK is preparing to host a major Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) rally in Salem on April 15, aimed at consolidating voter support in the final phase of campaigning.

The party has invited Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to attend the event, but the lack of a confirmed response from him has reportedly led to dissatisfaction within sections of the DMK leadership.

Political sources trace this uncertainty to earlier tensions during alliance negotiations between the DMK and Congress.

At one stage, discussions reportedly took place within the Congress regarding a possible alignment with actor-turned-politician Vijayas Tamil Nadu Victory Party (TVK).

While Rahul Gandhi was said to be open to the idea, Sonia Gandhi is believed to have opposed the move, after which Congress reaffirmed its alliance with the DMK.

Despite the alliance being intact, signs of strain have surfaced in recent weeks. Observers point to Rahul Gandhias limited visibility in Tamil Naduas campaign landscape, fuelling speculation about his level of engagement.

Though there is no official confirmation, reports suggest he may reduce or delay his campaign appearances in the state.

Recent developments have further added to the perception of a disconnect. Rahul Gandhi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin were present in Puducherry on the same day for election-related events but did not share a common platform, addressing separate gatherings instead.

Similarly, during earlier visits to Chennai and Coimbatore, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra did not participate in joint rallies with DMK leaders.

Amid the speculation, Tamil Nadu Congress in-charge Girish Chodankar has sought to allay concerns, stating that Rahul Gandhi is expected to campaign in the state before polling day.

He also noted that senior leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Priyanka Gandhi, and leaders from Telangana and Karnataka, are likely to join the campaign trail.

As the election approaches, the cohesion of the DMK-Congress alliance and the visibility of its top leadership could prove decisive in influencing voter sentiment.
New Delhi, April 14 : India's listed hotel operators are expected to add over 70,000 keys by 2030 as the sector moves from postapandemic recovery into structural maturity, a report said on Tuesday.

New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) India's listed hotel operators are expected to add over 70,000 keys by 2030 as the sector moves from postpandemic recovery into structural maturity, a report said on Tuesday.

The report from CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd. said the sector's market size is expected to rise from $24.6 billion in 2024 to around $31 billion by 2029, driven by domestic tourism, which posted a 40 per cent YoY rise to 4.1 billion visits in 2025.

The supply pipeline in 2025 shifted decisively towards premiumisation, addressing the heightened consumer appetite for luxury experience. Upper Midscale, Upper Upscale and Upscale categories accounted for about 60 per cent of new openings last year.

The report noted that the hospitality sector is transitioning from a phase of post-pandemic recovery into structural maturity, characterised by disciplined expansion and pricing stability.

The total hotel deal value grew 2.5-fold YoY in 2025 to roughly $456 million. Since 2024, India's hospitality sector has witnessed a substantial surge in investment activity, with institutional players aggressively acquiring large stakes.

"The hospitality sector's trajectory is a testament to India's economic resilience, supported by rising disposable incomes and improving accessibility facilitated by largescale infrastructure development," said Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO, India, SouthEast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE.

As the industry accelerates its transition towards experience-driven travel and captures institutionalised demand across spiritual and cultural centres, he added, forecasting robust and long-term expansion for the country's hospitality ecosystem.

The sector maintained strong growth momentum throughout 2025 despite year-end headwinds such as geopolitical tensions and operational disruptions in the aviation sector.

Occupancy averaged around 64 per cent in 2025, with revenue per available room surging 11 per cent YoY and average daily rates up 8.7 per cent, the report said.

"Investor interest is increasingly shifting towards diversification into leisure destinations, pilgrimage centres, and emerging commercial cities with a constrained supply of branded inventory," said Rami Kaushal, Managing Director, Consulting & Valuations, India, Middle East & Africa, CBRE.

IANS

aar/rad
Chennai, April 14 : Wishing all Tamils around the world a happy Tamil New Year, popular Tamil actor Harish Kalyan on Tuesday disclosed that his wife Narmada and he had named their baby girl 'Kriya'.

Taking to his X timeline to greet all Tamils around the world on the joyous occasion of the Tamil new year, Harish Kalyan wrote in Tamil, "Ulagengum vaazhum Tamizh uragvugazhukku iniya Tamizh Puthaandu nalvaazhthukkal. Ippadikku Kriya, Narmada and Harish Kalyan (Sweet Tamil New Year good wishes to my Tamil brethren who live all around the world, from Kriya, Narmada and Harish Kalyan)."

It may be recalled that the young actor and his wife had been blessed with a baby girl in March this year.

Harish Kalyan had then issued a statement to make the announcement. He had, in the statement, said, "My heart is filled with joy as I share the wonderful news that my wife Narmada and I have welcomed our baby girl today (02.03.2026). Both mother and daughter are healthy and doing well."

He had gone on to add, "We are deeply grateful for the love and blessings from our family, friends, and well-wishers as we begin this beautiful new chapter together. We sincerely thank the press and media for their continued support and kindness. OM NAMAH SHIVAYA. With Love, Harish Kalyan."

On the work front, Harish Kalyan next has director Vineeth Varaprasad's eagerly awaited action entertainer 'Dashamakan' gearing up for release. The film features Preity Mukhundhan as the female lead.

Sources in the know say that the film is likely to hit screens in May or June this year.

It may be recalled that director Vineeth Varaprasad has already disclosed that actor Harish Kalyan plays the role of a rapper in the film.

During an event organised by the makers of the film, the director had said, "Although this is my second film, this is the first time that I have got a stage to express myself. I was not given a stage the last time I did a film. That was when I decided that instead of wondering why I wasn't given a stage, I will create a stage myself for several other people."

He had gone on to add, "I wanted to lift others up and enjoy that experience. In this film, I have got 137 junior artistes to act in this film. We have identified eight new rappers through this film."

Stating that this film would be about the life of a boy who is a rapper, the director said, "Dashamakan will be a musical oriented film. It is not a musical because a lot of other things are there in this film."

"Dashamakan is a place that I grew up in. It is a very familiar place to me. There are a lot of people who celebrate Chennai. I am someone who grew up here and I wanted to showcase this city to the world the way I saw it. Chennai is a place which nurtures talent. Several talented people, progressive thinkers have come from here. I think North Madras is the Brazil of Chennai. I think I have shown that in this film," he had said. The film, which has cinematography by Karthik Ashokan and music by Britto Michael, is being edited by Madhan.

IANS

mkr/
Kolkata, April 14 : Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi is all set to kick-start his campaign for the West Bengal Assembly polls with three rallies lined up in North Dinajpur, Malda and Murshidabad districts. However, ahead of his visit, the Congress accused the Trinamool Congress of demolishing the temporary helipad built in North Dinajpur district's Raiganj where Rahul Gandhi's chopper was supposed to land.

District Congress leader Deepa Dasmunsi has spoken out about this and Raiganj Congress candidate, Mohit Sengupta, has targeted the Trinamool Congress by posting a video on Facebook.

Talking about the incident, Deepa Dasmunsi claimed, "Everyone has the right to hold election meetings. Trinamool has lost the minimum sense of courtesy. Meetings are organised in stadiums according to specific rules. But still, attempts were made to spoil Rahul Gandhi's meeting with hateful politics."

Former MP and senior Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury's reaction to this was that Rahul Gandhi will see with his own eyes how Trinamool runs West Bengal.

However, Trinamool leader Arindam Sarkar, former vice chairman of Raiganj Municipality, asserted that the Trinamool had nothing to do with the demolition of the helipad. He said, "Trinamool has not reached such a situation that the Congress' campaigning has to be stopped."

LoP Gandhi is set to attend an election rally in support of party candidate Mohit Sengupta at Raiganj Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. In a Facebook post this morning, Sengupta said that he is coming to campaign out of respect for the fight for justice and rights in Bengal.

In preparation for his meeting, a helipad was built next to the Raiganj Stadium on Monday. But the allegations are that the concrete helipad was suddenly being demolished. On receiving the news on Monday night, Congress District General Secretary Tushar Guha rushed to the spot.

Tushar Guha claimed, "Rahul Gandhias election meeting was finalised long ago. Preparations for organising the meeting were started with the permission of the Raiganj Sub-Divisional Magistrate. But suddenly today it is time to demolish the stadiumas helipad. This is a conspiracy by the Trinamool Congress."
Kathmandu, April 14 : As Nepal celebrates the New Year 2083 Bikram Sambat (BS) on Tuesday, the country's top leaders have wished for happiness, peace, and prosperity for the nation.

Unlike many other countries, Nepal's government and private institutions conduct their activities based on the Bikram Sambat calendar, and the first day of the New Year usually falls in mid-April.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah began the greetings on the occasion with Sanskrit verses wishing happiness for all. "May happiness, health, and well-being prevail in all our lives. May there always be auspiciousness, freedom from obstacles, and relief from suffering," he wrote on Facebook. "On this sacred occasion marking the beginning of the New Year 2083, I extend my heartfelt wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to everyone."

President Ram Chandra Paudel wished for peace, prosperity, good health, and happiness, urging Nepalis to review the past and make resolutions for future progress. In his message, the Head of State also highlighted the recent conclusion of the House of Representatives, which, according to him, provided an exit from the adverse situation the country had been facing.

The country had been facing an uncertain future following the Gen Z revolt in early September last year. The elections held on March 5 brought a new political forcethe Rastriya Swatantra Partyinto the driving seat of state affairs, and a new leader, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, took charge of the government.

"Through the HoR election, people have given a mandate to their representatives for the rule of law, sustainable peace, good governance, and social justice, reinforcing the federal democratic republic," President Paudel said.

Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav also extended greetings, urging Nepalis to use the New Year as an occasion to cultivate positive thinking, discipline, and fraternity, while highlighting the need for collective resolve to address challenges in the economy, public health, environmental conservation, and climate change.

The year 2082 B.S. was forgettable for former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, as he was not only ousted from power but his partyCommunist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) or CPN (UML) also performed poorly in the March 5 elections and was taken into custody for alleged homicidal crimes during the Gen Z movement in September last year. Oli, who is also facing investigation on money laundering charges, wrote on Facebook wishing the best for everyone.

"Success or failure, opportunity or challenge, weaknesses or achievements  2082 has now become history," he wrote. "Reflecting on the lessons of the past and looking ahead to the future, may the New Year 2083 create a meaningful synergy between 'seasoned experience' and 'youthful energy' for a secure and prosperous Nepal."

On Monday, Nepal's former king Gyanendra Shah also issued a message to the Nepali people on the occasion of the New Year 2083. He pointed out the instability Nepal has experienced over the past several years, which has pushed the country behind in terms of prosperity.

"We remained constantly engaged in experiments and the search for alternatives. As a result, our country has remained merely a laboratory," he said, hinting at transitions from monarchy to republicanism and from a unitary to a federal system.

He also lauded the growing participation of the younger generation in Nepal's politics following the March 5 elections, as the country's legislative bodythe House of Representativeshas witnessed a large number of young lawmakers.

"It is encouraging to see increasing participation of the younger generation in politics and state affairs. We believe that the involvement of educated, informed, technologically skilled, and enthusiastic individuals will contribute positively to nation-building," the former monarch said.
Chennai, April 14 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday issued a strong message urging citizens to defend the Constitution, uphold social justice, and protect the rights of the oppressed, while reaffirming India's commitment to pluralism.

He was speaking at an event organised to mark the 135th birth anniversary of Dr B. R. Ambedkar.

Stalin quoted Ambedkar's enduring words, "I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved."

Stalin, in a post on X, highlighted that the true measure of a society's advancement lies in the empowerment and upliftment of women. He emphasised that inclusive development and gender equality must remain at the heart of governance and public policy.

In his Ambedkar Jayanti message, Stalin called upon people to strengthen their resolve to safeguard constitutional values and ensure justice for marginalised communities.

He stressed that protecting the Constitution is essential to preserving democracy and maintaining the rights and dignity of every citizen, particularly those who have historically faced discrimination and exclusion.

Underscoring India's diversity, Stalin asserted that the nation's strength lies in its pluralistic fabric, not in any imposed uniformity. He cautioned against attempts to dilute this diversity, stating that unity must be built on respect for differences rather than enforced sameness.

"If progress is the benchmark," Stalin noted, "we must reject hierarchy and discrimination, and instead choose pluralism and equality."

He called for a collective commitment to building a society rooted in fairness, inclusiveness, and justice, in line with Ambedkar's vision.

The Chief Minister's remarks came at a time when debates around social equity, representation, and constitutional safeguards continue to shape public discourse across the country.

Observers noted that his message reflects a broader political emphasis on reinforcing the principles enshrined by Ambedkar in modern India.

As the nation commemorates the legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar, Stalin's call serves as a reminder of the continued relevance of his ideals. The emphasis on women's progress, social justice, and pluralism underscores the need to build a more equitable society where every voice is heard and every citizen is empowered.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Mumbai, April 14 : Just Dial Limited has reported a 36.6 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline in its fourth-quarter profit (Q4) for FY26.

The company posted a net profit of Rs 100 crore for Q4 FY26, compared to Rs 160 crore in the corresponding quarter previous financial year (Q4 FY25).

Despite the drop in profit, revenue rose 6.2 per cent to Rs 307.2 crore, compared with Rs 290 crore in the year-ago period, according to its regulatory filing.

Operationally, the company reported a 3.2 per cent increase in EBITDA to Rs 88.8 crore, with margins standing at 28.9 per cent.

Operating profit before tax came in at Rs 76.1 crore, marking a 7.3 per cent rise on a yearly basis.

However, a steep fall in other income weighed on overall profitability, declining 55.2 per cent year-on-year and 42.5 per cent sequentially to Rs 48.6 crore.

User engagement metrics showed some weakness during the quarter. Traffic declined 4.7 per cent year-on-year to 182.4 million unique visitors and slipped 1.2 per cent on a sequential basis.

Mobile continued to dominate usage, accounting for 85.7 per cent of total traffic, followed by desktop at 11.5 per cent and voice at 2.8 per cent.

On the business side, Just Dial continued to expand its database. Active listings grew 12.1 per cent year-on-year to 54.7 million as of March 31, 2026, supported by net additions of over 1.87 million listings during the quarter.

Geocoded listings saw a sharper rise of 25.4 per cent to 41 million, as per its filing.

The company maintained a strong balance sheet, with cash and investments rising to Rs 5,852.2 crore as of March-end, compared with Rs 5,278.6 crore a year ago.

Deferred revenue stood largely flat at Rs 555.4 crore, as per its regulatory filing.

Commenting on the performance, Chief Growth Officer Shwetank Dixit said FY26 was a significant year as the company focused on transforming its platform through artificial intelligence-led tools.

Shares of the company ended at Rs 569.95 on the BSE, down Rs 11.35 or 1.95 per cent on Monday.
Islamabad, April 14 : People in Pakistan's Islamabad have expressed anger over heavy police check posts and road blockades set up on almost every major and minor road within the city. Residents have said that they are feeling daily inconvenience due to the measures implemented by the authorities.

Commuters have said that their routine travel has become a nightmare due to long queues, frequent vehicle searches and traffic jams, Pakistan's leading daily The Express Tribune reported. A resident said, "Schools, offices, and hospitals are all affected. This is not security - this is harassment." People's frustration has further increased after the murder of a prominent businessman in Islamabad.

Residents and traders have demanded immediate relief from the authorities. An increasing number of people have demanded removal of check posts from from inside the city limits and restricted only to entry and exit points of Islamabad.

A local trader association member stated that placing barriers on every internal road is "pointless and counterproductive", stressing that it has caused problems for residents and gives criminals time to escape.

Several social media campaigns and resident welfare groups have urged Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and police to review the security strategy, The Express Tribune reported. Meanwhile, Islamabad police officials have defended the checkpoints, saying they were put in place after intelligence reports of possible threats. However, they admitted that they had received several complaints about traffic disruption and promised to "review the placement of some barriers."

On April 10, the Islamabad Police spokesperson announced several traffic and security restrictions in Islamabad, stating that the Red Zone and Extended Red Zone will remain shut for all types of traffic movement due to the talks between Iran and the US, Pakistan-based ARY News reported.

According to the spokesperson, Shakarparian Road and the route from Chand Tara Chowk to Seventh Avenue will remain shut while Jinnah Avenue, Khayaban Chowk to Blue Area and Faisal Chowk to Trail 3 on Margalla Road will also remain closed. He mentioned that all government and private offices and markets in the Extended Red Zone of Islamabad will remain shut due to security arrangements.

People travelling between Bhara Kahu and Islamabad or Rawalpindi were asked to use alternative routes, ARY News reported. Islamabad police asked people to cooperate with law enforcement agencies during the restrictions and plan their travel accordingly.
New Delhi, April 14 : With the US military starting its blockade of Iran's ports, around two million barrels of Iranian oil per day is expected to be shut out from the world's markets, tightening global supply and leading to a further rise in prices of petroleum products, according to reports.

A complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz may also impact LPG supplies for India, as over the past month the country managed to have at least eight LPG tankers safely crossed through the strait," wrote Bineet Banka, an analyst tracking the sector at Nomura in a recent note.

US President Donald Trump has also announced the US will not allow any ships to pay a toll to Iran for passing through the Strait of Hormuz. While India has not paid any toll for its LPG ships that have just sailed through the Strait, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.

"As the conflict lingers on, the effectiveness of balancing lost supplies via Strategic Petroleum Reserves may gradually become ineffective, and that may be reflected in higher oil prices," Nomura said in its note.

Meanwhile, the US and Iran are reported to be considering another round of talks after negotiations in Pakistan's Islamabad, led by US Vice President JD Vance, reached a stalemate over the weekend. Crude oil prices, as a result, hit $107 a barrel (bbl) on Monday, before cooling off to below $100/bbl on Tuesday on renewed hopes of talks between the two nations.

In the last one week, Brent crude oil prices have surged 6.5 per cent to nearly $98/bbl now. As the latest peace talks between the US and Iran have failed to yield any result, Nomura sees an increased likelihood of higher war risk premium on oil prices.

With President Trump now threatening to completely block the SoH for all inbound and outbound ships, Nomura expects the oil supply situation to deteriorate further.

The rise in oil prices in the last few weeks, Nomura said, has more than compensated for the fall in export volumes of Saudi Arabia, with its oil revenues rising 4 per cent year-on-year in March. Saudi Arabia, reports suggest, has achieved full oil flow capacity of 7mbpd on its East-West pipeline that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz and opens into the Red Sea.

"Assuming that 2mbpd is used by its refineries in the western coast, we might still expect higher export volumes from Saudi Arabia going forward (5mbpd) compared to what it did in March 2026 (4.4mbpd). The UAE also did relatively well as compared with other gulf countries, with a minor 3 per cent y-o-y drop in oil revenues," Nomura said.

Iran, according to Banka's estimates, has been the biggest beneficiary since the war broke out in terms oil revenues that rose 36 per cent y-o-y in March 2026 to $5.7 billion.
New Delhi, April 14 : A 20-year-old Texas man -- accused of targeting Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI -- has been charged with multiple state and federal offences after allegedly carrying out a Molotov cocktail attack on a residence and attempting to set a business on fire in San Francisco, authorities said.

According to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, the accused, Daniel Alejandro Moreno-Gama, has been charged in connection with incidents that took place on April 10 in Russian Hill and at a commercial establishment on Third Street.

He faces multiple state charges, including two counts of attempted murder, attempted arson, possession and use of incendiary and destructive devices, and attempted criminal threats.

Prosecutors said they will seek to keep him in custody without bail, citing public safety concerns. Moreno-Gama is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.

Separately, the US Department of Justice has filed federal charges against Moreno-Gama, including attempted damage and destruction of property using explosives and possession of an unregistered firearm.

According to the Department of Justice, Moreno-Gama allegedly travelled from Texas to San Francisco with the intent to kill the CEO of a major artificial intelligence (AI) company.

He is accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at the CEO's residence in the early hours of April 10 and later attempting to break into the AI company's headquarters while threatening to burn it down.

"After throwing a Molotov cocktail at the CEO's residences, the accused person allegedly went to the headquarters of the CEO's AI company. He attempted to break the glass doors of the building with a chair and stated that he had come to burn down the location and kill anyone inside, the justice department said.

Additionally, law enforcement officials said he was found in possession of incendiary devices, a jug of kerosene, a lighter, and a document outlining threats against AI company executives and investors. The document reportedly advocated violence and listed multiple targets.

Officials described the case as a serious escalation from intent to action, warning that such acts could be treated as domestic terrorism if linked to attempts to influence public policy.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said, "Violence cannot be the norm for expressing disagreement, be it with politics or a technology or any other matter. These alleged actions, which damaged property and could well have taken lives, will be aggressively prosecuted."

US Attorney Craig Missakian said, "We will not tolerate any attempt to change the way Americans live and work through fear or violence." He added that if evidence shows the attacks were intended to influence public policy, the case could be treated as an act of domestic terrorism.

FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo said the charges reflect a "deeply concerning escalation" targeting a private residence and a technology company, adding that threats against innovation leaders would be met with the full force of law enforcement.

The US Department of Justice said that if convicted, Moreno-Gama faces up to 20 years in prison on explosives-related charges and up to 10 years for firearm offences.
New Delhi, April 14 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks from multiple authorities, including the Madhya Pradesh government and the Centre, over allegations of financial irregularities and mismanagement of Waqf properties linked to Bhopal in Mecca and Medina.

A Bench presided over by member Priyank Kanoongo took cognisance of a complaint alleging mismanagement of the Bhopal "Rubat" properties  Waqf-linked accommodations historically meant for pilgrims from Bhopal undertaking Hajj.

According to the complaint, Mutawalli Saba Ali Khan Pataudi and local associate Sikandar Hafeez were accused of gross negligence and financial irregularities in managing the properties situated in Mecca and Medina.

The complainant alleged that the failure of the Mutawalli to properly represent the Waqf before Saudi authorities resulted in the loss of control over the properties, thereby depriving poor Hajj pilgrims of housing facilities traditionally meant for them.

The complaint further alleged illegal fund transfers from the Medina Rubat, violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), lack of transparency in annual audits, and misuse of facilities for personal associates.

Seeking intervention, the complainant requested a high-level independent enquiry involving the Central Waqf Council and the Indian Embassy, removal of the present Mutawalli, a forensic audit of all foreign transactions, and diplomatic intervention for restoration of the pilgrims' rights.

Observing that the allegations prima facie raise issues of human rights violations, the NHRC directed issuance of notices to the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, the Principal Secretary of the state's Revenue Department, the Secretary of the Union Ministry of External Affairs, the Chairman of the MP State Waqf Board, and the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.

The apex human rights body has also specifically directed the state authorities to examine whether the said properties were acquired by the government at the time of Partition in 1947, and if so, whether they are presently under state management.

If not, authorities have been asked to clarify the irregularities involved. All concerned authorities have been directed to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks for perusal of the NHRC.
Patna, April 14 : In his last cabinet meeting, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed his colleagues with a message that blended responsibility with resolve, urging them to continue working with greater dedication for the development of the state.

"You are already working diligently, but now strive to do even better. The responsibility of taking Bihar forward rests upon all of you," he said -- words that are now being widely interpreted as a guiding directive for the future leadership -- during the 20-minute cabinet meet.

Reflecting on the journey so far, the Chief Minister acknowledged the collective efforts that had contributed to Bihar's progress over the years.

He emphasised that the foundation laid through years of governance must now be strengthened further to elevate the state to new heights of development.

The most emotional moment came when Nitish Kumar remarked, "This is a deeply emotional moment. I am now heading to Delhi, but I will continue to keep a watchful eye on everything from there."

The statement carried both reassurance and symbolism -- suggesting that while he may be stepping away from the state's day-to-day political helm, his engagement with Bihar's affairs will endure.

He further reassured his ministers of his continued support and affection.

"My love and affection for all of you will endure forever," he said, expressing gratitude to his colleagues.

The atmosphere in the room turned solemn, with several ministers visibly overwhelmed, underscoring the emotional weight of the moment.

Political observers view this meeting as more than a procedural closure -- it stands as a symbolic transition, marking the end of a significant chapter in Bihar's political history.

Under Nitish Kumar's leadership, the state witnessed notable progress across multiple sectors.

As a new phase begins, the onus now lies on the incoming leadership to sustain this momentum and build upon the legacy he leaves behind.

This final cabinet meeting made one thing unmistakably clear: even as Nitish Kumar steps away from office, his enduring bond with Bihar and his commitment to its development remain firmly intact.
Chennai, April 14 : The Greater Chennai Police have granted a three-day parole to YouTuber 'Savukku' Shankar, also known as A. Shankar, who is currently detained under the Tamil Nadu Goondas Act of 1982, following the death of his mother, A. Kamala.

Chennai, April 14 (IANS) The Greater Chennai Police have granted a three-day parole to YouTuber aSavukkua Shankar, also known as A. Shankar, who is currently detained under the Tamil Nadu Goondas Act of 1982, following the death of his mother, A. Kamala.

Shankar, who was lodged at Puzhal Central Prison, had been served with a detention order under the Goondas Act on April 10, 2026. The preventive detention law allows authorities to detain individuals to prevent activities deemed prejudicial to public order.

The parole was sanctioned after Shankaras legal counsel submitted a formal petition to the authorities on April 13, informing them of his motheras demise earlier that day.

Taking into account the humanitarian grounds cited in the request, the Greater Chennai City Police reviewed the application and approved temporary leave to enable him to attend the final rites.

According to official sources, the funeral is scheduled to take place at Hosur Main Road in Bengaluru. In light of this, Shankar has been granted parole for a limited period of three days, which began at 8 p.m. on April 13 and will end at 8 p.m. on April 16.

Police officials stated that the parole was issued under strict supervision and with clearly defined conditions to ensure security throughout the duration of his release.

Shankar will be escorted from Puzhal Central Prison-II to Bengaluru under heavy police protection. He will remain under continuous surveillance during his stay and while attending the funeral proceedings.

Authorities have also made it clear that upon the completion of the parole period, Shankar must be brought back to Chennai and lodged again at Puzhal prison without any delay. Any violation of the conditions imposed during the parole period could invite further legal action.

The decision reflects the standard protocol followed in granting parole on compassionate grounds, even in cases involving preventive detention, while maintaining necessary security arrangements
Tel Aviv/New Delhi, April 14 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar on Tuesday, discussing West Asia situation and the Strait of Hormuz.

"Had a telecon this afternoon with Israel FM Gideon Sa'ar. Our discussion covered different aspects of the West Asia situation," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

Sa'ar stated that he told EAM Jaishankar that the US' stance in the negotiations that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is important for the international community.

"A good conversation, as always, with my friend, Indiaas Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. We discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. I said that the firm American stance in the negotiations on conditions that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons (no enrichment in Iran, removal of enriched material from Iran) is critical for the entire international community," the Israeli Foreign Minister posted on X after the call.

"I also said that Iranas harm to freedom of navigation and the global economy through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India and our friends in the Gulf," he added.

The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is one of the worldas most critical oil transit routes, carrying nearly a fifth of global oil shipments.

The talks between two ministers took place amid tense security situation in the region after negotiations between the US and Iranian officials failed to produce an agreement.

Over the past few weeks, EAM Jaishankar has spoken with his counterparts from various nations, as India remains in touch with the governments of the region as well as other key partners over the conflict in West Asia.

On Monday, EAM Jaishankar spoke to Kuwait's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, discussing situation in West Asia and the well-being of the Indian community.

Following their talks, EAM Jaishankar wrote on X: "A good conversation with FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah of Kuwait. It focused on the regional situation and the well being of the Indian community."

EAM Jaishankar was on a two-day official visit to UAE from April 11-12. On Sunday, he called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi 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 West Asia conflict.

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."

On Saturday, he held talks with the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implications.

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.
Patna, April 14 : Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday dissolved his Cabinet, marking the end of an era in Bihar.

After nearly two decades at the helm -- during which he played a pivotal role in shaping the state's development trajectory -- Nitish Kumar is now set to step away from state politics and shift his focus toward national responsibilities.

Earlier in the day, Nitish Kumar chaired his final cabinet meeting at the Chief Minister's Secretariat. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with ministers from all departments and senior officials.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister formally informed his colleagues of his decision to resign.

The atmosphere was visibly emotional, as ministers reflected on the long political journey shared under his leadership.

In a rare and personal gesture, Nitish Kumar interacted individually with ministers, who in turn expressed their gratitude and emotions.

He reassured them that although he is heading to Delhi, his focus will remain firmly on Bihar's development. Nitish Kumar remarked, "This is a deeply emotional moment. I am now heading to Delhi, but I will continue to keep a watchful eye on everything from there."

Following the meeting, a photo session was held at the Secretariat, where the Chief Minister posed with cabinet colleagues and senior officials -- capturing the final moments of his tenure.

Nitish Kumar is scheduled to submit his resignation to the Governor later in the day. This will formally conclude his tenure and trigger the process for the formation of a new government in the state.

After taking the oath as a Rajya Sabha member, Nitish Kumar will actively shift toward national politics.

Despite stepping down, his continued influence on Bihar's governance and political direction is expected to remain significant.

This marks not just a change in leadership, but a defining transition in Bihar's political landscape -- closing one chapter while opening another.
New Delhi, April 14 : Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches to dealers increased by 16 per cent (year-on-year) to 4,42,460 units in March, driven by improved demand and inventory build-up at dealerships, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Tuesday.

Passenger vehicle wholesales had stood at 3,81,358 units in March last year.

Two-wheeler dispatches also recorded strong growth, increasing 19.3 per cent to 19,76,128 units last month compared to 16,56,939 units in the corresponding period a year ago, the industry body said in a statement.

Similarly, three-wheeler dispatches rose 21.4 per cent year-on-year to 76,273 units in March, up from 62,813 units in March 2025.

Moreover, domestic passenger vehicle dispatches from companies to dealers had risen 10.6 per cent year-on-year to 4,17,705 units in February, reflecting continued positive market sentiment, according to data from Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

The broader outlook for the passenger vehicle segment also remains positive, though growth is expected to moderate going ahead.

According to an earlier report, the industry is likely to clock wholesale volume growth of around 7a"9 per cent in FY26, supported by strong festive demand, recent GST rate cuts and a steady pipeline of new model launches.

However, growth is projected to ease to 4a"6 per cent in FY27 due to a higher base and evolving macroeconomic conditions.

The report also noted that the sector continues to undergo structural changes, with utility vehicles accounting for nearly 67 per cent of total passenger vehicle sales, highlighting an ongoing premiumisation trend. Additionally, increasing adoption of alternative fuel options such as CNG and electric vehicles is contributing to demand diversification.

--IANS

ag/m=na
Dehradun, April 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway on Tuesday, which will significantly reduce travel time and enhance connectivity with the national capital.

The 210-km highway, built for Rs 11,868 crore, is expected to cut down travel time to 2.5 hours. The highway distance between the two cities, which was 235 kms, will now be reduced to 210 kms, and the travel time will be reduced from 6.5 hours to 2.5 hours once operational.

Earlier, the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd during a roadshow in Dehradun, after his arrival in Uttarakhand to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor.

Large numbers of people gathered along the sides of the road, chanting "Modiji aapka swagat hai", "Bharat Mata Ki Jai", and "Modi, Modi", while waving the Tricolour and the BJP flag.

Dressed in traditional attire from Uttarakhand, women and children lined the route to greet the Prime Minister as his convoy passed by them.

While on the way to inaugurate the Economic Corridor, PM Modi also offered prayers at the Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple in Dehradun. He was welcomed by children dressed in traditional attire who performed the Durga Devi Stotram, and he also interacted with other devotees present at the temple.

Before that, PM Modi reviewed the wildlife corridor on the elevated section of the Economic Corridor in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur.

During this visit, Union Highways and Transportation Minister Nitin Gadkari, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also present.

An exhibition showcasing the construction procedure of the wildlife corridor was presented, and the officials briefed the Prime Minister about the project.

PM Modi also held a roadshow along the Wildlife Corridor, which saw huge crowds lining up on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse.

Supporters and onlookers showered flower petals at PM Modi while chanting "Modi, Modi", "Bharat Mata Ki Jai", and "Jai Shri Ram".
Patna, April 14 : The process of government formation in Bihar has gathered momentum following the dissolution of the cabinet led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday.

Top BJP leaders, including Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Vinod Tawde, and B.L. Santhosh, arrived in Patna to oversee the crucial developments.

They were warmly received by party workers at the airport, signalling the significance of the dayas political proceedings.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the central observer for the election of the legislative party leader in Bihar.

A key meeting of the BJP legislative party is scheduled at the party office. During this meeting, the BJP legislative party will elect its leader -- effectively deciding who will become the next Chief Minister of the state.

Following the legislative party meeting, Shivraj Singh Chouhan is expected to formally announce the name of Biharas next Chief Minister.

Subsequently, the NDA legislative party meeting will further formalise the decision.

According to sources, clarity on the name of the Chief Minister is likely to be announced by around 5.00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Janata Dal (United) had initially scheduled its legislative party meeting for 12.30 p.m. However, reports indicated that the meeting had been cancelled.

This development places the responsibility squarely on the BJP to decide the next Chief Minister, underscoring a significant shift in the stateas political dynamics.

With senior leadership present and crucial meetings lined up, all eyes are now on the BJP as it prepares to finalise its candidate.

The outcome will not only determine the next leader of Bihar but also shape the stateas political direction in the coming months.

Earlier, Nitish Kumar chaired the last meeting of the Cabinet at the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Patna, and informed his cabinet colleagues of stepping down from the post of the Chief Minister. He has also recommended the dissolution of the current cabinet of the Bihar government.
New Delhi, April 14 : Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the incident in Vasant Enclave involving the assault on a serving Brigadier of the Indian Army, his wife, and their son, a 23-year-old IIT Delhi graduate. He said that he has directed the Delhi Police to provide full security to the officer and his family.

Taking to X, Sandhu said, "Deeply concerned by the incident in Vasant Enclave involving the assault on a serving Brigadier of the Indian Army, his wife and son, a 23-year-old IIT Delhi graduate."

He further added that he has personally spoken with the Brigadier to enquire about the incident and their well-being.

"I also spoke with the Police Commissioner and the DCP, directing them to ensure a thorough and swift investigation, leading to immediate and appropriate action against those responsible," Delhi L-G added.

He further said that he has directed the Delhi Police to provide full security to the officer and his family.

"I have further directed Delhi Police to provide full security to the officer and his family. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of our citizens and upholding the rule of law," he added.

Meanwhile, an FIR was registered, and the police have taken cognisance of alleged lapses in the initial response. Preliminary investigation has led to the identification of the principal accused as Satinder Kumar, resident of Mehram Nagar, stated to be associated with an aviation company.

The incident unfolded when the Brigadier stepped out for a walk with his son after dinner on Saturday. Just outside their residence, they noticed two individuals sitting in a parked white Mercedes car and consuming alcohol. When the officer objected, an argument broke out between the two parties.

According to officials, the Brigadier and his son were attacked by a group of men after they objected to two men consuming alcohol inside a parked car in their residential area. The incident is reported to have occurred on April 11 at around 10 p.m.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the family of a senior army officer has claimed that they received no immediate assistance from the police and that action in the case began only after the matter was taken up through defence channels.

Talking to IANS, the officer's wife recounted the sequence of events, saying: "The whole incident was that two individuals were sitting in a white Mercedes car and drinking alcohol. After dinner, when my husband and son went out for a walk, they objected, saying that drinking in a residential colony is not allowed, after which the individuals spoke to them inappropriately. We did not retaliate and called the PCR. PCR took time, and after a while, they arrived and talked to the men in the Mercedes. Till the time the official started taking our statements, goons arrived in two cars and started assaulting my son and husband."
New Delhi, April 14 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar spoke to his Australian counterpart Penny Wong on Tuesday, discussing the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Following their conversation, EAM Jaishankar wrote on X: "Appreciated the exchange of views today with Senator Penny Wong of Australia on the West Asia conflict."

The phone call between two ministers took place amid tense security situation in the region after negotiations between the US and Iranian officials failed to produce an agreement.

On April 8, the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire in the war, which erupted on February 28, following joint US-Israel joint strikes in Iran which killed Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against Israel, US bases and US-allied countries in the West Asia.

Over the past few weeks, EAM Jaishankar has spoken with his counterparts from several nations as India remains in touch with the governments of the region, as well as other key partners, over the conflict in West Asia.

Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar, discussing West Asia situation and the Strait of Hormuz.

"Had a telecon this afternoon with Israel FM Gideon Sa'ar. Our discussion covered different aspects of the West Asia situation," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

Sa'ar stated that he told EAM Jaishankar that the US' stance in the negotiations that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is important for the international community.

"A good conversation, as always, with my friend, Indiaas Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. We discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. I said that the firm American stance in the negotiations on conditions that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons (no enrichment in Iran, removal of enriched material from Iran) is critical for the entire international community," the Israeli Foreign Minister posted on X after the call.

"I also said that Iranas harm to freedom of navigation and the global economy through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India and our friends in the Gulf," he added.

The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is one of the worldas most critical oil transit routes, carrying nearly a fifth of global oil shipments.
Kolkata, April 14 : A Kolkata-based cardiologist, Dr. P.K. Hazra, has sparked discussion after announcing a Rs 500 discount on consultation fees for patients who present a poster carrying the phrase "Jai Shri Ram", a move he says is aimed at contributing to society through his medical practice.

Speaking to IANS, Dr. Hazra, who is also associated as Director of Interventional Cardiology at Manipal Hospital, clarified that the offer is applicable only at his private clinic in the cityas Ballygunge area and not at any corporate hospital.

Explaining his decision, Dr. Hazra said that he had already been treating several patients free of cost and saw this initiative as an extension of his efforts to help people, while also aligning with his personal ideological beliefs.

"I am inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. 'Jai Shri Ram' is not a religious slogan. It is a political slogan," the veteran doctor told IANS.

"I had been treating patients for free for many days, and I had a desire to support the BJP because I follow the ideology of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So, if I can do even a little for society, this is my platform a" the medical field. There is nothing unethical in it," he said.

According to him, patients who show a designated poster with a QR code and the words "Jai Shri Ram" written on it are eligible for the Rs 500 discount. He added that his consultation fee had earlier been reduced from Rs 2,000 by Rs 500 ahead of the elections, and the current offer provides an additional reduction.

"This will benefit needy patients. It is valid at my clinic because no corporate hospital will promote this due to political pressure from the opposite camp," he claimed.

Dr. Hazra also emphasised that the scheme is open to all patients, irrespective of religion or socio-economic background.

"It is for everyone a" Hindus, Muslims, Christians, rich and poor alike," he said, while adding that he views "Jai Shri Ram" as a political slogan rather than a religious one.

Speaking about his future plans, Dr. Hazra expressed his intention to formally join politics through the BJP. He acknowledged that contesting elections requires significant groundwork within society and community networks, which he is yet to fully undertake.

"I want to get involved in the BJP, and I want to serve the country through the BJP. To contest elections, one has to do a lot of work in society and within the community, which I havenat been able to do yet. This is just a beginning a" maybe next year I will approach the authorities and concerned leaders. And if they give me a chance, I will definitely contest," he said.

The announcement has triggered mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a creative form of outreach, while others have raised questions over the intersection of medical services and political messaging.
Dehradun, April 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the Rs 12,000 crore Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor on Tuesday, reiterated the double-engine government's commitment for fast-tracking growth in 'Devbhoomi' Uttarakhand and also made a fervent appeal for cross-party support to the Women's Reservation Bill.

The Prime Minister also hailed the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government for being the first in implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and spoke about its pan-India roll-out, saying that the 'Devbhoomi' has already shown the way.

Making a strong case for 33 per cent representation of women in Legislative bodies, Prime Minister Modi appealed to all political parties in the state and the country to give unanimous support to the proposed amendments.

He told the gathering that he has written a letter in the name of all sisters of the country, seeking their interest and support and made a fresh appeal to all the "mothers and sisters" of the country to read it.

Exhorting political parties in making women's reservation a reality, the Prime Minister said, "Today, from 'Devbhoomi', I once again appeal to all parties in the country to definitely support the amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandana Act. In 2029, we will ensure that 50 per cent of our country's population receives their rights."

He noted that a special discussion has been scheduled in the Parliament from April 16 and urged all political parties to come together and "advance this work, concerning the rights of the country's sisters and daughters, with unanimous consensus".

He also said that women should not face any delay in implementation of reservations and it should be come into force now.

"Lok Sabha elections will be held in 2029, followed by ongoing state Assembly elections. It should be implemented before 2029. This is the sentiment of the nation. This is the desire of 'Nari Shakti' (women power)," the Prime Minister added.

Prime Minister Modi also praised the 'Devbhoomi' for embracing the UCC and said that its implementation across the country "is the expectation of our Constitution".

The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi is a 210-km highway and is expected to cut down travel time to 2.5 hours.

The distance between Delhi and Dehradun, which existed at 235 km earlier, will now be reduced to 210 km, and curtail the travel time from 6.5 hours, as of now, to 2.5 hours once operational.
Lucknow, April 14 : The Uttar Pradesh government's efforts to promote alternative agriculture and women-led entrepreneurship are transforming rural livelihoods, with mushroom cultivation emerging as a lucrative avenue for income generation.

A notable example is Pappu Devi, a resident of Bhadohi district, who has broken away from traditional farming practices to build a successful mushroom cultivation enterprise, earning between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh annually.

In regions like Bhadohi, where agriculture has long been centred around conventional crops such as wheat and paddy, Pappu Devi's journey reflects a shift towards innovative and high-value farming practices.

With support from the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM), she ventured into mushroom farming -- a decision that has significantly improved her family's financial condition.

The Rural Livelihood Mission, implemented by the state government, is increasingly becoming a lifeline for women in rural areas by promoting self-employment and financial independence.

Through structured training, technical guidance, and financial assistance, the initiative is enabling women to explore non-traditional income sources.

Pappu Devi began her venture with an initial investment of around Rs 2.5 lakh from her personal savings and an additional loan of Rs 50,000.

With technical support from Development Alternatives and guidance under UPSRLM, she started mushroom cultivation on a small scale. Over time, her efforts have expanded into a sustainable and profitable business.

Her success story goes beyond personal achievement. By creating employment opportunities for other women in her village, Pappu Devi has contributed to strengthening the local rural economy. Several women are now engaged in various aspects of mushroom production, from cultivation to packaging and marketing.

Pappu Devi's model has also inspired self-help groups (SHGs) and rural women across the region to adopt similar ventures. Her journey underscores the potential of government-backed schemes in driving grassroots entrepreneurship.

Speaking about her experience, she emphasised that with proper training, financial support, and determination, women in rural areas can achieve substantial success in self-employment.

Officials note that such initiatives are part of a broader push by the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government to diversify agriculture, enhance rural incomes, and empower women economically.

Mushroom farming, in particular, is being promoted as a low-investment, high-return activity suitable for small-scale farmers and women entrepreneurs.

As more women take inspiration from success stories like Pappu Devi's, the Rural Livelihood Mission continues to play a pivotal role in reshaping rural economies and fostering self-reliance among women across Uttar Pradesh.
Raipur, April 14 : The Dantewada police in Chhattisgarh have dismantled a large interstate cyber fraud gang involved in the wholesale trading of mule bank accounts, officials said.

Four key accused were arrested from Rajasthan and brought to Dantewada on transit remand.

The arrests mark a significant success in the fight against rising cyber crimes that have affected victims across multiple states.

The gang was primarily engaged in buying and selling hundreds of bank accounts used as mule accounts to siphon off money from cyber fraud victims. The accused created WhatsApp accounts using international mobile numbers to facilitate these illegal transactions.

Funds obtained through various cyber scams were deposited into these accounts and later withdrawn in cash from ATMs abroad using debit cards with high transaction limits.

Dantewada Superintendent of Police Gaurav Rai, Additional SP R.K. Barman, and Cyber Cell Nodal Officer DSP Gaurav Singh led the operation. A joint team from Barsur, Bacheli, and Gidam police stations, headed by Inspector Sanjay Ursa, was dispatched to Rajasthan earlier this month.

After meticulous tracking through financial transaction analysis and advanced cyber forensic tools, the team successfully nabbed the accused. The arrested individuals have been identified as Archit Gujarati (20), resident of Nakas Gate, Nagaur; Adil Hussain (24), from Bachchakhada, Nagaur; Amit Verma (21), from Village Kariri, Jaipur; and Bhupendra Jangid (23), from Balaji Nagar, Jodhpur, all in Rajasthan.

From their possession, police seized mobile phones, SIM cards, ATM cards, and cash amounting to Rs 1,18,500 earned through fraudulent means. More than 20 cyber fraud complaints have been registered against the gang in states including Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka.

The investigation revealed that the racket was being operated mainly from the Nagaur region in Rajasthan. Dantewada police are actively conducting awareness campaigns in towns and villages, educating people about various cyber threats such as banking frauds, part-time job scams, and the dangers of sharing OTPs or suspicious links.
Dehradun, April 14 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Dehradun to inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, a spark of optimism was triggered across Uttarakhand, with political leaders, religious representatives, and public figures describing the project as a transformative step for connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in the region.

Dehradun, April 14 (IANS) As Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Dehradun to inaugurate the Delhia"Dehradun Economic Corridor, a spark of optimism was triggered across Uttarakhand, with political leaders, religious representatives, and public figures describing the project as a transformative step for connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in the region.

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, lauded the role of Prime Minister Modi, stating that Uttarakhand holds a special place in his heart. He emphasised that the Prime Ministeras commitment is reflected not just in words but in tangible development initiatives, which have strengthened public support across the state.

Echoing similar sentiments, Badri-Kedar Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi termed the day "historic," calling the expressway a "second lifeline" for Uttarakhand. He highlighted that the state had long awaited such infrastructure advancement and noted the Prime Ministeras frequent visits to key pilgrimage sites like Kedarnath and Badrinath as evidence of his deep connection with the region.

BJP leaders also underscored the economic and developmental significance of the project.

Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal described the expressway as an ambitious greenfield initiative that would significantly boost tourism, trade, and overall development. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for prioritising such large-scale infrastructure.

BJP MLA Munna Singh Chauhan called the project a "landmark achievement," noting that it sets a new benchmark as one of Asiaas longest green corridors. He pointed out that travel time between Delhi and Dehradun, which previously ranged between 8 to 10 hours, would now be reduced to approximately 2 to 2.25 hours.

Similarly, BJP MLA Sahdev Singh Pundir said the new route would seamlessly connect Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, reducing travel time to around two-and-a-half to three hours. MLA Bishan Singh Chuphal added that the journey duration has progressively reduced over the years, attributing the latest milestone to sustained infrastructure development under the current leadership.

MLA Brij Bhushan Gairola also expressed gratitude, calling it a moment of pride for the people of "Devbhoomi" Uttarakhand.

BJP Metropolitan President Siddhartha Umesh Agarwal highlighted the broader regional impact, noting a "very positive atmosphere" across North India, as the expressway is expected to benefit commuters from multiple states.

Former BJP MP Balraj Pasi remarked that the project has placed Uttarakhand on the global map, citing its scale and engineering significance.

Religious leaders and seers also welcomed the development, praising the Prime Ministeras respect for Uttarakhand and its spiritual heritage. They described the expressway as a beautiful corridor that blends modern infrastructure with natural surroundings, further enhancing the stateas appeal.

Overall, the Delhia"Dehradun Expressway is being widely seen as a game-changer, promising faster connectivity, economic uplift, and increased tourism, while reinforcing Uttarakhandas strategic and cultural importance.
Ranchi, April 14 : On the occasion of the 135th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and architect of the Indian Constitution, Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, heartfelt tributes were paid to him across Jharkhand, including in the state capital Ranchi, on Tuesday.

In Ranchi, Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren garlanded the statue of Babasaheb at Ambedkar Chowk in Doranda and paid floral tributes.

Addressing the media on the occasion, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar said that Dr Ambedkar was not only the architect of the Constitution but also a great social reformer. He said that Ambedkar gave the country a Constitution based on the values of democracy, equality, and fraternity.

The Governor added, "Despite adverse circumstances, Babasaheb attained the highest level of education and fought against discrimination throughout his life. His life is an inspiring example of determination and self-confidence. Today, there is a need for all of us to imbibe his ideals in our conduct."

Emphasising education, the Governor said that Dr Ambedkar believed education to be the most powerful tool for social change. He called for active participation from everyone in building an inclusive and just society.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren, recalling Babasahebas contribution, said that the democratic India we live in today is largely due to his unparalleled contributions.

He said, "The entire nation is proud of a son like Babasaheb. His contribution has neither been hidden nor will it ever be a" the whole world salutes his work. We will always remember the path shown by him and his contributions."

Along with the Chief Minister, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, and MLA Kalpana Soren, also paid floral tributes to Babasahebas statue.

Several dignitaries, including the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Ranchi, were present at the event.

Apart from Ranchi, seminars and various programmes were organised across different districts and divisions of the state to mark Babasahebas birth anniversary, where people pledged to follow the path shown by him.
Islamabad, April 14 : The temporary truce between the United States and Iran should not be considered an independent diplomatic achievement of Pakistan. Rather, it reflects Washington's pursuit of managed de-escalation from an increasingly costly and complex conflict that had become "strategically, economically, and geopolitically" counterproductive, a report said on Tuesday.

Islamabad, April 14 (IANS) The temporary truce between the United States and Iran should not be considered an independent diplomatic achievement of Pakistan. Rather, it reflects Washington's pursuit of managed de-escalation from an increasingly costly and complex conflict that had become "strategically, economically, and geopolitically" counterproductive, a report said on Tuesday.

"The Iran ceasefire reflects US strategic recalibration and Pakistan's constrained diplomatic role. Washington sought a managed exit from an escalating conflict that threatened energy security, strained alliances, and fuelled domestic opposition. Pakistan acted as an intermediary, not an autonomous negotiator, driven by fears of regional destabilisation, economic fragility, and obligations to Gulf partners," Imran Khurshid wrote in New Delhi-based 'International Centre for Peace Studies'.

"While the episode gave Islamabad visibility, it underscored its dependence on external powers and risked straining ties with Gulf states. India, rejecting mediation, benefited indirectly from de-escalation, safeguarding energy and remittance flows. Ultimately, Pakistan's role highlights visibility without substantive strategic influence," it added.

According to the report, while Pakistan may present the mediation efforts as a diplomatic success, the internal consequences appear less favourable, with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir potentially leveraging the narrative to further consolidate control.

"This is not good news for those who want democracy to take root in Pakistan. For the Pakistani diaspora working from abroad to restore democracy, this is also not encouraging. With Imran Khan already imprisoned and democratic institutions under strain, this development could further strengthen the military's narrative of strategic indispensability. Figures like Asim Munir may use this to consolidate power and further suppress dissent," it mentioned.

The report stressed that much of the perception of Pakistan's growing importance is largely media-driven hype, with domestic outlets portraying its mediation as a diplomatic victory over India  though visibility should not be conflated with influence.

"Pakistan remains a constrained state, economically dependent on institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and on countries including the United States, China, and Gulf states. While it may gain short-term visibility, this does not translate into substantive strategic influence. It continues to face structural constraints across economic, geopolitical, and strategic domains and remains reliant on IMF bailouts," it noted.

As a result, the report said Pakistan will remain primarily concerned with securing the successive debt tranches and managing its repayment obligations rather than exercising independent strategic decision-making comparable to more autonomous states.

The report further said, "Foreign policy must never be assessed through a short-term lens. While Pakistan may celebrate its momentary visibility, its long-term strategic position appears more constrained. In contrast, India's calibrated and pragmatic approach is likely to yield positive dividends over time."
New Delhi, April 14 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday described the "historic" Women's Reservation Bill as the "need of the hour" and urged everyone to support it.

New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday described the "historic" Women's Reservation Bill as the "need of the hour" and urged everyone to support it.

"Women's Reservation Bill is the need of the hour. This is the rightful due of our Nari Shakti to contribute to policymaking and empower the nation. The Modi government is resolved to bring and implement this legislation," he said in a post on X.

"This is a change that should certainly take place for the better, without delay. I hope everyone will step forward and support this historic move," said HM Shah.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also wrote an open letter to women over the bill.

"Our mothers, sisters, and daughters across the country are appreciating the decision to ensure women's reservation from the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections of the year 2029. In this letter dedicated to the women power of India, I have shared my feelings with the fellow citizens on the subject of soon realizing this resolve that has been pending for decades," he said on X.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to India's Nari Shakti, highlighting the growing support for women's reservation in legislative bodies and reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing the long-pending reform.

Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Women across India are appreciating the initiative to ensure reservation for women in legislative bodies. Here is my letter to India's Nari Shakti, reiterating our commitment to implement what has been pending for decades."

The Prime Minister began his letter with a traditional greeting, 'Namaskar,' and noted the historical importance of April 14, which marks the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar. Paying tribute to Dr Ambedkar, PM Modi highlighted his contribution to nation-building and his commitment to constitutional values that continue to guide India's democratic journey.

The Prime Minister further pointed out that Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on April 16 to deliberate on a crucial constitutional amendment related to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

--IANS

rch/uk
Quetta, April 14 : At least two people from Hazara community were killed and three others injured after unidentified assailants opened fire on them in Quetta city of Pakistan's Balochistan province, local media reported.

Senior police officer Muhammad Khair Sumalani stated that the men were attacked on Sunday while there were heading back to Hazara Town from the Hazarganji vegetable market, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported.

"Unidentified armed men riding motorcycles opened fire at their vehicle, killing two people on the spot and injuring three," Sumalani was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The senior police official stated that the incident seemed to be a case of "targetted killing", adding that the law enforcement personnel rushed to the site following the incident.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Police has initiated a search operation to find the assailants.

People from the Hazara community blocked the Western Bypass in protest against the killing.

Similar incidents have happened in the Hazargangi area in the past, where vegetable sellers came under attack.

At least 20 people were killed and 48 others injured in a blast believed to be targetting members of the Hazara community in Hazarganji market of Quetta in 2019, Dawn reported.

A report released by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in 2018 revealed that 509 members of the Hazara community were killed and 627 were injured in various incidents of terrorism in Quetta from January 2012 to Dec 2017.

Last month, a report detailed that Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in Sunni radicalisation across the country under the leadership of Army Chief Asim Munir, resulting in escalating violence against religious minorities like Ahmadis and Shias without recourse to justice.

"Pakistan's two largest Muslim minorities, the Shia (notably Hazara Shia) and Ahmadis, have endured an unprecedented surge of violence and lynchings in the last couple of years. In November 2024 alone, over 40 Shia pilgrims were slaughtered in a single convoy ambush in Kurram District. Across Punjab and Sindh, mobs of hardline extremists have stormed Ahmadi prayer halls and beaten worshippers to death," a report in the Afghan Diaspora Network mentioned.

"Human rights monitors warn that this is not a random crime but a full-fledged sectarian onslaught. Earlier this month, the Islamic State of Pakistan conducted a suicide attack on a famous Shia Mosque in capital Islamabad, which resulted in 32 casualties. The core cadre base of IS-Pakistan comes from anti-Shia Sunni outfits like outlawed Sipaha-e-Sahaba(SSP) and Lashkar-i-Jhangvi (LeJ), among others," it added.

Citing analysts, the report suggested that these radical Sunni outfits were likely responsible for the attack, with their activities becoming more visible lately. Notably, a big gathering of the LeJ was reportedly underway near the Shia Mosque, which was attacked on February 6.

Amnesty International highlighted that Pakistani "authorities have failed to protect the Hazara Shia community" from repeated threats and attacks.
Bagdogra, April 14 : As the highly-anticipated West Bengal elections draw near, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya on Tuesday expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress will be wiped out in the state this time.

Speaking to reporters, Tejasvi Surya said, "Today, I have come here to Siliguri and spoken to the workers of the BJP Yuva Morcha. The kind of environment prevailing in West Bengal this time gives me confidence to say that the Trinamool Congress will be wiped out, especially in North Bengal, where you will see a strong BJP wave. The youth wants change."

He further said that the Women's Reservation Bill will be one of the most important legislative reforms of the 21st century.

"The Women's Reservation Bill will be one of the most significant legislative reforms of the 21st century. It will give voice to the aspirations of crores of Indian women  daughters of India  who are already excelling in various fields of national endeavour, by providing them greater representation and meaningful participation in lawmaking and policymaking," he said.

Tejasvi Surya added that the Bill will further strengthen the democratic spirit of India.

"It will strengthen the democratic spirit of India, improve the quality of our debates, and give a new boost to the dreams of a 'Viksit Bharat'," he said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter to India's Nari Shakti, highlighting the growing support for women's reservation in legislative bodies and reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing the long-pending reform.

Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Women across India are appreciating the initiative to ensure reservation for women in legislative bodies. Here is my letter to India's Nari Shakti, reiterating our commitment to implement what has been pending for decades."

The Prime Minister began his letter with a traditional greeting, 'Namaskar,' and noted the historical importance of April 14, which marks the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar. Paying tribute to Dr Ambedkar, PM Modi highlighted his contribution to nation-building and his commitment to constitutional values that continue to guide India's democratic journey.

The Prime Minister further pointed out that Parliament is scheduled to reconvene on April 16 to deliberate on a crucial constitutional amendment related to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

"In the next two days, on the 16th, Parliament will reconvene to discuss and hopefully pass an important constitutional amendment relating to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. I am seeing that there is immense enthusiasm towards this. Women from all over the nation are expressing their joy at getting a stronger opportunity to contribute towards building a Viksit Bharat," PM Modi said.
Bengaluru, April 14 : Reacting to the removal of Congress MLC and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Political Secretary, Naseer Ahmad, from his post on Tuesday, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President, D.K. Shivakumar, said that party discipline is important.

Responding to media queries at his residence in Sadashivanagar and at the KPCC office premises, Shivakumar said, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took a decision regarding Naseer Ahmad after gathering information from various sources, keeping the party's interests in mind.

He said that the Chief Minister had acted based on reports received from different quarters.

When asked about the Chief Minister relieving Naseer Ahmad from the post of Political Secretary, he said, "Naseer was instructed by the party to go to the Davanagere South Assembly constituency and ensure that the rebel candidate withdrew from the contest. He has failed to discharge this responsibility. I am yet to receive a detailed report on what exactly happened there."

When asked whether this action was a message to those indulging in anti-party activities, Shivakumar said, "Discipline is very important in any party. We selected the candidate after taking everyone into confidence. We were also in constant touch with all leaders. Based on the reports from our leaders, the Chief Minister has taken this decision."

When asked whether disciplinary action would also be taken against Minister for Housing and Waqf, Zameer Ahmad Khan, he said, "I do not have any information on that."

On his travel plans to Chennai for election campaigning, he said, "I will be travelling to Chennai tonight, and there is an election campaign programme scheduled for Wednesday."

Responding to a question about reports that he was holding one-on-one meetings with MLAs, Shivakumar said, "While doing politics, we must discuss with our MLAs and plan for the future. We guide them on what needs to be said and how to proceed. As the party President here, it is my responsibility to discuss municipal and local body elections. If I do not do this, who else will? MLAs are also submitting reports on what happened in the Davanagere South and Bagalkot bye-elections."

When asked about reports of him issuing a direct warning to MLAs, he clarified, "There is nothing wrong in MLAs going to Delhi and seeking ministerial positions. They are free to express their demands. However, they must maintain discipline within the party. They are all our colleagues, and I have only advised them to uphold discipline. I have also advised them to be cautious while responding to media queries."

It can be recalled that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Political Secretary, Naseer Ahmad, was removed from his post on Tuesday for allegedly working against Congress candidate Samarth Shamanur during the just-concluded Davanagere South bye-election.

It may be noted that Naseer Ahmad, is a close associate of CM Siddaramaiah. The Karnataka government issued an order in this regard on Tuesday morning.
Patna, April 14 : In a major political development, Samrat Choudhary has been elected as the leader of the BJP legislative party, paving the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

The decision was taken during a crucial BJP legislative party meeting held on Tuesday at the partyas state headquarters on Veer Chand Patel Path in Patna. The meeting was presided over by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who had been appointed as the central observer by the party leadership.

Senior leaders, including BJP National President Nitin Nabin, B. L. Santosh, and Bhikhu Bhai Dalsaniya, were also present during the meeting.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha proposed the name of Samrat Choudhary as the leader of the BJP legislative party leader and it was supported by former Deputy Chief Minister Renu Devi.

With consensus achieved across the party, Samrat Choudhary is set to lead the BJP and the government of Bihar.

This development signals the beginning of a new political chapter in Bihar, marking the transition from the era of Nitish Kumar to a new leadership under Samrat Choudhary.

Earlier in the day, Nitish Kumar officially resigned as Chief Minister after chairing his final cabinet meeting.

He visited the Raj Bhavan and submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain, also recommending the dissolution of his cabinet.

Having recently taken the oath as a Rajya Sabha member, Nitish Kumaras resignation formally ended his long tenure in state politics and cleared the way for the formation of a new government.

With Samrat Choudharyas name finalized, preparations are now underway for the swearing-in ceremony. The official announcement is expected shortly, after which the new government will take charge in Bihar.

The political landscape of Bihar has now entered a decisive transition phase -- closing one chapter and ushering in a new era of leadership.
Varanasi, April 14 : Uttar Pradesh Minister for Labour and Employment Coordination, Anil Rajbhar, on Tuesday raised the possibility of a "larger conspiracy" behind the recent workers' unrest in Noida, while asserting that the state government stands firmly with labourers and has already moved to address their concerns.

Speaking to reporters, the Minister said that the sudden escalation of protests raises questions, especially when workers had been peacefully contributing to the state's development until recently.

"It appears that there may be some larger conspiracy behind it. Until yesterday, workers were peacefully contributing to the development of Uttar Pradesh. So how did this incident suddenly happen?" Rajbhar added.

He also linked the situation to recent security developments, pointing to the arrest of two alleged terrorists from Meerut and Noida and their reported connections with individuals based in Pakistan.

"These developments also point towards a possible larger conspiracy," the Minister said.

Addressing the workers' protest in Noida, Minister Rajbhar said that certain elements with no genuine concern for labour welfare were trying to exploit the situation.

"There are some people who have nothing to do with the interests of workers and take advantage in times of crisis. Many are trying to mislead and incite workers. Our agencies are closely monitoring such elements, and they will remain on our radar," he added.

Reiterating the Uttar Pradesh governmentas commitment, Minister Rajbhar said that the administration has taken concrete steps to address workers' demands.

"A team of officials held dialogue with the workers, and based on that, Chief Minister (Yogi Adityanath) took a decision to increase wages by up to 21 per cent," the Minister told.

He also noted that the Central government is in the process of finalising a national floor wage policy.

"The Union government is going to fix the floor wage soon, and we are awaiting that. Once it is finalised, we will proceed accordingly," Minister Rajbhar said.

Appealing for calm, the Minister urged workers to resolve their issues through dialogue rather than protests.

"We respect the contribution of our worker brothers and sisters. If there is any pain or difficulty, they should come forward for discussions. Anarchy and unrest cannot be the solution," he said.

Minister Rajbhar also hinted at a possible political angle, accusing the Samajwadi Party leaders of attempting to exploit the situation.

"They (Samajwadi Party) keep looking for such opportunities to mislead the public," he said.

Meanwhile, security has been intensified across several areas of Noida and Greater Noida following the protests.

In Sector-121's Garhi Chaukhandi area, protesting workers allegedly hurled stones at police personnel, prompting deployment of heavy police force to bring the situation under control.
Islamabad, April 14 : The family of slain journalist Zakir Hussain, also known as Shan Dahar, and media rights representatives have called for a fresh investigation into his murder and the immediate arrest of suspects who have remained at large for more than 10 years, local media reported.

While addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Zakir's sister Fauzia Dahar and activists Adil Jawad and Waqar Soomro accused the Larkana police of facilitating the accused, Irfan Brohi and Amir Zahri, by granting them pre-arrest bail and allegedly staging a "dramatic arrest" for publicity, Pakistan's leading daily 'The Express Tribune' reported.

They claimed that the police, despite prior knowledge of court orders, released a press release and shared pictures of the suspect in custody, only to release him later. They stressed that the move clearly signalled collusion and a serious blow to the justice system.

They said Zakir, who worked as a bureau chief for a private news channel, was shot in Larkana in 2014 while he was performing his professional work. They further mentioned that the journalist had identified his attackers before his death, The Express Tribune reported.

The speakers demanded the re-investigation into the case by a senior officer. They also called for action against officials found negligent and protection for the family of the victim. They emphasised that justice in this case had remained elusive for over 12 years and mentioned that continue inaction would further erode people's trust in the law enforcement agencies.

Earlier in January, Free Press Unlimited, the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders urged Pakistani authorities to arrest the attackers and bring them to justice.

In a statement, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stated, "International press freedom organizations Free Press Unlimited, CPJ, and Reporters Without Borders, unified under the A Safer World for the Truth coalition, independently investigated the murder of Dahar. Their conclusion is clear: a flawed investigation and a lack of political will mean that the murder of Dahar remains unsolved. The case of Dahar is exemplary of Pakistanas handling of murders of journalists over past decades."

"The coalitionas 18-month investigation uncovered new pieces of evidence that shed light on the motive for, and official investigation of, the murder. This includes video and photographic evidence that allowed them to retrace in detail Daharas movements on the night of his murder. With it, the coalition makes it clear that the authoritiesa version of the murder is highly improbable," it added.

According to the statement, two witnesses identified in the proceedings revealed that they were coerced into giving false information. The CPJ stated that authorities ignored clear indications that Dahar could have been targeted for his work on a story about the illegal reselling of donated medicines by local hospitals.

In a statement, CPJ stated, "Footage on the night of the murder shows that Dahar was filming inside the local health clinic, and outside purchasing medicines at the adjacent pharmacy, moments before he was shot. Dahar had earlier accused the in-charge of the clinic, Dr. Kandhro, of partaking in the medicine scheme. Dr. Kandhro was one of two doctors who were supposed to treat Dahar after he was shot, and who were later suspended for medical negligence leading to his death. Neither of the doctors were investigated by police authorities."
Jaipur, April 14 : The Jhalawar Police has taken major action under 'Operation Divya Prahar 2.0', freezing movable and immovable assets worth approximately Rs 5.5 crore belonging to wanted drug trafficker Bablu Tanwar and his associates.

Jaipur, April 14 (IANS) The Jhalawar Police has taken major action under aOperation Divya Prahar 2.0a, freezing movable and immovable assets worth approximately Rs 5.5 crore belonging to wanted drug trafficker Bablu Tanwar and his associates.

Tanwar, a resident of Palkhanda in the Ghatoli police station area, is currently absconding and carries a bounty on his head.

According to ASP Bhagchand Meena, the campaign was launched in January 2026 with the aim of delivering a decisive blow to drug networks.

The initiative focusses not only on arresting traffickers but also on dismantling the financial assets built through illegal drug trade, assets often used to establish influence and dominance.

Over the past three months, police prepared a detailed proposal under the NDPS Act targeting Bablu Tanwar (son of Gangaram Tanwar), a resident of Palkhanda (Post Sarkhandiya, Police Station Ghatoli, Tehsil Aklera, District Jhalawar).

Following approval from the competent authority, orders were issued to permanently freeze his residential properties, agricultural land, and vehicles.

Officials confirmed that similar actions had been initiated against him earlier as well. A confidential database of Tanwaras movable and immovable assets was compiled by the MOB (Modus Operandi Bureau) branch of the SP office. This Intelligence was shared with the SHO of Ghatoli police station, forming the basis for further action.

Acting on this data, police moved swiftly to identify and freeze assets linked to illicit earnings. Under the directions of District Collector Ajay Singh Rathod, officials from the Revenue and PWD departments assisted in verifying property records and assessing market value.

Their report helped fast-track legal proceedings. Following due process under the NDPS Act, the SHO of Ghatoli secured formal approval to freeze the assets. As a result, Bablu Tanwar and his associates are now barred from selling or using these properties. Meanwhile, police teams continue efforts to trace and arrest the absconding accused.
Jaipur, April 14 : Former Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, has called for the intervention of President Murmu and the Governor over the delay in conducting elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULB) and Panchayati Raj institutions in the state.

Addressing the media in Jaipur, Gehlot alleged that the BJP-led state government is deliberately postponing these elections, calling the situation a "constitutional crisis."

Gehlot argued that timely elections to Panchayati Raj institutions and ULBs are a constitutional mandate rooted in the vision of B.R. Ambedkar. "If the government fails to conduct elections on schedule, what moral right does it have to remain in power?" he questioned.

He further criticised the BJP for celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti while allegedly ignoring the constitutional principles he stood for. According to Gehlot, institutions such as Panchayats, municipalities, and cooperative societies form the backbone of grassroots democracy.

He pointed out that while Panchayat and municipal elections are overdue, even cooperative society elections have not been held.

"Had they truly believed in Ambedkar's ideals, these elections would have been conducted on time," he said.

Raising concerns over the delay, Gehlot stated that both the Supreme Court and the High Court had issued clear directives to conduct these elections within a stipulated timeframe, reportedly by April.

"Despite judicial instructions, the elections have not been held. This raises serious questions and suggests a breakdown of constitutional order," he remarked.

Gehlot also accused those in power of lacking genuine faith in constitutional values. Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said the repeated call to "Save the Constitution" reflects growing concerns about democratic institutions being weakened.

"There is a clear disconnect between what is being said and what is being done," he added.

Highlighting the irony, Gehlot noted that while leaders across the political spectrum continue to celebrate Ambedkar's birth anniversary on April 14, their actions often contradict his ideals.

He warned that weakening democratic institutions and delaying elections undermines the very foundation of India's constitutional framework.
New Delhi, April 14 : The Union government on Tuesday shared with MPs the text of Constitution (131 Amendment) Bill, 2026 or the proposed amendment to the Women Reservation Bill which aims to raise Lok Sabha seats to 850 - including members from States and Union Territories.

New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) The Union government on Tuesday shared with MPs the text of Constitution (131 Amendment) Bill, 2026 or the proposed amendment to the Women Reservation Bill which aims to raise Lok Sabha seats to 850  including members from States and Union Territories.

The Bill proposes a cap of 815 on the number of members chosen by direct election from constituencies in the States.

For UTs, the Bill says, "Not more than 35 members to represent the Union Territories, chosen in such manner as Parliament may by law provide".

At present, there are 530 Lok Sabha members from States and 20 from UTs. However, a delimitation commission had set the number at 543.

Another key amendment proposed in the Bill is the definition of population, giving Parliament the mandate to decide which data is to be made the foundation for the expansion of the number of seats.

For modifying clause (3) of article 81 of the Constitution, the Bill proposes, "(3) In this article, the expression 'population' means the population as ascertained at such census, as Parliament may by law determine, of which the relevant figures have been published."

The Union Cabinet had recently cleared the Bill seeking to amend the Constitution for early implementation of 33 per cent quota for women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies, as well as increasing the number of seats in the lower house of Parliament.

The amendment Bill also proposes changes in article 82 to substitute "Upon the completion of each census, the allocation of seats" with words "The allocation of seats".

The proposed amendment aims to delink the quota's implementation from the 2027 Census and instead base it on the 2011 Census, enabling its rollout before the 2029 general elections.

In article 82, the amendment Bill also proposes to introduce a role for the Delimitation Commission.

The Bill states that in article 82 (c) of the Constitution, "for the words 'by such authority and in such manner', the words 'in such manner and on the basis of such census, by the Delimitation Commission', shall be substituted".

The Bill also talks about reservation of seats on rotation basis in Lok Sabha and Assemblies and carries paras related to the tenure for which the women's reservation shall remain in force, subject to extension by Parliament.

Earlier in the day, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asserted that there is "nothing controversial" in the proposed amendment to the Women's Reservation Bill and appealed to all political parties to support it without politicising the issue.

Speaking to IANS, Rijiju said, "The issue of women's reservation cannot be made a political matter in any form. If we give it a political angle, it would be an injustice to women."

"The Prime Minister has made a very simple and clear appeal to rise above party politics. The Nari Shakti Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act) is a law that all parties supported and passed unanimously. Now, we have called for a special session to make a constitutional amendment to implement it," said Rijiju.

The government has convened a special three-day Parliament session from April 16 to discuss and pass the "Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam".

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a three-line whip to all its Members of Parliament in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, directing them to remain present in the House from April 16 to 18 during the upcoming Parliament session.
Ankara, April 14 : At least 16 people were injured after a young man opened indiscriminate fire in the corridor of his former school in Siverek district of Turkey on Tuesday. The attacker died later after committing suicide, local media reported.

Sanliurfa Governor Hasan Sildak met the injured people at Siverek State Hospital in connection with the shooting incident at Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School. Speaking to reporters outside the hospital, he stated that 16 people were injured in the incident occurred after the suspect entered the school and fired randomly, Turkey-based Anadolu Agency reported.

"Of the 16 injured, 4 are teachers, 10 are students, one is a police officer, and one is a canteen worker. Thankfully, there were no fatalities. Four of the injured, two teachers and two students, were transferred to hospitals in the city centre because their health condition was assessed as moderate. Currently, the other 12 injured are receiving treatment at Siverek State Hospital," Anadolu Agency quoted him as saying.

He mentioned that the incident is being probed from multiple angles. "(The attacker) is a former student of the school, only attending here in the 9th grade. He later enrolled in an open high school programme. Born in 2007, he took his own life while being apprehended by the police. We have evacuated the school. This incident, which we deeply regret, will be investigated thoroughly, including its background."

Hasan Sildak offered condolences to people of Siverek and Sanliurfa. He stated that judicial and administrative processes will be examined and necessary investigation will be conducted. He stressed that such isolated incidents can happen despite taking all necessary precautions about the security of schools in Turkey, Anadolu Agency reported.

Sildak stated that the attack was being investigated thoroughly and the perpetrator had no prior criminal record. He said that Chief Prosecutor's Office will handle the judicial aspects and the administrative investigation mechanism will be activated to shed light on the incident at the earliest.
New Delhi, April 14 : While India has built strong foundations in pharmaceuticals, the next phase of growth will require bold investments, deeper ecosystem collaboration, and a shift towards innovation-led development to position the country as a global leader in advanced therapeutics, experts said on Tuesday.

The two-day aIndia Pharma 2026a, organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, in association with FICCI and IPA, New Delhi, successfully concluded here. The event witnessed participation from over 800 delegates across both days, with more than 60 speakers engaging in 10 sessions including six plenary sessions, supported by over 20 partner organisations.

Satyaprakash TL, Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, noted that discussions across sessions converged around three critical enablers for the next phase of growth -- funding, infrastructure and speed.

While stakeholders expressed varied views on prioritisation, there was a shared understanding that coordinated action across government, industry and academia is essential. Emphasising the urgency of collaboration, he stated that India must proactively position itself in the evolving global pharmaceutical landscape to remain competitive, according to an official statement from Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

Speakers highlighted at one of the sessions that sustained growth in the sector depends not only on scientific advancements but also on the availability of diverse and accessible financing mechanisms.

Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), outlined the evolving research funding architecture, noting that it combines grant-based support for academia and not-for-profit institutions with capital-based instruments for the private sector.

The discussion explored funding avenues such as venture capital, private equity, blended finance, and public-private partnerships, which are opening new growth pathways for pharmaceutical enterprises.

The sixth plenary session, moderated by Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, focused on charting Indiaas next phase of pharmaceutical growth by moving beyond incremental progress toward bold, innovation-driven transformation.

Winselow Tucker, Co-Chair of the FICCI Pharma Committee and President and General Manager, Eli Lilly India, highlighted that successful transformation in the pharmaceutical sector requires a clear strategic intent supported by a phased roadmap with well-defined milestones.

--IANS

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Dhar, April 14 : Panic gripped the Pithampur industrial area in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district on Tuesday after three powerful explosions occurred at a waste management plant, sending shockwaves through nearby villages and triggering concern among residents, officials said.

The blasts occurred at the facility of Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited, a plant that had earlier drawn national attention for incinerating toxic waste from the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

The sound of the explosions was heard up to a distance of nearly one kilometre, while residents in surrounding villages reported tremors.

Many locals said the intensity of the blasts caused household items such as utensils and televisions to fall, creating fear and confusion.

However, so far, there has been no official confirmation about any casualties and the exact reason for the explosion at the plant.

Police teams and district administration officials rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the incident.

Authorities cordoned off the area and began assessing the situation.

Meanwhile, a team of police personnel and technical experts continues to investigate the incident inside the premises.

Pithampur City Superintendent of Police, Ravi Soner, told media persons that the situation is under control and that a detailed investigation is underway.

"We are examining the site with the help of technical experts. The exact cause of the explosions will be ascertained after a thorough inspection," he said.

Notably, in 2025, the plant incinerated more than 337 tonnes of toxic material, including waste transported from the defunct Union Carbide factory in Bhopal.

While the incineration completed between May and July 2025, the disposal has left behind 800 to 900 tons of hazardous residual ash, which remains a subject of ongoing legal disputes and environmental concerns regarding potential groundwater contamination in the surrounding Dhar district.

As of the time of writing, a team comprising police personnel and technical experts is engaged in investigating the actual causes of the explosion within the company premises.

Meanwhile, the company has not yet issued any statement regarding this incident.
Patna, April 14 : Following the resignation of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Samrat Choudhary being elected as the leader of the BJP legislative party, paving the way for him to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar, preparations for the formation of a new government in the state have intensified. Amid the political transition, Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, launched a sharp attack on both Nitish Kumar and the BJP.

Tejashwi Yadav alleged that by stepping down, Nitish Kumar has paved the way for a party that, according to him, follows the ideology of Nathuram Godse.

He said that while Nitish Kumar often invoked the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, his resignation has enabled the BJP to come to power.

He further remarked that this political shift contradicts the legacy of leaders like Karpoori Thakur, suggesting that those once critical of such leaders are now being empowered.

The RJD leader questioned the legitimacy of the upcoming government, asserting that the new leadership will not truly reflect the peopleas mandate and adding that the current political developments are detached from public will.

Tejashwi Yadav also invoked the legacy of Lalu Prasad Yadav, claiming that many of the leaders currently rising in Bihar politics a" including Samrat Choudhary a" have emerged from what he described as Lalu Prasadas school of politics.

He pointed out that Lalu Prasad had played a role in shaping the early political careers of several leaders, asserting that this influence continues to define Biharas political landscape.

In a sharp concluding remark, Tejashwi Yadav alleged that Bihar would now effectively be governed from outside the state, suggesting external political control over decision-making.

The statement of Tejashwi Yadav came after the BJP Legislative Party elected Samrat Choudhary as the new leader of the BJP, and he is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Bihar.

With the resignation of Nitish Kumar, Samrat Choudhary will take charge of the office of the Chief Minister soon. Biharas political atmosphere has become increasingly charged.

As parties trade sharp statements, all eyes are now on the formal announcement of the new government.
New Delhi, April 14 : The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, on Tuesday approved the appointment of two advocates as judges of the Kerala High Court.

In a statement, the Collegium said that in its meeting held on April 14, it approved the proposal for the appointment of advocates Preeta Aravindan Krishnamma and Liz Mathew Anthraper as judges of the Kerala High Court.

"The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on 14th April, 2026, has approved the proposal for appointment of the following Advocates as Judges of the High Court of Kerala: (i) Smt. Preeta Aravindan Krishnamma, and (ii) Smt. Liz Mathew Anthraper," the statement said.

The SC Collegium, headed by the CJI and comprising senior-most judges of the apex court, is responsible for making recommendations for appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary.

As per the memorandum of procedure (MoP) governing the appointment of High Court judges, the proposal for the appointment should be initiated by the Chief Justice. If the Chief Minister wishes to recommend any name, it must be forwarded to the Chief Justice for consideration. The Governor, as advised by the Chief Minister, should forward his recommendation along with the entire set of papers to the Union Minister of Law & Justice as early as possible, but not later than six weeks from the date of receipt of the proposal from the Chief Justice of the High Court.

The proposal is then reviewed by the Centre along with other background inputs before being sent to the CJI, who consults the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court before finalising a recommendation.

Following the consultations, the CJI will, in the course of 4 weeks, send his recommendation to the Union Minister of Law & Justice. As per the MoP, as soon as the warrant of appointment is signed by the President, the Secretary of the Department of Justice will inform the Chief Justice, and a copy of such communication will be sent to the Chief Minister. He will also announce the appointment and issue the necessary notification in the Gazette of India.

--IANS

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New Delhi, April 14 : Airlines continue to operate from the Gulf countries where airspace remains open with around 100 flights expected to arrive in India from the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Airlines are operating limited non-scheduled commercial flights based on operational and safety considerations, the statement said.

Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to destinations in India. With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 10 flights to India on Tuesday.

Kuwait airspace remains closed. Jazeera Airways of Kuwait and Kuwait Airways are operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India. Travel of Indian nationals to India from Kuwait continues to be facilitated through Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain airspace is open. Gulf Air is expected to begin limited flight operations from Bahrain to India soon and is currently operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India. Travel of Indian nationals from Bahrain continues to be facilitated through Saudi Arabia to India.

Embassy in Tehran has so far facilitated movement of 2,313 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. This includes 1028 Indian students and 657 Indian fishermen.

Israel airspace is partially open with restricted flight operations. Travel of Indian nationals is being facilitated from Israel, through Jordan and Egypt to India.

"Iraq airspace is open. Iraqi Airways has resumed flights to India. Travel of Indian nationals continues to be facilitated from Iraq, through Jordan and Saudi Arabia to India," the ministry said.

Around 9,55,000 passengers have travelled from the Gulf region to India since February 28, when the Iran war started.

The ministry is also in regular contact with State Governments and Union Territories for better sharing of information and coordination. Efforts remain focused on ensuring the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region, the statement added.

Indian Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals. They remain in close contact with the local Governments.

Updated advisories are being issued regularly, including information on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations and consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken to support the Indian community.

The missions remain actively engaged with Indian community associations, professional groups, Indian companies and other stakeholders in the region, the statement added.
Bengaluru, April 14 : Minister for Waqf and Housing Zameer Ahmad Khan on Tuesday clarified that he does not see himself as the supreme leader of the Muslim community, dismissing speculation about his political ambitions amid the Davanagere South bypoll developments.a Bengaluru, April 14 (IANS) Minister for Waqf and Housing Zameer Ahmad Khan on Tuesday clarified that he does not see himself as the supreme leader of the Muslim community, dismissing speculation about his political ambitions amid the Davanagere South bypoll developments.

It can be noted that the Congress party relieved MLC Naseer Ahmad from the post of Chief Minister's Political Advisor and accepted the resignation of State Minority Department President, MLC K. Abdul Jabbar, for not working for the Congress candidate in Davanagere South. Insiders say that Minister Zameer was behind them, and a section of the party is demanding strong action against him as well.

Zameer, considered a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was responding to rumours that he had attempted to trigger dissent among minority leaders to position himself as a dominant leader within the community.

He said, "I have never aspired to become one. I am only a servant working for the people and a Congress party worker. There is nothing wrong with asking for a ticket for Muslims."

Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, he maintained that he had been transparent and had openly expressed his views during a KPCC meeting. He clarified that he did not specifically propose the name of Congress MLC K. Abdul Jabbar for the Davanagere South constituency, but had suggested that instead of Jabbar, the ticket could be given to any one among the seven Muslim aspirants.

He added that Jabbar had already resigned when the developments took place and that he was not present at the time. "I came to know later about his resignation. I am also not aware of the reasons behind Naseer Ahmad being dropped from the Chief Minister's secretary post," he said.

Zameer said he would meet the Chief Minister to seek clarity on the developments. "I was informed that certain decisions were taken because I did not visit Davanagere. The Chief Minister has called me, and I am on my way to meet him," he said.

Responding to allegations of anti-party activities, he questioned whether anyone had directly named him. He admitted there was dissatisfaction among local Muslims over the denial of a ticket for the Davanagere South seat, but said the issue had been resolved and that the party had finalised its candidate. "We are confident of winning. I am just an ordinary party worker," he said.

He further clarified that the discussions were not held behind closed doors. Referring to a meeting convened by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar before elections, he said all local and minority leaders from Davanagere were present.

"I openly stated that just as we secured a ticket for a Muslim candidate in Shiggaon, the party should consider giving an opportunity in Davanagere as well. I suggested that the ticket be given to any of the seven applicants," he said.

Zameer also claimed that he had assured the leadership of victory. "I even said that if I fail to ensure a win, I will resign. There was no secrecy in our discussions. While it was initially appropriate to consider Jabbar, the final decision lies with the high command. Once it was felt that he may not be the right choice, we suggested giving the ticket to another aspirant," he explained.

On reports of internal discord, Zameer said MLC Jabbar had expressed disappointment after Minister S.S. Mallikarjun, the father of the Congress candidate, reportedly visited a neighbouring house rather than his residence.

"He felt hurt and was reluctant to participate in campaigning. He also cited health reasons while speaking to the media," Zameer said.

"I had advised him to actively participate in party work, but he said he was upset over the incident," he added.

Regarding MLC Naseer Ahmad, Zameer said he had been assigned responsibilities in Bagalkot. "He had expressed willingness to visit Davanagere but was asked to focus on his assigned work. He had informed the Chief Minister that he would visit later," he said.

Asserting unity within the party, Zameer said all minority leaders were working together. "If anyone alleges conspiracy or betrayal, they should name those involved. I was deputed by the high command as a star campaigner for Kerala and acted as per the Chief Minister's directions. I briefly visited Davanagere, met local leaders, and addressed the media before returning to my assigned responsibilities," he said.

Reiterating his stand, he said, "There was dissatisfaction initially, but it has been resolved. We are confident of a 100 per cent victory in Davanagere. I have never projected myself as a leader. I am a public servant."

He also dismissed allegations that he was lobbying for a key ministerial position. "It is natural for anyone to aspire to become a minister. I had that aspiration, and I have achieved it. I do not know who they are directed at. Those making such claims should name individuals," he said.

Zameer added that he had fulfilled his responsibilities, including campaigning commitments. "I was assigned duties in Kerala until April 7, but returned earlier as directed by the Chief Minister. After seeking permission from party leadership, I visited Davanagere," he said.

In response to speculation about a conspiracy against him, he said such developments are common in politics.

"Everyone makes their own efforts. Let them. If others become ministers, I will be happy for them," he added.


Seoul, April 14 : South Korea will attend a multilateral meeting this week on joint efforts to stabilise the Strait of Hormuz, including ways to ensure free and safe passage through the waterway in the event of an end to the Middle East conflict, officials said Tuesday.

The online meeting, set for late Wednesday (Seoul time), is a follow-up to the Britain-led ministerial meeting of more than 40 countries that took place earlier this month regarding the maritime chokepoint where thousands of vessels and crew remain stranded, Yonhap News Agency reported.

South Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hae will participate in the virtual gathering, which will be led by Britain and France.

"While it is difficult to speed up discussions since the conflict has yet to come to an end, the objective of the meeting is to identify concrete measures to stabilise the strait after the conflict, through coordination in diplomatic and military tracks," a foreign ministry official said.

Following the last meeting on April 2, the participants called for an "immediate and unconditional" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and discussed possible collective action, including through the United Nations, to urge Iran to allow unimpeded transit through the shipping lane, the chair's statement read.

The meeting also called for working together to secure the release of ships and sailors stranded in the strait, and restore the movement of vessels, as well as to ensure coherent and timely information sharing in coordination with shipping operators and industry bodies.

The upcoming meeting comes as Seoul is believed to have shared information with Tehran about its ships and crew stranded in the strait, in an apparent move aimed at securing their passage during the two-week ceasefire.

However, the situation remains volatile after the peace talks between the United States and Iran failed to reach a deal. The US announcement of its Navy-led blockade of the shipping route is also seen as adding to the complexity of the issue.

South Korea has also participated in a France-led top military officials' meeting on March 26, as well as a separate meeting involving military planners and other experts the following week.
Saharanpur, April 14 : The newly-inaugurated Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, built at an estimated cost of over Rs 12,000 crore, has received an enthusiastic response from youth, women, and elderly citizens from Saharanpur, who say the project will significantly ease travel and boost development while ensuring safety of wildlife.

Saharanpur, April 14 (IANS) The newly-inaugurated DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor, built at an estimated cost of over Rs 12,000 crore, has received an enthusiastic response from youth, women, and elderly citizens from Saharanpur, who say the project will significantly ease travel and boost development while ensuring safety of wildlife.

Local residents described the corridor as a transformative initiative that will not only reduce travel time but also enhance connectivity and open new avenues of economic growth in Uttarakhand and the national Capital.

Launched on the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the project has been widely hailed as a major public welfare initiative. Locals believe that the improved connectivity will send a positive message to the youth by creating better access to education, employment, and healthcare opportunities.

Parallel infrastructure developments such as the Maa Shakambhari Corridor and the Sarsawa Air Terminal have further amplified the impact of the project.

Residents expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what they termed a "historic gift" to the region.

Young people, in particular, highlighted the benefits of reduced travel time. "Earlier, travelling to Delhi or Dehradun for studies would take four to six hours, which was exhausting and time-consuming. Now, with the new corridor, travel will become much faster, safer, and more convenient," a student told IANS.

Many also pointed out that the improved road infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce accidents. With better road conditions and streamlined traffic movement, daily commuters anticipate a more reliable and stress-free journey.

The corridor has also drawn attention for being developed as Asia's largest wildlife corridor, aimed at ensuring the safe movement of animals. Locals noted that earlier, wild animals frequently strayed onto highways, leading to accidents and loss of animal life.

"The biggest happiness for me is that PM Modi has not only thought about humans but also about animals," a youth said. "Earlier, animals crossing the road often led to accidents. Now, they will be able to move freely without harm."

Elderly citizens and women also welcomed the project, recalling the hardships faced in the past due to long travel hours and frequent traffic disruptions. They said that in medical emergencies, delays caused by traffic jams often proved critical.

"Reaching Dehradun earlier would take several hours, and accidents were common. In emergencies, patients sometimes lost their lives due to delays. Now, this expressway will make travel faster and more comfortable," a local resident said.

A retired Army personnel also recounted the difficulties during the monsoon season. "Sometimes during heavy rains, people from Dehradun would get stranded on one side, while those from Saharanpur remained stuck on the other. Landslides would block the roads, making movement impossible," he told IANS.

With the operationalisation of the corridor, residents are optimistic that such challenges will now be a thing of the past. They believe the project marks a significant step towards modern infrastructure development while also balancing environmental concerns.

The DelhiDehradun Economic Corridor is expected to not only transform regional connectivity but also act as a catalyst for tourism, trade, and overall socio-economic progress in northern India.
Washington, April 14 : The rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have yet to translate into measurable gains in global productivity, even as the technology holds the potential to significantly boost economic growth in the coming years, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said.

Speaking during a group interview with reporters from India, Japan, the UAE, the Netherlands and Chile, IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas said current macroeconomic data does not yet reflect the impact of AI adoption.

"Our assessment right now is that we don't yet see productivity gains at a macro level coming from AI in the numbers we have," Gourinchas said.

He noted that while technological progress has been striking, its widespread deployment remains limited.

"We've been absolutely impressed by the progress but we're not yet seeing the macroeconomic implication," he said.

Despite the absence of visible gains so far, the IMF sees AI as a significant upside risk for future growth.

"Our estimates can go from 0.1 to 0.4" percentage points increase in productivity growth annually, he said, adding that some projections are even higher.

However, Gourinchas cautioned that the transition could bring disruptions, particularly in labour markets.

"There might be some signs that there is a little bit of a softening" in hiring, especially for entry-level positions, he said, pointing to early indications of AI's impact on employment.

While dismissing the likelihood of permanent mass unemployment, he said the nature of jobs is likely to change significantly.

"We don't anticipate that AI will create a mass unemployment," he said, adding that "the jobs that will exist will be very different."

He warned that the transition period could be uneven. "The old jobs are destroyed before the new jobs are created," he said, highlighting the risk of temporary labour market disruption.

Another major concern flagged by the IMF is the possibility of financial instability linked to excessive investment and inflated valuations in the AI sector.

"You could have a situation where the market got ahead of itself," Gourinchas said, noting that multiple firms are currently attracting large-scale funding in a highly competitive environment.

"Maybe there's room for one or two and all the others will just bite the dust," he said, warning of potential overinvestment and misallocation of capital.

Such a scenario could trigger a broader financial correction. "There could be massive repricing of valuations," he said, drawing parallels with past episodes such as the dot-com bubble.

If leveraged investments are involved, the risks could extend to the banking system. "If they've borrowed to finance their investments then the banks have a problem," he said.

The IMF's assessment highlights both the transformative potential and the inherent risks associated with AI as it becomes more deeply integrated into the global economy.

While technological innovation continues to drive optimism about future productivity gains, the pace of adoption and the distribution of benefits remain uncertain.

Policymakers and businesses are increasingly focused on ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the skills needed to adapt to changing job requirements, while regulators are monitoring financial markets for signs of excess.

As AI continues to evolve, its long-term economic impact will depend on how effectively economies manage both the opportunities and the disruptions it brings.
Patna, March 14 : The story of Siraj Ansari, hailing from Bihar's Sheikhpura district, is a testimony to how sincere endeavour, coupled with government assistance, can turn into a life-changing experience for novice entrepreneurs.a Patna, March 14 (IANS) The story of Siraj Ansari, hailing from Biharas Sheikhpura district, is a testimony to how sincere endeavour, coupled with government assistance, can turn into a life-changing experience for novice entrepreneurs.a

Siraj, despite being a graduate and having worked for a private firm in Delhi, was left jobless during the COVID-19 pandemic. a

He was forced to do menial work for a livelihood, but today his fledgling enterprise, funded by government assistance, has become talk of the town, inspiring many fellow villagers to follow his footsteps.a

Many youngsters, wandering in search of employment, are in awe of him and want to replicate his feat.a

Siraj built his enterprise with assistance under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and is employing many others in the village.a

Notably, the PMEGP is a central government scheme that assists prospective beneficiaries in establishing new microenterprises, primarily with small project costs, facilitated by small loans.a

After completing his studies, Siraj Ansari moved to Delhi, where he worked for a company for nearly four years. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was compelled to return to his native village. a

When he failed to find employment locally, he started a small tent-house business. Due to meagre earnings, he found it difficult to support his family.a

During this period, he learned about the PMEGP scheme from a friend, which offers loans accompanied by subsidies.a

He contacted the concerned department to avail the benefits and secured a loan of approximately a10 lakhs in his wife, Yasmin Parveen's, name.a

With this financial assistance, he established a large tent house warehouse near the New Bus Stand in Sheikhpura city. Today, his business is flourishing; not only is it earning a better livelihood for his family, but it is also providing employment to eight other individuals.a

Speaking to IANS, he expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and heaped praise on the scheme for helping youth find their footing in the entrepreneurial realm.a

He also appealed to young people to stop wandering in search of jobs and instead take advantage of government schemes to start their own ventures and become self-reliant.a
New Delhi, April 14 : A fire broke out at Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD's industrial park in Shenzhen on Tuesday morning, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.

New Delhi, April 14 (IANS) A fire broke out at Chinese electric vehicle maker BYDas industrial park in Shenzhen on Tuesday morning, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.

According to the company, the blaze originated in a parking garage area used for storing test and scrapped vehicles. The fire was quickly brought under control, and no casualties were reported. BYDas global headquarters is located in Shenzhenas Pingshan district, where the incident occurred.

Visuals from the site showed flames engulfing a large section of the multi-storey structure, as fire trucks and police personnel rushed to the scene. Emergency teams worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further within the facility.

Initial findings from local fire authorities, corroborated by the company, ruled out any battery-related safety concerns. Investigations indicated that the blaze was triggered by improper external construction activity, and there was no evidence of self-ignition or defects in BYDas mass-produced vehicles.

Authorities and BYD sought to reassure the public, emphasising that the incident was operational in nature and did not affect customer vehicles or pose a broader safety risk.

While described as an isolated event, the incident comes against the backdrop of previous reports involving BYD vehicles. These include a fire involving a Qin Pro model in Beijing in 2021, as well as earlier cases reported in Shenzhen, Yantai and Yuncheng in 2020. In another instance in September 2023, a BYD ATTO 3 in Thailand emitted smoke while charging. An investigation later attributed the issue to a damaged wire connected to the 12-volt battery, leading to heat buildup and refrigerant leakage, rather than an actual fire.

The latest incident is unlikely to have a significant impact on BYDas operations, the firm said.
New Delhi, April 14 : The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, has recommended the appointment of five additional judges as permanent judges in the high courts of Telangana and Bombay.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the apex court Collegium said that in its meeting held on April 14, it approved the proposal for the appointment of Justices Yara Renuka, Nandikonda Narsing Rao, E. Tirumala Devi, and B.R. Madhusudhan Rao as permanent judges of the Telangana High Court.

"The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on 14th April, 2026, has approved the proposal for appointment of the following Additional Judges as Permanent Judges of the High Court for the State of Telangana: (i) Smt. Justice Yara Renuka, (ii) Shri Justice Nandikonda Narsing Rao, (iii) Smt. Justice E. Tirumala Devi, and (iv) Shri Justice B.R. Madhusudhan Rao," the statement said.

In a separate statement, the Collegium also approved the proposal for the appointment of additional judge, Justice Manjusha Ajay Deshpande, as Permanent Judge of the Bombay High Court.

"The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting held on 14th April, 2026, has approved the proposal for the appointment of Smt. Justice Manjusha Ajay Deshpande, Additional Judge as Permanent Judge of the High Court of Bombay," it added.

The Chief Justice and Judges of the High Courts are appointed by the President under clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution. While recommending the appointment of an Additional Judge as a Permanent Judge, the Chief Justice of the High Court is required to furnish detailed statistics, including month-wise disposal of cases and judgments delivered by the judge concerned, as well as the number of cases reported in law journals, duly certified by them.

The data must also include information regarding the total number of working days, the number of days the judge actually attended court, and the days of absence during the relevant period for which disposal statistics are submitted. Additional Judges are appointed by the President under clause (1) of Article 224 of the Constitution.

--IANS

pds/vd
Islamabad, April 14 : Sisters of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan were once again denied a meeting with their brother at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail on Tuesday, local media reported.

The authorities did not allow Imran Khan's sisters to enter the jail, following which they returned to the checkpost where they are usually stopped by police, Pakistan's leading daily Dawn reported.

aUsually, police do not allow us to proceed onward and the jail administration informs the court that we did not arrive because of which the meeting could not be arranged. This time we reached outside the gate of Adiala jail and informed them that we are here," said Khan's sister Aleema.

She stated that they made sure that their faces were recorded in the CCTV footage so that the jail authorities will not be able to deny their presence.

When asked how they were able to reach the jail's main gate, they refused to reveal it, saying that it would then become difficult to do the same again, Dawn reported.

"We could have stayed there but police officials asked us to leave because their jobs would be in danger otherwise." Aleema Khan mentioned that 51 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers were arrested during a protest outside the jail last week and efforts were being made to secure their release.

The Islamabad High Court has allowed Imran Khan's family, lawyers and associates to meet him twice a week. However, the former PM has largely been restricted from meeting them for past several months.

Last month, Khan's son, Kasim, termed his father's detention "arbitrary" and raised serious concerns over the Pakistani authorities' treatment which he said breaches international human rights conventions.

During the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session in Geneva, Kasim Khan said that Imran Khan's case was not an "isolated incident" but it was the "most visible example" of a much wider pattern of repression in Pakistan since 2022. He spoke about the detention of political prisoners, trial and conviction of civilians by military courts and journalists being "silenced, abducted or driven into exile," Dawn reported.

Kasim Khan, who said that his father was being held in solitary confinement, also spoke about the general elections held in Pakistan in February 2024, reiterating PTI's allegations that polls were rigged. He said that Pakistan had made commitments under the GSP-plus framework to uphold international human rights conventions, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Convention against Torture.

He said that Imran Khan is not allowed to meet his family and being denied medical care. He also highlighted that the trial of civilians in military courts violated treaty obligations, Dawn reported.

"My brother and I are not political people. We never wanted to come before bodies like this. [But] my fatheras life demands that we take action. We cannot stand by as his health deteriorates and he is kept away from us. If the situation were reversed, we know he would not stop fighting until we were free. That is the very least we can do for him," he added.
Islamabad, April 14 : Pakistani forces, while conducting counter-terrorism campaigns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, have many times been accused of using lethal force in ways that have repeatedly killed several innocent civilians, including women and children, a report has revealed.

"International human-rights organizations and independent reporting point to airstrikes, drone attacks and ground operations that blur the line between lawful targetting of armed groups and unlawful, or at least reckless, attacks on civilians, especially in tribal districts such as North Waziristan and Khyber. The result is a climate in which Pashtun communities feel simultaneously trapped between militant violence and state firepower, while accountability for civilian deaths remains virtually absent," a report in Greece-based Directus mentioned.

In 2025, at least 30 people were killed, including women and children, when Pakistan Air Force JFa'17 fighter jets at around 2 am reportedly dropped eight LSa'6 precisiona'guided bombs on the Matre Dara village in the Tirah Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in an overnight airstrike. Images and videos from the site showed bodies of young children and adults scattered among the rubble. According to local residents, no militants were present there at the time of the strike.

Human rights activists contended that even if Pakistan believed Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) fighters were nearby, the scale of harm caused to civilians indicated Islamabad's failure to apply the principles of distinction and proportionality required under international humanitarian law.

In 2025, Amnesty International condemned what it termed an "alarming disregard for civilian life" in drone strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that repeatedly killed civilians, including children, according to the report in Directus. The organisation documented several strikes in 2025 and mentioned that Pakistani authorities had acknowledged some civilian deaths but often blamed them on militant attacks or misrepresented the victims as combatants. The organisation had demanded transparent probe, public disclosure of targeting process and compensation for families of victims.

"Women, while less frequently the explicit focus of reporting, bear a heavy share of the toll, both as direct victims and as those left to shoulder the social and economic fallout after male relatives are killed. In Matre Dara, among the roughly 30 civilians killed, multiple reports and eyewitness accounts noted that women were among the dead when homes were bombed as families slept," the Directus report mentioned.

"In other cases, such as Pakistani bombing raids across the border in Afghanistan's Khost province after a suicide attack in Peshawar, at least one woman and nine children were killed when a family home was struck, highlighting how cross-border operations linked to KP's security dynamics can still inflict lethal harm on women and children from Pashtun communities. These incidents underscore that female casualties are not incidental anomalies but recurring outcomes of how force is applied in densely populated or rural residential areas," it added.

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police statistics, from January-August 2025, the province recorded 605 terror incidents, which claimed the lives of 138 civilians and 79 police personnel. These statistics do not separate deaths caused by militants from those attributable to state actions, however, they indicate the scale of lethal violence in which children and women are often caught.

As per the report, analysts argued that official statistics routinely undercount or obscure civilian casualties from state operations as deaths are not formally recorded or victims are mislabelled as militants in official documents.
Thrissur : April 14 (IANS) Senior Congress leader and CWC member Ramesh Chennithala on Tuesday exuded confidence that the United Democratic Front (UDF) will return to power in Kerala with a massive majority, citing a strong anti-incumbency wave and a unified campaign steered by senior party leader Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing the media in Thrissur, Chennithala said the people of Kerala are seeking a decisive political change after a decade of Left rule.

"The figures projected by the CPI-M are inflated and meant only to boost cadre morale. The ground reality is different as there is a clear mood for change," he said, dismissing claims made by Left leaders.

The Left have claimed they are returning to power for a record third time.

Chennithana attributed the Congress-led alliance's momentum entirely to Rahul Gandhi's leadership, noting that the former Congress President maintained close oversight of the campaign from the outset.

"He ensured coordination by bringing leaders together in Delhi, fostering unity along with the Congress president, and issuing clear directions for collective functioning. He reviewed progress at every stage," Chennithala said.

He also highlighted the role of party General Secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi and the central leadership in shaping a cohesive and media-savvy campaign strategy.

According to Chennithala, the Congress in Kerala presented a united front, while the UDF functioned with organisational cohesion.

As chairman of the Campaign Committee, he said the alliance executed a near-flawless campaign, adapting to modern media dynamics and voter outreach methods.

"There is a strong pro-UDF wave. We are aiming for 100 seats," he said.

He underscored that anti-incumbency sentiment against the state government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was evident across districts.

"Having travelled extensively and engaged with voters, it was clear that public sentiment is firmly in favour of the UDF," he added.

Chennithala also launched a sharp attack on the BJP, condemning recent remarks by its leaders against the Christian Church and clergy.

"Criticism and hostility directed at bishops, priests, and nuns are unacceptable in our society. Religious leaders have the right to express their views and guide their communities," he said, warning that Kerala would strongly resist any attempts to replicate incidents of violence against Christians reported in parts of north India.

He further alleged that the ruling front's associations with outfits like SDPI and PDP would not be accepted by the electorate.

"Such opportunistic alliances expose the extent to which they are willing to go for votes," he said.

On internal party matters, Chennithala maintained that the Congress high command is fully capable of resolving issues through its established mechanisms, urging the media not to overinterpret social media narratives.
New Delhi, April 14 : Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) T.S. Sandhu on Tuesday joined Baisakhi celebrations, calling for mentoring the youth for preserving our rich cultural legacy.

In a message on social media platform X, Delhi L-G Sandhu said, "Delighted to join the Annual Baisakhi celebrations organised by the International Punjabi Society at the India International Centre today."

"Baisakhi is far more than a harvest festival -- it is a vibrant celebration of resilience, perseverance, and the indomitable Punjabi spirit of building communities wherever one goes," he noted.

"From shaping Delhi's historical fabric to driving its modern-day growth, the contributions of the Punjabi community in trade, industry, and the ethos of selfless 'sewa' have been foundational to the identity of our National Capital," the L-G said.

"As we celebrate our shared heritage, let us renew our commitment to transforming individual success into collective strength -- by mentoring our youth, supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, and preserving our rich cultural legacy for generations to come," he added.

"May the spirit of Baisakhi continue to inspire unity, compassion, and progress in all that we do," L-G Sandhu said on X.

Earlier on Tuesday, the L-G described the newly inaugurated Delhia"Dehradun Economic Corridor as a game-changer, hoping that it will serve as an "artery of progress" to enhance the ease of living for millions of National Capital Region (NCR) residents.a

In a message on X, T.S. Sandhu said, "The inauguration of the Delhia"Dehradun Economic Corridor by the Prime Minister @narendramodiJi marks yet another historic milestone in India's infrastructure journey. This Rs 11,868 crore mega project stands as a powerful testament to his transformative vision, coupled with the dynamic execution led by the Union Minister @nitin_gadkari Ji, bringing world-class connectivity closer to citizens."

The Delhi L-G noted, "For the residents of Delhi, this expressway is truly a game-changer. It will reduce travel time to Dehradun from nearly 6 hours to just over 2.5 hours. With seamless, signal-free connectivity beginning from key points such as Akshardham, Geeta Colony, and Shastri Park, it promises to significantly decongest city roads while catalysing regional trade, tourism, and economic activity."
Imphal, April 14 : At least 18 civilians, including five women, were injured and a mob set fire to two security force vehicles in Manipur's Bishnupur district on Tuesday, officials said.a Imphal, April 14 (IANS) At least 18 civilians, including five women, were injured and a mob set fire to two security force vehicles in Manipuras Bishnupur district on Tuesday, officials said.a

The mob violence erupted following the seizure of a large quantity of drugs from a suspected drug peddler at the Imphal airport.a

A senior police official stated that, acting on credible intelligence, a joint operation by the Central Industrial Security Force and Airport Police was carried out at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal, leading to the arrest of a suspected drug peddler, identified as Mohammad Sabir Ahamed, a resident of Moirang sub-division in Bishnupur district.a

Following a thorough examination of Ahamedas checked-in baggage, approximately 6.74 kg (including container weight) of suspected brown sugar, concealed inside six containers, was detected and seized. The accused, along with the seized contraband, was handed over to Singjamei Police Station, where a case has been registered for further investigation.a

During preliminary interrogation, the accused revealed information about a concealed cache of arms and ammunition in the Kwakta area of Bishnupur district. Acting on this input, security forces moved towards the location.a

However, while en route near Thinungei in Bishnupur district, the security team's movement was obstructed by local residents due to the spread of mischievous, unverified rumours about the identity and purpose of the personnel.a

A mob soon gathered and blocked the security vehicles. The situation escalated when some members of the crowd turned violent, damaging and setting ablaze two vehicles associated with the security personnel. There were also attempts to detain the personnel, further aggravating the situation.a

Additional forces were immediately rushed to the area. According to the police official, the crowd was dispersed using the minimum necessary force, including tear gas, to restore law and order.a

During the incident, 18 civilians, including five women, sustained injuries, and necessary medical assistance was provided.a

In connection with the mob violence, four individuals have been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to identify others involved in arson, unlawful assembly, and obstruction of security forces. The investigation is currently in progress.a

To control the situation, a flag march was subsequently conducted by central and state forces in the area to maintain law and order.a

Police have strongly appealed to the public not to spread rumours or misinformation and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. Strict action will be taken against individuals involved in spreading rumours, arson, and violence, the official added.a

a
Kolkata, April 14 : The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday filed a complaint to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal against the District Electoral Officer (DEO) of Kolkata South over the latter's social media post released where a popular Bollywood song was used to spread the message of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure free and fair and violence-free elections in the forthcoming two-phased Assembly elections in the state scheduled later this month.

Kolkata, April 14 (IANS) The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday filed a complaint to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal against the District Electoral Officer (DEO) of Kolkata South over the latter's social media post released where a popular Bollywood song was used to spread the message of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure free and fair and violence-free elections in the forthcoming two-phased Assembly elections in the state scheduled later this month.

The song was "Hum Pyar Karne Wale Duniya Se Na Darne Wale" (We the lovebirds will not be scared of the world) from the movie 'Dil', which was released nationally in June 1990 and featured Aamir Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Anupam Kher, and Saeed Jaffrey, among others, in the lead roles.

Vibhu Goel, the DEO of Kolkata (South), uploaded this song on X, with the message being loud and clear that "just as the lovebirds are not scared of this world and the society, the ECI is also not bothered about the criticism it faces in the course of achieving its mission to ensure free, fair, and violence-free polls in West Bengal this time".

In the message attached with the video, the DEO of Kolkata South has also advised anti-social elements to be ready with "ointments like Burnol and Boroline to apply on the itching and burning sensations because of the counteractions by the security forces to prevent any attempt to disrupt the peaceful polling process".

The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday filed a complaint with the West Bengal CEO strongly objecting to the social media post by the DEO of Kolkata South.

"While the post ostensibly purports to encourage free and fair voting, it employs language that is manifestly threatening, coercive, and wholly unbecoming of a constitutional authority entrusted with the conduct of elections. The references to 'intimidators, hooligans, history sheeters and lumpens', coupled with statements advising such persons to 'keep sufficient stocks of burnol and boroline', and warning that they will 'burn from inside and remember it for lifetime', culminating in the assertion that even such remedies won't help when dealt with by the 'heavy hand of law' amount to veiled threats of harm and retribution issued from an official position of authority," the complaint letter from Trinamool Congress said, a copy of which is available with IANS.

According to the Trinamool Congress, the impugned post was in clear breach of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which mandates that no activity will be undertaken that aggravates existing differences or creates mutual hatred or tension between different groups.

"The statements contained in the impugned post also constitute criminal intimidation within the meaning of Section 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, since they amount to threats of injury intended to cause alarm and deter persons from acting in a particular manner. The invocation of the "heavy hand of law" in a threatening and personalised context, coupled with imagery of harm, goes beyond a legitimate advisory and enters the realm of coercion and intimidation," the letter said.

The ruling party's leadership in West Bengal had also requested the ECI to immediately direct the Kolkata South DEO to remove the social media post and initiate disciplinary action against him.
Aizawl, April 14 : In a significant step toward lasting peace, the Mizoram government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Settlement with the Lalhmingthanga Sanate-led faction of the Hmar People's Convention-Democratic (HPC-D (LF)), effectively bringing an end to years of insurgency in the state.a Aizawl, April 14 (IANS) In a significant step toward lasting peace, the Mizoram government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Settlement with the Lalhmingthanga Sanate-led faction of the Hmar People's Convention-Democratic (HPC-D (LF)), effectively bringing an end to years of insurgency in the state.

A senior Home Department official said the agreement outlines a comprehensive development roadmap for the Hmar-dominated Sinlung Hills Council region in north and northeastern Mizoram. 

The plan includes enhanced budgetary allocations, a special development package, infrastructure upgrades, and improved connectivity.

The agreement was signed by Home Department Secretary David Lalthantluanga on behalf of the Mizoram government and by Lalhmingthanga Sanate, President of HPC-D (LF), representing the group. 

The signing ceremony was attended by MLA and Adviser to the Chief Minister (Political) Lalmuanpuia Punte, and Deputy Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Rodingliana Chawngthu, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Lalmuanpuia Punte noted that unrest often arises when development expectations are unmet. 

He expressed optimism that the agreement would usher in meaningful progress and highlighted the significance of signing the accord publicly at Sakawrdai, unlike previous agreements that had limited public awareness. Punte also welcomed the end of factional divisions within the Hmar community in Mizoram.

Home Secretary David Lalthantluanga described the accord as a milestone in Mizoram's journey toward peace and stability. He recalled that the HPC was formed in 1986, and a peace agreement was signed with them in 1994. 

Further, in 2018, an agreement was signed with HPC (D), a faction that broke away from HPC, and on Tuesday, another agreement was signed with another breakaway group, HPC-D (LF).

The senior IAS official expressed relief that there are no longer any armed insurgent groups remaining in Mizoram. With this latest pact, he stated, no armed insurgent groups remain active in the state.

The Home Secretary also announced that a peace camp will be set up near Mauchar village for HPC-D (LF) cadres, and a formal "laying of arms" ceremony is scheduled for April 30, 2026. 

He commended Lalhmingthanga Sanate and his group for renouncing violence and choosing a peaceful path.

Sanate, in his remarks, said the group's 33-year struggle involved significant sacrifices. He thanked the state leadership and expressed confidence that the government would prioritise development in Hmar-inhabited areas. He also assured full cooperation in implementing the agreement.

The Mizoram government began engaging with HPC-D (LF) in mid-2024, identifying it as the last active underground armed group in the state. Multiple rounds of talks were held between September 2024 and March 2026, culminating in the final agreement on Tuesday.

The ceremony was chaired by Joint Secretary (Home) P.C. Lalduhthlanga, with Rev. Langhmingthang Joute delivering the invocation. Senior officials, community leaders, and representatives from various organisations, including the Sinlung Hills Council and Hmar groups, were present.

As per the agreement, 43 members of HPC-D (LF) will surrender their arms at a formal ceremony on April 30 at the Central Training Institute, Sesawng.

With this accord, Mizoram moves closer to sustained peace and inclusive development, in line with its long-term vision of "Transform Mizoram 2047."
New Delhi/Kolkata, April 14 : BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj strongly defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi while speaking to the media.a New Delhi/Kolkata, April 14 (IANS) BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj strongly defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and launched a sharp attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi while speaking to the media.

She asserted that PM Modi never compromises on national interest or his core principles, in contrast to what she described as Rahul Gandhi's "confused" approach to politics.

"I would like to remind Rahul Gandhi that the voters  the true deities of this nation  have repeatedly delivered their mandate in recognition of Modi Ji's tireless efforts, his visionary developmental policies, and the profound trust they place in the Modi government," Bansuri Swaraj said.

Highlighting the electoral record, she noted that in as many as 95 elections across the country, the Indian electorate has consistently rejected Rahul Gandhi's divisive politics.

"However, I feel that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Party will not learn any lessons. They seem determined to complete a full 'century' of defeats," she remarked with sarcasm.

Bansuri Swaraj expressed regret over the language being used by the Leader of the Opposition. She said Rahul Gandhi's language is truly regrettable. 

While PM Modi continues to speak on behalf of the entire nation and works day and night for its progress, Modi Ji remains fully dedicated to serving the country with unwavering commitment, she added.

The BJP leader emphasised that PM Modi's focus remains solely on nation-building and delivering results, undeterred by political criticism or opposition rhetoric.

Her remarks come amid ongoing exchanges between the ruling BJP and the Congress, particularly after Rahul Gandhi's recent comments questioning the Prime Minister's stance on several issues.

Bansuri Swaraj's statement reinforces the BJP's long-standing narrative that the people of India have repeatedly endorsed PM Modi's leadership through successive electoral verdicts, while rejecting the Congress Party's approach under Rahul Gandhi.

She urged the opposition to reflect on these repeated rejections rather than persisting with what she called "divisive politics."

The daughter of late External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Bansuri Swaraj, is known for her sharp and articulate defence of the government.

Her latest comments are likely to intensify the political debate in the coming days as both sides prepare for future electoral and parliamentary battles.

Through her remarks, Bansuri Swaraj sought to highlight the contrast between PM Modi's development-oriented governance and what the BJP perceives as the Congress's defeatist politics.
Kolkata, April 14 : The Election Commission (EC) has removed the Inspector In-Charge (IC) of Beldanga police station in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, a poll panel official said on Tuesday.

On April 11, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Beldanga was also removed. This time the IC of the Beldanga police station has been removed by the EC.

The Commission said that Ashutosh Rai is being made the new IC of Beldanga police station. He was an Inspector of Howrah Police Commissionerate.

Animesh Dey had been in the post of Beldanga IC for a long time.

The Commission ordered his removal ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

Ashutosh Rai has been asked to take charge as the IC of Beldanga police station by Tuesday night.

On April 11, the Commission made several changes in Kolkata Police and the West Bengal Police.

Beldanga SDPO Uttam Garai was also under the transfer order. Anandjit Horke was made the new SDPO of Beldanga in his place.

In January, tension spread in Beldanga over the death of a migrant worker.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating the incident on the orders of the Supreme Court.

Questions were also raised about the role of the state police and administration in controlling the situation.

The ECI has been reshuffling bureaucrats and IPS officers in the state since the announcement of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

The Commission has removed several bureaucrats and police officers from their posts in the state from time to time.

The poll panel has made it clear that those who are being removed cannot be appointed for any election-related work in the state for the time being.

Polling will be held in 294 Assembly constituencies of West Bengal in two phases on April 23 and 29.

Murshidabad district will go to poll in the first phase.

Counting of votes will take place on May 4.
Bhubaneswar, April 14 : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Tuesday that B.R. Ambedkar is not merely a name, but an ideology that shows the path of equality.

The Chief Minister was speaking on the occasion of the state-level celebration of the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna B.R. Ambedkar held at Jayadev Bhawan here.

While addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi also announced that one Ambedkar Bhawan will be constructed at Kharavel Nagar in Bhubaneswar, and the General Administration and Public Grievance department has been instructed to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for it.

"Building a society based on equality and justice is the greatest tribute to Babasaheb. He fought throughout his life to bring equality in the society. The Indian Constitution ensures equal rights and justice for every citizen," he added.

The Chief Minister also noted that the development of Dalits, tribals, and backward classes has been made possible by the state government only due to the vision of Dr. Ambedkar.

He emphasised that without the upliftment of the most marginalised section, a 'Samruddha Odisha' cannot be achieved.

Highlighting the steps taken by the state government for the development of Dalits and other downtrodden people, the Chief Minister noted that since the formation of the present Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Odisha, most central schemes have been effectively implemented to safeguard the rights of Dalits and other marginalised communities.

He added that for the development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, more than Rs 6,649 crore has been allocated in the 2026a"27 budget.

Special focus is also being given to the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Describing the new reservation system in engineering and medical fields recently announced by the state government as a historic step, the Chief Minister said that talent is not confined to any caste or religion, and with the right opportunities, everyone can progress.

He noted that Dr. Ambedkar was posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna in 1990, at a time when the then government was supported by the BJP.

He alleged that despite being the architect of the Constitution and a champion of national unity, Ambedkar had been deliberately neglected in the past.

However, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office, efforts have been made to restore Ambedkar's legacy and honour.

Prime Minister Modi has developed five key sites associated with Ambedkar's life as "Panchteerth", Chief Minister Majhi said, adding that several schemes of the Narendra Modi government have helped realise Ambedkar's vision for India.
Ahmedabad, April 14 : Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Tuesday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party's unopposed victories on more than 300 seats in local body elections reflected the weakened position of opposition parties in the state, as he addressed campaign events across parts of Ahmedabad.

Sanghavi visited ward offices in Bapunagar and Sardarnagar and later addressed workers and residents at the India Colony ward office and a 'Vikas Sankalp Sabha' in Saijpur-Bogha.

"The BJP's unopposed victory on more than 300 seats has proved what the condition of Congress and other parties is in Gujarat. The unwavering trust of the people is only on the 'Lotus'," Sanghavi said.

Referring to recent political remarks, he alleged that opposition leaders had insulted Gujaratis and called on voters to respond through the ballot.

"Those who tamper with the pride of Gujarat will not be forgiven by the people. Leaders of the Congress, which has lost more than 99 elections under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, have once again abused Gujarat and Gujaratis," he said.

He added, "What is the fault of Gujaratis who work day and night to earn their livelihood and consider people across the country as their own family? Why are Gujarat Congress leaders silent on this insult?"

He urged voters to deliver "a fitting reply in the elections to those who have hurt Gujarat's pride".

Sanghavi also contrasted the current administration with past Congress rule.

"In the past, during Congress rule, Ahmedabad witnessed a dreadful situation of curfew and anarchy," he said.

He further added, "That situation has been transformed into good governance by the BJP government led by Narendra Modi and Amit Shah."

Highlighting law and order, he said, "Today, daughters can safely play garba till late at night, which is a result of BJP governance."

On the occasion of Dr B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Sanghavi referred to a recent event attended by Droupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

"For the first time in the country's history, leaders from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes sat and dined together with the President and the Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan," he said.

He also said that BJP workers remain available round the clock for public service.

"A BJP worker is present 24 hours a day to serve the people," he said, adding that "opposition offices are lying vacant".

Local party leaders, elected representatives, office-bearers and workers were present at the events.
New Delhi, April 14 : In a colourful and symbolic start to America's milestone anniversary, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor has begun the 'Freedom250 celebrations' from New Delhi, unveiling vibrant auto-rickshaws (autos) adorned with images of US President Donald Trump and iconic American symbols.

Taking to his official X account, Ambassador Gor expressed his excitement: "Thrilled to kick-off the #Freedom250 celebrations from New Delhi, previewing vibrant autos featuring @POTUS and iconic American images that will be rolled out across the city to mark the start of this special journey. As we celebrate America's 250th, we also honour the strength and dynamism of the US-India partnership. Stay tuned as #Freedom250 travels across India."

The initiative forms part of the nationwide Freedom250 (also known as America250 or Semiquincentennial) commemorations leading up to July 4, 2026 -- the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Across the US, the year-long festivities include major events, fireworks, educational programmes, and public displays honouring American history, innovation, and values of freedom.

In India, the campaign takes a unique, localised twist with eye-catching auto-rickshaws -- a staple of Delhi's bustling streets -- transformed into mobile canvases promoting US heritage.

These "vibrant autos" will navigate through New Delhi and eventually travel to other Indian cities, creating a visual bridge between the two democracies and engaging everyday citizens.

Ambassador Gor, who presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu in January 2026 after serving as Assistant to President Trump and Director of Presidential Personnel, has emphasised deepening bilateral ties in defence, trade, technology, critical minerals, and security.

His social media post on X underscores how the 250th anniversary serves as an opportunity to celebrate not just American independence but also the robust and dynamic US-India strategic partnership.

The two nations share a relationship described as one of the most consequential of the 21st century, anchored in shared democratic values, growing economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

With India and the US collaborating on supply chains, artificial intelligence, and regional stability, initiatives like #Freedom250 aim to bring these bonds closer to the public.

As the decorated autos roll out, they are expected to spark conversations among commuters, students, and tourists about the enduring friendship between Washington and New Delhi.

Officials have hinted at more events across India in the coming months as part of the global outreach for America's milestone birthday.

This creative public diplomacy move reflects the warmth in bilateral relations, especially under the personal rapport between US President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ambassador Gor's launch in New Delhi signals that "Freedom250" is not just an American celebration but a shared journey highlighting mutual respect, innovation, and a forward-looking partnership.

The campaign promises to travel beyond the national capital, offering Indians a glimpse of American icons while reinforcing the message of freedom, resilience, and collaboration that defines both nations.
Technology

Esetrix Launches as the Agentic Infrastructure Engine for Enterprise Marketplace Commerce

London, UK, April 2026 - Esetrix, the intelligent engine powering the next generation of enterprise marketplaces, has officially launched at www.esetrix.com. Built on technology developed and refined since 2018, Esetrix provides agentic marketplace infrastructure that enables retailers, brands, distributors, and importers to build, operate, and scale multi-vendor commerce environments.

Unlike traditional marketplace platforms that give operators tools to manage complexity, Esetrix removes the need to manage at all. Eight agentic modules operate as a unified infrastructure layer, autonomously governing suppliers, enriching catalogues with AI, routing multi-supplier orders, settling payments, and keeping inventory accurate in real time. Every module acts, decides, and optimises from live data. Exceptions are resolved before they reach the customer. Revenue scales without proportional operational cost.

The platform is already proven at scale, trusted by over 85,000 retailers and 450+ verified suppliers across high-volume, multi-channel commerce environments since 2019.

Tejas Dave, Founder and CEO of Esetrix, said:

"The first generation of marketplace platforms was built for human operators. Every process required someone to coordinate it. Esetrix is what comes next. We have built infrastructure that governs itself, so commercial teams can focus entirely on growth, supplier relationships, and strategy rather than managing operational complexity."

Eight Agentic Modules

Esetrix is structured around eight core modules that operate within a unified environment, each governing a specific dimension of marketplace commerce while sharing a single data layer:

Supplier network orchestration - Governs the entire supplier lifecycle from onboarding through performance monitoring, compliance, and SLA tracking.

- Governs the entire supplier lifecycle from onboarding through performance monitoring, compliance, and SLA tracking. Catalogue intelligence - AI-powered ingestion, enrichment, and standardisation of product data across the entire supplier base.

- AI-powered ingestion, enrichment, and standardisation of product data across the entire supplier base. Order lifecycle management - Agentic routing, splitting, tracking, and exception handling across multi-supplier fulfilment environments.

- Agentic routing, splitting, tracking, and exception handling across multi-supplier fulfilment environments. Payment and settlement - Automated commission calculation, multi-currency settlement, VAT handling, and reconciliation through Stripe, Adyen, TrustPay, and Ryft.

- Automated commission calculation, multi-currency settlement, VAT handling, and reconciliation through Stripe, Adyen, TrustPay, and Ryft. Inventory synchronisation - Real-time stock accuracy across all suppliers, channels, and fulfilment locations, with automated overselling prevention.

- Real-time stock accuracy across all suppliers, channels, and fulfilment locations, with automated overselling prevention. Service and returns governance - Centralised case management with automated supplier routing, SLA monitoring, and escalation pathways.

- Centralised case management with automated supplier routing, SLA monitoring, and escalation pathways. Commercial intelligence - Operator-level dashboards across GMV, commission revenue, supplier performance, and OTIF metrics.

- Operator-level dashboards across GMV, commission revenue, supplier performance, and OTIF metrics. Agentic automation engine - The AI coordination layer connecting all modules, making autonomous decisions across supplier evaluation, order routing, inventory adjustment, and exception handling.

Open Integration Architecture

Esetrix connects to the commerce infrastructure organisations already operate. Native integrations support Shopify, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, Boots, QVC, Very, and Next. Payment processing runs through Stripe, Adyen, TrustPay, and Ryft. Data exchange is supported across API, CSV, XML, JSON, EDI, and AS2 protocols. No re-platforming is required.

Proven Results from Live Deployments

BuyToGive onboarded over 1,000,000 products in 6 weeks and built a network of 100+ UK brands through the platform.

onboarded over 1,000,000 products in 6 weeks and built a network of 100+ UK brands through the platform. In The Style , one of the UK's most recognised fashion brands, added over 20 million worth of stock within 3 weeks.

, one of the UK's most recognised fashion brands, added over 20 million worth of stock within 3 weeks. The Roost reduced return rates from 22% to 2.7% while onboarding 100+ home furnishing brands.

reduced return rates from 22% to 2.7% while onboarding 100+ home furnishing brands. Popat Store became a market leader in its niche category within 6 months of launching on the infrastructure.

Deployment and Commercial Terms

Every Esetrix deployment is led directly by the Esetrix implementation team, with no systems integrator required. Most deployments reach go-live within 6 to 8 weeks from contract. The platform is designed for organisations with existing customer demand and a clear marketplace opportunity, including retailers expanding into multi-vendor models, brands launching curated marketplaces, distributors building B2B trade portals, and importers managing cross-border supplier networks.

About Esetrix

Esetrix is agentic marketplace infrastructure for enterprise commerce. Headquartered in London, UK, the platform is built on technology developed since 2018 and commercially deployed in high-volume, multi-channel environments since 2019. Esetrix is the trading name of Avasam Limited (Company No. 11556922).

Contact:
Business

Adella Pasos Launches Free Video Guide on How to Start a Jamaican Food Products Business Online

LOS ANGELES, CA  April 2026  Adella Pasos, a well-known entrepreneur and digital business strategist, has released a brand-new free video called How to Start a Jamaican Food Products Business Online. The video is now live on YouTube and is packed with easy-to-follow steps for anyone who wants to sell Jamaican food products and build a Caribbean food business on the internet.

The new video covers how to start an online food business from scratch. It walks viewers through the key steps of starting a Jamaican food brand, finding the right products to sell, setting up an online store, and marketing Caribbean food products to customers around the world. Whether someone is just getting started or wants to grow an existing Jamaican food business, this free video resource offers real, useful advice.

Adella Pasos is known for helping everyday people turn their ideas into real businesses. Her new tutorial on how to sell Jamaican food online is designed to be simple and easy to understand. It covers important topics like how to find a niche in the Caribbean food market, how to create a profitable product line, and how to use digital tools to grow a food business online.

Starting a Jamaican food products business online is one of the most exciting opportunities right now. There is a huge global demand for authentic Caribbean food products, and I want to help people understand exactly how to get their business off the ground and start making money online selling what they love.  Adella Pasos

The video is part of her popular show What's Your Game Plan TV, which gives free expert business advice, growth strategies, and digital marketing tips. The show is made for small business owners, food entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to start or grow an online business. Her content helps creators and brands build lasting companies in the digital economy.

This video is a great tool for people who want to enter the Jamaican food products market, learn how to do Caribbean food e-commerce, or grow a niche food brand online. It covers everything from product sourcing to digital marketing for food businesses, making it a must-watch for new and experienced food entrepreneurs alike.

Watch the full video youtube.com/watch?v=bTjzxwTqGbk

Brand partnerships & collaborations

Adella Pasos is actively seeking brand partnerships with businesses, tools, and platforms aligned with entrepreneurship, digital business, and the creator economy. If you have a business or tool you want to bring more awareness to, she invites you to reach out directly. She offers select partnerships including awards-season cultural activations and digital campaigns that connect your brand with a highly engaged entrepreneurial audience.

Contact Adella: adellapasos.com | adellapasos@gmail.com

About Adella Pasos

Adella Pasos is an entrepreneur, author, and digital business strategist focused on the creator economy, entrepreneurship, and modern digital ownership. Her work centers on helping individuals and brands convert influence into sustainable enterprise. She has grown brands from scratch and worked with startups, small businesses, and Fortune 500 corporations. Her show What's Your Game Plan TV features free expert advice, growth strategies, tips, trends, and tools to help any business succeed. She can be found on IMDB, Instagram, YouTube, and her official website.

Media contact

Global Business PR

West Hollywood, CA  United States

Phone 800-390-2302

Email jessmane@globalbusinesspr.com

Website globalbusinesspr.com




Each year, the Bologna Childrens Book Fair honors a half dozen publishers with the BOP  Bologna Prize for the Best Childrens Publishers of the Year. The award, created in collaboration with the Italian Publishers Association and the International Publishers Association in 2013, recognizes the best publishers from six regions worldwide: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Central and South America and the Caribbean, and Oceania. This year, a record 1,160 publishers were considered for the prizes, representing 100 countries, according to fair director Elena Pasoli.

The winners for 2026, the 14th edition of the award, were announced on Monday, April 13, at a ceremony at Palazzo Re Enzo, in Bolognas historic Piazza Maggiore. Lubna Jaffery, Norwegian Minister of Culture and Equality, aptly described the space as something straight out of a magical childrens book. Highlighting some of the programming that Norway has organized at the fair as this years guest-of-honor country, she said, The essence of Norwegian literature is freedom, imagination, and boldness.

The 2026 BOP winners, with citations from the fair, are:

Africa: Saaraba Editions (Senegal), founded in 2022, it is a subsidiary of the Editis group, the second-largest publishing group in France. The publisher was commended for its high-quality editorial program rooted locally and aligned with the lived experiences of Senegalese citizens.

Asia: Bronze Publishing (Japan), a Japanese publishing house based in Tokyo, specializes in illustrated books, including picture books and titles related to art and contemporary visual culture, with particular attention to graphic quality, visual storytelling, and themes related to everyday life and creative imagination.

Europe: Editions La Doux (France), founded by Karine Leclerc and Sophie Chanourdie, publishes childrens, YA, and crossover literature, that spans picture books and comics to novels and poetry. The jury praised its commitment to delivering immersive, creative and accessible reading experiences for all ages.

North America: The oldest English-language childrens publisher in Canada, Tundra Books was recognized for its distinguished board books, picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, illustrated nonfiction, and middle grade fiction.

Central, South America, and Caribbean: Lecturita Ediciones (Argentina), an independent Argentine publishing house, was lauded for its books that spark curiosity, convey joy, stimulate creativity, and invite reflection rather than offer solutions.

Oceania: Messy Press (New Zealand) is an international childrens publishing studio founded in 2025 by creative partners Erica Harrison and Adam Thompson, known for its lively and engaging illustrated nonfiction books, gift books, and activity books for young readers.

The event also included the presentation of the BolognaRagazzi Awards and honorees, given to the best childrens books of the past year, which were announced on March 3 in Milan. Publishers from 73 countries and regions submitted a record 4,120 titles, with Ecuador, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Rwanda represented for the first time.

The PublisHer Excellence Awards, which celebrate women professionals in publishing from around the world, were presented as well. Founder Bodour Al Qasimi, CEO of Kalimat Publishing Group in the United Arab Emirates, said in her presentation that the awards and the larger PublishHer mission show that intention, when backed by community, becomes something enduring.

In addition, a special prize was given by BCBF to PWs Diane Roback, whom Pasoli called a remarkable figure and a dear friend of the fair, and whose editorial leadership has validated childrens literature. Roback served as longtime SVP and childrens book editor and transitioned in March to the role of editor at large.

The ceremony was followed by the annual party in the palazzo, with prosecco, pasta, and musica festive finish for a busy first day.
Jon Klassen is the winner of the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the worlds largest childrens book prize, with the laureate receiving 5 million Swedish kronor (SEK) (roughly $530,000 U.S. at present exchange rates). The award honors writers, illustrators, and organizations who work in Lindgrens spirit and contribute to childrens literature at the highest level of excellence. The award was announced live from Stockholm on April 14, and broadcast simultaneously at the Bologna Childrens Book Fair.

Klassen was chosen from 263 nominees from 74 countries . The jurys citation stated, Through his subtle and evocative storytelling in words and pictures, Jon Klassen opens new perspectives on our place in the universe. Jon Klassens brilliant tales stand out for their effortless elegance and ambiguous depth, where the reader becomes a co-creator.

Reached by phone by ALMA award jury chair Boel Westin, professor emeritus of literature at University of Stockholm, during the live feed, Klassenwho reported he had just dropped his kids off at schoolsaid, This is incredible news. Im so blown away. I cant say what this means. You do this work by yourself and when it goes out to children and see the results its very moving and youre never prepared for it. I have to hang up and cry for a few minutes. 

Klassen was born in 1981 in Winnipeg, Canada, and grew up in Niagara Falls. He studied illustration and worked first as a designer and illustrator on films such as of Coraline (2009) and Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) as well as in video production. Cats Night Out (2010) was his debut as a picture book illustrator. Klassens Hat Trilogy (I Want My Hat Back, This Is Not My Hat, and We Found a Hat) have sold millions of copies around the world and have been translated into 22 languages. In addition to his own books, Klassen has illustrated eight books by other authors, and his illustrations have also appeared in various anthologies. His work has received the German Prize for Youth Literature (2013), the Caldecott Medal (2013), the Kate Greenaway Medal (2014), and the United Kingdom Literary Associations Book Award (2014). Klassen currently lives in Los Angeles with his family.

Astrid Lindgren was born in 1907 on a farm near Vimmerby, Sweden. She was the author of 34 chapter books and 41 picture books, which have sold more than 165 million copies and been translated into more than 100 languages. Lindgren died in 2002 in Stockholm. Pippi Longstocking, Lindgrens most enduring character, turned 80 in 2025 and was celebrated with the Be More Pippi campaign sponsored by the Astrid Lindgren Company.

In remarks made during the announcement, Karin Hoglund, Swedens ambassador to Italy, said that Lindgren created a world filled with play and profound wisdom. Lindgrens impact on the Swedish people and on the world transcends generations, she added. She serves as a kind of moral compass. She inspires others to stand up, use your voice, to be brave in the face of challenges, and to never give up. Hoglund stressed the power of childrens literature to transcend borders, allow children to explore lives unlike their own, and give language to feelings that can be hard to express.

The award was created in 2002 by the Swedish government to highlight the importance of reading. Past ALMA award winners include Marion Brunet (2025), Indigenous Literacy Foundation (2024), Laurie Halse Anderson (2023), and Jaqueline Woodson (2018).

The ALMA award ceremony will take place in Sweden in late May.
The Center for the Art of Translation (CAT) has announced plans to open a literary and cultural center in downtown San Francisco in 2027.

Per the announcement, the ground floor of the three-story, 7,400-square-foot building will feature an event and community space and a bookstore dedicated exclusively to translated literature for readers of all agesthe only one of its kind on the West Coast.

The second and third floors will house CATs offices, as well as spaces to accommodate professional development workshops with translators, writers, and teachers, and after-school workshops for students. Founded in 2000, CAT is home to the publisher Two Lines Press, as well as the educational program Poetry Inside Out.

San Francisco is one of the sources of AI taking root in our lives, but it also has a long history as a center for counterculture, Michael Holtmann, president of CAT, told PW. CAT honors human innovation and human ingenuity: we want working artists to flourish in a vibrant culture, and we want to create a space that celebrates ideas, not algorithms.

Holtmann added that it feels like the right time for such a space to open, amid what he called a very divisive moment for U.S. and the world. [T]here is an urgent need for places where languages meet, stories cross, and people recognize their connection to one another, he said.

The space plans to employ a shared resources model, providing technical resources and venue access to other San Franciscobased literary and arts organizations, many of which are currently facing high rental costs and displacement. It also plans to offer year-round public programming, including talks with authors, translators, and artists, as well as educational workshops and programming for students.

CAT said it has launched a $17 million capital campaign to renovate the building and open its doors to the public next year. With $13.3 million already raised from individual donors and philanthropic partners, CAT is now entering the public phase of the campaign to raise the final $3.7 million and complete the project. Digital support for the project is provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program.

In a statement, Paul Yamazaki, principal buyer at City Lights Booksellers since 1970, called the opening of the center the most significant literary event in San Francisco since the opening of City Lights, adding, To have this in the same neighborhood is going to be a gravitational pullnot just for City Lights and the Center, but for readers and writers.
Recon: FDA narrows search for new CBER director; Novo enters drug discovery pact with OpenAI

Welcome to Regulatory Reconnaissance, your regulatory news and intelligence briefing.

In Focus: US

White House policies are incredibly worrisome for small biotechs, Rhythm CEO says (Endpoints)

FDA narrows in on search for new biologics and vaccines leader (Endpoints) (NBC)

Wegovy-maker Novo Nordisk partners with OpenAI to speed drug development (Reuters)

DOJ Says Biden Administration Protected Abortion Groups (Bloomberg)

Another QMSR Town Hall  What Changes and What Stays the Same in FDAs Inspection Process (FDA Law Blog)

In Focus: International

A top WHO official confronts Iran war fallout, and weighs bid for an even bigger role (STAT)

Tylenol in pregnancy not linked with autism, Danish study finds (Reuters)

Global Fund expands commitment to improve access to HIV drug (Reuters)

Pharma & Biotech

FDA seeks added safety data from Lilly on newly approved weight-loss pill (Reuters)

My brother cant access a just-approved breakthrough drug for his rare disease (STAT)

Shedding caution, J&J makes bold claims for sales growth. Will it happen? (Endpoints)

Biotech enthusiasm still high as Revolution Medicines leads $1.5B stock offering wave (Endpoints)

Eli Lilly to acquire tiny Houston startup CrossBridge Bio for up to $300M (Endpoints)

Parker Institute doubles down on cancer vaccines as part of ongoing reboot (Endpoints)

FDA approves Travere's Filspari as the first drug for a rare kidney disorder (Endpoints)

Exclusive: Click Therapeutics cuts 27% of workforce after $50M raise (Endpoints)

PolyPeptide Studies Strategic Options as Private Equity Circles (Bloomberg)

Medtech

Medline recalls angiographic syringes, receives FDA warning letter (MedTech Dive)

Stryker to buy Amplitude Vascular Systems (MedTech Dive)

GE HealthCare integrates ultrasound into Medtronics Stealth AXiS surgical system (MedTech Dive)

Click Therapeutics Cuts Over 25% Of Staff After $50M Raise, CT-155 Commercial Shift (MedTech Insight)

Food & Nutrition

Herbalife Revives Junk-Debt Sale After Shelving Deal Last Month (Bloomberg)

Unilever Bets Big on Gummies as Next Frontier in Wellness (Bloomberg)

Government, Regulatory & Legal

Maryland state affordability board sets its first price cap for a medicine (STAT)

For Ben Sasse, Revolution Medicines pancreatic cancer trial felt like his best, only option (STAT)

Dana-Farber CEO talks untangling from Mass General Brigham and building new cancer hospital (STAT)

Access granted: CMS greenlights more than 150 participants for chronic care experiment (STAT)

Zantac Lawsuits Tossed by Delaware Judge Over Flawed Cancer Link (Bloomberg)

Millions of Floridians Will Bear the Brunt of Trumps Health Cuts (Bloomberg)

Regulatory Recon is our regular intelligence briefing for the regulatory affairs space, bringing you the top regulatory, biopharma and medtech news stories from around the globe. Regulatory Recon is published each week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

A storys inclusion in Regulatory Recon does not imply endorsement by Regulatory Focus or RAPS.
Disney/Michael Kirchoff

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/14/2026



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.
West Asia conflict triggers sharp sell-off in Indian markets, with realty, banking and auto stocks leading losses amid energy shock fears.

IMAGE: People use their cameras as they stand amidst the rubble of a building of the Sharif University of Technology, which was damaged in a strike, Iran, April 7, 2026. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Key Points Indian markets have seen sharp declines due to West Asia conflict, driven by oil dependency and export exposure.

Nifty 50 has dropped 7.4 per cent, with realty, banking, and auto sectors among the worst affected.

Oil marketing companies and energy-linked firms face margin pressure due to rising crude and supply disruptions.

The Indian economy and financial markets are one of the worst affected by the economic choas unleashed by the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran and the latter's counteroffensive.

This is not surprising, given that nearly half of India's crude oil, two-thirds of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and 90 per cent of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) come from Persian Gulf countries and pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The region as a whole is also India's biggest export market and absorbs nearly a third of the country's merchandise exports.

Further, the region is the biggest source of inward remittances, with nearly 10 million migrant workers from India working there prior to the conflict.

The war has triggered a selloff in the Indian equity market as investors reprice assets, given the potential loss in business for Indian companies, production losses due to disruption in energy prices, and loss in profits and income from higher energy prices.

The benchmark Nifty 50 is down 7.4 per cent since the start of the war, while many sectoral indices have seen bigger cuts.

The realty index has been hit the most, with Nifty Realty down 11.3 per cent, as investors worry about the demand for new homes in an environment of rising energy prices and growing economic uncertainty.

The Nifty Bank is also down 11.3 per cent since the start of the war, as the market fears a tightening of financial conditions and an incremental rise in bad loans due to a disruption in energy supplies.

Among the lenders, public sector banks (PSBs) have been hit the most given their higher exposure to corporate and business loans.

In manufacturing, automakers have been hit the hardest with Nifty Auto down 11 per cent as higher fuel prices are likely to dampen demand for new vehicles.

The Oil & Gas sector index is down 10.7 per cent led by public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs).

In contrast, investors expect only a minor downside for companies in IT Services, pharma, and health-care sectors from the conflict in West Asia.

Here are 10 stocks from the Nifty 200 index that have been among the biggest losers on the bourses since late February, when the war started:

Ashok Leyland

The country's second largest commercial vehicle (CV) major has a meaningful international presence -- particularly in West Asia (Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar)

Its plant operating at Ras Al Khaimah may face supply chain disruption if geopolitical instability continues for a longer time in the region, suggest analysts

Ashok Leyland's dual exposure -- high export concentration in West Asia and domestic demand sensitivity to diesel prices -- makes it a vulnerable major listed auto stock, points out Antique Stock Broking

There is also risk to the Indian government's capex if subsidy expenditure rises and excise income declines and this will hurt CV demand, points out BNP Paribas Research

Despite cyclical headwinds, the stock is currently trading above its last 10-year average one year forward price-to-earnings ratio

Polycab India

March typically contributes 45-50 per cent of the cable and wire market leader's fourth-quarter sales. Given the disruption in March so far, near-term volume growth could be impacted despite healthy underlying demand

West Asia, which contributed 20-22 per cent to Polycab's export mix in 9MFY26, has seen a disruption in March due to the ongoing conflict

JM Financial Research expects Q4 volumes to remain flat year-on-year (Y-o-Y) with revenue growth relying on input cost appreciation (18-20 per cent)

Aluminium and PVC prices have risen sharply in the last 3-4 weeks amid supply disruptions, which may create near-term margin pressure, points out ICICI Securities

While there are short-term headwinds, brokerages are positive on the market leader, given a favourable industry outlook, a strong balance sheet and healthy return ratios

Dabur India

West Asia is the largest region by revenue outside of India and MENA (Middle East North Africa) and accounts for 8 per cent of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major Dabur's consolidated revenue. Major categories include hair care, oral care, skin care, healthcare, and foods

In the export market, the inability to supply, cancellation of orders and higher freight/insurance will start reflecting in Q4FY26 itself, suggest analysts

On the raw material front, companies are already witnessing higher costs, though they have covers/inventory, which could shield them in Q4FY26. The impact, according to BNP Paribas Research, could be visible starting Q1FY27

Though domestic macro indicators are supporting a gradual consumption recovery, persistent execution challenges keeps Motilal Oswal Research cautious. Factoring in near-term headwinds in Dabur's international markets, the brokerage has cut its earnings estimates by 2-3 per cent

Samvardhana Motherson

Though top tier auto components maker Samvardhana Motherson posted double digit revenue growth year-on-year (Y-o-Y) and strong operating profit margin expansion across verticals in the December quarter, brokerages have highlighted concerns over profitability

Analysts say, margins could be at risk from higher crude oil and energy prices, increase in freight rates, and supply chain disruption

Due to its large manufacturing footprint in Europe, regional energy price increases stemming from West Asia supply disruptions could weigh on demand of its products

Slowing global passenger vehicles (PV) growth as well as shrinking profit pool of global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in China, and market share pressures of legacy OEMs in the European Union (EU) are cause for concern for the company, says Elara Securities

The stock is trading at 24-27 times the consolidated FY27 earnings estimates adjusted for non-auto businesses which is considered expensive

Godrej Consumer Products

West Asia region is part of the company's Godrej US, Africa and Middle East (GUAM) basket and accounted for 22 per cent of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) major Godrej Consumer's consolidated revenue in Q3FY26. West Asia exposure is estimated in single digits

The GUAM segment grew the fastest in Q3 at 19 per cent Y-o-Y and reported a sharp improvement in operating profit margins

The ongoing conflict could put pressure on near-term margins as crude oil derivatives are a key raw material for most consumer majors and account for 15-30 per cent of cost of goods sold

West Asia exposure creates a potential risk to export demand, logistics disruptions and currency volatility if geopolitical tensions in the region escalate further or continue for long, says BNP Paribas Research

Oil marketing companies

Public-sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) - Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) - have most to lose from West Asia war and the resulting disruption in crude oil supply

OMCs are expected to absorb the financial impact of the sharp rise in crude price after the attack by US and Israel on Iran in the absence of pricing freedom at the retail level, say analysts

This is likely to lead to a decline in OMCs' operating profit margins in Q1FY27 and beyond if crude prices remain elevated

According to analysts at Kotak Institutional Equity (KIE), OMCs' costs will rise due to elevated crude premiums, higher freight expenses, a weak rupee and emergency LPG imports at higher prices

According to analysts, the compensation from the government takes time and is usually partial

OMCs have benefitted greatly from lower crude oil prices prior to the break-out of the West Asia war and all these gains will vanish

In Q3FY26, the three OMCs' combined net profit was up 186 per cent Y-o-Y with just 5.2 per cent Y-o-Y growth in net sales

There has been a sharp decline in OMCs' share price with BPCL down by 26.2 per cent month-to-date while IOC and HPCL is down 25 per cent and 21.6 per cent, respectively

KIE has cut its FY27 earnings per share (EPS) estimate for IOC by 30.8 per cent and target price to Rs 100 from Rs 125 earlier. They see 50 per cent and 28 per cent downside in BPCL's and HPCL's earnings, respectively, for FY27 due to the conflict

Ambuja Cements

Adani group owned Ambuja Cements has also seen a sharp decline (15.6 per cent) in its share price post the break-out of the West Asia war on fears that a rise in energy price will increase its operating and freight costs

Power & fuel and freight account for nearly half of Ambuja Cements operating cost and the recent rise in crude oil prices are expected to push these costs higher

India's second largest cement producer is also a major consumer of pet coke, a fuel used in cement production. Higher crude oil price will result in higher price of pet coke

Cement makers like Ambuja Cements also face the risk of a decline in cement demand as households and families postpone construction projects due to growing economic uncertainty and a general rise in prices

This is likely to result in a decline in Ambuja Cements' operating margins and net profit in Q4FY26 from already low level in Q3FY26, and also for the industry, estimate analysts

GAIL (India)

The public-sector natural gas transmission utility, GAIL (India) also faces headwinds from a prolonged conflict in the West Asia

This reflects in its share price which is down 18 per cent since the start of the war as investors fear a decline in its margins and profit from higher natural gas and LPG prices

A decline in gas availability due to the conflict is also likely to hit revenues and profits of its gas transmission and marketing divisions

According to Elara Capital, 16 per cent of GAIL's marketing volumes are dependent on Hormuz-linked LNG and 30 per cent of its transmission volume is exposed to Hormuz flows

According to Fitch Ratings, GAIL (India) could face cash flow pressure from prolonged oil and gas supply disruption tied to the Iran conflict

According to Fitch Ratings, if West Asia LNG is unavailable for a full quarter, GAIL's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (Ebitda) net leverage is likely to reach 2.5x in FY27, against earlier estimate of 1.8x

Larsen & Toubro

Larsen & Toubro's (L&T's) EPC, construction and energy divisions have a high exposure to markets in the Persian Gulf region and a prolonged war may have an adverse impact on its order inflows and revenues & profits

In the first nine-months of FY26, these divisions accounted for 65 per cent of L&T's consolidated revenue; rest came from IT, financial services, manufacturing, and others

West Asia accounted for 37 per cent of L&T's order book at the end of December 2025 worth Rs 2.71 trillion and contributed 34 per cent to its overall revenue, next only to India's 46 per cent

The region contributed nearly Rs 69,000 crore to L&T's revenue during April-December 2025 period

While L&T has said that 95 per cent of its sites are working fine and business is as usual in this region, analysts said, any major damage to the Persian Gulf economies could lead to a sharp drop in order inflow for L&T, while a stoppage of work at project sites will impact its revenues in the coming quarters

L&T also faces higher costs from a rise in energy and commodity prices post the conflict, given 55 per cent of its contracts are fixed price, according to S&P Global Ratings. L&T, however, hopes it should be able to mitigate the impact (like in Covid) through its sharing with customers

S&P Global Ratings, however, says that L&T is likely to remain resilient given that its high-margin IT Services segment generates most of its income from North America and Europe

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TaMo PV) has been another big loser on the bourses from the ongoing conflict in West Asia

West Asia and North Africa are key markets for its Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), accounting for nearly 11 per cent of JLR wholesale volumes in Q3FY26

The conflict and disruption in energy supplies are also likely to hit the economies in Western Europe, which is JLR's biggest market

A prolonged conflict and higher crude oil prices is also likely to dampen the demand for new passenger cars and SUVs, both in India and across the globe as customers become risk averse

The conflict has come on the back of a cyber incident at JLR that led to a 43.4 per cent Y-o-Y decline in wholesales volume and 25 per cent Y-o-Y decline in retail sales in Q3FY26

The company's stock price is down 17 per cent since the start of the conflict making it the biggest loser among passenger vehicle makers

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Despite initial concerns over the West Asia conflict impacting medical tourism, Indian hospital stocks are poised for significant revenue growth, driven by robust expansion plans, increasing demand, and favourable structural tailwinds, according to leading analysts.

Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

Key Points Analysts are positive on the Indian hospital sector's outlook, expecting strong revenue growth driven by expansion plans and multiple demand triggers.

The impact of the West Asia conflict on medical tourism is considered temporary, with West Asia and Africa contributing only 1-4% of overall sales for most listed hospitals.

The sector is projected to add 23,039 beds over the next three-four years, with operators focusing on brownfield expansion expected to see faster growth and better margin retention.

Structural tailwinds like lifestyle diseases, an ageing population, rising insurance penetration, and CGHS tariff resets are expected to drive 18-20% revenue growth over the next four years.

Apollo Hospitals remains a top pick for most brokerages, with Max Healthcare and Fortis Healthcare also receiving positive ratings due to their expansion strategies and growth drivers.

Hospital stocks have been under pressure since the start of the West Asia war, underperforming the benchmarks on worries that medical tourism in India will be impacted.

While hospitals do get patients from the conflict zone, the revenue growth, barring for a couple of hospitals, is in low single digits.

Most brokerages believe that the impact is temporary and there would be sharp recovery as things normalise.

Analysts are positive on the outlook for the sector, given multiple demand triggers and ongoing expansion, which will help drive revenue growth over the next few years.

Impact of West Asia Conflict and Medical Tourism

While Bangladesh is the biggest market for Indian hospitals, accounting for the lions share of the medical tourists, West Asia is the second-biggest accounting for 5-40 per cent of international sales for various listed Indian hospitals.

The exposure in the listed space, according to Kotak Securities, is high for Artemis Medicare Services, Max Healthcare, Fortis Healthcare, Global Health (Medanta) and Yatharth Hospital.

Importantly, excluding Artemis, medical tourism by value from West Asia and Africa (flight connectivity via West Asia) constitutes just 1-4 per cent of overall sales, highlighted analysts led by Alankar Garude of the brokerage.

Apollo Hospitals, Rainbow Childrens Medicare and Medanta are the top picks for the brokerage.

Jefferies Research believes that hospital margins may see some pressure due to the Iran war, though the input cost pressures have been manageable thus far.

Hospitals will be able to offset cost pressure by favourable forex and small price hikes.

This can also offset lower West Asia footfalls by Indian patients, according to the brokerage.

Expansion Plans and Growth Drivers

Beyond the near term, brokerages expect the ongoing expansion and multiple demand drivers to keep growth rates at elevated levels for the hospitals.

The listed companies in the sector delivered a 15.5 per cent revenue growth and 25 per cent operating profit growth over FY20-25.

Margins, too, saw an expansion of 780 basis points, even as 14,000 beds were added, because 70 per cent of capacity came via inorganic and brownfield routes.

This allowed hospitals to ramp up their capacity at a lower cost even as margins fell marginally.

Equirus Securities expects the next expansion cycle to be bigger with an addition of 23,039 beds over the next three-four years, though greenfield is expected to dominate the pipeline now compared to brownfield and acquisitions in the previous cycle.

Operators with a higher brownfield mix or a healthy blend of both will grow faster and hold margins better in the near-to-mid term, says the brokerage.

Analyst Recommendations and Outlook

Bharat Celly and Vinay Jain of the brokerage expect the sector to post an 18-20 per cent revenue growth over the next four years, given the structural tailwinds in the form of lifestyle disease burden, ageing population, rising insurance penetration, and the CGHS tariff reset.

Within its coverage, Apollo Hospitals and KIMS are its favoured bets, while it expects Max Healthcare and Fortis Healthcare to outperform.

Apollo Hospitals is a top pick for most brokerages.

Citi Research is positive on the market leader, given a structurally resilient hospital business, a fast growing pharmacy business with digital profitability in sight and valuations, which remain below long-term means on an absolute and a relative basis.

HSBC Research has upgraded Max Healthcare and believes that it has ample growth drivers to support earnings growth.

Its positive view is on account of net addition of 2,240 beds (43 per cent capacity addition) between now and FY28, of which 60 per cent will be brownfield beds, scale up of recent large format hospitals at Noida and Dwarka and access to a large pool of CGHS patients, which has been helping it to quickly fill occupancy and cover fixed costs at new hospitals.

Axis Direct has a Buy rating on Fortis Healthcare due to sustained growth trajectory driven by aggressive brownfield expansion and optimised clinical operations.
'Workers are being pushed into 12- to 14-hour shifts under poor conditions. These largely leaderless protests are likely to continue.'

IMAGE: Security personnel deployed following a protest by employees demanding a salary increment in Phase-2, Noida, April 13, 2026. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Key Points Thousands of workers across Noida industrial sectors protested low wages, triggering violence, arson, and disruption in key manufacturing zones.

Wage disparity with Haryana, where minimum pay was recently raised, has intensified demands for higher salaries and improved compensation structures.

Nearly half of factories in affected areas shut operations as unrest escalated, forcing management to abandon premises amid safety concerns.

Labour unrest is spreading across industrial hubs like Manesar and Panipat, reflecting broader structural stress in contract employment systems.

It was no ordinary Monday morning in Noida's industrial belt.

At 6 am, when the first shift typically begins, thousands of workers gathered across Sectors 62 and 63 and Phase 2, protesting stagnant wages and poor working conditions, and pressing for a pay revision similar to that in neighboring Haryana.

The agitation soon escalated, with vehicles, including police SUVs, set ablaze and public property vandalised.

"Our appraisal was around Rs 39 in the last cycle, in April 2025. For years, our salaries have remained between Rs 10,000 and Rs 10,500," said a worker at Samvardhana Motherson, an automotive components manufacturer.

Another worker at a nearby textile unit pointed to rising household costs.

"If LPG costs can rise to Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000, how are we supposed to keep up? Either the factory should provide proper meals or compensate us for the higher expense," said Manju Kumari of Rapid Creations.

Noida's industrial hub houses about 12,000 factories across sectors including automobile components, electronics and textiles.

The protests, which started on Friday, follow the Haryana government's recent decision to raise minimum wages by 35 per cent, pushing daily pay to about Rs 580 to Rs 750.

In Noida, daily wages currently range between Rs 350 and Rs 400.

"There is no incentive to work. Someone who joins today earns the same as an employee working for the past five years," said Pritam Kumar, who works at a wiring factory.

"With minimum wages at Rs 11,000 and contractors taking roughly Rs 1,000, contract workers receive only Rs 10,000 in hand. Haryana has raised minimum wages to Rs 15,000.

Workers here are now demanding Rs 20,000 and double overtime," said Naim Ahmed, district secretary, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Noida.

Beyond wages, workers flagged broader concerns.

"We don't get proper pay slips. There is no proof of employment, which affects our ability to take loans," said another protester. Safety concerns were also raised.

"Some shifts end at 11 pm, and the industrial area sees heavy vehicle traffic. Several coworkers have been injured. Who is responsible for them?"

Workers said the protests would continue until their demands are addressed.

'This is a broader labour issue affecting multiple industries in Noida and other cities, driven by misinformation about wage revisions. Our operations remain compliant with all applicable laws, with no material impact on the company. Employee safety remains our top priority,' said a Samvardhana Motherson spokesperson, in an exchange filing.

According to Vipin Kumar Malhan, president of the Noida Entrepreneurs Association, nearly 50 per cent of factories in the affected areas were forced to shut for the day.

Security guards at several sites said management had briefly arrived in the morning before leaving as the situation deteriorated.

"Things went out of control, and the owners and managers left for the day," said one guard outside a factory.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the government stands with workers while cautioning against unrest.

'Be wary of those seeking to incite industrial disruption. I also urge entrepreneurs to engage directly with their workers,' he said at an event in Muzaffarnagar.

Later, Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna said authorities were identifying those responsible for inciting violence and warned of strict action.

'There are large, reputed factories in Noida. Beyond the damage, the image of the hub has been affected. We will have to rebuild stakeholder confidence,' he said.

Spreading unrest

Workers across industrial hubs in Manesar, Panipat and now Noida are increasingly strained by stagnant wages and deteriorating working conditions.

Last week, clashes erupted in Industrial Model Township Manesar as thousands of contract workers took to the streets.

The unrest comes amid disruptions in gas supplies linked to West Asia, particularly affecting energy-intensive sectors such as ceramics, glass and small manufacturing units.

Rising costs and supply constraints have forced several units to scale down production or temporarily shut operations, with contract workers bearing the brunt through reduced workdays, wage losses and mounting job insecurity.

In February, about 30,000 contract workers at Indian Oil Corporation's Panipat refinery staged a sit-in, demanding eight-hour shifts, timely wage payments, overtime compensation, and basic amenities including drinking water, sanitation and medical facilities.

"Contract workers are being made to work extra hours without overtime. The protests in Manesar and Panipat have now spread to Noida," said Amarjeet Kaur, general secretary, AITUC, adding that the four new labour codes could weaken safeguards on wages, safety and social security by diluting the role of unions.

Harbhajan Singh Sidhu, national general secretary, Hind Mazdoor Sabha, echoed the concern.

"The new labour codes will curb union power. Workers are being pushed into 12- to 14-hour shifts under poor conditions. These largely leaderless protests are likely to continue under the new framework," Sidhu said.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
This article was first published 23 years ago

Hats off to Mahesh Bhatt and Co for bringing sex out of the closet, rescuing it from the clutches of Z-grade filmmakers and getting it past the ubiquitous Censor Board.

If that's not a serious enough contribution to Hindi cinema, there is the other first: ridding the heroine of the garb of eternal nobility and transforming her into a delectable siren who has absolutely no qualms about using her jism to get what she wants.

Needless to say, there's a great deal of jism on display in Amit Saxena's directorial debut. In the first half, there is little else. From the moment Bipasha Basu walks out of the sea wearing a trendy bead necklace and a body-hugging apology for a dress, she seems to have not just protagonist Kabir Lal (John Abraham), but also director Saxena and cinematographer Fuwad Khan following her voluptuous body with single-minded focus.

She's Sonia, the lonely wife of travelling millionaire Rohit Khanna (Gulshan Grover). Kabir is a maverick lawyer who seems to have very little purpose in life as he guzzles rum by the gallons and laments whatever it is that ails his sorry existence (of course, we will never find out the exact cause of his boredom).

When he spots Sonia yet again in a very backless black dress standing all by herself in the town's hot spot, he falls straight for her sizzling jism.

The story crawls on as the Kabir-Sonia affair assumes steamier proportions and the director gets so wrapped up in their entanglements that he forgets about giving the proceedings a move on. Eventually, Sonia's hubby comes back from wherever to his prized beauty and Kabir frets and fumes waiting around in the hope that he can reclaim Sonia's jism sometime soon. He even keeps his shirt off at all times, perhaps in anticipation.

Post-interval, the pace accelerates as Kabir tells Sonia he is prepared to kill her husband if that is what he has to do to be with her. The plot is hatched and executed almost perfectly. The enormity of his blunder gradually dawns upon Kabir when his conscience wakes up.

His DCP friend Siddharth (Vinay Pathak) starts asking him awkward questions. Rohit's drunkard sister (Anahita Uberoi) arrives on the scene to claim her share of his estate and Kabir realises he is losing control of the situation.

Mahesh Bhatt's story has apparently been inspired by the Hollywood film Double Indemnity. For once the writer has made no attempt to redeem his characters or give the plot a Bollywood touch.

Niranjan Iyengar's dialogues have a liberal splash of jism-heavy sentences. Plus there is this dense philosophy about a good and a bad dog barking in every man's head and directing his actions. There is also an esoteric observation that there are 100 different ways to commit a crime and 101 ways to get caught.

M M Kreem's score and Sayeed Quadri and Neelesh Misra's lyrics are infinitely more alluring than most recent Bollywood scores. Particularly soulful are Jaadu hai nasha hai and Aawarapan. Cinematographer Khan captures the breathtaking Pondicherry shoreline and vast expanses of sky and sea with finesse.

Of the cast, theatre actress Uberoi is wasted in a miniscule role. Grover is unintentionally funny and doesn't look terribly pleased even while being seduced by his ravishing wife.

Bipasha is not required to act because, for most part, her role demands striking Cleopatra-like poses and showing off her curves (her wardrobe is audacious enough to put Sonam, Sangeeta Bijlani, Sonu Walia and their ilk to collective shame). Since her voice appears to have been dubbed (ditto for Abraham), she does whatever little is demanded of her by way of performance, with efficiency.

As for debutant Abraham, his permanently bare torso draws more attention than his desperate attempt at emoting. A creased forehead does not a Dilip Kumar make. It must be said despite the lead pair's acting inadequacies, they still look good together on screen.
'A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?' asks Manoj Mohanka.

Illustrations: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

Key Points Ambedkar balanced stark social realities with a Constitution designed to restrain divisions, prioritising individual rights over religious or community blocs.

Modern comparisons of India with theocratic States overlook the deliberate Constitutional choice of secular, citizen-driven sovereignty embedded by framers.

Rising Hindu majoritarian sentiment raises concerns, but Constitutional structures and institutions continue to function without fundamental alteration.

Policies like CAA and Article 370 spark debate, yet have not changed the core framework of citizenship or sovereignty.

Ambedkar's concept of Constitutional morality remains critical as societal behaviour increasingly shapes the gap between law and lived reality.

On Dr B R Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary, we keep falling into the same trap: Squeezing today's India into neat historical analogies that the Constitution was deliberately built to resist.

Dr Ambedkar never sugar-coated anything. If anything, he called a spade a shovel. In Pakistan or the Partition of India, he laid out the Hindu-Muslim divide with raw honesty -- the kind that still makes people shift or squirm uncomfortably in their seats.

He doubted whether one nation could survive when two communities saw themselves as separate political blocs. His take on Muslim separatism was blunt. Really blunt. The sort you couldn't possibly post on social media today without sparking a fierce argument.

But when it came time to frame the Constitution, he showed real steel and balance. He refused to let those fears harden into rigid rules.

He saw the fractures clearly -- in caste, religion, and community -- yet did not simply mirror them in the document. He built restraints against them.

No Hindu State. No religious test for citizenship. Rights for individuals -- not blocs. For him, a Constitution wasn't a snapshot of society's worst habits. It was a full-fledged check on them.

That choice still matters when we judge where India stands today.

Whenever communal anxieties run high -- as they increasingly do -- it becomes tempting to map India onto Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran's theocracy, or Bangladesh's state religion.

The fear is familiar: That the Constitutional vision of the Republic could be gradually supplanted by a more explicitly religious -- specifically Hindu -- conception of nationhood.

But those parallels, however intuitive, are incomplete.

To see why, we need only turn to the Constitution itself.

The Constituent Assembly chose a different path with deliberation. Sovereignty would rise from 'We, the People', not from any faith, in what was -- and remains -- a deeply religious yet fractured country.

Citizenship and rights would rest with the individual. That was no accident. It was a conscious civiliSational decision.

The Constitution names no State religion. Legitimacy flows upward from citizens, not downward from any theology. Rights are framed in universal terms, and courts are the institutions meant to guard them.

The basic framework has held -- messy, contested, and far from perfect, but still standing.

Hindu Majoritarianism And Constitutional Limits

Much of today's discomfort centres on the rise of assertive Hindu majoritarianism, particularly under the ruling party at the Centre, the BJP.

In a democracy as diverse as ours, such impulses are probably inevitable. The real question isn't whether they exist. It's whether they have rewritten our Constitutional rulebook.

Dr Ambedkar remains a steadfast guide here. He opposed the communal politics that led to Partition. He warned just as forcefully against Hindu majoritarianism.

'If Hindu Raj does become a fact,' he wrote, 'it will, no doubt, be the greatest calamity for this country... Hindu Raj must be prevented at any cost.'

He also flagged the dangerous idea of the 'divine right of the majority' -- where majority dominance is recast nationalism and minority safeguards dismissed communalism.

He understood that such impulses arise naturally in diverse societies. The Constitution's task was not to erase them, but to contain them through law and institutions.

The more difficult challenge lies outside formal structures -- in everyday public life. When political rhetoric, cultural signalling, and social pressures quietly shrink space for dissent or impinge on minority trust, something more insidious begins to take hold.

This is where Dr Ambedkar's idea of Constitutional morality becomes critical. He insisted that it was not natural; 'it has to be cultivated.'

Democracy in India, he had warned, was only 'a top-dressing on an Indian soil which is essentially undemocratic.'

Seventy years after Dr Ambedkar's passing, we are not witnessing a Constitutional collapse. But if majoritarian sentiment drifts from electoral politics into administration, culture, and daily life without restraint, the gap between Constitutional text and lived reality widens.

Remaining alert to that drift is not alarmism -- it is integral to Dr Ambedkar's realism.

On specific policies, debate often turns shrill. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act fast-tracks citizenship for persecuted non-Muslims from certain Muslim-majority countries.

Critics argue it introduces religion into citizenship logic. Supporters see it as correcting past oversights for vulnerable refugees.

Whatever one's view, it has not altered the rights of existing citizens or the basic source of sovereignty.

The abrogation of Article 370 involved questions of security and integration that extend beyond religion or demography.

Waqf reforms and laws regulating religious bodies follow a long-standing Indian principle: Religion does not sit above the State -- it remains subject to legislation and judicial scrutiny.

Courts continue to intervene when provisions overreach and infringe.

The Basic Structure doctrine continues to safeguard secularism, democracy, the rule of law, and judicial review.

But Constitutional doctrine alone cannot sustain a republic. Dr Ambedkar understood that the deeper challenge lies in society internalising Constitutional morality.

Constitutional Test

Public displays of religiosity -- mega temple events with participation by those holding public office, symbolic assertions -- are often read as signs of structural transformation.

The real test is narrower: Has the State's Constitutional identity shifted? Is citizenship now graded by faith? Do courts still exercise meaningful authority? Does ultimate power still flow from the people?

For now, the Constitution holds.

Prejudice, bureaucratic bias, and communal friction remain real. Dr Ambedkar never expected society to suddenly align with Constitutional ideals.

That is precisely why institutional guardrails were built -- and why they have endured decades of amendments and political change.

India remains loud, divided, and contradictory -- the kind of complex democracy Dr Ambedkar anticipated in a country of this scale and diversity.

Governments still lose elections. Laws are still challenged in court.

Public debate remains vigorous. A 'thousand mutinies' may simmer, and the whole enterprise can at times appear chaotic. But it remains within a Constitutional order.

The Republic is not flawless. Yet it is still recognisably Constitutional -- noisy, argumentative, and in constant need of vigilance against majoritarianism seeping into everyday life.

A genuine tribute to Dr Ambedkar does not lie in selective invocation. It lies in asking a harder question: Is the Constitution still doing its job -- restraining even assertive majorities?

As long as citizenship remains faith-neutral, courts retain real authority, and legitimacy rests with 'We, the People', the foundation that Dr Ambedkar gave us endures.

The long-delayed Uniform Civil Code, too, returns us to his central insight: That law must treat citizens as individuals, not as members of competing cultural blocs.

And yet, the tension he warned about persists. As Dr Ambedkar cautioned in the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949: 'On the 26th of January 1950, we are going to enter into a life of contradictions. In politics we will have equality, and in social and economic life we will have inequality... How long shall we continue to live this life of contradictions?'

That question still hangs over the Republic.

Manoj Mohanka serves on several corporate boards and think-tank boards and writes on religion, politics, defence and geopolitics. He has also been running a scholarship for the education of underprivileged Muslim girls for over two decades.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries.

But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader, points out Shweta Desai.

IMAGE: Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar The Revenge. Photograph: Kind courtesy Mustafa Ahmed/Instagram

Key Points Dhurandhar blends real terror incidents with fictional narratives, creating confusion over historical accuracy and misrepresenting sensitive geopolitical realities.

The film's portrayal of Baloch leaders collaborating with the ISI has triggered a backlash and legal action from communities and activists.

Several real events, including the Kulbhushan Jadhav case and the Pathankot attack, are omitted, shaping a selective political narrative.

As recently as 2025, the Indian government categorically rejected Pakistan's 'baseless' allegations of R&AW agents stoking unrest in Balochistan as a diversionary tactic to move the focus from Islamabad's involvement in cross-border terrorism in Kashmir.

Rumours of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant group serving as a proxy of New Delhi and waging a jihadi insurgency against the Pakistan army were also dismissed as concocted false narratives.

It was, therefore, wild to see the assertions about India's covert involvement in Pakistan being boldly echoed in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, with no censorship and such swagger as if Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself was thumbing a nose at Rawalpindi's haughty military generals.

Ranveer Singh's onscreen character Hamza Ali Mazari, for instance, plays a patriotic Baloch who infiltrates Karachi's deadly gang network to pass intelligence to Indian agencies.

When Hamza plans the killing of top cop 'SP Aslam Chaudhry' (Sanjay Dutt), he enlists the support of a willing Baloch suicide bomber to do the job.

As it happened in reality, the controversial Sindh police officer Aslam Khan was indeed killed in a 2014 suicide car bombing on the Lyari Expressway in Karachi, and the TTP claimed (external link) responsibility for his death.

Director Aditya Dhar cleverly engages the strategy of implausible deniability, knowing well that it would be foolhardy for Pakistan to deny or reject any inferences to these dramatised claims.

The film also spotlights the brutally suppressed Balochistan's insurgency against the Pakistani State for an independent homeland and atrocities against the Baloch people, including enforced disappearances, mass killings (graves), and extra-judicial encounters.

Its misleading portrayal of the Baloch people, though, has drawn outrage from the community for defaming their patriotic reputation.

Ironically, the comments (external link) in social media posts by Baloch leaders criticising Dhurandhar, and from Indian nationalist fans insisting that the dramatised events accurately depict the Baloch cause, come close to reveal the problem beneath the film's cloak-and-dagger extravaganza.

IMAGE: Akshaye Khanna in Dhurandhar.

Facts, Distortions and BJP Connection

Dhar presents his two-part epic drama as a 'fictional work inspired by real-life events', without fully disclosing which parts and characters are real or dramatised.

The movie's gripping pace and cliff-hanging twists eventually lull the audience's interest, who are no longer interested in deciphering the truth; the historical cinematic fiction is accepted as a close mirror to the real-life actions. Not everything shown in the movies is a lie.

Dhar generously borrows from journalistic descriptions to depict chilling details of the IC-814 hijacking (1999), planning of the 26/11 attacks (2008), and the fake Indian currency operation (2010).

The reality of Lyari's dark underworld and the powerplay between gangsters, mafia, and tribal lords vying to control Karachi also closely mirrors news reports and UN records documenting Pakistan's nefarious hand in global terror.

IMAGE: Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar The Revenge.

The rigorous research by Colonel (retd) Bhupinder Shahi, also a BJP leader (external link) in charge of Mohali district, who served as a military consultant on the films, has helped greatly to recreate authentic scenarios on screen.

Colonel Shahi's background in defence and his father's as an Indian undercover agent helped to draw on real-life experiences. The army veteran also revealed liaising (external link) with the ministry of defence and the ministry of home affairs and procuring crucial data to ensure the movies maintain a high level of authenticity.

The MHA and MoD zealously guard information and avoid public disclosure of historical records in the guise of protecting national security and intelligence as 'classified' under the Official Secrets Act 1923.

It has dismissed routine RTI (external link) inquiries or concerns on digital surveillance (external link) of citizens, citing restrictions under Section 8(1)(a), which exempts disclosure of information that could affect the sovereignty and integrity of India.

IMAGE: Mustafa Ahmed and Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar The Revenge. Photograph: Kind courtesy Mustafa Ahmed/Instagram

Dhurandhar's makers certainly did not face these issues in accessing official information to fine-tune their script.

To its credit, the film faithfully attempts to reconstruct the targeted killings of Pakistan's criminal elements involved in planning attacks on Indian cities.

But the BJP imprint becomes apparent when it involves wilful blindness to the events which expose the murky politics of those in power.

During the timeline when Hamza's character is shown to be in Pakistan (2002-2023), authorities arrested Kulbhushan Jadhav, a 49-year-old retired Indian Navy officer, on espionage charges in a border town of Balochistan.

The Pakistan military released videos of Jadhav's Indian passport and admissions to funding the Baloch Students Organisation, even as Delhi struggled to frame a counter-response.

Weeks later, Modi referenced Balochistan in his Independence Day address, suggesting that his government was willing to raise the stakes for Pakistan.

Baloch separatist leaders such as Naela Quadri and Brahmdagh Bugti hailed Modi as a hero and arrived in Delhi to seek the government's help in forming Balochistan's government-in-exile.

Beyond Modi's public posturing, the government began to develop cold feet, and the Balochistan cause was put on the backburner.

The Modi government has continued to maintain ambiguous silence on the topic, despite pleas of solidarity from the Baloch separatists to recognise the province as an independent Republic of Balochistan.

The uncomfortable truths of Jadhav's prolonged ordeal in an undisclosed Pakistani prison and the tales of other alleged Indian spies, such as the late, Urdu-speaking female diplomat arrested in 2010 in Islamabad, or the brutal death of Sarabjit Singh in Lahore jail, do not make it to the movie's script.

Nor do any references to Modi's 2015 surprise visit to Pakistan on then prime minister Nawaz Sharif's birthday and the attack on Pathankot airbase by Jaish-e-Mohammed killing seven security personnel.

These debacles remain documented in print archives, not on screen in Dhurandhar.

IMAGE: Akshaye Khanna in Dhurandhar.

Setting new narratives

Dhar's narrative framing is powerfully persuasive, precisely because it chooses to follow only the winning arc of the Modi government and deliberate over the weaknesses of its predecessors.

India's greatest success against Pakistan's terrorism has come through strategic diplomacy to isolate Pakistan internationally and target sources of terror funding.

From 2008 onwards, diplomats and police officials worked in tandem to produce credible evidence proving the involvement of Pakistani non-State actors in attacks in India, and enlist the US and the UN agencies to sanction Pakistani militants and terror financiers.

India's grouping in the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force placed Pakistan on the grey list (2008-2018), hurting its economy with reduced foreign investment and tighter scrutiny of international transactions.

But these boring truths are not as appealing as Ranveer's Hamza breaking the fourth wall with his intense cry, 'ghar me ghus ke maarenge.'

It becomes apparent when Dhurandhar plays into the BJP's hardline narrative, advocating a violent tit for tat revenge, or, as supporters of the Doval doctrine would say, making Pakistan pay the price by hurting it where it hurts the most.

The perils of retaliatory escalation by a nuclear-armed Pakistan military, as usual, are lost in the action.

The sequel goes one step ahead, with spin doctors as scriptwriters, to locate the BJP's popular leader, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath, in its hall of fame of macho leaders.

It modifies the actual timelines to include the killing of Atif Ahmed, modelled on the controversial encounter of gangster-politician Samajwadi Party leader Atiq Ahmed.

Ahmed was accused of weapons smuggling and had links (external link) with Pakistan's ISI and Lashkar-e-Tayiba. These claims emerged in 2023, shortly before he was murdered.

Whereas the movie shows the event happening right after the 2016 demonetisation. Under the Yogi government, over 266 (external link) persons have been killed in police encounters and over 10,990 accused injured, but the state government has defended them as a zero-tolerance policy against political criminals.

Without naming Yogi, Dhurandhar's characters suggest the need for strong leadership in UP to prevent Pakistan from flooding counterfeit currency from Nepal to India.

Even when much of the film's storyline is focused on exposing Pakistan's nefarious plans, its counter-messaging drives home the domestic agenda of Hindu pride, Hindu identity and Hindu nationalism, which, compared to Pakistan, stands superior to the enemy's Islamist jihadi extremism.

IMAGE: Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar The Revenge.

Scenes of NSA Ajay Sanyal -- modelled as a taller version of current NSA Ajit Doval -- greeting with a 'Namaskar' on a call with an ISI major, conducting hawan and intimidating Pakistani terrorists to mouth 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', are deliberate interjections to show the shift in power from pseudo-secular Congress to the Hindu nationalist Modi government.

The Pakistani military, too, is projected as Hindu haters and butchers who swear by the doctrine to 'bleed India with a thousand cuts'.

The reference to butchers emerges again to entrench anti-Hindu tropes against a section of Indian Muslims working hand-in-glove with the ISI.

In the past, Bollywood movies on the themes of spy, espionage drama involving Pakistan, have also delivered messages of nationalism and bashing Pakistan.

The main leads were played by Muslim actors such as Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan, thrashing Pakistan's nefarious designs.

Ranveer Singh's non-Muslim background (Sindhi/Sikh), with an overpowering physique and an unmatched aura, makes him eligible to deliver the message of a New India, which embodies the political willingness to retaliate against Pakistan with a vengeance.

The film's biggest problem, however, comes in quoting Hindu mythology as a fearless call to action to counter radical Islam and jihadi terrorism.

It is foolish to base counter-terrorism policy against Pakistan, which cannot be equated to fighting a righteous battle of Dharma, as the movie suggests in the beginning, with a quote from the Bhagavad Gita.

IMAGE: Aditya Dhar and Arjun Rampal on the sets of Dhurandhar The Revenge. Photograph: Kind courtesy Arjun Rampal/Instagram

Mass consumption

At the end, what Dhurandhar firmly establishes is that India needs a strong leader to fight Pakistan's proxy terror war, and the sudden currency ban (external link) was indeed a masterstroke by Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to break the back of Pakistani elements behind the Fake Indian Currency Network.

As an audience, watching these links emerge in Dhurandhar, you almost feel bad for complaining about the hardships faced during demonetisation.

If Hamza can stake his life at risk in Karachi to eliminate the anti-India gang, can we Indians not even stand in the bank queue for a few hours? The consequences of an unplanned currency ban, causing panic among the poor and general public and economic chaos (external link), did not make it to the movie's storyline.

Nor the follow-up reports that the circulation of fake currency notes had surged to 102 per cent and continues to pose challenges, almost a decade later.

In a post-truth world, objective facts are peripheral truths and less influential in shaping public opinion than emotional appeals and political rhetoric.

The Dhurandhar movies are produced for mass consumption. In Mumbai, the sequel, released in March, is running round-the-clock (6 am to 12.15 am) across cinemas with over 1,200 shows a day.

The nostalgic 1990s music and explicit violence seem tailored to appeal to millennials and Gen Z viewers, nudging them out of political apathy and drawing them to view Modi as a favourable leader.

IMAGE: Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar.

The Dhurandhar movies will undoubtedly shape the minds of the audience much more than news reports, court investigations, books and documentaries.

But it is worth remembering that Pakistan's irridentist claims against India's national security have succeeded due to strategic planning, diplomacy, and the unsung heroines and heroes across government agencies, not due to a single maverick leader.

As a piece of cinema, Dhurandhar has pulled off a stunning feat by compelling audiences to the theatre to watch the 7.5-hour-long epic.

Ranveer's acting chops, as a long-haired, broody and sensitive Hamza, are A+, the songs are bangers, and the visual effects are spectacular.

On technical grounds alone, the Dhurandhar duology is in league with the high-end production of Hollywood's war dramas.

But at its heart, Dhurandhar's lengthy storyline remains committed to recounting the success of the ruling BJP government and glorifying the sitting prime minister, which no Bollywood movie has done in the past.

Dhurandhar is not rooting for India, but for the ruling establishment, and it pulls the dagger proudly while sporting the cloak sponsored by the BJP.

Shweta Desai has worked as a research consultant with the ministry of external affairs and as a research associate with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies in New Delhi, focusing on counterterrorism, armed conflicts, terrorist groups, and regional security.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
One of the most uncivilised characteristics of this war has been the total disregard for international law and the laws of armed conflict, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).

IMAGE: An Iranian woman attends a ceremony in Tehran, Iran, April 9, 2026, marking 40 days since the late supreme leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in Israeli and US strikes. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

Key Points The US-engineered ceasefire in the US/Israel War against Iran proved short-lived, with negotiations failing due to irreconcilable demands.

The US has declared a blockade of Iranian ports, an act of war that could lead to further escalation and disregard for international maritime law.

The conflict highlights a blatant disregard for international law and the laws of armed conflict, with indiscriminate targeting of civilian areas.

IMAGE: A funeral for the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards intelligence organisation, Majid Khademi, in Tehran, April 8, 2026. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters

'The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ/Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit/Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line/Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.'

This famous verse from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, translated into English by Edward FitzGerald, symbolises the non-reversibility of our actions and that we alone are responsible for them, however big a mess we make out of our lives.

Our actions change our existence in ways we cannot even imagine, sometimes for the good and often for the worse.

The US/Israel War against Iran is a depressing example of how the world has been plunged into economic uncertainty and great human suffering including enormous losses of life and property.

One of the most uncivilised characteristics of this war has been the total disregard for international law and the laws of armed conflict.

The indiscriminate targeting of schools and civilian targets has surpassed all limits of uncivilised behaviour.

The normal evolution of humankind pre-supposes that enhancement of knowledge will lead to enhancement of power which in turn will lead to the betterment of society.

However, such an idealist philosophy does not seem to resonate with some political leaders and their blatant disregard for collective good and a 'might is right' approach seems to be taking parts of the world back to the law of the jungle.

There could not be a greater example of the dismal depths to which human thought can take the world than the outrageous threat about 'wiping out a civilization in one night'. The baser instincts of humans appear to be getting the better of enlightened judgement.

IMAGE: An Israeli strike kills an infant girl in south Lebanon, April 12, 2026. Photograph: Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters

Failed Ceasefire and Escalation

The ceasefire after 40 days of war, engineered by the USA, with a fawning and compliant Pakistan as proxy, was destined to be short-lived.

The US delegation was led by Vice President J D Vance but experts have commented that the one-sided, Israel-dictated agenda was carried by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

The very forces that started the war with Iran were trying to engineer the agenda for conflict termination even after being decidedly on the back foot.

The US delegation's refrain was that Iran did not accede to their demands and hence the talks failed.

There was no congruence between Iran's 10-point proposal by Iran and the USA's 15-point demand list.

The latter, especially, was not an agenda for negotiation -- it was a demand for total capitulation, which was rejected by Iran.

Negotiation is a process of 'give and take'. There was no common ground to even start talking.

It is therefore no surprise that the negotiations collapsed -- it was stillborn from the beginning.

IMAGE: An Israeli tank manoeuvres in Lebanon, near the Israel-Lebanon border, April 13, 2026. Photograph: Florion Goga/Reuters

Threats to International Maritime Order

Now that the talks have not borne fruit, there could be further escalation of the conflict if important installations are targeted.

The USA has already declared a blockade of Iranian ports, which, by itself, is an act of war.

This means that the ships and other assets enforcing the blockade are now legitimate targets for Iran.

On the other hand, if Iran chokes the Strait of Hormuz or levies charges for passage of ships, it will amount to disregarding the right of transit passage through international straits as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The UNCLOS has been signed and ratified by most nations of the world and in that regard, is the constitution by which oceanic affairs are conducted.

The world cannot allow a few nations at war to disturb the global maritime order. Both the USA and Iran must respect international law in letter and spirit. They have no right to disrupt world peace.

IMAGE: Family members are escorted to follow the bodies, transported by ambulances to the burial site, during the funeral service of six women and a man killed in Israeli strikes in Abbasiyeh, in Tyre, Lebanon. Photograph: Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters

The Imperative for UN Reform and Global Cooperation

Every strategic commentator seems to suggest that the world order is changing and there needs to be acceptance of this changed reality.

Nobody, however, seems to be proposing how that is to be achieved. The structure of the United Nations has to fundamentally change.

For that, the veto power of the P-5 should be taken away for a certain duration of time and all UN Security Council powers vested with the UN General Assembly.

If that does not happen, incumbent resistance will stymie any change of the status quo.

Once the veto power is removed, the UN General Assembly should deliberate the state of global geopolitics for an agreed duration of time and a recommended restructuring should be put to vote, in accordance with stipulated criteria for the motion to pass.

The functioning of all organs of the UN should be simultaneously reviewed. The eventual restructuring should reflect the present reality.

IMAGE: Men stand on the rubble of a collapsed apartment building caused by an Israeli strike in Tyre, Lebanon. Photograph: Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters

Any attempts at restructuring will face massive incumbent resistance.

Therefore, in the interim, there is a need for like-minded nations to come together to challenge the status quo, to challenge single-currency domination, to challenge technology denial, to challenge anti-climate change politics, to challenge trade and tariff blackmails, to challenge infringements of international rules-based orders, to challenge religious extremism, to challenge State and non-State terror including 'might is right' mindsets, to challenge global inequality and to create an environment that sustains global cooperation and peace.

BRICS may be a good start point, with the support of the African Union, ASEAN and Japan.

With NATO fractured and the EU drawing away from the USA, this forum could gradually be expanded to form an alternative to the UN, if restructuring attempts fail.

In the meanwhile, one hopes that American and Israeli people will see the futility of the developing calamity and force their respective administrations' hands to hasten meaningful negotiations and end the misery caused by this completely unnecessary war.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
'The BJP must have decided to replace Nitish with a green signal from JD-U leaders close to him.'

IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar being garlanded during an event on the last day of Samriddhi Yatra in Patna. Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha are also present. Photograph: CMO Bihar/ANI Photo

Key Points 'How long would the BJP have kept Nitish Kumar in the CM's chair in view of his physical and mental health?'

'Those leaders around Nitish Kumar or close to him have no ideological commitment.'

'The BJP has been eyeing for long to place its own leader as chief minister for the first time in Bihar. The time has come now.'

Shivanand Tiwari, in his early 80s, is a seasoned politician known for his socialist leanings. Widely seen as one of the few leaders in Bihar who keeps a close watch on political developments, he regularly shares his views on social media.

Tiwari, a former Bihar minister and former Rajya Sabha member, was closely associated with Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad as well as Bihar's longest-serving chief minister Nitish Kumar.

It is a different matter that today Tiwari is regarded as a friend-turned-foe of both Lalu and Nitish.

No more active in politics, Tiwari still packs a sharp repartee, Despite being away from party politics and elections, his stand on any issue matters because he began his political journey as a student leader with Lalu-Nitish in Jayaprakash Narayan's movement against the Emergency.

With Nitish Kumar all set to step down as CM, the move has saddened JD-U leaders, workers and supporters and triggered a fresh debate about his sidelining by the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is eyeing to replace him with one of its leaders.

"BJP has decided to replace Nitish with the full support of his party leaders around him," Shivanand Tiwari tells M I Khan.

Why is Nitish Kumar leaving hardly four months after being voted to power in the Bihar assembly polls?

Look, I am not a psychoanalyst to say why Nitish Kumar is leaving the top chair.

How long would the BJP have kept him in the CM's chair in view of his physical and mental health? The BJP was waiting for such time to get rid of him.

It seems Nitish's health condition is not fit. He is not in a position to rule or run the government.

Taking this situation as opportune, the BJP played its game. The BJP must have decided to replace Nitish with a green signal from JD-U leaders close to him.

The BJP has been eyeing for long to place its own leader as chief minister for the first time in Bihar. The time has come now.

The BJP was part of the coalition government led by Karpoori Thakur in the 1970s. The BJP was part of the government led by Nitish Kumar since 2005.

Why didn't JD-U leaders close to Nitish Kumar convince him not to hand over the chief minister's chair to the BJP?

Those leaders around him or close to him have no ideological commitment. All of them have nothing to do with ideological politics.

Take, for instance, JD-U working President Sanjay Jha, a Rajya Sabha MP known for his closeness to Nitish, who enjoys clout in the Nitish-centric party. He has come from the BJP. It was Arun Jaitley who sent him to the JD-U, it is a well-known truth.

Another close leader is Union Minister Lalan Singh, whose commitment is to his own self only. He has nothing to do with ideology. Others are more or less the same. There is no one close to Nitish Kumar with ideological leaning.

'Nitish Kumar has never had any ideological commitment'

What about Nitish's ideological leanings?

Nitish Kumar has never had any ideological commitment. It is a different matter that Nitish tried his best to make his own image closely connected with Mahatma Gandhi by launching his yatra from West Champaran, associated with Gandhi's satyagraha, building the Gandhi Tower, Bapu Sabhaghar and other things to promote Gandhi's ideas.

Politics without principles is one of the seven social sins stated by Mahatma Gandhi.

Ironically, Nitish has been doing the same, that must have come to his mind at night before sleep.

IMAGE: Nitish Kumar on the last day of the Samriddhi Yatra in Patna, March 26, 2026. Photograph: CMO Bihar/ANI Photo

But there was a time when Nitish Kumar was uncomfortable with Narendra Modi's rise at the national level, which resulted in the break-up of his alliance with the BJP in 2013.

It is true that after a full page newspaper advertisement featuring a photograph of Modi holding aloft Nitish Kumar's hand appeared in 2010, it angered Nitish so much that he cancelled a dinner he was to host for visiting BJP delegates including Modi at his official residence that evening.

But the same Nitish Kumar is bowing and touching Modi's feet now.

'Nitish has been promoting Samrat Choudhary for CM'

Who will be the next CM?

In recent days Nitish Kumar was seen as indirectly supporting Samrat Choudhary for the CM post. Samrat was in the JD-U before joining the BJP in 2018.

Nitish has been promoting Samrat, who is an imported leader in the BJP, that may or may not be liked by BJP leaders from an RSS background.

Nitish Kumar was against parivaarvaad, now his son Nishant Kumar has joined the JD-U. How do you look at this political development?

His opposition to parivaarvaad was nothing but a part of his politics.

There was no one in his family who could join politics. His son has been forced into politics. I will not say anything about his son.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
'US and Iran have not annulled the ceasefire, and the possibility of continuing negotiations remains open.'

IMAGE: People walk past buildings destroyed during Israeli strikes in Tyre, Lebanon, April 10, 2026. Photograph: Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters

Key Points Ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon will meet at US State Department in Washington, DC, April 14.

'International community should exert pressure on Israel to reach a ceasefire with Lebanon...'

'...And on Iran to stop interfering in Lebanon's political and military decisions.'

A significant development after the failed peace talks in Islamabad between America and Israel is the negotiation that will take place today, April 14, between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, DC.

Lebanon is reeling under continuing Israeli strikes since full-scale hostilities began between Israel and Hezbollah, even after the two-week ceasefire was announced between US-Israel and Iran.

Israel carried out large scale air attacks that killed nearly 300 people in a single day in Lebanon on April 8, the highest in a single day, according to the United Nations.

Hezbollah is trained, armed and financed by Iran. It is part of Iran's Axis of Resistance which includes Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen.

"Hezbollah is a militia operating outside the law. The decision to pursue negotiations lies with the government, not with any Iranian proxy," says Dr Najat Aoun Saliba, the first environmental scientist to be elected to the Lebanese parliament.

Dr Saliba holds a PhD in physical science and postdoctoral training in atmospheric chemistry -- and is a L'Oreal-UNESCO laureate for Women in Science.

"We hope an agreement will be reached sooner or later that will save Lebanon from the grip of both Israel and Iran through Hezbollah," Dr Saliba tells Rediff's Archana Masih.

Formal direct negotiations are going to happen for the first time between Israel and Lebanon in Washington. Are you hopeful of an enduring ceasefire between the two countries after continuing Israeli strikes in Lebanon?

The continuation of the strikes is not justified on Israel's part, especially as Lebanon has demonstrated its intention to take matters into its own hands and affirmed that the decision to pursue negotiations lies with the government, not with any Iranian proxy, including Hezbollah.

We call on the international community to exert pressure on both sides: On Israel to reach a ceasefire with Lebanon, and on Iran to refrain from interfering in Lebanon's political and military decisions.

The challenges are significant, but so are the stakes. At this moment, sustained dialogue remains the only viable path forward.

We therefore support the Lebanese government in this endeavour and hope that these efforts will lead to a durable and peaceful resolution.

IMAGE: An Israeli F15 jet releases a flare while flying over southern Lebanon, near the Israel-Lebanon border, as seen from northern Israel, April 13, 2026. Photograph: Florion Goga/Reuters

What guarantees or mechanisms would be necessary for a sustainable agreement?

The government of Lebanon is preparing itself to embark in this important and historical peace negotiations initiative.

However, Lebanon cannot do it alone and will need the support of the international community to put pressure on Israel to withdraw from the occupied Lebanese territories, put pressure on Iran to stop interfering in our country and our lives and support the Lebanese armed forces to get the resources and the tools needed to enforce compliance with the government's decisions.

IMAGE: Mohamed El Junayd, 43, who said he survived the Israeli strike, sits beside piled damaged cars at the site of an Israeli strike carried out on April 8, at Corniche al-Mazraa in Beirut, Lebanon, April 13, 2026. Photograph: Zohra Bensemra/Reuters

Israel has refused to discuss Hezbollah. Can negotiations be viable without the inclusion -- direct or indirect -- of Hezbollah, particularly when one of the main reasons for the failure of Islamabad talks was the US rejection of the inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire deal?

Hezbollah is a militia operating outside the law. It operates only for the benefit of Iran as the question implicitly indicates and as such the Lebanese people do not trust that Hezbollah will be safeguarding the interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese people if it is allowed to be included in the negotiation.

IMAGE: A vessel sails through the Strait of Hormuz off Oman's Musandam province, April 12, 2026. Photograph: Reuters

President Trump has threatened a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Is this strategic signalling or coercive diplomacy -- or do you think Trump will muster a military coalition against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz?

All options remain possible; however, both countries have not annulled the ceasefire, and the possibility of continuing negotiations remains open.

IMAGE: Israeli military vehicles drive on a road near the Israel-Lebanon border, in northern Israel, April 13, 2026. Photograph: Florion Goga/Reuters

What do you think is likely to happen after the ceasefire deadline ends? Will this lead to a resumption of American-Israeli hostilities against Iran? Or is there a possibility of further talks?

The possibilities of extending the deadline for the ceasefire seems a more plausible scenario. The effects of airstrikes have plateaued and so any escalation will have to come in a different approach similar to what we saw in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

IMAGE: Dr Najat Aoun Saliba. IMAGE: Dr Najat Aoun Saliba.

Does America want an exit from this war? Can it impress upon Israel from striking Iran and Lebanon?

If America wants an exit, it can and it has in the past. We do hope that diplomatic efforts will overcome the fire and agreements that save Lebanon from the grip of both Israel and Iran through Hezbollah can be reached sooner than later.

How has the war altered the security, strategic and business dynamics of the Middle East?

This war has severely disrupted the tourism, cultural, and academic seasons. It has led to the cancellation of numerous conferences, as well as leisure and business activities, significantly worsening the economic situation.

In addition, rising oil prices and disruptions in shipping have begun to manifest in shortages of basic commodities in supermarkets.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
'EPS exposed all the traitors. The DMK has given them political asylum. They are political orphans.'

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party's supreme leader and Prime Minister Narendra D Modi at an election meeting in Tamil Nadu, April 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu will take place on April 23, 2026, and the usually bipolar battle between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna DMK has been given an added edge with the entry of actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

The ruling DMK and the AIADMK have been alternating in power for many decades, with former chief minister J Jayalalithaa breaking the pattern in 2016.

Key Points 'Vijay will be a spoiler, not a winner'

'DMK has to worry about Vijay, not us'

'Freebies are part of life for those who need it. It is money that comes from the common man and goes back to them.'

The two sides have been buttressing their allies, with the AIADMK relying on its national partner Bharatiya Janata Party, itching to make a mark in the southern state.

As the Election Commission putting a date to the keenly awaited electoral battle, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Satyan tells Rediff Senior Contributor A Ganesh Nadar, "I see Vijay as noise."

Are you not worried about alienating the minority vote by allying with the BJP?

On June 6, 1999, in an article in the Murasoli, DMK chief M Karunanidhi had said that the BJP was not anti-minority. That applies to us also.

Do you think Vijay's TVK will get minority votes and thus hurt the DMK? Can Vijay hurt the AIADMK too?

Speculation and assumptions are everybody's freedom, but we will know only after the results.

Vijay has the tag of a minority but the minority has not declared their support to Vijay.

The DMK is supposed to be the custodian of the minorities, they might be worried.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections the DMK took an anti-BJP stand. That will not work for the assembly elections.

The DMK has to worry about Vijay's TVK, not us.

Udaynidhi Stalin doesn't have a following like Vijay.

Vijay will be a spoiler, not a winner.

IMAGE: Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder Vijay during a TVK rally at Vikravandi in Villupuram, October 27, 2024. Photograph: Rediff Archives

Was your party open to a tie-up with Vijay?

That is my leader's call. Our leaders clearly said there is no such tieup.

How do you see Vijay -- as a disruptor, a potential rival, or a claimant for the top job?

I see Vijay as noise.

Do you think the anti-incumbency vote will be divided because of Vijay and Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi?

Every party has its own core voters. We have 35% always. The DMK also has its own core voters.

Only fence-sitters or cat on the wall voters might change. He (Vijay) might get that vote only. We have to see what impact that will have and how much it will impact which party.

IMAGE: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin at the DMK's 12th state conference in Tiruchirappalli, March 9, 2026. Photograph: @mkstalin X/ANI Photo

Tamil Nadu has the habit of changing the government every election. Do you think that trend will continue?

Yes! Whenever the DMK is in power it always happens. Only Amma broke the trend in 2016 after 32 years.

The shortage of fuel in the current situation will go against the central government, that is headed by the BJP. How will you handle that fallout?

They are creating a panic mode, but it will not continue for long.

Iran will relent under pressure.

Your party president EPS spends a lot of time controlling his own party leaders, so how much time does he have to fight the elections?

He exposed all the traitors. The DMK has given them political asylum. They are political orphans.

Why are leaders leaving your party?

It is survival of the fittest. We have more than two crore and six lakh (2.6 million) as our cadre strength. You have to fight for your space.

Those who don't stand a chance have to seek their option elsewhere.

IMAGE: AIADMK General Secretary and former Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. Photograph: @EPSTamilNadu/X

Do you find it easier to work with the BJP's Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran because he is a former AIADMK leader?

He has been in politics for a long time. He understands the political nuances that are involved very well. So we don't have an issue working with him.

How will your party cadres work with AMMK workers because till now you considered them as rebels?

Nobody is a permanent friend or enemy in politics. Cadres go by their leader's choices. Once the leaders decide the cadres will follow.

People feel that the freebie culture of both Dravidian parties will eventually bankrupt the state.

Freebies are part of life for those who need it. It is money that comes from the common man and goes back to them.

It is not for everybody. It is for those who need it. States will not go bankrupt because of them. Take the freebies as a capital investment. You will get your return on investment.

Many leaders the AIADMK shunned have made it to the NDA through the BJP. Are you upset that you will have to work alongside them?

It is the AIADMK that is heading the alliance. They have come to terms with that. There is no ideological difference. There is a common minimum programme to end dynast rule.

We know what to do and we will follow our strategy.

Who is leading the NDA in Tamil Nadu -- BJP or the AIADMK?

The AIADMK led by EPS.

If the NDA wins, and it's a big if, who will be the CM -- AIADMK or BJP?

The AIADMK will form a government on its own majority. EPS will be the chief minister.

The perception is that the AIADMK was arm-twisted into an alliance with the BJP, since you had earlier broken off with them. Were you forced into the alliance?

Absolutely not. Even in 2021 they said the same thing, that we are being bullied. It is not true.
An NIA court has sentenced three individuals involved in an Al-Qaeda-linked terror conspiracy in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and maintain national security.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Three men have been sentenced by an NIA court for their involvement in an Al-Qaeda-linked terror conspiracy in Uttar Pradesh.

The convicts, Museeruddin, Minhaj Ahmad, and Tawheed Ahmad Shah, received jail terms ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment.

The terror plot aimed to carry out attacks in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, ahead of Independence Day celebrations in 2021.

The investigation revealed the convicts were involved in radicalising and recruiting vulnerable youth for Ansaar Gajwatul Hind (AGH), a module of AQIS.

Other accused in the case were earlier convicted under the Arms Act after pleading guilty.

Three men have been sentenced by a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court for involvement in an Al-Qaeda-linked terror conspiracy to carry out attacks in Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Tuesday.

The trio men have been identified as Museeruddin alias Raju and Minhaj Ahmad alias Minhaj of Lucknow, and Tawheed Ahmad Shah alias Sobu Shah, hailing from district Budgam of Jammu and Kashmir, they said.

The Lucknow special court on Monday pronounced varying jail terms, ranging from 5 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) to life imprisonment, against the three accused, the officials said.

The terror convicts have also been fined a sum of up to Rs 20,000, they said.

Three other accused, namely Shakeel, Mohd Mustaqeem and Mohammad Moid (all residents of Lucknow), were convicted earlier in this case after they had pleaded guilty under the Arms Act.

NIA had filed charges against all the six convicted accused in the case through two chargesheets in 2022.

Details of the Terror Plot

The case was originally registered by the Uttar Pradesh police following the arrest of Mushirudeen and Minhaj, both members of the banned Al-Qaeda terrorist organisation, by its Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) in July 2021.

The duo was found involved in radicalisation and recruitment of vulnerable youth for raising Ansaar Gajwatul Hind (AGH) as a module of AQIS (Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent) in Lucknow, a statement issued by the probe agency said.

The conspiracy was aimed at carrying out terrorist acts in various cities of UP, including the capital, ahead of the Independence Day celebrations in 2021, it said.

NIA, after taking over the case, found that Minhaj was radicalised by Tawheed and another accused, Adil Nabi Teli alias Musa.

Together, these three men had conspired to recruit members for the banned AGH for committing terrorist acts, the statement said.

Investigations by the anti-terror agency further revealed that Museeruddin was also roped into the conspiracy by Minhaj, and had even taken 'Baiyat' (oath of allegiance) at the latter's behest, it said.

Subsequently, Museeruddin and Minhaj had procured arms, ammunition and explosive materials with the help of Shakeel, Mustaqeem and Moid as part of the terror conspiracy intended to wage war against the government of India, the NIA said.

Musa's Involvement and Fate

During the course of the investigation, Musa was found to be a declared terrorist affiliated with TRF, an extended outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror organisation, it said.

Investigations revealed that Musa had received funds from Minhaj through Tawheed.

Musa was killed in an encounter with security forces in March 2022 and NIA had filed an abated chargesheet against him in August 2022, the statement said.
Pooja Shakun Pandey, accused in the Aligarh murder case, has been granted conditional bail by the Allahabad High Court, pending cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The Allahabad High Court granted conditional bail to Pooja Shakun Pandey in the Abhishek Gupta murder case.

Pandey, also known as Annapurna Bharti, must cooperate with the ongoing investigation and trial proceedings as a condition of her bail.

The prosecution alleged Pandey and her husband were involved in the conspiracy to murder Gupta, based on phone call details.

The court noted that the specific role of causing the firearm injury was assigned to co-accused Faizal and Asif, with limited conclusive evidence showing Pandey's direct involvement in the conspiracy.

The Allahabad High Court has granted conditional bail to accused Pooja Shakun Pandey in the high-profile Abhishek Gupta murder case of Aligarh.

Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal on Monday allowed the bail application filed by Pandey, also known as former Mahamandaleshwar Annapurna Bharti, with the conditions that the accused will cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation and trial proceedings.

According to the facts of the case, Gupta, a bike showroom owner, was murdered on September 26, 2025. The FIR stated that two motorcycle-borne persons shot him dead while he was travelling on a bus. It was alleged that the applicant and her husband were involved in the conspiracy to murder.

According to the prosecution, 11 calls made to the mobile of co-accused Faizal on September 27, 2025 from the phone of applicant and she and her husband were involved in the conspiracy.

According to applicant counsel, apart from call details, there was no conclusive evidence showing that the applicant was involved in conspiracy to kill the deceased.

Court Observations on the Evidence

The court in its order observed, "Taking into account the fact that specific role of causing fire arm injury has been assigned to co-accused Faizal and Asif, they have also been identified in CCTV footage and recovery of fire arms were also made on the pointing out of co-accused Faizal and Asif and only role assigned to the applicant is conspiracy but there is no conclusive material showing the involvement of the applicant in the aforesaid conspiracy."

"The fact that the applicant is a lady and keeping in view the nature of offence, evidence, complicity of accused and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, I am of the opinion that the applicant is entitled to be enlarged on bail. Accordingly, the present application is allowed," the court added.
Maharashtra leaders commemorated Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary, celebrating his enduring legacy as a champion of social justice, equality, and the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Maharashtra leaders commemorated Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary, acknowledging his pivotal role in shaping the Indian Constitution and advocating for social justice.

Ambedkar's contributions extended beyond social reform to include significant influence on economic policy and the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India.

Leaders highlighted Ambedkar's commitment to gender equality, particularly his efforts in ensuring equal rights and universal adult franchise in India.

The Mahad Satyagraha, led by Ambedkar, was recognised as a turning point in the fight against caste discrimination and for the rights of marginalised communities.

Ongoing projects, such as the Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mill in Mumbai, demonstrate a continued commitment to preserving and honouring Ambedkar's legacy.

Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday paid rich tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, describing him as a global symbol of hope, dignity and social justice.

The governor, CM, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar and state minister Chhagan Bhujbal visited Ambedkar's memorial Chaityabhoomi, located in Mumbai's Dadar area, in the morning to pay homage to the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.

A large number of people gathered at the memorial to pay homage to Ambedkar.

Ambedkar's Vision for Social Transformation

Addressing a function at Chaityabhoomi, the governor said Ambedkar laid the strong constitutional foundation that enabled India to emerge as a vibrant democracy.

Ambedkar viewed education as the most powerful instrument of social transformation, he noted and highlighted the social reformer's academic journey, despite discrimination, including studies at Columbia University and the London School of Economics.

His initiatives, such as the People's Education Society, established in 1945, continue to advance educational opportunities for marginalised sections, Varma pointed out.

He also recalled Ambedkar's role as chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, ensuring fundamental rights, abolition of untouchability and provisions for affirmative action for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Ambedkar was a strong advocate of gender equality, the governor said, and credited him for ensuring equal rights and universal adult franchise in the country.

He also expressed satisfaction over the progress of the upcoming Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mill in Mumbai and appealed for efforts to eliminate caste discrimination, noting the centenary year of the Mahad Satyagraha.

"Ambedkar is the symbol of hope, dignity and social justice. He was also a strong advocate of gender equality," the governor added.

Notably, in 1927, Ambedkar had already emerged as a commanding voice for the rights of the 'untouchables', but his leadership during the Mahad Satyagraha marked a seismic shift. It was not just about asserting the right to draw water from a public tank -- it was about challenging the foundations of the caste system.

Fadnavis Highlights Ambedkar's Impact on Nation Building

Speaking at Chaityabhoomi, Fadnavis said Ambedkar showed how "one individual, one pen and one book" could transform a nation through the Constitution.

Ambedkar's contributions extended beyond social reform to economic thought, including his work on monetary policy and the Indian rupee, which influenced the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India, he noted.

Fadnavis said Ambedkar's ideas on purchasing power and economic reform remain relevant in the modern global economy. The Constitution laid by Ambedkar dismantled social discrimination and ensured equality across caste, religion and gender, enabling India's steady progress, he added.

The chief minister also referred to Ambedkar's message, inspired by Gautam Buddha - "be your own light" - and urged people to embrace self-reliance and realise their potential.

Shinde and Pawar on Ambedkar's Enduring Legacy

Shinde described Ambedkar as the "sun of wisdom" and said the day represents India's conscience, dignity and self-respect.

Ambedkar gave the nation the values of equality, humanity and justice, he said and called him the architect of both the Constitution and human values.

India's democratic framework ensures justice for the last person in society, Shinde stressed and credited Ambedkar's vision for enabling social mobility and equal opportunity.

He highlighted the Mahad Satyagraha as a turning point in the struggle for social dignity.

Shinde also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for institutionalising Constitution Day in 2015 and said the ongoing projects, such as the Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mill in Mumbai and preservation of his London residence, reflect the government's commitment to his legacy.

Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar said Ambedkar's birth anniversary is not just a commemorative occasion but a celebration of dignity for the oppressed, deprived and women.

Ambedkar's message of "educate, organise and agitate" continues to guide social reform movements, she said, highlighting his role in breaking the chains of untouchability and ensuring constitutional guarantees of equality, liberty and fraternity.

Pawar noted that the Hindu Code Bill was a landmark step in advancing women's rights and said Ambedkar's constitutional vision enabled women's empowerment and representation in public life.

The Mahad Chavdar Tank Satyagraha marked a historic milestone in the fight for social equality, she added.

Several initiatives are underway to preserve Ambedkar's legacy, including the development of an international memorial at Indu Mill, Pawar noted, saying true tribute lies in upholding constitutional values and ensuring inclusive development.

The Brihnamumbai Municipal Corporation organised a tree plantation and blood donation drive to mark the occasion.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini celebrated B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary by underscoring his profound impact on women's empowerment and social justice, while also addressing historical criticisms against the Congress party's treatment of the iconic leader.

Photograph: Kind courtesy DrAmbedkarTheGreatestIndian/Facebook

Key Points Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini emphasised B.R. Ambedkar's commitment to women's empowerment and education as key to self-reliance.

Saini and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal criticised the Congress party for alleged historical disrespect towards Ambedkar.

The government is developing key sites associated with Ambedkar as 'Panchteerth' to educate future generations about his contributions.

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, providing 33% reservation for women in legislatures, was highlighted as a step towards a developed India.

The government aims to build a 'Viksit Bharat' ensuring social justice, equal opportunities, and women's participation, inspired by Ambedkar's vision.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday said that B R Ambedkar was not only concerned about the upliftment of the marginalised sections but was also a strong advocate of women's empowerment and education.

He believed that education is the key to making women self-reliant, Saini said while addressing a state-level programme in Panchkula on Ambedkar's birth anniversary.

The chief minister further said the social reformer showed the true path of life to lost and misguided humanity during his time, and it is our responsibility to preserve and uphold his legacy.

Addressing the gathering at the event, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said Ambedkar's role was not limited to the framing of the Constitution, but he also gave a new direction to the fight for social justice, equality and rights.

Criticism of Congress Party

Saini and Meghwal launched a scathing attack on the Congress and alleged that Ambedkar was subjected to disrespect by the grand old party.

Despite being such a great leader who was architect of the Indian Constitution, Babasaheb was repeatedly subjected to political neglect and disrespect by the then ruling Congress party, both Saini and Meghwal said.

Saini said that in 1946, during the formation of the Constituent Assembly, the Congress tried its best to prevent him from entering it. However, Babasaheb reached there through his talent and struggle. Even then, he was never truly accepted by the Congress leadership, the chief minister said.

He further alleged that it was unfortunate that even as the law minister of the country, Ambedkar was kept away from key decisions and committees.

His role was limited in crucial matters like foreign policy, defence and national importance; his demand for setting up a commission for the rights of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes was also not taken seriously by the Congress government, Saini said.

He further said the biggest injustice was done when his most revolutionary social reform, the Hindu Code Bill, was deliberately delayed, diluted and eventually shelved by the Congress. Despite repeated assurances, it was not implemented, which was a major betrayal, he added.

The chief minister said that in 1951, Babasaheb was compelled to resign from the Cabinet.

At that time, he had said that his resignation was not due to any desire for position, but because he refused to compromise on principles, Saini said.

He accused Congress leaders of still disrespecting Ambedkar while carrying copies of the Constitution he authored and claiming that the Constitution is under threat.

Government Initiatives and Tributes

Referring to the Radcliffe Commission constituted during the time of India's Partition, Union Minister Meghwal said that due to several decisions taken during that period, Ambedkar also had to face difficult circumstances.

Despite this, he kept national interest above all and made significant contributions in the Constituent Assembly. During this time, the support of several leaders, including Dr Rajendra Prasad, was also noteworthy, he added.

Meghwal said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, key places associated with Ambedkar have been developed as 'Panchteerth', giving the new generation an opportunity to understand his ideas and contributions. He termed this a true tribute to Babasaheb.

Referring to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, Meghwal described it as a historic step, stating that through this Act, women will get 33 per cent reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, which is a significant initiative towards making India a developed nation.

He said the thoughts of Ambedkar and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule had deep similarities, and both dedicated their lives to the upliftment of marginalised sections of society.

He added that in Maharashtra, people believe that "Phule was Ambedkar," reflecting the deep ideological unity between them.

Meghwal said that respecting the ideas and contributions of Babasaheb is among the top priorities of the present government. The scale at which his memorials are being developed today is unprecedented.

He said under the leadership of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, an important initiative was taken to develop Babasaheb's residence at 26, Alipur Road as a memorial. Taking this forward, under the leadership of Modi, it has been developed into a grand national memorial.

He added that the work of giving respect to women was first done by Babasaheb Ambedkar, and currently Prime Minister Modi is doing the most in this direction.

Meghwal said that the government's goal is to build a "Viksit Bharat" where social justice, equal opportunities and participation of women are ensured.

Extending heartfelt greetings on the birth anniversary of Ambedkar, Saini said the birth anniversary this year is being marked with a 'Social Justice Week' from April 13 to April 20. The main objective of this campaign is to take Babasaheb's message of social justice and equality to every section of society, he said.
The impact was so severe that none of the buffaloes survived.

Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A herd of wild buffaloes was killed instantly after being hit by a speeding train in Assam's Dima Hasao district.

The accident occurred between Jatinga-Lampur and New Harangajao stations in a forested hill section prone to wildlife movement.

The Lumding-Badarpur railway stretch has seen repeated wildlife fatalities, including elephant deaths in recent years.

Experts link rising incidents to habitat loss, inadequate fencing, and increasing railway expansion through ecologically sensitive zones.

Six animals killed instantly; fresh concerns over wildlife safety on railway tracks

A herd of wild buffaloes was run over by a speeding train in Assam's Dima Hasao district, killing all the animals on the spot in a tragic incident that has once again highlighted the growing conflict between wildlife and railway operations in the hill district.

According to railway and local sources, the accident occurred on Sunday between Jatinga-Lampur and New Harangajao stations, when the animals strayed onto the tracks and were hit by an oncoming train.

The impact was so severe that none of the buffaloes survived.

Incident in ecologically sensitive hill section

Officials said the collision took place along the Lumding-Badarpur hill section, a route that cuts through forested and hilly terrain known for frequent animal movement.

The region has long been identified as vulnerable due to the absence of adequate fencing and monitoring systems.

Notably, this is the same stretch where several elephants were mowed down in the recent past, raising serious questions about railway safety measures in wildlife corridors.

Although the Northeast Frontier Railways have installed detection alarm systems in parts of the route, such mishaps continue to occur at regular intervals, causing concern among environmentalists.

A few days ago, a similar incident on April 6 along these vulnerable hill stretches had also resulted in multiple buffalo deaths, underlining the recurring nature of such accidents in the area.

Railway response and restoration

Following the latest mishap, railway personnel and teams from the Railway Protection Force rushed to the site to clear the tracks and restore normal movement.

Officials confirmed that train services were briefly affected but resumed after the carcasses were removed and safety checks completed.

No injuries to passengers or railway staff were reported.

Rising man-animal conflict

Experts say such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent in Assam's hill districts due to shrinking habitats and expanding infrastructure.

Encroachment into forest areas and lack of protective barriers along railway lines often lead animals onto tracks.

The repeated accidents within a short span have raised alarm among conservationists, who are calling for urgent mitigation measures to protect wildlife in the region.

Calls for preventive measures

Environmentalists and local residents have urged authorities to introduce safeguards such as early warning systems, stricter speed restrictions in vulnerable stretches, and the construction of dedicated animal corridors.

Railway officials, meanwhile, indicated that the incident would be reviewed and additional safety mechanisms may be considered to prevent recurrence.

The latest tragedy underscores the fragile balance between development and conservation in Assam's Dima Hasao district, where railway connectivity continues to intersect with critical wildlife habitats.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
Delhi Police have arrested two individuals, including an aviation firm director and a dhaba owner, following the assault of an Army brigadier and his son who confronted them for drinking in public, sparking outrage and a swift investigation.

Photograph: X

Key Points An aviation firm director and a dhaba owner have been arrested for assaulting an Army brigadier and his son in Delhi after the officer objected to their public drinking.

The incident occurred in Vasant Enclave, Delhi, after the brigadier and his son confronted the men drinking in a parked car outside their residence.

Delhi Police have registered an FIR and are investigating the involvement of other individuals in the assault, seizing the Mercedes car linked to the incident.

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has directed the police to provide security to the brigadier's family and ensure a swift investigation.

The Indian Army has taken cognisance of the assault and is assisting the Delhi Police in the investigation, expressing concern over the incident.

The director of an aviation firm and a dhaba owner were arrested in connection with the assault on an Army brigadier and his son after the officer objected to the duo drinking alcohol in a car parked outside his residence in Delhi's Vasant Enclave, police said on Tuesday.

The arrested accused were Satender alias Sonu (49) and Sanjay Sharma (56), both residents of Mehram Nagar in Vasant Enclave.

Satender is the director of Chaudhary Aviation Pvt Ltd, a firm that offers charter and cargo flight services and deals in purchase and sale of aircraft and aircraft parts. Sharma runs a local eatery, Pandit Ji Dhaba, in Mehram Nagar, a police statement said.

The arrests were made three days after the police registered an FIR against Satender, Sharma and their associates in the incident that took place on Saturday.

"We have arrested the accused from Delhi. We are verifying the number of people involved in the incident," said another police officer, who added that police have seized the Mercedes car linked to the incident.

Army brigadier Parminder Singh Arora and his IIT graduate son Tejas Singh Arora were allegedly assaulted on Saturday night, while the officer's wife was threatened and abused, when they objected to the accused drinking in a car outside their residence.

Following the assault, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu directed the Delhi Police to provide full security to the brigadier and his family. Sandhu expressed concern over the incident and also spoke with the Army officer.

In a post on X, the lieutenant governor said, "I have personally spoken with Brigadier P S Arora to enquire about the incident and their well-being. I also spoke with the Police Commissioner and the DCP, directing them to ensure a thorough and swift investigation, leading to immediate and appropriate action against those responsible."

According to police, the incident took place on the night of April 11, when the brigadier and his son were taking a walk after dinner and noticed two men drinking in a car parked outside their residence.

When Arora objected to them drinking in the residential area, the situation escalated quickly. A group of men arrived at the spot and allegedly attacked the officer and his son, and also abused and threatened the officer's wife, police said.

Speaking to mediapersons, Tejas Arora had said, "On Saturday night, after dinner, my father Brigadier Parminder Singh Arora and I were out for a walk. We saw two men inside a luxury car openly drinking and smoking."

He said they politely asked the men to move elsewhere, as it was a residential area and public drinking was inappropriate.

"The moment we requested them to leave, they became hostile and dared us to call anyone. My father then asked me to call the police control room," he said.

Tejas Arora further alleged that the police personnel who arrived at the spot refused to record their complaint.

He said he was assaulted for around 15 minutes, while his father was also surrounded and attacked. The family alleged that police personnel present at the scene did not intervene effectively.

The brigadier's wife also accused the police personnel of inaction despite her repeated pleas for help during the incident.

Taking cognisance of the matter, Delhi Police have registered an FIR under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 79 (any word, gesture, act or object intrusion intended to insult the modesty of a woman or violate her privacy), 191(2) (rioting) and 190 (unlawful assembly) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

During preliminary enquiry, a lapse was found on part of the investigating officer, following which he was sent to the district lines.

Several videos of the incident, showing two men inside the car holding liquor bottles, have surfaced on social media, triggering widespread public outrage.

The Indian Army had taken serious cognisance of the matter and directed its military police to assist the officer. The Army authorities had also approached the Delhi Police, seeking expeditious investigation and prompt action in the case.

Public Outrage and Army's Response

A former Army officer, Colonel Danvir Singh, said on X that he spoke to Brigadier Arora.

In his post, Colonel Singh alleged that the "Mercedes Benz goons" were consuming alcohol in public. When objected to, the "anti-social" "car-o-bar duo" called in seven to eight accomplices who were close by and assaulted the brigadier and his son. The brigadier, who was part of numerous operations in the hinterland of Kashmir and elsewhere, and his son sustained injuries in the scuffle that ensued, Colonel Singh said.

Police said further investigation is underway to identify other people involved in the assault.
An aviation firm director and dhaba owner have been arrested in Delhi for assaulting an Army brigadier and his son after the officer objected to their public drinking, sparking outrage and a swift police investigation.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The incident occurred in Vasant Enclave when the brigadier and his son confronted the accused for drinking in a parked car outside their residence.

Delhi Police have registered an FIR and seized the vehicle involved, with further investigation underway to identify other accomplices.

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has directed the police to fast-track the investigation and provide security to the brigadier and his family.

Videos of the incident have surfaced on social media, sparking public outrage and prompting the Indian Army to assist in the investigation.

The director of an aviation firm and a dhaba owner were arrested in connection with the assault on an Army brigadier and his son after the officer objected to the duo drinking alcohol in a car parked outside his residence in Delhi's Vasant Enclave, police said on Tuesday.

The arrested accused were Satender alias Sonu (49) and Sanjay Sharma (56), both residents of Mehram Nagar in Vasant Enclave.

Satender is the director of Chaudhary Aviation Pvt Ltd, a firm that offers charter and cargo flight services and deals in the purchase and sale of aircraft and aircraft parts. Sharma runs a local eatery, Pandit Ji Dhaba, in Mehram Nagar, according to a police statement.

The arrests were made a day after the police registered an FIR against Satender, Sharma and their associates in the incident that took place on Saturday.

"We have arrested the accused from Delhi. We are verifying the number of people involved in the incident," said another police officer, who added that police have seized the Mercedes car the accused were in during the incident.

Army Brigadier Parminder Singh Arora and his IIT graduate son Tejas Singh Arora were allegedly assaulted on Saturday night, while the officer's wife was threatened and abused, when they objected to the accused drinking in a car parked outside their residence.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu appreciated the swift police action and directed them to fast-track the investigation.

Earlier in the day, he expressed concern over the incident and also spoke to the assaulted Army officer.

"With two key accused now apprehended and the vehicle seized, the investigation must be fast-tracked to ensure all accomplices are brought to justice," Sandhu said.

He also directed the police to provide full security to the brigadier and his family.

In an earlier X post, the lieutenant governor said, "...I also spoke with the Police Commissioner and the DCP, directing them to ensure a thorough and swift investigation, leading to immediate and appropriate action against those responsible."

According to police, the incident took place on the night of April 11, when Brigadier Arora and his son Tejas Arora were taking a walk after dinner and noticed two men drinking in a car parked outside their residence.

When Arora objected to them drinking in the residential area, the situation escalated quickly. A group of men arrived at the spot and allegedly attacked the officer and his son, and also abused and threatened the officer's wife, police said.

Speaking to mediapersons after the incident, Tejas Arora had said, "On Saturday night, after dinner, my father Brigadier Parminder Singh Arora and I were out for a walk. We saw two men inside a luxury car openly drinking and smoking."

He said they politely asked the men to move elsewhere, as it was a residential area and public drinking was inappropriate.

"The moment we requested them to leave, they became hostile and dared us to call anyone. My father then asked me to call the police control room," he said.

Tejas Arora further alleged that the police personnel who arrived at the spot refused to record their complaint.

He said he was assaulted for about 15 minutes, while his father was also surrounded and attacked, even as the police personnel present at the scene failed to intervene effectively.

The brigadier's wife had also accused the police personnel of inaction despite her repeated pleas for help during the attack.

Legal action and investigation

Taking cognisance of the matter, Delhi Police on Monday registered an FIR under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 79 (any word, gesture, act or object intrusion intended to insult the modesty of a woman or violate her privacy), 191(2) (rioting) and 190 (unlawful assembly) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

During preliminary enquiry, a lapse was found on part of the investigating officer, following which he was sent to the district lines.

Several videos of the incident, showing the two men inside the car holding liquor bottles, have surfaced on social media, triggering widespread public outrage.

Army's response

The Indian Army has taken serious cognisance of the matter and directed its military police to assist the officer. The Army authorities have also approached the Delhi Police, seeking an expeditious investigation in the case.

A former Army officer, Colonel Danvir Singh, said on X that he spoke to Brigadier Arora.

In his post, Colonel Singh alleged that the "Mercedes Benz goons" were consuming alcohol in public. When objected to, the "anti-social" "car-o-bar duo" called in seven to eight accomplices who were nearby and assaulted the brigadier and his son. The brigadier, who was part of numerous operations in the hinterland of Kashmir and elsewhere, and his son sustained injuries in the scuffle that ensued, Colonel Singh said.

Police said further investigation is underway to identify other people involved in the assault.
A Bangladeshi national has been extradited from Brazil to the US to face charges for his alleged role in a human smuggling conspiracy, accused of facilitating illegal entry into the United States for financial gain.

Key Points Saiful Islam, a Bangladeshi national, was extradited from Brazil to the US to face human smuggling charges.

Islam is accused of conspiring to bring individuals illegally into the US for financial gain.

The smuggling operation involved facilitating travel from South America, Central America, and Mexico to the US border.

Smuggled individuals were instructed to cross into the US via the Rio Grande River or by jumping a border fence.

Islam faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years if convicted.

A Bangladeshi national has been extradited from Brazil and faces charges for his role in a conspiracy that smuggled numerous people through Central America to the United States.

Saiful Islam, 39, is expected to make his initial appearance in Laredo, Texas, on Monday.

An indictment in the Southern District of Texas charges Islam with conspiracy to bring an individual illegally to the US, multiple counts of bringing people to the US through Central America for financial gain.

Details of the Smuggling Operation

According to court documents, Islam participated in a wide-ranging human smuggling operation and assisted other smugglers by facilitating the travel of individuals from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and other locations in South America, Central America, and Mexico so that they could illegally enter the United States.

The people were brought to the Southern border and were instructed to cross into the US by wading across the Rio Grande River or by jumping a border fence.

He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of three or five years in prison and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee commemorates B R Ambedkar's birth anniversary, reinforcing his enduring influence on India's democracy and the ongoing pursuit of an inclusive and just society.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, highlighting his contribution to the Indian Constitution.

Banerjee emphasised the importance of Ambedkar's ideals in protecting democracy, secularism, and social justice in India.

The West Bengal government reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive society, ensuring dignity and hope for all citizens.

Banerjee cautioned against undermining the rights of the people and weakening the federal structure of the nation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday paid tribute to the principal architect of the Constitution, B R Ambedkar, on his birth anniversary, asserting his legacy continues to guide efforts to protect democracy and ensure an inclusive society.

In a post on X, Banerjee expressed pride that "it was the Bengal Legislature that paved the way for Babasaheb's entry into the Constituent Assembly, where his visionary leadership shaped our nation's future".

Ambedkar's Ideals and the Current Crossroads

The Trinamool Congress supremo underlined the continued relevance of Ambedkar's ideals, saying the country was at a crossroads, where democracy, secularism, federalism, and social justice require constant vigil. "The life works of Ambedkar remain our ultimate guiding light," she said.

Commitment to Inclusivity and Constitutional Values

Reaffirming her government's commitment to inclusivity, Banerjee said, "His vision drives our commitment to an inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of caste or creed, can live with dignity and hope."

She also struck a note of caution on safeguarding constitutional values, saying, "We will not allow the rights of our people to be undermined. Nor will we allow the federal structure and the plural and secular fabric of our nation to be weakened."
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the BJP of harassing Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states, alleging discrimination and unjust treatment.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Abhishek Banerjee alleges Bengali speakers are being harassed and labelled as Bangladeshis in BJP-ruled states.

Banerjee accuses the Modi government of denying Bengal its dues as revenge for electing the TMC.

He claims the BJP is attacking Bengali culture, language, and food habits.

Banerjee asserts that the TMC will ensure no legitimate voter is left out of electoral rolls.

He criticises the BJP's treatment of Rajbanshi and Matua communities, alleging deletion of names from electoral rolls.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that Bengali-speaking people were being harassed and intimidated in BJP-ruled states by labelling them as Bangladeshis.

Addressing a gathering after a roadshow in north Bengal's Cooch Behar, he accused the Narendra Modi government of denying Bengal its rightful dues as "an act of revenge" for electing the TMC to power repeatedly, spurning the BJP.

"They have persecuted and tormented Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states. They have insulted our icons, belittled our culture, tried to dictate our food habits, questioned the legitimacy of our language, and above all, conspired to rob the people of their democratic rights," the TMC national general secretary said.

The Diamond Harbour MP, who is the de facto number two in the TMC, also said, "While Bengali-speaking people are attacked, intimidated and labelled Bangladeshis in states ruled by the BJP, they are also forbidding the sale and consumption of fish and meat in many areas."

He exuded confidence that the people of Bengal would humble the "arrogant anti-Bengal zamindars" on May 4, the day of the results for the Assembly polls.

"This one strike will remind these arrogant despots that no matter how much power they wield in Delhi, people can push them off their throne. The ultimate power always rests with the people," Banerjee said.

Electoral Roll Concerns

He said, "The hollowness in the BJP's love for communities like Rajbanshi and Matuas stands exposed as lakhs of names of members from these communities have been arbitrarily deleted through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll."

He assured people that the TMC would ensure that no legitimate voter is left out of the electoral rolls.
In a tragic incident in Bengaluru, a woman allegedly killed her daughter before committing suicide, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding this devastating family event.

Key Points A woman in Bengaluru is suspected of smothering her 13-year-old daughter before taking her own life.

The incident occurred at their residence in the Whitefield area of Bengaluru.

Preliminary investigations suggest the woman may have been suffering from psychiatric issues and worried about her daughter's future.

Police have registered two cases related to the incident, including a complaint of murder and a suspicion of foul play.

A 45-year-old woman allegedly smothered her 13-year-old daughter before taking her own life at their residence in the Whitefield area of the city on Tuesday, police said.

The deceased were identified as Suvarna, a homemaker and her daughter Tarunya, they said.

The incident occurred around 11 am. When police reached the spot, they found that the woman had allegedly smothered the girl and later died by suicide by hanging herself, a senior police officer said.

Suvarna's husband, Chandrashekhar, who works as a compounder at a private hospital in the city, was at work when the incident occurred, the officer added.

Investigation into Possible Motives

Preliminary investigation suggests that the woman may have been suffering from psychiatric issues.

She reportedly used to worry about her daughter's future in the event of her own death.

Police Investigation Underway

Two cases have been registered in connection with the incident.

One was filed based on a complaint by Chandrashekhar alleging the killing of his daughter, while another was lodged by Suvarna's brother, Manjunath, expressing suspicion about the deaths, police said, adding that further investigation is underway.
Samrat Choudhary, who is the Bihar deputy chief minister, is set to take over as Bihar Chief Minister. He will be the first BJP chief minister of the state.

IMAGE: Newly-elected leader of the BJP legislature party in Bihar, Samrat Choudhary (fourth from right), meets Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) (third from right) at Lok Bhavan, in Patna as Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (fifth from left) and other party leaders look on, April 14, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo/BJP on X

Bihar deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary will take oath as the new CM of the state on Wednesday, a senior minister said in Patna.

His statement came after Choudhary was elected the leader of the National Democratic Alliance legislature party on Tuesday.

Key Points Samrat Choudhary, who is the Bihar deputy chief minister, is set to take over as Bihar chief minister

He will replace Janata Dal-United Nitish Kumar, who resigned as chief minister earlier in the day.

After he was elected BJP legislature party leader, Samrat Choudhary expressed his deep gratitude to the party's central leadership

Nitish Kumar, who heads the Janata Dal-United and became a Rajya Sabha MP last week, resigned as the chief minister earlier in the day.

"Choudhary has been unanimously elected as Leader of the NDA Legislative party," Union Minister Nityanand Rai said after the meeting attended by all MLAs of the alliance partners.

"Samart Choudhary jee will now take the oath as the next CM of Bihar on Wednesday," Bihar minister Ram Kripal Yadav told reporters after the NDA legislative party meeting in which Nitish Kumar was present.

Choudhary later said Kumar himself proposed his name in the NDA Legislative Party meeting and gave his blessings.

"The caravan of Bihar's development will continue to advance. With the trust of all the esteemed leaders of the NDA, we will take Bihar's development, progress, and good governance to new heights with renewed energy," Choudhay said in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, the newly-elected leader of the BJP legislature party in Bihar, Samrat Choudhary, met Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday and staked a claim to form the government in the state

Samrat Choudhary is set to take over as Bihar chief minister. He will be the first BJP chief minister of the state.

He will replace Janata Dal-United Nitish Kumar, who resigned as Chief Minister earlier in the day. Nitish Kumar took oath as a member of Rajya Sabha on April 10. BJP and JD-U are the leading partners of the coalition government in the state.

Bihar minister Dilip Jaiswal on Tuesday announced that an NDA legislative meeting will be held soon.

After he was elected BJP legislature party leader, Samrat Choudhary expressed his deep gratitude to the party's central leadership and described his new role as a "sacred opportunity" to serve the people of the state.

He also lauded the role of Nitish Kumar, saying he has taught a lot of things in terms of governance and that the Viksit Bharat vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that of prosperous Bihar by Nitish Kumar will make the state prosperous.

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to the central leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party for reposing their trust in me by assigning the responsibility of Leader of the BJP Bihar Legislative Party. This is not merely a position for me, but a sacred opportunity to serve the people of Bihar, to fulfill their trust and dreams. I pledge to live up to the expectations of one and all with complete dedication, commitment, and integrity," Choudhary said.

"Under the able leadership of the country's esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and the guidance of the honorable National President Shri @NitinNabin ji, I will remain continuously committed to taking Bihar to new heights of development, good governance, and prosperity. Your affection, blessings, and cooperation are my greatest strength. Jai Bihar, Jai Bharat!" he added.

Choudharyalso talked to reporters and said the BJP had given him several opportunities.

"In my life, the BJP gave me several opportunities to serve. I have been working as a political worker for about 30 years, but there was no ideology by my side earlier. I have worked for the BJP since 2015...I assure the PM, HM, party's national president, general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and party president Sanjay Saraogi that the ideology of the BJP - we will continue to take up the work of considering India before everything else and considering it the best, and prioritising the party," he said.

"Nitish Kumar taught a lot of things - how the govt is run, how good governance will be established in Bihar and what is good for democracy in Bihar...The vision of Viksit Bharat of PM Modi and that of prosperous Bihar by Nitish Kumar - together we will make Bihar prosperous and make the country developed," he added.

BJP national president Nitin Nabin congratulated Choudhary on being elected as the leader of the NDA legislature party.

"I am fully confident that under the guidance of the esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi Jee and your able leadership, Bihar will further advance on the path of progress, prosperity, and self-reliance, infusing new energy and momentum into the resolve of 'Vikshit Bihar, 2047," Nabin said in an X post. -- With ANI inputs
A tragic car accident in Shimla resulted in the deaths of two tourists from Chandigarh after their vehicle plunged into a deep gorge, highlighting the dangers of mountain roads.

Key Points Two tourists from Chandigarh died after their car plunged into a gorge near Summer Hill, Shimla.

The accident occurred late Monday night near the MI Room area.

The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle while reversing, causing the fatal plunge.

The deceased have been identified as Bara Singh and Gurmeet Singh from Maloya, Chandigarh.

Police retrieved the bodies and handed them over to family members after post-mortem.

Two tourists from Chandigarh were killed after their car plunged into a deep gorge near the Summer Hill area in Shimla, police said on Tuesday.

The accident took place near the MI Room area in Summer Hill late on Monday night.

The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to reverse, causing the car to roll down into the gorge. Both occupants died on the spot, police said.

The deceased were identified as Bara Singh and Gurmeet Singh, both residents of Maloya in Chandigarh, they said.

A police team retrieved the bodies from the gorge and shifted them to the Indira Gandhi Medical College for post-mortem, after which they were handed over to their family members.

Shimla Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh confirmed the incident.
The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said that the proposal was based on the principle of peaceful co-existence, sovereignty, among others.

IMAGE: Chinese President Xi Jinping . Photograph: Tingshu Wang/Reuters

China on Tuesday listed out the four-point proposal given by President Xi Jinping for lasting peace in the Middle East.

Key Points The Chinese President has made four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Xi Jinping requested all nations to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

He requested the countries to have balanced approach to development and security.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the proposal was based on the principle of peaceful co-existence, sovereignty, among others.

In a post on X, she said, "President Xi Jinping made four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East."

"Stay committed to the principle of peaceful co-existence. The Gulf states in the Middle East are close neighbors that cannot move away. It's important to support the Gulf states in improving their ties, work to build a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture of the Middle East and the Gulf region, and consolidate the foundation for peaceful co-existence," the pointer said.

Xi Jinping's second point asked the warring nations to respect each others' territorial integrity.

"Stay committed to the principle of national sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as a foundation for all countries, especially developing countries, to survive and thrive, and it must not be violated. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should be earnestly respected, and the safety of their personnel, facilities and institutions vigorously safeguarded."

Xi Jinping requested all nations to abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

"Stay committed to the principle of international rule of law. It is important to firmly uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order based on international law, and basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter," the pointer read.

Xi Jinping requested the countries to have balanced approach to development and security.

"Stay committed to a balanced approach to development and security. Security is a prerequisite for development, and development serves as a safeguard of security. All sides should work to create a sound environment for and bring positive energy to the development of the Gulf states. China stands ready to share with the Gulf countries the opportunities through Chinese modernization, and work with them to nurture a fertile ground for regional development and security," the pointer read.

Xi talked about the proposal in a meeting with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in Beijing.
The Karnataka government is implementing stringent measures, including AI-powered surveillance, to combat the supply of contraband like ganja and mobile phones within its prison system, starting with Parappana Agrahara jail.

Key Points Karnataka government initiates stringent measures to curb ganja and mobile phone supply in prisons.

Illegal activities originating from Parappana Agrahara jail prompted immediate government intervention.

Appointment of Alok Kumar as Director General of Police (Prisons) led to increased detection of violations.

Advanced AI-equipped CCTV surveillance systems introduced to monitor prison activities, including audio.

Government warns of strict disciplinary action, including dismissal, against staff involved in illegal activities.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said the state government has initiated stringent measures to curb the supply of contraband, including ganja and mobile phones, in prisons across the state.

He said the government had taken serious note of illegal activities originating from Parappana Agrahara jail and spreading to other prisons, prompting immediate administrative and technological interventions.

"For many days, as you are aware, in Parappana Agrahara Jail, they had been supplying ganja to several prisons across the state, and were also providing mobile phones. Such activities had come to the notice of the government," he said.

To address the issue, the government appointed senior officials to investigate and take corrective action. "At that time, we felt that all this must be curbed by appointing a senior officer - to find out why this is happening and who all are involved, including whether any of our own personnel are involved," he said.

Increased Detection and Surveillance

The minister said the appointment of Alok Kumar as Director General of Police (Prisons) had begun yielding results, with increased detection of violations.

"After he took charge, these issues have been increasingly coming to light in all prisons. The police have also been conducting surprise raids and making detections," he said.

Highlighting structural reforms, he said advanced surveillance systems have been introduced.

"These CCTV systems are equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras that can even capture audio -- I mean conversations can also be heard at the headquarters," he added.

Accountability and Disciplinary Action

He asserted that the government's intent was to eliminate such activities entirely and ensure accountability within the prison system, warning of strict disciplinary action against erring staff, including dismissal from service.
Amid rising tensions, China strongly condemns the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, urging adherence to the Iran ceasefire and threatening countermeasures against potential US tariffs.

IMAGE: Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz. Photograph: Reuters

Key Points Beijing urges the US and Iran to uphold the temporary ceasefire and resolve disputes through political and diplomatic channels.

China denies providing military assistance to Iran and threatens retaliatory measures if the US imposes tariffs based on these allegations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visits China to discuss the US-Iran conflict and other international issues.

China emphasises its commitment to working with the international community to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.

China has criticised the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a "dangerous and irresponsible move" and asked Washington and Tehran to honour the ceasefire.

Beijing also denied aiding Iran militarily and threatened to hit back if US President Donald Trump hikes tariffs against China on the allegation of helping Tehran.

Also, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in China for an official visit to discuss the US-Iran conflict.

His two-day visit comes in the immediate backdrop of President Trump's announcement of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in a bid to cripple Iran's oil supplies to China and other countries.

The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier said that while in Beijing, Lavrov would hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

The two parties are expected to exchange views on bilateral relations and international issues, including the situation in West Asia and the Ukraine crisis, Russia's state-owned Tass news agency said.

China's response to US blockade

On the US blockade, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here that with the temporary ceasefire agreement still in place, the US ramped up military deployment and resorted to a targeted blockade.

This will only aggravate confrontation, escalate tension, undermine the already fragile ceasefire and further jeopardise safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, he said.

"It is a dangerous and irresponsible move. China believes that only a complete ceasefire can fundamentally create conditions for easing the situation," he said.

"Relevant parties should adhere to the temporary ceasefire and stick to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means. China will continue working with the international community for peace, bring parties to the table and strive for the early return of peace and stability to the Middle East," he said.

China has been importing substantial amounts of Iranian oil over the years, disregarding US sanctions, and Trump's move to impose a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to impact Beijing in the long run.

China is also a major importer of Russian oil and gas.

China's stance on military exports and tariffs

On reports that China may be aiding Iran's military and President Trump's threat to impose heavy tariffs against Beijing, Guo said China always acts prudently and responsibly on the export of military products, and exercises strict control in accordance with China's laws and regulations on export control and due international obligations.

On the tariff threat, he said, "If the US goes ahead with the tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures."
Indian police have arrested three individuals involved in a sophisticated cyber fraud syndicate that laundered over 1.5 crore through mule accounts, highlighting the growing threat of online financial crimes.

IMAGE: Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Key Points Three individuals arrested in New Delhi for operating a mule account syndicate involved in routing over 1.5 crore of cyber fraud proceeds.

The syndicate used layered transactions to conceal the origin of the defrauded money.

Accused targeted unemployed individuals, luring them to open bank accounts for commission to use as mule accounts.

Police investigation revealed the suspicious bank account was linked to multiple cyber fraud complaints across different states.

Digital evidence, including mobile phone data and chats, confirmed the accused's active role in facilitating cyber fraud.

Three men have been apprehended for allegedly operating a mule account syndicate that routed over Rs 1.5 crore of cyber fraud proceeds through layered transactions, police said on Tuesday.

The accused have been identified as Deepak (32), Krishan Pratap Singh (28) and Shashi Kant (28), they said.

According to the police, the racket was unearthed during a drive when a suspicious bank account was flagged for its links with multiple cyber fraud complaints registered across different states.

"Technical analysis and transaction tracking revealed that the account was being used by an organised syndicate to receive and divert cheated money. The total amount routed through the account was found to be over Rs 1.5 crore," a senior police officer said.

During investigation, one accused was traced and apprehended, who disclosed the involvement of his associates in arranging and operating mule accounts.

Subsequently, two more people were identified and apprehended.

Police said digital evidence, including mobile phone data and chats, confirmed their active role in facilitating cyber fraud by arranging bank accounts and handling transactions.

Modus Operandi

The accused allegedly targeted unemployed persons and lured them into opening bank accounts on commission.

"These accounts were then used to route fraud proceeds, which were layered across multiple transactions to conceal their origin. Police have recovered mobile phones, a SIM card linked to the mule account, cheque books and documents of fictitious firms from their possession," the officer said.

A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
Following an assault on an Army brigadier and his son in Delhi's Vasant Enclave, the Lieutenant Governor has ordered full security for the family and a swift investigation into the incident.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu/X

Key Points Delhi's Lieutenant Governor directed police to provide security to an Army brigadier and his family after an assault.

The assault occurred in Vasant Enclave after the officer objected to public drinking near his home.

The LG spoke with the officer and police, ensuring a swift investigation and action against those responsible.

Delhi Police have been instructed to ensure the safety and security of the Army officer and his family.

Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Tuesday directed the Delhi Police to provide full security to the Army brigadier and his family after an assault on him and his son in Vasant Enclave area of the city.

Sandhu expressed concern over the incident and also spoke with the officer.

The Army brigadier and his IIT graduate son were allegedly assaulted, while his wife was threatened by a group of men in southwest Delhi after the officer objected to two people consuming alcohol inside a parked car near their house, police said on Monday. The incident took place on April 11.

In a post on X, the LG said, "I have personally spoken with Brigadier P.S. Arora to enquire about the incident and their well-being. I also spoke with the Police Commissioner and the DCP, directing them to ensure a thorough and swift investigation, leading to immediate and appropriate action against those responsible."

Sandhu said he has directed the Delhi Police to provide full security to the Army officer and his family, and expressed commitment for ensuring the safety of the citizen and upholding the rule of law.
Dr B R Ambedkar's legacy has been honoured repeatedly through India's postal history, with stamps capturing his role as the architect of the Constitution and a champion of social justice.

From early commemorative issues to definitive series releases, these stamps reflect how the nation continues to remember and celebrate his contributions over the decades.

Key Points Dr B R Ambedkar's first stamp marked on his 75th birth anniversary, establishing early national recognition through postal history.

Subsequent issues reflect growing institutional acknowledgment of Dr Ambedkar's role in constitutional and social transformation.

Definitive and commemorative stamps differ in scale, distribution and long-term public accessibility across India.

Visual elements highlight key sites like Chaitya Bhoomi and Deekshabhoomi linked to Dr Ambedkar's life.

Dr Ambedkar and his work has continuing relevance in governance, law, and India's democratic identity.

1. First Tribute Stamp 1966

Date: April 14, 1966

Denomination: 15 Paise

To mark Dr B R Ambedkar'S 75th birth anniversary on April 14, 1966, the Posts & Telegraphs Department issued a commemorative stamp in his honour, recognising his immense contribution to India.

2. 82nd Birth Anniversary 1973

Date: April 14, 1973

Denomination: 20 Paise

Issued on April 14, 1973, this commemorative stamp marked his 82nd birth anniversary and the 25th year of India's Independence, placing him among the nation's most celebrated leaders.

3. Birth Centenary Issue 1991

Date: April 14, 1991

Denomination: Re 1

Released on the occasion of Dr Ambedkar's birth centenary, this commemorative stamp pays tribute to his lasting legacy.

4. Social and Political Leaders Series 2000

Date: August 15, 2000

Denomination: Rs 3

The commemorative postage stamp featuring Rettamalai Srinivasan alongside Dr Ambedkar.

5. 110th Birth Anniversary 2001

Date: April 14, 2001

Denomination: Rs 3

The Department of Posts issued a special definitive stamp on Dr Ambedkar's 110th birth anniversary.

Special definitive stamps are printed in much larger quantities and sold through all the post offices of the country, whereas commemorative stamps are printed in smaller quantities and sold to the public through selected outlets.

6. Builders of Modern India 2009

Date: March 1, 2009

Denomination: Rs 2

Although issued as part of the 10th Definitive Series, this stamp also belongs to the 2009 personality definitive series.

7. Modern Tribute 2013

Date: April 14, 2013

Denomination: Rs 5

This commemorative stamp depicts the Chaitya Bhoomi memorial in Mumbai, where Dr Ambedkar's last rites were performed.

8. 125th Birth Anniversary 2015

Date: September 30, 2015

Denomination: Rs 5

Issued by the Government of India, the stamp links Dr Ambedkar and the Constitution in one frame and was released to mark his 125th birth anniversary.

9. Makers of India Series 2016

Date: May 25, 2016

Denomination: Rs 5

Part of the Makers of India definitive series celebrating nation-builders. Andhra Pradesh Postal Circle issued a Presentation Pack on Dr Ambedkar on his 125th birth anniversary on April 14, 2016 at the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.

10. 126th Birth Anniversary 2017

Date: April 14, 2017

Denomination: Rs 5

Marking his 126th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a commemorative postage stamp depicting Deekshabhoomi, the site of his historic conversion to Buddhism, on October 14, 1956 in Nagpur.

11. Telecom Training Institute Jubilee Tribute 2017

Date: April 22, 2017

Denomination: Rs 15

The commemorative postage stamp related to the Bharat Ratna Bhimrao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training, Jabalpur, was released to mark the platinum jubilee or 75 years of the establishment of the institute in his name.

12. Constitution of India 2020

Date: January 26, 2020

Denomination: Rs 10

The commemorative stamp honours Dr Ambedkar during his 125th birth anniversary celebrations, depicting him as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution.

All photographs: Kind courtesy India Post, Government of India

Text and Presentation: Hemantkumar Shivsharan/Rediff
Delhi Police have successfully dismantled a fake auto parts racket in Karol Bagh, arresting two individuals and seizing counterfeit components worth lakhs, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of automobile parts in the market.

Key Points Delhi Police busted a fake auto parts racket in Karol Bagh, leading to the arrest of two individuals.

Counterfeit spare parts worth Rs 25-30 lakh were seized during the operation.

The accused were involved in supplying fake auto parts under the guise of reputed brands.

The investigation is ongoing to trace the entire supply chain of the counterfeit auto parts.

The operation highlights the prevalence of counterfeit auto parts and the importance of verifying authenticity.

The Delhi Police has busted a fake auto parts racket operating in central Delhi's Karol Bagh and arrested two persons, recovering fake spare parts worth Rs 25a30 lakh, an official said on Tuesday.

The accused Bharat (27) and Rajender Singh (28), both residents of Karol Bagh and originally from Rajasthan, were arrested following raids on Sunday after a tip-off about the sale of counterfeit automobile components in the market.

The police seized a huge quantity of fake spare parts and packaging material of different brands.

The recovered items included clutch assemblies, timing chains, brake pads, oil seals, filters, cables and other automobile components, along with large quantities of printed packaging material.

"Around 60 bags of counterfeit spare parts were recovered from a godown linked to one of the accused. A plastic packing machine and a barcode printer were also seized," the officer said.

Investigation and Modus Operandi

During interrogation, Bharat revealed that he had come to Delhi in 2024 in search of a livelihood and later started dealing in counterfeit spare parts for quick profits. Rajender Singh, who had earlier worked in Mumbai, told the police that he entered the illegal trade after his legitimate business yielded low returns.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused were actively supplying fake spare parts under reputed brand names.

Police said efforts are underway to trace the entire supply chain. Further investigation is underway.
Delhi Police have successfully busted a large-scale fake cosmetics manufacturing racket, arresting four individuals involved in producing and distributing counterfeit hair removal cream, highlighting the ongoing fight against intellectual property crime.

Key Points Delhi Police dismantled a fake cosmetic manufacturing operation in northwest Delhi, arresting four individuals, including the kingpin.

The accused manufactured and distributed counterfeit hair removal cream and other fast-moving consumer goods, using substandard materials and deceptive packaging.

Police seized over 20,000 tubes of fake hair removal cream and other materials from an illegal unit in Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar.

The mastermind had been running the illegal operation for two years, shifting to counterfeit products for higher profits.

The investigation is ongoing to identify other suppliers, distributors, and retailers connected to the counterfeit cosmetics network.

A fake cosmetic manufacturing racket was busted in northwest Delhi, police said, adding that four men, including the kingpin, were arrested.

The accused have been identified as Neeraj Gupta (40), the mastermind, and his associates Ravi (31), Suresh Kumar Rajput (56), and Dinesh Chandra Sati (54).

They manufactured, packaged, and distributed fake hair removal cream and other fast-moving consumer goods, a police official said. Police seized over 20,000 tubes of fake hair removal cream.

Police raided an illegal unit in Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar in Badli on April 6, where the operation was running in full swing.

"Police busted a fully functional illegal manufacturing unit where counterfeit cosmetic products were made using substandard raw materials and packed in deceptively similar packaging to resemble genuine branded goods," a senior police officer said.

A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Copyright Act at the Crime Branch police station.

"During the raid, police recovered around 4,000 filled tubes of fake hair removal cream, over 5,500 packed retail units ready for distribution, and nearly 10,000 empty tubes meant for production," the officer said.

Police also seized hundreds of counterfeit cartons, wrappers, and labels, along with large quantities of raw materials such as potassium thioglycolate, hydrated lime, and wax.

Police also recovered packaging accessories, including thousands of plastic spatulas.

Inside the Counterfeit Cosmetics Operation

"Gupta had been running the illegal operation for nearly two years after shifting from small-scale manufacturing to counterfeit branded products for higher profits," the officer said.

He sourced raw materials locally and supplied finished goods to vendors in local markets as well as nearby states.

Gupta's associate, Ravi, arranged counterfeit packaging material, while Rajput operated a printing unit in Bawana that produced fake cartons and labels using unauthorised plates.

Meanwhile, Sati supervised the printing facility and assisted in production, the official said.

Police said the racket had a well-established supply chain, and further investigation is underway to identify other suppliers, distributors, and retailers linked to the network.
Delhi Police have arrested two men, one posing as a judge with forged documents, for possessing an illegal firearm and ammunition, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat security threats in the capital.

Key Points Two men arrested in Delhi for impersonating a judicial officer and possessing an illegal firearm.

The accused were caught during a security check and found to be carrying a pistol and live cartridges.

One of the men allegedly presented forged documents, including a judicial identity card and a permission letter.

Police seized the firearm, ammunition, forged documents, and the SUV used by the accused.

Two men, including one allegedly impersonating a judicial officer using forged documents, have been arrested in New Delhi with a firearm and live ammunition, police said.

The accused were identified as Surya Agarwal (31) and Nikhil Yadav (21), both residents of Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi district.

According to the police, the arrests were made by a team from Parliament Street police station as part of a drive to check potential security threats in the national capital.

"On April 5, around 5 pm, the team intercepted a suspicious SUV (MG Hector) car that was plying without a registration number plate and had black film on its windows, which is prohibited. The vehicle also bore a sticker reading 'Judge, Government of Uttar Pradesh', raising suspicion," Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said in a statement on Monday.

During the search, a pistol and four live cartridges were recovered from Nikhil Yadav's possession, while five live cartridges were found with Agarwal, the DCP added.

Investigation and Findings

During questioning, Agarwal allegedly claimed to be an advocate and also posed as a civil judge from Uttar Pradesh. He produced a judicial identity card and a letter purportedly issued by Uttar Pradesh authorities, claiming he had permission to carry the weapon into Delhi.

However, upon verification, the police discovered that both the identity card and the letter were forged and digitally altered, the officer said.

Police further found that Agarwal possessed a valid arms licence issued in Uttar Pradesh, but it was restricted to that state and did not permit him to carry the weapon into Delhi.

Both were booked at the Parliament Street Police Station.

The police have seized the pistol, nine live cartridges, the SUV used in the incident, the forged identity card, the fabricated permission letter, and the sticker used to falsely assert official status.
A train theft gang recruiting unemployed youths with the promise of fixed salaries has been busted by the Railway Protection Force in Nagpur, revealing a widespread criminal network.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Nagpur arrested three members of a train theft gang.

The gang recruited unemployed youths with salaries ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 to commit thefts on trains.

The mastermind behind the train theft operation, from Khagaria in Bihar, remains at large.

The gang operated across regions including Nagpur, Itwari, Bhilai, Raigarh, and Bilaspur, indicating a widespread network.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has arrested three members of a gang which hired unemployed youngsters on a fixed monthly salary to commit thefts on trains.

The arrested men were identified as Kailash Das (42) from Khagaria in Bihar, and Mithilesh Shah (29) and Kishan Nishad (22) from Chhattisgarh.

According to RPF officials, a special drive was launched recently to curb rising cases of thefts on trains. "During the operation, we detained three suspects and questioned them. Their interrogation revealed an organised network behind these thefts," said an official.

Inside the Train Theft Operation

The mastermind, who is from Khagaria in Bihar, was still at large.

He hired unemployed youths promising a salary of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 and provided them training as to how to commit a theft on a train, the official said.

The gang operated across several regions including Nagpur, Itwari, Bhilai, Raigarh and Bilaspur. "More arrests are expected soon," the official said.
A key shooter from the notorious Deepak Nandal gang has been apprehended in Gurugram after a dramatic police encounter, shedding light on the gang's extortion activities and criminal network.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A shooter from the Deepak Nandal gang, Nilesh alias Dheela, was arrested in Gurugram after a police encounter.

The arrest is linked to a February shooting at a fashion designer's showroom, believed to be an extortion attempt.

Nilesh was injured in the leg during the encounter, and police recovered a motorcycle and illegal weapon.

The Deepak Nandal gang is known for shootings, extortion, and other criminal activities in Gurugram.

Police expect the interrogation of Nilesh to reveal further details about the gang's operations and schemes.

The Special Task Force (STF), Gurugram, arrested a shooter from the Deepak Nandal gang on Tuesday following an early morning encounter related to the firing incident at the showroom of renowned fashion designer Mayank Chawla in Gurugram, said an STF official.

The shooter, identified as Nilesh alias Dheela, a resident of Jajal village in Sonipat district, was shot in the leg.

A senior STF officer said Nilesh's arrest and interrogation are expected to reveal many of the gang's schemes.

Deepak Nandal, a gangster living abroad, had claimed responsibility for the firing incident at the showroom through a social media post, the officer said.

Nilesh is the fifth accused arrested in the case.

Previously, the STF arrested three shooters from Bahadurgarh, and the Gurugram police arrested one.

The Encounter and Arrest

The STF received information early this morning that a shooter was present near the Bandhwari flyover on Faridabad Road.

"In the wee hours today, police signalled a motorcyclist to stop, but he tried to escape by firing at the police party. One bullet hit the bulletproof jacket of STF's sub-inspector Vivek, and another hit the bulletproof jacket of probationer sub-inspector Vikas, who narrowly escaped death. The accused fired four rounds and was apprehended in retaliatory action after a bullet injured his leg. He is an active shooter of the Deepak Nandal gang, and we will interrogate him after he is discharged from the hospital," said a senior officer of STF, Gurugram.

The showroom shooting was carried out in February to extort money, they said.

STF officials said the Deepak Nandal gang has been actively involved in shootings, extortion, and other criminal activities in Gurugram and surrounding areas.

A motorcycle and an illegal weapon were recovered from his possession.
I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to a West Bengal coal scam raises concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case related to an alleged coal scam.

A special court in Delhi has sent Vinesh Chandel to 10 days of ED custody for further investigation.

The ED's action comes ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls, raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.

The case stems from a CBI FIR alleging a multi-crore-rupee coal pilferage scam in West Bengal.

The ED alleges that a hawala operator linked to the coal smuggling ring facilitated transactions to I-PAC.

A special court in Delhi has sent I-PAC co-founder and director Vinesh Chandel to ten days of ED custody following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case, officials said on Tuesday.

In a major action weeks ahead of the West Bengal assembly polls, the federal probe agency late Monday evening arrested Chandel in the case linked to an alleged coal scam in the poll-bound state.

Officials said Chandel, a law graduate from NLIU Bhopal, was taken into custody after questioning and produced before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court late Monday night. The court sent him to 10 days ED custody, they said.

Chandel's premises in Delhi, apart from that of another I-PAC co-founder and director, Rishi Raj Singh, in Bengaluru and that of former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) communications in-charge Vijay Nair in Mumbai, were raided by the ED on April 2 as part of this investigation.

I-PAC has been providing political consultancy to the TMC and the West Bengal government since 2021. There was no immediate comment from the organisation.

Political Reactions to the Arrest

Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), reacted to the development on Monday night saying the arrest of Chandel raises serious concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.

"The arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, barely 10 days before the Bengal elections, is not just alarming - it shakes the very idea of a level playing field," Banerjee said in a post on X.

Background of the Investigation

The federal probe agency conducted raids in connection with the case on January 8 at the I-PAC office and the Kolkata residence of its founder and one of the directors, Pratik Jain, leading to a controversy after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee arrived at the location along with state government officials and took away documents.

The ED said its searches against I-PAC and Jain in Kolkata were "obstructed" by Banerjee, claiming relevant documents and gadgets were forcibly taken away by her and the state administration.

The chief minister and the TMC had countered these allegations, saying said the ED was attempting to take its election strategy-related documents from I-PAC premises just before the assembly polls in the state.

West Bengal will have a two-phase poll on April 23 and April 29.

The ED sought a CBI probe into this "gross abuse of power" by the CM from the Supreme Court, which is currently hearing the case.

The PMLA case stems from a November 2020 FIR of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that has alleged a multi-crore-rupee coal-pilferage scam related to Eastern Coalfields Limited mines in West Bengal's Kunustoria and Kajora areas, in and around Asansol.

The ED had said in a statement that a "hawala" operator linked to this alleged coal-smuggling ring had facilitated transactions of tens of crores of rupees to Indian PAC Consulting Private Limited, the registered company of I-PAC.
I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case connected to the West Bengal coal scam has intensified scrutiny on the political consultancy firm's financial dealings ahead of crucial Assembly elections.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money laundering case.

The ED's case is linked to the coal scam probe in West Bengal and alleges financial irregularities by I-PAC.

I-PAC, a political consultancy firm, has been providing services to the TMC and other political parties.

The ED alleges I-PAC laundered proceeds of crime of about Rs 50 crore through various means, including hawala channels.

The arrest has sparked political controversy, with the TMC alleging it is an attempt to disrupt the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.

A Delhi court sent I-PAC co-founder and director Vinesh Chandel to ten days of ED custody following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case, officials said on Tuesday.

In a major action weeks ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Polls, the federal probe agency late Monday evening arrested Chandel after questioning. He is a law graduate from NLIU Bhopal and a 33 per cent shareholder of I-PAC.

ED officials said Chandel was arrested in a fresh case filed after taking cognisance of a Delhi Police FIR that involves the Indian PAC Consulting Pvt Ltd (I-PAC). This case is "linked" to the coal scam probe, they said.

I-PAC has been providing political consultancy to the TMC and the West Bengal government since 2021. It has many other political parties as clients.

There was no immediate reaction from I-PAC on the latest development.

ED Raids and Allegations Against I-PAC

In January, the ED raided the I-PAC office in Kolkata and premise of another director and co-founder, Pratik Jain, as part of its probe into the alleged coal scam case in West Bengal based on a CBI FIR.

Late Monday night, Chandel was produced before Additional Sessions Judge (Patiala House Courts) Shefali Barnala Tandon. The court sent him to 10 days of ED custody.

Chandel's premises in Delhi, apart from that of another I-PAC co-founder and director, Rishi Raj Singh, in Bengaluru and that of former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) communications in-charge Vijay Nair in Mumbai, were raided by the ED on April 2 as part of this investigation.

The ED said it has come across "multiple" instances of alleged financial irregularities and various modes of "money laundering" by I-PAC, including receipt of accounted and unaccounted funds, receipt of unsecured loans without any business credentials, issuance of bogus bills and invoices, receipt of funds from third parties, and movement of cash through hawala channels, including international hawala.

It claimed I-PAC was involved in laundering proceeds of crime of about Rs 50 crore.

According to the pertinent law, directors of a company are liable where the offence has been committed with their consent, connivance or attributable neglect, the ED said.

Political Reactions and Context

Abhishek Banerjee, the national general secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), in a post on X late Monday night, said Chandel's arrest barely 10 days before the Bengal election, is not just alarming, but shakes the very idea of a level playing field.

On January 8, the federal probe agency raided I-Pac office and the Kolkata residence of Pratik Jain in the coal "scam" case.

In a quick follow-up, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee landed at the raided location along with state government officials and took away certain crucial documents.

The ED said its searches against I-PAC and Jain in Kolkata were "obstructed" by Banerjee, claiming relevant documents and gadgets were forcibly taken away by her and the state administration.

The chief minister and the TMC countered these allegations, saying said the ED was attempting to take its election-strategy-related documents from I-PAC premises just before the assembly polls in the state.

West Bengal will have a two-phase poll on April 23 and April 29.

The ED sought a CBI probe into this "gross abuse of power" by the chief minister from the Supreme Court, which is currently hearing the case.

The ED's coal "scam" case stems from a November 2020 FIR of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) that has alleged a multi-crore-rupee coal-pilferage scam related to Eastern Coalfields Limited mines in West Bengal's Kunustoria and Kajora areas, in and around Asansol.

The ED said in a statement that a "hawala" operator linked to this alleged coal-smuggling ring had facilitated transactions of tens of crores of rupees to Indian PAC Consulting Private Limited, the registered company of I-PAC.
Following Pakistan's mediation, Iran and the US are expected to continue negotiations, though the initial talks failed to secure a lasting peace deal amid disagreements over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

IMAGE: People look towards a television screen as US President Donald Trump along with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is shown on a local channel as Pakistan prepares to host the U.S. and Iran for peace talks, at a barber shop in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 10, 2026. Photograph: Waseem Khan/Reuters

Key Points Pakistan facilitated Iran-US talks, the first of their kind since 1979, aiming to de-escalate tensions.

Despite Pakistan's efforts, the initial round of Iran-US negotiations did not yield a lasting peace agreement.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif expressed cautious optimism, noting 'positive progress' in the diplomatic efforts.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran did not accept Washington's terms for ending the war.

The US President claimed the Iran negotiations failed because Iran is unwilling to give up its nuclear ambitions.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the next round of Iran-US negotiations was expected soon.

The 21-hour talks between the US and Iran on Saturday were the first of their kind since 1979 due to the involvement of top-level officials from both sides. The two sides, however, failed to secure a lasting peace deal to end hostilities following their talks in Pakistan over the weekend.

Speaking to the media outside Parliament House on Monday, Asif said there had been a sense of satisfaction after the talks that there were no negative developments so far.

"Only positive progress has been observed," he said, indicating that the ongoing diplomatic efforts were moving in a constructive direction.

The next round of Iran-US negotiations was expected soon, he added.

The Express Tribune reported that responding to a question about whether Pakistan would play a decisive role in shaping the region's future, Asif said that ultimate decisions rest with Allah.

Sticking Points in Iran-US Negotiations

Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation at the negotiations in Islamabad, said the Iranian side did not accept Washington's terms for ending the war even as the US presented its "final and best offer".

Hours after the talks collapsed, US President Donald Trump said on social media that the negotiations with Iran failed as "Iran is unwilling to give up its nuclear ambitions."

Pakistan's Role in Facilitating Dialogue

Pakistan led the diplomatic push to bring the two sides to the table, which became possible after an appeal by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier this week, leading to a pause in the fighting.

The conflict began after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, paralysing global energy markets and disrupting trade.
Delhi Police have apprehended three juveniles in connection with a robbery in Dwarka, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat juvenile crime in the city.

Key Points Three juveniles apprehended by Delhi Police for robbery in Dwarka's Bindapur area.

The victim was assaulted and robbed of his mobile phone, belongings, and money.

CCTV footage analysis led to the identification and detention of the juveniles.

The robbed mobile phone was recovered from one of the accused during the investigation.

One suspect, identified as Ankit, remains at large as the investigation continues.

Three juveniles have been apprehended in connection with a robbery in southwest Delhi's Dwarka area, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place on the intervening night of April 5-6 in Bindapur when three to four boys accosted Manoj, near his house, while he was returning home from work, they said.

"The accused allegedly misbehaved with him, assaulted him and robbed his mobile phone, his belongings, and some money before fleeing the spot," a senior police officer said.

Investigation and Apprehension

During the probe, police analysed the CCTV footage from the area, which showed a group of four boys running away with the victim's belongings.

Subsequently, the police detained the three juveniles, while their associate, identified as Ankit, is on the run, the officer said.

During the investigation, the robbed mobile phone was recovered from one of the accused, police said.

Further probe into the case is underway, they added.
Tensions flared in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, as stone pelting disrupted an Ambedkar Jayanti procession, prompting police intervention and an ongoing investigation into the incident's cause and those responsible.

Photograph: Kind courtesy DrAmbedkarTheGreatestIndian/Facebook

Key Points Stone pelting disrupted an Ambedkar Jayanti procession in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, leading to heightened tensions and a police investigation.

A police constable was injured, and approximately 10 individuals have been detained in connection with the stone-pelting incident during the Ambedkar Jayanti procession.

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the disruption, with suspicion falling on members of the Yadav community.

Despite the tensions, the Ambedkar Jayanti procession resumed under police supervision and concluded peacefully.

Tensions erupted in a village of Uttar Pradesh's Kasganj district on Tuesday after a stone-pelting incident during a procession marking Ambedkar Jayanti, resulting in injuries to a police personnel, officials said. The incident occurred in Chahka Gunar village, under the Sahawar police station jurisdiction, as a Shobha Yatra (procession) commemorating Dr B R Ambedkar's birth anniversary passed through the area.

According to police, some individuals allegedly began throwing stones at the procession, which led to chaos and heightened tensions between the two groups. Locals said that the stone-pelting lasted for nearly an hour.

During the disturbance, some people blocked the road with tractor-trolleys, disrupting traffic in the vicinity. A police constable was injured after being struck by a stone, officials said.

Upon receiving information, District Magistrate Pranay Singh and Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Singh quickly arrived at the scene with a heavy police force.

The police employed mild force to control the situation and disperse the crowd. Approximately 10 individuals, including a woman, have been detained in connection with the incident, officials stated.

"The situation is now under control. Adequate police forces have been deployed in the village," a senior official said.

District Magistrate Pranay Singh noted that stone-pelting occurred during the procession and that immediate action was taken. "Nearly 10 people have been detained. Others involved are being identified through video footage, and strict legal action will be pursued. No one will be spared," he said.

Superintendent of Police OP Singh said that around 50 processions were being held across multiple police station areas in the district and were proceeding peacefully with adequate security arrangements in place.

He added that the incident appeared to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the procession, and the matter is being probed to ascertain the motive.

"Members of the Yadav community obstructed the procession. The political motivations behind this will become clear after the investigation," he stated.

Despite the tensions, the procession resumed later under police supervision and concluded peacefully, officials informed.
Following the tragic death of a Kerala BDS student, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condemned the incident and promised a thorough investigation into allegations of caste-based harassment and the role of online loan app operators.

Photograph: Courtesy Amal Jyothi College of Engineering/Twitter

Key Points Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan denounces the suicide of a BDS student, citing it as 'painful and unacceptable' in a progressive state.

The student's family alleges caste and complexion-based harassment by faculty members, leading to a police investigation.

Police are also investigating online loan app operators for alleged harassment related to the student's death.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) suggests mental health screenings and grievance redressal mechanisms in educational institutions to prevent similar incidents.

Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and the medical college's background.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday termed as "painful and unacceptable" the recent alleged suicide of a first-year BDS student at Ancharakandi Private Medical College in Kannur, saying that such incidents should not happen in a progressive state like Kerala.

The CM, in a Facebook post, said that it was unforgivable to push a brilliant student to his death.

He also said the entire state stood with the victim's family.

Later, Congress leader V D Satheesan promised a house to the student's family.

A statement issued by his office said that Rs 5 lakh will be given to the family initially to begin the work, and the second phase of payment will be made once construction commences.

Nithin Raj R L (22), a first-year BDS student from Puthukulangara in Thiruvananthapuram district, was found critically injured near the medical college block after falling from a building on April 10 and later succumbed to his injuries.

Allegations of Harassment and Investigation

His family alleged that Raj was subjected to emotional harassment on caste and complexion grounds by two faculty members, following which a case was registered against Dental Anatomy Department Head Dr M K Ram and Associate Professor K T Sangeetha Nambiar for abetment of suicide and under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Besides that, police also registered a case against unidentified loan app operators in connection with Raj's death, as he had taken a loan through an online loan app.

After he defaulted on repayment, the app operators allegedly began contacting the assistant professor.

The FIR stated that the accused contacted the woman faculty member via MMS and WhatsApp, threatening her over repayment and attempting to siphon off money illegally.

His family, however, claimed that Raj was murdered and held the college faculty responsible for his death.

His sister, on Tuesday, told reporters that defaulting on the loan payment was not the reason behind her brother's death.

"Something else happened there. We will not allow his death to be restricted to a loan default issue. If my brother does not get justice, none of us will live any longer," she claimed tearfully and accused Dr Ram of being responsible for her brother's death.

University and Medical Association Response

During the day, Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), visited Raj's home and, after that, said there will be a comprehensive investigation into the incident and the background of the medical college.

"Strong action will be taken by KUHS in the matter. We will also consider whether such colleges should continue operating," he said.

He said that he will inform the Governor, who is the Chancellor of universities in the state, about his findings and the proposed action.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), in a statement, termed Raj's death as sad and serious and emphasised that any kind of mental harassment or humiliating behaviour towards students was never acceptable.

To prevent recurrence of such incidents, the IMA made several suggestions, which included mandatory mental health screening and timely counselling in educational institutions, setting up independent and credible student grievance redressal panels and anti-harassment cells and sensitising teachers on how they approach and communicate with students.

Besides these, it also suggested having a mechanism for anonymous complaints and a prompt response, as well as a mentor system for each student to identify and resolve their academic and psychological problems.

The IMA also called for a speedy police investigation into the incident to bring out the truth.

Meanwhile, activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), affiliated to the CPI(M), held a protest march to the clinic of Dr Ram in Kannur.
Following the tragic death of a Kerala BDS student, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has promised a thorough investigation into allegations of caste-based harassment and the potential role of predatory loan apps.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan condemns the suicide of a BDS student, calling it 'painful and unacceptable'.

The student's family alleges caste and complexion-based harassment by faculty members at Ancharakandi Medical College.

Police are investigating both the faculty members and online loan app operators in connection with the student's death.

Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and the medical college's background.

The student's family disputes loan default as the primary cause, alleging foul play and demanding justice.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday termed as "painful and unacceptable" the recent alleged suicide of a first-year BDS student at Ancharakandi Private Medical College in Kannur, saying that such incidents should not happen in a progressive state like Kerala.

The CM, in a Facebook post, said that it was unforgivable to push a brilliant student to his death.

He also said that the entire state stood with the victim's family.

Nithin Raj R L (22), a first-year BDS student from Puthukulangara in Thiruvananthapuram district, was found critically injured near the medical college block after falling from a building on April 10 and later succumbed to his injuries.

Allegations of Harassment and Loan App Involvement

His family alleged that Raj was subjected to emotional harassment on caste and complexion grounds by two faculty members, following which a case was registered against Dental Anatomy Department Head Dr M K Ram and Associate Professor K T Sangeetha Nambiar for abetment of suicide and under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Besides that, police also registered a case against unidentified loan app operators in connection with Raj's death, as he had taken a loan through an online loan app.

After he defaulted on repayment, the app operators allegedly began contacting the assistant professor.

The FIR stated that the accused contacted the woman faculty member via MMS and WhatsApp, threatening her over repayment and attempting to siphon off money illegally.

His family, however, claimed that Raj was murdered and held the college faculty responsible for his death.

His sister, on Tuesday, told reporters that defaulting on the loan payment was not the reason behind her brother's death.

"Something else happened there. We will not allow his death to be restricted to a loan default issue. If my brother does not get justice, none of us will live any longer," she claimed tearfully and accused Dr Ram of being responsible for her brother's death.

Investigation and Potential Action

Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), said there will be a comprehensive investigation into the incident and the background of the medical college.

"Strong action will be taken by KUHS in the matter. We will also consider whether such colleges should continue operating," he said.

He said that he will inform the Governor, who is the Chancellor of universities in the state, about his findings and the proposed action.

Meanwhile, activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), affiliated to the CPI(M), held a protest march to the clinic of Dr Ram in Kannur.
President Donald Trump admitted to personally posting an AI-generated image of a Christ-like figure but said it showed him as a doctor and not as Jesus Christ.

I did post it and I thought it was me as a doctor, he told reporters at the White House on Monday. Only the fake news could come up with that one.

Politics: JD Vance Accidentally Says The Truth Out Loud With Fox News Gaffe

The highly controversial image, since removed from his Truth Social account, showed him wearing what appeared to be a white robe and red sash while seeming to heal a man with his hands. The clothing is commonly associated with depictions of Jesus after his resurrection.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The image was posted to his account on Orthodox Easter, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

"It was me as a doctor!"



Trump admits to posting the image of him depicted as a Jesus Christ-like figure but insists it was meant to depict him as a "doctor." pic.twitter.com/diVwK3cPTp  Alexander Willis (@ReporterWillis) April 13, 2026

Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

I said, how did they come up with that? Its supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better, and I do make people better. I do make people a lot better, Trump told reporters.

The image drew immediate outrage from his own, right-wing supporters who accused him of blasphemy.

Trumps post came on the heels of his latest criticism of Pope Leo XIV. He called the pope weak on crime in a social media post Sunday and repeatedly said he does not want him leading the Roman Catholic Church because of their political differences.

President Donald Trump on Sunday posted an AI-generated picture of himself depicted as Jesus Christ after criticizing Pope Leo XIV. He later claimed it showed him not as Jesus but as a doctor. MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images

Leo should be thankful because, as everyone knows, he was a shocking surprise. 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. If I wasnt in the White House, Leo wouldnt be in the Vatican, Trump said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The personal attack follows the first U.S.-born pope speaking out against the war in Iran.

Politics: Trumps DoorDash Stunt Accidentally Highlights His Biggest Political Problem

The pope on Monday told reporters he is not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel.

I will continue to speak out strongly against war, seeking to promote peace, promoting dialogue and multilateralism among states to find solutions to problems, he said when asked about Trumps comments.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Following the tragic death of a Kerala medical student, investigations are underway into allegations of caste-based harassment and the role of online loan apps, prompting calls for systemic changes in educational institutions to protect vulnerable students.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Kerala Chief Minister condemns the alleged suicide of a BDS student, citing emotional harassment and caste discrimination as potential factors.

Police have registered a case against faculty members under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, investigating allegations of caste-based harassment.

Political parties and organisations are offering financial assistance and support to the student's family, including building a new house.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) suggests mandatory mental health screening and grievance redressal mechanisms in educational institutions to prevent similar incidents.

Investigations are underway into both the alleged harassment and the student's involvement with online loan apps, with calls for strong action against those responsible.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday termed as "painful and unacceptable" the alleged suicide of a first-year BDS student at Ancharakandi Private Medical College in Kannur, saying such incidents should not happen in a progressive state like Kerala.

The CM, in a Facebook post, said that it was unforgivable to push a brilliant student to his death.

He also said the entire state stood with the victim's family.

Later, Congress leader V D Satheesan promised a house to the student's family.

A statement issued by his office said that Rs 5 lakh will be given to the family initially to begin the work, and the second phase of payment will be made once construction commences.

In the evening, the CPI(M) announced that it would build a house for the student's family.

CPI(M) leaders, including state General Education Minister V Sivankutty and Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim, announced the decision at a press conference held here.

Rahim said that CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan would lay the foundation stone of the house on April 19 and the construction would start the following day.

Nithin Raj R L (22), a first-year BDS student from Puthukulangara in Thiruvananthapuram district, was found critically injured near the medical college block after falling from a building on April 10 and later succumbed to his injuries.

His family alleged that Raj was subjected to emotional harassment on caste and complexion grounds by two faculty members, following which a case was registered against Dental Anatomy Department Head Dr M K Ram and Associate Professor K T Sangeetha Nambiar for abetment of suicide and under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Sivankutty, at the press conference, said that the college management was also responsible for what happened as it had not taken any action against the concerned teachers based on the complaints of students.

"We expect those responsible for the incident will be arrested soon," he said.

Besides the case under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the police has also registered an FIR against unidentified loan app operators in connection with Raj's death, as he had taken a loan through an online loan app.

After he defaulted on repayment, the app operators allegedly began contacting the assistant professor.

The FIR stated that the accused contacted the woman faculty member, Nambiar, via MMS and WhatsApp, threatening her over repayment and attempting to siphon off money illegally.

His family, however, claimed that Raj was murdered and held the college faculty responsible for his death.

His sister, on Tuesday, told the media that defaulting on the loan payment was not the reason behind her brother's death.

"Something else happened there. We will not allow his death to be restricted to a loan default issue. If my brother does not get justice, none of us will live any longer," she claimed tearfully and accused Dr Ram of being responsible for her brother's death.

During the day, Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), visited Raj's home and, after that, said there will be a comprehensive investigation into the incident and the background of the medical college.

"Strong action will be taken by KUHS in the matter. We will also consider whether such colleges should continue operating," he said.

He said that he will inform the Governor, who is the Chancellor of universities in the state, about his findings and the proposed action.

IMA's Recommendations for Preventing Student Harassment

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), in a statement, termed Raj's death as "sad and serious" and emphasised that any kind of mental harassment or humiliating behaviour towards students was never acceptable.

To prevent recurrence of such incidents, the IMA made several suggestions, which included mandatory mental health screening and timely counselling in educational institutions, setting up independent and credible student grievance redressal panels and anti-harassment cells and sensitising teachers on how they approach and communicate with students.

Besides these, it also suggested having a mechanism for anonymous complaints and a prompt response, as well as a mentor system for each student to identify and resolve their academic and psychological problems.

The IMA also called for a speedy police investigation into the incident to bring out the truth.

Protests Held

Meanwhile, activists of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), affiliated to the CPI(M), held a protest march to the clinic of Dr Ram in Kannur.
A Kerala murder convict who escaped from custody last year was apprehended in Mumbai, where he was living disguised as a ragpicker, thanks to a tip-off received by the Railway Protection Force.

Photograph: @mieknathshinde/X

Key Points Vinish, a Kerala murder convict, was arrested in Mumbai after escaping from a hospital last year.

The convict disguised himself as a ragpicker to evade detection after fleeing to Mumbai.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) received a tip-off and apprehended Vinish near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

Kerala police were informed and took custody of Vinish after completing legal formalities.

Police have arrested a Kerala murder convict who had been hiding in Mumbai disguised as a ragpicker after escaping from a hospital last year, officials said.

The man, identified as Vinish (25), a resident of Malappuram district in Kerala, was convicted in a 2021 murder case registered at the Perinthalmanna police station there, a police official said on Monday.

He was lodged in jail when his mental health reportedly deteriorated and was subsequently admitted to a hospital for treatment. However, he managed to escape from the hospital last year by deceiving both police and hospital authorities, the official said.

After his escape, the convict changed locations multiple times to avoid detection. He first travelled from Kerala to Nagpur in Maharashtra by train and later reached Mumbai.

Life as a Ragpicker in Mumbai

Investigations showed that after arriving in Mumbai, he adopted the identity of a ragpicker to remain under the radar.

Vinish survived by moving to different parts of the crowded city, collecting waste and avoiding suspicion, said the official.

The Arrest

A breakthrough came last week when the Railway Protection Force (RPF) received a tip-off from an informer about the convict. Acting swiftly, the RPF team laid a trap and confirmed his identity using photographs.

When approached, the convict attempted to flee, but was quickly surrounded and apprehended by the RPF team near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in south Mumbai on April 10, the official said.

The Kerala police were subsequently informed about the arrest, and a team later reached Mumbai. After completing legal formalities, the team took his custody, the police added.
A Hyderabad man was arrested for impersonating a CISF officer in an elaborate marriage fraud, using fake photos and social media to deceive a woman and her family.

Key Points A 30-year-old man was arrested in Hyderabad for impersonating a CISF officer.

The accused used the false identity to deceive a woman and her family into marriage.

He took photos in a paramilitary uniform at the airport to bolster his claims.

The man used social media and matrimonial platforms to falsely represent himself as a government employee.

He faces charges of impersonation, cheating, and violations of the IT Act.

A 30-year-old man was arrested here for allegedly impersonating a CISF personnel to deceive a woman and her family into marriage, police said on Tuesday.

The accused, a native of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh, was found wearing a paramilitary uniform and moving suspiciously while taking photographs at the international airport on Monday.

He was detained by Central Industrial Security Force personnel and later handed over to the police.

According to police, preliminary inquiry revealed that he had impersonated a CISF personnel as part of a plan to marry a woman, a divorcee with whom he was in a relationship, after separating from his first wife.

A senior police official said the accused had told the woman's family that he was a central government employee posted with the CISF at Hyderabad airport.

"He purchased a uniform and came to the Hyderabad airport on Monday, where he took photographs on his mobile phone. He sent the photos to the woman's family via an instant messaging app and also made a video call to claim that he was working with the CISF and posted at the airport," the official said.

Police said further investigation revealed that the accused had been using similar photographs in uniform on social media and matrimonial platforms to falsely project himself as a central government employee and attract marriage proposals.

A case has been registered against him on charges of impersonation, cheating, and under relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act. He has been remanded to judicial custody.
Budgam police have arrested a man for creating a fake WhatsApp account impersonating a senior police official and attempting to influence the public, highlighting the growing threat of online impersonation.

IMAGE: Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Key Points A man in Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has been booked for operating a fake WhatsApp account impersonating the SSP Budgam.

The accused, Sameer Ali Bhat, allegedly shared screenshots of chats from the fake account to influence the public.

Police investigation revealed Bhat's involvement in multiple FIRs and his attempt to portray himself as a close associate of the SSP.

A case has been registered against Bhat under relevant sections of the law for WhatsApp impersonation and related offences.

Police in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday said an FIR was registered against a person for operating a fake WhatsApp account in the name of SSP Budgam.

"Budgam police station has received reliable information that an individual, Sameer Ali Bhat, a resident of Pallar Budgam, was sharing screenshots of chats with a fake WhatsApp account operating in the name of SSP Budgam among the general public and posing as a close aide in order to influence people," a police spokesperson said.

Upon verification, it was found that Bhat is linked to multiple FIRs and was allegedly operating a fake WhatsApp account in the name of the SSP, the officer said.

Bhat was also sharing screenshots of conversations involving the fake account to portray himself as a close associate to have undue influence, according to police.

Acting swiftly on this information,a case has been registered under relevant sections of law, the spokesperson added.
Amid public criticism, Manipur's Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam appeals for time and understanding as authorities investigate the deadly Bishnupur bombing and work to apprehend those responsible.

Photograph: ANI File Photo

Key Points Manipur Home Minister requests public patience in the ongoing investigation into the Bishnupur bombing that killed two children.

The minister acknowledges public sentiment but emphasises that thorough investigations take time to identify the real culprits.

Three individuals suspected to be members of the United Kuki National Army (UKNA) have been arrested in connection with the bombing.

The Manipur government has instructed the UNLF (Pambei) to reduce the number of its camps following a peace agreement.

Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Tuesday appealed to the people to provide some time to the government to perform its duties.

His remarks came in the wake of criticism over the failure of the administration to apprehend the culprits involved in the bomb attack in Bishnupur district on April 7, which killed two children at their home.

The home minister said he understands the sentiment of the people, but everyone must understand that an investigation cannot be completed in a day or two.

"It takes time to find out the real culprits. Allow the government some time. I appeal to all the people of Manipur to allow the government to do its duty," Konthoujam told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here.

Three persons, suspected to be cadres of the proscribed militant group United Kuki National Army (UKNA), were arrested in Churachandpur district with arms and ammunition following the killing of the two siblings.

However, people are not happy, as the arrested ones might not be directly responsible for the bomb attack.

Peace Agreement and Camp Reduction

The home minister said that the banned outfit UNLF (Pambei) has been asked to reduce the number of its camps.

"Following the peace agreement signed between the government and the UNLF (Pambei), they have to reduce the number of camps, particularly the unauthorised ones. The process is underway, and they have been given some time. I think they will respond positively," Konthoujam said.
While four workers died on the spot, around 30 others were injured and rushed to different hospitals in neighbouring Raigarh and Bilaspur districts.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The powerful blast occurred at around 2:30 pm in a tube supplying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine at the Vedanta Ltd power plant in Singhitarai village.

Chhattisgarh's Chief Minister has ordered a probe into the incident, promising strict action against those responsible.

The power plant management is coordinating with medical teams and authorities to provide assistance and investigate the cause of the explosion.

The incident involved personnel from a sub-contractor, NGSL (NTPC GE Power Services Limited), responsible for operating and maintaining the boiler unit.

In a major industrial accident, at least 13 workers were killed and 21 others injured after a steam-carrying tube connected to a boiler exploded at a Vedanta Ltd power plant in Sakti district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday afternoon, the police said.

The powerful blast occurred at around 2:30 pm in a tube supplying high-pressure steam from the boiler to the turbine at the Vedanta Ltd power plant in Singhitarai village causing severe burns to workers, Sakti superintendent of police Prafull Thakur told PTI.

Soon after the accident, local administration personnel and police teams rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations, he said.

While four workers died on the spot, around 30 others were injured and rushed to different hospitals in neighbouring Raigarh and Bilaspur districts, the IPS officer stated.

"Nine more workers succumbed to injuries later. Twenty-one injured workers are being treated in different hospitals," an Industrial Safety Department official in Raigarh said.

The private company put the death toll at 10.

At least six of the injured are stated to be in critical condition, said power plant officials.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of each deceased worker and Rs 50,000 to those injured.

Sai ordered the Commissioner of Bilaspur division to conduct an inquiry into the tragedy and said the strictest possible action would be taken against anyone found guilty in the probe.

The district administration has ordered a separate magisterial probe into the industrial accident, while Vedanta has initiated its own inquiry.

The CM termed the incident "extremely tragic" and expressed condolences to the bereaved families.

In a statement, Sai said during these difficult times, the state government stands firmly with the affected families.

The CM has directed officials to ensure proper and free medical treatment is arranged for all the injured individuals. While wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured, he emphasized that no negligence in their treatment would be tolerated, it said.

Sai affirmed that the state government has been maintaining constant vigilance over the situation, and relief and rehabilitation operations are being executed on a priority basis.

In a statement released in Mumbai, Vedanta, which is listed on exchanges, put the death toll at 10 and said the affected workers were personnel from a sub-contractor hired by the diversified global natural resources conglomerate.

"We regret to inform that an unfortunate incident occurred at Unit-1 boiler of company's Athena Power plant located at Singhitarai, Chhattisgarh on April 14, 2026, involving personnel of company's sub-contractor, NGSL. As of now 24 workmen of our sub-contractor have been affected by the incident and 10 have succumbed to their injuries," said the statement.

The private company said its immediate priority is to ensure the provision of best possible medical assistance and treatment to all those affected and doing everything possible to alleviate suffering of the near and dear ones of the deceased.

"The company is extending full support to the injured and is closely coordinating with the attending medical teams and local authorities. The company is in the process of ascertaining the details and has initiated a detailed investigation into the incident in coordination with its sub-contractor and the relevant authorities," according to the statement.

Meanwhile, Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy.

"All departments concerned have been directed to carry out a detailed probe covering all aspects and submit a report at the earliest to prevent recurrence," he said.

The local plant management, in a statement, said, "an unfortunate incident occurred at one of the boiler units at our Singhitarai plant, involving personnel from our sub-contractor, NGSL (NTPC GE Power Services Ltd), which operates and maintains the unit."

The management said its immediate priority is to ensure the best possible medical assistance and treatment to those affected.

According to plant officials, the explosion was triggered by a leak in the tube carrying high-pressure steam generated in the boiler unit to the turbine, which rotates to produce electricity.

At least six of the injured are stated to be in critical condition, and efforts are underway to airlift some to Raipur for advanced care, they said.

The construction of 1,200 MW coal-based thermal power project (two units of 600 MW each) in Singhitarai, originally owned by Athena Chhattisgarh Power Ltd, was started in 2009, but remained stalled between 2016 and 2022.

Vedanta acquired the plant in 2022, after which one 600 MW unit was completed and commissioned in August last year, while the second unit is still under construction.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of devastation and panic after the powerful blast.

Ajit Das Kar, a worker from West Bengal who had been working as a painter at the plant for over a month, said the explosion felt "like a missile had landed."

"We had just finished lunch at around 2.30 pm when there was a massive blast and thick smoke spread everywhere. We were working at a height of around 17 metres. The explosion took place at height of around 9 meters in Boiler no. 1 where we were working. I managed to save myself by hiding inside a cupboard. Those workers who were below were badly burnt," he said.

Many of the workers present were engaged in painting work at the facility, he said.

Grief-stricken family members of the victims were seen sitting outside the plant.

One of them, Chitrasen Patel, said his father, who worked at the plant, died in the blast.

A large number of police personnel have been deployed at the site.
Tragedy strikes Mumbai as two MBA students die from a suspected drug overdose after attending a music concert, leading to multiple arrests and a police investigation into the event's circumstances.

Key Points Two MBA students died in Mumbai after a music concert due to suspected drug overdose.

Preliminary investigations suggest the students consumed ecstasy and alcohol before and during the concert.

Six individuals have been arrested, including the event organiser and a suspected drug supplier, in connection with the incident.

The police have registered a case under culpable homicide and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The arrested individuals have been remanded in police custody as the investigation continues.

Two MBA students, including a woman, died due to suspected drug overdose during a music concert in the western suburbs here, police said on Tuesday.

The police on Monday arrested six persons, including the event organiser, a suspected drug supplier and two students, in connection with the deaths.

The victims, who were studying at a city-based management institute, were part of a group of 15 students who attended the concert at the Goregaon Exhibition Centre on Saturday, an official said.

As per preliminary investigation, some members of the group allegedly consumed ecstasy before entering the venue, and had also had alcohol during the concert.

Several of them reportedly complained of uneasiness and were rushed to a hospital in Jogeshwari and other private medical facilities, the official said.

He said that two students died while undergoing treatment at a hospital on Sunday, while another student is hospitalised, but in a stable condition.

Police Investigation and Arrests

He said the Vanrai police have registered a case under section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and arrested two students, a suspected drug supplier, and three individuals associated with organising the concert.

The accused have been remanded in police custody till Thursday, and further investigation is underway, the official added.
A tragic incident in Mumbai has left two MBA students dead from a suspected drug overdose after attending a concert, igniting a political firestorm and raising serious questions about drug control and event safety.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Two MBA students died in Mumbai after a concert, with suspected drug overdose as the cause.

Police have arrested six individuals, including event organisers and a suspected drug supplier, in connection with the incident.

Opposition parties are criticising the state government, alleging negligence and a failure to prevent open drug consumption at the event.

The incident has sparked concerns about drug abuse among youth in Maharashtra and the effectiveness of law enforcement.

Authorities have seized drugs worth Rs 30 crore recently in Mumbai, indicating ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

Two MBA students died due to suspected drug overdose after attending a concert in Goregaon area, police said on Tuesday, prompting the opposition to ask how authorities allowed an event where drugs were 'openly consumed' to take place.

Police on Monday arrested six persons including event organisers and a suspected drug supplier.

The victims -- a young man and a woman -- studied at a city-based management institute and were part of a group of 15 students who attended the concert at the Goregaon Exhibition Centre on Saturday, a police official said.

As per the preliminary investigation, some members of the group consumed ecstasy -- a banned substance -- before entering the venue, and went on to have alcohol during the concert.

Several of them complained of uneasiness and were rushed to hospital. Two students died while undergoing treatment on Sunday, while another student was still in hospital but in a stable condition.

Vanrai Police registered a case under section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and arrested two students, a suspected drug supplier, and three individuals associated with the organisers, the official said.

The accused have been remanded in police custody till Thursday.

Political Fallout and Allegations

Opposition Congress slammed the BJP-led government in the state over the deaths. The "inept and shameless" functioning of the government has pushed the state's youth into the grip of drugs, said Maharashtra Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal on Tuesday.

In a statement, Sapkal asked how police and other law enforcement agencies failed to notice a gathering of thousands of people where drugs and alcohol were allegedly consumed openly.

The alleged drug abuse came to light only after two deaths, and the authorities were "asleep" till then, he said.

"The fact that such parties are being held openly under the nose of the Mumbai Police shows a major failure of the Home department and the entire administrative machinery," said Sapkal.

The Congress leader further alleged that drug trade was flourishing across Maharashtra with the "blessings of those in power", citing recent cases in Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Solapur. Thanks to political patronage, investigations into many such cases were diluted and the accused were given a clean chit, he said.

"If he (Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis) cannot handle even the Home department, he is unfit to run the state. He should step down rather than ruin Maharashtra," Sapkal said.

He also demanded clarity on permissions granted for the concert. Law enforcement agencies were more focused on "collections and extortion" than maintaining law and order, alleged the Congress leader.

Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad asked how a "rave party" was allowed to take place.

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule termed the incident as extremely worrisome and said the Home department should take immediate action.

Government Response

Yogesh Kadam, Minister of State for Home, told reporters that action was being taken in such cases, and drugs valued at Rs 30 crore were recently seized in Mumbai.

Manufacturing narcotic drugs and their distribution has become easy but the Anti-Narcotics Cell is proactively working to curb drug trafficking, the Shiv Sena minister added.

Steps will be taken to ensure that such incidents do not take place in future, said Kadam.

BJP minister Girish Mahajan said strict action should be taken against those involved in drug peddling.
Mumbai police are investigating a series of fatal assaults that have claimed three lives in the past 48 hours, raising concerns about safety and security in the city.

Key Points Three individuals died in separate assault incidents across Mumbai in a 48-hour period, prompting police investigations.

A 28-year-old man was fatally assaulted in Dadar following a dispute, leading to multiple arrests.

A senior citizen died after an altercation over a parking dispute near Dadar Tata Bridge, resulting in the arrest of two suspects.

An individual was stabbed to death in Kherwadi due to an old dispute, and police are searching for the suspect.

Three persons, including a senior citizen, were killed in separate incidents of fatal assaults reported in different parts of the city in the last 48 hours, police said on Tuesday.

The incidents, which occurred in Dadar, Matunga, and Kherwadi, include a brutal assault on a 28-year-old man, a parking dispute involving a senior citizen, and a stabbing.

Dadar Assault and Arrests

In Dadar, Ankush Ambekar was beaten to death by a group of assailants in the Nako Sayaji Wadi area on Sunday, an official said.

Ambekar had a dispute with one of the alleged accused, Gaurav Sanas, and while he was on his way to meet a friend, a group of people intercepted him and assaulted him brutally in the presence of his wife.

He sustained severe injuries in the attack and died while undergoing treatment at KEM Hospital in Parel, the official said.

Based on a complaint lodged by the victim's wife, the Dadar police registered a case and arrested seven accused, and efforts are underway to nab others involved in the attack.

Parking Dispute Turns Deadly

In a similar incident, Naresh Vaghela, a senior citizen, died following an assault stemming from a parking dispute near Dadar Tata Bridge on Monday.

Vaghela had objected to the manner in which a vehicle was parked, leading to an argument with the accused, Sahil Ghadge and Shahbaz Sheikh, the official said.

According to the police, the argument escalated, and the duo allegedly assaulted Vaghela in front of his wife. He was taken to KEM Hospital, where he was declared dead.

The two accused have been arrested, he added.

Kherwadi Stabbing Incident

The third victim, Abhinav Chaudhary, was stabbed to death by unidentified persons in the Kherwadi area over an old dispute.

A search has been launched for the accused, who fled the scene after the attack, police said.
Delhi Police have arrested two alleged members of the Narender gang near Bhalswa Lake, seizing illegal firearms and disrupting a planned robbery, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat crime in the city.

Key Points Two alleged members of the Narender gang were arrested near Bhalswa Lake in Delhi.

Police recovered illegal firearms, including a semi-automatic pistol, from the arrested individuals.

The accused were planning to commit a robbery when apprehended by the crime branch team.

The accused allegedly procured illegal weapons from a supplier based in Uttar Pradesh.

Both accused have a history of involvement in multiple criminal cases, including robbery and snatching in Delhi.

Two alleged members of the Narender gang were arrested near Bhalswa Lake in outer Delhi and illegal firearms, including a semi-automatic pistol and a country-made weapon, were recovered from them, an official said on Tuesday.

The accused have been identified as Randheer (25) and Parvesh (28).

Acting on tip-off, a crime branch team laid a trap near Bhalswa Lake on Saturday, anticipating the movement of the suspects, who were planning to commit a robbery.

During the operation, both accused were apprehended from the spot. During interrogation, Danish revealed that he procured illegal weapons from a supplier based in Uttar Pradesh. He would allegedly supply the firearms to associates of the Narender gang and also use them in robberies and other criminal activities in Delhi, police said.

Criminal History and Ongoing Investigation

Both accused have a history of involvement in multiple criminal cases, including robbery and snatching.

Further investigation is underway to identify other members.
Tesla Inc. artificial intelligence chief Ashok Elluswamy has hinted that Full Self-Driving technology could become available in other parts of Europe following its approval by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW).

FSD Expansion?

Responding to a post by influencer Whole Mars Catalog, who predicted that the FSD system would receive approval from multiple countries, Elluswamy shared his view. The European regulation is followed by a lot more countries than just the ones in EU, he said, hinting at a possible expansion of the technology to territories outside of the bloc.

The European regulation is followed by a lot more countries than just the ones in EU.  Ashok Elluswamy (@aelluswamy) April 12, 2026

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EU vehicle safety standards are recognized and/or followed by all members of the trade bloc, as well as by all 56 member states of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), which includes the U.S., Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea and more.

NHTSA Probe, Ross Gerbers Criticism

While the FSD tech has received approval from the EU regulator, the technology is still under scrutiny by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as the investigation into the system moved into the Engineering Analysis phase. Its worth noting that the phase usually precedes a recall, according to the law.

Meanwhile, investor Ross Gerber of Gerber Kawasaki also criticized Tesla's FSD v14.3 update, demanding the automaker initiate a $10,000 refund to customers who paid for the self-driving capabilities if the system doesn't work unsupervised.

Trending: Avoid the #1 Investing Mistake: How Your Safe' Holdings Could Be Costing You Big Time

Elon Musk Reaffirms FSD Stance, Relief From NHTSA

Tesla CEO Elon Musk reiterated his bullish stance on the system, arguing that it saves a lot of lives. He also expressed sadness at the several lawsuits that the automaker faces over its FSD system and its capabilities.

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While the investigation into the FSD technology continues, NHTSA recently announced it had closed its probe into Tesla's "actually smart summon" feature, which can move the car over short distances using a smartphone app, in what could be a boost for the company.

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Authorities are investigating the bank accounts of individuals arrested in the Nashik IT firm sexual harassment case to uncover potential links to illegal funding, as the investigation widens.

IMAGE: Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Key Points Bank accounts of the accused in the Nashik IT firm sexual harassment case are being investigated for potential illegal funding.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing the complaints of sexual harassment and religious conversion made by female employees.

Seven TCS employees have been arrested and suspended, with investigations ongoing into the HR department's handling of the complaints.

Tata Consultancy Services has a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion, and a thorough investigation is underway.

Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran has expressed serious concern and initiated a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.

Bank accounts of the accused arrested in connection with the sexual harassment and religious conversion case involving some women employees of an IT firm in Nashik are being investigated to check whether they had received funds for carrying out illegal activities, sources said.

The case is being investigated by an SIT.

The bank accounts of the accused are being investigated to determine the source of funds, sources in police said on Tuesday, without elaborating.

A local court on Monday extended the police custody of the female operations manager of TCS BPO until April 15 in connection with the case.

Seven employees of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), including six men and a woman, have been arrested so far. Another female employee is absconding, according to investigators.

Investigation Details

Earlier this week, the police formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the complaints lodged by eight female employees, who claimed that senior colleagues mentally and sexually harassed them, and the human resources department ignored their complaints.

The arrested staffers, who have since been suspended, have been identified as Danish Sheikh, Tausif Attar, Raza Memon, Shahrukh Qureshi, Shafi Sheikh, Asif Aftab Ansari, and the female operations manager, police said.

TCS Response

TCS on Sunday said that the firm has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form for a long time, confirming the suspension of employees allegedly involved in sexual harassment at its Nashik office.

On Monday, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran termed sexual harassment as "gravely concerning and anguishing", and announced that a thorough investigation is underway under TCS's Chief Operating Officer Arathi Subramanian to establish the facts and identify individuals responsible for the situation.
Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi has been granted anonymity by the European Court of Human Rights, raising questions about the future of his extradition case and the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Punjab National Bank fraud.

IMAGE: Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com

Key Points The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has granted Nirav Modi anonymity, moving his case out of public view.

The ECHR is expected to hold a hearing on Modi's plea soon, with a verdict potentially impacting his extradition to India.

Nirav Modi faces extradition to India from the UK, where he is accused of orchestrating a Rs 13,000 crore fraud.

The UK High Court previously rejected Modi's appeal against extradition, citing assurances from the Indian government regarding his safety.

Modi's legal avenues in the UK are exhausted, leading him to appeal to the ECHR after being accused of a major fraud at Punjab National Bank.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi has been granted anonymity by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in France's Strasbourg, taking away his case from public scrutiny, officials said.

The court will treat his case as confidential, and proceedings in the matter will be conducted away from the public glare, they said.

"In cases where an applicant has been granted anonymity and the case file is confidential, the court cannot provide any information about that case," the ECHR Press office told PTI.

In around a fortnight, the ECHR is likely to conduct a hearing on Nirav Modi's plea. The court will also hear the Central Bureau of Investigation, following which it might give a verdict, sources said.

If Modi's plea is rejected, it will eliminate the final legal hurdle for his extradition to India from the UK, where he is lodged in a London prison.

In March, the UK's High Court of Justice rejected Modi's petition to reopen his case against extradition, relying on the "quality of assurances" given by the Indian government, which it said were "comprehensive" enough to neutralise the risk of torture that might have barred his transfer to India.

The rejection had closed all legal avenues available to Nirav Modi in the UK, following which he approached the ECHR. The UK is a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights.

The High Court of Justice bench comprising Lord Justice Stuart-Smith and Justice Jay "refused" Modi's plea to reopen his extradition appeal under the Criminal Procedure Rules, noting that diplomatic undertakings given by India between September 2025 and February 2026 "provided a sheaf of assurances that are comprehensive, detailed and reliable."

Modi's application to reopen the appeal rested on a February 2025 judgment in the extradition matter of defence consultant Sanjay Bhandari, in which the court had termed the use of torture by Indian agencies to extract confessions as "commonplace and endemic."

The 55-year-old jeweller, who shot to prominence for his Bollywood clientele, international boutique stores, and Cannes appearances, has been lodged at Wandsworth prison since his arrest in the UK on March 19, 2019.

Declared a fugitive in India, Modi is accused of orchestrating Rs 13,000 crore fraud in the Punjab National Bank in collusion with his uncle Mehul Choksi, who is lodged in a Belgian prison.

According to the CBI, Modi alone had siphoned off Rs 6,498.20 crore of the total misappropriated amount.
Nitish Kumar's resignation as Bihar's chief minister signals a major political shift, and leads to the first BJP-led government in the state and reshaping Bihar's political landscape.

IMAGE: Nitish Kumar. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Nitish Kumar resigned as chief minister of Bihar, and recommends the dissolution of his cabinet.

The resignation paves the way for the first BJP-led government in Bihar.

The BJP, with 89 MLAs, is the single largest party in the Bihar assembly and will elect its legislature party leader.

The NDA coalition in Bihar has 202 MLAs, including JD-U, Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, and Hindustani Awam Morcha members.

Union minister Shivraj Singh Choudhan will oversee the BJP legislature party leader's election.

Nitish Kumar on Tuesday resigned as Bihar chief minister. He submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Ata Hasnain.

Prior to this, Nitish Kumar had recommended the dissolution of his cabinet, state minister Ram Kripal Yadav said.

At the cabinet meeting in the morning Kumar, Bihars longest-serving chief minister, informed his ministerial colleagues about his decision to dissolve the council of ministers, a constitutional requirement before tendering his resignation as the CM to the governor, Yadav told reporters.

"It was a very emotional moment for all of us. He informed us about his decision. The CM recommended dissolution of the cabinet during the meeting," the state minister said.

Political Implications of Kumar's Resignation

Kumars resignation paves the way for the first-ever BJP-led government in Bihar.

The BJP, which is the single largest party in the 243-strong assembly, with 89 MLAs, will elect its legislature party leader at its office in Patna.

Union minister Shivraj Singh Choudhan, whom the BJP parliamentary board has named central observer for the legislature party leader's election, is expected to fly down for the purpose.

The 202-strong NDA includes 85 MLAs of the JD-U, besides 19 of the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas and five of the Hindustani Awam Morcha, headed by Union ministers Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi, respectively.

In addition, there are five MLAs of Rashtriya Lok Morcha, led by Rajya Sabha MP Upendra Kushwaha.
The opposition parties will discuss their stand on the proposed amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and the government's move on delimitation.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

With the three-day special sitting of Parliament on the constitution amendment bill related to the implementation of 33 percent reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls set to begin on Thursday, a meeting of opposition parties is slated to be held on Wednesday at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

Key Points Opposition alleges that there are three distinct issues - women's quota, delimitation and Lok Sabha seat expansion - and these are being "deliberately mixed up" by the government.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he is not going into the politics of which party is saying what.

A separate meeting of opposition floor leaders is expected ahead of the special sitting of Parliament.

The opposition parties will discuss their stand on the proposed amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and the government's move on delimitation.

Opposition leaders have said that there are three distinct issues - women's reservation, national delimitation and increase in seats in Lok Sabha - and these are being "deliberately mixed up" by the government to create confusion in the minds of people.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had said earlier that there will be a meeting of leaders of opposition parties ahead of the special sitting of the budget session of Parliament.

A separate meeting of opposition floor leaders is expected ahead of the special sitting of Parliament. The meeting at Kharge's residence is expected to begin at 3 pm.

With opposition parties expressing strong reservations to the proposed delimitation bill, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he is not going into the politics of which party is saying what.

"No party is opposing the women's reservation in the Parliament and Assemblies. When we passed this Nari Shakti Adhiniyam in the last Lok Sabha, no political party opposed it. So, in principle and in spirit, every body is together. In Nari Shakti Vandan dhiniyam, every party is together," he said.

"There may be some statements for political purpose, but the primary objective of providing reservations to women in the Parliament of India and the Assemblies of the states, no political party will oppose it. PM has expressed its gratitude to all political parties for coming together in the national interest. Because women's reservation cannot be a political issue," he added.

Rijiju said it will be "extremely painful" if there is delay in women's reservation process.

"We have waited for 40 years, we can't afford to wait for another year or another decade. It will be extremely painful if we further delay women's reservation process," he said.

Ahead of the three-day special sitting of Parliament beginning April 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday again pitched for implementing 33 per cent quota for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, calling it the "sentiment of the nation" and the "desire of Nari Shakti."

The government has called a special sitting of the budget session of Parliament on April 16,17, 18 for amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, that was passed by Parliament in 2023 and provides for implementing the 33 per cent quota for women in Lok Sabha and assemblies following a census and delimitation based on it.

The government also intends to bring a Delimitation Bill in the special sitting of Parliament and is keen to implement quota for women starting from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.

The government intends to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850 as part of its intention to implement the Women's Reservation Act from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, with 815 seats proposed to the states and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories.

"After four decades of anticipation, Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This has ensured 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. All parties came forward to support this important law. The rights that women have now received should not face any delay in implementation. It should be implemented now. Lok Sabha elections will be held in 2029, followed by the ongoing state assembly elections. It should be implemented before 2029. This is the sentiment of the nation. This is the desire of Nari Shakti," PM Modi said at an event in Dehradun.

"Let all political parties come together and advance this work concerning the rights of the country's sisters and daughters with a unanimous consensus," he added.
Pakistani security forces have successfully foiled a major terror plot by arresting 16 terrorists linked to groups like TTP, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS in Punjab province, seizing weapons and explosives in the process.

Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Key Points Pakistan's security forces arrested 16 terrorists in Punjab province during intelligence-based operations.

The arrested individuals belong to various banned organisations, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda, and Daesh (ISIS).

A suicide bomber from Fitna-ul-Khawarij and a terrorist involved in attacks on security institutions were among those apprehended.

Weapons, explosives, and a suicide jacket were recovered from the terrorists' possession, indicating a planned attack.

The terrorists were allegedly planning attacks on police posts, and investigations are ongoing.

Pakistan's security agencies have arrested sixteen terrorists belonging to various terror outfits in multiple operations conducted in Punjab province, an official said on Tuesday.

Security forces conducted 113 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) over the past week in different districts, which led to the arrest of these terrorists, a spokesperson for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said.

Major Terror Plot Foiled

A major terror plot was foiled by Punjab police by arresting 16 terrorists belonging to various banned organisations, including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Al-Qaeda and Daesh (ISIS), he said.

"A dangerous suicide bomber of Fitna-ul-Khawarij has also been arrested from Jhang, while another terrorist identified as Moin Khan, involved in attacks on security institutions, was arrested from Sargodha," he added.

Fitna al-Khawarij is a term the state uses for terrorists belonging to the banned TTP.

Weapons, explosives over 5 kgs, detonator 1, safety fuse wire 25 feet and a suicide jacket were recovered from the possession of the terrorists.

The spokesperson said the terrorists had also planned to attack police posts, adding that cases against the arrested individuals have been registered and further investigation is underway.
Punjab Police successfully busted a cross-border arms smuggling ring, arresting three individuals and seizing six pistols, revealing a network connected to Pakistan-based smugglers using social media.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Punjab Police dismantle a cross-border arms smuggling module, arresting three individuals.

Six pistols were recovered from the possession of the arrested individuals in Amritsar.

The accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers via social media platforms.

The smuggled arms were supplied to criminal elements across Punjab.

An investigation is underway to dismantle the entire smuggling network and establish all linkages.

The Punjab Police has busted a cross-border arms smuggling module with the arrest of three persons and the recovery of six pistols from their possession, an official said on Tuesday.

Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, in a post on X, said that preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based smugglers through social media platforms and facilitated the smuggling of illegal arms.

After retrieving the consignments, they further supplied it to criminal elements across Punjab, he said.

The Amritsar police also recovered six pistols from their possession, he said.

An FIR has been registered at Police Station Cantonment in Amritsar under relevant provisions of the Arms Act.

Ongoing Investigation

Further investigation is underway to establish forward and backward linkages and dismantle the entire network, Yadav said.
Samrat Choudhary's election as BJP legislature party leader signals a significant shift in Bihar politics, positioning him to succeed Nitish Kumar as the next Chief Minister.

IMAGE: Bihar deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and other party leaders at the legislature party meeting at the Bihar BJP office, in Patna, April 14, 2026. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Key Points Samrat Choudhary elected as BJP legislature party leader in Bihar.

Choudhary's election follows Nitish Kumar's resignation as Chief Minister.

BJP is the largest party in the Bihar assembly with 89 MLAs.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan oversaw the election as central observer.

Choudhary is expected to become the next Chief Minister of Bihar as the NDA legislature party leader.

Bihar is on the course to having its first BJP-led government with Janata Dal-United president Nitish Kumar resigning as chief minister on Tuesday and the ruling National Democratic Alliance backing Samrat Choudhary of the saffron party to take his place.

Choudhary, who was a deputy chief minister, was named the NDA legislative party leader in the presence of Kumar, now a Rajya Sabha member. The soon-to-be CM touched the feet of his ex-boss upon being garlanded by him.

"All NDA legislators have unanimously backed Samrat Choudhary as their leader. A new government will be formed tomorrow (Wednesday)," assembly Speaker Prem Kumar, a senior BJP leader himself, told reporters after a meeting, which was attended by all MLAs of the alliance partners.

After the meeting at the Central Hall of the Assembly building, Choudhary, along with BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde, who is the party's in-charge for Bihar, met Governor Syed Ata Hasnain to stake a claim to form a new government.

According to a communication from the Lok Bhavan, the swearing-in ceremony will be held at 11 am on Wednesday.

NDA sources said that Choudhary would be heading a "small cabinet", which will see an expansion next month.

JD-U sources said Nitish Kumar's son Nishant, who had joined the party a month ago, was not keen on the deputy chief minister's post and wanted to focus on strengthening the organisation.

Choudhary's name had been doing the rounds for the chief minister's post ever since Kumar made public his decision to enter the Rajya Sabha.

Prior to the NDA meeting on Tuesday, Choudhary had been named the leader of the BJP legislative party by the saffron party MLAs in the presence of party president Nitin Nabin, national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh, national general secretary in charge of Bihar Vinod Tawde, and Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Chouhan had been named the "central observer" by the BJP parliamentary board for the transition.

Choudhary, who had cut his teeth in politics with the RJD and joined the BJP only in 2017, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for reposing their trust in him.

"I have been in politics for nearly three decades. But until joining the BJP, I could not appreciate the importance of ideological commitment. It shall be my endeavour to take forward Bihar as well as the BJP," the 57-year-old leader told BJP workers.

RJD working president Tejashwi Yadav, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, teased Choudhary by reminding him that he was "a product of Lalu ji's school".

Lalu Prasad, the father of Tejashwi Yadav, is the RJD's founding president.

Yadav also alleged that Choudhary did "not have the approval of the people", referring to the fact that the NDA had fought and won the assembly polls with Nitish Kumar as its chief ministerial face.

Kumar, who turned 75 last month and was sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP a week ago, began his final day in the chief minister's office by paying tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar, at a memorial of the Dalit icon close to the Patna high court.

He then attended the last meeting of his cabinet, where colleagues gave him a tearful farewell.

A few hours later, Kumar went to the Lok Bhawan and submitted his resignation to the Governor, before announcing on his X handle that the new government in the state shall "always have my full cooperation and guidance".

At the Lok Bhawan, Kumar was accompanied by Choudhary and other close aides such as Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh "Lalan", a former JD(U) chief, and Sanjay Kumar Jha, the party's current working president.

In his lengthy, emotional post on social media, Kumar, the longest-serving chief minister of Bihar, spoke of the efforts he had made since first assuming power on November 24, 2005.

The septuagenarian, who has been sworn in as Bihar chief minister for a record 10 times, thanks to his numerous flip-flops, refrained from having a word with the posse of journalists gathered on the street separating the CM's residence and the Lok Bhavan.

In the meantime, BJP workers erupted in jubilation as the prospects of "their own government" came closer. At the BJP legislative party meeting, Choudhary's name was proposed by Vijay Kumar Sinha, another deputy chief minister in the outgoing government.

Several BJP MPs from Bihar, including Union ministers Giriraj Singh and Nityanand Rai, besides Ravi Shankar Prasad, Rajiv Pratap Rudy and Radha Mohan Singh, all former central ministers, had turned up at the party office, and later at the central hall, to witness the occasion that marked the moment of glory for their party.
The then Governor Suraj Bhan ordered Choudhary's sacking, in a rare instance of the removal of a minister being effected without the government not recommending the same.

IMAGE: BJP national president Nitin Nabin meets Bihar deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary (left), who has been elected as Bihar's leader of the BJP legislature party, in Patna, April 14, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo

It has been a chequered political journey for Samrat Choudhary, who began his political career as a minister in Bihar nearly three decades ago, only to be removed by the then-Governor following allegations about his eligibility.

Key Points Things seem to have come full circle for the 57-year-old leader, whose meteoric rise in the BJP after joining it nine years ago culminated in becoming the party's first chief minister in the state.

After his unceremonious dismissal, the RJD, headed Lalu Prasad, fielded him in the assembly polls of 2000, and Choudhary was re-inducted as a minister.

In 2017, he joined the BJP, and, by virtue of being a Koeri, a powerful OBC group which the party has always sought to woo, rose to become the state vice president a year later.

Things seem to have come full circle for the 57-year-old leader, whose meteoric rise in the BJP after joining it nine years ago culminated in becoming the party's first chief minister in the state.

Choudhary, earlier known as Rakesh Kumar, had first hit headlines in 1999, when the then chief minister Rabri Devi inducted him into her cabinet.

The cabinet berth for Samrat Choudhary was said to have been a reward for his parents, Shakuni and Parvati Devi, MP and MLA respectively of Samata Party, who had agreed to shift their loyalty to RJD.

However, a complaint soon reached the Raj Bhavan (now Lok Bhavan) that Choudhary, who was then not a member of the state legislature, had not completed 25 years of age.

Accordingly, the then Governor Suraj Bhan ordered Choudhary's sacking, in a rare instance of the removal of a minister being effected without the government not recommending the same.

After his unceremonious dismissal, the RJD, headed by Rabri Devi's husband Lalu Prasad, fielded him in the assembly polls of 2000, and Choudhary was re-inducted as a minister, this time to enjoy a full term.

In 2005, the RJD lost power to the Janata Dal-United-BJP combine, but Choudhary remained with the RJD and was appointed as the chief whip of the party five years later.

By 2014, Choudhary seemed to have been disenchanted with the RJD, and he led a split in the party and joined the JD-U government, then headed by Jitan Ram Manjhi.

Manjhi stepped down months later after Nitish Kumar, his patron, decided to make a comeback as the chief minister. This caused Choudhary to lose his ministerial berth.

In 2017, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, and, by virtue of being a Koeri, a powerful OBC group which the party has always sought to woo, rose to become the state vice president a year later.

Choudhary then transformed from a staunch critic of Nitish Kumar, while the JD-U supremo was out of the NDA, to a trusted aide of the alliance partner whose backing was vital for his own rise to the top.

More than six feet tall, Choudhary, till a few years ago, was always seen in public with a turban on his head. In private, the BJP leader used to joke that he would take off his headgear only after unseating the JD-U supremo from power.

In 2024, when Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA "for good", Choudhary, who had by now risen to be the state BJP president, superseding many old party hands, was named as a Deputy CM.

The naming of Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, another vocal critic of Nitish Kumar, as Deputy CMs was viewed by some political commentators as the BJP's attempt to offer reconciliation, while cynics saw it as an attempt to slight the JD-U supremo.

Choudhary took to his new role as fish to water and, in a span of less than two years, emerged as a leader whom Nitish Kumar could trust enough to part with the crucial Home portfolio, which he had chosen to keep with himself since 2005.

Besides the Home portfolio which was allocated to him in November last year after the NDA won a stunning victory in elections, another episode had helped Choudhary catch public attention in the thick of the assembly polls.

While canvassing in Tarapur, an assembly seat represented by his father Shakuni Choudhary for a record number of six times, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged the people to vote for his son, promising that he would be made "a big man".

Choudhary, who had returned to direct elections after spending nearly a decade in the legislative council, won Tarapur by a comprehensive margin of 45,000 votes.

The new CM was born in a village in Bihar's Munger district to Parvati Devi and Shakuni Choudhary, an army man-turned-politician who had started as a Congress man and later switched allegiance to Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar.

Choudhary now faces the daunting challenge of transforming Bihar into a BJP stronghold like the rest of the Hindi heartland, while accommodating allies like the JD(U), which is likely to feel a tinge of resentment over no longer being "the party of the chief minister", and smaller allies which have been prone to change loyalties over trifles.

Warding off attacks from critics like Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor, who had raised issues like discrepancies in his age as stated in different election affidavits and his alleged involvement in criminal cases, will be another challenge that Choudhary shall have to contend with.
An investigation is underway after a forest department team transporting seized timber in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, was attacked by stone-pelters, raising concerns about illegal logging and enforcement challenges.

Photograph: Courtesy @samajwadiparty/X

Key Points A Forest Department team in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, was attacked with stones while transporting seized timber.

The incident occurred on the Kaljel-Bajli link road near Salhuni nullah.

No injuries were reported, but a forest department vehicle sustained damage.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to identify the attackers involved in the stone pelting incident.

Unidentified people have been booked for pelting stones at a Forest Department team transporting a seized consignment of timber in Chamba district, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place on Sunday night on the Kaljel-Bajli link road near Salhuni nullah. The team had seized 12 timber sleepers and was transporting them to the Range Office in Masroond when several miscreants began pelting stones at the vehicles from a hillside.

No one was injured in the incident, but a forest department vehicle was damaged. The officials called the police and left the spot, while the attackers fled.

Police said a complaint was filed on Monday, and an investigation has been initiated to identify those involved.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Nashik is under intense scrutiny following allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion, prompting calls for swift and decisive action.

Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo

Key Points Eight TCS female employees in Nashik allege sexual harassment and forced religious conversion by senior colleagues.

Maharashtra official Neelam Gorhe demands strict action and a thorough investigation into the TCS harassment allegations.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, and seven TCS executives have been arrested, including the HR manager.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran has announced an internal investigation and reaffirmed the company's zero-tolerance policy.

The SIT investigation should include CCTV footage, phone chats, and financial transactions, with a fast-track court trial sought.

Maharashtra legislative council deputy chairperson Neelam Gorhe has demanded stringent action against employees of a top IT company facing allegations of sexual harassment and religious conversion at the firm's branch in Nashik.

Eight female employees of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have levelled allegations of sexual harassment and forced religious conversion against their senior colleagues at the company's Nashik campus in North Maharashtra.

Gorhe, in a statement here on Monday, said she has directed the Nashik police commissioner to take strict action in the case.

Last week, the police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe complaints lodged by the employees, who claimed the human resources department turned a deaf ear to their grievances.

The police have since arrested seven executives of the IT major, including the company's woman HR manager who is accused of neglecting the complaints raised by victims.

Growing Concerns and Demands for Justice

Gorhe said the incident has led to tensions in society and raised questions about the safety of women in the workplace.

She noted that the religious conversion of women and their sexual harassment at the workplace were a matter of grave concern, and there should be an impartial, transparent and thorough investigation in this case.

The SIT should check CCTV footage of the company premises, phone chats and financial transactions as part of its probe, Gorhe said and sought trial of the accused in a fast-track court.

TCS Responds to Allegations

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran on Monday termed sexual harassment allegations at TCS Nashik as "gravely concerning and anguishing", and announced an internal investigation into the matter under a senior executive.

He said the salts-to-software group maintains a "zero-tolerance policy" towards any form of coercion or misconduct by its employees.

Appropriate and stringent action will be taken against those found guilty in the investigation, he said, adding that process improvements or other corrective measures will be promptly implemented and strictly enforced.
Nissan has released the first look into the companys all-new 2027 Nissan Rogue featuring e-Power, the automakers hybrid technology.

Rogue has long been at the heart of Nissans success in the U.S. and Canada, and the next generation represents a major step forward for this incredibly important model, Nissan Americas Chief Product and Planning Officer and senior vice president Ponz Pandikuthira said in a news release April 13.

Slated for release in late 2026, the Rogue has long been considered one of the Japanese automakers most successful vehicles across the globe with more than 10 million sales globally, and 4 million domestically.

Advertisement Advertisement

Historically, Nissan has lagged hybrids in its domestic offering, but Nissan Americas chairman isnt worried about the brands tardiness.

Its okay to be late if you bring something great, he told The Tennessean in December.

What is Nissan's e-Power system?

Unlike other hybrids, where the gas engine and the battery both directly contribute to vehicle acceleration, a gas engine in a Nissan e-Power system only generates electricity and is 100% motor-driven, according to the companys website.

With hybrid e-POWER, the all-new Rogue will bring the smooth, responsive feel of electric motor driving to one of the most popular compact SUVs in North America, while staying true to what customers value most  efficiency, confidence and everyday usability, Pandikuthira said.

Advertisement Advertisement

While the first rendition of the e-Power Rogue will be exported from Japan, in 2027, Meunier hopes to produce roughly 300,000 "next generation e-Power rogues in Smyrna.

Additionally, the company will retool its Dechard engine plant to local e-Power in Tennessee.

If we do that, were going to be in much better shape, Meunier said.

Xterra returns

Discontinued in 2015, Nissan officials also confirmed the return of its Xterra SUV.

The all-new rugged SUV will be produced in the United States, further strengthening Nissans manufacturing footprint and capability offering for North American customers, the release states.

While its unclear where the Xterra will be manufactured, the SUV was produced in Smyrna from 2000 to 2012 before moving to the companys Canton, Mississippi facility until 2015.

Advertisement Advertisement

The vehicle is slated for launch in late 2028.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nissan to introduce Rogue hybrid to U.S. and bring back discontinued SUV
Following a tragic van accident in Thane that claimed 11 lives, police have arrested the cement truck driver involved, prompting authorities to intensify their crackdown on illegal transport and urge commuters to prioritise road safety.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A cement mixer truck driver has been arrested following a fatal collision with an overcrowded van in Thane, Maharashtra, resulting in 11 deaths.

The van, operating as an illegal taxi service, was carrying nearly double its authorised capacity when the accident occurred.

Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials are urging commuters to avoid unauthorised vehicles and use safer public transport options.

The Kalyan Sub-Regional Transport Office has taken action against nearly 1,900 vehicles involved in illegal transportation in the past year.

Authorities are conducting regular inspections and surprise checks to crack down on illegal transport activities and ensure road safety.

Police have arrested the driver of a cement mixer truck involved in the collision with an overcrowded van that claimed 11 lives in Maharashtra's Thane district, officials said and appealed to the public not to travel in unauthorised vehicles.

The van, which provides shuttle taxi services to locals, was heading to Murbad from Kalyan when it collided head-on with the transit mixer coming from the opposite direction on the newly constructed bridge over the Ulhas river on Monday morning.

All 11 occupants of the van, including the driver and three women, were killed, the officials said.

Arrest and Investigation

Kamlesh Yadav (26), a resident of Mumbai who was driving the cement mixer, has been arrested. A case has been registered against him under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Murbad) Anil Lad said.

Ten bodies have been handed over to relatives, while the family of another victim is expected to arrive from Madhya Pradesh, he said.

The van, which has an authorised capacity of six, was carrying 11 passengers, as per officials.

According to locals, the van taxi services operate illegally in the area, charging between Rs 70 and Rs 100 per seat for one-way trips and often carrying double the permitted number of passengers.

RTO's Response and Appeal

Deputy Regional Transport Officer, Kalyan, Ashutosh Barkul, appealed to commuters to avoid travelling in unauthorised vehicles and opt for safer public transport options, especially with the upcoming vacation season expected to increase road traffic.

The Kalyan Sub-Regional Transport Office (RTO) has taken action against 1,896 vehicles involved in illegal transportation over the past year and collected fines of Rs 25.67 lakh, he told reporters on Monday evening.

"Special teams and flying squads have been conducting regular inspections and taking action against vehicles involved in illegal transport. Errant drivers are fined on the spot and their vehicles are seized," Barkul said.

Surprise checks are carried out not only on main roads but also on bypass routes, where such illegal activities are often reported, he said.

School buses are also being regularly inspected to ensure student safety, and strict action is taken against management if violations are found, he added.
Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee accuses the BJP of targeting Bengali speakers in BJP-ruled states, alleging harassment, discrimination, and attempts to undermine Bengali culture and identity.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Abhishek Banerjee alleges BJP-ruled states are harassing Bengali-speaking people by labelling them as Bangladeshis.

Banerjee accuses the Modi government of denying Bengal its rightful dues as revenge for electing the TMC.

He claims the BJP has insulted Bengali icons, belittled their culture, and questioned their language.

Banerjee asserts the TMC will ensure no legitimate voter is left off the electoral rolls.

He criticises a BJP candidate for allegedly calling Mahatma Gandhi a 'deshdrohi'.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that Bengali-speaking people were being harassed and intimidated in BJP-ruled states by labelling them as Bangladeshis.

Addressing a gathering after a roadshow in north Bengal's Cooch Behar, he accused the Narendra Modi government of denying Bengal its rightful dues as "an act of revenge" for electing the TMC to power repeatedly, spurning the BJP.

"They have persecuted and tormented Bengali-speaking people in BJP-ruled states. They have insulted our icons, belittled our culture, tried to dictate our food habits, questioned the legitimacy of our language, and above all, conspired to rob the people of their democratic rights," the TMC national general secretary said.

The Diamond Harbour MP, who is the de facto number two in the TMC, also said, "While Bengali-speaking people are attacked, intimidated and labelled Bangladeshis in states ruled by the BJP, they are also forbidding the sale and consumption of fish and meat in many areas."

He exuded confidence that the people of Bengal would humble the "arrogant anti-Bengal zamindars" on May 4, the day of the results for the Assembly polls.

"This one strike will remind these arrogant despots that no matter how much power they wield in Delhi, people can push them off their throne. The ultimate power always rests with the people," Banerjee said.

Electoral Roll Concerns

He said, "The hollowness in the BJP's love for communities like Rajbanshi and Matuas stands exposed as lakhs of names of members from these communities have been arbitrarily deleted through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll."

He assured people that the TMC would ensure that no legitimate voter is left out of the electoral rolls.

Controversy Surrounding Mahatma Gandhi

Alleging the BJP candidate in the Dhupguri assembly seat had described Mahatma Gandhi as "deshdrohi", Banerjee said such is the culture of the BJP that they make such deprecating remarks about the father of the nation.
The Trinamool Congress is accusing the BJP of "electoral sabotage" following the arrest of I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel just days before the West Bengal elections, alleging political motivation behind the Enforcement Directorate's action.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points Trinamool Congress (TMC) alleges the arrest of I-PAC co-founder Vinesh Chandel is "electoral sabotage" before West Bengal elections.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Chandel in connection with a money-laundering case linked to an alleged coal scam.

TMC leaders claim the arrest is politically motivated and an attempt to harass the opposition by the BJP government.

Abhishek Banerjee criticises the timing of the arrest, raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process in West Bengal.

TMC questions the impartiality of central agencies, alleging a double standard in their handling of corruption cases.

The Trinamool Congress on Tuesday demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Vinesh Chandel, the co-founder of I-PAC, a consultancy firm working for the TMC, and described his arrest ahead of the West Bengal elections as "electoral sabotage".

The Enforcement Directorate on Monday arrested Chandel, a director and co-founder of the Indian Political Action Committee, in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged coal scam in the poll-bound state.

An official said Chandel was taken into custody under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Delhi last evening.

Speaking to reporters, TMC Rajya Sabha MP and national spokesperson Derek O'Brien said the ED action was nothing short of "electoral sabotage", with less than 10 days to go before the first phase of the polls.

"The ED has now renamed themselves as 'Extremely Desperate' by their actions, but despite all these, their political masters, BJP, will end up losing in the West Bengal assembly polls," he said.

Alleging that the ED action was nothing short of misusing the Constitution, he said 0.1 per cent of 5,900 cases under PMLA had been convicted, which shows the ED is being used against the Opposition for political reasons by the BJP government to harass political opponents before elections.

O'Brien also demanded that the central agencies be stopped from conducting such "undemocratic, unwarranted action for political reasons" when elections are round the corner.

TMC Leaders Criticise the Arrest

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Monday night said the arrest raises serious concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.

"The arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC, barely 10 days before the Bengal elections, is not just alarming; it shakes the very idea of a level playing field," Banerjee had said in a post on X.

"At a time when West Bengal should be moving towards free and fair elections, this kind of action sends a chilling message: If you work with the opposition, you could be next. That's not democracy, that's intimidation," he added.

Banerjee had further alleged a "double standard" in the functioning of central agencies.

"Those facing serious corruption allegations seem to find protection the moment they switch sides, while others are swiftly targeted at politically convenient moments. People are not blind to this anymore," he said.

He also questioned the role of institutions during the election period.

West Bengal will go to polls on April 23 and 29 and the counting will take place on May 4.
Modi and Trump discussed the West Asia crisis, focusing on the critical need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure, while also anticipating major energy deals to boost India-US relations.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi with US President Donald J Trump at the White House, February 13, 2025. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Key Points India and the US are expected to finalise significant energy deals, strengthening bilateral ties.

The US President updated PM Modi on the US naval blockade of Iran's ports and its impact on global energy prices.

The call signifies efforts to stabilise India-US relations after recent trade tensions and diplomatic disagreements.

Upcoming visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signals continued engagement and dialogue between India and the US.

US President Donald Trump dialled Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to discuss the West Asia crisis and the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz "open and secure" even as US envoy Sergio Gor said India and the US are expected to seal certain "big-ticket" deals soon, including in the energy sector, to further boost bilateral ties.

Shortly after the nearly 40-minute conversation, Modi said he and Trump reviewed the "substantial progress" in the bilateral ties and that both sides are committed to further strengthening the India-US comprehensive global strategic partnership in "all areas".

The call between the two leaders came amid increasing global concerns over the US naval blockade of Iran's ports, as well as reports that Washington and Tehran may hold a second phase of direct negotiations days after the collapse of initial talks in Islamabad.

It was the third phone call between the two leaders this year and the first after the recent peace talks between Iran and the US. They spoke on February 2 to announce progress in a trade deal, and on March 24 to discuss the situation in West Asia.

Soon after the call, US ambassador Gor told a select group of journalists that some "big-ticket deals", including on energy, are expected to be sealed between India and the US in the next "few days and weeks". However, he refused to elaborate on the deals.

"Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas," Modi said on social media.

"We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure," he said.

The call ended with Trump telling PM Modi that: "I just want you to know we all love you", according to ambassador Gor.

"We do have some big-ticket items that will be announced over the next few days or the next few weeks, and the relationship is on a firm footing. We will have something very interesting and exciting," he said.

Sources said certain Indian public sector companies in the energy sector may announce collaborations with American firms in the coming days.

Discussion on West Asia and Hormuz

On the Modi-Trump discussion on West Asia, Gor said the US President wanted to update the prime minister on the overall situation in the region.

"You have a nation that is holding the entire world hostage. These are international waterways. There are international treaties," the envoy said, referring to Iran blocking the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz that has resulted spike in energy prices.

"There's only one reason that prices (of oil and gas) have gone up (and that) is because somebody is holding this area hostage.

"So obviously the United States wants to open this waterway. And so, I think it benefits the whole world, including here in India," he said.

Gor said PM Modi and President Trump also discussed the US naval blockade of Iran's ports. He refused to answer questions on any fresh talks between Iran and the US after the collapse of the negotiations in Islamabad.

"It's not for me to announce any future talks. They did talk about the blockade and the importance of it reopening as soon as possible. Frankly, this whole region, the whole world is suffering because of this," he said.

"Why should one country be able to turn off the lights anywhere else in the world? It's unfair. It needs to stop, and the United States is determined to make that happen," he added.

Efforts to stabilise India-US ties

The call between the two leaders came two days after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri wrapped up a three-day visit to Washington DC.

Both sides have been working to stabilise the ties after a spell of uncertainty and strain.

The relations witnessed a major downturn after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on India and President Trump made controversial assertions regarding his role in de-escalating the India-Pakistan military clashes last May.

However, both sides made efforts in the last few months to repair the ties.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India next month to hold wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and other functionaries of the government.
Ramesh Chennithala confidently predicts a UDF victory in the Kerala assembly elections, driven by anti-incumbency and Rahul Gandhi's leadership.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala predicts a UDF victory in the Kerala assembly elections, citing strong anti-incumbency.

Chennithala credits Rahul Gandhi's leadership for the unity and coordination within the Congress party and the UDF alliance.

The Congress leader dismisses CPI(M)'s claims of a massive victory, alleging they are aimed at boosting party morale.

Chennithala highlights the strong anti-incumbency wave at the grassroots level as a key factor favouring the UDF in the Kerala elections.

Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Monday expressed confidence that the UDF would return to power in Kerala with a huge majority, attributing the expected victory to the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing reporters here, Chennithala said there was a strong sentiment for political change across the state after the last 10 years of rule and claimed that the people's mood was clearly in favour of the UDF.

He dismissed claims by the CPI(M) leadership about securing a massive victory, alleging that such statements were aimed at boosting the morale of party workers.

He also criticised remarks by CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan, terming them as an attempt to create a false narrative.

Chennithala said the Congress and the UDF functioned with unity and coordination during the campaign, which, he claimed, would translate into a decisive mandate.

Crediting Rahul Gandhi for the cohesion within the party, he said the Congress leader had been closely monitoring election-related activities and campaigning from the beginning.

He said both Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjuna Kharge had convened leaders in New Delhi and ensured that the party and the front remained united, issuing clear directions to work together.

"There was complete coordination in the campaign and no lapses. The UDF and Congress functioned with strong unity," he said.

Chennithala further alleged that there was a strong anti-incumbency wave at the grassroots level and that the people's pulse was clearly favourable to the UDF.

When asked about the chief ministerial candidate, he said the Congress high command would take an appropriate decision, and there would be no differences on the matter.

Kerala Election Outcome

Elections to 140 seats of the Kerala assembly were held on April 9 and the final results will be declared on May 4.
A 25-year-old drug trafficker in Delhi has been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act and will be moved to a Chennai prison, as authorities aim to dismantle her drug network and disrupt the narcotics supply chain.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Haseena Khatoon, a 25-year-old alleged drug trafficker, has been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act.

Khatoon will be relocated to a high-security prison in Chennai to dismantle her Delhi-based drug network.

This is the second instance of a habitual offender being moved outside Delhi under PITNDPS provisions to disrupt drug supply chains.

Khatoon has been involved in multiple cases under the NDPS Act since 2021 and is considered a key supplier in Delhi.

Preventive detention was deemed necessary due to her continued involvement in drug trafficking despite prior arrests.

Police have detained a 25-year-old drug trafficker, allegedly involved in several cases of narcotics trade, under the PIT-NDPS Act and she will be shifted to a prison in Chennai to dismantle her links with the local drug network, police said on Tuesday.

The accused, Haseena Khatoon alias Bajji, a resident of Zakir Nagar, is the second such person to be relocated outside Delhi under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Khatoon had been lodged in judicial custody in Tihar Jail in connection with an earlier narcotics case registered by the crime branch.

Police said a proposal for her preventive detention was recently prepared by a team and forwarded to the competent authority under the Ministry of Finance.

"Acting on the recommendation, the detaining authority issued an order under the PITNDPS Act directing that Khatoon be detained and lodged in Central Prison in Puzhal in Chennai," the officer said.

Following the order, the team executed the detention warrant at Tihar Jail on April 11 after completing all legal formalities.

"Shifting the accused out of Delhi to a high-security prison in Chennai is aimed at dismantling her active links within the local drug network and preventing her from continuing operations or influencing associates from within jail," he added.

The officer further said that this is the second such case in which a habitual offender is being relocated outside Delhi under PITNDPS provisions to disrupt the narcotics supply chain.

Details of Haseena Khatoon's Involvement in Drug Trafficking

According to the police, Khatoon has been involved in multiple cases under the NDPS Act since 2021 and is considered a key supplier in several drug networks operating in the national capital. She was earlier arrested in a case at Govindpuri police station and later again by the crime branch in a case involving the recovery of smack.

"Despite prior arrests, she continued her involvement in drug trafficking and was also named by other accused in a case registered at Hazrat Nizamuddin as a supplier of cannabis, allegedly operating in association with her husband," the officer said.

Police said her repeated involvement and continued engagement in the illicit drug trade necessitated preventive detention as ordinary legal provisions failed to deter her activities.
With substantial tariffs being levied on imported vehicles and other recently introduced legislation and incentives to encourage domestic auto production and sales, there's been increased focus on new cars still made in America. For some buyers, the country where their car was made may be trivial, but with those aforementioned tariffs and incentives, there's now more than enough reason than ever to prefer a car built domestically.

With this in mind, the folks over at Consumer Reports have put together a list of the top new cars and trucks that are made in the United States  and it's an interesting one. Contrary to what you may assume, the list includes a wide variety of models, not just from American car companies but from Japanese and European companies as well. In fact, the majority of the highest-rated American-made vehicles are from non-American brands, which have long been building some of their most popular models right here in the United States.

Topping the list is not a Chevrolet or Ford product, nor is it a Toyota or Honda  though all of those automakers also have high-scoring American-made models. It's actually BMW's popular X5 SUV, made in South Carolina, which wins out as Consumer Reports' highest-scoring American-built vehicle.

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Read more: 10 Of The Most Reliable Six-Cylinder Engines Ever Made

The German SUV from South Carolina

Front 3/4 view of silver BMW X5 parked on mountain under evening sky. - BMW

Consumer Reports maintains reliability, quality, and performance ratings for every new vehicle on sale, and the experiment of selecting only American-made models did not diverge much from the overall CR rankings. This is attributed to the large and varied volume of automobile production in the United States from both American and foreign brands.

The BMW X5 came out on top in the overall score, taking the top spot in the competitive mid-size luxury SUV class. The X5 is built at BMW's massive Spartanburg, South Carolina factory  and has been long for a long time. The factory opened back in 1994, with X5 production starting there when the model was introduced in 1999 and continuing ever since.

Today, the factory plays a massive role in BMW's global SUV production, rolling out vehicles not just for the American market but for international export as well. BMW models produced at the factory include not only the X5 but also the smaller X3, which also made Consumer Reports' Best American-made car list in the compact luxury SUV class. As for the winning X5, Consumer Reports calls this powerful and practical family hauler one of the best luxury SUVs it has ever tested.

Other strong American-made offerings

Front 3/4 view of orange C8 Chevy Corvette driving on street. - Just dance/Shutterstock

While the BMW X5 is Consumer Reports' highest-scoring American-made vehicle, its margin of victory was not massive. Also ranking high is Chevrolet's iconic C8 Corvette, which is famously built at General Motors' plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Corvette was the highest finishing vehicle from an American brand and is joined by the Ford F-150 pickup truck and the Tesla Model Y electric SUV as other top-scoring picks from American automakers.

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Japanese brands are well-represented on the list too, with Honda's Alabama-built Passport SUV and Ridgeline pickup, Ohio-built Accord Hybrid, and Indiana-built Civic all earning high marks. Likewise, it's no surprise to see Toyota join the list of top-ranked American-made vehicles, with its Georgetown, Kentucky-built Camry sedan and Indiana-built Grand Highlander SUV. Last but not least, Subaru, with its Indiana-built Forester and Crosstrek SUVs, also joins the list. Interestingly, the only two of Consumer Reports' overall top-ranked vehicles that had to be bumped from the list for not being built in America were the Mexico-built Ford Maverick pickup and the Canada and Japan-built Lexus NX SUV.

Whether you are looking to take advantage of tax savings, avoid tariff prices, or have a different reason for choosing an American-made car, Consumer Reports rankings show that buyers have no shortage of domestically-built, high-quality options on the market  even if that vehicle doesn't have an American automaker's badge on it.

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.
WASHINGTON -- A US naval blockade on ships entering Iranian ports and coastal areas took effect on April 13 as Washington increasingly turns to "economic statecraft" to force Tehran to agree on a peace deal after weeks of air strikes.

RFE/RL spoke with Max Meizlish, a research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) and a former official at the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on the intersection of naval blockades and financial warfare.

Meizlish argues that while kinetic air strikes grab headlines, the real battle is being fought against the Chinese financial lifelines and clandestine trade networks that keep the Iranian regime afloat.

RFE/RL: With the latest developments around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, how should we understand the strategic objective of the US Navy's presence in the region at this moment?

Max Meizlish: It seems to me that the US is moving to more aggressively target the nexus of economic interests held by the Iranian regime -- all the vectors of economic interests that are central to the regime's operations and the economic viability of the country.

We previously saw targets through missile strikes looking at petrochemical facilities, and now this is an extension of that strategy. Any ships moving in and out of Iranian ports are going to be the subject of US blockades and potential interdiction efforts.

This is an escalation of what has been in motion for the last couple of weeks.

RFE/RL: Regarding Iran's maritime calculus, how do these developments shape Tehran's decision-making when it comes to managing shipping flows through the strait?

Meizlish: It is going to make it much more difficult. The reality is that the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps) has been operating what people are calling the "Tehran Toll Booth," with facilities on Larak Island. It is becoming increasingly impractical for ships to make their way through the strait, even if they pay that toll.

It is notable that after President [Donald] Trump's posts stating the US would interdict any ships that made payments to Iran through this toll system, there were reports of at least two Chinese state-owned ships associated with the COSCO shipping line passing through the Iranian-controlled corridor.

There are now questions as to whether those ships made payments and whether the US is actually prepared to follow through on the promise to interdict ships that pay Iran. The Iranians still have leverage as long as they operate this toll booth, so it is now a question of whether US authorities will interdict those facilitating the payments.

RFE/RL: How does the US balance long-term deterrence with day-to-day enforcement in a high-stakes maritime environment?

Meizlish: The US has to be credible in its deterrence. In January, when the US imposed a quasi-blockade on ships departing Venezuela, the government went to great lengths to pursue the ships that broke the blockade. However, that is only part of the problem. There are structural barriers from a legal and timeline perspective that make seizing ships, taking ownership of the oil, and selling it onto the market a very slow process.

While the US can move to capture a ship that breaks a blockade, the legal process to forfeit the cargo in US courts takes weeks or months. We will see how robust the enforcement effort is, but actual interdiction is just the beginning of what the US must do to make this credible.

RFE/RL: Do we have a timetable for when we might start seeing the actual impact of this current enforcement?

Meizlish: The blockade went into effect earlier today. I would expect to hear reports of attempted interdictions as soon as efforts are made by ships trying to move forward.

Right now, I would be looking to see if there is any movement by US naval assets to interject those two Chinese ships I mentioned earlier, provided they actually made payments. Aside from that, we will have to see if anyone else tries to bust through the blockade.

RFE/RL: Looking at the bigger picture, to what extent are China, Russia, and other actors -- some call them the "axis of evasion" -- contributing to the resilience of Iran's logistics and supply chains?

Meizlish: China is the central actor. This part of the story does not get nearly enough attention. Without China, Iran would not have been able to wage this war. For years, China has bankrolled the regime by buying up to 90 percent of Iran's exported oil, albeit at a steep discount. This has provided billions of dollars to the regime.

China also provides technology, diplomatic support, and chemical precursors for ballistic missile fuel. From a financial perspective, they provide the logistical channels for payments, such as "oil-for-metals" barter systems.

There is the Bank of Kunlun and connections to cross-border interbank messaging systems. There really is no bigger or more important enabler of Iranian sanctions evasion than China. The US needs to make this clear and rally partners in Europe and the Gulf to highlight that Iran's malign actions would not be possible without years of Chinese support.

RFE/RL: Given Trump's upcoming visit to China, are there specific pressure points Washington can exploit to shift Beijing's incentives quickly?

Meizlish: We could ramp up economic sanctions in a targeted way aimed at a small or midsize Chinese bank connected to major state entities. I recently published research with my colleague, Elaine Dezenski, highlighting a "teapot" refinery in China -- Wanda Holdings Group -- which takes in sanctioned Iranian oil through a closed-loop system in Shandong.

China likes to position itself as isolated from sanctions evasion, but when you look below the surface, it is just not true. If the US wants to put pressure on China for a coercive purpose, or to restore order in the strait, we can target these specific entities. China would benefit from the strait being open, but its timeline for doing so might not align with that of the US.

RFE/RL: To clarify, you're saying China needs the strait reopened but it may also benefit from prolonged disruption?

Meizlish: Precisely. The US and China have aligned interests, but they have divergent timelines.

RFE/RL: How do you expect Beijing to react to the US-enforced blockade in the near term?

Meizlish: I think we will see China remain outwardly vague. They will likely say that maritime access needs to be unhindered and that there should be a free flow of trade. I don't expect them to be critical of anyone to an extreme unless the US puts more direct pressure on Beijing to rein in Iran.

RFE/RL: Are we now in a phase of full-spectrum economic warfare with Iran, and is the US enforcing sanctions aggressively enough to "win?"

Meizlish: There is more the US could be doing regarding the enablers. While we are hitting targets kinetically, we should be going after the Chinese entities that facilitate payments. Additionally, the US should be working with other countries to freeze the assets of Iranian regime insiders and oligarchs.

Just as we did with Russia through the REPO (The Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs) Task Force, we should be doing the same for Iranian insiders. There are reports of regime members holding hundreds of millions of dollars in European capitals.

For example, Ali Ansari -- an intermediary for the leadership -- is sanctioned by the UK but not the US, despite having a vast portfolio of luxury properties held through shell companies. We should be imposing economic pain and diverting those assets into escrow to support the people of Iran someday. The blockade could be very well complemented by these other forms of economic statecraft.

RFE/RL: As you look at the coming weeks, what indicators will suggest that this economic statecraft is achieving its intended effect?

Meizlish: The intended effect is bringing Iran back to the table. If the US can achieve that in a verifiable and enforceable way, that is what success looks like. However, the political goals seem to shift from day to day, making it difficult to assess what a "win" looks like in a binary way. Ultimately, success is depriving the regime of the assets it steals from its people, preventing it from rearming through China and Russia, and further degrading its capacity to withstand pressure.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Beijing as China steps up diplomatic efforts around the war in Iran amid a US blockade on vessels calling at Iranian ports that the Chinese Foreign Ministry has called "dangerous and irresponsible."

Lavrov held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on April 15, which covered the wars in Iran and Ukraine, as well as Beijing and Moscow's deepening ties, according to Russia's Foreign Ministry.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping also met with Lavrov in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where he urged Russia and China to "firmly defend their legitimate interests and safeguard the unity of Global South countries."

The Chinese readout of Xis remarks did not mention the war in Iran, but his comments appeared to reference growing fears that a long-term blockade of the Strait of Hormuz -- a strategic chokepoint for the world's fertilizer and energy supplies -- could trigger a economic and food crisis that hits countries in the Global South particularly hard.

Lavrov's two-day trip to China comes after peace talks in Islamabad between the United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement, prompting US President Donald Trump to call for a blockade on ships calling at Iranian ports as they transit the Strait. China's Foreign Ministry called that move "dangerous and irresponsible" during an April 14 press conference.

The visit also takes place as Xi has been looking to play a more visible role in diplomacy around the war in the Middle East as tensions between Tehran and Washington evolve.

Xi hosted Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, on April 14, where he "made proposals to maintain peace in the region," according to a Chinese readout of the meeting.

While some reports, including comments from Trump himself, have suggested China played a part in encouraging the recent cease-fire talks, it remains unclear how central a role Beijing played in pushing Tehran to the negotiating table.

Analysts say China is aiming to strengthen its global standing amid the war in Iran as it looks to portray the United States as a destabilizing force in international politics and trade.

"China will see this [conflict] as a huge opportunity, as a way to showcase that China is a stable force in international affairs, as being the adult in the room," said Yu Jie, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, a London-based think tank.

Beijing And Moscow Talk War In Iran

While part of regular engagement between Beijing and Moscow, Lavrov's visit occurs at a crucial moment in the Iran war and China's relationship with the United States.

Trump is expected to travel to Beijing on May 14-15 for a summit with Xi, which is set to focus on a range of trade, technology, and military issues. The trip was originally scheduled for the end of March but was delayed due to the war in Iran.

The Russian visit also follows a series of reports in US media about growing potential support for Iran from China.

The Financial Times, citing leaked Iranian military documents, reported on April 15 that Iran secretly acquired a Chinese-built spy satellite, giving it new capabilities to monitor and potentially target US military bases across the Middle East.

Lin Jian, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, said on April 15 that "media reports accusing China of providing military support to Iran are purely fabricated."

Earlier reports from CNN and The New York Times that say US intelligence agencies have information about possible shipments from China of shoulder-fired missiles to Iran.

The New York Times, citing US officials, said the shipment has already been sent, while CNN's reporting said China was preparing to send a shipment in the coming weeks.

Neither report offered definitive evidence, and China's embassy in the United States denied shipping missiles during the war.

Still, US intelligence agencies have assessed that China is weighing how to support Iran in the conflict, with reports that discussions are under way on whether to allow some Chinese companies to ship components, fuel, and chemicals to Iran that could be used in military production.

Evidence that Russia has provided the Iranian military with specific satellite intelligence to help Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps target American ships, along with military and diplomatic installations throughout the Middle East, has also reportedly been obtained by US intelligence agencies.

Global Economic Headwinds Weigh On China

China experts have noted that Beijing's public rhetoric during the Iran war has been somewhat toned down since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February.

This is seen partly due to China's deep political and economic ties with Arab nations in the Middle East that have faced Iranian attacks, but also Beijing's aim to balance relations with the United States ahead of the upcoming summit between Trump and Xi.

Huang Jing, director of Tsinghua University's Institute of American and Pacific Studies, wrote in Guancha, a popular Chinese news site, that Beijing's "commitment to maintaining stability in US-China relations is not only crucial for both countries but also holds profound and far-reaching significance for the stability and development of the entire world."

China is heavily dependent on oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz and is anxious about how global economic fallout from the war in Iran could put its own economy at risk.

While China is better cushioned against energy shocks than many economies, rising commodity prices driven by Middle East supply disruptions could squeeze profit margins. The country has leaned heavily on exports to support growth, and although higher fossil fuel costs have boosted demand for Chinese solar panels and electric vehicles, sustained oil price increases could weaken global demand and slow orders for Chinese manufacturers.

In a sign of slumping global demand, data released on April 14 from China's customs bureau shows the country's export momentum slowed in March.

The figures show Chinese exports growing by 2.5 percent in March compared to the same period a year earlier. That marks a notable slowdown compared to January and February, which saw 22 percent growth compared to last year.
Just 48 hours after the United States and Israel launched a massive bombing campaign of Iran, Lebanese militant group Hezbollah entered the fray and backed its patron.

Tehran's closest nonstate ally, Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets, missiles, and drones at neighboring Israel since March 2, opening a new front in the war and stretching Israel's military resources.

Hezbollah is both a militant group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. It is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, although the European Union has only blacklisted its armed wing.

Israel has launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon and waged a devastating campaign of air strikes in response to Hezbollah's attacks, killing over 2,000 people and displacing more than 1.2 million, according to local health authorities.

Now, as Tehran and Washington engage in negotiations over a possible peace deal, Iran has made an end to attacks against its proxies in the region -- specifically Israel's strikes on Hezbollah -- one of its core demands.

'Most Valuable Regional Asset'

"Iran sees Hezbollah as its most valuable regional asset -- its front line against Israel -- so leaving Lebanon out would mean accepting continued Israeli degradation of its core deterrent," said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at the London-based think tank Chatham House.

"Unlike Iraqi or Yemeni groups, Hezbollah sits on Israel's border with a large missile arsenal, making it uniquely central to Iran's leverage in both war and negotiations," she added.

Hezbollah is the bedrock of the so-called axis of resistance, Iran's network of armed proxies and Tehran-backed militant groups. They include Yemen's Houthi rebels and pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, allies that have also joined the war.

Built over decades, the axis of resistance has been a key element of Tehran's forward defense strategy of projecting power beyond its borders while reducing the need for direct confrontation with archfoes Israel and the United States.

The alliance has suffered a series of blows in recent years. A major military and political force in Lebanon, Hezbollah has been weakened after a bruising yearlong war with Israel that killed the group's longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Even after a fragile cease-fire ended the conflict in late 2024, Israel continued to target the group's leadership and military arsenal.

Hezbollah was largely down and out; at least, that was the widely held view. But the group has surprised many observers by its consistent attacks on Israel, suggesting it still possesses a sizeable arsenal of rockets and missiles.

"Despite recent losses, Iran still treats Hezbollah as its primary deterrent and insurance policy against Israeli strikes, capable of threatening Israel directly if Iran is attacked," said Vakil.

Dispute Over Truce

When Iran and the United States agreed a two-week cease-fire on April 7, the truce almost immediately collapsed after a dispute over whether it included Lebanon. Washington said the deal did not include a halt to Israeli attacks on Hezbollah, but Tehran said it did.

Less than 24 hours after the truce went into force, Israel carried out its deadliest attacks on Lebanon, killing over 300 people and wounding more than 1,000, triggering widespread outrage. Israel has since scaled back its attacks in the country.

Writing on X, Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian said the Israeli strikes "signal deception and noncompliance" with the cease-fire. "Iran will never forsake its Lebanese brothers and sisters," he added.

Iran did not retaliate by hitting Israel, but Tehran has refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz -- a key artery for global oil and gas supplies and a key component of the cease-fire -- further straining the already fragile truce. The US Navy has since imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and traffic in the strait with the aim of stopping Tehran exporting its oil and gas.

Ahead of peace talks between US and Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11, Tehran threatened to back out of the negotiations at the last minute over Israel's continued attacks against Hezbollah. The Iranian delegation ended up attending the talks, although the sides failed to clinch a deal to end the war.

Before the Islamabad talks, Iran had issued a 10-point peace plan that included, among other demands, an end to American and Israeli attacks against its armed allies in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

Power Projection

Experts said protecting Hezbollah and including it in any peace deal will be a priority for Iran.

"Hezbollah has been Iran's oldest and most important ally and proxy in the region, and it entered the latest round of the war in support of Iran, so Iran wants to reciprocate as much as it can," said Farzin Nadimi, an Iran defense specialist at the Washington Institute.

"They also want to keep their most important proxy relevant and prevent its further weakening," added Nadimi.

Iran helped establish Hezbollah in 1982 in response to Israel's invasion that year of Lebanon, which was embroiled in a devastating civil war. Since it was formed, the Shi'ite political and military organization has received significant financial and political assistance from Iran, a Shi'a-majority country.

Naysan Rafati, senior Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group, said defending Hezbollah has taken on greater importance since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a longtime ally of Tehran, was ousted from power in December 2024. Under Assad, Syria was the only other state actor in the axis of resistance.

"Over the past year and half, Iran's influence and power projection in the Levant has taken significant hits," said Rafati.

That also includes the weakening of Hezbollah, which has faced growing domestic and international pressure to disarm. The Lebanese army has also been deployed in the country's south, Hezbollah's stronghold, in another blow to the group.

Ideology and geography make Hezbollah an ally Tehran does not want to abandon, said Rafati.

"In trying to include it into a wider cease-fire [and peace deal], the Iranians seem intent on ensuring that the group can live to fight another day, be it as a political actor or more literally as a military force across Israel's northern frontier," he said.

It is unclear if Israel will agree to end its strikes on Hezbollah and withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon as part of any US-Iranian peace deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the country's attacks on Hezbollah and destroy the group.

The Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States will meet in Washington on April 14 in talks mediated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Lebanon has called for a cease-fire, but Israel has rejected a truce with Hezbollah and insists on the disarmament of the group. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has urged Lebanon to cancel the talks in Washington.
For the past two years, there's been something going on over at Russia's military command and it isn't pretty.

Since May 2024, there have been a snowballing series of criminal investigations, firings, compromising press leaks, and other embarrassing revelations centered on Russia's Defense Ministry.

Investigators -- mainly from the Federal Security Service, or FSB -- along with prosecutors and Interior Ministry authorities have targeted a growing number of deputy defense ministers, senior officers, and top civilian officials for alleged corruption, fraud, and embezzlement, among other offenses.

On April 10, a Moscow military court sentenced Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Popov to 19 years in prison on embezzlement and bribery charges.

Like Popov, many of those targeted are longtime associates of Sergei Shoigu, whom President Vladimir Putin dismissed as defense minister in May 2024 amid a wider government reshuffle. Shoigu, who has known Putin for decades, was moved over to head Russia's Security Council, and was replaced by Andrei Belousov, a technocrat and economist.

Many of the deputy defense ministers targeted were fired shortly after Shoigu's removal; several are linked to a major Defense Ministry contractor that oversaw the construction of a Moscow-area military theme park called Patriot Park.

That company, Bamstroyput, was a major subcontractor for the Emergency Situations Ministry. Shoigu headed that ministry for 21 years before Putin shifted him to the Defense Ministry in 2012.

There's wide speculation about what, and who, is behind the investigations and the broader purge. One explanation stems from the conduct of the all-out war on Ukraine, which quickly showcased what experts say were command structure problems, outdated doctrine, among both Russia's military and civilian entities, as well as rampant small- and large-scale corruption.

Much of the criticism of the Russian military's failures in Ukraine centered on Shoigu, as well as Russia's top military commander: the chief of the General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov.

"My sense is the purges originated with intra-elite and inter-service rivalries," said John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank.

"Shoigu had criticized the defense industry for insufficient supplies to the military. And although it bears much of the responsibility for the failure of the invasion's initial phase, the FSB apparently managed to shift the blame" onto the Defense Ministry, he said.

Among Shoigu's loudest critics was Yevgeny Prigozhin, a St. Petersburg restaurateur who built a formidable private mercenary force called Wagner Group, which became one of the more effective Russian units fighting in Ukraine.

Two months after Prigozhin staged an abortive mutiny in June 2023, he died in a plane crash widely believed to be an assassination.

Shoigu's rivals, or enemies, may have opted to highlight the corruption within the ministry under him as being outside of norms, Hardie said.

"Those arguments may have resonated with a Kremlin that seems sensitive to the fact that military spending is consuming so many resources," he said. "Hence the decision to make a public spectacle of anti-corruption arrests and to appoint Belousov, an economics-minded technocrat, with a mandate to ensure efficient defense spending."
Russian attacks killed five people in the frequently targeted city of Dnipro and a child in Cherkasy on April 14, Ukrainian authorities said, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received promises of further support from Germany and Norway.

About 25 others were injured in the missile strike in Dnipro, 10 seriously, regional head Oleksandr Hanzha said on Telegram. The air force had warned of the threat of a Russian ballistic missile attack on the large southeastern city not far from the front line.

Later in the day, a Russian drone strike killed an eight-year-old boy in the central city of Cherkasy, the regional military administration said. It said nine other people were hospitalized, including a child.

The new bombardments came two days after Ukraine and Russia accused each other of thousands of attacks and other violations of a 32-hour cease-fire over the Orthodox Easter holiday.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has targeted cities across the country with near-nightly drone and missile attacks in addition to fighting at the front in the east and south. Dnipro has been targeted many times.

In Berlin, German Chancellor Freidrich Merz told a news conference that ties with Kyiv would be elevated to the level of a "strategic partnership" with a focus on defense.

With direct US support diminished, Germany has become Ukraine's biggest military backer, and like other countries, it is looking to Ukraine for experience and expertise on drone warfare.

"What we are doing in this cooperation is not only beneficial for the defense of Ukraine. It is also of particular benefit to us, for our security," Merz said.

The two countries pledged to "strengthen cooperation in the air defense field" and Germany said it would "continue supporting Ukraine's drone industry as well as establishing drone co-production ventures."

The German Defense Ministry said it had agreed to fund contracts for several hundred Patriot missiles from US defense company Raytheon, and also for what Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhaylo Federov said were 36 German-made IRIS-T air defense missile launchers.

"This is a massive boost for our air defense," Federov said in a post on X. He said the sides had agreed on a defense package worth 4 billion euros ($4.7 billion).

From Berlin, Zelenskyy travelled to Oslo for meetings with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahre Stoere and other officials and lawmakers.

The Norwegian government said the countries will step up their defense cooperation, including by producing Ukrainian drones in Norway.

"We continue active diplomacy with partners to protect life and bring about real and guaranteed peace," Zelenskyy wrote on social media.

With reporting by AFP, dpa, and Reuters
US President Donald Trump suggested that talks with Iran could resume in a day or two, while the US military said that no ships slipped through a naval blockade targeting vessels headed to or from Iranian ports in the first 24 hours of the restrictive measure.

Trump ordered the blockade after US-Iranian peace talks in Islamabad on April 11-12 failed to produce an agreement to end the war, which began with US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on February 28.

In comments to the New York Post on April 14, he indicated that negotiators could meet again in the next couple of days.

"You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and we're more inclined to go there [than to another location]," an Islamabad-datelined story in the Post quoted Trump as saying. The clock is ticking on a two-week cease-fire agreed by the United States and Iran on April 7.

Media reports earlier in the day said Pakistan was seeking to facilitate a new round of talks later this week. Those reports followed an interview in which US Vice President JD Vance raised the prospect of further meetings by saying "a lot of progress" was made at the April 11-12 talks.

"The ball is in the Iranian court," said Vance, who led the US delegation at the talks in Islamabad and departed early on April 12 after meetings were held late into the night but ultimately foundered, he and other US officials said, over disagreements on Iran's nuclear program.

"The indication we have is that it is highly probable that these talks will restart," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on April 14.

"I think it would be unrealistic to expect...such a complex problem, long-lasting problem, could be resolved in the first session of a negotiation," Guterres told reporters. "So we need negotiations to go on, and we need a cease-fire to persist as negotiations go on."

Official Iranian news agency IRNA quoted the country's president, Masud Pezeshkian, as again blaming Washington for the failure of the talks during a conversation with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, on April 14. But he also said that "diplomacy is the preferred path to resolving disputes," according to IRNA.

Macron said he had urged Pezeshkian and Trump, in separate calls, to renew talks.

One of the most contentious issues has been Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments before the war began. After the Islamabad talks broke up without a deal, Trump announced a US blockade targeting ships bound to or from Iran.

"During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the US blockade and 6 merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman," the US Central Command, which is responsible for operations in the region, said in a post on X.

"The blockade is being 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. "U.S. forces are supporting freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports."

At the same time, data from tracking services indicated that at least four ships, two of which had recently called at Iranian ports, passed or were passing through the 30-kilometer-wide Strait of Hormuz in the hours after the blockade came into force at 10 a.m. US Eastern Time (2 p.m. UTC) on April 13.

A Liberian-flagged ship that delivered corn to the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini passed Iran's Larak Island in the strait a few hours after that, and a Comoros-flagged tanker, which was carrying methanol and had left the Iranian port of Bushehr on March 31, exited the strait around the same time, the AFP news agency reported, citing data from Kpler.

Also citing tracking services, Reuters separately reported that three Iran-linked vessels that transited the strait were not headed for Iranian ports and were not affected by the blockade. Two of the three vessels are under US sanctions and one of those two is Chinese-owned, Reuters reported.

'Record' Oil Prices

A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry called the US blockade "dangerous and irresponsible."

Guo Jiakun said it would "escalate tensions, undermine the existing fragile cease-fire agreement, and further endanger the safety of navigation through the strait."

Also on April 14, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said global oil demand would shrink more than at any time since the Covid-19 pandemic, with prices pushed up amid the "most severe supply shock in history" owing to the Iran war.

"It remains unclear whether the cease-fire will turn into a lasting peace and a return to regular shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz. With oil-importing nations scrambling to source replacement barrels from an increasingly shrinking pool of supply, physical crude oil prices surged to record levels," the IEA said.

Among measures taken to boost global oil supply was a US decision to grant a temporary waiver to sanctions on Russian oil, introduced after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

That waiver was due to expire on April 11, but there is no indication of whether or not it has been extended, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. "There have been no statements about this," he told journalists.

Another source of disagreement over the US-Israeli war with Iran is the issue of Lebanon and in particular Israel's ongoing campaign against Iran's Lebanese proxy force, Hezbollah.

Hezbollah is both a militant group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. It is considered a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union has only blacklisted its armed wing.

Tehran says this conflict should also be covered by the wider cease-fire, but Washington says it is separate. It began when Hezbollah attacked Israel on March 2 in response to the air strikes on Iran.

On April 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to Washington in the first direct talks between the neighboring countries in decades.

The meeting had been planned before the US-Israeli war with Iran and Israel had ruled out discussing a potential cease-fire at the talks, which Hezbollah denounced.

The State Department said the participants "held productive discussions on steps toward launching direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon," and that all sides "agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue."

"The United States congratulated the two countries on this historic milestone and expressed its support for further talks, and for the government of Lebanon's plans to restore the monopoly of force and to end Iran's overbearing influence," State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott said in a statement.

No date was set for additional talks, and no other specific agreements were announced following the two-hour meeting.

With reporting by Ray Furlong, RFE/RL Washington correspondent Alex Raufoglu, RFE/RL's Radio Farda, the New York Post, AFP, and Reuters
Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.



I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I am drilling down on one issue: What will happen with NATO after a few tough weeks.

The Briefing: What Now For NATO After A Rough Washington Meeting?

NATO Secretary-General Mark Ruttes trip to the United States on April 8-12 was very much framed as a make or break moment for the military alliance.

With Washington increasingly exasperated by the perceived lack of help from European allies in assisting the attack on Iran and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, there were suggestions that President Donald Trump would attempt to withdraw the United States from NATO.

That didnt happen when the pair met in the White House on April 8.

But the threat remains, as does American criticism of the alliance.

Yet, there appears to be something of a pathway for NATO to remain intact and relevant, including continued defense spending and for the Europeans to be more active in the Middle East.

It was fair to say that the transatlantic trip by the former Dutch premier carried risks.

Trump had for days lashed out at his allies, accusing European countries of a very stupid mistake and that NATO has done absolutely nothing when it came to Iran.

He also re-aired threats about his political designs on Greenland, spooking Brussels further, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that Washington will reexamine its relationship with NATO once the Iran campaign is over.

The criticism continued after the Trump-Rutte meeting with the former posting on Truth Social that NATO WASNT THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WONT BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN. REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!

And yet, the relief from Brussels was palpable.

Withdrawal Or Redeployment Of US Troops?

One source familiar with the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that there was relief that they didnt have a common press statement or conference afterwards in which we would get even more public lashing.

Another said it was a mixed bag.

Not great but it could have been worse, it was clearly a useful opportunity for Trump to vent his frustrations, they added.

The very fact that the meeting came just a day after the announcement of a two-week cease-fire was also seen as a lucky coincidence as the trip had been planned for quite some time.

Instead of going for a full withdrawal of the United States from the alliance, something that needs an unlikely two-thirds majority in the US Senate, it appears that Washington might consider moving troops from countries that are deemed to have been unhelpful over Iran.

This was, however, something that most European allies had expected anyway, as further reductions in US troop numbers had been discussed in the military alliance for months already, although no concrete figures have been forthcoming.

There are about 70,000 US troops in Europe spread over 30 bases, which are used both as a deterrent but also to support operations such as those in the Middle East.

That usefulness means that most European capitals believe that the Americans will stay put, albeit in reduced numbers.

The US will not leave but they will play a back bench role in Europe -- but in many ways, they are already one European diplomat told RFE/RL and added that the issue isnt so much boots on the ground but people like intelligence officers where a certain gap already exists.

A More European NATO?

Rutte, however, was trying to put a positive spin on things.

Seen in Brussels as the Trump-whisperer par excellence in a not always flattering way, the American journey gave the NATO chief yet another chance to praise the US president.



In a CNN interview after the White House meeting, he said that it had been a very open and frank discussion but also a discussion between good friends. He also admitted that the president was clearly disappointed with many NATO allies, and I can see his points.

While some European diplomats suggested that not all EU capitals were happy with the some of Ruttes points -- notably his assertion that there isnt a prevalent view in the organization that the war is illegal -- and others squirmed when he refused to comment on Trumps recent threat to extinguish an entire civilization, they still thought the meeting went as well as it could have.

Later, in a speech at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on April 11, Rutte outlined what he sees as a path forward ahead of the next NATO summit in Ankara in July, while pushing back against suggestions that the alliance is in decline.

Let me be clear: this alliance is not whistling past the graveyard, as you would say in the United States, he said. Allies recognize, and I recognize, we are in a period of profound change in the transatlantic alliance. Europe is assuming a greater and fairer share of the task of providing for its conventional defense. And from that, there will be no going back -- nor should there be.

He pointed out that when Russian aircraft violated Estonian airspace last fall, it was Italian, Finnish, and Swedish jets that turned them back. And, when Russian drones swarmed into Polish territory last year, it was a Dutch F-35 fighter jet that fired at them.

Expect to hear a lot more about how Europe and Canada are stepping up defense spending. The recent NATO annual report showed that all allies -- apart from Hungary and Slovakia -- have ramped up their outlays in 2025 compared to the previous year.

NATO In The Middle East?

One NATO diplomat noted that Ankara will be a smile-fest, and it will be about one thing only  money, and there we are doing alright.

But going forward, it will not only be about how much Europeans spend on their defenses. They must prove useful to Washington beyond their own continent.

While much focus has been on Spains refusal to let the United States use its bases in the Iran campaign, NATO has been keen to point out that most other allies have tried to be of assistance.

Most importantly Germany, Portugal, and the United Kingdom have allowed Washington to use bases in their countries. France has also green-lit US aircraft presence for missions supporting Gulf partners.

And Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete, for example, was used by the USS Gerald R. Ford to resupply, refuel, and undergo repairs before the carrier moved on to Split in Croatia for further maintenance.

NATO will be keen to trumpet more of these examples going forward.

Although Trump did not make any concrete demands at the Washington meeting, NATO officials admit that individual allies will need to step up further.

Oana Lungescu, a former NATO spokesperson who now works as a fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defense and Security Studies (RUSI), told RFE/RL that more concrete things could be afoot ahead of or during the Ankara gathering.

While there is no discussion about a NATO mission at this stage, Rutte is playing a key role behind the scenes in coordinating with British Premier [Keir] Starmer and French President [Emmanuel] Macron, putting together a coalition of the willing to secure the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities cease and to conduct military prudent planning, she said.

Allies could also look at ways to put stabilization of the Middle East on the agenda of the NATO summit in Ankara in July, inviting Ukraine and partners from the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific, many of whom are already involved in the emerging coalition of the willing.

What Now For Ukraine?

Then there is the issue of Ukraine, which many European NATO allies fear will be forgotten amid the Iran war.

We should have said help us on Ukraine and we will help on Iran, one European diplomat told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity, adding that we missed a trick there.

There is still a fear that the US might withdraw crucial intelligence sharing In this area, but also that air defenses Kyiv desperately needs will go elsewhere if there is a resumption of warfare in the Middle East.

Linas Kojala, head of Geopolitics and Security Studies Center in Vilnius, told RFE/RL that this is very much the balancing act Rutte will need to perform as the Ankara summit approaches, with the shadow of Moscow very much hanging over the alliances eastern members.

Rutte understands perfectly well that Europe cannot be secure without the US playing an essential role, at least in the near future, he said. It is not simply a question of what the US would do if Article 5 were invoked, but of keeping the US as an essential component of deterrence, starting at the strategic level and going down to conventional capabilities. For the frontline states, that is existential, so tit-for-tat escalation in rhetoric is not a pathway forward.

Looking Ahead

EU ambassadors are due to meet in Brussels to approve a new mission to Armenia that will be officially endorsed by the blocs foreign ministers a week later.

The mission, which starts later this year and includes up to 100 EU nationals, will mainly help Yerevan to deal with foreign interference, such as various hybrid threats coming from Russia.

That's all for this week!

Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on X @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org.

Until next time,

Rikard Jozwiak

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here.
By Grainne Ni Aodha and Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

The Media Minister has been compared to outgoing Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban after he questioned media reporting of fuel protests.

Patrick ODonovan said there were lopsided political views and skewed broadcasting of fuel protests and blockades that disrupted traffic, public transport and fuel supplies for a week.

ODonovan said he would ask Irelands broadcasting regulator Coimisiun na Mean to examine media reporting of the protests as the Government came under pressure for its handling of the demonstrations.

His comments were roundly criticised by opposition parties on Tuesday, and his party leader also said a review was not necessary.

Patrick ODonovan said there were lopsided political views and skewed broadcasting of fuel protests (Liam McBurney/PA)

During a motion of confidence in the Government, both Labour and the Social Democrats criticised ODonovans comments.

The Minister for Media announced yesterday that he wants Coimisiun na Mean to investigate media coverage of the protests, Labour leader Ivana Bacik said.

Goodbye Viktor Orban, hello Patrick ODonovan.

Orban, a close ally of both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, was voted out of office on Sunday after 16 years in power.

Bacik added: At best, one might hope this was a cynical attempt to distract from a disastrous week for the Government.

But at worst, its a minister resorting to sinister threats against the national broadcaster because it was doing its job of reporting fairly on events from around the country.

Viktor Orban, a close ally of US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin was voted out of office after 16 years in power in Hungary (AP)

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said the Government was engaged in a blame game after the fuel protests and that the Communications Minister is even blaming the media.

Earlier, the Tanaiste said a review of media reporting of the fuel protests was not needed.

Asked about the comments by ODonovan, who is a Fine Gael minister, Tanaiste and party leader Simon Harris, said a free media was an absolute vital part of our democracy.

Im a big supporter of freedom of the media, freedom of the press, as is the Government, as is the minister, Harris told reporters outside Government Buildings in Dublin.

In fact, Minister Patrick ODonovan will be bringing forward legislative change later this year to further underpin the importance of freedom of the media, in line with a number of European developments.

A free media, a robust media, is an absolute vital part of our democracy.

Tanaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris said his priority was moving forward following the protests (Brian Lawless/PA)

Of course, at the end of any difficult period, you can look back and say, at a moment in national crisis, how do we get information out there, are there learnings?

But I certainly dont think theres any need for any sort of formal review, these are matters for Coimisiun na Mean.

He added: I think the media, like everybody in this country, were doing their best to deal with a fast evolving and a very difficult situation.

My priority now as a government leader is to try and move forward, try to deliver for people in this country.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) had described the ministers comments as sinister and deeply disturbing and said they had caused genuine concern.

The regulator, Coimisiun na Mean, said in a statement that if individuals want to make a complaint about broadcast content, they can find more information on the regulators website.

Social Democrats TD Sinead Gibney said she was genuinely shocked by ODonovans comments, which she further characterised as overreach.

She told reporters at Leinster House that the minister did not have such authority and accused him of choosing to grind his petty personal axe against the media.

FG Minister Patrick O'Donavan has threatened press freedom in Ireland.



It's an authoritarian abuse of power, and he, along with the rest of the government, should go. pic.twitter.com/YNeV8fJx92  Peadar Toibin TD (@Toibin1) April 14, 2026

Gibney said the minister should recall his remarks, adding that he was an interested party in the coverage of protests.

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy also agreed with the NUJ and accused the minister of attempting to apply pressure on RTE.

He said the coverage was not too sympathetic to protesters and accused ODonovan of trying to turn RTE into a government mouthpiece.

Green Senator Malcolm Noonan said he believed ODonovan of straying into dangerous territory and infringing on the impartiality of the commission.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin accused ODonovan of an abuse of his position as minister.

The minister has his hands on the purse strings in relation to the funding of a significant number of media outlets in this country, he said.

Freedom of speech and freedom of media are key foundation stones of a functioning liberal democracy, and I believe that Patrick ODonovan has way overstepped the mark in an authoritarian fashion with regard to the comments that he has made.
The UHG Infrastructure Crisis campaign has today highlighted a critical gap in cancer care at University Hospital Galway, pointing to the continued absence of an on-site PET scanner despite its role as the primary acute hospital for the West and North-West.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanning is an essential component of modern cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment monitoring.

The campaign is supported by a wide range of community, healthcare and sporting organisations including Cancer Care West, Pancreatic Cancer Ireland, NBCRI, Connacht IFA, and Connacht GAA. Campaign organisers say this broad backing reflects growing concern across the region about the conditions facing patients and staff at the hospital.

Campaign organisers say not having a PET scanner places an additional burden on patients and families and risks delays at a time when timely diagnosis is crucial.

University Hospital Galway is Irelands busiest Model 4 hospital and serves a large regional population across Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Clare and beyond. Despite this, it does not have the same level of diagnostic infrastructure as other model 4 hospitals in the country, the campagn members state.

Other large Model 4 hospitals and major cancer centres - including St Jamess Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Waterford - have access to on-site PET imaging as part of their cancer services infrastructure.

Campaign organisers say the contrast highlights a wider issue of unequal infrastructure development between regions.

A spokesperson for the campaign, Co-founder of Pancreatic Cancer Ireland Niall Rochford said: PET scanning is not a luxury - it is a core part of modern cancer care. Patients in the West should not have to travel for essential diagnostic services that are available on-site in other major hospitals. At a time when early diagnosis and rapid treatment are critical, access to this level of care should be consistent across the country.

The group says the absence of a PET scanner at UHG is symptomatic of a broader infrastructure gap, where key developments have not kept pace with the hospitals workload or its regional importance.

University Hospital Galway carries the responsibility of a major cancer centre for the West, yet it does not have the same diagnostic capabilities as comparable hospitals, Mr Rochford added.

Addressing this gap is essential to ensuring equitable access to cancer care and improving outcomes for patients across the West and North-West.

The campaign is calling for the inclusion of a PET scanner in the UHG redevelopment masterplan and for the project to be designated as a Critical Infrastructure Project under the Governments Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan.

"Without decisive action, the West will face years of further delay before conditions at the hospital begin to improve.

"The campaigns message remains clear: Patients and Staff Deserve Better."
A young Roscommon filmmaker became the star of his own story recently when he won the Best Comedy Award at Irelands Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTY) 2026, held at the Mansion House in Dublin.

Liam Donohoe Dunne (16) from Kilteevan won the award for his dark comedy film Slasher which he conceived, wrote and directed.

This award was the crowning glory for Liam who had entered the competition over the last three years.

He said he was very nervous, when the nominees were called out but had hopes that he could take the win on the night. I was so happy when they called my name, he said adding that it was great recognition of his work and that of his friends who he had cast in the movie.

Through blending comedy with slasher tropes, the film follows two friends who decide to track down a serial killer in their locality, only to encounter an unexpected twist. The film was noted for its energy and self-aware approach to the genre.

The film features his fellow Athlone Community College Transition Year students Robert Shannon and Darragh Lee along with Liams mother Breda.

Pictured centre is Liam Donohoe Dunne (16), from Kilteevan, who received the Best Comedy Award for his film Slasher at this years Irelands Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTY) 2026 with cast members Robert Shannon and Darragh Lee. All three are TY students at Athlone Community College.

Liam has directed two other movies one of which features his sister, 18-year-old Bridget. He is supported in his work by his parents Breda and William.

He originally started making movies when he was aged 14 but was just 12 when he started writing.

He always loved watching movies and one Christmas sat down to watch Some Like It Hot which features Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lennon, a crime comedy which received six Academy Award nominations in 1959. He was highly impressed with the script and so began his interest in writing.

He hopes one day to work as a screenwriter but hasnt ruled out directing in the future as a career.

He wrote the script for Slasher in 2024 and started filming in September 2025, leaving lots of time for fine tuning and editing.

His mother Breda said that it was an amazing achievement to get to the finals but taking one of the top awards was like winning an All -Ireland title.

She also said it was great to see competitions like this being held as there are very few such contests for creatives who also deserve to be lauded and recognised.

The future definitely looks bright for young Liam and, as they say in the movie business, this star is one to watch.
Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes Cultural Resource Department held an historical and cultural talk about the Native American Tribes in the region at Rau Elementary School in Sidney on April 9. The activity was the third of its kind this school year organized by Indian Education For All Coordinator (IEFA) and Rau 4th Grade teacher Kristin Norgaard.
Bernard D. Pease, 88, Lambert, MT, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at St. Vincent's Health Care, Billings, MT, with his family at his side.

Mass of the Christian Burial for Bernard will be Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10 a.m., at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Sidney, MT, with Father Jim as presider A luncheon will follow mass at the Ned Shinnick Hall for a time of fellowship and sharing. Visitation will be on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour before mass at the church. Wake service will be on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel, Sidney, MT. Bernard will be laid to rest on the family farm near Lambert, MT. The service will be recorded and uploaded as soon as available on Bernard's obituary page on http://www.fulkersons.com. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home are assisting the family. Remembrances, condolences, and pictures may be shared with the family at http://www.fulkersons.com.

Bernard Dean Pease was born on Jan. 8,1938, in Bismarck, ND, to parents Lawrence and Alice (Liebel) Pease. He left this world on March 26, 2026, at St. Vincent's Hospital, Billings, MT, after a brief battle with cancer.

Bernard grew up on the farm with his parents and later joined by one brother, Larry in 1943. Farming and cattle were in Bernard's blood. He told us he bought his first tractor when he was 16, even before he graduated from Underwood High School in the class of 1954. After graduating high school, he briefly attended North Dakota Agricultural College, Fargo, ND, before returning to Emmet to farm. In addition, he worked in the oil field. He had lots of stories from those days, from harassing waitresses to witnessing an explosion.

Bernard was in 4-H while growing up. A highlight of his career was when their livestock judging team competed at a national competition in Denver, CO. He was also proud of the Hereford cattle he showed.

Bernard and Irene Nyberg knew each other over the years and after 7 years of dating, they married on April 21, 1965. To that union, 5 children were born: Kathy, John Henry, Mary Ann, Karla Jean and Karen. Dad grieved for the children they lost, especially his son. He talked about that during a recent hospitalization.

Bernard and Irene started out where he grew up, but he needed wider space so in 1967 they headed out to Richland County, MT. For a few years, they farmed both in North Dakota and Montana, hauling equipment back and forth. Eventually, they had plenty to do here. Irene passed away in 2004, just days after their 39th wedding anniversary.

In addition to buying land, Bernard had other business ventures. He was involved with NFO and he coordinated marketing efforts for beef cattle. He sold fertilizer for U.S. Soil for years. This was an organic fertilizer and during our time in organic farming. Dad was involved with the Organic Crop Improvement Association. His own marketing of his grain grew from bagging wheat in the quonset late at night and loading it by hand into a semi-trailer to having his own grain marketing company in Minnesota called New Life Foods. He had lots of fun shipping grain to France.

Bernard began expanding his cow herd running cattle on shares with Karney Redman. Bernard was an early adopter of artificial insemination in beef cattle. That led him to trying a variety of registered cattle. That list included Blonde d'Aquitaine, Limousin, Angus and Salers. The Salers stuck the longest with many production bull sales in Williston, ND, Glasgow, Baker and Miles City, MT. He also loved a good, tall Palamino horse.

Bernard and Irene were able to travel to the Virgin Islands, Cancun and Hawaii. In addition, Dad was an avid hunter, especially elk. He travelled to western Montana yearly to hunt elk.

He enjoyed hosting family and friends to hunt on his land

After Irene died, Bernard did not want to be alone, so he listened to a friend who told him to attend the "Singles" events with food and dancing. There he met Darlene (Filler) Keller and they were married on April 2, 2005. At the time of his death, they were one week shy of their 21st wedding anniversary. Over the early years of their marriage, they traveled to many places including the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Alaska and Spain. Dad enjoyed the helicopter ride over a live volcano, Darlene did not. Darlene taught Dad to polka. He was such a good student or she such a good teacher, that footage of them dancing together was featured on the Polka Joe television show.

Bernard is survived by his wife, Darlene Pease, daughters Kathy (Fran) Helmuth and Karen (Robert Sorenson) Pease, grandchildren Levi, John (Elissa) and Sarah Helmuth, Sierra (Taylor Hilyard) Osborne and Hope Sorenson, great grandchild Baker Helmuth, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bernard was preceded in death by his son, John Henry, two daughters, Mary Ann and Karla Jean, his first wife, Irene, his parents, Lawrence and Alice and his brother, Larry and sister-in-law, Edna.
Letter to the Editor

Election season is upon us again and in most of Eastern Montana, the primary on June 2 will decide who represents us in Helena. It is critically important that we send someone to the legislature that understands the issues Eastern Montana faces AND we can trust to stand up for us. Anyone can go to the legislature and trade votes and cut deals to pass bad legislation or secure a position. It happens all the time and unfortunately (sic) I witnessed it first hand (sic). I saw some of the most (initially) (sic) conservative members of the legislature trade votes (sic) (and their integrity) for positions that they lusted for after only one or two sessions in Helena. That hurts everyone.

WE need to send someone to Helena with legislative experience. We need to send someone to Helena with integrity that we can trust. We need to send someone to Helena that understands agriculture and energy. And we need to send someone to Helena that will fight for us and Do The Right Thing.Not (sic) The Easy Thing!

Thats why we need to elect Ric Holden as Representative to House District 33. I have known and worked with Ric for nearly 25 years on many issues from the aviary industry to the most recent battle with the wind farms and mega turbines. I support Ric 100 percent and he has my complete endorsement. I hope you will join me and vote Ric Holden for HD 33!

Former Congressman, Matt Rosendale
Letter to the Editor

In this political campaign season, there is an anti-incumbent mood across Montana to just throw the bums out. Something is wrong. We want to fix it. But there are two different approaches. One approach studies where the problem came from to target the solution to the root problem. But this years new activists have no patience for study. They would throw out the baby with the bath water.

At the top of the ballot, Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke knew the mood and got out. On our local ballot offices of county commissioner, precinct committee woman, sheriff, and clerk and recorder are affected.

The new activists make entertaining claims. One is about transparency. They claim they cannot get budget information. They also publish complete budget information from publicly available sources.

One says county commission meetings will be at night. Not a bad idea for city governments, but in county governments, has anyone calculated the overtime for the county employees who regularly appear for reporting, meetings, and hearings with the commissioners during work?

Another issue is so-called corruption. The Department of Environmental Quality granted its state permit for someone to use water. Somehow that is the ground to accuse the county commissioners of crimes, malfeasance, official misconduct, and even RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, i.e., the mob), even though they have no part in running the state DEQ. People have inquired at the Secretary of States office about how to recall the commissioners. Wacky stuff.

Another issue is spending. Some of the same people who sought funds from the county for their problem, project, or program dont want funds provided for others. Funds for me but none for thee.

Another is property taxes. They complain about mill levies. They seem to like Rep. Llew Jones and Gov. Greg Gianforte buying votes with a property tax refund in HB 231, and so they did not bother to understand the rest of what that bill did along with SB 542. The new activists like to call people RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) but fall under the spell of the biggest RINO of them all, Llew Jones. Those bills cornered our local commissioners, and that is who is taking the heat for what the RINOs did in Helena. The new activists dont bother to find out who voted for those bills, and I have yet to meet anyone who has read the bills.

The old activist anti-RINO wing of the Republican party, the Montana Freedom Caucus, is campaigning about this, saying HB 231 was not property tax relief, but just a tax shift. Sen. Greg Hertz, Chair of the Senate Taxation Committee, Sen. Tom McGillvray, Senate Majority Leader, and former Sen. Keith Regier even filed a lawsuit claiming that in SB 542 the RINOs violated the state constitutional provisions requiring bills to be about a single subject and stick to their original purpose. They contend that the bill was legislative sausage-making, that it unconstitutionally bundled a permanent tax shift with one-time rebates to bait-and-switch its passage.

It is entertaining. But it is also serious. Unless we do the work of getting to the bottom of where the problem really is, we can throw out the wrong bums and then when the new activists are in office and learn their civics, the new bums will end up doing the same as the people we threw out.

Tom Halvorson

Sidney, MT
Letter to the Editor

Most of us have all fought parking problems at Sidney Health Center, I know I have, while trying to leave the clinic parking lot, trying to get back on 14th Ave. We dont need them to take our previous parks for a parking lot. I believe that park was donated by the Scott Johnson family years ago, if anyone should own that park, it should be the original owner. I applaud the city parks for their excellent work in improving our parks and making them more accessible to everyone. Its important to keep these places for our community.

There is a simple solution to all this. Call Basin Precast and construct a concrete 4-5 story parking garage on the current south lot to increase space and ease street congestion for good. Especially with the cancer center bringing more patrons to our city. Our hospital is only going to keep growing.

The hospital, when first built, constructed an adequate foundation to build 3 or more stories tall. Why are we seeing expansion being pushed to the curb and destroying the integrity of landscaping that many patients enjoy while looking out their windows during their stays here?

I believe a parking garage provides a level of security for employees and protection to their vehicles, especially in the wintertime.

Robert Rauschendorfer
Reactions in Romania to the Hungarian elections

Leaders in Bucharest sent messages of congratulations to Peter Magyar on his victory in the Hungarian parliamentary elections

Presedintele Romaniei, Nicusor Dan, l-a felicitat pe Peter Magyar pentru victoria de duminica in alegerile din Ungaria

Leyla Cheamil, 14.04.2026, 14:00

Romanian President Nicusor Dan congratulated Peter Magyar on his victory in Sundays elections in Hungary. The leader in Bucharest emphasized that the Hungarian people spoke with a clear and strong voice in the parliamentary election held in the neighbouring country. Nicusor Dan noted that Romania and Hungary are neighbours, partners, and members of the European Union and NATO, and expressed his desire to open a new chapter in the relations between the two countries. I look forward to building a new chapter in the Romanian-Hungarian relations, based on mutual respect, open dialogue, and our shared commitment to European and Euro-Atlantic values. There are extraordinary opportunities to collaborate in the areas of regional security, economic cooperation, and the well-being of our peoples, the Romanian head of state wrote on X.

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan also congratulated Peter Magyar on his election victory. The head of the Bucharest government has stated that he looks forward to the further strengthening of the strategic partnership, with an emphasis on economic and sectoral cooperation. According to him, the priority is cooperation to improve the lives of citizens in both countries within a stronger, more united, and more competitive European Union.

Romanias foreign minister, Oana Toiu, also welcomed the historic moment of change in Budapest, stating that it is proof that the power of citizens who choose to demand a better future through ballot is sovereign. Oana Toiu had a telephone conversation with her future counterpart, Anita Orban, with the discussion focusing on a new approach to Hungarian foreign policy, based on mutual respect and a shared ambition to improve the quality of life for our citizens, according to a post on social media platform X.

For his part, Kelemen Hunor, president of the Democratic Union of Ethnic Hungarians in Romaniawhich is part of the ruling coalition alongside the PSD, PNL, and USRcongratulated the Tisza Party and Peter Magyar on their victory. He stressed on his Facebook page that the elections in Hungary saw a record voter turnout, stating that Hungarians both within and beyond Hungarys borders exercised their right to vote in large numbers.

The opposition Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, has won a majority in the Budapest Parliament, bringing an end to the 16-year uninterrupted rule of Viktor Orbans FIDESZ party. Tisza is expected to secure a two-thirds majority in the legislature. Peter Magyar promises a new era for Hungary and a change not only of government but also of regime. He has asked the countrys president to convene the new parliament as soon as possible so that the transition period is as short as possible. (MI)
Sana Biotechnology Inc. (SANA), a company developing engineered cell therapies, announced on Monday a strategic collaboration with Mayo Clinic for developing SC451, an investigational pancreatic islet cell therapy to treat Type-1 diabetes.

SC451 is a gene-modified, stem-cell-derived therapy designed to treat Type-1 diabetes that was developed using Sana's proprietary hypoimmune (HIP) . SC451 showed good results in an investigator-led clinical study, maintaining patients of Type-1 diabetes at euglycemia without the need for endogenous insulin or immunosuppression.

As part of the collaboration, the Mayo Clinic will provide end-to-end clinical and operational insights, optimization of workflows, surgical expertise, handling, delivery, and post-treatment management. It also brings experience in clinical trial design and using biomarker identification for patient selection.

Additionally, the Mayo Clinic will provide an equity investment to Sana, with an option for further equity investments in the future.

The company is planning to file an investigational new drug (IND) application and initiate a Phase 1 clinical study for SC451 by this year.

SANA closed Monday at $3.21, up 3.88%. In the overnight market, the stock is up over 25% at $4.02.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
I read Cp.17Cp.20, the last four capitals, of the book: Dragon Seed. Written by Pearl S. Buck.

1) (A) Cp. 17

She avoided Pansiao for days, and she urging her away from the docile pattern of the days. I was never meant to be a school teacher, she thought. But where could she go?

........ I shall have to do something, Miss Freem thought. Let me find a way to get rid of her. Miss Freem said to the other teachers. She was urging the girls to run away. She was saying We ought fighting our own war. I said, Miss Wei, I consider that your contract is broken.

She felt as free as a wind-cloud. But out of the freedom her mind was shaping its plan. Why should she not go and see for herself if that brother was as handsome as Pansiao had said he was? She plotted how she would get near enough to this man. Pansiao had told her of Wu Lien, who was working with the enemy in the city. She could write to the puppet ruler in that city of her mothers birth, and ask merely that she be allowed to come there with his safeguard so that she can visit her mothers birthplace and her grave. The puppet had been her fathers friend once, and she had known him. After she was in the puppets house, she can easily have him find for her that brother-in-law Wu Lien.

Mayli sent by telegraph her massage to the puppet. Within a few hours there was his massage back, begging her to come. He himself would give her protection. She took the train and found the place prepared for her.

They spoke in the English. I am not a traitor. I am a realist. Someone had come into the room. Ah, Wu Lien, he said, and to Mayli he said, this is my secretary. Then Wu Lien said to his master: Sir, there is a bad news. Take my guest to her room, her host said.

When she was alone with Wu Lien she said, Is it possible to go about the city tomorrow? I hope to go and visit my mothers grave. He nodded. I will see whether I cannot go with you myself.

Her host understood too her wish to visit her mothers grave and he was eager to help her remember the name of the village, Wu Lien said:  Let me send for my wife, for she grew up in this countryside and her family still lives here. So without effort Mayli saw Wu Liens wife come in, and she knew at once that was a sister to Pansiao, for the two looked alike. Thus simply was the thing done, by Heavens will.

(B) I think: In this chapter, the puppet told Mayli that he was not a traitor. In the previous chapters, it was mentioned that Wu Lian was working for the Japanese, and he did not consider himself a traitor either. When the Japanese came, Ling Tan organized everyone to welcome them because he felt that the previous ruler was not good. The reason why they later fought against the Japanese was that the Japanese rule was even worse than before.

During the Cultural Revolution in China, Chairman Liu Shaoqi was called a major traitor. One of the cadres in my workplace was originally a Communist Party member. Before the liberation of Beijing, he was arrested by the Kuomintang, but surrendered to avoid being shot. During the Cultural Revolution, everyone called him a traitor and subjected him to criticism and struggle sessions.

What exactly is a traitor and what is patriotism?

Einstein was originally German. During World War II, he became an American citizen and helped the United States fight against Germany. At that time, he was regarded as a traitor by the Germans. However, after the war, the German people realized that he was right and built a memorial hall for him.

In present-day China, anyone who says the Communist Party is bad is regarded as unpatriotic, equating patriotism with love for the Party.In present-day China, anyone who says the Communist Party is bad is regarded as unpatriotic, equating patriotism with love for the Party.

I love the hardworking Chinese people and the fine traditional Chinese culture. But I hate the autocratic rule and political persecution of the Communist Party!

Benjamin Franklin of the United States was one of the drafters of the Declaration of Independence. He said, "Where there is freedom, there is my motherland."

I think: In this chapter, the puppet told Mayli that he was not a traitor. In the previous chapters, it was mentioned that Wu Lian was working for the Japanese, and he did not consider himself a traitor either. When the Japanese came, Ling Tan organized everyone to welcome them because he felt that the previous ruler was not good. The reason why they later fought against the Japanese was that the Japanese rule was even worse than before.

During the Cultural Revolution in China, Chairman Liu Shaoqi was called a major traitor. One of the cadres in my workplace was originally a Communist Party member. Before the liberation of Beijing, he was arrested by the Kuomintang, but surrendered to avoid being shot. During the Cultural Revolution, everyone called him a traitor and subjected him to criticism and struggle sessions.

What exactly is a traitor and what is patriotism?

Einstein was originally German. During World War II, he became an American citizen and helped the United States fight against Germany. At that time, he was regarded as a traitor by the Germans. However, after the war, the German people realized that he was right and built a memorial hall for him.

In present-day China, anyone who says the Communist Party is bad is regarded as unpatriotic, equating patriotism with love for the Party.In present-day China, anyone who says the Communist Party is bad is regarded as unpatriotic, equating patriotism with love for the Party.

I love the hardworking Chinese people and the fine traditional Chinese culture. But I hate the autocratic rule and political persecution of the Communist Party!

Benjamin Franklin of the United States was one of the drafters of the Declaration of Independence. He said, "Where there is freedom, there is my motherland."

2) (A) Cp.18 Ling Tans two sons lay sleeping in his house and the third son had a small wound, in his arm, so that he had to hold it bent . Ling Tan watched all who come and went near him He was afraid lest his two sons be found and his third son slept boldly in another room.

At this moment his eyes, lifted often to search the road, fell upon Wu Lien and his daughter coming near with their children. When they had come near enough Ling Tan saw that they had a stranger with them, a woman young and tall. His daughter said. This is a friend and she is coming to look for her mothers grave in the Mohammedan burial ground.

Now while he hesitated, he saw to his fright that third son of his come to the gate. And his sudden look of shame was so strong and Ling Tans dismay so great that Mayli laughed. By now how shamed the third son was! He ran into the house.

Ling Tan knew that Wu Lien promised he would not betray his sons. Now he could dare to ask them to come into his house. Ling Tan said to his second son: Tell your two brothers to come out, there and none here except friends. But that third son would not come out, he thought himself shamed, because she had laughed at him. Ling Sao took her son by his ear and led him out.

Mayli looked at him. And he thought, I never dreamed to see a woman like this. And she thought, He is exactly what Pansiao said he was.

I must go on, she told Wu Lien hastily. While she went, and Ling Tan and Ling Sao went to the door with her.

Now when Ling Tan came back to his seat, he soon saw that his third son wanted to speak with him. Got her for my wife, Lao San said. When Ling Tan heard this, in his astonishment his hand opened itself and his good tea bowl fell to the ground. Now Ling Sao heard the noise and she came running in to see what was wrong. He said. It is this son of yours he wants to swallow the sun and the moon. He thinks he made heaven and earth! He says, get her for my wife. What her? Ling Sao asked. What her? Ling Tan repeated. Why, that foreigner! Not one of you knows what I am, the third son said, I am no child. I swear myself away from this house! They saw him walking swiftly down the road toward the hills.

Then Ling Tan sat down. How could he, a farmer make proposal for such a woman? But Ling Sao thought her sons so good enough for any woman, she motioned to her daughter to come aside and the mother said: Find out whether the woman is wed already,and if she is not  well, she could not find so much of a man to look at as my son.

...... Now Lao San had not gone so straight as he pretended.

He turned west and went toward the Mohammedan burial ground. There he saw the woman he now loved so suddenly and powerfully. When he looked at the woman he wanted it was not simply lust that he felt. He wanted her in many ways to fill out his own being in its lacks. He stood until she turned at last and with Wu Lien went toward Ling Tans house again, and he made his way to the hills.

Do you see Jade asked her husband. She is the goddess, your brothers goddess. How bring these two together?

Mayli went straight to her own rooms when she returned to the puppet place. This morning had made her bold heart strangely soft. Her mother had died when she was born. Her father had told her through her childhood of her mother, and she knew the love between them.

Upon her softened heart was now imprinted a young mans face. She remembered every look of his face.

When she went down to meet her host at dinner he found her silent. He said. I have been told that I must catch the leader of those men who murdered the whole garrison yesterday. How can I do it? How can you? she repeated coldly. She saw within her heart that bold young face. You cannot, she said.

....... Thus its own way Heaven moves toward its end. Mayli went back to Ling Tans house. She would ask for Jade and tell Jade that she knew Pansiao and see what came of it. She hired an old horse carriage and there she went.

Only two women talking. Jade and Mayli, and Mayli said: I know your husbands sister Pansiao, and I taught her for a while. Did she show you a certain letter that I wrote her? Jade asked. I saw the letter, Mayli said clearly. He loved you when he first saw you, Jade said. What shall I tell him?Jade asked. Then Mayli took out a small piece of bright silk, and Jade saw the flag of the free people. Mayli put it in Jades hands. Tell him I go to the free lands, she said to Jade. Tell him that I go to Kumming.

(B) I think: Mayli and the third son fell in love with each other as soon as they met, just as an old Chinese saying goes: A thousand miles of marriage is linked by a single thread.

3) (A) Cp. 19

After Mayli had gone Jade sat for a long time idle. All that I do is to sit here and bear children, she thought half sadly, and in her bosom the free flag seemed to burn.

When the others came home at noon, she told it with pleasure. And they looked at the flag Jade had. Did she mean my son was to go after her? Ling Sao asked. She is woman enough to have our son swear he will have her and no other, Ling Tan said. Let him go where he will as long as he fights the enemy. As for you, Ling Tan said to Lao Er, take the message to your younger brother, let him do what he likes.

The bitterness of the enemys rule did not abate. Up the river guns could be smuggled to the army in the free land, if money were given to the many outstretched enemy hands. Such rottenness in the enemy everywhere meant that one day they would rotter enough to be overthrown.

Jade said to her husband: If we had stayed in the free land, would we not have done something great, too? To me, we do the bravest things, he said, to do as my younger brother does, is to get glory very easily. But this is our way of making warto stay, and to take no suffering as cause to leave. In this there is no glory. What does it matter if there is glory, so long as we hold the land?

......The eldest son stayed in the hills doing his simple duty, and he laid his traps here and there and caught an enemy of two a few times a month. When his second brother came and told their younger brother what the woman had said, that one made great noise to get himself ready to go to the free land. He said: Do you want to go with me, my brother, to the free land? Since what I do best is to lay my trips,Lao Tan said, what good can I be there, where there is no enemy?

He thought of his little dead children and of Orchid. He knew he was ready to begin a life for himself and he wanted a wife and children again.

One day he happened to find a woman. He had chanced to lay a trap on a new road. When he opened that trip the next day to see what lay in it, he found a sobbing woman. He saw she was no enemy. He got her up.

Then she said: My man was killed by enemy and I was to find his village and his father and mother, and see if they would care for me. Then she named a village of which he had never heard.

He thought,  Has not Heaven sent her? She fell into my trap. He said to her:  My own fathers house is not far from here and my mother is a good woman, so let me take you there.

When they were within sight of the village, he said to the woman:  I have lost my wife and my two children. You have lost your husband. Are we not two part? If we come together would we not be a whole? She said, If you will have me!

They came to his fathers house. For early that morning Jades child had begun to come. The child for some reason clung to the womb and would not come out. At this moment Ling Sao beheld her eldest son come in with a strange woman. As soon as he saw his mother: Mother, this woman is your new daughter-in-law.

Now this new woman had lived long enough to know what was best for herself, thank the times for giving her a chance for a man as strong as this one, though he was ten years younger than she. She said: I have often delivered women of their children and it may be that I can be of use here.

Come with me, Ling Sao cried. She took the woman to Jades beside. That woman knead Jades belly and her loins, and cried out: I feel a boys head! After about two hours more, he was born. Then Ling Sao seized the child. But the woman cried,  There is another one. And then she fell hard to work again and in a few moments more another child was born.

When Ling Sao took food to the woman she asked her age in all courtesy, and that woman said half sadly, Well I know I am too old. I am thirty-six. Ling Sao said: Have you any children? At that the woman began to weep and she said, I d have children, but I lost them allfive of them together in battle from the flying ships. Then my husband lost himself in a soldiers battle.

(BI think: The eldest son married the woman who fell into the trap. Fate brings them together no matter how far apart they are.

4) (A) Cp. 20

Thus Ling Tans house was full again, and with yet no abatement of hardship from the enemys rule, his life went on.

Opium lamps and pipes were sold openly on the street. All the factories for making of silk were in enemy hands, and flour belonged to the enemy still.

Ling Tan thought bitterly. If I had so much as a seed of hope, he said, If I saw an end, however far away, that one day we could rise up! But all we do was is to endure, and can victory be won only by endurance?

In the late summer of that year, it began on his birthday. He had looked forward to this his sixtieth birthday. His third son was far in the free land, and his eldest son in and out of the hills. Ling Tan saw his birthday coming near and they had not even so much as a piece of meat in the house. Ling Tan felt his life was too much for him. If there were a little hope somewhere in the sky, he told his second son. But there is none who will help us.

Ling Sao grew frightened and she called her second son and said: You must think of some way to put hope into your father.

Lao Er thought of his old cousin. He knew him to be alive. And Lao Er thought, I will go to the old bone, and see if he has any good to tell. I will ask my father to go with me. Ling Tan said: I will go with you.

They went into the inner room. There after a while the old cousin came and he said: I told you yesterday about that meeting between the two great white men. The one came from the country of Mei and the other from Ying. Today the one from Ying has spoken. He lifted up the paper and read these words aloud: The ordeals of the conquered people will be hard. We must give them hope. We must give them the conviction that their sufferings and their resistances will not be in vain.

If those peoples are against this enemy, Ling Tan said, are they not with us? Are they not? others echoed joyfully.

Then out of his long weariness Ling Tan felt the slow tears come up into his eyes.  Let us go, he said to his son.

Lao Er let his father walk ahead of him and he saw him lift his head to look at the stars.

(B) I think : Pearl S. Buck's  Dragon Seed promoted American support for China's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
PolyPid Ltd. (PYPD) will present new pharmacokinetic data from its Phase 3 SHIELD II trial evaluating D-PLEX100, an extended-release incisional doxycycline formulation designed to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs), at the ESCMID Global 2026 congress in Munich.

D-PLEX100 is applied directly into the surgical incision during abdominal colorectal surgery. The therapy uses PolyPid's Kynatrix to deliver a slow, continuous release of doxycycline at the surgical site for 30 days- the critical period when SSIs most commonly occur.

New Phase 3 Pharmacokinetic Findings

According to the company, the SHIELD II analysis demonstrated:

-Sustained local antibiotic release for up to 763 hours (about 32 days) after application.

-No burst effect, indicating controlled and steady drug delivery

-Minimal systemic exposure, with plasma doxycycline levels remaining below 100 ng/mL- far lower than levels seen with oral dosing

-A delivery profile consistent with the product's intended mechanism of maintaining prolonged antimicrobial activity at the incision site.

"These pharmacokinetic results further support the mechanism of D-PLEX100, which is designed to deliver sustained and controlled antibiotic exposure for 30 days directly at the surgical incision site," said Dikla Czaczkes Akselbrad, Chief Executive Officer of PolyPid. "The findings reinforce the potential of D-PLEX100 to address a key limitation of conventional systemic prophylactic antibiotics."

Presentation at ESCMID Global 2026

The data will be presented on April 19, 2026, during a poster session at ESCMID Global 2026, the world's leading congress for clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. The abstract, co-authored by Prof. Antonino Spinelli of Humanitas University, will be available on PolyPid's website after the conference concludes.

About D-PLEX100

D-PLEX100 recently achieved positive results in the Phase 3 SHIELD II trial, showing a statistically significant 60% reduction in SSI incidence following abdominal colorectal surgery with large incisions. The product has received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the U.S. FDA for SSI prevention in elective colorectal surgery.

PYPD has traded between $2.44 and $5.12 over the past year. The stock closed Monday's trading at $4.40, up 2.09%.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Shares of Avanos Medical, Inc. (AVNS), are up in the pre-market by 68% after the announcement. The company has agreed to be acquired by affiliates of American Industrial Partners (AIP) in an all-cash transaction valuing the company at approximately $1.272 billion.

Under the terms of the agreement, Avanos stockholders will receive $25.00 per share in cash, representing a 72.1% premium to the company's closing stock price on April 13, 2026, and an 82.8% premium to its 30-day volume-weighted average price.

Gary Blackford, Chair of the Avanos Board, said, the agreement reflects strong momentum across the and represents the best path to maximize value for stockholders. CEO David Pacitti added that partnering with AIP will help Avanos advance its innovation roadmap and strengthen its competitive position with enhanced flexibility and resources.

AIP partners Joel Rotroff and Sunny Li highlighted Avanos' strong market positions and the opportunity to support the company's next phase of growth.

The acquisition was unanimously approved by Avanos' Board of Directors and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to stockholder approval, regulatory clearances, and customary closing conditions. The deal is not subject to a financing condition.

Upon closing, Avanos will become a private company, and its common stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. The company will continue to be headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia. Due to the pending acquisition, Avanos has postponed its 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, previously scheduled for April 21, 2026.

Avanos is being advised by J.P. Morgan Securities as lead financial advisor, UBS Investment Bank as financial advisor, Alston & Bird LLP as legal counsel, and Joele Frank as communications advisor.

AIP is being advised by Sidley Austin LLP as legal counsel and Baker Botts LLP as regulatory counsel.

AVNS has traded between $9.30 and $15.68 over the past year. The stock closed Monday's trading at $14.53, up 2.47%. In pre-market trading the stock is at $24.46, up 68.34%.

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Business News
Gold prices have soared on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump admitted that the U.S. and Iran could meet again in Pakistan for peace talks in the next few days.

Front Month Comex Gold for June month delivery has surged by $82.80 (or 1.74%) to $4,850.20 per troy ounce.

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Market Analysis
Reversing the gains from yesterday, crude oil went for a freefall on Tuesday as demand-related concerns cooled after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a second round of talks with Iran could happen in the coming days. In addition, the International Energy Agency's report cautioning on crude oil "demand destruction" weighed on prices.

WTI Crude Oil for May month delivery was last seen trading down by $7.18 (or 7.25%) at $91.90 per barrel.

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Market Analysis
Exterior profile of Hyundai Venus test mule appears largely the same as the recently unveiled concept model

Hyundai is bringing the Ioniq range to China, albeit with entirely different names and distinctive designs. The first of these are expected to be the Venus sedan and the Earth SUV. Other upcoming models in this lineup are also likely to use planet-derived names. Venus could go on sale in China in 2027. Ahead of that, a test mule has been spotted in full camouflage. Lets check out the details.

Hyundai Venus  Design and features

Similar to the concept, the test mule has a single-curve silhouette. In addition to enhancing aerodynamic efficiency, this design approach also facilitates the installation of the large, heavily-raked windshield. Inside, this design is likely to contribute to creating the feel of a full glass roof. Focusing on the exterior design, one can notice sharp geometric shapes at the front.

A wedge-style design can be seen for the grille and bumper section, ensuring a futuristic, aerodynamic look. While the test mule appears largely the same as the concept model, there are some slight variations. For example, the horizontally placed projector headlamps appear to be placed higher on the wedge-shaped structure.

Similarly, the LED DRLs appear to have a connected format, which is different from the concept. The inserts on the lower grille section also appear to be different. Some changes are also evident across the side profile. The test mule has conventional-style ORVMs, as compared to sleeker units seen with the concept. Wheel arch cladding appears to be missing on the test mule.

While the alloy wheel design could be the same as the concept, the test mule can be seen with standard road-biased tyres. The concept was presented with rugged, dual-use tyres. There can be other minor variations as well, although not clear due to the camouflage. Since the test mule does not seem to be using any makeshift parts, it appears that Hyundai is progressing with this project at a rapid pace.

Hyundai Venus  Interior, performance

As revealed with the concept model, Hyundai Venus has a massive wraparound dashboard. The extensive use of suede upholstery and gold highlights ensure a premium cabin experience. There is a large infotainment screen in the centre, which is likely to integrate the instrument display. Hyundai Venus could get the Pleos Connect system, which is a new Android-based software platform.

With Pleos, users can expect a smartphone-like user interface. Overall experience will be something similar to Tesla cars or high-end Chinese EVs like NIO or XPeng. Other key highlights of Hyundai Venus include gold ambient lighting, gold accents, a yoke-like steering wheel, sporty seats and twin wireless chargers.

Hyundai is yet to reveal powertrain details for the Venus sedan. It is possible that Venus and other models in this lineup could be based on the IMA (Integrated Modular Architecture) platform. In addition to the pure electric version, EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicles) hybrid option could also be offered with the Venus.
Renault India has officially commenced nationwide deliveries of the new Duster, marking the next phase of the SUVs return to the Indian market. The first customer delivery was carried out in Chennai, making it a significant milestone for the brand. The occasion was attended by Francois Provost, Chief Executive Officer of Renault Group, along with Stephane Deblaise. The first unit was handed over to Dr. Arthanari Manickavasagam, a Chennai-based customer.

newR Store Inaugurated In Chennai

Alongside the first delivery, Renault also inaugurated its second newR store in Chennai. Located on Mount Road, this new outlet is part of the brands evolving retail strategy focused on urban, experiential showrooms. Spread across 4,500 sq. ft., the facility includes a 3,000 sq. ft. customer interaction and display area. It can showcase up to five vehicles and features a dedicated delivery bay, aimed at offering a more immersive buying experience.

This is the second such outlet in Chennai, taking the total number of newR stores in India to 11. Renault plans to expand this network further, targeting around 70 such outlets across the country this year. These will complement the companys existing network of over 350 sales touchpoints.

Duster Returns To Mid-Size SUV Segment

The new Duster is offered with two turbo petrol engine options  TCe 100 and TCe 160, with both manual and automatic gearbox choices. Prices start from Rs 10.49 lakh for the base Authentic variant and go up to Rs 18.49 lakh for the top-spec Iconic DCT trim.

The lineup includes multiple variants such as Evolution, Techno, Techno+ and Iconic, catering to a wide range of buyers. Renault is also offering an R Pass benefit, reducing prices by up to Rs 40,000 depending on the variant, further enhancing its value proposition in the segment.

Customer-Centric Focus

Renault is also strengthening its ownership proposition through initiatives like the Renault Forever program, which offers extended coverage of up to 7 years or 150,000 km. With deliveries now underway and retail expansion in progress, Renault is looking to position Duster as a strong contender once again in Indias competitive SUV space.
If you rely on SNAP benefits in Arizona, April may be more important than you realize. Across the state, eligibility reviews and compliance checks are ramping up, and many households could see changes to their monthly food assistance. Because federal guidelines have been updated, many states are making changes as a broader push to enforce those rules.

For individuals who receive SNAP benefits, this could mean more paperwork, verification requests, and possible benefit adjustments. Before youre caught off guard by changes to your benefits, here is what you need to know.

Why Arizona SNAP Reviews Are Happening Right Now

Arizona SNAP reviews are part of routine eligibility checks, but this year they carry extra weight due to recent policy changes. SNAP recipients must typically recertify every 6 to 12 months, confirming income, household size, and work status.

However, new federal rules introduced in 2025 expanded verification requirements and tightened eligibility standards. These updates are now being actively enforced in 2026, prompting states like Arizona to conduct more thorough reviews.

New Work Requirements Are Driving Many Reviews

One of the biggest reasons for these reviews is the expansion of SNAP work requirements. Adults aged 18 to 64 without dependents must now work, volunteer, or participate in training for at least 80 hours per month to keep benefits. If recipients dont meet these requirements, they may only receive benefits for three months within a three-year period. Arizona has begun actively checking compliance with these rules, which is triggering eligibility reviews for many households.

Beyond work requirements, other eligibility changes are also impacting Arizona SNAP recipients. New federal legislation has restricted eligibility for certain non-citizen groups who previously qualified for benefits. Additionally, states are now required to follow stricter verification standards, meaning self-reported information is no longer enough in many cases.

How Many Arizonans Could Be Affected

The impact of these changes is already showing up in Arizonas SNAP numbers. Reports indicate a noticeable decline in enrollment, largely driven by new eligibility and review requirements. Analysts estimate that tens of thousands of recipients in the state could lose benefits due to stricter rules. At the same time, the average benefit in Arizona remains modest, around $185 per person per month.

What Happens During a SNAP Eligibility Check

During an Arizona SNAP review, recipients are asked to verify key details about their situation. This can include proof of income, employment status, housing costs, and household members. You may receive a notice requesting documents or asking you to complete an interview. If you fail to respond or provide the required information, your benefits could be reduced or stopped entirely.

There are several reasons why SNAP benefits may change during these reviews. A rise in income, even slightly, can push a household over eligibility limits. Failing to meet work requirements or not reporting changes promptly can also lead to benefit loss. Missing paperwork deadlines is another common issue that causes interruptions. In many cases, benefits are not permanently lost but require reapplication or additional verification.

Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Benefits

If you receive SNAP in Arizona, there are simple steps you can take to stay protected. Here is what residents can do.

Keep all your documents (pay stubs, rent receipts, and identification) organized and ready. Respond immediately to any notices from the states Department of Economic Security. Make sure you understand whether you are subject to work requirements and how to meet them. Reach out for help if needed, as community assistors can guide you through the process.

Arizona SNAP reviews are not just routine. Ultimately, they reflect a major shift in how benefits are managed and distributed. With stricter rules and increased oversight, recipients need to be more proactive than ever. But you can go into the review prepared, and it can make all the difference.

Have you received a SNAP review notice recently, and how are you preparing for it? Share your experience in the comments below.

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Owning a home is often seen as the ultimate symbol of stability and security, but what if someone else could legally claim it? Across the United States, laws around adverse possessioncommonly associated with squattingcan create surprising risks for homeowners. While the idea of losing your home to a squatter may sound extreme, its a real legal concept that varies from state to state. Many property owners are unaware of how these laws work until its too late. Understanding where and how these risks exist is the first step toward protecting your investment.

1. California

Californias adverse possession laws are among the most talked about due to the states housing challenges and high property values. To claim ownership, a squatter must occupy the property openly and continuously for at least five years while paying property taxes. This combination of requirements makes successful claims rare, but not impossible. Homeowners who leave properties vacant for extended periods may unknowingly create opportunities for squatters. Staying vigilant and regularly checking on unused property is essential in this state.

2. Texas

In Texas, adverse possession laws can vary depending on the situation, with timelines ranging from three to ten years. Squatters must demonstrate continuous and visible possession, often referred to as hostile occupation in legal terms. Because Texas has a large number of vacant and rural properties, cases do arise more frequently than many expect. Property owners who fail to monitor their land may face legal challenges down the road. Taking quick legal action when unauthorized occupants are discovered is critical here.

3. Florida

Floridas laws require squatters to occupy a property for at least seven years while also meeting strict legal conditions. In some cases, they must file a formal claim and pay property taxes during that time. The states large number of seasonal homes can make it easier for squatters to go unnoticed. Many homeowners assume their property is safe simply because its locked, but thats not always enough. Regular inspections and secure property management can help reduce risk.

4. New York

New York requires a continuous occupation period of ten years for adverse possession claims. The law also emphasizes that the use must be obvious and without the owners permission. Urban environments can make it easier for squatters to blend in, especially in multi-unit or abandoned buildings. Legal disputes in New York can become complex and lengthy if a squatter claim arises. Property owners should act quickly and consult legal professionals if they suspect unauthorized occupancy.

5. Illinois

Illinois law sets a twenty-year requirement for adverse possession, making it one of the longer timelines on this list. However, that doesnt mean homeowners are immune to risk, especially with neglected or inherited properties. Squatters must prove continuous, exclusive, and open use of the property throughout that period. Because of the long timeframe, many cases involve boundary disputes rather than full property takeovers. Keeping clear records and maintaining property boundaries is key to prevention.

6. Georgia

In Georgia, the required occupation period can be twenty years, or seven years if the squatter has a color of title, meaning a document that appears to give ownership. This distinction can significantly shorten the timeline for a claim. Properties left unattended or tied up in legal disputes are particularly vulnerable. Squatters who meet the legal criteria may gain ownership if the original owner does not intervene. Being proactive with property documentation and monitoring is especially important in this state.

7. Arizona

Arizona requires squatters to occupy a property for at least ten years under standard adverse possession laws. Shorter timelines may apply if the squatter pays property taxes and holds a form of title. The states mix of urban and remote areas creates opportunities for unnoticed occupation. Many homeowners underestimate how quickly a situation can escalate if left unaddressed. Routine property checks and swift legal responses are essential safeguards.

8. Washington

Washington State typically requires ten years of continuous possession for a successful claim. Squatters must demonstrate that their use of the property is obvious and without the owners consent. In some cases, paying property taxes can strengthen their claim. The state has seen growing awareness of squatter-related disputes in recent years. Homeowners can reduce risk by maintaining active oversight of their properties and addressing issues early.

How to Protect Your Property from Squatters

Preventing a squatter situation is far easier than fighting one in court. Regularly inspecting your property, even if its vacant, can deter unauthorized occupants. Installing security systems, maintaining landscaping, and keeping utilities active can signal that a property is being monitored. Its also wise to address any trespassing immediately through legal channels. Acting quickly can make all the difference in protecting your rights as a homeowner.

Stay Informed, Stay Protected

The idea that someone could legally claim your home may seem alarming, but knowledge is your best defense. Adverse possession laws are complex and vary widely, which makes it crucial to understand how they apply in your state. By staying proactive and attentive, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing your property. Dont assume it could never happen to youmany homeowners have learned this lesson the hard way. Taking simple preventative steps today can save you from major legal headaches tomorrow.

Have you ever worried about someone occupying your property without permission? What steps are you currently taking to protect your home? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments belowwed love to hear from you!

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News / Health

by Stephen Jakes

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has intensified efforts to modernise Zimbabwe's healthcare system, with major upgrades underway at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora is currently inspecting progress at the institution, where significant developments have been recorded at the hospital's Radiotherapy Centre.According to the Ministry, outdated radiotherapy machines are being decommissioned to pave the way for the installation of advanced high and lowenergy cancertreatment equipment.The new machines are expected to greatly expand access to lifesaving oncology services, improving treatment capacity and outcomes for cancer patients across the southern region.The upgrades form part of government's broader national drive to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure equitable access to quality medical services under the "Health for All" initiative.
News / National

by Mandla Ndlovu





Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa might lose his life in a South African hospital if prayers for his health are not offered to God, a Zimbabwean self-styled Prophet Jacob Dube (aka Jay Israel) has foretold.In a message posted on his Facebook page, Dube said he saw in a vision the General falling sick and being airlifted to a South African health institution. He further said God showed him health practitioners trying to operate the General who eventually loses his life.He called upon all Zimbabweans to come together and pray for the life of the Vice President.General Chiwenga has a long history of illness which became very severe after the 2017 bloody coup that ended 37 years of the late President Robert Mugabe's rule leaving hundreds of the then G40 members and exiled and claimed an undisclosed number of lives.Watch the prophecy below:
News / National

by Staff reporter

Police in Bulawayo have arrested a 51-year-old man in connection with a suspected ATM fraud scheme targeting unsuspecting bank clients.Caleb Moyo, of Mpopoma suburb, was apprehended following an incident in which he allegedly posed as a Good Samaritan to gain the trust of victims at ATM points.Bulawayo police spokesperson Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect allegedly used deception to steal bank cards.According to police, the incident occurred when a 53-year-old woman from Old Luveve encountered difficulties while trying to withdraw cash at a local bank."The suspect reportedly approached her under the pretext of offering assistance. While pretending to help, he allegedly swapped the complainant's bank card with another card belonging to an unknown person," said Inspector Msebele.The woman became suspicious during the interaction and raised the alarm, prompting members of the public to pursue the suspect as he attempted to flee.He was eventually apprehended with the assistance of security personnel and handed over to police."Upon arrest, the suspect was found in possession of 21 ATM cards, leading police to believe that he may have targeted multiple victims using the same method," Msebele said.Investigations indicate that the suspect's alleged modus operandi involved swapping cards at ATMs and later returning to withdraw cash after victims had left, often unaware that their cards had been exchanged.Police commended members of the public for their swift response, which led to the suspect's arrest, noting that the complainant was fortunate to detect the scam before any money was withdrawn.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Newly appointed National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) chief executive, Munyaradzi Stephen Charangwa, has outlined plans to prioritise moving bulk freight from road back to rail as part of a turnaround strategy aimed at stabilising operations and improving financial performance.In an interview in Victoria Falls on Saturday, Charangwa said the parastatal is working on a revised operational strategy expected to be finalised by the end of May.He identified resource mobilisation, maintenance backlogs and operational inefficiencies as key challenges that have hampered the rail operator's performance over the years."It is very important that we connect with our stakeholders - from our sovereign wealth fund and boards to the public. Within the framework of Vision 2030, expectations for the rail sector are clear," said Charangwa.He noted that freight remains NRZ's core revenue stream, contributing about 80 percent of income, but said there is significant room to expand capacity by reclaiming cargo currently transported by road."Our immediate priority is to move bulk cargo off the roads and onto rail. That is where the biggest opportunity lies," he said.Charangwa, who assumed office on April 1, takes over at a time when NRZ is struggling to meet targets. In 2025, the company aimed to move 2,13 million tonnes of cargo but fell short, transporting 2,03 million tonnes.The shortfall was attributed to capacity constraints, including a shortage of locomotives, frequent equipment breakdowns, fuel challenges and logistical bottlenecks.The new CEO said the existing "Mutapa strategy" would be reviewed and integrated with new insights to produce a comprehensive turnaround roadmap."In the first 100 days, our focus is on improving financial performance and conducting a detailed assessment of operations. We already have an existing strategy, but we need to refine and align it. By the end of May, we expect to have an approved strategy in place," he said.Over the past decade, NRZ has faced mounting debt, ageing infrastructure and stiff competition from road transporters, who often offer lower tariffs despite contributing to significant road damage.Vandalism of signalling and communication systems has further disrupted rail services, leaving some routes unusable for extended periods.Industry experts say reviving NRZ is critical not only for Zimbabwe but for the wider region. The rail network serves as a key logistics corridor linking landlocked countries such as Zambia, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo to major ports including Beira, Durban and Maputo.Currently, more than 90 percent of bulk freight is moved by road, increasing transport costs and accelerating the deterioration of highways.Charangwa said the forthcoming strategy would provide clear direction on addressing these challenges and repositioning NRZ as a competitive and efficient freight carrier."We have already begun a detailed assessment of our systems and operations. The strategy we are developing will define where we are, where we want to go, and how we will get there," he said.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Concerns over institutional independence

The Veteran Activists Association of Zimbabwe (VAAZ) has strongly condemned what it describes as the "unilateral and illegal" dismissal of Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) chairperson Jessie Majome, following reports that she raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) public hearings.In a statement issued Monday, VAAZ spokesperson Mandava Blessing accused President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa of overstepping constitutional boundaries, arguing that Majome acted within her mandate as the head of an independent Chapter 12 institution."The Chairperson had every right to defend citizens' constitutional rights and highlight procedural irregularities," the statement read.VAAZ outlined several concerns regarding the conduct of the CAB3 outreach programme, including:- Limited time allocated for public participation, which the group says undermined meaningful consultation.- Insufficient and inaccessible venues, allegedly disenfranchising many citizens.- Disruptions and intimidation, with claims that rulingparty supporters interfered with proceedings.- Bias in participation, with accusations that dissenting voices were sidelined.- Statemedia coverage that VAAZ alleges favoured the amendment process.The organisation further claimed that some hearings lacked guarantees of freedom of expression and safety for participants who voiced opposing views.VAAZ emphasised that the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, established under Chapter 12 of the Constitution, is mandated to operate independently and without political interference. The group argued that any action perceived as targeting its leadership could undermine public confidence in constitutional bodies.The statement also situated the controversy within Zimbabwe's broader political history, questioning whether current developments align with the ideals of the liberation struggle. It raised concerns about what it described as growing centralisation of power and urged citizens to remain vigilant in safeguarding constitutional principles.VAAZ called on Zimbabweans to actively defend the Constitution, describing it as a "national sacred document" that transcends political affiliation."We must not watch as it is being undermined," the statement said, urging increased civic engagement.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Critica met test lands 81% magnet rare earths recovery in WA Brought to you by Bulls N Bears Doug Bright April 14, 2026  1:32pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Critica Limited has nudged its Jupiter rare earths project another step closer towards a bankable development picture, with its latest pilot plant optimisation delivering 81 per cent recovery of magnet rare earth oxides (MREO) and 71 per cent recovery of total rare earth oxides (TREO). The stronger numbers are especially important for the high-value MREO component that sits at the heart of the global electric motor supply chain and are key in the companys broader push to sharpen Jupiters beneficiation pathway ahead of key engineering decisions. Critica Limiteds rare earths pilot plant program is lifting metallurgical recoveries for the companys massive Jupiter project in WAs Mid West. The Jupiter project is the centrepiece of Criticas Brothers project in WAs Mid West and is already known for its massive scale, with a global resource of 1.8 billion tonnes. The company is pitching it as potentially Australias biggest and highest grade clay-hosted rare earths resource. Notably, the deposit is rich in the magnet rare earths, neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium. It features continuous mineralisation across a 40-square-kilometre footprint, with exceptionally low levels of the deleterious elements uranium and thorium.

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Importantly, we are also seeing strong recovery of high-value magnetic rare earths, with ~81% MagREO recovery. Critica Limited chief executive officer Jacob Deysel In January, Critica launched a scoping study led by engineering group Sedgman to weave its mining, processing and infrastructure concepts into a capital-efficient pathway and establish baseline project economics. More recently, the company also kicked off a 143-hole aircore drilling program across a 3km by 1km optimised resource footprint, with up to 10,000m of drilling to support a resource upgrade and mine-feed planning for the scoping study. The company has also followed up with 58 regional aircore holes, co-funded under the WA Governments Exploration Incentive Scheme, to expand its search footprint. The drilling targeted the Juno and Aurora prospects, south and northwest of Jupiter, as Critica hunts for additional upside across the broader Brothers system. Critica Limited chief executive officer Jacob Deysel said: This phase of work demonstrates continued progress at Jupiter as we advance pilot plant optimisation and Scoping Study definition. The pilot beneficiation programme is delivering materially improved performance, currently achieving ~71% TREO recovery, representing an approximate 45% improvement from previously reported results.

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On the metallurgy front, Critica says the intermediate concentrate continues to deliver an upgrade factor of 7.5 times that of the proposed feed material. Pilot-scale operations have now been shifted to a larger facility in Hai Phong, Vietnam, where they have resumed following the Lunar New Year break. The upgraded setup is expected to drive higher throughput, supported by additional cells and improved circuit configurations. The company has also shipped extra mineralised sample material from Jupiter to feed the pilot plant, with 8.5 tonnes already in transit and another 10 to 20 tonnes slated to follow in the coming weeks. The incoming material is set to support production of additional intermediate concentrate for downstream mixed rare earth product work. This will aid the company in validating product quality while also continuing background offtake discussions. On the downstream side, parallel metallurgical programs are continuing with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Minutech and Phenikaa University. The programs are looking at methods for optimising the companys mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) pathway. The labs have also been tasked with developing alternative hydrometallurgical options, including the possibility of heap-leaching the intermediate concentrate as a supplementary processing route.

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With its Jupiter scoping study still on track for a June completion, Critica now has a growing set of real-world recovery figures and scale-up data to feed the engineer, delivering the sort of steady de-risking the market likes to see. If the metallurgists can keep lifting recoveries while nailing down a clean, scalable flowsheet, Jupiters potentially giant mine-to-magnet story could be one to watch. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Dalaroo doubles down on Greenland rare earths footprint Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Murray Ward April 14, 2026  4:52pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Dalaroo Metals appears to be building a dominant position in one of the worlds most prospective critical mineral jurisdictions, after it moved to more than double its landholding in southwest Greenland. The company has applied for two massive new exploration licences, which sit immediately adjacent to its existing Blue Lagoon project. Lagoon and shoreline sediments at Dalaroo Metals Blue Lagoon critical minerals project in south-west Greenland. The move is a significant scale-up for the Perth-based explorer and consolidates a major piece of a coastal corridor prospective for the rare earth elements, zirconium and niobium. When granted, the new ground will add more than 242 square kilometres to Dalaroos portfolio, bringing its total Greenland footprint to nearly 260 square kilometres.

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The expansion of the Blue Lagoon Project marks an important step in building scale. Dalaroo Metals chief executive officer John Morgan The Blue Lagoon project sits within the famous Gardar Alkaline Province, a globally recognised belt of alkaline intrusive complexes. These types of rocks are the holy grail for critical minerals, often hosting significant concentrations of rare earths and other high-value metals. Dalaroos specific patch is hosted within the Helene alkaline granite, which forms part of the Nunarsuit Complex - the biggest and youngest of these intrusive systems in the region. Hard data support the savvy move to mop up ground next to its existing project. Previous reconnaissance geochemical sampling at Blue Lagoon has already coughed up some impressive numbers, including zirconium dioxide values of up to 4.42 per cent and total rare earth oxides up to 0.81 per cent, hinting that the new grounds could deliver a repeat performance. Dalaroos exploration model suggests that weathering and coastal processes at Blue Lagoon are doing the heavy lifting, liberating minerals from the source rocks and concentrating them in lagoonal and shallow marine environments as beach sands. Dalaroo Metals chief executive officer John Morgan said: The additional licences significantly increase Dalaroos landholding across a geological setting considered prospective for rare earth elements and associated minerals, strengthening the Companys position in Greenland.

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With the world crying out for a secure supply of rare earths and Greenland fast becoming one of the best alternative sources, the region is increasingly attracting some heavy hitters. Dalaroos ground is surrounded by licences held by Gardaq A/S, a joint venture between the deep-pocketed Amaroq Minerals and London-linked private investment partnership GCAM LP. Dalaroo is now refining its plans for the upcoming field season. The to-do list at Blue Lagoon is extensive, including detailed geological mapping, auger drilling across the coastal sediment systems alongside bathymetric and ground-penetrating radar surveys to map out the beach and lagoon architecture. Meanwhile, at the companys Bondoukou project in Cote dIvoire, a major soil geochemical program comprising 4400 samples is ramping up over an outlined, coherent gold footprint of 2.7 kilometres. The new licence applications are a bold move by the Dalaroo to grab a big slice of ground while the iron - or in this case, rare earths - are hot. By locking up this extra acreage in a premier mining jurisdiction such as Greenland, the company has given itself plenty of room to move. With a busy field season just around the corner, punters will be watching closely to see if those coastal sands can deliver the goods. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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News / National

by Stephen Jakes

A 28yearold Rusape man has been sentenced to an effective 30 months in prison after being convicted of engaging in sexual relations with a minor.The conviction was handed down by the Rusape Magistrates' Court, following incidents that occurred in March 2026.According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the offender proposed a romantic relationship to the minor, who accepted. The two reportedly met regularly, often when the victim was coming from school, and at times she would visit his home at night.On 22 March 2026, the man invited the victim to his homestead, where they engaged in sexual intercourse.The case came to light after the victim's grandmother noticed her absence overnight. Acting on information from neighbours who had observed the minor frequenting the accused's residence, she organised a search party.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Hastings lines up African feedstock for Thai rare earths plant Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Penny Taylor April 14, 2026  2:48pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Hastings Technology Metals has locked in a cornerstone supply deal, signing a two-year offtake agreement with Enuo Holdings for the delivery of 5,000 tonnes of African monazite concentrate annually for its new Thai hydrometallurgical plant. The deal has landed hot on the heels of the companys recent decision to pick up a 49 per cent stake in the Kabin Buri facility near Bangkok. By buttoning up feedstock ahead of start-up, the company says it has sliced through a key execution risk ahead of first output, slated for the December quarter. Inside Hastings Kabin Buri hydromet Processing plant in Thailand in February 2026 Notably, the African monazite concentrate has a 54 per cent total rare earth oxide (TREO) grade, delivering a rich, reliable stream for processing. The feedstock also contains a strong mix of magnet metals, with neodymium and praseodymium making up about 20 per cent, alongside smaller, although strategically significant volumes of dysprosium and terbium. The Thai plant has the capacity to process up to 6,000 tonnes per annum, converting the concentrate into mixed rare earth chloride, a sought-after intermediate product used by downstream parties. Although the hydromet plant is in excellent working order and relatively new, Hastings is nevertheless eyeing a substantial staged scale-up, with studies underway to lift throughput fivefold to 30,000 tonnes annually from 2027 potentially.

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This development brings us one step closer to operational cash flow by years end. Hastings Technology Metals chief executive officer Vince Catania Timing appears tightly tuned. An initial shipment is due to arrive within two months to line up with commissioning works scheduled for completion in June. Once test runs confirm the specs, purchase orders will be issued based on market prices, paving the way for regular deliveries to customers. Hastings Technology Metals chief executive officer Vince Catania said: Execution of this Agreement means that a shipment for testing will be arriving in Thailand within the next 2 months to coincide with the plans to commence commissioning work at the plant in June. I am very excited about this latest development as it brings us one step closer to operational cash flow by years end. The agreement deepens a developing relationship with Enuo, evolving from technical collaboration into a full-scale supply alliance. The pair have already been working together on metallurgical test work tied to the Yangibana and Brockman projects in Western Australia, focusing on recovery optimisation and by-product streams. Yangibana remains the companys flagship asset, hosting one of the highest-value neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr)- dominant rare-earth deposits in the world. With approvals in place and development plans on the go, the project is expected to deliver a long-life supply of concentrate into a global market increasingly hungry for magnet materials.

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However, its the companys newly cemented access to a hydromet plant that has the tongues wagging. By acting as a strategic bridge, the Kabin Buri hydrometallurgical facility has allowed Hastings to enter the downstream processing chain far earlier than previously envisaged. The new development could reshape Yangibanas downstream strategy, which currently centres on beneficiation in Western Australia, backed by a local, yet-to-be-built hydromet plant. Instead, the Thailand facility is emerging as a potentially slicker, capital-light pathway. Wyloo chief executive officer Luca Giocovazzi said: It represents a capital-efficient downstream pathway and a fast route to market for one of the worlds highest-grade NdPr deposits. Wyloo is working closely with Hastings and we look forward to jointly exploring the economic benefits of this processing option. Globally, demand for NdPr continues to surge on the back of electrification trends, from EV drivetrains to renewable energy infrastructure, digital devices and advanced robotics. Supply chains remain concentrated and geopolitically sensitive, making new sources of processed material particularly valuable to Western and Asian markets alike. Near-term milestones now centre on completing the plant acquisition, receiving first feedstock shipments and successfully commissioning the facility. The strategy is designed to fast-track mixed rare earth chloride production and unlock early cash flow streams ahead of its cornerstone project stepping into production.

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For Hastings, the pieces appear to be clicking into place with a steady stream of supply secured and a processing pathway primed. If execution holds firm, the company could quickly carve out a compelling position in the rare earths race, charging towards cash flow with market tailwinds at its back, building momentum. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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NationalCBD Albaneses media boss flying high with Qantas Chairmans Lounge access John Buckley April 15, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

At this point it might be more efficient to compile a list of those close to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who do not enjoy access to one of the most exclusive clubs in Australia: the Qantas Chairmans Lounge. The latest, and perhaps most intriguing, member of the club to cross our desk is none other than Albaneses director of media, Fiona Sugden, who joined the prime minister in early 2024 after a stint working as Andrew Twiggy Forrests senior communications executive at Fortescue. Fiona Sugden in attendance at the National Press Club in December. Alex Ellinghausen Word is that Sugden was given membership to the Chairmans Lounge during her time at Fortescue, according to two sources briefed on the arrangement, but retained the perk after joining the Prime Ministers Office. Why the intrigue? Well, at least as far as were aware, Qantas has historically only offered the prime minister, his chief of staff and principal private secretary the exclusive perk as part of the complement of memberships awarded to the Prime Ministers Office.

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But our efforts to learn more about the arrangement turned up nothing. Qantas declined to comment on how often the membership is renewed and when it was last re-upped, and how many members of staff at the Prime Ministers Office have Chairmans Lounge memberships. Sugden also declined to comment, and the Prime Ministers Office did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication. If nothing else, Sugdens Chairmans Lounge membership offers us a sliver of insight into Albaneses relatively relaxed attitude following the publication of Joe Astons book The Chairmans Lounge: The Inside Story of How Qantas Sold Us Out. Fiona Sugden with then-opposition leader Bill Shorten during the 2019 election campaign. Alex Ellinghausen The book contained revelations about the prime ministers close ties to former Qantas chief Alan Joyce and reported Albanese received at least 22 free flight upgrades worth tens of thousands of dollars while transport minister in the Rudd and Gillard governments. The book also said Albanese would liaise with Joyce directly about his personal travel. (In 2024, Albanese denied calling Joyce seeking an upgrade and maintained all 22 upgrades were within compliance rules.) It was most likely Albaneses fellow Chairmans Lounge member Sugden who was managing his response to the book, which included an attempt to discredit its author.

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Aviation Higher fares, fewer flights: Qantas goes into damage control Elizabeth Knight Business columnist But Sugden isnt the only one making the most of Qantas corporate hospitality. Albanese is surrounded by Chairmans Lounge members. Among the senior members of the Labor party room to disclose the perk are Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Deputy PM Richard Marles, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Transport Minister Catherine King, who in 2023 were reportedly joined by Albaneses son Nathan. And its hard to blame Qantas for peddling its wares  the soft power tactic has been a raging success. Just ask the airlines competitors. Julia Gillard launches Lisa Wilkinsons book Lisa Wilkinson may have spent the past five or so years keeping a relatively low profile amid Bruce Lehrmanns failed defamation bid against Network Ten, but on Tuesday evening, just days after the High Court shut the door on a last-ditch effort to challenge the Federal Courts finding, Wilkinson was already onto other things.

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The former Today show co-host drew a little under 300 guests for the launch of her new book, The Titanic Story of Evelyn, at the Australian Maritime Museum in Sydney on Tuesday night, with a headline appearance from former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard, in conversation with Wilkinson. Among the names on the guest list were Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses wife Jodie Haydon, CBD hears, along with NSW opposition leader Kellie Sloane and Midnight Oil frontman and former environment minister Peter Garrett. Others on the list, we hear, were the ABCs Laura Tingle, Wilkinsons high-profile barrister Sue Chrysanthou, and Mamamia co-founder Mia Freedman. Australian film director Bruce Beresford was also expected to show up in support, as were Future Fund chairman and former ACTU secretary Greg Combet, former journalist Juanita Phillips, Beresfords fellow film director Gillian Armstrong, Warringah teal Zali Steggall, and Gretel Packer, among many others. The Titanic Story of Evelyn hit shelves on April 14 and, according to its publisher Hachette, tells the never-before-told true story of a young nurse who was the only Australian survivor of the Titanic. Among other things, the book recalls how Evelyn trained in Adelaide as a nurse before travelling as a stewardess on ocean liners.

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Related Article CBD Rebekah Browns $165,000 plan to restore embattled ANUs reputation She learnt to row on the Murray River and preferred to row against the tide to get stronger. She would eventually use that strength to pull Lifeboat 16 away from the sinking ship. According to Hachette: Evelyn calmly helped distressed passengers until she was finally ordered into a lifeboat, where she took the oars and helped row against the pull of the sinking ship. While saving herself and others, she was also desperately hoping she would find a way back to her beloved William. 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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LifestyleFashionRoyal family Meghan returns to the polished princess look in Australia Damien Woolnough April 14, 2026  3:57pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A lot has changed in the life of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, since she last visited Australia in 2018, but her taste in designers remains the same. Nearly eight years ago Meghan wore a dress by Sydney-based designer Karen Gee for her first official engagement at Admiralty House, and today she returned to the label for her first appearance in Melbourne at the Royal Childrens Hospital. She is very loyal to me, which is beautiful, Gee says. When a woman like Meghan chooses to wear Karen Gee again, years after first discovering the brand, it speaks to something far deeper than a moment. Meghan wearing the Priscilla dress by Sydney designer Karen Gee at the Royal Childrens Hospital, Melbourne. Annika Smethurst Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in the Blessed dress by Karen Gee, at Admiralty House in Sydney with Prince Harry, October 16, 2018. AP

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According to the designer, Meghan personally requested to wear the label, choosing a number of dresses, including the $1250 Priscilla style, which launched in February. Related Article Royal family Harry and Meghan Australia visit as it happened: Duke and duchess in Sydney for final day of tour Weve remained in touch since 2018, and that continued connection makes moments like this even more meaningful. With Meghan its always been a very genuine relationship built on mutual respect. Gee was kept in the dark about Meghans poignant selection until contacted by this reporter with photographs of the duchess in the dress to confirm the design. She looks amazing, says Gee, who dressed Jodie Haydon, the wife of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, for the London funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

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When Meghan wore the structured white Blessed dress by Gee in 2018, the former Suits actors pregnancy  she was carrying her first child, Prince Archie  had just been announced, guaranteeing international exposure for the then five-year-old brand. The deceptively simple-looking dress with contour panels was only available for custom orders, and Gees website temporarily crashed. Designer Karen Gee wearing a dress from her ready-to-wear collection at her Sydney home in 2024. Flavio Brancaleone This time Gee is prepared to capitalise on Meghans support, having launched a ready-to-wear collection which includes the Priscilla dress. Less than two hours after the duchess hospital visit, Gees website listing for the Priscilla was updated with As Worn By Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The polished silhouette of the Priscilla dress is a return to the sleek formal style championed during Meghans brief 22 months as a working royal, which came to an end in March 2020 when the couple left the UK to live in Montecito, California.

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Since then Meghans style has evolved, incorporating more relaxed, oversized silhouettes from luxury labels, with the occasional inclusion of high-street staples Zara and H&M. To accompany her return to royal dressing, Meghan accessorised her Karen Gee dress with an 18-carat yellow gold Cartier Tank Francaise watch that once belonged to her mother-in-law, Princess Diana. Cartier introduced the model in 1996, the same year Diana finalised her divorce from King Charles, then Prince of Wales. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, takes part in a therapy session with patients on her visit to the Royal Childrens Hospital. Getty Images Prince Harry reportedly gifted his late mothers watch to Meghan in 2020 and she wore it regularly on her discontinued Netflix series With Love, Meghan. The watch co-ordinated with 14-carat gold Puffy Hearts earrings, available for $1170 from Brisbane-born jewellery designer Eliza OConnors LA-based label Real Fine Studio.

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We are already seeing sales, says OConnor. We havent even posted about it yet. The partnership came about through mutual friends. Its so LA, OConnor says. She has a number of pieces to wear throughout the trip. To have her wearing them on day one means so much. OConnor, who has not met Meghan, describes her label as having an heirloom focus, with pieces designed to be passed on to the next generation. Loading Having played the princess part for patients at the Royal Childrens Hospital, later in the day Meghan returned to her stealth-wealth style in a suede look from Australian label St Agni.

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Pulling her hair back in a bun, Meghan wore the brands suede utility cocoon bomber in khaki, priced at $999, currently on the Coming Soon section of the St Agni website. She paired the jacket with a chunky knit and $889 suede skirt from the label, along with Real Fine Studio diamond studs, for a visit to the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum in Southbank. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wearing a skirt and jacket from Byron Bay-based label St Agni. Getty Images Meghan paired the jacket with a chunky knit and $889 suede skirt. Getty Images Meghan debuts her second look of the day, wearing Australian label St Agni. Jonathan Brady-Pool/Getty Images Meghan has worn the Byron Bay-based label founded by husband-and-wife duo Lara and Matt Fells in 2014 before. Alongside fellow guests Naomi Watts, Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghan wore a St Agni linen vest with matching trousers to the G9 Ventures Summer Summit in the Hamptons, New York, in 2024.

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Its a big day for the Fells, who launched their collaboration with Witchery for the White Shirt Campaign, raising money for ovarian cancer research, with lunch at Mimis restaurant in Sydney. Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
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MoneySuper & retirementSuperannuation Stay the course: Panic selling your super could leave you $50k poorer Nina Hendy April 14, 2026  12:10pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Workers worried about their superannuations performance have been urged to stay the course despite market jitters caused by the Iran war, with analysts warning attempts to avoid short-term losses can leave your super balance worse off in the long run. Throughout March, the ASX plunged nearly 10 per cent before recovering last week, though investors have remained nervy over the failure of the US and Iran to reach a peace deal and US President Donald Trumps threats to block the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route. For most working super fund members, recent market movements will have little impact over the medium to longer term. Louie Douvis Investors often feel like they need to do something during these bumpy times, says James Gruber, CommSec equity market strategist, but they may end up being decisions you regret later. Instead of reacting in the heat of the moment in volatile markets, it may be best to take a deep breath and do nothing for a day, week or month, he says. The problem is that abrupt, emotional decisions often lead to poor outcomes. Take the time to make a rational, informed decision, Gruber says.

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Matt Linden, executive general manager, strategy and insights at the Super Members Council (SMC) agrees workers often contemplate whether an imminent market downturn is the right time to switch investment options to limit losses. For most working super fund members, he reinforces recent market movements will have little impact over the medium to longer term. Analysis by the SMC shows that in the worst case, for someone with a $100,000 balance, switching to cash during the market downturns seen during the COVID pandemic could have left them about $50,000 worse off over five years. During the more recent 2025 Trump tariff episode, someone switching to cash could be about $7000 worse off in just a year.

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News headlines warning about stock drops and shaky equity markets can prompt workers to consider switching their superannuation investments to cash, he says. Editor's pick Ethical investing Money and morals: The pros and cons of ethical investing When markets fall, the temptation to switch your super to conservative investment options like cash can be overwhelming, but it would mean you potentially lock in the losses and miss the recovery. Evidence suggests this typically makes you worse off  both individual and institutional investors have a poor track record of market timing, and switching to cash risks the sharp recoveries that often follow declines. The analysis also found that superannuation fund declines during the global financial crisis and COVID were less than a third of those of major equity markets. Funds also recovered to pre-GFC highs more than a year earlier than the Australian stock market.

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For current retirees or pre-retirees heading towards retirement soon, money that remains in super for many years enables short-term losses to balances to bounce back, Linden says. Linden advises people to stay the course, reminding workers super is diversified, which smooths out market volatility. The superannuation system is designed to grow retirement savings long-term even as local and global share markets experience increased volatility due to geopolitical tensions, he says. That means all of your eggs arent in the share market basket but spread across a range of really high-quality underlying investments and assets across geographies and sectors. Past share market corrections have typically been 2 times the magnitude of what occurs within superannuation, he says. When funds have tracked members who try [to] time the market, the vast majority are often financially worse off.

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Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions. Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter.
How Harry and Meghan spent the first day of their Australian tour

Harry and Meghan began their Australian tour this morning, arriving in the early hours at Tullamarine before heading to the Royal Children's Hospital.
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A man has been charged with the murder of his pregnant partner in their Sydney home almost a decade ago, weeks after her family appealed for answers.

Hayley McClenahan-Ernst, 21, was found unresponsive in the Kingswood home she shared with partner Max Spencer in May 2017. Spencer, now 30, was charged with breaching a domestic violence order immediately after the young mothers death.

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On Tuesday morning, nine years later, he was arrested at Bucca near Coffs Harbour and faced bail division court charged with her murder.

He did not apply for bail, which was formally refused by Judge Lisa Viney. The case will return to Penrith Local Court on June 12.
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NationalNSWNSW councils Sydney council rates are going up. Blame the fuel crisis David Barwell April 14, 2026  11:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Global instability is set to hit NSW ratepayers, with councils planning sharp increases to bin collection fees and rates charges as soaring fuel costs strain budgets. From Sydneys suburbs to the states far west, councils say a perfect storm of rising diesel prices and structural funding constraints is driving up the cost of delivering essential services  with households set to feel the impact on their rates bills from July. Rising fuel costs are affecting councils across NSW. Kate Geraghty The conflict in Iran  which has sent the price of fuel, especially diesel, skyrocketing  has coincided with councils finalising draft 2026-27 budgets. Early documents show many councils are planning to increase domestic waste management charges  the fees households pay to have their bins collected  to cover the cost of running the trucks.

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Under NSW regulations, councils must fully recover these costs, leaving little choice but to pass increases on to ratepayers. Related Article Middle East at war Even if the Strait of Hormuz opened tomorrow, it could take months for fuel prices to come down In Camden, a 35 per cent increase has been proposed, equating to an extra $164.85 average annual charge for households. Northern Beaches has flagged an 8.8 per cent rise, Hornsby is proposing a 10 per cent increase, and Bathurst plans to lift its fee from $575 to $618. A report by Parramatta Council warned instability in the Middle East was causing flow-on effects for construction materials and general operating costs including keeping waste trucks on roads. In a similar report, The Hills Shire Council noted everything from street sweeping to road repairs is affected by fuel-dependent plants and equipment.

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Blacktown Council has taken the extraordinary step of stockpiling 80,000 litres of diesel specifically for waste collection vehicles to ensure services are maintained. Pressures are particularly acute in regional areas where long distances increase fuel usage. Wingecarribee Shire Council has recorded $308,000 in additional fuel costs in the last quarter alone. In Bourke, the states fourth-largest council area, the situation has become critical. The council, which uses 20,000 litres of diesel each week, has been forced to bypass standard procurement to secure fuel after supply interruptions. Local Government NSW president Darcy Byrne said councils have few options but to raise fees. This isnt about councils trying to skim extra revenue, its about funding services in line with the real cost of delivering them, Byrne said.

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Byrne argued councils were constrained by the states rate-pegging system, which has capped the amount that councils can increase their general rates charges from July to between 2.7 and 5.7 per cent, adjusted according to each councils population. Local Government NSW president Darcy Byrne said rising fuel costs were harming council bottom lines. Dean Sewell Byrne said these caps, set before recent global tensions, no longer reflected current fuel costs. Councils are in an impossible situation where responsibilities are growing but funding capacity is shrinking, he said. Ten councils have applied the states independent pricing regulator to increase rates beyond the standard peg from July. If approved, those increases would result in higher rates charges for households and some businesses.

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North Sydney is seeking to increase rates by 52.66 per cent over three years, Hawkesbury has applied for 39.4 per cent over four years, Ku-ring-gai is planning a 24.6 per cent rise and Blacktown is seeking 16.64 per cent in 2026, followed by two years of 8.53 per cent increases. Council leaders are calling on the state government for support, asking for it to classify waste collection as an essential service to secure fuel supply and grant councils access to revenue from the states waste levy. Blacktown Council chief executive Kerry Robinson issued a blunt warning about the consequences of inaction. If we dont pick up the rubbish, the state has a public health problem, he said.

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A spokeswoman for the NSW Department Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water said the government was actively monitoring fuel disruption impacts and will continue to support communities and industry partners. Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war as it happened: Trumps blockade of Strait of Hormuz takes effect; Trump deletes image of himself as Jesus Christ; Tehran wants a deal very badly, says US president Without intervention or regulatory changes, Byrne warned councils will remain under financial strain, leaving households to absorb yet another cost-of-living increase. At Penrith Community Kitchen, which provides 120 daily meals to western Sydney residents in need, secretary Gai Hawthorn warned the rate increases could create a ripple effect for households already experiencing cost-of-living pain. She said the kitchen had already seen an increase in demand for emergency food and hot meals, including from people in full-time work and local schools wanting to help families get through the week.

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Weve had children who havent had dinner because theres no food in the house. Fuel costs are crazy and any further price rises will make it harder for people. 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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News / National

by Stephen Jakes

The Patriotic Vendors4ED National Executive Committee has joined the nation in celebrating Zimbabwe's 46th Independence anniversary, paying tribute to liberation heroes while calling for unity, accountability and economic transformation.In a statement to mark the milestone, the organisation, led by Sawu Jere, said Independence Day remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the Chimurenga/Umvukela liberation struggles, which secured the country's freedom from colonial rule.The group honoured fallen heroes and heroines whose bravery and resilience paved the way for independence, urging Zimbabweans to uphold the values they fought for."We honour our forebears and recommit to democracy, good governance, transparency, accountability and the rule of law," the organisation said.Vendors4ED said the anniversary presents an opportunity for citizens to reflect on national progress and renew commitment to building a prosperous and inclusive society grounded in unity and shared responsibility.The organisation emphasised the importance of instilling an industrial and entrepreneurial mindset among young people, noting that youth empowerment is key to achieving sustainable economic growth.It also rallied Zimbabweans to embrace the government's development agenda under Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the country into an uppermiddleincome economy.The group expressed support for the leadership of the Second Republic under Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, saying ongoing development initiatives are helping to steer the country towards modernisation and economic recovery."As we celebrate 46 years of independence, let us promote unity and work together in building our nation. Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo," the statement read.Zimbabwe attained independence on 18 April 1980, marking the end of colonial rule and the beginning of selfgovernance.
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PoliticsFederalImmigration Editorial Coalition immigration crackdown may prove a line in the quicksand The Herald's View Editorial April 15, 2026  5:31am

April 15, 2026  5:31am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Coalition leader Angus Taylors decision to go down the rabbit hole and offer Liberal Party voters a One Nation-lite variation on immigration is a risky gambit that reflects poorly on a political party that needs to appeal to a broader base. Taylor unveiled the first part of his plan for an immigration crackdown in a provocative hardline speech to the Menzies Research Centre that pushed many of the buttons Pauline Hanson has been thumping for years. Federal opposition leader Angus Taylor makes an address at the Sydney Menzies Research Centre on Tuesday. Wolter Peeters His speech also carried echoes of the Trump administrations ICE-style hardline approach to border protection and deportations, and proposed making compliance with Australian values a compulsory visa condition, introducing mandatory social media screening, reintroducing temporary protection visas after they were abolished by Labor in 2023, fast-tracking the rejection of unfounded asylum claims, and scaling up deportations.

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Taylor said Australia had turned a blind eye to the reality that migrants from liberal democracies had a greater likelihood of subscribing to Australian values than those from places ruled by fundamentalists, extremists and dictators. Our door has also been opened to people who, while rejecting hate and violence, nevertheless still reject our core values. People who dont believe in equal rights for men and women. People who dont believe in the rule of law and want to establish parallel legal systems. People who dont believe in freedom of speech, association and religion, he said. Related Article Updated

Immigration Hanson scoffs at Taylors anti-immigrant pitch Immigration is a pivotal component of the Australian economy. Numerous reputable studies show migrants add value both to the economy and to a diversified culture. National overseas migration has dropped from 429,000 in 2023-24 to about 306,000 for 2024-25. Labor has an annual target of 225,000 people over the next three years. The Coalition has started increasingly aping One Nation concerns about immigration numbers. Taylor did not stipulate how many he proposed to cut from Australias intake. Instead, he singled out one group for special attention. Taylor said the 1300 Gazans who made it to Australia after the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 present a clear risk to our country and would have their visas reassessed.

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It is a baseless, idiotic and ugly jibe, worsened by his failure to present any evidence that Palestinians in Australia represent a threat. While it is legitimate to question the overall number of immigrants taken into Australia, hate-mongering and xenophobia should never be a ground for legitimate politics. Australia is not, and does not want to become, a country that targets individual groups for exclusion or demonisation. One Nations rise in the opinion polls and the unprecedented capture of four seats in the recent South Australian election spell big trouble for the National Party in particular and the Liberals in general. In the urban heartland, the right flank has gone to One Nation, the centre (and women) to the teals, and young voters to Labor and the Greens. But rather than staunch the outflow of support, Taylors inflammatory speech doubled down and promoted social division; hardly an edifying moment for a politician aspiring to the prime ministership. Jordan Baker sends an exclusive newsletter to subscribers each week. Sign up to receive her Note from the Editor.

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WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Opinion On Americas most important day, Trump may have little to celebrate Bruce Wolpe Senior fellow at the US Studies Centre and former political staffer April 14, 2026  11:30am

April 14, 2026  11:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

US Vice President JD Vance refused to be deterred from interfering in Hungarys election by the polls predicting that Viktor Orban, the Trumpist authoritarian, was headed for a devastating defeat at the weekend. Even Orban said we will achieve a victory that will surprise everyone. JD Vance waves before his speech to a pre-election rally in Hungary. AP Vance indeed addressed a huge rally for Orban, and got President Donald Trump on the phone, who boomed to the crowd: He does a job, remember this, he didnt allow people to storm your country and invade your country like other people have, and ruin their countries, frankly. Hes kept your country good, hes kept Hungarian people in your country. And hes done a fantastic job. Now Orban is out of a job. What started in Canada and Australia in 2025, when Trumpist themes spurred Mark Carney to victory in Canada and helped lead the Liberal Party to defeat in the election here, the anti-Trump mood seeded by Trumps relentless attacks on NATO now sweeping Europe has become a growing force across Western democracies.

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Before this war of choice, launched by Trump and Israels Benjamin Netanyahu, the regime of the hardline ayatollahs was fully in power. Iran retained its enriched nuclear fuel even after the obliteration of Irans nuclear capacity by the US and Israel last June. The Strait of Hormuz was open. Iran had not attacked any Gulf nations notwithstanding their strategic alignment with the United States. Related Article Opinion

Middle East at war Trump and Netanyahu started the war together. Only one is determined to keep fighting Peter Hartcher Political and international editor Under the current ceasefire, the ayatollahs regime is still in power, they still have possession of their enriched uranium, the Strait of Hormuz is closed, and Iran has inflicted attacks on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and others. In announcing his blockade, Trump said, The Iranians dont seem to realise they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the world by using international waterways. The blockade is now in effect but will be slow to yield a decisive outcome. The current experience with sanctions, such as those imposed against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, is they are insufficient to end a war.

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Bruce Wolpe is a senior fellow at the University of Sydneys United States Studies Centre. He has served on the Democratic staff in the US Congress and as chief of staff to former prime minister Julia Gillard. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform. Sign up here.
PHILIPSBURG:--- A delegation from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) has successfully completed a benchmarking mission to Aruba and Curacao in support of the ongoing reform of the Inspectorate of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (IVSA).

The delegation, consisting of representatives from the Public Health, Labor, and Social Development departments, met with a wide range of ministries, inspectorates, and public institutions in both Aruba and Curacao. These included inspectorates of public health, labor, social development, and education, as well as departments responsible for human resources, elderly care, food safety, and public health governance.

The mission had multiple objectives, including gathering input on the ongoing IVSA reform and advancing preparations for establishing a healthcare professional registry system (the BIG) in Sint Maarten.

Another focus of the visit was the development of the BIG registry for Sint Maarten. The delegation met with the Aruba Quality Institute to gain insight into systems for the registration, licensing, diploma recognition, and quality assurance of healthcare professionals. Establishing such a registry is considered a critical step toward ensuring that healthcare professionals practicing in Sint Maarten meet the required standards, qualifications, and professional regulations. The registry will also strengthen oversight, improve transparency, and support the Ministrys ability to safeguard the quality of healthcare services provided to the community.

Key findings from the visit highlighted the importance of a clear legal mandate for inspectorates, strong enforcement mechanisms, and safeguarding the independence of supervisory bodies. The mission also emphasized the need for improved coordination between institutions, a clear separation between policy-making and supervision, and the effective use of data to support oversight and decision-making.

Importantly, a number of the insights gathered during the benchmarking mission confirmed feedback and observations that had already been raised internally by staff within the Ministry. The visit therefore served not only as a learning opportunity, but also as a way to validate the experiences and recommendations provided by the Ministrys own professionals.

The insights gathered during the mission will directly inform the ongoing reform of IVSA as well as the development of the BIG healthcare professional registry. Both initiatives are aimed at strengthening the Ministrys ability to properly regulate healthcare professionals, improve oversight, and ensure that residents of Sint Maarten continue to receive safe and quality care.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, emphasized the importance of the mission and its broader impact on strengthening the Ministrys institutional capacity.

This mission allowed us to gain valuable insight into how inspectorates in Aruba and Curacao are structured and operate. At the same time, many of the observations made during the visit confirmed feedback that had already been provided by our own staff within the Ministry. That is important, because it shows that the experiences and recommendations coming from our professionals here in Sint Maarten are valid and aligned with best practices in the region, Minister Brug stated.

Minister Brug further noted that the Ministry remains committed to continuously strengthening its staff and institutions so they can carry out their responsibilities effectively for the community.

Our goal is to ensure that the professionals within the Ministry have the tools, knowledge, and support needed to perform their duties at the highest standard. By combining the valuable experience of our own staff with lessons learned from regional partners, we are building a stronger system of oversight that benefits both healthcare providers and the community we serve, the Minister added.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten, a local environmental conservation non-profit, was among a small group of delegates at the high-level OCTA Ministerial Conference on April 11 in Aruba, to present on the need for increased, long-term biodiversity funding across Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). Part of the 21st OCTs-EU Forum, the occasion allowed beneficiaries of the BESTLIFE2030 Programme to communicate directly with top-ranking ministers and regional authorities of OCTs, the European Commission, Member States, and regional stakeholders.

Project Manager Sabrine Brismeur, a resident of Saint-Martinois parentage, represented the Nature Foundation alongside three other program beneficiaries from Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Eustatius, along with IUCN BESTLIFE2030 coordination team. Over the course of an hour, the group made the case for why the EU must continue to scale up investment in biodiversity initiatives in the OCTs, drawing on their direct experience implementing various projects.

The invitation also served as an opportunity for the Nature Foundation to share its experience and feedback on BESTLIFE2030 directly with its coordinators. EU-funded programs like BESTLIFE2030, while incredibly valuable, are noted for their rigorous administration and reporting requirements, which can be difficult for small, capacity-strained organizations to meet. Communication and relationships between on-the-ground practitioners and high-level grant administrators are essential to improving the conditions and outcomes of successful projects.

"These sorts of programs are critical to our work on Sint Maarten and allow us to carry out projects that are innovative, targeted, or long overdue," said Brismeur. "Funding for biodiversity conservation among our islands is low, especially for extremely small NGOs like the Nature Foundation  which does not benefit from sustainability or nature fees, head taxes, environmental fines, or even nature park entry tickets, since we are the only island in the Dutch Caribbean without a terrestrial park.

Programs including BESTLIFE2030  a grantmaking mechanism focused on preserving and restoring biodiversity in the EU's outermost regions (ORs) and OCTs  are funded by the EU to advance shared global biodiversity commitments. Through the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sint Maarten is party to various treaties including the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol and the 30x30 targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

"Biodiversity conservation is not just about wildlife itself, but about how species and ecosystems help sustain economies, generate savings, feed populations, improve health, protect infrastructure, and root culture," said Brismeur. "For example, our project ties together the capacity of sustainable fisheries and elasmobranchs - sharks and rays - to provide long-term benefits for our local fishers.

The Nature Foundation would like to sincerely thank the coordinators of IUCN BESTLIFE2030 Programme and OCTA for the invitation and opportunity, as well as the policymakers, politicians, and civil servants present in the room for listening and considering the presentation.

The Nature Foundation's BESTLIFE2030 project, MENAA (Marine Elasmobranch Nursery Area Advocacy), seeks to build a foundation for the long-term success of Sint Maarten's marine and coastal areas, particularly for sharks and rays. Research shows that local waters serve as a nursery for species including tiger sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and spotted eagle rays. These animals are crucial for reef health and fishery stability but remain threatened by poaching and ghost nets, despite existing local protections. Learn more about the program at https://naturefoundationsxm.org/projects/menaa.

The BESTLIFE2030 Programme is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A woman from Borrowdale in Harare has appeared in court after allegedly stabbing a taxi driver multiple times in a shocking broad daylight incident.Michelle Nhukarume appeared before Harare magistrate Ayanda Dhlamini facing an assault charge. She was granted bail of US$100.The complainant, Godwin Mikiri, is a self-employed taxi driver who operates using the inDrive platform.Prosecutor Tinashe Maphosa told the court that on April 10, 2026, at around 11am, Nhukarume hired Mikiri to drive her on errands around the city.The court heard that she directed him to Gumble Close in Borrowdale, claiming she wanted to pick up a person identified only as Herry. Mikiri reportedly waited for more than an hour while Nhukarume allegedly gave repeated assurances and excuses to prevent him from leaving, promising to increase the fare.At around midday, Nhukarume allegedly received a phone call and exited the vehicle, saying she needed privacy. While Mikiri reclined his seat to rest, she is said to have re-entered the car through the rear passenger door and launched a sudden attack with a kitchen knife.She allegedly stabbed him in the chest, sparking a struggle as he tried to defend himself. During the altercation, Nhukarume is accused of repeatedly striking him, leaving him with a chest wound and multiple injuries to his hands.The court heard that in a desperate attempt to stop the assault, Mikiri grabbed the knife by its blade and pulled it towards himself, managing to bite the accused on the neck. The knife reportedly fell during the struggle.Bleeding heavily, Mikiri shouted for help, drawing the attention of a nearby resident, Mrs Muzambe, and three other men who rushed to assist him.Mrs Muzambe reportedly drove the injured driver to a nearby clinic for treatment before taking Nhukarume to the police station, where a report was filed.The matter is still pending before the court.
N. Korea's Kim oversees navy cruise missile test: KCNA



Seoul, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2026



North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw new tests of strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles launched from a naval destroyer, state media reported Tuesday.

The weapons tests occurred on Sunday, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said, and are the latest in a string of recent missile launches by the nuclear-armed nation.

Two strategic cruise missiles each flew for around 7,900 seconds -- or over two hours -- according to KCNA, while the anti-warship missiles flew for nearly 2,000 seconds (33 minutes).

The missiles flew "along the flight orbits set in the sky above the West Sea of Korea and struck the targets with ultra-precision hit accuracy", KCNA said, using its preferred name for the Yellow Sea.

The tests were carried out from the Choe Hyon, one of two 5,000-ton destroyers in the North's arsenal, both launched last year as Kim seeks to ramp up the country's naval capabilities.

A photo released by KCNA shows a missile in its initial flight stage after being launched from the warship, with an orange flame trailing from its tail.

Another image shows Kim watching the test-fire from a distance, flanked by naval officials.

KCNA said that Kim was also briefed Tuesday on planning for the weapon systems of two more destroyers under construction and that he "made an important conclusion".

Kim "expressed great satisfaction over the fact that the preparedness of our army's strategic action has been strengthened", KCNA said.

Kim reiterated that bolstering the North's nuclear deterrent was the "most important priority task," it added.
Trump vows US will sink any Iran boats that challenge blockade



Washington, United States, April 13 (AFP) Apr 13, 2026



US President Donald Trump warned Monday that any Iranian attack boats that approach the American naval blockade around Iran's ports would be destroyed, despite international calls for a ceasefire to be respected and negotiations to resume.

The US military said the blockade, which took effect at 1400 GMT, applied to all ships leaving or seeking to dock at Iranian harbors.

In a social media post, Trump said the bulk of Iran's navy had already been destroyed during the war, but that if any of what he said were Tehran's few remaining "fast attack ships" approach the blockade "they will be immediately ELIMINATED."

He also said 34 ships had passed through the strait on Sunday, adding it was the most since the war began, though the figure could not be immediately corroborated.

Trump announced the blockade on Sunday after a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance returned from a meeting with Iranian officials in Pakistan without securing a deal to end the war, launched on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Tehran.

"I really think the ball is in the Iranian court, because we put a lot on the table. We actually made very clear what our red lines were," Vance told Fox News on Monday.

He said Washington must control Iran's enriched uranium, and that there must be a verification mechanism to ensure Tehran does not develop a nuclear weapon in the future.

Last Wednesday, the US and Iran agreed a two-week truce to allow the negotiations to go ahead, and mediator Pakistan and Gulf state Qatar were still calling on Monday for it to be respected as diplomatic efforts continue.

"The ceasefire is still holding and, as I speak, full efforts are underway to resolve the outstanding issues," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan told a cabinet meeting.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said Iranian representatives had called seeking to make a deal since the Islamabad talks failed, without identifying which officials had called.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the United States for the impasse in the talks during a call with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

"Unfortunately, we witnessed the continued excessive demands of the American side in the negotiations, which led to the failure to achieve a result," his ministry quoted him as saying.



- Freedom of navigation -



Qatari Foreign Minister and Premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani urged both sides to guarantee freedom of navigation and refrain from using maritime routes "as a tool for pressure," encouraging Tehran and Washington to remain in touch with mediators.

Iran had already closed the strait to what it regards as enemy shipping, allowing only vessels serving countries it deems friendly -- such as China -- to cross.

Analysts suggested the US president was trying to starve Iran of funds but also pressure Beijing, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, to lean on Tehran to reopen Hormuz.

Beijing criticized the blockade, with foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasizing the strait's importance to trade and saying that "maintaining its security, stability, and unimpeded flow is in the common interest of the international community."

UN chief Antonio Guterres also called for freedom of navigation to be respected and pointed to the mariners trapped in the Gulf.

"We need to remember that some 20,000 seafarers have been caught up in this conflict and are currently stranded on ships, facing increasing hardships daily," his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

US Central Command said the blockade included "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 forces would not impede vessels transiting the strait to and from non-Iranian ports, it added.

Iran's military command issued a statement branding the blockade an act of piracy, and warned that if the security of its harbors "is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe".

French President Emmanuel Macron said that France and Britain would host a conference with countries prepared to join a "peaceful multinational mission" to secure the strait, but it would be "strictly defensive" and only operational once circumstances permit.



- Russian offer -



Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehran's delegation in Pakistan, has said Tehran will "not bow to any threats," while navy chief Shahram Irani has called Trump's blockade "ridiculous."

The strait was far from the only friction point impeding efforts to end the war.

The US delegation in Islamabad -- led by Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner -- was frustrated by Iran's refusal to give up what it insists is a civilian nuclear program.

Russia has offered to hold Iran's enriched uranium safely as part of any deal.

"The offer still stands, but has not been acted upon," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

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Lebanon, Israel to meet for tough talks in Washington



Washington, United States, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Lebanese and Israeli representatives are scheduled to meet in Washington Tuesday for US-mediated talks on ending the war in Lebanon, but the prospects of an agreement appear slim.

Naim Qassem -- the leader of pro-Iran Hezbollah, which is battling Israel -- called for the talks to be scrapped before they even began, describing them as "futile."

Lebanon was pulled into the region-wide Iran war on March 2 after Hezbollah attacked Israel.

Since then Israeli strikes -- including an extremely heavy attack on Beirut on April 8 -- have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than one million, despite international calls for a ceasefire. And Israeli ground forces have invaded south Lebanon.

The meeting mediated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio will include the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to Washington and the US ambassador to Beirut.

"The Israeli and Lebanese governments are engaging in open, direct, high-level diplomatic talks -- the first such talks since 1993 -- brokered by the United States," a State Department official said on condition of anonymity.

"This conversation will scope the ongoing dialogue about how to ensure the long-term security of Israel's northern border and to support the government of Lebanon's determination to reclaim full sovereignty over its territory," the official added.

But the two sides remain diametrically opposed.

"This dialogue between Israel and Lebanon... is aimed at disarming the Hezbollah terrorist organization, removing them from Lebanon, and establishing peaceful relations between our two countries," Israeli government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian told journalists on Monday.

"We will not discuss a ceasefire with Hezbollah, which continues to carry out indiscriminate attacks against Israel and our civilians," Bedrosian said.



- 'Expectations are low' -



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that "we want the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations."

On the Lebanese side, President Joseph Aoun said Monday he hoped the Washington talks will yield "an agreement... on a ceasefire in Lebanon, with the aim of starting direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel."

US diplomats have meanwhile found themselves in a difficult position in recent days regarding the Lebanon conflict, fearing that it might hinder talks with Iran, which failed to achieve a breakthrough on Sunday in Pakistan.

President Donald Trump's administration insists on the disarmament of Hezbollah, but also respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty, while simultaneously upholding Israel's rights -- positions that appear difficult to reconcile.

It would take "a lot of imagination and optimism to think" that the issues between Israel and Lebanon can be solved in Washington Tuesday, a former Israeli defense official told journalists on condition of anonymity, adding that "expectations are low."

"It will be very difficult to reach any agreement, and Israel will create a buffer zone in the north very similar to what we have in Gaza," the former official added.

According to a poll by the Israel Democracy Institute, the results of which were published on Monday, 80 percent of Jewish Israelis "think that Israel should continue the fighting in Lebanon against Hezbollah, regardless of developments vis-a-vis Iran, even if this results in friction with the US administration."

Hezbollah entered the Middle East war on March 2 to avenge the death of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the Israeli-American offensive on February 28.

Israel hit back with large-scale, deadly air strikes across Lebanon, and a ground offensive in the country's south.
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



The latest developments in the Middle East war:



- China urges talks -



China's President Xi Jinping vowed Tuesday his country would play a "constructive role" in promoting further peace talks and called for the national sovereignty of countries in the Middle East and Gulf to be "respected", state media reported.

Xi stressed "China's principled stance of promoting peace and urging talks", according to state news agency Xinhua, as the United States began a blockade of Iranian ports after a first round of peace talks ended without agreement.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who met with Xi on a visit to Beijing, said China could play an "important role" in ending the war.



- US seeks pause of Iran uranium enrichment -



The United States sought a 20-year suspension of Iran's uranium enrichment programme as part of a deal to end the war, according to media reports Monday, after Washington and Tehran failed to come to an agreement.

US President Donald Trump launched the war on February 28 saying Iran was developing an atomic bomb -- which it denies -- and vowed to never let the Islamic republic get its hands on a nuclear weapon.



- Oil plunges on hopes for deal -



Oil prices plunged and stocks rose on Tuesday on hopes for a deal to end the war, with Trump saying Tehran had called to seek an agreement, even as a US blockade of Iranian ports came into force.

While weekend peace talks in Pakistan ended with no breakthrough, investors took heart from the fact the two sides found some areas of agreement, with the Islamic republic saying they had been "inches away" at one point.



- Iran slams US blockade -



Iran slammed a US blockade around its ports on Monday as a "grave violation" of its sovereignty.

Trump said earlier that US forces would destroy any Iranian "fast attack ships" that approach the American naval blockade of Iranian ports that came into effect on Monday.



- Hezbollah urges Lebanon drop Israel talks -



Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem urged Lebanon to cancel planned talks Tuesday with Israel in Washington, reiterating his group's rejection of direct negotiations with the neighbouring country.

"We call for a historic and heroic stance by cancelling this negotiating meeting," Qassem, whose Iran-backed group has been at war with Israel since March 2, said in a televised address.

The Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States are scheduled to meet on Tuesday.



- Tough outlook for energy markets -



April could shape up to be a tougher month than March for energy markets and the economy, the head of the International Energy Agency said Monday.

Fatih Birol said March saw delivery of cargo loaded before the crisis in the Middle East, but "during the month of April, nothing has been loaded".

"The longer the disruption is, the more severe the problem becomes," he told reporters after a meeting at the International Monetary Fund in Washington.



- Trump says ships pass Strait of Hormuz -



Trump said 34 ships had passed through the Strait of Hormuz, but the figure could not be immediately corroborated.

"34 Ships went through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, which is by far the highest number since this foolish closure began," he posted on Truth Social on Monday.



- No Trump apology -



Trump said he had "nothing to apologise for" after criticising Pope Leo XIV's calls for an end to the conflict in the Middle East.

"Pope Leo said things that are wrong. He was very much against what I'm doing with regard to Iran, and you cannot have a nuclear Iran," said Trump, adding that the US-born pope was "very weak on crime and other things".

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned Trump's criticism of Leo as "unacceptable".



- Trump: Iran wants a deal -



Trump said Iranian representatives had called to make a peace deal after talks in Pakistan ended at the weekend without agreement.

"I can tell you that we've been called by the other side. They'd like to make a deal. Very badly, very badly," he told reporters outside the Oval Office, without identifying which officials had called.

burs-jhb/gv`
Israel stands still to honour Holocaust victims



Jerusalem, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Israel came to a standstill on Tuesday as sirens sounded across the country in tribute to the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis during World War II.

At 10:00 am local time (0700 GMT), Israel observed a two-minute silence, with traffic coming to a halt and the rhythm of everyday life suspended in a symbolic act of remembrance for those who perished.

The commemoration, held each year in April or May in accordance with the Hebrew calendar, is separate from International Holocaust Remembrance Day which is marked on January 27.

This year's commemoration comes amid a fragile two-week ceasefire with Iran after a deadly war that began on February 28, when a joint US-Israeli air attack killed Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel remains engaged in deadly combat with Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah militants in south Lebanon, even as separate talks are scheduled to take place between Israeli and Lebanese officials later Tuesday in Washington.

Official ceremonies began on Monday evening with a state event at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, attended by senior officials.

"We delivered the heaviest blow in that (Iran) regime's history. It stands weaker than ever before," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the Yad Vashem ceremony.

"For two and a half years, we have been systematically crushing the Iranian axis of evil ... in Gaza ... in Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria and Yemen," he said, using the biblical term for the occupied West Bank.

"Had we not acted, names like Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan and Parchin might have become synonymous with horror -- like Auschwitz, Treblinka, Majdanek and Sobibor," Netanyahu said, comparing Iran's nuclear sites to Nazi-era extermination camps.

In a separate statement on Monday marking the occasion, Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir also vowed to thwart any threat facing the country.

"On the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day the message from here is clear and unequivocal: we will not be deterred! We will look every threat in the eye and eliminate it in advance," Zamir said.

Memorial events will take place across the country on Tuesday.

Officials say that around 111,000 survivors of Nazi persecution still live in Israel, down from last year's recorded number of 120,507.
China calls US blockade of Iran ports 'dangerous and irresponsible'



Beijing, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



China said on Tuesday that a US blockade around Iranian ports was "dangerous and irresponsible", after US President Donald Trump threatened to sink any boats that sought to leave or dock there.

Trump had ordered the blockade of ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Gulf following the failure of peace talks over the weekend.

The blockade came into force at 1400 GMT Monday, despite the United States and Iran agreeing to a two-week ceasefire days earlier.

"The US increased military deployments and took a targeted blockade action, which will only exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement and further jeopardise safety of passage through the Strait (of Hormuz)," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference.

"This is dangerous and irresponsible behaviour," he added.

Iran had already closed the vital Strait of Hormuz to what it regards as enemy shipping, allowing only vessels serving countries it deems friendly -- such as China -- to cross.

Trump's blockade, analysts say, aims to starve Iran of funds and pressure Beijing, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, to lean Tehran to open the strait, through which one-fifth of global oil transits.

Tehran's ambassador to the United Nations called Trump's blockade a "grave violation" of Iran's sovereignty.

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged respect earlier on Tuesday for sovereignty of nations in the Gulf and Middle East, saying Beijing would continue to play a "constructive role" in promoting peace talks.

Xi made the comments as he met with Abu Dhabi Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Beijing, one of several leaders of countries impacted by the war to visit China over the issue.
News / National

by Kuda Bwititi and Lincoln Towindo

President Mugabe has dismissed War Veterans Minister Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa from Cabinet, replacing him with his deputy, Colonel (Retired) Tshinga Dube.This follows Ambassador Mutsvangwa's three-year suspension from the ruling Zanu-PF for misconduct and disloyalty.Rtd Col Dube was sworn into office by the President at State House in Harare yesterday.And after the ceremony, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda told The Sunday Mail: "(Mutsvangwa) has been relieved of his duties as Cabinet minister, and official communication to this effect was sent to him on Friday. The reasons for his departure were linked to the decision made by the Politburo last Thursday."The Politburo found Ambassador Mutsvangwa guilty of undermining the authority of Zanu-PF's President and First Secretary, and insulting the First Family.He will not hold any party position during his suspension, though he can remain a Zanu-PF member and National Assembly representative.In his State of the Nation Address last month, President Mugabe blasted the ex-combatants leader for organising an illegal war veterans meeting and failing to notify him of his intentions as patron.Said the President: "Mutsvangwa did not inform me, the VPs or security ministers about the war veterans meeting. We take exception to that. He has acted in a manner we describe as irresponsible, completely irresponsible."People were naturally hurt or at least they had this water from cannons come on their bodies and teargas as well. Mutsvangwa bears responsibility for inviting war veterans to an illegal meeting. He abused his authority as minister in the gravest way possible. We take exception to that."Minister Dube told journalists that his immediate task was to unite war veterans and improve their welfare."We are not supposed to recognise any faction. What we are trying to do is bring these people together so that we can manage them properly."Just imagine: If we have many factions, not just two, and collaborators also split into factions and restrictees do the same a So, we want to unite these war veterans, persuading them to work together. Division has never achieved any success."We all know it is difficult to superintend divided people.''I cannot support any faction; all I am trying to do is persuade them to see the sense in coming together so as to create a proper structure for them."The minister spoke of his "many dreams for war vets", adding that adequate planning should go into the proposed meeting between war veterans and their patron, President Mugabe."I think (the meeting will go on), but these things need a lot of preparation because we have many war veterans a 34 000. We can't bring all of them to Harare, so we need to get representatives."His Excellency says he is ready to meet them this coming week, but this might also be postponed until such a time when all preparations have been made."Hailing from Matopo, the new minister became politically active after leaving school, joining the liberation struggle in 1961.He stayed in Zambia where he held different positions in Zapu until 1964 when he went for military training in Russia aged 22.On his return, he was immediately deployed to the war front in the then Southern Rhodesia where he majored in communications and commissariat work.He remained at the front for a year, but was eventually pressured to cross into Botswana by the Rhodesian forces, resulting in his arrest there.Later he was to command a recruitment camp in Zambia and become a member of the Zipra High Command.Minister Dube was conscripted into the Defence Forces at Independence in 1980 and then moved to the Defence Ministry where he was research and development director.He was to then join the Zimbabwe Defence Industries.An engineer by profession, President Mugabe conferred him with the Grand Officer of the Zimbabwe Order of Merit on August 14, 2012.He was appointed War Veterans, Ex-Political Detainess and Restrictees Welfare Services Deputy Minister in 2015 and now takes overall charge of the portfolio.
Iraq hands over two cleared IS suspects to US, Finland



Baghdad, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Iraq's judiciary said Tuesday it had handed over two detained foreigners, from Finland and the United States, to their countries after finding that had not been Islamic State group members.

Many prisons in Iraq are packed with IS suspects.

In February, the United States completed the transfer of 5,700 IS detainees, including hundreds of foreigners, from Syria to Iraq.

The National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC) said it has handed "two suspects -- a minor from Finland and another from the United States -- to the competent authorities in their countries after it was confirmed that they don't belong to the Daesh terrorists", using an Arabic acronym for IS.

"The handover took place after all legal and judicial procedures were completed," the judiciary said in a statement carried by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

The judiciary did not specify whether the two detainees referred to were among those who had been transferred from Syria.

Upon the detainees' arrival in Iraq, the judiciary began interrogations before taking legal action against suspects from some 60 countries.

These include 3,543 Syrians, 467 Iraqis and 710 detainees from other Arab nations.

There are also more than 980 foreigners including from Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States.

IS swept across Syria and Iraq in 2014, committing massacres and forcing women and girls into sexual slavery.

Iraq, backed by US-led forces, proclaimed victory over IS in the country in 2017, and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces ultimately defeated the group in Syria two years later.

Iraqi courts have handed down hundreds of death sentences and life terms to those convicted of terrorism offences, including foreign fighters.
Ex-NATO chief says UK 'not safe': reports



London, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



A former head of NATO warned Tuesday that Britain's national security is "in peril", as he launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's record on defence.

George Robertson, an ex-defence secretary from Starmer's Labour party, was to use a speech to accuse ministers of "corrosive complacency", according to excerpts reported by the Financial Times and BBC.

"We are underprepared. We are underinsured. We are under attack. We are not safe," Robertson was to say, calling the Iran war a "rude wake-up call".

Robertson, NATO secretary general between 1999 and 2004, was commissioned by Starmer's government to lead a review of the UK's defence capabilities, which was published last year.

A 10-year defence investment plan following the review was meant to be published late last year but has not yet been produced.

Robertson, 80, told the Financial Times there was a gap between Starmer's rhetoric on defence and the action he had delivered, saying the prime minister was "not willing to make the necessary investment".

In his speech in Salisbury, southern England on Tuesday night, Robertson was to accuse "non-military experts" in Britain's treasury of "vandalism", according to the reports.

"Lip service is paid to the risks, the threats, the bright red signals of danger -- but even a promised national conversation about defence can't be started," he was to say.

Starmer has pledged to raise defence spending to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product from next year, increasing to three percent in the next parliament.

The rise comes amid demands from US President Donald Trump that NATO allies spend more on defence, and as Europe faces continued Russian aggression.

"We are delivering on the Strategic Defence Review to meet the threats we face," a government spokesman said, adding the defence investment plan will be published "as soon as possible".
CORRECTED: Russia's oil export revenue surged to $19 bn in March during Mideast war: IEA



Paris, France, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Russia nearly doubled its earnings from oil exports in March as Moscow was granted sanctions relief in a bid to offset soaring energy prices during the war in the Middle East, the International Energy Agency said Tuesday.

The country earned $19 billion last month as crude and oil product exports rose to 7.1 million barrels per day (mb/d), an increase of 320 thousand barrels a day from February levels.

The United States eased some restrictions on sales of Russian crude imposed over its war against Ukraine, allowing countries to purchase oil that was already at sea until April 11.
Lebanon, Israel to hold direct talks as Trump blockades Iran



Washington, United States, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Lebanese and Israeli representatives were set to meet Tuesday in Washington for their first direct talks in decades, but Hezbollah's opposition to the US-mediated negotiations signalled little prospect of an agreement to stop fighting.

The United States is pressing for a halt to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, fearing that it could derail a two-week ceasefire, despite talks with Tehran in Pakistan failing to achieve a breakthrough.

Washington said "the ball is in the Iranian court" on ending the region-wide war, after a US naval blockade on Iranian ports began in the Strait of Hormuz, which has already been effectively closed by Tehran.

Lebanon was pulled into the broader conflict after Hezbollah attacked Israel, sparking an Israeli ground invasion and strikes -- including an extremely heavy attack on Beirut on April 8 -- that have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced over one million.

The Washington meeting -- the first such talks since 1993 -- will be mediated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and include the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States.

But expectations of any major advances were low, with Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem calling for the talks to be scrapped before they even began, describing them as "futile".

Israel's government ruled out discussing any ceasefire with Hezbollah, insisting instead on the disarmament of the group which it accuses of keeping up rocket fire against civilians in the north of the country.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said he hopes a truce deal can be agreed and full-blown negotiations launched between the two countries, which have technically been at war for decades.

On the ground, war-weary residents of Beirut said they hoped the talks would pave the way for an end to the violence that has upended their lives.

"We are extremely tired," said Kamal Ayad, 49. "We have lived through many wars and we want rest."



- US blockades Iran -



While attention switched to the meeting on the war between Hezbollah and Israel, Trump sought to squeeze Iran with a naval blockade as diplomatic efforts accelerated towards a new round of peace talks with Tehran.

US Central Command said the move included "vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman".

Iran's military command branded the blockade an act of piracy, and warned that if the security of its harbours "is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe".

With his blockade of Iranian ports, Trump was trying to starve Iran of funds but also pressure Beijing, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, to lean on Tehran to reopen Hormuz, analysts said.

China said the blockade around Iranian ports was "dangerous and irresponsible", after Trump threatened to sink any boats that sought to leave or dock there.

The standoff at the strait, through which one-fifth of global oil transits, failed to dampen optimism on global markets, with Asian equities rallying while oil continued a downward slide.

Crucially, the fragile two-week truce agreed last Wednesday remained in place.

Trump insisted that Iranian representatives had called Washington since a US delegation returned empty-handed from negotiations in Islamabad.

"I can tell you that we've been called by the other side. They'd like to make a deal. Very badly, very badly," he told reporters outside the Oval Office.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that "full efforts are underway" to reach an agreement to stop the fighting and that US-Iran ceasefire was "holding".

On Tuesday, senior Pakistani sources told AFP Islamabad was working to bring Iran and the United States together for a second round of talks.

Iranian state TV reported Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran "will continue to talk only within the framework of international law" in a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.



- Nuclear enrichment pause? -



Trump has insisted that an agreement must include stopping Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon, having launched the war after accusing Tehran of developing an atomic bomb -- an allegation it denies.

During weekend talks, the United States reportedly sought a 20-year suspension of Iran's uranium enrichment programme, according to media reports on Monday.

Iran in turn proposed to suspend its nuclear activity for five years, which US officials rejected, The New York Times reported.

Diplomatic efforts were also picking up elsewhere, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov landing in Beijing on Tuesday, hours after Iran's state news agency reported that he had spoken with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Abbas Araghchi.

Moscow has offered to hold Iran's enriched uranium safely as part of any deal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed Tuesday that Beijing would play a "constructive role" in promoting peace talks in the Middle East as he urged respect for sovereignty of nations in the war-torn region, state media reported.

bur-del/srm




Oil demand to plunge as Mideast uncertainty persists, IEA warns



Paris, France, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Demand for crude oil will likely decline this year for the first time since the Covid pandemic slammed the global economy six years ago, weighed down by Mideast war disruptions, the IEA warned Tuesday.

Surging prices caused by the Strait of Hormuz's closure and damage to production facilities will force countries and industries to curtail oil use, and "demand destruction will spread as scarcity and higher prices persist", the International Energy Agency said in its monthly report.

It noted that its forecasts assume a "base case" of oil shipments resuming in May through Hormuz, which Tehran has effectively closed since the US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28.

This would lead to a decline in demand of 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) in the second quarter, "the sharpest since Covid-19 slashed fuel consumption", the agency said.

Overall demand is forecast to have contracted by 800,000 bpd in March and is seen dropping by 2.3 million bpd in April.

But a "protracted case" if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed would lead to persistently high prices that crimp demand by an even higher average of five million bpd through the rest of this year.

"In this case, energy markets and economies around the world need to brace for significant disruptions in the months to come," the agency warned.



- Endgame? -



Global oil use is expected to fall over 2026 as a whole as a result of the Hormuz closure and the destruction of energy infrastructure across the Gulf from retaliatory Iranian attacks.

The IEA now sees a demand drop of 80,000 bpd this year, compared with its previous forecast of growth of 730,000 bpd.

It called it "the largest disruption in history" to the market and cautioned that with "the prospects for a lasting negotiated settlement to the conflict still unclear", the economic pain could be worse.

Already the supply cuts took more than 360 million barrels off the market in March, a figure expected to rise to 440 million barrels for April.

Oil supplies overall plunged to 97 million bpd in March, down by 10.1 million bpd as the Mideast fighting rocked the market.

Oil prices have nearly doubled since the Mideast war began and remain near $100 a barrel, with prices of refined products like petrol and jet fuel rising even higher.

Many governments have already imposed measures to conserve use, but if the fighting continues "energy markets and economies around the world need to brace for significant disruptions in the months to come".

Countries are also tapping into crude stock reserves to soften the blow from lost Gulf exports, and inventories fell by 85 million barrels overall in March.

IEA executive director Fatih Birol has repeatedly said the agency stands ready to approve the release of more reserves if needed.

But some analysts say energy traders are increasingly betting that neither Iran nor the United States want the war to continue, and are banking on talks producing a ceasefire.

Kathleen Brooks, research director at the investing platform XTB, said that even though tensions are high, "the market is comfortable that this war has entered a new stage, one that will lead to the end of fighting and a pathway to reopening the waterway".
Italian PM says suspends defence agreement with Israel



Rome, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Italy has suspended its defence agreement with Israel, which involves the exchange of military equipment and technology research, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and diplomatic sources said Tuesday.

"In view of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel," Meloni said on the sidelines of an event in Verona, according to Italian news agencies ANSA and AGI.

An Italian diplomatic source confirmed to AFP that the agreement had been suspended, saying: "It would have been politically difficult to keep it going."

Approved by Israel in 2006, the agreement is reviewed every five years.

It calls for cooperation across defence industries, education and training of military personnel, research and development and information technology, among others.

Tensions between the two countries have risen over the past week after the Italian government accused Israeli forces of firing warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

Italy summoned Israel's ambassador in protest over the incident that damaged at least one vehicle but caused no injuries.

On Monday, Israel summoned Italy's ambassador following comments by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani that condemned "unacceptable attacks" on Lebanese civilians by Israeli forces.

Tajani, who is deputy prime minister, was in Beirut Monday for talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi.

He later wrote on X that he was there to "convey Italy's solidarity following Israel's unacceptable attacks against the civilian population".

ams/ar/gv
Israel says 10 soldiers wounded in fighting in key Lebanese town



Jerusalem, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



The Israeli military said Tuesday that overnight clashes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah militants left 10 soldiers wounded in the strategically significant southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, which Israeli forces have encircled.

The escalation of fighting in the town comes as Israeli and Lebanese officials hold talks in Washington later on Tuesday to end the war.

According to the military, Israeli troops have now fully surrounded the town, marking a notable advance in their ongoing ground offensive in southern Lebanon.

Fighting in recent days has involved close-quarters, "face-to-face" engagements between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah fighters, the military said.

"Overnight, three IDF soldiers were severely injured, and an additional soldier was moderately injured in a close-quarters encounter" in Bint Jbeil, it said.

"In the incident, six additional soldiers were lightly injured," the military added.

On Monday, the military said its forces killed more than 100 Hezbollah fighters in and around the town over the past few days.

Just five kilometres (three miles) from the Israeli border, Bint Jbeil has long been both a symbolic and strategic flashpoint in confrontations between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.

It was the scene of some of the fiercest fighting during the 2006 war, when Hezbollah's resistance there became central to the group's narrative of defiance.

It was from the stadium in Bint Jbeil in 2000 that the group's former chief Hassan Nasrallah delivered his "Liberation" speech following Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon after 22 years of occupation.

The escalation in Bint Jbeil comes as diplomatic efforts to contain the cross?border fighting have intensified over the past few days.

Israeli and Lebanese officials are set to hold talks on Tuesday in Washington in an effort to end the war.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said ahead of the talks that his country is seeking "peace and normalisation".

"Israel and Lebanon don't have any major disputes between them. The problem is Hezbollah," Saar said at a press conference.

Lebanon was pulled into the wider Middle East war when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei on February 28.

Israel responded with massive strikes in Lebanon and a ground invasion.
Israeli FM says keen to reach 'peace and normalisation' with Lebanon



Jerusalem, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said his country is seeking "peace and normalisation" with Lebanon, ahead of talks between officials from both nations in Washington on Tuesday.

"We want to reach peace and normalisation with the state of Lebanon... Israel and Lebanon don't have any major disputes between them. The problem is Hezbollah," Saar said at a press conference with visiting Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Petr Macinka.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war after Hezbollah attacked Israel, sparking an Israeli ground invasion and airstrikes -- including an extremely heavy attack on Beirut on April 8.

The fighting has killed more than 2,000 people in Lebanon and displaced over one million.

The Washington meeting -- the first such talks since 1993 -- will be mediated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and include the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States.

Saar said Hezbollah attacked Israel on March 2 "against the will of the Lebanese government".

"The problem for Israel's security is the problem for Lebanon's sovereignty," Saar said.

"It's Hezbollah, it's the same problem. And this problem needs to be addressed in order to move to a different phase."

While Lebanon has called for a ceasefire, Israel has rejected that proposal and continues to insist on the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has urged Lebanon to cancel the talks in Washington, reiterating his group's rejection of direct negotiations with the neighbouring country.
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



The latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Israel wants Lebanon 'normalisation' -



Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said his country is seeking "peace and normalisation" with Lebanon, as the two countries prepared to meet later Tuesday in Washington for their first direct talks in decades.

"We want to reach peace and normalisation with the state of Lebanon," Saar said at a press conference. "Israel and Lebanon don't have any major disputes between them. The problem is Hezbollah," the Iran-backed militant group whose opposition is dampening hopes of any breakthrough at the talks.

Israel's ongoing military campaign in Lebanon is threatening to derail the fragile US-Iranian ceasefire agreement announced a week ago.



- New US-Iran talks? -



Pakistan is working to bring Iran and the United States together for a second round of talks, senior Pakistani sources told AFP, with one saying negotiators were working to extend the countries' current two-week ceasefire "to allow for additional time".

Washington and Tehran held historic face-to-face talks in Islamabad over the weekend, but failed to reach an agreement on ending the war.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he had urged Trump and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian to restart talks.



- Hormuz meeting Friday -



France and Britain will co-host a video conference Friday of more than 40 countries ready to contribute to a "purely defensive mission" to secure the Strait of Hormuz, officials said.

France's Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will co-chair the meeting to discuss a plan to "restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when security conditions allow", the French presidency said.

The plan would be put in place "once the conflict ends", a spokesman for Starmer's office said.



- Stocks rise, oil falls -



Stocks rose and oil fell on hopes for a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump saying Tehran had called to seek an agreement, even as a US blockade of Iranian ports began.

Both main oil prices, West Texas Intermediate and Brent North Sea Crude, fell to hold below $100, with the former down more than two percent.



- Oil demand plunge -



Demand for crude oil will likely decline this year for the first time since the Covid pandemic, said the International Energy Agency.

Surging prices caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to production facilities will force countries and industries to curtail oil use, and "demand destruction will spread as scarcity and higher prices persist", the IEA said in its monthly report.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to sink ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Gulf, imposing a blockade that came into force at 1400 GMT Monday.



- US blockade 'irresponsible': China -



China accused the United States of "dangerous and irresponsible" behaviour over its blockade of Iranian ports, with President Xi Jinping vowing Beijing would play a "constructive role" in promoting peace in the Middle East.

The blockade "will only exacerbate tensions and undermine the already fragile ceasefire agreement and further jeopardise safety of passage through the Strait (of Hormuz)", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told a news conference.

China also vowed "countermeasures" if Trump made good on his threat to impose new tariffs following reports Beijing has supplied or intends to supply weapons to Iran.



- Israeli soldiers wounded -



The Israeli military said overnight clashes between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah militants had left 10 soldiers wounded in the key southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, which Israel's forces have encircled.



- EU jet fuel fears -



The European Commission said it fears Europe could face jet fuel supply issues in the near future, with no end in sight to the war roiling global energy markets.



- Trump: Iran wants a deal -



Trump said Iranian representatives had called to make a peace deal after talks in Pakistan ended at the weekend without agreement.

"I can tell you that we've been called by the other side. They'd like to make a deal. Very badly, very badly," he told reporters outside the Oval Office, without identifying which officials had called.

Trump also said 34 ships had passed through the Strait of Hormuz, but the figure could not be immediately corroborated.

burs-jhb/gv
EU fears jet fuel supply issues in 'near future'



Brussels, Belgium, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



The European Commission said Tuesday it fears Europe could face jet fuel supply issues "in the near future" with no end in sight to the Iran war roiling global energy markets.

"There is no evidence for fuel shortages in the European Union at present, but supply issues could occur in the near future in particular for jet fuels," said spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen.

"That remains our primary concern," she told reporters.

The airports lobby ACI Europe has warned the commission of a risk of "systemic" jet fuel shortages if maritime traffic is not restored in the Strait of Hormuz by the end of April.

Around a fifth of the world's jet fuel normally transits through the strategic waterway, which has been blocked by Iran since late February in response to Israeli-American air strikes.

The conflict has sent jet fuel prices soaring, even more sharply than oil prices.

Airlines have trimmed routes and costs as fuel bills explode and wary clients think twice about travel plans, a situation that could persist even if a fragile truce holds in the Middle East.
News / National

by Pamela Shumba

The government has availed $5 million to be disbursed to workers whose employment contracts were terminated on three months' notice, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira said yesterday.In her Workers Day message, Minister Mupfumira said the $5 million was meant to provide start-up capital to the retrenchees, many of whom are yet to be paid their severance packages."The Workers Day comes at a time when the government has released $5 million to Small and Medium Enterprises for the benefit of the employees whose employment was unfairly terminated on notice after the July 17, 2015 Supreme Court ruling," said Minister Mupfumira.She said in line with Zim-Asset and the 10-point-plan, the government's efforts are directed at creating an empowered society. The Minister said the government was committed to working with social partners to address challenges facing workers and in line with that the Tripartite Negotiating Forum had been revived.She said the government has also reconstituted the Tripartite Labour Law Advisory Council to look at labour law clauses that need to be attended to. Minister Mupfumira said comments on the Draft Tripartite Negotiating Forum Bill were received and are being factored into the Bill so that it can be presented to Cabinet and Parliament for approval.The Minister said the government recognised the workers' contributions to the growth of the economy hence measures being taken to protect workers."I know we're going through tough times but our workers continue to be key assets to Zimbabwe and this year the government has resolved that we're going to have our celebrations tomorrow (today) so that we unite the workers for a common cause," she said."We also have provincial celebrations in some parts of the country and preparations are going on. We had asked unions to co-ordinate the commemorations but we later realised that they aren't interested in celebrating together."This is why the government is taking over for the benefit of the workers. Next year we'll make sure that we've celebrations in every province." In Bulawayo, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) commemorated Workers Day at White City Stadium yesterday, with the union calling for the revival of the economy and the creation of jobs.Ambrose Sibindi, the ZCTU vice chairperson in the western region said commemorating Workers Day was not enjoyable as workers continue to lose their jobs. "The government should work towards reviving the economy. Last year more than 30,000 people lost their jobs yet the government had promised to create more than 2 million jobs."Those who are still employed are as good as unemployed because they go for months without being paid their salaries. We're concerned about the Tripartite Negotiating Forum because it has become just a talk show bringing no results," said Sibindi.
France's Macron says urged Trump, Iran president to restart talks



Paris, France, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday he had urged US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian to resume stalled talks towards ending the Iran war.

"I urged the resumption of the negotiations suspended in Islamabad, the clearing up of misunderstandings, and the avoidance of any further escalation," the French president wrote on X, after speaking to both leaders on Monday.

"It is essential, in particular, that the ceasefire be strictly respected by all parties and that it include Lebanon," Macron said.

"It is equally important that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened unconditionally, without restrictions or tolls, as soon as possible," he added, referring to the key oil and gas shipping route where traffic has stalled since the start of the conflict.

France and Britain will co-host a video conference Friday of countries ready to contribute to a "purely defensive mission" to secure the Strait, Macron's office said earlier Tuesday.

Trump announced a blockade of Iranian ports along the Strait starting on Monday.

He did so after a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance returned from a meeting with Iranian officials in Pakistan without securing a deal to end the war, launched on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Woman among four more Iranians sentenced to death over protests: NGOs



Paris, France, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Iranian authorities have sentenced to death four more people, including a woman, over protests in January this year, several rights groups said on Tuesday.

Iran has already hanged seven people in connection with the protests which activists say were put down in a crackdown that left thousands dead and tens of thousands arrested.

Rights groups accuse the Islamic republic of using the death penalty as a tool of repression to instil fear in society, and fear it will ramp up capital punishment in the wake of the war against Israel and the United States.

The four were sentenced to death by a Tehran Revolutionary Court presided over by the notorious judge Imam Afshari after being convicted of carrying out actions on behalf of the United States, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) and Abdorrahman Boroumand Center said in separate statements.

They had been accused of throwing concrete blocks from a residential building onto security forces in the capital. It was not immediately clear when the verdict was issued.

The four convicted were named as Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl and his wife Bita Hemmati, along with two other men, Behrouz Zamaninejad and Kourosh Zamaninejad, who lived in the same Tehran building as the married couple.

Hemmati is believed to be the first woman to be sentenced to death over the protests.

The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center said it also believed that Hemmati was the woman who appeared in a video broadcast on state television in January being personally interrogated by judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

"The recording and broadcasting of forced confessions from defendants in an opaque process... constitutes a blatant violation of the defendant's rights," it said.

Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) said on Monday in their joint annual report on the death penalty in Iran that at least 1,639 people have been executed in 2025 -- including 48 women.

As well as the seven already executed, death sentences have been issued against at least 26 other people arrested over the January protests and several hundred more are facing charges that could see them executed, IHR warned.

"Dozens of individuals arrested during the January 2026 protests have been sentenced to death following grossly unfair, fast-tracked trials conducted without due process, access to independent counsel and reliance on torture-tainted forced 'confessions' as evidence," said the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran.
Lebanon, Israel to hold direct talks as Trump blockades Iran



Washington, United States, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Israel said it was open to peace with Lebanon ahead of the first direct talks in decades between the neighbours Tuesday, but that Hezbollah remained the "problem" blocking an agreement on ending fighting.

The United States is pressing for a halt to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, fearing it could derail the two-week ceasefire in Washington's war with Iran, despite talks with Tehran in Pakistan failing to achieve a breakthrough.

Washington said "the ball is in the Iranian court" on ending the region-wide war, after a US naval blockade on Iranian ports began in the Strait of Hormuz, which had already been effectively closed by Tehran.

Lebanon was pulled into the broader conflict when Hezbollah attacked Israel, sparking an Israeli ground invasion and strikes -- including an extremely heavy attack on Beirut on April 8 -- that have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced over one million.

Tuesday's meeting in Washington -- the first such in-person talks since 1993 -- will be mediated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and include the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States.

Expectations of any major breakthroughs were low, with Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem calling for the talks to be scrapped before they even began, describing them as "futile".

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said his country was seeking "peace and normalisation" with Lebanon.

But he insisted that Hezbollah was the "problem", and that it needed to be addressed in order to move to a "different phase".

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said he hopes a truce deal can be agreed and full-blown negotiations launched between the two countries, which have technically been at war for decades and don't have official diplomatic relations.



- US blockades Iran -



While attention switched to the meeting on the war between Hezbollah and Israel, Trump sought to squeeze Iran with a naval blockade as diplomatic efforts accelerated towards a new round of peace talks with Tehran.

US Central Command had said the measures covered "vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas".

But at least two ships using Iranian ports passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, data from maritime tracking firm Kpler indicated Tuesday.

Iran's military command branded the blockade an act of piracy and warned that if the security of its harbours was "threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe".

With his blockade of Iranian ports, Trump was trying to starve Iran of funds but also pressure Beijing, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, to lean on Tehran to reopen Hormuz, analysts said.

China said the blockade was "dangerous and irresponsible", after Trump threatened to sink any boats that sought to leave or dock at Iranian ports.

The standoff at the strait, through which one-fifth of global oil transited in peacetime, failed to dampen optimism in global markets, with Asian equities rallying while oil continued a downward slide.

France said it would co-host a video conference with Britain on Friday of countries ready to contribute to a "purely defensive mission" to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Crucially, despite the blockade, the fragile two-week truce agreed last Wednesday between Washington and Tehran remained in place.

Trump insisted that Iranian representatives had called Washington since a US delegation returned empty-handed from negotiations in Islamabad.

"I can tell you that we've been called by the other side. They'd like to make a deal. Very badly, very badly," he told reporters outside the Oval Office.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that "full efforts are underway" to reach an agreement to stop the fighting and that the US-Iran ceasefire was "holding".

On Tuesday, senior Pakistani sources told AFP that Islamabad was working to bring Iran and the United States together for a second round of talks.

Iranian state TV reported that Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran "will continue to talk only within the framework of international law" in a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron.

Macron said he urged Pezeshkian and Trump to resume stalled talks towards ending the Iran war.



- Nuclear enrichment pause? -



Trump has insisted that an agreement must include stopping Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon, having launched the war after accusing Tehran of developing an atomic bomb -- an allegation it denies.

During weekend talks, the United States reportedly sought a 20-year suspension of Iran's uranium enrichment programme, according to media reports on Monday.

Iran in turn proposed to suspend its nuclear activity for five years, which US officials rejected, The New York Times reported.

Diplomatic efforts were also picking up elsewhere, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing on Tuesday, hours after Iran's state news agency reported he had spoken with his Iranian counterpart.

Moscow has offered to hold Iran's enriched uranium safely as part of any deal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed Tuesday that Beijing would play a "constructive role" in promoting peace talks in the Middle East.

bur-del/dcp
Red Cross makes first aid shipments into Iran since start of war



Geneva, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



The international Red Cross movement said Tuesday that a shipment of life-saving medical supplies and other aid has crossed the border into Iran, its first since the start of the war.

The shipment of medical supplies and other aid entered the country on Sunday, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said.

The truck convoy, which set off from the Turkish capital Ankara on Friday, marked "one of the first cross-border shipments of medical supplies" by any organisation since the conflict began with a barrage of Israeli and US strikes on Iran on February 28, IFRC spokesman Tommaso Della Longa told reporters in Geneva.

He said the IFRC had sent trauma kits, "designed to provide immediate, life-saving care".

"The operation is critical as humanitarian supply chains into Iran have been severely disrupted in recent weeks due to the conflict, making it increasingly difficult and more costly for essential medical and relief items to reach those in need," he said.

Della Longa said the IFRC aimed to bring in more trauma kits "in the next three weeks".

The International Committee of the Red Cross -- the other part of the Red Cross movement -- meanwhile said it had delivered a first cross-border aid shipment of 171 metric tonnes of essential relief items to Iran on Monday.

It said a total of 14 trucks had been dispatched from its warehouse in Jordan, carrying "vital household items sufficient to meet the needs of nearly 25,090 people", including blankets, mattresses, jerrycans, kitchen sets, tarpaulins and solar lamps.

In addition, ICRC said 200 generators and 100 motor pumps purchased locally had been donated to the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) to support relief and rescue operations.

"At a time when humanitarian needs remain high across the country, we hope this shipment will bring some relief to communities enduring the devastating impact of the conflict," said Vincent Cassard, head of the ICRC delegation in Iran.

"We aim to expand our support in the coming weeks and to continue backing the humanitarian efforts of the IRCS."

Della Longa highlighted the enormous strain on the Iranian Red Crescent, which he pointed out had "lost four relief workers in the line of duty, while saving lives" since the conflict began. This is unacceptable."
17 nations urge Israel, Lebanon to seize talks 'opportunity'



London, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Foreign ministers from 17 countries, including the UK, Tuesday urged Israel and Lebanon to "seize this opportunity" in a statement ahead of US-mediated talks between the two nations in Washington.

Britain's foreign ministry posted the ministers' joint statement saying "direct negotiations can pave the way to bring lasting security for Lebanon and Israel as well as the region".

The statement called "upon all parties to urgently deescalate and seize the opportunity offered by the ceasefire between the United States and Iran".

It was signed by ministers from Britain and Australia and European countries such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain, but not Germany, Austria, Hungary or Italy.

Israel and Lebanon were set to hold the first direct talks in decades between the warring neighbours, mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Lebanon was pulled into the region-wide Iran war on March 2 after Hezbollah attacked Israel.

Since then Israeli strikes -- including an extremely heavy attack on Beirut on April 8 -- have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than one million.

The statement said that signatories "condemn in the strongest terms" both attacks by Hezbollah on Israel and "massive Israeli strikes on Lebanon".

The countries said they welcomed the initiative by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to open direct talks and were "ready to support" discussions.
Trump says Italy's Meloni lacks 'courage' on Iran war: report



Rome, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a stinging criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his main European allies, over her unwillingness to join the Iran war.

"I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong," he said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

The interview was published the day after Meloni condemned as "unacceptable" Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV, after the pontiff's repeated calls for an end to the war in the Middle East.

Trump told Corriere that it was she who was "unacceptable", alleging she did not care if Iran had a nuclear weapon.

Trump said she did not want Italy to be involved in the war, which began with Israeli-US attacks on Iran, even though it gets much of its oil from the region.

Meloni, Italy's far-right leader since October 2022, has been one of Trump's closest allies in Europe and often seeks to act as a mediator between diverging US and European views.

Meloni's allies and political opponents were swift to offer their support.

"We are and remain staunch supporters of Western unity and steadfast allies of the United States, but this unity is built on mutual loyalty, respect, and honesty," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on X.

He said that until now, Trump considered Meloni a courageous person, and "he was not mistaken, but she is a woman who never shies away from saying what she thinks".

"And on Pope Leo XIV she said exactly what all of us Italians think. The prime minister and the government defend and will always defend only and solely the interests of Italy," he said.

Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, condemned Trump's "serious lack of respect".

"Our constitution is clear -- Italy repudiates war," she added in parliament.
Drone stike hit Iranian Kurds, three wounded: exiled group



Soulaimaniyah, Iraq, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



A drone struck an Iranian Kurdish group on Tuesday wounding three people, a party official told AFP, in the first such attack in northern Iraq since a fragile ceasefire took effect in the region.

Commander Mohammed Hakimi from the exiled Komala party blamed the attack on "Iran and its affiliated militias."

During the Middle East war, Iran repeatedly struck positions belonging to Iranian Kurdish exiled groups in northern Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region.

"A drone struck at 4:45 pm (1345 GMT) Camp Sordash" which belongs to the Komala party, Hakimi told AFP.

"Three Iranian Kurdish refugees were wounded, including a woman who is in a critical condition," Hakimi added.

The camp is located 40 kilometres west of the city of Sulaimaniyah.

Another opposition group, the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), told AFP that a drone attack targeted its camp in the Koysinjaq district near Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region, with no casualties reported.

The autonomous region's Counter-Terrorism Service said "a warplane downed two bomb-laden drones coming from Iran" towards the province of Erbil, without specifying who the warplane belonged to.

The northern Kurdistan region hosts camps and rear bases operated by several Iranian Kurdish rebel groups, which Iran designates as terrorist organisations and accuses of serving Western or Israeli interests.
Iran nuclear programme 'set back' but not wiped out



Paris, France, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



The United States and Israel may have obstructed the path towards a future Iran-built nuclear bomb by severely damaging the Islamic republic's nuclear and ballistic capabilities in recent attacks.

But they have not succeeded in seizing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, key to any future negotiations between Washington and Tehran, experts and diplomatic sources told AFP.

One of US President Donald Trump's justifications for the war he launched was an accusation -- denied by Tehran -- that Iran was developing an atomic bomb. Trump has repeatedly vowed to never allow the country to possess a nuclear weapon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, has stated that the previous war waged against Iran, a 12-day conflict in June 2025, as well as the current one "wiped out" Iran's nuclear programme.

But two European diplomatic sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed caution about the future of Iran's atomic ambitions.

Immediately following the June 2025 strikes, "we were told the programme had been set back by several years, before the figure was revised to just several months", one source noted.

"Iran is no longer a threshold power as it once was," an Israeli diplomatic source, who requested anonymity, told AFP.

A "threshold" state has the expertise, resources and facilities needed to develop a nuclear weapon on short notice should it choose to.

The source argued that, in addition to the infrastructure damage suffered, Iran's know-how "has been seriously undermined by the elimination of the scientists and officials" and the targeting of universities "where the data centres containing Iran's expertise were located".



- 'Substantial setback' -



"Overall, this conflict has set back Iran's nuclear programme substantially," said Spencer Faragasso of the Institute for Science and International Security, a US think tank that monitors Iran's nuclear programme.

"It will take a significant amount of time, investment, and resources to reconstitute all of those lost capabilities," he said.

However, "the gains from the conflict are not permanent by any means".

Tehran still possesses a significant quantity of uranium enriched both to 60 percent, close to the 90-percent level required to make an atomic bomb, as well as a stockpile of uranium enriched to 20 percent, another critical threshold.

Prior to the US strikes in June 2025, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calculated that Iran possessed approximately 440 kilogrammes of uranium enriched to 60 percent, well above the 3.67-percent limit set by a 2015 agreement from which the United States subsequently withdrew.

Since June 2025, the fate of this stockpile has remained uncertain, with Tehran refusing access to IAEA inspectors at the sites ravaged by US and Israeli strikes.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has repeatedly called for the return of international experts.



- Removing enriched uranium -



Part of the stockpile of highly enriched uranium (HEU) is believed to remain buried in the tunnels at the Isfahan site in central Iran.

"At least 220 kilogrammes - roughly half of Iran's declared stockpile of 60 percent HEU - is believed to be stored in the underground tunnel complex at Isfahan," said Faragasso.

"The status of the other half is unclear, but we believe it is buried under the rubble at Fordow as large significant quantities of 60 percent HEU were produced prior to the June 2025 war," he said.

Only an independent inspection would be able to dispel these doubts.

The issue is how this uranium could be removed from Iranian territory under any eventual accord.

Russia reiterated on Monday that it remained ready to accept Iranian enriched uranium on its soil as part of any potential peace agreement between Washington and Tehran.

"This proposal was put forward by President (Vladimir) Putin during contacts with the United States and with countries in the region," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in response to a question from AFP.

But that scenario is a red line for the Europeans in view of the war that Russia has been waging against Ukraine for more than four years.

Moscow and Tehran are cooperating on nuclear matters through Iran's Bushehr power plant, built and operated with Russian assistance for civilian purposes.

The Iranians "don't have an ability to enrich uranium anymore... So it means they cannot build a nuclear bomb at the moment," said Danny Orbach of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

"But they still have the enriched material, which is the hardest thing to obtain," he said.
Rare precedents for Lebanon-Israel peace talks



Beirut, Lebanon, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



There are few precedents for the direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials that began in Washington on Tuesday.



- 1949, Fragile armistice -



The first Arab-Israeli war began on May 15, 1948, the day after the declaration of the establishment of the State of Israel.

Five countries -- Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq -- had rejected a UN plan adopted in November 1947 to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states and went to war against the new state.

In 1949, Israel and neighbouring countries signed armistice agreements, but they collapsed with the start of the 1967 Arab-Israeli War.



- 1983, Unimplemented agreement -



Israel invaded Lebanon on June 6, 1982, in an operation it dubbed "Peace for Galilee" that was initially aimed at expelling Palestinian fighters but which resulted in a nearly 18-year Israeli occupation.

On May 17, 1983, Lebanon and Israel signed an agreement on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon after four-and-a-half months of direct talks with US participation.

The deal was scrapped less than a year later, in March 1984, under pressure from Syria and its allies in Lebanon.



- 1991-93, Washington talks -



A series of bilateral negotiations between Israel and Syria, Lebanon, and a joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation was launched in late 1991, following the Madrid conference on Middle East peace.

Ten rounds of bilateral talks were held in Washington over 20 months until 1993, but failed to produce results.



- 2022, Maritime border deal -



After years of US mediation, Lebanon and Israel reached an agreement on October 27, 2022, which demarcated their maritime border and set the terms for sharing offshore gas resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

There was no direct contact between the two sides, with the deal formalised through separate exchanges of letters with the United States.



- 2024, Fragile ceasefire -



A November 2024 ceasefire sought to end more than a year of fresh hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, but Israeli forces kept up strikes in Lebanon, saying they aimed to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities.

In December 2025, civilian officials for the first time joined Lebanese and Israeli military representatives in ceasefire-monitoring meetings in southern Lebanon, led by the US and also involving France and the United Nations peacekeeping force.

The talks marked the first direct discussions between the two sides in decades.
Trump says Italy's Meloni lacks 'courage' on Iran war: report



Rome, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



US President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched a stinging criticism of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, one of his main European allies, over her unwillingness to join the Iran war.

"I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong," he said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

The interview was published the day after Meloni condemned as "unacceptable" Trump's criticism of Pope Leo XIV, after the pontiff's repeated calls for an end to the war in the Middle East.

"She's unacceptable because she doesn't mind that Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if they had the chance," Trump said in English.

Meloni, Italy's far-right leader since October 2022, has been one of Trump's closest allies in Europe and often seeks to act as a mediator between diverging US and European views.

But the president said they had not spoken this month, "not in a long time", saying: "She doesn't help us with NATO.

"She doesn't want to help get rid of a nuclear-weaponed Iran. Very sad... She's much different than I thought."

He described the NATO military alliance as a "paper tiger", and criticised Europe in general for not being "willing to fight for the Hormuz strait, which is where they get their energy".

Trump said that Meloni was "not the same person. Italy is not the same country. Immigration is killing Italy and all of Europe."

Meloni's allies and political opponents were swift to offer their support.

"We are and remain staunch supporters of Western unity and steadfast allies of the United States, but this unity is built on mutual loyalty, respect, and honesty," Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on X.

He said that until now, Trump considered Meloni a courageous person, and "he was not mistaken, but she is a woman who never shies away from saying what she thinks".

"And on Pope Leo XIV she said exactly what all of us Italians think. The prime minister and the government defend and will always defend only and solely the interests of Italy," he said.

Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, condemned Trump's "serious lack of respect".

"Our constitution is clear -- Italy repudiates war," she added in parliament.
Opinion / Columnist

His platform, The 360 Experience Podcast, is reliable and politically informative. He speaks truth to power. But today I was surprised to hear him complaining about the looting of a truck delivering liquor at a local shop. I thought we had covered that topic long back, when Blacks demonstrated against the incarceration of Jacob Zuma, who was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment in 2021. Black South Africans could not take it; they were incensed about Jacob Zuma's incarceration: the demonstrations were violent.Criminals turned demonstrations into looting and destruction; they took advantage to effect chaos and loot better. Armed with sticks, as weapons of mass destruction, they plundered shops, looted, destroyed infrastructure, barricaded main roads, and destroyed dozens of delivery trucks. Demonstrations spread like fire from KwaZuluNatal to Gauteng and Johannesburg. Many people were arrested, some died of bullet wounds, some were caught in fires of burning shops, unable to escape.There was gross violation of human rights meted out by the SA police in curbing demonstrations that went unchallenged by activists. President Ramaphosa gave an order for the army to intervene. The presence of the army on the ground was ruthlessly violent to the looters. He had done that in Marikana: when it comes to business disruptions, mostly whiteowned, the president is ruthless. He did not disappoint.The demonstrations were not about the incarceration of Zuma; they were relaying a strong message to the ANC government: it was about poverty and destitution evident in mostly densely populated Black areas in South Africa. Thomas knows this: his daily podcasts lament about a South African revolution that turned out not to be a revolution. The ANC betrayed the aspirations of the revolution. South African independence means nothing to the Black majority. They were given the right to vote and never beyond.There is nothing of content in the new 1994 South African constitution with groundbreaking and meaningful changes in the lives of Black people. There is no way out for Blacks in South Africa. Unlike in Zimbabwe, where people have land to lean back on in times of absolute destitution, in South Africa there are millions of Black people without land.The place Thomas was referring to in his podcast is an informal settlement, homes with "shakeshake" constructions. He should have known better that in such informal settlements, where there is abject poverty known to Black South Africans only, a chance to loot in that environment is possible; given a small chance, citizens will maximize the loot to benefit for some days. He should have understood the situation better; instead, he ridicules them, brandishes them as rogues and criminals without morals. What morals on an empty stomach is Thomas talking about?Abjectly poor people live in the now. Chronic empty stomachs don't know the morals Thomas was referring to. But his podcasts constantly allude to a deranged ANC politics that betrayed the aspirations of the Black population; rightly so. Days ago, his podcast was exposing an ANC official caught on camera distributing loaves of bread to potential voters; codenamed "one loaf of bread for a family." This must be ANC empowerment initiatives for the entire legislative period. It is also called addressing ubuntu. This is how Africans are insulted by their own leadership. Just saying.When election period comes, ANC will distribute Tshirts as a variation to bread distribution. Amazingly, Thomas lost track in combining his daily political analysis with the current looting in question. The "one bread for one family" initiative was so embarrassing that the ANC had to distance itself from its own empowerment project. Black empowerment projects failed dismally because of looting from the top echelons of ANC. Why is Thomas disgusted about looting a delivery truck when looting by ANC leadership is considered normal?Thomas must be welcomed to Africa. Looting of that magnitude can only take place in Africa and nowhere else. Thomas is talking values of Western countries and not African when he denounces daylight looting. How does he want Black Africans to survive in a cruel capitalism like the one in South Africa? Thomas disdains the presence of Black foreigners in his South Africa. They must all be packaged back to where they came from. He sounds xenophobic."All of us must thank Jacob Zuma for introducing African Republic of South Africa and not some outpost of European values." This comes from a Sowetan column, an interesting read; it embodies facts, satire, and irony. Since South Africa became independent in 1994, xenophobia destroyed Black African lives. African migrations to South Africa were met with hostility and arrogance. The people of South Africa have low opinions of Black Africans north of them. Thomas has no nice words about Africans from the north of Limpopo. Seeing the looting firsthand, Thomas now knows he is indeed a Black African. That happens in Africa.Thomas does not need schooling about how ANC failed Black Africans; he knows this to the point. The ANC leadership failed dismally to negotiate an economic settlement to better the Black population equally. The trickledown economy in South Africa failed according to planning when independence was negotiated between the apartheid government and the ANC liberation party. This created what Naomi Klein eloquently termed "the USA California on one hand and the DR Congo on the other hand." This meant the widening scissors of poverty and richness, supposed to be contentious and certainly not the migrant worker. Somehow, Thomas thinks differently: deeply opinionated, he thinks migrants are to blame.A simple question would have been: why are Blacks abjectly poor in a rich South Africa? How are the nation's resources shared by the government they trust to remove poverty in the lives of predominantly Blacks? South Africa's ANC has always been a corrupt party from the day they took over power from apartheid South Africa. The corruption started when some comrades in the ANC, in collaboration with elements in the apartheid regime, murdered Comrade Thembisile Chris Hani. The economic negotiators slept on the wheel. Today, when Black Africans loot to survive, they are called rogues and criminal elements: include Ramaphosa going down, please.When we start namecallingwho is a criminal and who is notwe must correctly start with the PhalaPhala famous farm: inside the spacious home are bank accounts opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Why has such a highprofile case not yet reached the courts of South Africa? Thomas is disgusted about looting of liquor: looting out of destitution. Ramaphosa does not give an "F" about Black people. Thomas is not disgusted about a whole president who opens a bank account with his sofa and mattress. Ramaphosa is not even embarrassed about the depth of poverty in Black South African communities.To distribute bread as an empowerment initiative is the highest ANC insult Black people could endure. Mandela must be turning in his grave. Think about how many revolutionaries died freeing South Africa. If they could wake up for a moment to see how South Africa is today, and how their sacrifice came to nothing: was there need for Tata Nelson Mandela to spend 27 years in imprisonment so that after 30 years of independence, Black Africans loot to make ends meet? The realities in South Africa are painful to comprehend.ANC government has turned into a mafia organization, once a party with liberation etiquettes. The "new dawn" that Ramaphosa sloganeered when he took office did not dawn; instead, he is involved in serious scandals of hiding money in sofas and mattresses in his PhalaPhala farm. His political speeches mean nothing to poor and destitute Black South Africans. His aspirations remain hollow slogans. He uses political power to protect himself and his cronies.Again, it was under Ramaphosa's administration when 34 miners were gunned down; they demonstrated against poor wages. Ramaphosa called them criminals; this coming from an ANC leadership that fought for the betterment of Black workers. The Marikana massacre will always be a reminder of the devaluation of workers' rights. It will sit in the conscience of ANC leaders and members forever. Ramaphosa and the ANC leadership are now managers of white capital: the moral veneer. South African government is sitting on a powder keg about to erupt, will erupt, has erupted.
Direct Israel-Lebanon peace talks a 'historic opportunity': Rubio



Washington, United States, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Tuesday for Israel and Lebanon to seize a "historic opportunity" for peace as the first direct talks in decades between the two countries got underway in Washington.

"This is a historic opportunity. We understand we're working against decades of history and the complexities that have led us to this unique moment and the opportunity here," Rubio said at the State Department as he welcomed the ambassadors of the two countries.

"The hope today is that we can outline a framework upon which a current and lasting peace can be developed," he added.

But pro-Iran Hezbollah -- which is battling Israeli forces in southern Lebanon -- called for the talks to be scrapped before they even began, describing them as "futile."

The Israeli military warned Tuesday that it expected a rise in attacks by Hezbollah targeting the country's north as the talks were being held.

Lebanon was pulled into the region-wide Iran war on March 2 after Hezbollah attacked Israel.

Since then Israeli strikes -- including an extremely heavy attack on Beirut on April 8 -- have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than one million, despite international calls for a ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that "we want the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations."

On the Lebanese side, President Joseph Aoun said Monday he hoped the Washington talks will yield "an agreement...on a ceasefire in Lebanon, with the aim of starting direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel."

President Donald Trump's administration insists on the disarmament of Hezbollah, but also respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty, while simultaneously upholding Israel's rights -- positions that appear difficult to reconcile.

A former Israeli defense official told journalists on condition of anonymity Monday that it would take "a lot of imagination and optimism to think" that the issues between Israel and Lebanon can be solved in Washington Tuesday, adding that "expectations are low."
Italy shifts away from Israel, US over Mideast war



Rome, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received a sharp rebuke from US President Donald Trump and suspended a defence agreement with Israel on Tuesday, signalling a shift in her foreign relations.

The far-right prime minister was the only European leader to attend Trump's inauguration in 2025 and has sought to position herself as a bridge between Europe and his administration.

While ties with Israel were already becoming strained over the Gaza war, the relationship with Washington has been increasingly tense since US-Israeli strikes on Iran set off the Middle East war.

Energy import-dependent Italy has been hit economically and has refused to get involved in the war, siding with European allies.

Trump's extraordinary criticism on Sunday of Pope Leo XIV's growing anti-war rhetoric also proved particularly contentious.

After an initial mild statement of support for Pope Leo against Trump's broadside on Monday, Meloni issued clearer criticism the same day, saying the US leader's words were "unacceptable".

Speaking on the sidelines of a wine fair in northern Italy on Tuesday, Meloni returned to the subject of ties with Israel and the United States, saying that allies should be frank with each other.

"When we don't agree, and I often don't agree, we have to say it" and "act accordingly," she told reporters.

"In view of the current situation, the government has for example decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel," Meloni said.

Israel responded saying the suspension of the deal, which involves the exchange of military equipment and technology research, "will not affect Israel's security".

"We have no security agreement with Italy. We have a memorandum of understanding from many years ago that has never contained any substantive content," Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein told AFP.

Tensions between the two countries have risen over the past week after the Italian government accused Israeli forces of firing warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.

Italy summoned Israel's ambassador in protest over the incident, which damaged at least one vehicle but caused no injuries.

On Monday, Israel summoned Italy's ambassador following comments by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemning "unacceptable attacks" on Lebanese civilians by Israeli forces.



- Meloni 're-positioning' -



Meloni is in a vulnerable position at home after losing a justice reform referendum last month -- her first political defeat and one that analysts put down in part to her closeness with Trump.

"She is re-positioning herself," Lorenzo Castellani, politics professor at LUISS University in Rome, told AFP.

Close ties with the US and Israel were creating "political problems" so she is "adapting to circumstances", he said.

Castellani said he believed that Italy would have "a more critical voice, while staying within existing alliances".

Her growing criticism of Trump got a strong response on Tuesday.

"I'm shocked at her. I thought she had courage, but I was wrong," Trump told Corriere della Sera in an interview.

Echoing her criticism of his attack on the pope, Trump told Corriere that it was she who was "unacceptable".

"She's unacceptable because she doesn't mind that Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if they had the chance."

Referring to her refusal to get involved in the Middle East, he said: "She thinks America should do the job for her, she should not be involved."

Meloni's allies and political opponents were swift to offer support.

"We are and remain staunch supporters of Western unity and steadfast allies of the United States, but this unity is built on mutual loyalty, respect, and honesty," Foreign Minister Tajani said on X.

He said that until now, Trump considered Meloni a courageous person, and "he was not mistaken, but she is a woman who never shies away from saying what she thinks".

"And on Pope Leo XIV she said exactly what all of us Italians think. The prime minister and the government defend and will always defend only and solely the interests of Italy," he said.
Lebanon, Israel start direct talks as Hezbollah launches new attacks



Washington, United States, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Washington's top diplomat urged Israel and Lebanon to seize a "historic opportunity" for peace as direct talks between the two opened on Tuesday despite objections from Hezbollah, which announced fresh attacks on Israel just as negotiations got underway.

The United States is pressing for a halt to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, fearing it could derail the two-week ceasefire in Washington's war with Iran after talks with Tehran in Pakistan failed to achieve a breakthrough.

Washington said "the ball is in the Iranian court" on ending the region-wide war, after a US naval blockade on Iranian ports began in the Strait of Hormuz, which had already been effectively closed by Tehran.

Lebanon was pulled into the broader conflict when Hezbollah attacked Israel in support of its backer Iran, sparking an Israeli ground invasion and strikes -- including an extremely heavy attack on Beirut on April 8 -- that have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced over one million.

Tuesday's meeting in Washington -- the first high-level, direct talks since 1993 -- was mediated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and involved the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States.

"This is a historic opportunity," Rubio said as he welcomed the ambassadors, acknowledging the "decades of history" complicating the process.

"The hope today is that we can outline a framework upon which a current and lasting peace can be developed."

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun said he hoped the talks "will mark the beginning of the end of the suffering of the Lebanese people".

But expectations of any major breakthroughs were low, with Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem calling for the talks to be scrapped before they even began, describing them as "futile".

Shortly after the talks began, Hezbollah said it had launched "simultaneous rocket salvos" at 13 northern Israeli towns.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said his country was seeking "peace and normalisation" with Lebanon.

But he insisted that Hezbollah was the "problem", and that it needed to be addressed in order to move to a "different phase".

The Israeli military had previously warned it expected a rise in attacks by Hezbollah as the talks kicked off.

Foreign ministers from 17 countries, including Britain and France, urged both countries to seize the chance to bring lasting security to the region.



- US blockades Iran -



While attention shifted to the meeting in Washington, Trump sought to squeeze Iran with a naval blockade as diplomatic efforts accelerated towards a new round of peace talks with Tehran.

US Central Command had said the measures covered "vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas".

But at least two ships using Iranian ports passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, data from maritime tracking firm Kpler indicated Tuesday.

Iran's military command branded the blockade an act of piracy and warned that if the security of its harbours was "threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe".

The US military said Tuesday that it successfully stopped six ships from sailing out of Iranian ports during the first 24 hours the blockade.

With his blockade of Iranian ports, Trump was trying to starve Iran of funds but also pressure Beijing, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, to lean on Tehran to reopen Hormuz, analysts said.

China said the blockade was "dangerous and irresponsible", after Trump threatened to sink any boats that sought to leave or dock at Iranian ports.

The standoff at the strait, through which one-fifth of global oil transited in peacetime, failed to dampen optimism in global markets, with Asian equities rallying while oil continued a downward slide.

France said it would co-host a video conference with Britain on Friday of countries ready to contribute to a "purely defensive mission" to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Crucially, despite the blockade, the fragile two-week truce agreed last Wednesday between Washington and Tehran remained in place.

Trump insisted that Iranian representatives had called Washington since a US delegation returned empty-handed from the negotiations in Islamabad, adding they would "like to make a deal. Very badly."

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that "full efforts are underway" to reach an agreement to stop the fighting.

On Tuesday, senior Pakistani sources told AFP that Islamabad was working to bring Iran and the United States together for a second round of talks.

Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt will meet Ankara's top diplomat in Turkey this week "to discuss regional affairs", a ministry source told AFP on Tuesday.



- Nuclear enrichment pause? -



Trump has insisted that an agreement must include stopping Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon, having launched the war after accusing Tehran of seeking to develop an atomic bomb -- an allegation it denies.

During weekend talks, the United States reportedly sought a 20-year suspension of Iran's uranium enrichment programme, according to media reports on Monday.

Iran in turn proposed to suspend its nuclear activity for five years, which US officials rejected, The New York Times reported.

Diplomatic efforts also picked up elsewhere, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing, hours after speaking to his Iranian counterpart.

Moscow has offered to hold Iran's enriched uranium safely as part of any deal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also vowed Tuesday that Beijing would play a "constructive role" in promoting peace talks in the Middle East.

bur-del/smw
Army says 3 Hezbollah militants brought to Israel for questioning



Jerusalem, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



The Israeli military said on Tuesday that three Hezbollah militants were brought to Israel for questioning after surrendering during close-quarters combat in southern Lebanon.

"Yesterday, IDF soldiers engaged in close-range combat with a Hezbollah terrorist cell in Bint Jbeil," the military said.

"At the end of the combat, three terrorists laid down their weapons and surrendered to the soldiers. Later the terrorists were transferred for questioning by the IDF," it added, confirming to AFP that they had been brought to Israel.

According to the military, Israeli troops have now fully surrounded the town of Bint Jbeil, a notable advance in their ongoing ground offensive in southern Lebanon.
UN chief says 'no military solution' for Mideast crisis



United Nations, United States, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



The UN secretary-general on Tuesday called for the resumption of "serious negotiations" to end the war in the Middle East, saying the crisis has "no military solution."

Antonio Guterres also told journalists at United Nations headquarters in New York that international freedom of navigation must be respected "by all parties" in the Strait of Hormuz.

"There is no military solution to this crisis. Peace agreements require persistent engagement and political will. Serious negotiations must resume," he said.

Guterres said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran "must be preserved" -- referring to the two-week truce agreed last Wednesday after mediation by Pakistan.

The two sides held talks in Islamabad at the weekend but failed to reach an agreement. US President Donald Trump told the New York Post on Tuesday that a second round of Iran talks could happen in Pakistan "over the next two days."

The UN chief welcomed the start Tuesday of the first direct talks in decades between Israel and Lebanon -- a dialogue being held in Washington and opposed by pro-Iran Hezbollah, which is battling Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

"Nobody expects that these talks today will solve all the problems, but I think it will be very important if these talks create the conditions to a change in the way the actors have been developing their activities," Guterres said.

"Until now, the truth is that Hezbollah and Israel have always helped each other to destabilize the government of Lebanon," he said.

Guterres also made a broader appeal for diplomacy and "restraint and responsibility," and for respect for international law which was being "trampled" around the world.

The UN chief warned that "lawlessness breeds chaos," suffering and destruction.
Ships exit Gulf from Iran despite US blockade: tracker



Paris, France, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



At least three ships sailing from Iranian ports crossed the Hormuz Strait despite a US military blockade, but some vessels taking the route later turned back, maritime tracking data indicated Tuesday.

They were among at least seven Iran-linked vessels that passed through the strait after Washington's blockade came into effect at 1400 GMT on Monday, according to maritime data provider Kpler.

The Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Christianna crossed the strait after unloading 74,000 tonnes of corn at the Iranian port of Bandar Imam Khomeini in the Gulf, passing Iran's Larak Island in the strait around 1600 GMT on Monday, Kpler data showed.

A second ship, the Comoros-flagged tanker Elpis, was near Larak Island around 1100 GMT and cleared the strait about 1600 GMT.

It was loaded with 31,000 tonnes of methanol, having left the Iranian port of Bushehr in the Gulf on March 31, Kpler data showed.

The tracker indicated that the other vessels that crossed included the Argo Maris, which had also sailed from Iran.

Maritime analysts have cautioned during the recent weeks of conflict around the strait that ships' signals in the region have been disrupted and manipulated, making precise, comprehensive tracking difficult.



- US says blockade intact -



Iranian forces effectively closed the strait after the war broke out with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

The US on Sunday announced its own blockade after peace talks with Iran failed.

The US military said Tuesday its blockade had held and that it had stopped six vessels from sailing out of Iranian ports outside the Gulf during the first 24 hours.

"No ships made it past the US blockade and six merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman," outside the strait, regional command CENTCOM said in a post on X.

It said the blockade was "being 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 Elpis's AIS transponder signal appeared to go off at 2300 GMT on Monday after it crossed the strait and its location on Tuesday could not be determined.



- Chinese tanker turns around -



A Chinese tanker, the Rich Starry, also crossed the strait overnight from Monday to Tuesday via the Iranian-approved vetting route south of Larak Island.

Kpler said that vessel was carrying 31,500 tonnes of methanol and was bound for Sohar in Oman, according to data from its transponder.

It turned around while in the Gulf of Oman at around 1100 GMT on Tuesday and headed back up towards the strait, its destination unknown.

The Christianna turned around off Oman, where it was heading, at around 1500 GMT. Its new destination was also unknown.

The other vessels crossing were the bulk carrier Manali which had traded with Iran in the past.

The other two were Iran-flagged ships: the container carrier Kashan which is under US sanctions and the Moshtari, a cargo ship that then went to an Iranian port on the strait.

The Rich Starry and Elpis are listed by the United States' Office of Foreign Assets Control as being sanctioned for ties to Iran.
Thirty-two rescued Iranian sailors depart Sri Lanka: report



Colombo, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Thirty-two Iranian sailors rescued by Sri Lanka after their frigate was torpedoed by a US submarine last month have departed on a flight home, local media reported Tuesday.

The sailors from the IRIS Dena flew out of the island on Tuesday night, two local television networks reported. Sri Lankan defense authorities were not immediately available for comment.

The IRIS Dena was attacked just south of Sri Lanka on March 4, killing 104 sailors, many of them cadets, in the early days of the US and Israeli war against Iran, Iranian authorities say.

The bodies of 84 were recovered and have been repatriated.

Three weeks ago, Iran's ambassador to Sri Lanka, Alireza Delkhosh, said Tehran was in talks with Colombo to repatriate another 219 sailors from a second Iranian ship, the IRIS Bushehr, which was given safe harbour in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the island provided protection to the Bushehr crew in line with the 1907 Hague Convention, which requires a neutral state to hold combatants of a belligerent state until hostilities end.

Sri Lanka has refused permission for US warplanes to use ground facilities in the country, so as to maintain Colombo's neutrality.

A third Iranian ship, the IRIS Lavan, with 183 crew members, sought shelter in India's Kochi port in early March.
Israeli envoy says 'on the same side' with Lebanon after talks in US



Washington, United States, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Direct talks between Israel and Lebanon concluded in Washington on Tuesday, with Israel's envoy hailing a "wonderful exchange" and saying the two countries are "on the same side" in opposing Iran-backed Hezbollah.

"We enjoyed it together. We had a wonderful exchange of over two hours," Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter told reporters following the talks.

"We discovered today that we're on the same side," he said, adding: "We are both united in liberating Lebanon from (an) occupation power dominated by Iran called Hezbollah."

There was no immediate reaction from the Lebanese side.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio -- who mediated the talks -- had earlier urged the two countries to seize a "historic opportunity" for peace.

"We understand we're working against decades of history and the complexities that have led us to this unique moment and the opportunity here," Rubio said at the State Department as he welcomed the ambassadors of the two countries.

"The hope today is that we can outline a framework upon which a current and lasting peace can be developed," he added.

But the prospect of an easy agreement appear slim, especially as Hezbollah -- which is battling Israeli forces in southern Lebanon -- opposed the talks and called for them to be scrapped before they even began.

Hezbollah said it had launched "simultaneous rocket salvos" at 13 northern Israeli towns shortly after the start of the discussions, following an Israeli warning of a rise in attacks during the talks.

Lebanon was pulled into the region-wide Iran war on March 2 after Hezbollah attacked Israel.

Since then Israeli strikes -- including an extremely heavy attack on Beirut on April 8 -- have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than one million, despite international calls for a ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Saturday that "we want the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations."

On the Lebanese side, President Joseph Aoun said Monday he hoped the Washington talks will yield "an agreement...on a ceasefire in Lebanon, with the aim of starting direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel."

President Donald Trump's administration insists on the disarmament of Hezbollah, but also respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty, while simultaneously upholding Israel's rights -- positions that appear difficult to reconcile.

A former Israeli defense official told journalists on condition of anonymity Monday that it would take "a lot of imagination and optimism to think" that the issues between Israel and Lebanon can be solved in Washington Tuesday, adding that "expectations are low."
Nigeria orders investigation into air strike on market



Abuja, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



The Nigerian government on Tuesday said it has ordered an investigation into a weekend air strike on a crowded market that killed at least 56 people, many of them civilians.

The late Tuesday statement marked an about-face for the government, which had initially insisted it had successfully targeted jihadists in the Saturday strike on the village of Jilli, on the border of Yobe and Borno states.

Air strikes have killed hundreds of civilians in the country's long-running war against jihadists, though human rights observers say the military often sweeps investigations under the rug.

"The Federal Government has ordered a full and independent investigation into the incident," the country's information minister, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement.

"This will review intelligence, targeting, and execution, and we will address any gaps and ensure accountability where needed."

The air force has already announced its own review into the incident.

The Nigerian military had said it targeted a "logistics hub" located "near the abandoned village of Jilli", on the Borno-Yobe state border, targeting militants from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

But according to a conflict monitoring report prepared by the UN and seen by AFP, the strikes hit the crowded Jilli market and "mistakenly killed at least 56 people." Local chief Lawan Zanna Nur saying that the dead and injured together numbered "around 200".



- Change in government rhetoric -



Analysts have said that jihadists likely could have used the market to resupply, but Amnesty International Nigeria country director Isa Sanusi said that would not justify hitting a crowded civilian market.

Survivors interviewed by AFP said that the market had been operating normally before suddenly being struck. Video showed burnt bodies among the charred remnants of trading stalls.

The investigation marks a turning point from earlier government rhetoric dismissing civilian casualties.

Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare said Monday that the market in Jilli "has not functioned as a legitimate civilian marketplace in any meaningful sense."

Defense Minister Christopher Musa, following the strike, said: "A friend of a thief is a thief. Anybody who is doing any trading or providing any support to them, we will find you together and we will deal with you like bandits, like terrorists."

When civilians are killed by the military, they are often accused of harbouring jihadists -- an accusation that is often impossible to distinguish from simply living under jihadist control, as many Nigerians do across swathes of the northeastern countryside held by the militants.

Even as Idris said the government "extends its deepest condolences to the families of those affected", he reiterated that the market "has long functioned as an insurgent-controlled enclave."

The market "had been officially closed five years ago," he said. "Civilians are urged to strictly observe security advisories, avoid restricted zones, and cooperate with security agencies."
Lebanon, Israel agree to direct negotiations after Washington talks



Washington, United States, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Israel and Lebanon agreed to direct negotiations following talks in Washington on Tuesday that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had hailed as a "historic opportunity" for peace.

The two countries have technically been at war for decades, and Tuesday's talks have been vehemently opposed by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which announced that it had fired rockets at more than a dozen northern Israeli towns just as the meeting was getting underway.

The United States is pressing for a halt to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, fearing it could derail the two-week ceasefire in Washington's war with Iran after talks with Tehran in Pakistan failed to achieve a breakthrough.

Lebanon was pulled into the broader conflict when Hezbollah attacked Israel in support of its backer Iran, sparking an Israeli ground invasion and strikes that have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced over a million.

Tuesday's meeting in Washington -- the first high-level, direct talks since 1993 -- was mediated by Rubio and involved the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the United States.

"This is a historic opportunity," Rubio said as he welcomed the ambassadors, acknowledging the "decades of history" complicating the process.

"The hope today is that we can outline a framework upon which a current and lasting peace can be developed."

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun had said he hoped the talks "will mark the beginning of the end of the suffering of the Lebanese people."

A State Department spokesperson said afterward that discussions were "productive," adding: "All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue."

Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the two sides "had a wonderful exchange."

"We discovered today that we're on the same side," he told reporters, saying both countries were "united in liberating Lebanon" from Hezbollah.

In a statement of her own, Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad called the meeting "constructive," but said she had also called for a ceasefire and insisted on "the full sovereignty of the state over all Lebanese land," among other issues.

Israeli forces are currently occupying parts of Lebanon's south, and its government has resisted considering any ceasefire until Hezbollah is dismantled.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said his country was seeking "peace and normalisation" with the Lebanese state, but said Hezbollah was the key problem and "needs to be addressed."

Before the meeting, Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem had called for the negotiations to be scrapped and vowed to fight on.

Foreign ministers from 17 countries, including Britain and France, urged both countries to seize the chance to bring lasting security to the region.



- US blockades Iran -



While attention shifted to the meeting in Washington, Trump sought to squeeze Iran with a naval blockade.

US Central Command had said the measures covered "vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas."

On Tuesday it maintained no vessels had passed through the strait and six had complied with instructions to turn back, although maritime tracking data from Kpler suggested several ships that had visited Iranian ports had managed to cross since the start of the blockade.

Iran's military command branded the blockade an act of piracy and warned that if the security of its harbors was "threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe."

With his blockade of Iranian ports, Trump was trying to starve Iran of funds but also pressure Beijing, the biggest buyer of Iranian oil, to lean on Tehran to reopen Hormuz, analysts said.

China said the blockade was "dangerous and irresponsible," after Trump threatened to sink any boats that sought to leave or dock at Iranian ports.

Crucially, despite the blockade, the fragile two-week truce agreed last Wednesday between Washington and Tehran remained in place.

Trump on Tuesday told the New York Post that a new round of talks could happen in Pakistan "over the next two days," having told reporters the day before that unnamed Iranian officials had called him wanting to make a deal.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said there was "no military solution" to the conflict and that peace required "persistent engagement and political will."

"Serious negotiations must resume," he told journalists in New York.

On Tuesday, senior Pakistani sources told AFP that Islamabad was working to bring Iran and the United States together for a second round of talks.



- Nuclear enrichment pause? -



Trump has insisted that an agreement must include stopping Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon, having launched the war after accusing Tehran of seeking to develop an atomic bomb -- an allegation it denies.

During weekend talks, the United States reportedly sought a 20-year suspension of Iran's uranium enrichment program, according to media reports on Monday.

Iran in turn proposed to suspend its nuclear activity for five years, which US officials rejected, The New York Times reported.

Diplomatic efforts also picked up elsewhere, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing, hours after speaking to his Iranian counterpart.

Moscow has offered to hold Iran's enriched uranium safely as part of any deal.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also vowed Tuesday that Beijing would play a "constructive role" in promoting peace talks in the Middle East.

bur-dcp/smw/des
Opinion / Columnist

Legal disputes making rounds in our social media were out of my pay grade: I could not participate in these loaded discussions adequately. My scant understanding of the proposed Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill is that Va Mnangagwa wants to extend his rule to 2030. Ten years is not enough, so he wants to continue. Va Mnangagwa did his homework long back when he corrupted Senator Sengezo Tshabangu by giving him the leadership of CCC opposition that decimated the opposition; followed by the rumours that Chamisa was given a brown envelope, silencing him forever in the political discourses that demand a vibrant opposition to counter the rise of absolute dictatorship of Va Mnangagwa.So, after removing Advocate Jessie Majome from the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC), it was obvious that Va Mnangagwa would silence anyone who argues against this bill rationally. On one hand, he says he is a constitutionalist, but on the other hand, there are no indications of constitutionalism in his actions. Like many presidents in Africa, they want to cling on to power. The evidence on the ground is that they are failing the population. Curiously, Chiwenga wants to be the next, a candidateinwaiting, worse than Mnangagwa. How do we rationalize this? If the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill (3) is passed, we are doomed; again, if it goes through, we are doomed. Constantine Chiwenga is not presidential material. It is for this reason we say democracy in Africa has dismally failed. African leaders are selfserving. The people are disposables, rudely told just to clap hands for the BIG MAN.Zimbabwe is a classic example of a failed democracy. Elections have been rigged since the independence of 1980, rigged in the glare of Lord Soames, who was mandated by the Tory government of Margaret Thatcher to oversee the ceasefire, which was to involve managing and assembling guerrilla forces (ZANLA/ZIPRA) and using existing Rhodesian security forces to maintain security, organizing and supervising the "free and fair" elections. ZANUPF, under Robert Mugabe, coerced the people of Mashonaland never to vote for ZAPU. ZANUPF has always won elections through rigging and intimidation.The same scenario is playing out yet again with this Constitution Amendment (3) Bill. It is as if Mnangagwa has not learnt anything from Mugabe's demise. To force an extension of his rule will not end well for him. If Mugabe tried and failed, what makes Mnangagwa think he will succeed? What is taking place in Zimbabwe is not an isolated case; such violations of the constitution run across the continent. Whatever referendums they want to undertake are sham performances: the national constitution is sacrosanct, higher than the president.The past five years, how many young people have perished trying to bring about change in Africa? When they stage peaceful uprisings, they are gunned down, causing untold carnage; when they migrate to faraway places looking for jobs, they face perilous obstacles such as hunger, dehydration in the Sahara Desert; they face abductions, are sold as slaves, forced into sexslavery in North African brothels, organ harvesting; the list is long. There are many who manage to reach Lampedusa, but are faced yet again with other obstacles; some are returned to their countries of origin. Only a few are allowed to enter EU space to be given menial jobs to survive a day. They can hardly remit back home with the salaries they get.One classic example is the carnage that took place in Tanzania in 2025. It is estimated that about 3,000 deaths took place during the October elections, estimates made by Chadema opposition party and activistsa carnage that took place within five days. The opposition would know better because they have information on the ground. The AU President congratulated President Suluhu for the landslide election victory before he was officially briefed by his own AU delegation. This action is a clue about a disingenuous African leadership. Neighbouring countries, including Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda, sent congratulatory greetings to Madam Suluhu, a leader that spilt so much blood. African leaders are cut from the same cloth. No national mourning was done to honour a major national catastrophic event.Several scholars across Africa are of the opinion that democracy in Africa is a farce: the very scholars must come up with a trajectory altogether for the sake of the youth. African youth are not budgeted for in African economies; hence they want change. They must define what change they want to see; certainly not replacing one despot with another because of tribal affiliations. There is need to revolutionarily shake African thinking that has become redundant and tired. How do you envisage a President Chiwenga as a replacement for Mnangagwa? (In isiNdebele, sifuna udaka olutsha.)We look up to South Africa where general elections have a modicum of "free and fairness." Scholar Prince Mashele wants to revolutionize South Africa in the 2029 elections. In several platforms, he has passionately spoken about a change in governance, whereby technocracy would replace paltry party politics. He convincingly argues that ANC has dismally failed because officials have no political and economic prowess and acumen, miseducated to govern South Africa whose economics is synergically advanced. He wants a South Africa that will suspend general elections for a period of 15 years; he says democracy in South Africa is not working and has never worked in African independence governments from colonial rule.Prince Mashele's points are valid. African governments spend two years singing semiliterate slogans: electioneering for elections they will have won two years ago, but are electioneering for the coming elections in three years' time. When election time comes, the youth are met with brute force to silence those who do not agree with the incumbent regime that insists on remaining in power permanently, as is the case with President Mnangagwa, resulting in carnage as was the situation in the People's Republic of Tanzania.In Zimbabwe we have seen Professor Ibbo Mandaza's office bombed, Professor Madhuku physically assaulted, Advocate Fungai Jessie Majome demoted for a ZHRC report criticizing the conduct of public hearings regarding outreach of Constitution Amendment Bill (3). The main reason for demotion was Advocate Majome's ZHRC report of widespread irregularities: participants were subjected to harassment, intimidation, and naked violence perpetrated by ZANUPF youth. The document reports that people's participation was controlled and access to the venue was restricted and monitored by ZANU youth. The ZHRC objective assessment cost Advocate Majome her post. This cannot be democracy, but fantasticalperhaps in the African continent only.Democracy in Africa is an ideology packaged by colonialists, never existed in precolonial African settings. Bishop Joshua Maponga concurs with this in several social media speeches. It is not a surprise that democratic processes are abjectly failing.World Bank statistics estimate that by the year 2063, the demographics in Africa will be about 3.2 billion; about 70% will be youth under the age of 35 years. About 200 million youth will be potential migrants to Europe and elsewhere. Are African governments preparing the future of this large youth demographic, securing a future for them here in Africa?Which African government is implementing the 2030 SDGs? Agenda 63 needs to be addressed. We are in the year 2026, four years to reach 2030: there is painfully nothing on the ground that shows urgency that African countries are targeting strategic SDG goals to meet youth demands, let alone Agenda 63.
Israel, Lebanon agree to direct negotiations after 'productive' talks: US



Washington, United States, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Israel and Lebanon agreed to hold direct negotiations after "productive discussions" between the two sides in Washington, the United States said on Tuesday.

"The participants held productive discussions on steps toward launching direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon," State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement.

"All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue," he said.

The announcement came after Israeli and Lebanese envoys held more than two hours of talks mediated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"The United States congratulated the two countries on this historic milestone and expressed its support for further talks, and for the government of Lebanon's plans to restore the monopoly of force and to end Iran's overbearing influence," Pigott said.

And it "affirmed that any agreement to cease hostilities must be reached between the two governments, brokered by the United States, and not through any separate track," he added.

Lebanon was pulled into the region-wide Iran war on March 2 after pro-Tehran Hezbollah attacked Israel.

Since then, Israeli strikes have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than one million, despite international calls for a ceasefire, and Israeli ground forces have invaded south Lebanon.
Israeli NGO files ICC suit against Spain PM over Iran exports



Jerusalem, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



An Israeli advocacy NGO said Tuesday that it had asked the International Criminal Court to consider legal action against Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for allegedly "aiding war crimes" through exports to Iran.

The complaint comes in the midst of an escalating diplomatic spat between the two nations, which began with the start of the Gaza war in October 2023 and worsened after Madrid recognised a Palestinian state a year later.

Filed by Shurat HaDin, which has taken legal action worldwide against what it calls "Israel's enemies", the lawsuit accuses Spain of providing "components required by the regime in Tehran and its proxies for military purposes".

In a filing submitted under Article 15 of the Rome Statute, it alleges that Spain approved the export of about 1.3 million euros' worth of so-called dual-use products that could be used in detonators and other explosive-related applications.

"These materials are not innocent industrial products, but critical components that enable explosive devices to function, and they were transferred in circumstances where their use for attacks against civilians was foreseeable and reasonable," Shurat HaDin said in a statement.

On February 28, Israel and the United States began striking Iran, which hit back by firing ballistic missiles and drones at countries across the region, until a shaky ceasefire deal took hold last week.

Ties between Israel and Spain have nosedived since the Gaza war sparked by Hamas' October 2023 cross-border attacks, with Israel angered by Sanchez's unrelenting criticism of its bombardment of the Palestinian territory.

Spain's Socialist leader has also opposed the US-Israeli war with Iran, drawing a sharp Israeli reaction.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu barred Madrid from joining the work of a US-led centre to stabilise post-war Gaza, accusing Spain of waging a diplomatic campaign against Israel.

Both countries have withdrawn their ambassadors.
Drone strike hits Iranian Kurds, one killed: exiled group



Soulaimaniyah, Iraq, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



A drone struck an Iranian Kurdish group on Tuesday, killing a woman in Iraq's northern Kurdistan region, a party official told AFP.

It was the first such attack against Iranian Kurds in Iraqi Kurdistan since a fragile ceasefire in the US-Israeli war against Iran took effect in the region last week.

Commander Mohammed Hakimi from the exiled Komala party blamed the attack on "Iran and its affiliated militias".

During the Middle East war, Iran has repeatedly struck positions belonging to Iranian Kurdish exiled groups in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region.

A drone hit the Komala party's Camp Sordash late in the afternoon, Hakimi told AFP.

"Three Iranian Kurdish refugees were wounded, including a woman who is in a critical condition," Hakimi said.

He later told AFP that the woman, who was a fighter with the party, had succumbed to her wounds.

The camp is located 40 kilometres west of the city of Sulaimaniyah.

Another opposition group, the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), told AFP that a drone attack targeted its camp in the Koysinjaq district near Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, with no casualties reported.

The autonomous region's Counter-Terrorism Service said "a warplane downed two bomb-laden drones coming from Iran" towards the province of Erbil, without specifying who the warplane belonged to.

The northern Kurdistan region hosts camps and rear bases operated by several Iranian Kurdish rebel groups, which Iran designates as terrorist organisations and accuses of serving Western or Israeli interests.
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Speaking to the Press Association at a campaign visit in West Calder on Tuesday, the First Minister said: Ive no explanation from the United Kingdom Government about their decision to refuse 1.5 billion of investment in renewable energy manufacturing and capability in Scotland, other than the explanation it is about national security.
Fast-Moving Ransomware, Router-Based Espionage Threats Target Education and Small-Office Organizations

Key Takeaways Microsoft warns Medusa ransomware exploits vulnerabilities fast, with encryption sometimes within 24 hours.

Forest Blizzard hijacks SOHO routers for DNS interception, enabling stealthy surveillance of sensitive traffic.

Microsoft recommends patching exposed systems, least-privilege access, Zero Trust DNS, and stronger authentication.

A recent report from Microsoft warns about two active cybersecurity threats: a fast-moving ransomware campaign and a Russian espionage operation that abuses small office and home office routers to monitor victims' network traffic.

The company said this week that the Storm-1175 threat group is exploiting recently disclosed vulnerabilities to deploy Medusa ransomware at unusual speed, with some victims seeing encryption within 24 hours of the initial compromise. In a separate campaign, Microsoft said Russian military intelligence-linked group Forest Blizzard has compromised thousands of small office/home office routers to carry out adversary-in-the-middle attacks and collect sensitive traffic from targeted users.

Ransomware at Warp Speed

Storm-1175 has exploited more than 16 vulnerabilities since 2023, targeting everything from Microsoft Exchange servers to file transfer applications like GoAnywhere MFT and CrushFTP.

"Following successful exploitation, Storm-1175 rapidly moves from initial access to data exfiltration and deployment of Medusa ransomware, often within a few days and, in some cases, within 24 hours," Microsoft Threat Intelligence warned in an April 6 blog post.

The hacker group's primary targets include healthcare organizations, education institutions, professional services firms and financial sector entities across the United states, Australia and the United Kingdom. In some instances, Storm-1175 weaponized zero-day vulnerabilities a full week before public disclosure.

The attack chain follows a predictable pattern: exploit vulnerable web-facing systems, establish persistence through new administrative accounts, deploy remote monitoring and management tools for lateral movement, dump credentials, tamper with security software and finally unleash ransomware across the network using legitimate deployment tools like PDQ Deployer.

Microsoft's analysis revealed Storm-1175's reliance on everything from commodity tools like Mimikatz for credential theft to legitimate RMM platforms including Atera, Level, N-able and ConnectWise ScreenConnect. The group also employs Rclone to exfiltrate data before encryption, enabling double-extortion tactics through Medusa's leak site.

Router Compromise Enables Silent Surveillance

The Forest Blizzard campaign presents a different but equally troubling threat. Since at least August 2025, the Russian military-linked group has been compromising insecure home and small office routers, modifying their DNS settings to redirect traffic through attacker-controlled infrastructure.

"By compromising edge devices that are upstream of larger targets, threat actors can take advantage of less closely monitored or managed assets to pivot into enterprise environments," Microsoft explained in its April 7 post.

The campaign has affected more than 200 organizations and 5,000 consumer devices, according to Microsoft Threat Intelligence, which also identified follow-on adversary-in-the-middle attacks aimed at Transport Layer Security connections to Microsoft Outlook on the web domains. Microsoft said the activity has hit government, IT, telecommunications and energy organizations.
Army Pfc. Jacob Langley prepares a Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000ULE for flight during the Ivy Sting 4 exercise at Fort Carson, Colo., Jan. 28, 2026. (Jacob Cruz/U.S. Army)



The U.S. Air Force will purchase up to $270 million worth of lightweight, solar-powered drones that can be launched by a two-person crew and fly extended-loitering scout missions, according to the manufacturer.

The K1000ULE built by Kraus Hamdani Aerospace has already been in limited use with U.S. Army Special Forces and the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, KHA said.

The Emeryville, Calif.-based company said the deal is with U.S. Air Forces Central, a component of U.S. Central Command, which includes the area of Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran.

The contract has not yet been published on Department of Defense websites, KHA spokeswoman Annie Frisch said.

Listings on sam.gov can take up to 30 days from the award date to appear, Frisch said.

The purchase was also reported by several defense industry news sites. The Air Force did not immediately return a request for confirmation of the deal.

A Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000ULE unmanned aerial vehicle operates in Aqaba, Jordan, on March 9, 2023, during multinational exercises. (Aaron Troutman/U.S. Army)



The fixed-wing drone operates on software that is updated with data KHA receives from Ukrainian armed forces flying drones against Russia.

Were learning from Ukraine constantly, because our engineers contribute the most prolific widely used autopilot in the world, which is flying in Ukraine, KHA co-founder and chief technology officer Stefan Kraus said in a statement.

The solar panels embedded in the 16-foot wing replenish a long-endurance battery and an AI directional program, KHA said. The K1000ULE set a record for an unrefueled drone flight of 75 hours in 2023. The drone can fly at up to 46 mph with a service ceiling of 20,000 feet. It weighs up to 40 pounds, depending on the payload.

The K1000ULE uses artificial intelligence to mimic the soaring flight paths and patterns of birds, KHA said. The AI can enable the drone to follow airflow currents, allowing it to turn off the propulsion system up to 80% of the time, extending its flight time.

Across the Middle East, U.S. forces now operate in an environment where unmanned systems are no longer a supporting capability  they are a primary capability used at scale, KHA said. Adversaries are deploying large volumes of low-cost drones to overwhelm defenses, disrupt operations and compress decision timelines. At the same time, high-value remotely piloted Aircraft systems such as the MQ-9s, costing many millions of dollars, are increasingly being shot down in contested airspace.

The drone is designed with fully modular and open architecture, so new components and capabilities can be switched into the existing airframe in the future, KHA said in a statement.

KHA said the K1000ULE has been integrated into the U.S. Armys Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) system. Operating as a networked node within the modern battlefield, the system is designed to allow for real-time coordination between assets in battlefield conditions.

KHA said that in addition to military applications, the K1000ULE has been used by energy exploration companies for long-duration reconnaissance.
Frank Ross Talbert, 41, was assigned to the 52nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group at Fort Campbell, Ky., when he was arrested and federally charged in May 2024. He is still in the Army, according to officials at Fort Campbell. (Samuel Shore/U.S. Army)



An Army lieutenant colonel who last served as deputy commander of an ordnance disposal group pleaded guilty Monday to smuggling firearms parts into the United States from Russia and selling them without a federal license to do so.

Frank Ross Talbert, 41, was assigned to the 52nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group at Fort Campbell, Ky., when he was arrested and federally charged in May 2024. He is still in the Army, according to officials at Fort Campbell.

He pleaded guilty before Judge Eli J. Richardson in the Middle District of Tennessee to 21 counts of weapon-related charges. They include violating the Arms Export Control Act, smuggling goods into the U.S., trafficking firearms, owning an unregistered machine gun, transporting illegal weapons and dealing firearms without a license, according to court documents.

Talbert also agreed to forfeit weapons and parts, including Russian- and Bulgarian-made AK-47-type firearms, according to the 17-page plea agreement.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 10. He could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

An attorney for Talbert declined to comment on Monday.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection records show that Talbert received more than 350 foreign shipments of suspected firearms and parts dating back to July 2019, according to court documents. At that time, he was stationed at Fort Hamilton, N.Y., in Brooklyn, and was assigned to the United Nations as an improvised explosive device threat mitigation advisor. He also lived on the base with his family.

He was reassigned to Fort Campbell in July 2022 and moved to Clarksville, Tenn., where shipments continued, according to court documents. Talbert used variations of his name and his wifes name with their address for the shipments.

Sixteen shipments  all containing firearms parts or munition-related items  were intercepted and seized by Customs and Border Protection, which involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Investigators also collected evidence of Talberts significant presence in online forums where members can sell, purchase and discuss firearms.

Federal agents searched his home in October 2023 and found a gun safe in the garage with five firearms made from illegally imported single-cut machine gun receivers, multiple shipping boxes filled with illegally imported items and a workstation with supplies to ship sold products, according to court documents.

Talbert has been in the Army since 2006 and has served overseas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and France, according to his official service record. His previous awards include two Bronze Star Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and two Army Commendation Medals. He also earned the Combat Action Badge, two Combat and Special Skill Master Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badges, the Parachutist Badge, and the Air Assault Badge.
USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing 9 transit in formation in the Arabian Sea, Feb. 6, 2026. A third Navy aircraft carrier strike group and additional minesweepers are headed to the Middle East to enforce a U.S. blockade against Iran and wrest away control of the Strait of Hormuz. (Jesse Monford/U.S. Navy)



NAPLES, Italy  A third Navy aircraft carrier strike group and additional minesweepers are headed to the Middle East to enforce a U.S. blockade against Iran and wrest away control of a critical oil artery, the Strait of Hormuz.

The impending arrival of about six more ships will put at least 27 Navy vessels  roughly 41% of the services ships actively deployed and operating at sea worldwide  in the region, according to a Stars and Stripes analysis of USNI News Fleet Tracker data.

The additional forces  on top of at least 21 Navy warships and more than 16,500 sailors and Marines already in the region  would give commanders greater flexibility in enforcing the U.S. blockade, aimed at throttling Irans economy and forcing its leadership to curb its nuclear program.

It also will offer the support required to confront Iranian mines and other asymmetric threats as the U.S. seeks to assure safe passage for tankers and other ships in the strait, according to the Navys top officer.

You just have to think about this from a multidimensional problem set, Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, said Monday during an event hosted by the Atlantic Council. Thats a tough challenge.

Last week, Iran and the U.S. agreed to a two-week pause in the fighting, setting up a round of weekend negotiations in Pakistan. But those talks fell apart amid disputes after both sides accused the other of making excessive demands.

Shortly after, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would begin blockading all ships in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command later clarified that its forces would begin implementing a blockade this week against all ships entering or exiting Iranian ports.

During five weeks of open warfare, Iran launched repeated retaliations on American bases and partners in the region after initial strikes Feb. 28 by the U.S. and Israel that killed a number of top Iranian leaders.

Tehrans reprisals also included measures that in effect closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic.

The U.S.-Iran truce ends April 21.

Analysts estimate that the Navy needs at least two aircraft carriers, more than a dozen destroyers and other support in the Persian Gulf to effectively implement the dual U.S. strategy of enforcing the blockade and reopening the strait to ships.

The U.S. blockade, which went into effect Monday, will be enforced in the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea east of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a copy of a notice to mariners obtained by a naval and shipping expert and referenced in a podcast posted on X.

The notice also specified that the blockade encompasses the entirety of the Iranian coast and wasnt limited to ports and oil terminals. It laid out several other conditions, including those for passage of humanitarian aid.

Two Navy destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday as part of a broader mission to ensure that the waterway was fully clear of sea mines, according to CENTCOM.

On Monday, the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, along with Carrier Air Wing 7 and some 5,000 sailors and personnel, was operating along the southwestern coast of Africa, according to USNI.

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush departs Naval Station Norfolk, Va., for a regularly scheduled deployment, March 31, 2026. A third Navy aircraft carrier strike group and additional minesweepers are headed to the Middle East to enforce a U.S. blockade against Iran and wrest away control of the Strait of Hormuz. (Jayden Brown/U.S. Navy)



The extended route into the CENTCOM area of operations allows the carrier and presumably its escorts  the destroyers USS Mason, USS Ross and USS Donald Cook  to avoid transiting the Suez Canal into the Red Sea under potential threat of Iran-backed Houthi militants.

Bush reportedly was expected to take a more direct route in the Middle East, transiting the Strait of Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean Sea.

Meanwhile, two Avenger-class mine countermeasure ships, USS Chief and USS Pioneer, left Singapore on Friday, presumably heading to the Strait of Malacca and into the Indian Ocean, according to a ship watcher.

They join two littoral combat ships with mine countermeasure capabilities that are already in or near the CENTCOM area of operations. A third LCS, USS Santa Barbara, was pierside in Singapore, another ship watcher recently reported.

The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, including the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, was operating near Guam on Monday, according to USNI. The group reportedly also is headed to the Middle East, but was not included in the earlier count of 27 ships since its destination could not be independently confirmed.

The effort to interdict vessels in the Persian Gulf is risky for U.S. forces, who could encounter booby traps on vessels or be ambushed by Iranian military forces hidden on ships, Sal Mercogliano, an adjunct professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, said in a podcast posted Tuesday on X.

The situation becomes even more complicated if an interdiction involved a ship affiliated with China, Mercogliano said.

Its unlikely that the U.S. wants to interdict and seize ships, he said, adding that the blockade is more likely aimed at forcing Iran to resume negotiations on ending the war.

I think they would much rather get to the table, negotiate out and open the Strait of Hormuz without coming to action, Mercogliano said. But its going to require this.
A scene from the Groton Area Submarine Birthday Ball in Mashantucket, Conn., April 11, 2026. The event marked the 126th anniversary of the submarine force. (John Bellino/U.S. Navy)



The U.S. Navys Submarine Force celebrated its 126th anniversary on Sunday.

A birthday ball was held in Mashantucket, Conn., in the vicinity of Naval Submarine Base New London. General Dynamics subsidiary Electric Boat, a major submarine builder, is also headquartered in the area.

If you can operate where others cannot, if you can see without being seen, if you can hold an adversary at risk without revealing yourself, you dont just participate in maritime warfare, you change it, said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle at the event.

The oldest and newest submarine warfare qualified sailors cut the cake at a birthday ball honoring the submarine force in Mashantucket, Conn., Apr. 11, 2026. (Lucas J. Hastings/U.S. Navy)

An ice sculpture at the Groton Area Submarine Birthday Ball in Mashantucket, Conn., April 11, 2026. (John Bellino/U.S. Navy)



Another ball will be held at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., on Saturday.

The origin of the force is dated to the Navys purchase of the USS Holland on April 11, 1900, which was primarily used for experimental purposes. The U.S. deployed submarines to a limited extent in World War I, but they became a serious component of American maritime power from World War II onward.

Todays Submarine Force counts 69 submarines, all of which are nuclear-powered and 14 of which form the seaborne leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. The force continues to evolve: the Navy last week said it would decommission the long-idle submarine USS Boise, which had become a symbol of shipbuilding and maintenance dysfunction.

Earlier in the month, the White House proposed a $1.5 trillion defense budget that called for the maintenance or increased procurement of existing battle force platforms, with the priorities including amphibious assault vessels, Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and Virginia-class attack submarines.

The request comes as China has built up its submarine fleet, though many of its new submarines use conventional fuel rather than nuclear power.
The U.S. military has conducted another strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean on April 13, 2026. (U.S. Southern Command)



The U.S. military has conducted another strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean, leaving two dead, U.S. Southern Command said.

After Mondays attack, the death toll since the campaign began in early September has reached at least 170.

Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narcotrafficking routes in the eastern Pacific and was engaged in narcotrafficking operations, SOUTHCOM said in a statement.

SOUTHCOM posted an 18-second video showing the strike. No U.S. forces were harmed in the operation.

Mondays attack follows strikes against two boats in the eastern Pacific on Saturday.

Operation Southern Spear, the Pentagons name for the campaign against drug trafficking in Latin America, continues despite the U.S. militarys focus on the Middle East and the conflict with Iran.

Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump designated several drug cartels as terrorist organizations, including Venezuelas Tren de Aragua. His administration has asserted that the U.S. is in an armed conflict with cartels and will treat their members as unlawful combatants. The administration, however, has offered little evidence to support its claims of killing narcoterrorists.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Gregory Talbot, an electrical power production craftsman, helps build a classroom in Quezon, Philippines, April 9, 2026, in the leadup to the multinational Balikatan military exercise. (Mia Ocampo/U.S. Marine Corps)



More than 17,000 troops from the United States and six allied nations will train across the Philippines from April 20 to May 8 during the annual Balikatan exercise, U.S. and Philippine officials said.

The drills will include about 10,000 U.S. service members alongside forces from the Philippines, Australia, Canada, France, Japan and New Zealand, according to a Tuesday email from U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Ben Gillman, an exercise spokesman.

Balikatan  a Tagalog term meaning shoulder to shoulder  comes amid ongoing tensions with China over Taiwan and in the South China Sea and a naval blockade of Iran by U.S. forces.

Training will take place across land, sea, air and space and cyber domains, organizers said in a statement Monday.

By training together with our friends and partners using the most advanced systems, we are not just enhancing our shared capabilities; we are forging the trust and readiness required to secure a prosperous and peaceful future for the region, Lt. Gen. Christian Wortman, commander of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, said in the statement.

Seventeen additional nations are expected to send observers.

Philippine army Maj. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo said training with American and other forces prepares his troops to face any challenge.

This exercise is a prime opportunity for the Armed Forces of the Philippines to accelerate our modernization and enhance our capabilities as a vanguard of regional peace, said Lorenzo, who leads the Philippine militarys Education and Training Command.

Soldiers with the U.S. Armys 25th Infantry Division train with Filipino troops at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 8, 2026. The division is slated to join the upcoming Balikatan drills in the islands. (Duke Edwards/U.S. Army)



During the exercise, U.S. and Philippine forces will form joint task forces to strengthen command and control, organizers said. Training will include maritime security, coastal defense and the integration of combined fires.

The drills will also include logistics exercises such as ship-to-shore offloads and sustained movement of supplies and equipment.

Warships from the United States, the Philippines, Canada and Japan will participate in multilateral maritime drills along the Philippines western coast, including deck landings, gunnery, anti-submarine warfare and search-and-rescue training.

Troops will also take part in engineering projects and community health engagements.

Participating U.S. units include I Marine Expeditionary Force, the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, Gillman said.

The U.S. Navy is sending the dock landing ship USS Ashland and Expeditionary Strike Group 3, he said.

Other U.S. forces include special operations units, the Armys 25th Infantry Division and 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, the Air Forces 317th Airlift Wing and fighter units, and the Coast Guard cutter Midgett, Gillman said.
Michelle Park Steel speaks to service members and community leaders during a lunheon at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, Calif., Nov. 16, 2017. (Crystal Housman/California National Guard)



President Donald Trump has nominated a Korean American former lawmaker as the new U.S. ambassador to South Korea, the White House announced this week.

Michelle Park Steel, 70, served two terms as a Republican representative from California from 2021 to 2025. She lost her 2024 bid for a third term to Democrat Derek Tran.

We expect that, once formally appointed, ambassador-designate Steel will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between the peoples of both countries, South Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Stars and Stripes in an email Tuesday.

Steels nomination comes as Seoul and Washington pursue efforts to modernize their relationship across defense and economic fronts. It also follows growing calls from Trump for South Korea to do more to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, citing the presence of tens of thousands of U.S. troops on the peninsula.

If the Senate confirms her nomination, she will become the second Korean American to hold the position, following Ambassador Sung Kim, who served from 2011 to 2014. Steel would also become the second female U.S. ambassador to Korea after Kathleen Stephens, who served from 2008 to 2011.

The ambassadorial post has been vacant since former Ambassador Philip Goldberg left in January 2025. James Heller is serving as the charge daffaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

During her time in Congress, Steel introduced several pieces of legislation related to Korean issues, including the Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act in 2024, which aims to help Korean Americans reunite with relatives in North Korea who were separated following the Korean War.

She also introduced legislation that urges Congress to address humanitarian and human rights issues facing North Koreans in China.

Before her time in Washington, Steel served on the California State Board of Equalization from 2007 to 2015 and was a member of the Orange County Board of Supervisors from 2015 to 2020.

She holds a bachelors degree from Pepperdine University and a master of business administration from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

Steel, who could not be reached for comment after hours on Monday, is married to lawyer Shawn Steel, who formerly chaired the Republican Party of California from 2001 to 2003.
Representatives of the Okinawa prefectural government observe an Okinawa Orientation Overview  the newcomers briefing for U.S. military personnel  at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Nov. 16, 2016. (Daniel Jean-Paul/U.S. Navy)



CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  U.S. military officials are considering changes to the mandatory newcomers briefing for personnel arriving on Okinawa as part of a broader response to sexual assault cases involving service members on the island.

The Okinawa prefectural government has reviewed the Okinawa Orientation Overview, also known as the welcome aboard briefing, and provided input this year, according to Sidney Sullivan, a spokeswoman for Marine Corps Installations Pacifics G-7 Government and External Affairs office.

All personnel covered by the U.S.-Japan status of forces agreement, including service members, Defense Department civilians and their families, must complete the briefing within 72 hours of arriving on Okinawa. SOFA outlines the rights and responsibilities of anyone in Japan with the U.S. military.

In January, the prefecture proposed changes to a part of the briefing that addresses incidents and accidents involving service members, a spokesman for the Military Base Affairs Division said by phone Tuesday.

It also requested changes to the description of Irei No Hi, Okinawas memorial day commemorating the end of World War IIs Battle of Okinawa on June 23, and Okinawans desire for peace, he added. Some Japanese government officials must speak to the press on condition of anonymity.

Sidney Sullivan, a spokeswoman for Marine Corps Installations Pacifics G-7 Government and External Affairs office, speaks with reporters at Camp Foster, Okinawa, April 10, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)



Feedback from Maj. Gen. Brian Wolford, commander of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, is being translated, Sullivan told reporters Thursday during a resource panel at Camp Foster. Lt. Gen. Roger Turner, commander of III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Okinawa area coordinator, will also review the material.

When everything is finished, I would get the final product and I will begin using that updated version at the Wednesday briefings, Sullivan said.

The orientation briefing was developed in 2016 by U.S. Forces Japan in coordination with the Japanese government, Sullivan said. She said she was not aware of the specific changes proposed by the prefecture.

This review is to ensure the content effectively familiarizes new arrivals with Okinawas unique history and culture, informs them of the environment in which they will live and work, and fosters a deeper understanding of both the high expectations of the Okinawan people and the longstanding relationship between the U.S. military and the local community, installations command spokeswoman 1st Lt. Kelsey Enlow said in an email Monday.

She declined to provide details on the proposed revisions or a timeline for implementing them.

Col. Marc Walker, commander of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installation Pacific, speaks with reporters during a resource panel discussion on Camp Foster, Okinawa, April 10, 2026. (Ryan M. Breeden/Stars and Stripes)



U.S. military officials sought suggestions for improving the briefing during the first meeting of the Okinawa Community Partnership Forum on May 9. The forum was proposed in July 2024 by then-USFJ commander Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp following a series of sexual assault allegations against U.S. service members beginning in late 2023. Two cases have resulted in convictions, while two others remain pending in Naha District Court.

In December 2024, Air Force Senior Airman Brennon Washington was convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor. In June, Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton was convicted of strangling and attempting to sexually assault a Japanese woman.
Aircraft with Carrier Air Wing 9 fly over the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 24, 2025. U.S. Navy assets, including an aircraft carrier and mine-sweeping ships, grow in the Persian Gulf as it works to enforce the naval blockade against Iran and to assure commercial shippers have transit access through the Strait of Hormuz. (U.S. Navy)



American and Iranian officials are reporting progress in ongoing peace talks, with a potential second round of negotiations taking shape even as the U.S. military continues to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

The prospect of further discussions comes as the U.S. exerts its grip on the Strait of Hormuz and as Europe, which has so far declined to join the mission, weighs an eventual role in helping secure the waterway.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Navy moved assets into position to enforce the blockade on Iranian ports, apparently an attempt by President Donald Trump to ratchet up economic pressure on Iran.

Some shipping is moving through the strait, whose importance as an oil transit route is immense. A Chinese-owned tanker appeared to complete its transit through the waterway Tuesday, according to ship tracking data that showed the vessel pushing its way into the gulf.

The Rich Starry, already sanctioned by the United States for past dealings with Iran, is carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol that was loaded at a United Arab Emirates port, according to shipping data.

Since the ship wasnt operating from an Iranian port, it was likely deemed not subject to the blockade.

So far, no European countries have indicated a willingness to join the U.S. blockade. Allies have come under heavy criticism from Trump for staying on the sidelines.

USS Abraham Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing 9 transit in formation in the Arabian Sea, Feb. 6, 2026. U.S. Navy assets, including an aircraft carrier and mine-sweeping ships, grow in the Persian Gulf as it works to enforce the naval blockade against Iran and to assure commercial shippers have transit access through the Strait of Hormuz. (Jesse Monford/U.S. Navy)



Oil prices dropped Tuesday in response to signs of more talks between Washington and Tehran. Brent crude fell by about 1% to $98.40 a barrel, down from over a over $100 a barrel after Trump ordered a blockade on Irans ports.

Officials in Pakistan, which helped mediate the first round of negotiations, told Reuters on Tuesday that diplomatic teams were preparing for a second round after last weeks meeting failed to produce a deal.

Irans uranium enrichment program is emerging as a key point in the negotiations. The U.S. has proposed a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activity, allowing Iran to claim it didnt permanently forgo its right to develop nuclear fuel, The New York Times reported on Tuesday.

Iran countered with a proposal to suspend nuclear activity for up to five years, two senior Iranian officials and one U.S. official told the Times.

While it isnt clear whether either side is willing to budge further, Vice President JD Vance painted a somewhat optimistic picture on Monday.

We made a lot of progress, Vance told Fox News. But we also made clear, and I think this is part of the progress we made, what the terms (were) where the United States can make some accommodation, what terms we were flexible on and what things we absolutely needed to see in order for the president of the United States to feel like he was getting a good deal.

The big question from here on out is whether the Iranians will have enough flexibility, he added.

Following the collapse of the initial talks early Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said U.S. and Iranian negotiators had been just inches away from a memorandum of understanding, though he did not elaborate.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will hold a conference Friday in Paris for countries willing to help restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz when security conditions allow.
Members of the audience hold up photographs of people who died in the Holocaust during the United States Holocaust Memorial Museums National Commemoration of the Days of Remembrance on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



Congress on Tuesday posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest honors bestowed on civilians, to U.S. Army veteran Benjamin Ferencz for his work in investigating and prosecuting Nazi war criminals during the Nuremberg trials.

The medal was presented to the family of Ferencz, who was the last surviving Nuremberg prosecutor when he died in 2023 at age 103, during the United States Holocaust Memorial Museums annual Days of Remembrance commemoration at the U.S. Capitol.

Mr. Ferencz was a tremendous force for good, a fierce New Yorker with a heart of gold and a backbone of steel, a man who saw the worst of humanity and spent the better part of a century fighting for the best of it, said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., one of the lawmakers who lobbied for the award.

Congress voted to bestow on Ferencz the medal in 2022, citing his role as chief prosecutor in the Einsatzgruppen case, which convicted 22 Nazis for unleashing mobile killing squads behind the Eastern Front, as well as his lifelong advocacy for international criminal justice and the rule of law.

A ceremony celebrating the approval of the award took place in Florida, where Ferencz lived, several months before he died.

On Tuesday, his family members were formally given the medal as members of Congress recounted Ferenczs life and accomplishments.

Keri Levine Ferencz, third from right, daughter of Benjamin Ferencz, stands with Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C.; Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La.; and House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., during the United States Holocaust Memorial Museums National Commemoration of the Days of Remembrance on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

The Congressional Gold Medal presented posthumously in honor of Benjamin Ferencz, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II and investigated and prosecuted Nazi war criminals during the Nuremberg Trials. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

The 3rd US Infantry Regiment, traditionally known as The Old Guard, enter Emancipation Hall before the ceremony on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)



Ferencz was born in a Transylvanian village in Romania in 1920 and immigrated to the U.S. with his family as an infant to escape anti-Jewish pogroms. He enlisted in the Army in 1943 after graduating from Harvard Law School, joining an anti-aircraft artillery battalion readying for D-Day.

After landing in Normandy in 1944, he fought across France and Germany, receiving five battle stars. In the last stages of World War II, he was tasked with investigating newly liberated concentration camps to gather evidence of war crimes.

One of his first experiences was at Buchenwald. He recalled in vivid detail the hungry reduced to scavenging for scraps and the countless bodies that lay like firewood, piled at the foot of furnaces that scattered that campus, said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. In records that Nazis meticulously kept, he uncovered the horrific scale of the crimes.

By the time Ferencz finished, he had found evidence of more than 1 million deaths.

He left military service at the end of 1945, at the rank of infantry sergeant, and was soon recruited by the U.S. government to bring war criminals to justice through a series of trials held by Allied forces in Nuremberg, the city where Hitler had held massive Nazi rallies.

After the Nuremberg trials ended, Ferencz fought for reparations for survivors of the Holocaust and other victims of Nazi Germany and lobbied for the development of mechanisms to punish wars of aggression. His efforts contributed to the establishment of the International Criminal Court in 2002.

Nuremberg taught me that creating a world of tolerance and compassion would be a long and arduous task, Ferencz said, according to his website. And I also learned that if we did not devote ourselves to developing effective world law, the same cruel mentality that made the Holocaust possible might one day destroy the entire human race.
As AI workloads reshape enterprise infrastructure, data centre networks are under increasing pressure to deliver higher performance, resilience and automation.

At Mobile World Congress Barcelona, Huawei expanded its Xinghe AI Fabric portfolio, positioning the technology as a foundation for AI-driven data centres. According to Arthur Wang (pictured), President of the Data Center Network Domain at Huaweis Data Communication Product Line, the latest release  Xinghe AI Fabric 2.0  reflects a shift in how networks must operate in the AI era.

Data centre networks have moved from cloud and virtualisation to a new stage driven by AI, Wang told Developing Telecoms. Enterprises now want to fully unleash and efficiently use their computing power.

A network architecture built for the AI era

Huaweis AI Fabric architecture is structured around three layers: AI Brain, AI Connectivity and AI Network Elements.

Wang likens the design to the human body. The AI Brain layer acts as the decision-making centre, analysing network data and directing operations. Beneath it, AI Connectivity functions like a circulatory system, transferring data across the network. At the base, hardware related AI Network Elements provide the high reliable and intrinsic security foundation.

Huawei first introduced an AI Fabric concept in 2018, initially focused on reducing packet loss within networks. However, the rapid expansion of AI workloads since 2023 has forced vendors to rethink data centre networking entirely.

The new Xinghe AI Fabric 2.0 integrates four major components: Rock-Solid Architecture 2.0, StarryWing Digital Map 2.0, Xinghuan AI Turbo 2.0, and iFlashboot 2.0. Together, Huawei says these capabilities allow enterprises to build always-on AI data centre networks capable of maximising computing performance.

Tackling hidden network faults

One major challenge in large-scale data centres is identifying faults that are difficult to detect through traditional monitoring.

Wang describes these as unknown faults  issues that appear invisible during routine checks but still disrupt services. In some cases, network tests may show that connections are functioning normally, while applications remain unavailable.

You can run a ping and everything looks fine, Wang explained. But the service has already been interrupted.

These faults can be caused by factors such as hardware issues, abnormal routing entries or unexpected congestion. The difficulty lies in the scale of modern data centres. Large networks can contain hundreds of thousands of simultaneous traffic flows, yet most monitoring systems only analyse a small fraction due to hardware limitations.

Huawei claims its AI Eagle-Eye Engine, introduced as part of Rock-Solid Architecture 2.0, addresses this problem by monitoring up to 200,000 service flows in real time. Using AI-based analysis allowing the root cause of problems to be identified within minutes.

According to Huawei, this significantly reduces troubleshooting times that might otherwise take several hours.

Supporting multi-vendor networks

At the same time, enterprises are increasingly moving away from relying on a single networking vendor.

Analysts suggest that around 85% of organisations are expected to adopt dual-vendor strategies in the next two to three years, often to reduce costs and supply chain risk. But managing multiple vendors introduces operational complexity, particularly when faults occur.

Huaweis answer is a unified management layer based on StarryWing Digital Map 2.0 and the iMaster NCE controller platform. The system provides a standardised model that allows operators to manage heterogeneous network environments through a single interface.

The platform integrates with common IT service tools and can communicate with equipment from other major vendors in industry.

Huawei says the same framework can extend beyond networking hardware to include third-party security infrastructure, allowing policies and configurations to be managed from a central platform.

AI tools are also used to analyse complex firewall rule sets. In large enterprise networks, thousands of policies can accumulate over time, making changes risky. Huaweis system can analyse existing rules and warn administrators if new policies might conflict with existing ones.

Maximising GPU performance

AI workloads are also changing the economics of networking.

GPU-based servers used for AI training and inference are significantly more expensive than traditional CPU-based infrastructure. Any network inefficiency can therefore result in costly computing resources sitting idle.

The GPU servers are extremely expensive assets, said Wang. If the network becomes congested, GPUs have to wait for data. That means the computing power is wasted.

To address this, Huawei introduced new optimisation technologies as part of Xinghuan AI Turbo 2.0, including Network Stream Load Balancing (NSLB) and Network Packet Load Balancing (NPLB).

Traditional load-balancing methods in AI clusters often achieve only around 50% bandwidth utilisation. Huawei claims its new algorithms can increase effective throughput to 9098%, helping to maximise GPU efficiency in both training and inference scenarios.

The technologies support GPUs from multiple vendors, including Huaweis Ascend processors.

Liquid cooling for next-generation switches

Power consumption is another growing concern in AI infrastructure. As chip densities increase, the power draw of a single rack can exceed 30kW, making traditional air cooling increasingly ineffective.

To address this, Huawei launched the XH9230-LC liquid-cooled switch, designed specifically for AI data centre environments.

While liquid cooling for switch chips is already possible, cooling optical modules has proven more difficult because they must remain removable while maintaining efficient heat transfer.

Huawei says it solved this challenge using a flexible heat-dissipation structure built with thermally conductive interface materials (TIM). This allows optical modules to maintain close contact with cooling surfaces while still being easily plugged in and removed.

The company claims the design improves heat dissipation significantly, allowing up to eight switches to be deployed in a single rack while reducing air-conditioning requirements by as much as 60%.

Towards autonomous network operations

Looking ahead, Huawei believes automation will become increasingly important in data centre operations.

The company is developing an AI-driven operations platform called NetMaster, designed to act as an AI agent capable of automatically detecting and resolving network issues.

Working alongside the StarryWing Digital Map, NetMaster can identify faults, isolate problematic interfaces and reroute traffic without human intervention.

According to Wang, Huawei can already automate roughly 80% of network issues, though the remaining cases still require human oversight.

Fully autonomous networking will require extremely high reliability, he noted. But Wang believes the industry is not far from that goal.

Maybe in two or three years, he said. But the system must be completely accurate before networks can fully trust it.
MJ Arrebola Granada 14/04/2026 Actualizado 15/04/2026 - 18:09h.

In the heart of the natural area of Maro-Cerro Gordo on the border between the Costa del Sol and Granada province's Costa Tropical Cantarrijan beach has always been synonymous with freedom, coexistence and respect. For decades, this corner of Almunecar has been one of the great references of naturism in Andalucia, a place where naturists and people in clothes have shared space without conflict and with a good atmosphere.

In the last few weeks, this seemingly "unbreakable" good atmosphere has been changed by a decision that has caused conflict between the naturist community and the owners of the beach bars in the area.

The conflict is due to a change of criteria at La Barraca and La Bola Marina beach bars, which - according to the association of friends of Cantarrijan naturist beach (AAPNC) - have begun to demand that naturists dress in order to be able to use certain areas or services where, until now, this requirement did not exist or was more flexible.

The association has been working for approximately nine years with the aim of giving visibility to naturism and promoting coexistence on the beach. During this time, they claim to have worked constantly with the beach bars, especially with La Barraca, to establish agreements that would allow naturists to be accepted at the bars.

As a result of these conversations, about four years ago a 'naturist optional' area was set up in La Barraca, a space where both naturists and clothed people could share without restrictions.

In addition, according to them, during the past year, eating was allowed in the outside areas of the beach bars, with the condition of wearing sarongs when getting up.

However, this year the situation has changed. In a meeting between the association and the owners of the beach bars, the association was told that they "could not be naked on their premises, that they had already taken a decision and that they did not want to go back", explains the president of the association, Jose Gamero.

Gamero says that the bar owners gave a number of reasons for the decision, from the supposed lack of profitability of the naturist space to the discomfort of some staff or customers in the presence of naked people: "Naturists and people with clothes have shared this space for years with respect", the association points out.

"It is not profitable".

The business owners involved deny that this is a radical change or a measure against nudism. Manuel Garcia Novo, manager of La Bola Marina, says that his position has always been the same: "The beach is naturists but the business has never been adapted to serve naturists. We have always asked for minimum hygiene standards".

In his case, he states that he has never allowed access to completely naked customers apart from occasional or exceptional situations outside normal business hours.

Rosario Barbero, owner of La Barraca, explains that the decision to close the naturist area is strictly economic. "It was an area that was not profitable. If I can't make ends meet, I can't keep it open. I have the right as the owner to make decisions about my business". Barbero adds that most of the naturists who come to the beach already wear sarongs to access the restaurant.

The association warns that decisions like this could put the historical identity of Cantarrijan at risk. "This could be the beginning of a change. Little by little the naturist character of the beach could be lost".

The arguments do not convince the association and for the moment, the talks have not borne fruit and the positions are still far apart. Even so, the association assures that the door to understanding remains open.
(Por FoxR - Trabajo propio, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36519935)

Dilip Kuner Malaga 14/04/2026 a las 15:13h.

Archaeological breakthroughs at the El Monastil site are transforming our understanding of the Costa Blancas ancient past, proving that the Byzantine Empire held a sophisticated "iron curtain" against the Visigoths in the Vinalopo Valley.

While many visitors flock to Alicante for its beaches, the rugged interior is currently yielding some of the most significant Byzantine archaeology in Western Europe.

A new study by Antonio Manuel Poveda Navarro has confirmed that the hilltop of El Monastil in Elda was not just a settlement, but a vital imperial castellum (fortress) that guarded the frontier of the Eastern Roman Empire during the 6th and 7th centuries.

A strategic gateway in the Vinalopo Valley

The location of the find is key to its historical importance. Situated overlooking a natural pass, the fortress allowed the Byzantines to control movement between the coast (Carthago Spartaria/Cartagena) and the Iberian interior.

For modern residents and history enthusiasts in the Valencian Community, the discovery confirms that Elda was the site of the lost city of Elo, a powerful administrative and religious hub that had been "missing" from the maps for centuries.

Why this discovery matters for Spanish history

This isn't just a local find; it is a missing link in the story of the Byzantine Province of Spania. The excavation has unearthed artifacts that prove the "Romanness" of the region survived much longer than previously thought:

Elite Military Presence: The discovery of heavy cavalry armor (lamellae) suggests that elite imperial troops were stationed right here in the Alicante mountains.

The "Lost" Church of Elo: The site features a Byzantine-style monastery with a rare pentagonal baptistery, marking it as a major center of early Christian worship in Southeast Spain.

Imperial Tax Control: Archaeologists found official currency weights, proving that the Bishops of Elda were tasked by Emperor Justinian to regulate the economy and collect taxes, keeping the Roman system alive on the frontier.

The findings at El Monastil, which include a stunning ivory pyxis (jewelery box) and a monumental three-metre-thick defensive wall, are now being integrated into the cultural heritage of the Vinalopo Mitja region.

For those exploring the Castles of Alicante route, this Byzantine discovery adds a layer of "Imperial Rome" to a landscape famous for its Moorish and Medieval fortresses. It serves as a reminder that 1,500 years ago, the mountains of Elda were the high-tech border of a Mediterranean superpower.
Alekk M. Saanders 14/04/2026 a las 14:39h.

The copla is a blend of Spanish folk music with Andalusian motifs, known for its narrative lyrics devoted to love, jealousy and tragedy. One of the pillars of the copla genre, possessing a unique individuality as a male performer, is Miguel de Molina.

A symbol of audacity

The future King of Copla was born on 10 April 1908 in the Capuchinos neighbourhood of Malaga into a modest family. His father was a cobbler and suffered from epilepsy, so his mother was the sole breadwinner of the family. Miguel was sent to a religious school, where his classmates bullied him by calling him a little woman. Soon, Miguel was expelled for throwing a glass inkwell at a teacher, as the priest had been taking liberties with him. He began working as a cleaner or errand boy in a brothel in Algeciras.

He quickly learnt to combine avant-garde stage techniques with popular songs in his sophisticated variety shows, thereby radically revolutionising the copla genre

At the age of 20, Miguel de Molina was guiding tour groups around flamenco venues throughout Andalucia. It was then that he realised his voice and unique style of performance were ideally suited to singing copla. Having come to believe in his talent, Miguel moved to Madrid in 1930. He quickly learnt to combine avant-garde stage techniques with popular songs in his sophisticated variety shows, thereby radically revolutionising the copla genre. This breakthrough was significant in itself, as he became the first male performer of this musical style, previously considered the preserve of women.

Malagueno won over the capitals audience with his audacity and modernity. In the bustling city of Madrid, the young artist mingled with the leading cultural figures of the time, including Federico Garcia Lorca. However, it was in Valencia that Miguel achieved his greatest successes, popularising songs such as El dia que naci yo, Trinia, Te lo juro yo, La bien paga and Ojos verdes.

Escape to remain true to himself

The Spanish Civil War proved a turning point in his career. Miguel de Molina performed to boost the morale of the Republican troops, but when Francos dictatorship came to power, he was forced to either submit or face accusations regarding his Republican past. Moreover, the artist was threatened because of his homosexuality. Miguel de Molina always remained an honest and principled man despite the attacks and abuse. Incidentally, on one occasion Miguel was arrested in Madrid in his dressing room at the Pavon theatre by three unknown men and subjected to torture. After a period of inactivity, he decided to flee.

Thanks to the help of a friend, Miguel de Molina obtained a passport and, in 1942, fled via Lisbon to Argentina. However, under pressure from the Spanish embassy in Buenos Aireswhich regarded him as a frivolous artist and an immoral manhe was soon forced into exile in Mexico. Years later, a phone call from Eva Peron brought him back to Argentina. Evita, who wielded considerable influence over Franco, defended exiled artists and prevented the Spanish dictatorship from harassing Miguel de Molina.

He was the greatest populariser of copla in Argentina, changing the genres paradigm thanks to his lavish costumes that highlighted his unique androgynous style

Miguel de Molina became a music hall star in the capital. He was the greatest populariser of copla in Argentina, changing the genres paradigm thanks to his lavish costumes that highlighted his unique androgynous style. De Molina's influence extended far beyond singing and dancing. His unique aesthetic and sensibility were in demand across various fields of art (Miguel appeared in several films). In 1960, at the age of 52, Miguel de Molina decided to bring his artistic career to a close. It is reported that during that period he settled temporarily in New York.

Recognition of merit

Although Miguel Molina led a luxury life abroad, he always longed for Spain. Yet he always refused to return whilst the dictatorship remained in power. Apparently, he missed his hometown too. In an interview in 1990, he recalled his native Malaga with tears in his eyes.

While Miguel de Molina was still alive, Spain managed to express its appreciation for the artist. In 1992, Miguel de Molina was awarded the title of Knight of the Order of Isabella the Catholic. On this occasion, the artist emphasised once again that Spain had always been in his heart, but also noted that the recognition had come too late. The medal was presented to Miguel de Molina at the Spanish Embassy in Argentina. The following year, the artist passed away in Buenos Aires and was buried in the pantheon of the Argentine Actors Association at the Chacarita Cemetery.
SUR in English Malaga 14/04/2026 Actualizado 16/04/2026 - 16:10h.

Being a non-resident property owner in Spain has always come with its share of obligations. But 2025 and 2026 have brought a wave of important changes for those who rent out their Spanish homes - new legal obligations affecting all rental property owners, and potential tax refunds for non-residents. Here's a clear, straightforward guide to what's changed and what to do next.

You May Have Overpaid Tax on Your Spanish Rental Income - And You Can Claim It Back

If you rent out your Spanish property and live outside the European Union or European Economic Area (EEA), you've likely been paying tax on your gross rental income for years. That means no deductions for expenses like cleaning fees, community charges, council tax bills (IBI), maintenance costs, insurance, or any other legitimate cost of running a rental property. EU and EEA residents have long been allowed to deduct these expenses, but those residing outside of these areas havent - until now.

In July 2025, Spain's National Court ruled that non-EU and EEA residents had been treated unfairly. They found this distinction discriminatory, and the consequences are significant: if you've been filing rental income tax as a non-EU resident since 2022, you may now be entitled to reclaim what you overpaid. For many landlords, that adds up to a meaningful refund.

IberianTax now offers a dedicated Rental Expenses Reclaim service, managing the entire process with the Spanish Tax Office on your behalf. You don't need to navigate Spanish bureaucracy, gather obscure forms, or worry about getting it wrong. If you've been filing the Modelo 210 as a non-EU or non-EEA resident landlord since 2022, it's worth checking whether you have a valid claim.

If You Rent Short-Term, You Need a Rental Registration Number (NRA) - Deadline: 2 July 2025

Spain's regulation of the holiday rental market has tightened considerably. From July 2nd, 2025, all short-term rental listings advertised on platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and similar sites must display a valid Rental Registration Number (NRA). Without one, platforms are legally required to remove your listing.

This applies to both residents and non-residents alike. Whether you rent your Costa del Sol apartment for two weeks a year or run a full holiday let business, the NRA is now a legal requirement regardless of the scale of your rental activity.

For non-resident owners, the tax implications are also significant. Non-compliance can complicate the filing of Form 210 (Modelo 210), the mandatory annual declaration for all non-residents earning income in Spain. Additionally, renting without registration can create further issues with the Spanish Tax Agency and make it difficult to legally justify the income obtained.

If you haven't already obtained yours, the time to act is now. Applications require specific documentation and must be submitted correctly to avoid delays or refusals. IberianTax can handle the NRA application process for you from start to finish, so you can feel confident your listing stays live and your rental activity remains fully compliant.

Already Have an NRA? There's Now a Mandatory Additional Annual Declaration You Must File

Many owners who secured their NRA believe thats the end of their obligations. In January 2026, the Spanish Ministry of Housing introduced a further requirement that caught many landlords off guard: an annual informative declaration of all rental activity carried out during the previous calendar year.

This is a separate and additional obligation - on top of the NRA itself. Every landlord in Spain must hold a valid NRA, and must also file this declaration each year, detailing the number of guests, the dates of each stay, and the reason for the visit (tourism, business, medical, etc.). Crucially, even owners who hold an NRA but did not rent their property at all are still required to file - simply confirming that no activity took place.

The stakes are real. Submitting the declaration incorrectly - or not at all - can result in the revocation of your NRA, which means your online listings would be automatically removed and you would be legally prohibited from advertising your property for rent. A number of owners who attempted to file the declaration themselves have already lost their registrations due to avoidable errors.

The process itself adds to the challenge. The declaration must be completed using a specific desktop application called N2 and submitted via the Land Registry platform using a digital certificate - neither of which are straightforward to navigate from abroad and in a foreign language.

If you would rather not deal with any of it, IberianTax can handle the entire process on your behalf - accurately and on time.

Stay Compliant, Without the Stress

Spanish tax and property law moves quickly, and for non-resident owners managing everything from abroad, keeping up is a real challenge. IberianTax exists to take that burden off your hands. From annual Modelo 210 filings - whether for imputed or rental income - through to rental expense refund claims and NRA registrations, IberianTax covers every aspect of non-resident property tax compliance in Spain. We handle every aspect of non-resident property tax compliance - accurately, on time, and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional lawyer or gestoria.

Visit iberiantax.com to explore the full range of services, use the free tax calculators and stay up-to-date via the blog, so you can manage your Spanish property from abroad with confidence, clarity and ease.
Maria Jose Diaz Alcala 14/04/2026 a las 14:16h.

The National Police arrested on 11 April a 49-year-old man for allegedly punching a young man and his mother several times, breaking the woman's nose, in a dispute over a parking space in Malaga's Puerta Blanca neighborhood.

The incident occurred shortly after 3pm, when the emergency services received a call reporting that a woman had been injured in a fight on Calle Palma del Rio.

The National and the Local Police attended the scene, where they found the woman with a bleeding nose and a swollen eye.

According to various sources, the fight ensued when a woman saw a young man parking. She reportedly told him that she was saving the spot for her partner, but the driver ignored her. When her partner appeared, he started arguing with the young man.

The situation escalated when the young man's parents also appeared. At one point during the altercation, the man allegedly punched both the young man and his mother. He did so several times and tore the woman's shirt.

The emergency services mobilised the police and paramedics to the scene. The medical team transferred the woman to the El Clinico hospital, because she had suffered a nasal fracture and other injuries.

The National Police arrested the suspect.

Click here for more crime news.
Empty tables in a shopping centre in Malaga.

Nuria Triguero Malaga 14/04/2026 a las 16:32h.

Businesses in Malaga province shared a negative outlook at the end of the first quarter of 2026. More and more companies report worsening figures.

A drop of almost 6% reflects the balance between positive and negative assessments in the business confidence index in Malaga. This decline is the second steepest among all Andalusian provinces, second only to Jaen, which fell by 6.6%. Across Andalucia as a whole, this index dropped by 3.5%. The only province that improved was Huelva (+1.5%).

What explains this decline in business optimism in Malaga? The last quarter has certainly provided ample material to cloud the economic outlook. The main factor is the war in Iran and its already significant economic impact, such as higher fuel prices and export difficulties.

The Adamuz train crash and the disruption of the high-speed rail connection between Madrid and Malaga may also have contributed to dampening business expectations. The survey does not specify the exact causes of this deterioration in business confidence, so only speculation is possible.

Regardless of the specific factors, the result is that in Malaga, more business owners consider the performance of their business in the first quarter unfavourable (20.4%) than those who consider it favourable (18.4%). These indicators have worsened compared to the previous quarter, when only 10.4% had a negative assessment versus 28.4% who considered it positive. It is striking how the percentage of respondents with a pessimistic view of the situation has doubled.

Business owners are more optimistic about the future: almost 24% have favourable expectations, compared to 15% who share negative views. These forecasts, however, have worsened compared to the previous quarter, when the percentages were 25.5% and 10.6%, respectively.

Construction: the most optimistic sector

The review of the first quarter of 2026 was positive in construction, remained stable in industry and was negative in the remaining sectors. The outlook for the second quarter is positive in all sectors except retail, with construction at the top.

Regarding employment levels, the current situation is negative, while expectations for the future are positive in Andalucia (-3.9% and 3%, respectively). The employment level in the first quarter worsened compared to the previous quarter (-2.0%).

29% of businesses have raised prices

Regarding price trends, a greater number of establishments raised their prices (29.1%) than lowered them (5.1%) in the first quarter of 2026. The upward price trend is expected to continue into the second quarter of 2026.

Regarding exports, 32.2% of establishments exported in the first quarter of 2026 and 32.6% expect to do so in the coming quarter. The net change between establishments that reported an increase in exports (9.7%) and a decrease (17.6%) is -7.9% in the first quarter of 2026. The outlook for the second quarter of 2026 shows a net change of -3.4%.
Alberto Gomez Malaga 14/04/2026 Actualizado a las 17:15h.

The mayor of El Burgo, a small village in the province of Malaga, has defended burning an effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu, following a formal diplomatic protest from the Israeli government.

On Easter Sunday, as part of the annual Quema del Judas (Burning of Judas) festival, residents of the village set fire to a seven-metre-tall figure representing the Israeli Prime Minister. The effigy, which contained approximately 14kg of fireworks, bore a sign labelling the leader a "genocide perpetrator".

The event has triggered a significant diplomatic spat. Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Spanish charge d'affaires in Tel Aviv to issue an official reprimand, describing the act as "vile anti-Semitic hatred" and blaming "systematic incitement" by the Spanish government.

Israel considers the gesture "a regrettable display of anti-Semitic hatred".

However, the mayor of El Burgo, Maria Dolores Narvaez, has dismissed the accusations, insisting the event was intended as a symbol of peace and a protest against the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.

"We are more concerned about the killing of children in Gaza than this controversy," the mayor stated. She explained that the local council chooses a figure each year to represent "evil" or a negative event from the previous year, which is then destroyed to symbolise a fresh start. In 2025, the figure chosen for the burning was President Donald Trump.

Narvaez added that the message of the 2026 burning was intended to be "No to war, no to genocide," and expressed surprise that a local tradition with over 80 years of history had been "taken out of context" on the international stage.

Heightened friction

The incident comes at a time of heightened friction between Madrid and Tel Aviv. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Israel's complaints by rejecting any "insidious accusations" of anti-Semitism, asserting that Spain is firmly committed to fighting all forms of discrimination.

In El Burgo, a municipality in Malaga of around 1,800 residents, the tradition remains a central part of the local calendar. Local supporters of the event pointed out that the "Judas" is never given a formal name by the town hall, leaving the interpretation to the public, though the resemblance to the Israeli leader was unmistakable.

While the Israeli government views the act as a manifestation of hate, the mayor remains steadfast, arguing that the villages right to satirical protest is a reflection of local sentiment regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Alberto Gomez 14/04/2026 a las 11:12h.

Spain's rail network infrastructure company (Adif) is considering a complete closure of the C1 commuter line (Cercanias) between Malaga and Torremolinos for approximately 5.5 months, between the last quarter of 2027 and the second quarter of 2028.

The stoppage is part of a package of measures aimed at increasing line capacity between Malaga and Fuengirola, one of the most heavily used lines in Spain's commuter rail network.

The proposed closure appears in the 2027 list of temporary line capacity restrictions, a technical document published by Adif on 31 March detailing the limitations planned for the rail network due to required improvements.

According to this document, the section between Malaga city and Torremolinos must be closed for about five months to carry out work on the tunnel located between the airport and the Guadalhorce river, along the C1 Malaga-Fuengirola line.

The affected municipalities are demanding to be informed of the detailed work schedule, the stations affected and what alternative option(s) exist.

This particular project is part of a series of improvement work aimed at increasing the capacity of the line, which currently operates on a single-track basis in several sections, limiting train frequency. The planned work includes doubling the track between the airport and Campamento Benitez, located between the stops at Plaza Mayor and Los Alamos, as well as improvements to stations and other work in tunnels along the track.

The news has come as a complete shock to the town halls of the affected municipalities. The mayors of Malaga city and the towns of Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola have requested "urgent" information on work plans from the Ministry of Transport, headed by Oscar Puente.

In a formal letter addressed to the Ministry's central office, the mayors express their "surprise and concern" at not having received information about this project ahead of the public announcement. They described this project as having "a significant impact" on people's mobility along the Costa del Sol, despite institutional contacts having been in place since the summer of 2024 to discuss improvements to the railway infrastructure.

Adif will have to provide an alternative transport plan as it is under a 'public service obligation' to do so.

The signatories of the letter are the mayors of Malaga city (Francisco de la Torre), Torremolinos (Margarita del Cid), Benalmadena (Juan Antonio Lara) and Fuengirola (Ana Mula).

All four agree on the need to improve the line between Malaga and Fuengirola, but consider it essential to know in advance the scope of the work, its specific timeline and the stages in which service interruptions will occur. They also warned that a prolonged interruption could directly affect thousands of workers, students and visitors who use the Cercanias commuter rail service as their primary means of transport on a daily basis.

Since this service has been declared a 'public service obligation' (PSO) service, the rail operator will have to provide an alternative transport plan during the closure period, presumably using rail-replacement buses, as is customary in this type of high-impact project.

The dates included in the list of scheduled work are indicative for now and are usually modified according to how construction pans out and any hold-ups in the tendering process, although this document constitutes the planning reference used by the governing bodies and rail operators for such projects.

The mayors are insisting on the importance of coordinating efforts to avoid a succession of constructions projects on different sections that would prolong the inconvenience caused "for years".

They point out that the goal should be to concentrate the work into the shortest possible timeframe to minimise disruption to users and prevent repeated service interruptions. For this reason, they propose the creation of a monitoring committee with the participation of the affected municipalities to ensure fluid communication with central government and continuous monitoring of ongoing work.
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At the Intelligent Operations Summit held during MWC Barcelona 2026, Huawei put forward its vision for how operators can leverage their unique advantages to grow in the era of rapid AI development.

Bruce Xun (pictured, below), President of Huawei Global Technical Service, noted that in 2026 we will move to an era where AI agents are On-Person, On-the-Go, and On-the-Road. To achieve this, he proposed a new Agentic Operations paradigm for operators. The paradigm will deliver huge advances in three main areas: User Interaction, Experience Operations, and Network O&M.





New User Interaction Paradigm: Embracing Ubiquitous Digital and Intelligent Services that Truly Understand You





Based on the next-generation Agentic BSS (Business Support System), the product innovation journey has shifted from manual Human-to-System to GUI Agent closed-loops. Digital product managers orchestrate Multi-agents across CRM (customer relationship management) and CBS (convergent billing system) to execute the Go-To-Market process, achieving quick GTM (Go to Market) of multiple intelligent services. In Kenya, The Idea-to-Cash solution that Huawei collaborated with operators reduced TTM from months to one week, allowing it to begin delivering value far more quickly.

By designing products and offerings based on user scenarios, Huawei provides each user with a dedicated personalized assistant through the mobile customer service center, Mobile Money app, and AICC (AI contact center).

With contextual design, Mobile Money delivers a generative recommendation page that delivers personalized choices  its easy to see how this will increase the likelihood of successful transactions, and this translates into other areas of customer service too. For example, in Hong Kong, Huawei helped operators reduce the average handling time (AHT) of customer service by 30% - removing this kind of friction will deliver greater customer satisfaction and therefore help operators to retain customers.





New Experience Operations Paradigm: With Leading Network Performance, Delivering Differentiated Experiences to Drive Network Monetization



Huawei's V-Grid Best Networks and SmartCare Intelligence solution have enabled a new operational paradigm, that shifts the emphasis from mass marketing to a more personalized approach that aims to capture the most impactful moments, and a new experience paradigm that aims to deliver differentiated experiences to users via high value services, rather than simply providing a homogenized network experience. This underlines the value in tailoring each individual customers experience to their tastes and usage habits, driving satisfaction and loyalty.

Through one-stop AI Data Analysis agent (DA Agent) and precision marketing agentic model (LUM), Huawei helped an operator in South Africa add 500,000 new HBB users in one year. Powered by Telco Twins and an agentic user experience model (SRCON2.0 + LLM-S) to realize the value ranking of business and network synergy, Huawei helped an operator in Asia Pacific boost per-grid revenue by 6.4% through business & network synergetic planning. In China, combined with smart devices, operators have optimized millions of service quality issues per week across tens of thousands of sites, achieving a more than 30% reduction in poor-quality events through comprehensive optimization.





New Network O&M Paradigm: Maximizing Service Value and Resource Efficiency While Ensuring Network Robustness



The network operations and maintenance (O&M) paradigm has evolved from managing incidents to managing risks - dynamically detecting hidden business-level risks before they happen to guarantee 99.99% service reliability, helping operators ensure continuity. The value of O&M has shifted from being "Network-Centric" to "Service-Centric," built on the CHB (Consumer, Home, Business) converged and grid-based foundation to maximize service benefits. In South Africa, Huawei has helped operators reduce the mean time to repair (MTTR) by 30%, while in the Asia-Pacific region, Huawei has collaborated with operators to improve the efficiency of Network Operation Centers (NOCs) by 20% while cutting traffic loss by 8.4% year-on-year, underlining the benefits to O&M that the solutions can offer.

Huawei does not stop at AI technology - it works with operators to build Agentic Team and AI-adapted processes, transforming them from traditional processes to a hybrid working mode. Domain experts design tasks and strategies, provide supervision and exception intervention, while digital employees automatically analyze, improving both effectiveness and efficiency.

At the end of his speech, Bruce Xun emphasized that for high-value innovation scenarios, Huawei helps operators build a leading advantage in Agentic Operations through the dual engines of Telco Twin and Domain Agentic Models. However, technology is only half the equation. To truly unlock the value of Agentic Operations, three actions must be implemented: optimizing workflows, organizing teams, and aligning incentives to the finial outcomes. These efforts will ultimately solidify the value and results achieved. Huawei will collaborate with TM Forum and GSMA to jointly create a new era of Agentic Operations, enabling the industry to achieve prosperity and development.
(Vicente Vicens / AGM)

Alicia Negre Murcia 14/04/2026 a las 17:00h.

Spain's public prosecutor's office is demanding prison sentences of up to eight and a half years for the main defendants in the 'Atalayas tragedy', the fire at the Teatre and Fonda Milagros nightclubs in Murcia, which claimed the lives of 13 people back in October 2023. In the preliminary conclusions document, to which a local newspaper source has had access, the prosecution is also demanding that they be barred from managing businesses open to the public.

The public prosecutor's office has already submitted to the magistrate for Murcia's lower court three the summary of its provisional conclusions in which it requests that seven people for this fateful fire stand trial. The seven suggested defendants are Juan Ingles Rojo (administrator of the Teatre venue), Marco Martinez ('de facto' administrator for the premises), Eva Maria Martinez (head of Teatre), Daniel Ramirez (administrator of the adjacent Fonda Milagros venue), Carlos R. (party organiser for the 'We Are Remember' event that was being held that night in Teatre), Alfonso G. (owner of the cold-fire, spark-generating machine that allegedly caused the fire) and Carlos J.F. (the engineer who was in charge of drawing up the project to divide the industrial building containing both premises).

In his 64-page report, prosecutor Antonio Jesus Vivo lays out the facts according to his take on the case - namely 13 counts of manslaughter, 12 counts of negligent injury and one count of crimes against the lives, physical health and safety of the workers, plus a long list of safety violations and administrative breaches.

The public prosecutor explains in his report that Juan Ingles Rojo was listed as sole administrator of the Teatre venue and he made all decisions regarding this business. However, he points out that Marco Martinez also acted as the "de facto administrator" of Teatre, carrying out the management and administrative functions of the nightclub "with full decision-making power" on numerous matters, such as commissioning technical projects.

This section points to the two cold-fire spark-generating machines as the cause of the fire and emphasises that their owner "took no precautions as to the risk involved in using such machines indoors". On this point, the prosecutor argues that Teatre's management committed a serious breach in their duty of care, causing a fire that "endangered the lives and physical safety of the people in both nightclubs".

Without administrative authorisation

The public prosecutor's office further notes that, at the time of the tragedy, both premises were operating without all the proper authorisations. From the time the nightclub was taken over until 1 October 2023, the night of the tragedy, the building underwent several modifications, including separating it into two units in 2017. "The modification of the premises", carried out by Marco Martinez under the direction of engineer Carlos J. F., also one of the accused, "without proper administrative oversight", decisively contributed to the risk to people and the rapid spread of the fire from one unit to the other, with fatal consequences for 13 lives.

The prosecution maintains that the defendants "were fully aware that their activities posed a risk to people". At this point in the report, there is a review of the various administrative files concerning the premises, none of which prevented the nightclubs from being packed with partygoers in the early morning hours of this tragic night.

The private prosecutors for the civil liability cases regarding this fire, representing the relatives of those who died in the fire and other affected parties, have also submitted their briefs to the investigating judge. Lawyer Jose Manuel Munoz, representing one group of victims, is requesting the same prison sentences as the public prosecution, but is also demanding millions of euros in compensation for the families of three victims, with an initial amount exceeding 2.4 million euros. A similar situation exists with lawyer Pedro Lopez Grana, another of the private prosecutor in this case who adds his voice to the sentencing demands.
Cities around the world are evolving rapidly with the integration of smart cities technology, reshaping how people live, work, and interact within urban spaces. Fueled by data, connectivity, and digital innovation, smart cities combine automation, efficiency, and sustainability to create environments that respond dynamically to their residents' needs.

From traffic management to energy use, these cities represent a modern vision of how technology can make life more livable and efficient.

What Is a Smart City and How Does It Work?

A smart city operates on an ecosystem of connected systems designed to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Smart cities technology uses networks of sensors, devices, and software that collect and analyze real-time data, everything from air quality to traffic flow, to enhance daily urban functions.

Core components include the Internet of Things (IoT), which connects infrastructures like traffic lights, street lamps, and waste systems; big data analytics, which helps governments predict needs and optimize services; and machine learning algorithms that automate responses to city challenges.

For instance, Singapore's Smart Nation program utilizes AI-powered traffic monitoring and smart public transport scheduling, while Barcelona applies sensor networks to manage parking, lighting, and waste collection with remarkable efficiency.

These examples show how smart cities depend on a robust digital infrastructure that interlinks every aspect of city life.

Key Technologies Driving Smart Cities

The transformation of urban centers into intelligent ecosystems relies on an array of advanced technologies.

Internet of Things (IoT) : IoT devices form the backbone of smart cities technology, enabling the collection of data from millions of connected endpoints. This constant stream of information supports efficient traffic routing, predictive maintenance of infrastructure, and better energy management.

: IoT devices form the backbone of smart cities technology, enabling the collection of data from millions of connected endpoints. This constant stream of information supports efficient traffic routing, predictive maintenance of infrastructure, and better energy management. Artificial Intelligence (AI) : AI supports decision-making in areas like traffic optimization, emergency response, and public safety. It can analyze patterns, such as pedestrian movement or energy consumption, to suggest or trigger real-time solutions.

: AI supports decision-making in areas like traffic optimization, emergency response, and public safety. It can analyze patterns, such as pedestrian movement or energy consumption, to suggest or trigger real-time solutions. Blockchain : Used for data authenticity and secure communication across systems, blockchain technology helps prevent fraud and ensures transparency in urban governance.

: Used for data authenticity and secure communication across systems, blockchain technology helps prevent fraud and ensures transparency in urban governance. 5G Connectivity: High-speed 5G networks are key to enabling real-time communication for critical systems like autonomous vehicles, connected factories, and smart healthcare networks.

Together, these tools form an integrated digital fabric that underpins the next generation of intelligent, data-driven cities.

How Smart Cities Improve Urban Life

The introduction of smart cities technology directly enhances quality of life through efficiency and sustainability. Urban mobility is one of the biggest beneficiaries: advanced traffic systems can reduce congestion and help lower emissions.

Smart parking platforms guide drivers to available spaces instantly, minimizing fuel waste and frustration.

Energy efficiency is another major advantage. Smart grids balance power demand and supply automatically, while buildings with connected HVAC systems can adjust temperatures based on occupancy patterns. The result is a reduction in energy waste and cost savings for both residents and city governments.

Safety and security also improve. AI-enabled surveillance and predictive policing tools can identify unusual patterns and help authorities act quickly before problems escalate. At the same time, environmental monitoring systems track pollution, humidity, and temperature to keep citizens informed and healthy.

From digital healthcare consultations to automated waste disposal, these innovations redefine convenience in the modern cityscape.

Benefits and Challenges of Smart City Technology

The benefits of smart cities technology are far-reaching. Cities become more resilient through data-informed governance and optimized resource allocation. Sustainability goals advance as emissions decline and public transportation becomes more efficient.

Additionally, citizens enjoy improved access to government services, faster response times in emergencies, and cleaner, safer environments.

However, the shift toward hyper-connected cities brings significant challenges. Privacy remains a critical issue since sensor networks continuously collect personal and environmental data.

Cybersecurity risks also grow, as hackers may target essential infrastructure such as energy grids or transport systems. The high cost of establishing and maintaining large-scale connectivity can pose barriers, particularly for developing nations.

To address these hurdles, city planners and technology developers must prioritize transparency, strong encryption standards, and citizen education about data usage. Collaboration between government, private industry, and local communities is essential for ensuring equitable and secure progress.

Read more: 7 Futuristic Gadgets That Feel Like Science Fiction but Exist in the Real World Today

Cities Leading the Way in Smart Innovations

Across the globe, some cities stand out as pioneers in smart cities technology implementation. Singapore's data-driven governance model focuses on efficiency, with intelligent transport systems and e-governance tools streamlining urban operations.

Amsterdam has introduced numerous eco-friendly projects, such as smart grid energy systems and digital waste management, reducing the city's carbon footprint.

Dubai is investing heavily in blockchain-based public services and AI-supported infrastructure aimed at transforming it into a paperless, fully integrated smart metropolis. Meanwhile, Seoul's "Smart Seoul 2015" initiative created a broad network of IoT applications that enhance both government efficiency and citizen engagement.

Emerging economies are also beginning to launch their versions of smart city frameworks. India's Smart Cities Mission and China's extensive smart city pilots show that innovative urban design is no longer limited to developed nations.

The Role of Smart City Technology in Sustainability

Sustainability is central to smart cities technology, where innovation aims to harmonize urban growth with environmental preservation. Technologies like IoT-enabled meters help optimize water and energy consumption, while renewable energy integration ensures a shift toward greener alternatives.

Smart public lighting systems, which adjust brightness based on pedestrian presence, lower electricity use and light pollution. Waste management systems use sensors to monitor fill levels in bins, enabling more efficient collection routes and reduced carbon output from garbage trucks.

Moreover, environmental data platforms track CO emissions, air quality, and temperature fluctuations in real time, providing insights that allow policymakers to act swiftly. Smart agriculture and vertical farming initiatives contribute to food security and urban greening efforts, further reinforcing the eco-friendly blueprint of future cities.

The Future of Smart Cities

The next phase of smart cities technology will focus on deeper integration and human-centric design. Artificial intelligence will guide large-scale urban planning, from zoning decisions to climate adaptation.

Digital twins, virtual models of real cities, will help planners simulate scenarios and predict outcomes before implementing policies.

Autonomous vehicles, electric public transport, and drone-based delivery systems will transform mobility. Meanwhile, data-sharing frameworks will ensure more inclusive participation, where citizens contribute feedback directly through connected platforms.

The cities of tomorrow will not only be more efficient but also more empathetic, responsive to human needs, adaptable to environmental changes, and secure in data protection. These shifts hint at urban ecosystems that evolve continuously, guided by the combined power of technology and human insight.

Living Smarter: The Next Urban Revolution Powered by Smart Cities Technology

Smart cities technology is redesigning urban life in ways once considered futuristic but now increasingly attainable. Cities across the globe are becoming interconnected organisms, where every system, service, and structure communicates for improved efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life.

As more regions adopt digital infrastructure, the emphasis will lie on thoughtful governance, privacy protections, and equitable access to innovation. The evolution of smart cities signals not only a technological advancement but a redefinition of what it means to create livable, responsive, and resilient urban environments.

In the years ahead, these intelligent cities will serve as living models of progress, proving that when technology and vision unite, urban life can truly become smarter, greener, and more human-centered.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do smart cities protect citizens' personal data?

Smart cities use encryption, anonymization, and strict data governance policies to secure personal information collected from connected devices and sensors.

2. Can smaller or developing cities adopt smart cities technology?

Yes. Even with limited resources, cities can start with small-scale projects like smart lighting or digital traffic management and expand gradually as infrastructure improves.

3. What role do citizens play in smart city development?

Residents contribute by sharing feedback, using connected apps for public services, and participating in community-based data initiatives that help refine city operations.

4. How does smart cities technology influence job creation?

The shift toward digital infrastructure creates new roles in data analysis, cybersecurity, urban planning, and green technology, driving both innovation and employment growth.
Privacy-focused company Proton AG has introduced a new service called "Born Private," designed to help parents secure a child's email identity long before it is ever used online.

The initiative is built around preventing early exposure to data tracking, profiling, and the long-term digital footprints that often begin with a first email account.

A Dormant Email That Remains Inactive for Years

With "Born Private," parents can reserve an email address for their child that remains completely inactive for up to 15 years.

During this period, the account does not generate inbox activity, usage logs, behavioral tracking, or any form of data profiling. The email essentially exists as a protected identity placeholder that is untouched until it is needed.

When the child reaches an appropriate age, parents can transfer access through a secure voucher system. This allows the account to be activated only when the family decides the child is ready to take ownership of their digital identity.

Growing Concerns Over Early Digital Exposure

The launch comes amid increasing concerns about how early children are introduced to email services such as Gmail. In many cases, these accounts are required for school platforms, gaming services, and communication tools, making early adoption almost unavoidable.

According to Boingboing, privacy advocates warn that starting email use at a young age can create a permanent digital footprint. Since many people keep their first email address into adulthood, data collected early in life may continue to shape their online identity for years.

Privacy-First Architecture and Encryption Standards

Proton AG operates under Swiss privacy laws and is widely recognized for its strict data protection principles. Its systems use end-to-end encryption and a zero-access architecture, meaning even Proton cannot read the contents of emails once the account becomes active.

However, the company also acknowledges that legal limitations still apply. In certain cases, it may comply with valid legal requests from authorities. While encryption protects message content from unauthorized access, it does not guarantee absolute anonymity in every situation.

How Important is 'Born Private' to Families

The service is touted as a long-term privacy tool for parents who want more control over their children's digital identities. By securing an email address from birth, families can delay exposure to data collection systems commonly used by mainstream email providers and reduce the risk of early digital profiling.

Meanwhile, Gmail is now allowing all users to change their embarrassing email addresses. If you have an awkward email address with bizarre characters and funny names, you can now make it into a new one according to your preference.
Artemis astronauts hours away from high-stakes re-entry



Houston, April 10 (AFP) Apr 10, 2026



The Artemis II astronauts were preparing Friday for a high-stakes re-entry and splashdown, the final and perhaps most risky step of their historic 10-day journey around the Moon.

Earlier this week, Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch along with Canadian Jeremy Hansen voyaged further from Earth than any human before in a mission considered a key stepping stone towards eventual crewed lunar landings.

They are scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego at 5:07 pm local time (0007 GMT), after which NASA and the military will help them get out of the capsule and fly them to a recovery ship.

The astronauts awoke Friday to the tunes of Live's "Run to the Water" and "Free" by Zac Brown Band, NASA said.

Their journey has been rich in milestones and already resulted in stunning photographs that have captivated the imaginations of people on Earth.

But until the astronauts are home safe, it's too early to talk about success, NASA's Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya told a briefing Thursday.

"When we can start celebrating is when we have a crew safely in the medbay of the ship," the high-ranking official said. "That's really when we can allow the emotions to take over, and, you know, start talking about success."

"We need to have the crew home before we do that."



- Vital heat shield -



The stakes are particularly high given concerns that arose during Artemis I, a 2022 uncrewed test flight to the Moon and back that saw the Orion heat shield erode in unexpected ways.

The heat shield is vital: During their re-entry, the spacecraft will reach maximum speeds approaching 35 times the speed of sound, and face searing temperatures around half as hot as the surface of the Sun.

The heat shield is meant to slowly erode -- "ablate," as NASA puts it -- to protect the capsule, a process that during Artemis I was disrupted.

Even NASA concedes the crucial shield remains flawed. But they determined that had astronauts been on board during Artemis I, they would have survived.

To minimize risks this time around, NASA has shifted the re-entry path they had used in that uncrewed test mission, after determining it had played a role in the complications.

The astronauts therefore will come back at a steeper and thus shorter trajectory, which NASA officials in discussion with the astronauts concluded they were comfortable with.

"We have high confidence in the system and the heat shield and the parachutes and the recovery systems we put together," Kshatriya said. "The engineering supports it, the Artemis I flight data supports it. All of our ground test supports it. Our analysis supports it."

"The crew is going to put their lives behind that confidence."

Still, the heat shield situation has drawn uneasy comparisons to the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters of 1986 and 2003 respectively, when astronauts died after warning signs were set aside.

Asked later about stress levels on the ground, NASA's associate administrator said "it's impossible to say you don't have any irrational fears left."

"But I would tell you, I don't have any rational fears about what's going to happen."



- Joy and anxiety -



NASA said loved ones of the astronauts will be watching the return from Houston's mission control.

Catherine Hansen, the wife of astronaut Jeremy, told AFP that "it has been a very emotional week."

"There's been a lot of happiness and excitement, a lot of joy," she said, but also "some anxiety and some wanting to get him home safely."

The second phase of the Artemis program was a test mission to verify the reliability of the Orion capsule, which before now had not carried humans.

It was also a voyage marked by historic achievements: Glover was the first person of color to fly around the Moon, Koch was the first woman, and Canadian Hansen the first non-American.

The crew have reported in vivid detail features of the lunar surface and later witnessed a solar eclipse as well as meteorite impacts.

Mission commander Wiseman reflected that "what we really hoped in our soul is that we could, for just a moment, have the world pause -- and remember that this is a beautiful planet in a very special place in our universe."

"We should all cherish what we have been gifted."
At MWC Barcelona 2026 in Barcelona, Huaweis President of the Data Communication Product Line, Leon Wang, set out a clear message to global carriers - traditional connectivity alone will not deliver the next wave of growth.

Instead, operators must evolve towards AI-enabled, intelligent wide area networks - and Huaweis newly launched Next-Generation Wide Area Network (Next Generation WAN) portfolio is designed to help them do exactly that.

The challenge facing operators is stark. Global network traffic is forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of 20% between 2025 and 2030, yet average revenue per user is expected to rise by just 1.3% over the same period. At the same time, network operations and maintenance (O&M) costs account for more than 30% of total operating expenses, with a significant proportion driven by repetitive manual processes.

Meanwhile, investment in computing power is accelerating. In China, operators are increasing computing power spending by more than 20% annually, but more than 40% of computing resources remain underutilised. The gap between infrastructure investment and monetisation is widening.

Against this backdrop, AI has moved from experimentation to execution. According to Huawei, 170 operators worldwide have now released AI strategies, up from 70 a year ago. As Wang explained during the session: AI has become an important tool for operators to enable experience operations, improve O&M efficiency, and accelerate the monetisation of computing power. Some operators have already reaped the first wave of benefits. He also pointed to the wider industry shift, noting that last year, more than 70 operators around the world had released AI strategies. This year, the number has increased to 170.

Examples of operators already deploying AI in their networks include the French operator Orange, which saw its operations and maintenance efficiency increase by 39% after upgrading its fault diagnosis and automated analysis capabilities. China Telecom was also highlighted, having integrated computing and network services to create new growth opportunities, resulting in a 15% increase in monetisation of new AI-driven services.

AI Agents are now emerging as the next step. More than half of operators have begun rolling them out, with network operations the second most popular use case. Industry data suggests that AI Agents can fully automate up to 70% of repetitive O&M tasks, while assisting with complex scenarios by providing recommendations for human validation.

Huawei is already applying network AI Agents in commercial deployments. As Wang explained, the company is working with Guangdong Mobile to bring agent-driven automation into network operations. By deploying network AI agents, 90% of alarms can be diagnosed automatically, he said. It can accurately figure out if we need to send someone to the site. When we need to send someone, it can make sure that one site visit is enough to fix the problem. For issues that do not require a site visit, Wang added, the intelligent agent will directly provide a solution. The O&M staff just need to confirm it, and the rest of the operations will be fully closed-loop automatically by the Agent.



Industry collaboration is reinforcing this direction. During UBBF 2025 in Paris, the World Broadband Association (WBBA), together with leading global operators, released the Net5.5G R2 white paper, promoting the integration of AI Agents into networks and accelerating the shift toward All Intelligence.

To support this transition, Huawei has launched Next Generation WAN, which Wang described as a major step forward for operator IP infrastructure. As we move into the All Intelligence era, Huawei launches NG WAN, he said. It upgrades the IP bearer network in three dimensions to bring new value to operators. These include security and resilience, multi-layer awareness, and network autonomy. Weve built security capabilities directly into our routers, achieving native, end-to-end security, Wang explained, while multi-layer awareness allows networks to sense both bit and token traffic to support premium services and computing monetisation.

These capabilities are delivered through new hardware boards based on the NetEngine 8000 Series routers, including the industry-first lossless intelligent computing board, multi-dimensional traffic-aware board, intrinsic security board, intelligent resilient main processing unit, and industrys first intrinsic QKD board.

Multi-Dimensional Awareness for the encrypted era

In the home broadband market, many operators have introduced differentiated packages to drive revenue. However, as encrypted traffic now accounts for more than 50% of internet traffic, traditional application identification methods have become less effective, undermining experience assurance.

Huaweis answer is the Xingluo Identification Engine - in live network testing with one operator, more than 98% of encrypted traffic was precisely identified, ensuring application-level experience remains visible despite encryption.

Beyond consumer broadband, enterprise demand for rented computing power presents another growth avenue. However, traditional networks are not optimised for AI workloads, which are highly sensitive to packet loss. In testing over a 110-kilometre transmission, computing efficiency dropped by 74% under conventional best-effort forwarding.

Huaweis high-computing-efficiency WAN solution addresses this through its newly released lossless intelligent computing board, enabling zero packet loss transmission of computing traffic and preserving computing efficiency even across hundreds of kilometres. The solution supports distributed collaborative training-inference and storage-computing separation, meeting enterprise security requirements.

Security remains a fundamental priority. According to Cloudflare, operator networks face an average of 4,000 attacks per hour. Route hijacking and configuration breaches can cause severe financial and operational damage.

Huawei has upgraded its NetEngine 8000 Series routers with intrinsic security capabilities. The intrinsic security board monitors abnormal behaviour in files, memory, processes and traffic in real time, detecting and blocking intrusions to prevent lateral movement or long-term persistence.

For route hijacking, the resilient main processing unit leverages a 40-dimensional knowledge graph to identify abnormal routing attribution and path tampering dynamically, protecting critical scenarios.

Looking ahead, Huawei is also addressing the emerging threat of quantum-era attacks. Wang warned that in recent years, quantum hoarding attacks have become a reality - the data is stolen now and decrypted later. As quantum computing develops, this risk will increase. Quantum computing is expected to be commercialized by 2027; by then, password cracking will take only a few short minutes, he said, adding that traditional encryption methods will no longer be sufficient. Huaweis quantum security solution is designed to help operators prepare for this shift by enabling quantum-secure bearer networks and creating new opportunities around quantum private line services.

For operators adopting quantum key distribution (QKD), Huawei has launched the intrinsic QKD board (LPUI-Q), integrating external QKD devices directly into the router platform and reducing overall investment requirements.

As networks become more complex and services expectations rise, Huaweis Next Generation WAN strategy positions intelligence not as an add-on, but as a foundational capability embedded within the IP network itself.

By combining multi-layer awareness, intrinsic security, quantum readiness and autonomous O&M, Huawei aims to help carriers bridge the gap between rising traffic and flat revenues - and transform infrastructure into a platform for sustainable, AI-driven growth.

We hope to work hand in hand with global operator customers to jointly move towards the Intelligent Network era and help operators achieve rapid business growth, Wang concluded.
Mythos AI alarm bells: Fair warning or marketing hype?



San Francisco, United States, April 10 (AFP) Apr 10, 2026



Anthropic postponing the release of its new AI model Claude Mythos, said to be so skilled at coding it could be a wicked weapon for hackers, has encountered a mix of alarm and skepticism.

The company is among several contenders in a fierce artificial intelligence race. Promoting the awe of Anthropic's own technology boosts business and enhances its allure in the event it soon goes public, as is rumored.

"The world has no choice but to take the cyber threat associated with Mythos seriously," said David Sacks, an entrepreneur and investor who heads President Donald Trump's council of advisors on technology.

"But it's hard to ignore that Anthropic has a history of scare tactics."

Mythos has sparked fears of hackers commanding armies of AI agents able to break through computer defenses with ease.

At this week's HumanX AI conference in San Francisco, Alex Stamos of startup Corridor, which addresses AI safety, acknowledged a real threat from agentic hackers.

And Stamos quipped about what he referred to as Anthropic's "marketing schtick."

"They have these adorable cutesy cartoons about these products that are so incredibly dangerous that they won't even let people use them," Stamos said of the San Francisco-based startup.

"It's like if the Manhattan Project announced the nuclear bomb within a cute little Calvin and Hobbes cartoon."

The heads of America's biggest banks met this week with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to weigh the security implications of the yet-to-be released Claude Mythos, according to reports Friday.

"Mythos model points to something far more consequential than another leap in artificial intelligence," Cato Networks co-founder and chief executive Shlomo Kramer said in a blog post.

"It signals a shift that could redefine the balance between attackers and defenders in cyberspace."

A tightly restricted preview of Mythos was shared with partner organizations this week, under an initiative called Project Glasswing. They include Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, CrowdStrike and JPMorgan Chase.

According to Anthropic and partners, Mythos can autonomously scan vast amounts of code to find and chain together previously unknown security vulnerabilities in all kinds of software, from operating systems to web browsers.

Crucially, they warn, this can be done at a speed and scale no human could match, meaning it could be used to bring down banks, hospitals or national infrastructure within hours.

"What once required elite specialists can now be performed by software agents," Shlomo said.

"The immediate consequences will be a surge in vulnerability discovery, a true tsunami" of exploiting known and unknown vulnerabilities.



- 'Agent-to Agent War' -



At HumanX, the apparent consensus was that it makes sense that AI agents already adept at coding will excel at finding weaknesses in software.

"We're not in an era where human beings can write code when we have superhuman (AI models) that are then going to find bugs in it," Stamos contended.

"It's just not possible."

He predicted the coming dynamic will involve humans supervising AI agents to protect networks against hackers using that same technology to attack.

Stamos referred to it as "agent-to-agent war," with humans on the sidelines giving advice.

Wendy Whitmore, of cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks, expects "some sort of catastrophic attack" this year connected to AI agent capabilities.

"The thing that keeps me up at night is that we're staring down the barrel of a massive influx of new vulnerabilities that are going to be found by AI," said Adam Meyers of CrowdStrike.

Meyers saw embedding a tiny AI model directly into malicious code infecting networks as a natural tactic to be explored by hackers.

"The ultimate weapon would be malware that has no pre-programming," Meyers said.

"It can do whatever you ask it to."
Greenpeace warns of potential 'catastrophic' Chernobyl collapse



Kyiv, Ukraine, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



An uncontrolled collapse of the internal radiation shell at the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power station in Ukraine could increase the risk of radioactivity release in the environment, Greenpeace warned on Tuesday.

In 1986, while Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, a reactor at Chernobyl exploded, sending clouds of radiation across much of Europe and forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate.

The remnants of the plant are covered by an inner steel-and-concrete radiation shell -- known as the sarcophagus and built hastily after the disaster -- and a modern, high-tech outer shell, called the New Safe Confinement (NSC) structure.

Kyiv has accused Russia of repeatedly targeting the site since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, including of a strike last year that pierced the outer shell.

In a report released Tuesday, days before the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, Greenpeace warned that despite some repair works, the confinement function of the NSC "could not be fully restored".

"This increases the risk of radioactivity release in the environment especially in the case of a collapse" of the internal shelter, Greenpeace said.

"That would be catastrophic because... there's four tons of dust, highly radioactive dust, fuel pellets, enormous amounts of radioactivity inside the sarcophagus," Shaun Burnie, a senior nuclear specialist for Greenpeace Ukraine, told AFP earlier this month.

"And because the New Safe Confinement cannot be repaired at the moment, it cannot function as it was designed, there's a possibility of radioactive releases," Burnie added.

Greenpeace said deconstruction of unstable elements of the internal shell was necessary to prevent their uncontrolled collapse.

But any works at the site were impeded by the war raging on as "there's missiles from the Russians still being fired across Chernobyl," Burnie said.

"Here we are 40 years on and Russia is still conducting effectively a nuclear war against the people of Ukraine and Europe."

Plant director Sergiy Tarakanov said the situation around the site was "very dangerous".

"If a rocket will drop, not directly into the safe confinement, but just in 200 metres, it will create an external impact like an earthquake," increasing the risk of the inner shell collapsing.

"And what actually 1986 accident showed to us... that the radioactive particles, they do not recognise borders," Tarakanov added.

Last month, France said that the Chernobyl protective dome would require almost 500 million euros of repairs after the Russian strike in 2025.
Swedish low-carbon steelmaker Stegra raises 1.4 bn euros for new mill



Stockholm, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



The low-carbon Swedish steel startup Stegra, which has been struggling to secure financing, said Tuesday that it had raised 1.4 billion euros ($1.6 billion) from private investors to complete a "green" steel mill.

The company is building the mill, which it says will use technology that emits 95 percent less CO2 than traditional methods, in the city of Boden in Sweden's far north.

"Stegra has agreed in principle on 1.4 billion euros in new financing from a combination of new and existing investors to complete the construction of its large-scale green steel plant," the company said in a statement.

It said financing was led by the Swedish investment group Wallenberg Investments, "which has formed a consortium of investors that will, through this transaction, take a leading position in Stegra".

Wallenberg Investments, owned by the influential Wallenberg family, said in a separate statement that it was investing 250 million euros in Stegra.

The state-owned Singaporean fund Temasek is also part of the consortium round, along with IMAS, which oversees the Ingka holding company that controls most Ikea furniture stores.

In October, Stegra had announced a round of financing to bring in an additional 10 billion kronor ($1.1 billion) to cover higher project costs.

And in November the company got around $40 million in state aid from the Swedish Energy Agency, as uncertainty swirled about the startup's prospects.

The situation garnered comparisons with the battery maker Northvolt, another former leader of Sweden's green industrial boom.

Northvolt was seen as a cornerstone in European efforts to catch up with Chinese battery producers before production delays and its mounting debts led it to declare bankruptcy in March 2025.







- 'Challenging macro-environment' -







"This financing reflects the strong conviction in Stegra's business model among new and existing investors, as well as lenders," Stegra's chief executive Henrik Henriksson said.

"It has been achieved in a very challenging macro-environment and reflects significant efforts by everyone involved," he added in the statement.

The company added that "after several slower months during the funding activities, Stegra will now ramp up construction activities".

The new mill is expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months, Henriksson later told a press conference, adding however that it was not possible to "talk about a specific date" for a start in production.

"We believe that this is a really good and sound investment," said Leif Johansson, an adviser to the Wallenberg group who will take over as chairman of Stegra's board.

"Both from a climate perspective and from the standpoint of being able to build a profitable steel plant," Johansson told reporters.

Johansson is a veteran of Swedish industry who notably headed the truckmaker Volvo Group.

When it first disclosed plans for a new plant in 2021, it was called H2 Green Steel.

It aimed to start production in 2024 and reach an annual output of five million tonnes of steel -- more than all of Sweden's current annual output -- by 2030.

Behind Stegra is the investment firm Vargas Holding, which was also a co-founder of Northvolt.
Nigerian customs seize 24 trafficked birds from conflict-hit north



Lagos, April 14 (AFP) Apr 14, 2026



Nigerian customs on Tuesday said they had intercepted several endangered wildlife species being trafficked in the country's north, including two dozen African crowned crane birds.

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) said in a statement that it confiscated two hyenas, one porcupine and 24 of the brightly coloured birds from traffickers on April 9 in Maiduguri, the capital of northeastern Borno state, where a 17-year insurgency has turned forest reserves into jihadist strongholds.

Pictures shared by customs on X showed the birds wrapped tightly into sewn brown jute sacks.

"The destination of the seized wildlife products was found out to be Kano," in the country's northwest, customs spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada told AFP.

NCS said in a separate statement that at least six live pangolins were seized in the country's northwest in March.

Wildlife trafficking is rampant in Africa's most populous country despite attempts to clamp down, with traffickers, including foreign nationals, exploiting outdated and weak laws.

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said late last year that a "Chinese kingpin" and several Vietnamese nationals were arrested for wildlife trafficking in the country.

Customs said in April 2025 that 7.2 tonnes of pangolin scales linked to a Chinese trafficker were seized in Ogun state in the southwest of the country -- one of the largest such seizures in the world since 2020, according to customs boss Adewale Adeniyi.

The Nigerian Senate last October passed a bill aimed at overhauling wildlife protection laws, which were last enacted in 1985.

If signed into law by the president, offenders could face fines of up to 12 million naira (about $8,840) and up to 10 years in prison for trafficking elephant ivory, pangolin scales and other products from threatened species.
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Kanye West has announced that he is postponing his forthcoming concert in Marseille after French authorities were reported to be considering a ban on him entering the country.

After much thought and consideration, it is my sole decision to postpone my show in Marseille, France until further notice, West posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Earlier this month, the rappers three-date headline show at Wireless Festival in London was canceled after he was denied a visa over his repeated antisemitic comments.

A spokesperson for French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told Politico that the government is very determined to stop the June concert at the Marseille Velodrome and is exploring every possibility to stop it.

He has the support of Marseille mayor Benoit Payan, who last month tweeted: I refuse to let Marseille be a showcase for those who promote hatred and unapologetic Nazism. Kanye West is not welcome at the Velodrome.

French newspaper Le Monde reports that Nunez has spoken to Payan, as well as Provence-Alpes-Cote dAzur prefect Jacques Witkowski, but that Frances highest administrative court has ruled that local state authorities can only ban a concert under strict conditions, if statements at the event risk constituting a criminal offense and if public order is threatened.

French authorities are reportedly determined to cancel Kanye Wests Marseille concert after his UK entry ban ( Jonathan Brady/PA )

West was prevented from even traveling to the UK because the British government rejected his application for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), with the Home Office announcing that his presence in the UK would not be conducive to the public good.

Shortly afterwards, Wireless Festival said it had cancelled the three-day event, and all ticketholders would be issued a refund.

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That came after British ministers and Jewish groups said organisers of the London festival should be ashamed for inviting the musician to headline all three days of the event after he made a series of antisemitic statements last year. This included releasing a song called Heil Hitler and advertising a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website.

Responding to the decision to block his entry into the country, the Campaign Against Antisemitism said the government has clearly made the right decision.

A spokesperson added: For once, when it said that antisemitism has no place in the UK, it backed up its words with action.

Someone who has boasted of making tens of millions of dollars from selling swastika T-shirts and who released a song called Heil Hitler just months ago, clearly would not be conducive to the public good in the UK.

Wireless Festival, in its desperate quest for profit, defended the invitation until the end. That is shameful, and its sponsors should continue to stay away.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: Kanye West should never have been invited to headline Wireless.

This government stands firmly with the Jewish community, and we will not stop in our fight to confront and defeat the poison of antisemitism.

We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values.

In January, West took out a full-page advert in The Wall Street Journal to apologise, titled: To Those Ive Hurt.

I am not a Nazi or an antisemite, it said. I love Jewish people.

In his letter, he said his bipolar disorder led him to fall into a four-month-long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behaviour that destroyed my life.
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When TV director Simon Draper decided to produce a podcast with Miriam Margolyes, he kicked into motion a series of encounters that ended up changing his life in an unexpected way.

In 2024, Draper, whose credits include Rob & Rylans Grand Tour, had no work on the horizon and thought a project with one of his former collaborators  the 84-year-old national treasure, former Harry Potter star and outrageous anecdote-teller Margolyes  would be a good creative use of his time. (He previously worked with the comedian and actor for 2016 documentary The Real Marigold on Tour, in which she visited a retirement home in Florida  and swiftly got booted out for getting in a row with a resident about Trump.)

Margolyes accepted Drapers offer, and welcomed him and his camera into her home so he could track the podcasts journey to fruition. A new one-off documentary film, titled Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me, tracks his tireless efforts to create the audio series, pitched as her final act, only to be met with increasing obstacles thanks to her free-wheeling way of life.

After completing just one episode of the podcast, Margolyes dropped a bombshell  she was going to Australia to embark on a lengthy tour. Realising his documentary would suffer as a consequence, Draper sold his guitar collection to travel across the world to be with Margolyes.

Upon his arrival, things arent as plain-sailing as hed hoped  rather than getting to work on the podcast, Margolyes keeps kicking the can down the road, with Draper essentially becoming her errand boy. If he isnt sitting around waiting for her to summon him, hes performing small tasks for Margolyes, like helping her with her shoes or fetching her a coffee. (Her order? A decaf almond milk cappuccino, extra hot.) She has the amazing power to draw the people-pleaser out of everyone, including me, an obliging Draper says at one point as he hangs up her underwear on her hotel room balcony.

But hes also there at a pivotal moment in Margolyes life, as her surge in popularity led to her performing sell-out shows at iconic venues like Sydney Opera House, and responding to droves of Cameo requests, from which she reveals shes made more than 320,000 to date.

open image in gallery Miriam Margolyes is at centre of sweer new documentary ( BBC )

It soon becomes clear that their companionship is more important than any podcast could be. One moving scene shows Draper accompanying a worried Margolyes to a hospital appointment where shes due to have a spinal injection. Im not chipper this morning, but I will be, the unusually restrained star tells Draper. Shes clearly happy hes with her, even if shes not entirely sure why.

Draper is disarmed by his experience with Margolyes in Australia, becoming inspired by her honesty and bluntness and way of expressing affection, which seems to make people feel alive  and he returns home one guitar collection down but enriched by an experience that forms the basis of the documentary.

Speaking about the film, Draper said: I thought getting Miriam Margolyes to make a podcast would be easy, after all, everyones doing them, but Miriams lifestyle is bonkers.

open image in gallery Simon Draper with his friend and collaborator Miriam Margolyes ( Rex TV )

In two years, we made just five episodes, but hanging out with her was life-changing. Mims a woman with strong opinions and a weak bladder, and I feel lucky to have been able to capture all the chaos and sparkle of the bravest, most honest person I know.

Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me is available ton BBC iPlayer
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Destruction and deception dominate this weeks news. The world grieves the loss of 32 lives in the Virginia Tech massacre and watches in horror as flames engulf the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Meanwhile, political leaders are forced to face reckonings of their own. From the Soviet Union finally admitting to the Katyn massacre of nearly 15,000 Poles after half a century of denial, to Boris Johnson becoming the first sitting prime minister fined for breaking the law, history unfolds across the front pages of The Independent.

14 April 1990  Moscow admits Katyn massacre amid Lithuania ultimatum

Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev issues a 48-hour ultimatum to Lithuania, threatening an economic blockade if the republic refuses to annul its recent declaration of independence. Meanwhile, in a historic reversal after 50 years of blaming the Nazis, the Soviet Union finally admits its own secret police were responsible for the Second World War Katyn massacre of nearly 15,000 Polish officers.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

19 April 1992  Secret Lockerbie witnesses placed in hiding

A former Libyan government official emerges as a crucial secret witness in the Lockerbie bombing trial, held under US protection in a safe house to prevent Libyan intelligence from silencing him. Alongside this tense geopolitical drama, the front page features a striking visual of people in Malaga donning centuries-old robes and tall, pointed hats for a traditional Easter procession.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

18 April 1993  Serbs defy world with Srebrenica assault

As Bosnian Serb forces launch a devastating assault on Srebrenica, shelling the town from all sides and engaging in hand-to-hand combat, the UN Security Council convenes an emergency session. With the humanitarian situation rapidly deteriorating, pressure mounts on Western leaders to authorise retaliatory airstrikes to halt the brutal advance.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

19 April 1997  IRA claims chaos strategy is working

A series of explosions and coded bomb warnings by the IRA causes massive travel disruption across the Midlands and north of England, effectively severing key rail and motorway links between the North and South for several hours. Amid the widespread paralysis, a republican source reveals the organisation intends to continue these tactics, declaring that its strategy of mass disruption is working.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

16 April 2003  Unanswered questions as the Iraq War concludes

As the initial combat phase of the US-led invasion draws to a close, The Independent dedicates its front page to a list of urgent, unanswered questions left in the conflicts wake. Demanding accountability, the paper questions everything from the whereabouts of Saddam Hussein and the alleged weapons of mass destruction to the true civilian death toll and the underlying geopolitical motives for the war.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

18 April 2007 The Virginia Tech massacre

Following the Virginia Tech massacre, The Independent investigates the harrowing human stories behind the tragedy, profiling the violent loner responsible, his first victim, the defensive gun dealer, and a heroic Holocaust survivor professor who died saving his students. With the loss of 32 lives, it remains the deadliest school shooting in US history.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

16 April 2019  Devastating fire engulfs Notre-Dame

As the world watches in horror, a catastrophic fire rips through the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, collapsing its iconic spire and destroying its historic oak roof in just 63 minutes. The Independent captures the heartbreak of seeing nine centuries of history go up in flames, an event that sparked a monumental global fundraising and restoration effort to rebuild the beloved Parisian landmark.

open image in gallery ( The Independent )

13 April 2022  Partygate scandal

Boris Johnson becomes the first sitting prime minister to be found to have broken the law after the Metropolitan Police fine him, his wife Carrie, and chancellor Rishi Sunak for attending a lockdown-breaching gathering at 10 Downing Street. The explosive Partygate scandal irreparably damages his political authority, ultimately triggering a mass cabinet revolt that forces his resignation just three months later.
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Lena Dunham has revealed she once cheated on music producer Jack Antonoff during the breakdown of their six-year relationship.

In her forthcoming memoir, Famesick, Dunham suggests that their relationship became strained, in part because she was dealing with chronic pain, which affected everything from intimacy to holidays.

Per The Telegraph, the 39-year-old Girls creator writes that she and British musician Antonoff got into the worst fight of their relationship when Dunham spoke to him about her increasing reliance on pain medication, two weeks after her hysterectomy (to treat endometriosis).

His response, she writes, was to go to the bathroom and angrily flush all my pills down the toilet, which necessitated a call to the doctor and a late-night trip to the pharmacy to get more so that I wouldnt go into withdrawal  from any one of the drugs  overnight. The Independent has contacted Antonoffs representatives for comment.

She claimed that Antonoff spoke to me in ways I have never been spoken to, which prompted a desire to be wanted. She writes that she texted an old school friend to meet her, and they slept together that evening.

open image in gallery Lena Dunham and Jack Antonoff dated from 2012 to 2018 ( Getty Images )

In the book, Dunham describes herself as an adultress and reasons that Antonoff may have also strayed.

I wasnt paying attention, but the internet sure was, she wrote, referring to the public speculation about Antonoff and musician Lorde. (Both Antonoff and Lorde denied the rumors at the time.)

The pair met when comedian Mike Birbiglia set them up on a blind date in 2012, the year Dunhams HBO show Girls premiered, while Antonoff  now a super producer to stars like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter  was enjoying commercial success from his pop band, Fun.

Five months after the split, Dunham wrote in an essay for Vogue: We sat in our shared kitchen of nearly four years and quietly faced each other, acknowledging what nobody wanted to say.

That obsessive connection had turned to blind devotion, and the blinders were coming off to reveal that we had evolved separately (the least shocking reason of all and perhaps the most common).

open image in gallery Lena Dunham has said she slept with an old school friend towards the end of her relationship with Antonoff ( Getty Images )

That anger wasnt sexy or sustainable. That our hearts were still broken from trying so hard to fix it but no longer uncertain about whether or not we could. The finality nearly killed me, and I remember muttering, But what if we still went on dates? He laughed sadly. Whatever you want, she wrote.

Speaking to The New York Times ahead of the launch of Famesick, Dunham said it was a unique privilege to have every breakup song you love written by your ex.

I feel blessed. I was a really late bloomer. That was my first. I felt like you fall in love with someone and then youre together for the rest of your life. That ending was extremely intense for me, she said.

Dunham married the British musician Luis Felber in 2021, while Antonoff wed The Substance actor Margaret Qualley in 2023.
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Selma Blairhas shared a health update following her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

The 53-year-old Legally Blonde star was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease, which affects the brain and spinal cord, in 2018. Symptoms can include numbness or tingling, dizziness, loss of coordination or difficulty walking, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Blair made an appearance on Tuesdays episode of Today and shared that, despite feeling tired a lot, she is doing really well.

That's just the truth of it. So I dont want any of the people with chronic illness to feel like, How does she do that? Im like, Oh no, no, thats makeup and happiness. Theres fatigue, she shared. But I am, really, really well. I am relapse-free. Im happy.

An MS relapse is described as the occurrence of new symptoms or the worsening of old ones for at least 24 hours when its been 30 days since the last relapse, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

open image in gallery Selma Blair was diagnosed with MS in 2018 ( AP )

During her appearance on Today, Blair noted that shes ready to get back to work next month, when shell be filming Ethan Almighty - Ethan's Law. The film is based on the viral true story of Jeff Callaway, who adopted a severely neglected dog, Ethan, after he was found in a Kentucky Humane Society parking lot.

In the new movie, Blair plays Claire Patterson, who is struggling with questions of faith and a personal loss, but has a powerful change in perspective when she meets Ethan.

Outside of her acting career, shes partnered with Mersea to launch a limited-edition line of pajamas, Sea La Vie, which was inspired by her experience with MS and desire for comfort.

There are personal, charming touches, Id say, she said while describing the pajamas she was wearing on the show. [Mersea] was so supportive, wonderful and loving towards me when I was going through some challenges. So when I got better, I called them, and Im like, Girls, will you do a collab with me?

The Cruel Intentions star has previously opened up about being in a good place amid her MS. She told People in April 2025 that she was doing amazingly well and relapse-free.

I've been feeling great for about a year, she told the publication at the time. But I am finally well enough to really, genuinely ... I always try and feel my best, but now that I actually have stamina and energy and getting out and going out isn't so scary.

open image in gallery Blair attended the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscars Party, walking the carpet with a cane ( Reuters )

In 2023, Blair told British Vogue that her doctor initially advised her to keep her diagnosis a secret.

The advice was to keep it to myself. That work wouldnt have to know. People didnt feel safe sharing that stuff, she told the publication.

Blair detailed some of the physical challenges she faced throughout her childhood, decades before being diagnosed with MS. At the age of seven, she told Vogue, she lost use of her right eye, left leg, and her bladder.

While she didnt realize it then, the symptoms she had were a result of juvenile MS. Her doctor at the time didnt take her health struggles seriously, and her condition as a child went undiagnosed.

If youre a boy with those symptoms, you get an MRI, she said. If youre a girl, youre called crazy.
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A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder and aggravated sexual abuse in the death of his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, on a Carnival Cruise ship.

Charges against Timothy Hudson were announced Monday. He was initially charged as a juvenile on Feb. 2 but the case was sealed until U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom ordered that he be prosecuted as an adult.

Our hearts go out to the victims family during this unimaginable loss, U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quinones said in a statement. A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters.

Before the Department of Justice announced the charges Monday, there were multiple indications that Annas stepbrother was a focus of the investigation into her death aboard the cruise ship, which was bound for the Caribbean.

Anna Kepner, 18, was found wrapped in a blanket and stuffed under lifejackets on a Carnival cruise ( Temple Christian School )

Here's a look at the timeline of the case:

Nov. 6, 2025:

Anna Kepner, a high school cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, dies from mechanical asphyxia aboard the Carnival Horizon in international waters. She was on the cruise with her family.

Nov. 7-8, 2025:

Kepner's body is discovered by a housekeeper, concealed under a bed in the cabin she was sharing with two other teens, including her stepbrother, Timothy Hudson.

Mid-November, 2025:

Kepner's death draws international attention, sparking intense speculation after a court filing in a dissolution of marriage case involving Hudson's mother said the FBI is investigating and a minor child may be implicated.

Nov. 20, 2025:

The Associated Press reports that Hudson is identified as a suspect in her death according to court documents filed by his parents in an ongoing custody dispute. He is identified only as T.H. in the court documents.

Feb. 2, 2026:

Hudson is charged as a juvenile with murder and sexual abuse in federal court, but the court file is sealed because of his age.

Feb. 3:

Hudson is arrested and pleads not guilty to the charges. The hearing is not open to the public.

Feb. 6:

U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres says Hudson can remain free pending trial, but he must live with an uncle and be electronically monitored.

Feb. 24:

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra L. Lopez requests that Hudson be prosecuted as an adult, and Hudson's defense attorneys do not object.

March 10:

Federal prosecuting attorneys file a superseding indictment but asks the court to keep it sealed.

April 10:

The entire court file is unsealed.

April 13:

The U.S. Department of Justice announces that murder and sexual abuse charges have been brought against Hudson in connection with Kepner's death.
Australians lost $18.5 million to job scams in 2025 making candidates more suspicious and legitimate SME job ads harder to trust.

Whats happening: New research from global job platform Indeed has found that one in two Australian workers received a suspicious job ad in the past year, with 59% of those falling victim to the scam.

Why this matters: For small businesses posting genuine roles, the growing suspicion among candidates is a real hiring obstacle. When legitimate job ads look similar to fraudulent ones, trust becomes a competitive disadvantage for honest operators.

Australia has a job scam problem, and it is larger than most people realise. Research published by Indeed found that one in two Australian workers received a suspicious job ad in the past year. Of those, 59% fell victim, representing an estimated 3.5 million Australians caught out by fraudulent job offers in a single year.

The financial damage is documented. Scamwatch reports that Australians lost around $18.5 million to job and employment scams in 2025, with nearly 5,500 scams formally reported. But the losses extend well beyond money. Nearly half of victims, 49%, reported losing significant time through lengthy back-and-forth conversations with scammers. Twenty-two per cent had personal information stolen, including identification and banking details. One in ten lost money directly, typically through upfront fees disguised as equipment costs or fake training expenses.

The sophistication of the scams is increasing. Eighty-three per cent of Australians surveyed believe job scams are becoming more elaborate, with fraudulent ads using stolen platform logos, professional language, and urgent language designed to pressure candidates into acting quickly.

Lauren Anderson, Workplace Expert at Indeed, described how the scams operate. Theyre designed to look professional, urgent, and convincing and can trick even the most discerning of job seekers, she said.

Younger Australians are bearing the heaviest burden. Seventy per cent of Gen Z workers and 64% of millennials report having fallen victim to a fake job offer, significantly higher than older generations. Men are twice as likely as women to lose money to a job scam, at 16% compared to 7%.

The timing matters. With 40% of Australian workers currently considering a job change, the pool of people actively searching and therefore actively vulnerable is large. Scammers are not operating randomly. They are targeting the platforms and the moments when job seekers are most engaged and most likely to act quickly.

Seven in ten Australians, 69%, say their experiences with scams have made them more cautious when applying for jobs. Nearly three-quarters, 72%, worry that they or someone they know could fall for a fake offer.

How scams are affecting legitimate hiring

This is where the problem becomes directly relevant to small business owners posting genuine roles. When candidates have been burned by fake job ads, or know someone who has, their response to any unfamiliar job posting changes. They are slower to engage, more likely to question the legitimacy of the employer, and more cautious about providing personal details during the application process.

For a large employer with an established brand, that caution is easier to overcome. For a small business that candidates may not recognise by name, a job ad can look indistinguishable from a scam even when it is entirely legitimate. The result is that honest SME operators are competing in a market where trust has been systematically eroded by fraudsters using the same platforms.

The platforms themselves are part of the response. More than half of workers who received a suspicious job ad, 52%, reported it, with 42% going directly to the job platform and 19% alerting Scamwatch or police. Anderson noted that reporting is one of the most effective tools available. When job seekers report suspicious ads, it helps platforms act quickly to remove scams and protect others, she said.

For job seekers, Anderson outlined the most common warning signs: job offers that ask for upfront payments for equipment, training or onboarding; promises of high pay for little effort or experience; requests for personal or financial details early in the process; and pressure to act quickly or move conversations off platform. If a job sounds too good to be true, it usually is, she said.

Perfect. This is credible, independent and directly useful. Adding it as a practical resource box at the end of the story gives readers something to act on immediately. Here is how it integrates cleanly:

Scamwatch: how to spot a job scam and protect yourself

A recruiter contacts you unexpectedly through text message or encrypted platforms like WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram. You are told you can earn a high income working from home with little effort. The hiring process is unusually quick with no interview or discussion about your qualifications, experience or references. You are asked to top up an account with your own money or cryptocurrency to complete tasks. The job involves transferring money, making purchases or receiving packages on behalf of someone else. You are required to pay a recruitment fee or purchase training materials before starting work.

Steps to protect yourself

Do not assume a job ad is legitimate just because it appears on a trusted platform. Scammers post fake ads on reputable sites too. If you come across a scam, report it in the app where you found it and to Scamwatch. Never send money or share personal information, credit card details, online banking or cryptocurrency account details with anyone you have only met online, by email or over the phone. Be aware that scammers may make a small initial payment to build trust before asking you to send your own money. You will not get it back. Verify who you are dealing with by sourcing contact details for recruitment agencies independently rather than using details provided in the ad.

Additional safeguards

Do not be pressured to make a fast decision. A legitimate offer will not require urgency. Do not accept payment or rewards to recruit others. Be cautious about including your physical address or date of birth in your resume. Never send passport or identity documents to an employer or recruiter unless you are certain they are genuine.

For small business owners posting genuine roles, the practical response is to make legitimacy visible. That means ensuring job ads link to a verified business profile on the platform, include a named contact and a genuine business email address, avoid language that mirrors common scam patterns such as urgency and unusually high pay promises, and keep early-stage communication on the platform rather than moving to private messaging or personal email quickly.

Source: Scamwatch, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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A Texas woman who grabbed national headlines after being stuck in well three decades ago when she was just 18 months old has been arrested on domestic violence charges.

Jessica McClure Morales, who became a household name, known as Baby Jessica, was picked up Saturday night following a reported domestic disturbance at her home in Midland County, police said.

Officers arrived at the residence just before 10 p.m., according to arrest records, and Morales, 40, was reportedly taken into custody at the scene.

She has been charged with assault causing bodily injury involving family violence, according to KMID, though further details are limited.

The Independent has contacted the Midland County Sheriffs Office for more information on the incident.

Morales garnered widespread attention in October 1987 when she fell into a well in her aunts backyard in Midland, Texas. She became lodged in a pipe that was just eight inches wide and was 22 feet underground.

Jessica McClure Morales, who became a household name as Baby Jessica, was arrested Saturday night following a reported domestic disturbance at her home in Midland County, police said ( Midland County Sheriff's Office )

It took rescuers 58 hours to free Morales, by drilling a parallel shaft next to the well  despite being hampered at one point by the solid rock that was surrounding the area.

Eventually, paramedic Robert O'Donnell descended the shaft to free the child, who was stuck, pinned against the wall with one leg above her head.

Crews knew Morales was alive after hearing her singing Winnie the Pooh to herself.

The majority of the rescue of Baby Jessica was broadcast live by three major U.S. TV networks ABC, NBC and CBS. A made-for-television movie, Everybodys Baby: The Rescue of Jessica McClure, was broadcast on ABC in 1989.

"Everybody in America became godmothers and godfathers of Jessica while this was going on, then-president Ronald Reagan said at the time.

Morales underwent multiple surgeries following her ordeal but has said she does not remember the incident.

Investigations into Saturdays incident are still ongoing.
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The husband of an American woman missing in the Bahamas has been released without charges filed against him, according to local police.

Brian Hooker, 59, told police he and his 55-year-old wife, Lynette Hooker of Onsted, Michigan, were traveling in a motorboat from Hope Town to Elbow Cay on the night of April 4, when she fell overboard.

Strong currents subsequently carried her away, and he lost sight of her, police said in a statement shared by several outlets. Brian has denied any wrongdoing.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force announced last Wednesday that Brian had been taken into custody to be questioned about his wifes disappearance.

open image in gallery The husband of an American woman missing in the Bahamas has been released without charges filed against him, according to local police ( Facebook/Lynette Hooker )

Police probed Brian for more than three hours about his relationship with his wife, and whether he caused her harm, his attorney Terrel Butler said, per NBC News.

He was uncertain as to why they were questioning him about causing harm or possible murder when they had not given him any information where she is, if they had recovered her, Butler said.

On Monday, the Bahamas police said in a press release the American had been released from custody after authorities consulted with local prosecutors, who recommended that no charges be filed at this time pending the outcome of further investigations.

Butler told reporters Monday that authorities had no evidence against Brian and that he needed time to "destress from this horrible experience, NBC News reported.

The Independent has reached out to Brians attorney as well as local police and prosecutors for comment.

open image in gallery Brian Hooker told police he and his wife, Lynette, were traveling in a motorboat on the eastern end of the Bahamas when she fell overboard on April 4 ( Facebook/Lynette Hooker )

Brian and Lynette temporarily separated in 2024, during which time she reportedly confided in a friend about how their relationship deteriorated while at sea.

"I guess it was too much closeness. We decided to call it quits. I'm not going back," Lynette Hooker wrote in messages to her friend, Marnee Stevenson, that were obtained by CBS News.

"We were married 21 years. Our marriage lasted 6 weeks cruising, she said.

The Michigan couple had documented their adventures at sea on social media under the name Sailing Hookers.

Lynettes daughter, Karli Aylesworth, previously told NBC News that her mother and Brian have a history of not getting along, especially when they drink.

The couple accused each other of assault in 2015, according to a police report from Kentwood, Michigan, previously reported on by NBC News.

Lynette was still missing as of Monday and the Bahamas police are asking for the publics help in the investigation. The U.S. Coast Guard has also opened a probe into the matter.
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A homeless man helped rescue a 6-year-old boy who was found wandering alone on the streets of Miami late at night, leading to the arrest of the childs mother.

Arnett Johnson, who has been living on a bench in Miamis Allapattah neighborhood for the past six months after being released from prison, said he spotted the child around 11 p.m. on April 8 at the intersection of Northwest 7th Avenue and 17th Street. He told WPLG that he immediately became concerned after seeing the boy alone.

Im looking around for the parent, but I looked and dont see nobody, you know what Im saying? So, what is this kid doing out here at night? Johnson told the outlet.

Johnson called the police and stayed with the boy until they arrived. The child, who has a learning disability, told officials, Mommy dropped me off and left me, according to an arrest report obtained by CBS News.

Miami Police spokesman Officer Mike Vega said the intersection where the boy was found has heavy traffic and that the child could have been seriously injured or taken by a predator if the Good Samaritan had not intervened, according to the outlet.

open image in gallery Arnett Johnson (left), a homeless man in Miami, called police last week when he noticed the 6-year-old son of Annie Rivera (right) wandering the streets alone at night ( WPLG via CNN / Miami-Dade Corrections )

As far as Johnson sees it: Its dangerous every day out here. Anyone would have done the same thing I did, you know? he told WPLG.

Police later identified the childs mother as Annie Rivera, 30. A Miami-Dade School Board police officer later recognized the missing boy from a flyer and identified his mother using the information, according to the report. The childs school called police Thursday morning, prompting them to locate Rivera at a friends residence. A witness, Stephanie, told police that Rivera and her children had been living with her in Miami for several months.

Stephanie, who did not want to provide her last name, told NBC 6 South Florida that she saw Rivera sleeping on Thursday morning but did not see the boy. She said she assumed Rivera had left him with his godmother, as she had done at times in the past.

Officers also spoke with Rivera, who claimed that she did not know her son was missing for 12 hours. She was subsequently arrested and charged with child neglect with great bodily harm.

Stephanie defended Rivera during an interview with the outlet, saying, "She tries her best to be the best mom, and she works and tries to do what she needs to do.

Rivera appeared in Miami-Dade County bond court Friday, where she cried before the judge. The court set her bond at $2,500, and she has since paid it.

The child has since been removed from Riveras custody and is now in the care of the Florida Department of Children and Families, pending a shelter hearing.

Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy Glazer imposed strict conditions on Riveras contact with her son, ordering that she have no unsupervised interaction with him unless otherwise directed by dependency court. Any contact she does have must be supervised, and she is prohibited from acting in any violent or threatening manner toward the child.

In addition to the custody restrictions, the court also placed several broader conditions on her behavior. Rivera was ordered not to engage in any criminal activity, possess illegal drugs, or use, purchase, or possess any firearms, weapons or ammunition. She was also required to surrender any firearms or concealed weapons she may have in her possession.

"Right now, you have got to get it together," Glazer told Rivera, CBS News reported. "There was inadequate supervision, and there is probable cause, and there are services for you, and you are likely to use them.
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A 65-year-old woman has been charged in the decades-old Baby Rebecca case from April 1981.

The case was first opened when a deceased infant was discovered in the woods near the Valley City State College campus in North Dakota.

The girl, who would later become known as Rebecca, was found with a plastic covering over her face and her umbilical cord still attached, according to a declaration of probable cause from the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. 

Barnes County States Attorney Tonya Duffy confirmed during a press conference on April 13 that Nancy Jean Trottier had been charged in connection with the case. According to Duffy, Trottier, from Sun Lakes, Arizona, was charged with felony murder.

Trottier had previously been interviewed in connection with the case in 2021, according to case documents. During the interview, she had told authorities that maybe it was me when referring to the case.

open image in gallery Nancy Jean Trottier has been charged with murder in connection with the infamous 'Baby Rebecca' case ( Stutsman County Correctional Center )

For much of the decades-long investigation, law enforcement officers had been unable to name a suspect in the case or identify the deceased infant.

Rebecca had been given her name by authorities back in 1981, while her body was being interned. An autopsy determined that the infant showed signs of acute asphyxia and had been dead for approximately 24 to 72 hours.

During the investigation, items surrounding Rebeccas body, which contained apparent biological material, were sent to the FBI.

The Valley City Police Department and the state investigators decided to revisit the case in 2019, using advancements in DNA technology.

After Rebecca was exhumed, extensive testing was conducted to identify possible relatives.

open image in gallery Trottier told police that 'maybe it was me' during a 2021 interview about the Rebecca case ( Stutsman County Correctional Center )

Trottier, who attended Valley City State College from 1978 to 1982, was one of the people questioned after the tests revealed a DNA link between the pair, the document says.

During the investigation, Trottier consented to giving a sample to law enforcement officers. Another sample was obtained from her husband through a search warrant. 

The test found that it is 3.481 quadrillion times more likely that Rebecca is the biological child of Trottier and her husband than an unrelated individual.

Trottiers DNA was also consistent with the biological material found near Rebeccas body, which was handed over to the ND State Crime Lab in 2005. Her husbands DNA was excluded from items found at the scene.

Trottier is currently being held at the Stutsman County Correctional Center, according to jail records. Her bond has been set at $750,000. According to online court records, a preliminary hearing and Trottier's arraignment is set to take place on May 21.

During a court hearing on April 13, Luke Heck, Trottiers attorney, disputed Duffys claim that the case against his client was strong.

Lance Peterson, a longtime resident of Valley City, told KVLY that he was a high school senior when the case first began. 

Shes here now, were at the cemetery, " he continued. Yeah, its good closure for Valley City.

The Independent has contacted Luke Heck for comment.
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The man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altmans home had written about AI's purported risk to humanity and traveled from Texas to San Francisco intending to kill Altman, authorities said Monday.

Authorities allege 20-year-old Daniel Moreno-Gama threw the incendiary device about 4 am Friday, setting an exterior gate at Altmans home alight before fleeing on foot, police said. Less than an hour later, Moreno-Gama allegedly went to OpenAIs headquarters about 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) away and threatened to burn down the building.

Moreno-Gama is opposed to artificial intelligence, writing about AIs purported risk to humanity and our impending extinction, according to a federal criminal complaint.

This was not spontaneous. This was planned, targeted and extremely serious, said FBI San Francisco Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo during a press conference.

No one was injured at Altman's home or the company offices, authorities said.

open image in gallery The home of Daniel Moreno-Gama is seen after the FBI raided his home in Spring, Texas, Monday, April 13, 2026 ( Houston Chronicle )

Moreno-Gama faces charges including two counts of attempted murder and attempted arson in California state court, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. He tried to kill both Altman and a security guard at Altman's residence, she alleged. He is set to appear in court Tuesday, and online state court records do not yet show if he has an attorney.

Jenkins said the state charges carry penalties ranging from 19 years to life in prison.

On Monday morning, FBI agents went to Moreno-Gamas home in Spring, Texas, a suburb of Houston, where they spent several hours before leaving. He has been charged by federal prosecutors with possession of an unregistered firearm and damage and destruction of property by means of explosives. Those charges carry respective penalties of up to 10 years and 20 years in prison.

The federal court documents do not list an attorney for Moreno-Gama, and he has not yet had his first appearance in federal court.

Authorities allege Moreno-Gama traveled from his home in Texas to San Francisco and visited Altmans home early Friday morning.

When Moreno-Gama was arrested Friday, officials found a document on him in which he identified views opposed to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the executives of various AI companies, court documents say. The document discussed AIs purported risk to humanity and our impending extinction, according to the criminal complaint.

Surveillance video images included in the criminal complaint show a person dressed in a dark hoodie and pants that the FBI alleges is Moreno-Gama approaching the driveway of Altmans home. In various images, the person can be seen tossing the Molotov cocktail, which landed at the top of a metal gate and started a small fire.

Surveillance video images from outside OpenAIs headquarters allegedly show Moreno-Gama grabbing a chair and using it to hit a set of glass doors. Authorities said Moreno-Gama was approached by the buildings security personnel, who told investigators he stated in sum and substance that he came to the headquarters to burn it down and kill anyone inside, according to the complaint.

open image in gallery Matt Cobo, F.B.I. San Francisco Acting Special Agent in Charge, right, speaks next to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins during a news conference ( AP )

San Francisco police arrested Moreno-Gama and recovered incendiary devices, a jug of kerosene, a blue lighter, and a document. Moreno-Gama was being held Monday in the San Francisco County Jail on the state charges, and was expected to appear in court on Tuesday.

U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian said authorities will treat this as an act of domestic terrorism, and together with our partners, prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law.

The document in which Moreno-Gama discussed his opposition to AI also made threats against Altman, officials said.

Also if I am going to advocate for others to kill and commit crimes, then I must lead by example and show that I am fully sincere in my message, Moreno-Gama is alleged by authorities to have written in the document.

Advocacy groups that have issued grave warnings about AIs risks to society condemned the violence.

Anthony Aguirre, president and CEO of the Future of Life Institute, said in a written statement Friday that violence and intimidation of any kind have no place in the conversation about the future of AI.

Another group, PauseAI, said in a statement that the suspect had no role in the group but joined its forum on the social media platform Discord about two years ago and posted about 34 messages there, none containing explicit calls to violence but one that was flagged as ambiguous.

Discord said Monday that it has banned Moreno-Gama for off-platform behavior.

open image in gallery Open AI CEO Sam Altman ( Getty )

Hours after the attack on his house, Altman posted a photo of his husband and their toddler in a blog post addressing the threats against him.

Normally we try to be pretty private, but in this case I am sharing a photo in the hopes that it might dissuade the next person from throwing a Molotov cocktail at our house, no matter what they think about me, Altman wrote.

He added that fear and anxiety about AI is justified but it was important to de-escalate the rhetoric and tactics and try to have fewer explosions in fewer homes, figuratively and literally.

Altman has become a preeminent voice in Silicon Valley on the promise and potential dangers of artificial intelligence. The attack comes days after The New Yorker published an in-depth investigation that touched on concerns some people have about him and the company.

The attack came at a time of growing debate about the societal effects of AI assistants like OpenAIs ChatGPT that millions of people are turning to for information, advice, writing help and to do work on their behalf.

An annual report published Monday by Stanford University called the AI index found that most people believe AIs benefits outweigh its drawbacks, but nervousness is growing and trust in institutions to manage the technology remains uneven.
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Mobile provider Vodafone Three has announced a significant overhaul of its retail estate, which will see the two brands combine under one roof following their 15 billion merger.

The telecoms giant has pledged its commitment to the UK high street, vowing to maintain a presence in every town where it currently operates.

However, the transformation plan is expected to lead to some consolidation, potentially resulting in a small number of store closures in locations where both Vodafone and Three currently have neighbouring premises.

The specific sites affected remain undisclosed, with changes anticipated to unfold over several years. Crucially, the company has confirmed there are no planned redundancies linked to this shift towards dual-branded stores.

open image in gallery Vodafone has enjoyed higher sales in the UK as a result of its long-awaited tie-up with Three ( VodafoneThree/PA )

VodafoneThree is set to invest tens of millions of pounds into the programme, aiming to establish the largest retail footprint of any mobile network operator in the UK.

This investment will enhance the level of support and advice available in stores, introducing new services such as Fix & Go by Vodafone for additional repair options. F

Flagship stores are planned for major cities, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Cardiff.

Jon Shaw, consumer operations director at Vodafone Three, commented: "We know how important stores like ours are to the health of the high street and the communities which rely on them. From shopping devices, seeking support from our experts or getting their phone repaired, we are proud to serve our customers where they are and reaffirm our commitment to the UK high street. The stores will help bring our brands to more people, offering customers more choice and greater value, as we build the UKs best network."
MYOB and Microsoft have announced a five-year partnership to embed AI tools directly into the platform millions of Australian small businesses already use.

Whats happening: MYOB and Microsoft have announced a five-year strategic partnership to co-develop and embed AI tools across MYOBs business management platform. The first jointly developed features are expected to be unveiled later in 2026.

Why this matters: MYOB is one of the most widely used accounting and business management platforms among Australian small businesses.

MYOB and Microsoft have signed a five-year agreement to jointly fund and build AI-powered tools across MYOBs platform, with a focus on reducing manual work and improving decision-making for small and mid-sized business owners.

Under the partnership, Microsoft will provide dedicated engineering support to work alongside MYOBs technology teams, with the stated aim of accelerating feature development from months to weeks. The collaboration will use Microsofts cloud and AI infrastructure, including tools for deploying and governing AI agents at scale.

Simon Noonan, Chief Technology Officer of MYOB, described the partnership as central to the companys broader platform ambitions. Our vision is for MYOB to be the business hub for Australian and New Zealand businesses, he said. The place where data, workflows and AI come together to help local businesses start, survive and succeed.

Steven Miller, Area Vice President of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, framed the partnership in terms of practical business impact. This partnership is about turning responsible AI into practical, everyday impact for MYOB customers, helping them reduce manual work, spot issues earlier, and make clearer decisions, he said.

What SME owners can expect

The announced features for small business customers include intelligent agents embedded within MYOB that forecast cash flow, guide compliance readiness, and surface proactive insights within the platform. For mid-market customers using MYOBs Acumatica platform, the partnership includes new AI capabilities covering contextual financial insights, natural language queries and automated document processing.

The partnership also includes an internal AI Academy within MYOB, designed to build capability across the companys technology and customer-facing teams, and an extension of MYOBs existing AI Everyday program for staff.

MYOBs Bi-Annual Business Monitor, the companys own research, found that 29% of Australian SMEs have adopted dedicated AI tools for their business. That figure, cited in the announcement, reflects how much of the small business market has yet to engage with AI in any structured way, and positions this partnership as an attempt to reach that majority through software they already use.

What is not yet confirmed

The announcement does not confirm specific pricing, release dates for individual features, or details on how existing MYOB subscribers will access the new tools. The first jointly developed AI features and customer-facing experiences are expected to be unveiled later in 2026, under a Powered by Microsoft banner across MYOBs products.

For small business owners currently using MYOB, the practical implication is that AI-powered features are coming to the platform, but the timeline and specifics remain to be confirmed. Owners evaluating accounting software in the near term should note that the features described in this announcement are not yet available.

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Exclusive BusinessCompaniesRadio Sydney community radio station 2SER could shutter in July as funds run out Calum Jaspan April 14, 2026  2:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Sydney community broadcaster 2SER could close its doors after more than 45 years, having failed to secure rescue funds after one of its two main financial backers walked away from the radio station last year. The radio station operates out of University of Technology Sydney (UTS) premises. Station manager Cheryl Northey told staff on Tuesday the failure to replace the funding previously provided by Macquarie University was detrimental, and that the station could shutter as soon as July. UTS-based community radio station 2SER is on the brink. Steven Siewert Northey explained a range of options for the broadcaster in an email to staff on Tuesday afternoon, though privately has insisted to colleagues she is working with the stations board to secure alternate funding or other avenues to ensure the survival of the long-running station. 2SER has been the breeding ground for many high-profile journalists and radio stars. While the announcement was made to staff, three sources with knowledge of the matter, not authorised to speak publicly, said other universities such as the University of NSW and Sydney University werent approached to replace the shortfall until a month ago, even though Macquarie had pulled out in September.

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Macquaries decision in September should have raised alarm bells, but funding prospectuses werent sent through to potential new partners until mid-March, with a March 31 deadline, one source said. University grant applications and approval processes usually take months. Northey has been contacted for comment. The question we have is, how did it get to this without anybody in the community realising how dire the situation was? Former ABC announcer Robbie Buck Owned and funded by two Sydney universities, UTS and Macquarie, 2SER is based in the formers Ultimo campus next to the ABCs headquarters. High-profile alumni include ABC personality and former announcer Robbie Buck, Labor minister Tanya Plibersek, who studied journalism at UTS, former ABC Sydney station manager Steve Ahern, former ABC journalist Michael Rowland and former Triple J content director Richard Kingsmill. Community radio, alongside other university-funded programs, has suffered in recent years for several reasons, including international student fees drying up.

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Northey told staff that she and the board had explored the option of securing one or more new university partners, though it has become clear that we now need to carefully consider alternative long-term models that could provide the stability the station needs. Former 2SER staffer Robbie Buck said he was perplexed to see the real possibility of the station closing. Janie Barrett Other options considered include transferring the broadcast licence to another not-for-profit community interest group that could operate on a lower-cost basis. Should the station close this year, which could be as early as July, 2SER must do the right thing by our staff, she said. A decision to close would not be taken lightly, and work is being done to avoid that. Despite the financial constraints, 2SERs audience grew by 20 per cent in 2024, according to its annual report, and the station was buoyed by a series of minor grants by the likes of Meta and the Walkley Foundation, which contributes more than $200,000.

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Macquarie University pulled its funding of the station it co-owns in September. It had paid $325,000 in 2024, ahead of UTS core funding of $300,435. UTS also contributes through a series of other grants, which take its total payments to just over $400,000 annually. Macquaries decision aligns with the universitys responsibility to balance its core missions of education and research with long-term financial sustainability, it said in a statement last year, adding that it gave 2SER 15 months notice to facilitate planning and transition. Buck, a lifetime paying member and former staffer, told this masthead that he and others were perplexed to see the real possibility that an institution and pillar of Sydney culture could be wound up in just a few months time. The question we have is, how did it get to this without anybody in the community realising how dire the situation was? Buck said. UTS is a billion-dollar-plus enterprise. The funding from UTS is less than half a million dollars per year. We see no reason why even after Macquarie has pulled this funding, there couldnt be a pared-back version of 2SER that continues with just UTS funding until further funds are found.

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UTS is unlikely to top up its payments to make up for the Macquarie shortfall, having introduced cost savings of up to $100 million for its own operations in September. While its total revenue from teaching, research and other activities in 2024 was $1.31 billion, it had an operating loss of $81 million, according to its annual report. Related Article Exclusive

Media & marketing Urgent meeting: ABC peace deal over pay on brink of collapse A statement from UTS confirmed it remains committed to supporting the station, but only at its current level of both financial, infrastructural and any other forms of support. Were working closely with the 2SER leadership to help secure another partner to replace Macquarie and ensure the necessary governance and financial partnership support continues, said Alana Piper, UTS deputy vice chancellor and head of external engagements and partnerships. Whilst efforts to find a partner have not yet been successful, we are hopeful that other universities that share a commitment to student learning and community engagement may step in to support 2SER, Dr Piper continued.

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2SER had an operating surplus of $80,000 in 2024 after receiving revenue of $1.23 million in total. Its total employee expenses are about $700,000. The vast majority of its revenue is derived through grants, although it also receives revenue from listeners and sponsors. While it operates as an educational and community-based station, it also serves as a training ground for journalists who have gone on to work at both public and commercial news outlets. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Viking eyes quick cash from Nevada tungsten project stockpiles Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Murray Ward April 14, 2026  4:18pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Viking Mines is charging ahead with fieldwork at its Linka project in Nevada, executing an aggressive surface asset evaluation ahead of a June quarter drilling blitz as global tungsten prices hit an eye-watering 90-year high. The company is aiming to systematically quantify historical above-ground stockpiles, along with material contained in a significant tailings dam, which could fast-track early cash flow and a chance to capitalise on record-highs for the metal. An aerial view of Viking Mines Linka tungsten mine in Nevada, looking to the south from the Linka shaft, showing coarse ore stockpiles in the background. Surface stockpiles at Linka are now being tested to confirm the high-grade potential of the low-cost source, building on earlier results of 0.8 per cent tungsten trioxide collected during the companys due diligence site visit late last year. Simultaneously, a grid-sampling initiative at the Linka tailings dam is also underway to calculate its volume, tonnage and economic value as a further potential feedstock for immediate processing or toll treatment.

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Viking has commenced a period of high activity. Viking Mines managing director Julian Woodcock Notably, recent metallurgical success achieved a 53-fold upgrade of Linkas primary ore to a premium 63.6 per cent tungsten trioxide concentrate using a simple gravity separation process. If recoveries are also confirmed on the above-ground tailings and stockpiles, this material could serve as a low-cost supplemental feed for a future Rapid-Start using a modular plant. Beyond these historical assets, the companys geos are ground-truthing previously identified high-priority targets using 3D geological modelling and geophysics. This involves validating Vikings initial interpretation of a significant 820-metre mineralised corridor and a major 800-metre extension at Linka. Viking Mines managing director Julian Woodcock said: Viking has commenced a period of high activity, transitioning from analysis into active project development. Linka sits in high-calibre tungsten country, 25 kilometres from the significant Pilot Mountain project. Pilot hosts a resource of 12.53 million tonnes grading 0.27 per cent tungsten trioxide, making it the biggest undeveloped tungsten project in the USA.

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The companys program could hardly be better timed, just as the global tungsten market continues to endure a severe supply crunch. Prices for ammonium paratungstate recently surged to historic highs of US$3185 (A$4485) per metric tonne unit (MTU), with one MTU equating to 10 kilograms of material. The sharp price increase has brought Vikings Nevada assets sharply into focus as Western supply chains scramble for secure sources of tungsten. Operationally, Viking is moving at a cracking pace. A second phase of field activity is already locked in for later this month to finalise trench sampling and drill hole layouts. The company has also moved to lodge a Notice of Intent with the Bureau of Land Management for a maiden drilling program, slated as early as June. As the company moves to define the main prospect and awaits tailings results, the stage is set for a potential rapid-start modular plant to come into play. With all the hard yards being done behind the scenes, Viking now looks to be speeding towards a potentially transformative June quarter drilling program that could redefine the scale of its Linka project in Nevada and put the company firmly on the path to early cash flow. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au

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During her decade and a half of fame, 39-year-old Lena Dunham has probably been cancelled more times than her entire generation of actors put together. Ever since she wrote, directed and starred in HBOs cultural juggernaut Girls, about a group of liberal twenty-somethings trying to make it in New York City during the recession, Dunham has been offending, apologising, disappearing and re-offending like a malfunctioning Jack-in-the-box. Her controversies have, for a long time, threatened to overshadow her deserved status as what her Girls clone Hannah pompously declares in the first episode the voice of her generation. And her apologies to her various offences  from defending a man accused of sexual assault to being accused of sexually abusing her own sibling  also seem to wreak more havoc than the original incident. In 2016, Newsweek even published a story headlined everything Lena Dunham apologised for in 2016, while Dunham herself wrote an essay titled My Apology Addiction. With her wryly compelling though indulgent new memoir, Famesick, Dunham attempts to make sense of, as she writes, my combative dynamic with my own public avatar. Using texts, emails, script notes, press clippings and memorised conversations with family, friends and collaborators  from Nora Ephron and Judd Apatow to her parents and ex-boyfriend, Jack Antonoff  she narrates her life and career in forensic detail. Lena Dunham The New York Times Ultimately, the memoir is about chronic pain: Dunham suffers from the debilitating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which affects muscles, joints, and which, misdiagnosed for much of her life, has derailed her career and relationships. And yet her fame has trailed around like a secondary sickness that has proved even more difficult to diagnose or gain sympathy for. As she writes in her prologue: Unlike being sick, when youre famous, nobody feels sorry for you. Fame is viewed, largely, as a condition of privilege that youve brought upon yourself. Calls Adam Driver a violent, feral beast The former US Marine was doing bit parts in theatre before he auditioned for the role of Dunhams oddball lover on Girls in 2011 and became Hollywoods favourite unconventional leading man. Dunham remembers the audition vividly: Given my demand for a Tim Riggins lookalike, when Adam Driver walked into the room  all ears and nose, gangly and pigeon-toed, lurching toward the audition chair like a reanimated corpse in a silent film  I was  confused. I tried to shake his hand, and he only grunted.

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She goes on to describe Driver as something feral  half-man, half-beast, claiming that when the script called for a hug, he bit my shoulder instead. He was cast immediately, but was difficult to work with. When Dunham tried to plan a birthday surprise, with a cake and candles, Driver exited through a back door and Dunham later received a stern bit of advice from his agent: Never try and surprise him again. When Dunham first showed him the Girls pilot, he got up and left slamming the door behind him and didnt answer her calls for the next three weeks. She says he once punched a hole through his trailer wall because he hated his new haircut. When it came to sex scenes, Dunham recalls that Driver was disturbingly unpredictable. These were the days before intimacy co-ordinators, says Dunham, but she still wanted to ensure there was a safe environment. Yet her careful blocking went out of the window as Driver hurled me this way and that. She writes: Part of me was afraid that when I turned around, I would find I was suddenly in a full-penetration 1970s porno. But after a few mimed thrusts, I called cut. The reaction on set was delighted, aghast, confused, and thrilled by seeing something on screen that felt uncharted. And so Dunham made a silent agreement with Driver, in which he trusted me to write scenes that werent gratuitous and she trusted him to try things, knowing that certain lines wouldnt be crossed and others would be, but for the sake of the work. Adam Driver and Lena Dunham in Girls. She alleges that a certain line was crossed, however, when Driver threw a chair at Dunham while practising lines in her trailer ahead of season one. Dunham, at the start of her physical unravelling from undiagnosed endometriosis which included symptoms of extreme anxiety and dissociation, had drawn a mind-blank. She knew her lines, she writes, but when I opened my mouth, all that came out was a stammer  until finally, Adam screamed, F---ING SAY SOMETHING and hurled a chair at the wall next to me. WAKE THE F--- UP, he told me. IM SICK OF WATCHING YOU JUST STARE. Dunham says she didnt tell anyone about the alleged incident because she was used to violence from the man who had inspired Drivers Girls character. That former partner had punched her in the clavicle, slapped her around the face, gagged her with her own tights and run a serrated blade across her leg. She writes: I didnt know it yet, but what I wanted was to be degraded, humiliated, punished just for the desire to be wanted.

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When Driver wrapped his final scene for Girls, at the end of season six in 2016, he told her I hope you know Ill always love you. Then, writes Dunham, I never heard from him again. Admits to cheating on Antonoff In Famesick, Dunham recounts how she met her boyfriend Jack Antonoff  super-producer to Taylor Swift and now husband to Margaret Qualley  in 2012, after having been introduced by his sister Rachel, a fashion designer. On their first date, Dunham writes, he told me hed watched the first episode of Girls. Youre like a modern Woody Allen, which is the nicest thing I can say to a person. They were together for six years, living together, with plans to get married and have children. But, Dunham says, he became impatient with her chronic pain, which seemed to resist every diagnosis and ruined everything from their intimacy to holidays. Two weeks after her hysterectomy, they had the worst fight of their relationship when Dunham tried to tell him about her increasing reliance on pain medication. Dunhams former partner, music producer Jack Antonoff. Jordan Strauss/AP His response, she writes, was to go to the bathroom and angrily flush all my pills down the toilet, which necessitated a call to the doctor and a late-night trip to the pharmacy to get more so that I wouldnt go into withdrawal  from any one of the drugs  overnight. She then details how he spoke to me in ways in which I had never been spoken to, prompting such a desire to to be wanted that she texted an old school friend to meet her. They slept together that evening. Dunham, describing herself as an adulteress, reasons that Antonoff may have also strayed: I wasnt paying attention, but the internet sure was. She reveals, for instance, that she had once been sent an in-depth PowerPoint by someone on the internet convinced he was having an affair  a PowerPoint so convincing they had me rethinking events that I myself had been present for. Though Dunham doesnt specify, some Googling reveals that said 29-page PowerPoint, which remains publicly accessible online, speculated about Antonoff and musician Lorde. (Both Antonoff and Lorde denied the rumours, with Antonoff saying that he resented the dumb gossip.)

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Doesnt remember writing her defence of Murray Miller In November 2017, Dunham published a joint statement with her Girls co-showrunner and writer Jenni Konner, defending Girls actor and producer Murray Miller from an allegation of sexual assault. Actor Aurora Perrineau alleged that Miller assaulted her in 2012 when she was 17, which Miller denied as outrageous, and for which he was never charged because of the expiry of the statute of limitations and inconsistencies and the delay in reporting. Dunham and Konners statement described Perrineaus allegation as part of the three per cent of assault cases that are misreported every year. Related Article Review A provocative love story exploring body image, mental health and art The backlash against Dunham, who had until then been celebrated as a feminist figure for her writing on Girls, and had, just the month prior, written an op-ed in The New York Times titled Harvey Weinstein and the silence of men, was swift and explosive. Plenty also pointed out that Dunham herself had asked to be believed when she wrote of her own experience of sexual assault in her 2014 memoir Not that Kind of Girl. Dunhams old Tweets were excavated, including the one that read: Things women do lie about: what they ate for lunch. Things women dont lie about: rape. A few months later, Dunham wrote a full-page apology in The Hollywood Reporter, titled My Apology to Aurora. She revealed that she and Konner didnt have the insider information theyd claimed in their statement, and instead had reacted out of blind faith. The apology  which blamed the fact Dunham had internalised the dominant male agenda and went on to list all the times Dunham herself had been sexually violated  was in turn criticised for being tone-deaf. Famesick by Lena Dunham. In Famesick, Dunham admits this to be the one thing in my career, in my life, about which I felt  feel, still  genuine shame. She tries to explain things from a different angle: amnesia. She was recovering from a total hysterectomy and had spent days high on drugs before writing the statement that, she says, I dont remember writing. Receiving texts in response to her and Konners statement, she says, was like waking from a dream back into life.

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In the aftermath, Dunham writes that I did not decide to kill myself, but I did think it was time to die. That distinction may not make sense to everyone, but it will make sense to a lot of people. I was not going to take the decisive action to end my life. But I was going to cease fighting to survive by avoiding food, by drinking almost no water, through the carelessness of mixing pills and by acting  for all intents and purposes  like I was dead already. Throughout Famesick, Konner is presented as domineering, aggressive and emotionally abusive. Eventually, after a co-therapy session that Konner walks out of within the first 10 minutes, Dunham announces that their friendship has reached the end of the road. The reason this memoir took seven years, writes Dunham, is that Konners one request was that she didnt write about her immediately. I know how you work, and that you will. But please, just not right away. Calls claims she sexually assaulted sibling wilful misperception Another storm from her first memoir was prompted by the admission that, aged seven, curiosity got the best of her and she opened her then-one-year-old sisters vagina to see if it was similar to hers. Later, she recalls bribing her sister with sweets for kisses, touching herself while the duo shared a bed, and comparing herself to a sexual predator. Ben Shapiros right-wing publication Truth Revolt then ran the headline: Lena Dunham Describes Sexually Abusing Her Little Sister. Crucially, the article included a typo, which changed Dunhams age from seven to 17, adding a completely different hue to the story. At the time, Dunham wrote a statement in Time Magazine apologising for minimising sexual abuse with the flippant use of the words sexual predator and expressing dismay for how some readers had interpreted the memoir. In Famesick, she is notably less conciliatory. I was already a right-wing punching bag for my work with Planned Parenthood and the Obama campaign, she writes. But if I ever wanted a lesson in the way that a wilful misperception can escalate and become a fun-house mirror for peoples sense of their own righteousness, for their unbridled rage, this was it. She argues that children are inherently innocent, and yet their imaginations are endless and deranged, and explains that writing about her then-sisters anatomy was prompted by the fact that they had always presented as male as very young (Cyrus later wrote about his gender reassignment, becoming Lenas brother, in 2019).

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Three additional Iranian nationals living in the U.S. with ties to the Iranian regime were arrested by federal agents following Secretary of State Marco Rubios 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 for the hostage-takers, Ebtekar, said the State Department in a statement, 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 Irans 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 under President Barack Obamas administration. In June 2016  just months after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps 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 under President Donald Trump.

This family should never have been allowed to benefit from the extraordinary privilege of living in our country, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a post on social media.

Earlier in the month, 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 Trump administration, declared Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will never allow America to become a home for foreign nationals tied to anti-American terrorist regimes."
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April 15, 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

In three interviews over the past year and half, Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece has refused to reveal the donor for a proposed fountain in Argyle Square, Carlton. On the surface, this denial of disclosure would seem confounding, and slightly bizarre. It is, after all, merely a fountain. But The Age this week revealed possibly why Reece was reluctant to do so. Lord Mayor Nick Reece. Ruby Alexander The money behind the fountain would be coming from the Marcocci family, whose property holdings include the La Storia development on Argyle Square. The family are property developers who donated to Reeces lord mayoral election campaign. They also own land in the Macaulay precinct in North Melbourne. Melbourne City Council is examining whether to compulsorily acquire it. The Macaulay planning scheme amendment was exhibited from August 1 to September 10. Reece at the time was acting lord mayor. On August 6, he vowed to take no donations from developers for his election campaign. In announcing he would run for lord mayor, Reece told a council meeting: I have declared myself a candidate in the upcoming election. One of the first things I did  in fact, on the day I did that  I have declared that I will not accept donations from property developers in the City of Melbourne. In the weeks from August 1, Lou Nominees, the investment arm for the Marcocci family, made a submission on the amendment through M3 Group, architects for the family, opposing it. On September 24, Lou Nominees donated $10,000 to the Reece campaign. It is at this point, the lines blur, but apparently not for Reece. The donors to his campaign were not, in his view, developers, they were property owners.

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Reece said last week that what was important was that conflicts are reported in an open and transparent way, and that is exactly what has occurred at the City of Melbourne. Of course, there would be no conflicts at all if Victoria banned donations from property developers to local or state politicians. Victoria lags in this area and needs to act quickly to introduce a ban. NSW and the ACT have done so. Queensland had, until it was overturned by the Crisafulli government. South Australia has outlawed all donations. Related Article Exclusive

City life Fountain leak: Secret philanthropist the lord mayor didnt want you to know about On Tuesday, Premier Jacinta Allan, who is in the middle of a cabinet reshuffle, would not be drawn on whether Victoria would ban developer donations or cap local government donations. I cant say too much, she said. When the new ministry is sworn in tomorrow, you can ask the local government minister. The view of shadow attorney-general James Newbury is that the Coalition did not support any industry-specific bans on donations because I dont think its reasonable to count people out of being part of the democratic process.

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On Tuesday, Reece finally named the family who had promised to fund the multimillion-dollar fountain. We have had an offer by an Italian family, the Marcoccis, to make a philanthropic donation to the City of Melbourne to build a fountain in the square, he told ABC radio. The Marcocci family did make a donation to my campaign, and if it comes to pass that the council makes a decision about that donation to the city to build a fountain, then I will recuse myself from that decision. Ill step out for that particular council vote. The Reece election campaign, known as Team Nick, received almost $1 million from 150 donors. As a consequence, those councillors of Roshena Campbell, Kevin Louey and Mark Scott have recused themselves from several council decisions. Reece and his team have not broken any laws, nor are we suggesting they have. Last July, Reece, on behalf of the council requested a review of donations laws to the state government: the request explicitly asking for the review to consider banning donations from property developers as well as introducing so-called continuous donation reporting.

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At present, candidates for council have 40 days to provide details of their donations after the election. This is not good enough. How can voters cast their ballot in full knowledge of who is backing a candidate and by how much if the information isnt revealed until after the election? There needs to be a change. The information on donations must be disclosed as they are given. The anti-corruption investigation Operation Sandon was set up by IBAC into accusations of corruption relating to property and planning development at the City of Casey Council. As well as calling for consideration of developer donation bans, in one of its recommendations, it said that giving voters access to this information before elections reduces the risk of donations enabling improper access and influence. In an October 2024 editorial, we noted that none of the major lord mayoral candidates  Arron Wood, Nick Reece or Anthony Koutoufides  was willing to accept our invitation to reveal their campaign donors in real time. Our position remains that voters deserve to know. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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NationalVictoriaCourts Two smoking guns and a dead underworld identity: Jury told of Gavin Prestons final moments Erin Pearson April 14, 2026  6:17pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Two masked men who opened fire on underworld identities Gavin Preston and Abbas Maghnie as they ate breakfast outside a Melbourne cafe were allegedly contracted to kill the pair before fleeing Victoria with the help of a chauffeur. But defence lawyers for Jaeden Tito and Rabii Zahabe  who faced the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday for the opening day of the murder trial  told the jury the men did not have a motive to kill Preston, unlike other underworld figures. Police at the scene of the shooting of Gavin Preston (right) at a Keilor cafe on September 9, 2023. Joe Armao Both men have pleaded not guilty to murdering Preston, 50, and not guilty to attempting to murder Maghnie as they sat outside Sweet Lulus cafe in Keilor on September 9, 2023. Preston died at the scene, falling head first to the ground, while Maghnie dived out of the way, but was wounded in the torso and taken to hospital for emergency treatment.

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Tito, 25, and Zahabe, 26, were arrested in NSW and extradited to Victoria weeks later. On a sunny Saturday morning in September 2023, Gavin Preston was sitting with his friend, Abbas Maghnie, ordering breakfast [at] an outside cafe at Sweet Lulus in Keilor when two armed offenders roll up in a stolen Audi Q5 ... and open fire, Crown prosecutor Kristie Churchill told the jury. Rabii Zahabe leaves the Supreme Court on Tuesday. He has pleaded not guilty. Joe Armao The Crown case is the two armed offenders were Jaeden Tito and Rabii Zahabe. We say this was a contract killing. Planned, prepared, targeted, with other unknown people involved in the organisation.

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Churchill said Preston moved in underworld circles at the time of his death. On the day he was shot, the jury heard, he texted Maghnie and invited him to have breakfast at the cafe where he had been a regular for some time. In the lead-up to the shootings, Churchill said four cars were stolen, fitted with cloned number plates and moved around the residential streets of Taylors Lakes and Keilor before strategically being left in place as part of the getaway plan. Jaeden Tito outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday. He has pleaded not guilty. Joe Armao She said a chauffeur driver, known as Mr Aslan, was hired by an unnamed person and was told to drive four people to Sydney on September 9. The chauffeur driver was put in place, we say, to move [the accused men] after the killing, the prosecutor said.

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The court heard CCTV footage showed two of the four cars, a Holden Cruze and an Audi Q5, drive near the cafe about 7am and park behind a nearby hotel. Churchill said that at 8.28am, Maghnie received a message from Preston arranging to meet for breakfast after a gym workout at the Brimbank Aquatic Centre, and drove to the cafe in his Holden ClubSport. A still from CCTV footage shows a person dressed in dark clothing approaching Preston before the shooting. Theyre seated outside in the outdoor dining area. Inside, the cafe was full on a busy Saturday morning. Youll hear Gavin Preston preferred to sit inside, Churchill said. CCTV footage played to the jury showed the Audi pulling up outside the cafe at 10.14am. Two people dressed in dark clothing and face coverings fired 11 shots at the two men, with the guns seen smoking as the shooters prepared to flee. One bullet struck Maghnie and seven struck Preston.

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Preston was shot seven times. Maghnie coincidentally turns his head and appears to see whats about happen and starts running from [the] table, as patrons duck for cover, Churchill said. The deceased did not appear to see what was about to happen. The impact of the gunshots cause him to bounce in his seat, slump forward, and fall headfirst onto ground where he remains. You wont hear from Maghnie, and youll come to learn he has not been forthcoming. The prosecution alleges that after the shooting, Tito and Zahabe used the getaway cars to leave the area, set them alight and then fled through parks and streets to the waiting chauffeur, and Tito burnt his arm when one of the vehicles burst into flames.

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On the way to NSW, one of the accused men allegedly said to the other we are brothers now, before Zahabe allegedly began Googling no extradition countries and forgiveness phrases from the Koran. It is alleged Tito then spent the following weeks moving between hotels with his girlfriend, and buying jewellery with cash at a Prouds jewellery store. Police officers at the scene after the shooting. Joe Armao Both men were arrested soon after, and DNA allegedly links them to some of the vehicles. Churchill said one of the murder weapons was later found by police during an unrelated investigation last year.

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Zahabes defence barrister, Paul Smallwood, reminded the jury that his client maintained he was not one of the shooters. Smallwood also raised the possibility there were many in the community with a motive to kill Preston, and that Maghnie might have been accidentally struck by a stray bullet. Its a circumstantial case. There are no witnesses who would say, I saw the shooters and I recognise one of them to be Rabii Zahabe, Smallwood said. There is evidence that others seemingly wanted Gavin Preston dead. Daniel Sala, acting for Tito, urged the jury to keep an open mind throughout the trial, which is expected to run for some weeks before Justice Michael OConnell.

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The trial continues. 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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PoliticsVictoriaCrime Foreign police on the force, more children to face adult courts under Coalition pledge on crime Daniella White April 15, 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 Coalition has pledged to significantly expand the Victorian governments crackdown on young offenders if elected in November, saying youth criminals who commit serious offences, including burglary and serious assault, would also be sentenced as adults in court. The plan would extend the Allan governments adult crime, adult time laws  which cover eight offences  to include 12 more crimes, while leaving the door open to further expand the list. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson Luis Enrique Ascui Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said that under the Coalitions policy, breach of bail would become a more serious offence and the youth exemption would be removed to ensure young offenders who breach their conditions are subject to the same penalties as adults. The 12 additional uplifted offences would be subject to the current one-strike bail rule, meaning any offender on bail who commits another indictable offence would not enjoy the presumption of bail. The breach of bail offence would also be upgraded to a more serious classification.

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The maximum jail sentence that can be imposed in the Childrens Court is three years for any single offence. However, the Coalitions plan would mean children charged with the additional 12 crimes facing adult maximum penalties. Wilson said the stronger bail and sentencing laws back the work Victoria Police was doing to hold offenders to account. Labors weak laws and revolving-door bail system are putting dangerous offenders back on the street and continuing the cycle of crime, she said. The system must change. Shadow attorney-general James Newbury said Labors recent changes were a weak, watered-down version of what had been successfully implemented in Queensland. Victorians have had enough of living in fear in their own homes and communities, he said.

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Victorian Parliament Children to be tried as adults in youth justice overhaul We are not ruling out adding further offences because we are going to get really tough on criminals. The 12 additional crimes are burglary, serious assault, causing serious injury, manslaughter, rape, attempted rape, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, arson, trafficking a large commercial quantity of drugs, and offences against children including trafficking. The Allan Labor government has already introduced stringent laws targeting youth offenders following record-high crime rates last year. Reforms that took effect in December mean children as young as 14 can face life imprisonment for eight specific offences: aggravated home invasion, home invasion, intentionally causing injury in circumstances of gross violence (including machete crimes), recklessly causing injury in circumstances of gross violence (including machete crimes), aggravated carjacking, carjacking, aggravated burglary (serious and repeated), and armed robbery (serious and repeated).

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From March, the final tranche of Labors bail changes also came into effect, meaning anyone on bail for an indictable offence who reoffends now faces a legal presumption against their release. The Coalitions latest crime announcement follows a separate pledge by Wilson to hire an additional 3000 police officers  half of whom would be recruited from overseas. Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny criticised the Coalitions proposal on Sunday. Eamon Gallagher Under the plan  based on a scheme running in Western Australia  experienced officers from Britain, Ireland and New Zealand would be recruited to Victoria and offered relocation allowances of $5000 each. On Sunday, Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny criticised the new Coalition police policy.

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What this announcement is, is just a one policy strategy of a Liberal leader who is running scared in Nepean right now, she said. It was this government that has made a record investment into police  including an additional 3600 police officers, and we are working with the chief commissioner as he reworks his police operations to ensure that more police are out on the beat. We have more police out on the streets here in Victoria than another other state or territory across the nation. Kilkenny said the government crime policy changes were having an impact, with remand numbers and bail revocations at a record high. Were starting to see that crime stats turn around, and thats a good sign of progress, 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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Updated PoliticsWAPetrol prices WA government starts its own fuel reserve with 4 million litre purchase Hamish Hastie April 14, 2026  3:33pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The West Australian government will establish its own fuel reserves, starting with the purchase of four million litres of diesel for $10 million as the global shock driven by the Israel-US conflict in Iran continues to bite mining and agriculture sectors. The fuel was purchased by Cambridge Gulf Limited from BP and sold to the WA government. It will be delivered by BP in the coming weeks to Cambridge Gulfs facility in Wyndham, where it will be stored free of charge. The fuel will be delivered in coming weeks. Louie Douvis The WA government estimates the state consumes about 25 per cent of the countrys diesel, and while four million litres is a small fraction of what the state uses, Premier Roger Cook said it would be delivered to places experiencing localised shortages. That means it can be directed to where it is needed most ... to really target acute, localised shortages, he said.

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But, in particular, it will support our remote communities and key industries such as agriculture, which rely heavily on uncontracted fuel volumes. The total cost of the delivery is about $2.50 per litre. Both Cook and Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson denied the move to establish a state-based fuel reserve was because the federal system, known as the minimum stockholding obligation, wasnt working for Western Australia. We are the largest single jurisdiction in the world. We have specific needs, which is why we need to have our own stockpile and to make sure that that is pre-positioned in strategic parts of the state, Sanderson said. What [this announcement] suggests is that there are very regional, remote and vulnerable areas of the state that its difficult to get fuel to.

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Ultimately, thats what we will ensure occurs in future MSO releases, but that also relies on the federal government to make a determination. We want to take our future into our own hands. Whilst well work with the federal government, we want to ensure that were looking after our industries first. Sanderson said the fuel would be cost-neutral to the taxpayer because it would be cost-neutral to the taxpayer, because itll be sold at market rates. The idea had broad support from the opposition but both the Liberals and Nationals described it as too late. WA Nationals leader Shane Love said four million litres wont touch the sides.

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It is woefully inadequate, he said. The WA agricultural sector alone is already more than 10 million litres short of diesel, and thats before you factor in remote communities and essential services. At best, this supply will last less than four days. Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said he supported anything that helped West Australians, and in particular regional areas, get through the immediate danger and the short-term fuel shortages. WA Parliament will reconvene for around two hours on Tuesday, in the middle of a six-week break, to ratify the state governments rules on fuel importers to provide them with details of their sales and supply of fuel.

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The rules will be debated in the lower house, which will be followed by question time, while in the upper house, the rules will need only to be tabled. The Greens will move a motion to debate the governments response to the fuel crisis which will probably fail without support from the Liberals or Labor but will give them time to fire salvos toward the government. Greens MLC Sophie McNeill said the state would have spent tens of thousands of dollars to reconvene parliament so the least they could do was engage in valuable debate. Its costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars for the upper house to be recalled as well for these orders to be tabled, but the government is refusing to allow us to debate this fuel crisis, and we find that completely unacceptable, she said.
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WorldEuropeCrime Killers parents could have stopped Southport massacre, inquiry finds Fiona Parker , Martin Evans and Charles Hymas April 14, 2026  3:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The Southport attack would have been stopped if the killers parents had acted as they morally ought to have done, an official report has found. The British public inquiry concluded that the attack in which three young girls were murdered by Axel Rudakubana, who was 17 at the time, would not have occurred if his parents had raised the alarm about his escalating violent behaviour. Axel Rudakubana is serving 52 years in prison after admitting to killing three girls and stabbing 10 others in July 2024. Merseyside Police The inquiry found that Alphonse Rudakubana and Laetitia Muzayire knew their son was hoarding knives, accessing violent content online and making poison in his room in the months and years leading up to the attack. But their failure to report him left him free to kill Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6, and attempt to murder 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, 2024.

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Inquiry chairman Sir Adrian Fulford described the complete abandonment of responsibility by Rudakubanas mother and father as utterly unconscionable. In his report, published on Monday, he said his two principal conclusions were that Rudakubanas parents were at fault in not reporting his worsening behaviour, and that state agencies  including those in health, education and policing  failed to manage the risk the teenager clearly represented, and misunderstood his autism. Fulford was especially critical of the moral failure of [Rudakubanas] parents to warn the authorities about [his] weapons and what I find was their fatalistic approach to the risks that Rudakubana posed of violence to others. He recommended that the Law Commission consider a new legal duty for all parents to report their childrens criminality to the authorities. A spokesman said the commission would urgently consider the proposal, noting that it is an area that merits careful consideration.

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The introduction of a new legal duty for parents, regarding their childrens behaviour, would mirror criminal action taken in the United States, where parents of children who carried out mass shootings have been prosecuted on at least three occasions for reckless conduct or involuntary manslaughter. Victims of the attack Alice Aguiar, 9, Bebe King, 6, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7. In Georgia, Colin Gray, 55, was found guilty of murder and child cruelty in March this year. Prosecutors argued he was the one person who could have prevented his son Colt, 14, from shooting dead two teachers and two pupils at Apalachee High School in Winder in September 2024. British Security Minister Dan Jarvis suggested that Rudakubanas parents could still face criminal sanctions, saying he agreed that they had shown a moral failing but that any further proceedings would be a matter for the police. Merseyside Police previously considered charges against Rudakubanas parents, but in June 2025 a spokesman said the evidence had not met the required threshold.

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It is understood that Merseyside Police will be reviewing Fulfords report. Related Article Analysis

Asylum seekers This is angry England  and it demands to be heard Chris Walker, a solicitor representing the three bereaved families, said that Rudakubanas parents had failed in their responsibility to society. He had not left the house for two years except when armed or seeking to cause harm, yet they allowed him to leave on that day knowing he was likely carrying a weapon, he said. We call for immediate action, clear accountability and real change  not simply reassurances that lessons have been learned.

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The teenager was wrongly rejected for the governments anti-terror Prevent program because his obsession with violence was judged not to be ideological, but Fulford concluded that, had Rudakubanas parents reported their true level of knowledge to the authorities before the attack, their son would have been arrested. Singling out Alphonse Rudakubana, a taxi driver, for creating significant obstructions to constructive engagement with agencies involved, he said the couple were too willing to defend their son. There are things I wish we had done differently Giving evidence at an earlier hearing, the killers mother, a laboratory worker, said: There are many things that Alphonse and I wish we had done differently, anything that might have prevented the horrific event of July 29, 2024. [For] our failure, we are profoundly sorry. Both Rudakubanas parents, who moved to the UK from Rwanda in 2002, gave evidence to the inquiry from remote locations.

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In a statement to parliament, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: Responsibility rests with the perpetrator. There was also responsibility within the family. The perpetrators parents knew the risk he posed but did not co-operate with the authorities. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is planning new laws targeting lone individuals planning non-terrorist mass killings. AP She admitted that there was also responsibility on the state and on all of us here to learn the lessons from failures wherever they occurred  and the lesson is that the failures happened everywhere. Fulfords report, comprising two volumes totalling 763 pages, highlighted five areas of systematic failure, including a misunderstanding of autism, a lack of oversight of Rudakubanas online activity, and an absence of any agency accepting responsibility for him. The killer was formally diagnosed with autism in February 2021 but Fulford concluded that Prevent, the police and the NHS had failed to understand the threat posed by the disorder and used the condition to excuse his violence.

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Fulford wrote: Far too often, [Rudakubanas] case was passed from one public sector agency to another in an inappropriate merry-go-round of referrals, assessments, case-closures and hand-offs. He added that various agencies had a fundamental misunderstanding of autism and how it affected Rudakubanas behaviour. Fulford said that they regularly used his autism as an explanation or even excuse for his conduct, including his violence. The inquiry chairman added that autism spectrum disorder, even before its formal diagnosis, had been a way for agencies such as the police, Prevent and social services to view any difficult behaviour by [Rudakubana] as a mental health problem. Mahmood told MPs: None of the agencies involved had a full understanding of the risk that the perpetrator posed, and many did not take steps to assess the risk that he posed to others. Tributes outside Southport Town Hall to the victims of Rudakubanas attack. AP

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There was a failure by the agencies involved to take responsibility, and nobody was clear as to who was in charge. So the failure because it belonged to everyone, belonged to no one, where individuals missed opportunities to intervene. Government to tackle extreme content The home secretary said the government would respond to the recommendations by the summer. She also announced that they would legislate to prevent the spread of extreme violent content online, which Rudakubana watched extensively. She said a new offence to cover lone individuals planning non-terrorist mass killings would also be introduced, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, as recommended by Jonathan Hall, the independent adviser on terrorism. Rudakubana was jailed for 52 years in January 2025 for the three murders. He avoided a whole life sentence because he was nine days too young.

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Mental health Teen boys are struggling with mental health. Heres what they want you to know Mahmood said the second part of the Southport inquiry would directly address the rising numbers of young men who are fascinated by extreme violence, boys whose minds are warped by time spent in isolation online. She added: This is a risk to us all. Where someone is vulnerable to terrorism, they can and should be managed through the Prevent program. However, where they are not, there is no clear approach to that risk. Telegraph, London Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Crime

UK
Claire Hill Road in Burlington April 9, 2026. A Massachusetts woman was found dead in a house on the street last month. The same house was the scene of domestic violence in November 2025, according to an arrest warrant. Ned Gerard/Hearst Connecticut Media

BURLINGTON  A man who lives in the house where a 26-year-old Massachusetts woman was found dead last month was arrested in November after a person he met online told police he hit and threatened to kill her, according to the warrant for his arrest.

Cole Werhan was taking pills and drinking a large amount of alcohol when the woman first met him at his house on Claire Hill Road, kept her from leaving and threatened to kill himself, the woman told police, the warrant said.

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It remains unclear whether the woman in the complaint is the same person found dead at the house March 29. Since she is a victim of an alleged crime, the woman's name does not appear in the warrant  which is labeled "family violence." There is no distinction between family violence and intimate partner violence under state law.

Connecticut State Police have not announced any arrests in what they described as the "suspicious" death of Janina Brooke Murphy. More investigation is needed before authorities can determine precisely what caused Murphy's death, staff at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Tuesday.

Police have not released more information about the circumstances of her death.

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Werhan was arrested Nov. 20 in the family violence case. He is charged with third-degree assault, second-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree threatening, second-degree breach of peace and disorderly conduct.

Werhan appeared briefly Friday before a judge on the charges in state Superior Court in Torrington, where the case was continued to April 17. He declined to comment outside the courtroom.

According to the warrant in the assault case, the woman met Werhan on the Bumble dating app around Nov. 2, matched based on their profiles, she told police.

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They began messaging each other on the app for a few hours that night and then started texting each other about 12 hours a day, the warrant said. She said Werhan told her he didnt have to work because of his investments, but that he did some freelancing in graphic design, it said.

The woman also told police Werhan already was love bombing her, saying he loved her and that he wanted to date her and have her move in with him, even though they hadnt met in person.

He was upset that I was not ready to move that fast, she said, according to the warrant. She told Werhan she did not have a timeline on that type of stuff but eventually agreed to meet him Nov. 10, a little more than a week after they met online, the warrant said.

She arrived at his house around 6 p.m. that day and planned to stay that night and the next, according to the warrant.

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Things went well at first, she told police, but on the second day she began to become concerned about his drinking and prescription drug use, the warrant said.

At one point, his phone stopped working and he became upset, she said, adding that he continued drinking and began making remarks about killing himself and wanting to overdose, according to the warrant.

This continued for about three hours and I just kept trying to calm him, she told police. Around 8:30 or 9 p.m. Cole started to say things like I was disrespecting him and he was making no sense. He had finished about 10 White Claws at this point, plus the Twisted Tea, the warrant said.

He earlier had told her that if he were to black out she should leave, so she decided she should go, but Werhan tried to convince her to stay, she said, according to the warrant. He cursed at her and accused her of not caring about his feelings, and when she grabbed her cellphone charger he ripped it out of my hands and threw it, the warrant said.

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He then told her to leave but blocked the bedroom doorway and slapped her in the face, it said.

This knocked me over onto the bed and my ears began to ring and my vision blurred. I turned to look at him and he said that I was not going anywhere, she told police, according to the warrant.

It said Werhan then told her: Now you have given me something I have always wanted to do, I am going to kill you.

He told her to show him her phone so he could make sure she was not calling the police, and the woman reassured him that she was not, the warrant said. He eventually sat on the bed next to her and apologized, she told police; he said he didnt intend for her to feel trapped, it said. She said she tried to assure him that when she left, they would still have a relationship, the warrant said.

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Of course, my only intention was to leave and never talk with him or see him again, the warrant said she told police.

When he finally agreed to let her leave, she walked behind him because she was afraid hed attack her from behind, the warrant said. He hugged her at the back door and continued to apologize, after which she walked quickly to her car and drove to the end of his long driveway, where she stopped, blocked him on her phone and turned off his access to information about her location, the warrant said. She then drove straight home, told her mother what had happened and reported it to police.

The woman shared with police a picture she had of Werhan, and they recognized him, according to the warrant.

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Photo taken on April 13, 2026 shows Chinese illustrator Cai Gao winning the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award on the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy. Chinese illustrator Cai Gao won the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award, with the announcement made on Monday at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy. The award was established in 1956 by the International Board on Books for Young People, a leading international organization dedicated to promoting children's books. It is presented biennially to a living author and illustrator whose work has made a lasting contribution to children's literature. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)

BOLOGNA, Italy, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese illustrator Cai Gao won the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen (HCA) Award, with the announcement made on Monday at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy.

Shereen Kreidieh, president of HCA Jury, revealed the result at the annual press conference of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) during the fair.

Kreidieh told Xinhua that Cai's works demonstrate exceptional quality, artistry and emotional engagement. "The way she sees the world is beautiful," she added.

Cai is the first Chinese illustrator to win the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international honor for writers and illustrators of children's literature. In 2016, Chinese author Cao Wenxuan became the first Chinese recipient in the writer category.

Born in 1946 in Changsha, China, Cai has worked in publishing and children's book creation since the 1970s, remaining deeply committed to the development of children's illustration in China. Her works, including "The Land of Peach Blossom" and "Bao'er," have gained popularity both at home and abroad.

The award was established in 1956 by the IBBY, a leading international organization dedicated to promoting children's books. It is presented biennially to a living author and illustrator whose work has made a lasting contribution to children's literature.

Photo taken on April 13, 2026 shows books illustrated by Cai Gao on the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Bologna, Italy. Chinese illustrator Cai Gao won the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award, with the announcement made on Monday at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy. The award was established in 1956 by the International Board on Books for Young People, a leading international organization dedicated to promoting children's books. It is presented biennially to a living author and illustrator whose work has made a lasting contribution to children's literature. (Xinhua/Wang Kaiyan)

Editor: WSH
Connecticut State Police arrested Volodymyr Molchanov, of Stamford, on Monday after he was involved in a crash on Long Ridge Road that caused serious injuries. Courtesy of Connecticut State Police

STAMFORD  A Stamford police officer was arrested in connection with an off-duty crash last year that caused serious injuries, according to state police.

Volodymyr Ihorovych Molchanov, 24, turned himself in at Connecticut State Police Troop G in Bridgeport Monday and was charged with reckless driving, tinted auto glass requirements and second-degree assault.

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The crash occurred in the early morning hours of Oct. 12, 2025, according to Molchanovs arrest warrant affidavit. State police were assigned to investigate the crash on Oct. 20 at the request of the Stamford States Attorneys Office as the crash involved two off-duty Stamford police officers  Molchanov and Alex Lauture.

As part of the investigation, Connecticut State Police inspected the two vehicles involved in the crash. They found that Molchanov had been speeding, going between 67 mph and 73 mph in the five seconds before the crash, and the service brake remained off throughout the entire time, according to the affidavit.

The posted speed on Long Ridge Road, where the crash occurred, is 45 mph, according to the affidavit.

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State police determined that if Molchanovs vehicle had been going below 55 mph, the probability of the crash occurring would have been zero percent, the affidavit states. Police said the tinted front windshield also may have been a contributing factor in the collision.

Molchanov has been with the department since Nov. 6, 2023, according to Stamford police Assistant Chief Richard Conklin. Conklin said Molchanov was placed on modified duty at headquarters following the crash, and after his arrest Monday was put on paid administrative leave.

Conklin said the agency began its internal investigation Monday, and noted the investigation couldnt begin until after the state police investigation had concluded.

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Lauture, a passenger of the vehicle, has been with the Stamford Police Department since December 2022 and is on regular duty, Conklin said.

Lindy Urso, a Stamford-based criminal defense attorney, is representing Molchanov in the case, and said his client is such a nice guy. Urso said he has to review the investigation, but his understanding was that the other vehicle pulled out onto Long Ridge Road without stopping.

It was a tragic accident, Urso said.

Stamford police were called to a crash between a 2016 Volkswagen Touareg and a 2016 Nissan Rogue on the 2600 block of Long Ridge Road around 4:35 a.m. Police found the operator of the Nissan, a Norwalk man who was 39 years old at the time, unconscious and trapped inside the vehicle, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

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The operator had to be extricated from the Rogue by firefighters before he was taken to Stamford Hospital for life-threatening injuries, including a hematoma to the head, a high neck injury and being unable to move his left side. Police noted in Molchanovs arrest warrant affidavit that the driver still was receiving medical treatment for his injuries as of April 10.

Molchanov was identified as the driver of the Volkswagen and Lauture as the passenger. Both men exited the vehicle and were standing outside when police arrived. Both were taken to Stamford Hospital for reported minor injuries, according to the affidavit.

A witness told a Stamford police officer at the scene that he and his friends were dropped off by their Uber driver, the driver of the Nissan, on Long Ridge Road. The witness said the Nissan exited and made a left out of the parking lot onto Long Ridge Road when the Volkswagen struck the vehicle, the affidavit states.

Then, boom, I just see his car basically explode into like a million pieces, the witness told police, according to the affidavit. The witness said he ran over to the driver to make sure he was still alive, and saw Molchanov get out of the Volkswagen uninjured.

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The witness told police that Molchanov and Lauture exited the vehicle and asked what happened, which he found odd because they crashed into [the drivers] vehicle, the affidavit states. The witness noted that he didnt see any headlights coming from Molchanovs vehicle, nor did he see Molchanovs vehicle brake.

The witness said Molchanov didnt check on [the driver] at any point after the collision, he just stood off to the side of the road, according to the affidavit.

During the investigation, a Stamford police officer found an unopened High Noon, an alcoholic beverage, on the front passenger-side floorboard of the Volkswagen, the affidavit states.

Molchanov told a Stamford police officer at the hospital that he was coming from a bar in Port Chester, N.Y., and on his way to a friends house. He told the officer he did not have anything to drink and denied taking any drugs or medications, according to the affidavit.

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Molchanov agreed to perform field sobriety tests. The affidavit states that he performed some tests to standard, and others not to standard, and an officer observed his eyes to be bloodshot and watery to include the odor of alcoholic beverages emanating from his mouth, the affidavit states. When asked, Molchanov refused to provide a breath test sample or go through a drug influence evaluation.

The Stamford police officer was granted a search and seizure warrant for a blood sample from Molchanov, but then discovered Molchanov had been discharged from the hospital without providing a urine or blood sample, according to the affidavit. Police later found out that Molchanov refused to provide any bloodwork or urine samples to a doctor at the hospital.

Police interviewed Lauture about the crash, who said the Nissan cut in front of them causing the collision, the affidavit states. He said that he had some drinks at the bar, but couldnt remember how much, and that Molchanov did not drink at the bar.

Lauture also told officers that, when the crash occurred, they went to check on the other vehicle and tried to help the driver out of the vehicle, using a witness' cellphone to speak with dispatchers, according to the affidavit.

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Body-worn camera footage showed Molchanov telling an officer that he was driving straight and the guy just pulls out, the affidavit states.

As part of the investigation, police obtained Molchanovs receipt from the New York pub, showing he purchased two High Noon beverages around 3:50 a.m. on Oct. 12, 2025. The restaurant was not able to provide video footage.

Detectives also generated a report from Molchanovs phone, finding that he had texted with multiple Stamford police officers after the crash, saying he had performed standard field sobriety tests, the affidavit states.

Police, through a warrant, received the Nissan drivers medical records, which stated that drugs were not detected. A family member of the driver told police in March that the driver was doing better after two spinal surgeries and was starting to walk and walk again, the affidavit states.

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However, there was a long road of healing ahead of him, according to the affidavit.
A man sits next to charred cars and wreckage where a building was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike the previous Wednesday, in central Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Hassan Ammar/AP President Donald Trump speaks outside the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, April 13, 2026, in Washington. Alex Brandon/AP Secretary of State Marco Rubio, center, meets with Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, far left, and Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh Moawad, far right, at the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Jacquelyn Martin/AP A woman reacts at the site of a damaged residential building after it was struck by a projectile fired from Lebanon, in Nahariya, northern Israel Monday, April 13, 2026. Ariel Schalit/AP A veiled woman walks through a mass grave where civilians and Hezbollah fighters killed by Israeli airstrikes are temporarily buried in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Mohammed Zaatari/AP

The U.S. military claimed Tuesday that it has successfully begun to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, as the standoff between the U.S. and Iran deepens. Tehran threatened to strike targets across the region, a day after Trump warned on social media that any Iranian warships nearing the blockade would be destroyed in a quick and brutal strike.

With Pakistan racing to bring the sides together for more talks, U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a second round could be happening over the next two days. The first round ended without an agreement on Irans nuclear ambitions, which the White House says is a sticking point.

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Neither side has indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22.

Lebanon and Israel opened their first direct diplomatic talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington, as fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah militants rocks southern Lebanon. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took part, joining the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the U.S. Hezbollah opposes the direct talks and wont abide by any agreements made as a result, a high-ranking member of its political council told The Associated Press.

Here is the latest:

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US military says it has achieved maritime superiority in the Middle East

The blockade on Iranian ports had been fully implemented within 36 hours of its launch, according to a social media post by the U.S. Central Command late Monday.

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The statement quoted CENTCOM head Brad Cooper as saying the U.S. had halted all sea trade going in and out of Iran.

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Trump says the Iran war is very close to over

In clips showing excerpts of an interview he taped with Fox Business Networks Mornings with Maria, Trump says of the Iran war, I think its close to over, yeah. I mean, I view it as very close to over.

He adds, If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And were not finished. Well see what happens. I think they want to make a deal very badly.

Trump has declared a U.S. victory in Iran repeatedly since mere days after the war started  even as the reality on the ground has been far more complicated.

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The full interview is set to air starting Wednesday morning.

US military will operate blockade in Gulf of Oman, AP source says

A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations, explained that the strategy is to observe vessels subject to the blockade leave Iranian facilities and clear the Strait of Hormuz before intercepting them and forcing them to turn around.

The official said that the military relies on more than just automated tracking beacons that all merchant ships are required to carry called AIS to determine merchant ships were coming from a port in Iran but wouldnt go into more detail, citing the need for operational security.

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The official also wouldnt go into what the military would do should they need to board and capture a ship.

 Konstantin Toropin

Vance says American conservatives are missing Charlie Kirks voice in Iran debate

The vice president credited the late conservative activist with being the glue within the Republican Party on divisive issues.

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Charlie would be the guy who was talking to the people who really wanted to go to war with Iran, and the people who really didnt want to go to war with Iran, said Vance, speaking at an event in Georgia hosted by Turning Point USA, the group Kirk found. And he would try to find ways for those guys to work together, even if they disagreed over one issue, right. And so Charlies absence is a huge thing.

Kirk was assassinated in September during a Turning Point USA event at a Utah university.

Kirk had raised concerns last year as Trump was weighing U.S. involvement as Israel launched what would turn into a 12-day war on Iran. The conservative activist made the case that direct U.S. involvement in the conflict could be seen as a betrayal to some members of Trumps coalition and cause a schism in MAGA world.

Trump ultimately decided to launch limited strikes that badly damaged three Iranian nuclear facilities during that conflict.

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Vance acknowledges that a lot of young voters dont love Iran war

A lot of young voters dont love the policy we have in the Middle East. I understand that, Vance said.

But, rather than offering a full-throated defense for the war, the vice president urged conservative activists who disagree with the Trump administration on top issues to avoid becoming disengaged.

Vance said Trump is pushing to make sure Iran never has a nuclear weapon, but added, Im not saying you have to agree with me on every issue.

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What Im saying is, dont get disengaged because you disagree with the administration on one issue, Vance said.

He added of conservatives staying united, thats ultimately how we take the country back.

Vance says Trump wants a grand bargain reached with Iran

Addressing a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, the vice president discussed the 20-plus hours of negotiations with Iran where he lead the U.S. delegation. He said that Trump doesnt want to make, like, a small deal. He wants to make the grand bargain.

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Vance added, Thats the trade that hes offering, and that Trump is telling Iran, If you guys commit to not having a nuclear weapon, we are going to make Iran thrive.

Were going to make it economically prosperous, and were going to invite the Iranian people into the world economy in a way they havent been in my entire life, the vice president said.

Pakistani official says government will keep at it

Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Tuesday in an interview with The Associated Press that our leadership is not giving up on its efforts to help the U.S. and Iran negotiate. He noted the talks marked the first direct discussion between the two in nearly 50 years.

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We would very much like to see if we can continue to pursue the dialogue, he added, speaking on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Well keep at it, and our leadership is at it.

Aurangzeb said he also this week met with U.S. officials including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss trade and finance concerns. He plans to meet Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday.

Treasury says US will not renew Iranian oil sanctions waiver

The Treasury Department says the short-term authorization permitting the sale of Iranian oil already stranded at sea is set to expire in a few days and will not be renewed, in a post on X.

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The administration allowed for the delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil already in transport before March 20, and would last through April 19.

Additionally, the administration allowed a waiver on Russian oil at sea to expire on Saturday.

Israeli strike in Gaza kills 6 more Palestinians, health officials say

The Israeli drone strike on a group of people in Gaza City brought the total number of Palestinians killed Tuesday to 11, according to health officials at Shifa hospital.

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The Israeli military said it had struck Hamas militants in the area.

Separate Israeli strikes earlier Tuesday killed two children, including a 3-year-old, and three adults, an official at the hospital said.

Deadly airstrikes are a near-daily threat in Gaza, where more than 750 Palestinians have been killed by Israel despite a ceasefire with Hamas since October, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

Lebanon praises first talks with Israel in decades as constructive, calls for ceasefire

Lebanons top envoy to the U.S. says the first high-level diplomatic engagement between her country and Israel was constructive, but urged an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants that has displaced thousands of Lebanese.

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After participating in Tuesdays talks with Rubio and Israels ambassador to the U.S., Nada Hamadeh Moawad said she had underscored the need to preserve our territorial integrity and state sovereignty during the two-hour discussion.

I called for a ceasefire and the return of displaced persons to their homes, she said in brief comments released by the Lebanese embassy in Washington.

US could sanction Chinese and Arab banks for doing business with Iran

The U.S. Department of the Treasury sent a letter, viewed by The Associated Press, to financial institutions in China, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, warning about the risks of doing business with Iran. The Treasury Department threatened secondary sanctions against the nations banks and accused those countries of allowing Iranian illicit activities to flow through their financial institutions.

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The letter states that Iran processed at least $9 billion through U.S. correspondent accounts in 2024 using a series of front companies, most notably in Hong Kong and the UAE.

The Treasury Departments account on the social platform X posted on Tuesday that financial institutions should be on notice that the department is leveraging the full range of available tools and authorities and is prepared to deploy secondary sanctions against foreign financial institutions that continue to support Irans activities.

Ships near Strait of Hormuz alter signaled destinations on first full day of US blockade

A Malawi-flagged oil tanker entering the Strait of Hormuz revised the destination it was broadcasting over its tracking system on Tuesday, according to maritime data. The Rich Starry was the only ship that shipping data firms and maritime analytics trackers reported as entering the blockaded waterway.

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On Monday morning, it listed Sohar, Oman, a port just south of the strait, as its destination. By evening, it was broadcasting no destination, according to MarineTraffic, a maritime analytics provider.

The Rich Starry was among several tankers to change their reported destinations. So-called shadow fleet ships like the vessel sometimes fly flags of landlocked countries and alter signals or transmit false positions, including to evade sanctions on Iran. Other ships also adjusted their signals to avoid listing Iranian ports, according to shipping publication Lloyds List.

U.S. Central Command said no ships transited the strait on Tuesday and did not respond to questions about the shadow fleet vessels.

US says first Israel-Lebanon talks productive, will continue with aim of launching formal negotiations

The State Department says the first high-level meeting between Israel and Lebanon in decades was productive and will continue with the aim of launching direct negotiations.

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In a statement released after the two-hour session in Washington between Rubio and the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States, the department said, All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue.

Israel has been fighting Lebanons Iran-backed Hezbollah movement and demands that the group, which opposed the talks and was not represented, be disarmed.

Its time for Lebanon and Israel to work together, UN chief says

Guterres said Tuesdays first Israeli-Lebanese meeting in decades will be very important if the talks create a change in their actions.

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The truth is that Hezbollah and Israel have always helped each other to destabilize the government of Lebanon, the secretary-general told U.N. reporters Tuesday while the ambassadors of Lebanon and Israel were meeting in Washington with Rubio.

Whenever Israel occupies part of Lebanon, Hezbollah uses it as a pretext to say it cant disarm and must keep up the resistance, Guterres said, and Israel uses Hezbollah rocket attacks into its territory as a pretext for massive operations against Lebanon.

Lebanons government is committed to having the monopoly on the use of force, which implies the disarmament of Hezbollah, Guterres said. So, its time for Israel and Lebanon to be working together instead of Lebanon being the victim of the negative actions of Hezbollah and Israel.

There needs to be a complete separation between Lebanon and Iran, Israeli envoy says

Leiter, who was the only diplomat to come out and speak after the talks, described the meeting among the U.S., Israel and Lebanon in an extremely positive tone despite Rubio earlier describing the gathering as part of a longer process.

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The ambassador highlighted several areas of consensus while making it clear that Israel needs to see Lebanon completely separate itself from Tehran and its proxy Hezbollah.

The Lebanese government made it very clear that they will no longer be occupied by Hezbollah and Iran has been weakened; Hezbollah is dramatically weakened, Leiter said. This is an opportunity.

Second round of talks has not been scheduled, official says

A U.S. official, who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Tuesday that future talks with Iran are under discussion, but no talks have been scheduled at this time.

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Israeli ambassador says Israel and Lebanon are on the same side of the equation after DC talks

In a statement to reporters Tuesday after the historic talks, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter praised his Lebanese counterparts for their cooperation in the meeting in Washington despite pressure from Hezbollah not to.

We discovered today that were on the same side of the equation. Thats the most positive thing we could have come away with, Leiter said. We are both united in liberating Lebanon from an occupation power dominated by Iran called Hezbollah.

Israel and the Western-backed Lebanese army have both been unable to forcibly disarm Hezbollah.

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The talks between envoys from longtime adversaries began at 11 a.m. EDT and lasted for two hours.

399 US troops have been wounded in the Iran war

The formal injury count, provided by Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for U.S. Central Command, says three service members have been seriously wounded.

Central Command said two weeks ago in a previous update that 348 troops were wounded, six of them seriously. However, the military command does not provide any further details about the wounded, so its unclear whether anyones status improves or worsens.

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Hawkins says of the total wounded to date, 354 service members have returned to duty.

Since the Iran war began, 13 U.S. service members have been killed in combat.

UN chief says it is 'highly probable that US-Iran talks will restart

Guterres said this was the indication he had after a phone call on Tuesday with Pakistans deputy prime minister, who is also the countrys foreign minister.

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The U.N. secretary-general expressed enormous admiration for Pakistans initiative to bring peace to the Middle East.

I consider it essential that these negotiations go on, Guterres told U.N. reporters, explaining that it would be unrealistic for long-lasting and complex problems between the U.S. and Iran to be resolved in a first negotiating session.

We need negotiations to go on, and we need a ceasefire to persist as negotiations go on, he said.

UN chief says international law is being trampled  especially in the Middle East

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Tuesday that violations of international law are fueling instability and mistrust. Speaking to reporters at the U.N. headquarters, he urged renewed U.S.-Iran talks and respect for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

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The secretary-general said he will travel to The Hague, Netherlands, later this week to mark the 80th anniversary of the International Court of Justice, the U.N.s highest tribunal, and send a message that in a world moving toward greater fragmentation and sharper power competition, international law is indispensable.

US State Department issues $10 million reward for Iraqi militia leader

The bounty was placed on Ahmad al-Hamidawi, secretary-general of the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah. In a post on X, in which it published al-Hamidawis photograph, the State Departments Rewards for Justice program wrote that the group was responsible for attacks on U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, the kidnapping of U.S. citizens, and the killing of innocent Iraqi civilians.

Last month, Kataib Hezbollah kidnapped an American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, in Baghdad, but released her several days later on condition that she leave the country. Officials with the group at the time told The Associated Press that in exchange, the Iraqi government would release several members of the militia who had been previously detained.

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Kataib Hezbollah is allied with Lebanons Hezbollah but they are two entirely different groups with different leaders.

Trump says talks with Iran could resume this week

In a phone call with The New York Post, Trump said a second round of talks with Iran could be happening over next two days.

Trump initially told the newspaper they would likely be held somewhere in Europe but later updated that they could be held again in Pakistans capital.

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An initial round of talks ended without an agreement on Irans nuclear ambitions, which the White House says is a central sticking point.

US military claims blockade success

The U.S. military claims that it has successfully begun to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports, though at least one ship with apparent ties to Tehran has transited the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command, which oversees the Middle East, said that during the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade and 6 merchant vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman.

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While some tankers approaching the strait on Monday did turn around shortly after the blockade took effect, the tanker Rich Starry reversed course again and transited the waterway early Tuesday.

Rubio says Israel-Lebanon talks are a process but doesnt expect an immediate agreement

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that historic Israel-Lebanon peace talks the U.S. is mediating are a process, not an event, downplaying expectations for any immediate or significant agreement.

Meeting at the State Department with the ambassadors of Israel and Lebanon to the United States, along with the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, Rubio said the Trump administration is very happy to be facilitating the discussions.

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This is a historic opportunity, he said. We understand were working against decades of history and complexities that will not be quickly resolved.

Israeli fire kills 5 Palestinians in Gaza, hospital officials say

Among the killed are a 3-year-old and a 15-year-old in the two separate strikes in northern Gaza and Gaza City on Tuesday, according to a health official at Shifa hospital, where the casualties arrived.

The Israeli military said it was looking into it.

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The first strike on a police vehicle in Gaza City killed four, including the 3-year-old who was standing nearby, and another in the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza killed the 15-year-old, the hospital and the families said.

What was this little kids fault? He was walking in the street, said Samia al-Malahi, the grandmother of the 3-year-old.

The Gaza Strip has seen near-daily Israeli fire and strikes since a fragile ceasefire was reached in October, and more than 750 Palestinians have been killed since then, according to figures from the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.
The intersection of Post Road East, Post Road West, Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road in Westport. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media A crossing instruction sign at the intersection of Post Road East, Post Road West, Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road in Westport on April 10, 2026. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media

WESTPORT  The state commissioner of transportation has filed a lawsuit in Superior Court against a Westport property owner to secure a traffic easement needed for signal upgrades at a busy intersection.

The dispute centers on a 77-square-foot portion of property at 1 Wilton Road, where the state Department of Transportation plans to install sidewalk ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and a pedestrian push button.

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The easement is part of a broader statewide project to replace aging equipment and bring signals up to current standards, said Eva Zymaris, a DOT spokesperson

The state has offered the property owner, 1 Wilton Road Westport LLC, $1,775 for the easement, according to court documents.

We reached out to the property owner to obtain an easement to install a pedestrian push button and an ADA-compliant sidewalk ramp, Zymaris said. "We received no response from the property owner, so initiated standard eminent domain procedures in court to secure the easement."

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CT Insider was unable to reach the property owner or the commissioners attorney for comment.

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Zymaris said it is common for traffic equipment to be placed on private property through easements, particularly in areas where space is limited.

"CTDOT determines the fair market value for each easement individually," Zymaris said.

Construction at the intersection  Post Road West and Post Road East at Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road  is expected to begin in spring 2027. Traffic impacts are expected to be minimal, Zymaris said.

The work will proceed regardless of whether the easement is granted, according to the DOT. No future court dates have been scheduled.

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The Westport site is one of 24 intersections across Bridgeport, East Haven, Guilford, Madison, New Haven, North Branford, Norwalk and Westport slated for signal installation or upgrades under the project, according to the state DOT.

The statewide effort is estimated to cost $16 million and will be fully funded by the state.

Project locations are selected annually based on assessments of existing state-owned traffic signals. Improvements can include new pedestals, signal heads, span wires, vehicle detection equipment, pavement markings, pedestrian push buttons, sidewalk ramps and extensions.

In Westport, additional work is planned along Route 1 at several intersections, including:

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In Westport, additional work is planned along Route 1 at several intersections, including:
FILE - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum gives her the daily, morning news conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Feb. 23, 2026. Ginnette Riquelme/AP President Donald Trump speaks with reporters after disembarking Air Force One, Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP People walk a dog on a street in Havana, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Ramon Espinosa/AP Activists wave Cuban and Palestinian flags from the vessel Maguro, arriving from Mexico with humanitarian aid as part of the "Nuestra America," or Our America convoy, in Havana Bay, Cuba, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Ramon Espinosa/AP Activists from the vessel Maguro that arrived from Mexico, behind, as part of the "Nuestra America," or Our America convoy, unload humanitarian aid with the help of Cuban port workers in Havana Bay, Cuba, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Jorge Luis Banos/IPS via AP, Pool) Jorge Luis Banos/AP

MEXICO CITY (AP)  The Mexican government on Tuesday protested the deaths of its citizens in U.S. immigration custody as President Claudia Sheinbaum pushes back against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies on multiple fronts.

The progressive Mexican leader has walked a careful line with Trump for more than a year, addressing provocations with a measured tone and meeting U.S. requests to crack down on criminal cartels more so than her predecessors, in an effort to offset threats of tariffs and U.S. military action against the gangs.

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But in the wake of mounting deaths of Mexican citizens in custody of immigration officials and the Trump administrations decision to impose an energy blockade on Cuba  a key Mexican ally  Sheinbaum has taken a harder line.

Weve seen the president raise her tone, said Palmira Tapia, an analyst for Mexicos Center for Economic Research and Teaching. Theres been a shift, and weve seen Sheinbaum be more vocal than before.

Deaths in ICE custody

Sheinbaum's latest rebuke came on Tuesday, a day after 49-year-old Mexican citizen Alejandro Cabrera Clemente died in a detention center in Louisiana of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, the fifteenth death of a Mexican citizen in U.S. custody in little over a year.

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Mexico's government quickly called the deaths unacceptable and the ICE detention centers "incompatible with human rights standards and the protection of life.

During a Tuesday press briefing Sheinbaum added that she requested investigations into the deaths of the 15 migrants, and instructed Mexican consulates to visit detention centers daily.

She said her government would raise the deaths in detention centers to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and was considering appealing to the United Nations. Her government already said it would support lawsuits in the U.S. filed by detainees over poor conditions.

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We are going to defend Mexicans at every level, Sheinbaum said, adding that there are many Mexicans whose only crime is not having papers.

The moves by Sheinbaum's government come on top of mounting disapproval in the U.S. of Trump's immigration enforcement. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Trump has gone too far in sending federal immigration agents into American cities, according to a February AP-NORC poll.

Growing dissatisfaction around ICE activities in the United States creates a more comfortable platform for members of the Mexican government to raise concerns about the fate of Mexican citizens, said Carin Zissis, vice president of content strategy for the Council of the Americas.

A cool head

Sheinbaum has maintained what she has described as a cool head to provocations by Trump, who has exerted more pressure on Latin America than any U.S. leader in decades. In just a few months, the Trump administration deposed Venezuela's president, imposed an oil blockade on Cuba and threatened military intervention against Mexican cartels.

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She has to balance maintaining a strong relationship with Trump while repeatedly stressing Mexico's sovereignty to appease her own base. Her measured responses resemble that of a lawyer rather than the head of Mexicos most powerful populist political movement.

Her government has come down harder on cartels than her predecessor and bolstered trade relations ahead of renegotiations of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, free trade agreement.

While Trump has taken public jabs at Sheinbaum  at one point suggesting cartels have greater control over Mexico than her government  he's also regularly made nods to their amicable relationship.

She is really a nice person, I like her a lot, he said last month, proceeding to imitate the Mexican leader in a high voice.

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Divide over Cuba

But shifting geopolitics in the region, and the mounting deaths in ICE facilities, have also opened the door for Sheinbaum to take a firmer stance.

The main point of contention between the two governments has been Cuba. Solidarity with the U.S. adversary has been a cornerstone of Mexicos political ethos since the Cuban revolution, which Fidel Castro, Ernesto Che Guevara and a group of exiles famously planned while in Mexico City. It's a particular sticking point with her progressive Morena party, whose founder ushered Sheinbaum into office.

The relationship hit a hurdle in late January, when Trump announced he would slap tariffs on any country that sends oil to Cuba. The move directly impacted Mexico, which for years has shipped oil to Cuba.

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While Sheinbaum reluctantly paused oil shipments to Cuba, she has continued to challenge the Trump administration's push for regime change.

Mexico has every right to send fuel, whether for humanitarian or commercial reasons, Sheinbaum said earlier this week.

She has described Trump's energy blockade of Cuba as unjust and accused the U.S. government of suffocating Cubans with sanctions. The Mexican leader has sent shipments of food and other aid, and even donated $1,000 of her own money to relief efforts in a symbolic gesture.

This is a Rubicon issue for her," said Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican ambassador to the U.S.

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Even then, the moves by the Mexican leader have raised eyebrows in Washington.

Sheinbaum recently announced that her country would continue to have Cuban doctors work in the country, diverging from other nations in Central America and the Caribbean that have ended their programs in the face of U.S. pressure.

It was met with veiled threats from the Trump administration, which pointed to visa restrictions imposed on Central American officials with ties to what U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to as a forced labor scheme.

The White House offered no comment on Tuesday about Sheinbaum's tougher stances, nor did it comment on the rising number of deaths of Mexican nationals in ICE custody.

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Greater leverage

Sheinbaum's recently bolder tone suggests a calculation that her administration can push back on some politically important fronts as long as they also are making progress on strengthening trade and meeting Trump administration requests on security and migration, Zissis said.

At the same time, surging energy prices due to the Iran war have made the U.S. more dependent on allies in Mexico, she and other analysts said, prompting Washington to walk back from any drastic moves against Mexican cartels or Cuba, at least in the short term.

Were at a moment where, due to global events, were facing different economic uncertainties. That gives the U.S. and Mexico more reason to work together," she said.

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At the same time, former Mexican ambassador Sarukhan said that Sheinbaum will have to be careful not to put at risk upcoming USMCA renegotiations, for which her government has made painstaking efforts to build a strong foundation.

"Whats going to be interesting going forward is whether she can continue to have her cake and eat it too, Sarukhan said.



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News from Edwardsville District 7. The Intelligencer

Interim Superintendent Allen Duncan was tasked with gathering feedback from Hamel teachers and parents to present to the board.

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While Duncan collects the feedback, short-term improvements will be made to the school during the summer, including exterior painting, installation of a Wi-Fi repeater, and a review of the condition of the exterior grounds.

Duncan said asbestos abatement is a commitment of both the board and the district and will be addressed as part of the project. In a survey sent to Hamel teachers, abatement was identified as a necessary component of the project.

Chief Financial Officer Dave Courtney did not have a cost estimate for the asbestos abatement available during the April 13 meeting.

The survey also identified other priorities, including a new gym, additional classroom space and improvements to the lunchroom, classrooms, and conference areas.

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Board members and administrators said it is unclear whether larger additions, such as a new gym, would be affordable within the current budget.

We dont know if we could afford those now, Courtney said.

This is a great start, but what I dont want to happen is to give them false hope, board Secretary Matt Breihan said.

Board members discussed using extra money from Lincoln Middle School. However, Courtney said that money is still needed for later phases of that project.

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Don Munsch is the city reporter for the Edwardsville Intelligencer. An Arlington, Texas, native, he is a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University and has written for newspapers in Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. He has covered just about everything on the news beat, from education to police and courts to religion, and has also covered a fair amount of sports.
The Glen Carbon Village Board of Trustees will consider various agenda items regarding a new water treatment plant at its meeting April 14. Jason Koch/Jason.Koch@hearst.com

The Glen Carbon Village Board of Trustees on April 14 will consider multiple items regarding the new water treatment plant to be constructed in the village.

Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 151 N. Main St.

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Village officials have discussed building a water treatment plant for several years, as a new plant would allow Glen Carbon to produce its own drinking water instead of purchasing it from outside providers. The village purchased water from Edwardsville from 1997 to 2021, when it switched suppliers to Illinois American Water.

The water treatment plant is to be constructed on seven acres in Bluffview Commerce Park off Illinois 157, according to an email from Public Works Director Scott Slemer. Village officials have previously said the plant would be built near an Ameren facility and produce up to 3 million gallons of water per day.

Trustees will consider a resolution authorizing the mayor to accept on behalf of the village an $8 million loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to help pay for the construction of the new water treatment plant.

Trustees at the April 14 meeting will also consider:

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People learn about robot products during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

People visit the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

People visit the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

This photo taken on April 13, 2026 shows a product of Chinese motorcycle maker ZXMOTO during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

A visitor learns about an agarwood product during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

This photo taken on April 13, 2026 shows the booth of Huawei during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

People visit the booth of a Russian cosmetics company during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People visit the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

People try massage chairs during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

People learn about Malaysian products during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

People promote products via livestream during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

A woman promotes products via livestream during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

People learn about a VR device during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

People visit the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

Panda dolls are pictured at the booth of Sichuan Province during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

A man walks past a display sign of the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

A woman learns about robot products during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

People learn about Huawei products during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

People promote products via livestream at the booth of Malaysia during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

A woman promotes products via livestream during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

This photo taken on April 13, 2026 shows the booth of Rokid, a Hangzhou-based technology company, during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

Porcelains are pictured during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

A man shakes hands with a robot during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

People visit the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

People interact with an installation outside the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, main venue for the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

People learn about an agarwood product during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

This photo taken on April 13, 2026 shows the booth of video-sharing platform Bilibili during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

People learn about agarwood products during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. Jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Hainan provincial government, the sixth CICPE marks the first edition of the event since the Hainan Free Trade Port fully launched island-wide special customs operations.

This year, the expo has attracted over 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Editor: WSH
The sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) kicked off on April 13, 2026 in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, attracting more than 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions. Themed "Opening Up Drives Global Consumption, Innovation Empowers A Better Life," this year's expo runs from April 13 to 18.

The sixth CICPE has expanded in scale, with an exhibition area of 143,000 square meters, up 13,000 square meters from the previous edition. International exhibits account for 65 percent of the total, an increase of 20 percentage points from last year. Meanwhile, over 200 new products are expected to make their debut, double last year's number and spanning fields including healthcare, jewelry and digital technology.

Editor: WXY
Artists stage a performance during the United Nations Chinese Language Day at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in Kenya, April 13, 2026. The 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Monday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with a call to foster dialogue among different cultures and civilizations. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

NAIROBI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Monday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with a call to foster dialogue among different cultures and civilizations.

Hosted at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) under the theme "Characters Endure, Civilization Shines," the event brought together diplomats, scholars, and students to promote global dialogue and mutual understanding.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said that Chinese calligraphy has a long history and is one of the most representative art forms of the Chinese language. Calligraphy embodies the value of "harmony in diversity," reflects a civilizational outlook of "equality and mutual learning," and conveys a worldview of harmonious coexistence.

Noting that 2026 is the Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges and that mutual learning among civilizations is vital for advancing modernization, she said that Chinese is becoming a "golden key" that unlocks opportunities in Africa and Kenya.

At Confucius Institutes and Luban Workshops in Nairobi, more African youth are not only learning to communicate technical knowledge in Chinese but also to express emotions through calligraphy, according to Guo.

UNON Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura said that Chinese Language Day, observed across the United Nations system, reaffirms the growing consensus on the need to harness multilingualism to strengthen the rules-based world order.

"As one of the six official languages of the United Nations, Chinese embodies a rich cultural and intellectual heritage and reflects values of harmony, mutual respect and shared responsibility, principles that resonate deeply with the mission of this organization," Bangura said.

"Today's observance therefore underscores the importance of cultural exchange in deepening relations between Africa, China, and the wider international community, and in advancing the spirit of partnership that underpins our work," she added.

The event also featured a blend of cultural showcases, ranging from poetry and martial arts to drumming and calligraphy.

People experience Chinese cultural activities during the United Nations Chinese Language Day at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in Kenya, April 13, 2026. The 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Monday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with a call to foster dialogue among different cultures and civilizations.

Hosted at the UNON under the theme "Characters Endure, Civilization Shines," the event brought together diplomats, scholars, and students to promote global dialogue and mutual understanding. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

Artists stage a performance during the United Nations Chinese Language Day at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in Kenya, April 13, 2026. The 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Monday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with a call to foster dialogue among different cultures and civilizations.

Hosted at the UNON under the theme "Characters Endure, Civilization Shines," the event brought together diplomats, scholars, and students to promote global dialogue and mutual understanding. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

Editor: WSH
A vendor sells vegetable and fruit on a street in Havana, capital of Cuba, Feb. 23, 2026. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, April 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened again on Monday that Cuba would be Washington's next target following attacks on Venezuela and Iran.

"We may stop by Cuba after we're finished with this," Trump told reporters at the White House, referring to the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran which started on Feb. 28.

Trump also repeated his previous assertions that Cuba is a "failing nation."

Days after launching the war with Iran, Trump threatened that Cuba is going to "fall pretty soon" but his administration will focus on the ongoing war with Iran "right now."

"Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn't say that," Trump told an investment forum in Florida late last month.

Editor: WSH
Peter Magyar, leader of Hungary's Tisza Party, speaks at an international press conference in Budapest, Hungary, April 13, 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 13 (Xinhua) -- Peter Magyar, whose Tisza party won Hungary's parliamentary election on Sunday, has pledged constructive cooperation with the European Union (EU) while pursuing a pragmatic approach to foreign and economic policy.

Speaking on Monday at his first press conference after the vote, Magyar emphasized Hungary's European identity, saying that "Hungary's place in Europe was, is, and will always be." But he also signaled openness to pragmatic international cooperation.

On Ukraine, Magyar said Hungary does not support accelerated EU accession, arguing that it is not feasible to admit "a country at war" and stressing that all candidates must follow the full accession process. He added that any future decision on Ukraine's membership will be subject to a referendum, which is unlikely in the near term.

On the EU's proposed 90-billion-euro (105 billion U.S. dollars) loan package for Ukraine, Magyar said Hungary had already secured an opt-out under a December European Council decision, signaling that Hungary will not maintain its previous blocking stance.

Hungary should remain outside the scheme due to its difficult economic situation and focus on securing EU funds already allocated to it, he added.

On Russia, Magyar said Europe may reconsider its sanctions against Russia once the conflict in Ukraine ends, arguing that higher energy costs undermine competitiveness. Meanwhile, he said Hungary will seek to diversify its energy sources and procure oil and gas "from as many places as possible."

He also pledged swift action to unlock around 20 billion euros (23 billion dollars) in frozen EU funds, and outlined a series of reforms aimed at meeting European Commission requirements to unfreeze them, including anti-corruption measures, restoring judicial independence, ensuring media freedom, and strengthening academic autonomy.

He promised to move quickly to reach an agreement with Brussels in this regard, including through talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Moreover, Magyar said he is open to pragmatic cooperation with China, adding that such ties serve the interests of both sides. "I would be very happy to visit Beijing, and we would also be very pleased to welcome Chinese leaders here in Hungary," he said.

With nearly all votes counted, Tisza has gained a qualified majority, exceeding the two-thirds threshold, according to the National Election Office on Monday.

Under Hungarian law, President Tamas Sulyok is expected to consult party leaders in the new parliament and ask Magyar to form the next government.

Peter Magyar, leader of Hungary's Tisza Party, speaks at an international press conference in Budapest, Hungary, April 13, 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, speaks at an international press conference in Budapest, Hungary, April 13, 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 an international press conference in Budapest, Hungary, April 13, 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, speaks at an international press conference in Budapest, Hungary, April 13, 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 an international press conference in Budapest, Hungary, April 13, 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)

Editor: WSH
The launch ceremony for the China-Laos simultaneous premiere of the documentary Journey on the China-Laos Railway and the China-Laos Railway Media Tour was held on the morning of April 14 at Kunmingnan Railway Station in Kunming City, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The event was hosted by the Publicity Department of the Party Leadership Group of CR and the Publicity Department of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, and organized by CR-Kunming.

The documentary Journey on the China-Laos Railway consists of three episodes and is positioned for global distribution. It is co-produced by People's Railway Press Co., Ltd., China Intercontinental Communication Center, National Geographic, and Yunnan Media Group. It has been selected into the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee's "Documenting China" communication project and the National Radio and Television Administration's "Documenting the New Era" outstanding documentary project. The series will be broadcast from April 14 to 16 at 19:30 during prime time on the CCTV Documentary Channel (CCTV-9), simultaneously aired on Lao National Television, and subsequently released on iQIYI, Youku, Tencent Video, Bilibili and some provincial satellite TV channels across China. Since December last year, the documentary has been broadcast in more than 100 countries and regions across Asia, Europe and the Americas, ranking among the top in viewership in countries including India, Germany and the United Kingdom. It will next be localized and broadcast in countries along the Belt and Road, including Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam, enabling global audiences to experience the unique charm of the China-Laos Railway.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Laos and the "China-Laos Friendship Year," as well as the fifth year of operation of the China-Laos Railway. To tell the story of how the China-Laos Railway promotes economic and social development, strengthens cultural exchanges, and enhances people-to-people connectivity, under the guidance of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, CR took the lead in organizing a creative production team composed of professionals from China, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore and other countries. The team conducted three field shoots across China and Laos. Using the cross-border journey of British photographer Thomas Heaton as the narrative thread, the documentary adopts a micro-perspective to reflect broader themes, vividly presenting a series of down-to-earth stories along the China-Laos Railway and showcasing its remarkable achievements in construction and operation.

On April 14, the "Steel Silk Road of Scenic Beauty: Enduring China-Laos Friendship Along the Silk Road" Media Tour was launched simultaneously. A joint press delegation composed of major media outlets from both countriesincluding People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, China Media Group, Yunnan Daily, Yunnan Media Group, Lao National Television and the Lao News Agencywill conduct in-depth visits along the China-Laos Railway. The delegation aims to tell the remarkable stories of the China-Laos Railway with dedication and sincerity, and highlight the profound friendship between the peoples of China and Laos.

Editor: WXY
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed bill No. 15110 extending the military levy (ML) for three years after the end of the war, which is a structural benchmark of the new financing program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

According to the Ukrainian parliaments website, the president signed the bill on Tuesday; the Verkhovna Rada passed it in the second reading and as a whole on April 7.

As reported, after the bill was passed, MPs supported its referral for urgent signing by the head of state with 250 votes.

According to the explanatory note to bill No. 15110, it provides for extending the provisions on the application of the mandatory military levy that were introduced for the duration of martial law in Ukraine, namely for individuals at 5%, for individual entrepreneurs (IE) - single tax payers of groups 1, 2 and 4 - 10% of one minimum wage as of the first day of the current month (in 2026  UAH 850), single tax payers of the third group (IEs and legal entities) (except e-residents)  1% of income, for three years following the year in which martial law in Ukraine is terminated or lifted.

"Adoption of the bill will allow the state budget of Ukraine to raise over UAH 140 bln over the three years following the year in which martial law is terminated or lifted," Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said when presenting the bill in the Rada.

Four structural benchmarks that Ukraine was to meet by end of March 2026 under the IMFs Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program were considered unmet: the Rada was to adopt tax changes concerning the abolition of the VAT exemption for single tax payers, taxation of digital platforms, taxation of all parcels, and the permanent application of the military levy. Although the Cabinet of Ministers approved and submitted three bills on March 30 (on taxation of digital platforms, taxation of all parcels, and the permanent ML), one bill on VAT for IEs remained under revision.

The Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy recommended passing the bill on Monday, April 6.
The Russian-occupied Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) has once again been left without external power supply from the Ukrainian Unified Energy System, having lost contact with one of the power lines it had been connected to for the past few weeks, the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy reported.

"As a result of a power line outage, the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant lost its external power supply. The plant switched to diesel generators. The cause of the outage is under investigation, it said.

As the Ministry of Energy noted, this is the 13th complete power outage at the plant since the start of the full-scale war.

As reported, on March 24, the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant once again lost contact with one of its two power lines, the 750 kV Dniprovska line, leaving it with only the backup 330 kV Ferosplavna-1 line, which was restored less than three weeks ago.
Concerns have been raised about the voters register as the election approaches, while officials maintain that safeguards are in place. How confident are you in the integrity of the register? Share your view in our poll.

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Kharkiv Regional Military Administration head Oleh Synehubov has said. the state budget provides too little funding for the construction of underground kindergartens in frontline regions.

"Unfortunately, if we talk about the cost, it is quite high, more than UAH 200 million (for construction of underground kindergartens  IF-U) We must use state funding for such facilities because local budgets will certainly not be enough for these areas. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Education and Science directed only UAH 1 billion for all of Ukraine. That is actually for 5 kindergartens for all frontline territories. This is extremely insufficient," Synehubov said during the national telethon on Tuesday.

He said that an underground kindergarten, based on the example of underground schools, is currently being completed in Kharkiv region and will be designed for 500 children. According to him, there are also plans to build another underground kindergarten in the Kharkiv district.

"Next, we will defend the position to increase funding, primarily state funding, for this area," he emphasized.

As reported earlier, for the first time in the 2026 state budget, a separate subvention of UAH 1 billion is provided for the equipment of shelters for preschool education institutions. The subvention can be used for: new construction of civil defense protective structures and dual-purpose structures; reconstruction and major repairs of existing facilities, including those belonging to the fund of civil defense protective structures, with the possibility of their further use as shelters.
The supervisory board of Gas Distribution Networks of Ukraine LLC (Gas Networks) has been formed, comprising three independent members and two representatives of the shareholder, the Naftogaz Ukrainy Group, the Group announced on its website on Tuesday.

According to the announcement, following the results of the competition, Hennadiy Chyzhykov, Maryna Petrova, and Justin Goonesinghe became independent members of the supervisory board, while Lesya Kyrychenko and Natalia Kalymbet became representatives of the state.

It is noted that Chyzhykov has headed the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine since 2013, having previously served for over 10 years as president of the Donetsk Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is a Ukrainian economist and manager, with a Doctor in economics, specializing in international economics.

Petrova is a former Deputy Director of the EBRD Resident Representative in Ukraine and also headed the EBRD Resident Representative in Belarus. Naftogaz notes that she is an international financial expert with over 20 years of experience in banking financing, investment, and market development in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as significant experience in corporate governance and supervisory board service.

Goonesinghe currently serves as Director of Energy and Director of Gas Markets at Tetra Tech (UAE). He previously worked on gas market development in the UK and at National Grid, the UK's electricity and gas distribution company. He is an international expert in energy and gas markets with over 15 years of experience.

State representative Kyrychenko currently holds the position of head of legal support for the activities of the filling station network of JSC Ukrnafta, Kalymbet is the head of the Department of Management Accounting and Business Analytics of JSC Ukrgazvydobuvannia.

As the Group notes, the selection of independent members of the supervisory board was carried out through an open procedure in accordance with the OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance in State-Owned Enterprises.

The competitive selection process was conducted by an independent recruiting agency, which formed a shortlist of candidates for further consideration and approval.

"We are consistently implementing best corporate governance practices across all Naftogaz Group companies. Forming a professional and independent supervisory board is an important step for the company's development and improved governance," commented Serhiy Koretsky, Chairman of the Board of Naftogaz Ukrainy.
The Bila Tserkva Industrial Park, a project of the UFuture holding company owned by entrepreneur Vasyl Khmelnytsky, is building an educational hub and plans to open it in 2026, Oleksiy Genzer, commercial director of the Bila Tserkva Industrial Park, told Interfax-Ukraine.

According to him, the building, with a total area of 2,500 square meters, will house classrooms, production training grounds equipped with modern machinery, production laboratories, a conference hall, as well as office and social facilities.

"For us, an industrial park is an ecosystem of shared infrastructure and joint solutions. Together, we create the engineering foundation, organize services, and must also jointly address those systemic barriers that are difficult, costly, and not always efficient for an individual resident to overcome alone. One of the most pressing issues today is the availability of qualified personnel. For us, the staffing issue is part of the investment infrastructure," he said.

Genzer emphasized the critical importance of supporting the industrial development of the community while simultaneously developing education at all levels. "We are currently planning to engage a profile educational institution to develop modern training programs. We also plan to involve park residents in the program to provide people with the opportunity to train on modern equipment and acquire relevant qualifications directly on the park's premises," he said.

Among other initiatives of the Bila Tserkva Industrial Park is support for secondary and vocational education. In particular, a memorandum has been signed with local self-government authorities to equip labor training classrooms. Two classrooms have already been upgraded, and by 2028 it is planned to upgrade classrooms in 13 more educational institutions.

"The community carries out the renovation on its side, while we provide modern equipment. We hope that within this project we will be able to cover almost all secondary education institutions in the city," Genzer said.

UFuture, an investment holding company owned by Ukrainian entrepreneur Vasyl Khmelnytsky, has a diversified portfolio of assets in real estate, infrastructure, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. It is actively investing in the development of the UNIT.City innovation park and the Bila Tserkva private enterprise.

The Bila Tserkva and Bila Tserkva 2 industrial parks were included in the Register of Industrial Parks in 2018. On the territory of the park, more than 20 residents operate, including foreign companies. The parks' land bank exceeds 70 hectares, including 45 hectares have been developed. More than 85,000 square meters of industrial and warehouse real estate have been commissioned.
La Porte, TX - Experience the sights and sounds of the final battle of the Texas Revolution this Saturday as the booming of cannons, cracks of musket fire and the shouts of "Remember the Alamo! Remember La Bahia!" ring out across the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site.

The historic site and the Texas Historical Commission (THC) invite visitors to relive the moments of victory at the annual San Jacinto Day Celebration from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, with reenactments beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Across the grounds, living history activities, lectures and market and food vendors will help visitors celebrate the 190th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas' independence from Mexico.

Reenactors dressed in period clothing will make the epic events of April 1836 come alive and the reenactments at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. will recreate the dramatic events that led to one of the most decisive and impactful military victories in North American history.

Hands on, participatory activities will let visitors interact with reenactors as they cook food, check weapons and engage in the daily routines of soldiers and civilians from almost 200 years ago.

About San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is the location of the final battle of the Texas Revolution. On April 21, 1836, the Texian army killed or captured most of the 1,250 Mexican soldiers in under 20 minutes to ultimately secure Texas' independence from Mexico.

About the Texas Historical Commission

The Texas Historical Commission is the state's official historic preservation agency. It preserves, operates and manages 42 state historic sites, the Texas Heritage Trails Program, Texas Main Street Program, Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program and many more heritage tourism and historic preservation initiatives across the state. The Texas Historical Commission's mission is to protect and preserve the state's historic and prehistoric resources for the use, education, enjoyment and economic benefit of present and future generations. For more information, visit thc.texas.gov.
Revanchist propaganda has prepared well for the Easter holiday. The whining about the alleged destruction of the Armenian heritage began with renewed vigor, and the nightmares of the separatists began to be thrown into public space in a colorful frame.

The highlight of the program this time was another renovation - the church, built in 2007. The facility was built at the height of the Armenian occupation without the permission of the country's legitimate authorities. The separatist regime's permits have never had any legal force, so all buildings from the occupation period are candidates for demolition. And no one has the right to make claims to the Azerbaijani side.

A rich Armenian from California, having decided to perpetuate the name of his son (according to another version, his brother) in this way, should have turned to Baku, and not to Khankendi with his idea. Even their own citizens do not have the right to build on the territory of Azerbaijan without approval and permission, and even more so foreigners are not given such a right. So what if the city was under separatist control? On the contrary, the occupation should have forced the inconsolable father to be more careful when investing. Because no occupation is permanent.

The day before, the Armenian media, which has mostly turned into a mouthpiece for opposition propaganda, published a statement by an obscure office that continues to call itself the "Artsakh diocese" regarding the demolition of the Surb Hakob Church, built in Khankendi during the Armenian occupation. The fake "diocese" accused Baku of "cultural genocide in front of the whole world" and called on international organizations to intervene.

A certain Nerses Yepremyan from the United States, wishing to perpetuate the name of his deceased son Hakob in his "historical homeland," financed the construction of a church in Khankendi. One of the Russian bloggers, who made a report from the occupied territories on the eve of the 2020 war, cited a slightly different version, apparently told to him by locals during a trip (also illegal, by the way). He was told that a Californian Armenian had built a church in memory of his brother, who left the States to fight for Miatsum and was eliminated in battle. Anyway, the church was built illegally, as were dozens of other similar structures that grew like mushrooms after rain in the occupied territories during the conflict.

By the way, the same blogger, apparently not familiar enough with Armenian historical fantasy, wrote that there were no Armenian churches in Khankendi until the 90s.

The blogger is absolutely right. Historically, there were and could not be Armenian churches in Khankendi due to the absence of the Armenians themselves. Having moved to Karabakh, the Armenians relied primarily on the beautiful Shusha. Khankendi was an inconspicuous village at the end of the century before last. But the massacre of Azerbaijanis in Shusha in 1918-20 did not help the Armenians to become the majority in this city. I had to change my priorities. The "ancient Armenian" history of the Khan's village was invented later, after the Second World War.

During the years of occupation, about two dozen newly built churches were built on Azerbaijani lands. Moreover, they were built on, as it is called, frontal sites in order to dominate other buildings and the panorama of settlements. At the same time, every square meter received its "ancient" khachkar, and monuments to "liberators" and other scoundrels were erected on every corner. The same Khankendi has completely changed. Roughly speaking, wherever you spit, you'll end up in an "ancient" khachkar.

Speaking of khachkars. The Second Karabakh War had an amazing effect on the "yield" of khachkars in Karabakh. They began to be found en masse in forests and mountains, which was not observed even during the years of occupation. The separatists were in a hurry to collect more evidence of the legitimacy of their claims on the territory of Azerbaijan, apparently subconsciously anticipating the imminent end of the project.

It goes without saying that after the de-occupation, these excesses began to be removed. Not only in Khankendi. After Azerbaijan regained sovereignty over all its territories, the process of clearing illegal structures began. It is impossible to immediately remove from the face of Karabakh everything that has been disfigured for thirty years. This is a gradual process, but let no one doubt that it will be completed. There will be no monuments, memorials, khachkars and other structures erected on Azerbaijani soil without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities.

Despite all efforts, it was not possible to turn around much in Soviet times, but after the occupation of the territories, their accelerated Armenization began. The migrants were in a hurry to legitimize their illegal stay on this land. The Armenian sources themselves report that 14 churches were built in Karabakh after 1991. All of them were built, of course, without the knowledge of the legitimate owners of these territories. But the propaganda broadcast Baku's negative reaction to the "revival of Christianity" in order to hide the true essence and true goals of the Karabakh conflict behind such narratives.

The former head of the "Artsakh diocese", Pargev, played a major role in these processes. He was appointed there in 1989 and replaced after the Second Karabakh War. All these years, following the instructions of Etchmiadzin, he led the Armenization of the Christian heritage in the occupied territories and the increase in the number of markers that Churches have always been for Armenians. If you pay attention, the Armenians do not have historical cities, fortresses and other material evidence of the historical presence of this ethnic group in the region, and they try to compensate for this awkwardness by increasing the number of churches. Pargev diligently fulfilled the task assigned to him, fighting "demonic forces that do not slumber." By the latter, of course, he meant Baku and the Azerbaijanis.

But it was all in vain. The second Karabakh War destroyed all hopes, everything that had been done during the years of conflict collapsed like a house of cards. The monk escaped from Karabakh without waiting for the complete collapse. The demons he was dealing with probably warned him about what was going to happen in September 2023. His mission was a failure, and his continued stay in Karabakh made no sense.

It is clear that neither Pargev, nor Etchmiadzin, nor the separatist regime, nor the Karabakh clan - no one expected such a denouement. The peculiar logic of the Armenian nationalists played a cruel joke on all of them.

The demonic forces-and this time without the quotes - failed to hold their ground, because good always wins. Surely, it is written about this in the sacred books, the meaning of which was changed by the leaders of the Armenians.
PJSC Ukrnafta has been named one of the top five companies in the National Rating of Corporate Reputation Management Quality, Reputation ACTIVists2026, in the categories "Oil, Gas and Coal Extraction and Processing" and "Petroleum Retail."

"For the company, this is about an external assessment of the approaches being implemented in management, from risk management to the development of services and partnerships," the company wrote on its Facebook page on Tuesday.

According to Ukrnafta, the study, based on evaluations by an independent jury, saw analysts, journalists, and representatives of the professional community review nearly 700 companies across various industries.

"Among the criteria were systematic reputation management, social responsibility, quality of communications, and innovative approaches," the company noted.

JSC Ukrnafta is Ukraine's largest oil producing company and the operator of the nation's largest network of filling stations, UKRNAFTA.

In 2024, the company assumed management of Glusco's assets. In 2025, it completed a deal with Shell Overseas Investments BV to acquire the Shell network in Ukraine. The company operates nearly 700 filling stations.

The company is implementing a comprehensive program to restore operations and update the format of its network of gas stations. Since February 2023, it has been issuing its own fuel coupons and cards, NAFTAKarta, which it sells to businesses and individuals through Ukrnafta-Postach LLC.

Ukrnafta's largest shareholder is Naftogaz Ukrainy, with a 50% stake plus one share. In November 2022, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine decided to transfer to the state the company's shareholding, which was previously privately owned and is currently managed by the Ministry of Defense.
Pile of stacked shiny golden coins close-up SimpleImages/Getty Images

EDWARDSVILLE  Five people were charged Monday in Madison County with theft of more than $1 million in gold and silver coins in Gillespie, and several face additional charges in Macoupin County.

Gillespie Police Chief Jared DePoppe said the case is still very much under investigation.

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The investigation began after the Maryville Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Nov. 24, discovering five suspects and gold coins valued at more than $1 million at the time.

Maryville Police Chief Tony Manley said an officer made a traffic stop for speeding southbound on Illinois 159 and noticed the passengers' "extreme nervousness," which prompted an extended stop, a search, and the discovery of the coins.

As the coins were being inventoried, an expert was called in who pegged the value at just over $1 million.

"This case began with the vigilance of a Maryville police officer, who conducted a traffic stop in November," Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine said. "The officers attentiveness resulted in the discovery of multiple gold and silver coins, valued at the time at more than $1 million.

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A subsequent investigation by Maryville Police, Illinois State Police, and assisting agencies resulted in these charges. The investigation is ongoing.

Additional investigations in Macoupin County and a search warrant served on one of the suspects uncovered more coins, according to Macoupin County States Attorney Jordan Garrison.

Amber N. Jones, 37, and Jason A. Keffer, 49, both of Gillespie; Thor S. Barnes, 45, of Benld; Derek J. Bultema, 40, of Mt. Olive, and William C. Cooper, 41, of Carlinville were all charged April 13 with theft, all Class 1 felonies, by the Madison County States Attorneys Office.

In addition, Jones was charged with identity theft and possession of anothers credit, debit, or identification card, both Class 3 felonies.

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In Macoupin County, Cooper was charged with two counts of theft, both Class X felonies; and burglary, a Class 2 felony.

Jones was charged with unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, a Class X felony; possession of methamphetamine and theft, both Class 1 felonies.

Keffer was charged with unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, a Class X felony; and theft, a Class 1 felony.

Barnes was charged with theft, a Class 2 felony.

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According to Madison County court documents, on Nov. 24, the five took gold and silver coins valued in excess of $100,000 belonging to the city of Gillespie and the estate of a Gillespie man.

In addition, Jones was in possession of a stolen or unlawfully produced Social Security card belonging to another person and had three credit or debit cards belonging to a third victim.

The five were all ordered released from custody in Madison County.

Garrison said that Cooper was on pre-trial release on other charges and was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of the original theft. Police were able to track the monitor to a house belonging to a Gillespie man. A search of the house showed documents indicating large purchases of gold coins.

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After the Maryville traffic stop, police obtained a search warrant for Coopers residence, where more coins were found.

The late owner of the house died on June 21, 2024, and the home was eventually deeded over to the city.

Manley noted that there may be issues determining the actual owner of the coins, but he was "glad the criminals didn't get it."
Photo: https://t.me/dsns_telegram

Russia forces attacked the port infrastructure of Izmail, Odesa region, overnight, resulting in hits to the port territory and damage to a Panama-flagged vessel, as well as specific infrastructure elements and equipment, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Kuleba has said.

"The enemy is again deliberately striking at the critical infrastructure and logistics of Odesa region. Tonight, Russia attacked maritime infrastructure facilities in Izmail with strike drones. Several hits were recorded on the port territory," Kuleba noted.

According to him, the attack damaged specific infrastructure elements, equipment, and a vessel flying the flag of Panama. A fire broke out at one of the hit sites, which was promptly liquidated. There were no casualties.

Head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration Oleh Kiper, in turn, confirmed the information about the attack and clarified the consequences, noting additional damage to infrastructure and vehicles, specifically on the territory of Izmail port, where a pier, a barge, and port equipment were damaged. Furthermore, a service station building was destroyed with a subsequent fire, two passenger buses and seven cars were destroyed, and an ambulance was damaged.

Kiper reported that the enemy launched a massive drone attack on the civilian and port infrastructure of the south of the region.

In addition, six private houses were hit, sustaining damage to their roofs: "Fortunately, there were no dead or injured. Emergency and municipal services are working on the sites."
The US-Iran talks came to a stop as abruptly as they had started, without any deals being struck. It is not known if a revival is possible or if it was the non-redeemable end of the Islamabad talks. The uncertainty has once again left the global markets shaky.

While both parties were trying to find some common ground at Islamabads Red Zone, President Donald Trump was busy unbundling new threats, trying to scare the Iranians. He had left absolutely no window open for any negotiation. Going by the background noise, there was little negotiation that happened; it was just Trump threats being laid on the table. At the end of it all, the Pakistani Field Marshal had to see off the peace delegations even before the coffee on their table had cooled down.

Vice President Vance, on landing in Pakistan, indicated that the brief for him from the President was very clearthat there were non-negotiable terms & conditions that Iran had to accept. Iran, on its part, held out equally irrevocable conditions in terms of its stance on Hormuz, the Uranium issue and its proxies.

The US Vice Presidents aircraft had barely lifted off the runway when President Trump pulled another trick out of his hat he ordered a US naval blockade of Iran. Shifting from his earlier assertion that reopening the waterway is not his responsibility, President Trump has now taken a leaf out of Irans playbook and blockaded the Hormuz Strait. Contrary to Trumps claim that the allies will join the blockade, many have raised concerns and refused to join in.

One is tempted to think what trajectory the crisis would have taken if, instead of a blockade, Trump had decided to deploy the same resources to open Hormuz for allfriends and foes alike. The whole world may have rallied around him and posed a big response dilemma for Iran. Did Trump throw a golden opportunity to become a statesman down the Strait ?

Iran is at a tipping point. Having walked down the path of defiance so far, it can opt for the confrontation to continue, but cannot be seen as surrendering. Trump, on the other hand, has a dilemma in hand. He is faced with the choice of walking the talk or making a compromise. In case of a compromise and dilution of his demands, Trumps image will take a severe beating, creating another TACO scenario.

War or peace, the Gulf countries are staring at a between the devil and the deep sea, troublesome, post-war scenario. Anything less than a totally defanged Iran under effective American control, would leave them vulnerable. On the other hand, with Iran and its proxies significantly degraded militarily and economically, Israel is extremely well placed.

The Iran war has created an unprecedented crisis for the NATO. Europe has realised the necessity to come out of the shadows of America. A European security structure, sans the US, may well be on the cards. Contrary to Trumps assertion, the US may have more to lose if such a structure comes about. This crisis will please Russia and China.

China may be well placed to prevent any immediate energy crisis. But, beyond that, there are problems. Venezuela and Iran, together, catered for almost 20 per cent of Chinas oil imports, that too at a discounted price and on non-dollar terms. Drying up of these sources has given a severe beating to the Chinese interests. But there is a silver lining for China. As long as an anti-US regime survives in Iran, China could emerge as the most important and reliable ally for post-war Iran. Russia also has high stakes in neighbouring Iran. This makes the interests of China and Russia converge in Iran. It is evident that they cannot let Iran become a vassal state of the US. So, how far can they let the US push Iran? What is their red line with regard to the American actions against Iran? Its a mystery the world is eagerly waiting to find out.

The war has also given China and Russia a fairly accurate measure of the US military power and how far the US can go in taking hard military decisions.

For the world at large, the West Asia war is unveiling a geopolitical reset and a compelling need for diversification of energy supply chains.

China may push the BRI initiative harder. Global Souths call for strategic autonomy and a multi-polar world stands vindicated.

Iran will not make things easy for Trump. Removing an entire layer of the regime has not resulted in putting in place an amenable regime that the US was hoping for. What will Trump do now? Will he accept a halfway home outcome, or will he choose to implement his threat of erasing the Iranian civilisation? Both options hold the potential to bring unpalatable outcomes for President Trump.

Will the ceasefire hold? Will the warring factions return to Islamabad or to a more talismanic venue?

The high-intensity Iran war was unsustainable for the warring factions. Both Iran and the US will want the ceasefire to continue even if there are no tangible outcomes during the initial sessions.

With no friends, but only camp followers at home and away, Trump may be desperate to find an exit route. What seemed a straightforward half-page quiz test has turned out to be the toughest examination for the Presidenta test for which he may secretly be wishing that he had prepared a little more. To make things tougher, his performance is under constant global scrutiny. The ceasefire gives him a much-needed respite and raises hopes of an honourable exit. Iran is in a worse situation. It had vowed to fight until death, but was being battered and bruised 24/7. Notwithstanding its brave and effective random strikes on value targets in the Gulf, Iran was being pushed to the brink. For Iran, it was a godsend that the ceasefire came about as a result of the US suing for peace talks and not Iran.

A prolonged ceasefire condition provides Israel a tailor-made window of opportunity to systematically degrade Hezbollah and Hamas in Lebanon and Gaza. But, while the negotiations and the Hormuz issue may boil over for some time, the conflict is unlikely to flare up again. Diplomatic sparring, military posturing, threats and counter-threats are likely to continue unabated.

(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.)
There is a whole bunch of legal luminaries from India and across the world preaching from the safety of dry land about archaic legal points while real ships, real crews, and real economies hang in the balance in one of the worlds most volatile chokepoints. They brandish UNCLOS articles, San Remo Manuals, Newport Manuals, Corfu Channel precedents, and even the US Naval War Colleges own restatements as if they were holy writ capable of stopping a destroyers boarding party or an IRGC fast-attack boat. This is the geopolitical equivalent of preaching chapters from the Bhagavad Gita to a man drowning in the Persian Gulf: profound moral clarity, zero practical buoyancy.

Lets be brutally honest. In the Strait of Hormuz right now, the only law that actually matters is the oldest one: might is right. Everything else is decorative. Iran tried to turn a critical international waterway into its personal toll booth, complete with crypto payments and armed escorts. The US, fresh off bombing Iranian military and nuclear assets, responded by declaring it would physically prevent that chokehold and blow up anyone who interfered. Both sides are violating the sacred transit-passage regime of customary international law. Our legal experts meticulously document multiple separate ways Trumps blockade announcement fails the legal test. Splendid. But Im not sure if the US Navy strike cell commanders are losing sleep over whether their operation satisfies the impartiality requirement under the Declaration of Paris (1856).

Meanwhile, India has 460 seafarers and multiple tankers potentially in the crossfire, strategic petroleum reserves that last less than ten days, and 90 per cent of its LPG imports historically routed through this mess. Our experts grand solution? India should loudly affirm the consistent application of UNCLOS Article 44 to both violators, prepare rules of engagement for potential boarding incidents, and avoid the legal symmetry trap. In other words: hold another seminar, issue a carefully calibrated statement of Kadi Ninda, and hope the boarding officers and minefields respect and appreciate Delhis doctrinal consistency.

This is performative legalism at its finest. Our experts treat international law as a neutral referee that gives justice to all, when in reality it has always been a tool that strong states invoke when convenient and ignore when necessary. Many experts even resort to history: Lincolns blockade, the Cuban quarantine, Reagans mining of Nicaragua, the UN-authorised Iraq blockade. Great powers have always bent, stretched, or simply ignored these rules when core interests were at stake. Trump is merely doing it with less fig-leaf eloquence than Kennedys lawyers. The US Naval War College manual may indeed condemn the approach on paper, but the actual Naval War College graduates commanding the carriers and destroyers in theatre will follow orders, not footnotes.

The way forward for India isnt to agonise over whether it can publicly condemn both illegalities with perfect symmetry while maintaining strategic autonomy. Thats academic play acting. The practical path is hard-nosed, interest-driven negotiation with the parties who actually control the guns and the ships: Washington, Tehran, and whoever else can influence the corridor. Quiet diplomacy, backchannel deals, side payments, security guarantees, whatever works to keep Indian tankers moving and seafarers safe. Modi already did some of this with a direct call to Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. That pragmatic approach got ships through for six weeks. Doubling down on legal sermons in seminars or op-eds is counterproductive when the boarding officers and strike cell commanders will decide outcomes with radar, missiles, and rules of engagement, not citations from the San Remo Manual.

Indias exposure is real. Pretending the solution lies in superior legal analysis or consistent invocation of customary law is a fantasy. Our experts are essentially telling a nation facing an immediate energy and maritime security crisis to prioritise doctrinal purity over survival. In a world where great powers are once again treating chokepoints as arenas of raw power, Indias priority must be protecting its citizens, its economy, and its energy lifelines through whatever mix of diplomacy, deterrence, and deal-making actually works on the waternot through elegant dissections of multiple failures in blockade law.

In Hormuz today, legal rights are worth approximately as much as the paper they are printed on. What matters is who can enforce their will, who can protect neutral shipping in practice, and who India can cut workable deals with before its reserves run dry and its tankers become targets. The rest is seminar fodder.

(The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.)
With the recent culmination of Operation Tiranga or the process of closed door deliberation between the Chief of Defence Services (CDS) and the three chiefs of the Army, Navy and the Air Force, it is now left to the political leadership to take forward the historic transformation of Indias military.

Headed by the CDS, Operation Tiranga entailed the hectic discussions among the top military brass to propose and execute the plan to transform Indias 17 geographically-based command structure to three to four theater commands.

But going forward, there is still no clear cut status of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC). This begs the question as to who will exercise control over the nuclear weapons and the sensitive responsibility of their handling, storage and upkeep after Indias military is transformed into theater commands.

While there is no opposition to the concept of theaterisation, certain discord prevails over the process of implementation and execution.

Reports say the theaterisation plan proposed to the political leadership has suggested three theater commandsa Pakistan-focused Western Theatre (headed by an Air Force officer), a China-focused Northern Theatre (headed by an Army officer) and a Maritime Theatre (headed by a Navy officer).

After being set up in 2003, five years after testing a nuclear device in Rajasthans Pokhran in 1998, the SFC has evolved into a large organisation. The SFC is not a separate service but a joint strategic command.

Currently, the SFC is placed under the Prime Minister-headed National Command Authority and commanded by a commander-in-chief level officer who is equivalent to vice chiefs of services in protocol.

Although making the SFC into a theater command is a definite option in order to maintain parity within the new framework and to enhance Indias strategic relevance, what other nuclear nations follow make for an interesting study and may point at a direction that the government may choose to follow.

When China underwent its transformational reforms in 2015 which included creating theatres, the nuclear forces were upgraded to the level of a service like the PLA Army, Navy and the Air Force and renamed as PLARF (Peoples Liberation Army Rocket Force) thereby enhancing the nuclear deterrence.

In the US, STRATCOM or Strategic Command is responsible for the nuclear forces that is headed by a four-star General.

Similarly, in Pakistan, post Operation Sindoor, a national strategic commander under a four-star Army General has been created which would take control of Pakistans emerging nuclear triad.

So it is entirely possible that Indias SFC can be upgraded to a service level organisation.

Indias nuclear arsenal, and how much of the stockpile has been mated with delivery systems that include a wide range of air-based, water-based and land-based delivery platforms is a closely guarded secret.

The strategic delivery platforms includes the Agni and the Prithvi series of missiles of varying ranges. Although nuclear-capable, the Brahmos is seen as a conventional missile. The strategic submarines include INS Arihant, INS Arighat and INS Aridhaman while most fighter aircraft from the air fleet can deliver the nuclear payloads.
Former Congress leader Hazeena Syed has levelled serious allegations against AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, accusing him of attempting to bypass the long-standing DMK-led alliance in favour of a covert partnership with actor Vijays Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Syed, who resigned as the Tamil Nadu Pradesh Mahila Congress president, claimed that Venugopals actions were aimed at shifting the partys alignment ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections and banking on the Vijay supporters in Kerala to become the chief minister.

In Kerala, while K.C. Venugopal's name has gained considerable traction in high-command circles, the local leadership remains divided. Both V.D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala are currently being positioned as frontrunners, setting the stage for a complex three-way leadership struggle for the state's top office.

The UDF is eyeing a return to power with a significant majority in Kerala. An internal assessment by the party expects that the alliance could win over 80 seats in the assembly elections.

Syed further alleged that Venugopal sabotaged the candidate list previously finalised during the Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting attended by Rahul Gandhi, signalling a deep internal rift that could destabilise the United Progressive Alliance's (UPA) stronghold in the state.

Syed added that there was an argument between Venugopal and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin when the Congress leader had arrived in Chennai.

Syed resigned from the primary membership of the Congress hours after she was sacked from the post.

Reportedly, tensions occurred after Syed was denied a ticket to contest from the Melur constituency for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. She claimed that the party high command had initially approved her candidacy, but it was later sabotaged.

She recently had a public fallout with the National President of Mahila Congress, Alka Lamba, as well. Syed allegedly sent a viral email telling Lamba to "show her ego to her boyfriend K.C. Venugopal," a personal attack that the party cited as a primary reason for her expulsion.
In an alarming report, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has claimed that the ongoing military conflict in West Asia is likely to push over 2.5 million people into poverty.

Titled Military Escalation in the Middle East: Human Development Impacts Across Asia and the Pacific, the report highlights that the conflict between the United States and Iran poses significant risks to economic stability and human development across Asia and the Pacific, particularly through its effects on energy markets, trade, and global financial conditions.

The poverty rate in India is expected to rise from approximately 400,000 to 2.5 million, according to the report. Iran is projected to experience the largest increase, with the number of people living in poverty rising from about 1.2 million to over 5 million.

Globally, the report claims that the number of people pushed into poverty could rise from approximately 1.9 million to nearly 8.8 million across various scenarios, with South Asia accounting for the largest shareranging from about 1.7 million to over 8 million.

While Pakistans poverty level is likely to increase from about 73,000 to over 420,000, China is estimated to experience a more moderate increasefrom around 115,000 to over 620,000.

India has already been facing the wars ripple effects on energy markets. The report notes that India meets over 90 per cent of its oil needs through imports, sourcing more than 40 percent of crude imports and 90 per cent of LPG imports from the Middle East.

The disruption in trade and supply chains has also impacted the country. West Asian markets account for 14.0 per cent of Indias exports and 20.9 per cent of its imports. West Asian countries supply over 45 per cent of Indias fertilizer imports, while 85 per cent of the countrys domestic urea production depends on imported regasified liquefied natural gas.

The report also notes that any prolonged disruption would coincide with Indias preparations for the Kharif season, which begins in June. Urea stocks stood at 6.114 million tons, providing a near-term buffer, but not fully insulating the sector if disruptions persist into the planting season.

"For several countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines, food security pressures could also be compounded by remittance losses, as reduced Gulf economic activity weakens household incomes and purchasing power," the report states.

According to UNDP, the scale of direct exposure to Gulf labor markets and remittance flows is substantial and consequential for many countries. As of October 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs states that 9.37 million Indians reside in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, sending about 38-40 percent of Indias inward remittances.

The report also predicts that India is likely to experience a loss of approximately 0.03 to 0.12 years of Human Development Index (HDI) progress.

The military conflict is also expected to take a toll on the health sector. In India, the report says, raw material costs for medical devices are expected to rise by around 50 per cent due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, while wholesale prices of medicines have already risen by 10-15 per cent.
Even as the US blockade of Iranian ports continued and Iran threatened retaliation, posing serious risks for the global economy and raising the possibility of a ceasefire collapse and resumed fighting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a long phone conversation on Tuesday.

According to news agency PTI, the leaders spoke for nearly 40 minutes. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor confirmed that the phone call lasted for 40 minutes.

"Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas," PM Modi said in a tweet.

"We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure," he added.

This is the second time that the two leaders have talked since the conflict in West Asia began.

Further details of the conversation were not disclosed.

Modi and Trump last spoke on the West Asia issue on March 24. Modi had then said India supports de-escalation and the restoration of peace at the earliest, and underlined the importance of ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible, noting that it is vital for global peace, stability and economic well-being.

Meanwhile, Pakistani officials said Tuesday that Islamabad has proposed a second round of talks with the US and Iran.
West Bengals Special Intensive Revision(SIR) exercise has raised a question on the fate of 27 lakh voters whose names have been cleared after being in the 'under adjudication' category.

The remaining 32 lakh odd names of the 60 lakh have been cleared. The electorate has slipped down further from 7.66 crore before the SIR to 7.04 after the final SIR list was released, to now 6.75 crore after the results of the under-adjudication cases came to light. This is a 12 per cent decline in the electorate.

Data analysis

A private research organisation found that since the start of the SIR, which is out of the 90 lakh odd deletions, there are more deletions from the Hindu Matua-dominated community that find their origins in Bangladesh.

North 24 Parganas district (Total  1,71,448): Bagda - (50,230), Gaighata - (3,031), Bongaon North - (42,165), Bongaon South - (36,022)

Nadia district (Total  71,273): Krishnaganj - (30,825), Ranaghat Dakshin (40,448)

Total deletions from Matua dominated districts 2,42,721

Deletions from Hindu minority community  2,25,741

Deletions from Muslim minority community  16,050

A breakup of the data across the state for 90 lakh deletions from the start of SIR suggests there are more Hindu deletions.

The data is as follows:

Absent, Shifted, Duplicate, Dead or ASDD  58,20,896 (Approx 58 lakhs)

Hindu  43,81,378 (approx 43 lakhs)

Muslim  13,31,325 (approx 13 thousand)

Final SIR list (Feb 28)  5,46,053 (approx 5 lakhs)

Hindu  5,28,820 (approx 5 lakhs)

Muslim  13,363 (approx 13 thousand)

Under Adjudication  26,95,266 (approx 27 lakh)

Hindu  8,37,116 (approx 8 lakhs)

Muslim  17,65,475 (approx 17 lakhs)

Total deletions till date  90,62,188 (approx 90 lakhs)

Percentage of deletion from Muslim community -34.32 per cent

Percentage of deletion from Hindu Community  63.42 per cent

ECI Data

However, when the 'under adjudication' data was considered as per the data released by the Election Commission of India(ECI), the maximum deletions are from the minority dominated districts.

Murshidabad - (4,45,137)

North 24 Parganas - (3,25,666)

Malda - (2,39,975)

South 24 Parganas - (2,22,929)

Sabar Institute research data

Another private organisation, Sabar Institute, which looks at particularly minority representation in West Bengal, considering two key constituencies of Nandigram in East Midnapore district and Bhabanipur in Kolkata, data suggests maximum deletions are from the minority community: Nandigram with 94.5 per cent and Bhabanipur with 40.1 per cent. Hence, there are more deletions of the non-Muslim community from Bhabanipur. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is contesting from both seats, while Mamata is contesting only from Bhabanipur, which is her winning seat.

Nandigram (18 supplementary lists)

Total inclusions - 7,141 (Form 6, New voters)

Total deletions - 3,461

Net change - +3,680

Number of Muslim voters deleted - 3,270 or 94.5 per cent

Number of Non-Muslim voters deleted  191 or 5.5 per cent

Bhabanipur (15 supplementary lists)

Total inclusions - 10,238 (Form 6, new voters)

Total deletions - 3,875

Net change - +6,363

Number of Muslim voters deleted - 1,554 or 40.1 per cent

Number of Non-Muslim voters deleted  2,321 or 59.9 per cent

Muslim Population (census estimate) - 20 per cent of the total assembly population.

Sabar Institute believes that the Muslim minority community had better progeny mapping to the 2002 SIR list, when looking at the Muslim minority dominant districts. They were also found to be proportionately deleted in the Absent Shifted Dead Deleted(ASDD) list. But Logical Discrepancy(LD) was more arbitrary on a case-by-case basis, which included small anomalies.

The Muslim population in Bhabanipur is 20 per cent and 22 per cent of ASDD were Muslims. It is close to that proportion. There is no bias or over-representation of any community. Muslims and non-Muslims are proportionately deleted. But in LD, which is very arbitrary, Muslims are massively overrepresented. 22 per cent were deleted in the ASDD list in Bhabanipur, and almost 52 per cent were Muslims in the LD list. What this trend shows is that Muslims have better mapping with all documents. They are not dead, shifted, or absent when the BLO(Booth Level Officer) came. They have submitted all documents to EC," says Ashin Chakraborty, an associate researcher at Sabar Institute.

LD was implemented only in the West Bengal SIR, which drastically overrepresented Muslims, unlike in the Bihar SIR, where no LD was implemented. It is a drastic over-representation of Muslims despite them being in India for generations and having all documents. The data, hence, shows bias," added Chakraborty. The research team suggests misrepresentation of the Muslim community.

Prima facie, it shows that Muslims names are disproportionately put under scrutiny, adjudicated and deleted. That is clear from the data," said Sabar Ahamed, the lead researcher at Sabar Institute.

This raises serious concerns about how it was implemented, how AI was programmed so they(EC) can identify Muslim names," added Ahamed.

Reality Of SIR

Overall, concerns are raised about several deletions from the Muslim community. However, deletions from the non-Muslim communities also raise questions about the reasons behind these exclusions and the veracity of the overall SIR exercise conducted.

The fact remains that deleted voters are approaching the tribunal to include their names in the future voter list, even if they are not permitted to vote in the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, which is scheduled to be conducted on April 23 and 29.

The outcome of SIR will be a deciding factor for political parties that are targeting votes from both communities and constituency-wise demography, which are their respective strongholds.
The violent protests by factory workers in Noida have prompted the Uttar Pradesh government to take swift action by approving a wage increase across various worker categories.

On Monday night, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave his approval to a decision made by a high-powered committee to raise the minimum salaries for workers in the region.

In Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad, unskilled workers will now receive Rs 13,690 per month, up from Rs 11,313. Semi-skilled workers will earn Rs 15,059, while skilled workers will see their wages rise to Rs 16,868.

For other municipal corporation areas, the revised monthly wages are Rs 13,006 for unskilled workers, Rs 14,306 for semi-skilled workers, and Rs 16,025 for skilled workers, said an official release.

In the remaining districts, unskilled workers will earn Rs 12,356 per month, semi-skilled workers will receive Rs 13,591, and skilled workers will be paid Rs 15,224. The decision follows consultations with employees' bodies and labor organisations.

A large number of workers from various industrial units in Noida had been protesting to demand long-pending salary revisions. The situation escalated on Sunday when the protests turned violent, with demonstrators vandalising vehicles, damaging property, and clashing with the police in the Phase-2 and Sector 60 areas of Noida.

The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police have stated that the situation is now under control, urging the public not to believe rumors and to cooperate with the administration in maintaining peace. Authorities emphasised that they exercised restraint while managing the situation, despite repeated disruptions to traffic and public order caused by unruly protesters.
Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party that won the elections in Hungary, announced his intention to hold a meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and emphasized that the new government will strive to establish allied and friendly relations with neighboring states, including Ukraine, Telex reports.

"We will definitely meet, if nowhere else, then in the European Council," Magyar said, commenting on a possible meeting with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, Hungary is "surrounded by the Hungarian people," so it is in the countrys interest to maintain good relations with neighboring states.

Magyar also stated that disputes with Ukraine are used by the Fidesz party, the party of current Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, for domestic political interests, and he would not make this a daily political topic.

"Everyone in Hungary knows that Ukraine is the victim in this war," the report says.

Separately, he emphasized that a prerequisite for settling relations with Ukraine must be resolving the issue of the rights of the Hungarian minority living in Ukraine. According to him, the Ukrainian leadership understands this, as there was a desire on both sides to resolve this issue, but it has not yet been possible.

As reported earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha, during the opening of an updated exposition of defense solutions on the occasion of the Day of the Defense-Industrial Complex Worker of Ukraine on Monday, told journalists that signals were passed to the Hungarian side regarding possible contacts at the level of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungarian Tisza party leader Peter Magyar.
The Uttar Pradesh Police have launched an investigation into possible Pakistan links following the violent protests by factory workers in Noida. Authorities claim that some "outsiders" attempted to incite unrest after the proesting workers dispersed peacefully on Sunday.

Seven FIRs have been registered across various police stations in the region and several individuals have been detained.

"After the labourers dispersed peacefully, a group from outside the district arrived in the areas bordering neighbouring districts. They moved around attempting to incite tension and provoke violence," Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh told reporters on Monday night.

Though the exact number of people taken into custody was not disclosed, a News18 report indicated that approximately 300 individuals have been arrested for arson and vandalism, while more than 100 others have been detained for questioning.

Also read Noida unrest prompts Yogi Adityanath govt to raise minimum wages for factory workers

In the wake of the unrest, Labour Minister Anil Rajbhar revealed that authorities are probing a potential link to Pakistan, citing recent terror-related arrests in Meerut and Noida. Rajbhar described the violence as a well-planned conspiracy designed to disrupt development and law and order in the region.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, meanwhile, raised concerns about possible links to attempts to revive Naxalism. "Naxalism is near elimination, but attempts to revive it could be part of a larger conspiracy. Some protests may have involved misleading and disruptive elements," he said after chairing a high-level review meeting.

According to a police statement, around 40,000 to 45,000 workers from various sectors gathered at over 80 locations across the commissionerate on Monday, causing disruptions and law-and-order issues in parts of the district. Police exercised restraint and patience while managing the situation, despite repeated disruptions to traffic and public order.

Demonstrating immense restraint, patience, and prudence, the police made every effort to control, counsel, and peacefully disperse the crowds while quickly bringing incidents of arson under control, the statement read.

Meanwhile, the factory worker unrest led the state government to take swift action, approving a wage increase for workers across various categories. Chief Minister Adityanath endorsed a decision by a high-powered committee to revise the minimum wages on Monday night.
Mumbai police have arrested a total of six people in connection with the deaths of two MBA students who died due to a drug overdose. The students were attending a late-night music event at the NESCO Centre in Mumbai's Goregaon.

Police sources identify the victims as a 24-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, both of whom were students of an MBA college in Mumbai.

Another student, a 25-year-old woman, is in critical condition and is undergoing treatment.

The concert took place at an exhibition ground on Saturday night and was attended by around 3000-4000 people, including college students.

The deceased were part of 15 students who had gone to the event.

Preliminary investigations by the police show that some of the students from the group consume ecstasy or MDMA before the concert. They also had proceeded to have alcohol. During the concert, several of them complained of uneasiness and were rushed to a hospital in Jogeswaru.

Police found that the students were given the substance by two of their fellow students. They have now been arrested. The other arrests were in connection with the organisation of the music event and a drug supplier. They were arrested for not taking precautions to prevent the use of the drug at the venue. All six have been remanded in police custody till April 16.

A FIR had been registered under various provisions of the BNAS, including section 105 for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

Police said that further arrests are still possible as the investigation continues.

What is MDMA?

MDMA or Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug that alters moods and perception. Users take it at concerts and festivals for its short-term effects and heightened energy and emotional intensity.

The substance is frequently underestimated . It works by increasing neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

The drug also interferes with the body's ability to regulate temperature, especially during physical activity, which can lead to muscle breakdown, kidney, liver and heart damage, which can be fatal.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhis visit to West Bengal to campaign ahead of the first phase of elections on April 23 shows the partys intent to mobilise its party workers. The party is looking to instil confidence among its workers even as the two major partiesthe Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the BJPfight it out, and make a place for itself as a formidable player in future elections.

While the focus of Rahul Gandhis speeches was on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and national issues, the Congress leader did attempt to kill two birds with one stone by attacking the TMC and BJP TMC is giving BJP an opportunity in Bengal. The BJP does not give money to TMC, they did not give them 2 lakh crore, said Rahul Gandhi during his public rally in Raigunj in Uttar Dinajpur district while speaking about MGNREGA, depriving Bengal of projects in the Union budget, and bringing up the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue.

They are attacking democracy through SIR. But the Trinamool Congress is busy with its work. They too are not working for Bengal, said the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, adding that TMC is no less corrupt, as he highlighted issues like the Saradha and Rose Valley chit fund scams.

The Congress leader was focusing on Uttar Dinajpur, Malda, and Murshidabad districts, considered the party's strongholds.

In his Murshidabad speech, he said, The sad part is, Narendra Modi is doing the SIR, stealing votes, spreading unemployment and hate, making one religion fight against another. Here in Bengal, TMC is not fulfilling its responsibilities. It seems as though TMC is preparing the path for the BJP. TMC also spreads hate. TMC has shut your factories, has made Bengal number one in unemployment.

The Congress leader also took the opportunity of Ambedkar Jayanti to strike a chord with the public. This is Ambedkar jis photo. He has given his life for the Constitution and brotherhood. Today is his birthday. And people from the BJP, RSS, and Narendra Modi are trying to destroy the Constitution. What happened to you during SIR, with your names getting cut (from the voter list), was against the Constitution. Do not fear, those whose names have been wrongfully cut will be restored by the Congress government. We will make them voters again, said Gandhi in his Malda speech. The minority-dominated district of Murshidabad has seen the maximum deletions in the under-adjudication category, while Malda comes third. A total of 27 lakh voters names were deleted in the under-adjudication category.

Rahul Gandhi coming to West Bengal to campaign for its key candidates is a clear message that the Congress is banking on its Maltipur (Malda district) candidate, Mausam Noor, and Behrampore (Murshidabad district) candidate, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, to win at least two seats with their face value and mass popularity.

His (Rahul Gandhis) visit will rejuvenate the local Congress voters, supporters, and leaders. But the party is only a player in these three key minority districtsMalda, Murshidabad, and Uttar Dinajpur. As far as overall seats are concerned, the Congress did relatively well in 16 assembly constituencies in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, out of which they were leading in some seats and came second in others, said Professor Maidul Islam, a political science professor at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences. He went on to state that Rahul Gandhi may not have the same mass appeal in West Bengal as he does in Kerala, Karnataka, or Telangana.

Even if they get three to five seats, or even seven, it would be a very good number. At least they will have some representation in the Assembly, which will further help boost their morale for the next elections, particularly for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, added Prof. Islam, who also feels this puts Congress at an advantage to coax TMC to possibly go in for a pre-poll alliance with opposition parties in the next general elections.

The Lok Sabha elections in 2024 saw Isha Khan Chowdhury bagging one Congress seat from Maldaha Dakshin, which has given the party the confidence to fight alone in 294 assembly seatsthe first time in three decades. Mausam Noors family has a strong presence in the Malda belt, with her uncle A.B.A. Ghani Khan Chowdhury having been the railway minister in Indira Gandhis government. Noor too has been a Lok Sabha MP. Adhir Chowdhury, meanwhile, has been the Congress leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, making him a strong force for the party.
Bihar will witness a major political event on Tuesday with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar resigning from the post of Chief Minister. The JD(U) chief will also resign as the NDA legislative party leader, paving the way for the election of a new legislative party leader from the BJP.

The JD(U) will also have to choose a new legislative party leader in place of Nitish. A meeting of JD(U) MLAs and legislative councillors at Nitish Kumars residence at 2 pm, which will see the election of the new party legislative leader.

In Bihar, since the legislature consists of both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, a leader can become the Chief Minister even while being an MLC, provided there is a majority in the Assembly. The government has to prove its majority in the Assembly, where the number of MLAs is counted. Nitish is the current leader of the JDU legislative party. Shravan Kumar is the deputy leader of JD(U) in the Assembly, and Lalan Sarraf is the deputy leader of JDU in the Legislative Council. After Nitish's removal from the post of leader, the party will need one leader in each house. This name may be decided in the meeting at 2 pm on Tuesday.

Front-runners for the legislative party leader include Vijay Chaudhary and Shravan Kumar. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary appears to be Nitish's closest ally in running the government and stands by him during important decisions. The current Deputy Leader, Shravan Kumar, is also a close confidante of Nitish and hails from his own region and caste.

The new JDU leader will not only be the party's face in the Assembly but could also become Deputy Chief Minister in the new BJP-led NDA government. Therefore, the election of the JDU legislative party leader will be closely watched.

At the same time, the name of Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, is also doing the rounds. If Samrat Chaudhary, a member of the Kushwaha community, becomes the new Chief Minister, Nishant could become the deputy since he comes from the Kurmi community. This will fit the caste equation within the Cabinet.
The US on Monday announced that warships USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy will conduct an operation to clear mines laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Soon after, reports emerged that the US Navy Avenger-class USS Chief and USS Pioneer were seen leaving Singapore port towards the west.

There were unconfirmed reports that the Avenger-class vessels arrived at Ao Makham port in Thailand on Monday. Though there is no word yet on their final destination, reports hint that they had been dispatched toward U.S. Central Command.

Besides the minesweepers, USS Tulsa was also seen sailing northwest in the Strait of Malacca on April 3.

That said, clearing naval mines in the Strait is said to be a complex task. Yigal Maor, an Israeli expert, told Globes: There are several types of mines that the Iranians are likely to use. One of them is a moored mine, meaning a mine that is placed in the sea with a mooring to the bottom, and it floats in the water at a specified depth. This is a mine that is generally intended for large ships with a deep draft, such as the giant tankers that sail in the region.

Another type is a land mine. "These mines are placed on the seabed in relatively shallow areas, and their activation mechanisms are activated by acoustic noise or magnetic induction. This means that if a ship passes by, the mine detects either the noise of the ship or the magnetic induction of its body, and this activates the explosion mechanism. And there is also a floating mine, which is a 'blind' mine that is thrown into the sea, and it floats and drifts with the currents.

There is no precise map of the location of the mines; similar to what happens in land mine incidents, you have to go around and search inch by inch to locate the mines," explains Maor. "Anyone who goes looking for these mines is going to search entire areas; it's really like looking for a needle in a haystack. At sea, it's even more complicated than on land."

On using devices like Sonar, Maor said: "The sonar device can't tell you whether the object it detects is a mine or a car chassis that has been thrown into the sea - which means you have to look for each object in the wreckage.
The US naval and military forces have been imposing a blockade on maritime traffic at Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz since Monday, after the countries failed to reach a peace deal in Islamabad.

US President Donald Trump had warned that the US would sink any Iranian ship that came near the blockade.

The US Navy has about 15 ships, including an Aircraft carrier and 11 destroyers that could participate in the blockade, a US official told CNN.

However, it is unclear how each ship is participating,

Earlier reports showed that the vessels were dispersed across the Middle East region.

The ships include the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier, destroyers USS Bainbridge, USS Thomas Hudner, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., USS Delbert D. Black, USS John Finn, USS Michael Murphy, USS Mitscher, USS Pinckney, USS Rafael Peralta, USS Spruance and USS Milius. Additionally the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group, made of the USS Tripoli, New Orleans and Rushmore are also in the region.

A U.S. Navy Sailor performs maintenance on an MH-60 Sea Hawk aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) while sailing in the Arabian Sea. pic.twitter.com/5MUd6IHeN5  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 14, 2026

The US Central Command or CENTCOM said that the blockade would only affect the maritime traffic that enters and exits Iranian ports. Other vessels transiting the Strait would not be affected.

CENTCOM also said that all vessels entering or departing Iranian post including on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, would be affected.

Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer at Kings College Londons School of Security Studies, said that the US blockade would be a complicated, "high-risk" and legally contentious endeavour. The US would have to identify, track, hail, divert and maybe even board vessels linked to Iranian ports, all while operating in one of the most crowded and politically sensitive waterways in the world, he said.

The enforcement would rely on a mix of naval patrols, surveillance, maritime warnings, allied intelligence and selective interdiction. Krieg also said that the blockade could even involve the boarding of ships, as was seen in Venezuela. At least 2 tankers have diverted from the Strait after the US announced its blockading.

CENTCOM Adm. Brad Cooper said that US forces have also begun efforts to clear Iranian mines from the Strait and that they are establishing a new passage that would be shared with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce.

Irans Revolutionary Guards, meanwhile, have warned that the any military vehicle attempting to approach the Strait would be considered as violating the two-week ceasefire deal.

They said that the US blockade would be amounted to piracy.

China, which imports a third of its oil from Iran through the Strait, said on Monday that the blockade of the Strait of Hormus is not in the common interest of the international community."

The announcement of the blockade also sent oil prices soaring to above $100 a barrel on Monday.
With the two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States set to expire on April 21, the diplomatic clock is ticking. Both sides face mounting pressure to convert tentative engagement into a workable agreement. Although the initial round of talks in Islamabad stopped short of a breakthrough, both sides have been careful to stress that negotiations remain open-ended. Plans for a follow-up meeting are already underway, with Geneva and Islamabad emerging as likely venues. A network of intermediariesincluding Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Omancontinues to shuttle messages and proposals between the two adversaries.

There are cautious signs of movement. US Vice President JD Vance indicated that Iranian negotiators had moved in our direction, but he felt that they lacked the authority to finalise any agreement without approval from leadership in Tehran. This reflects a familiar constraint in U.S.Iran diplomacy: even when negotiators find common ground, domestic political structures on both sides often slow or derail progress.

At the heart of the impasse lies Irans nuclear programme. The scale, sophistication, and strategic intent of its atomic infrastructure remain the central obstacle to a comprehensive deal. This is not a new faultline. Earlier negotiations in Geneva collapsed over the same issue, ultimately contributing to Donald Trump ordering military strikes on Iranian facilities. In the current round, Washington has put forward a proposal for a 20-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear enrichment. The formulation is deliberate: it allows Tehran to argue that it has not permanently surrendered its rights under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, while effectively freezing its programme for a generation.

Iran, though, has pushed back with a much shorter window of five years. It is a position that echoes what Tehran brought to the table in earlier rounds of talks that ultimately went nowhere, and it points clearly to Iran's firm resistance to accepting long-term restrictions on what it considers a matter of national sovereignty.

For the Trump administration, accepting such a limited suspension carries significant political risk. It would invite comparisons with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Obama-era agreement that Trump withdrew from, criticising its sunset clauses for merely delaying, rather than eliminating, Irans nuclear capability. Determined to avoid a similar outcome, U.S. negotiators are now pushing for a longer-term zero-enrichment horizon that extends well beyond the current administration.

Beyond timelines, the United States has laid down stringent conditions on Irans existing nuclear assets. Washington is demanding the dismantling of major facilitiesmany of which were damaged during U.S. bombing raids in Juneand the complete removal of Irans stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Of particular concern is roughly 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to about 60 per cent purity, a level perilously close to weapons-grade. The U.S. insists this material must be taken out of Iran altogether to eliminate any possibility of rapid weaponisation.

Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, has put forward an unusual offer to take custody of Iran's enriched uranium as part of a broader deal. The offer is still on the table, but so far, nothing has been formally agreed. Iran has shown little appetite for handing over its nuclear material. Instead, Tehran has floated an alternative: diluting the uranium to reduce how quickly it could be weaponised. It is not a solution Washington is ready to embrace. U.S. officials worry that diluted stockpiles could simply be re-enriched down the line if the political winds change.

Adding to the nuclear question is a tangle of economic and military pressures that make the path to any deal even harder to navigate. The United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, hitting Tehran's ability to export oil and engage with global markets. Washington sees it as necessary leverage, but Tehran sees it as a provocation.

Iran is not without cards to play. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut, a reminder of just how much the international community has at stake. Iran also continues to back regional groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, alliances that Washington has made clear must be cut as part of any durable agreement.

Iran, meanwhile, is keen to access roughly $6 billion in frozen oil revenues, currently held in accounts in Qatar. Unblocking those funds would be a financial lifeline for Tehran and also a signal that negotiations are being conducted in good faith. Washington has indicated that meaningful sanctions relief could come, but only once Iran follows through on its nuclear commitments.

Despite these deep divisions, the very structure of the negotiations suggests that diplomacy remains viable. Both sides are no longer debating whether to limit Irans nuclear programme, but how long those limits should last and how they should be enforced. That shift, though subtle, marks an important convergence.

As the April 21 deadline approaches, the Trump administration is keen to avoid a return to open conflict, particularly given the limited domestic appetite for another prolonged military engagement. Iran, weakened by recent strikes and economic isolation, also would want to stabilise the situation.
Amid reports suggesting that the United States and Iran could engage in second round of talks, Israel's intelligence agency Mossad wants the Islamic regime in Tehran replaced.

Mossad Director David Barnea said on Tuesday that the agency operated in the heart of Tehran when the war broke out and that its missione is not over yet.

"We brought precise intelligence to the Air Force, and we hit missiles that threatened Israel," Barnea said, We didnt think that this mission would be completed immediately with the end of the battles. But we planned intensively for our campaign to continue and achieve results even in the period after the strikes in Tehran."

Barnea asserted that Mossad's responsibility will end "only when this radical regime is replaced." He said Mossad will not stand by watching in the face of another existential threat.

Barnea's statement comes hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu listed Iranian nuclear sites alongside Nazi death camps, saying, "We promised there would be no second Holocaust, and this year, we fulfilled that promise in practice. Had we not acted, the names Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan and Parchin might have been remembered eternally in infamy, just like Auschwitz, Treblinka, Majdanek and Sobibor."

Israel is set to appoint Netanyahu's military secretary Roman Gofman as the new Mossad intelligence head. Set to succeed Barnea in June, Gofman is a veteran military general who was responsible for rescuing Israeli communities attacked by Hamas infiltrators on October 7, 2023.
1) There are reports that the CIA and Israel may provide support to Kurdish groups or Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) to fight Iran. Is this true?



The current war against Iran is a result of the contradictions between the USA and Israel on the one side and Iran on the other side. It was started by the USA and Israel in order to enforce their demands on Iran. The Kurdish people, the other peoples of Iran and especially the women have suffered great harm from the ongoing fighting. As PJAK, we have always followed a strategy of self-defence. We lead our struggle to protect the homeland, identity and political existence of the Kurdish people and to support the legitimate demands for democracy, equality and freedom of the peoples of Iran. Our fundamental goal is the recognition of the cultural and political rights of our people. No support has been given to us by any external forces. We organise ourselves solely based on the support of our people. At the same time, we have had contacts with a variety of actors who are active in the region.

2) Recent reports suggest a transactional interest from the Trump administration in using Kurdish groups to pin down IRGC forces. Given the historical precedent of the US withdrawing support for Kurdish allies in Syria and Iraq, what specific guarantees or political recognition is PJAK demanding before committing its 'battle-tested' cadres to a full-scale ground offensive against Tehran?



States follow their own interests. These might sometimes overlap with the interests of the people. Although we have been faced with a huge crisis all over West Asia for more than three decades, every country in the region has its own characteristics. Therefore, it can lead to insufficient conclusions if we were to compare events in Syria with those in other countries in West Asia. The Kurdish people are an actor that follows its own strategy, has a strong organisational base and has broad regional and international relations. We are working according to a clear strategy, which is to protect the existence of the Kurdish people, ensure their political status and democratize Iran. We have the power to protect our people. We have been fighting for years on the basis of our own strength. We do not act according to the demands of other forces. Whether there is a war in the region or not, our duty and responsibility are to protect our country. In this context, we welcome relations with all forces that support democracy, equality and especially womens freedom.



3) Critics say PJAK is not an independent Iranian actor but a tactical wing of the PKK. If a peace deal is reached between Turkey and Abdullah Ocalan, would PJAK be bound by those terms to lay down arms in Iran, or do you maintain complete operational and political sovereignty over your struggle against the Islamic Republic?



PJAK was founded in 2004 and has ever since remained an independent party. We make our own decisions and follow an independent policy in East Kurdistan and Iran. Of course, we consider ourselves part of the broader struggle of the Kurdish people for their legitimate rights. As a force of East Kurdistan, we give great importance to the ideas and philosophy of the Kurdish peoples leader, Abdullah Ocalan. The Kurds in East Kurdistan feel great admiration for him. We consider Ocalans efforts for a peaceful and political solution of the Kurdish question as very important. PJAK is a force that protects East Kurdistan. Therefore, we will continue our struggle as long as there is an attack on our people. PJAKs 22-year practice shows that we are an independent party that is fighting against the system of denial and annihilation of the regime of the Islamic Republic.

4) The Iranian government calls PJAK a 'separatist' movement seeking to dismantle the countrys territorial integrity. Your charter, however, speaks of Democratic Confederalism and a 'democratic, federal Iran.' In a post-war scenario, how do you define the exact boundary between 'local autonomy' and 'secession,' and would you commit to a unified national military under a new democratic government?

As PJAK, we believe that democracy is the key to solving the many serious problems in Iran. Especially, the freedom of women will have to be guaranteed in a future democratic Iran. Democracy will benefit not only the Kurds but also the Azeris, Baluch, Ahwaz and Persians in the country. Decentralisation, the constitutional recognition of the cultural diversity of Iran, strong local governance and all essential freedoms for the people will allow Iran to become a stable and strong country. The charter of our movement does not include any separatist goals. Our approach is based on people's self-administration. We consider it very important for the people to have a strong voice in the system of governance. Therefore, we consider the system of democratic confederalism as most suitable. Ultimately, our goal is a free Kurdistan as part of a democratic Iran.

5) There are reports of Iran carrying out a severe crackdown in the Kurdish areas in January this year. What is your response to this, and how would you describe this crackdown?



The Iranian regime responded with brutal force to the peaceful and democratic protests of the Iranian people in January. Thousands of people were killed all over the country, and many more have been arrested. If the regime did not have anything to hide, why did it shut down the internet for days in January? It is wrong to blame the legitimate protests on external forces and claim that the protesters used organised violence. Just like in 2022 during the Women, Life, Freedom protests, the people demanded democracy, freedom and equality. They demanded economic opportunities. They demanded an end to death penalties, imprisonment and the atmosphere of fear. These are all very understandable demands in light of Irans current situation. The Iranian regime needs to listen to its people and take serious steps towards democratisation. Otherwise, it will remain under constant pressure from the people. This only makes it easier for outside forces to try to use the internal instability of the country for their own interests.

6) How has the security situation changed in the Kurdish-controlled areas of Iran after the conflict began?



Since the start of the current war, the internet has been cut off, which has made it difficult to get reliable information. However, we have considerable forces inside the country, and they continue to send us information about the situation of the people. The Islamic Republic of Iran continuously carried out attacks against the people even before the current war. Now, although the regime has become very weak, it is once again threatening the people and has made it very hard for them. Currently, the situation of the people is extremely difficult in political, social, security and economic terms. Regime forces have been deployed to civilian institutions in Kurdish cities and villages, such as schools and mosques. Due to the daily heavy bombardments, this has put the lives of our people at great risk.

7) It is said that the conflict could lead to instability in Iran. If yes,what will the instability mean for Iran?



Iran has suffered from instability for decades. Especially since the Women, Life, Freedom protests, instability has continued in all forms in Iran. The cause of this instability is the failed policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran itself. With each external attack, the Iranian states threats against the people and women increase. Hundreds of people have been imprisoned since the start of the war, and death penalties have also been carried out. This has now reached a point where the regime has lost its legitimacy among the people. If the regime continues its current policy, this crisis will only deepen. In order to achieve stability, a serious change in mentality is needed. A democratic and inclusive approach towards the people of Iran is urgently needed. As long as there are such grave limitations of freedom in Iran, no one can talk about stability. A democratic Iran that recognises its diversity as its strength will have a strong place in West Asia. Iran is an old civilisation that can contribute greatly to stability, democracy and peace in our region.
A senior Iranian official has claimed that the negotiation team faced a security threat while en route to Islamabad for peace talks last week.

Professor Mohammad Marandi, a member of the Iranian delegation that arrived in Pakistan last Saturday, said they were warned of a potential attack on their aircraft, which forced them to change plans. The threat forced them to divert their plane to Mashhad before the members travelled onward by train, car and bus, Marandi told Lebanese media outlet Al Mayadeen.

The delegation was warned of a potential attack on their aircraft while en route to the Pakistani capital. We received direct threats while en route to Islamabad that our plane might be attacked, he stated.

Following this, the team decided to alter its return plans, adding that delegation returned from Islamabad via an alternative route. He, however, did not provide details about the source of the alleged danger.

Marandi added that despite the threat, the delegation was determined to return to Iran and didnt want to stay longer in Pakistan. 

Meanwhile, reports from Iran mentioned how tense moments prevailed throughout the talks with the US. How can we trust you when, in the last Geneva meeting, you said the U.S. would not attack while diplomacy was underway? the Iranian foreign minister asked during the talks.

The most substantive exchanges happened between US Vice President J D Vance, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. A security source described the negotiations as uneven. There were ups and downs. There were tense moments. People left the room, and then came back, reports quoted sources.

Though many times the talks appeared close to producing a deal, it broke down over key issues, including Irans nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchis tone also sharpened when discussions turned to guarantees, including non-aggression assurances and sanctions relief.
Photo: https://t.me/zedigital

Following conversations with the defense ministers of Belgium and Spain, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that Belgium is allocating EUR 1 billion in defense aid to Ukraine this year and confirmed its intention to provide additional F-16 fighter jets, while Spain is also providing EUR 1 billion in support of Ukraine.

"I have held discussions with the Defense Ministers of Belgium, Theo Francken, and Spain, Margarita Robles. We coordinated key areas of cooperation  strengthening air defense, developing drone capabilities, and the Czech initiative to provide the front with long-range artillery," reads a message posted on Telegram on Monday evening.

According to him, Belgium is allocating EUR 1 billion in defense aid to Ukraine this year and has confirmed its intention to transfer additional F-16 fighter jets, as well as ensure the supply of spare parts for existing aircraft.

Spain is also providing EUR 1 billion in support for Ukraine in 2026. During the talks, the parties focused on developing defense cooperation, particularly within the framework of the European SAFE mechanism. Ukraine offered the opportunity to test Spanish drones in combat conditions.

"We are ready to offer a list of manufacturers that could establish cooperation with Spanish companies. For its part, Ukraine has also offered the opportunity to test Spanish drones in combat conditions," Fedorov emphasized.
Christina Korp, the US-based astronaut manager and founder of "SPACE for a Better World," who works closely with multiple astronauts, including the second man on the moon Edwin Aldrin, knows the Artemis II crew members, including Reed Wiseman, the commander and Victor Glover. She had first met Weisman around 10 years ago at the Kennedy Space Center, when an announcement was being made about Orion and the Artemis mission. I was there with Buzz Aldrin at the assembly building at Kennedy Space Center and they had the Orion spacecraft. I found him to be very friendly and nice. I was amazed by the great respect he showed towards Aldrin, said Korp in an exclusive interaction with THE WEEK.

Over the last ten years, Korp kept meeting Wiseman at different events. The last time Korp met him was about a year and a half ago. I was with astronaut Nicole Stott at the Johnson Space Centre in Houston, where she was doing a screening of her art film. Interestingly, Wiseman has always been very supportive of Stotts Space for Art foundation, where she does space art primarily with kids in cancer hospitals. Wisemans wife had died of cancer, and he is very supportive of kids in the cancer hospitals.

Korp also knew astronaut Victor Glover, who was also one of the astronauts for the Artemis II mission, for about five years. Korp was planning to put together a project to honour Glover after he was announced as an Artemis II astronaut.

I was going to do something in Los Angeles, but it didn't come together. But we have seen each other multiple times. Stott and I were in Houston and had gone to see Glover at the Johnson Space Center there. He hung out with us, where Stott had arranged for NASA to do an interview with Glover, talking about the similarities of the Artemis II mission and the Apollo missions. So he brought out a bunch of Apollo tools, like the shovels and the hammers that they had used on the surface of the moon. He was also talking about the challenges of the difference between what Apollo did post their landing on the moon and what Artemis will do. It was just really cool, remarked Korp.

In the near future, Korp is really eager to see the Artemis II crew and ask them about their thoughts about looking at the moon as they were photographing it and what their emotions were. I am super excited about the future of Artemis missions and the aim of having a lunar base much faster than we were before, added Korp.

The Artemis II mission was successful with a final splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on the evening of April 10, 2026, concluding a nearly 10-day mission and marking the first human journey to the Moon in more than half a century.

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, were safely extracted from the Orion spacecraft, according to NASA. Following the splashdown, US Navy helicopters transported the crew to the USS John P. Murtha ship.

The astronauts went for post-mission medical evaluations before returning to shore and boarding a flight to Johnson Space Center. It was a triumphant homecoming for the four astronauts whose record-breaking lunar flyby revealed not only swaths of the moon's far side never seen before by human eyes but a total solar eclipse.

Artemis II also set a new record for the farthest distance travelled by humans in space, reaching 252,756 miles (4,06,771 km) from Earth while navigating beyond the Moons far side. This surpasses the previous record set by Apollo 13, which reached 248,655 miles from Earth.

Prior to the splashdown, the re-entry to the Earth was equally dramatic when the Orion capsule, the small pod where these four people have been living and working all this time, hit the Earth's atmosphere, moving at nearly 38,500 kilometres per hour faster than a bullet.

At that speed, the friction with the air created a wall of fire reaching about 2,760 degrees Celsius on the outside of the spacecraft. The return of Artemis II represented one of the most complex and high-risk phases of modern human spaceflight. While launch captured global attention, it is the return to Earth that ultimately determined the missions success.

This process began long before the spacecraft reached the Earth. Artemis missions follow a carefully designed free-return trajectory, allowing Orion to loop around the moon and naturally head back toward Earth using gravitational forces.

This trajectory acted as a built-in safety system, ensuring that even in the event of propulsion failure, the crew successfully returned home. After completing the lunar flyby, Orion began its approximately four-day journey back, during which engineers and astronauts conducted detailed inspections of the spacecraft, particularly the thermal protection system that faced the harshest conditions during re-entry.

Unlike the Apollo-era capsules, Orion is capable of controlled, guided re-entry. Rather than simply falling through the atmosphere, it generated a small amount of aerodynamic lift, allowing it to fly its descent path. This capability enabled mission controllers to precisely adjust the landing location and manage heat and g-load distribution.

During Artemis I, NASA successfully demonstrated a skip-entry technique, where the spacecraft briefly exits and re-enters the atmosphere to reduce stress.

There were concerns this time because during the first Artemis mission back in 2022, which had no astronauts on board, when the Orion spacecraft's heat shield, the protective outer layer designed to absorb all that fire, did not behave as expected. Pieces of it chipped and broke off in more than 100 places. If this had happened with people inside, it could have been catastrophic. That discovery delayed Artemis II by years while engineers worked around the clock to understand why it happened.

As a result, NASA changed the angle at which Orion comes back to Earth. Instead of gliding in gently like a paper plane, the spacecraft came in at a steeper angle, briefly bounced back upward like a skipping stone on water, and then made its final descent. This "skip re-entry" method released the trapped heat and gases slowly and steadily, instead of all at once, which reduced the stress on the heat shield and kept it from overheating.

Interestingly, what made Artemis II so significant was not that it landed on the Moon, but that it did something arguably even more important first: it validated the architecture needed to return safely and sustainably.

Orions life-support capabilities were tested with the crew aboard in deep space. The mission included manual piloting demonstrations, proximity operations, communications, reentry, splashdown, and recovery. During the missions far-side flyby, the crew travelled farther from Earth than any humans in history, reaching 252,756 miles away, while also passing roughly 4,067 miles above the lunar surface. This was not only a technical milestone, but a psychological and civilisational one. After half a century, humanity once again crossed that threshold into deep space.

Artemis II crew exits the Orion crew module in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, U.S. on April 10, 2026 | REUTERS

One of the most remarkable aspects of the mission was its flyby trajectory, which carried the crew beyond the far side of the Moon, a region never visible directly from Earth.

This phase enabled the validation of deep space communication systems, operations beyond Earths direct line-of-sight, and a deeper understanding of lunar gravitational dynamics. Throughout the mission, astronauts continuously monitored spacecraft systems, conducted experiments related to human health in space, and gathered essential data to support future missions to the Moon and Mars. They also captured new images of Earth and the Moon, including unprecedented views of the far side, offering perspectives that until now belonged only to imagination, said Evangelina Nguema Ayaga, Mission ShaKhitSAT Ambassador for Equatorial Guinea.

Inside the spacecraft Orion, the living area was barely the size of two minivans ( 9 m). Four people lived, ate, and slept there for about ten days. The daily routine included roughly 30 minutes of exercise using compact space equipment, eight hours of sleep in hammocks that float gently, and three precisely timed meals. Dishes included beef brisket and veggie quiche, warmed in a small onboard heater. Each astronaut received two flavoured drinks a day, like coffee or fruit mix, and the crew shares one communal meal daily. The capsules compact Universal Waste Management System used airflow rather than gravity to collect waste.

But for many people, the question is simple: why should the general public care? The answer is that missions like Artemis II are never only about space. They are about energy systems, communications, materials science, medicine, robotics, remote sensing, international cooperation, and learning how to survive in extreme environments. Artemis II carried research such as the AVATAR organ-chip investigation, which studies how deep-space conditions affect human tissue and may ultimately benefit medicine on Earth as much as exploration beyond it. That is one of the enduring truths of space exploration: when we reach outward, we also come to better understand ourselves, Daniel Leeb, executive mission director at the Iceland Space Agency, told THE WEEK.

He further added that the Apollo program proved that humans could reach the Moon, orbit it, land on it, and return home. Artemis is proving that we can do it again in a more sustainable, international, technologically sophisticated, and inclusive way. Apollo was about arrival. Artemis is about return, presence, and preparation for what comes next. Iceland has a remarkable place in that story. During the Apollo era, astronauts came to Iceland in 1965 and 1967 to train in volcanic terrain that NASA considered among the most Moon-like on Earth. Nearly 60 years later, the Artemis II crew returned to Iceland in 2024 for geology and analogue field training, continuing that same lineage of learning how to read other worlds through the lessons of our own planet, said Leeb.

Interestingly, the Moon Analog Network of Iceland (MANI) programme is helping build the terrestrial research, testing, and training environment that supports the Artemis generation. Icelands volcanic deserts, lava fields, glaciers, and subsurface caves allow us to test procedures, technologies, and human-robot teamwork in landscapes that meaningfully resemble the Moon and Mars. Artemis did not appear out of nowhere; it stands on years of field science, engineering, and analogue testing, and Iceland is part of that foundation, explained Leeb.

Many space experts eagerly followed the mission. Take the case of Mylswamy Annadurai, the former director of Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, as well as the Mangalyaan and Mars Orbiter missions, and is also known as the Moon Man of India. He told THE WEEK that his bonding with the Moon started in the Apollo era and took him to the Chandrayaan missions.

I eagerly followed the Artemis II mission, and I look forward to the day Indians will walk on the moon. I followed Artemis II with the utmost curiosity as I followed Apollo 9, 10, and 11. I knew Apollo 9 and 10 were to test the technical readiness of the entire systems of Apollo-11 for human landing on the Moon. Whereas now Artemis II was to test Artemis III and follow-on missions with the engineering philosophytest everything with humans before attempting a landing. Apollo 11 was a source of national pride for the US. Artemis II heralds international collaboration and equal opportunity, said Annadurai.

He said that the entire mission of Artemis II from launcher to Orion crew module is technically much superior and robust, combining the advancements starting from materials to imaging systems over the last five decades. I foresee an active participation of public and private players in the Indian space program. Already, I am in the midst of initial talks on various aspects of the lunar base like lunar habitat, lunar AI compute and data centre, lunar logistic rovers, etc., added Annadurai.
The company that introduced the world to ChatGPT, and triggered a global AI arms race, is now facing an uncomfortable question from the very investors who bankrolled its rise: is it actually worth $852 billion?

According to an exclusive report by the Financial Times, some of OpenAI's own backers are growing uneasy about the company's rapidly shifting strategy, even as CEO Sam Altman remains publicly bullish. The emerging concern is that OpenAI is trying to do too many things at once and risks losing ground on multiple fronts simultaneously.

As it scampered to do it all, Anthropic, the AI startup founded by former OpenAI researchers, seemed to have consistently gained the upper hand. According to FT, Anthropic's annualised revenue surged from $9 billion at the end of 2025 to $30 billion by March 2026, driven almost entirely by demand for its AI coding tools from businesses, the exact enterprise market that OpenAI is now scrambling to capture.

One of OpenAI's early backers told the FT that it is now a "deeply unfocused company."

In the report, OpenAI's leadership pushed back hard. Last month, Altman secured a $122 billion funding round, the largest private fundraising in Silicon Valley history, from over 25 blue-chip investors, including SoftBank, Amazon, Nvidia, Andreessen Horowitz, and Sequoia Capital, FT noted. CFO Sarah Friar told the FT the raise was oversubscribed and completed in record time.

But flexibility costs money. The FT reports that plans for a $30 billion UK data centre have been ditched, an expansion of a Texas facility scrapped, and a $100 billion Nvidia deal substantially pared back. OpenAI shuttered its viral video tool Sora, causing Disney's planned $1 billion investment to evaporate. The company also spent "low hundreds of millions of dollars" acquiring a tech talk show called TBPN, a move that baffled investors, as per the report.

Reuters separately confirmed that OpenAI is laying the groundwork for an IPO potentially valuing the company at up to $1 trillion, possibly as early as this year. But according to FT, justifying the current round requires assuming an IPO valuation of $1.2 trillion or more, a target that is getting harder to defend when Anthropic, valued at just $380 billion, is increasingly seen as the sharper bet.
The recent feud with Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war has created a complex political landscape for Donald Trump at home. For the first time, a sitting US President is in a direct rhetorical war with a US-born Pope. Whether it would 'hurt' Trump's party depends on two things: moral fatigue among Catholics and nationalist resolve among his base.

Allies of Donald Trump are sounding the alarm after the President launched a public feud with Pope Leo XIV. The pontiff has been a vocal opponent of the administration's stance on the Iran war, Venezuelan intervention, and domestic immigration crackdowns. This diplomatic friction threatens to alienate key blocks of religious voters, potentially jeopardising the GOPs path to victory in the crucial November midterms.

A recent April 2026 poll shows Catholic approval for Trump has dropped to 48 per cent, down from the 55 per cent he secured in the 2024 election.

Though 74 per cent of Catholics are concerned about nuclear Iran, 60 per cent currently disapprove of Trump's handling of the war.

The most immediate effect for Trump lies in the potential alienation of Catholic voters in key, crucial swing states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Even a 23% shift away from the GOP in these states could flip control of the House or Senate.

Unlike previous popes, Leo XIV is seen by many American Catholics as "one of their own". Trump's direct attacks- calling the Pope "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy" may be perceived as a lack of respect for the office and may hurt him.

"There's nothing to apologise for," Trump told reporters on Monday.

After the feud, Trump then posted an AI-generated image seemingly depicting himself as a figure like Jesus Christ, which he later deleted. He insisted on Monday that he believed the image showed him as a doctor.

Trump has long reached out to the US's evangelical Christians with his conservative views. They backed him in his election in 2016 and 2024 despite a series of scandals and an ambiguous personal relationship with religion.

Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic convert, has defended Trump, stating that the Vatican should stick to "matters of morality" while the President dictates "American public policy."
Last year saw the highest level of deadly violence against Jews around the world in over three decades, with 20 people killed in antisemitic attacks, according to an annual study released by Tel Aviv University on Monday.

The violence, including a deadly attack at a Chanukah celebration in Australia, continued a spike that began following the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack and Israels subsequent war in Gaza, the reports authors said.

The data raise concern that a high level of antisemitic incidents is becoming a normalized reality, said Uriya Shavit, the reports chief editor.

Deadly antisemitic attacks were recorded on three continents. Fifteen people were killed at the Chabad event at Sydneys Bondi Beach in December. There were additional deaths in two antisemitic attacks in the U.S. in Washington, D.C., and Colorado; and in Britain, two people were killed at a Manchester shul on Yom Kippur.

Each year, Tel Aviv Universitys Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry and the Irwin Cotler Institute for Democracy, Human Rights and Justice releases the report about antisemitism ahead of Israels Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The day marks a national memorial for the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust, which begins Monday evening.

The new report also tracked an increase in antisemitic attacks that resulted in physical harm, including beatings and stone throwing.

It found that 2025 was the deadliest year for antisemitic attacks since 1994, when the bombing of a Jewish community center in Argentina killed 85 people and wounded more than 300. An Argentine court has blamed Iran and its Hezbollah proxy for the attack.

According to the report, there was a moderate increase in the overall number of antisemitic incidents last year compared with 2024, but that total represents a huge jump from 2022, before the war in Gaza. The report tracks incidents that range from physical attacks and vandalism to verbal threats and harassment on social media.

The peak in the number of incidents was recorded in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack, after which we began to see a downward trend  but unfortunately, that trend did not continue in 2025, Shavit said.

In the United Kingdom, there were 3,700 antisemitic incidents in 2025, up from 3,556 in 2024. In Canada, the number of incidents grew from 6,219 in 2024 to 6,800 in 2025, a number more than three times higher than in 2022.

The report found that even after the Gaza ceasefire took effect last October, antisemitic incidents continued to rise from the same period during the previous year. In Australia, there were 588 antisemitic incidents between October and December 2025, up from 492 during the same period in 2024. There were a total of 472 antisemitic incidents across Australia during all of 2022.

Most physical attacks were carried out by people acting on their own, which is why it is so difficult to try to prevent them, according to Carl Yonker, the studys director of research. He noted that most attacks were carried out by extremist white Christians devoted to white supremacy or radical Muslims, and often the attackers were unemployed and struggling financially.

The statistics are based on reports from police, national authorities and local Jewish communities.

(AP)
Bruce Blakeman didnt wait long to make Erik Duran a campaign issue. Days after the NYPD sergeant was sentenced to at least three years in prison for hurling a cooler that killed a fleeing drug suspect, the Republican gubernatorial candidate pledged to pardon him the moment he takes office. Blakeman, currently serving as Nassau County executive, said flatly that Duran doesnt belong behind bars.

County Executive Blakeman will be making a strong statement in support of Sgt. Duran, consistent with his commitment to back law enforcement and make every neighborhood in New York safer, his campaign said in a statement to The Post.

The underlying incident unfolded on Aug. 23, 2023, in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx. Eric Duprey, 30, was the target of an undercover buy-and-bust operation when he broke from the scene on a scooter. Duran, then 38 and a 13-year NYPD veteran, grabbed a nearby cooler and threw it. The cooler struck Duprey in the head. The resulting crash killed him.

Last week, Bronx Judge Guy Mitchell found Duran guilty of second-degree manslaughter at a non-jury trial. At sentencing, Mitchell imposed three to nine years in prison, brushing aside a petition signed by more than 11,000 police officers across the country asking that Duran receive probation instead.

The sentence drew immediate and furious condemnation from law enforcement. NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association President Vincent Vallelong called it the darkest day in the history of our profession.

It wasnt only Sgt. Duran, a great cop, who was on trial, Vallelong said. Every law enforcement officer who makes a split-second decision in the performance of their duties to protect the public was also on that trial.

For Blakeman, a 70-year-old conservative aligned closely with President Trump  who endorsed him last year to challenge Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul  the pardon pledge is a deliberate positioning move ahead of November.

The race against Hochul was already shaping up as a referendum on public safety and the treatment of law enforcement in New York. By stepping forward on Duran within days of the sentence, Blakeman is signaling to a Republican base, and to the rank-and-file officers who rallied behind the sergeant through trial and sentencing alike, that a Blakeman administration would draw a hard line on the question of criminal liability for police conduct.

Whether that bet pays off will depend in part on how New Yorks broader electorate weighs the case  a decorated officers split-second decision, a dead suspect, and a judge who heard the arguments and sent the cop to prison anyway.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Dozens of countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany, nominated Iran to join a UN committee that oversees policies regarding human rights, only months after the Islamic Republic massacred tens of thousands of its own citizens, men, women, and children, during protests, and even shot people to death while lying in hospital beds.

Last year, Iran carried out the largest number of executions in almost 40 years.

Iran was selected by the UNs Economic and Social Council, which comprises 54 nations, including the countries named above as well as Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Spain, and the Netherlands.

The US was the only country to object, saying that Iran (and Cuba and Nicaragua) were unfit to serve on the committee.

The committee is scheduled to meet next month, and the Islamic Republic is sure to have many words of wisdom on the topics on the agenda: terrorism prevention, disarmament, human rights, gender equality, and womens empowerment.

Hillel Neuer, the executive director of UN Watch, a non-governmental organisation that monitors the UN, said: By their cynical actions at the UN, major Western states have betrayed their own human rights principles, severely undermining the rule-based international order that they claim to support.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Tuesday in Berlin with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose country is one of Ukraines biggest supporters, as Kyiv battles to defeat Russias all-out invasion, now in its fifth year.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius was also holding talks with his counterpart, Mykhailo Fedorov, the former Ukrainian digital transformation chief who took up his new post in January and is credited with advancing military drone technology.

U.S.-led efforts to end Russias war on Ukraine have recently petered out as the Iran war grips the Trump administrations attention, although Tammy Bruce, the deputy U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told the U.N. Security Council on Monday that Washington will continue to push for a negotiated and durable end to the war.

Western analysts and officials say Ukraine has in recent months recorded battlefield successes against Russias bigger army, disrupting a spring offensive started by Russia amid improving weather, as fields dry out and new foliage on tree lines offers more cover.

Meanwhile, the long-range drones and missiles that Kyiv designs and produces are repeatedly striking oil facilities and manufacturing plants deep inside Russia.

Ukraine is in a much better place than it has been at any stage in this horrific war, Finlands President Alexander Stubb said at the Brookings Institution in Washington on Monday.

Ukraine is on top from a military perspective, Stubb claimed, noting that last month Ukraine fired more drones and missiles at Russia than Russia launched at Ukraine.

Moscow has also claimed progress on the battlefield. Independent verification of each sides claims was not possible.

Russia occupies about 20% of Ukraine. That includes the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014.

Ukraine is desperately short of cash and needs a promised 90-billion-euro ($106 billion) loan from the European Union. That was being held up by Hungarys Viktor Orban, but his departure as prime minister after weekend elections could free up the sum.

Kyiv is also heavily reliant on U.S. intelligence for targeting inside Russia and needs more sophisticated American-made air defense systems to stop Russian missile attacks on its power grid. If the Iran war drags on, it could erode vital U.S. support for Kyiv, Zelenskyy fears.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian army is short-handed, facing some 200,000 troop desertions and draft-dodging by around 2 million people, Fedorov, the defense minister, said in January.

(AP)
After the dramatic downfall of Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, the race for California governor is moving on.

Once a leading candidate to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, Swalwell suspended his campaign  then announced he would resign from Congress  following allegations that he assaulted a woman. A lengthy lineup of remaining candidates is scheduled to gather Tuesday in Sacramento, their first public appearance together since Swalwells departure reshaped the wide-open contest.

Meanwhile, lawyers said a woman would detail new allegations of misconduct against Swalwell on Tuesday in Beverly Hills.

In a crowded race with no clear leader in the heavily Democratic state, Swalwells exit presents an opportunity for his one-time rivals to pick off former supporters just weeks before mail ballots go to voters in early May. The outcome of the June 2 primary election featuring more than 50 candidates is unpredictable.

Democrats have feared for months that the large field of candidates dividing the vote could result in the party being locked out of the November election, with only Republicans appearing on the general election ballot under a quirk in the states election rules.

Republicans, meanwhile, have yet to settle on a preferred candidate. President Donald Trump endorsed conservative commentator Steve Hilton, but Republicans at a state convention did not endorse a candidate for governor, with Hilton splitting support with Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff.

No clear beneficiary with Swalwell out

Swalwells decision to suspend his campaign Sunday followed allegations published in the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN. He remained defiant, saying, I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made  but thats my fight, not a campaigns.

On Monday, he said he planned to resign from Congress but did not provide a date for his departure. He wrote on X that it was unfair for his constituents to have him distracted from his duties. He said he would continue to fight the allegations against him and added, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.

Its difficult to predict where Swalwells supporters will go, and its possible they could scatter across the field of seven established Democrats remaining in the race, with some voters losing interest in the contest.

Swalwell is perhaps best known nationally as a House manager in Trumps second impeachment trial in early 2021, and he didnt have strong ties to Democrats across the state outside his San Francisco Bay Area district.

Democrats have been struggling to find traction with voters.

Billionaire hedge fund manager-turned-liberal activist Tom Steyer has tapped his personal fortune to blanket media with ads. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is trying for a comeback after he flopped in a 2018 run for governor, and Katie Porter is among the leading Democrats after she fell short in a 2024 run for U.S. Senate.

Porter posted a line from a San Francisco Chronicle column on X saying Democrats can pull victory from the jaws of defeat by coalescing around Porter. Steyer said he secured the support of a handful of lawmakers, including Rep. Jared Huffman, a Democrat whose coastal district runs north of San Francisco, not far from Swalwells home turf. Villaraigosa pitched a new ad promising to lower gas and grocery costs in a state known for its punishing cost of living.

While Swalwell has suspended his campaign, his name cannot be removed from the ballot.

Nobody has really caught fire, said Democratic consultant Andrew Acosta, who is not involved in the campaign. Swalwells supporters will scatter out to other candidates.

Many Democrats hoped former Vice President Kamala Harris, or U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, would enter the contest, but they declined.

Lawmakers switch support

In Sacramento, a handful of state lawmakers quickly switched their support from Swalwell to Steyer. Democratic Assemblymember Nick Schultz said he believes Steyer will put in the work to form strong relationships with the legislature. Steyers business background  he has never held public office  means hell challenge the status quo, Schultz added.

Democratic Assemblymember Corey Jackson  who also shifted to Steyer  said he wanted to back a candidate who had a legitimate chance of winning. He said in a statement that he and Steyer shared a commitment to building an economy rooted in dignity for working people.

San Joses Democratic Mayor Matt Mahan, running for governor in his first statewide election, sought to distinguish his record from Steyer and Hilton, the Republican candidate known for hosting a show on Fox News for six years.

With Swalwell out, now we have a field thats got a billionaire who made his fortune investing in private prisons, ICE facilities, oil and gas companies  and a MAGA-backed TV commentator on the other hand, Mahan said on MS NOWs Morning Joe.

California deserves so much better, Mahan said.

Swalwells swift downfall came amid rising pressure for him to leave Congress. He earlier lost the support of powerful labor unions that had backed his candidacy, along with one-time allies, including California U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and Rep. Jimmy Gomez.

(AP)
Spains government on Tuesday finalized a migrant amnesty measure that it announced earlier this year, paving the way for hundreds of thousands of immigrants living and working without authorization in the southern European nation to apply for legal status.

The approach sharply differs from much of Europes prevailing attitudes on immigration in which governments are trying to reduce the number of arrivals and step up deportations, and it contrasts with the harsh immigration policies of the Trump administration.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed the measure as an act of justice and a necessity. He reiterated his governments position that people who already live and work in the country of 49 million people should do so under equal conditions and pay taxes.

We recognize rights, but we also demand obligations, Sanchez wrote on social media.

An estimated half-million people living in Spain without authorization could be eligible to apply, the government said. Some analysts estimate up to 800,000 people live in the shadows of Spanish society.

Many immigrants from Latin America or African countries work in key sectors including agriculture, tourism and the service sector.

Those who meet certain conditions can now apply for a one-year residency and work permit, Migration Minister Elma Saiz said, adding that migrants could begin applying in person on April 20 and online on Thursday. The window to apply will close June 30.

Immigrants must have arrived in Spain before Jan. 1 and must prove that they have been living in the country for at least five months. That can be done by presenting public or private documents, Saiz said. Applicants must also show that they have no criminal record, the government said.

After a year, the migrants will be eligible to apply for work or residency permits.

Major questions remain about how Spains government will handle the expected amount of paperwork within the short timeframe.

A Spanish union representing immigration officers demanded more resources on Tuesday, warning that the government is not prepared to meet the challenge.

Migrants will be able to apply in-person in 60 social security offices, 371 post offices and five immigration offices across Spain, the government said.

Spain has granted amnesty to immigrants who are in the country illegally before. It did so six times between 1986 and 2005, including under conservative governments.

The Sanchez governments measure was fast-tracked via a decree that amends immigration laws. By doing it that way, the government was able to bypass parliament, where a previous amnesty attempt stalled and where it lacks a majority.

Saiz lauded the measure as a way that Spain, which has been among the fastest-growing European Union economies for two years, can continue to expand.

Our prosperity is demonstrably linked to our management of migration and the contributions of foreign workers, she said. Their contribution allows us to grow economically, generate employment and wealth, and maintain our welfare system.

(AP)
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha held a phone call with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, during which he discussed security strengthening, the situation in the Middle East, as well as the results of the elections in Hungary and the importance of unblocking the EU reparations loan for Ukraine worth EUR 90 bln.

"We exchanged views on the results of the elections in Hungary and their implications for Europes strength. I stressed the importance of unblocking the EUR 90 billion loan to ensure continued support for Ukraine and protect Europe from the Russian threat," Sybiha wrote on X on Tuesday.

According to him, he coordinated future contacts with Kallas, discussed the European agenda and "the need to maintain unity and momentum in advancing key decisions that strengthen our common security and resilience."

"On the Middle East, we agreed on the importance of coordinated international efforts to ensure stability in the region. We also stressed the need to protect civilians and prevent further escalation," the Ukrainian foreign minister said.

As reported, the leader of the Tisza party, Peter Magyar, whose party won the elections in Hungary, said he does not support accelerated accession of Ukraine to the European Union, but does not plan to block the European Unions EUR 90 bln loan to Ukraine.
President Trump told the New York Post on Tuesday that a second round of peace negotiations with Iran could take place within days, and that Pakistans capital is the most likely venue.

Trump made the disclosure in a follow-up call to The Post roughly half an hour after an initial interview in which he had described the ongoing diplomatic effort to end the seven-week war as moving a little bit slow. He also indicated that talks would likely shift to somewhere in Europe. Then he called back.

You should stay there, really, because something could be happening over the next two days, and were more inclined to go there, Trump said of Islamabad. Its more likely, you know why? Because the field marshal is doing a great job.

Trump was referring to Pakistani Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir, with whom he developed a relationship last year during Pakistans brief war with India  a four-day conflict that ended after the United States helped broker a peace deal.

Hes fantastic, and therefore its more likely that we go back there, Trump said. Why should we go to some country that has nothing to do with it?

Vice President JD Vance was in Islamabad last weekend for the first direct round of US-Iran negotiations, which ended without a breakthrough.

Trump also pushed back on reports that American negotiators had proposed Iran suspend its uranium enrichment program for at least 20 years as part of a potential deal. Ive been saying they cant have nuclear weapons, he said. So I dont like the 20 years.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A federal judge must end his intrusive contempt investigation of the Trump administration for failing to comply with an order over flights carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador last year, a divided appeals court panel ruled Tuesday.

Chief Judge James Boasberg abused his discretion in forging ahead with criminal contempt proceedings stemming from the March 2025 deportation flights, according to the majority opinion by a three-judge panel from U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The ruling is the latest twist in a yearlong legal saga that has became a flashpoint in President Donald Trumps mass deportation campaign. The White House has portrayed Boasberg as a biased judge who overstepped his authority.

Trumps administration has a clear and indisputable right to the termination of the contempt proceedings, Circuit Judge Neomi Rao wrote in the courts majority opinion.

The legal error at the heart of these criminal contempt proceedings demonstrates why further investigation by the district court is an abuse of discretion, Rao wrote. Criminal contempt is available only for the violation of an order that is clear and specific. (Boasbergs March 2025 order) did not clearly and specifically bar the government from transferring plaintiffs into Salvadoran custody.

Lawyers for the deported migrants will ask the full circuit court to review the panels decision, according to plaintiffs attorney Lee Gelernt of the American Civil Liberties Union. Gelernt said the majority opinion is a blow to the rule of law.

Our system is built on the executive branch, including the president, respecting court orders. In this case there is no longer any question that the Trump administration willfully violated the courts order, Gelernt said in a statement.

Rao was nominated by Trump, a Republican. Boasberg, chief judge of the district court in Washington, D.C., was nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama.

On March 15, 2025, Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order barring the administration from transferring a group of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador under an 18th century law. After the order was entered, two planeloads of migrants protected by the order departed from the U.S. on their way to El Salvador, where they were locked up in one of the worlds most violent prisons. The administration said then- Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was responsible for the transfer decision.

Boasberg has said the Trump administration may have acted in bad faith by trying to rush Venezuelan migrants out of the country in defiance of his order. He said he gave the administration ample opportunity to rectify or explain their actions but concluded that none of their responses has been satisfactory.

Last year, the Justice Department filed a misconduct complaint accusing Boasberg of making improper public comments about Trump and his administration. Trump has called for impeaching Boasberg. In a rare rebuke, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts publicly rejected calls for Boasbergs impeachment.

The case is assigned to Rao and Circuit Judges Justin Walker and J. Michelle Childs. Walker, also a Trump nominee, wrote a separate opinion concurring with Raos. Childs, who was nominated by Democratic President Joe Biden, dissented from the majority.

Childs said the courts majority has trampled on Boasbergs authority in a way that will affect not only these contempt proceedings but will also echo in future proceedings against all litigants.

Now, any litigant can argue, based on their preferred interpretation of a courts order, that they did not commit contempt before contempt findings are even made, Childs wrote in her 80-page dissent.

(AP)
MK Simcha Rothman, the chairman of the Knessets Constitution Committee, responded to the election outcome in Hungary, where staunch Israel ally, Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was ousted after 16 years, by criticizing Israels judicial system and the left.

During the lefts pre-October 7 campaign against the governments plan to reform Israels judicial system, activists constantly repeated false claims that Prime Minister Netanyahu was destroying democracy and often compared him to Orban or even outright dictators, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and even Irans Ayatollah Khomeini.

A gang of lunatics has been screaming here in the streets for a year that the judicial reform will destroy democracy in Israel, and well soon become Hungary, Rothman wrote.

And today we discovered that in Hungary, you can replace the dictator in democratic elections. Orban even called to congratulate the winner.

It gives hope that one day our own dictators, Yitzchak Amit and Gali Baharav-Miara, will also accept the election results.

See? Maybe there is something to learn from Hungary after all

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
Arutz Sheva spoke with Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu Rachamim Zini, the Nasi of the Yeshivas Hesder in Haifa, ahead of Yom HaShoah, which falls out this year on Monday night and Tuesday.

Dr. Zini spoke about his mother, Rochel, ah, the grandmother of Shin Bet chief David Zini, an Auschwitz survivor who endured forced labor alongside her own mother and displayed extraordinary courage amid unimaginable conditions.

Like any Jew who finds himself facing deep challenges, she demonstrated spiritual greatness, Rabbi Zini said, describing his mothers complex family background. On one side were Talmidei Chachamim and Bnei Torah; on the other, her father, who became a legal advisor to the prime minister of Czechoslovakia but distanced himself from Judaism after negative experiences with members of the Jewish community.

However, despite this, when offered escape to London with the prime minister and government members, he boarded the plane, saw that all the passengers were non-Jews, and chose to disembarkpreferring to share the fate of his fellow Jews. That trait was genetic, Rabbi Zini said, and it passed to my mother.

Her father was later sent to Theresienstadt. From the train window, he told his family: Whatever my brothers suffer, I will suffer with pride.

Even those who were not Shomrei Torah umitvos understood the historical responsibility placed upon them, Rabbi Zini emphasized. That is what leads one to sacrifice themselves for Kiddush Hashemand its something we must restore.

Upon his mothers arrival at Auschwitz, an SS officer asked who spoke German, Hungarian, and other languages. Her mother encouraged her to respond, hoping it might earn her a piece of bread. She did, but when the officer ordered her to beat Jewish prisoners who could not keep up with forced labor, she refused and fled.

Later, she was assigned to inspect parts for Messerschmitt aircraft. She deliberately approved faulty parts, risking her life to sabotage the German war effort.

His mother endured extreme hardship in the camp, sharing barracks with many women. For nearly a year, she risked her life daily by stealing food from the officers kitchen to feed others. Anyone caught would be killed, he said. The struggle to survive, even under such conditions, came from a deep faith in the Jewish people.

He also recounted unimaginable horrors his mother witnessed, including the killing of her sister, who, after arriving at the camp visibly pregnant, was attacked and killed by a dog at a Nazis command.

Toward the end of the war, when the Germans began releasing those who were not visibly injured, his mother concealed a wound under her arm with cloth. Though one officer noticed it, she managed to escape into the crowd and survive.

After the war, she initially did not want children, believing there was no point in bringing life into a world capable of such horrors. Fortunately, she met my father, who convinced her otherwise and demonstrated hope to her. Thats how she became not only the wife of a Rav but a woman who brought children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren into the world.

He then described the incident in which his mother (or some say it was his grandmother) slapped a Nazi officer after witnessing him brutally assault an elderly Jewish man. The officer drew his gun to shoot her, but it malfunctioned. Instead, he ordered her beaten severely. She lay wounded for a week, and when she recovered, she said, It was worth it.

Finally, Rabbi Zini addressed the date of Yom HaShoah. He noted that the Rabbanut had originally designated Asara BTeves as the memorial day, but the date was later changed to align with the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising.

He criticized this decision, noting that the uprising began on April 19the birthday of Adolf Hitler. The Nazis intended to present the destruction of the Warsaw Ghetto as a birthday gift to Hitler, he said. Instead, the resistance lasted far longer. Yet Israel commemorates the Holocaust on that same date. Where is the logic in that?

He concluded: The survivors of the camps cant agree to this. We must not portray these people as sheep led to the slaughter. They had no choice or ability to resist in many cases, yet they fought beyond what any nation in history has endured.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
RESERVE HERO FALLS: Sgt. Maj. (Res.) Ayal Uriel Bianco

The IDF has cleared for publication the name of a fallen soldier whose family has been notified.

He was identified as Sgt. Maj. (Res.) Ayal Uriel Bianco, 30, of Katzrin, a fire engine driver in the 188th Barak Armored Brigade, who was killed in southern Lebanon.

According to the IDF, Bianco was killed when a military Humvee overturned during operations in southern Lebanon overnight.

In the same incident, three other reservists were wounded  one moderately and two lightly. All were evacuated to hospitals for medical treatment, and their families have been notified.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A photograph of the grandfather of former Mossad chief Meir Daganshowing him wrapped in a tallis and humiliated by the Nazis moments before his executionwas displayed in his office, and he would regularly show it to visitors.

Meir Dagan, who served as the chief of the Mossad from 2002 to 2011, passed away on March 17, 2016, after battling cancer.

Meir Huberman (later Dagan) was born on a train on the outskirts of Kherson, between the Soviet Union and Poland, during World War II to Polish Jewish parents who were fleeing Poland for the Soviet Union to escape the Holocaust.

His maternal grandfather, Rabbi Ber Erlich Sloshny, Hyd, was killed by the Nazis in Lukow in 1942 after being publicly humiliated. In 2009, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth published two photos of Nazi soldiers standing next to a kneeling Sloshny shortly before they shot him.

He is seen kneeling before the Nazis in what was known as the horse and rider positiona method used by the Nazis to degrade Jews. The photograph was reportedly found by a local Polish youth and later passed on to Jews who returned to the town after the war.

During his term as Mossad chief, Dagan kept one of the photographs hanging in his office and showed it to everyone who entered his office. Look at the man kneeling before the Nazi soldiers, Dagan would tell his visitors. That is my grandfather before he was murdered. I look at this picture every day and promise that such a thing will never happen again.

As head of the Mossad, Dagan was tasked with preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and viewed the image of his grandfather as a symbol of the significance of the battle against the Iranian threat.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem delivered a long and rambling speech from a bunker on Monday night, a day before an historic meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials is scheduled to take place in Washington.

In his speech, Qassem threatened to capture IDF soldiers. He stressed that surrender is not part of Hezbollahs vocabulary and that its fighters will remain in the field until their last breath. He emphasized that Hezbollah views itself as acting in self-defense rather than as an aggressor, and claimed that despite the heavy toll and numerous casualties, the organization is on a path to victory. He also warned: At every opportunity we have, we will capture prisoners.

Qassem said that victory is not defined by a conventional military defeat of Israel, but by the ability to inflict sustained damage and deny it strategic gains. He stated that success lies in preventing the IDF from entrenching itself on Lebanese soil and vowed to exploit every opportunity to take captives and strike Israeli forces from all directions.

Addressing internal and international criticism that Hezbollah initiated the current escalation, Qassem contended that the conflict has actually minimized potential losses that would have resulted from inaction. He described Israel as trapped in a dead-end entanglement, claiming that despite Lebanons suffering, Israel is also absorbing significant economic and military blows. The greater the pressure, he said, the more vital the mission of the resistance becomes.

Israels response was swift and unambiguous. Katz dismissed Qassems threats and hinted at a similar fate to his predecessor, saying that Qassem will soon understand what Nasrallah understood in his final hours.

The Associated Press spoke with a senior Hezbollah official on Monday, who said that the terror group will not abide by any agreements that may result from the direct Lebanon-Israel talks in the United States.

Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of Hezbollahs political council, spoke on the eve of the talks expected in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the U.S. It will be the first time in decades that envoys from Lebanon and Israel, which do not have diplomatic relations, meet face-to-face in direct talks.

As for the outcomes of this negotiation between Lebanon and the Israeli enemy, we are not interested in or concerned with them at all, Safa told The Associated Press.

We are not bound by what they agree to, he added in a rare interview with international media. He spoke next to a cemetery as an Israeli drone buzzed overhead.

Lebanese officials are looking to broker a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war in the U.S. talks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, has said the goal is Hezbollahs disarmament and a potential peace agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Shosh Bedrosian, a spokesperson for Netanyahu, said Monday that there will be no ceasefire with Hezbollah.

Separately, in U.S.-Iran peace talks held last weekend in Pakistan, Iran has sought to include Lebanon in any ceasefire deal of its own with the U.S. Israel and the U.S. have insisted Lebanon would not be a part of it.

Hours after Tehran and Washington announced a truce last Wednesday, Israel launched more than 100 strikes across Lebanon, including in densely packed residential and commercial areas of central Beirut.

And though the U.S.-Iran talks broke up without an agreement, Safa said Hezbollah has been informed that Iran was able to obtain a cessation of attacks in the entire administrative region of Beirut, Lebanons capital, including Beiruts southern suburbs  a Hezbollah-strong area known as Dahiyeh.

Israeli strikes on Beirut and its southern suburbs have halted since Wednesday, but intense fighting has continued in southern Lebanon as Hezbollah continues to fire nonstop at Israel.

Israel and Hezbollah have fought multiple wars since the Iran-backed Lebanese terror group was formed in the 1980s as a guerrilla force fighting against Israels presence in southern Lebanon at the time.

The latest round began on March 2, two days after Israel and the U.S. launched a war on Iran. Hezbollah entered the fray, firing missiles across the border into Israel. Israel responded with aerial bombardment and a ground invasion.

Since then, the war has displaced more than 1 million people in Lebanon and killed more than 2,000, including more than 500 women, children, and medical workers. Many Lebanese have blamed Hezbollah for pulling Lebanon into the war, accusing it of acting on behalf of its patron, Iran.

Safa said Hezbollahs actions were preemptive because its leaders believed Israel was preparing for a second battle with Lebanon with the aim of destroying Hezbollah.

It was an appropriate moment for Hezbollah  to rebuild a new equation and restore deterrence against Israel, he said, denying any prior deals with Tehran that Hezbollah would enter the war if Iran was attacked.

Later Monday in a televised address, Kassem himself urged Lebanon to pull out of direct talks with Israel, calling the negotiations a free concession to Israel and the U.S.

Relations between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah  which is not just a terror group but also a political party with a parliamentary bloc  have grown increasingly tense.

The government last year approved a plan to remove all weapons that are not property of the state, its security forces, or military  a mission it failed or was unable to carry out.

After March 2, the government went further, declaring Hezbollahs armed wing illegal.

Safa said Hezbollah is currently not directly speaking with President Joseph Aoun or Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, but that all its communications are going through Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, the head of the Hezbollah-allied Amal party.

Safa said that if there is a ceasefire and a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, Hezbollah  which calls itself a resistance movement against archenemy Israel  is ready to negotiate with the Lebanese government about the fate of its weapons.

The issue of resistance weapons is a Lebanese matter that has nothing to do with Israel or the United States, he said.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem & AP)
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who said in September 2025 that Spain cannot stop Israel from operating in Gaza because it doesnt have nuclear bombs, addressed the topic of Gaza again during a visit to China.

During a press conference in Beijing, Sanchez claimed that China, one of the worlds most serious violators of human rights, is the only country that could help resolve the situation in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.

After mentioning Iran, also one of the worlds most serious violators of human rights, he began railing against Israel, claiming that Israel is the only country in the world that is currently violating international law.

International law is being violated today, fundamentally by one country: the Israeli government, he said with a straight face. There is also an absolutely illegal response from the Iranian regime regarding a war that we have described from the very beginning as a mistake and an illegality.

Those of us who raise our voice against governments violating international law are being threatened, he added, perhaps in another reference to the fact that Spain is vulnerable due to its lack of nuclear weapons.

Or perhaps Sanchez was feeling personally vulnerable about the fact that his wife, Begona Gomez, who accompanied him to China, was indicted this week for corruption, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, and influence peddling following a two-year criminal investigation. Gomez allegedly used her position as the prime ministers wife for private gain.

Separately, the prime ministers brother, David Sanchez, has been indicted in an investigation into alleged influence peddling tied to his hiring by a regional government.

And earlier this month, Sanchezs former transportation minister, Jose Luis Abalos, went on trial over allegations he received kickbacks on sales of personal protective equipment to the Spanish government during the COVID pandemic.

Opposition parties have called on Sanchez to resign.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
A dramatic air operation in Lebanon that eliminated approximately 250 Hezbollah terroristsincluding senior commanderswas made possible in part by a lesser-known group: chareidi participants working behind the scenes in intelligence roles, Bchadrei reports.

The operation, codenamed Eternal Darkness, was launched just hours after a ceasefire with Iran took effect. It marked the largest Israeli strike in Lebanon since the start of the conflict, targeting command-and-control centers in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon.

While the scale of the strike drew immediate attention, emerging details point to the extensive intelligence groundwork that enabled itincluding contributions from graduates of specialized programs designed to integrate members of the chareidi community into national intelligence efforts outside of traditional military frameworks.

According to Bchadrei, several avreichim who had completed such programs were directly involved in the months-long intelligence buildup. Their work focused on identifying, tracking, and analyzing key Hezbollah positionspart of a broader effort that ultimately allowed for real-time targeting of dozens of targets simultaneously.

A security source who accompanied the operation described the process as painstaking and continuous, requiring the coordination of hundreds of personnel across multiple intelligence disciplines.

We needed to reach a point where, at a given moment, we had live, actionable intelligence on dozens of locations, the source said. That level of precision doesnt happen overnightits the result of sustained, detailed work.

The role of the chareidi contributors, while not publicly detailed by officials, is understood to have been part of this broader intelligence ecosystemparticularly in areas involving data processing, monitoring, and analytical support.

A senior intelligence official underscored the impact of the operation itself, noting that within a single minute, dozens of Hezbollah headquarters were struck and hundreds of operatives were eliminated. The loss of experienced commanders, the official said, represents a strategic and wide-ranging blow to the organizations capabilities.

Officials say the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, with additional casualties and operational impacts continuing to emerge.

Beyond the battlefield results, however, the operation is also drawing attention for what it reveals about evolving manpower pipelines within Israels intelligence community. Programs aimed at integrating chareidi participantsoften operating outside standard enlistment trackshave increasingly contributed to high-level analytical and technological work, according to those familiar with the system.

The technological capabilities are extraordinary, the security source said, but what ultimately determines success is how effectively that information is processed and turned into operational decisions. That requires a high level of skill across the board.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Rome is pulling back from its defense relationship with Jerusalem, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Tuesday, as fallout from the Middle East fighting continues to reshape European alliances.

Meloni said her government would not allow its military cooperation agreement with Israel to roll over automatically, a decision reached the previous day in consultations with her foreign minister, defense minister, and deputy prime minister.

The announcement drew attention partly because of its source. Melonis coalition has stood closer to Israel than almost any other government in Western Europe, making the move a signal that even friendly capitals are reaching their limits. Italian frustration has mounted in recent weeks over Israeli strikes in Lebanon that put the countrys UN peacekeeping contingent at risk.

A defense ministry official, speaking without authorization to be named, said the practical effect includes an end to joint military training between the two countries.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
An apartment fraud scheme has been uncovered in Bucha, Kyiv region: two heads of housing construction cooperatives who offered investments in the alleged construction of multi-story buildings have been served with suspicion notices, with veterans and internally displaced persons among the victims, Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said.

"Bucha, a city that continues to recover after the occupation. And it is here that certain individuals decided to profit from others misfortune. Veterans became victims of the scheme, as did those who had already lost their homes due to the war: internally displaced persons. People invested their last savings into new housing and received deception in return," the prosecutor general wrote on Telegram on Tuesday.

He said that under the procedural guidance of the Bucha district prosecutors office, two individuals were served with suspicion notices under part 5 of article 190 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

"These are heads of housing construction cooperatives who offered investments in the alleged construction of multi-story buildings. They signed contracts. Showed documents. Created an appearance of legitimacy. People paid hundreds of thousands of hryvnias. The result: no housing. Construction not completed, facilities not put into operation, funds misappropriated," Kravchenko said.

According to him, 66 victims have been identified so far. The total amount of damages exceeds UAH 35.5 mln.

"This is not just fraud. This is an attempt to profit from others misfortune, from those who lost their home and from those who defended it. We will identify everyone involved in this scheme. And this is a matter of principle: the funds must be returned to the people," the prosecutor general said.
In a significant diplomatic development, Israel and Lebanon held their first direct talks in decades on Tuesday in Washington, in a meeting brokered by the United States and hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The talks, described by U.S. officials as a historic opportunity, brought together Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh at the State Department. The meeting lasted approximately two hours, with no immediate breakthrough or follow-up date announced.

Rubio acknowledged the complexity of the effort, noting that the sides are working through decades of history, but expressed hope that the discussions could lay the groundwork for a more stable future.

But we can begin to move forward with a framework where something can happen, something very positive, something very permanent, Rubio said, adding that the goal is for Israelis to live without fear and for the Lebanese people to have a better future.

A State Department official emphasized that the talks had been in planning for about a month and are not connected to recent U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan. The official also took aim at Hezbollah, stating that the Iranian-backed group does not deserve a place and must be fully disarmed.

Iran will not be allowed to dictate the future of Lebanon any more. These talks are part of that effort, the official said.

Following the meeting, Israels ambassador said Lebanon had indicated it will no longer be occupied by Hezbollah, though that claim has not been confirmed by Lebanese officials. He added that discussions are ongoing regarding both security and civilian matters.

Hezbollah, which opposes the talks and was not represented, reportedly intensified attacks on northern Israel as the meeting took place.

Separately, the United States announced $58.8 million in new humanitarian aid to assist more than one million Lebanese civilians displaced during the recent fighting.

The talks come after over a month of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and while no agreements were reached, officials described the meeting as an important first step in what could become a longer diplomatic process.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that American forces are actively enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, marking a significant escalation in U.S. military operations in the region.

According to CENTCOM, the blockade is being carried out impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports.

The USS Tripoli (LHA 7), carrying roughly 3,500 sailors and Marines, is among the vessels leading the mission in the Arabian Sea.

Officials say the U.S. Navy currently has at least 18 ships deployed across the Middle East, with the blockade operation having begun on April 13.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Permanent TSB is to be bought by an Austrian bank for 1.6 billion euro, in what the Irish deputy premier said was the most significant development in the Irish retail banking market in over a decade.

The purchase of PTSB by Austrias fourth largest bank, BAWAG PSK, has been unanimously recommended by the PTSB Board.

The 57.5% stake held by Irelands Finance Minister, Tanaiste Simon Harris, will result in around 931 million euro of proceeds for the Irish State.

Mr Harris said the offer by BAWAG offered Ireland the chance to clear its last shareholding in an Irish bank since the 2009 financial crash, and represented another major step towards the normalisation of the banking sector in Ireland.

The proceeds from the transaction will be held within the Exchequer while Mr Harris examines how they will be used.

The purchase offer by BAWAG is to be implemented through a High Court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement.

Sinn Fein finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty said he believed banks such as AIB and PTSB should be kept in state ownership, and we should have used AIB to try and ensure that the needs of the Irish economy are met.

With these banks going into completely private ownership, you have a situation in which they will serve only the interest of their shareholders, he said on Tuesday.

I dont think thats a good situation for Irish banking.

Ive been very concerned in relation to the sale of Permanent TSB without knowing the detail of what are the long-term plans for that bank, in terms of branches, in terms of personnel, and where they see that bank going.

Mr Harris said: I am pleased that the Formal Sale Process, which attracted a significant level of buyer interest, has concluded in finding a new owner for PTSB who has a long-term vision for and commitment to PTSB and the Irish economy.

The announcement by PTSB and BAWAG represents the most significant development in the Irish retail banking market in over a decade.

PTSB has made great progress in building a strong competitive franchise in the market and BAWAGs demonstrated deep knowledge of the European and Irish banking sector can propel PTSB to an even more competitive position in the market, with the benefits of this to be seen by Irish consumers, businesses and the Irish economy more generally.

The Recommended Cash Offer by BAWAG presents the State with the opportunity to exit its last remaining shareholding in an Irish bank after 17 years and represents another major step towards the normalisation of the banking sector in Ireland.

A sale of the States investment is consistent with the objectives of recovering taxpayer funds that were used to rescue the Irish banks and deploying these to more productive purposes.

At a price of 2.97 euro per share the transaction will generate around 931 million euro for the State upon settlement.

Through a combination of fees, dividend income, the bank levy and disposal proceeds the State has recovered around four billion euro from its investment in PTSB.

On an overall basis, this means the State is about 1.3 billion euro above break-even on its 29.4 billion euro investment in AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB from direct shareholding linked income and has recovered a further 1.8 billion euro from the banking sector since the introduction of the bank levy.

PTSB is an important pillar of the retail banking sector and wider Irish economy, and it has made great progress in strengthening its continued sustainable growth to enhance competition in the market and provide choice to consumers.

The State has and continues to be very supportive of PTSB, and the Government believes that it is in the long-term interests of PTSB and citizens in general that the Bank be returned to full private ownership and begin the next phase of growth.

I want to welcome BAWAG as the future owner of PTSB. BAWAG has built a strong franchise in other European markets and will support PTSB in its next phase of development and the Irish economy as a whole.
Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Berlin, presidential press secretary Serhiy Nykyforov told journalists.

"The president has arrived in Berlin to meet with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and to take part in Ukrainian-German intergovernmental consultations," he said.

A meeting with Merz, a joint press appearance and document signing are also planned.

A plenary session of intergovernmental consultations with Zelenskyy and Merz is also set to take place in Berlin.

In addition, the Ukrainian head of state will visit Norway today, where he will meet with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre, with a press appearance planned.
Tributes have been paid to Moya Brennan after her death at 73.

The musician and songwriter played the harp with Irish folk band Clannad, the Grammy award-winning Celtic fusion pioneers.

A family statement issued to the media said she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

READ NEXT: Cockroaches and mouse droppings found as twelve food businesses forced to close in March

The band  siblings Ciaran, Pol and Moya Brennan and their twin uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan  achieved huge international success over their 40-year career.

Their distinctive and haunting sound has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and Moya Brennan later had a solo career.



Moya Brennan on harp with Chika Usami and Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh

Clannad formed in the early 1970s with regular performances at the familys music pub, Leos Tavern, in Gweedore, Co Donegal.

Another of the Brennan siblings, Enya, left the group in 1981 to embark on a hugely successful solo career.

Their unique take on traditional Irish songs, coupled with influences from The Beatles to the Beach Boys, won them a folk festival competition and a record deal.

READ NEXT: Major recall underway as SHEIN recalls two popular products in Ireland amid fears of fire

Their breakthrough hit Harrys Game, theme track to the TV series of the same name, came in 1982.

Worldwide acclaim and a global touring schedule followed, with a string of albums and well-known hits including In A Lifetime, with Bono.

Clannad reformed in 2011, with three comeback performances at Dublins Christ Church Cathedral, before recording a new album and touring Europe.

They picked up a lifetime achievement award at BBC Radio 2s Folk Awards in 2014.

Her musical night, Clubeo -an open stage for local musicians in her family pub Leos Tavern  was described as her proudest endeavour.

The President of Ireland described Brennan as an iconic figure, whose wonderful voice and multifaceted skills brought Irish music and culture to listeners all over the world.

Catherine Connolly said: Moya leaves an exceptional legacy of music which will be enjoyed for generations to come.

She added: May I extend my deepest sympathies to Moyas husband, Tim Jarvis, to her children Aisling and Paul, to her wider family, so many of whom have made such an important contribution to Irish music and culture, and to all of her friends, collaborators and listeners both in Ireland and all over the world.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: Deeply saddened at the passing of Moya Brennan  an iconic Irish voice.

READ NEXT: Multiple arrests made as tractor units 'drive erratically' and block traffic on busy motorway

Along with her Clannad bandmates, Moya brought Irish folk music to the international stage.

Deepest sympathies to Moyas family and friends at this difficult time.

U2 frontman Bono also paid a heartfelt tribute following Moya's death saying, "She walked through this world like an angel, and now she's back with her own kind. We love you Moya".

Her funeral mass will take place in Crolly, Co Donegal, on Friday.
A junior minister in the Irish Government has resigned over its handling of the fuel protests, saying he has grave reservations about the Irish premiers leadership.

Michael Healy-Rae was among several independent TDs who supported the formation of a coalition with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, but told the Dail on Tuesday he was stepping down as a minister of state over the handling of fuel protests.

He also voted against the Government in a confidence motion on Tuesday.

The Taoiseach had no prior warning before Mr Healy-Rae announced his resignation in the Dail, a spokesperson for Micheal Martin said.

Spokespeople for Mr Martin and deputy premier Simon Harris said the development was disappointing.

Mr Healy-Rae went to Mr Martins office after the announcement but the two could not speak as the Taoiseach was on a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Speaking outside Leinster House, Mr Healy-Rae was asked if Mr Martin was the right man for the job. He replied: I have grave reservations, and thats why I did what I did today.

When asked if the coalition government would survive, he said that is up to people supporting the Government.

During his speech to the Dail he criticised Mr Martin and said he should have listened to the concerns of people who protested about the impact of fuel costs on the agricultural and transport sectors.

Mr Healy-Rae also announced his resignation as minister of state with responsibility for forestry, farm safety and horticulture within the Department of Agriculture.

He had supported the Government formation alongside his brother Danny Healy-Rae, both independent TDs for Kerry, and who both voted against the Government.

The outgoing minister said he had listened to protesters and canvassers as he thanked his family, friends and constituency workers.

Ive always looked at myself as a gauge of the people of rural Ireland, and I really believe that I am, he told the Dail.

When I see people on the side of the road, when Ive seen grown men crying when I met tractor men, lorry men, farmers and when they were telling me how unhappy they were, the leader of the country should have listened.

Because of the fact that I believe this Government have let the people of Ireland down, I will be voting no confidence in the leader of the country, and I will be tendering my resignation as a minister of state from now.

I would ask that future governments and this Government that they would listen, that they would be kind, that they would be understanding.

There are farmers that are really suffering so much at present. There are agricultural contractors that are really suffering.

Speaking from the Government side of the Dail chamber, he said: There were people that cried at the protests. And these were workers, these were respectable people.

They are the people that I represented since the first day I started.

Mr Healy-Rae said the people of Kerry are telling him they are unhappy with Government and do not want to see any Healy-Rae supporting it.

He referenced his father Jackie Healy-Rae who entered into confidence and supply with Fianna Fail and said: Im thinking of my late father today, and he supported government when things were bad and things were tough, and I asked him, I went to bed, I said What should I do?

And the feeling that I have is the Government and the leader particularly have not listened.

Its a lesson for people in the future. I adored being a minister in the Department of Agriculture and I thank you all very, very much.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said he regretted the resignation of Mr Healy-Rae, whom he described as a good colleague within the Department.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill also paid tribute to him.

Asked if Mr Healy-Raes junior minister position would be replaced, a spokesperson for the Taoiseach said Government would consider next steps.

A spokesperson for Simon Harris said the Tanaiste respected the decision, describing Mr Healy-Rae as a good colleague and good minister.
Right now we take a moment to preview the future and offer a glimpse of Kansas City's most strident progressive leaders getting ready to push back against MAGA, the downtown stadium and anyone else who might doubt their commitment to worker rights . . . Luckily, with fewer Americans holding full time jobs right now, they might garner more supporters who are also looking for bosses they might one day protest.

Take a peek . . .

"Save the date for May 1st. Were joining local organizations for a nationwide day of disruption. "

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com screenshot . . .
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. An employee of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), Mughan Matili, born in 1995, died as a result of a mine incident in the liberated Ashaghi Abdurrahmanli village, Fuzuli district, today, a source in ANAMA told Trend.

According to the source, he was performing his official duties when an anti-tank mine exploded.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. Azerbaijans Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov met with Latvias Minister of Agriculture and Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific-Technical and Cultural Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Latvia, Armands Krauze, to discuss expanding bilateral ties, the Ministry of Economy told Trend.

According to the ministry, the meeting highlighted the countrys commitment to strengthening relations with Latvia, noting that the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership signed in 2017 provides a solid foundation for deepening cooperation. It was emphasized that economic and trade relations between the two countries are developing, as reflected in the growth of mutual trade turnover last year and in the early months of this year, while also pointing to further untapped potential.

The Azerbaijani side provided information on the favorable investment climate in the country and underlined broad prospects for cooperation in areas such as joint ventures, transit transportation, tourism, and other sectors.

Both sides assessed opportunities to expand joint activities in trade, energy, investment, transport, and agriculture.

According to data from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), Latvias direct investments in Azerbaijan amounted to $6.94 million US in 2025, which is $17.5 million, or 3.5 times lower compared to 2024. During the reporting period, Latvian investments accounted for 0.1% of total foreign direct investment in Azerbaijan.

12:07

Prospects for the development of economic relations were discussed between Azerbaijan and Latvia, the Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

"During the meeting with Armands Krauze, Minister of Agriculture of Latvia and Co-Chairman of the AzerbaijanLatvia Intergovernmental Commission, we underscored the prospects for economic relations between our countries.

We also explored opportunities to expand joint activities in trade, energy, investment, transport, and agriculture," he noted.

According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, in 2025, the volume of Latvian direct investments in Azerbaijan amounted to $6.9 million, reflecting a decrease of $17.5 million, or 3.5 times, compared to 2024. In the reporting year, Latvia's investments accounted for 0.1% in the total volume of foreign direct investments in Azerbaijan.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Yelo Bank has announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026. According to the reporting period, the Bank maintained a growth trend in both profitability and capital sustainability. The key performance indicators for the quarter are as follows:



During the first three months of 2026, Yelo Banks interest income rose by 25% compared to the same period last year, reaching 51 million AZN. Non-interest income exceeded 2 million AZN. Within the quarter, the Bank achieved a net profit of 6.6 million AZN.



The total loan portfolio increased by 13% (120 million AZN) year-on-year, rising to 1 billion 80 million AZN. Prioritizing support for the real sector, the Bank's business loan portfolio stands at 672 million AZN, accounting for a significant sharemore than 62%of the total portfolio. The consumer loan portfolio grew by 15% (55 million AZN) compared to the same period last year, reaching 410 million AZN by the end of the quarter.



Customer trust in the Bank as a financial partner is reflected in the volume of the deposit portfolio. The Bank's deposit portfolio grew by 16% (147 million AZN) compared to the first quarter of last year, exceeding 1 billion 60 million AZN.



Total capital increased compared to the beginning of the year, reaching 177 million AZN. The total capital adequacy ratio stood at 13.48%, and the Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio was 11.69%, both exceeding regulatory requirements.



As of the reporting date, the Bank's total assets stand at 1 billion 513 million AZN.



Starting the year at a high pace, Yelo Bank has succeeded in maintaining growth momentum in financial indicators. The Bank considers supporting the real sector, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), its strategic priority. In the upcoming period, Yelo Bank aims to accelerate the implementation of technological solutions to meet customers' financial needs in accordance with modern standards and create additional value for society.



Need more information about our banking services? Then call 981 or visit our Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, or yelo.az accounts.



Yelo Bank  Brighter Banking!
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. Azerbaijan has called for increased international support to expand mine clearance operations, stressing the ongoing humanitarian risks posed by landmines in liberated territories, the publication of the Azerbaijani MFA on X says, Trend reports.

"On April 14, an employee of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) was killed after triggering an anti-tank landmine in the Fuzuli district, in the village of Ashaghy Abdurrahmanli.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues.

This tragedy is a stark reminder of the continued human cost of landmines and the dangers faced every day by those working to make liberated areas safe. Since the end of the 2020 war, 422 Azerbaijanis have fallen victim to landmines. There is an urgent need for enhanced international support for comprehensive demining efforts," the post said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. The opening ceremony of the international conference on Amplifying women's voices across CICA for Sustainable Growth of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was held in Baku, Trend reports.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Bahar Muradova, Chair of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs of Azerbaijan, emphasized that the countrys contributions to the regional security initiatives testify to its growing role across the CICA region.

In the modern era, enhancing women's economic participation, expanding their entrepreneurial opportunities, and ensuring social inclusion serve as vital driving forces for sustainable economic development, she noted.

According to Muradova, women entrepreneurs involvement in regional development initiatives holds particular importance.

Speaking at the event, Leyla Aliyeva said that today, progress of society largely depends on participation of women. They are successful entrepreneurs, scientists, artists and leaders, she noted.

In Azerbaijan, role and contribution of women have always been recognized and highly valued. Respect and appreciation of women have always been part of our culture and traditions.

Today, across Azerbaijan, women are building businesses, leading community initiatives, and creating real impact.

Only last year, women were around 50% of employed population in Azerbaijan, reflecting their active and essential role in our economy, Leyla Aliyeva mentioned.

Noting that she is delighted to see that Azerbaijans chairmanship of CICA actively supports voices of women in sustainable growth and decision making, Leyla Aliyeva stated that the establishment of CICA Women Council is an important initiative. I wish this platform every success in transforming meaningful ideas into actions, she added.

In his remarks, Kairat Sarybay, CICA Secretary General, said that international and regional organizations serve as important partners in global efforts to empower women. Multilateral platforms, including the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), help shape norms, facilitate dialogue, and enable the exchange of best practices among member states, he noted.

Despite significant progress in Asia over the past decades, women's voices are still underrepresented in politics, economic leadership, peacebuilding, or discussions on climate change, as well as across many areas of decision-making, which makes the topic of the conference even more relevant, the CICA Secretary General added.

Sima Sami Bahous, UN Women's Executive Director, addressed the event through video message, hailing the establishment of the CICA Women Council.

The conference will feature panel discussions on topics such as "Women's Entrepreneurship in Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization" and "Women's Leadership in Environmental Protection and Strengthening Sustainability."

The event will be followed by the First Meeting of the CICA Women Council and the formal execution of its mandate, which will focus on coordination, dialogue and exchange of experiences among member states.
Ukraine, Sweden, and the UNDP continue their joint work to document the environmental impact of the war, develop approaches to damage assessment, and restore territories, the Ministry of Economy press service reported on Tuesday.

"To properly assess environmental damage and subsequently compensate for losses, it is critical to consolidate the efforts of all government agencies and strengthen international support. In the context of a full-scale war, the Ministry is systematically working to protect the environment, and the research presented forms the necessary analytical basis for decision-making and improving public policy," noted Ihor Zubovych, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine, during a meeting of the Project Council.

The meeting presented research on identifying explosive substances in soils, water pollution resulting from military operations, and a pilot case for restoring the territories of the Kamyanska Sich National Park.

The Ministry noted that, as part of a UNDP project, the State Environmental Inspectorate received 10 mini-mobile laboratories and 15 quadcopters in 2025. In addition to equipping 12 laboratories with reagents, approximately 600 inspectors were trained in identifying and recording environmental crimes.

The event took place at the Coordination Center for Environmental Damage Assessment with the participation of representatives of the relevant Verkhovna Rada committee, the State Environmental Inspectorate, and international partners.

The UNDP Environmental Damage Assessment Project, funded by the Government of Sweden, aims to strengthen Ukraines capacity to pay reparations for damage caused by Russian aggression.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. The Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, has left for a working visit to Istanbul, Turkiye, a source in the parliament told Trend.

The source noted that the speaker departed for Istanbul to participate in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the 5th Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network.

At the Istanbul Ataturk International Airport, Gafarova was met by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Rashad Mammadov, the Consul General of the country in Istanbul, Narmina Mustafayeva, and other officials.

According to information, within the framework of the visit, the speaker plans to have several meetings with the heads of the parliamentary delegations participating in the event.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of Khankendi, as well as in the Aghdara District and Khojaly District, alongside officials from the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons of Azerbaijan.

At this stage, 4 families (18 people) are returning to Vangli, 2 families (5 people) to Childiran, 9 families (56 people) to Ashaghi Oratagh, 3 families (13 people) to Heyvali, 2 families (6 people) to Chapar, and 1 family (4 people) to Dashbulag.

13:36

The next group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has been sent to Aghdara and Khojaly districts in accordance with the directives of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, as part of the ongoing Great Return to the liberated territories, Trend reports via the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs.

The group, relocated to Vangli, Childiran, Ashaghi Oratagh, Heyvali, Chapar villages in the Aghdara district, and Dashbulag village in the Khojaly district, consists of families who had temporarily settled in various parts of the country, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings.

At this stage, 4 families (18 people) are returning to Vangli, 2 families (5 people) to Childiran, 9 families (56 people) to Ashaghi Oratagh, 3 families (13 people) to Heyvali, 2 families (6 people) to Chapar, and 1 family (4 people) to Dashbulag.

The former IDPs returning to their native lands thanked President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. Azerbaijani delegation participated in the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Implementation Support Symposium of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), held under the theme Regional Solutions, Global Benefits in Morocco, Trend reports.

The Azerbaijani delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Samir Mammadov.

According to the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the symposium serves as a platform to achieve ICAOs long-term strategic objectives, address common implementation challenges, and promote sustainable aviation.

Within the framework of the event, a ministerial roundtable was held with the participation of representatives from more than 40 countries. In addition, an agreement was signed on ICAOs support for the green certification of Silk Way Cargo Village, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone, and the Alat Airport Administration project.

During the high-level meeting, member states also adopted a Call to Action document on ensuring the sustainable and long-term development of aviation. The symposium will continue until April 16.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. A meeting was held at the Media Development Agency (MEDIA) with a delegation of media representatives from Mongolia on April 14, Trend reports via MEDIA.

According to the agency, Deputy Executive Director Natig Mammadli informed the guests about the agencys main areas of activity, ongoing projects, and key priorities. He emphasized the importance of supporting the professional development of journalists, improving media literacy, and shaping a modern media environment aligned with current challenges.

The Mongolian delegation highlighted the importance of expanding experience exchange between media institutions, promoting partnership relations, and implementing joint media projects. They noted that organizing mutual visits, meetings, and media tours would contribute significantly to strengthening cooperation.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on enhancing information sharing and other relevant issues of mutual interest.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. On April 13, Moscow hosted the sixth meeting of the Joint Commission between Russia and Uzbekistan, underscoring the continued expansion of bilateral cooperation beyond traditional trade relations.

Founded in 2018 at the initiative of the two presidents, the commission has quickly evolved into a robust framework for coordinating economic activities. While it initially concentrated on trade, the scope of cooperation now spans multiple sectors, including energy, industry, logistics, technology, and human capital development.

Energy remains a central pillar of this collaboration, driving the broader trajectory of relations. A key project under this framework is the nuclear power plant in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh region, which involves Russias Rosatom and has already entered the implementation phase. Construction is actively progressing, and the industrial infrastructure is being developed. The project envisions an integrated nuclear power system with multiple units of varying capacities, rather than a single facility.

Early estimates suggest that the plants total output will reach approximately 17 billion kWh annually, accounting for 13-14% of Uzbekistan's current electricity consumption. Given the rising electricity demand, the project is expected to play a strategic role in enhancing the country's long-term energy security, adding significant weight to the ongoing cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan.

Implementation of this initiative will provide an additional boost to the economy and ensure a stable energy supply for decades, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during the meeting.

Cooperation in the oil and gas sector is also deepening. The parties confirmed their readiness to continue and expand supplies of Russian oil and natural gas. Particular emphasis is being placed on the modernization of Uzbekistans gas transportation and processing infrastructure with the involvement of Russian technologies and expertise. Drilling of new wells is already underway, while production facilities are being upgraded to improve overall efficiency.

At the same time, Uzbekistans energy strategy remains diversified. The country is actively expanding renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind generation. However, base-load sources, including nuclear and gas, continue to play a critical role in ensuring grid stability and meeting peak demand, underscoring the importance of ongoing joint projects with Russia.

On the broader economic front, bilateral cooperation shows continued positive momentum. In 2025, trade turnover between Russia and Uzbekistan rose by 12.5%, approaching $13 billion. Russias exports to Uzbekistan expanded across key sectors, including mineral products, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, while Uzbekistan strengthened its position in textiles and agricultural exports. Russias share in Uzbekistans total foreign trade turnover remains around 16%, reinforcing its role as one of Uzbekistans principal economic partners.

Russia is among Uzbekistans leading foreign trade partners. Mutual trade turnover has grown by nearly 12.5 percent and approached one trillion rubles. In line with the agreements between the heads of state, we aim to multiply this figure by 2030, Mishustin noted.

At the same time, the current stage of cooperation is increasingly defined not only by trade volumes but also by a shift toward industrial cooperation and large-scale investment projects. More than 3,000 enterprises with Russian participation operate in Uzbekistan, while around 150 joint projects worth approximately 4 trillion rubles are being implemented across various sectors.

A critical aspect of this cooperation is the development of joint industrial zones, which serve as key platforms for fostering deeper integration. Technoparks in Chirchik and Jizzakh are already yielding significant outcomes, with multiple residents and the creation of thousands of jobs. The expansion of these zones is expected to continue in the coming years, with new projects planned across various regions, enhancing both localization and production supply chains.

These platforms demonstrate tangible results of industrial cooperation and form a solid foundation for further growth in mutual trade, Alexey Mikhailov, Director of the Department for Economic Cooperation with CIS Countries at Russias Ministry of Economic Development, told Trend.

Logistics development further complements this framework. The parties are actively building a network of wholesale distribution centers and trade houses, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing transaction costs. These initiatives are already being implemented in several Russian regions and are gradually expanding in scale.

Overall, the outcomes of the meeting represent a broader trajectory of economic collaboration, marked by the convergence of energy, trade, investment, infrastructure, and technological development. Whether the two countries will achieve their ambitious goal of significantly increasing trade turnover by 2030 hinges on the continued success of this integrated model of cooperation. At present, Russia and Uzbekistan are making steady progress toward deeper economic integration, cementing their position as one of the most dynamic partnerships in the region.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. Azerbaijan sent 22 railcars of diesel fuel to Armenia today, Trend reports.

Four railcars of fertilizer from Russia were also sent to Armenia via Azerbaijan.

The train departed from Bilajari station towards Boyuk Kasik station.

To date, 6,312 tons of diesel, 979 tons of RON-92 gasoline and 2,955 tons of RON-95 gasoline have been exported from Azerbaijan to Armenia.

On October 21, 2025, in a joint press statement with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev announced that Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had existed since the time of occupation. The first such transit cargo was a shipment of Kazakh grain to Armenia.

On December 18, SOCAR shipped 1,220 tons of RON-95 motor fuel to Armenia. On January 9, 2026, a total of 2,698 tons of cargo (48 railcars) were dispatched, including 1,742 tons of RON-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel fuel.

On January 11, an 18-railcar train carrying 979 tons of RON-92 gasoline was delivered. On February 25, 4,500 tons of diesel fuel were transported, followed on March 5 by 31 railcars with 1,984 tons of diesel and two railcars carrying 135 tons of Russian fertilizer. Additional consignments included a seven-railcar train of Russian grain on March 9 and, on March 11, a total of 11 railcars loaded with 1,023 tons of grain (net weight: 770 tons).

On March 24 of this year, 4 wagons of fertilizers with a total weight of 271 tons and one wagon of buckwheat weighing 68 tons were dispatched to Armenia via transit through Azerbaijan.

On March 25, 5 wagons with wheat, weighing a total of 350 tons, were dispatched to Armenia via transit through Azerbaijan.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. Delinquencies on loans of seven billion rials (about $5,300) and below won't be taken into account in the assessment during the state of emergency (from February 28 through May 30), Executive Director of the Iran Credit Scoring (ICS) Company, Reza Ghasempour, told local media, Trend reports.

According to him, the Central Bank of Iran has already notified the ICS Company of the issue.

Ghasempour added that the said loan delinquency must necessarily be after February 28.

The company official said that banknotes returned to banks during the said period will also not be taken into account in the assessment of legal entities and individuals.

Due to the lack of concrete results between the U.S. and Iran on 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. Through Pakistans mediation, a two-week ceasefire agreement was reached between the sides on April 7. The U.S.Iran talks held in Islamabad on April 11 ended without reaching an agreement.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 14. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), jointly with the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan, has handed over specialized laser land leveling equipment to local authorities and agricultural entities, Trend reports via UNDP.

The equipment was delivered to the Hakimlik (municipal administration) of Saparmurat Turkmenbashi District in Dashoguz province and the Obahyzmat production association in Darganata District of Lebap province under a project supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It will be used on pilot plots, with plans to scale up the technology among local farmers.

The initiative also includes training for stakeholders and farmers to ensure effective use of the technology, which enables precise land leveling, improves irrigation efficiency, prevents waterlogging and soil salinization.

The equipment transfer is part of broader efforts to combat land degradation, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable land and water management in the areas, which are most affected by the Aral Sea crisis.

The Aral Sea, located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in Central Asia, was once one of the largest inland water bodies in the world. Since the 1960s, massive irrigation projects diverted the rivers feeding it, causing the sea to shrink dramatically and lose over 90% of its volume. This led to widespread environmental damage, including desertification, salt storms, and severe ecosystem degradation across the region.

Turkmenistan, particularly its northern Dashoguz region, is directly affected by these consequences through soil salinization, water scarcity, and declining agricultural productivity. To address these challenges, the country has received support from international partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), which finance projects aimed at restoring degraded land, improving water management, and strengthening climate resilience.
Enemy attacks kill four and wound 16 in Kherson region over the past day  police

Photo: https://npu.gov.ua

Four people were killed and 16 wounded in Kherson region over the past day, including two medical workers, the National Police reported on the results of April 13.

"In Kherson region, four people were killed and 16 wounded as a result of Russian aggression, including two medical workers. Kherson region police are recording further crimes by the occupants against the civilian population. Russian forces once again shelled de-occupied settlements of Kherson and Beryslav districts with artillery, mortars, tactical aviation and UAVs," reads the National Police statement on its website on Tuesday.

It is reported that occupation forces struck one of the settlements of Beryslav city community with guided aerial bombs. Russians shelled Komyshany. A 64-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman were wounded. Both sustained blast injuries, fragmentation wounds to the torso and concussions. A private residence was damaged.

In Osokorivka, the enemy struck a private residence with an FPV drone, killing an 89-year-old woman. In Chereshenky, a munitions drop from a UAV onto a vehicle killed a 40-year-old man and wounded two others. Men aged 26 and 32 sustained mine-blast injuries. The vehicle burned down.

Police recorded damage to 35 facilities: three apartment buildings and 13 private residences, a critical infrastructure facility, an administrative building, a dormitory, an emergency medical vehicle, nine civilian cars, two garages and gas pipelines.

In Dniprovsky district of Kherson, a UAV munitions drop onto a vehicle left a 65-year-old man with blast and traumatic brain injuries, concussion, and fragmentation wounds to the head and limbs. A passenger of the vehicle was also killed; his identity is being established.

In the evening, the occupants struck another civilian vehicle with an FPV drone, killing a 58-year-old man. Two more vehicles were damaged in further attacks. Shortly after, a drone operator attempted to strike yet another vehicle traveling on a highway. Attempting to escape the drone, a 22-year-old driver lost control and collided with a utility pole. He sustained back bruising. His 20-year-old passenger suffered a traumatic brain injury, bruising to various parts of the body and abrasions.

An emergency medical crew responding to a call came under FPV drone attack. Two medical workers aged 35 and 59 were wounded. Both sustained blast injuries and concussions. The special vehicle was damaged.

Russian forces dropped explosives from a drone in a residential area of the Shumensky neighborhood. Six people aged 42 to 84 were wounded in the strike. Three women and three men were diagnosed with blast and traumatic brain injuries, concussions and fragmentation wounds to various parts of the body. Two vehicles were damaged. An FPV-type drone strike also damaged another vehicle.

In addition, an 83-year-old resident of the Shumensky neighborhood sought medical assistance after being wounded in an enemy artillery shelling on April 7. The woman was diagnosed with a blast injury and concussion.

Over the past day, police responded to 396 applications and reports from citizens regarding criminal offenses and other incidents. Twenty-five proceedings were opened under article 438 "War crimes" of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Premium Turkmenistan's airport announces tender for firefighting agents supply

Turkmenabat International Airport has launched an international price quotation tender for the supply of foam fire suppressant and dry chemical extinguishing agents, inviting companies to submit applications and participate in the bidding process.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. Azerbaijans Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov met with Latvias Minister of Agriculture and Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Scientific-Technical and Cultural Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Latvia, Armands Krauze, to discuss expanding bilateral ties, the Ministry of Economy told Trend.

According to the ministry, the meeting highlighted the countrys commitment to strengthening relations with Latvia, noting that the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership signed in 2017 provides a solid foundation for deepening cooperation. It was emphasized that economic and trade relations between the two countries are developing, as reflected in the growth of mutual trade turnover last year and in the early months of this year, while also pointing to further untapped potential.

The Azerbaijani side provided information on the favorable investment climate in the country and underlined broad prospects for cooperation in areas such as joint ventures, transit transportation, tourism, and other sectors.

Both sides assessed opportunities to expand joint activities in trade, energy, investment, transport, and agriculture.

According to data from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), Latvias direct investments in Azerbaijan amounted to $6.94 million US in 2025, which is $17.5 million, or 3.5 times lower compared to 2024. During the reporting period, Latvian investments accounted for 0.1% of total foreign direct investment in Azerbaijan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. More than 2,700 tons of barley are expected to be harvested from three counties in the west of Hormozgan Province in southern Iran, the officials of the agricultural departments of three counties of Hormozgan Province told media, Trend reports.

Sadullah Rahmani, an official of the Bastak county agricultural department of the province, said that barley has been planted on an area of about 2,200 hectares in the county, and a total of more than 1,500 tons of barley are expected to be harvested.

Malik Ashtar Bina, an official of the Bandar Lengeh county agricultural department, said that barley has been planted on an area of 630 hectares in the county, and 820 tons of barley are expected to be harvested.

Masoud Palangi, an official of the Parsian county agricultural department, noted that barley has been planted on an area of 280 hectares in the county and more than 400 tons of barley are expected to be harvested.

Barley is considered one of the essential crops in Iran (wheat, barley, rice, tea, cooking oil, etc.). Iran is implementing various plans to increase barley production in the country.

Currently, in Hormozgan Province, in addition to seasonal farming, 3.95 million tons of various agricultural products are grown annually on 161,000 hectares.
Four companies within NEQSOL Holding have been included in Azerbaijans top 100 taxpayers list for 2025, published by the State Tax Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In 2025, companies within NEQSOL Holding contributed a total of AZN 221.9 million in taxes to the Azerbaijani state budget, strengthening the holdings position as one of the countrys largest taxpayers.

Among the leading taxpayers within the Holding are Azerconnect Group, Norm, Bakcell, AzerTelecom, along with Nobel Energy and other group companies.

Two companies within NEQSOL Holding  Azerconnect Group and Norm  are also among the top 10 largest taxpayers in the non-oil-and-gas sector in Azerbaijan.

In 2025, NEQSOL Holding paid AZN 221.9 million in taxes, with four of its companies ranked among the countrys top 100 taxpayers. Beyond its significant tax payments, the holding continues to contribute to Azerbaijans economic development through sustainable business practices, investments, job creation, and social initiatives. These results highlight the holdings commitment to economic growth, transparency, and corporate social responsibility, said Imran Ahmadzada, Group CFO of NEQSOL Holding and Head of NEQSOL Holding Azerbaijan.

NEQSOL Holding is an international group of companies operating across 11 countries in energy, telecommunications, hi-tech, construction, and mining industries. The holding places significant emphasis on expanding its presence in Azerbaijan and, as it continues to grow, remains dedicated to contributing to the countrys economic and social development.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. Joint projects and new initiatives have been discussed between Azerbaijan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the statement of the Ministry of Finance says, Trend reports.

The discussion was held during the meeting between the Minister of Finance, Head of the ADB in Azerbaijan, Sahil Babayev, and a delegation led by Leah Gutierrez, the Director General of the Central and West Asia Department (CWRD) at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), visiting the country.

The meeting discussed the prospects for expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ADB, especially the projects implemented and planned for implementation within the framework of the bank's financial and technical support.

Babayev stated that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to partnership with the ADB, and the projects financed by the bank within the framework of this cooperation and the financial and technical support provided play an important role in the sustainable socio-economic development of the country. He noted that so far, approximately $5.5 billion has been financed for 145 projects within the framework of cooperation with the ADB, and as a continuation of this partnership, the Country Partnership Strategy covering 20252029 has been formulated in accordance with national development priorities.

Stressing that Azerbaijan has prioritized priorities such as economic diversification, green and sustainable development, as well as inclusive growth in its cooperation with the ADB, the minister noted that Azerbaijan acts as an active partner contributing to the Asian Development Fund for 20212027.

At the same time, he highlighted the successive reforms carried out in the direction of strengthening macroeconomic stability, increasing fiscal discipline, improving public financial management, implementing a medium-term expenditure framework, improving transparency and governance, as well as increasing the efficiency of state-owned enterprises and expanding the participation of the private sector in the economy.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez welcomed the development of cooperation with Azerbaijan and highly appreciated the active participation of the country, especially within the framework of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) program. She noted that strengthening trade, transport, and logistics relations is of great importance in terms of deepening economic integration in the region and ensuring sustainable development.

The meeting also included a wide exchange of views on the directions of transport connections, modernization of water supply and utility infrastructure, and expanding cooperation in the field of green energy.

The parties emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for joint action in the areas of private sector development, especially expanding access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, development of capital markets, and attracting investments through public-private partnership mechanisms (PPP).

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. Azerbaijan sees broad potential to expand energy cooperation with the Czech Republic beyond crude oil supplies, including natural gas and renewables, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan on special assignments Elchin Amirbayov said in an interview with Czech media, Trend reports.

It would be fair to say that about one-third of the oil which is used by the Czech Republic comes from Azerbaijan. This cooperation could be expanded to other areas. It could also cover natural gas, he said.

According to Amirbayov, Azerbaijan has significantly diversified its gas export geography in recent years.

Today, Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries in the world in terms of the number of countries recipients of natural gas in different regions. Today, we export natural gas to 16 nations in the world, 10 of which are members of the European Union. Most recently, Austria and Germany joined that list, he noted.

He also outlined perspectives for cooperation in the field of green energy.

We also could expand the energy portfolio to cover renewable sources of energy, because Azerbaijan has an enormous potential in solar and wind energy and electricity. There are some projects that we are discussing with some members of the European Union and regional countries on how to diversify the energy sources to Europe, Amirbayov said.

At the same time, he stressed that further expansion of gas supplies will require infrastructure upgrades and investment.

In order for us to increase the number of volumes of gas to new countries, of course, we need some additional investment in the upstream development, but also in the expansion of the transmission capacity of the existing infrastructure. Because the southern gas corridor through which we are exporting our natural gas to Europe is fully booked already. We need some additional capacity, and for that, the EU and Azerbaijan need to work together, he added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. Iran's crude oil exports have been at an appropriate level since February 21, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said during a meeting with officials of the National Petrochemical Industry Company, Trend reports.

According to him, the four main companies of the Iranian Oil Ministry worked continuously in an emergency situation (during the war) and made efforts to ensure that Iran's crude oil exports from Kharg Island didn't stop even for a day.

Paknejad noted that the Oil Ministry is using all its capabilities to remove restrictions in the oil sector.

Due to the lack of concrete results between the U.S. and Iran on 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. Through Pakistans mediation, a two-week ceasefire agreement was reached between the sides on April 7. The U.S.-Iran talks held in Islamabad on April 11 ended without reaching an agreement.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) has announced a new partnership with Basisbank to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and green investments in Georgia, Trend reports via the BSTDB.

Under a $25 million financing facility, BSTDB will channel funds through Basisbank to expand access to credit for local SMEs and to finance environmentally sustainable projects, aiming to support both entrepreneurship and the countrys green transition.

The initiative is aligned with BSTDBs SME and climate strategies and is designed to stimulate innovation, improve competitiveness and strengthen long-term economic resilience in Georgia.

BSTDB President Dr. Serhat Koksal said the partnership reflects the banks commitment to delivering tangible economic impact by working with strong local financial institutions.

Empowering SMEs and advancing green transformation are at the heart of BSTDBs mission, he said, adding that cooperation with Basisbank would help businesses grow, innovate and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Basisbank General Director David Tsaava said the agreement would enhance the banks ability to support Georgian SMEs and finance environmentally responsible investments, contributing to more sustainable economic growth.

BSTDB said it remains focused on expanding cooperation with financial institutions across the Black Sea region to promote investment, sustainability and long-term economic development.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukraine proposed an agreement to Germany regarding the production of various types of drones, and teams are beginning specific work on this, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"We proposed drone deals to Germany, a bilateral drone-deal for various types of drones, missiles, software, and modern defense. Our teams are beginning concrete work. Our experience can be integrated into the European security system," Zelenskyy said in Berlin at a joint press conference with Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz.

The President noted that 10 agreements at various levels have already been signed with Germany, including an agreement on air defense. This concerns missiles for anti-aircraft systems, in particular PAC-2 and launchers for IRIS-T.

"We must ensure such capabilities where Europeans can produce here in Europe everything that is critically necessary for the defense of Europe This applies, in particular, to Europe's ability to produce anti-ballistic air defense in the required volumes and with the full force of protection against any drones, any aerial targets," Zelenskyy noted.

He reported discussing this with Merz, and work is underway to achieve such a result.

"Ukraine is ready to make its contribution," the head of state emphasized.

Zelenskyy also reported that intergovernmental consultations between the countries will take place on Tuesday, the subject of which will be defense cooperation and joint defense production.

"Such a format of intergovernmental consultations between our states is happening today for the first time in over 20 years. We expect the next consultations between the governments to take place next year, and not in another 20 years; God grant they take place in a peaceful Ukraine," he summarized.
Photo: Official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 14. Kazakhstans Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has instructed the acceleration of the modernization of the port infrastructure in Aktau and Kuryk ports, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh government.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is one of the most rapidly developing corridors, and it is essential to expedite the modernization of the port infrastructure at both Aktau and Kuryk, Bektenov emphasized.

He further highlighted the significant strategic tasks facing the road sector, particularly those aimed at enhancing regional transport connectivity. Bektenov stated that this years agenda includes large-scale construction and repair work covering 11,000 km of highways.

"In the transport sector, positive dynamics are evident, with key performance indicators reflecting growth. However, it is crucial to systematically expand the capacity of the railway network. The completion of the construction and modernization of approved projects must be ensured by the end of this year," he added.

Additionally, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the pace of preparations for various upcoming projects, specifically noting delays in the documentation process for road projects intended to be financed under state guarantees.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 14. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov discussed the development of a strategic partnership between the countries, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president.

In the course of the meeting, President Tokayev noted the high dynamics of bilateral strategic cooperation and stated that Kazakhstan attaches primary importance to cooperation with Belarus across all areas.

We will hold a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in May. I think that in addition to the multilateral agenda, we will also discuss other issues related to the development of relations between our states, Tokayev emphasized.

In addition, he emphasized the necessity of maintaining an active dialogue based on trust and ensuring the coordinated implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level.

The sides highlighted the importance of further strengthening cooperation in industrial cooperation, transport, agriculture, tourism, and other areas.

Particular attention was paid to increasing exports of Kazakh products. The president welcomed the upcoming opening of the Belarusian Consulate General in Almaty, which is expected to expand regional ties between the two countries.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on current regional and international issues.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 14. A framework cooperation agreement has been signed between KMG Drilling & Services and China Oilfield Services Limited, Trend reports via KazMunayGas.

The document provides for strengthening partnership in drilling and oilfield services in Kazakhstan. Key areas of cooperation include drilling operations, well services, joint project participation, technology transfer, and the development of local content.

The signing took place following a meeting in Astana between Chairman of the Management Board of KazMunayGas Askhat Khassenov and CEO of COSL Zhao Shunqiang.

The parties discussed expanding cooperation in the oilfield services sector, reviewed prospects for collaboration in scientific and technological development and human capital enhancement.

It was noted that KMG Engineering and COSL have already begun joint work on implementation of new technologies in field development, drilling, and well overhaul. Plans are also in place to organize training for KazMunayGas specialists at COSLs production facilities.

Khassenov noted that China National Offshore Oil Corporation is one of KazMunayGas key partners in geological exploration, while cooperation with COSL offers opportunities to promote the competencies of Kazakh oilfield service companies with the support of Chinese partners.

China Oilfield Services, founded in 2001, is one of the largest international oilfield service companies and part of CNOOC. The company provides a full range of services, including drilling, geophysical and seismic exploration, drilling fluids and cementing, production enhancement, and integrated engineering solutions, with projects across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 14. As part of the "Social Contract" program aimed at reducing unemployment in the country, assistance was provided to 3,908 families in the Osh region of Kyrgyzstan last year, the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, said on April 13, Trend reports via the press service of the Kyrgyz President.

He made the announcement during a meeting with residents and local officials of the Alay district as part of his working visit to the Osh region.

According to him, in the Alay district alone, 379 individuals received support in the agricultural sector, while as of March 1 of this year, social contracts have already been signed with 139 citizens.

President Sadyr Japarov noted that within less than a year, the population of the village of Gulcha increased and its infrastructure developed, and taking into account its growing administrative importance, the settlement was granted the status of a town of district significance.

"This decision creates new opportunities for socio-economic development, improving the living standards of the population, and ensuring sustainable growth of the entire Alay district. It also contributes to infrastructure development and the attraction of investment.

In this regard, I reviewed the use of 500 million soms ($5,72 million) allocated from the State Stabilization Fund, including projects for road construction and repair, the construction of kindergartens, and the improvement of park areas. I also visited the construction of an additional academic building of the Otunchiev School, and took part in the opening of a cultural center for public services, wishing it success," the Head of State concluded.

Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan is expanding its Social Contract program as part of broader efforts to reduce unemployment and stimulate small-scale entrepreneurship in rural areas, while also combining social assistance with infrastructure development and local economic empowerment initiatives across the regions.
Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, April 14. Tajikistan and a Russian region discuss expansion of comprehensive cooperation, Trend reports via the Tajik MFA.

These issues were discussed on April 10, 2026, during a working visit to the Kaliningrad region (Russia), at a meeting between Consul General of the Republic of Tajikistan in St. Petersburg Khurshed Sherali and Governor of the Kaliningrad region Alexey Besprozvannykh.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, education, culture, and tourism.

At the same time, a military award discovered by search teams at the sites of the 1945 battles was handed over. The medal "For Battle Merit" belonged to Alim Ishanov.

Eighty-one years ago, as a native of the Tajik SSR, the 22-year-old junior sergeant took part in combat operations as part of a unit of the 3rd Belorussian Front.

Meanwhile, Tajikistan and Russia continue to steadily develop their strategic partnership, expanding cooperation across key areas such as trade, investment, education, labor migration, and cultural ties, with interregional engagement remaining an important component of bilateral relations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. It is essential that the ceasefire be strictly respected by all parties and that it include Lebanon, French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

Meanwhile, Macron has held talks with the presidents of the United States and Iran, urging the removal of restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

It is essential, in particular, that the ceasefire be strictly respected by all parties and that it include Lebanon. It is equally important that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened unconditionally, without restrictions or tolls, as soon as possible," he wrote.

Macron also announced that France and the United Kingdom will also host a conference in Paris this Friday, bringing together by videoconference non-belligerent countries ready to contribute, alongside us, to a multilateral and purely defensive mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the strait when security conditions allow.

The French President further called on U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to the resumption of the negotiations suspended in Islamabad, the clearing up of misunderstandings, and the avoidance of any further escalation.

He also stressed the need to strictly observe the agreed ceasefire and said it is essential, in particular, that the ceasefire be strictly respected by all parties and that it include Lebanon.

On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran. Strikes were carried out against the countrys largest cities, including Tehran. The White House justified the attack by citing missile and nuclear threats emanating from the Islamic Republic. As a result of the strikes on Iran, the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several other key figures in the leadership were killed. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliatory operation against Israel. Iran also targeted U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Syria with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

The conflict has placed the regions energy infrastructure and maritime shipping under serious threat. Due to security tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have surged.

Through Pakistans mediation, a two-week ceasefire agreement was reached between the sides on April 7. The U.S.Iran talks held in Islamabad on April 11 ended without reaching an agreement.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 14. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was important to continue negotiations between the US and Iran, he UN Secretary General told reporters, Trend reports.

He called it unrealistic to expect a resolution to the protracted and complex conflict at the very first stage.

Guterres stressed the need for continued dialogue and the maintenance of the ceasefire throughout the negotiation process.

On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran. Strikes were carried out against the countrys largest cities, including Tehran. The White House justified the attack by citing missile and nuclear threats emanating from the Islamic Republic. As a result of the strikes on Iran, the countrys Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several other key figures in the leadership were killed. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliatory operation against Israel. Iran also targeted U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Syria with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

The conflict has placed the regions energy infrastructure and maritime shipping under serious threat. Due to security tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, global oil prices have surged.

Through Pakistans mediation, a two-week ceasefire agreement was reached between the sides on April 7. The U.S.Iran talks held in Islamabad on April 11 ended without reaching an agreement.

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Webinar to review green-up forecast in Interior Alaska

Photo by Susan Harry

Birch catkins release pollen on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus in spring 2025.

Tracking birch sap, green-up and pollen in Alaskas boreal forest will be the main topics of a webinar at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 23.

In spring, many Alaskans tap birch trees and turn the sap into delicious treats. Shortly afterward, green-up occurs as leaves burst forth from Alaskas deciduous trees, with effects upon ecology, society and even weather. Green-up is rapidly followed by pollen release, a health issue for many Alaskans.

Fairbanks has a unique multidecadal record of green-up dates, which has been used to develop techniques for forecasting green-up and related events in Alaskas boreal forest.

During the webinar, Rick Thoman, with the Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, will review green-up forecasting tools and look at spring 2026.

Jan Dawe, who leads OneTree Alaska at UAFs Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, will talk about ways that the program reaches out to birch tappers and the public to engage in citizen science.

Susan Harry, a National Allergy Board-certified pollen counter who works at UAFs Department of Veterinary Medicine, will discuss her counting techniques and the effect of pollen on community health.

Researchers around the world have become interested in the Fairbanks data, which shows longer pollen seasons and earlier green-up dates. Allergy sufferers benefit from knowing the daily pollen count, as it helps them plan outdoor activities and manage their overall health.

To register for the webinar, visit the ACCAP website, https://uaf-accap.org/event/green-up-2026/. For more information, contact ACCAP via email or call 907-474-7812.

216-26
Akbar Novruz



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced what he described as a historic first in modern warfare, stating that Ukrainian forces successfully captured an enemy position using only unmanned systems, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Zelensky, the operation was carried out exclusively with the use of ground robotic complexes and aerial drones, without any direct involvement of infantry units.

He noted that opposing forces surrendered during the operation and were subsequently taken prisoner, with no casualties reported on the Ukrainian side.

Ukrainian forces captured a Russian position using only drones and unmanned ground robotic systems (UGVs) for the first time since the war began in 2022. President Volodymyr Zelensky displayed the country's arsenal on X, writing, "The future is already on the front line  and Ukraine is building it." He added in the post, "These are our ground robotic systems. For the first time in the history of this war, an enemy position was taken exclusively by unmanned platforms  ground systems and drones." Zelensky claimed that there was no infantry involved, no losses on its side and that the Russian troops surrendered. The president also said that over the past three months, Ukrainian ground robotic systems have carried out more than 22,000 missions, with systems such as Ratel, Termit, Ardal, Rys, Zmii, Protector, Volya, and others.

"In other words, lives were saved more than 22,000 times when a robot went into the most dangerous areas instead of a warrior," Zelensky said. He also addressed Ukraines defense industry in a video, and thanked "everyone involved  in workshops, design bureaus, laboratories, testing grounds, production and repair facilities  everyone working every day for Ukraine." Praising the drones, the president said that they can reach a distance of 1,750 kilometres from Ukraines border, and this will increase in the future. It is not about records, but about justice that finds evil anywhere in the world, he said, adding that systems such as Sichen, Liutyi, Morok, Bars, Obriy, and FP are evidence of this," he said.

Praising the country's military capabilities, he further wrote, "Ukraine has its own long-range missile weapons. Not just in development, but a real force already at work. Flamingo and Ruta, Peklo and Neptune, Palianytsia and Vilkha." Zelensky stated that negotiations to create a joint air defense system with European partners will take place this week. Issuing a warning, he said, "Either Ukraine becomes an inseparable part of Europes security system, or some in Europe risk becoming part of the Russian world." Notably, Ukraine's Drone Line, costing $880 million and operational since March 2025, killed nearly 30,000 Russian soldiers in a single winter.

Zelensky emphasized that this marks the first known instance in the history of warfare where a position was seized entirely through robotic and drone systems, highlighting the rapidly evolving role of autonomous and remote-controlled technologies on the battlefield.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukraine weapons production capacity is twice the volume currently being utilized due to insufficient funding, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.

"The capacity is twice as large as what we use. Our Ukrainian production is twice as large. We simply lack the money," Zelenskyy said in Berlin at a joint press conference with Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz.

The President noted that this was partially discussed during the meeting, and Ukraine expects Germany to help unlock EUR 90 billion, so that Ukrainian production can be supplemented with investments, then the volume of product used on the battlefield will be even greater.

Zelenskyy also emphasized that Europe and NATO countries need Ukraine and its strong army.

"Because nobody needs a Ukrainian army-light Therefore, I believe this is a bilateral interest," he added.
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Meet Peter Magyar who ended Viktor Orban's 16-yr-rule in Hungary



Peter Magyar is the Man of the Hour, after ending the Viktor Mihaly Orbans 16-year-long right-wing rule in Hungary, and probably also the countrys tussle with the European Union (EU) and NATO

Peter Magyar is the Man of the Hour. He ended the Viktor Mihaly Orbans 16-year-long right-wing rule in Hungary, and probably also the countrys tussle with the European Union (EU) and NATO.

As per the final results announced Monday April 13, 2026, Peter Magyars Tisza Party won an overwhelming 138 of the total 199 seats in the National Assembly. Whereas the ruling FideszKDNP of Viktor Orban could win just 55 seats.

With the super majority and landslide victory in the 2026 General Elections, Peter Magyar is all set to become the new Prime Minister of Hungary.

Viktor Orban served as Prime Minister of Hungary from 1998 to 2002 and again from 2010 until April 2026.

His defeat is seen as a rejection of prolonged one-party rule, amid ongoing concerns over corruption and EU relations.

Peter Magyar Political Journey

Like Viktor Orban, Peter Magyar is also a Lawyer, and interestingly, he was part of Orbans inner circle.

Such was Magyars influence in the Fidesz Party that his wife Judit Varga went on to serve as Justice Minister in Viktor Orbans cabinet.

Magyar broke with Fidesz Party and joined the previously low-profile Tisza Party in 2024. The immediate reason for Magyars decision to part ways with Orban was a presidential pardon for a man convicted in a child sex-abuse cover-up case (his ex-wife was involved and resigned).

Magyar later used corruption, law and order, EU frozen funds and Hungarys strained relation with the EU and NATO as key poll planks to position himself as a reformer.

The mover worked and Magyar's center-right, pro-EU Tisza Party registered a landslide victory in the 2026 Parliamentary Elections.

Tonight, truth prevailed over lies, Magyar told supporters in his Victory Speech.

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.

Who is Peter Magyar?

Peter Magyar was born on March 16, 1981 in Hungarys capital Budapest. A lawyer and seasoned diplomat, Magyar serves as the President of the Tisza Party which overthrew the ruling Fidesz Party in the 2026 Hungary Elections.

Magyars family has been politically active. His great-uncle, Ferenc Madl, was former president of Hungary.

In the 2010s, Magyar held roles in Hungary's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on EU legislation in Brussels. In 2011, he joined the Permanent Representation of Hungary to the European Union in Brussels.

Magyars rise to power has also been marred by scandals, including charges of domestic violence by his former wife, Varga.

Soon after Magyar posted her recording on Facebook in March 2024, she wrote on the social media platform: I said what he wanted to hear so I could get away as soon as possible. In a situation like this, any person can say things they dont mean in a state of intimidation.

Peter Magyar made a secret recording of his former spouse, me, in our home and now used this to achieve his political goals. He is not worthy of anybodys trust, she added.

In February this year, he was accused of a sex scandal and drug use after photos of an apartment and a bed circulated on social media.

While he admitted visiting the apartment, and said he was intimate with his former girlfriend with her consent, he rejected allegations that he consumed drugs. He also accused his former girlfriend of luring him into a honey trap.

Magyars victory in the 2026 elections and the end of Orbans rule also signal a new beginning in Hungary- European Union (EU) relation.

[With inputs from Al Jazeera. Falak Ather Faizee is a Trainee at ummid.com.]

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Italy suspends defence pact with Israel over Netanyahus war mongering

In a major setback for Netanyahu-led far right Zionist regime, Italy has suspended its defence deal with Israel over the ongoing war in the Middle East

Wednesday April 15, 2026 0:19 AM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

[Giorgia Meloni and Benjamin Netanyahu in a file image.]

Rome: In a major setback for Netanyahu-led far right Zionist regime, Italy has suspended its defence deal with Israel over the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Italy has been a close ally of Israel and the United States for decades. Owing to its close ties with the two countries, Italy remained silent over the Genocide of Palestinians in Gaza and other occupied territories despite protests by local residents .

In the wake of Israeli attack on Iran and Lebanon, Italy, however, said its enough.

Talking to the reporters at the Vinitaly wine fair in Verona on April 14, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her government has suspended the automatic renewal of its defence cooperation agreement with Israel.

She said that the decision was taken in consideration of the current situation, signaling a cautious recalibration of ties.

Italy-Israel Defence Agreement

Italy and Israel have maintained a longstanding defence and military cooperation, including a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on military and defence cooperation signed in 2003 in Paris and ratified by Italy in 2005 by a law.

The MoU has a five-year duration with automatic renewal unless one party formally denounces or suspends it.

Meloni announced the suspension of the agreement days after it had quietly renewed itself, triggering political scrutiny.

Tensions between Israel and Italy escalated following an incident in southern Lebanon, where Italian authorities alleged that Israeli Defence Forces fired warning shots near Italian UN peacekeepers.

The suspension marks the first time Meloni government has taken a concrete step affecting bilateral defence cooperation with Israel.

At the same time, Meloni also slammed US President Donald Trump for targeting Pope Leo XVI .

"Trumps mouth has no brakes, and it makes me uneasy living where politicians take shots at religious leaders", she said adding she stands with the Pope.

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Madhya Pradesh 10th, 12th Results 2026 - Date: April 15, Time: 11:00 AM



The Madhya Pradesh Board of School Education (MPBSE) has officially confirmed the date and time to declare the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) Class 12 and High School Certificate (HSC) Class 10 Matric results 2026

MP Board Class 10, 12 Results 2026: The Madhya Pradesh Board of School Education (MPBSE) has officially confirmed the date and time to declare the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) Class 12 and High School Certificate (HSC) Class 10 Matric results 2026.

The Madhya Pradesh Board of School Education had conducted the High School Certificate (HSC) Class 10 Matric exam from February 11 to March 2, 2026, On the other hand, Class 12th or Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) exams were held from February 10 to March 7, 2026.

MP Board 10th, 12th Results 2026 Date

After successfully conducting the two exams, answer sheets of the students were distributed to assigned staff for assessment. The board is now fully ready to announce the 2026 board exam results.

In a notification released today, the Madhya Pradesh Board of School Education said Class 10th HSC and Class 12t HSSC will be released on April 15, 2026.

"The Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) Class 12 and High School Certificate (HSC) Class 10 Matric results of the year will be announced at 11:00 AM on April 15, 2026", the MP board headquartered in Bhopal said.

Websites to Check MP Board 10th, 12th Results 2026

Once announced, the MP board Classes 10th and 12th results will be available for download on the official as well as affiliated websites.

mpresults.nic.in

mpbse.mponline.gov.in

www.mpresults.nic.in

results.mpeducation.net

mpbse.nic.in

The MP 10th and 12th results are also available on DigiLocker and other apps. Students should note that along with the board exam results, Madhya Pradesh board also releases Merit List and List of Toppers.

How to Check MP board Class 12 HSSC Results 2026

Go official MPBSE official website: " mpresults.nic.in ".

". Click on 'HSSC (Class 12th) Exam Result 2026'.

Enter roll number and name.

Click on "Submit".

The results will be displayed on the screen.

Save the results and take a print out for further reference.

Steps to Check MP board Class 10 HSC Results 2026



Go official MPBSE official website: " mpresults.nic.in ".

". Click on 'HSC (Class 10th) Exam Result 2026'.

Enter roll number and name.

Click on "Submit".

The results will be displayed on the screen.

Save the results and take a print out for further reference.

MP Board Previous Year Toppers

In 2025, Class 10 board exams in Madhya Pradesh were held from February 27 to March 19, 2025, and the result was declared on May 06, 2025. Pragya Jaiswal from Singrauli, Ayush Dwivedi from Rewa and Shezah Fatima from Jabalpur had bagged the top 3 ranks in MP Class 10th 2025 board exams.

On the other hand, MP Class 12 Inter exams last year were held from February 25 to March 25, 2025, and the result was announced on May 06, 2025. Priyal Dwivedi of Satna district had topped the Madhya Pradesh Higher Secondary (HSSC) Class 12 Inter exam in 2025.

In 2024, the MP board had registered a pass percentage of 64.49% in Class 12 board exams. In the MP board Class 10 exam 2024 , the state had registered an overall pass percentage of 58.10%.

In 2023, the MP Board Class 12 Exams were held from March 2 to April 01, 2023, at various test centers across the state. The overall pass percentage of boys in 2023 was 51.91% and that of the girls stood at 58.69%.

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When Assam Electorates Register Historic Polling Turnout

With high voters participation in Assam, the political observers in the region put two completely opposite predictions, where one group is favouring the return of the BJP-led government, and the other one, has been weighing for the Indian National Congress-led opposition alliance

After Assam, Keralam and Puducherry (Union Territory), the State legislative assembly elections are knocking at the doors of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in the second half of April 2026.

Meanwhile, the millions of voters have shown an extraordinary commitment to electoral politics as they participated in the largely peaceful single-phase assembly polls on 9 April recording a high voters turnout.

Assam recorded 85.96% voter participation in 126 assembly seats, where Puducherry showcased over 90% voting in 30 constituencies followed by Keralam (140 seats) with nearly 80% turnout, as per the ECI data .

Assams 2.50 crore electorates - including 1.25 crore female voters and 6.4 lakh first-timers, have sealed the fate of 722 candidates representing different political parties and independent contenders in the electronic voting machines which were set in 31,490 polling stations across 35 districts.

Tamil Nadu now prepares for single-phase poling on 23 April and West Bengal readied for voting in two phases (23 and 29 April).

The outcome of all polls, including the bye-elections held in Karnatakas Bagalkot and Davanagere South seats, Nagalands Koridang and Tripuras Dharmanagar constituency, will be available on 4 May.

According to the Election Commission of India, a large number of assembly constituencies in Assam namely Parbatjhora, Golakganj, Gauripur, Dhubri, Birsing Jarua, Bilasipara, Mankachar, Jaleshwar, Goalpara West, Goalpara East, Abhayapuri, Srijangram, Bongaigaon, Mandia, Chenga, Pakabetbari, Chamaria, Barkhetri, Nalbari, Dalgaon, Laharighat, Dhing, Rupahihat and Samaguri recorded over 90% polling.

However, the urban localities under Kamrup and Kamrup (metropolitan) districts reported a slightly lower turnout (around 80% in Dimoria, Dispur, Guwahati Central, Jalukbari and New Guwahati seats).

Earlier, Assam witnessed a significant voters response in 2016 (84.72%), which defeated the Congress government in Dispur and paved the way for a new found alliance led by Bharatiya Janata Party.

With high voters participation, the political observers in the region put two completely opposite predictions, where one group is favouring the return of the BJP-led government, and the other one, has been weighing for the Indian National Congress-led opposition alliance.

A sizable population of Assam openly supported the saffron alliance citing the reasons for improved safety-security scenario, sustainable development and impartial welfare initiatives for the entire population. An aggressive campaign by the incumbent Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, adding colours to it by subsequent presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah with other senior BJP leaders in election rallies, is projected to encourage more voters to reach the polling booths.

Moreover, the pertinent issues - including anti-influx measures, implementing a number of peace accords, wide ranging development and public welfare initiatives might have attracted the attention of indigenous population.

Assam governments flagship direct benefit transfer scheme Orunodoi offers a monthly financial assistance of Rs 1250, deposited in the bank accounts of eligible women, where the scheme today covers nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries across the State. Just a few days prior to the poll schedule was announced, the government transferred Rs 9,000 to each Orunodoi beneficiary (comprising four months of monthly deposits along with a Bohag/Rongali Bihu gift in cash).

What huge voter turnout in Assam meant?

A large group of analysts argue that the larger participation of voters indicated the confidence in the ruling government and so they term it as a pro-incumbency wave. They also pointed out that the mainstream Assamese voters usually show reluctance for participating in any electoral process (compared to the Bangladesh/East Pakistan origin Muslim population living in Assam since the days of independence), but this time they came together to elect their representatives keeping an eye to the future of the next generation.

Additionally, the special review of voters list prior to the polls where the names of non-existent voters (due to death or girls marrying outside the constituency) and an increased awareness among common electorates also contributed in enhancing the voter turnout visibly. The women, many of whom remain beneficiaries of various government-sponsored welfare schemes in the last few years, exceeded their male counterparts.

Records indicate that Assam women voters were legging behind the male electorates in 2011 assembly polls, whereas they made it to equal share in 2016 and in the last two elections (2021 and 2026), the female voters slightly surpassed the male contributions.

The other group has tried to establish the scenario in favour of the opposition parties citing the reasons of a decade long anti-incumbency, continued atrocities against the religious minority voters and personal corruption and mismanagement of government funds by CM Sarma and his family.

Assam Congress Chief Gaurav Gogoi termed the unprecedented voter turnout in polls was in favour of change. The deputy-leader of the oppositions in Lok Sabha also came out vocal against Sarma precisely after his party senior Pawan Khera made sensational public allegations against Sarmas family.

Just three days before the polling date, Khera organized a press conference in New Delhi (and later in Guwahati also) to claim that the CM's wife Riniki Bhuyan possesses multiple passports and unaccounted assets in foreign lands. Gogoi opined that since Kheras press conference (which invited court notices to him and later compelled to approach Telangana High Court for temporary relief), Sarma appeared panicked and he was making abusive public statements as well as intimidating remarks against some media personnel.

Gogoi was seconded by political leaders belonging to the Congress-led alliance like Asom Jatiya Parishad, Raijor Dal, etc. However, once a trusted ally to the Congress, All India United Democratic Front went to polls solo in this election. BJP Assam president Dilip Saikia expressed confidence that the saffron party-led National Democratic Alliance would do better this time.

Terming the exceptional voter turnout in a peaceful ambience as pro-BJP, the saffron leader argued that the NDA would easily cross 75 (total score in 2021 assembly election) this year. Asom Gana Parishad president Atul Bora also predicted to win over 90 seats for the NDA, where his party fielded candidates in 26 constituencies, Bodoland People's Front nominees fought in 11 and the BJP in 89 constituencies.

Jorhat constituency attracted the media attention as the sitting BJP legislator Hitendra Nath Goswami and his competitor Congress Parliamentarian Gogoi have shown retrained campaigning with no personal attacks. CM Sarma however criticized the Congress for bringing up the issue of Zubeen Gargs mysterious death in Singapore last year for the political campaign anticipating electoral gains.

The Congress manifesto promised to facilitate justice for Zubeen within 100 days if voted to power. Zubeens widow Garima Saikia Garg and close relatives had earlier appealed to all political parties for not politicizing his untimely death for electoral gains. While casting votes in Guwahati, Garima repeated her call after expressing confidence in the trials currently going on in local court.

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Photo: https://www.dw.com

Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz has called on Ukraine to continue reforms, noting that they will pay off and each is a step toward European integration, which is in the interest of the European Union itself.

"Ukraine's accession to the EU. We support this goal. We understand that this cannot happen quickly and in full measure, but Ukraine's accession to the EU will become a strategically important step for greater security and prosperity of Europe. Therefore, I call on Ukraine to intensively continue reforms in the country in the areas of overcoming corruption and the rule of law. Because these efforts will pay for themselves. Every success of this reform is a step toward Europe, and it is in the interest of Europe," Merz said at a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on Tuesday.

Later he added that this is not about some limited membership or "second-class membership," and in the future Ukraine must certainly become a member of the EU, but for this, not only the Ukrainian but also the European side must carry out significant work.

"Regardless of all timelines, in the end Ukraine must be closely linked to the European Union and people must know  their future, if they want it, is Europe. And we want to pave the way to this. We know there are still tasks to be fulfilled on both sides, but if we are serious about this, if we want to have a common space of security and freedom, then Ukraine, as one of the largest countries in Europe, must inevitably be a member of the EU in the long term. How we will achieve this goal, we are negotiating about it, but regarding the goal itself, our government has no doubt," Merz said, answering journalists' questions.
German defense company Quantum Systems and Netherlands-based Destinus, both closely linked to Ukraine, agreed on a strategic partnership to integrate reconnaissance and strike systems into a single operational architecture.

According to a release from the companies, within the partnership, the Mosaic Uxs platform and Quantum Systems reconnaissance systems will be connected to Destinus platforms in one shared workflow, which should ensure faster interaction processes in complex environments.

It is noted that data collected by reconnaissance platforms will be processed and distributed via Mosaic Uxs, making it available for Destinus strike systems. Additionally, this architecture is compatible with existing NATO command systems and national analogues.

Founded in 2015, Quantum Systems is a European company specializing in the development of unmanned systems. It supplies ISR systems, autonomous platforms, and integrated missions to military, government, and commercial customers.

As reported, Quantum Systems together with Ukrainian Frontline Robotics launched the first European joint venture, Quantum Frontline Industries, in Germany to manufacture drones under the Build with Ukraine program.

Destinus designs and manufactures strike and air defense systems in Europe for European and allied forces, as well as cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and kinetic interceptors. Senior Vice President of Destinus is former Minister of Finance and former Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksandr Danyliuk. The company has a subsidiary, Destinus Ukraine LLC, in Ukraine.

On April 13, 2026, Destinus reported the creation of a joint venture, Rheinmetall Destinus Strike Systems, together with German arms concern Rheinmetall during the second half of 2026.
Seven drone models were demonstrated in Berlin on Tuesday morning to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz before the start of a bilateral meeting.

According to the Telegram channel of the Office of the President of Ukraine, all drones were produced at joint Ukrainian-German enterprises.

The Linza 3.0 drone, jointly produced by Frontline Robotics and Quantum Systems, has a 12-inch platform, is capable of carrying up to 4 kg over a distance of up to 15 km, and can remain in the air for up to 60 minutes. In 2026, there are plans to manufacture at least 10,000 such Ukrainian-designed drones in Germany.

The Termit ground robotic complex, jointly produced by Tencore and Fernride, is designed for evacuation and logistics needs. It is adapted to various types of terrain and has a range of up to 40 km.

The Babka reconnaissance drone, jointly produced by TAF Industries and Wingcopter, identifies targets for strikes.

The Anubis medium-range drone, jointly produced by Airlogix and Auterion, is designed to strike manpower, tactical and strategic targets, as well as armored vehicles.

The Seth-X short-range drone, produced by the same companies Airlogix and Auterion, was developed to destroy personnel and light armored vehicles, including logistics and transport vehicles.

The KOLIBRI FPV kamikaze drone, jointly produced by TAF Industries and Thyra, has a 10-inch platform. It is designed for striking targets and interception.

The STRILA interceptor drone, jointly produced by WIY Drones and Quantum Systems, provides interception of high-speed aerial targets of the Shahed type. Its maximum speed is up to 415 km/h.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)  State officials are recognizing the critical role of emergency dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 1218, 2026.

The Illinois State Fire Marshal and Illinois State Police are joining together to honor the professionals who answer emergency calls and help coordinate lifesaving responses across the state.

Telecommunicators are the calm, steady voice in moments of crisis, said State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. Their professionalism and dedication ensure help is sent quickly when seconds matter most.

The Illinois State Polices Telecommunication Services Bureau operates six communication centers statewide, with about 115 telecommunicators handling both routine and emergency calls. Officials say those dispatchers managed roughly 650,000 calls for service last year alone.

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly emphasized the importance of their role, calling telecommunicators the first link in the chain of emergency response and a vital support system for officers in the field.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week is observed each year during the second week of April, recognizing the individuals who often serve as the first point of contact in emergencies and help bring order to chaotic situations.

State leaders are encouraging residents to take time this week to thank telecommunicators for their service and dedication.

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WARRENSBURG, Ill. (WAND)  The Warrensburg Police Department is grateful to the Howard G. Buffett Foundation for a new grant which will allow them to buy a new police vehicle.

The foundation is providing a grant to law enforcement departments in Blue Mound, Warrensburg, Mt. Zion and Maroa totaling $1.3 million. The small departments will use the money to buy new 2026 Chevrolet Tahoes. Decatur, the Macon County Sheriffs Department and the Decatur Park District are also receiving money for their police departments.

The money allowing Warrensburg to buy a new Tahoe helps when budgets are tight.

As a small departments we to year to year and we prioritize the best we can do four our community and for our constituents, Police Chief Gregory Wheeler told WAND News.

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Photo: t.me/zedigital

A new large-scale cooperation package between Ukraine and Germany worth EUR 4 billion provides for the purchase of missiles for Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, as well as joint production of drones, Minister of Defense of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov reported.

"We have agreed on a package of defense agreements totaling EUR 4 billion  to strengthen air defense, develop long-range capabilities, and joint production of drones," Fedorov wrote on Telegram following negotiations with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

According to him, during the visit, Ukraine and Germany signed three important agreements: on strengthening air defense, on the development of long-range systems production, and on the development of drone production.

"Germany will finance a contract for several hundred missiles for Patriot  this will significantly strengthen the protection of Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. It also provides for the supply of 36 IRIS-T launchers, which will strengthen the multi-layered air defense system," Fedorov said.

The agreement on the development of "deep-strike" capabilities provides for EUR 300 million in investments in long-range capabilities, "which will allow for increasing the production of Ukrainian weapons," the minister reported.

"Within the Build with Ukraine initiative, we are launching joint production of mid-strike drones using AI. In the first stage  5,000 drones for the Defense Forces," Fedorov said regarding the agreement on joint drone production.
Chiara Balisteri claims Italian state is incapable of adequately protecting victims of domestic violence.

A young Italian woman who became a prominent voice against domestic violence has broken down in tears on social media after learning that her convicted former partner is to be released from prison, sparking fresh outrage in Italy about the inadequacy of legal protections for victims.

Chiara Balistreri, a 24-year-old influencer from Bologna, took to social media on Monday to document her fears as well as her disgust at the system.

The case first attracted widespread public attention in late 2024 when Balisteri documented in a viral TikTok video the domestic violence she suffered at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, saying she chose to record the message "while I'm alive, before becoming the umpteenth case of femicide."

In 2022, after enduring five years of domestic violence, Balistreri found the courage to report her former partner Gabriel Constantin to police after he beat her savagely.

Constantin was convicted on appeal for ill-treatment and grievous bodily harm in one case, and for stalking in a separate proceeding.

He had been sentenced to six years and three months in prison, but in early March his sentence was reduced, prompting an outpouring of despair from Balistreri, who accused the state of being incapable of protecting her or other victims of male violence.

The situation deteriorated further this week when Balistreri said she was woken by a call from Bologna police informing her that Constantin would be returning home within two days.

Police said he would be fitted with an anti-stalking electronic monitoring device - a dual system comprising a non-removable bracelet for the perpetrator and an alert device for the victim, linked to a GPS phone which also notifies police of any breaches.

Balistreri said she refused to accept the device. In an emotional video, she declared: "If ever something should happen to me, they will all have it on their conscience - everyone who made the decision to send him home yet again."

She condemned the fact that Constantin would be returning to his mother's house - describing his mother as complicit, having helped him throughout a period of absconding to Romania and having funded his legal defence.

She also detailed how Constantin had allegedly been involved in a serious fight in jail, breaking a fellow inmate's jaw and requiring him to undergo surgery, and argued that this made the decision to release him all the more inexplicable.

Claiming that "the state doesn't protect us", Balistreri said: "The little bit of justice that was given to me has been taken away."
Italy's foreign minister called Israeli bombardments of civilians "unacceptable" during a visit to Beirut, triggering a formal diplomatic protest from Tel Aviv.

Israel summoned Italy's ambassador to Tel Aviv on 13 April after Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described Israeli bombardments of civilians in Lebanon as "unacceptable", in a diplomatic incident that reflects deepening tensions between Rome and Jerusalem over the ongoing conflict.

Ambassador Luca Ferrari was summoned for protest by the Israeli Foreign Ministry following a post on X in which Tajani, visiting Beirut, condemned Israeli strikes that have caused more than 2,000 deaths and 6,700 injuries in Lebanon since 2 March.

Writing alongside a photograph taken with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Tajani stated: "Lebanon is a brotherly country that we hold dear. That is why I have come to Beirut to bring President Aoun Italy's solidarity following Israel's unacceptable attacks against the civilian population."

Ferrari was received by Yossi Amrani, director general of political affairs at the Israeli Foreign Ministry, in a mirror image of the previous week's move by Rome, when Italy's ambassador-level official had herself summoned the Israeli ambassador to the Farnesina to request clarification over Israeli military fire on Italian Unifil vehicles in southern Lebanon.

The incident is the latest in a series of friction points between the two countries. An Italian Lince armoured vehicle was struck by Israeli warning shots while part of a convoy leaving the base at Shama bound for Beirut, forcing the column to turn back. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described it as "completely unacceptable that personnel deployed under the UN flag should be put at risk by irresponsible actions in clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701."

Despite the diplomatic friction, Tajani's visit to Beirut was framed as an effort to keep dialogue open. He said he had spoken by phone with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, raising the safety of Italian Unifil troops as a priority, and offered Italy as a potential host for future peace negotiations. He also committed to pressing Iranian authorities to stop Hezbollah from continuing to fire missiles into Israel.

Italy's position in Lebanon goes beyond diplomacy. Rome has committed a humanitarian package of 10 million euros and sent over 40 tonnes of aid, while continuing to support the training of Lebanese armed forces and backing efforts to disarm militias including Hezbollah.

The broader regional context has added urgency to Italy's engagement. The conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel that began in late February has drawn in the wider Gulf, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz adding an economic dimension to the crisis. Tajani explicitly linked the Lebanon situation to the wider picture, warning against any further escalation that could "jeopardise the truce in Iran and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz."

The summoning of Ambassador Ferrari marks the third time Italy has been drawn into formal diplomatic protest over the Lebanese conflict, underlining the strain that the war is placing on a bilateral relationship that both governments have historically sought to manage carefully.

Ph: lev radin / Shutterstock.com
Meloni Suspends Italy's Military Cooperation Agreement with Israel

In a significant shift in Italy's position toward Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday 14 April that the Italian government has suspended the automatic renewal of its defence cooperation agreement with Israel. The announcement came from the Vinitaly wine fair in Verona, where Meloni was speaking to journalists, and follows days of mounting political pressure over an agreement that had quietly renewed itself just 24 hours earlier.

"In consideration of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the Defence agreement with Israel," Meloni said. The suspension was communicated formally by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in a letter to his Israeli counterpart Israel Katz.

What the Agreement Is

The defence memorandum between Italy and Israel was originally signed on 16 June 2003 and ratified into Italian law in 2005. Its stated objectives include facilitating the import, export and transit of military and defence materials between Rome and Tel Aviv, establishing joint training and education programmes, exchanging military medical services, and promoting bilateral military research and development. The agreement renews automatically every five years.

The memorandum's latest five-year cycle expired on 13 April 2026. Under its terms, without active intervention by the Italian government, renewal was automatic and silent.

A Day Too Late, or Just in Time?

The timing of Meloni's announcement is politically charged. The memorandum had already expired and automatically renewed on 13 April 2026, one day before Meloni's announcement. Critics on the Italian left had accused the government of allowing the renewal to happen through inaction, pointing out that the deadline had been known for months.

The peace organisation Peacelink had written to the presidency of the Council and the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence in recent days demanding that Italy formally renounce the agreement before any automatic renewal could take effect. Opposition leader Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party asked publicly: "What does it take for the government to stop it?"

By announcing the suspension on 14 April, Meloni is effectively reversing a renewal that had technically already taken place. The legal and practical implications of that sequence remain to be clarified.

The Context

The agreement has been under growing pressure for more than two years. A group of ten constitutional and international law experts had challenged the memorandum's renewal given multiple Israeli violations of international law, citing the proceedings at the International Court of Justice, which recognised the plausibility of genocide against the Palestinian people, the ICJ's July 2024 opinion declaring the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory illegal, and the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The suspension places Italy in a growing European consensus that the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon has crossed lines that previous diplomatic frameworks did not anticipate. Italy had already refused to allow US bombers to use the Sigonella base for offensive operations in the Middle East. The suspension of the Israeli defence agreement represents a further, if incremental, distancing from unconditional support for Israeli military policy.

Meloni's Other Remarks

The defence announcement was not the only significant comment Meloni made at Vinitaly. She also addressed Trump's attack on Pope Leo XIV, saying that the statements targeting the Pope had been "unacceptable" and that she expressed her solidarity with Leo. She added: "Frankly I would not feel comfortable in a society where religious leaders do what political leaders tell them. Not in this part of the world."

On the broader Middle East crisis, Meloni called on Europe to act urgently: "Europe should not underestimate the impact this crisis could have in the coming months. Moving too late would be an enormous error of judgement." She also called for the suspension of the EU's Stability Pact as an emergency measure to help European economies absorb the economic shock of the conflict.

Ph: Alessia Pierdomenico / Shutterstock.com
Catholic convert Vance seeks to play down Trump's since-deleted image of himself as Jesus-like figure.

US vice president JD Vance has waded into the dispute between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, urging the Vatican to confine itself to matters of morality and church affairs rather than commenting on American foreign policy.

Vance was questioned on Fox News about the feud in his capacity as a Catholic convert. He heaped praise on Trump for not being "filtered" before arguing that it is "totally reasonable" for the president to have "disagreements" with Leo.

He said: "In some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality, to stick to matters of what's going on in the Catholic Church, and let the president of the United States stick to dictating American public policy."

He sought to play down the significance of the rift, adding: "I don't worry about it too much. I think it's a natural thing - it's not that big of a deal."

Trump as Jesus

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, was also pressed about a since-deleted AI-generated image posted by Trump that appeared to depict the president as Jesus Christ curing the sick.

Repeatedly calling the matter not "newsworthy," Vance insisted that Trump was "posting a joke" and said he "took it down because he recognised that a lot of people weren't understanding his humour."

Trump himself had claimed earlier that day that he thought the image - widely viewed as blasphemous - was depicting him "as a doctor, making people better."

Trump's attack on Pope Leo

The backdrop to Vance's intervention was Trump's scathing attack branding Pope Leo "WEAK on crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy," which itself followed the pontiff's condemnation of Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilisation as "truly unacceptable."

On Monday, departing on an apostolic journey to Africa, Pope Leo shrugged off the attacks, saying he had "no fear of the Trump administration" and reaffirming his commitment to the Gospel message of peace.

Backlash in Italy

Trump's attack on the pontiff and the image presenting himself in the style of Jesus sparked a major backlash in Italy, including among the country's top politicians, all of whom defended Pope Leo.

"Attacking the pope, a symbol of peace and spiritual guide for billions of Catholics, doesn't seem like a useful or intelligent thing to do", deputy premier Matteo Salvini said, without mentioning Trump by name.

Prime minister Giorgia Meloni went further - albeit belatedly - stating: "I find President Trump's words toward the Holy Father unacceptable. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church, and it is right and normal that he calls for peace and condemns all forms of war."

Photo credit: Phil Mistry / Shutterstock.com
Trump said he is "shocked" by Meloni, exposing a rift between Washington and Rome over the war on Iran.

US president Donald Trump lashed out at Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni on Tuesday in a harshly-worded interview with leading Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

The exclusive interview saw Trump express open astonishment at Meloni's conduct, accusing her of refusing to support American efforts on Iran's nuclear programme and of failing to act in Italy's own interests.

"I thought she had courage, but I was wrong," he told the paper, adding that he was "shocked" by her.

Trump delivered his stinging rebuke of Meloni, his erstwhile European ally, in a six-minute telephone interview with the same newspaper in which he had praised the Italian leader effusively just weeks earlier.

As recently as March, Trump had described Meloni as "an excellent leader and a friend" in another call with the Corriere, saying she "always tries to help." That assessment has now been pointedly withdrawn.

Iran war

At the centre of the dispute is Italy's position on Iran. Trump accused Meloni of refusing to engage on the issue and of expecting the US to act on her behalf.

"She simply says Italy doesn't want to be involved," he said: "She thinks America should do the work for her."

When asked whether the two leaders had spoken about the matter, Trump said they had not - and had not been in contact for "a long time".

"Because she doesn't want to help us with NATO, doesn't want to help us get rid of the nuclear weapon," he said. "She is very different from what I thought."

When questioned if he asked Italy to use minesweepers for the Strait of Hormuz, the US president stated: "I've asked them to send whatever they want, but they don't want to because NATO is a paper tiger."

Pope Leo

The rupture was further deepened by Meloni's public rebuke of Trump's scathing criticism of Pope Leo XIV, whom Trump had insulted as "terrible" and accused of failing to understand the Iranian nuclear threat.

"He doesn't understand, and he shouldn't be talking about war, because he has no idea what's going on" - Trump told the Corriere - "He doesn't understand that 42,000 protesters were killed in Iran last month."

Confronted with the fact that Meloni had called his remarks about the pope "unacceptable," Trump turned the phrase back on her.

"She is the one who is unacceptable," he said, arguing that Meloni "doesn't care if Iran has a nuclear weapon and would blow up Italy in two minutes if it had the chance."

Trump also questioned whether ordinary Italians were content with their prime minister "doing nothing" on oil.

"Italy is not going to be the same country," he warned, before returning to his familiar refrain that immigration was "killing Italy and all of Europe."

The interview also touched on the recent electoral defeat of Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban, a figure Trump described warmly. "He did a good job on immigration," Trump said. "He didn't let people come and ruin his country the way Italy did."

Rift with Rome

The exchange marks a remarkable reversal in what had been one of Trump's closest relationships with a European leader.

Meloni was the only European leader invited to Trump's inauguration in January 2025, and had positioned herself as a bridge between Washington and European capitals.

That role now appears to have collapsed under the weight of disagreements over Iran, NATO, and Pope Leo.

Photo credit: Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock.com
Authenticity and credibility are highly valued in music. Especially in hip hop.

Yet many artists from that genre also adopt a stage persona that is some kind of augmented or amplified version of themselves. So, theres a bit of fiction at play in that process.

The question this film asks is what if there is a lot of fiction behind a musical act? Like a lot. In fact, what if your entire act is an act? If everything from your accent to your backstory is fabricated, could all that lying ever achieve something real?

The answer as presented by the directorial debut of famous Scottish actor James McAvoy is yes.

You can indeed fake it til you make it. His case study concerns the actual exploits of a pair of Dundee based rappers Gavin and Billy, who were teeming with ambition and vocal ability back in the early 2000s.

They initially rapped in their real accents and achieved a modest hometown following which encouraged them to attend an open audition in London. They headed off to the big city with stars in their eyes but returned home with their tails between their legs as snickering record executives eviscerated their act with the scarring putdown that no one wants the rapping Proclaimers.

Licking their wounds, Gavin and Billy were at a crossroads. But like the old Blues legend, they actually encounter the devil at this particular crossroads.

As depicted here, the boys tried to book gigs down South and discovered that doors opened when they assumed American accents. This notion takes root in Gavin in particular, who quickly envisages re-recording their songs with West Coast accents and returning to London posing as an American rap duo Silibil and Brains.

Needing to keep the pretence up 24/7, the pair base their new brogues on diction ripped from famous films and pop culture hits like Friends. They flesh out their fictional past lives by simply consulting an actual map to pick their bogus hometown in California.

Theres no money to fund a research trip, so they are essentially winging it.

Yet all the posturing and posing and the music itself starts to gain traction. They are spotted at an open mic night by a talent scout who is willing to take a punt on them. Hilariously McAvoy and his writers rightly decide that the very same record execs who roundly dismissed them so viciously at the earlier open audition should be the ones fawning over their fake personas as the second coming.

Soon the pair are savouring being the toast of the town in a swirl of parties, drugs and booze. However, their rise also ups the inherent tension and strife within their white lie. Billy is keen to come out to the industry as Scottish during their biggest TV appearance to date while Gavin doesnt want to jeopardise their growing fame and their tantalisingly imminent success.

Gavin clings on for dear life, but this was never really a very well thought out plan. Neither of them has considered even what a modicum of media exposure would mean for their real identities. Nor have they planned for playing the iconic Barrowlands in Glasgow.

A homecoming that will surely bring things to a head for this unsustainably complex con job.

You will know James McAvoy from his appearances in the X Men films and hits like Split, so its no surprise that he ekes terrific performances out of a cast who were universally unknown to me.

Credit to McAvoy for returning to his roots and not resorting to his Rolodex to stock his first film with star names or cameos for the sake of it. He does grace his own film as a sharp-tongued and sharp-suited record boss who exudes grit and just a touch of menace.

Curiously, if you do want a second look at the same material, there is a documentary called Hip Hop Hoax currently on Netflix that covers the same journey.

I wont compare and contrast them other than to say they are interesting interlocking companion pieces. Despite the relatively recent setting, this film is still a period piece. A simple internet search would expose the same attempted scam in a blink today.

Needless to say, the chaps behind Kneecap only recently proved the breakout ability of genuinely authentic accents in rap, and their film was a pure blast of adrenaline too.

What McAvoy would give for a flicker of that heat. Hes in the right ballpark with his inaugural effort but maybe he is someone who will find his true voice and vision as he goes on. Not every first album is a classic. Same goes for film.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/giorgiameloni.paginaufficiale/

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she would reaffirm Italy's unconditional support during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit on Wednesday, SkyTG24 reported.

"As is known, in recent years Italy has unequivocally stood by the country that was attacked. We did everything we could to help a people defending themselves and, in doing so, defending us as well. And that is exactly what we will continue to do, while working to build a path to peace that must be sustainable, and Italy has not stood aside from this process," Meloni said at a press conference at the Vinitaly exhibition.

She said that, specifically, the peace plan proposals include "security guarantees for Ukraine modeled on Article 5 of NATO: this was an Italian proposal, which at first everyone viewed with suspicion, and then it became a proposal included in the peace plan documents."

"We continue to do our job seriously, also trying to offer possible solutions to our allies, and it seems to me that this is something everyone recognizes," Meloni said.

As reported, Meloni and Zelenskyy are due to meet on Wednesday, April 15, at 15:30 at Palazzo Chigi.
A community in shock is how Deputy Conor McGuinness described the locality in County Waterford where a man in his 70s died and a man in his 40s was arrested.

The incident occurred in Cappagh, Dungarvan, on Monday, April 13, and Deputy McGuinness expressed shock and sadness at the events.

This is devastating news for the Cappagh community and for the wider area," said Deputy McGuinness.

"People have woken this morning to a profound sense of shock and sadness at what has happened," he added.

"My thoughts and condolences are with the family of the man who has lost his life; their grief at this time is unimaginable."

Commenting on the close-knit nature of the community Deputy McGuinness said "news like this travels quickly and impacts deeply".

"There will be a real sense of hurt and disbelief locally today," he said.

"I would ask that the privacy of all those affected is respected in the hours and days ahead," he added, commenting: "This is not a time for speculation. It is important that An Garda Siochana are given the space and time they need to carry out a full and thorough investigation into what has occurred.
The Walton Institute at SETU has been granted over 1 million in Government funding to aid the development of the Walton AI facility - an advanced AI and high-performance computing platform.

The Walton Institute focuses on Information and Communications Technologies research and has operated on SETUs West Campus for over 25 years.

The new AI facility is poised to help significantly expand the institutes existing data centre and connect to other European research infrastructures. It will be capable of delivering up to 100 times computing capacity while improving energy efficiency.

The investment was part of a wider 17 million package announced by Minister for Higher Education James Lawless.

"This funding strengthens our ability to build strong research collaborations that support industry and public sector partners in adopting AI with confidence, said Dr Deirdre Kilbane, Director of Research at Walton Institute.

By combining advanced infrastructure with fundamental and applied research, we can help organisations move from early-stage ideas to practical deployment, while also building AI skills and capacity across the region.

The investment was framed as crucial in courting business with a growing appetite for AI infrastructure, as well as bolstering Irelands growing use of data centres as a key economic pillar.

The Walton AI Facility will act as a shared resource for researchers, SMEs, industry and public sector organisations, and help enable large-scale AI model training, real-time data analysis and applied research across a multitude of sectors.
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NationalWomen's health Opinion I just had the same surgery I had 24 years ago for debilitating pain. Little has changed, so what does my future look like? Rebecca Wallwork Writer April 13, 2026  5:30pm

April 13, 2026  5:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

When I was first diagnosed with endometriosis in 2002, my response was: endo what? Id gone into surgery at King George V Memorial Hospital in Camperdown to remove a dermoid cyst on an ovary and then I woke up with the surprise diagnosis  one that explained the horrible pelvic pain Id been having. Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body, typically in the pelvis, creating painful lesions. The treatment for endometriosis has not changed in years. Monique Westermann Since 2002, Ive had the same surgery  a laparoscopy to remove endometriosis  five more times, most recently this January. In the 25 years Ive battled endo, treatment for the disease has not changed. While excision surgery  where lesions are cut out rather than burned off via ablation  is considered the gold standard, endometriosis lesions can recur. Doctors arent sure why, because the disease is still not understood at a molecular or cellular level and disagreement about its origins persists. This March, at the 2026 Endometriosis Summit in Orlando  a gathering of top endo surgeons, radiologists, physical therapists, and patients  founder Dr Sallie Sarrel opened proceedings with a damning assessment, saying: We really havent had that much [advancement] since Sampson. She was referring to early 20th-century gynaecologist John Sampson, who first coined the term endometriosis in 1925. Thats 100 years, Sarrel said, where endometriosis has been dismissed, psychologised and underfunded. Meanwhile, in the same time, research into diabetes has made leaps and bounds and for the first time in history, some with type 1 diabetes are living insulin-free after stem cell therapy.

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Rebecca Wallwork, preparing for an endometriosis surgery. Patients and endo experts agree that this sorry state of affairs is due to a lack of education among GPs and regular gynaecologists, and to misogyny in medical research, which typically uses only males in clinical trials and studies. The shortfall in research funding translates into delayed treatment. The average endometriosis patient waits seven to 10 years for a diagnosis. Even then, patients are often told its just a bad period. Theyre handed birth control pills and told to live with the pain. Even someone like me, with a long, documented history of endo, was told by a doctor a few months ago that the pain was in my head. Related Article Medical misogyny From wandering wombs to the missing clitoris: How medical misogyny works According to the World Health Organisation, endometriosis affects about 10 per cent of women or 190 million women of reproductive age worldwide, but the number is probably higher, because the disease can persist beyond menopause. As one of the one in 10, Ive spent huge swathes of my life in excruciating pelvic pain, and I have suffered infertility and a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy that was almost certainly caused by endometriosis. There is still no cure. Thats why, eight weeks after my most recent surgery, I went to the Endometriosis Summit in search of hope. Looking ahead, what do the worlds endo experts see on the horizon?

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The summits co-founder, surgeon Dr Andrea Vidali, says change starts with reframing the disease as a syndrome. We need to move away from this idea that endometriosis is purely hormone-driven, he said. Instead, we need to understand that it is a complex neuroinflammatory condition, a theory supported by the lingering symptoms he sees in patients post-surgery. Rebecca Wallwork. To explain, Vidali compared endometriosis to COVID: just as a COVID infection can trigger long COVID, an immunological response in the body after the infection has cleared, endometriosis can cause changes to the immune and nervous systems that linger after the lesions are removed. Adopting this framework, Vidali says, will allow doctors and researchers to learn a lot more about the disease. Its already happening  one presentation at the summit by Mayo Clinic researcher Dr Kristen M. Smith-Edwards focused on the neural pathways of the gut-brain axis and how it leads to abdominal pain. Many endometriosis patients experience GI distress, which is why surgeons stress the need for multidisciplinary teams for optimal treatment. The summit also featured panels on advanced imaging, surgical techniques, fertility, patient advocacy, healing and how endometriosis causes widespread inflammation in the body. Some doctors are treating this with off-label use of GLP-1s, which can help down-regulate systemic inflammation. More data specific to GLP-1 use in those with endometriosis is needed, but Vidali and his colleagues consider it a thrilling new frontier.

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Were not at a standstill, he said, providing a much-needed dose of optimism. There is still more to be done, however. More funding for endometriosis research is critical. So, too, is better education of GPs and regular gynaecologists. Take it from me  endometriosis is debilitating. But it doesnt have to be. Not if we take it as seriously as we do hundreds of other medical conditions. Not if, Vidali says, we listen to patients. Rebecca Wallwork is an Australian journalist living in Miami Beach, Florida
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NationalWAAnimal attacks CCTV captures horror dog attack in Perths north Indigo Lemay-Conway April 14, 2026  4:11pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A horrific dog attack in Dianella over the weekend has left a woman in hospital and her beloved pet dead. Footage of the attack shows a woman desperately fending off two larger dogs as they bite and later drag her dog along a driveway at 6.40am on Saturday. Loading The video begins with the woman and her dog on the floor of the driveway, desperately trying to fight off the bigger animals, while they take turns launching an attack on the duo. As the woman stands up and tries to lift her dog up out of harms reach, one of the attacking dogs pulls it out of its collar and drags it further up the driveway.

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The two out of control animals continue to maul the already injured dog for around 40 seconds while the woman desperately screams for help. It is then when a male neighbour comes into view, armed with two sticks to help break up the fight. The two can be heard discussing if anyone knows who owns the dogs. It is understood the dog later died, and the woman had to undergo surgery as a result of the attack. City of Stirling mayor Mark Irwin told 6PR the video of the attack is one of the most distressing bits of footage hes seen during his time as mayor.

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The investigation is thorough, it goes under the Dog Act. So what our team will do is theyll talk to the actual victim. Shes obviously been in hospital with some fairly serious injuries, so theyll talk to her about what happened, Irwin said. Editor's pick Updated

Air travel Quite bizarre: WA premier lashes opportunistic Qantas after Busselton to Sydney flights scrapped Theyll also talk to some of the witnesses, I believe there are up to three witnesses who saw this, and theyll also talk to the actual owner of the dogs, and that will form part of the case when it is probably predicted that it will go to court. Irwin said when it came to how the investigation played out, there was no difference between a dog attack on a human or an animal. In terms of us investigating, a dog attack is a dog attack. Obviously, there are many different severity levels, from a dog nipping a dog, right through to these sort of attacks where it ends up that a dog is dead, and a person is severely injured, he said.

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The mayor said the Dog Act was one of the strongest forms of powers that local governments have. We have our rangers who deal with that, and thats why the Dog Act basically determines that local governments, through their rangers, will carry out the investigations and the prosecutions that then follow, he said. Irwin said he wanted to remind people to contain their dogs. I think one of the reasons we want to get this message out there is people have to ensure that they contain their dogs. And whilst afterwards, we quite often hear things like, Oh, this is the first time my dog has done this, [but] dogs should be restrained, he said, They should be on leash, and they should be contained within their backyards when owners arent home.

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In incidents like this [where] you can see a couple of dogs together, you tend to get more of that pack mentality when these things happen. The end result is people can get very seriously injured. But its not just physical injuries that occur from an attack like this, it is also the mental trauma that follows as well. It affects emotionally, a lot of people. I would think that the witnesses who saw this, as well as the victim, are pretty distressed from what they witnessed during this time, Irwin said. And of course, we now have a deceased dog and an owner whos probably going to need some fairly significant surgery.

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If found guilty under the Dog Act, owners can cop a whopping fine as well as time behind bars. There is no nice ending to these, which is why, again, we want to get the message out that people need to contain their dogs. Were dealing with too many of these, Irwin said. People can get fined up to $20,000 and there can actually be jail time if someones found to even be inciting their dog. Its very significant. Irwin said he was not aware if the dogs owners were home at the time of the attack. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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Updated PoliticsWAAir travel Quite bizarre: WA premier lashes opportunistic Qantas after Busselton to Sydney flights scrapped Hamish Hastie April 14, 2026  1:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

West Australian Premier Roger Cook has labelled Qantas as opportunistic while blasting its subsidiary Jetstars decision to scrap the Sydney to Busselton route due to sky-high fuel prices. Jetstar announced on Tuesday it would suspend the route, which just opened in 2024, until September, citing higher fuel costs. WA Premier Roger Cook has lashed Qantas for Jetstar cutting its Sydney to Busselton route. AFR The decision came as Qantas updated the market on the skyrocketing price of jet fuel stemming from the Iran war  up between $600 million and $800 million for the first half of the year  which will result in a 5 per cent cut to domestic flight capacity across the board. The Sydney to Busselton route, which operates three times weekly, is the only WA route to be suspended across Qantas and Jetstars schedule.

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It has been regarded by WA tourism operators as successful in funnelling east coast visitors directly to the South West, and is also used by fly-in, fly-out workers from over east to enter and leave WA. Cook said he was disappointed and surprised by the decision, given the airline jacked up prices all the time. My understanding is that Qantas had said theyve made this decision on the basis of fuel supply, he said. This is the same airline that is very happy to jack up prices whenever it suits them, regardless of the supply of fuel, so Im not quite sure why they would make that decision, which I consider quite bizarre. Quite frankly, theres plenty of fuel coming into the country.

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Related Article Updated

Petrol prices WA government starts its own fuel reserve with 4 million litre purchase The problem is affordability. So it sounds like its a bit of an opportunistic decision by Qantas to cut those flights. Its time that we should all be working together, supporting our tourism industry, not walking away from them. A Qantas Group spokeswoman said the issue was not about fuel supply, as suggested by Cook, but fuel prices. She said there had not been enough demand to support the service, but was adamant it would resume in September.

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Unfortunately, with fuel costs at these levels, there is not enough demand to support our Busselton-Sydney service, and weve had to make the difficult decision to temporarily suspend the service, she said. We know this is frustrating for customers and we look forward to restarting the service later this year. Liberal Vasse MLA Libby Mettam. Hamish Hastie Impacted customers will be contacted directly and rebooked on available services via alternative domestic cities or given the option of a refund if they no longer wish to travel. The group continues to closely monitor the impact from the conflict in the Middle East and may further adjust capacity and fares over time.

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Libby Mettam, the WA deputy Liberal leader and member for Vasse whose electorate covers the Busselton region, pleaded with the Cook government to step in and support the flights. This is a massive blow to the region. Our tourism operators and small businesses are already doing it tough with a cost of living crisis and a fuel crisis going into winter, she said. The three lucrative Sydney flights per week generate significant value for the region, and this is a significant blow to tourism operators. The Cook Labor government must do everything they can to ensure that these flights resume as soon as possible and provide valued support to the region. Qantas charter operations for WAs mining industry were excluded from the domestic flight capacity cuts. 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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WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Opinion Trump and Netanyahu started the war together. Only one is determined to keep fighting Peter Hartcher Political and international editor April 14, 2026  3:00am

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Benjamin Netanyahu was Donald Trumps only ally in starting the war on Iran. He will be important to ending it, too. Trumps critics portray him as a captive of Netanyahus war fever. This suspicion was fed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. At the outset, he said that we knew that there was going to be an Israeli action against Iran, with or without American support. Illustration by Dionne Gain Israels attack would have provoked an Iranian retaliation against US assets in the region, he said. So, the US had to attack Iran preemptively. Some of Trumps most vociferous MAGA cheerleaders have excoriated him for being a tool of Israel. The Israelis have him in a hammerlock, said Tucker Carlson.

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Trump contradicted Rubio. The chain of cause-and-effect ran in the opposite direction, said the president: If anything, I might have forced Israels hand. But Israel was ready and we were ready. But Trump critics will not be persuaded. Israeli Opposition Leader Yair Lapid makes the same claim: That Netanyahu dragged us  and pushed the US  into war. Reporting by The New York Times last week has given new impetus to this accusation. In the White House situation room on February 11, Netanyahu made a hard sell, suggesting that Iran was ripe for regime change and expressing the belief that a joint US-Israeli mission could finally bring an end to the Islamic Republic, writes Jonathan Swan, formerly a political reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald, and Maggie Haberman. Among Netanyahus claims was that the Tehran regime would be too weak to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the greatest misjudgments of the war.

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The American president did not interrogate Netanyahus presentation, according to the NYT account. He agreed on the spot. Sounds good to me, Mr Trump told the prime minister. Trumps critics take this reporting to be confirmation that the president is a captive of Netanyahus. But this overlooks a key fact. The Israeli prime minister could only have been invited to make his case to the group in the situation room if Trump were already well disposed to the idea. Iranian pro-government demonstrators in Tehran burn US and Israeli flags after an announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the war with the United States and Israel. AP Israels ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, on the weekend rejected the idea that Trump had to be dragged into the war: Weve been in lockstep from the beginning in the planning and the implementation, and were going to end this thing together as well. Historians will flesh out exactly how the US went to war. For now, Leiters statement seems most likely. As Swan and Haberman themselves write: Mr Trumps hawkish thinking aligned with Mr Netanyahus over many months, more so than even some of the presidents key advisers recognised.

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Middle East at war Trump vows to hit Irans ships as deadline passes for Strait of Hormuz blockade So if the war was conceived and launched jointly with Israel, how will Israel influence its end? The war has been immensely popular among Israelis. It not only killed Irans supreme leader, it smashed much of Irans military and economic infrastructure. But Netanyahu is under immense pressure to continue. Lapid last week damned Netanyahu for failing to deliver a decisive victory against Iran: Three years after October 7, Hamas rules Gaza, Hezbollah rules Lebanon, and instead of an 86-year-old Khamenei ruling Iran, a 56-year-old Khamenei rules Iran. The people want Iran to be removed as a threat altogether. So Trumps announcement last week of a two-week ceasefire with Iran  a ceasefire which binds Israels hands as well as Americas  is highly unpopular in Israel. A poll by the Institute for National Security Studies found that 61 per cent of Israelis oppose it. Lapid again: Israel had no influence whatsoever over the ceasefire, he said. At the moment of truth, the Israeli government was demoted from the status of a strategic ally to the level of a demolition contractor.

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Israeli military success, he said, was betrayed by political ineptitude. The veteran Israeli political commentator Ehud Yaari of Channel 12 says this line resonates widely: You hear people say all the time, whats missing is the final diplomatic act to get agreement on Irans nuclear program. Yaari says that Israel faces two key problems with Iran. One is that enriched uranium, an estimated 440 kilograms, suitable for nuclear bomb-making, remains buried under rubble in Iranian facilities. The other is that thousands of Iranian missiles remain intact, similarly buried under rubble yet eventually retrievable, in Irans so-called missile cities. As long as these problems are on the table, the work is not finished, Yaari tells me. Then there is Israels second front. Because Hezbollah chose the opportunity of the Iran war to fire missiles at Israel, Netanyahu took the opportunity to launch a major retaliation against Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy based in Lebanon. Iran says Israel must cease its war on Hezbollah as a condition of any peace agreement that Tehran reaches with the US. Trump has sought to address this concern, at least in part. He phoned Netanyahu last week to ask Israel to scale back its assault on Hezbollah.

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Inflation The US is dragging the world into turbulent economic waters Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist The Israeli prime minister, instead, defied Trump by intensifying his missile barrages into Lebanon. But, today, as a result of US demands, representatives of Israel and Lebanon are due to meet in Washington to negotiate a peace agreement. Its the first such effort between the two since 1983. And while Lebanon suffers from Israels war on Hezbollah, it has limited control over the terrorist militia, a parasite on its Lebanese host. Hezbollah, says Yaari, is shooting missiles into northern Israel like crazy. People are going to their shelters seven, eight, nine times a day. So I dont think Hezbollah is going to have a ceasefire with Israel in this situation. Nor would Israeli public opinion tolerate it. Seven out of 10 in the INSS survey say Israel should prosecute the war on Hezbollah regardless of any negotiations imposed by the US.

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Like Trump, Netanyahu finds himself riding a tiger in Iran that he dare not dismount. Unlike Trump, the Israeli prime minister is straddling a second tiger at the same time, the one in Lebanon. If anything, he has even greater incentive to keep fighting for longer. Trump is under pressure to end the war as soon as possible, well before the US midterm elections in November; Netanyahu is under pressure to inflict as much damage on Israels enemies as possible before his elections due by late October. Their close partnership is going to be tested. Peter Hartcher is political and international editor. His federal politics column can be read in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age each Saturday. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
Ten documents at various levels were signed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Berlin, formalizing agreements in a range of areas, the presidential press service said.

"The Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Ukraine and Germany formalizes the relaunch of the format of Ukrainian-German intergovernmental consultations at the level of the president of Ukraine and the German federal chancellor after a 22-year pause. It also establishes a format of regular consultations between the defense and foreign ministers (the 2+2 format)," the press service said in the statement.

In addition, an agreement on cooperation in the field of data was signed, providing for stronger interaction between the defense ministries in technology and the use of data obtained directly in combat conditions to adapt weapons and military equipment. It also records the intention to create a basis for the exchange and use of digital battlefield data.

A joint declaration of intent on support for industrial recovery and resilience provides for Germany's intention to make an initial contribution of EUR 30 million to a special assistance program for Ukrainian industry, including strengthening the role of German industrial equipment manufacturers in the modernization and recovery of Ukraine's industrial potential.

Germany's Federal Ministry of Defense and Ukraine's Defense Ministry signed Implementation Arrangement No. 2 under the defense industry cooperation agreement of October 15, 2025, on the joint production of Anubis and Seth-X-G unmanned systems.

"The value of the contract is EUR 281 million," the presidential press service said.

Ukraine's Defense Ministry also signed two contracts, with U.S. company Raytheon for the supply of PAC-2 missiles and with German arms manufacturer Diehl Defence for IRIS-T launchers.

In addition, a memorandum of cooperation between Ukraine's Communities and Territories Development Ministry and Germany's Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building will promote cooperation in housing and utilities. This also concerns the recovery of regions, territories and infrastructure damaged by Russian aggression.

A memorandum of understanding between Ukraine's State Service of Geology and Subsoil and Germany's Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources on joint efforts in geological exploration of critical minerals, geoscientific research and expert support for governments and industry will help open and develop new mineral deposits, showcase Ukraine's mineral potential, attract potential investors, and support the digital transformation and organization of geological data.

A joint communique on Ukrainian-German cooperation in mineral resources formalizes joint research and the use of data analytics to support the discovery and development of new critical mineral deposits, highlight Ukraine's mineral potential and attract potential investors.

A joint declaration of intent on expanding institutional partnership in social policy, in view of Russia's ongoing armed aggression against Ukraine, Ukraine's war-related needs and the EU's long-term requirements, between Germany's Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity, provides for continued cooperation in all of these areas.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB)  A man was arrested on federal gun charges after an explosion caused a house fire Sunday morning in Lexington.

According to the Lexington Police Department, fire crews responded to a house fire around 7:45 a.m. in the 700 block of Orlean Circle.

Police said one person was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The Lexington Police Departments Hazardous Devices Unit, Lexington Fire Department arson investigators, the FBI and the ATF are investigating the cause of the fire.

According to court documents, Jonathan Huff is facing federal charges in connection with the investigation.

Court documents state Huff was one of the residents of the house that caught fire. Witnesses told police two explosions were heard, and Huff was seen fleeing from the home with a black bag while saying, "I gotta go, I gotta go."

Huff was taken to the hospital with severe burns to his hands and back. In an interview with police, Huff admitted to being in possession of a Glock pistol and an AR-style rifle at the time.

According to court documents, Huff was previously convicted of felony methamphetamine possession in Indiana in 2021. This means he is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Huff has not been charged in connection with the fire or explosion.

Copyright 2026 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Oslo, Norway, on Tuesday, April 14.

"Important meetings and the signing of a bilateral document that will help strengthen our security are planned. Ahead are talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, meetings with Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Norwegian lawmakers," Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

He said the Ukrainian side is continuing active diplomacy with partners to protect lives and bring closer a real and guaranteed peace.
SHREVEPORT, La. -- An East Texas man who shot and killed his friend at a Mardi Gras parade in Shreveport three years ago will serve only one year behind bars following his sentencing Monday in Caddo District Court.

Jace Greenslate, 19, of DeBerry, Texas, pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in February in the shooting death of Kip Christensen Lewis, 17, on Feb. 18, 2023

District Judge John D. Mosely Jr. sentenced Greenslate to serve five years. However, Mosely suspended four of the five years, pending Greenslate's successful completion of a three-year supervised probationary period.

Defense attorneys requested, and the court granted, that the probation be transferred to Texas once it begins upon Greenslate's release. The weapon was ordered forfeited and destroyed.

Greenslate was remanded to Caddo Correctional Center to serve his sentence.

Greenslate, Lewis and two other friends, all from East Texas, were in Shreveport to attend the Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras parade and were on the Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway. Greenslate, 16 at the time, had a handgun, which one of the friends unloaded after realizing it was loaded. However, Greenslate later reloaded the weapon, pointed it at Lewis while he and friends were playing around, and fired.

Greenslate was originally charged with manslaughter, but that charge was reduced to negligent homicide as part of a plea deal.

Assistant District Attorney Ross Owen prosecuted Greenslate. He was defended by Ron Miciotto and Sarah Giglio.
Photo: https://t.me/Kyrylo_Budanov_Official

Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov and his deputy Iryna Mudra met with European Court of Human Rights President Mattias Guyomar.

"The ECHR is one of those institutions where the rule of law is not just about words, it is about real judgments. It has already established Russia's responsibility for systematic human rights violations in Ukraine since 2014. This is not a political position. It is an established fact. And these decisions need no additional arguments. They require real accountability," Budanov said on Telegram after the meeting.

He said that despite the full-scale war, strikes on critical infrastructure and systemic pressure, Ukraine is fully participating in all proceedings, ensuring a proper legal position and effectively defending its interests.
Leesville, LA (71446)

Today

Cloudy. Low 71F. S winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy. Low 71F. S winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
High Court Reporter

A resolution in three lawsuits brought over the extension of the Luas to Finglas, northwest Dublin has cleared the way for work to begin on the project.

At the High Court on Monday, Judge Richard Humphreys made orders on consent striking out the cases brought by various businesses, including the owners of the Manhattan Peanuts factory on McKee Avenue in Finglas.

The companies had sought to challenge An Coimisiun Pleanalas (ACP) grant of permission to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for the extension to the Luas line, known as a railway order.

The new line is planned to run from the current Luas Green line terminus at Broombridge in Cabra to Charlestown, north of Finglas village, a distance of just under 4km, at an expected cost of 600 million.

The three cases were brought by Manhattan Peanuts firm Firethorn Ltd, and building supplies companies Brooks Timber & Building Supplies Ltd, Downshire Propco Ltd, and Murdock Builders Merchants (Ireland) Ltd.

In the cases brought by Firethorn and Murdock Builders, the judge granted an order directing an amendment of the railway order. The amendment removes from the Luas extension project lands owned by Firethorn.

At Mondays hearing, Declan McGrath, barrister for TII, told the judge the effect of striking out the cases is that the railway order is operative, and work can now commence on progressing the extension.

The judge thanked the parties, and congratulated them on reaching an agreed position.

Murdock Builders Merchants runs a building supplies business at premises on St Margarets Road and McKee Avenue, Finglas, next door to the Manhattan Peanuts factory.

Brooks Timber & Building Supplies operates a building supplies business off Ballyboggan Road in Cabra West. Downshire Propco, with offices at New Road, Banbridge, Co Down, owns the premises from where the business is operated.

Firethorn was represented by barrister Niall Handy, with Kevin Bell, instructed by solicitor Conor Quigley of Ahern Rudden Quigley LLP.

The other firms were represented by barrister Oisin Collins, with Eoghan Foley, instructed by Orpen Franks Solicitors LLP.

The commission was represented by barrister Stephen Hughes.
Suzuki has a 55-year heritage of expertise in off-road 4x4 vehicles, including 37 years of manufacturing its Vitara model, and now offers a 4WD option across its current line-up. The company has just introduced its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e-Vitara, built on a newly developed platform specifically for electric vehicles. It will join the mild hybrid Vitara already available.

Suzuki Ireland says their target audience includes motorists curious about electric vehicles but hesitant to make the switch, often citing cost as a barrier. The company's potential customers are likely to be value-conscious suburban or town drivers who enjoy technology.

The new version retains the familiar Vitara's robust design, with high ground clearance suggesting an adventurous spirit. Deeply sculpted body lines, a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and large alloy wheels give it a commanding road presence. Inside, the cabin features high-quality materials, a well-thought-out layout, attractive seating, and appealing colour schemes.

Available in two trims - Motion and Ultra - and with two battery options, 49kWh and 61kWh, the model also offers Suzukis newly developed electric 4WD system, promising true go-anywhere capability. This system is available on Ultra models equipped with the larger battery.

The cabin features high-quality materials, a well-thought-out layout, attractive seating, and appealing colour schemes.

During the recent Irish press launch, we had the opportunity to drive on a challenging forest track at Powerscourt Demesne in Enniskerry. The company's ALLGRIP-e 4WD system employs separate motors for the front and rear wheels, allowing independent control of each. The two motors offer a maximum torque of 307Nm, 1.5 times that of the 2WD version with the smaller 49kWh battery.

To say we were pleasantly surprised by the cars off-road ability is an understatement. Before we entered the woods, we were instructed to press the TRAIL button on the central console to optimise the vehicles performance on the muddy, twisty, and rut-filled track.

When slippage is detected, the system applies braking to the slipping wheels and activates a limited-slip differential to distribute torque to the opposite side, aiding smooth passage through muddy ruts. It worked flawlessly!

The car also comes equipped with hill descent control as standard, which automatically regulates braking on steep off-road terrain, along with the rear motors assistance to help navigate adverse terrain. A particularly handy feature when driving up a steep incline with limited visibility is the VIEW button on the lower dash, which projects the terrain beyond the hill onto the screen, allowing the driver to see what lies ahead.

Faced with two deep, lengthy ruts on either side of a grassy ridge - one over a foot deep, the other slightly less so - I feared the small SUV wouldnt clear them unscathed. As I let the car's system do the work, the loud thuds and bangs had me worried about damage to the undercarriage and side panels. However, it emerged completely unscathed, proving the vehicles build quality and good ground clearance. These traits should appeal to rural customers, including members of the farming community and those in construction.

The Irish distributor plans to sell 600 units within the first 12 months from launch in May. The 61kWh Motion 2WD model is expected to be the best-seller, followed by the Ultra 2WD with the larger, better-equipped battery. AllGRIP 4WD models are projected to account for around 18 per cent of sales.

The e-Vitara earned a 4-star safety rating from Euro NCAP last September. It comes with a 10-year build warranty and a 10-year battery warranty as standard, and owners can also benefit from a free Ohme home charge point.

I look forward to test-driving the vehicle on Irish roads - both good and bad - in the coming months.

PRICES: The entry-level 49kWh 2WD is priced from 32,995; the 61kWh 2WD from 40,405; and the 61kWh 4WD from 42,995. All prices include SEAI grant and VRT relief.
COMMUNITY NOTES: CLAREMORRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (APRIL 14 EDITION)

Cllr Richard Finn has confirmed that funding has been secured for works on the R320 Claremorris to Kiltimagh Road. The project forms part of the Mayo County Council Road Improvement Grant Scheme.

A total of 706,223 has been allocated for the works beginning at the junction of the Kiltimagh Road and the Balla Road, and extending towards Drumeen, including sections adjacent to residential properties. A further 36,828 has been assigned for works from Coolaght towards Murneen.

Cllr Finn stated that the funding is intended to address road conditions in the area and to bring the route to an acceptable standard. He said that the condition of the road has been highlighted over a number of years and he has been heavily involved in progressing the project.

The majority of funding allocated to regional roads in the Claremorris area has been directed towards restoration grants.
Uisce Eireann is inviting communities in North Mayo and South Sligo to an information evening to learn more about plans for a major upgrade of the Ballina and Lough Talt Water Supply.

On Wednesday evening, April 15, members of the project team will be in Glasgow Kennedy House from 4pm to 8pm where local residents, businesses and community groups can drop in, view the plans and chat directly with those working on the project.

The information evening forms part of the non-statutory public consultation on the proposed upgrade, which opened last month and runs until April 20. The consultation is an important opportunity for the community to have their voice heard.

People are encouraged to share their views and local insights on the proposed works. All feedback received will help shape Uisce Eireanns planning application to An Coimisiun Pleanala, ensuring the project reflects the needs, priorities and experiences of those who live and work in the area.

John McElwaine, Programme Manager with Uisce Eireann, will be in attendance and is encouraging the community to drop in.

This is a significant project with many benefits for communities in the North Mayo/South Sligo region. As part of the upgrade, additional treatment capacity and treated water storage will be provided at Lisglennon Water Treatment Plant. Ballinas ageing water network will be upgraded, a new trunk main connecting Lisglennon to Ballina and onto Bonniconlon and Lough Talt laid along with additional network storage at Bonniconlon and Lough Talt.

The capacity provided will support future growth in the region, while ending water abstraction from Lough Talt will allow natural lake levels to be restored and deliver significant ecological benefits for local habitats and wildlife.

Were looking forward to discussing the project further with the local communities in the coming days.

Further details of the project, including how to participate in the consultation and the upcoming public information event, are available at the Ballina and Lough Talt Water Supply Upgrade Project page.
Photo: https://t.me/cherkassy_cherkassi

An eight-year-old boy was killed and 11 other people, including a child, were injured in a Russian drone attack on the regional center, Cherkasy Regional Military Administration head Ihor Taburets said.

"Update on the situation in Cherkasy region as of this moment. In the evening, Russia directed attack drones at the region... Unfortunately, we have tragic consequences in the regional center. An eight-year-old boy died from his injuries. Condolences to his family... Nine more people were taken to hospital, including a child. Three local residents received medical assistance at the scene," he said on Telegram.

According to him, at least four apartment buildings were damaged as a result of falling drones.

The area is still being inspected.
Data published by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) shows that the volume of traffic on the N26 has been increasing year-on-year.

The average daily traffic count on the national road between Foxford and Ballina was 8,806 in 2025, according to the NWRAs Transport Dashboard for Mayo, an increase of 2.4% relative to 2024.

Further data published by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) shows the monthly average daily total of traffic at this location has been steadily increasing year-on-year since 2023. In January 2023, the monthly average was below 7,500 vehicles per day. This moved to above 8,000 in January 2026 according to the TII data.

A peak of close to 10,000 vehicles per day was recorded by TII in August 2023, however, the average number per month was higher overall in 2025 with an average of over 9,500 vehicles on the N26 last July.

Local councillor Marie-Therese Duffy, who represents the Ballina Municipal District on the NWRA with Cllr Jarlath Munnelly, told the Western People that this data clearly spells out the long-lasting issues with Ballina's traffic congestion.

The figures published by the NWRA and TII tell the story. The data shows a year-on-year increase of cars on the N26 with a 2.4% increase between 2024 and 2025, she said.

Every single year the problem is getting worse and now we have commuters sitting in their cars in traffic for up to and over an hour.

Plans are in place for a western and eastern bypass of Ballina serving the Crossmolina and Sligo road ends of the town respectively with the western bypass the more advanced project currently. While Cllr Duffy welcomes progress on both, she said there is a clear need to prioritise the eastern bypass.

I will be tabling a motion at the next council meeting calling for the eastern bypass to be priority number one in Mayo.

"There has not yet been a funding request to TII for an investment in that road. Ballina is designated as a key town but were not seeing the investment in infrastructure needed for decades, she said.

We have a sterilised route on a map and we need to get it on TIIs funding list. I see the need of pushing both bypass projects but a large volume is trying to cross over the River Moy and that is where we see most of the gridlock.

There is no quiet time for traffic here in Ballina, she added.

The NWRA Transport Dashboard for Mayo shows increases year-on-year at other locations throughout the county with the highest increase of 10.2% recorded on the N60 between Balla and Claremorris where the daily average traffic count was 6,834 cars.

Some 9,142 vehicles on average daily were recorded at the N5 between Bohola and Swinford while 6,280 were recorded on the N5 between Swinford and Charlestown. The N17 between Charlestown and Knock saw 7,064 vehicles on average per day.
Alison O'Riordan

A Ukrainian war veteran who claimed he was psychologically damaged during military service has been jailed for 12 years after he tried to murder his ex-partner by "bursting" into her bedroom and stabbing her 15 times.

Sentencing Hryhorii Sryotenko at the Central Criminal Court on Monday, Judge David Keane said that despite the "exemplary stoicism" and resilience of the victim Viktoriia Pavlenko, it was clear she had experienced "a truly horrific attack" at the hands of the defendant, who inflicted life-threatening and disfiguring injuries on her.

Judge Keane also noted that the victim's survival was a matter of luck, given that the sustained attack was "halted only by the fortuitous arrival and intervention of the convicted man's son".

The court heard on Monday that Sryotenko has a wife back in Ukraine who was not aware of his intimate relationship with Pavlenko.

In her victim impact statement delivered in February, Pavlenko described how she awoke to find her "jealous" ex-partner pinning her down and demanding to be told "the truth" about her "lover" before trying to murder her.

In her statement, Pavlenko said Sryotenko had "absolutely mad eyes" before launching the attack, in which he repeatedly stabbed her in the face and body.

Last October, Sryotenko (51) with an address at Banna Beach Holiday Homes, Ardfert in Co Kerry pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Pavlenko at that location on January 13th, 2024.

Sryotenko was previously charged with false imprisonment, assault causing serious harm and the production of a knife during a dispute.

In delivering sentence, Judge Keane said the aggravating factors included the severity of the victim's injuries in what was a "vicious and sustained assault".

He noted that Pavlenko sustained multiple stab wounds to the face, neck, shoulder and hands. One of the wounds to the neck had reached the muscles over the windpipe, while another was directed to the chest wall and had reached the chest cavity.

The judge said he also must treat "the past intimate relationship" between the victim and the offender as aggravating under section 40 of the Domestic Violence Act, 2018. He said the sentence must therefore be greater than that which would have been imposed if the victim had not been in a relationship with the defendant.

The judge also noted that the offence was committed in the victim's home and involved a breach of trust.

Judge Keane said a further aggravating factor was that the Sryotenko, who describes himself as "a trained soldier", had armed himself with a long kitchen knife to attack the victim.

The judge said the defendant claimed his mental health had worsened in the weeks before the offence and consistently had little to no recollection of entering the victim's room or what happened before his son intervened.

Judge Keane said if there was any substance to these claims, which he said lacked any supporting collateral history, it was difficult to overlook the defendant's failure to address these issues at any time prior to the offence.

The judge set the headline sentence at 18 years before going on to find that the most significant mitigating factor was Sryotenko's admission of guilt. He said he must also give Sryotenko credit for having no previous convictions in this jurisdiction.

Judge Keane noted that Sryotenko had first served in the Ukrainian army between the ages of 18 and 20. He said the defendant rejoined the Ukrainian army in 2014 when he was 40 years old and served in Donetsk and Crimea, when he was shot in the leg on night patrol.

He said the defendant claimed he was psychologically damaged during military service and had come to Ireland in 2022 to escape the war.

The judge said the defendant claimed his wife didn't know about the offence and wasn't aware of the intimate relationship with the victim in 2022. He said Sryotenko had been sending money back to his wife before he went into custody and believed he could return to Ukraine after prison and that his wife would take him back.

The judge imposed a sentence of 14 years imprisonment but suspended the final two years for a period of two years, resulting in a custodial sentence of 12 years, backdated to January 15 2024, when Sryotenko went into custody.

Previously in his plea in mitigation, defence counsel Mark Nicholas, alongside Maria Brosnan, told the judge that his client accepts he carried out the attack but said he did not have an intention to kill.

Nicholas said his client had developed an "unshakeable and incorrect belief" that Pavlenko was being unfaithful to him, despite her reassurances.

Sentencing hearing

In her victim impact statement, Pavlenko said that she and her daughter had to leave Ukraine in 2022 when the war broke out and "look for a shelter somewhere in a safe place".

The victim said life improved when they came to Ireland and it gave them "a feeling of peace and tranquility" but that "everything changed completely" on the day of the attack.

In her statement, Pavlenko said she met Sryotenko in Ireland and they were neighbours.

"At first everything was good, we planned our future life together. But then he turned out to be very jealous. He started to accuse me of saying and doing things I've never said or done," she said.

The victim said she started to suspect her partner had some mental health problems. She said they separated in November 2023, but still lived in the same house.

"I will never forget January 13th. I was sleeping peacefully in my bed when I heard a strange noise. I opened my eyes and at first I didn't realise what was going on. I saw Hryhorii in my bed, sitting on me with a knife in his hands.

"His eyes were absolutely mad. He threatened to stab me if I didn't tell him the truth about my lover. I didn't have any lover so I didn't understand what he was talking about. Then he stabbed me on my face and body. I don't know how many times because I was shocked".

"I shouted and luckily his son heard and came into the room and saved me. Truly speaking, I have rather vague memories of that day, mainly because of the pain, fear and shock".

Pavlenko said she was taken to University Hospital Kerry and then Cork University Hospital, where she was operated on for her injuries. The court heard she had 15 stab wounds on her body.

She said she spent weeks in hospital and then months recovering from the injuries and doing special exercises for rehabilitation. "I should admit that it was a rather difficult time for me".

The victim said that "step by step" she is coming back to a normal life with the help of her daughter and her friends.

During interviews with gardai, the court heard that Sryotenko admitted stabbing the victim but denied attempting to kill her. The defendant said he had done something terrible and was happy Pavlenko was still alive.
Achill Islands 2026 Heinrich Boll Memorial Weekend promises a dynamic blend of literature, visual art, performance, and contemporary comedy, bringing together some of Irelands most compelling creative voices.

Running from May 1st to 3rd, the festival continues to honour Nobel laureate Heinrich Boll, whose time on Achill shaped both his writing and the islands cultural identity.

The weekend opens on Friday evening, May 1st, with a welcome from Dr Kathleen Smyth, followed by remarks from German Ambassador David Gill, whose presence underscores the festivals international dimension. Gill, described in the programme as a German civil servant and politician serving as the German Ambassador to Ireland since August 2024, will also present the Student Essay Awards, reinforcing the festivals commitment to nurturing young writers.

One of the most anticipated literary events is the Anne Shannon Memorial Writers Seminar, led by the celebrated Galway poet Rita Ann Higgins. Known for her sharp wit, political bite, and deep compassion, Higgins has long been regarded as the peoples poet". Her new retrospective, Jiving with Wasps: New & Selected Poems, spans four decades of work and showcases her trademark blend of humour, social critique, and emotional clarity. Higgins will also give a reading in St Thomas Church on Saturday evening.

Also reading in St Thomas Church Saturday evening, John F. Deane - Achill-born poet, novelist, and founder of Poetry Ireland - remains a quiet but powerful presence in contemporary Irish poetry. His influence is felt in the festivals emphasis on landscape, memory, and the role of Achill as a creative catalyst, and a location of interest for writers and artists.

Visual art takes centre stage on Saturday afternoon with the launch of 'From the Earth', a major new exhibition by Achill-born artist Margo McNulty, curated by Catherine Marshall. McNultys work explores how memory and history become embedded in objects and landscapes. Her recent residencies, including the Markievicz Award and the Jackie Clarke Residency, have deepened her engagement with Irish historical narratives. The launch will include contributions from Rene Boll, further linking her work to the festivals origins.

Performance art arrives in force with Nigel Rolfe, a seminal figure in the field. Rolfes collaboration with Paula Fitzsimons promises to be raw, immediate, and unpredictable. The programme describes their work as unrehearsed, unscripted not planned or designed, emphasising the intensity that defines Rolfes practice. Earlier in the day, he will also speak about Joseph Beuys, offering insight into the lineage of European performance art.

A particularly exciting addition this year is David ODoherty, whose appearance adds a fresh, contemporary energy to the festival. Known for his whimsical musical comedy and philosophical humour, ODoherty brings a playful counterpoint to the weekends more reflective offerings. His presence signals the festivals willingness to embrace new forms of expression while remaining rooted in its literary foundations.

Across three days, the Heinrich Boll Memorial Weekend offers a rich tapestry of poetry, art, performance, and conversation. With its blend of established voices and new creative directions, the 2026 programme reaffirms Achills place as one of Irelands most inspiring cultural landscapes.
Michael McAleer

Austrian banking group Bawag has struck a deal to buy PTSB for almost 1.62 billion, winning out against two private equity bids for the 57.5 per cent State-owned lender as the sale process came to a head.

The deal, subject to shareholder approval, will see the Government receive 931 million for its stake, which would bring the total cash recovery on PTSBs 4 billion crisis-era bailout to about 3.73 billion. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year or early 2027.

So will the taxpayer make a profit on this sale?

Irish taxpayers will end up recouping 30.7 billion from the three surviving Irish banks - AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB - on a cash-in, cash-out basis, following their combined 29.3 billion in bailouts between 2009 and 2011.

The Department of Finance has put a higher recovery of about 4 billion from PTSB, which includes bank levy payments and fees.

A 2 billion surplus generated by Bank of Ireland has more than offset small shortfalls at the other two banks. The Government sold its final AIB shares last year, while the last Bank of Ireland shares were disposed of in 2022.

The cash recovery from the sector includes money made from share sales in the banks, redemption of bailout bonds, interest, guarantee fees and dividends over the past decade and a half.

It's probably going to be the end of this year and into next year before the PTSB is done.

However, none of this takes account of the vast sums sunk into Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS).

How much did the Irish State put into Anglo and INBS?

In round figures, the Irish State put about 34.5abillion in total into Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide Building Society, and almost none of that has been recovered.

Anglo Irish Bank and INBS required a combined 34.7 billion bailout before they collapsed. The two institutions were merged into Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC) and later liquidated, with some of the assets going into Nama.

The IBRC liquidators have so far handed over 360 million of surplus cash to the exchequer from the wind-up. That is in addition to 1.7 billion repaid to the State for a government guarantee scheme being tapped as part of the 2013 liquidation.

The final tally will be complicated by the fact that the exchequer has also received billions of euros of gains from the Central Bank over the past decade from the sale of government bonds used in a complicated refinancing of much of the 34.7 billion rescue.

The Government is preparing a Bill that would pave the way for the conclusion of the special liquidation of IBRC and dissolution of the fellow loans-resolution vehicle, the National Asset Management Agency (Nama).

But in summary, the State is still down about 30 billion in relation to Anglo and INBS. That's the equivalent of the funding for the entire health service for a year.
IEA, IMF, World Bank heads warn of impacts of Iran war

Xinhua) 08:12, April 14, 2026

NEW YORK, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The heads of the International Energy Agency (IEA), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group on Monday warned of the negative impacts of the war against Iran waged by the United States and Israel.

The three leaders met as part of a coordination group set up on April 1 to maximize their institutions' response to the energy and economic impacts of the war in the Middle East.

"The impact of the war is substantial, global, and highly asymmetric, disproportionately affecting energy importers, in particular low-income countries. The shock has led to higher oil, gas and fertilizer prices, triggering concerns about food security and job losses as well. Some oil and gas producers in the Middle East have also seen a dramatic loss of export revenue," the heads of the organizations said in a statement.

Even after a resumption of regular shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz, it will take time for global supplies of key commodities to move back toward their pre-conflict levels -- and fuel and fertilizer prices may remain high for a prolonged period given the damage to infrastructure, said the statement.

Due to supply disruptions, shortages of key inputs are likely to have implications for energy, food, and other industries. The war has also forcibly displaced people, impacted jobs, and reduced travel and tourism, which may take time to reverse, it added.

Teams from the organizations are working closely, including at country level, to leverage their respective expertise and help countries through tailored policy advice and, in the case of the IMF and World Bank, financial support where needed, according to the statement.

The three leaders vowed to continue to monitor closely and assess the impact of the war on energy markets, the global economy and individual countries, and to coordinate response and support to their respective member countries.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Qabil Ashirov



A new shipment of fuel is set to be exported from Azerbaijan to Armenia, marking the continued expansion of cross-border trade following the easing of transit restrictions.

AzerNEWS reports that 22 rail tank cars loaded with diesel fuel will be dispatched from Azerbaijan to Armenia today. In parallel, four railcars carrying fertilizer from Russia will transit through Azerbaijani territory en route to Armenia.

Cumulative exports highlight the growing scale of energy deliveries between the two countries. To date, Azerbaijan has supplied Armenia with 6,312 tons of diesel fuel, 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline, and 2,955 tons of AI-95 gasoline.

The shipments follow a policy shift announced on October 21, 2025, when Ilham Aliyev stated in a joint press briefing with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev that Azerbaijan had lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had been in place since the period of occupation. The first such transit cargo under the new framework involved the delivery of Kazakh grain to Armenia.

Subsequent shipments have steadily increased in volume and frequency. On December 18, 2025, SOCAR delivered 1,220 tons of AI-95 gasoline to Armenia.

On January 9, 2026, a total of 2,698 tons of cargocomprising 48 railcarswas sent, including 1,742 tons of AI-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel fuel. Two days later, on January 11, an additional 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline were transported in 18 railcars.

Fuel exports continued in the following months. On February 25, Azerbaijan shipped 4,500 tons of diesel fuel. On March 5, another consignment included 1,984 tons of diesel fuel across 31 railcars, along with two railcars carrying 135 tons of Russian fertilizer.

Grain shipments also formed part of the transit corridor. On March 9, seven railcars of Russian grain were delivered, followed by an additional shipment on March 11 totaling 1,023 tons (770 tons net) across 11 railcars.

Later in March, on the 24th, Azerbaijan sent four railcars carrying 271 tons of fertilizer and one railcar with 68 tons of buckwheat. On March 25, a further five railcars transported 350 tons of wheat to Armenia.

The steady flow of fuel, agricultural goods, and fertilizers underscores the gradual normalization of economic links in the South Caucasus, as Azerbaijan positions itself as a key transit hub connecting regional markets.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held intergovernmental consultations for the first time in more than 20 years, discussing energy, defense cooperation and joint defense production, political coordination, and work with European institutions.

The Ukrainian delegation included First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Communities and Territories Development Minister Oleksiy Kuleba, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Economy, Environment and Agriculture Minister Oleksiy Soboliev, and Social Policy, Family and Unity Minister Denys Uliutin, the President's Office said on its website.

"The key issues are energy, infrastructure, the development of our communities, and our political interaction, including work with European institutions. It is important that Ukraine's movement toward EU membership be clear and free of blockages. And, of course, the subject of the intergovernmental consultations is defense cooperation and joint defense production," Zelenskyy told journalists after the meeting.

The consultations also covered the documents signed on Tuesday, a significant number of which are aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capability and resilience. They cover key areas of support, including defense cooperation, energy and support for people. A substantial part of the discussion focused on a bilateral drone agreement proposed by Ukraine to Germany.

"Our experience can be integrated into the European security system, and our current cooperation with countries in the Middle East and the Gulf, under conditions of constant attacks against them, proves that our experience, our proposals and our drone deals are the most effective," Zelenskyy said.

The parties also discussed Ukraine's EU integration. Merz said Germany supports Ukraine's European aspirations and the opening of negotiating clusters, and is working to overcome all obstacles on that path.

They also discussed support for Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes because of Russian aggression. Among other things, they talked about opening a Unity Center in Berlin.

Ukrainian-German intergovernmental consultations were last held in 2004. Zelenskyy and Merz agreed to resume this format in May 2025 during the Ukrainian president's visit to Berlin.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

There might be an early shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy. .

Tonight

There might be an early shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said after intergovernmental consultations between Ukraine and Germany that the two countries would launch regular consultations on security and defense policy between their foreign and defense ministries, and also backed the creation of an Industrial Ramstein format.

"We... also agreed to launch regular consultations on security and defense policy between our foreign and defense ministries, and welcomed the establishment of the Industrial Ramstein format  an important step in deepening industrial cooperation," he said on X on Tuesday.

Sybiha said the joint declaration reflects the strategic level of the partnership, recognizing Germany's leadership in supporting Ukraine and the full potential of bilateral relations. For Germany, Ukraine is a promising economic, energy and defense partner.
Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska met in Kyiv with UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Vanessa Frazier, including to discuss the UN's role in holding Russian occupiers accountable for crimes against Ukrainian children.

Also present at the meeting were Presidential Adviser and Commissioner for Children's Rights and Child Rehabilitation Daria Herasymchuk, and Head of President of Ukraine's Bring Kids Back UA initiative Maksym Maksymov, according to a statement on the presidential website.

Zelenska said that since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has killed 697 Ukrainian children, while another 2,450 have been injured. At least 23 children have become victims of sexual violence. These are far from all the cases, and the true scale of this brutality remains unknown because of the psychological trauma suffered by victims.

"The annual report prepared by the UN special representative on crimes against children is important not only because it documents crimes against children and identifies those responsible. It also prevents the normalization of the injustice being committed against children around the world," she said.

Zelenska and Maksymov said that thanks to joint efforts more than 2,000 children had been brought home. The aggressor is still holding thousands of young Ukrainians.

"The UN General Assembly resolution 'The Return of Ukrainian Children' gave us hope that even more countries will work in a coordinated way to save children. The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which now has 47 members, stands ready to help in every possible way," the first lady said.

Zelenska said Russia is actively recruiting children into its army in the temporarily occupied territories by building a network of paramilitary organizations and military training programs.

"It is very important for us that the world sees and recognizes the crimes committed against Ukrainian children. This gives hope that there will be no impunity and that justice will find the criminals," the president's wife said.
Kyiv will provide one-off targeted financial aid to 42,000 residents affected by the Chornobyl disaster to mark the 40th anniversary of the accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant, Kyiv City State Administration said.

"The assistance will be provided to socially vulnerable Kyiv residents and internally displaced persons who are registered and actually live in the capital. The payments will be made under an order of the Kyiv mayor in line with the city target program 'Care. Toward Kyiv Residents'," the administration said in the statement.

In particular, one-off assistance of UAH 2,500 will be paid to people with Category 1 disability linked to the Chornobyl disaster.

Assistance of UAH 1,500 will be paid to children with disabilities linked to the Chornobyl disaster, orphans who lost both parents as a result of the disaster, children who lost one parent as a result of the disaster, and persons with Category 1 Group II and III disabilities linked to the Chornobyl disaster.

Assistance of UAH 1,200 will be paid to people classified as Category 2 victims of the Chornobyl disaster, while UAH 1,000 will be paid to widows or widowers of deceased cleanup workers.

"If a Kyiv resident belongs to several categories at the same time, they will receive one payment in the highest amount," the city administration said.
Book Talk: The Colour of Inequality in South Africa and Brazil

When: Thursday, 16 April 2026 Where:

PG Research Hub, 2nd floor of Solomon Mahlangu House. Start time: 12:00 Enquiries: everythingeverywherewits@gmail.com RSVP: Registration link

Book Talk: The Colour of Inequality in South Africa and Brazil: Making Sense of Social Policy as Reparations, By Dr Madalitso Zililo Phiri.

Book Talk: The Colour of Inequality in South Africa and Brazil: Making Sense of Social Policy as Reparations, Dr Madalitso Zililo Phiri. Abstract: South Africas and Brazils social policies attempt to address the residues of institutional poverty, inequality, and unemployment. South Africa remains deeply unequal and polarized despite government commitments to undo centuries of social stratification resulting from colonial legacies and post-apartheid policy constraints. On the other hand, under the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT)Workers Party, led government Brazils social assistance programmes like the Bolsa Familia was viewed as a model to reduce inequality to be emulated across most countries in the Global South. I answer the following questions: First, can social policy resolve the residuals and contradictions of transhistorical inequalities that have become systemic features of these aspirant democracies that aim to forge a new social contract under the epoch of a hierarchical racialised neoliberal capitalism? Second, what theoretical tools have those racialised as black deployed to imagine social policy as reparations? This book departs from the theoretical prism of studying welfare through the Eurocentric of the Welfare Regime Approach, rather proposes the view of thinking about social policy as reparations. Drawing from 90 in-depth interviewees I challenge hagiographic representations of social policies by centering the Black Radical Tradition and theorizing with my interlocutors, the beneficiaries of these countries social welfare regimes. I conclude that the commodification of social provisioning fails to challenge institutional legacies of anti-black racism which are foundational to citizenship in both South Africa and Brazil. The two countries oer a compelling comparison through shared histories of colonial domination, slavery, and anti-black racism. Thinking about social policy as reparations provides potent articulations of inaugurating a post-imperial world order.
Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/

Head of the President's Office of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov said participants in talks on ending the war on the Russian side understand the real situation and "also know very well how to negotiate." Budanov was appointed to head the presidential office in January 2026.

"Everyone understands the real situation... They have exact data  maps, figures, calculations, how long resources will last, how much it will cost," he said in an interview with Bloomberg published on Tuesday.

He also said replacing the Russian participants in the negotiations could weaken Ukraine's position.

"In the worst case, they will be removed and executed... And that will only weaken our positions. Because those who come next - even if they want to achieve something - will look at what happened to their predecessors and will never agree to anything," the head of the presidential office said.

At the same time, Budanov described himself as a pragmatist and said his talks with the Russians are focused on "language, numbers, facts, dates  everything else does not matter."

Bloomberg, citing its own sources, reported that Budanov's approach to peace talks is more effective than that of his predecessor, and that on the international stage he has won praise from Ukraine's allies, who see him as sharp, direct and somewhat sarcastic in negotiations. Unnamed Western officials told the publication that Budanov had proved effective in talks with Russia by maintaining a back channel to Moscow and strong contacts in the Gulf. People close to the Kremlin told the outlet that Russian officials also respect Budanov as a war hero.

While he described his relations with the United States as "good," Budanov declined in the Bloomberg interview to say with whom he speaks most often at the White House.

As for his political plans, Bloomberg said Budanov and those around him refuse to share their views even off the record, arguing that speculation on the issue could harm the country.

Asked whether he might run for president when elections are announced, Budanov replied: "Interesting question. Next one."
Weather Alert

...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT CARLISLE...NORTHEASTERN HICKMAN...SOUTHEASTERN BALLARD...SOUTHEASTERN MCCRACKEN AND GRAVES COUNTIES THROUGH 545 PM CDT... At 454 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms along a line extending from near Mayfield to 6 miles east of Towosahgy State Historic Site. Movement was east at 35 mph. HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible. Locations impacted include... Mayfield, Clinton, Bardwell, Reidland, Lovelaceville, Arlington, Lowes, Fancy Farm, Blandville, and Symsonia. This includes Interstate 69 in Kentucky between Mile Markers 16 and 33. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 900 PM CDT for western Kentucky...and southeastern Missouri. && MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN; MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 172 IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN ILLINOIS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 4 COUNTIES IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ALEXANDER JACKSON PULASKI UNION IN KENTUCKY THIS WATCH INCLUDES 6 COUNTIES IN WESTERN KENTUCKY BALLARD CARLISLE FULTON GRAVES HICKMAN MCCRACKEN IN MISSOURI THIS WATCH INCLUDES 11 COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI BOLLINGER BUTLER CAPE GIRARDEAU CARTER MISSISSIPPI NEW MADRID PERRY RIPLEY SCOTT STODDARD WAYNE THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF BARDWELL, BLOOMFIELD, CAIRO, CAPE GIRARDEAU, CARBONDALE, CHARLESTON, CLINTON, DONIPHAN, HICKMAN, JACKSON, JONESBORO, MARBLE HILL, MAYFIELD, MOUND CITY, MURPHYSBORO, NEW MADRID, PADUCAH, PERRYVILLE, PIEDMONT, POPLAR BLUFF, SIKESTON, VAN BUREN, AND WICKLIFFE.
Photo: AP

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth will again miss this week's meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Politico reports.

"Instead, the Pentagon's policy chief Elbridge Colby will attend the virtual meeting just as he did for the last meeting in February," the publication's sources said on condition of anonymity.

Over the past year, Hegseth has attended these meetings only sporadically, indicating that the Trump administration has other priorities and is increasingly counting on Europe to take on the burden of supplying weapons to Kyiv.

On Wednesday, more than 50 defense ministers from countries that have expressed readiness to support Ukraine will meet online. The session will be chaired by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and UK Defense Secretary John Healey.

It is reported that the leader of NATO forces, American Gen. Alexus Grynkewich is unable to attend. But his deputy, U.K. Air Chief Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, and the German Maj. Gen. Ulf Haussler, deputy commander of the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, will log on to the meeting instead.

The Trump administration has told allies both publicly and in private talks that it is focusing its attention on homeland security and the Western Hemisphere, and expects Europe to provide for its own defense.

After coming to power, Trump also suspended new military aid for Kyiv, but continued deliveries of weapons and equipment that had been agreed earlier and provided under the Biden administration. At the same time, the United States continued sharing battlefield intelligence with Ukraine, and a new program was introduced allowing European allies to purchase U.S.-made weapons for delivery to Kyiv.

Ukraine's Priority Requirements List (PURL) became the main issue at meetings of the Ukraine Contact Group, and contracts worth billions of dollars for equipment supplies have already been concluded on its basis. However, Trump administration officials have begun warning countries that deliveries of U.S. weapons to Ukraine could be suspended in the coming months, as the Pentagon is prioritizing their use in the war in Iran.

However, a U.S. official and a European diplomat familiar with the PURL initiative said supplies are continuing unchanged.
On April 10, hundreds of people gathered in Dearborn, Michigan, home to the largest Lebanese population in the United States, for a candlelight vigil organized by community members with family ties to Lebanon in honor of the victims of the Israeli bombing.

Last week, the Israeli military dropped 160 munitions across over 100 sites in just 10 minutes, killing over 300 people and leaving a further 1,150 wounded. The massacre came less than 24 hours after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire with Iran.

Since October 2023, the US and Israel have waged war in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran. The combined death toll across the region runs into the tens of thousands.

The World Socialist Web Site spoke with attendees about why they came to the vigil.

This video is posted to Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok and Twitter/X. Follow the WSWS on social media for more.
On April 9, the University of Michigan subreddit, r/uofm, removed three posts documenting the FBI interrogation and suicide of U-M Chinese researcher Danhao Wang. The posts had received over 80,000 views and more than 300 comments. Two of the posts included links to World Socialist Web Site articles on the anti-Chinese witch-hunt and Wangs suicide.

Danhao Wang

Wang, a brilliant thirty-year-old scientist, took his own life on the night of March 19, jumping from an upper floor within the G.G. Brown Laboratory building just one day after being subjected to hostile interrogation by FBI agents. For more than two weeks, a conspiracy of silence reigned over Ann Arbor, Michigan and the country. The U-M administration did not even inform the student body and faculty of this tragedy. An internal email not naming Wang was sent to faculty and staff of the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department on March 20, but no official communications were sent to the broader university community. The Michigan Daily student newspaper published nothing on the event. On April 2, the World Socialist Web Site was the first to report the identity of Wang in English-language media.

The death of Wang followed the arrest, prosecution, jailing and deportation of five U-M Chinese researchers since June of last year. The WSWS has extensively covered the cases of Yunqing Jian, Chengxuan Han, Xu Bai, Fengfan Zhang and Zhiyong Zhang at U-M, and Youhuang Xiang at Indiana University. The IYSSE has campaigned for the defense of the Chinese scientists and explained that their persecution by the Trump administration, with the support of the Democratic Party and the complicity of the U-M administration, is part of the assault on immigrants and the democratic rights of the entire population. Its aim is to whip up anti-Chinese racism in preparation for war against China, a nuclear-armed power.

The news blackout by the corporate press on Wangs death was broken only on April 6, when the Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press published articles on the tragic event. On that day, an r/uofm poster cited the Detroit News article and asked why nothing was being said on campus about it. This became the top post and received 160 comments.

On April 7, this writer placed a post on r/uofm that linked to a statement of the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at U-M published by the WSWS that day. This was one of the three WSWS posts removed by the r/uofm moderators two days later.

A second post removed by the moderators of r/uofm without explanation concerning the death of Danhao Wang.

The removal of the WSWS posts by the moderators was clearly a politically motivated act of censorship. It was accompanied by a large number of comments attacking the WSWS and downplaying the death of Wang. These comments were the apparent result of an orchestrated effort to suppress demands for an investigation and to discredit the WSWS. This writer, who authored the WSWS articles and made the initial posts on r/uofm, sought to obtain an explanation from the subreddit moderators, who are not identified. The moderators never replied.

A subsequent post attempted to bypass the blackout and asked: Why was the top post from yesterday deleted? It linked to BBC coverage of Wangs suicide alongside a WSWS article and declared: The students, researchers, staff, and faculty of uofm must demand a full independent investigation into the death of Danhao Wang and the campaign of fabricated unscientific prosecutions against Chinese researchers... Dont let the mods censor international news at the uofm.

This second post received 5,800 views and 41 comments in just a few hours before it was scrubbed with the automated message: Your post has been removed from the University of Michigan subreddit because it was either reported as spam and removed by a moderator, or automatically removed by the AutoModerator.

A third attempt was similarly shut down after receiving 7,400 views and 33 comments. This writer then received a seven-day ban from the entirety of Reddit. Moderators have refused to respond to any inquiries regarding these removals.

The third post censored and removed by moderators for the University of Michigan subreddit.

The censored posts contained criticism of the U-M administration, calls for an independent probe, and poignant testimonials regarding Wangs scientific contributions and his brutal treatment by the authorities. The top-rated comment on the censored April 7 post read: Not everyone here is affiliated with the CCP. Some of us are just trying to live a normal life Whatever the case, this absurd witch-hunt operation targeting Chinese scholars needs to be stopped.

A commenter on Reddit denounces the anti-Chinese witch-hunt against scientists on a post that was later removed by the moderators of the University of Michigan subreddit.

Right-wing forces trolled the discussion, leveling baseless accusations that the WSWS poster was a CCP agent or a chatbot, and falsely claimed that the IYSSE had no organic connection to U-M, despite the organizations years of continuous activity on the campus.

The WSWS has previously documented its blacklisting by major Reddit communities. In August 2020, moderators of the r/coronavirus subreddit banned WSWS articles to protect the ruling class policy of mass infection. Similar politically motivated bans have been imposed on r/politics and r/railroading.

By censoring WSWS posts on the persecution of Chinese researchers and the suicide of Danhao Wang, the Reddit moderators are aiding and abetting the government witch-hunt, if not directly working in conjunction with the witch-hunters. The US military and intelligence apparatus considers the persecution of Chinese scientists a major component of its war-mongering foreign policy.

This was underscored this past Sunday when Nikki Haley, US ambassador to the United Nations during Donald Trumps first term and current chair of the right-wing Hudson Institute, called for an escalation of the war against Iran and stepped-up confrontation with China on the CNN interview program State of the Union. Haley made a point of promoting the witch-hunt against Chinese researchers, saying, We knew the students were coming to our universities, working in research, sending information back We cant take our eye off of China. Theres a reason theyre helping Iran.

This is also the agenda of the Democratic Party, exemplified by Michigan Representative Haley Stevens. At a March 26 hearing of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce titled US Universities Under Siege: Foreign Espionage, Stolen Innovation, & the National Security Threat, Stevens championed her bipartisan US Research Protection bill. The bill, which amends the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, broadens the legal definition of partnership with so-called malign foreign talent programs to include any program that provides indirect benefits to targeted nations such as China. This transforms routine academic exchanges, access to international laboratories, shared research data, or even the co-authorship of scientific papers into potential grounds for federal prosecution, detention and deportation. The hearing was held one week after the suicide of Danhao Wang.

As for the U-M administration, its filthy collaboration with the Trump administration was spelled out by interim President Domenico Grasso at the same March 26 hearing. Grasso boasted of the universitys collaboration in the witch-hunting of Chinese researchers.

He said:

As an engineer and an army veteran, who currently holds a top secret security clearance, Im deeply committed to protecting our nations security This commitment is illustrated by our decision to end a relationship with a university in China that is seen as a potential threat to Americas interests. We made this decision after discussion with this committee and the House Select Committee on the CCP.

He boasted of terminating the visas of Chinese researchers hit with trumped-up federal charges of smuggling and falsely labeled by Trump officials as spies or even terrorists. He told the committee:

In isolated but serious incidents, a small number of university students and researchers from China have been arrested for unlawful activities Once alerted, we acted swiftly and decisivelyworking with federal law enforcement, promptly terminating student and work visas, and severing all ties with those individuals.

The WSWS and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) demand the reversal of the censorship and the restoration of all posts on the suicide of Danhao Wang. We call on U-M students, faculty, staff and researchers to demand a halt to political censorship on the r/uofm subreddit. The IYSSE at U-M is calling for the formation of a committee of students, faculty and staff to demand an accounting from the university and to undertake an independent investigation into the persecution of Chinese researchers at U-M and the suicide of Wang.
On Sunday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who is nominally independent, and leading union officialsincluding Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, and Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachersheld a rally in New York City aimed at bolstering the union apparatus under the framework of a new initiative, Union Now.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, left, smiles as Representative Bernie Sanders (Independent-Vermont) speaks during an address marking Mamdanis first 100 days in office at the Knockdown Center on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in New York. [AP Photo/Andres Kudacki]

The speeches were filled with empty demagogy and bluster, aimed at promoting the Democratic Party and covering up for the records of the various speakers. What was most significant, however, was what was not said. Not one of the speakers uttered the word Iran or mentioned the escalating global war. This silence prevailed under conditions in which American warships continue to menace Irans coastline, and the Trump administration has implemented a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The rally was held the same day the New York Times published an editorial establishing the boundaries of what it and the Democrats consider permissible dissent. As the World Socialist Web Site explained, the demand that Trump involve Congress and seek help from Americas allies was a call for the Democratic Party to formally co-own the war and provide it with political legitimacy. The function of organizations like the DSA, and figures like Sanders and Mamdani, is to police opposition from the left, ensuring that hostility to war and dictatorship never develops into an independent movement of the working class.

That political function was on display throughout Sundays event.

In his remarks, Mamdani, who has twice traveled to the White House seeking an alliance with Trump as the administration wages mass deportations at home and illegal war abroad, never once said the words Trump, war, Iran, militarism, fascism, capitalism or strike. Instead, he praised the assembled union bureaucrats, Sanders and his deputy mayor for economic justice, Julie Su, falsely describing Su as a lifelong champion for workers.

This is a lie. As labor secretary under Gavin Newsom and later as Bidens deputy and acting labor secretary, Su repeatedly worked with corporations and the union bureaucracy to suppress workers struggles. She was involved in efforts to block or contain strikes and job actions by refinery workers, railroad workers, West Coast longshore workers, autoworkers and Boeing workers. She also helped slow-walk autoworker Will Lehmans lawsuit over the 2022 UAW election, in which only 9 percent of the membership voted, shielding the bureaucracy from a serious challenge by rank-and-file workers.

Sara Nelson presented the new initiative Union Now, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supposedly exists to raise money to directly support workers who are organizing and striking and to support ambitious campaigns that require shared resources and solidarity. In practice, this is a proposal to build yet another fundraising and staffing mechanism orbiting the union officialdom, one more apparatus for collecting money in the name of workers while keeping struggles under the control of a bureaucratic apparatus that functions as an instrument of corporate management.

Weingarten followed the same script. Like Mamdani, she invoked union density while saying nothing about the illegal war against Iran, the genocide in Gaza or Israels ongoing military assault on Lebanon. Instead, she celebrated a tentative agreement reached by United Teachers Los Angeles as a victory, though its real purpose was to head off a broader joint struggle by educators in Los Angeles.

Sanders, for his part, delivered another version of his stale Fighting Oligarchy speech. He spoke of the wealth of the top 1 percent and denounced big money in politics, presenting the central problem as Citizens United and campaign finance. This fiction has been the stock in trade of Sanders for more than a decade. The problem is not one Supreme Court decision, but the capitalist system itself, which subordinates every aspect of social and political life to the interests of the financial oligarchy.

Sanders made the real purpose of the event explicit when he declared, If the Democratic Party wants our support, it must become a party of the working class, not corporate America. This fraudulent formulation sums up Sanders political role. The Democratic Party is not a neutral vehicle that can be pressured into serving workers interests.

It is a capitalist party, rooted in the defense of private property, imperialist war and the state apparatus. It can no more be transformed into a party of the working class than the Confederacy could have been transformed into an egalitarian society. Its defense of capitalism binds it to the financial oligarchy and the intelligence agencies Sanders falsely postures against, while ensuring that every movement he leads ends by subordinating workers and youth to their class enemies.

There is no genuine fight against the oligarchy that does not place at its center the fight against imperialist war. Sanders appeal for the Democratic Party to become a party of the working class is especially obscene under conditions in which that party is being mobilized to provide political legitimacy for the next phase of the war. What he presents as a vehicle for reform is, in reality, one of the principal instruments through which the American ruling class organizes imperialist violence abroad and suppresses opposition at home.

On Sanders Fighting Oligarchy tour last year following the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, the WSWS wrote:

Sanders hollow calls to oppose the invasion of Iran, like his toothless No War Against Iran Act, are not serious efforts to halt imperialist war. They are political maneuvers designed to trap workers and youth searching for a way to end war back within the dead-end of the Democratic Party and the capitalist system it defends. The only way to stop the war against Iran, end the genocide in Gaza and break the stranglehold of the financial oligarchy is through the independent mobilization of the working classagainst all capitalist parties, their governments and their political representatives.

Sundays rally in New York confirmed this assessment completely. At the very moment the American ruling class is preparing a wider war against Iran and intensifying repression at home, Sanders, Mamdani and the union bureaucracy offered only silence on war abroad, growing dictatorship domestically and renewed illusions in the dead institutions of capitalist politics.

Workers and youth looking for a way forward must stay far away from these bourgeois politicians. The fight against war, dictatorship and inequality requires a clean break from the Democratic Party, the trade union apparatus and the entire capitalist system they defend.
On April 9, the Russian Supreme Court declared Memorial, for decades the most important institution for uncovering biographical and other information about the Stalinist Great Terror, an extremist organization. The Kremlin also appears to have shut down the organizations vast database of over three million victims of the Great Terror. As of this writing, it is no longer available online.

The assault on Memorial is a blow against the ability of workers and youth the world over to come to grips with the crimes of Stalinism, which, for generations, have undermined the struggle for socialism.

Memorials website included not only the vast database of terror victims but also reproductions of archival documents. Among them were many of the infamous shooting lists which Stalin and other members of the Politburo signed in 1937-1938 to personally sanction the execution of tens of thousands of individuals.

One page from a shooting list with 24 individuals listed, including, at the very top, Mikhail Boguslavsky, an Old Bolshevik and Left Oppositionist in the 1920s.

Over one million people were murdered during the Great Terror. Among them were thousands of Old Bolsheviks and socialist opponents of Stalinism from the Trotskyist Left Opposition, scientists, writers and intellectuals. The mass slaughter culminated in the 1940 assassination of Leon Trotsky in Mexico by a Stalinist agent. Termed a political genocide by Soviet historian Vadim Rogovin, the Terror was aimed at politically decapitating the Soviet and international working class and wiping out the living memory of the 1917 Revolution.

The Supreme Courts ruling was reached in a closed session and came into effect immediately. Several diplomats from European countries who tried to attend the session were refused entry. Memorial is expected to appeal the ruling.

The organization was already outlawed in December 2021, on the eve of Russias invasion of Ukraine. At the time, the Supreme Court ordered the liquidation of Memorial and all of its subdivisions.

However, despite the ban, Memorial, now run largely from outside of Russia, de facto continued operation. Its website remained accessible and staff answered queries about victims of the terror and their descendants. The organization also continued to issue a bulletin with articles centered on the Terror. Now, anyone who is involved with the organization may be subject to criminal persecution in Russia.

In its ruling, the court argued that Memorial was aimed at the destruction of the basic foundations of Russian statehood, the violation of its territorial integrity, and the relativization of historical, cultural, spiritual and moral values. As evidence, the court cited that fact that six individuals affiliated with the organization have been previously sentenced for calls for terrorist activities and the discrediting of the Russian armed forces, likely in connection with the war in Ukraine.

The history of Memorial reflects the problems bound up with the struggle for the historical truth about Stalinism and the October Revolution in the former Soviet Union. The organization was founded in the last years of the Soviet Union when newly released documents about the Terror and the inner-party struggle of the 1920s shook Soviet society. Many victims of the Terror, especially Trotskyists, were only now being rehabilitated. Trotsky was never fully rehabilitated.

Although heterogeneous, historically, Memorial has been close to the liberal and anti-Communist sections of the intelligentsia. Along with victims of the Terror, its co-founders included several prominent dissidents whose orientation became increasingly anti-communist and right wing. The most prominent liberal dissident Andrei Sakharov became the organizations first head. Many of its staff and supporters, while committed to historical truth, had drawn the most pessimistic conclusions about the crimes of Stalinism.

When the Putin regime invaded Ukraine in February 2022 after years of provocations by NATO, Memorial condemned the invasion not from the left, but rather from the right. Yet no matter how reactionary this orientation toward anti-communist and pro-imperialist forces, the historical work that Memorial and its staff have accomplished over the past decades has been invaluable and must be defended.

Memorial has been an indispensable resource for researchers in Russia and internationally who have been seeking to establish the historical truth about the terror, identify its victims and connect with their descendants. In addition to its online database with its millions of entries and the online publication of historical documents, Memorial also has an archive with the personal records of 60,000 victims of the terror and materials from members of the dissident movement. Its library encompasses over 40,000 volumes, including many rare editions.

Memorial was one of very few organizations who made any effort to retain connections to survivors of the Great Terror. These included Tatiana Ivarovna Smilga, who was deeply involved in the organization in its early years, and Zorya Serebryakova. The two were the daughters of Ivar Smilga and Leonid Serebriakov, respectively, who were among the central leaders of the 1917 Revolution and the Left Opposition.

Leon Trotsky with members of the Left Opposition

Memorial also helped uncover several of the shooting sites of the NKVD from the Terror and establish museums and memorial plaques for the victims. One of their collaborators, Yuri Dmitriev, played a central role in uncovering the shooting site of Sandarmokh in North Karelia where thousands of political prisoners were executed in 1937-1938. Among them were Old Bolsheviks and members of the Left Opposition, intellectuals and artists from Ukraine, as well as workers from Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), the city of the 1917 Revolution. Because of his work, Dmitriev was subjected to a years-long state vendetta and eventually sentenced to 15 years in prison. It remains unclear whether memorials and plaques at sites like Sandarmokh that were established by Memorial will now be removed.

Memorials at Sandarmokh

The attempt to completely destroy Memorial and make its work inaccessible is a central component of intensified attacks on democratic rights and the rehabilitation of the worst crimes of Joseph Stalin, in the words of Trotsky, the gravedigger of the revolution. Over the past year, the Kremlin has dramatically limited access to vast documentation of the terror in Russian state archives. Thus, the holdings of the Communist International, housed at the Russian State Archive of Socio-Political History, have been effectively closed off to researchers.

The main museum dedicated to the history of the GULAG and Stalinist repressions in Moscow was shut down and replaced with a museum dedicated to World War II and the genocide of the Soviet people. The Kremlin is also about to launch a new textbook on history for school children which has been reported to promote Russian chauvinism and minimize the crimes of Stalin. Across the country, monuments have been built in honor of Stalin.

Behind the systematic assault on the historical consciousness of the crimes of Stalinism lies a deliberate class policy.

Having emerged from the Stalinist bureaucracy, which consolidated its rule through the destruction of generations of revolutionaries in the Terror, the Putin regime is highly sensitive to any signs of a leftward shift within the working class and a resurgence of the class struggle. The oligarchys principal fear is that, amidst the escalation of a global conflict and intensifying class tensions, a growing layer of workers, intellectuals and youth will turn again toward the revolutionary and internationalist traditions of the October Revolution. With the aggressive promotion of Russian nationalism and ever more violent suppression of historical truth about the crimes of Stalinism, it seeks to deal a preemptive blow against the resurgence of internationalist Marxism within the Russian and international working class.
Over the Easter long weekend, the Australian pseudo-left organisation Socialist Alternative (SAlt) held its annual Marxism Conference, drawing an estimated 2,000 people.

Any of those attendees seeking a socialist perspective to fight the massive US-led assault on Iran and the broader threat of an imperialist world war left empty-handed. Over four days, not a single one of the conferences nearly 150 panels was dedicated to the war on Iran.

Socialist Alternatives Marxism 2026 conference opening night, April 2, 2026

That can hardly be ascribed to a pre-arranged schedule or an innocent error. It was an entirely deliberate decision to suppress discussion of the war, its vast global implications and what must be done to stop it.

The conference was held more than a month after US President Donald Trump launched his sneak attack on the night of February 28. In the period between that first volley and the conference, the character of the war, not only as one of regime change, but as an utterly criminal attempt to annihilate an entire society, had become undeniable.

The day before the conference began, Trump declared his intent to return Iran to the stone ages. And immediately after it concluded, he declared that if the Iranian regime did not accede to his demands, amounting to a complete surrender, a whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again.

As the WSWS has explained, the statements by the commander-in-chief of American imperialism are unprecedented. They are the sort of remarks that even Adolf Hitler confined to behind-closed-doors discussions. The war, its genocidal intent and the vast bombardment that has already been inflicted are the sharpest expression of capitalisms descent into imperialist barbarism. Masses of people are shocked, horrified and deeply hostile to this turn, but SAlt and its leaders are not among them.

The war, moreover, is undeniably part of an emerging global confrontation, with the US targeting Iran as part of its broader aggression against Russia and its advanced preparations for a catastrophic war against China.

Under those conditions, its almost inconceivable that a political event could be held anywhere in the world where the war on Iran and its global fallout were not a central focus. And this was not simply any event. It was a conference organised by SAlt, which claims to be socialist.

The great Marxists of the 20th century, Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, frequently noted that a major war is among the decisive tests of a political organisation.

The most resolute and active opposition to imperialist war, grounded in a scientific Marxist analysis and the fight to mobilise the working class on a socialist program, has been one of the defining features of the genuine Marxist and Trotskyist movement, against all national-opportunist currents which, whatever their left-wing and socialist rhetoric, ultimately defend the interests of imperialism and their own capitalist government.

From that standpoint, SAlts complete indifference to the war on Iran, an oppressed nation of 93 million people which posed no threat to the United States, is an unanswerable indictment. It brands the entire conference as a politically reactionary and dubious event, having nothing whatsoever to do with socialism. The event would more accurately have been dubbed the Anti-Marxism Conference.

Of course, the war, the dominant political and news issue globally and in Australia, could not be ignored entirely. At the opening event of the conference, it was mentioned, but only briefly and in passing, as yet another war for oil. That was a conscious attempt to downplay the shift in world politics that the war has revealed, the scale of it, and the immense dangers of a global conflict, and to present it simply as more of the same.

The aim was to promote political complacency. That dovetails entirely with SAlts protest politics, based on the fraud that governments can be pressured to adopt a more humane policy, and its various electoral fronts, which peddle illusions that reforms are possible through the framework of parliament, in an era of capitalist breakdown, austerity and war.

It also served to downplay the significance of the Australian Labor governments participation in the war. That too was mentioned, but only in passing.

In reality, the fact that the government was among the first to endorse the criminal war and is actively participating, including through deployments to the Middle East, is the sharpest expression of Labors character as a party of imperialist war. It is also a demonstration that Australia is on the frontlines of the developing imperialist war, not only in the Middle East, but globally, particularly in the build-up against China.

These life and death questions for the working class were relegated to a footnote at the conference, to the extent that they were referenced at all. That continues a clear tendency, especially over the past five months, of SAlt providing cover for a Labor government that is increasingly in crisis as it openly carries out an agenda of militarism, inflicting the cost-of-living crisis on the working class and eviscerating democratic rights.

The reasons for SAlts disinterest in the assault on Iran became clearer in one of the few panels touching on war, Imperialism: capitalism and war.

As with virtually all of SAlts events, the opening remarks at the panel, by Red Flag editor Eleanor Morley, appeared to be unprepared and were rambling.

Morley noted a growth of war. She began with the Israeli genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, giving the horrific death toll of that war crime, before referencing the assault on Lebanon and doing the same. Morley then said these events had spread over into Iran. She gave the understated official death toll of the war, which at this stage is far lower than that of the genocide, before rattling off a host of other conflicts in the world, from Sudan to Ukraine. Again, the deliberate and cumulative effect was to present the massive war against Iran, which raises the real and immediate danger of world war, as one unfortunate event among many.

Morley stated that we are living in crazy times. At one point, she did reference the threat of world war, noting that experts had said that it was a possibility. But Morley did not state her own or SAlts position on that question, nor provide any analysis of the underlying driving forces, in the crisis of capitalism, behind the current eruption of militarism.

The most significant element of the event, though, was that in one of the only panels ostensibly dedicated to opposing imperialist war, Morley and other SAlt leaders actively promoted war. It became clear that SAlts indifference to the Iran war, and discomfort in even speaking about it, is because of the organisations pro-imperialist line on key fronts of what is an integrated program of global war, led by American imperialism.

Morley denounced Russias war in Ukraine which has killed 1.5 million people, giving the absolute upper estimate of casualties, i.e., dead and wounded, and ascribing the toll exclusively to Moscow. Later, she said that the war was solely the product of Russian President Vladimir Putins fantasies of reviving an imperial empire.

At one point, Morley drew a parallel between the positions of Iran and Ukraine, claiming they have a right to defend themselves from imperialist domination.

The presentation was a grotesque falsification. In reality, the war in Ukraine is above all a war of the US and NATO against Russia. Washington deliberately provoked Putins reactionary invasion, in a bid to enact longstanding plans for a direct assault on the Russian landmass aimed at breaking up the Russian federation and securing its vast resources.

The references to Ukraine defending itself, are directly from the imperialist playbook and are entirely false. Ukraine does not have the character of an independent state, but serves as a garrison of American imperialism, with its entire political and military system under the de facto control of the CIA and subordinated to the US program of war against Russia.

Conversely, Iran is being subjected to a massive US-led bombardment and war of regime-change. The comparison between a Ukraine that has been transformed into a base of American imperialism, and an Iran that is in the cross-hairs of that very same imperialist power had the character of a complete inversion of reality.

The issue of SAlts pro-imperialist line came to a head in the discussion period.

A member of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), stated: The war against Iran is a major turning point in world politics. It is clearly one of the opening stages of a Third World War driven by the US, which threatens the destruction of humanity and the planet as we know it. But at this conference, there has not been a single session dedicated to the war on Iran. On Red Flag, in the first nine days of the war, you wrote just one article. How do you explain this indifference to a major war of extermination against a country of 90 million people?

In a second question, the SEP member noted: For over a decade, Socialist Alternative has cheered on US-armed Islamists in Syria to carry out regime change there in the interests of Washington. That resulted, not in revolution, but in an Al Qaeda regime that is now allied with Trump and Israel, and which your member Omar Hassan hailed when he visited last year. That war was part of broader US war efforts to reshape the Middle East, which have now culminated in the war on Iran. How do you justify this pro-imperialist support for the war on Syria, which paved the way for the attack on Iran that we are now witnessing?

In answer to the first question, SAlts leaders simply offered no reply for the organisations indifference to the Iran war.

Multiple leading members of SAlt spoke, hailing the Syrian Revolution and saying nothing about the character of the regime it had resulted in.

They also said nothing about the relationship between the regime-change campaign in Syria and the war on Iran. But there is a very direct relationship. Beginning in 2011, the CIA funnelled tens of billions of dollars in weaponry and cash to Islamist rebel forces, in the agencys largest operation in decades.

Syria was targeted, because of its close ties to Iran, as well as to Russia and China. The US aim was to remove the Syrian regime, as a stepping stone to a further offensive for total dominance of the Middle East, which is now unfolding in the assault on Iran. And that in turn was connected to the global strategy of American imperialism, of confrontation with Beijing and Moscow.

In a desperate attempt to refute the questions, Tom Bramble, one of SAlts central leaders, gave a contribution that was full of falsifications. Bramble said that the SEPs whole argument is about states and imperialism and which side you stand in relation to the United States. So essentially the world consists of the United States and all these other countries. The working class doesnt come into itPolitics is about a chessboard.

The response was an utterly cynical exercise in deflection. Rather than address in concrete terms the SEPs exposure of SAlts pro-imperialist line, Bramble suggested that the SEP is disinterested in the working class. As anyone with the slightest familiarity with the SEP or the World Socialist Web Site well knows, its entire political program and perspective is based on the fight to politically educate, organise and mobilise the working class.

That was followed by an even more brazen falsehood. Bramble declared that, for the SEP, the working class never features in your discussion, thats why you basically think China is still a socialist country. You have no sympathy for the working class.

That was not only a lie, Bramble knew full well that it was a lie. Paraded as a theoretician by SAlt, Bramble has been active in politics for decades and has authored several books.

He is very well aware that the SEP is the Australian section of the world Trotskyist movement. That is the movement that has fought against the nationalist Stalinist bureaucracies in all of their variations, from the standpoint of genuine socialist internationalism. The Trotskyist movement has a decades-long record of opposition to the Stalinist regime in China. That has included exposing capitalist restoration, documenting its horrific social consequences and elaborating a socialist perspective for the Chinese working class.

Bramble, turning to the playbook of the big lie, was attempting to suppress any discussion of the issues raised by the SEP, and to whip up SAlts members and supporters against it.

Brambles falsification was taken up by other speakers, who asserted that the SEP had supported the Syrian regime of Bashar Al-Assad. By the conclusion of the panel, leading SAlt member Sarah Garnham, clearly referencing the SEP, was bemoaning the fact that there were some on the left who support the Iranian regime.

All of which is untrue. The Trotskyist movement opposes the Stalinist regimes, the former Stalinist regimes and the bourgeois nationalist governments of countries such as Syria and Iran. But it does so from the left, i.e., from the standpoint of developing a socialist movement of the working class against them. And that is inseparable from complete opposition to imperialist attacks on historically oppressed countries, and to all imperialist war, based on the fight to unify the working class globally.

For SAlt, such a principled Marxist standpoint is anathema. Their line, that opposition to imperialist war implies political support for the regimes that are in the crosshairs is essentially the imperialist line, summed up by George Bush in relation to the war in Iraq, that you are either with us or against us. And ironically, for all of Brambles fulminations, SAlts politics do revolve on the chessboard, only they are on the side of the imperialist powers.

His hysterical references to the SEPs indifference to the working class notwithstanding, the SAlt panel and the conference as a whole did not even pretend to outline an independent strategy for the working class to oppose imperialist war. That is because SAlt is a pro-imperialist party of the upper middle-class, whose social constituency pursues its own privileges within the framework of the capitalist set-up, especially in academia, the top echelons of the public sector, and the trade union bureaucracy, which is fully aligned with imperialist war.

The Marxism conference marked a further shift to the right by SAlt, reflecting the response by this pseudo-left party and the class interests it represents to the breakdown of capitalism and the lurch to the right by the major powers themselves.

A socialist anti-war movement, mobilising the vast social and political power of the working class on an international scale and fighting for the abolition of the source of war, the capitalist system itself, can only be built in intransigent opposition to the pseudo-left.
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The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. sails in the Arabian Sea during Operation Epic Fury, March 18, 2026. [Photo: US Navy]

The US military announced Monday that it has begun blocking all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, marking a major escalation of the US war against Iran and the effective abrogation by the United States of the ceasefire announced six days earlier by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

US President Donald Trump declared on Truth Social on Sunday that the Navy would begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz. Two guided-missile destroyers entered the Strait on Saturday, and the Wall Street Journal reported that 15 US warships are now deployed to enforce the blockade.

The blockade is an act of war and an act of international piracy. The World Socialist Web Site condemns this criminal action, directed against Iran and against the working class of the entire world, which will pay the price in soaring energy costs, food shortages and the ever-present danger of a wider military conflagration.

The ceasefire has proven to be an opportunity, using Trumps own phrase, to reload for the next phase of the war. Every ceasefire Trump has announced in the Middle Eastfrom Gaza in January 2025, to Iran in June 2025, to the April 7 Iran ceasefire followed hours later by Israels strike on central Beirut that killed more than 250 peoplehas been a pause to regroup for the next attack.

Control of the Strait of Hormuzand with it the oil production and distribution of Iran and the Persian Gulf region as a wholehas been a central strategic aim of the war from the outset.

Since the war began, shipping through the strait has collapsed. Transit volumes have fallen more than 90 percent from prewar levels. What traffic remains has been dominated by Irans shadow fleet and Greek-affiliated tankers carrying crude to China, Irans largest customer, which takes 80 to 90 percent of its oil exports. Iran has continued to allow passage to ships bound for its aligned trading partners, above all, China.

Any ship that now attempts to cross into the strait to reach an Iranian port does so without American permission, opening up the possibility of a physical attack against any country whose ships trade with Iran. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun stated Monday: Our ships are moving in and out of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. We have trade and energy agreements with Iran. We will respect and honour them and expect others not to meddle in our affairs.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is, in practice, an act of economic warfare against China as much as against Iran. Nearly half of Chinas oil and more than a third of its liquefied natural gas flow through the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade places Americas hand on the energy supply of its principal rival, and on that of its alliesJapan, South Korea and the states of the European Union, which depend on the same flows.

Trump hinted at the thinking of US military strategists at a press briefing Monday: We dont need this trade. We have our own oil, gas, much more than we need.  So we dont need it, but the world needs it, and many ships are heading to our country right now, as we speak, to load up.

The blockade is part of a broader US campaign to seize the worlds strategic chokepointsthe Strait of Hormuz, the Panama Canal, the approaches to Greenland. American imperialism, in long-term economic decline, is attempting to offset that decline through military domination of global trade routes, securing the worlds waterways and raw materials for itself and denying them to its rivals, above all China.

In December 2025, US forces seized a China-bound oil tanker carrying 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan crude off the coast of Venezuela. The Hormuz blockade extends that precedent to the Persian Gulf and raises the direct danger of military confrontation with China if US warships attempt to turn around Chinese-bound tankers.

The economic consequences of American imperialisms criminal war against Iran are already catastrophic. Even before the blockade, the substantial cutting off of transit through the Strait of Hormuz generated what the International Energy Agency called this the worst oil crisis in history, surpassing 1979. Oil is above $100 a barrel, gasoline stands at $4.13 a gallon nationally, and more than 600 ships remain trapped in the Gulf. Goldman Sachs has raised the probability of a US recession to 30 percent.

A third of global fertilizer supply normally passes through the strait. The war has not only disrupted immediate trade but will have a severe impact on next seasons crop yieldssmaller harvests across Africa, South Asia and Latin America, and food price shocks reaching countries with no direct stake in the Gulf. Hundreds of millions face food insecurity, and tens of millions could die. Global famine is a real possibility.

Within Washingtons plan for world domination, the actual conduct of the war has been characterized by increasingly desperate improvisation. On February 28, the United States launched the war and killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior Iranian officials. Trump called on Iranians to rise against their government, and they did not. The bombing campaign that followed destroyed Irans telecommunications and leveled districts of its cities, but Iran did not surrender. Further assassinations of Iranian leaders through March did not bring the government down. The blockade is the next step.

US warships are now operating at close range inside a waterway 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, flanked by Iranian missile batteries, coastal defenses and thousands of naval mines. Trump said Monday that any Iranian ships approaching the blockade would be immediately eliminated.

The loss of a destroyer or a mass casualty event would intensify demands within the US political establishment for a ground invasion, including the seizure of Kharg Island, on which 90 percent of Irans oil exports are processed. Marines and troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are already deployed, and more than 50,000 US service members are in the theater. Thirteen US service members have been killed since February 28.

The Trump regime is proceeding with staggering recklessness. He has said openly that the United States will take Irans oila declaration of plunder that past administrations would have disguised behind the language of sanctions and international law. The methods of the criminal underworld are now official state policy.

The political establishment objects to none of this in principle. The New York Times editorial board called Trumps conduct glaring incompetence and urged him to involve Congress and seek help from Americas alliesa call for bipartisan collaboration in the prosecution of the next stage of the war. The Wall Street Journal called Trumps victory declaration premature and warned that the job is far from finished.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine told ABC Sunday that Iran is a regional threat and that we need to make sure that Iran doesnt get a nuclear weapon. When Trump announced the ceasefire a week ago, the Democrats rushed to criticize it on the basis that it left control of the Strait of Hormuz in Irans hands. The Democrats accept the strategic objectives of the war and object only to the execution.

If every wing of the American political establishment endorses the war, opposition to it can come only from outside the establishment. The working class must oppose the blockade and the war as a whole through its own independent political mobilization. The war is being paid for through a historic assault on the social programs on which working people depend to live. At a White House lunch on April 1, Trump said the government could not afford Medicare, Medicaid and other social programs because it is fighting wars.

The same class being asked to pay for the war in cuts to essential programs is the one being called on to fight it. Automatic draft registration for all men aged 18 to 26 takes effect in December 2026, signed into law by Trump as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The children of steelworkers and warehouse workers, of miners and migrant farmhands, will be sent to die on destroyers and on the beaches of the Persian Gulfto secure Chinas energy supply for American imperialism.

The fight against the war is inseparable from the fight against the destruction of social programs, the drive toward conscription and the establishment of a military-police dictatorship. The fight to defend jobs, wages and living standards must be united with the struggle against imperialist war and against the root cause of these social maladies: the capitalist system.
Democracy has won was the headline of German magazine Die Zeits comment on the Hungarian elections. Numerous other European media outlets and politicians reacted in a similar vein, describing the election victory of Peter Magyars Tisza Party alternately as a victory for democracy and a victory for Europe. Yet this assessment has little to do with political reality.

Viktor Orban, who described his own regime as an illiberal democracy and served as a role model for numerous authoritarian politiciansfrom Donald Trump to Marine Le Pen and Giorgia Melonidid indeed suffer a heavy defeat after 16 years in power. With a record turnout of 78 percent, Orbans Fidesz secured just 38.3 percent of the vote, while Tisza won 53.2 percent. As only one other partythe far-right Our Homelandmanaged to enter the new parliament, Tisza will even hold the two-thirds majority of MPs required for constitutional amendments.

Victor Orban, Peter Magyar [Photo by Vladimir Gerdo/Norbert Banhaimi / CC BY-SA 3.0

Yet for the working classthat is, the vast majority of the Hungarian populationthe change of government in Budapest will make little difference. Election winner Magyar not only hails from Fideszs inner circle of power, but during the campaign he also constantly appealed to disaffected members of Orbans party and refrained from any criticism of its political line. He intends to stick to both their inhumane refugee policy and their discrimination against ethnic minorities and LGBTQ people; at least, he gave no indication to the contrary during the campaign. Magyar attempted to outdo Fideszs nationalism by constantly waving a Hungarian flag at campaign rallies.

Magyars sole campaign issue was the rampant nepotism and corruption that now pervades the country like a cancer and is covered up by a judiciary and media placed firmly under state control. While such allegations of corruption had previously bounced off Orban, they are now having an effect due to the economic crisis. In terms of per capita consumption, Hungary now ranks last among the 27 EU member states. The population has been in decline for some time due to the bleak outlook for the future. During Orbans time in office, it fell from 10 million to less than 9.5 million.

Under these circumstances, it was not only the urban population and young people who voted overwhelmingly for Tisza to get rid of Orban. Tisza also managed to score points in Fideszs traditional rural strongholds, which are favoured by the electoral system.

However, Magyar has no answer to the social crisis. On the contrary. His electoral success is only a victory for Europe if by Europe one does not mean the continents population, but rather the conspiracy of great powers, corporations and banks that calls itself the European Union (EU). The EU is focusing all its energy on rearmament, escalating the war against Russia and passing on the costs to the working class through cuts to social services and redundancies.

Orban was a thorn in the side of the Brussels authorities because he maintained relations with Russian President Putin and repeatedly stood in the way of the war in Ukraine. Most recently, he used his veto to block an EU loan of 90 billion to Ukrainewhich had already been approvedand which Ukraine urgently needs to continue the war. The EU is confident that Magyar will approve this loan. That is why Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is actually bound to remain neutral in national elections, enthusiastically welcomed Magyars election victory. Tonight, the heart of Europe beats stronger in Hungary, she wrote on X.

In the final phase of the election campaign, Orban focused on the unpopularity of the war in Ukraine among the Hungarian population and waged a campaign against Kiev. But this did not save him any more than the campaign support from Donald Trump, who publicly backed him and sent Vice President JD Vance to Budapest as a campaign aide. Vances appearance in the midst of the war in Iran, which is also opposed by the population, is likely to have weakened Orban rather than strengthened him.

Unlike Orban, Magyar was backed by the EU. Since his election to the European Parliament two years ago, he has been a member of the conservative European Peoples Party (EPP) group, which also includes EU Commission President von der Leyen and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. EPP leader Manfred Weber travelled to Budapest specifically in the summer of 2024 to recruit Tisza into the EPP. It is reasonable to assume that the EPP provided significant support for the small partys professional election campaign, which is entirely tailored to Magyars persona. Unlike with Trumps intervention, however, the EPP is not particularly troubled by this.

Politically, the EPP is on the far right. Until 2021, Orbans Fidesz was also a member of the EPP; later, it joined forces with Frances Rassemblement National to form a new political group, Patriots for Europe. In Italy, EPP leader Weber supported Silvio Berlusconis election campaign and, by extension, that of Giorgia Meloni.

Magyar himself comes from an established family of lawyers in Budapest. His wife, Judit Varga, served as Minister of Justice under Orban from 2019 to 2023, while he himself held a lucrative post as head of the Student Loan Agency. In 2024, Magyar then published secret audio recordings of his wife, from whom he had recently separated. In them, she spoke of corruption and interference in the judiciary. With the publication, Magyar provoked a scandal that brought him national attention.

Just how far to the right Hungarian politics remains, even after Orbans defeat, is shown by the fact that in the new parliament, even within the narrow spectrum of bourgeois politics, there is no longer a single party that describes itself as left-wing or centrist. The parliament will consist of Magyars conservative Tisza, Orbans authoritarian Fidesz and the fascist Our Homeland. The interests of the working class are not represented in even a completely distorted form.

This situation is untenable. The class struggle is bound to break out, encouraged also by workers struggles across Europe and internationally. Workers and young people who voted for Magyar to get rid of Orban will soon realise that nothing has been resolved. Magyar and the capitalist interests he defends have nothing to offer but more poverty, sharper exploitation and war.

Orban evolved from a Stalinist student functionary to a liberal student leader, then a conservative, and finally an authoritarian ruler. His career was initially promoted by the US investor George Soros, whom he would later demonise. This evolution did not simply stem from Orbans bad character, but from the logic of capitalism, which can now only assert itself globally through dictatorship and war. Magyar is also subject to this same logic.

To break out of this vicious circle, a socialist perspective is necessary, one that unites the international working class in the struggle against capitalism. It must be based on a clear understanding of history.

To this day, the defenders of capitalism invoke the crimes of Stalinism to justify their own crimes. They reinterpret the 1956 Hungarian uprising, which was brutally crushed by Soviet tanks, as an anti-communist, pro-capitalist revolt. In reality, it was a workers uprising that sought to replace the dictatorship of the Stalinist bureaucracy with genuine workers democracy. Capitalism was only introduced laterunder Gorbachev and Yeltsin in the Soviet Union and Nemeth in Hungaryby the Stalinists themselves.

Orban came to national prominence in 1989 when, during the reburial of Imre Nagywho had been executed in 1958 following the Hungarian uprisinghe spoke out in favour of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Hungary. At Magyars victory celebration on Sunday evening, his supporters chanted Russians out, a slogan from the 1956 uprising. Ursula von der Leyen also recalled the 1956 uprising when she congratulated Magyar on his election victory.

This distortion of history must be rejected. Stalinism did not embody socialism; it was its gravedigger. Under Stalin, a privileged bureaucracy seized the power that the Russian working class had won in October 1917. It was responsible for numerous defeats of the international working class and, during the Great Terror of the 1930s, murdered hundreds of thousands of devoted communists and revolutionaries, including Leon Trotsky, the leader of the Left Opposition and founder of the Fourth International.

After the Second World War, the Stalinist bureaucracy extended the inherently progressive property relations of the Soviet Union to Eastern Europewithout revolution and without workers democracy. Where workers rose up against Stalinismas in 1953 in East Germany, 1956 in Poland and Hungary, or 1968 in Czechoslovakiathey were crushed. When, in the 1980s, a mass movement against Stalinist rule developed once again, starting in Poland, the regime respondedas Trotsky had already predicted in the 1930sby reintroducing capitalism. Orban and Magyar are the reactionary beneficiaries of this social counterrevolution.
On April 9, 2026, the Washington Post broke a story that crystallized what has been happening inside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more than a year. Acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya had blocked the publication of a completed agency report showing that the COVID-19 vaccine reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations for healthy adults by roughly half during the 2025-26 winter season.

The report had already cleared CDC's own internal scientific review. The methodology it used was identical to the one the agency applied to assess flu vaccine effectivenessa study published in the CDC's flagship journal, the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, just one week earlier. That the same methodology was deemed acceptable for flu but suddenly problematic for COVID is not a neutral scientific judgment. It directly contradicts the public position that Kennedy's HHS and his reconstituted ACIP have staked out: that COVID vaccines offer insufficient benefit to warrant routine recommendation.

Suppressing data on the grounds of methodological concerns, when those same methods were used without objection for an influenza study one week earlier, is not a credible defense. They are suppressing science to fit a predetermined political conclusion. Scientists familiar with the decision spoke to the Post only under conditions of anonymity, citing fear of retaliation if they were identified.

When contacted for this article following the interview, Professor Dorit Reiss addressed the suppression directly: withholding data that does not fit your predetermined conclusions is not transparency, she wrote, and the fact that a scientist was willing to speak up at allonly anonymously, out of apparent fearspeaks to how deeply unhappy researchers inside the agency have become with their leadership. The word retaliation tells you nearly everything you need to know about the state of American public health in the spring of 2026.

Professor Dorit Reiss [Photo by Dorit Reiss]

The suppression of that report is but the latest development in a systematic dismantling of the public health infrastructure that the United States spent more than a century building. Under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., operating within the broader deregulatory agenda of the Trump administration, the machinery of evidence-based governance has been stripped, piece by piece, from the inside.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the independent expert body that has guided vaccine policy since 1964, was gutted in June 2025 when Kennedy fired all 17 sitting memberspediatricians, immunologists and infectious disease specialistsand replaced them with people qualified only by their ideological alignment with Kennedys own anti-vaccine wrecking operation. By January 2026, the reconstituted committee had been used to strip universal recommendation status from vaccines protecting against influenza, COVID-19, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and meningococcal disease, reducing the recommended childhood immunization schedule from 17 vaccine-preventable diseases to 11. A federal judge has since placed a legal hold on those changes, but the administration's response remains uncertain.

The consequences of this rollback are already visible in the disease data. The United States recorded 2,255 measles cases in 2025, the highest annual total since 1992, placing the country's measles elimination status, maintained since 2000, in jeopardy. Pertussis, or whooping cough, caused 28,783 infections and at least 13 deaths, primarily among unvaccinated infants. Meanwhile, COVID-19 continues to circulate at a scale that dwarfs other infectious threats: estimates from the Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative placed total SARS-CoV-2 infections in 2025 at roughly 260 million, with somewhere between 81,000 and 175,000 excess deaths attributable to the virus. Vaccination uptake for the 2025-26 COVID booster reached just 17.3 percent of adults by early January 2026.

The CDC itself has been hollowed out. Mass firings eliminated institutional memory and expertise that accumulated over decades. Scientists who remain report working in an environment where political pressure, not evidence, increasingly determines what gets published and what gets buried as the recent suppressed vaccine report makes plain.

This is the third conversation the World Socialist Web Site has conducted with Professor Dorit Reiss, a law professor at UC Law San Francisco who specializes in vaccine policy, administrative law and public health law. In two previous interviewsin September and December 2025Reiss mapped the legal architecture of the Kennedy agenda, explained how the capture of ACIP worked as a mechanism for dismantling vaccine policy without passing new legislation, and warned that the damage to public health institutions would not be easily reversed even if the political actors responsible were removed tomorrow.

This interview was conducted on April 8, 2026. In it, Reiss assesses where things stand now: the legal fate of the ACIP, the implications of the administration's failure to nominate a permanent CDC director, the fragmentation of federal public health authority as states pull away from federal guidance, the Supreme Court's role in concentrating executive power over expert agencies, and what the absence of scientific leadership at the CDC and the Office of the Surgeon General means for the country's ability to respond to the health crises already under way.

The picture that emerges is of a public health system in deep, compounding crisis, one in which the damage is structural, the recovery will be long and difficult, and people most likely to pay the price are workers who can least afford to.

Dorit Rubinstein Reiss is a professor of law at UC Law San Francisco, formerly UC Hastings. She teaches torts, administrative law and public health law. She is a member of the Parent Advisory Board of Voices for Vaccines and of the Vaccines Working Group on Ethics and Policy and writes extensively on the legal and social dimensions of vaccination policy. This is the third interview the World Socialist Web Site has conducted with Professor Reiss; the previous two were published in September 2025 and December 2025.

****************************************************

Great damage has already been done

Benjamin Mateus (BM): We are looking at a public health system in extremely deep crisis, not just operationally, but institutionally. It appears that Secretary Kennedy has been moving around the normal regulatory and advisory channels that would ordinarily constrain him, reshaping how decisions are made at HHS, the CDC and the ACIP. Where do you see things standing right now, and what do the next few months look like?

Dorit Reiss (DR): Let me start with what we already know and then address the things that are still in flux.

What we know is that our health agencies have been pummeled down, and they are not likely to recover anytime soon even if Kennedy is gone tomorrow. They were hurt first by losing enormous numbers of personnel. Institutional memory and expertise were lost, and those cannot be quickly restored. The agencies have also been hurt by funding cuts and by a fundamental change in their sense of mission. It used to be a norm that the FDAs policy direction was guided by politics to some degree, but its decisions on individual products were not. That is no longer true. The ACIP used to be constituted based on expertise, not ideological alignment. That is also no longer true. Our agencies are badly hurt, and fixing them will require time, possibly statutory intervention from Congress, and will be far from straightforward.

The second thing we know is that states are increasingly detaching themselves from the federal government on public health. I do not think that this can easily be reversed. The states that have distanced themselves from ACIP guidance are going to remain cautious about trusting a process that has proven so vulnerable. That means we will have far less centralized coordination and information sharing than we did before. States cannot license vaccines or pharmaceutical products on their ownthere are limits to how far they can gobut where they can act independently, many of them will.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump at an event in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

Third, we are going to see a real-world experiment unfold, with some states following the new skepticism toward vaccines and suffering corresponding outbreaks. Those outbreaks will not stay neatly within state borders; people travel. But I think we will see a clear pattern in which states that have weakened their public health frameworks see more cases and more preventable suffering.

What we do not yet know: Has the White House genuinely put constraints on Kennedys actions? He has been relatively quiet on vaccines, but he also recently revised the ACIP charter, which suggests he still has room to maneuver. We do not know how the government will respond legally to the court challenge filed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and allied groupswhether it will appeal the judge's ruling and on what grounds. We do not know who will be nominated as the permanent CDC director. And more broadly, the dismantling of the administrative state itself, which goes well beyond vaccines, is going to have long-term implications that we are only beginning to understand.

BM: With respect to the legal issues now pending and the politicization of appointees at these public health institutions, can you speak to how a Supreme Court ruling might reshape the relationship between political appointees and expert agencies?

DR: This is a piece of administrative law that matters a great deal here. Over the last decade, the Supreme Court has significantly changed its approach to questions of who gets appointed to federal agencies, how they can be removed, and how much independence they can have from the president.

The traditional understanding was that Congress sets the terms for appointments and can place protections around agency experts  for example, by saying that the president may only remove certain officials for specific documented reasons, not simply because they disagree with the administration's agenda. The Supreme Court has been steadily closing off that option. The courts current position is that the president must be, in effect, the commanding officer of the entire administrative state, and that anything making it harder for the president to control appointees should be removed as a constitutional matter.

What this means practically is that it becomes very difficult to insulate experts from political pressure. If experts are going to operate without Senate confirmation, the legal logic now requires that political appointees have real authority over them. So even if Congress wanted to pass legislation protecting scientific independence at the CDC or FDA, the courts jurisprudence limits how effectively that protection can be structured. Experts are going to have a harder time acting independently of political leadership, and that means policies will be driven less by evidence and more by whoever is in power.

BM: In that sense, the days when scientific expertise was its own form of authority within these agencies are already over in important ways.

DR: Yes. And the point I want to make clearly is that one historically proposed solution to this kind of political interferencebuilding in legal protections that make it harder to remove career scientists and expertsis precisely the avenue the Supreme Court is closing. We cannot protect the experts in the way we once could.

BM: I want to stay on the broader political context for a moment. The attacks on public health spendingMedicare, Medicaid, CDC and NIH grants, pandemic preparednessseem connected to something larger than budget priorities alone. There is a logic here in which scientific expertise and public health investment become politically inconvenient.

DR: Public health has always been political. It must compete for public resources against other priorities, and that has always been true. But there is something else: public health is by its nature oriented toward the collective. The fundamental premise is that the health of the population matters, that everyone deserves access to protection. That is a political orientation. It is not neutral. And that makes it a natural target for those who do not share that orientation.

There is also a structural problem that makes public health hard to defend politically. When public health works well, nothing dramatic happens. The outbreaks that were prevented are invisible. So, you are either trying to justify investment during a period when things look finebecause the disasters were avoidedor you are defending your decisions in the middle of a crisis, when some things have inevitably gone wrong. That puts public health at a permanent political disadvantage.

And you are right that if you want to undercut public health and justify cutting its funding, you need to first undercut trust in science. You need to bring in voices that argue the experts cannot be trusted, that the data cannot be believed. That is the ideological work that figures like Kennedy have been doing. It creates the political permission structure for cuts that would otherwise be untenable.

BM: There is also a historical dimension here. George Washington required the Continental Army to be inoculated against smallpox precisely because disease destroyed military effectiveness. Public health and the ability to function as a society have always been deeply intertwined. The Civil War made sanitation and hygiene central to public health concerns more broadly in the evolving discipline. World War I and the 1918 influenza pandemic demonstrated how deeply interconnected global health and social conditions truly are.

DR: These are important historical points. During most wars before the 20th century, more soldiers died of disease than of enemy action. Public health was not a separate concern from military effectiveness; it was a precondition of it. The inoculation of Washingtons army is one of the most consequential public health decisions in American history. The idea that public health and national security are somehow in competition is not only wrongit is historically illiterate.

The vacancy at the Centers for Disease Control

BM: Where does the legal fight over the ACIP stand right now?

DR: The situation has developed significantly. A federal judge issued a stay, meaning a temporary legal hold, suspending enforcement of the challenged actions, on the administration's January 2026 memo restructuring the ACIP, and on the membership of 13 of the current 17 committee members. What that means in practice is that the ACIP cannot currently function in its reconstituted form, and everything the administration did to the vaccine schedule is legally on hold. The schedule that applies is the one that was in place at the end of May 2025.

There are two parallel legal tracks. One is the question of whether the government will appeal the judge's order. The other is that the underlying case is still moving forward; both sides are asking the judge to rule in their favor on the full merits of the dispute, so the legal battle is not over.

Committee members attend a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the CDC on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in Chamblee, Georgia. [AP Photo/Brynn Anderson]

On the appeal question: there is a legal argument from the parties who brought the casethe American Academy of Pediatrics and allied medical groups, who in legal terms are called the plaintiffs, meaning the parties who initiated the lawsuitthat this type of court order may not be directly appealable. Courts have generally treated stays in situations like this similarly to preliminary injunctions, which can be appealed, so the government could likely appeal if it chooses to. There is a question about timing. If the order is treated as a stay, there is an argument that the government had only 10 days to appeal and has already missed that window. If treated more like a preliminary injunction, the government would have 60 days, and time may remain.

I think for the administration this is genuinely uncertain. Filing an appeal would generate news coverage on vaccines, which they have been trying to avoid in the run-up to the midterms. But leaving this decision uncontested sets a precedent limiting what the administration can do going forward. Kennedy almost certainly wants an appeal. Whether the White House agrees is a political calculation I cannot predict.

At the same time, a lawyer named Aaron Siriwho represents the Informed Consent Action Network, a prominent anti-vaccine legal organizationhas filed a petition asking the secretary to amend the ACIP charter to remove the requirement that members have relevant scientific expertise. That expertise requirement was one of the bases on which the judge found the new appointments problematic. The administration recently filed a notice renewing the ACIP charter with some revisions to the membership language. Whether this is a step toward reconstituting the committee with a new slate of membersstill ideologically anti-vaccine, but with different credentialsor simply a procedural maneuver, we do not yet know.

The practical consequence of all this uncertainty is that there is no functioning mechanism to update vaccine recommendations. If pharmaceutical companies want to bring out updated COVID boosters for the next season, the FDA will need to approve them, but there will be no current ACIP recommendation covering them. That creates real uncertainty for patients, providers and insurers.

BM: What about the vaccine injury compensation system? There have been moves to create new diagnostic codes for COVID vaccine injuries, and bills in Congress that would change liability protections for vaccine manufacturers. How do those pieces fit together?

DR: They are separate issues. Let me take them one at a time.

The ICD-10 codesthese are the standardized billing and diagnostic codes that doctors and hospitals use to record diagnosesare managed through the World Health Organization with input from member countries, including the United States. Anti-vaccine groups have been pushing for new codes specifically for COVID-19 vaccine injuries. I am skeptical that this makes a lot of practical difference. Research on vaccine safety does not primarily rely on billing codes. The codes are not what drives liability determinations.

The more significant question is the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, known as VICP. COVID-19 vaccines are not currently covered under VICP at all. They fall under a separate, narrower program called the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program, which has much more limited benefits and harder eligibility requirements. For COVID vaccines to be added to VICP, Congress would need to actspecifically, it would need to impose an excise tax on COVID vaccines, which is how the program is funded. There is currently one bill proposing this, introduced by Senator Rand Paul, but it has not moved.

Pauls bill would also remove the liability protections that currently shield vaccine manufacturers from most personal injury lawsuits. A second bill from Representative Paul Gosar would do the same. This matters because the profit margins on vaccines are thin. If manufacturers faced unrestricted civil liabilitymeaning anyone who believed they were harmed could sue them directly in courtthe financial risk might cause manufacturers to stop producing vaccines for the American market altogether. That appears to be an acceptable outcome to Kennedy, who would prefer fewer vaccines available. It would also benefit the lawyers who would bring those lawsuits, some of whom have long professional relationships with Kennedy.

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, right, speaks with Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, center, and Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, left, before appearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee for his confirmation hearing as head of the National Institutes of Health, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. [AP Photo/Ben Curtis]

There is a third potential bill under discussion that would address genuine structural problems in the VICPadding more hearing officers to reduce backlogs, raising compensation caps that have not been updated since the 1980s, and similar reforms. I hope that bill does move, because people who have suffered genuine harm from vaccines deserve fair compensation, and the current system is not adequately serving them.

Surgeon General nomination held up

BM: And the nomination of Casey Means as Surgeon General?

DR: Stalled. My understanding is that the administration does not have the votes to move the nomination out of committee. President Trump signaled at one point that he was not deeply invested in it, though the White House subsequently said it was still supporting her. I doubt serious political capital will be spent on her behalf. For now, it appears her confirmation is going nowhere.

BM: What does the absence of a Surgeon General and a permanent CDC director say about the condition of public health in the United States right now?

DR: By themselves, unfilled positions are not necessarily catastrophic. The Surgeon General's role is primarily communicativetranslating public health knowledge into public guidance and lending official authority to health warnings. The Surgeon General was the first official to warn Americans publicly about the dangers of smoking, for example. Not having that position filled means losing an important tool of communication. But I would rather have it vacant than filled by someone actively promoting misinformation.

The same is true of the CDC director. We have had acting-directors before, and the agency has functioned. The deeper problem is not the vacancy itselfit is what the vacancy reflects. The reason these positions are unfilled is that the administration is trying to place people in them who are hostile to the scientific mission of the agencies, unqualified to lead them, or both. The vacancy is a symptom of that intention.

What worries me more than the empty chairs is the broader cultural and institutional damage. There is a sustained, coordinated effort to erode trustnot just in vaccines, not just in the CDC, but in science and expertise as such. When you systematically undermine confidence in public health institutions, you do not just discourage vaccine uptake. You break the social fabric that makes collective responses to health threats possible at all. And when you try to communicate with people who have been fed a different set of factsa different realityfinding common ground becomes genuinely difficult.

BM: That erosion of common ground may be the most serious long-term consequence of all this.

DR: I think that is right. There are a lot of well-meaning people who have been led in this direction because they have been fed false information convincingly. They are not bad people. They want everyone to be healthy. But when we are working from different facts, communication itself breaks down. That is a serious problem, and it will not be solved quickly.
United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain held a livestreamed kickoff rally for American Axle workers in Three Rivers, Michigan, ahead of the May 31 contract expiration. The event, staged alongside Democratic Party politicians including Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and gubernatorial candidate Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, was aimed at containing growing rank-and-file opposition.

Timed to coincide with ongoing negotiations between UAW Local 2093 and American Axle & Manufacturing, the rally featured assurances from Fain and Region 1D Director Steve Dawes that the union has workers backs. Notably absent, however, was any acknowledgment of the UAWs role in imposing wage cuts of up to 50 percent in 2008 or sanctioning the mass layoffs that followed.

UAW President Shawn Fain speaking at American Axle kickoff rally in Three Rivers, Michigan March 29, 2026 [Photo: UAW L. 2093]

Workers at the Three Rivers facility and across the auto parts industry confront conditions shaped by decades of concessions. In 2008, wages at the plant were slashed in half with workers making up to $35 an hour. Now top pay is $22 an hour. While Fain & co. talk about corporate greed, many workers contacted by the WSWS exposed the role of the UAW in sabotaging any effective rank-and-file resistance.

You want me to have faith in the UAW? Its always publicity [stunts] with them

The union claims theyre doing their due diligence waiting on the company for three hours to show. Really, theyre submitting to them an American Axle worker said.

Referencing the last three contracts, the worker stated, young workers were used for the vote for a small raise. You want me to have faith in the UAW? Its always publicity [stunts] with them.

They dont canvas the plant for conditions. Theres workers in here working more than 12 hours taking on OT (overtime) to support their families. Some people are capped at $22 an hour. That doesnt go for much in todays market. Lots of people lost their homes in 2008 when they were making $35 an hour and dont make half of that now. They set a precedent for us to take less money, then ramping up production so we work 10 plus hours on most lines, essentially forcing workers to take on excessive overtime in order to make up for the cut in wages.

If you asked a newer worker what 30-year pace (30 years to retirement) is, they wouldnt know. What the union and management created in the plant is people versus people, not unity or camaraderie. That strike fund should be distributed equally for us all. There was a time that workers and the union stood in the way of management.

These conditions are not unique. The rally at which Fain spoke followed a vote by workers at Nexteer Automotive in Saginaw to reject a sellout contract by 96 percent in early April. The sellout deal, endorsed by the UAW, expanded tiers and imposed a starting wage of $19.05 an hour and increased healthcare costs.

Across the critical auto parts sectorwhose just-in-time production systems underpin the entire auto industryworkers face intense exploitation, layoffs, and relentless speedup. The strategic position of the parts plants gives workers immense power, raising fears within both management and the union leadership that any independent movement by workers could rapidly spread throughout the industry.

The rally in Three Rivers must be understood in this context: an effort by the UAW bureaucracy to head off the emergence of a broader, unified struggle by channeling opposition back under the control of the UAW apparatus.

Role of the UAW bureaucracy

Fain used the rally to denounce corporate greed while offering empty assurances. While referencing 18 years of injustice,workers losing their homes and liveshe left out the role of the UAW in helping management force through the very concessions contracts responsible for these conditions.

In one revealing moment Fain asserted, I was national negotiator for Chrysler during the recession, the same thing you all went through. And when the company wanted to take everything from us, and they damn near did. Fain thus all but admits that he oversaw the 2009 restructuring of the auto industry under the Obama-Biden Auto Task Force that devastated workers lives. In attempting to sell the 2009 concessions Fain had told Chrysler workers in Kokomo where his home local was based that the restructuring would soon be a bad memory like 1979 when workers saw massive job and wage cuts.

American Axle workers on strike in Detroit, 2008 (WSWS Photo)

For his part Steve Dawes, UAW Region 1D director put the blame on workers for the 2008 American Axle betrayal. Stating that workers in 2008 took that hit because you learned and you thought you had to fight another day.

In reality, the UAW isolated plants in New York state and Michigan for 87 days, starving them on $200 strike pay. Dawes himself played a role in the betrayal of workers at the Flint Delphi plants in 2007, the 2009 auto restructuring and most recently the Eaton Aerospace strike.

Fain went on to promote the 2023 Stand Up strike strategywhere only a handful of selected plants were called outwhile many of the more profitable plants continued operating, producing profits for the companies. Any genuine struggle would have required collaboration with auto parts workers, which have the potential to shut down the entire automotive industry. Since the phony Stand Up strike thousands of workers have lost their jobs across the auto industry and wage tiers have continued. Fain has collaborated with both Biden and the fascist Trump to ensure the competitiveness of US auto companies against the threat of Chinese domination of electric vehicle production. This involved not only promoting Trumps tariffs and trade war, but endorsing preparations for shooting war against China and other rivals of USA capitalism. This was behind Fains campaign for turning the auto plants into the arsenal of democracy and Bidens boast that the unions were his domestic NATO.

The ideological and class origins of Fain, Dawes and all of the so called reformers are rooted in the nationalist and class collaborationist program of the UAW codified by Walter Reuther, which subordinated the interests of workers to an alliance with the Democratic party and defense of capitalism. Reuther initiated the 1950s McCarthyite purge of militant and socialist-minded workers who led the sit-down strikes. Former UAW President Owen Bieberfrom West Michigan, began his long UAW career at that time.

In a critical shift, in 1979 UAW President Douglas Fraser rammed through the first ever concessions contracts with Chrysler. In 1982 the UAW imposed the first concessions at General Motors, lowering wages by 3 percent and all but eliminating cost of living adjustments. In 1984 Frasers successor, Bieber, openly adopted the program of corporatism and union management partnership, tying the union at the hip to the auto companies through a web of joint structures, which in addition served as a conduit for 100s of millions and billions of dollars into the UAW treasury.

In words repeated by Fain today, in 1983 Bieber had stated, We have made sacrifices not because we lacked the guts to take the companies on, but because we have the wisdom to know we were better off to protect much of what we had, to fight another day from a position of strength.

The prominent role of Democratic Party politicians at the rally expressed the union bureaucracys function as a key bulwark for capitalism, tying workers to a party responsible for overseeing the economic and geopolitical interests of American capitalism. No one on the platform mentioned the vastly unpopular war in Iran nor the Trump administrations brutal attacks on immigrants or assault on the Constitution. Sheriff Swanson admonished workers to remember 1936 and 37 in Flint, without noting that police and sheriffs deputies had been mobilized alongside national guard troops and fascists like the Black Legion to smash the strike. He went on to praise the successes of the Stand Up strike, calling for unity on the shop floor, in other words to unite behind Fain and the UAW apparatus.

War and the diversion of social opposition

The rally took place with the ongoing illegal war on Iran by the Trump administration funded by both the Democratic and Republican Parties. The same political forces backing the UAW leadership are simultaneously directing vast resources toward military operations abroad.

The Democratic Party has played a particularly foul role in stoking nationalist and anti-Chinese sentiment. In Saginaw, Michigan, Democratic Senator and ex-CIA intelligence officer Elissa Slotkin recently joined with UAW officials and management at auto parts maker Nexteer for a public meeting defending American manufacturing, against Chinese espionage.

The suppression of strikes and the enforcement of labor discipline at home are inseparable from preparations for war. The auto industry is a key component of the US industrial base and could be converted relatively quickly to military production as it was in WWII. The union bureaucracy functions as a labor police force, ensuring uninterrupted production while diverting workers anger into controlled protests and electoral politics.

Raising the context of Trumps threat to Iran the American Axle worker went on to say, Yep this is world war. Theres always a benefactor and its not the workers on the frontlines. Its about oil, fuel and the financial backers. Just like the bailouts. I disagreed with that. [Both parties] do a song and dance while they killed this area. We dont even have proper grocery stores.

The situation confronting autoworkers in Three Rivers and Nexteer raises the necessity of a break with the UAW apparatus and the development of genuinely independent, rank-and-file based organizations.

The growing opposition among auto parts workersrooted in years of declining real wages and deteriorating conditionspoints to the potential for a broader struggle that challenges not only corporate exploitation but the entire framework of union-management collaboration. These contract struggles are taking place under conditions of war, where the Trump administration is demanding more attacks on workers social gains to pay for his proposed $1.5 billion war budget.

What is posed is not merely a contract fight, but a political struggle against the structures that bind workers to the interests of capital, enforced jointly by the union bureaucracy and its allies in the Democratic Party. The newly formed Nexteer Rank and File Committee, built in opposition to the UAW apparatus, should be a model for workers at American Axle and elsewhere in carrying forward this fight.
Interfax-Ukraine to host discussion 'Mobilization and trust: how to reduce conflict and restore predictability'

On Friday, April 17, at 11.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency (8/5a Reitarska Street) will host a discussion entitled "Mobilization and trust: how to reduce conflict and restore predictability."

Participants include

Member of Parliament Yulia Yatsik (online),

MP and head of the subcommittee on social protection of veterans' rights Anatoliy Ostapenko,

PhD and head of the Hybrid Threat Analysis Group of the UCMC Volodymyr Solovian,

public figure and AFU serviceman Valentyn Balahura (online),

veteran of Russia-Ukraine war and member of the Civil-Military Movement Oleksiy Ivashyn,

member of the political council of the Ukrainian Strategy of Groysman party and advisor to the Vinnytsia mayor Yevhen Zolotariov,

Natalka Karhapoltseva from the NGO Intention (online).

Invited guests include MPs, representatives of the Odesa regional territorial recruitment center (online), the Main Communications Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Communications Department of the National Police of Ukraine, Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, the Ministry of Defense and others.

The moderator is Yuriy Goncharenko, head of the InfoLight.UA Research and Analysis Group and head of the Ukrainian Security Club.

The event is organized by the NGO Foundation for Promotion of Democracy and the InfoLight.UA Research and Analysis Group  a joint project of the NGO Foundation for Promotion of Democracy and the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Ukraine.

The broadcast will be available on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel. Registration is available via the link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/mJQFL4PL5Y.

Additional information: (063) 765-90-85, [email protected] (Yuriy Goncharenko).
There is a lack of warfighting mentality that reaches right across government The chiefs of staff are saying we need to be ready for war, so when are we going to be prepared, and for what?

With these words Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin confronted Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the House of Commons Liaison Committee held on March 23, 2026.

Berating Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Conservative Party MP Bernard Jenkin holds up the Civitas think tank report "Understanding the UK's Transition to Warfighting Readiness". Jenkin co-authored the report with Labour MP Derek Twigg and Chris Donnelly, a former reserve officer in the British Army Intelligence Corps, March 23, 2026 (screenshot from Parliament TV video) [Photo: parliamentlive.tv/Commons]

Starmer is committed to increasing military spending by 13.4 billion annually from 2027 to meet an increase from 2.3 percent of GDP to 2.5 percent. However, Ministry of Defence officials have complained of a funding gap of around 28 billion over the next four years just to cover their existing plans.

But far more is required to meet Starmers commitment to NATO to reach 5 percent of spending on the military, including funding related infrastructure projects. Jenkin denounced Starmer for producing a 10-year defence review last year but failing since then to find the gigantic funding to back it up. That day, Starmer had a COBRA emergency meeting over the Iran war. Jenkin raised that the lack of funding for war readiness in Britain was pivotal and it was the responsibility of the prime minister to tell those in attendance that the Treasury did not seem to realise we are already at war and we need to be in a warfighting mentality to deal with the emergencies we are facing.

Jenkin twice held up a report from the right-wing Civitas think tank that he has co-authored with Labour MP Derek Twigg and Chris Donnelly, a former reserve officer in the British Army Intelligence Corps.

Berating Starmer he stated, We [the authors] are all agreed that the government is not on a war footing and needs to be, very quickly. Why is it not on a war footing now?... It sounds as though you are at peace while we are actually at war.

The report, Understanding the UKs Transition to Warfighting Readiness, escalates the campaign by sections of the British ruling classincluding senior military figuresto force the Labour government to move faster and spend vastly more on military preparations.

In December 2025, the World Socialist Web Site reported that Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, Chief of the Defence Stafflecturing at the Royal United Services Institutedemanded a whole of nation response to Russia, warning that sons and daughters, colleagues, veterans, will all have a role to play. To build. To serve. And if necessary, to fight. And more families will know what sacrifice for our nation means.

Jenkin was Shadow Defence Secretary under Iain Duncan Smith from 2001-2003 and served on the House of Commons Defence Select Committee from 2006-2010.

Twigg served as Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans in the Blair Labour government between 2006 and 2008. He sits on Parliaments Defence Select Committee, the Intelligence and Security Committee and the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy. Twigg leads the UK Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Chris Donnelly is a former reserve officer in the British Army Intelligence Corps, who helped establish and headed the British Armys Soviet Studies Research Centre at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Between 1989 and 2003 he served as Special Adviser to four consecutive NATO Secretaries-General. He subsequently ran the UK Defence Academys Advanced Research and Assessment Group, examining new security challenges to the UK. From 2010 to 2020, Donnelly co-directed the Institute for Statecraft, notorious for its covert influence operations targeting public opinion across Europe.

The report begins with the vast geopolitical changes resulting from US President Trumps attacks on NATO and the European powers, which have only intensified in the months since it was written, over their refusal to backwith their own militariesUS-led strikes on Iran.

The authors write, Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was the first unequivocal declaration that the international rules-based order - which had defined our security and shaped our national defence for the past three generations - was under existential threat. But If Russias full-scale attack on Ukraine was the first lethal challenge to the old order, then the revolution ushered in by the election of President Trump has delivered the coup de grace.

Under the section, The Imperative for moving to war readiness - a rapidly changing geopolitical and geostrategic environment, it notes, The US commitment to defend Europe was at the core of the international rules-based order. As soon as that commitment was put in doubt by President Trump, the security guarantee it had provided for seven decades was no longer valid and the international rules-based order was effectively dead.

While it has been difficult for many in Europe to accept the reality of this situation because of the magnitude of change it implies this does not make the fact less true.

For the UK this was a particularly acute dilemma. For the past few decades it has closely aligned its defence policy with that of the US and has accordingly structured and equipped its armed forces to act as an adjunct of the US Armed Forces. Consequently, the UK now relies on US support to deploy many elements of the British Armed Forces effectively. It warns, Breaking that dependency will be difficult, painful and costly.

Understanding the UK's Transition to Warfighting Readiness, published by Civitas, January 27, 2026 [Photo: Civitas/screenshot]

Criticising Starmers plan for closer economic and military ties with the European Union, the report states, With the shift in the position of the US away from Europe, the temptation for the UK in particular to see a solution to its national defence problems in rejoining existing EU peacetime structures is likely to be great.

This strategy accepted a peacetime consensus under conditions in which those structures themselves are now already obsolete. The main preoccupation with EU defence has been about collaboration on major long-term defence projects and the development and support for the EUs defence industries. The authors warn, If the EU cannot adapt to reflect wartime rather than peacetime requirements, it could actually hamper Europes rearmament.

The Civitas authors enlisted the support of Labour Party peer Lord George Robertson who was a defence minister in the Blair government before becoming NATO Secretary-General (1999-2003). Robertson was the lead author of the Starmer governments own Strategic Defence Review just six months earlier. In December, Robertson went on LBC Radio to declare the pressure needs to be on the chancellor because she signed up to the Strategic Defence Review the money will have to be made available in some way.

Robertsons foreword: what the SDR didnt say

When Understanding the UKs Transition to Warfighting Readiness was published, Robertson chose to write its foreword, dated January 15, 2026. In doing so the man who led the SDR process placed his authority directly behind a document explicitly written to go far beyond the SDR.

The foreword declares that the report helpfully starts by highlighting the urgent need to recognise the Russian threat, and following the SDR sets out the way forward to prepare for a war we must be ready to fight and win.

To emphasise the need for the shift outlined in the report, Robertson told Times Radio on its January 27 publication that the SDR drafters were prevented by the government from saying that preparation for a war footing is insufficient, and that Britain must actually be put on one. He said: The [SDR] review is pretty stark in terms of explaining precisely the kind of threats that we are under and the modernising that is being done by our adversaries in the world today. But clearly, we, because we were producing a report for the government, were operating within certain constraints.

The Civitas report states explicitly that the SDR reviewers were dissuaded from raising public alarm or recommending the more radical and drastic changes which the situation demands. Critically, They could not make recommendations which would commit the government to significant increases in spending. They could not question the assumption that the US would continue to remain a dependable ally.

Nato Secretary-General George Robertson (right) with US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld at the Pentagon on 8 March 2001 [Photo: Helene C. Stikkel - This image was released by the United States Department of Defense]

Therefore the report, referring to the National Security Strategy (NSS), SDR and Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), states, The documents begin the process of defining how the UK might move towards war readiness. It is the purpose of this study to explore in greater detail where the pathways outlined by the three documents should lead, the nature and extent of the transformation which will be necessary for the UK to achieve war readiness, and why the country needs to make that journey.

The militarist framework of the document rests on the premise that Russia must not be allowed to defeat Ukraine, and Britain must be willing to fight Moscow if this worst-case scenario is threatened. The report presents the NATO war on Russia as a civilisational challenge to the entire Western order. It identifies other enemies declaring, Chinas support of Russia and the support given by North Korea and Iran established a de facto alliance of autocracies seeking to overthrow Western global dominance.

The authors complain that due to a seven-decade period in which Europe could rely on a US backed security guarantee, there have been three generations in Britain who lived under stability, prosperity and security. This had made us complacent. We had forgotten what a nasty place the world can be; we had forgotten what war is and that it can affect us.

Lauding Finland as a comprehensive national total defence model, the report calls for an end to the small professional army model Britain has operated for generations. Stating that traditional conscription is only one way of raising a military force, it notes, The Finnish active-duty force comprises about 24,000 personnel, consisting of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, plus a strong militarised Border Guard. In addition, Finland maintains a system of universal male conscription, with about 20,000 men annually undertaking military service up to a year. This creates a large, well-trained reserve force of approximately 870,000 individuals, which is more than six times greater than the UK armed forces including reserves. It notes, the population of the UK will soon pass 70 million, whereas that of Finland is approximately 5.6 million.

Finnish conscripts swearing their military oath at the end of their basic training period, August 2005 [Photo: Karri Huhtanen from Tampere, Finland - Promise]

Britains military had to move away from being small: A new model needs to be able both to generate mass and to achieve a state of permanent rapid adaptation. This applies to the armed forces themselves, to the political and military command and control systems which will lead them in war, and to the societal and industrial base from which they will draw their personnel and equipment.

Military logic drives this demand for mass. A small professional army of a few tens of thousandswith the actual fighting elements of the British Army now reduced to around 10,000 soldiersmeant that the UK could not win a modern war, note the authors.

They write, The high rate of casualties to be expected in a war against a peer enemy are a major cause of loss of fighting power and the consequent need for mass to replace that loss. The experience of many NATO armies fighting discretionary wars in the Middle East in recent years has taught them exactly the wrong lessons when it comes to dealing with the level of casualties that we are seeing in the Ukraine war, which is by no means exceptional as far as peer-to-peer wars are concerned.

The WSWS reported that BBCs security correspondent Frank Gardner made a related point in December 2025, noting that Russia was sustaining casualty rates in Ukraine that exceeded the entire deployable strength of the British Army every two months. The Civitas reports authors draw the obvious conclusion: Mass is not an optional extra, but the precondition of survival on a modern battlefield: Resilience on the battlefield means the ability to absorb casualties and fight on. That needs mass.

The authors mount a vigorous defence of General Patrick Sanders, the former Chief of the General Staff who called in 2024 for a citizen army and the reconstruction of Britains armed forces around a large, conscript-based reserve. The then Conservative government was not prepared to countenance such a shift at that point and Sanders was removed from his position. Sanders responded by warning that the realistic possibility of war with Russia within five years had to be prepared for. Sanders is presented as a political casualty of governmental timidity, symptomatic of the peacetime mindset Jenkin accused Starmers Labour government of embodying.

Abandon peacetime policies - all of them

A core theme of the report is that war cannot be fought by armies alone and is a whole of society effort: Not only the conduct of war, but also preparation for war, demand that all aspects of government and society be changed, adapted to optimise the contribution they can make to the national war effort. All elements of government, business and society must be capable of being mobilised towards this national effort because war sets different priorities on just about every activity of a country and its people.

They insist: This is the essence of the distinction we need to make between our armed forces learning to fight battles and our country learning to fight war, the authors declare.

The economic implications are starkly laid out, with the National Health Service, the benefits system, and pensions decried as obstacles to be swept away on the march to war readiness. In many Western democracies which have become accustomed to spending a large part of their national income on health, education, welfare and pensions, finding political consensus to change that spending pattern is the first serious hurdle in any move to put the country on a footing of warfighting readiness, complete with wartime priorities.

The Royal Bournemouth Hospital which is part of the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust

The report calls for new wartime financial mechanisms including considering issuing war bonds and imposing capital controls. It warns that the unsustainable debt burdens facing Western economies require creating financial headroom a euphemism for cutting social spending to free resources for military expenditure. The resilience framework the report proposes means enduring pain as The vital core of society must be protected, even at the expense of peripheral comforts and rights.

The Second World War is invoked as the historical template, with the authors stating that in war there would be the suspension of some of the basic democratic practices, accompanied by the suspension of certain civil libertiesespecially those regarding freedom of speech, information and travel

A critical part of the document is its proposal to mobilise a mass fighting force from young workers unable to get a decent job and who have been deprived of further/higher education. To provide the cannon fodder for a vastly expanded armed forces the authors fix on the young unemployed and what the report dismisses as non-essential service jobs.

It states, Our educational system will have to change to make this possible and to increase the capacity for robustness and resilience in our society. At the moment in the UK there are almost a million young people not in employment, education or training, only a third of whom are registered as job seekers. People in this situation, plus those currently employed in non-essential service jobs, must expect to find themselves drafted into war work if the war becomes a long war.

Education is the domain of government absolutely crucial to any national war effort

The authors are explicit that the entire educational systemfrom secondary schools through to universitiesmust be restructured around the demands of wartime production and military manpower.

The report states: Education is the domain of government absolutely crucial to any national war effort. This is the prime means by which a countrys intellectual capital is nurtured and through which it can be harnessed to deal with a national emergency, such as war.

It was vital that the national curriculum must provide the basis by educating pupils in international affairs, in defence and security issues

The authors write, There is an even more fundamental problem that moving to war preparedness will expose in our education system. Preparing for war requires mobilising not just troops and defence industry; all aspects of the nation will gradually find themselves directed to work based on the priorities of winning the war rather than on pre-war priorities which they may have identified as their own personal interest. A country facing war cannot afford to educate a large percentage of its population in subjects which do not contribute to the war effort in some way.

The Department for Education office in Sanctuary Buildings on Great Smith Street in London. [Photo by Sebastiandoe5 - Own work / CC BY-SA 4.0

What is needed to win a war is what young people will be permitted to learn: We should expect to see many university courses close down, perhaps some universities closing, for lack of students. Universities will need to operate on much lower administrative overheads.

The entire mechanism by which universities are funded, the report adds, will need to be reconsidered by government. The current dependence on foreign studentsand influencefrom hostile states [mainly China] must be addressed to protect intellectual property and national security. It suggests waiving tuition fees for students in key subjects and restructuring higher education to support defence.

At secondary school level the report demands the expansion of courses and apprenticeships in those technical skills and trades which war will demand. It insists, We will need (indeed, we already need) many more engineers, welders, electricians and so forth to build classic weapons and equipment of war.

The report asks, how will our modern society react to a call to fight for King and Country? A problem to be overcome was that The less society understands that there is a risk of war and what war actually means, the more the UKs regular volunteer forces are wholly dependent on an offer of excitement and adventure, reasonable pay and conditions. But the reality is that the Armed forces recruiting for a possible war are not offering a good time but asking for service and sacrifice in the defence of our country and its values. How much of this is discussed in schools?

Nothing could be left off the table to toughen up for war. The report complains, In many NATO militaries today, health and safety regulations so constrain the commander that realistic training is impossible as it is considered too dangerous. The reports caveated advice is while there is no excuse for accidents caused by an unjustifiable lack of care, it is also important to realise that realistic training will be dangerous and that some level of casualties must be accepted. Failing to accept risk in training transfers that risk to operations.

The authors conclusion is the insistence that the unpalatable, unthinkable, but unfortunately real and possibly imminent threat of war now demands that we move from a peacetime footing to a wartime readiness; that we adapt structures, procedures, laws, attitudes and domestic spending patterns suited to stability, security and predictability so that they become suited to instability, uncertainty and constant drastic change.

That such plans are being seriously considered, and not just in Britainbut in the think tanks and within the capitalist parties of all the major imperialist powersmust serve as a warning to the working class. The response must be the building of a genuine anti-war movement, not one based on appeals to any section of the political establishment.

The International Committee of the Fourth International has established that the building of a genuine anti-war movement must be based on four essential principles:

First, the struggle against war must be based on the working class, the great revolutionary force in society, uniting behind it all progressive elements in the population.

Second, the new anti-war movement must be anti-capitalist and socialist, since there can be no serious struggle against war except in the fight to end the dictatorship of finance capital and the economic system that is the fundamental cause of militarism and war.

Third, the new anti-war movement must be completely and unequivocally independent of, and hostile to, all political parties and organisations of the capitalist class.

Fourth, the new anti-war movement must, above all, be international, mobilising the vast power of the working class in a unified global struggle against imperialism.
In an extraordinary ruling last Wednesday, the California Supreme Court ordered Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, a Republican candidate for governor, to halt his supposed criminal fraud probe into the November 2025 special election that approved an extreme pro-Democratic redistricting plan designed to deprive Republicans of five congressional seats in the November midterm elections.

Chad Bianco on the Lila Rose show, February 27, 2026. [Photo: Lila Rose Show]

Unlike the extreme right-wing United States Supreme Court, which deliberately uses its shadow docket to intervene and derail cases that threaten the political agenda of the Republican Party, the California Supreme Court usually allows cases to percolate through the lower courts before considering whether to review them on the merits.

The state Supreme Court, however, ordered Bianco, his agents, employees and anyone else acting on his behalf immediately to pause the investigation into the November 2025 special election and preserve all seized items, principally the ballots and tally sheets. Biancos office must confer with state Attorney General Rob Bonta, who both provides legal services for state election officials and supervises local law enforcement officers like Bianco, on the appointment of a special master.

The ruling followed Bontas accusations that Bianco willfully defied my direct orders, seized 650,000 ballots, misused criminal investigatory tools, and created a constitutional emergency in the process.

Bontas characterization of Biancos outrageous actions was not rhetorical hyperbole. After the attorney general first voiced his concerns and ordered the sheriff to stop his investigation, Bianco obtained more warrants and seized additional election materials. By the time the state Supreme Court acted, Biancos staff, which has no role in election administration, had already recounted 12,561 ballots.

The same day, a Riverside Superior Court judge granted the petition filed by media organizations, including the Los Angeles Times and CalMatters, to unseal Biancos warrants, which confirmed what critics had alleged from the beginning: there was no evidence of any election irregularity.

The warrants were based on half-baked conspiracy claims previously made public by a local fascist group that calls itself the Riverside Election Integrity Team, which claims 45,000 more ballots were cast than counted. Its allegations were answered publicly and in detail by Riverside County Registrar of Voters Art Tinoco last February. The actual discrepancy was 103 votes, a variance of 0.016 percent, typical for an election of that size.

Biancos investigator timed the warrants for when the rotating duty judge was Jay Kiel, a former deputy district attorney elected to the bench in 2022 on a slate endorsed by the local Republican Party, Bianco and law enforcement groups. Kiel also had the support of Tim Thompson, a prominent Christian nationalist pastor whose media organization, Our Watch, aims to increase the influence of Judeo-Christian values in government.

Bianco praised Kiel while he was a candidate, claiming that he should be elected to help rein in political activism destroying the justice system. In a 2022 interview, Kiel returned the favor, stating, Were so fortunate to have Chad Bianco.

Kiel also ordered the warrants sealed, a measure usually taken to protect informants or conceal the mechanics of investigations from their targets. There were no insider tips, confidential witnesses or forensic analysis, however, and the affidavits were not signed by the Riverside County District Attorneys Office, suggesting prosecutors never reviewed or approved them.

After reviewing the warrants, one recognized elections expert, Carl Luna of the University of San Diego, called the claims of the Riverside Election Integrity Team the political equivalent of flat earthers.

Biancos legal representation is not being provided by the Riverside County Counsel. Instead, he retained Robert Tyler, who heads Advocates for Faith and Freedom, an overtly Christian nationalist operation. A legal brief opposing Bianco, filed by four Riverside County voters represented by the UCLA Voting Rights Project, flagged a concerning pattern throughout Tylers legal filings that contain several real cases but point to non-existent quotes and made-up holdings, an increasing problem arising from the reckless use of AI.

Tyler admitted the errors but attributed them to the pressure of multiple rush filings and very limited time to respond.

Biancos antics were clearly intended to attract the attention, and endorsement, of Donald Trump in the run-up to the June 2 gubernatorial primary. Instead, on April 6, two days before the Supreme Court stopped Biancos investigation, Trump endorsed Fox News host Steve Hilton, virtually assuring that he will be the Republican candidate on the November ballot.

Biancos provocation is part of a broader national campaign to place elections under the control of police, intelligence agencies and armed right-wing partisans operating outside established democratic procedures.

In January 2026, the FBI raided Fulton Countys election office in Georgia, seeking ballots, computers and other 2020 election materials, while Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, appearing at Trumps request, oversaw the operation politically from the scene.

In Arizona, federal subpoenas have targeted records from the discredited audit of the 2020 election, which found no evidence of fraud despite the claims of its right-wing proponents. In Puerto Rico, Gabbards office seized voting machines amid unproven claims of foreign meddling.

Together with Trumps demand that Congress pass the SAVE America Act and his call to nationalize elections before the 2026 midterms, these actions are creating the conditions for the Republicans to brand any loss as fraud and remain in power through coercion, intimidation and anti-democratic force.

While the California Supreme Courts intervention appears to have curbed Biancos provocations, the Democratic Party politicians are organically hostile to fair elections as well, although they focus on barring socialist and other third parties from the ballot rather than on open voter suppression.

Workers cannot afford to treat each of these episodes as isolated incidents to be resolved through the court system, an essential component of the capitalist state. They are components of a single offensive against democratic rights, and they demand a unified response from the working class, the only social force capable of mounting one.
Police have cracked down aggressively on Israels small anti-Netanyahu government protests against the illegal US-Israeli war on Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, the ongoing repression in Gaza and the West Bank and the imposition of the death penalty for Palestinians charged with terrorism.

The police have said the right to protest is not absolute and must be balanced with the right to public order. The army has limited gatherings in public areas to 150 people and refused protests in Tel Aviv, citing Iranian missile threats.

People hold photos of children killed across Israel, the Palestinian territories, Iran and Lebanon during a protest calling for the end of the war, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, April 11, 2026 [AP Photo/Maya Levin]

These authoritarian measures are the domestic requirement for pursuing a Greater Israel policy, as part of US imperialisms broader political and military agenda to reorganise and control the resource-rich Middle East in preparation for wider wars against China and Russia. What are now often referred to as Israels own forever wars demand the suspension of the democratic right to oppose and protest.

Nevertheless, protests and rallies have continued around the country. Last weekend saw the sixth consecutive week of protests by groups opposed to the Iran war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus corruptionhis long-running trial has been delayed yet again for security and political reasonsand his fascist governments bid to overhaul the judiciary and exempt ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students from military service.

It followed a High Court ruling that ordered the police to find a framework balancing security needs and freedom of speech. The court order followed a petition by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) demanding an end to the de facto ban on political demonstrations during wartime, after police forcefully dispersed several anti-government protests. The court emphasized that even if protests exceeded the permitted number, that did not necessarily give police grounds to disperse the demonstrations.

ACRI had filed the petition on behalf of Itamar Greenberg, one of the protesters arrested at a demonstration on 28 March. The 20-year-old student had served 197 days in prison as a conscientious objector to conscription, one of the longest sentences ever imposed. He had previously been arrested at a protest in May last year, when he was subjected to an unlawful strip-search.

Hundreds of police and militarized Border Police had faced off protesters in Tel Avivs Habima Square. No sooner had anti-war chants started than the police began throwing protesters to the ground and arresting people, including Greenberg. The police declared that the demonstration was prohibited under emergency regulations and that officers had acted in response to a real risk to human life due to the potential for missile sirens. This was an obvious fabrication as Habima Square sits atop one of Tel Avivs largest public bomb shelters.

Last Saturday, several thousand people took part in an anti-war and anti-government rally in Tel Avivs Habima Square, with estimates of the numbers varying from 2,000 to 10,000. While the numbers exceeded a 1,000-person court-ordered limit, police did not intervene as they have in previous weeks. Several hundred others gathered in dozens of locations across the country, including Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Kfar Saba, Tamra and Kfar Yassif.

Netanyahus government is seeking to introduce two new bills to increase its powers before the elections to be held later this year.

Communication Minister Shlomo Karhi is to introduce a communications bill that will give the government political control of a new regulatory agency to replace the two existing agencies. It will end the separation between the commercial television channels and their news departments, expanding commercial influence over news broadcasts; remove restrictions on cross-ownership of media outlets; lift the ban on advertising on multichannel platforms; and government control over measuring and publishing television ratings.

Secondly, the government is seeking to split the attorney generals role into three: the governments legal adviser, the head of the prosecution and the states representative in court. Gali Baharav-Miara, the Attorney General, has repeatedly clashed with the government, most recently arguing that Itamar Ben-Gvir, the far-right National Security Minister, who is in charge of the police, is exceeding his powers, including intensifying enforcement against protesters demonstrating against the government. She has called for his dismissal.

The prime minister and justice minister would nominate the legal adviser, who would be appointed by the cabinet. The justice minister would appoint the head of the prosecution service, approval from the Constitution Committee, and appoint the states representative in court. Crucially, the attorney generals opinion will no longer be binding on the government, while the bill will allow the government to choose another lawyer to represent it if the states representative in court disagrees with the government.

Powers giving the government control over the media and judiciary come as some of the enormous costs of the war on Iran and Hezbollah are beginning to emerge.

During the 40-day war, Iran fired around 1,000 missiles at Israel, causing damage at hundreds of locations, including 16 that hit populated areas and killed 14 people. A total of 24 people have died in Israel and the occupied West Bank, where there are no public bomb shelters, and more than 7,000 have been wounded. Two others were killed by missiles fired from Lebanon, while one Israeli civilian was killed by errant fire by the Israeli army near the Lebanese border. At least 2,055 people have been killed and 6,588 others injured in Lebanon since the start of Israels latest offensive in Lebanon on 2 March.

The Finance Ministry said that defence and military spending for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), Defence Ministry, National Security Ministry and other security organizations had cost $7 billion, while the governments compensation plans for direct missile damage, loss of economic output for businesses and unpaid leave for employees thus far is estimated at around $4 billion. As of the end of March, the Israel Tax Authority had received around 23,000 claims for property damage due to the war.

A further $1 billion is being spent on civilian costs, including hospital operations, emergency response and expenses for the Social Affairs Ministry. This totals more than $11 billion, with the Finance Ministry admitting that the full costs to both Israels economy and the governments budget will only become fully clear in the future.

The war has already cost the amount allocated in the state budgetjust under $13 billion, including a $2.3 billion reservefor defence costs related to the war, including $7 billion designated as a reserve, as well as nearly $2 billion to cover primarily civilian war-related expenses, such as rebuilding damaged infrastructure and buildings. Moreover, these projections assumed the war would end in mid-April. However, the Ministry of Defence says that the Iran campaign alone has cost $13 billion and is seeking further funds for operations in Lebanon and reconstruction, estimated at more than $2 billion. It is expected to ask for an additional $9 billion.

None of this takes into account the cost of the partial shutdown of the Israeli economy, which amounts to tens of billions of dollars, as public services, including schools, and businesses are forced to close and hundreds of thousands of reservists are required to serve for longer periods in the IDF, now fighting against Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, despite a supposed ceasefire, and mounting widescale operations against the Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

At the end of March, the Bank of Israel and Finance Ministry estimated that if the cease-fire were to hold, GDP in 2026 will drop by roughly 1.4 percent, as growth forecasts fall from 5.2 percent to 3.8 percent for the year, translating into a GDP loss of approximately $10-12 billion compared with the original plan. This assumed that there will be no further major fighting this year or in 2027 although defence spending would still need to increase to prepare for the possibility of another round of hostilities.

It also does not take into account the IDFs plans for a broad security zonean occupation forcein Lebanon that will require a larger reserve force than originally planned and prevent Israels northern towns from returning to normalcy, affecting both the education system and the business and tourism sectors.

The state budget for 2026, passed last month, funded defence and the coalitions support base, the settlers and the ultra-Orthodoxat the expense of health, education, social welfare and transportation services as VAT and public transportation rose. Around 2 million Israelis (21 percent of the population), including 880,000 children (28 percent), already live below the poverty lineplacing Israel second highest in the OECD.
Teachers with the UTLA, SEIU99 and AALA (administrators in green) rally on March 18, 2026 at Gloria Molina Park in downtown Los Angeles.

With hours to go before a potential strike by 80,000 Los Angeles school workers, negotiations between SEIU Local 99 and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) are continuing under intense pressure from city and political officials. As of this writing, this includes Mayor Karen Bass, who was directly involved in talks Monday night.

The last-minute negotiations follow the announcement Sunday of tentative agreements by United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) and the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA), moves that have already served to divide workers and weaken the prospect of unified strike action.

Taken together, these developments constitute a coordinated effort to prevent a joint walkout and impose a settlement before rank-and-file workers can act. This would also isolate a separate potential strike by 200 teachers in the Little Lake City School District in Southeast Los Angeles County, which is set to begin Thursday.

School workers must act now to oppose these efforts. Educators and staff should organize rank-and-file committees among their coworkers at each school to fight the sabotage of union officials and impose the democratic will of the rank and file to proceed with a walkout. The strike must go ahead, but under rank-and-file control, not the control of unaccountable bureaucrats. These committees will form the basis for making the broadest possible appeal for support among workers in Los Angeles, the United States and around the world.

On Monday, a rally was held in downtown Los Angeles, bringing together educators and supporters amid growing tensions over the contracts and the threat of a strike. The mood among workers was one of anger and determination, sharply contrasting with the attitude of union officials.

What is taking place are not negotiations in the sense of two adversarial parties. It is a conspiracy of the Democratic Party, through the city government, LAUSD and the union bureaucracy to sabotage the class struggle, which terrifies them above all. The union bureaucracy, joined at the hip with management and the capitalist parties, is a full partner in this effort because a genuine struggle by workers would undermine these corrupt relations.

Similar betrayals have already taken place this year across America, including among nurses in New York City and at Kaiser Permanente, San Francisco teachers, the United Auto Workers blocking of a strike at Nexteer, and the shutdown of a strike at Bath Iron Works, a major defense contractor.

The intervention of Mayor Karen Bass recalls the role of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in shutting down a four-day strike by educators earlier this year. Also involved in that intervention was American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, who is also a top Democratic Party operative and former member of the Democratic National Committee. Soon afterward, the San Francisco school district announced layoffs as part of its fiscal recovery program.

At a separate event Sunday in New York City featuring Bernie Sanders, Zohran Mamdani and Randi Weingarten, the role of the union apparatus was made explicit. At the rally, Weingarten hailed the LA teachers contract, declaring: And just this morning at 4:00, UTLA got a contract that our members and the kids in LA deserve.

The frantic attempts to block a strike are taking place as war preparations intensify against Iran, with talks breaking down and threats to annihilate Iranian civilization. This war, driven by the struggle for control over oil and strategic interests, is deeply unpopular, and its disastrous consequences will trigger massive opposition. The ruling class is acting to suppress this opposition.

At the same time, a funding crisis confronts school districts across the country, as resources are siphoned away to Wall Street and war. In Los Angeles, a city marked by extreme wealth and poverty, the district faces a projected deficit of $877 million for the 202627 school year, with another $443 million in red ink anticipated the following year, despite holding multibillion-dollar reserves. In February, the school board approved a plan expected to eliminate 657 central and regional office staff positions as part of a county-approved fiscal stabilization regime.

No matter what union officials say about their tentative agreements, this means that huge cuts face educators once they ratify the deals, or even before, as long as this deficit remains. Educators must raise the demand that the deficit be paid for not through cuts, but at the expense of the wealth of the rich and the major corporations, which is more than enough to provide high quality education for all.

The UTLA and AALA agreements provide for an 11.65 percent wage increase over two years, with some teachers receiving as little as 8 percent. They include toothless fines for violations of special education class size ratios and vague, unspecified commitments in support of immigrant students and families.

The AALA highlights are even more vague, while promoting the same wage framework. They include a defined eight-hour day and 40-hour workweek, along with longevity bonuses and stipend pay for some high seniority principals.

The agreements are being used to undermine a unified strike and pressure SEIU 99 workers, who are among the lowest paid in the district, with average annual earnings of roughly $35,000, a poverty wage in one of the most expensive cities in the country.

In talks, the SEIU initially put forward a demand for a 30 percent raise over three years, which is modest given the cost of living. In response, LAUSD has offered a 13 percent increase along with off-schedule bonuses instead of genuine retroactive pay. Given that workers have been without a contract for 22 months, this offer would amount to little more than back pay.

Opposition among workers is widespread and growing, particularly online. Remarking on the fact that SEIU 99 remains at the table while UTLA and AALA have already accepted tentative agreements, one commenter said, They should absolutely hold out for a better deal. Just because other unions caved, doesnt mean the others should. Why did UTLA begrudgingly accept the crappy 8% raise for so many of their long time members? This is literally the ideal situation for the unions to have negotiated a MUCH better deal across the board since EVERYONE was striking and all contracts were being negotiated at the same time. ...

One worker spoke out against the claim that there is no money for schools, saying, The money is there and has been there. LAUSD has 5 billion in reserves and they are on average near 900% off on their 3 year budget projections since about 2014. Imagine someone telling you they cant pay you for the work you did and agreed to because theyre $100 in debt and you find out they have $800 in the bank for safe keeping.

Another worker raised the crushing cost of living in Los Angeles, driven above all by housing. Everything really just comes back to the insane cost of living in this city due to expensive housing, one person wrote. I had a neighbor who taught at LAUSD but couldnt afford to live in LA anymore.

Workers must draw the necessary conclusions and act immediately. If a tentative agreement is announced overnight, it should not be accepted as binding. Full details must be made available immediately, and any attempt to cancel strike action must be opposed.

The struggle must be taken out of the hands of the union bureaucracy, which has sold out one struggle after another across the country.

Across all unions, workers should form independent rank-and-file committees to break the isolation, share information, organize from below and assert their democratic will. These committees can provide the means to overturn sellouts and ensure that decisions are made by workers themselves.

Educators and school workers must appeal to the broader working class, linking their struggle to a wider fight against inequality and in defense of the rights of immigrants and all workers. This requires the independent mobilization of the working class against the corpoate oligarchy.
Interfax-Ukraine to host presentation of Resilience and Engagement for Ukraine project

On Monday, April 20, at 10.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency (8/5a Reitarska Street) will host the official presentation of the Resilience and Engagement for Ukraine (REU) project. During the presentation, several grant programs for civil society organizations, media, academia, and others will be introduced.

Participants include:

Head of Section for Good Governance and Rule of Law at the EU Delegation to Ukraine Asier Santillan Luzuriaga,

Executive Director of the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting (IER) and REU Project Manager Oksana Kuziakiv,

Deputy Project Manager Tetiana Blyzniuk,

Head of the Association of Regional Media NGO Dmytro Haponenko,

Head of the Strategy of the Future NGO and Head of the Horizon Europe EIC National Contact Point Tetiana Kotenko,

representative of the Union of Participants, Veterans, and Disabled of the ATO and Combat Operations Olha Kharkina (online),

Director-General of the Government Office for the Coordination of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olexandr Ilkov;

with moderator  Head of Communications at the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting (IER) Olena Shkarpova.

The event is organized by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting (IER) within the framework of the project "Resilience and Engagement for Ukraine: Empowering Civil Society to Address War-Driven Needs and Facilitate Ukraine's Path to the EU (REU)" supported by the European Union.

The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel.

Pre-registration is mandatory via the link https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/WkZm9EZzsY.

Additional information is available at [email protected]
Interfax-Ukraine to host briefing on results of unique certificate program 'Leadership and Advocacy in Humanitarian Response'

On Monday, April 20, at 14.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency (8/5a Reitarska Street) will host a briefing on the transformation of professional education for the civil sector in wartime. Leading experts will present the results of the unique certificate program titled "Leadership and Advocacy in Humanitarian Response," which became a pilot model for the systemic capacity development of Ukrainian civil society organizations.

Participants will include

Head of Advocacy at the Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations Olha Shevchuk-Kliuzheva;

Director of the Institute of Leadership and Management at the Ukrainian Catholic University Solomiia Maksymovych;

a representative of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy (joining online from abroad);

moderator Olha Shylkina, communications manager at the Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations.

Organizers: Alliance of Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations in partnership with the Institute of Leadership and Management of the Ukrainian Catholic University and Humanitarian Leadership Academy.

The broadcast will be available on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel. Journalist accreditation at: https://tally.so/r/7RVAaP.

Details at: (050) 756 8251 (Olha).
Photo: Interfax-Ukraine / Oleksandr Zubko

Environmentalists and the community of Radomyshl district in Zhytomyr region have appealed to the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine to monitor the situation with dolomite extraction in the area and to conduct an unscheduled inspection by the State Environmental Inspectorate.

"The reason for widespread public outrage across the entire community of the district was the plans of the company Dolomine, which intends to extract dolomite on land near the Rakovytsia starosta district in Zhytomyr region at a distance of 300 meters from the nearest private residence. These plans could have a significant impact on the environment, infrastructure, and the life of our community," said Natalia Opimakh, a representative of the initiative group of the Radomyshl territorial community, at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine in Kyiv on Tuesday.

According to her, due to the resumption of quarry development, which had been suspended in the 1960s, water pumping has begun, leading to a drop in water levels in wells, while some areas are on the contrary being flooded, harming local flora and fauna.

A subsoil use license No. 5210 was issued to Dolomine LLC on November 1, 2010, for the development of 50.7 hectares of the Nehrebivske deposit in Zhytomyr region. In September 2025, the Ministry of Economy approved the environmental impact assessment report subject to the fulfillment of 149 environmental conditions. However, the company began operations without carrying out the required measures, said Petro Testov, head of the expert department of the NGO Ukrainian Law Enforcement Group.

"For example, such conditions included conducting hydrological studies, ongoing monitoring of the quality of water discharged into the river, installation of noise barriers, dust suppression, and surveys to identify rare species. However, the company chose to ignore these conditions and began its activities immediately, without approving any documents or carrying out these measures," the expert explained.

In addition, the area where dolomite extraction is taking place has environmental protection value, Testov said.

According to Anhelina Klymchuk, attorney and partner at Legal Advisers law firm, the situation around the deposit has revealed a number of problems in the execution of control and supervisory functions by state authorities. In particular, it was discovered that some authorities lacked information about the quarry as a water body.

"We see not only the existence of problems in this situation, but, first and foremost, the absence of mechanisms to respond to them. For example, the State Environmental Inspectorate tells us that it can act only after conducting an inspection, but an inspection cannot be carried out due to the moratorium in place during martial law. We are already living in the fifth year of full-scale invasion, and it is necessary to restore effective mechanisms for inspecting fairly large extraction businesses that may pose environmental risks," Klymchuk said.

Environmentalists and the community are calling on the Ministry of Economy to ensure compliance with the law "On Environmental Impact Assessment" and transparent monitoring of the situation in order to preserve the region's biodiversity and ensure the safety of its residents.

"For six months now, there has been illegal seizure and destruction of community land, as the company has nevertheless begun operations. Forests have been cut down without documentation, and millions of tons of high-quality water have been discharged. This has been recorded by the police, active members of the public, and a parliamentary working group established within the Radomyshl City Council. But neither Dolomine nor the state, represented by profile ministries, are taking the population's opinion into account at all," Opimakh said.

As reported, by Order No. 4727 dated April 4, 2026, the Ministry of Economy instructed the State Environmental Inspectorate to inspect the activities of Dolomine LLC in the field of environmental protection, as well as the rational use and protection of natural resources.

According to the Nadra.info portal, in December 2024 the Supreme Court upheld the legality of the easement for Dolomine LLC and dismissed the cassation appeal of the Radomyshl City Council.

According to information on the company's website, Dolomine LLC is engaged in the extraction of dolomites, serpentinized dolomites, and calcifers for various sectors of Ukraine's economy, and develops the Nehrebivske dolomite deposit in Zhytomyr district, Zhytomyr region.

According to the YouControl analytical system, the owners of Dolomine LLC are Ihor Yarovy and Olena Snezhko (50% each).
In his ongoing mission to eliminate invasive species from South Florida, a YouTuber renowned for his hunting is facing perhaps his most daunting challenge yet: Nile monitor lizards.

Matt Kimmel, aka the "Python Cowboy," shared his latest target in a video posted on his YouTube account (@PythonCowboy).

As Kimmel explains in the video, these displaced species are starting to crop up more and more, both anecdotally and in local reports. He shares footage of one of his crew encountering one somewhat recently, as well as his own success in capturing one.

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These lizards can grow to a remarkable seven-and-a-half feet, as AZ Animals noted. They are as disruptive to the local ecosystem and infrastructure as they are long.

A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission bulletin noted that they are apex predators that threaten multiple federally and state-listed species, including sea turtles, American crocodiles, and wading birds. Their burrows can also rack up millions of dollars in damage to infrastructure such as sidewalks and seawalls.

With reports of them in the area, Kimmel and his crew, including two dogs, multiple family members, and employees, take off.

While they are ultimately unsuccessful at nabbing another Nile monitor, the team is extremely efficient at taking out invasive green iguanas. The dogs track them like pros, and the humans show some impressive marksmanship and even pursuit in the process. Given the effectiveness of the operation, it seems more a matter of when, not if, for Nile monitors.

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Kimmel isn't the only game in town for capturing these reptiles, as the FWC and partners are also on the case. The state has an Amnesty Program for pet owners who might have second thoughts about raising such a large, voracious lizard.

Commenters on YouTube praised Kimmel and the squad for bringing awareness to the issue and doing their best to combat it.

"Damn, we need 1,000 Python Cowboys in Florida," a user wrote. "Stay safe, mate."

"It's so nice to see families enjoying time together," a viewer remarked. "Thanks for trying to save Florida from invasive species."

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.
A former film actor who was one of hundreds of prisoners released early in a bid to cut jail overcrowding has died suddenly.

Jason Hoganson, 55, from Newcastle, was photographed raising a thumb as he was released from HMP Durham in September 2024, having served half of an 18-month jail sentence for assaulting his ex-partner and breaching a restraining order.

The following day he was arrested in Newcastle's West End after going to his ex-partner's flat and slapping her, but his convictions were quashed after she had died and prosecutors had been found not to have done the required assessments.

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Hoganson had a leading role in the 1987 cult film Empire State, starring as a drifter called Pete.

A notice by funeral directors RW Barrett and Son said Hoganson, a father of five, died "unexpectedly" on 4 April.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.

More on this story
As the Titanic was the height of luxury in 1912, some celebrities had tickets for its maiden voyage.

But not all of them ended up boarding the ship.

J. Pierpont Morgan and Milton Hershey were among those who missed the disaster.

The sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912, still captivates us today, with numerous books, a multibillion-dollar movie, museums, and, controversially, expensive tours of the wreckage available.

Interest in the ship led to another maritime tragedy in 2023 when an OceanGate submersible went missing on the way to the wreckage and was eventually confirmed to have imploded, killing all five people on board.

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In the aftermath of the 2023 incident, stories emerged about people invited to participate in one of OceanGate's trips but decided against it. A similar scenario unfolded more than a century ago  people were fascinated by stories about prominent people who had almost been on the Titanic.

Here are seven notable figures, some of whom were among the richest people in the world, who were supposed to sail on the Titanic's maiden voyage but didn't  and four well-known people who were booked to go on a future journey with the ship.

J. Pierpont Morgan

John Pierpont (J.P.) Morgan (1837-1913), the American financier. He was responsible for much industrial growth in the United States, including the formation of the U.S. Steel Corporation and the reorganization of major railroads. In his later years he collected art and books, and made major donations to museums and libraries. CORBIS/Corbis/Getty Images

J. Pierpont Morgan  yes, J. P. Morgan himself  had a personal suite on the Titanic and had attended its launch party in 1911. But he extended his French vacation and missed the sinking.

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"I've never been able to find an authoritative 1912 source explaining the exact reason why J. P. Morgan canceled his passage on the Titanic," Titanic expert George Behe told Reuters in 2021. Some speculated that the reasons were that he was in poor health or having issues with customs because of his art collection.

However, we know that Morgan, the cofounder of General Electric, International Harvester, and US Steel, was also the founder of the International Mercantile Marine, which in turn owned White Star Line. According to The Washington Post, he was even on hand to witness its 1911 launch.

"Monetary losses amount to nothing in life," Morgan told a New York Times reporter after the sinking. "It is the loss of life that counts. It is that frightful death."

Milton Hershey

Milton Hershey founded Hershey Chocolate as well as built Hershey, Pennsylvania for his employees. He became a prominent philanthropists and gave his fortune to helping those in need. Bettmann/Getty Images

As they aged, the founder of Hershey's and his wife, Catherine, spent their winters on the French Riviera. In December 1911, the couple left for another extended European vacation. For their return journey, Hershey wrote a $300 check from the Hershey Trust Company to the White Star Line to reserve places on the maiden voyage of the company's brand-new ship, the Titanic.

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According to Lancaster History, pressing business matters forced Hershey to cut his vacation short, and he left Europe just days before the Titanic would set sail, instead heading home on a German liner called the Amerika, which would later warn the Titanic about the dangerous amount of ice.

Hershey's canceled check is still in the possession of the Hershey Community Archives, and you can view it online.

Guglielmo Marconi

Gugliemo Marconi with the his electrical wireless apparatus Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis/Getty Images

You might know that Nobel Prize winner Marconi was considered a hero after the sinking of the Titanic because his invention, the wireless radio, helped ships in the surrounding area find where to look for the lifeboats.

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But did you know he was almost on board the ship himself?

His daughter Degna wrote in her 1926 book, "My Father, Marconi," that he was offered a free ticket aboard the Titanic. But because his stenographer got seasick, Marconi opted to sail to the US on the Lusitania three days earlier because he trusted that ship's stenographer more than Titanic's, Degna wrote.

Henry Clay Frick

Portrait of Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919), American industrialist. Bettmann/Getty Images

Visitors to New York City might recognize Frick's name from the Frick Collection or the Henry Clay Frick House. Frick, the chairman of the Carnegie Steel Company, was an important industrialist and a patron of the arts, and he was close to sailing on the doomed voyage.

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"The Fricks booked the suite first, and then Mrs. Frick sprained her ankle while they were in Europe buying art and touring and things; so, they stayed behind to get medical attention," the historian Melanie Linn Gutowski told CBS News Pittsburgh in 2012.

"The suite that they booked, that some historians think that they booked, was some kind of savior suite in a way," she continued. "Everybody who booked it managed to survive either by not being on the ship, or jumping into a lifeboat at the last minute."

Eventually, the tickets made their way to J. Bruce Ismay, the chairman and managing director of the White Star Line. Controversially, he was one of the few men who made their way onto a lifeboat and survived. He was criticized for this for the rest of his life.

Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt

1907: Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Sr. (1877 - 1915), the son of the American industrialist Cornelius Vanderbilt. Original Artwork: Cartoon by Spy (Lesley Ward) from Vanity Fair. Hulton Archive/Getty Images

As a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt was a well-known member of New York society, so there was media coverage when it was revealed he'd narrowly escaped the Titanic.

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Unfortunately, just a few years later, he was aboard the Lusitania, a British ocean liner that was sunk by German U-boats in 1915. He was one of the 1,200 passengers who did not survive the attack.

Theodore Dreiser

Theodore Dreiser (1871-1945), American author. Bettmann/Getty Images

The American journalist Theodore Dreiser wrote about his brush with disaster in a chapter of his 1913 memoir, "A Traveler at Forty."

Dreiser wrote that he wanted to sail home with the rich and powerful people aboard the Titanic to get a peek at how the other half lived, but added that his publisher convinced him to sail home on the Kroonland, a cheaper ship, two days before the Titanic sank.

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"The terror of the sea had come swiftly and directly home to all," Dreiser wrote, according to Slate. "To think of a ship as immense as the Titanic, new and bright, sinking in endless fathoms of water. And the two thousand passengers routed like rats from their berths only to float helplessly in miles of water, praying and crying!"

John Mott

Dr. John R. Mott, whose 20 years as a missionary, Y.M.C.A. executive and diplomat have brought him a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize according to advices from Stockholm is shown. The 70 year old trouble shooter has seen service in many lands. During the war he defended the Y.M.C.A.'S Sale of cigarets to soldiers. In 1914, he was appointed to a U.S. Mexican parley. In 1917 he went to Russia with a relief commission and in 1931, he headed a last stand prohibition movement. His last investigation, concerned the charges that Bantu tribesmen in South Africa were being enslaved by industrialist. Bettman/Getty Images

Mott, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who was the longtime leader of the YMCA, was another near-miss. Gorden R. Doss, a professor at Andrews University, said that Mott came close to death a few times.

First, he skipped the Titanic and opted for the Lapland. Three decades later, in 1943, he narrowly avoided a train crash.

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Mott said, "The Good Lord must have more work for us to do" upon hearing about the sinking, according to Sotheby's.

J.C. Penney

A portrait of James Cash Penney, founder of the JC Penney department store chain, who has recently donated his prized herd of 'Foremost Guernseys' to the University of Missouri Department of Animal Husbandry, Columbia, Missouri, June 5, 1952. Underwood Archives/Getty Images

There were other celebrities who had tickets to sail the Titanic in the future, had it not sunk.

Smithsonian Magazine reported the founder of JCPenney was set to sail on the Titanic's second voyage from England to the US.

Frank Seiberling

Joseph Holton Defrees of Chicago, Vice President of Chamber of Commerce of U.S. Left, with F.A. Seilberling, 1918. Frank Seiberling co-founded the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and the Seiberling Rubber Company Heritage Art/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Frank Seiberling, the cofounder of Goodyear Tires, was booked to return to Southampton on the Titanic's next voyage.

The Akron Beacon Journal reported that Seiberling, the cofounder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and his wife frequently traveled to England and were huge admirers of English architecture. But one of their trips was postponed when their ship out of the States, the Titanic, sank.

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John Alden Dix

John A. Dix, Governor of New York, 1912. [US politician John Alden Dix, Governor 1910-1912]. Heritage Art/Heritage Images/Getty Images

Smithsonian Magazine also reported that John Alden Dix, the governor of New York from 1911 to 1913, was on the passenger list of the Titanic's return trip to England.

Henry Adams

Henry Brooks Adams. American novelist and academic, member of the Adams political family. 16 February 1838 - 27 March 1918 Culture Club/Bridgeman/Getty Images

Henry Adams, a historian who was a descendant of President John Adams and President John Quincy Adams, was also booked on the return trip.

"My ship, the Titanic, is on her way," Adams wrote in a letter on April 12, 1912, "and unless she drops me somewhere else, I should get to Cherbourg in a fortnight."

As history tells, Adams was never able to board the ship and was forced to book passage elsewhere, The New Republic's Timothy Noah wrote.

Read the original article on Business Insider
There are plenty of disturbing things in the Epstein files, and the amount of data released is so massive that it seems new discoveries are being made each day.

And a recent discovery by Saving Country Music is one that will shock country music fans.

That discovery?

Well, Jason and the Scorchers, the legendary country, rock and cowpunk band, is named in the files and the accusations are disturbing. Before diving into the accusations though, it should be noted that no members of the group have been charged with a crime, and frontman Jason Ringenberg has responded to the accusations.

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I unequivocally state that I was NEVER involved in the disgusting, illegal activities of Jeffrey Epstein or his associates, he said according to Saving Country Music.

So, where did Jason and the Scorchers come into play in the files? Well, on July 16th, 2019, a woman reached out to the FBI and claimed that she was kidnapped in 1988 by individuals close to Epstein and forced to work as an escort in a prostitution ring.

I was trafficked from Nashville, TN to NYC in 1988 when I was 19 by the ring of criminals connected to Jeffrey Epstein, she told the FBI according to the documents in the Epstein files. I was taken by van an exchanged for an Australian girl my age who went back to Nashville. A woman named (redacted) drove and she was paid by people in the music business I can identify. I was handed over to put me to work at an escort service on E. 63rd (between 1st and 2nd and 3rd) run by a woman named (redacted) who sent me to a group sex party the owner, her boyfriend Jeffrey was hosting.

She got into some graphic details and then claimed that she was next trafficked from Nashville through a band Jason and the Scorchers who were also trafficking cocaine.

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Ringenberg told Saving Country Music that he never met Mr. Epstein, visited his homes, communicated with him, or participated in trafficking drugs or humans for him.

More country music news

Read the original article on pennlive.com. Add pennlive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jamie Ding became a 22-time "Jeopardy!" champion Monday, April 13, beating two fellow Michigan natives to continue his historic winning streak.

The April 13 episode featured Ding, a Grosse Pointe North alumnus who lives in New Jersey, alongside contestants Erik Bubolz, an attorney from Okemos, and Catherine Hoffman, a children's librarian from Clarkston, who works in Waterford Township, according to Jeopardy.com.

Ding now has won $672,000  13th all-time.

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Ding will be back Tuesday, April 14, to seek his 23rd straight win. The New Jersey-based bureaucrat and law student is a 2009 graduate of Grosse Pointe North High School.

To tune in on Tuesday evening, find your local television station and air time on the "Jeopardy!" website.

Here's what to know about the Michigan "Jeopardy!" contestants.

Who won the April 13 episode of 'Jeopardy!'?

Jamie Ding, a Grosse Pointe North alumnus who lives in New Jersey, scored his 22nd straight "Jeopardy!" win in the April 13 episode, beating fellow Michigan native contestants Erik Bubolz, an attorney from Okemos, and Catherine Hoffman, a children's librarian from Clarkston.

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Ding went into Final Jeopardy! with $34,000, leading Bubolz, who had $7,200, and Hoffman, who had $4,400. Hoffman correctly guessed the answer while Ding and Bubolz missed. Ding finished with $18,600.

The Lawrenceville, New Jersey, resident is a 2009 graduate of Grosse Pointe North High School in southeast Michigan's Grosse Pointe Woods, according to the Grosse Pointe Public School District. His father Yuchuan Ding is a professor of neurosurgery at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, Ding said on a recent "Jeopardy!" episode, WSU shared in a Facebook post.

When is Jamie Ding back on 'Jeopardy!'?

Ding will next compete on "Jeopardy!" Tuesday, April 14, alongside contestants Iain Carpenter, a healthcare IT specialist from Mahomet, Illinois, and Stephanie Rice-Hoffner, a former car wash tech manager from New York, according to Jeopardy.com.

How does Ding's win streak rank?

Ding, with 22 wins, is among the top 10 in "Jeopardy!" history, now in sixth place.

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"Jeopardy!" host Ken Jennings holds the all-time record with 74 wins in 2004.

How can you watch 'Jeopardy!'?

"Jeopardy!" airs as a syndicated television show and streams on Hulu and Peacock. To find your local station and air time, visit Jeopardy.com.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Who won on 'Jeopardy!' Monday? Jamie Ding streak continues
Ulviyya Poladova



Azerbaijan and Latvia have explored opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic ties, focusing on expanding cooperation across several key sectors, the Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his X page, AzerNEWS reports.

"During the meeting with Armands Krauze, Minister of Agriculture of Latvia and Co-Chairman of the AzerbaijanLatvia Intergovernmental Commission, we underscored the prospects for economic relations between our countries," he noted.

Both sides highlighted the prospects for developing economic relations between the two countries. They also discussed opportunities to expand joint activities in trade, energy, investment, transport, and agriculture.

According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Latvias direct investment in Azerbaijan totaled $6.945 million in 2025. This represents a decrease of $17.5 million, or 3.5 times, compared to 2024.

In the reporting year, Latvia's investments accounted for 0.1% in the total volume of foreign direct investments in Azerbaijan.
World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit opens in HK to muster cohesive digital strategy

Xinhua) 08:16, April 14, 2026

John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, addresses the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit in Hong Kong, south China, April 13, 2026. The two-day 2026 summit opened on Monday in Hong Kong, convening policymakers, digital industry leaders and scholars from some 50 countries and regions for a cohesive digital strategy in building a community with shared future in cyberspace. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

HONG KONG, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The two-day 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit opened on Monday in Hong Kong, convening policymakers, digital industry leaders and scholars from some 50 countries and regions for a cohesive digital strategy in building a community with shared future in cyberspace.

Hosting the summit underscores Hong Kong's growing prominence as an international innovation and technology hub, John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said while addressing the event.

"We are putting together a comprehensive strategy combining world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge research and development and a culture of responsible innovation," Lee said, outlining efforts to enhance Hong Kong's computing power and make artificial intelligence accessible to all.

This year's event features discussions on integrating digital technologies with finance, health and cultural heritage preservation, as well as platforms for public-private dialogues.

As a "super connector" and a "super value-adder," Hong Kong is nurturing coordinated, efficient and practical mechanisms to empower sci-tech companies, Ren Xianliang, secretary-general of the World Internet Conference, said at the event.

This photo taken on April 13, 2026 shows a scene at the Government-Enterprise Dialogue held during the 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit in Hong Kong, south China. The two-day 2026 summit opened on Monday in Hong Kong, convening policymakers, digital industry leaders and scholars from some 50 countries and regions for a cohesive digital strategy in building a community with shared future in cyberspace. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

This photo taken on April 13, 2026 shows a scene at the Distinguished Contributors Gala held during the 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit in Hong Kong, south China. The two-day 2026 summit opened on Monday in Hong Kong, convening policymakers, digital industry leaders and scholars from some 50 countries and regions for a cohesive digital strategy in building a community with shared future in cyberspace. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
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After meeting in a bible study group, Donielle Showvay and Chad Schipper settled into a life that felt "too good to be true"

Nearly two decades into their marriage, Schipper was arrested for a shocking crime that turned their family of eight upside down.

Now their story is being examined in a new episode of Hulu's Betrayal: Secrets & Lies titled "The Bible Study Kidnapper"

When Donielle Showvay first met Chad Schipper at a bible study meeting at her sister Randins college, she never could have predicted how their lives would end up.

Showvay looks back at the start of their relationship in episode 3 of the eight-part docuseries Betrayal: Secrets & Lies titled "The Bible Study Kidnapper," which premiered April 12 on ABC. She remembers with a laugh that on their first date, the two watched movies  including So I Married An Axe Murderer  with her sister and the boy her sister was interested in at the time.

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He had a reputation of being very smart, very kind, Barbie Dangond, a college friend of Showvay and Schipper, recalls in the episode.

Showvay and Schipper went on to tie the knot and settle into a life that Showvay remembers thinking was too good to be true. Not long after, Schipper came to his wife with a jarring confession: He'd had a sexual encounter in a public bathroom with a man.

Donielle Showvay and Chad Schipper on their wedding day.

Credit: Tim Mohs

Though a marriage counselor advised Showvay to leave Schipper, she was determined to make the relationship work, and a couple months later, she found out they were expecting their first child, a daughter named Grace.

The couple, who would welcome six children together during 17 years of marriage, moved to a larger house in Erie, Ill., as Schippers financial advising business continued to grow. In the new house, Schipper had an office on the first floor that he spent many hours in  often working into the night and sleeping downstairs, much to Showvay's disappointment.

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At one point, he tried to forge a business relationship with a couple from their church who had just come into a large sum of money. After several meetings, Larry and Connie Van Oosten declined to work with Schipper, believing he was still too early in his financial career. At this point, Schipper decided to start buying properties to renovate and rent out for additional income.

Schipper was spending more time away from home  always explaining his absences as having to do with one of the rentals. One night in 2017, things took a turn when one of the couples children saw a car approaching their home that he didnt recognize. Around the same time, Schipper had texted their daughter Grace to wrap the handle of a sledge hammer in black electrical tape. While the teen thought it was a weird request, she obliged and was told shed receive a special treat for a job well done, she recalls in the episode.

Donielle Showvay and Chad Schipper.

Credit: Randin Letendre

A few nights later, Showvay awoke to the sound of a loud bang as the house was swarmed with police officers looking for her husband  and asking questions about the Van Oostens.

It turned out that Schipper  using the sledgehammer his daughter prepared  broke into the Van Oostens house in the middle of the night and kidnapped the elderly couple using a taser, duct tape to cover their mouths and eyes, and handcuffs. To communicate with them, Schipper used a voice distorter and at one point asked them: Where is your God now?"

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Schipper then drove the couple to a bank and forced Connie to go inside and get a check for $350,000. According to the episode, he told her that if she didnt, he would kill Larry. While inside the bank, Connie wrote a note on a church flier in her purse and slipped it to the teller. The note, which said she was in trouble, set off a police hunt for the Van Oostens' whereabouts.

Donielle Showvay in 'Betrayal: Secrets & Lies'

Credit: ABC News

Weve dealt with a lot of violent crime, but this one was bizarre. It was almost like an episode of Criminal Minds, Chris Endress, retired captain of the Illinois State Police, says.

Because the check was made out to an LLC linked to Schipper, the police zeroed in on him. Following a car crash, Schipper was transported to a hospital where he quickly confessed to the kidnapping.

While searching one of his homes, police discovered a room with a television screen broadcasting security footage and could see the elderly couple in a concrete room shackled to a wall, blindfolded. They then found a steel door in one of the houses closets that led to the soundproof underground cellar.

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In a police interview included in the episode, Schipper tells police that he felt desperate and was trying to buy time due to his failing business. It was also revealed that Schipper had allegedly been embezzling funds from his clients, stolen money from various family members and forged documents in order to borrow money against his parents house. According to police, the money he tried to obtain from the Van Oostens was how he planned to pay off his debts.

Schipper was ultimately sentenced to 60 years in prison, a result that Showvays father Tim Mohs calls glorious.

While going through with a divorce conflicted with Showvays faith, she knew it was the only safe option for her and her children. Schipper tried to contact her through letters from prison, even pretending to be a Southern woman to try and convince her to forgive him  all to no avail. Showvay has not spoken to him since his arrest.

Donielle Showvay and Chad Schipper.

Credit: Donielle Showvay

I had a really hard time figuring out what reality was as opposed to what I thought reality was, Showvay says. Through navigating her new life, she reconnected with her first love Billy, whom she dated as a teenager, and married him.

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Our mom has grown so much, shes a stronger person, shes more confident, Grace says. She laughs more now, especially now that Billy is in our house. I see so much happiness in her that I never saw before. I love her laugh so much.

New episodes of Betrayal: Secrets & Lies air weekly on Sunday at 10 p.m. on ABC and stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu

Read the original article on People
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Credit: Crytek

A 91-year-old woman who missed her daily check-in call got a surprise visit from policeand then police got a surprise of their own when they entered her home to discover that she hadn't fallen and was unable to get up, but was in fact just engrossed in videogames.

The happy-ending story comes to us from News 5 Cleveland (via GamesRadar), which kicks off with the promise of "an amazing ending to a scary situation," and the classic, "officers never could have imagined what they were about to find when they went to check things out."

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After that comes nearly a full minute of talk about the town of Westlake's "Are You Okay?" program, in which participants receive a phone call every day to ensure they're alright. If they don't answer the call, police will go to their home to conduct a "personal check-in visit."

Which is what happened here: After multiple missed calls, police went to the woman's home and entered through the garageand "what happens next, no one would have guessed!"

"We're with her now," one of the police officers dispatched to the home reported after finding the homeowner alive, well, and locked in. "She's playing videogames in her bedroom." And not just playing them, according to the breathless TV reporter, but "trying to beat her record level."

"Turned out to be okay," Westlake Police captain Jerry Vogel said. "Everyone got a good laugh out of it."

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Look, I'm glad it was a happy ending, but I also take a little issue with how the whole thing is played. Imagine if this had been your 22-year-old wastoid roommate instead of gam-gamswould you be laughing about it? Or would you be yelling, "God dammit Ted, I told you I've been waiting for that callback all goddamn week and all you had to do was pick it up and tell them I'd be back in 30 minutes, you asshole!"

I'm guessing you'd be more inclined to the latter. I know I would. But we treat elderly gamers like cute aberrations, despite the fact that if you were a youthful 30 when the original Bard's Tale dropped, you're 70 now. And we're not weird! I mean, they're not weird. The point is, do you think this story would be in the news if the 91-year-old had fallen asleep watching Matlock?

(The answer is no.)

Not to be a persistent buzkill about the whole thing, but I haven't even gotten to the biggest issue of all here, which is the complete lack of journalistic responsibility on display that leaves the most important question unanswered: What game was she playing?

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The people want to know!

Credit: News 5 Cleveland (YouTube)

As a True Pro myself, I am not willing to let such an oversight stand. I've reached out to the Westlake Police to ask, and will update if I receive a reply.

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The "Ben & Jerry-est day of the year" has arrived.

From Chocolate Fudge Brownie to Marshmallow Sky, the Burlington, Vermont-based ice cream company is celebrating Free Cone Day on April 14 with free scoops "all day long."

Observed at participating scoop shops around the globe, the tradition has been observed since 1979. According to Ben & Jerry's, it was their way of thanking customers for all the "love and support" they showed during their first year in business.

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"Free Cone Day is all about our fans," Ben & Jerrys CEO Jochanan Senf said in a statement. "It's our way of saying thank you with an international moment of togetherness."

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day has arrived.

"In 2026, our aim is to go even bigger. We want to hand out 1 million and one free scoops of ice cream across the globe to spread a little joy on the best unofficial holiday of the year!" Senf added.

Here's the scoop on Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day.

When is Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day?

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day is Tuesday, April 14.

How to get a free cone

A Ben & Jerry's ice cream parlor in Natick, Massachusetts seen on Feb. 7, 2025.

All ice cream lovers have to do to get a free cone is make the trek to their neighborhood Scoop Shop. According to Ben & Jerry's, customers can get in line "as many times as they'd like."

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To find the nearest participating Scoop Shop and confirm hours of operation, visit www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/free-cone-day.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day is here. How to get a free scoop
A 27-year-old man was killed in a shooting in East Garfield Park Monday night, Chicago police said.

The shooting took place at about 9:33 p.m. in the 3600-block of West Congress Parkway.

Police said the victim was entering the building when three men approached and fired multiple shots before fleeing.

The victim was wounded multiple times and transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Area Four detectives are investigating.

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Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) was rocked by sexual misconduct accusations over the weekend, triggering an exodus of key Democratic supporters and prompting him to abandon his California gubernatorial bid.

Swalwell, 45, suspended his campaign on April 12, saying he was deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment Ive made in my past and will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made.

That announcement did not quell the backlash, as Republicans and Democrats alike have called for Swalwell to either resign or be expelled from Congress following allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him.

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Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said Sunday night that the seven-term congressman broke House rules and had 24 hours to announce he is resigning. Luna announced plans to force a vote this week to expel Swalwell if he does not resign.

Swalwell has not publicly responded to Lunas ultimatum or signaled that he plans to step down.

Meanwhile, California Democratic Reps. Jared Huffman, Ro Khanna and Sam Liccardo have demanded that Swalwell resign immediately.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) issued a joint statement with Democratic leadership calling for a swift investigation into the incredibly disturbing sexual assault accusations against Swalwell.

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The San Francisco Chronicle on Friday published an account from an unnamed former staffer who described multiple non-consensual sexual encounters with Swalwell, including two instances in which she said he sexually assaulted her while she was intoxicated.

CNN later reported that four women had accused Swalwell of a range of misconduct including allegedly sending unsolicited nude photos and sexually explicit text messages.

The Manhattan district attorneys office said it was investigating Swalwell following those reports. The office urged anyone with knowledge to contact its special victims division.

Swalwell, formerly one of the leading candidates to succeed outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, first denied the allegations in a late-night social media video on April 10.

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These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have, he said. He acknowledged past mistakes in judgment but said they were between me and my wife, to whom he apologized.

While Luna called Swalwell a disgrace, she also applied that label to Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas).

Separately, Gonzales is facing scrutiny over alleged sexual advances toward two staffers. Last month, the Texas Republican admitted to an affair with a staffer who died by suicide and dropped his 2026 reelection bid amid the fallout.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.) said that she plans to introduce a House resolution to expel Gonzales and will support the resolution to expel Swalwell.

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As Ive said, Gonzales and Swalwell are not fit to serve in Congress given their sexual transgressions against women who work for them. They should resign or be expelled, Fernandez posted on X.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) said that both Swalwell and Gonzales should resign based on the facts and information.

Leadership and members in both parties should have moral clarity and recognize some things are more important than vote margins and party loyalty, Lawler posted on X.

Expulsion votes are rare in the House and require a two-thirds majority  but it has been done. Republican George Santos of New York was expelled from Congress in 2023, becoming just the sixth member in House history ousted by his own colleagues.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Barrow County Sheriffs Office announced six people were arrested for the death of a Greene County man found at house in Winder on Monday afternoon.

The sheriffs office said deputies went to a home on Red Oak Way to respond to a reported robbery and assault.

Deputies said the victim, Casey Lotrail Watts, 40 of White Plains, was found unconscious.

At the scene, deputies performed CPR until Watts was taken to a hospital. After arriving, Watts was pronounced dead, deputies said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

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During the investigation, the sheriffs office learned that the original incident happened at a different house on White Oak Way.

The following six people were arrested at the scene and charged with murder, aggravated assault and being party to a crime:

Shurita Lashay Davis, 34, Winder

Ezion Tymere Edwards, 19, Winder

Robert John Arnold, 20, Winder

Michavius Luis Mayweather, 20, Winder

Antrevion Gary-Hill, 17, Winder

Jamarion Floyd Lewis, 21, Winder

Channel 2 Action News has asked for more information about Watts connection to the six suspects.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the sheriffs office at 770-307-3080.

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An elderly hiker survived overnight in near-freezing temperatures in Western Australia over the weekend

Rescuers faced challenges locating her due to poor cell reception and dense tree canopy in the area

Police praised the 87-year-old woman's preparedness, noting she had extra water, warm clothing and snacks

An elderly hiker has been rescued after spending the night in bushland in Australia.

The 87-year-old woman was reported missing near the town Nannup, around 186 miles south of Perth, just after 8 p.m. local time on Friday, April 10, per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

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Police from across the state of Western Australia were called in to help with the search, with rescuers using chainsaws to reach the woman.

Temperatures also hit as low as 42 degrees Fahrenheit on the evening she went missing, per the ABC.

The woman was found around 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, in bushland near Donnelly River village.

Donnelly River Village, WA

Credit: Getty

"She had a rough idea where she was," South West Police Acting Superintendent Andy Elliott told the ABC. She had gone down a rabbit trail almost.

"It was just a very fortunate set of circumstances with a fantastic outcome, Elliott continued, adding that the woman was prepared for her walk.

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She's an experienced walker  as you would be at 87 years of age," he said. "She took extra water, she had relatively warm clothing, and she also had some stocks of food, so she just nibbled on her trail mix overnight, I believe."

According to The Age, the elderly woman rationed packets of raisins to survive the night.

She was treated for dehydration, but was injured, per the ABC.

What a survivor  What a champion. Youve got your next contender for Survivor, I think shed go well, Elliott added to Perth outlet 6PR.

Elliott told the outlet that the woman became disoriented as it went dark and went down a few tracks police would not expect.

Donnelly River Village, WA

Credit: Getty

Search efforts to find the woman were delayed due to poor cell reception in the area, per the ABC.

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"The lack of towers in regional WA, not just there, it does hamper location activities that we would normally do in a metropolitan area," he said, per the outlet.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

A police helicopter was also deployed, but rescuers struggled to spot the woman due to the thick tree canopy. Eventually, the woman was able to successfully make a call and guide rescuers to her location.

Its thick," Elliott told 6PR of the bushland. "And the helicopter, as good as it is, has limited success with trying to identify and then youve got to distinguish a person between a kangaroo and a large mammal.

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PEOPLE reached out to the Western Australia Police Force for comment, but they did not immediately respond.

In a post on their Facebook on April 11, police confirmed that missing 87-year-old woman has been located safe and well.

Thank you for your assistance, they added.

Read the original article on People
This story has been updated with additional information.

The city of Akron will pay Terrell Battles $24,000 to settle an excessive force police lawsuit. The suit stemmed from a 2024 traffic stop that saw Akron police officer Warren Spragg send Battles to the hospital with facial lacerations, a broken nose and a concussion.

Battles' attorney, Imokhai Okolo, announced the settlement in a news release on April 14. Court documents filed in the Northern District of Ohio show that a settlement was reached in early April. Judge Pamela Barker presided over the case.

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Lawsuit: Akron paid $15,000 in police officer's excessive force lawsuit. He's being sued again

I dont want anyone else to go through what I went through, Battles said in the news release. If my case can push the city to take police violence seriously and work to end it, Ill be glad.

Spragg was previously sued in a separate but similar incident from 2023 involving Jordean Ely. The city settled that suit for $15,000. In total, the city has paid $39,000 across the two lawsuits involving the officer.

Stephanie Marsh, spokesperson for the city of Akron, said via email the settlement does not reflect any wrongdoing by any party. It is merely a compromise.

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"We believe it was a reasonable decision made in the best financial interest of the City under the advice of legal counsel," Marsh said. "We take use-of-force concerns seriously. As part of that commitment, weve engaged the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to conduct an independent review of policies and practices. That review is nearing completion, and we expect to share recommendations and next steps soon."

Warren Spragg's second forceful arrest lawsuit in 2 years

The incident involving Battles occurred on June 28, 2024, at East and Wildwood avenues in West Akron, near Copley. The lawsuit and Independent Police Auditor Anthony Finnell's report detailed what happened.

Battles and his twin brother were pulled over in a silver Ford Fusion for an expired license plate. Battles' brother, who did not have a valid driver's license, was arrested and charged with driving under suspension.

Report: Akron officer misused force when he beat up man during traffic stop, police auditor says

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Battles gave officers his license, but when Spragg told Battles to exit the car, Battles asked why he had to leave. Spragg replied, saying he didn't need a reason.

Spragg and another officer then opened the door and grabbed Battles, who recoiled from them. Spragg punched Battles at least four times in the face and torso before dragging him out of the car with the help of two other officers.

During the encounter, Battles reached for his waistband and was in "fight-or-flight" mode, officers said. The brothers had previously told officers there were no weapons in the car, but Spragg and other officers reported they had not confirmed it.

Two officers, including Spragg, pinned Battles to the ground, where Spragg punched him once in the nose. Finnell determined the punch could have been fatal.

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Finnell also recommended that Spragg be disciplined or undergo remedial training.

Bryce Buyakie is an Akron-based reporter who covers the courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X @bryce_buyakie.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron settles lawsuit against police officer in Terrell Battles arrest
An Amazon employee at the Troutdale, Oregon, warehouse died at work last week, a company spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch.

According to a report from the Western Edge, an independent investigative outlet covering the Pacific Northwest, the worker collapsed on the floor at the PDX9 warehouse and lay dead as employees continued to work around him.

Were deeply saddened by the passing of a member of our team, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their loved ones during this difficult time, Amazon spokesperson Sam Stephenson told TechCrunch. Weve been in touch with his family and have provided resources to support them. For employees at our PDX9 facility, weve provided on-site grief counselors and additional support. Were thankful for the work of the Multnomah County Sheriffs Department and local emergency medical services.

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On a Reddit forum for Amazon fulfillment center workers, several people claiming to work at PDX9 said that the building had been especially hot after soundproof curtains were installed, which limited airflow. They speculated that the heat could have contributed to the employees death, as it would compound the physical demands of fulfillment center work. According to the Western Edge, some employees noticed that the building was cooler when they returned to work the next day.

Amazon, however, said that Oregons Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determined the incident to be non-work related. Employees were sent home early and were paid for the remainder of their shift; the night shift was canceled, and employees scheduled to work were paid as well, according to the company.

The PDX9 warehouse has a reputation for having harsh working conditions. In 2018, an investigation from Reveal, an investigative journalism outlet, found that 26% of employees at the warehouse had sustained injuries. A report based on 2024 OSHA data showed that the companys fulfillment centers report serious injuries at a rate more than 2x the warehouse industry average.

Amazons fulfillment centers have been subject to several probes by federal agencies and prosecutors over warehouse safety, with investigators alleging that the company manipulated data and failed to properly document workplace injuries. The United States Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York is conducting an ongoing investigation into workplace safety at Amazon warehouses.

Amazon told TechCrunch that the company has seen a 43% reduction in its global recordable incident rate since 2019  a metric that tracks any work-related injury requiring more than basic first aid. The company said it has invested more than $2.5 billion in safety improvements since 2019, including hundreds of millions of dollars in 2026 alone.
The post Antarcticas Most Iconic Penguin Is Now Endangered appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Quick Take

Rapid warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions is accelerating Antarctic ice loss, putting emperor penguins at risk of losing up to 98% of their colonies and becoming functionally extinct by the end of the century.

The collapse of stable sea ice is leading to widespread chick mortality, as emperor penguins depend on solid ice for breeding, protection, and survival.

As a sentinel species, emperor penguins highlight the severe impacts of climate change.

As we approach the halfway point of 2026, climate change is worsening. Greenhouse gases are causing the planet to warm rapidly. As a result, melting ice caps put thousands of animals at risk of extinction. Antarctica has seen some of its most devastating damage, losing more than 100 billion metric tons of ice per year. As this happens, the fate of one of its most iconic species, the emperor penguin, hangs in the balance. If temperatures continue to rise at this rate, scientists predict emperor penguins could lose up to 98% of their colonies. This would make them functionally extinct by the end of the century. With penguin numbers rapidly declining, the IUCN raises an urgent question: can anything be done to save them?

Catastrophic Ice Loss Leads to Juvenile Deaths

Tragedy is unfolding on what remains of Antarcticas ice floes. As hundreds of emperor penguin chicks emerge from a long winter, what they find isnt what theyre used to seeing. Rather than miles of sea ice connected to the continent, theyre met with unstable ice shards and frigid water. These ice floes are essential to the survival of emperor penguins, who nest and guard their young on the ice for nine months of the year. Without the safety of these ice shelves, chicks are at risk of hypothermia and drowning.

Emperor penguins rely on coastal ice for rearing young and protection. Michel VIARD/ via Getty Images

The worst fears of scientists have already come true. After catastrophic ice loss on the Antarctic coastline, mass drownings of emperor penguin chicks have occurred due to record-low sea ice. Without enough plumage to keep the next generation of chicks dry and insulated, those falling into polar waters freeze to death. The mature emperor penguins who follow them also face the same fate if their annual feather molt is not complete. The loss is profound, and even the scientific community feels the heavy impact of climate change. If climate change is not halted, emperor penguins will be the next species struggling for survival.

Emperor Penguins Signal Human-Induced Climate Change

Some species are considered sentinel species because they can indicate environmental dangers before they fully unfold. Emperor penguins are sentinels of Antarctica. This devastating loss not only confirms scientists theories but also signals what is to come. If human-induced climate change is not slowed, emperor penguins could lose most of their colonies by the end of the century. As of April 2026, the IUCN Red List has moved the species from Near Threatened to Endangered. The rapid change in status is a reminder that rising temperatures threaten all species indiscriminately.

Without mature feathers, an emperor penguin chicks coat is not waterproof, leaving them vulnerable. Nataliia Kravchenko/Shutterstock.com

The current emperor penguin population stands at approximately 595,000 adult individuals. This population decreased by 10% between 2009 and 2018, a period of slightly less than a decade. Marine ecologist Dr Philip Trathan, who worked on the emperor penguin red list analysis, told The Guardian that the situation is beyond dire. Human-induced climate change poses the most significant threat. Early sea ice breakup is already affecting colonies around the Antarctic, and further changes in sea ice will continue to affect their breeding, feeding, and molting habitat. Emperor penguins are a sentinel species that tell us about our changing world and how well we are controlling greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change, he said.



The post Antarcticas Most Iconic Penguin Is Now Endangered appeared first on A-Z Animals.
China's EV makers accelerate push into chips, AI amid global cooperation

Xinhua) 08:20, April 14, 2026

People visit an auto show in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2026. (Photo by Hao Xincheng/Xinhua)

BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese automakers are speeding up efforts to integrate batteries, chips and artificial intelligence (AI), as competition shifts from scale expansion to higher-value innovation, industry executives and experts said at an intelligent electric vehicle (EV) development forum held in Beijing.

This transition is underpinned by China's fully integrated automotive supply chain, spanning batteries, core components and vehicle assembly, which enables both cost efficiency and rapid technological iteration.

The country's supply chain advantages are also attracting global automakers, prompting them to step up investment in the country and partner with local suppliers to support technological upgrading amid the global shift toward vehicle electrification and intelligent mobility.

At the same time, global volatility is reinforcing this shift. Oil price swings and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are sharpening the appeal of new energy vehicles, while rising energy costs are boosting demand in fuel-sensitive markets and creating new growth opportunities for Chinese exports.

VALUE UPGRADING

The rise of vehicle intelligence and concerns over global semiconductor supply chain security are driving surging demand for in-vehicle chips and computing power. Against this backdrop, Chinese firms are racing to enter the high-barrier semiconductor sector to reduce costs and improve performance.

NIO, a leading Chinese electric automaker, has poured resources into developing its own intelligent-driving chips. "This year, we will fully apply flagship-grade intelligent driving chips and our own driving system in models priced between 200,000 yuan (about 29,130 U.S. dollars) and 300,000 yuan," said NIO founder Li Bin, stressing the role of in-house chips in reducing costs.

Yu Kai, founder and CEO of Horizon Robotics, said at the forum that the firm will launch its cockpit-driving integrated AI chip solution in late April. It aims to extend the capabilities of the automotive operating system, supporting functions such as restaurant booking, movie ticket purchasing and parking reservations.

Horizon Robotics, an established player in the high-performance autonomous driving chip segment, saw its cumulative deliveries of driving assistance systems hit 10 million units by August 2025, with 4 million units shipped in 2025 alone.

This year the company will increase research and development spending from the roughly 5 billion yuan it spent in 2025, with a significant share to be invested in training large AI models, according to Yu.

Globally, the automotive semiconductor market sees rapid growth. A report by the China EV100 think tank said the market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 12 percent from 2024 to 2030, reaching 132 billion U.S. dollars by 2030.

TIGHTENING TIES

Multinational automakers such as BMW and Volkswagen are tapping into China's supply chains to enhance their capabilities. Last week, Volkswagen announced that it will launch three new EV models in the Chinese mainland, featuring an intelligent driving assistance system developed by the EV startup Xpeng, based in south China's Guangzhou, and batteries from CATL.

"The speed, complexity and diversity of consumer demand in China's EV market are raising industry standards," said Frank Han, executive vice president of Volkswagen Group China, noting that the company will continue to deepen ties with China's local ecosystem by partnering with leading technology firms.

This reflects China's growing role in global EV value chains. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed that China's auto parts exports totaled 16.76 billion U.S. dollars in January-February 2026, up 14.1 percent year on year, with February exports rising 32.6 percent year on year.

The association attributed the robust growth to improving product competitiveness, a recovery in overseas demand and policy support.

"China's auto exports are no longer limited to complete vehicles, but are expanding into a broader ecosystem spanning chips, intelligent connectivity, charging infrastructure, user services and automotive finance," said Wang Lang, vice president of Chery Automobile.

China's long-term industrial strategy is placing greater emphasis on this sector. The outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), released last month, has highlighted support for strategic emerging industries, including smart connected vehicles.

Regarding future overseas expansion of Chinese automakers, industry experts at the forum in Beijing warned that rising geopolitical tensions and trade barriers are adding new uncertainties.

"Compliance capability is becoming a core competitive advantage," Wang stressed. "In an era of persistent trade tensions, requirements related to data security and environmental regulations are increasingly shaping companies' global expansion."

More Chinese companies will build overseas plants and work with local suppliers, thereby "becoming more embedded in local economies through job creation, tax contributions and industrial upgrading," Wang added.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
The News

The world must get ready for powerful AIs that can exploit vulnerabilities in websites within the next few months, Anthropics co-founder and head of public benefit warned.

Claude Mythos, Anthropics new AI model, sparked alarm at the company when it discovered previously unknown security flaws in every major web browser and operating system. Anthropic has only released it to select organizations so that they can help Anthropic plug any further holes.

Speaking at Semafor World Economy, Jack Clark said that Mythos is not a special model and that equally capable ones will be coming from other companies soon, and within a year and a half, therell be open-source models from China that have these capabilities.

Know More

Claude Mythos unveiling  and partial release  has unnerved financial authorities, with the US Treasury secretary summoning leaders of US banks to discuss the risk to financial security, and British banking regulators doing likewise. Executives have warned that AI could lead to cyber risks to the banking industry, the Financial Times reported.

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Clark said that Anthropic was talking to the Trump administration about Mythos, amid the AI companys feud with the Pentagon over guardrails over the use of its AI tools in the military.

We have a narrow contracting dispute, but I dont want that to get in the way of the fact that we care deeply about national security, Clark said.



Our position is the government has to know about this stuff ... So absolutely, we talk to them about Mythos, and well talk to them about the next models as well.
U.S. District Judge James Boasbergs effort to investigate possible criminal contempt by Kristi Noem and other senior Trump administration officials in connection with deportation flights last year has been blocked  for the second time  by a bitterly divided appeals court panel.

In a 2-1 ruling Tuesday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that Boasberg, the chief federal district court judge in Washington, had overstepped his authority by continuing to pursue possible contempt charges against administration officials who signed off on deportations to El Salvador despite the judges effort to halt them.

The district court proposes to probe high-level Executive Branch deliberations about matters of national security and diplomacy, Judge Neomi Rao, a Trump appointee, wrote for the majority, which also included Trump appointee Justin Walker. These proceedings are a clear abuse of discretion.

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Judge Michelle Childs, a Biden appointee, responded in an 80-page dissent that the panels ruling could undermine the authority of federal courts for generations.

The ruling is a win for the administration against a judge whom President Donald Trump has sought to fashion into an adversary, with the president even calling for his impeachment over an unfavorable ruling  drawing a brushbackfrom Chief Justice John Roberts.

The dispute stems from the March 2025 effort by the Department of Homeland Security to hurriedly deport more than 100 Venezuelan nationals the administration deemed to be members of the transnational gang Tren de Aragua, relying on Trumps unprecedented invocation of the Alien Enemies Act to justify removing them without due process. They were quickly rounded up and put on planes to El Salvador, whose president agreed to house them indefinitely in a notorious anti-terrorism prison.

Several of those targeted by Trumps order filed an emergency lawsuit in Washington, D.C., denying that they were members of Tren de Aragua and asking the court to quickly halt efforts to deport them without due process. Boasberg, in a flurry of extraordinary and urgent weekend maneuvers, ordered a stop to the deportations and said officials should keep those already in the air in U.S. custody.

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But the Trump administration rebuffed Boasberg, delivering the Venezuelan men to El Salvadors custody in a cinematically filmed tarmac transfer touted by Trump and his allies as part of the presidents mass deportation agenda. Administration officials said Boasbergs order could not apply to the men once they were outside U.S. airspace and pointed to ambiguity in the judges oral directives, which included some distinctions from his subsequent written order.

The case wound its way to the Supreme Court, which sided with the Trump administrations argument that the original lawsuit should have been brought in Texas, where the Venezuelan men were being detained at the time they filed it, rather than in Washington, D.C.

Boasberg, an Obama appointee, continued to pursue the matter, concerned that the administration had defied his order to retain custody of the men. The same appeals court panel halted his initial contempt inquiry in a split ruling last year, but the matter was ultimately returned to Boasbergs court for further proceedings.

Boasberg resumed his contempt inquiry, extracting from Trump administration officials that Noem, the former DHS secretary, had issued the final directive to transfer the men to Salvadoran custody despite Boasbergs effort to halt it.

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Rao said Boasberg should have stopped there.

These proceedings improperly threaten an open-ended, freewheeling inquiry into Executive Branch decisionmaking on matters of national security that implicate ongoing military and diplomatic initiatives, Rao wrote.

Lawyers for the ACLU, which argued on behalf of the deported Venezuelan men said they would ask the full bench of the D.C. Circuit to take up the issue.

Our system is built on the executive branch, including the president, respecting court orders, ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said. There is no longer any question that the Trump administration willfully violated the courts order.

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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche hailed the decision, saying it should finally end Judge Boasbergs year-long campaign against the hardworking Department attorneys doing their jobs fighting illegal immigration.

Rao and Walker also accepted the Justice Departments claim that Boasbergs directives were never actually violated because his written order only applied to immigrants not yet deported from the U.S. and the planes carrying the deportees had left U.S. airspace by the time the written order emerged.

Walker, in a concurring opinion, underscored this point, noting that Boasbergs written order only blocked the administration from removing people under Trumps proclamation and said nothing about those who were already en route. And he noted that Boasberg issued the written order precisely so that the lawyers in the rapid-fire proceedings wouldnt need to write down his oral remarks.

Walker also took a swipe at media coverage of the case, saying reporters erroneously characterized Boasbergs ruling as a command to turn around deportation planes, rather than including that as one of several options. Walker called it predictably inaccurate commentary that plagues our better-first-than-accurate media era.

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But Walker also wove in praise for Boasberg, whom he described as having a widely respected record of dispassionate decisionmaking.

I do not envy the position of any judge facing such time pressure to make hard and high-stakes legal decisions, Walker wrote.

In her dissent, Childs emphasized that the Trump administration was seeking unusual relief from the appeals court by asking it to head off further proceedings, rather than following the usual course of allowing them to be completed and then filing an appeal.

The majority has stymied the district courts inherent and statutory powers and done so in a way that will affect not only these contempt proceedings, she said, but will also echo in future proceedings against all litigants.
Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire Chief James Buddy Peratt and his team rolled out the red carpet to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Former Fire Chief Art Bishop, who also serves on the Town Council, joined fire officials as they celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley. Apple Valley Fire Protection District celebrates 75 years of service 1 of 21 Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley.

Fire Chief James Buddy Peratt and his team rolled out the red carpet to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District.

The Market at Towns End in Apple Valley was the scene of a five-alarm celebration dinner, which honored the people, history, and service that have shaped the fire district over the decades.

Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley.

Current and former firefighter families, along with the Town Council and other community leaders, attended the semi-formal affair on Friday, April 11, which included antique vehicles and vintage fire equipment.

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Former Fire Chief Art Bishop, who serves on the Town Council, said he and his wife, Kathy, thoroughly enjoyed the event, along with his fellow council members.

A calling and a family

I think my favorite part of the evening was the video segment, where each fire chief, going back to Bart Lewis, shared about their time serving the fire district, Bishop told the Daily Press.

I also enjoyed seeing the new generation of young firefighters honoring the past.

Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley.

Bishop, a nearly 35-year veteran of the fire service, said after the event, he texted Art Peratt, commending him for the outstanding job" hosting the celebration.

The fire service is all about protecting the community, Bishop said. Its also a calling, which gets in your blood and stays there. That is what the ceremony was all about, family coming together to celebrate our history and future.

Honoring the past

Guests at the dinner received a full-color book filled with photos that illustrated the history, workers and families of the fire district.

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The book spotlighted its Honor Guard, Board of Directors, Community Risk Reduction Division, battalion chiefs, captains, engineers, and firefighters.

Also, reserved firefighters, support staff, fleet service team, CPR/first aid instructors, Explorer Program, chaplains, retirees and early volunteers.

Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley.

The book also showed photos of each of the district's six fire stations, including shuttered Station 333, at the corner of Standing Rock Avenue and Outer Highway 18 North.

Station 33 was our first station after it opened in 1953, Bishop said. Before it was a fire station, the building served as Apple Valleys first bank.

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The fire districts second station, first located at 13651 Navajo Road, is currently occupied by Navajo Tire Repair.

At the Navajo station, the firefighters lived on the second floor and would use the fire pole to slide down to the fire engines, Bishop said.

Fire officials celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District during a special dinner and ceremony on April 11, 2026, at the Market at Towns End in Apple Valley.

Apple Valley fire chiefs

Before Chief Peratt was chosen to permanently lead the district in 2022, the list of Apple Valley Fire District chiefs included:

Lewis Martin, 1952 to 1959

Rudolph Solee, 1959 to 1961

Richard Hove, 1961 to 1985

Bart Lewis, 1985 to 1996

Doug Qualls, 1996 to 2010

Art Bishop, 2010 to 2012

Sid Hultquist, 2012 to 2017

Lorenzo Gigliotti, 2018 to 2020

Kenneth Harrison, 2021 to 2022

(Interim)Thomas Pambianco, 2017 to 2018

(Interim) James Buddy Perratt, 2021 to 2022

Fire Chief James Buddy Peratt and his team rolled out the red carpet to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Apple Valley Fire Protection District.

History of the fire district

A framed copy of the Apple Valley News, dated April 7, 1951, boasted, Fire District is Approved," with Fire Commander C.W. Harvey at the helm along with fellow commissioners James Goble and Ben Bass.

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Harvey was the guiding light in establishing the Apple Valley Fire District, and that Without his knowledge and hundreds of hours of hard work, there would be no Fire District, the paper stated.

Nearly 500 souls lived in Apple Valley when the fire district was formed in January 1951.

At that time, the fire district oversaw an area of about 26 square miles, with only a few homesteads and small ranches.

In 2026, the fire service oversees about 90,000 people across 206 square miles of the High Desert, the district stated.

The population of Apple Valley is just over 75,000, according to the Daily Press.

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The fire district conducted its first Fire Board meeting on January 25, 1951, in the old Apple Valley Post Office Building.

In August 1951, the district passed a 20-year, $40,000 bond to build the fire district's first fire station.

From sirens to pagers

By 1961/62, the fire district had a fiscal budget of $85,610. In 1962, under the California Health and Safety Code Local Fire District Law of 1961, the fire district became known as the Apple Valley Fire Protection District.

Until the mid-1970s, volunteer firemen were alerted by loud sirens that could be heard throughout the community; subsequently, personal pagers were issued.

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By 1981, a joint powers authority (JPA) was created with local fire agencies to share the costs of modern dispatching of fire resources, with the eventual expansion of providing fleet maintenance. This JPA was known as the Regional Fire Protection Authority.

Measure V

In 2016, with the Measure V special tax set to expire in 2017, voters overwhelmingly passed Measure A. Measure A allowed for the re-opening of two closed fire stations and the revenue to sustain the fire district into the future.

In 2009, the city of Victorville contracted with the San Bernardino County Fire Department for emergency services, and the RFPA was put in abeyance. The fire district also contracted with San Bernardino County's Communications Center.

Since these early pioneering days of the fire district, the district boundaries and services have grown to meet the needs and demands of the community, district officials said.

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The fire district has always taken pride in keeping up with advancing service technology and modern fire service delivery systems. A main component of the fire district, which has remained unchanged, is the dedication of district employees to their occupation and community, officials said.

Fire Chief Art Peratt

Chief Peratt said that for the district, much has changed over the past 75 years, including technology, equipment, facilities, and the complexity of emergency services.

One thing has remained constant: Our commitment to this community, Peratt said. For me, this commitment is deeply personal. I grew up here. I went to school here. I raised my family here. Apple Valley is not just the community I serve, it is home.

He added that his perspective shapes how he leads and views the responsibility entrusted to the fire district.

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Today our firefighters and paramedics respond to tens of thousands of calls for service each year, serving on the front lines of emergency response in our community, Peratt said.

Behind them stands a dedicated team of prevention personnel, lead services professionals, and administrative staff. Ensure our organizations remain prepared, equipped, and ready to serve.

Peratt said some district firefighters began their journey in Apple Valley as explorers, reserves and volunteers.

We are proud to train, mentor and develop young men and women from the community and give them the opportunity to serve the very place that shaped them, Peratt said. There is something powerful about protecting the streets you grew up on and serving the neighbors you have known your entire life.

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We are proud of our past, confident in our present and focused on preparing for the next 75 years, said Peratt, who thanked its supporters and the community.

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Apple Valley Fire Protection District celebrates 75 years
Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

Archaeologists in Romania have uncovered portions of an ancient megastructure from around 6,200 years ago.

The oak-floor building was located at the entrance to a settlement that included roughly 45 houses.

The megastructure is only the sixth of its kind ever found, and experts are planning further research and excavation at the site.

Excavations in the hills of northeastern Romania have unearthed one of the worlds oldest known megastructures, a massive communal building dating to around 4000 B.C.E. that still holds plenty of secrets after only a quarter of the site has been excavated.

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The building sits at the center of a settlement called Stauceni-Holm in Romanias Botosani County, a site first identified in the 1960s but not excavated until 2023. It belongs to the Cucuteni-Trypillia culture, a network of farming communities that spread across modern-day Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine from roughly 4800 to 3000 B.C.E. According to a study published in PLOS ONE, the structure is only the sixth megastructure from this culture ever to be excavated, and radiocarbon dating makes it one of the earliest examples on record.

At roughly 350 square meters, the building dwarfs the ordinary houses around it, and its prominent position near the settlement's entrance suggests that it played a special communal role. The Stauceni-Holm settlement itself is relatively modest, home to an estimated 320 to 350 people, far smaller than some Cucuteni-Trypillia mega-sites in Ukraine that likely housed thousands. Yet even this smaller community built the same kind of oversized gathering place, a pattern that suggests megastructures were a standard organizational feature of the culture rather than a phenomenon limited to its largest towns. With three-quarters of the site still unexcavated, researchers expect the building has much more to reveal about how these early European communities lived and governed themselves.

The megastructures scale suggests that it held great significance for the people who built it. The rectangular building of over 3,700 square feet sat between defensive ditches and a palisade system at the entrance to the settlement. At three to five times larger than any of the homes, the structure offers a stark contrast to the rest of the settlement.

Inside, the oak wood floor covered in burnt clay contained a dense concentration of pottery pieces, including a remarkable example of a carved bulls head attached to a bowl. Excavations also revealed a conical idol with an unknown purpose, although its a common find among Cucuteni sites. Three ladles were found, including one with painted patterns, along with a grooved pottery vessel painted in red ochre. Flint tools were found throughout the building.

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Originally, the megastructure may have had an upper floor built like an open-air terrace. The inner portion had several rooms, likely for living, cooking, storage, and maybe even ritual purposes. Amid the remains of cereals and fruits, the team found henbane seeds, a psychotropic plant common in both medicinal and ritual use over 6,000 years ago.

While early geomagnetic surveys indicated the building featured hearths and storage pits, actual excavation proved that wrong. The authors wrote that at this stage of the research its unrealistic to consider the function of the building as storage building or a communal place for consumption of food. And theres no real indication it was strictly a cult building. Perhaps the megastructure was just a bigger house for a bigger family, a communal building for decision making, or a meeting place for special high-ranking inhabitants reflecting the change toward a more hierarchized organization of the community, they wrote.

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Police detained around 100 people taking part in a rally Monday by a Jewish organization that promotes Palestinian rights, an AFP correspondent saw, with Chelsea Manning among those held.

Gathering under the banner of the group Jewish Voice for Peace, the detainees were part of a group of about 200 protesters who blocked a major avenue in Manhattan for just under an hour to protest US military support for Israel.

They had gathered near the offices of Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and his colleague Kirsten Gillibrand, whom they accuse of voting against a measure aimed at blocking US arms sales to Israel.

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Manning is the army intelligence analyst who leaked documents to WikiLeaks, and had her 35-year sentence commuted by President Barack Obama in 2017. She now campaigns for pro-Palestinian causes.

"Our actions matter in shaping the course of history. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand have repeatedly supported weapons sales to Israel that are being used to commit atrocities across Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran. We call on Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to follow the will of New Yorkers and vote to block weapons and bulldozer sales to Israel," she said in a statement issued by JVP.

Police confirmed to AFP there were "multiple arrests" but could not immediately give a number.

ct-rh-gw/ksb
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NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, Artemis 2 commander, gives NASA Flight Surgeon Richard Scheuring a hug next to a Navy MH-60 Seahawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha after splashdown, Friday, April 10, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. | Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Reid Wiseman had one last decision to make before leaving his spacecraft post-splashdown: leave something behind in accordance with NASA's post-splashdown checklist, or not?

Reid Wiseman , the NASA Artemis 2 commander, was supposed to leave a little plushie moon toy  called Rise  for later retrieval from his Integrity Orion spacecraft . But after 10 days floating alongside the mascot to the moon and back again , Wiseman had a different thought about that procedure.

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"I was supposed to leave Rise in Integrity ... but that was not something I was going to do," Wiseman wrote on X on Saturday (April 11).

Officially, Rise is a zero-gravity indicator created by Lucas Ye, a third grader from California. It's a mini-moon, with an Earth-colored cap brimmed with stars. Inside the little toy are over 5 million names on an SD card, submitted by folks around the world looking to fly their monikers to the moon.

Rise floated on camera in front of the crew after they reached space April 1, before the eyes of Wiseman, NASA 's Victor Glover , NASA's Christina Koch , and the Canadian Space Agency 's Jeremy Hansen . But during the unfolding of the historical lunar flyby mission  the first human moon visit in nearly 54 years  Rise also became a symbol far beyond serving as a demonstration of when Integrity left Earth's gravity.

NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover arrive at Kennedy Space Center on March 27, 2026, carrying "Rise," the zero-gravity indicator they took with them on their journey to the moon. | Credit: NASA/Brandon Hancock

Moon memorial

Crew members often played with Rise during livestreamed conversations with Earth, and the toy also took over NASA's social media streams mid-mission. But sharp-eyed folks on social media caught something very special in a NASA picture of Ye's family posted Friday (April 10 ): at some point, Ye's Rise (a prototype of the mascot) was inscribed with the name "Carroll."

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Carroll is the name of Wiseman's wife, who died in 2020 of cancer. The crew suggested naming a moon crater after her, during one of the most touching moments of their lunar flyby livestream . (The suggestion will be sent to the International Astronomical Union, which is the official arbitrator of astronomical monikers).

"A number of years ago, we started this journey in our close-knit astronaut family and we lost a loved one," Artemis 2 mission specialist Jeremy Hansen said to mission control during the April 6 event. "Her name was Carroll: the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katie and Ellie." Following the announcement, the four crew members shared one of their many group hugs on camera, before separating and visibly wiping tears.

The Artemis 2 astronuats share a group hug after naming a crater in honor Carroll Wiseman, the late wife of commander Reid Wiseman. | Credit: NASA

Bringing Rise home

Now safely back on his home planet on Friday, Wiseman readied for his self-devised final mission procedure: how to get the palm-sized Rise safely out of the spacecraft to the Pacific Ocean pickup area.

"I stuffed that little guy in a dry bag we had in our survival kit, and hooked the bag onto my pressure suit," Wiseman wrote on X .

NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, Artemis 2commander is assisted off the flight deck after arriving aboard USS John P. Murtha after he and fellow crewmates NASA Astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, were extracted from their Orion spacecraft after splashdown, Friday, April 10, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. | Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

This allowed Rise to close out the mission alongside the crew. Secured on Wiseman's suit, Rise briefly waited on a raft in the Pacific Ocean before a dramatic hoist into a waiting U.S. Navy helicopter, which whisked Rise, Wiseman and Hansen to the USS John P Murtha. (Glover and Koch, in their own helicopter, took the same journey to the vessel.)

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The next day, Wiseman still had Rise with him. He used a lanyard to secure the toy to a water bottle: "It's hard not to love this little guy. I can't let Rise out of my sight," Wiseman said in a separate X post on Saturday, posted from the crew's next stop at Naval Air Station North Island in California.

Artemis 2 NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist bid farewell to NASA team members Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. | Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber

As far as we know, Rise is still with Wiseman. Rise appeared on-stage with Wiseman and the rest of the crew in Houston, at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center , when they celebrated the end of their mission on Saturday with much of the NASA astronaut corps.

Rise next made a cameo in an image Wiseman posted on X hours later with his daughters, with the simple caption "Mission complete", accompanied by three hearts.

The Artemis 2 crew of Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the CSA (Canadian Space Agency) and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Pilot Victor Glover, and Commander Reid Wiseman from NASA are seen during a crew return event, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas. | Credit: NASA/John Kraus

NASA and Wiseman haven't revealed Rise's next adventure yet, but in general, it is up to the agency and U.S. law to determine what happens to space-flown artifacts after a mission (which depends on the program and era).

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But folks on Reddit nevertheless joked that Rise is a member of Wiseman's family. "Reid's new child, Rise Wiseman," read one popular comment on Reddit. Or as someone else called the toy: "Rise Weidman."

Lego Technic Nasa Artemis Space Launch System 42221

The only Lego Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket, once built it can 'launch' thanks to the clever Technic engineering mechanisms inside. It stands 27.5-inches (70 cm) tall but is made from only 632 pieces, making this suitable for ages 9+, compared with the adult-oriented (and $260) static Lego Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System (10341) model.



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Australia will boost spending on drones by up to Au$5 billion ($3.6 billion) in response to shifts in warfare seen in the Middle East, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Tuesday.

Australia's vast coastline and small population have spurred a focus on developing large autonomous submarines and fighter jets, dubbed the Ghost Shark and Ghost Bat.

The use of cheaper drones mass produced by Iran in the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts has prompted the decision to also boost spending on smaller drones and counter-drone systems, Marles said in an ABC radio interview.

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"We look at what's happening in the Middle East right now -- you need counter-drone technology as well," he said.

Australia will spend Au$12 billion to Au$15 billion over the next decade on autonomous capabilities, Marles said ahead of an update to the national defence strategy to be released Thursday.

"Clearly, autonomous systems now are really central to how contest happens, how war happens," he said.

Australia needed the full spectrum of drone capabilities for its defence because of its geography, Marles said.

"What you get at the smaller end is mass -- you know, lots of units -- and that's what we are seeing play out in Ukraine," he added.

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Wary of China's navy build-up, US ally Australia has reshaped its defence force in recent years to focus on its missile strike capability and deterring an adversary from its northern approaches.

Its AUKUS defence partnership with the United States and Britain aims to transfer nuclear-powered submarine technology to Australia next decade.

Germany said last month it is considering Boeing's Australian-developed Ghost Bat, designed to fly alongside a fighter jet and return to base, as it modernises its air force.

kln/oho/jm
A Charlotte-based hair restoration surgeon cannot reapply for his North Carolina medical license until at least 2027, the state medical board announced Thursday .

The board indefinitely suspended the license of Dr. Bruce Howard Marko following his role in a $17 million, multi-state bank fraud scheme that began in 2018. Marko, now 67, conspired with three other men to defraud at least 17 banks, participating directly in at least five fraudulent loans to obtain over $2.8 million, according to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.

Marko was seeking funds to invest in a real estate development project in Las Vegas, according to the medical board. When he couldnt get loans through other means, he  with the help of two co-conspirators  secured the fraudulent loans, telling the financial institutions the money would be used for medical equipment purchases. Marko submitted falsified documents to the banks, including tax returns that overstated his income and false financial statements showing assets in a nonexistent investment account.

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Based on the misrepresentations made by Dr. Marko, the financial institutions wired the loan proceeds to fake medical equipment company accounts controlled by Person A who then wired funds to an account controlled by Person B, who in turn wired funds to an account controlled by Dr. Marko. Dr. Marko then wired the funds to entities associated with his Las Vegas project, the medical boards April 9 order states. Persons A and B referenced in the letter refer to two of Markos three co-defendants: Kotto Yaphet Paul, 50, of Waxhaw, Latoya Tamieka Ford, 50, of Covington, Georgia, and Love Norman, 50, of West Palm Beach, Florida.

Marko pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud and was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison last April. He was ordered to pay back $1.5 million of the ill-gotten funds. A federal tax lien related to the ruling was placed on his Ballantyne townhome last May. The 4-bedroom, 3-bath townhome is worth about $600,000, according to Zillow.

Marko voluntarily surrendered his medical license on July 2, 2025, according to the medical board.

He was released from federal prison this February, Federal Bureau of Prison records show. Marko could not be reached for comment.

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Marko ran a hair transplant clinic in Ballantyne, where he specialized in a minimally invasive hair transplant technique that first gained popularity in the early 2000s. Hed been in trouble with the state medical board before: In 2009, the board stayed a 12-month suspension it issued against his medical license for unethical conduct. The board accused him of fee-splitting and of assisting a Florida company that he received advertising and marketing services from in the unlicensed corporate practice of medicine.

Marko attended medical school at the University of Nebraska and later completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and a hair transplantation fellowship, in Orlando. He was first licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina in 1996, according to the board.

Although Marko can apply to reinstate his medical license on Jan. 1 of next year, he would be required to submit any information the board requests to verify hes complying with all rules and regulations and to submit to an investigative interview if requested, the boards order states.

Four other co-defendants in the fraud scheme  Amrish D. Patel, Dwight A. Peebles, Jr., Denise Woodard and Derrick L. Harrison  were serving 15 to 36 months in prison for their involvement as of last April.

What happened to the horses loose in uptown? CMPD bucks questions
A KC-135R was just spotted transiting through RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom covered in patches installed over shrapnel damage.

The images, which show the aircraft dotted with the repairs from nose to tail, come to us from aviation photographer Andrew McKelvey. It is very likely this is one of the tankers damaged in the Iranian long-range strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia last month. The aircraft belongs to the Ohio Air National Guards 121st Air Refueling Wing.

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While the attack on the base is said to have damaged five tankers, the full destruction inflicted by it and subsequent strikes on Prince Sultan Air Base remains murky, as do potential impacts to facilities and aircraft located across the region. The lack of regular satellite imagery from U.S. providers of the Middle East has made it harder to understand what has occurred, but as we state repeatedly, satellite images would not show more minor damage to aircraft, such as the shrapnel holes seen here.

You can get an idea of how many aircraft the U.S. has lost during Operation Epic Fury from our recent graphic linked here.

Operation Epic Fury U.S. Aircraft Losses Visualized



Here are all the known American aircraft losses during the nearly six week-long war with Iran.https://t.co/5tzH2gks1l  The War Zone (@thewarzonewire) April 10, 2026

While all tankers are precious assets, at least to a degree, due to the high demand on the fleet and its cumulative age, in this case there may be at least one positive side effect from the damage. Executing a battle damage repair plan in the field to get a KC-135 back in the air is a good real-life exercise, one that could prove vital if a future conflict in the Pacific were to erupt. Lessons will certainly be learned on many levels from Operation Epic Fury. And some of these lessons came the hard way even though they really shouldnt have.

Regardless, the fact that this Stratotanker is flying again is a good thing and a testament to the airmen in the field that made it happen.

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We will likely be seeing more patched-up tankers in the coming days and weeks as similar repairs are made and they make their way back to the United States for much more repairs.

Contact the author: Tyler@twz.com
BEALS  The new tax collector and treasurer for the town of Beals is a retired IRS analyst with a background in identity theft, fraud and data breaches.

Residents elected Stacy Trussell in a 43-0 vote Friday at the towns 101st annual meeting.

I was surprised no one had stepped up for it, Trussell said of her new role, which had been filled by Terry Beal for the past 20 years.

She added, I didnt want to see Beals become East Jonesport, referring to concerns that the neighboring town could absorb Beals if it is unable to conduct essential business.

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Trussell moved to Beals from New Hampshire last year with her husband, Shawn.

Its a little different from car registration and stuff, but itll be fine, she said.

Other budget decisions at the threehour meeting included votes to raise nearly $330,000 in taxes to buy flags, plow snow, contract for emergency and solid waste services and pay stipends for critical town jobs.

This will not be the towns full tax request for 2026, as the Beals Elementary School budget, which cost the town $1,481,117 in 2025, will be voted on at the 2026 annual school meeting later in the spring.

Terry Beal was elected tax assessor, filling the seat vacated by Benita Alley. The rest of the towns officers remain in place.

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One of the biggest discussions came after Selectman Glenda Beal announced that the town had received a onetime anonymous donation of $10,000 to support town stipends.

This person wanted to make sure the town didn't feel they needed to raise taxes in order to pay someone to take the (tax collector) job for an amount that they felt it was worth, Glenda Beal said.

Officials said the $10,000 will be applied to the $46,650 being raised for municipal salaries.

Other salary changes came from Terry Beal, who asked that the town reduce her payment as town clerk from $3,000 to $2,000 and raise the tax collector stipend from $5,000 to $6,000.

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Resident Laurie Petronis made a motion to raise the salaries for the parttime positions of tax collector and treasurer to $10,000 each, and to $7,500 for the three tax assessors. The motion was considered null because the town had already voted on the salaries.

If we dont pay employees to do the work to give us the best shot at surviving as a town, then we may have to take measures to shrink. That would be closing the school, which not many people would like to do, said Petronis, who moved to the area several years ago and has a background in historic preservation and development.

Residents also voted 35-8 to exempt the town from a state plan to expand bowhunting season from September to the end of muzzleloader season on the bridge-accessible islands of Beals.

Resident Sam Hunkler expressed concern that Beals and Great Wass islands are already overrun with deer and said additional culling would make the roads safer and reduce the spread of tickborne illness.

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But lifelong bowhunter Farrell Beal warned of the unintended consequences the extension has brought to other towns and the potential massacre of the deer population.

I think (September is) really too early to have any kind of season. The lambs are small; theyre still nursing the does, he said. Expanded archery also means you can shoot multiple deer. You can kill 10. And Im against it.

He said he worries an expanded September bowhunting season would draw hunters from across Maine to the islands.

As one resident left the lengthy meeting, he passed Trussell, the new treasurer and tax collector.

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Congratulations, he said. Welcome to the headaches.

Thank you, Trussell said. Im going to suggest, because Ive got a lot of names to learn, that everyone brings a cookie to the office with their name on it.

Jessica Brockington is a Community Reporting Fellow receiving training through the Journalism New England Career Lab to do civic reporting that provides people in towns across New England with the information they need to be engaged in their community.
Explainer: U.S. blockade of Strait of Hormuz -- sustainability and consequences

Xinhua) 08:26, April 14, 2026

Iranian soldiers patrol the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran, April 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz)

CAIRO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- After negotiations with Iran failed to yield any agreement, the United States took drastic measures on Monday by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for the global energy market.

Experts say that, given the complexity of the strait and the potential blowback to U.S. own interests, a full blockade may be difficult to sustain. Nevertheless, this "reckless move" could further disrupt the global economy and heighten the risk of renewed regional conflict.

"RECKLESS MOVE"

After U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Sunday to block ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said that U.S. forces will begin implementing a blockade of "all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports" on Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (1400 GMT).

In accordance with Trump's proclamation, 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," according to the statement.

On Monday afternoon, the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz came into effect.

In a press conference following the blockade, Trump warned that the U.S. military will "eliminate" any Iranian ship if it comes close to the U.S. blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) walks toward Marine One at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 10, 2026. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua)

The blockade adds yet another hurdle to a globally vital shipping route already battered by the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.

U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz "is not just a geopolitical escalation but a reckless move that risks choking the global economy, with American consumers bearing the brunt," Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency opined on Monday.

UNSUSTAINABLE BLOCKADE

While the United States seeks to pressure Iran by blocking the strait to secure concessions on issues such as the reopening of Hormuz, experts say that a full blockade is unlikely to be either feasible or sustainable.

The United States is likely to rely on enhancing its naval presence, intensifying monitoring and inspection operations, and possibly imposing "selective restrictions" on the movement of certain vessels, said Abdulaziz Alshaabani, a Saudi researcher at Al Riyadh Center for Political and Strategic Studies.

"However, it is unlikely that the naval blockade would be complete or absolutely effective, given the complexities of maritime routes and the entanglement of international interests," Alshaabani added.

Mohammed Al-Jubouri, a professor at al-Iraqia University in Baghdad, echoes Alshaabani's assessment.

"Iran does not need to engage the U.S. fleet directly to undermine the blockade," Al-Jubouri said. "It suffices for Tehran to employ tactics involving fast-attack craft, naval mines, coastal missile batteries, or even proxy attacks in other parts of the region. Such tools are capable of transforming any blockade into a prolonged war of attrition."

A demonstrator holds placards in front of the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

Abu Bakr al-Deeb, an advisor at the Cairo-based Arab Center for Research and Studies, argues that a complete blockade could end up shooting the United States in the foot, ultimately working against its own interests.

"The United States can impose temporary or partial control, but it would face immense difficulty in transforming that control into a stable, long-term blockade without incurring significant political and economic costs," he added.

FAR-REACHING IMPACT

Even if a long-term blockade may be beyond Washington's reach, the move is sure to send additional shockwaves through a global energy market already roiled by ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and could further jeopardize the fragile ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran, raising the risk of renewed conflict.

A blockade of a strait as vital as Hormuz cannot remain a "purely American affair" in terms of its impact, al-Deeb said, adding, "The global economy -- particularly Asia and Europe -- would suffer immediate and direct harm."

Following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict on Feb. 28, Brent Crude oil prices have already soared, reaching highs of over 120 U.S. dollars per barrel by early April.

Oil could rise to 150 dollars a barrel under a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Jorge Montepeque, managing director at Britain-based Onyx Capital Group, told Bloomberg.

Gas prices are displayed at a petrol station in London, Britain, March 26, 2026. The strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran have triggered a sharp spike in global oil prices. (Xinhua/Li Ying)

The U.S. blockade is also believed to raise the risk of hostilities reigniting between Washington and Tehran, potentially undermining the ceasefire that was just agreed upon last week.

"The U.S. insistence and lack of flexibility regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz ... reveals Washington's intention to use these issues as a pretext for launching further strikes and attacks," said Al-Jubouri.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has vowed to use new military capabilities if the war with the United States and Israel continues.

"We have not yet used our capabilities, and if the war continues, we will unveil capabilities that the enemy has no idea about," IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi said after the U.S. blockade took effect.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Boston Scientific has shared efficacy data for its Farapulse pulsed-field ablation (PFA), recording 65% efficacy for the system at one year in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Bostons BEAT PERS-AF study (NCT05418725) set out to demonstrate the effectiveness, safety, and procedural efficiency of Farapulse, using the treatment in conjunction with the FARAWAVE PFA catheter, in patients with drug-resistant symptomatic persistent AF.

The data was shared during a late-breaking presentation at the 2026 European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) congress, which took place between 12 and 14 April in Paris, France.

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Farapulse met the trials primary endpoint of effectiveness at 65% among the 49-patient cohort randomised to receive Farapulse treatment, compared to 55% in the 34 patients who received radiofrequency (RF) in the comparator arm.

Effectiveness was defined as freedom from atrial arrhythmia recurrence lasting more than 30 seconds, as detected by rhythm monitoring, along with the absence of cardioversion or resumption of antiarrhythmic drug therapy.

No serious adverse events (SAEs) were observed in the Farapulse arm, while pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis was observed in 12% of patients in the RF comparator arm.

The BEAT PERS-AF study builds on the safety and efficacy profile of the Farapulse PFA platform in treating patients with persistent atrial fibrillation. These findings are consistent with prior studies and contribute to the growing body of clinical evidence supporting Farapulse, said Angelo Auricchio, Bostons chief medical officer for Rhythm Management Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

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Johnson and Johnson (J&J) also presented data at EHRA, sharing interim 12-month results from VARIPURE, a sub-study of its ongoing SECURE (NCT04750798) study, assessing the effectiveness and safety of its Varipulse PFA system in first-time users.

At 12 months, the study reported 84.2% of patients experienced freedom from all documented atrial arrhythmia recurrence, with 90.5% for those with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AFib) and 75.3% for persistent cases.

The global electrophysiology ablation catheter market, of which PFA is a part, is on a rapid growth course. According to GlobalData analysis, the market is projected to reach a valuation of $17.6bn in 2035, up from $6.1bn in 2025.

"Boston Scientific touts 65% efficacy for Farapulse PFA in persistent AF trial" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




The race is on to succeed Gavin Newsom, the California governor with presidential ambitions whose term runs out this year  and its off to an unexpected and messy start.

On 13 April, the early frontrunner, congressman Eric Swalwell, suspended his bid for the role, following allegations of sexual misconduct. With less than two months until election day, its unclear whether another Democrat will race to the top in reliably blue California.

A total of 150 candidates have submitted paperwork indicating their intention to run. California Democratic party polling shows two Republicans leading the race: Chad Bianco, a Maga firebrand and Riverside county sheriff, and Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and Trump darling. After some of the states best-known Democrats  including former vice-president Kamala Harris, Senator Alex Padilla and the lieutenant governor, Eleni Kounalakis  passed on the race, the Democratic partys future in the Golden state looks uncertain at a moment when it is leading much of the opposition to Donald Trumps policies.

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All candidates will compete in a single, non-partisan primary on 2 June. The top two finishers, regardless of party, will go on to compete in the general election for governor next year. Heres a guide to the most competitive candidates so far.

Democrats

Katie Porter

Former congresswoman Katie Porter, who represented Orange county, emerged as an early frontrunner. She made a name for herself as a consumer advocate in Congress, grilling corporate executives and pushing for lower drug prices, using her signature whiteboard. In 2024, she ran for Dianne Feinsteins Senate seat, a race she lost to her colleague in Congress, Adam Schiff.

Her campaign was rocked in early October after a series of unflattering videos: the first capturing a confrontation with Julie Watts, a CBS reporter, during which Porter threatened to walk out of an interview; shortly after, a video surfaced of her berating a staffer. Though her support has slipped, she still commands significant name recognition because of her high-profile work in Congress.

Xavier Becerra

Xavier Becerra held elected office in California continuously from 1990 to 2021  first as an assemblyman, then a congressman and finally as attorney general. The last post often cast him in the national spotlight for repeatedly suing the federal government during Donald Trumps first term. Becerra spent the last four years serving as Joe Bidens secretary of health and human services.

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Like most Democrats, he has centered his messaging on the issue of affordability. But his campaign hit an early speed bump in November, after his former chief of staff Sean McCluskie pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges for conspiracy to steal money from Becerras campaign account in 2022. Becerra has not been accused of wrongdoing, but his opponents have pounced on him.

Antonio Villaraigosa

Antonio Villaraigosa boasts a career that took him from Chicano student activist to teachers union rep to speaker of the assembly and mayor of Los Angeles. Though he still describes himself as a progressive, he has presented himself as more of a centrist, playing up his history of cutting taxes, boosting police numbers and reining in crime. He came in third the last time he ran in the gubernatorial primary, back in 2018.

Tom Steyer

Tom Steyer, the billionaire financier turned climate change activist and liberal political patron, also gained national attention for his participation in the crowded 2020 Democratic presidential primary. Though best known as an environmentalist, Steyers top campaign issues are pressing corporations to pay more taxes to fund public schools, breaking up utility monopolies and banning corporate political action committee money from state elections.

Betty Yee

Former California state comptroller Betty Yee, a San Francisco native, has less name recognition than many of her Democratic colleagues, but points to her background in finance as a major strength for imposing accountability and confronting affordability challenges and the growing cost of housing. As comptroller, Yee says she has identified more than $4bn in misused funds, according to the Los Angeles Times. She also served for two terms on the states board of equalization, which oversees taxes on property, alcoholic beverages and insurers.

Tony Thurmond

Tony Thurmond, the superintendent of public instruction, has struck perhaps the most pro-labor stance in the field, calling for an increase to the state minimum wage and a teacher pay boost, in addition to echoing the chorus for more affordable housing. The former assemblyman won election to his current office with the backing of the California Teachers Association and other unions.

Ian Calderon

Ian Calderon, a former state assembly member, positions himself as the candidate of generational change, often pointing out that he served as Californias first millennial state legislator and its youngest majority leader. He left politics five years ago to focus on raising his family, saying the experience highlighted  you guessed it  the growing problem of affordability, especially soaring housing prices. Though he hails from a prominent southern California political family, Calderon emphasized his political independence in a campaign video, saying he doesnt take marching orders from anyone  and I certainly dont always agree with my party.

Republicans

Chad Bianco

The Riverside county sheriff, Chad Bianco, stands out as the most prominent Maga candidate to join the race. Known for defying Covid-19 mandates and presiding over a uniquely deadly jail system, Bianco is running as an immigration hardliner in the mold of Trump. Despite the fact that registered Democrats outnumber Republicans in California by two to one, Biancos name recognition coupled with the relative lack of candidates for conservatives to choose from raises the possibility that Bianco could advance to the general election. Although more California Republican delegates voted for Bianco than his competitor Steve Hilton, he did not clear the threshold to secure their endorsement at the state partys convention. Still, with Swalwell out of the race, hes polling neck and neck with Hilton for the lead.

Steve Hilton

Steve Hilton, a Former Fox News hostand adviser to the then British prime minister, David Cameron, is the other major Republican candidate. Despite that resume and his support for Trump, the English-born former advertising executive is leaning less into culture war issues and more into the old-school conservative mantras of cutting taxes, regulations and government spending. His campaign says he aspires to make it possible for every Californian to afford a single-family home. Although Trump has endorsed his campaign, Hilton has not received the same support from Californias Republican party, which declined to endorse a candidate at its April convention.

 This article was amended on 14 April 2026. The original was published on 1 December 2025 and was updated to include details of Eric Swalwell suspending his bid for the role.
The Brief

A 36-year-old man in California who was shot by ICE officers seven times was arrested Monday by the FBI immediately after being discharged from the hospital and who was in no condition to be brought to jail.

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez has been taken to San Joaquin County Jail.

The Department of Homeland Security said ICE officers shot Hernandez because they wanted to question him with regard to a murder in El Salvador and that he "weaponized" his vehicle in trying to get away from officers.

MODESTO, Calif. - A 36-year-old man in California who was shot by ICE officers seven times was arrested Monday by the FBI immediately after being discharged from the hospital and who was in no condition to be brought to jail, his attorney told reporters on Monday.

FBI custody

In an impromptu Zoom interview, attorney Patrick Kolasinki told reporters that his client, Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, was discharged from Doctors Medical Center in Modesto about 1 p.m., and the FBI had already put him into a "paddywagon" and took him to Sacramento County Jail. Late Monday night, Kolasinki learned, however, that Hernandez had actually been taken to San Joaquin County Jail, where he had been treated well and given some type of medication. He has a hospital bed at the jail.

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Kolasinki said Hernandez "was in no condition" to be released  as he was still in the ICU as of Monday and couldn't even sit up without assistance  and he expected his client to be charged with assaulting a federal officer. Kolasinski said he heard there might be a hearing on Tuesday, but as of late Monday night, there had been no charges filed.

"This is wrong in so many ways," Kolasinki said. "He was in excruciating pain. He was extremely fragile. He woke up in ICU and all of a sudden he's well enough to go to a filthy jail? Give me a break."

ICE is not involved at this point, Kolasinski said.

Shot seven times

What we know

Just an hour or so before the FBI arrested Hernandez, Kolansinki answered reporters' questions in an informal setting, saying his client was shot in the mouth, left arm, left leg, abdomen and somewhere on his right side.

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Kolasinski told reporters that Hernandez recalled that he saw his bones sticking out of his arm when ICE handcuffed him, and he wasn't given any First Aid until an ambulance arrived on April 7, the morning he was shot along I-5 in Patterson, Calif.

During the middle of the reporters' questioning, Kolasinski got a call from Hernandez's fiance, Cindy, who told him that Hernandez was being discharged from the hospital.

What Homeland Security and ICE are saying

The other side

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez and his fiance, Ciny. Photo: attorney

The Department of Homeland Security said ICE officers shot Hernandez because they wanted to question him with regard to a murder in El Salvador and that he "weaponized" his vehicle in trying to get away from officers.

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Through his attorney, Hernandez, and a witness named Christina, have both said that ICE officers shot first, before dashcam video documented Hernandez reversing his car and making a hard U-turn to leave the scene.

Christina's lawyer, Roberto Serrato, told KTVU that the FBI had scheduled an interview with his client on Monday, but then canceled despite her taking the day off work. He is representing Christina pro bono and emphasized neither he nor Christina are doing this for money.

Hernandez does not have legal status in the United States, and was acquitted of murder in El Salvador in 2019, according to documents.

What we don't know

It's not completely clear that ICE's desire to question him and that murder are related, as ICE has declined to answer that question specifically.

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Kolasinki added that despite everything that's happened to Hernandez, his client "holds no ill will to those who are accusing him, and the only thing he is focused on is coming home to his family. That is his primary focus, and he is struggling emotionally as he contemplates whether he will see them again."

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED: Kolasinki has set up a GoFundMe for Hernandez's family.
A new bill, dubbed the Stop Nick Shirley Act, passed its first hurdle in Californias legislature last Tuesday.

The bills movement comes after a 24-year-old independent journalist, Nick Shirley, published a 40-minute video, on hospice fraud in the state.

His video wracked up 42 million views on X and has brought public scrutiny to Californias federally funded Medicare programs. Other investigations have found that a single program is causing the state to hemorrhage $6 billion in fraud annually.

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The act, sponsored by Assembly Member Mia Bonta, the wife of Californias attorney general, would outlaw the sharing of photos or personal data of immigrant service providers on the internet in the state, if it was done as harassment.

Specifically, it builds off of the states existing Safe At Home Program, which is supposed to help domestic violence survivors, and adds the following:

Shields public home and work addresses from public records.

Prohibits any individual or entity from posting, displaying, selling or distributing the personal information or images of program participants online when done with the intent to threaten, intimidate or incite violence.

Last Tuesday, Bonta defended the bill to her committee.

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This program allows participants to keep their home and work addresses out of public records, giving them a critical layer of protection and privacy in an environment where their personal safety is increasingly at risk, she said.

More protections are necessary, since individuals who provide immigrant support services ... are facing targeted harassment, she said. This is not hypothetical. Advocates and workers are receiving death threats, being targeted at court houses and facing coordinated online doxxing campaigns.

Bonta claimed that current California state law does not provide adequate protections for sensitive data, leaving immigrants, advocates and service providers vulnerable.

If passed, the bill would allow fines of up to a maximum of three times the actual damages, but in no case less than four thousand dollars.

Critics: The bill could stifle investigative journalism

Shirley responded to the bill on Monday.

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California is trying to pass a bill that would criminalize investigative journalism with misdemeanors, $10,000 fines, imprisonment, and content takedown, he wrote. The proposed bill is titled AB 2624 and was made after I exposed mass fraud by immigrant groups in America. Under AB 2624, government-funded entities like the Somali Learing daycare centers would be protected from being exposed if they operated inside California."

In last Tuesdays hearing, Republican Assembly Member Carl DeMaio expressed concern that the bill would dampen efforts to address fraud in the state.

You do not provide an exemption for journalists, he told Bonta. You also do not distinguish between whether posting video, like (Republican Assembly Member Alexandra) Macedo, in her investigation, posted a video of, what, 90 fake hospices, and Mr. Shirley had dozens or, you know, fifty, sixty fake learning centers for the Somali community in Minnesota. Posting the video apparently would be punishable under your law. Are you aware of those provisions?

DeMaio continued, This is not about protecting people from violence. This is about threatening and intimidating people who are trying to shine a light on bad behavior. If you have nothing to hide, why fear the transparency?

The bill is still working its way through the legislative process, next heading to the assemblys Judiciary Committee for consideration.
Republican delegates were split down the middle on who to support in California's gubernatorial race, as neither of the GOP candidates earned the party's endorsement weeks before the state's primary is set to begin.

Over 1,000 California Republican delegates gathered in San Diego at the party's three-day convention on Sunday, April 12, to determine if it would support Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco or Fox News commentator Steve Hilton. In recent weeks, both Republican candidates have been leading in multiple polls.

"Neither candidate for Governor was able to reach the 60% threshold to earn the endorsement of the California Republican Party," the party posted on social media about the convention.

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USA TODAY reached out to the California Republican Party for comment but had not heard back at the time of publication.

Notably, a week prior to the event, President Donald Trump endorsed Hilton for the governor's seat, saying in a Truth Social post that Hilton "is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell."

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco speaks while announcing his candidacy for Governor in Riverside, Calif., Feb. 17, 2025.

But it appears that Trump's endorsement ultimately did not help Hilton win over enough delegates. By the end of the convention, Bianco earned about 49% of the delegate support, with Hilton collecting about 44%; both were far below the required threshold.

The lack of a decision came as a surprise to Bianco. "It shouldn't have even been that close," he told a KCRA 3 reporter after the votes were counted. Ultimately, Bianco wasn't concerned, saying he believed he would win a spot on this year's gubernatorial ballot for the November general election.

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Hilton, on the other hand, saw the blocking of an endorsement for his opponent as a win and told ABC10 that his campaign has made "progress" over the last few weeks.

The news came as Rep. Eric Swalwell's announced he was suspending his campaign for California governor after several women accused him of sexual assault and misconduct.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) speaks during the House Intelligence Committee hearing on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election on Mar. 20, 2017. Swalwell was first elected to Congress in 2012, representing a northern California district in the San Francisco Bay Area after working as a prosecutor in Alameda County. (L-R) House Oversight and Government Reform ranking member Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Senate Foreign Relations ranking member Ben Cardin (D-MD), Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) hold a news conference to call for an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate foreign interference in the 2016 presidential election at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 9, 2017 in Washington, DC. Accusations of Russian computer hacks of Democratic National Committee servers and emails have lead to calls for an investigation. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY), left, and Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) hold a news conference discussing new legislation on U.S. policy toward Russia April 5, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. House Intelligence Committee member Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) (C) speaks a news conference about the Trump-Putin Helsinki summit in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center July 17, 2018 in Washington, DC. Past and present members of the committee were very critical of U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks about Russia's work to interfere with the 2016 presidential election. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) holds his daughter Kathryn as the U.S. House of Representatives meets for the start of the 116th Congress inside the House Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington on Jan. 3, 2019. Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) bids on a pie during desert auction at the Monroe County Democrats spaghetti supper at the First Christian Church on Feb. 17, 2019 in Albia, Iowa. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and former Maryland congressman John Delaney, who are vying for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president, also attended the event. A informational flier for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., sits on a chair at a house party hosted by the "Potluck Insurgency" group, Sunday, April 28, 2019, at a home in North Liberty, Iowa. U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., speaks to a group at a house party hosted by the "Potluck Insurgency" group, Sunday, April 28, 2019, at a home in North Liberty, Iowa. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-CA, sits down for an interview at Chrome Restaurant and Catering on Monday, April 1, 2019, in Algona. Swalwell was born in Iowa and has made several trips to the state while eyeing a run for president. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who announced that he is running for president in 2020, speaks during town hall on gun violence at the BB&T Center on April 9, 2019 in Sunrise, Florida. Rep. Swalwell held the town hall not far from Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school, which was the site of a mass shooting in 2018. Democratic presidential candidate Eric Swalwell speaks during the 2019 California Democratic Party State Convention at Moscone Center in San Francisco, Calif. on June 1, 2019. Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) looks on as Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) speaks during the second night of the first Democratic presidential debate on June 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. A field of 20 Democratic presidential candidates was split into two groups of 10 for the first debate of the 2020 election, taking place over two nights at Knight Concert Hall of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, hosted by NBC News, MSNBC, and Telemundo. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) is trailed by reporters as he walks to a closed-door deposition on Capitol Hill, Oct. 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, Director for European Affairs at the National Security Council, Is being deposed as part of the impeachment inquiry against President Trump, led by the House Intelligence, House Foreign Affairs and House Oversight and Reform Committees. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) speaks during a House Judiciary Committee hearing considering reforms to national policing practices June 17, 2020 in Washington, DC. The Democrat-led panel is pushing sweeping proposals that would ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants, and make prosecuting officers easier by limiting immunity and establishing a national database of police misconduct. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) (R) and Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (D-MA) (L), alongside House Impeachment Managers (from L) Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Eric Swalwell (D-CA), look on as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) prepares to sign the article of impeachment during an engrossment ceremony after the US House of Representatives voted to impeach the US President Donald Trump at the US Capitol, Jan. 13, 2021, in Washington, DC. Donald Trump on January 13 became the first US president to be impeached for a second time, when a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives voted to charge him with inciting last week's attack on the US Capitol. In this screenshot taken from a congress.gov webcast, Impeachment Manager Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) speaks on the second day of former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial at the U.S. Capitol on February 10, 2021 in Washington, DC. House impeachment managers will make the case that Trump was Osingularly responsibleO for the January 6th attack at the U.S. Capitol and he should be convicted and barred from ever holding public office again. Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California, speaks during a House Intelligence Committee hearing about worldwide threats, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, April 15, 2021. Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-RI) speaks with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) during a House Judiciary Committee mark up hearing in the Rayburn House Office Building on June 02, 2022 in Washington, DC. House members of the committee held the emergency hearing to mark up H.R. 7910, the "Protecting Our Kids Act" a legislative package of gun violence prevention measures, in response to a string of mass shootings in cities across the United States including in Buffalo, Uvalde and most recently in Tulsa. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) questions Attorney General Merrick Garland as he testifies before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Sept. 20, 2023 in Washington, DC. The committee is holding an oversight hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice. Committee Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) speaks during a press conference with other Democratic members of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and House Judiciary Committee during a break in the closed-door deposition of Hunter Biden, son of U.S. President Joe Biden, in the O'Neill House Office Building on Feb. 28, 2024 in Washington, DC. The meeting is part of the Republicans' impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Washington, D.C., U.S. - Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) displays a counter referring to committee chairman Rep. Jim JordanOs subpoena during a House Judiciary Committee hearing entitled OOversight of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)," to examine how the DOJ has become politicized and weaponized, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) reacts to a committee's tweet utilizing A.I. generated imagery of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the Southern U.S. Border on September 10, 2024 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The hearing is to examine the effects of the Biden-Harris Administration's open borders policies on American families and communities. Representative Eric Swalwell (CA-23) poses on a go-kart at the Paid Leave for All event in conjunction with the Dads Caucus at the Race the District at Union Market on Sept.19, 2024 in Washington, DC. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) speaks during FBI Director Kash PatelOs testimony in front of the House Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C., on Sept.17, 2025. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) departs the U.S. Capitol Building after a series of votes on March 05, 2026 in Washington, DC. The House held a series of votes including a vote on funding for the Homeland Security department and a War Powers resolution on Iran. See Eric Swalwell, Democrat from California, and his career in Congress 1 of 25 Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) speaks during the House Intelligence Committee hearing on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election on Mar. 20, 2017. Swalwell was first elected to Congress in 2012, representing a northern California district in the San Francisco Bay Area after working as a prosecutor in Alameda County.

The congressman is also reportedly under investigation in Manhattan and announced on April 13 that he will be resigning from Congress.

Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hilton, Bianco won't get endorsement from California Republicans
The California Republican Party did not endorse a candidate for governor on Sunday at its convention despite President Trumps endorsement of former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the race.

In a post on the social platform X on Sunday, the Golden State GOP said neither candidate for Governor was able to reach the 60% threshold to earn the endorsement of the California Republican Party.

The post featured a photo of a graph showing that Hilton had garnered support from 442 delegates, while Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco garnered 496. Seventy-five delegates backed a nonendorsement.

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Earlier this month, Trump backed Hilton in the race for California governor and bashed term-limited California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), with whom he has had a longstanding feud, in a social media post.

I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who is running for Governor of California, for many years. He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell, Trump said on Truth Social.

Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. People are fleeing, crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World, he added.

The non-endorsement on the Republican side of the Golden State gubernatorial race also came amid turmoil on the Democratic side, with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), dropping out of the race as he faces sexual assault allegations.

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Swalwell on Sunday announced that he was suspending his campaign, about two days after initial reports alleging that he had sexually assaulted a staffer on multiple occasions.

I am suspending my campaign for Governor, Swalwell said on X on Sunday. To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment Ive made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made  but thats my fight, not a campaigns.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Anglophone separatists in Cameroon have announced a period of "safe travel passage" and halted fighting ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to the conflicthit region this week.

Leaders of several armed and secessionist groups said the threeday measure was in recognition of the "profound spiritual importance" of the papal visit, which starts on Wednesday, and the need to safeguard civilian life.

In a statement from Unity Alliance - which brings the groups together - they said they would facilitate the movement of those celebrating the visit. The government is yet to comment.

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A near-decade of violence in the English-speaking regions has left at least 6,000 dead and many more forced from their homes.

Pope Leo is currently in Algeria for a second day as part of his 11-day tour of the continent, in which he will also visit Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

Peace is one of the major theme's of his visit.

The pontiff arrived in Algeria on Monday, marking the first visit by any pope to the predominantly Sunni Muslim country.

It is also the birthplace of St Augustine, and Leo XIV is the first pontiff from the order to follow his teachings.

He is now in Annaba - where the saint was a bishop - and in the afternoon, and led Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine.

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During a meeting at a nearby nursing home run by Catholic nuns, the Pope reiterated his message of peace.

"God's heart is torn apart by wars, violence, injustice and lies," he said, explaining that his heart was "not with the wicked, the arrogant or the proud".

"God's heart is with the little ones and the humble, and with them he builds up his kingdom of love and peace day by day, just as you are striving to do here in your daily service, friendship and life together."

Pope Leo visited the archaeological site of the ancient Hippo Regius in Annaba [Reuters]

The Pope's second country stop is Cameroon, where he will visit Bamenda, the capital of the country's North-West region.

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The city is regarded as the centre of Cameroon's conflict between Anglophone separatists and state forces.

A national dialogue organised by the government in 2019 failed to end the violence in the country's two Englishspeaking regions.

Unity Alliance said the decision to pause the fighting "reflects a deliberate commitment to responsibility, restraint, and respect for human dignity, even in the context of ongoing conflict".

Billboards displaying portraits of the Pope and Cameroonian President Paul Biya have appeared in Bamenda ahead of the visit [AFP via Getty Images]

It added that the Pope's visit should remain "spiritual" and "pastoral" in nature, and warned against any politicisation of the event.

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While the Cameroonian, francophone-dominated government has not reacted to the announcement, authorities say appropriate measures had been taken to ensure security in cities scheduled to host the Pope.

Pope Leo's visit to Bamenda is seen as a symbolic effort by the Catholic Church to promote peace and reconciliation. He is expected to hold a meeting for peace in the city's Saint Joseph's Cathedral.

Officials said all sites to be attended by the Pope will be free of charge for visitors.

Pope Leo's wide-ranging tour will include stops in 11 cities across the four countries. It is his second major foreign visit since being elected to the papacy last year, and reflects the importance of Catholicism in Africa.

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More than a fifth of the world's Catholics are in Africa, some 288 million people, according to figures from 2024.

[BBC]

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts
At an overseas education consultancy in the Indian capital, Delhi, students sit with their parents, flipping through brochures from universities in Italy, Germany and Australia.

But one destination, once the top choice, is now largely absent.

"Until 2023, most of our applications were for Canada," says Shobhit Anand, who runs the consultancy, which helps students navigate the admission process, including visa applications.

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Now, he says they have seen a drop of nearly 80%.

"People don't want to apply to Canada anymore. We are also seeing a very high visa rejection rate."

According to a report submitted by Canada's auditor general to parliament last month, the share of Indians in the country's incoming international student population was just 8.1% in September 2025 - a sharp drop from 51.6% in 2023.

There are a number of reasons: visa and immigration restrictions, high living costs and, in 2023, a diplomatic crisis that damaged ties between the two countries (the situation is better now).

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For years, Canada held a strong appeal for middle-class Indian families. Its private colleges offered a seemingly reliable pathway - even for average students - to study abroad and eventually settle there.

The route was mostly straightforward: enrol in a two-or three-year vocational course, find a job after graduation and, within a few years, apply for permanent residency. The process typically took around five years, experts say.

It worked - until it didn't.

The shift has been driven by a mix of policy changes and economic pressures.

In early 2024, Canada announced a two-year restriction on how many international students could be admitted to its undergraduate and diploma programmes - capping it at around 350,000 study permits per year (postgraduate courses were unaffected).

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This was a big blow for many Indian students.

At the same time, living costs surged and jobs became harder to find. Rents climbed sharply across major cities, while financial requirements tightened.

The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) - proof of funds required to study and live in Canada - was doubled from C$10,000 ($7,227; 5,378) to more than C$20,000 in 2024.

"For many families, securing that amount is difficult - and with the risk of visa rejection, they hesitate," says Sushil Sukhwani of consultancy Edwise Overseas Education. "That became a major barrier."

As consultants note, getting a study visa has also become harder.

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Study permit rejections rose from 38% in 2023 to 52% in 2024 in Canada, according to ICEF Monitor, which focuses on international student mobility. In price-sensitive countries like India, where studying abroad depends on careful financial planning, families are now far less willing to take that kind of risk.

So the question has shifted from how to go to Canada to whether to go at all.

"There's real fear. Even if you get there, can you make it work?" Anand says.

Until 2023, Canada was a favoured destination among Indians aspiring to move abroad [AFP via Getty Images]

The Canadian auditor general's report also mentions concerns around a now-scrapped fast-track visa system known as the Student Direct Stream (SDS). Popular among Indian applicants, it allowed quicker processing for those who met certain financial and language requirements.

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Approval rates under SDS for Indians rose from 61% in 2022 to 98% in 2024, even as officials flagged risks such as fraudulent applications, students not attending classes and rising asylum claims. By the end of 2024, the scheme was scrapped and scrutiny has since tightened.

The report said the scheme was being "targeted by non-genuine students seeking entry to Canada". While it did not name countries, it noted that almost all approved SDS applications were from India.

Jobs are another big concern.

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Many private colleges expanded rapidly during what experts describe as the "international student boom" - a surge in overseas enrolment, particularly after the pandemic, when Canada saw record numbers of foreign students.

But many of these institutions offered limited academic value and operated largely as revenue-driven businesses, experts say.

As a result, job opportunities failed to keep pace with the growing number of graduates, leaving many students unable to recover the high cost of studying abroad.

In Delhi, Anand recalls a former student who moved to Canada two years ago. After completing his course, the 24-year-old struggled to find stable work and relied on part-time jobs to get by.

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"He could not make ends meet," Anand says. The student has since returned to India and is now looking for work.

His story reflects a broader pattern. The visa cap hit undergraduate colleges the hardest, while elite institutions and universities were largely insulated.

McGill University president Deep Saini told the BBC that Indian students broadly fall into two camps.

"One group is academically driven - they apply to top universities in Canada, the US or Europe for quality education. The other sees education primarily as a pathway to migration and tends to enrol in smaller colleges," he adds.

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That distinction helps explain who was hit hardest by the crackdown. Canada's visa restrictions were largely aimed at students enrolling in smaller, lesser-known colleges as a cheaper and easier route to gaining permanent residency - not those coming purely to study.

Top universities like McGill, which draw more academically motivated students, were mostly shielded from the impact.

Saini says his university did see a slight dip in international admissions after 2023, driven both by tighter visa rules and diplomatic tensions - but calls it "collateral damage" rather than a direct hit.

International student numbers - particularly Indians - at McGill are now returning to normal, he adds.

Ties between India and Canada have improved after Mark Carney (L) took office as Canada's PM [EPA]

As diplomatic relations improve, there are signs of hope.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney visited India earlier this year, accompanied by officials from several top Canadian universities.

There are efforts to rebuild relations, including new education partnerships and scholarship initiatives.

But for students like Tanishq Khurana, the decision is no longer as straightforward.

The 17-year-old had planned to apply last summer, but a conversation with a consultant made him pause.

"I was told about rising visa rejections and colleges limiting undergraduate admissions. That made me rethink everything," he says.

At one point, Khurana considered staying in India for his undergraduate studies and going abroad later. But the pull of Canada remained and he has now decided to apply again to pursue a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology.

"The reason for my choice of Canada is fairly simple. My sister is settled there and so are many of my cousins. So the country is familiar and the education and job opportunities are better than in India," he says.

Canada still offers a post-graduation work permit of up to three years, a key draw. But that alone no longer guarantees the next step.

With living costs rising and jobs harder to find, many graduates have found themselves in limbo - legally allowed to stay, but struggling to build the life they came for.

The promise that once came with a Canadian study permit - a job, a life and a foothold abroad - is no longer a given.

For many Indian students, what was once a plan is now a bet.

Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says the country's voters have demonstrated trust in his government's plan, after his Liberal Party secured a slim majority in the House of Commons.

The Liberals are projected to have won all three by-elections that took place on Monday. These are on top of gains made over the last year through five opposition members of parliament defecting to Carney's party.

The PM will now be able to pass legislation without relying on support from opposition benches, and he could stave off a federal election until 2029.

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Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre said Carney had relied on defections to win his majority, in an attempt to gain "power without any accountability".

The by-elections took place in two Toronto-area ridings, or constituencies - Scarborough Southwest and University-Rosedale - as well as in the Quebec riding of Terrebonne, where the contest was closely fought.

Through the night, Canadian media projected wins for the Liberal candidates in each place.

Carney congratulated all three winning Liberal candidates, who were Doly Begum, Danielle Martin and Tatiana Auguste respectively.

In a statement posted on X, the PM wrote that the various candidates from all parties who had contested the elections had "strengthened our democracy at a decisive moment for Canada".

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He went on to say: "Tonight, voters have placed their trust in our new government's plan. We accept that support with humility, determination and a clear understanding of what this moment demands."

Liberals will now hold 174 of the 343 seats in the House of Commons, giving Carney more latitude with his political agenda.

Carney has focused that agenda on boosting Canada's economy, notably in the face of a challenging trade relationship with the US, the country's largest trading partner.

He will face new pressure to also deliver on significant domestic promises, including major investments in housing construction and on national defence, and making Canada an "energy superpower".

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"The time for delays or excuses will have passed and with it the expectations will rise across multiple policy arenas," wrote Scotiabank analyst Derek Holt last week on the expected Liberal gains.

On Tuesday morning, Carney said voters "placed their trust in Canada's new government's plan".

"We accept their support with humility, determination and a clear understanding of what this moment demands for our country."

He said he would move quickly to deliver on his commitments at a news conference where he announced a temporary suspension of federal fuel tax on diesel and petrol, similar to a proposal that had been pushed by the Conservatives as fuel prices rise due to the Iran conflict.

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He also defended getting his majority mandate in part through defectors from other parties, saying "we're fortunate to have them and we're moving together with them".

The Toronto-area seats were left vacant after former Liberal Defence Minister Bill Blair was appointed to be Canada's High Commissioner to the UK and Chrystia Freeland, who served as deputy prime minister under Trudeau, became an adviser to Ukraine.

Auguste, the victor in Terrebonne, also won that riding by a single vote in the last election - but the result was later thrown out by the country's Supreme Court over a clerical error on a mail-in ballot.

The majority marks a significant turnaround of fortunes for the Liberals, who were expected to lose last year's federal election before former leader Justin Trudeau ended nearly a decade in power by resigning in January of that year.

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That paved the way for Carney to successfully run to lead the party, and in April 2025 he led the Liberals to a minority government win as support surged around the party in response to aggressive rhetoric from US President Donald Trump.

This is the first time in Canada that a majority has been formed through a combination of by-elections and defections to the governing party.

Trudeau was the last prime minister to form a majority government after he swept the 2015 federal election, but his government was later reduced to a minority.

Before Monday's by-elections, Carney had already been able to shore up his bench in the House of Commons with five defectors - four Conservatives and one member of the left-wing New Democratic Party - over the last five months.

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Canadian media have reported in recent days that a handful of other MPs are also being courted by the Liberals to cross the floor.

"The Carney Liberals did not win a majority government through a general election or today's by-elections," Poilievre, the Conservative leader, wrote on X on Monday night. "Instead, it was won through backroom deals with politicians who betrayed the people who voted for them."

Poilievre added: "Liberals expect Canadians to give up, get complacent and go away, so Carney can have total power without any accountability. That will not happen. Our country and its people are worth fighting for."

More from Canada
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has more than 20 employees that make more than $200,000 a year. Thats significantly more than other districts in North Carolina, including Wake County.

Wake County Public Schools is the largest school district in the state, with around 161,000 students, and comes in at the 14th largest in the nation. CMS is the states second largest, with around 140,000 students, and is the 16th largest district in the country.

But CMS has 22 employees making over $200,000 while WCPSS has just three, according to data The Charlotte Observer obtained via public records. The 22 highest-paid CMS employees make around $5 million combined.

Who makes the most?

Both districts highest-paid employees are their superintendents: WCPSS Superintendent Robert Taylor makes around $340,000 per year, while CMSs Crystal Hill makes $318,000.

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Hill is slated to get a 7% raise, which would raise her pay to $340,700, but it will go into effect only after the state legislature passes a new budget with raises for teachers. The two chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly are embroiled in a long-running budgetary stalemate and have yet to pass a budget for this fiscal year, which began in July. As a result, state employees, like teachers, have not received a raise this year.

WCPSS only has two other employees whose salaries exceed $200,000  Chief Business Officer David Neter and Chief of Facilities and Operations Mark Strickland. CMS has many more, including Chief Financial Officer Kelly Kluttz, Deputy Superintendent Melissa Balknight and Acting General Counsel Anna Hehenberger, among others.

Wake County has a slightly higher cost of living than Mecklenburg County, according to Massachusetts Institute of Technologys living wage calculator, though both counties are among the most expensive in the state. The living wage in Wake County sits at around $55,250 a year for a single adult with no children. Meanwhile, in Mecklenburg County, its currently estimated around $53,100.

Starting teacher salaries in CMS are around $48,900, while in Wake County, starting teachers make around $48,340. Beginning teacher pay in both districts lags behind the cost of living.

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Teachers and public education advocates around the state, including CMS district leaders, have called on more funding from the state for public education in recent years, as North Carolina has continued to rank among the nations lowest for per-pupil spending and teacher pay.

The North Carolina Association of Educators is encouraging teachers to call out of work on May 1 for a march in Raleigh to call for higher state investment in public education.

CMS Superintendent Crystal Hill has said she will continue to ask for the county to fund some teacher pay increases regardless of what raises the state may pass.

We have to have both because it is more expensive to live in Charlotte-Mecklenburg than in, for example, some parts of Union County, she said when presenting her 2026-27 budget recommendation to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education March 25. We want people to live here, not just work here.

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Hill proposed asking the county for $25.1 million more, while also cutting some central office positions. The CMS school board will vote on the proposal later this month.

Both WCPSS and CMS are significantly larger than the next biggest district in North Carolina, Guilford County Schools, which has around 66,000 students. GCS did not provide the Observer with salary data in time for publication.

The next biggest is Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, with around 50,000 students. Its highest-paid employee is Superintendent Don Phipps, who makes around $292,000 in total, according to public records obtained by the Observer.

Other U.S. districts

When compared to other similarly-sized U.S. school districts, CMS has a comparable number of executives making over $200,000. However, teacher pay in those districts looks much different than in North Carolina.

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The 17th largest school district in the country, just behind CMS, is Dallas Independent School District, in Texas. Its superintendent, Stephanie Elizalde, makes $430,000 a year, according to public records obtained by the Observer  significantly more than Hill or Taylor. In total, 18 DISD employees make over $200,000.

However, starting teachers in DISD make $65,000. Thats well over the estimated living wage for a single adult in Dallas County, which currently sits at around $48,500.

Prince Georges County Public Schools in Maryland is the 18th largest district in the country, with around 131,000 students. All 25 of its highest-paid employees make over $200,000.

Starting teacher pay in Prince Georges County sits just under $64,000. Meanwhile, the cost of living for a single adult with no children is estimated at around $57,600.
Written during World War II, while the aviator-author was in exile in London in 1942, this poetic and philosophical tale has captivated generations across the globe with its humanist message. Decades later, its universal values continue to resonate, even inspiring a collaboration with IWC. In the history of luxury, this is a unique example of a long-standing partnership. It all started with a meeting with Georges Kern, then CEO of IWC, on a plane. At first, the collaboration focused on Saint-Exupery, and later on The Little Prince, explains Olivier dAgay.

The great-nephew of Antoine de Saint-Exupery still recalls the early days of this journey, which began in 2006, as well as its immediate outcomes. The creation of the Foundation in 2009 allowed us to bring together our various initiatives. The idea was also for IWC to be involved. We then launched communication efforts around Saint-Exuperys legacy. Our first action was to have the pieces recovered from his aircraft in the Mediterranean, such as his famous bracelet, entered into the Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget. For IWC, this was an opportunity to revive the Pilots collection. It also enabled them to engage in social and environmental initiatives, while we benefited from the brands strong communication power.
Editor's note: For the latest updates on the Cheboygan dam and flooding across northern Michigan, follow Detroit News coverage here.

Cheboygan  Workers spent Tuesday attempting to reinforce the beleaguered Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex as flood waters rose and Cheboygan County urged some residents north of the city to evacuate an area after a levee was breached.

The Cheboygan River waters behind the Cheboygan dam rose more than six inches over 24 hours, with levels as of Tuesday morning hovering about 7.7 inches below the crest of the dam, putting the structure at greater risk.

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Continued snowmelt and overnight rain have contributed to the levels rising over the past several days, most recently from 13.75 inches below the crest of the dam at 7 a.m. Monday morning to 7.7 inches Tuesday morning. As of Tuesday night, water levels had reached about 7 inches below crest.

The increasing levels come as state and local officials continue to try to stem the rising water by increasing flow through and around the dam while also warning local residents to remain ready to evacuate.

More: Cheboygan dam hydro plant wasn't operating when floodwaters hit

DNR officials outline possible flood effects if breach occurs

If the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex were to fail, the resulting flood would likely be less dramatic than the widespread flooding that occurred after the 2020 Edenville dam failure in Midland, officials said in a public meeting Tuesday.

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It is likely that the seawalls armoring the riverbanks downriver of the dam would help to contain some of the water, and any flooding over those seawalls would crest at 2 feet in a limited area around the river, said Michelle Crook, a senior engineer for the Department of Natural Resources.

If this dam were to breach, it would not be some big deluge you see on TV or what we saw in Edenville, you would not get the same wave crest coming forward, Crook said.

Still, local and state officials warned residents and commercial businesses to remain alert as they work to install multiple additional pumps and restart a hydroelectric turbine to lower water levels in the coming days.

Officials took questions over Zoom for more than an hour Tuesday amid pent up concern among locals over the status of the dam.

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DNR officials said they are working to direct any potential breach so that it does not drain through an earthen slope to the northwest of the dam, an area where such a breach would like cause erosion and damage to the dam structure.

Were trying to channel that water into a spot where it does the least amount of damage to save the whole structure, said Mike Janisse, leader of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Incident Management Team.

Giant sandbags and an aqua dam  a large tube filled with water and set up to wall off rising flood levels  are helping to redirect some of that flow away from the earthen slope.

But DNR officials noted there could be other effects upstream should the dam breach.

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Its such a huge watershed that, if that were to happen, it would start to drain, said Rich Hill, DNR Gaylord District supervisor. Obviously, you would see higher levels in the Cheboygan River going out to Lake Huron. But it would take some time for those levels to significantly come down and for the river to start to come down. Think about the amount of water behind it.

When asked more specifically what the effects would be on upstream lakes, Hill said consultants are still working to better understand the full impact.

You will see a drop, Hill said. One of the things that is noted is that you will see increased currents up in the upper area as the flow will increase. If that were to happen, folks upstream would need to be cognizant, be careful around the banks and know that currents are going to increase. You could see shoreline erosion.

Rushing water spreads across golf course, roads after Little Black River levee breach

After a warning to evacuate low-lying areas around the Little Black River Watershed, first responders and road crews were out in force in the area surveying damage from a levee breach.

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A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flew overhead, while onlookers approached the edges of the flooded areas to watch.

Near one breached levee, a massive sheet of rushing water spread across the Cheboygan Golf & Country Club, reflecting the afternoon sun, as it pushed across the smooth turf and downward into a wooded area.

At a second problem area, road workers were laying gravel on Inverness Road in an attempt to stem the tide of rushing water.

The Little Black River watershed, which contains five earthen dams, is located northwest of and is separate from the Cheboygan River and its dam and lock complex, where mitigation efforts have largely been focused.

Cheboygan County urges evacuation of Little Black River area after levee breach

Cheboygan County's Office of Emergency Management issued an alert late Tuesday afternoon that urged residents near the Little Black River watershed to evacuate from their homes "now due to a levee breach."

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"Please leave your residence and travel south of the City. This is not related to the Cheboygan Dam," the message said.

The Little Black River is located north of Cheboygan, dumps out into Lake Huron and is not a tributary to the Cheboygan River that flows into the city where the dam is located. The area includes the Cheboygan Golf & Country Club.

A levee breached on the Little Black River watershed at the Cheboygan Golf & Country Club, Tues., April 14, 2026.

Cheboygan has long taken responsibility for the Little Black River watershed and its five earthen dams, until recently, when city leaders have questioned whether the dam is more in the purview of the county, said state Rep. Cam Cavitt, a Cheboygan Republican and the former drain commissioner for Cheboygan County.

Of the five, one of those levees has water going around it, Cavitt told The Detroit News on Tuesday.

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More: Gov. Whitmer puts Michigan under energy emergency amid flooding

24-inch pumps stalled at Cheboygan dam to help divert water

State and local officials have placed two additional 24-inch pumps at the Cheboygan Dam to continue moving water around the structure and relieve the rain and snowmelt behind the dam.

The pumps, which supplement five other smaller pumps already in place, were installed shortly after the workers on Tuesday put giant sandbags called "super sacks" along a portion northwest of the dam, between the dam structure and lock, to prevent flooding there.

Mike Janisse, leader of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' incident management team in Cheboygan, thanked the many collaborators who have helped to address the situation from "all different angles."

A good amount of ice coverage remains on Mullett Lake in Topinabee Tuesday, April 14, 2026, upstream of the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex.

Dozens of Michigan State Police, DNR workers and Consumers Energy employees are at the site, attempting to secure the dam, the area around it and nearby infrastructure. Also, on Tuesday, individuals could be seen placing signs along area roadways thanking workers for "coming to our dam rescue."

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Merchants have worked with us on providing materials, people have given us ideas and have even volunteered to help," Janisse said in a statement. "We appreciate it and we are going to do everything we can to protect this area. Mother Nature needs to help as well.

The area is expecting to see additional rain in the coming days, even after water levels Tuesday morning measured about seven inches from the top of the dam.

Upstream of the dam, Mullett Lake still has a good amount of ice cover, which could continue to melt and increase drainage downstream to the Cheboygan dam in the coming days. As of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, the temperature near Mullet Lake rested at about 55 degrees.

Cheboygan dam reinforced with large sandbags

Mid-morning Tuesday, workers were operating a large crane in foggy weather beside the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex in an apparent attempt to reinforce a section of the dam.

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The crane appeared to be placing bags of material northwest of the dam bays, between the dam and lock, an area the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said Monday that it is trying to protect from floodwater erosion.

Workers move large bags of material along the side of the Cheboygan Dam to try and get the water to move in a certain direction if it does flow over the top, Tues., April 14, 2026.

The area between the lock and dam contains a grassy slope that the DNR hopes to protect from the worst of the flow should water begin to escape around the dam.

That side of the dam is more susceptible to erosion from the water, DNR senior engineer Michelle Crook said Monday, while the rocky slope southwest of the dam structure may weather any spillover better.

There was still steady traffic through the city's downtown Tuesday morning, as well as a significant number of utility and state worker vehicles staging around the site.

Where the Cheboygan River floodwater is coming from

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has said that mitigation efforts have included the Monday early morning removal of six massive gates impeding flow through the dam bays and increased flow through a privately owned hydroelectric portion of the dam that had been idled since 2023.

Officials previously placed five pumps at the dam to move more water around it, removed an old wooden debris screen in front of the dam, and placed hundreds of sandbags along areas of the dam that officials are hoping to protect.

Officials continue to work to increase capacity at the hydroelectric portion of the dam, bringing about 1,000 feet of industrial wire from Illinois to Cheboygan to fully open the hydroelectric station. Additional pumps and sandbags may also be added on Tuesday to increase flow, according to the DNR.

Were all working together to keep water flowing through the dam and to make sure that people are informed, Jeremy Runstrom, emergency manager for Cheboygan County, said in a statement released by the DNR.

More: Cheboygan braces for dam failure, power shutoff as flood waters rush in

The water levels behind the dam are being exacerbated by the continued melting of snow and ice upstream and continued rain in the area. Michelle Crook, a DNR senior engineer, told The News Monday that the dam takes runoff and flow from a large geographic area.

"This is a huge, huge drainage basin," Crook said of the amount of snowmelt and rain coalescing behind the dam. "It all comes through this area, from Black Lake, Mullet Lake, Burt Lake, all the way over to Crooked Lake. It's almost to Lake Michigan."

The Cheboygan Dam is a hydroelectric dam built in 1922, according to the National Dam Inventory maintained by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It is a high-hazard dam, meaning it could cause destruction and potential loss of life if it were to fail. The dam was in "fair" condition when it was inspected in September 2022, according to the FERC inventory.

Crook said Monday that officials are trying to avoid water diverting to the northwest portion of the dam where water flow could erode a grassy slope between the dam structure and the lock.

Overnight rains poured more water into the already saturated area of Cheboygan on Tuesday morning, said Carole Yeck, executive director of the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce. The water level behind the dam did raise significantly, she said.

Yeck said business owners and community members in the potential flood zone downstream of the dam should protect their valuable belongings and be ready to evacuate if water overtops the dam and surges downstream.

Yeck urged people to prepare but not panic. The potential flood zone is a narrow strip along the river between the dam and Lake Huron.

There is significant flooding in the areas surrounding Cheboygan, Yeck said. Some flooding is typical when snow and inland lake ice melt in the springtime, but the mid-March blizzard has amplified this years floods.

Residents on Black and Mullet lakes said the lake levels are higher than theyve ever seen, Yeck said.

The blizzard that we had a few weeks ago dropped so much at once that, with the warm temperatures, its that significant melt from spring warm-up that is all melting at one time that is really just surging into the waterways, Yeck said.

eleblanc@detroitnews.com

ckthompson@detroitnews.com

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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Cheboygan Dam at risk as floodwaters rise in northern Michigan
A juvenile has been arrested after police say a threat was made against an elementary school in west Georgia.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

LaGrange police received information Tuesday about a potential threat involving Clearview Elementary School.

The case was turned over to the departments Criminal Investigation Division, which determined that the threat was made through a social media account.

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Investigators were able to identify the juvenile responsible, who was later arrested and charged with terroristic threats.

Police say the juvenile did not have any weapons and the investigation has found no active threat to any schools within Troup County.

The childs age and identity were not released.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Det. D. LaPlant or Det. K. Scott at 706-883-2603. Tipsters can remain anonymous by submitting tips through the Tip411 system.

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By Ryan Woo

BEIJING, April 14 (Reuters) - The international rule of law must be upheld for peace and stability to prevail in the Middle East, China's President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday, in a rebuke of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

While Beijing has repeatedly criticised the U.S.-Israeli campaign as illegal, Xi has made few public comments about the conflict. He will hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in an expected meeting in Beijing next month.

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The rule of law cannot be "used when convenient and discarded when not", Xi told Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the visiting crown prince of Abu Dhabi, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East after weekend talks between Washington and Tehran failed to reach a deal to end the war.

Since the war erupted in late February, Iran has effectively shut the key Strait of Hormuz shipping route to vessels it deems from unfriendly nations. On Monday, the U.S. military began a blockade nL6N40V09S of Iran's ports, accusing Iran of "economic terrorism".

Oil shipments nL6N40S0NF from Gulf states including the UAE through the strait have plunged since the war started. Tehran has also launched missile and drone strikes on energy infrastructure in neighbouring Gulf nations, including the UAE.

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Official data on Tuesday showed Chinese natural gas imports nL1N40X02K for March dropped to their lowest since October 2022, while inbound shipments of crude oil fell 2.8%, with Chinese vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz.

"We must not allow the world to revert to the law of the jungle," Xi told Sheikh Khaled, the eldest son of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Xi told Sheikh Khaled, who also chairs the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, that China was willing to work with the UAE to build a more robust, resilient, and dynamic strategic partnership.

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The visit by the crown prince of the largest of the UAE's seven emirates underscores a long-term commitment to expand a growing economic corridor with China, building on momentum generated by the 2024 visit of Sheikh Khaled's father.

On Monday, the UAE's national airline, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways nL4N40W0FE, announced a plan to significantly expand its network of flights between the UAE capital and Chinese cities in 2026 and 2027.

Highlighting the UAE's push to deepen economic ties with China, Sheikh Khaled's delegation included Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and industry minister; investment minister Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi; and trade minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

On Monday, China's No.2, Premier Li Qiang, told the crown prince that Beijing was willing to explore cooperation in energy storage, hydrogen and new energy vehicles.

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Bilateral trade should be "expanded in scale, but also optimised structurally," Li said, adding that China welcomed more UAE investment in sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and life sciences.

Later this year, China plans to host the second China-Arab States Summit, where Beijing hopes to complete talks on a free trade pact between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

(Reporting by Ryan Woo. Editing by Jamie Freed and Mark Potter)
A brush fire east of Naples has grown from 100 acres to about 1,500 acres in less than 24 hours.

In its second day, evacuations remain for some residents, while winds remain steady at 20 to 25 mph with mainly dry conditions.

Collier commissioners get an update on Picayune Strand fire

Collier County officials discussed the fire at a regular board meeting April 14.

County manager Amy Patterson emphasized that crews worked hard overnight to battle the fire.

"Lee County sent strike teams as well as the state agencies," she said.

Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Naples brush fire continues to burn as crews work to contain it 1 of 23 Collier County Sheriff Fire Rescue and Forestry helicopters along with other fire response teams from other agencies work near the Seven Shores Community and swamp buggy race track in Naples, Fla., as they battle the 1,500-acre Picayune Strand brush fire on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

With those teams and other Collier County resources, including Greater Naples Fire and the Collier County Sheriff's Office, she said it's "all hands on deck for this 24-hour-a-day operation."

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As she spoke, she said the county's interim emergency management director was likely on a "recon flight with the incident command staff" to look at the fire from the air.

"Today, they'll be concentrating on the left flank of the fire and behind the Swamp Buggy track," Patterson said of the firefighting efforts.

The county's roads and bridges division, she said, is on "standby for any closure that may become necessary on 951 (Collier Boulevard), depending on the wind and visibility and smoke."

Residents went to community center, horses safely stabled

The county manager shared that seven residents spent the night at the Golden Gate Community Center.

"There are no occupants there currently, but the safe haven remains opened for continued need," she said. "We are looking, as this progresses through the day, to see if we need to offer perhaps the South Regional Library, or some other parks locations, if people are experiencing any concerns due to the smoke."

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The county later announced that South Regional Library at 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway is open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. to offer relief from the smoke.

During the county manager's update, Commissioner Burt Saunders said he'd heard that some structures had burned, possibly a few barns, but Patterson said there had been no reports of structural losses.

"The last report I got was there were no homes that were lost," Patterson said. "So, they're  continuing to protect those  homes."

As for the horses, she said, they were all safely evacuated.

"In fact, there are six of them staying where I keep my horse," she said. "So, they've spread out throughout the county. There was a really good effort, folks bringing horse trailers in to get the horses out of there."

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She said there had also not been any reports of electrical outages.

Commission chairman Dan Kowal said Florida Power & Light trucks were on scene overnight for safety reasons, likely to ensure the "grids" didn't spark any more flames.

The commission authorized the county manager to provide snacks and water to those seeking refuge at emergency shelters as needed, whether they're staying overnight, or just visiting them for relief from the smoke.

On Monday, winds were the "enemy," fueling the fire, Patterson said.

She said more resources are coming in, and more equipment is on standby if needed to fight the fire.

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Commissioner Rick LoCastro said he was pleased with the level of communication with residents and the level of response.

"When I checked in with all my general managers and HOA presidents and all the people of the communities I thought might be affected, they had already heard from their fire commissioners, their fire chiefs. So, they were all so pleased. So, we were all paddling in the same direction, which was very impressive."

Picayune Strand fire was 15% contained Tuesday morning

About 4:30 a.m. April 14, officials with the Florida Forest Service announced that a fire that erupted a day earlier in the Picayune Strand State Forest is about 15% contained.

The Florida Forest Service - Caloosahatchee Forestry Center, which serves Lee, Collier and Hendry counties, is leading the firefighting efforts, along with Greater Naples Fire Rescue.

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Officials with the Florida Forest Service announced on X that crews improved lines around homes and performed a 15-acre burnout to reduce the spread of the flames throughout the night.

The flames forced the nearby community to begin evacuations April 13. Residents packed up some of their belongings and secured their horses in their trailers before they began to drive away from the flames.

Jeff Hare shot this photo of the Picayune Strand State Forest brush fire April 13 from a boat in the Gulf of the Naples, Florida, coast. Jeff Hare shot this photo of the Picayune Strand State Forest brush fire April 13 from a boat in the Gulf of the Naples, Florida, coast. Jeff Hare shot this photo of the Picayune Strand State Forest brush fire April 13 from a boat in the Gulf of the Naples, Florida, coast. Jeff Hare shot this photo of the Picayune Strand State Forest brush fire April 13 from a boat in the Gulf of the Naples, Florida, coast. Jeff Hare shot this photo of the Picayune Strand State Forest brush fire April 13 from a boat in the Gulf of the Naples, Florida, coast. Picayune Strand brush fire photos from the Gulf off Naples, Florida 1 of 5 Jeff Hare shot this photo of the Picayune Strand State Forest brush fire April 13 from a boat in the Gulf of the Naples, Florida, coast.

The most affected areas include sections of Stable Way, Union Drive, Barton Gliba Drive, Benfield Road, Beck Boulevard and Le Buff Road.

Along with the Florida Forest Service, the Collier County Sheriff's Office and Greater Naples Fire have responded to the fire.

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Florida Highway Patrol troopers began to monitor nearby conditions in the early evening of April 13, and issued low-visibility driving tips, which includes driving slower and with lights on low beam.

Troopers had not shut down Interstate 75, but reminded motorists to remain alert for smoke.

As nearby residents fled the area, the Golden Gate Community Center, at 4701 Golden Gate Parkway, in eastern Collier County, began to take them, along with their pets.

Jesse Lavender, spokesperson for the Florida Forest Service, said the cause of the fire remained unknown April 14.

A brush fire in the Picayune Strand in Collier County continued to grow Monday, April 13, 2026.

Picayune Strand State Forest is the fourth-largest state forest in Florida, named after several cypress strands on the eastern portion of the property.

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The 74,138-acre forest has two tracts, the South Golden Gates Estates Tract, where the current fire is, and the Belle Meade Tract to the west.

Who is evacuating?

The North Collier Fire District said in a Facebook post that evacuations remain in place for residents in the areas of Stable Way, Newman Drive, Barton Gilba Drive, Benfield Road and Le Buffs Road.

Residents should remain alert along the Sun Retreat, Panther Walk RV Resort, Forest Glen, Caymas, Seven Shores, Sapphire Cove, Milano Lakes, Hammock Park Apartments and Azure developments.

How will the weather affect the flames?

Chris Fisher, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami, said forecasters expect winds will decrease over the week but wind gusts the afternoon of April 14 were expected at 20-to-25 mph.

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"We're expecting mainly dry conditions to continue the rest of the week," Fisher said, later adding that "anytime you can get a breezy wind that's certainly gonna give them some issues while they're fighting it."

Fisher urged residents with respiratory complications to keep their windows closed, especially at night, due to smoke in the area.

Breaking news editor Stacey Henson contributed to this report.

Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@usatodayco.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez.

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Laura Layden is a business and government reporter. Reach her by email at laura.layden@naplesnews.com.

Please support Southwest Florida community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Picayune Strand State fire grows as Collier residents on 'standby'
Columbus City Council delayed a vote on its annual contract with Franklin County for jail services as council members question Sheriff Dallas Baldwin's policy of working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

City Council's move comes after The Dispatch reported last month on Baldwin's longstanding policy of having jail deputies notify ICE about all detainees born outside the United States.

The practice goes beyond what's required and the county is going out of its way to alert ICE to immigrants, according to immigration attorneys who spoke with The Dispatch. The jail also will notify ICE about immigrants prior to release, if requested, and has held people for ICE to pick them up.

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Columbus City Council was set at its meeting on April 13 to approve its annual contract with Franklin County to house detainees charged by city law enforcement. The contract for up to $2 million was set to be passed on emergency to ensure timely payment of an outstanding invoice.

Related news: 'Wrong place, wrong time?' Over 500 Ohio ICE arrests were 'collateral'

In response to community concerns, Councilmember Emmanuel Remy, chair of the council's Public Safety Committee, referred the ordinance back to committee. Earlier in the day, the activist group 614 ICE Watch encouraged its followers on Instagram to call Remy's office about the sheriff's policy and linked to The Dispatch's reporting.

"At the end of the day, our responsibility is to the residents of this city and that includes ensuring that every person feels safe interacting with our systems, regardless of where they are born," Remy said during the meeting. "There are still important questions we need answered regarding the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and its policies involving foreign-born residents and notifications to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement."

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Remy declined to comment further after the council meeting.

A spokesperson for Baldwin did not respond to a request for comment sent late on April 13 and again on April 14. Baldwin told The Dispatch in a statement on March 25 that the policy predated him and the office intended to review the policy.

Councilmember Emmanuel Remy, chair of the council's Public Safety Committee, postponed voting on a routine contract with Franklin County for jail services over Sheriff Dallas Baldwin's policy around cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In 2025, approximately 84 people were arrested by ICE at the Franklin County jails, according to agency data published by the Deportation Data Project. Through March 10, ICE has picked up about 41 people at the Franklin County jails.

Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, who has advocated for other legislation to restrict ICE in the city, thanked Remy.

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"This is another opportunity for us to give the Sheriff's Office yet another opportunity to do the right thing," Barroso de Padilla said.

Isaiah St. John testified at the council's hearing in opposition to the Sheriff's Office jail policy.

"Day after day, federal agents are hunting our neighbors down like modern-day slave catchers," St. John said. "But just as often, Columbus police do the hunting for them, shipping our neighbors to Donald Trump in a tidy little box with a bow. That box might be shipped by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office but this body can't plead innocence when it is you council members who are paying the sheriff for this perverse service."

St. John urged the city to not contract with the jail as long as the Sheriff's Office works with ICE.

Franklin County Board of Commissioners disagree with policy

Remy thanked St. John for his testimony and pointed out this topic should be discussed at the Franklin County Board of Commissioners' meeting.

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In a statement provided to The Dispatch previously, the three-member Franklin County Board of Commissioners said they disagree with the sheriff on this but do not set policy for the sheriff, which is a separate elected office. The commissioners do control the purse strings on funding for the Sheriff's Office.

This story was updated to add estimates of how many people ICE has arrested at the county jails.

Government and politics reporter Jordan Laird can be reached at jlaird@dispatch.com. Follow her on X, Instagram and Bluesky at @LairdWrites.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Franklin County jails' ICE policy leads Columbus council to delay vote
CONNEAUT LAKE  Officers from Conneaut Lake Regional Police Department responded to more than 250 calls between March 1 and 29, bringing the total calls to date this year to 751.

The monthly report was presented by Mayor Jim Tigri, a member of Conneaut Lake Regional Police Commission, at the recent Conneaut Lake Borough Council meeting.

Police completed 81 traffic stops in the four jurisdictions and issued 63 warnings and 11 citations.

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Police responded to five motor vehicle crashes  two in Sadsbury Township and three in North Shenango Township.

Police assisted volunteer fire departments 10 times and assisted with two trees down in Sadsbury, one wires down call in Conneaut Lake Borough, and one wires down call in Linesville.

Police conducted seven followup investigations and assisted Meadville Police Department twice and a state constable once.

They served outside the area in Conneaut Township twice, Pine Township twice, and once each in Summit, Vernon and South Shenango townships.

Police answered five calls involving animals and responded to 14 calls requesting an officer.

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Police served two warrants, provided escort service for an over wide load on Route 6 and assisted a motorist.

They reported on firearms violations and one protection from abuse violation.

Of the calls in Conneaut Lake Borough, 12 were for suspicious activity, 14 for alarms, six for fraud, four civil matters, three welfare checks, a missing person, and other miscellaneous calls.

Officers assisted emergency medical services 45 times and Pennsylvania State Police five times.
A Cranston man died after the paramotor he was flying in Berkley, Massachusetts, crashed Sunday morning, April 12, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn.

The victim was identified as Gary Williams, 63.

The crash happened at Myricks Airport, 168 Padelford St., a large open field used by single-engine aircraft, as well as paragliders and paramotor fliers, Quinn said in a press release.

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Paramotoring is also called powered paragliding, according to the FAI Microlight and Paramotor Commission. In paramotoring, the pilot sits in a harness attached to a frame that supports a small engine with a propellor and is connected by lines to a wing similar to a paraglider wing, according to the commission's website.

A paramotor, similar to the one involved in the fatal crash of a Cranston man, flies over Pueblo, Colorado.

What happened in the paramotoring accident?

According to Quinn, Berkley police received a call at 9:40 a.m. from a witness who reported seeing the single-seat paramotor crash. At the airport, police officers and EMS saw a "large divot" in the field near Padelford Street and found Williams 15 to 20 feet away suffering from life-threatening injuries, Quinn said. Williams was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Quinn said.

The police also found the paramotor Williams had been flying. Its propellor was broken in "multiple locations" and had leaked fuel, according to Quinn. The incident is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to Quinn's office, as well as the Berkley Police Department.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI man dies after paramotor crashes at MA airport
Apr. 14The federal government and hydropower supporters, including the state of Idaho, will ask the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a lower court's decision to force additional fish passage spill at dams on the Snake and Columbia rivers.

The dam supporters contend the salmon-friendly measures, which extend into August, will hit Northwest rate payers hard and threaten reliability of the region's electrical power grid.

Earlier this year, Judge Michael Simon of Oregon granted a request from environmental groups, tribes and the states of Oregon and Washington to compel the government to spill more water over the dams and to lower reservoir levels. The spill and other measures are meant to help the fish protected as threatened and endangered while an on-again, off-again court case over the impact dams have on the fish proceeds.

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The federal government filed its notice of appeal late last month. Since then, it has been joined by the Public Power Council, Inland Ports and Navigation Group, Idaho and Montana.

"The system-wide impacts of the court order threaten federal hydro operations annually, but all eyes right now are on the month of August. Fingers are crossed it won't be a scorcher summer combined with high spill rates that severely hobble hydro production and threaten blackouts," said Scott Simms, executive director of the Public Power Council, in an April 7 news release. "Of course, 'fingers crossed' is a terrible way to run the region's largest source of clean, renewable power  which is why we simply cannot stand idly by and hope it all works out."

Salmon advocates challenged a 2020 plan finalized in the waning days of President Donald Trump's first term in office that is designed to balance dam operations with the needs of the fish. The lawsuit was put on hold in 2023 when the Biden administration reached an agreement with Columbia River tribes like the Nez Perce, and the states of Oregon and Washington, to explore a long-term solution to the salmon and dams issue that has raged for more than three decades.The agreement did not authorize dam breaching, a move favored by salmon advocates. But it did fund studies into the best ways to to replace barging, power generation and irrigation made possible by the dams if they were ever to be breached.

It also pledged $1 billion in spending on salmon recovery and renewable energy development. In exchange, the plaintiffs agreed to pause litigation at least five years, with an option to extend the timeout to 10 years.

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When Trump returned to the White House last year, his administration killed the deal, a move cheered by dam backers that include farmers who rely on tug-and-barge transportation to efficiently get their crops to overseas markets, irrigators near the Tri-Cities and the hydropower industry.

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With agreement dead, the salmon advocates resumed the lawsuit last year.

Barker may be contacted at ebarker@lmtribune.com. Subscribe to his outdoors newsletter "The Fish Wrap" at lmtribune.com/newsletters.
One of Scotland's most high-profile gangland figures will face a court hearing to determine whether he can be extradited from the Netherlands to Spain.

Steven Lyons, 46, was arrested in Bali last month and deported to Amsterdam last week.

The crime boss - who was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice - was detained on the same day his wife, Amanda, was arrested in Dubai.

BBC Scotland News understands a surrender hearing, which will take place in public, will be held in Amsterdam on 4 June.

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The hearing will focus exclusively on the bid to extradite Lyons to Spain and will not address the case against him.

The court's decision will then be published on 18 June.

Police in Spain last week said they had "dismantled" a criminal drugs gang led by members of the Lyons family.

The Civil Guard said it had made 14 arrests in four countries, with 20 other people under investigation.

The arrests came as part of Operation Armorum, which has also seen police in Turkey locate and freeze high-value assets linked to the Lyons network, the statement said.

The Civil Guard is one of Spain's two national police agencies. It operates as a paramilitary organisation and deals with high-level security and serious crime.

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It said the Lyons operation has involved 18 raids in the last week, mostly on the Costa Del Sol and Barcelona.

Electronic devices, large amounts of cash, company documents, high-end watches and cryptocurrency wallets were seized as part of the investigation.

This follows a three-year probe in collaboration with Police Scotland.

The statement said the Lyons gang has developed a criminal network in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with "a complex money laundering network based on shell companies and international financial transactions, managing millions of euros derived from drug trafficking."

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It added: "Its ability to operate simultaneously in several countries - including Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey - and to forge alliances with other major criminal networks, solidified the clan's position as one of the most significant players in contemporary European organised crime."

Lyons was put on a flight out of Indonesia on last Tuesday.

In a release confirming the move, the local Ngurah Rai Immigration Office described him as a "mafia boss and Interpol fugitive".

Bugie Kurniawan, head of the office, said: "We will not allow Indonesian territory, especially Bali, to become a haven or base of operations for international criminals."

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Lyons is the head of the Lyons group, which has been involved in a feud with the rival Daniel group for more than 20 years.

In 2006, he survived a shooting at a garage in Lambhill in the north of Glasgow. His cousin died in the incident.

Lyons later moved to Spain before settling in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where he has ties to the Dubai-based Kinahan crime group.

Lyons' brother, Eddie Lyons Jnr, and his associate Ross Monaghan were shot dead in a beachfront bar in Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol last May.

Michael Riley, 44, from Liverpool, has been accused by Spanish police of the murders.

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He had challenged an extradition bid but the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed in October that he had given his consent to be taken to Spain to face prosecution.

In the days after the double shooting, a Spanish National Police detective said the suspect was a member of the rival Daniel gang.

Police Scotland have maintained there is nothing to suggest the murders in Spain are linked to the ongoing gang war or that it was planned in Scotland.
Nashvillians who are still looking to get rid of leftover debris in the aftermath of the historic winter storm that hit the city earlier this year will have until the end of the week to get everything in order.

The Nashville Department of Transportation is asking that residents place remaining storm-related vegetation debris at the curb by the end of the day on April 19 for pickup.

The works still far from finished for NDOT, according to a late March news release from the department announcing the impending collection deadline. Collections are set to continue in the weeks after April 19, the third and final round of storm-related service left to go before the department announces a date for regular brush collection to resume.

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At this point, storm debris collection has been underway for well over two months after Winter Storm Fern covered Nashville in a layer of ice in late January, damaging large numbers of trees across the city.

By about two weeks after collections began Feb. 3, NDOT had hauled away 355,000 cubic yards of fallen trees and limbs, enough to form a convoy of 4,200 flatbed trucks stretching nearly 30 miles across Middle Tennessee. A month later, that number had ballooned to over 1.3 million cubic yards, nearly 15 times the amount of brush collected from Nashvillians yards during all of 2025.

Those efforts have been historic in scope for NDOT, with upwards of 100 crews pulling 12-hour shifts every day since the storm hit to complete their work.

This has truly been a historic response, acting NDOT Director Phillip Jones said in the release. We understand the uneasiness that may come with not knowing when your debris will be collected, but I want to assure residents that we will collect all of it.

Cody Williams with "The Real Tree Man" helps clear tree debris on Benjamin Street in East Nashville in this January 2026 file photo. Winter Storm Fern left well over a million cubic yards of storm-related debris in its wake, which the Nashville Department of Transportation is still working to collect more than two months later.

NDOT is asking Nashvillians to continue to look out for hanging and leaning tree limbs and branches on large canopy trees, which can pose a major safety risk. Debris placed at the curb also shouldnt block fire hydrants, storm drains, drainage ditches, culverts, alleys, sidewalks, car or bike lines or any other essential infrastructure.

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Residents who need assistance can call 2-1-1 or visit nashvilleresponds.com to connect with more resources.

Austin Hornbostel is the Metro reporter for The Tennessean. Have a question about local government you want an answer to? Reach him with questions, tips and story ideas at ahornbostel@tennessean.com.

Get Davidson County news delivered to your inbox every Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville storm debris must be on curb by April 19 for final pickup
For 20 years, IWC Schaffhausen has been collaborating with the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, honoring the French pilot and authors humanist values and literary legacy with numerous special editions. The mesmerising blue-dial editions inspired by The Little Prince have been a defining element of the partnership. Celebrating Antoine de Saint-Exuperys most famous literary work, which has been translated into more than 600 languages and dialects, these editions have become a beloved signature within the IWCs Pilots Watches collection. The timeless tale follows a young prince as he leaves his tiny asteroid and embarks on an epic journey through the cosmos to distant planets. Through his conversations with their inhabitants, he uncovers enduring truths about profound themes such as love, loss and friendship. To commemorate two decades of partnership, IWC introduces five anniversary edition Pilots Watches dedicated to the Little Prince, in a broad spectrum of case sizes ranging 36 to 43 millimetres.

The Pilots Watch Mark XX Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW328301) features a 40-millimetre case, a crown and a case back ring made of 18-carat 5N gold. Its deep blue dial with a sunray finish beautifully contrasts the gold. The appliques are crafted from solid 18-carat 5N gold, while the hands are gold-plated and filled with Super-LumiNova. This distinctively elegant Pilots Watch is equipped with a blue rubber strap featuring an 18-carat 5N gold pin buckle and the EasX-CHANGE system for quick and easy strap changes. The Pilots Watch Mark XX Le Petit Prince (Ref. IW328221) is housed in a 40-millimetre stainless steel case. It features a deep blue dial with a sunray finish, printed with white indices and numerals. The gold-plated hands are filled with Super-LumiNova for enhanced legibility. This watch also comes with a blue rubber strap featuring the EasX-CHANGE system. Both models are powered by the IWC-manufactured 32112 calibre, featuring an automatic winding system and a power reserve of 120 hours. The 18-carat 5N gold version boasts a tinted sapphire glass case back showcasing an illustration of the Little Prince. In contrast, the stainless steel version has a solid steel case back engraved with the same drawing.
Craig Hudson/Sipa USA via AP Images

Members of the Democratic Party see former Vice President Kamala Harris as a less electable candidate in the 2028 presidential election than billionaire Mark Cuban, according to a new poll.

A survey by Yale Polling discovered that just 55% of Democrats found Harris to be a highly electable candidate in 2028. 58% of Democrats found Cuban to be a highly electable candidate, while 61% said the same for former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

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At the top of the list was outgoing California Gov. Gavin Newsom with 72%, followed by retired astronaut and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) with 70%. In a tie for third place, at 64% each, were Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.

At the very bottom of the list, just 29% of Democrats believed former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger would be highly electable candidates. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (31%), Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (32%), Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) (34%), Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (39%), and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) (41%) also polled poorly.

Young voters were much more supportive of Harris, with Democrats between the ages of 18 and 34 placing Harris in second place at 61%, just behind Newsom at 65%.

Surprisingly, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (R-NY) polled less favorably (47%) among young Democrats than she did with Democrats overall (50%).

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Harris revealed this month that she was thinking about running for president in 2028, despite her loss in the 2024 election to President Donald Trump.

As for Republicans, voters overwhelmingly selected Vice President JD Vance as the most electable candidate for 2028 (83%), followed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio (76%), and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (74%).

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) came fourth with 70%, followed by Donald Trump Jr. (65%), Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (62%), and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (56%).

At the very bottom of the list, Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) polled as the least electable candidate with just 18%  even less than former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem (20%).

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Young Republicans also chose Vance as the most electable 2028 presidential candidate. However, unlike Republicans overall, they believed DeSantis (75%) had a much better shot at winning the presidency than Rubio (61%).

Young Republicans also had a much more favorable opinion of the electability of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, while they had less confidence in the electability of Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY).

The post Democrats Believe Kamala Harris Is Less Electable Than Mark Cuban: NEW POLL first appeared on Mediaite.
Democrats already had a lot to worry about in the 2026 California governor's race, an election they would typically expect to win easily: Too many candidates. Low name recognition. Voter apathy.

Then on Sunday, their leading candidate, Representative Eric Swalwell, faced with allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, dropped out of the contest, even as he denied the accusations. His exit threw the Democrats into further chaos and left the party facing a previously unthinkable possibility: could Republicans shut them entirely out of the general election in one of the bluest states in the US?

"This would be an unforced error of historic proportions if Democrats fail to coordinate so badly that a Republican wins in a state where Donald Trump's approval rating is a little less than 30%," said Eric Schickler, a political science professor at the University of California, Berkeley.

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The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN last week published allegations by several women about Swalwell's conduct, leading his most prominent backers to abandon him.

On Monday, Swalwell announced he would resign from Congress, hours after the US House of Representatives Ethics Committee opened an investigation. Swalwell has apologised for the "mistakes in judgement I've made in my past" but vowed to "fight the serious, false allegations that have been made".

But Democrats' problems in California began long before those accusations became public.

A muddled Democratic field in the world's fifth-largest economy

Sitting Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom cannot run again due to term limit rules, and other politicians with statewide name recognition  such as former Vice-President Kamala Harris  declined to run. Eight serious but lesser-known candidates have struggled gain traction in California's enormous and expensive media market.

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In March, an opinion poll by University of California Berkeley's Institute of Governmental Studies caused a political earthquake, suggesting that two Republican candidates were garnering the most support among voters as the packed field of Democrats had splintered their base.

Thanks to the California's primary system - which allows the top two vote-winners to compete in the general election regardless of party - such a result in June could mean there aren't any Democrats on the gubernatorial ballot in November, in a state that hasn't had a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger left office in 2011.

The outcome of the race could have implications for Democrats beyond California's borders. The state is the fifth-largest economy in the world, and its environmental, consumer and tech policies often inspire regulations nationwide.

Swalwell had started to gain momentum in recent weeks, breaking out from the Democratic pack. State Democrats had hoped he could surge enough to guarantee them a spot in the general election. But with Swalwell gone, it's not clear which candidate could absorb his momentum.

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"This is the most unsettled race for California governor I've ever seen," said Garry South, a long-time Democratic strategist who has managed four gubernatorial campaigns in the state.

"The Democratic field was already pretty muddled, even after Swalwell took a small lead," he said. "Now, it's just an outright morass."

Democratic governor candidate in California Tom Steyer [Getty Images]

The two candidates best positioned to capture Swalwell's voters, and give the Democrats a chance to compete in the general election, are former Congresswoman Katie Porter and billionaire climate advocate Tom Steyer.

Still, neither are a sure bet. Porter has previously faced reports from Politico that she allegedly mistreated staff, after which she said she would "be more intentional in showing gratitude to my staff". Steyer has spent $89m (65.89m) on advertisements, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, but not yet seen a corresponding surge in opinion polls.

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Yet they have already begun to carve out a space away from the other Democratic candidates, including former US Heath and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former State Controller Betty Yee.

But none has what Democratic political experts said this race needs: star power. Voters have struggled to distinguish the Democratic candidates and their policies from each other.

"I don't even know half the people running," said Joko Tamura, 58.

Tamura, who lives in Santa Monica, identifies as a Democrat and plans to vote this year, naming homelessness and the high cost of living as her two key policy concerns.

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She has heard of Steyer and Porter, but feels she does not have enough information to pick a favourite.

Jacob Casey, a 42-year-old doctor, has a busy schedule that has made it hard for him to tune into the race. At some point before the 2 June primary, "I assume somebody will stick out," Casey said.

"I haven't seen a primary election for governor with this level of indecision, and lack of voter enthusiasm, with less than two months to go before voting starts to take place," said Mark DiCamillo, who lead the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll that shocked Democrats last month.

"Voters really don't have a clear picture (of) any one of the candidates," DiCamillo told the BBC.

No front-runner has emerged

As Swalwell's candidacy stalled, Porter has tried to fill the vacuum by leaning into economic messaging, focusing on one of the state's most intractable issues  soaring housing costs  in social media posts over the weekend.

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"By fast-tracking approvals and clearing away regulatory hurdles, we can lower construction costs and build the diverse housing our workforce needs to thrive," she wrote.

Steyer has also jumped into the void, releasing a social media video on Sunday detailing his plan to "make California more affordable for you".

While campaigning last week at a gas station in downtown Los Angeles, where the cheapest petrol was $8.29 (6.14) per gallon (3.79 litres), Steyer also hit out at the president.

"The working people of California are paying for Donald Trump's war in Iran," Steyer said.

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Such a pitch might eventually appeal to undecided Los Angeles voter Leila Salem, 28, who identifies as an independent and is staunchly opposed to the war.

The willingness to challenge Trump's actions in Iran could "definitely" sway Salem's vote for governor, but she still has more research to do, she told the BBC.

Former David Cameron adviser Steve Hilton [Getty Images]

Even as the Democrats struggle, California Republicans are dealing with their own frustrations.

The two leading Republican candidates are former Fox News host and one-time David Cameron adviser Steve Hilton, and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

The March Berkeley poll indicated that Republican voters were evenly split between the two, and in a state where Democratic voters outnumber Republicans by a 2-1 ratio, locking Democrats out of the general election could be the party's only conceivable path to victory in November.

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Many political observers expected that Trump's endorsement of Hilton last week would change the calculus, sending Republican voters to Hilton and causing Bianco to slip behind at least one of the Democrats in opinion polling.

But neither Hilton nor Bianco garnered enough support to win the endorsement at the California Republican Party's convention last weekend, indicating the two candidates remain competitive among the state party's base.

"I think it's fair for Democrats to be concerned now because their presumptive front-runner has now imploded," said Wesley Hussey, a political science professor at Sacramento State University.

But if a large share of Swalwell's supporters move to back Steyer or Porter  or even a last-minute surprise candidate - the state could see a traditional Democrat-versus-Republican general election after all, Hussey said.

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"It's going to take a few days for the dust to settle" in this new version of the race, he said.
Now that the four astronauts who flew around the moon are safely home, NASA is investigating how its spacecraft fared during the final minutes of the Artemis II mission.

The Orion capsules heat shield  the protective layer at the bottom engineered to prevent it from burning up during the plunge through Earths atmosphere  had a known design flaw. During the uncrewed Artemis I test flight in 2022, parts had cracked and broken off during atmospheric re-entry.

Because of that, the Artemis II crew descended faster and at a steeper angle than the path originally planned for the Orion spacecraft, in order to minimize the time it was exposed to the most extreme temperatures.

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That approach accomplished its goal  NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor Glover and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen emerged in good health and good spirits. Now, the question is: How well did the heat shield actually protect them?

In the hours after splashdown, space wonks noticed a large, unusual-looking white patch on the otherwise dark and scorched heat shield. The patch drew attention because it looked like it could be a sign of damage.

A white patch is visible on NASAs Orion capsule as it descends under its main parachutes Friday. (Josh Valcarcel / NASA) (Josh Valcarcel)

However, in response to a post on X from Eric Berger, an editor at Ars Technica, about the white patch, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the white spot was consistent with the agencys expectations.

No unexpected conditions were observed, Isaacman wrote, adding, the discoloration was not liberated material.

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He said the white spot corresponds to the heat shields compression pad area and aligned with what NASA engineers had seen in pre-flight testing.

I am hesitant to get ahead of a proper data review, but I understand the space communitys curiosity, especially when imagery can give the impression of a problem.



As you would expect, engineers were eager to inspect the heat shield, starting with diver imagery shortly after  NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman (@NASAAdmin) April 12, 2026

I am hesitant to get ahead of a proper data review, but I understand the space communitys curiosity, especially when imagery can give the impression of a problem, Isaacman wrote. As you would expect, engineers were eager to inspect the heat shield, starting with diver imagery shortly after splashdown and continuing with the review aboard the ship.

NASA indeed began investigating the Orion heat shields performance immediately after the spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, capping the crews 10-day flight around Earth and the moon.

NASA spokesperson Kenna Pell told NBC News in an email that divers were early to the scene to capture photos of the heat shield in the water, before any corrosion or possible damage from recovery equipment.

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Additional analysis from the imagery and detailed inspection of the hardware will occur over the coming months, Pell said.

In a post-splashdown news briefing Friday evening, Lori Glaze, acting associate administrator of NASAs Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, said aircraft were positioned near the landing site, as well, to capture images of and early data on the heat shield.

She also mentioned the information gathered by the divers.

We also had divers below the surface that took imaging of the heat shield before it was brought on to the [USS John P.] Murtha so that we could understand exactly what state its in after it landed, Glaze said. And so weve already begun the data-gathering piece of it.

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The spacecraft is currently being transported back to NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the agency will conduct further analysis.

The Artemis II Orion spacecraft aboard the USS Murtha at Naval Base San Diego on Saturday. (Sandy Huffaker / Getty Images) (Sandy Huffaker)

We will complete a full data review across all systems, including the thermal protection system, and make the results publicly available, Isaacman wrote in his response on X.

The Artemis II mission was NASAs first time launching humans toward the moon in more than 50 years, and the first time the agencys Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule had ever lifted off with a crew onboard. The astronauts traveled farther from Earth than anyone before them, and they were the first people to see the entire far side of the moon with their own eyes.

Because of those firsts, the entire mission was closely watched, but that was particularly true of the final 15 minutes.

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After the Orion heat shield sustained unexpected damage during the Artemis I test flight, NASA launched a yearslong investigation. The agency found that gases had gotten trapped inside portions of the heat shield while the capsule was streaking through the atmosphere, allowing pressure to accumulate. The built-up pressure caused parts of the shields outer material to crack.

Images from a NASA inspector general's report show the missing chunks of the Artemis I heat shield, unexpected damage that occurred during its return to Earth. (NASA) (NASA)

Atmospheric re-entry is always a dangerous part of human spaceflight, because a spacecraft can be exposed to temperatures of around 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. But for Artemis II, the heat shields design flaw meant fears were especially high.

Charlie Camarda, a former NASA astronaut, had publicly urged NASA not to launch the mission with the existing design.

For future Artemis missions, NASA is planning a redesigned heat shield for the Orion spacecraft. But the capsule for Artemis II had already been assembled by the time the agency learned about the cracking issue. So, to reduce the risk for the crew, mission managers came up with the modified path for atmospheric re-entry that the Orion capsule followed on Friday.

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Flight directors knew how high the stakes were.

Its 13 minutes of things that have to go right, Jeff Radigan, NASAs Artemis II flight director, said at a news briefing Thursday, the second-to-last day of the mission.

An Artemis II astronaut is lifted away by a helicopter to the recovery ship after leaving the Orion spacecraft in the Pacific Ocean on Friday. (James Blair / NASA) (James Blair)

Lets not beat around the bush, he added. We have to hit that angle correctly.

Thankfully, NASA did that: Mission managers said the capsule followed a near-perfect flight path on re-entry and landed within less than a mile of its targeted splashdown site.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Dixon police are actively searching the Rock River for an individual who jumped from the Peoria Avenue bridge shortly before midnight.

Dixon Police Chief Ryan Bivins told Shaw Local that an officer was attempting to make contact with two individuals who were walking on the bridge when one of them jumped into the river. Police have not seen the individual since and now are treating the search as a recovery mission.

The situation started Monday night at a Caseys gas station in Dixon, where two individuals were causing issues, and an officer approached them, Bivins said.

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The officer later realized the individuals had given them false names and was continuing on with their patrol shift when they spotted the individuals walking across the bridge. The officer began pulling up in their squad car when one individual ran north and the other jumped, Bivins said.

The officer wasnt even out of their squad car, and they just jumped off the bridge, Bivins said. They werent in trouble. It was just gonna be, Hey, whats your name? 

Bivins said police have identified the person who jumped and their age, but werent able to release that information at this time. He said he will be sending out a news release later today.

Were combing every inch of the river here. Our hope is, obviously, that they made it out, but were still treating it as a recovery at this point, Bivins said. The water temperature is 58 degrees, and we didnt ever see them come up.

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The Dixon police are being assisted by several area fire departments, which are taking the lead on the river search, including Dixon City, Dixon Rural, Rock Falls, Sterling, Oregon, Byron and a search and rescue group from Ohio, Illinois.

They do a really good job. Theyre very methodical, Bivins said. Some sections of the river are eight to 10 feet deep, and obviously the visibility is about zero.

They follow the channels deeper parts, and then they use their sonar to kind of go back and forth. They also drag the bottom just to see if theres anything there, Bivins said.

The focus of the search has been between the Peoria Avenue bridge and the pedestrian bridge being built that runs across the river from around South Lincoln Avenue to Page Drive near Dixon High School.

Police are asking the public to avoid the bridge and the surrounding area as much as possible while search efforts continue.
A 44-year-old man accused of shooting and killing a man inside a now-closed motel on Pacific Highway in Fife admitted to recklessly causing the mans death and has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison.

Dominique Lavelle Jenkins pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree manslaughter for killing 37-year-old Terrance Flowers on Jan. 28, 2022.

Flowers was found shot in the torso in Room 236 of the former Rodeway Inn & Suites, 3100 Pacific Highway E. According to charging documents, police were called there at about 12:41 a.m. A person who had been staying with Flowers told detectives that a man came to the door and demanded money from Flowers over a bong  a water pipe for marijuana  that hed purchased from Flowers.

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An argument ensued, according to the witness account, and eventually the witness saw the man pick up a tan handgun hed put on the bed. The man held it behind his waist while they continued to argue, then shot Flowers at point-blank range.

Fife Police Department detectives zeroed in on Jenkins with a shell casing found in the room. It was sent to a Washington State Patrol crime lab. In August 2022, the lab found DNA on the casing and determined Jenkins was a contributor to the profile.

Investigators found surveillance video that showed Jenkins was at the motel about a week before the shooting. Detectives didnt learn the mans whereabouts until 2025 when a law enforcement source who had identified Jenkins in a previous investigation provided the police with a phone number Jenkins was using and an address for him.

After confirming the sources information through jail calls and cell-phone records, detectives identified a black Dodge Avenger that belonged to Jenkins.

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The police surrounded Jenkins residence on May 1, 2025, and ordered him to come out. Jenkins allegedly shot at police through a window, but no one was hit. Officers eventually took Jenkins into custody.

Inside his residence, the police allegedly found more than 13 firearms. According to charging documents, Jenkins appeared to be 3-D printing guns.

The abandoned Rodeway Inn & Suites, 3100 Pacific Highway E., before it was acquired by an investment group in 2025 with plans to demolish. (Sage Investment Group)

Prosecutors originally charged Jenkins with second-degree murder and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. His murder charge was reduced to manslaughter in part because of the sole witness reluctance to testify against the defendant.

In a court filing about the amended charges, deputy prosecuting attorney Lisa Wagner wrote that the state had to issue a material-witness warrant to ensure compliance with a subpoena to appear.

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Additionally, this witness was the victims girlfriend at the time of the shooting, Wagner said.

However, she later became involved with the defendant after the shooting. Given this conflict, and given the reluctance of the witness to testify against the defendant, the State has agreed to reduce the charge from Murder 2nd degree to Manslaughter in the First Degree.

Pierce County Superior Court Pro Tempore Judge Brian Tollefson sentenced Jenkins on April 9, giving him a sentence at the low end of the standard sentencing range, 6.5 to 8.5 years.

Jenkins has six prior felony convictions as a juvenile out of King County, according to court records, including for second- and third-degree assault and manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance.

In other news from Superior Court

Tacoma driver sentenced for fatal DUI hit-and-run of pedestrian crossing street

A 35-year-old man who drove drunk in Tacoma and didnt stop after hitting a pedestrian crossing the street in the citys West End was sentenced Friday to six years and six months in prison.

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Anthony Thomas Albers pleaded guilty in February to vehicular homicide in the November 2024 incident at the intersection of South 12th and Whitman streets. Albers admitted to being intoxicated and driving recklessly.

Devin W. Bond, 31 of Tacoma, was killed. According to charging documents, Bond was crossing South 12th Street when he was struck by Albers, who was driving a 1997 Chevrolet pickup truck.

Albers blood-alcohol content was recorded as 0.069 within two hours of him driving, according to court documents. The legal limit in Washington is 0.08. Also in his blood was a concentration of 2.4 nanograms of THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana. The legal limit is five nanograms per milliliter of blood.

A witness told police he saw Albers turn onto the street from Pearl Street and continue at high speed. As the pickup approached Whitman Street, the witness saw the vehicle collide with Bond and send him into the air. Albers continued west, and the witness followed him to obtain his license-plate number, then called 911.

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Tacoma police responded at about 6:49 p.m. An officer found Albers pickup parked in the driveway of a house connected to the vehicles registered owner. It had front-end damage.

The police spoke with Albers on the phone, and he arrived at the house with his father some time later. A police report stated that Albers appeared obviously intoxicated, and he had the smell of alcohol on his breath.

An officer questioned how much Albers had to drink, and he allegedly said he didnt have anything until he went to his friends house, where he said he had three shots of vodka. Two officers then went to the friends house and didnt find any visible liquor. According to the probable cause document, a man who was there told the police Albers had one beer at the house.

The police arrested Albers that evening. In addition to vehicular homicide, prosecutors originally charged him with failure to remain at an accident resulting in death and reckless driving. The latter two charges were dismissed as part of plea negotiations.

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In a court filing regarding the amended charges, deputy prosecuting attorney Miriam Norman wrote that the resolution accounted for Albers lack of criminal history and potential evidence issues that could arise at trial.

Albers reported that he worked as a janitor at a local bowling alley at the time of the incident. His only prior criminal conviction, according to court records, was for misdemeanor reckless driving in Pierce County in 2010.

Judge Alicia Burton sentenced Albers on Friday, giving him a prison term at the low end of the standard sentencing range, 6.5 to 8.5 years. Court records show Bonds mother and two sisters spoke at the hearing.

Burton ordered Albers to undergo a substance-abuse evaluation and complete all recommended treatment. He also was ordered to 18 months of community custody, during which time he cannot consume alcohol or go to bars or casinos and must abide by other conditions.

Man arrested in 2-county bust of illegal marijuana operation sentenced

One of five people arrested after multiple law enforcement agencies in September raided four houses in Pierce and King counties during the investigation of an illegal marijuana operation will not serve any additional jail time.

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Hui Chen, 57, and his wife, Eileen Hy, 65, were suspected of leading the drug ring out of homes in Lakewood, Federal Way and unincorporated Pierce County in the Tacoma area. The police also searched the couples house in Rainier Beach.

Chen pleaded guilty April 6 to money laundering, unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a building for drug purposes.

One of the houses Chen admitted to using is in the 8000 block of Maybelle Lane, where the Lakewood Police Departments Special Response Team found at least 579 marijuana plants, large amounts of processed weed, $8,578 in cash, scales and dozens of light fixtures.

A woman who answered the door during the 5 a.m. raid allegedly told the police that shed lived there on and off for two years and allegedly admitted to helping water the plants.

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The other house Chen pleaded guilty to using for drug purposes is in the 2700 block of Southwest 312th Place in Federal Way. The Valley SWAT Team detained two people there, and investigators found evidence of a recently harvested marijuana grow. There were 188 drying plants in a basement bedroom, and investigators found $11,176 in cash.

Judge Alicia Burton sentenced Chen on April 6 and gave him two days in jail, with two days credit for time served. He had no prior criminal convictions. Chens standard sentencing range for money laundering was up to a year in jail.

Burton ordered 12 months of community custody, during which she ordered Chen to not possess or consume marijuana without a valid prescription and to not have contact with drug users or sellers.

Prosecutors originally charged Chen with leading organized crime, unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, two counts of unlawful manufacturing of a controlled substance and two counts of unlawful use of a building for drug purposes.

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The organized crime charge was reduced to money laundering. In a court filing about the amended charges, deputy prosecuting attorney Aaron Dickinson checked boxes that said the nature and seriousness of the offenses charged justified an amendment, and that the defendant had no criminal history or minimal criminal history.

Hy also had a plea date set for April 9, but it was canceled. Prosecutors charged her with the same offenses as her husband, and she pleaded not guilty to the crimes at an arraignment hearing in September.

The three other people arrested in connection to the illegal marijuana grows were released on their personal recognizances following their Sept. 26 arraignment hearings. Limei Huang, 46, Mingguang Huang, 37, and Yun Guang Huang, 40, pleaded not guilty to drug charges. They did not show up for court dates, and bench warrants were issued for each of them.

Judge dismisses Tacoma vehicular homicide case after defendant dies

Charges have been dropped against a man accused of driving while intoxicated in Tacoma in 2020 and crashing his truck into another vehicle and then a tree, killing his passenger. Prosecutors say the driver has since died.

Prosecutors charged Jason Scott Hedglin with vehicular homicide about eight months after the fatal wreck on Pacific Avenue that killed 51-year-old Gilbert Garcia. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest, but Hedglin was never taken into custody.

On March 31, prosecutors moved to dismiss the case, stating in a court filing that they had received a copy of a death certificate for a person they believed to be the defendant. Prosecutors said the deceased had the same name, date of birth, address and vital identifying information as the man charged.

A death notice in The News Tribune reported that a man named Jason Scott Hedglin, 58, died Nov. 29, 2022.

According to charging documents, a Tacoma Police Department officer was driving on Pacific Avenue on Dec. 7, 2020 when he saw an out-of-control white truck collide with a tree in front of a residence. The trucks passenger side was caved in.

The wreck left Garcia with a severe head laceration, according to the probable cause statement. He died hours later at the hospital.

Officers contacted another driver at the scene who reported that he was driving south on Pacific Avenue when the driver next to him  identified as Hedglin  appeared to lose control. Hedglin hit the rear right side of his vehicle, veered in front of him and then made a wide right turn straight into the tree.

Hedglins blood was drawn at Tacoma General Hospital. Toxicology results detected methamphetamine, codeine, morphine, clonazepam, methadone and amphetamine, according to the probable cause document.
As DoorDash gets slammed online over its staged White House delivery, a public affairs official for the food delivery service is raising eyebrows with a defense that appeared to go off-script.

Backlash ensued on social media as it came to light that the delivery to the White House on Monday, April 13 wasn't a normal delivery. Instead, the dasher from Arkansas delivered to the White House while promoting Trump's "No Tax On Tips" initiative, which passed last year.

Sharon Simmons, who wore a "DoorDash Grandma" shirt during her delivery, said she has saved thousands through the initiative.

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Her presence at the White House  especially her being from Arkansas and having previously appeared with other GOP officials  drew scrutiny online, with critics calling it a coordinated political stunt.

Here's how a DoorDash spokesperson responded.

How has DoorDash responded to White House vist?

Julian Crowley, a public affairs official at DoorDash, pushed back at the notion that Simmons was a MAGA prop.

"She spoke out last year because she believes in No Tax on Tips, just like she spoke out today," Crowley told a user on X. "No Tax On Tips passed the Senate unanimously because it had bipartisan support."

He said Simmons "isn't anyone's prop," writing on X that she is a "proud Dasher who fought hard for this policy."

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Crowley even got testy with some users, including with one person who challenged how Simmons has made frequent public appearances representing DoorDash.

"I love a conspiracy as much as the next person but man you need to touch grass," he said. "It was a special delivery to mark a policy that has bipartisan support with the media in attendance."

His use of the phrase "touch grass"  slang for dismissing online criticism and encouraging others to get off the internet  added to the perception that the response was unusually combative for a corporate spokesperson.

Ofc we would speak to Sharon about what to expect before she appeared before the media and with the President. But, Sharon spoke for herself and in support of No Tax on Tips. To call someone a prop for saying they support a policy that benefits them - and many others - isnt fair  Julian Crowley (@julian_fels) April 14, 2026

It's not the first time the phrase has been used by politicians in a public way. In September, following the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the governor of Utah told people to log off social media and "touch grass." And earlier this year, a Massachusetts congressman urged fellow lawmakers to put down their phones and touch grass.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Door Dash official tells critics of White House visit to 'touch grass'
Wisconsin has its first confirmed tornado of 2026, and a second suspected sighting, after severe storms rocked the state Monday, April 13.

More tornadoes are possible Tuesday, April 14, as thunderstorms move across Wisconsin in the late afternoon and evening.

Peak tornado season in Wisconsin runs May through August, according to the National Weather Service, but an April tornado definitely isn't out of the ordinary.

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The tornado season started even earlier in recent years. In 2024, Wisconsin had its first February tornadoes on record. In 2022 and 2023, tornadoes began in March.

A fallen tree lays on a vehicle South 20th Street just north of West Greenfield Avenue in Milwaukee, on April 14, 2026. Severe storms blew through the early Tuesday causing damage and power outages. A fallen tree lays on a vehicle South 20th Street just north of West Greenfield Avenue in Milwaukee, on April 14, 2026. Severe storms blew through the early Tuesday causing damage and power outages. A fallen tree blocks South 20th Street just north of West Greenfield Avenue in Milwaukee, on April 14, 2026. Severe storms blew through the early Tuesday causing damage and power outages. A fallen tree lays on a vehicle South 20th Street just north of West Greenfield Avenue in Milwaukee, on April 14, 2026. Severe storms blew through the early Tuesday causing damage and power outages. Tyrone Curtis, 62, takes a look at his car, crushed by a fallen tree on South 20th Street just north of West Greenfield Avenue in Milwaukee, on April 14, 2026. Severs storms blew through the early Tuesday causing damage and power outages. See aftermath of severe weather in Milwaukee area 1 of 5 A fallen tree lays on a vehicle South 20th Street just north of West Greenfield Avenue in Milwaukee, on April 14, 2026. Severe storms blew through the early Tuesday causing damage and power outages.

Scientists are still learning how climate change effects tornadoes but previously told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel it could lead to a longer season, with tornadoes occurring outside their typical months.

The Wisconsin State Climatology Office crunched numbers from 1991 to 2024 and found Wisconsin usually has at least one tornado in April. Tornadoes are most common in June, followed by August, July and May.

How many tornadoes does Wisconsin have each year, and when?

The NWS produces a yearly summary of tornadoes, including the total number and the earliest and latest recorded dates. Wisconsin has an average of about 23 to 25 tornadoes per year.

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2025: 39 total tornadoes. Earliest: April 28. Latest: Sept. 22.

2024: 45 total tornadoes. Earliest: Feb. 8. Latest: Aug. 29.

2023: 21 total tornadoes. Earliest: March 31. Latest: Sept. 25.

2022: 28 total tornadoes. Earliest: March 5. Latest: Oct. 12.

2021: 41 total tornadoes. Earliest: June 24. Latest: Dec. 15.

2020: 20 total tornadoes. Earliest: March 28. Latest: Sept. 25.

2019: 28 total tornadoes. Earliest: May 24. Latest: Oct. 1.

2018: 33 total tornadoes. Earliest: May 9. Latest: Oct. 3.

2017: 23 total tornadoes. Earliest: March 6. Latest: Oct. 7.

2016: 16 total tornadoes. Earliest: May 27. Latest: Aug. 20.

2015: 17 total tornadoes. Earliest: May 17. Latest: Aug. 18.

What time of day do tornadoes usually occur?

According to the NWS, most tornadoes happen between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., and especially during the 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. window.

That's also the main time window the NWS is tracking for severe weather, large hail and tornado potential on Tuesday, April 14.

An average tornado in Wisconsin lasts for about seven to eight minutes, runs for about four to five miles and has a width of 120 yards, the NWS said.

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More: What's the difference between a tornado warning and a tornado watch?

Hope Karnopp can be reached HKarnopp@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: First Wisconsin tornado of year was Monday; history of first tornadoes
A major goal of the current Russian offensive is to capture the Ukrainian city of Kupyansk, a key logistics hub in the eastern Kharkiv region. Russias ongoing attempts to take the city have been consistently blocked by a staunch Ukrainian defense anchored on the Oskil River. In particular, Russian forces have been unable to move soldiers and equipment across the Oskil in sufficient quantities to launch a successful assault on the city. Throughout the war, Russia has struggled with river crossings, which are widely considered among the most difficult military operations. As with other challenges in the war, Russia has attempted to employ advanced technologies, especially drones and electronic warfare (EW) systems, to support its crossing efforts, but these technologies do not appear to have had a meaningful impact.

Russian Attempts To Cross The Oskil River

Kupyansks importance lies in its role as a logistics and transportation hub, sitting on key supply routes, including rail lines and roadways. Control of the city would also open corridors for Russian forces to maneuver along the Oskil River line and into the broader KharkivLuhansk axis, pushing their lines forward. Russian officials and military bloggers have repeatedly claimed that Russian forces have taken full control of Kupyansk, but these assertions have been largely contradicted by open-source intelligence indicating that Ukrainian forces still hold large portions of the city. Nonetheless, there are isolated pockets of Russian positions in and around Kupyansk, including a squad-sized element occupying a deserted hospital building.

Russias inability to take Kupyansk stems from its inability to move sufficient numbers of soldiers and armored vehicles across the Oskil River to support a large-scale assault. Russian forces initially crossed the river during the 2022 invasion but were pushed back to the eastern bank later that year. Since then, most crossing attempts have originated from Russian-controlled areas north of Kupyansk, where the river is narrow enough to support bridging operations. In early 2025, Russian units established small footholds on the western bank using boats and other improvised methods, including infiltration through unconventional routes such as pipelines. However, these footholds proved short-lived, as they could not be reinforced or resupplied.

Igor, a Ukrainian military member of the 114 Brigade stands on a destroyed railway bridge over the Oskil River during a scouting mission near the frontline in Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, on December 15, 2024. (Photo by Roman PILIPEY / AFP) (Photo by ROMAN PILIPEY/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images

Ukrainian forces continuously patrol the river with drones and helicopters, monitoring for Russian crossing attempts. While small units may occasionally cross undetected, large-scale operations requiring bridging assets are difficult to conceal. Once detected, Ukrainian forces rapidly target and destroy both bridging equipment and crossing units, as seen in multiple failed Russian crossing attempts in late 2025, where drone strikes destroyed numerous vehicles and halted advances.

Russian Use Of Drones To Support Oskil River Crossings

Given the central role drones play in their operations, Russian forces have employed them extensively in their attempts to cross the Oskil River. The Russian Ministry of Defense highlighted their use in a video posted to its Telegram account on November 27, 2025, showing soldiers assembling and launching a reconnaissance drone along the river. The drone subsequently identifies Ukrainian positions on the far side of the Oskil River, which are then targeted by artillery. In other videos posted on Telegram, Russian Molniya-2 strike drones are used to disrupt defensive positions and Ukrainian attempts to cross the river as part of counterattacks. More broadly, these drone and artillery strikes are used to set the conditions for Russian crossing operations, as Ukrainian positions are targeted and suppressed to enable Russian forces to cross the river and establish footholds.

Image captures from a drone footage on social media recorded by the Ukrainian 412th UAV Regiment "Nemesis." The videos show several Russian assault bridges being destroyed on the Oskil River near Dvorichna, Kharkiv Oblast. Social Media capture

However, Ukrainian defenses are difficult to target with drones since they are widely dispersed across the battlespace. Some units operate close to the river, while others are positioned deeper in the defense. Additionally, the defense incorporates a range of systems, including artillery, manned strongpoints, strike drones, helicopters, and armored vehicles, all of which are staged in different locations. This dispersion and variety make them difficult to locate and disrupt, ensuring that even if some elements are suppressed, others remain active.

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Furthermore, Ukrainian counter-drone defenses are extensive and constantly evolving. Ukrainian forces employ a layered defense network that includes extensive EW systems that disrupt Russian drone signals. Meanwhile, counter-drone teams move throughout the region, targeting and shooting down Russian drones. Individual soldiers also carry shotguns and specialized counter-drone ammunition. This layered approach has generally been successful in limiting the effectiveness of Russian drones in supporting bridging operations.

Russian Use Of Electronic Warfare To Support Oskil River Crossings

The primary threat to Russian crossings has been Ukrainian drones. As such, Russia has deployed advanced EW systems to create localized zones in which Ukrainian drones cannot operate effectively, thereby providing a measure of protection for forces preparing to cross the river. Russian forces reportedly used this approach in late March 2026 by deploying Pole-21 and R-330Zh Zhitel EW systems to create a jamming umbrella over an effort to construct a pontoon bridge across the Oskil River to support the crossing of a battalion tactical group.

However, these systems did not result in successful crossings, particularly given the depth of Ukrainian defenses. Even without drones, reconnaissance teams can detect staging for a potential crossing and then target the site using artillery or drones that are immune to jamming. In the March 2026 attempt, Ukrainian intelligence identified the Russian buildup and struck the site using fiber-optic guided drones, which are not affected by EW interference.

Image captured from a video posted on social media showing footage from a Ukrainian helicopter destroying a Russian raft attempting to cross the Oskil River. Social Media Capture

More broadly, EW cannot fully eliminate the modern drone threat. EW systems primarily disrupt or block the signals received by drones, rather than preventing their transmissions. When jammed, many modern drones switch to a failsafe mode that allows them to continue flying and transmitting video feeds back to the operator, though with limited control. Additionally, Ukraine fields fiber-optic drones that are immune to EW jamming. The activation of EW systems is also often observable in the electromagnetic spectrum, effectively signaling to Ukrainian forces that activity is occurring in a specific area. This can indicate impending operations, including crossing attempts, allowing Ukrainian units to target those locations and undermining the intended effect of EW systems.

Russias Path Forward In Crossing The Oskil River

Russia is unlikely to abandon its efforts to take Kupyansk, and it must cross the Oskil River to do so. As such, it will likely continue experimenting with new technologies and tactics, including improved drone and EW systems, more resilient bridging techniques, and alternative methods of crossing. It may also seek to better coordinate intelligence, fires, and maneuver to concentrate combat power and cover a crossing attempt.

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Regardless, the fundamental challenge remains unchanged. River crossings require mass, logistics, and time, all of which are increasingly difficult to achieve under conditions of persistent surveillance and precision strike. Any attempt to build combat power at the rivers edge creates a target, and the longer that target remains in place, the more vulnerable it becomes. Successful crossings must be executed quickly, which requires a substantial level of training that many Russian units lack.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has had time to prepare and refine its defenses along the Oskil River. Its integration of drones, artillery, and reconnaissance has created a layered defensive system that is well suited to disrupt any Russian crossing attempts. As such, even with advanced technologies, Russia is unlikely to overcome the enduring challenges of crossing the Oskil River.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com
NEED TO KNOW

Faye Dawson has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after crashing a car full of teenagers, causing one to suffer a spinal fracture

Dawson, 50, had been driving 20 miles over the speed limit and on the wrong side of the road in the lead up to the crash

The teenagers can be heard asking the mom to slow down in dashcam footage released by police

A woman in England has been jailed for 14 months after crashing a car full of teenagers.

Faye Dawson lost control of the Vauxhall Corsa she was driving on Delphouse Road in Cheadle on March 7, 2025, said Staffordshire Police in a news release. She had been traveling at 80 mph  20 miles over the speed limit  on the wrong side of the road in the lead-up to the incident.

Faye Dawson; Dashcam footage moments before the crash

Credit: Staffordshire Police

There were five teenagers, aged 14 and 15, in the Corsa at the time, UK news outlet LBC reported. Four of them were injured in the crash, with one requiring hospital treatment for a spinal fracture.

Faye Dawson

Credit: Staffordshire Police

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Dashcam footage recently released by Staffordshire Police shows the teenagers screaming and asking Dawson, 50, to slow the car down.

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"I am a rally car driver and a bitch," she's heard telling them. "You get in here with your life."

She is also heard asking them, "Are you buckled in? Because if you die, I am not responsible for you," adding, "I am not a safe driver. Right now I am on alcohol and have had a smoke, so I am even more f---ing dangerous."

Dashcam footage from before Faye Dawson crashed a car

Credit: Staffordshire Police

Dawson, of Nicholson Road, Cheadle, was sentenced to one year and two months in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on March 25, after previously pleading guilty to dangerous driving, per the BBC. She has also been banned from driving for four years and seven months.

Dawson's actions were reckless and selfish, and this custodial sentence reflects that," said PC Luke Randall, in charge of the investigation, per Staffordshire Police's news release.

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The teenage girl who suffered a spinal fracture said in a statement obtained by LBC, "I thought I was going to die. I had to have time off from school to recover.

"I feel very anxious in vehicles. I have nightmares and flashbacks. I had to live with back pain for six months," she added.

Read the original article on People
The El Paso County Commissioners Court voted to authorize County Judge Ricardo Samaniego to sign a memorandum of understanding as plans advance for the construction of a Downtown I-10 Deck Plaza.

"I am excited about the MOU," Samaniego said ahead of the vote. "I think it is going to give us a lot of things that are going to be answered."

The memorandum of understanding approved by commissioners on Monday, April 13, establishes a framework with the city of El Paso and the Downtown Deck Plaza Foundation for a "collaborative framework for the development" of the funding of the proposed Downtown Deck Plaza over the interstate. The memorandum is non-binding and does not include any request for funding.

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The project faced a debate between commissioners, with Precinct 3 Commissioner Iliana Holguin, who opposes the project, questioning the cost of the project while Precinct 4 Commissioner Sergio Coronado voicing his support for the project and the possibility of development it could bring.

An image on the "Elevate the 10" website shows a potential design for the proposed Downtown I-10 Deck Plaza.

More: El Paso County sues ICE over detention center plans

The authorization was not unanimous. Commissioners Holguin and Jackie Butler of Precinct 1 voted against permitting the signing of the memorandum of understanding for the project, while Judge Samaniego joined commissioners Coronado and David Stout of Precinct 2 in voting in favor of the signing of the memorandum.

The public-private funded park project is estimated to carry a cost between $207 million to $412 million.

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The city of El Paso will be considering the agreement as well this Tuesday, April 14.

Commissioners voice the reasoning for their votes

County Judge Samaniego explained to the El Paso Times following the vote to approve the signing of the MOU that it will allow the city and the county to work with the foundation to pursue options for funding the Deck Plaza. Discussions will allow them to figure where they can find funding without having to put the burden on taxpayers, he said.

"I just want to push hard on doing everything possible to find out where we're going to get the funding and then what gaps are here; what do we need to do? Do we need to go out for a vote?" Samaniego said. "We've obviously not going to make that decision on our own. We might be having a small gap and go to the voter and let them determine whether or not they close the gap."

El Paso County residents voice their opposition to the construction of a new ICE immigration detention center in the county

More: ICE inspectors finds 49 standards violations at Camp East Montana

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Coronado also told the El Paso Times that the project could add to the quality of life in El Paso. He said that such a project could create a green space in Downtown, similar to ones in Dallas and San Antonio, that will attract tourists.

"One of the main goals of our county is to collaborate in doing projects," Coronado said. "What a great opportunity for quality of life and economic development, and an issue for us to collaborate with city government, which we haven't done in the past."

But not all the commissioners are persuaded of the necessity of such a project. Commissioner Holguin questioned the costs of such a project at a time when El Pasoans are struggling financially.

"While the concept of a Deck Plaza may be appealing, my responsibility is to prioritize the needs of our entire community and be a careful steward of public dollars," Holguin said. "Moving this project forward, even at this stage, puts us on a path that will inevitably lead to the use of taxpayer funds for a very costly project  I cannot justify supporting a project that risks becoming a long-term financial burden on our taxpayers. I believe investments of this scale should not move forward without providing the residents with an opportunity to vote on whether they want public funds to be committed to this project, especially when many residents have expressed clear concerns about this project."

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More: DHS pauses new immigrant detention warehouse purchases amid leadership change

El Pasoans voice opposing opinions over the I-10 Deck Plaza

The plan to construct a plaza Downtown has proven to be controversial, with many residents speaking out against the construction of the project while others voiced their support for the park.

Over a dozen people appeared before the court, sent letters or called-in during public comment to express their opposition to the project. Many residents raised concern over the burden that El Paso taxpayers already face and the proposed costs to residents, others referenced that the results of the March Democrat primary that saw incumbents Stout and Coronado lose their re-elections as a referendum on projects like the Deck Plaza.

But the project does not only face opposition, with nearly a dozen people voicing their support of the project. Among those who voiced support were representatives from the El Paso Chambers of Commerce who suggested the project would bring economic development to Downtown.

The Cristo Rey monument overlooks the U.S.-Mexico border region near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Support braces hold sections of the U.S.-Mexico border wall in place during construction near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Construction crews work along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026, with homes in Anapra, Mexico, in the background. Barbed wire on top of the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. A worker looks at an excavator at a construction site along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. A Blast Zone Ahead sign stands along a road near ongoing construction at the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Robert Ardovino, a Sunland Park businessman, stands beside his vehicle along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026, as he watches crews work on the wall. Homes on the Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border wall in Anapra, Mexico, are seen through the border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. The U.S.-Mexico border wall through the desert landscape near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. A Do Not Enter sign stands along a road beside the U.S.-Mexico border wall as construction continues near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. A water truck sprays dirt as construction crews work along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Mt. Cristo Rey monument sits atop a hill overlooking the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. The U.S.-Mexico border wall runs alongside a rail line near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026, with neighborhoods in Anapra, Mexico, visible in the background. A U.S. Border Patrol vehicle and a military vehicle are parked along the U.S.-Mexico border near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Construction crews work to extend the U.S.-Mexico border wall along a dirt road near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Construction crews work along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026, with Anapra, Mexico, visible in the background. A surveillance tower stands near the U.S.-Mexico border wall in Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Vehicles and construction equipment sit near the U.S.-Mexico border wall as they work near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. A water line and fire hydrant sit in the desert near the U.S.-Mexico border wall in Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026, supplying water for crews working on the wall. The U.S.-Mexico border wall runs alongside a rail line near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026, with neighborhoods in Anapra, Mexico, visible in the background.Construction crews work along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026, with Anapra, Mexico, visible in the background. Vehicles and construction equipment sit near the U.S.-Mexico border wall as they work near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Construction workers prepare materials along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Razor wire lines a drainage beneath the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Construction crews work along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026, with homes in Anapra, Mexico, in the background.Construction equipment sits near the U.S.-Mexico border wall as homes line the surrounding neighborhood near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Construction crews operate heavy equipment along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. A U.S. Border Patrol vehicle and a military vehicle are parked along the U.S.-Mexico border near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Construction equipment sits along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026, as crews continue work along the wall. The U.S.-Mexico border wall stretches along a dirt road near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026. Construction crews work along the U.S.-Mexico border wall near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026, with homes in Anapra, Mexico, in the background. Border wall rises near Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park 1 of 29 The Cristo Rey monument overlooks the U.S.-Mexico border region near Sunland Park, New Mexico, on March 24, 2026.

Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@usatodayco.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso County Commissioners approves signing of Deck Plaza agreement
We say the Monaco was one of the earliest because Heuer-Leonidas had teamed-up with Buren, Dubois-Depraz and Breitling to develop Project 99, enabling Breitling to use the movement equally quickly in its Chrono-Matic.

But while the Chrono-Matic and the Monaco could easily be identified by the left-hand winding crowns that were a signature of the Calibre 11, the Monaco was more likely to draw a second glance because of its unique and distinctive case that made it the first square, water resistant chronograph ever to come to market.

Heuer only produced chronograph wrist watches and stop watches at the time, a fact that helped it to forge close ties with the automotive world. But while the Monaco was certainly a chronograph, there were hopes that its unusual shape might broaden the brands reach by enhancing its appeal to creative types such as architects, designers and so-on.

A Revolutionary Beginning with Delayed Success

In the event, it didnt  and proved such a flop that it was removed from the catalogue after just five years of initial production, despite getting a marketing boost when Hollywood star Steve McQueen chose to wear one as the fictitious racing driver Michael Delaney in the 1971 movie Le Mans.

But marketing in the 1970s was a very different science to what it had become by the late 1990s when LVMH acquired TAG Heuer, at which point a sharp-eyed publicist recognised the promotional gold contained within the images of McQueen wearing a Monaco against the cuff of his Heuer-branded race suit  and suddenly the watch experienced a phoenix-like rise from the ashes to become one of the central pillars of the TAG Heuer brand.
Lawmakers approved a major energy bill in the waning hours of the legislative session Monday, what one legislative leader called the crown jewel of the 2026 session, a bill they hope will put money back into constituents pockets.

Lawmakers, who face reelection this fall, leave Annapolis hoping the Utility RELIEF Act will do enough to ease concerns about sky-high utility costs, even though consumers may not see many of the effects on their bills for months  or in some cases, years.

It puts money in peoples pocket now, while reforming the system to ensure that we have rate relief and a stronger grid down the road, House Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-Prince Georges and Anne Arundel) said as the bill was speeding toward final passage.

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Gov. Wes Moore (D), who joined a news conference Monday with Pena-Melnyk and Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) supporting the bill, is expected to sign the legislation. It will take effect immediately afterward.

The bill is currently expected to provide about $150 in annual relief for the average Maryland household. But that estimate only includes one small  but controversial  piece of the bill: The temporary cuts to an energy efficiency surcharge on electric bills.

Those cuts will take effect in 2027, but ratepayers could see savings sooner, since lawmakers also pulled $100 million out of a state fund to pay for the energy efficiency program called EmPOWER Maryland  reducing the amount that must be paid by ratepayers.

The program will return to todays levels by 2036, but environmentalists have argued that the slowdown is a bad idea, since fewer investments in more efficient technologies will increase energy demand. Home HVAC and weatherization contractors also pushed back hard.

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A host of other provisions in the bill will save consumers tens of millions  if not hundreds of millions  at least eventually. The bill curtails costs that utilities have been passing onto ratepayers, sets new limits on utilities requests for rate increases, forces more data centers to pay a special tariff for their electric system demands and more. It also sets up a new state funding stream for solar generation projects paired with battery storage devices.

But estimating exactly how much these different measures will save is a tall order, in part because it involves predicting the future of complex energy markets.

Theres a lot of medium- and long-term benefits in this bill. No one can sit here today and tell us how much our ratepayers are going to save by having more generation in the state of Maryland, as this bill will bring about, said Del. Marc Korman (D-Montgomery County), the chair of the Environment and Transportation Committee.

Impoverished Marylanders are expected to save more, because lawmakers also put $37 million toward accelerating a new program to cap electric rates for low-income Marylanders at 6% of their income. Because of the influx of cash, the remaining ratepayers wont have to pick up the tab for the program.

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That policy change could result in $1,400 per year in savings for low-income families, Ferguson said Monday.

Nevertheless, Republicans have seized on the $150 estimate, arguing that the bill doesnt go far enough to trim excessive bills. Theyve argued that lawmakers should have walked back the states increasing renewable energy commitments, because ratepayers are paying to bolster those projects.

What we really needed was energy policy reform, not relief, said Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey (R-Upper Shore), during Monday afternoons Senate debate about the bill. We had the opportunity over 90 days to really do something different, because we missed the boat last year. We didnt do enough last year. And people are going to come back and their rates, I can guarantee, will be no lower when we get back here next January than they are now.

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Republicans have also said that Democrats failed to meaningfully stimulate new electric supply, which could help to reduce prices, particularly from natural gas and nuclear energy.

But the final bill did ultimately receive a handful of Republican votes between the two chambers, from lawmakers who argued that some savings was better than no savings at all.

Im given a choice here, and that is it simply whether or not there is some  even if a little bit  of relief for the constituents I represent who, because of this body, because of this governor, have been forced to pay more in taxes, more in fees, said Del. Nino Mangione (R- Baltimore County), one of the Republicans to vote for the bill. He is leaving the House to run for Baltimore County Council.

The bill wasnt unveiled until more than halfway through the session, when House and Senate leadership stood side-by-side with Moore, and announced theyd fashioned a bill that they could all agree on.

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But as the session wound down, that unity appeared to falter. The Senate reined in some of the provisions that were the most aggressive against the utility companies in Maryland, drawing ire from environmentalists and consumer groups. The chamber also tossed several unexpected Republican amendments into the bill.

Late last week, key lawmakers announced theyd reached a compromise. That deal erased all but one Republican amendment from the Senate: A requirement that transmission line builders notify all landowners when they are building a line, as well as ownerso of adjacent properties.

A big part of the debate was over forecast test years, a procedure by which utilities can ask for rate increases by forecasting future spending, rather than pointing to funds they have actually spent.

The House banned the practice, arguing that utilities were creating long shopping lists and ultimately costing ratepayers more money. But the Senate merely asked the Public Service Commission to study the practice, which has been in use for about six years, through a pilot program the commission is already evaluating.

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In the final bill, the forecasting practice is paused until April 1, 2027, while the PSC conducts a formal proceeding considering what ratemaking practice is best for the consumer.

Though General Assembly leaders, and Moore, have argued that state leaders pulled every lever they could to lower bills, there are at least a few things that would have slashed costs even more, said Maryland Peoples Counsel David Lapp in a statement Monday.

He had hoped for the chambers to fully ban forecasted test years, and repeal the states STRIDE statute, which lets utilities to recover their costs for gas pipeline construction in advance of performing the work. As a result, the utilities dont take on risk by performing work and then waiting for approval to bill the ratepayers.

While the bill doesnt accomplish everything we would have liked it to  it creates important tools, regulatory guidance, and added transparency that should help lower costs and reduce the upward pressure on skyrocketing utility rates, Lapp said.

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The utilities, though, have argued that because it is easier for them to recover their costs, they can more readily make improvements to the electric and gas systems.



It is important to ensure that well-intended policies do not create unintended consequences for customers over the long term, read a statement issued Monday by Marylands three Exelon-owned utilities. Policies that limit how utilities plan, invest, and recover costs can make it more challenging to maintain the safe, reliable energy system that customers depend on every day and may ultimately increase costs or delay critical infrastructure investments.

Some of the bills provisions on data centers also garnered a bit of concern Monday.

The bill would require the data center tariff, but it would also allow perks for data centers that bring zero-emissions energy along with them, including a set timeline for a permit decision from the Department of the Environment. Food and Water Watch, which has called for a data center pause in the state, argued that the idea would roll out the welcome mat for Big Tech.

Marylanders will only achieve affordable energy by pausing new data center proposals, not by passing legislation that facilitates a path for the buildout of AI facilities, transmission lines and energy stations to power them, said Jomar Lloyd, a Maryland organizer for the nonprofit environmental group.
For the second time in less than two years, Patrice Milos is temporarily swapping her volunteer role on the board for the Rhode Island Life Science Hub to take a paid agency position.

And again, the state ethics panel has given its blessing to the unconventional  and typically, prohibited  maneuver based on the need for Milos to lend her expertise to the agency in the wake of turnover at the top. The Rhode Island Ethics Commissions unanimous vote Tuesday, accepting the seven-page staff recommendation, came within minutes, and without discussion.

The state ethics code prohibits elected or appointed officials from taking paid positions offered by the group to which they already belong for at least one year. However, exceptions can be granted when the commission deems there would otherwise be a substantial hardship.

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The commission used this same exception in June 2024, when Milos first resigned from her role on the 15-member, volunteer board of directors to take the helm as interim president of the Life Science Hub while it continued the search for a full-time president. After Dr. Mark Turco was selected, approved and assumed the permanent leadership role in January 2025, Milos was reappointed to the board of directors.

Turcos resignation in early March  just one year into his three-year, $400,000 annual salaried role  sent the fledgling group back to the drawing board. But now, with four major grant programs underway  and 48 milestone reporting dates over the next 12 months  and ongoing evaluations for tenants in a first-ofits-kind wet lab incubator, the stakes are higher.

Staff submits the facts are even now more compelling given that substantial activities and monies and grant funding are at issue, Katherine DArezzo, ethics senior staff attorney, said in presenting the recommendation to the commission Tuesday.

Milos attended the meeting but did not speak. She did not immediately respond to follow-up requests for comment Tuesday.

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Now, she will serve as adviser to Lilia Holt, who the board unanimously approved as temporary president and CEO in March.

Holt, the vice president of the agency, and one of two, full-time paid staff, has a background in business development, having previously worked for nearly three years at Rhode Island Commerce before joining the hub in July 2024. However, she lacks the technical and industry-specific knowledge needed to advance the agencys mission to build a life sciences niche in Rhode Island, Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor, who until recently served as interim board chair, said in a March 17 letter to the Ethics Commission.

It is clear that the Interim President needs the support of a seasoned life science leader with deep scientific, industry, and management experience, Pryor wrote.

Enter Milos, an industry veteran with three decades of experience in relevant research, business and advocacy, including as founding member of RI Bio, a regional trade group. credited with helping persuade lawmakers to create the life science agency in the states fiscal 2024 budget.

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As a local (Cranston) resident, I am able to effectively promote the work of the RILSH until a permanent President & CEO can be hired and confirmed by the Senate, Milos wrote in her March 17 letter to the ethics panel.

Milos has already resigned from the board of directors, and inked an advisory contract with the agency, pending approval by the ethics panel, according to her letter requesting an advisory opinion.

Contract details were discussed in an executive session, and have not been made public, though Milos wrote that she will not receive employment benefits for the work. Nor does she intend to vie for the permanent leadership role, citing health and personal reasons.

The agency board began its search for a new, permanent CEO in March by appointing some of its members to a search committee panel. A spokesperson for the Life Science Hub did not immediately respond to requests for an update on the search process Tuesday.

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Meanwhile, Pryor, who accompanied Milos to the ethics meeting Tuesday, is no longer interim board chair, following the Rhode Island Senates April 7 vote to confirm William Tsonos for the permanent role. Tsonos, president of Beacon Bank, formerly known as BankRI, fills the opening left after chairperson Neil Steinberg retired in September. Pryor served as interim chair in the intervening period.

Ethics Commissioners Emma Peterson and Hugo Ricci were absent from the meeting.

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A computer scientist believes he has discovered how Egypts Great Pyramid of Giza was built.

Vicente Luis Rosell Roig writes in his study (A computational framework for evaluating an edge-integrated, multi-ramp construction model of the Great Pyramid of Giza, published last month in the npj Heritage Science journal) that its possible builders used an edge ramp, a helical path formed by omitting and backfilling perimeter courses, for the Pyramid of Khufu  the largest structure in the Great Pyramid of Giza.

No written records of how Egyptians built the pyramids has ever been discovered, and it has long been the subject of great debate between experts.

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In Roigs study, he discusses how he tested the Integrated Edge-Ramp (IER) model.

He believes that some sections of the outer stone layers were left open to form an upward path along the sides of the pyramids.

Old Kingdom technology precluded iron tools, wheeled heavy transport, and compound pulleys, but allowed copper chisels, water-lubricated sledges, ropes, levers, earthen works, and Nile barges, Roig explained. Accordingly we bound ramp slope, lane width/clearance, and friction and evaluate the dispatch headway (time between placing successive blocks) required to satisfy the 2027-year window, encoding these constraints as model parameters.

Roig believes this helps to solve centuries-old queries about how the pyramids were built without leaving visible traces.

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The IER helps reconcile throughput, survey access, and zero-footprint closure, and produces falsifiable predictions (edge-fill signatures, corner wear), he said.

Our study provides a transferable, open-data/code framework for testing construction hypotheses for ancient megastructures, he wrote.

To summarize, Roig said: This study advances a testable, data-driven account consistent with the evidence considered for Khufus construction: an edge-integrated, zero-footprint ramp that preserves survey control, sustains minute-scale headways under adaptive parallelization, and appears structurally plausible under staged FEA [finite-element analysis] assumptions.

Read More From Globe

This story New Evidence Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About How Egypts Great Pyramid of Giza Was Built first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
President Donald Trump on Monday was slammed by his former senior campaign adviser, David Urban, for sharing an artificial intelligence-generated image depicting him as a Christ-like figure. Urban called it bad politics as a strategist and plain offensive as a Catholic.

He joined The Arena as CNNs senior political commentator and, after New York Times journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro said that the Catholic Church has been experiencing a surge in converts, decried Trumps decision to paint himself as Jesus-like and to publicly criticize the pope.

Politics: 'This Man Is Not Well': Critics **** Trump After 'Unhinged' Late-Night Attack On Pope

I was going to say, look, as a Catholic, Christian, altar boy, right, all of those things growing up as a kid, its offensive, Urban told host Kasie Hunt. Its patently offensive. Look, do I agree with everything the pope says? No. On politics, policy, not  its just bad politics.

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He continued, You know, politics is about addition, not subtraction, right? So one plus one. We dont need to lose people. As Lulu points out, the Catholic Church is growing by leaps and bounds, primarily by young people right now.

Urban claimed that the church has seen a surge in new members, noting that it was unwise for Trump to go out of his way to alienate those young voters by criticizing the first American pope ever, who wears a Cubbies hat, and is nice to kids and eats hot dogs.

Pope Leo XIV is from Chicago, but a supporter of the White Sox  and not the Cubs.

Politics: Trumps Latest Midnight Ramblings Are Spiraling All Over The Map

The pope has been calling for peace after Trump launched the war in Iran, which has already cost at least 13 U.S. military service members and more than 2,000 Iranians their lives. Trump wrote Sunday on social media that Pope Leo is WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.

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Urban went on to claim that a large swath of American Catholics vote in line with the pope and that it isnt surprising for the pontiff to condemn the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, stating that this ethos of peace, love and understanding is inherently fundamental to his position.

Like, thats his job, Urban told Hunt. Thats his No. 1 job description. Its like, Im the guy whos supposed to say: turn the other cheek. That is his role in the world. You dont have to agree with him on everything, but thats his job.

He continued, Hes the most dogmatic person in the planet on those things. And so, for the president to take a poke at him, I dont know who said, This is a good idea, or who the person is that generated that AI and put it in front of him, but they should be fired. Terrible!

Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

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Urban served as a Trump adviser during all of his presidential campaigns. He has since frequently criticized Trumps decisions and social media antics, and predicted last year that Trump would remain an influential figure in U.S. politics long after his current term is up.

Urban said that the supposedly great moment of Trumps McDonalds delivery stunt earlier that afternoon was tainted by his controversial post the night prior, and rued that the president had unwittingly changed the conversation.

Were talking about this, instead, he said. We cant  hes stepping on his own message.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
April 14 (UPI) -- Saying, "Trump doesn't scare me," Olivia Troye, a former counterterrorism and homeland security adviser in the first administration of President Donald Trump, launched a campaign for Congress as a Virginia Democrat on Tuesday.

"I took [Trump] on when it mattered the most, and I'm ready to do it again," she said in a campaign video posted on YouTube. "It's time to send some real courage to Congress."

The former Republican, who was also a member of the White House's coronavirus task force, resigned before the presidential election in2020. She became a vocal critic of Trump's attitude toward the coronavirus pandemic and appeared in an ad for Republican Voters Against Trump to share those criticisms.

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In her launch video, Troye said "the evil I saw in that White House was staggering."

"Too many families are struggling to get by while Washington looks the other way," she said. "I won't because I've lived it. Virginia deserves someone who's been through the fire, who isn't afraid to fight for our freedom, for our values, for our future."

Troye, the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, worked in the Pentagon during the George W. Bush administration, as an intelligence officer in the Department of Homeland Security and as an adviser for then-Vice President Mike Pence.

Details of Troye's run depend in part on a vote planned April 21 in Virginia, Politico reported. If voters approve a redistricting measure in that vote, she'll run in the state's 7th Congressional District, while Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-Va., will run in the 1st Congressional District.
By Gabriel Stargardter

PARIS, April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. officials who met leaders of France's far-right National Rally were underwhelmed by their economic plans, two diplomatic sources said, in a blow to the party's efforts to present itself as a credible steward of the euro zone's No. 2 economy before next year's election.

The National Rally has become France's largest parliamentary party - and a potential victor in 2027 - by coupling a hardline stance on immigration with populist pledges to defend jobs and purchasing power. But its longstanding rhetoric around state interventionism and protectionist policies worries French blue-chips and investors.

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U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner and his team have met with most of the likely presidential contenders from across France's political spectrum, including National Rally (RN) party chiefs Marine Le Pen and 30-year-old protege Jordan Bardella.

While they were not particularly swayed by any of the candidates they met, the RN's views on how to cut a yawning deficit, win U.S. investment and get the economy moving were a concern, the sources said.

Reuters granted the sources anonymity to allow them to speak frankly about private discussions.

Their conclusion echoed concerns among many in France's business elite nL8N3YY1W3 about whether the RN has the experience or expertise to steer the highly indebted $3.5 trillion economy back to robust growth and steady the country's public finances.

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The RN did not respond to a request for comment on the U.S. officials' view. A senior aide to Bardella said the party was working to develop its economic programme, including politically sensitive structural reforms to France's costly pension system.

A State Department spokesperson declined to comment on "private diplomatic exchanges".

ELECTION HEADACHE

Doubts over the RN's economic programme may pose an electoral hurdle in France and shape U.S. thinking on whether to vocally support the RN in 2027, when polls suggest it could win.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has backed ideological allies nL1N40Q06M in Europe, but with mixed results. A U.S. push to help Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban win re-election backfired when he lost power nL8N40V07J after 16 years on Sunday.

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One of the diplomatic sources said there were no signs RN leaders were seeking U.S. support, and European far-right and populist parties that once cheered Trump are increasingly wary nL8N3YM0QR of being seen as too close.

France's economy is mired in a morass of feeble growth, high borrowing costs and a debt burden that is one of Europe's heftiest at 115.6% of GDP.

The RN says its economic priorities include boosting household purchasing power through tax cuts, reducing public spending and France's EU budget contribution, and restructuring welfare to prioritise French citizens.

But detailed plans have yet to emerge. Critics say the party lacks a coherent economic manifesto.

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U.S. officials were concerned by a combination of mixed messaging on the economy, including the RN's desire for a costly rollback of a 2023 pension reform that raised the retirement age, and unclear plans on how to trim the deficit, the sources said.

They were also irked that the RN voted in favour of a budget amendment doubling to 6% a digital services tax that Washington opposes on the grounds it targets U.S. tech giants, the sources added. The amendment never made it to the final 2026 budget.

RN'S LE PEN MET CEOS

Business leaders earlier this year told Reuters they were confused by the divergent economic currents within the party leadership, with Le Pen seen as a big-spending populist, and Bardella seeking to chart a more pro-business path.

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That ambiguity initially helped the RN broaden its support, but has become a liability as the party seeks to present itself as a credible government-in-waiting, executives say.

Despite making headway with voters, the RN, a party long-shunned by France's political and economic elites, has been struggling to make headway with France Inc nL8N3YY1W3.

But in a sign CEOs want to understand the party's economic programme as the April 2027 election edges closer, Le Pen met with the bosses of luxury group LVMH, oil major TotalEnergies, insurer AXA and Renault among others on April 7, two other officials said.

Fund manager Francois Durvye, whom Bardella brought on as an economic adviser, helped facilitate the meeting, one official said. The same official summarised the meeting as a heated Q&A session.

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The second official, a senior figure in the RN, said the meeting was designed to dispel "the caricatures that are often painted of our programme, which is in fact the most pro-growth and pro-business programme across the political spectrum."

(Additional reporting by Elizabeth Pineau and Mathieu Rosemain; Editing by Richard Lough and Andrew Heavens)
By Helen Coster

NEW YORK, April 14 (Reuters) - A fifth woman accused U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct on Tuesday, after the embattled Democratic congressman announced his resignation from the House of Representatives and said he was suspending his campaign for governor of California.

At a press conference at her lawyer's offices in Beverly Hills, California, Lonna Drewes described a 2018 alleged encounter with Swalwell, accusing him of drugging her drink and raping her.

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Drewes said the lawmaker had previously invited her to two public events. The third time they met, she had a glass of wine that she believes he drugged. Drewes claimed that when they stopped at his hotel room, she was already incapacitated and he raped her. At one point, she said, he choked her and she lost consciousness.

"I thought I died, " Drewes said.

She said the incident had a profound effect on her mental health, and that she self-medicated, lost the will to live and cried constantly for years afterward.

"My delay in taking action against Eric was driven by fear, not doubt. Fear of his political power, Drewes said.

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A representative for Swalwell, who is married and has three children, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Drewes attorney, Lisa Bloom, said that her firm will be filing a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs office. The firm will be providing evidence including text messages, journal entries and witness information.

Swalwell, who had been a front-runner for the governorship of the U.S.' most populous state, ended his campaign shortly 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. The woman told CNN that Swalwell raped her during the 2024 encounter in a New York City hotel.

The woman, whom the Chronicle and CNN did not name, was quoted as saying she had been too intoxicated on both occasions to consent, according to the report. The Manhattan district attorneys office on Saturday confirmed it is investigating the sexual assault allegations.

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CNN also reported that three other women made sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell, who has been in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013.

In a statement posted on X Monday, Swalwell apologized to his family, staff and constituents for mistakes in judgments Ive made in my past and vowed to fight the serious, false allegation against him.

It was not immediately clear how soon Swalwell's resignation would take effect, but he said he would work with his staff to ensure his constituents are served in his absence.

Swalwell's absence from the gubernatorial race leaves billionaire Tom Steyer and former Representative Katie Porter as the top remaining Democratic candidates to replace Gavin Newsom, who is completing the maximum of two terms.

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California has a primary system in which the top two candidates advance to the general election regardless of party.

(Reporting by Helen Coster in New York; editing by Donna Bryson and Alistair Bell)
Flood warnings, watches and advisories have been issued across a wide area of northern Michigan as rivers and streams surge higher amid snowmelt and continuing rain, the National Weather Service said on April 14.

The entire Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula remain under a flood watch. Flash flood and flood warnings and advisories have been issued near several dams, including the Cheboygan, Tippy and Mio, in the northern Lower Peninsula.

Some of the heaviest flooding has been reported along the Au Sable River near Red Oak, located in the northeast Lower Peninsula; the Manistee River, near Sherman in the northwest Lower Peninsula; and the Muskegon River at Evart, according to the NOAA Water Prediction Service map.

A crane lifts a large sandbag as crews works near the Cheboygan dam on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Cheboygan. A crane lifts a large sandbag as crews works near the Cheboygan dam on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Cheboygan. The Cheboygan River upstream from the Cheboygan Lock & Dam Complex, races under a footbridge toward Lake Huron, Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Water levels continue to inch up at Cheboygan dam 1 of 3 A crane lifts a large sandbag as crews works near the Cheboygan dam on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in Cheboygan.

A flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in Gaylord at 6:12 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14, for Cheboygan and Emmet counties.

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"This is a prolonged flooding event in the affected areas. Be prepared for impacts from high water to last through the week, and potentially longer. Ice on area lakes will slow the flow of water and may prolong the timeframe of this event. Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement and request they pass this information to the National Weather Service when you can do so safely," the NWS said.

While the Cheboygan and Bellaire dams are being monitored for potential failure because of high water behind them, which could cause downstream flooding, the warning in Emmet and Cheboygan counties is for the Cheboygan River basin upstream of the dam, the NWS said, including the Maple River, Crooked Lake, Crooked River, Burt Lake, Indian River, Mullet Lake, Black Lake, the Black River, and the Sturgeon River.

Another round of thunderstorms is forecast to develop Tuesday night, April 14, that could increase flood dangers further.

"A brief dry spell today will give way to a fresh round of storms tonight (April 14)," Detroit NWS said on X on April 14. "Localized flooding remains a concern, especially in urban and low-lying areas."

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Up to 1.8 inches of rain is expected by Wednesday afternoon, April 15, with the heaviest in the southern Lower Peninsula around the Grand Rapids area, according to the NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal.

"Additional rain on top of recent heavy rainfall and snow melt has lead to flooding across much of northern Michigan. Flows in rivers will continue to increase and may reach critical levels," the NWS said in a hazardous weather outlook.

In addition to flooding, an isolated tornado, large hail and strong winds are potential threats.

"All hazards are on the table, depending on how far north the front stays today (April 14). Best shot at heavy rain will be south of M-72, and esp(ecially) near M-55. Stay tuned," Gaylord National Weather Service posted on X on April 14.

Rain outlook for the northern Lower Peninsula and eastern Upper Peninsula until Wednesday morning, April 15.

Officials urge residents to stay weather aware and to have multiple ways of receiving weather alert at all hours.

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Here's where rivers stand in Michigan as of Monday, April 14, and the live radar.

Flash flood warnings extended for northern Michigan

Two dams in the northeast Lower Peninsula are being watched because of high water and flash flood warnings have been issued. Officials said the dams are releasing high volumes of water and may cause flooding downstream.

Officials have extended flash flood warnings where cities are at risk for flash flooding, according to the NOAA Water Prediction Service map:

Tippy Dam in Manistee county: The nearest downstream populated area is High Bridge Campground, located about 3.5 miles from the dam. Areas downstream from the Tippy Dam along the Manistee River should be prepared for flooding.

Mio Dam in Alcona and Oscoda counties: The nearest downstream town is Mio and then McKinley, located about 9.5 miles from the dam. Areas downstream from the Mio Dam along the Au Sable River should be prepared for flooding.

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If you are in low areas below the Tippy or Mio dams, officials say you should move to higher ground immediately, and to not drive across flooded streets.

What's happening in Cheboygan?

On Tuesday, April 14, the Cheboygan River continued rising, inching closer to the top of the Cheboygan Lock & Dam Complex, which officials fear may fail and cause flooding downstream.

The rising waters have local residents on standby to evacuate as the water level is 7.68 inches below the top of the structure, according to the 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 14 update. That's an increase of about 6 inches from the water levels on Monday, April 13.

Where are flood warnings in effect?

Flood warnings in effect in Michigan as of April 14 include:

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Muskegon River At Evart, affecting Osceola County.

Muskegon River at Newaygo, affecting Newaygo County.

Muskegon River Near Croton, affecting Newaygo County.

Muskegon River at Bridgeton, affecting Newaygo County.

Grand River near Comstock Park, affecting Kent County.

Portage River near Vicksburg, affecting Kalamazoo County.

Manistee River near Sherman, affecting Wexford County.

Rifle River near Sterling, affecting Arenac County.

Boardman River near Mayfield-Brown Bridge Road, affecting Grand Traverse County.

Pine River near Rudyard, affecting Chippewa County.

Au Sable River near Red Oak, affecting Oscoda County.

Sturgeon River near Nahma Junction, affecting Delta County.

Menominee River near Florence, affecting Florence, Iron and Dickinson counties.

Menominee River, affecting Menominee and Dickinson counties.

Brule River near, affecting Iron and Dickinson Counties.

Chocolay River near Harvey, affecting Marquette County.

High water levels, affecting the Cheboygan River upstream of the Cheboygan Dam.

Where are flood advisories in place?

Advisories continue for rivers in these counties as of April 14:

Chocolay River near Harvey, affecting Marquette County.

Black River near Bessemer, affecting Gogebic County.

Michigamme River near Republic, affecting Marquette County.

Middle Branch Escanaba River at Humboldt, affecting Marquette County.

East Branch Escanaba River at Gwinn, affecting Marquette County.

Where is it raining? Michigan live Doppler radar

Where are current flood warnings, advisories and watches?

To view the details of a warning, watch or advisory in Michigan click on any shaded region shown on the map.

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The bright green shading indicates flood warnings, while the red lines indicate a flash flood warning.

 The Detroit Free Press contributed

Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan rivers are flooding. Where are warnings in place?
A Florida doctor is facing charges of second-degree manslaughter following a fatal surgery where he allegedly removed a patient's liver instead of the spleen.

Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, 44, was arrested Monday after a two-year investigation into the August 2024 death of a 70-year-old Alabama man conducted by local and state law enforcement in collaboration with medical authorities, the Walton County Sheriff's Office said.

Dr. Shaknovsky, who is licensed to practice medicine in Florida, Alabama and New York, is now being held at the Walton County Jail on a $75,000 bond, according to correction records, after a grand jury returned an indictment. His medical licenses were all suspended or turned in before his recent arrest.

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"The Grand Jury has spoken, and our responsibility is to ensure the charges are carried out through the proper legal process," Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson said in a statement.

A chaotic operative scene

When the Alabama man first arrived at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast in Miramar Beach with abdominal pain on Aug. 18, 2024, Dr. Shaknovsky recommended surgery.

The patient refused an operation at first and wanted to return home, Florida health officials said in a 2024 emergency application to suspend Dr. Shaknovsky's license. Ultimately, the patient conceded under pressure from Dr. Shaknovsky, an osteopathic physician, to a laparoscopic splenectomy.

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The procedure was scheduled late in the day on Aug. 21, 2024, after 5 p.m., raising concerns among the operating room staff who noted they only had a skeletal crew available. Staff also raised concerns about the doctor's lack of experience and skills in the emergency department.

Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, 44, was arrested for allegedly removing a patient's liver instead of the spleen in a fatal surgery. / Credit: Walton County Sheriff's Office

Operating room staff "knew splenectomies were complicated procedures that could quickly deteriorate and were not regularly performed at Ascension," documents read. Dr. Shaknovsky started the laparoscopic procedure but then elected to convert to an open procedure, without properly documenting the reasons, the emergency application said. During the operation, the patient started to hemorrhage, and his vitals dropped, so the operating staff called an emergency code.

A spokesperson for Ascension Sacred Heart said in a statement that "Dr. Shaknovsky was never a Sacred Heart Emerald Coast employee and has not practiced at any of our facilities since August 2024. We remain focused on upholding the standards our patients and community expect of us."

Dr. Shaknovsky said in an interview with officials following the operation that he tried to control the patient's bleeding. He claimed he blindly fired a stapling device into the abdomen, removing an organ he presumed to be the spleen, despite later admitting he was unable to properly identify it due to shock and chaos. He also alleged that the patient's spleen was grossly enlarged and the liver was unusually positioned, contributing to his misidentification.

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Accounts from operating room witnesses paint a chaotic scene and markedly different recollections. Upon opening the patient's abdomen, a megacolon allegedly burst, obstructing visibility, the emergency application said. While staff attempted to clear the field, Dr. Shaknovsky is said to have identified a pulsing vessel, stapled it, and continued to dissect even as the abdomen was full of blood, failing to ask for essential tools like a clamp or cauterizer.

Dr. Shaknovsky identified a vessel that he intended to cut and noted that he could feel it pulsing under his finger. He told the staff member assisting him, "That's scary," according to the emergency application. He ultimately removed the liver, identifying it as the spleen, an organ distinct in size, color, and location.

Staff members said in the emergency application that they were reportedly shocked by this misidentification.

Despite resuscitation efforts, the patient was pronounced dead. Dr. Shaknovsky informed staff that the cause was a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm and insisted that the removed organ be labeled as a "spleen" for pathology. However, the medical examiner found no evidence of a ruptured splenic artery aneurysm.

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Dr. Shaknovsky has denied wrongdoing, the emergency application said, asserting that the patients' organs presented with abnormal anatomy or had "migrated" to an unusual location.

A checkered medical history

Applications to suspend or revoke Dr. Shaknovsky's physician licenses document a checkered medical history. In an application for an emergency suspension of the Florida medical license of Dr. Shaknovsky, which was issued in 2020, Florida health officials detail another incident leading to patient harm. Just two months before the fatal surgery, Dr. Shaknovsky had operated on a 58-year-old man, removing a portion of his pancreas instead of the adrenal gland during an adrenalectomy, according to Florida's Department of Health.

Dr. Shaknovsky documented removing the left adrenal gland and later claimed the adrenal gland had "migrated." The patient suffered permanent harm from this error, department of health officials said. The Florida Department of Health suspended Dr. Shaknovsky's license in September 2024, according to public records.

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The wife of the patient who died in 2024 contacted the Alabama Board of Licenses to alert them to Dr. Shaknovsky's alleged role in her husband's death. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners filed a complaint against Dr. Shaknovsky, temporarily suspending his license, which he has held since 2016 in Alabama. Dr. Shaknovsky "may constitute an immediate danger to his patients and the public," the Alabama Medical Licensure Commission said in its order.

He surrendered his license on Nov. 7, 2024, according to Alabama's medical license records. The Alabama application to suspend Dr. Shaknovsky's license documented two prior operating mistakes in 2023  one of which, the documents said, led to another fatality.

According to the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners in July 2023, Dr. Shaknovsky was scheduled to perform an ileostomy, an operation that diverts the small intestine through the abdominal wall, but instead opted to perform a bowel resection on the patient, which resulted in a perforation. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, where she later died.

His New York state medical license, which he has held since 2015, was suspended in 2025.

Dr. Shaknovsky did not respond to a request for comment.
A Florida governor candidate was arrested for allegedly beating his elderly parents with a cane and a cell phone.

Kevin Cichowskicurrently running to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantishas been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of battery on a person over 65, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, tampering with a witness, and two counts of robbery by sudden snatching, according to a press release from the Flagler County Sheriffs Office.

A spokesperson from Kevins campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Oxygen.com.

Kevin Cichowski Flagler County Sheriffs Office.jpg

On April 10, police were called to the Palm Coast home of Kevin and his parents Stanley Cichowski and Christine Cichowski following a disturbance, according to a charging affidavit obtained by Oxygen.com.

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A bedridden Christine told 911 that her 46-year-old son had struck her husband with a cane and threw a phone at her head, causing them both to bleed.

The couple claimed the conflict started the previous evening when Kevin unplugged their TV because he wanted to go to bed, according to the affidavit. When Stanley attempted to fix it, Kevin allegedly struck him with Stanleys cane. Then, when Christine said she was calling 911, Kevin allegedly snatched her phone and hit her on the head with it, causing a laceration and later a contusion.

For more true crime news:

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She Claimed Self-Defense in Neighbors Murder, But the Autopsy Revealed a Shocking Detail

Missing 12-Year-Old Girl Rescued After Sex Offender Crashes Car with Her Inside

He also allegedly threw a remote in his mothers direction and, when she ducked, slapped her, per the affidavit.

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At one point, Stanley grabbed a revolver, telling police it was for protection, per the doc. But Kevin allegedly snatched it from his dads hands, hit him with it, pointed it at him and threatened to kill both his parents. He also allegedly said he would shoot responding officers in the legs.

When Kevin left the room, Stanley locked the door, while Christine finally called 911.

Police found the couple hiding in their bedroom, per the press release, and ordered Kevin to surrender.

I havent done anything wrong, he told officers during his detainment, as seen in footage obtained by Oxygen.com. This is insane.

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While being transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, Kevin began making suicidal statements, the press released noted, and was placed into protective custody under a Baker Act. The Florida law offers crisis services for those experiencing mental illness, according to its website.

In 2024, Kevinwho previously campaigned for mayor of Palm Coast in 2021was arrested for kidnapping and domestic battery by strangulation against his wife, police noted in the affidavit, for which he was not convicted.

Kevins arraignment hearing is scheduled for May 5, according to court documents. Oxygen.com could not reach an attorney for Kevin.




California Rep. Eric Swalwell announced on April 13 that he is resigning from Congress, ahead of a threatened immediate expulsion vote after several women, including a former aide, accused him of sexual assault and misconduct.

On the same day, Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales announced he was resigning from Congress after he admitted to having an affair with a former staffer who had died by setting herself on fire after the relationship was exposed. Gonzales ended his re-election campaign in March the same day an Ethics Committee investigation was announced.

They might not be the last House members packing up their offices amid a growing bipartisan call to oust the accused, and two Florida lawmakers could be up next.

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Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) on April 11 called for Swalwell, Gonzalez, and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to resign. In March, an ethics panel determined that Cherfilus-McCormick stole millions in COVID-19 relief money.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) added Rep. Cory Mills over a variety of accusations including code of conduct violations, stolen valor, an assault complaint in Washington, D.C., and dating violence. "Time to clean House," Mace, a frequent Mills critic, posted on X. "These members have proven through their own actions they are unfit to serve."

Both Cherfilus-McCormick and Mills have consistently denied any wrongdoing.

What is Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick accused of?

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Florida, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, at The Ben West Palm in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla., on February 20, 2023.

Cherfilus-McCormick, who represents parts of central and western Palm Beach County and parts of western and central Broward in Florida's 20th District, was accused of funding her 2021 congressional campaign with millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that was paid to a health care company her family owns.

Cherfilus-McCormick and her family's health care company received an overpayment of $5 million in July 2021 from COVID-related FEMA funds, which prosecutors said she illegally spent on her successful congressional campaign. In November, a federal grand jury in Miami indicted her and several co-defendants connected to the case.

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A bipartisan House Committee on Ethics on March 27 determined she violated multiple rules and will decide on any punishment when the House returns from recess April 14, but the House could vote to expel her.

I look forward to proving my innocence, Cherfilus-McCormick, a House member since 2022, said in a prepared statement. Until then, my focus remains where it belongs: showing up for the great people of Floridas 20th District who sent me to Washington to fight for them.

Cherfilus-McCormick is up for re-election this year.

What is Rep. Cory Mills accused of?

U.S. Rep. Cory Mills testifies during a hearing in a Columbia County courtroom on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. Mills' ex-girlfriend Lindsey Langston, a Republican state committeewoman and the reigning Miss United States, sought a restraining order against Mills.

Mills, who represents the 7th District in Seminole County and southern Volusia County, has faced a stream of accusations and alleged improprieties. He is currently facing an ongoing ethics investigation and was slapped in 2025 with a temporary protective injunction by a Florida judge after his ex-girlfriend alleged he threatened to release intimate videos between the two, while former soldiers who served with Mills in the Army have accused him of stolen valor.

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Mills' ex-girlfriend Lindsey Langston, a former Miss United States and a Republican state committeewoman, said she broke up with the married Congressman in February 2025 and moved back in with her parents in Lake City after news broke that D.C. police were investigating an assault report involving Mills and his live-in girlfriend there, Sarah Raviani.

Langston, who was living in Mills' New Smyrna Beach residence at the time, had been unaware Mills had another live-in girlfriend. Raviani later recanted her story.

In August 2024, the board of the Office of Congressional Conduct said that Mills appeared to be violating federal laws and House rules by entering into nearly $1 million in contracts with the U.S. government to sell munitions and weapons while he served in the House. There were also questions over $1.8 million he used to fund his congressional campaign, his failure to disclose required information, improper solicitation of gifts, receipt of special favors by virtue of his position, and misused congressional resources or status.

Mills avoided a censure vote in November but the House Committee on Ethics announced a special subcommittee would continue investigating.

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Mills has also been accused of lying about his military service. Mills earned a Bronze Star medal based on paperwork that appears to have been completed nearly 20 years after his service, signed by a retired brigadier general.

However, one of the men named in the award recommendation says he did not suffer life-threatening injuries and Mills didn't save his life, and a medic who flew the other man out told the news site NOTUS that he doesn't remember Mills being there. Mills has not released his full military records.

Im tired of the slander and the defamation," Mills said in 2024. "I ran for office to be able to serve the American people, not to defend something I did 20 years ago over and over and over.

Mills also faces re-election this year. President Donald Trump endorsed him, saying in a February post on Truth Social "Cory Mills has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election  HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!"

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Chris Persaud, The Palm Beach Post, and Mark Harper, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, contributed to this story.

C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Push to purge US House could oust 2 Florida Reps under ethics probes
By Sam Tabahriti

LONDON, April 14 (Reuters) - A former NATO chief and grandee of Keir Starmer's Labour Party criticised the British prime minister on Tuesday for failing to adequately fund defence, leaving the country unsafe.

George Robertson, who served in the 1990s as UK defence secretary before leading NATO, told the Financial Times there was a gap between Starmer's rhetoric and action on defence, and Starmer was "not willing to make the necessary investment".

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Asked about Robertson's comments, Starmer's spokesperson told reporters Downing Street "completely" rejected the characterisation.

"It's vital to make the right decisions. The prime minister is determined to ensure the defence investment plan is fit for the threats that we face," the spokesperson said.

Robertson, who helped draft a Strategic Defence Review commissioned by Starmer when Labour returned to power in 2024, later said in a lecture delivered in Salisbury, southern England, that Britain had become vulnerable to external threats.

"We are under-prepared. We are under-insured. We are under attack. We are not safe," he said.

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Ahead of the lecture, the FT had reported that he was expected to call out finance minister Rachel Reeves for devoting "only 40 words" to defence in a budget speech last autumn and not mentioning it at all in an update last month.

The newspaper said he was expected to describe decisions made by "non-military experts in the Treasury" as "vandalism".

'CORROSIVE COMPLACENCY'

Starmer has blamed underinvestment in the military on 14 years of rule by the rival Conservative Party, and has promised the largest sustained rise in defence spending since the Cold War, to reach 3% of national output in the next parliament.

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The government has yet to publish a 10-year defence investment plan initially due before the end of last year, aimed at meeting the ambitions set out in the 2024 review co-written by Robertson.

The review called for a shift towards drones, digital warfare and data-driven combat systems reflecting lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine.

"The current conflict in the Middle East has to be a rude wake-up call to this country, on top of what we've already seen in Ukraine," Robertson said in his address.

"It should remind us in the United Kingdom of our vulnerabilities, and there are many, and in it is a detailed blueprint for what needs to be done," he added.

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He warned that delivering such a transformation of homeland defence and deterrence would require significant funding.

Starmer said last week that the war in Iran must be a turning point for Britain, pledging to strengthen the economy and military to cope with a more "volatile and dangerous" world.

But Robertson accused Britain's political leadership of a "corrosive complacency" towards defence, saying risks and threats were acknowledged only in words and that even a promised national conversation on defence had yet to begin.

"The cold reality of today's dangerous world is that we cannot defend Britain with an ever-expanding welfare budget," he concluded.

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti, additional reporting by Alistair Smout.Editing by Elizabeth Piper, Peter Graff and Alistair Bell)
An 86-year-old French woman who moved to the US last year after rekindling a 1960s romance is being detained at an immigration enforcement centre in Louisiana.

The son of Marie-Therese, from the city of Nantes, sounded the alarm after his mother was arrested in Anniston, Alabama, earlier in April.

"They handcuffed her hands and feet like she was a dangerous criminal," he told French outlet Ouest-France.

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The US Department of Homeland Security, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), told the BBC that an "illegal alien from France" matching Marie-Therese's name had entered the country in June 2025 and overstayed her 90-day visa.

According to her son, however, Marie-Therese was awaiting a green card when she was detained.

Marie-Therese mother had moved to the US after marrying her long-lost love - an American man named Billy whom she had met in the 1960s, when he was a soldier stationed in the Nato base of Saint-Nazaire, and she a secretary.

Billy returned to the US in 1966. He and Marie-Therese lost touch, got married - each in their own country - and had children.

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The two reconnected in 2010 and visited one another with their spouses, Ouest-France reported.

By 2022, both were widowed and started a relationship. Billy was a "charming, adorable man", Marie-Therese's son said, and the couple were in love "like teenagers".

They married last year and Marie-Therese relocated to Alabama, applying for a green card - a long-term visa - that would grant her the right to remain in the US.

But she had not yet received the green card when Billy died suddenly in January, leaving her immigration status unclear.

Shortly after Billy's death, his son and Marie-Therese reportedly entered a dispute over his inheritance.

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Billy's son "threatened her, intimidated her, and even went so far as to cut off her water, internet, and electricity," her son told Ouest-France.

Marie-Therese hired a lawyer, but was arrested by ICE the day before a scheduled hearing. Neighbours alerted her children.

There is no proof that it was a report by Billy's son that landed his stepmother in an ICE detention centre.

The French foreign ministry is involved and Marie-Therese had received a consular visit, her son told French media. He added that his mother was a "fighter" and "holding up well" but that she had heart and back problems.

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"Our priority is to get her out of this detention center and repatriate her to France. Given her health, she won't last a month in such conditions of detention," he said.

Since the start of Donald Trump's second term in office, ICE has taken a central role in carrying out his administration's mass deportation initiative.

Its budget and mission have been significantly expanded and it plays a key role in removing undocumented immigrants from the US.

Marie-Therese's son said his story "was like a bad American film. Every morning I wake up and tell myself none of it is true, that it was just a nightmare".
This Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the April 17 Florida State University mass shooting that claimed the lives of two members of the campus community: FSU dining coordinator Robert Morales and food service vendor Tiru Chabba. As the day approaches, FSU administration has announced events to support students and honor those lost.

"We know that April 17 and the days around that day may impact each of us differently, and we appreciate your continued support and compassion for one another," FSU President Richard McCullough said in the announcement. "I encourage you to continue to lean on your campus community."

More: 'You are not alone': Mental health resources for the FSU and Tallahassee communities

What should students expect on April 17?

At noon, bells around campus will toll to signal a moment of silence and reflection. All those on campus will be asked to pause activity when the bells ring to share the moment as a community.

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The Student Government Association will also be holding a physical reflection space on Legacy Walk near the FSU letters from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with flower placements and messages of hope.

The Unconquered Statue outside of Doak Campbell Stadium will also be lit for the entirety of April 17 as a symbol of remembrance and resilience.

Campus resources for student support

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): Walk-in appointments are available for students during business hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Askew Student Life Center (ASLC), second floor). Students may contact CAPS 24/7 at (850) 644-TALK (8255) to speak with a counselor.

Victim Advocate Program (VAP): The Victim Advocate Program provides free, confidential, and compassionate assistance to primary and secondary victims of crime, violence, or abuse against, or by, Florida State University students through advocacy, education, and training. Call 24/7 (850) 644-7161, text (850) 756-4320, or email VAP at Victims-Advocate@fsu.edu .

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The EAP is a free, confidential program providing a professional support system for faculty, staff, and graduate students of the university. To schedule an appointment, please call (850) 644-2288.

Additional resources can be found at response.fsu.edu.

McCullough concluded the message with words of strength.

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As we reflect on last Aprils tragic event on our campus, know that there is no greater testament to the unconquered spirit of this university than how we came together to support one another in the hardest of times and how this care for one another lives on, McCullough said. The outpouring of kindness and support from the Florida State community has been a powerful reminder of the compassion and unity that define us.

Michaela Galligan is the News Editor for the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU community. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.

This article originally appeared on FSU News: FSU provides support resources in the wake of shooting anniversary
German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems plans to expand its industrial cooperation with Ukraine, with a number of new joint ventures to be revealed during a meeting of high-ranking policymakers, the company said on Tuesday.

Quantum Systems is also ramping up production of 10,000 multi-purpose quadcopter drones in Germany destined for the Ukrainian armed forces, after an initial batch was delivered at the end of March 2026.

Commenting on German-Ukrainian joint ventures, Matthias Lehna, managing director of Quantum Frontline Industries, said: "We are convinced that this form of cooperation forms a central foundation for Europes future defence capabilities."

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During several visits to Ukraine, German ministers had said that Germany wished to expand industrial cooperation with Ukrainian defence companies.

They have argued that this is also expected to benefit the Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, either directly or through the experience that it gains.
Germany and Ukraine agreed on Tuesday to deepen their military and political cooperation, upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership with Chancellor Friedrich Merz also assuring Kiev of Berlin's continued support on its path to EU accession.

Merz greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warmly outside the Chancellery in central Berlin ahead of the first official German-Ukrainian government consultations in years.

Merz and Zelensky signed a defence cooperation agreement and a memorandum on industrial reconstruction and resilience during the meeting, which had been kept under wraps for security reasons.

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Bilateral relations would be elevated to the level of a strategic partnership, Merz announced during a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart.

"What we are doing in this cooperation is not only beneficial for the defence of Ukraine. It is also of particular benefit to us, for our security," Merz said.

The chancellor also reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine's future EU membership, while acknowledging that accession is unlikely in the short term.

Merz said Germany is urging Ukraine to continue reforms, particularly in anti-corruption efforts and strengthening the rule of law.

Defence sector cooperation strengthens Europe

The two sides signed agreements to expand cooperation in areas including air defence, long-range weapons, drones and artillery ammunition.

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"No army in Europe has been tested in combat over the past decades as much as Ukraine's ... No defence industry has become more innovative than Ukraine's," Merz said.

"With our support, we are thereby strengthening both German and European defence capabilities and our industrial base," Merz said.

Zelensky thanked Merz for his support and reiterated his desire for full bloc membership. He added that both the European Union and NATO also needed Ukraine as a "full-fledged partner."

Hungary must quickly unblock 90 billion in EU aid for Ukraine

Following the election defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Merz called for the swift release of a 90 billion ($105 billion) EU loan for Ukraine, which had previously been blocked by Budapest.

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"The funds for military support must now be disbursed quickly," Merz said, adding that Ukraine will then be able to fund its defence in the long term. "Russia should take this seriously."

Zelensky said Ukraine could significantly expand weapons production if sufficient funding were made available.

"The majority of the weapons Ukraine uses for various operations  from strikes against targets in the hinterland and fighting on the front line to air defence  are now manufactured in Ukraine," Zelensky said.

EU officials have expressed hope that Hungary will approve the funding following Orban's defeat in Sunday's elections, which ended his 16 years in power.

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Election winner Peter Magyar has pledged to act as a "reliable partner" in the EU following his party's overwhelming victory.

Germany to fund hundreds of Patriot missiles for Ukraine

One of the agreements announced includes a German-financed contract between Ukraine and US defence contractor Raytheon for the delivery of several hundred Patriot missiles, the Defence Ministry in Berlin said after the consultations with Kiev ended.

It also said an agreement had been reached with German defence firm Diehl Defence to supply additional launchers for the Iris-T air defence system.

"These projects will be funded by Germany and will significantly improve the protection of critical infrastructure and cities," the ministry said.

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Germany and Ukraine also agreed to jointly develop medium- and long-range drones through a planned joint venture aimed at producing thousands of systems.

In addition, Berlin will support Ukraine in financing so-called deep-strike capabilities, referring to long-range precision weapons.

The Defence Ministry said the investment would amount to several hundred million euros.

Merz: European role essential in Ukraine peace talks

Merz reiterated that Germany and Europe must be included in any peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, saying no deal can be reached without European involvement.

"I remain firmly convinced that there will be no agreements with Russia made over the heads of the Europeans," Merz said.

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Zelensky, according to an official translation, said Ukraine has consistently maintained that Europe must be involved in any peace process, but accused Russia of continuing to seek reasons to prolong the war.

US-mediated negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have stalled for months as the war which Moscow launched more than four years ago rages on.
Germany and Ukraine agreed on Tuesday to deepen their military and political cooperation, upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership with Chancellor Friedrich Merz also assuring Kiev of Berlin's continued support on its path to EU accession.

Merz greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warmly outside the Chancellery in central Berlin ahead of the first official German-Ukrainian government consultations in 20 years.

On the sidelines of the meeting, both leaders along with several ministers from both sides signed a number of agreements, including agreements in the defence sector and economic collaboration.

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During the consultations, which were kept under wraps for security reasons, the states signed a 15-page joint declaration which states: "Our friendship and the ties between our societies are deeper than ever before."

Bilateral relations would be elevated to the level of a strategic partnership, Merz announced during a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart.

"What we are doing in this cooperation is not only beneficial for the defence of Ukraine. It is also of particular benefit to us, for our security," Merz said.

The chancellor also reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine's future EU membership, while acknowledging that accession is unlikely in the short term.

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Merz said Germany is urging Ukraine to continue reforms, particularly in anti-corruption efforts and strengthening the rule of law.

Defence sector cooperation strengthens Europe

The two sides signed agreements to expand cooperation in areas including air defence, long-range weapons, drones and artillery ammunition.

"No army in Europe has been tested in combat over the past decades as much as Ukraine's ... No defence industry has become more innovative than Ukraine's," Merz said.

"With our support, we are thereby strengthening both German and European defence capabilities and our industrial base," Merz said.

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Zelensky thanked Merz for his support and reiterated his desire for full bloc membership. He added that both the European Union and NATO also needed Ukraine as a "full-fledged partner."

Hungary must quickly unblock 90 billion in EU aid for Ukraine

Following the election defeat of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Merz called for the swift release of a 90 billion ($105 billion) EU loan for Ukraine, which had previously been blocked by Budapest.

"The funds for military support must now be disbursed quickly," Merz said, adding that Ukraine will then be able to fund its defence in the long term. "Russia should take this seriously."

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Zelensky said Ukraine could significantly expand weapons production if sufficient funding were made available.

"The majority of the weapons Ukraine uses for various operations  from strikes against targets in the hinterland and fighting on the front line to air defence  are now manufactured in Ukraine," Zelensky said.

EU officials have expressed hope that Hungary will approve the funding following Orban's defeat in Sunday's elections, which ended his 16 years in power.

Election winner Peter Magyar has pledged to act as a "reliable partner" in the EU following his party's overwhelming victory.

Germany to fund hundreds of Patriot missiles for Ukraine

One of the agreements announced includes a German-financed contract between Ukraine and US defence contractor Raytheon for the delivery of several hundred Patriot missiles, the Defence Ministry in Berlin said after the consultations with Kiev ended.

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It also said an agreement had been reached with German defence firm Diehl Defence to supply additional launchers for the Iris-T air defence system.

"These projects will be funded by Germany and will significantly improve the protection of critical infrastructure and cities," the ministry said.

Germany and Ukraine also agreed to jointly develop medium- and long-range drones through a planned joint venture aimed at producing thousands of systems.

In addition, Berlin will support Ukraine in financing so-called deep-strike capabilities, referring to long-range precision weapons.

The Defence Ministry said the investment would amount to several hundred million euros.

First intergovernmental consultations since 2004

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago, President Zelensky has travelled to Berlin on numerous occasions.

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However, this visit marks a new dimension in bilateral relations. For the first time, the Ukrainian president was accompanied by a large delegation of ministers for joint intergovernmental consultations.

On the German side, such consultations are typically reserved for close partners such as France, Poland and Italy, or for strategically significant countries including China, Brazil and India.

Similar government-to-government meetings between Germany and Ukraine last took place between 1998 and 2004 before being discontinued.

Their revival is intended to signal a new level of partnership that has steadily deepened since Russia's invasion.

At the same time, the gradual reduction of US support for Ukraine has further elevated Germany's role as the country's most important European backer.
Conservative lawmakers are throwing up roadblocks to a GOP-only immigration enforcement funding plan. But party leaders are hitting the gas anyway, hoping to quickly flatten any skeptics as they race to meet a June 1 deadline set by President Donald Trump.

At stake is the final endgame of the 58-day-and-counting Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The Senate has passed the biggest piece of the funding puzzle, and top GOP leaders are now embarking on the multistep budget reconciliation process to sidestep Democratic opposition and fund enforcement agencies for the rest of Trumps term.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Monday he would pursue an anorexic bill narrowly focused on Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. Republicans hope that will allow them to skip months of agonizing infighting  as they endured before enacting last years tax-cuts-focused megabill.

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Still, some agony looms.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) insisted Monday on spending cuts to offset the new enforcement funding. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said he wants to include money for the military and other GOP priorities. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) argued parts of a hot-button GOP elections bill should be in the mix. And across the Capitol, the Houses right flank insisted Republicans fund all of DHS through the party-line process  not just ICE and Border Patrol.

Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson are expected to discuss the path forward during their private weekly meeting Tuesday. The House is stalling for now on the bipartisan Senate-passed bill that would fund the bulk of DHS, waiting for progress on the second bill under discussion.

Even Kennedy, who said it was a mistake not to include parts of the SAVE America Act in any upcoming reconciliation measure, warned Thune against expanding its scope.

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If he starts making deals with individual senators  then hell have an avalanche on his hands, he said. I know a number of senators who will take a run at Thune and say, Look, youll only get my vote if you include my stuff in it. Well, if he starts that, then Ive got some of my own stuff.

The ultimatums could start pouring in as soon as the Senate GOPs closed-door Tuesday lunch, when Thune and Senate Budget Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) will get the chance to talk through the plan with their colleagues.

The first step will be for Republicans to take up a budget resolution  a fiscal blueprint for the party-line legislation, which Grahams committee could release as soon as Tuesday. That blueprint is expected to task the Senate Judiciary Committee and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with drafting legislation that would fund immigration enforcement agencies for the rest of Trumps term.

Typically reconciliation bills include at least some attempt to offset new spending with other savings or revenue. But GOP leaders are ready to argue that wont be necessary in this instance since it involves funding that would have gone through the appropriations process  had Democrats not insisted on enforcement policy restrictions after federal agents shot and killed two Minneapolis residents in January.

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Thune also warned Monday that expanding the bill by instructing additional committees  such as the Finance panel, which deals with taxes and federal health programs  would expose Republican senators to politically tough votes that could threaten the overall package. Any amendment that is germane to a reconciliation bill and under the jurisdiction of the instructed committees is eligible for a simple-majority vote  and the minority party aims to use those vote-a-ramas to put the majority on the spot.

It gets really complicated procedurally, politically, and so, you know, to execute on it  to do it with any speed  youve got [to] keep it really tight, Thune said.

In a sign of just how fast Senate Republicans want to move, Graham is expected to skip a committee vote on the fiscal blueprint for the reconciliation bill, according to three people granted anonymity to describe private planning. While Graham indicated Monday he still hasnt made a final decision, going straight to the floor would deny Budget committee members, including Scott and Kennedy, a first bite at making any potential changes.

Instead, Republicans are aiming to bring the budget resolution straight to the floor as soon as next week. That would give the House time to adopt it before both chambers are scheduled for a recess in early May, though its possible that timeline could slip  especially if Republicans also struggle to meet an April 20 deadline to extend a key surveillance program.

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To get the budget blueprint or the subsequent reconciliation bill through the Senate, Thune can lose as many as three GOP senators, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a possible tie.

Republicans are closely watching one of their own committee chairs who will be tasked with helping write the bill, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. He didnt say how he would handle the budget resolution Monday but told reporters that he generally supports spending less money, not more.

Besides the grumbling from fiscal hawks, there are also Republican senators who are skeptical of any new reconciliation bill  especially appropriators concerned that the party-line approach is encroaching on their bipartisan turf.

But GOP leaders are cautiously hopeful they will be able to move quickly after months of sparring with Democrats over immigration enforcement policy frustrated many in their ranks. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) told reporters Monday her panel has been giving technical assistance to Grahams panel while lamenting the breakdown in the appropriations process.

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It obviously would have been better if we came up with a bipartisan compromise to finish up the one remaining bill, Collins said.

But the bigger threat could be in the House, where Republicans have an even tinier majority and a more rambunctious band of ultraconservative lawmakers.

One of their ringleaders, Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, reacted negatively to Thunes anorexic vision for the funding bill Monday. He suggested funding all of DHS through a party-line reconciliation bill, not just ICE and Border Patrol.

Well - he isnt the only voice in this, is he? Roy wrote on X. We should move other priorities with ALL of DHS were running out of time to deliver and to clean up these repeated swamp messes.
An executive order Gov. Jeff Landry signed last week will pave the way for strengthening healthcare access and outcomes for rural communities throughout Louisiana.

The order established the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability within the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).

He hailed it as a major step forward in strengthening health care access and outcomes for rural communities across the state.

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It's a move that could help Iberville Parish.

Gov. Jeff Landry

Landry's announcement came as the Iberville Parish poverty rate hovers about 20 percent  higher than the 18.9 percent Louisiana state average and significantly higher than the national average, according to data from the United States Census Bureau.

The uninsured rate in Iberville Parish for 2025 ranked between 7.7 and 8.90 percent  a range between 1,438 to 1,494 residents without health insurance, according to statistics from the Louisiana Department of Health.

In addition, the executive order also establishes the Rural Health Transformation Program Advisory Council, which will oversee the implementation the Louisiana Rural Health Transformation Program.

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The program is supported by more than $208 million in federal funding. Louisianas award is among the highest in the nation and positions the state to draw down more than $1 billion in total funding over the next five years.

The Council will guide implementation and ensure rural health transformation efforts align with statewide priorities, address local community needs, and promote sustainable, data-driven improvements in care delivery.

Louisianas award is among the highest in the nation and positions the state to draw down more than $1 billion in total funding over the next five years.

This executive order reflects our commitment to improving health outcomes for Louisiana families, no matter where they live, Landry said during a conference Tuesday at the State Capitol. For too long, rural communities have faced barriers to accessing care. Today, we are taking decisive action to strengthen those systems so that every Louisianan has access to high-quality, reliable care close to home. Thank you to President Trump and CMS Administrator Dr. Oz for the funding.

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LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein hailed the move as a historic opportunity to transform how healthcare is made available in rural areas across the state.

With this investment, we are not only expanding access, but we are building a more coordinated and sustainable health system for rural communities, he said. This work is about delivering better outcomes, closing longstanding gaps in care, and ensuring that rural providers and patients have the support they need to thrive.

The Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability will focus on key priorities, including rural health care workforce expansion, technology modernization, innovative care delivery models, and improved coordination across health care services.

These initiatives are designed to reduce the burden of chronic disease, improve maternal and infant health outcomes, expand access to behavioral health services, and support earlier detection and treatment of serious conditions such as cancer

This article originally appeared on Plaquemine Post South: Iberville Parish could benefit from Landry's rural healthcare order
One of Ohio's newest Republican congressmen has a challenger in this year's primary.

Rep. Dave Taylor, who took office to represent Ohio's 2nd Congressional District in 2025, is running for reelection. He's opposed in the May primary by a Republican who has no campaign presence online.

Ohio's 2nd Congressional District includes Clermont County and stretches east to the Ohio-West Virginia border. It's strongly conservative; Taylor won with around 74% of the vote in 2024.

Ohio's redrawn 2nd Congressional District includes Clermont County and stretches east to the Ohio-West Virginia border.

Who is Rep. Dave Taylor?

Taylor, a first-term congressman, is aligned with the Trump administration on issues like abortion access, the economy and immigration. His bill that makes defrauding government benefits a deportable offense for people living in the country illegally passed in the House.

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He also passed a bill to study ways to expand and fund broadband access in rural areas, like in his Southern Ohio district. "As the 'America First' candidate, Taylors platform focuses on securing the border to combat illegal alien fraud, enhancing community safety through support for law enforcement, and revitalizing Ohios economy by bringing back manufacturing jobs," his campaign manager Trevor Ruszczyk told The Enquirer in a statement. "Backed by the party's strongest leaders, Taylor remains dedicated to defending district values. While opponents focus on filings, Taylor is focused on delivering security and prosperity to the people of Ohio."

Rep. Dave Taylor, a Republican, is running for reelection in Ohio's 2nd Congressional District.

Who is Bob Carr?

The other Republican running in May's primary is Bob Carr. According to his filing information with the Clermont County Board of Elections, Carr lives in Marietta, Ohio and is 78 years old.

There are no campaign social media accounts or websites associated with Carr. A person named Bob Carr serves on the Trumbull County Board of Elections, but did not respond to The Enquirer's email.

A candidate named Bob Carr withdrew from two U.S. Senate races in Michigan in 2018 and 2020, and ran unsuccessfully for Congress in Michigan in 2022. In 2010, he won the Democratic primary race for a Michigan State Senate seat, but lost to Republican Howard Walker in the general election.

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A background check shows that a Bob Carr who is running for Congress in Ohio may have lived in Michigan during the years of those elections. Carr told WVXU-FM he worked on preservation projects in Michigan. A photo of Carr appears on an old Facebook page dedicated to a 2020 Senate campaign.

The Enquirer could not confirm that the Bob Carr who is running for Congress in Ohio also ran in the Michigan races.

According to voting records in Washington County, where Carr lives, he has not voted in any recent elections.

How to vote

Early voting for the primary election started April 7. Election Day is May 5.

Some congressional districts in Greater Cincinnati have changed. Check your voter registration or polling place online at VoteOhio.gov.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Rep. Dave Taylor has a Republican challenger in Ohio
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said Monday that she believes more members of Congress are guilty of conduct similar to what Reps. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) have been accused.

Congress is no place for that type of behavior. But I have to tell you, its a lot more prevalent. I think theres more members of Congress that are guilty of things similar to Congressman Swalwell and Congressman Gonzales, and we just havent seen them, basically, get caught, Greene, who left Congress in January, told host Kaitlan Collins on CNNs The Source.

Gonzales and Swalwell said Monday they will resign from the House amid allegations of sexual misconduct, which sparked separate investigations by the House Ethics Committee.

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On Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle detailed accusations of sexual assault levied by a former aide against Swalwell, who was running for governor of California until he ended his campaign Sunday. CNN also reported on three women who accused the California lawmaker of separate instances of sexual misconduct, including unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.

As for Gonzales, the San-Antonio Express News reported earlier this year that he had an affair with his district director, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. Text messages said to be extracted from her phone and provided by her widower to media outlets, including The Hill, appeared to show Gonzales soliciting sexual material from Santos-Aviles as she said he was going too far.

Gonzales admitted to the affair last month. Swalwell, meanwhile, said he will fight the false allegations made against him but admitted to prior mistakes in judgment in announcing his resignation.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), who joined Greene on CNN, said the two outgoing lawmakers did despicable things and noted he would have voted to expel both if given the opportunity.

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What Representative Swalwell did and what Representative Gonzales did is disgusting, the California Democrat added.

Greene also said that the resignations may have been the result of conversations between House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on a one-for-one resignation.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Greens have unveiled their manifesto for the Scottish Parliament election on 7 May.

Below are some of the main policies featured in the document.

Top priorities

Tax wealth and polluting industries to pay for public services

Free bus travel for everyone in Scotland

Expand funded childcare

Reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045

Cost of living

Introduce 1,140 hours of funded childcare to all two-year-olds in Scotland and 570 hours of funded childcare to every baby aged six months and up

Back a comprehensive Universal Basic Income pilot

Replace council tax with a residential property tax

Establish regional green skills hubs linking colleges, employers and unions to guaranteed routes into low-carbon work

Ensure all devolved social security payments increase annually, at least in-line with rising costs

Increase the Scottish Child Payment to 40, with the aim of at least 55 by 2030, and offer supplements to the poorest families

Introduce automatic payments, with benefits paid without applications, using information already held by public authorities to determine eligibility

Economy

40,000 new green energy jobs in the next five years with public funding directed to offshore wind, tidal and wave energy, green supply chains and renewables manufacturing

Introduce frequent flyer levy, carbon emission land tax, stadium levy and a cruise ship and "point of entry" levy for tourism

Add surcharges to businesses which cause harm to the environment and communities - including gambling firms, large online retailers and absentee landlords

Explore further levies on arms companies, fireworks sellers, short-term lets, fee-paying private schools and fossil fuel terminals, plants and pipelines

Develop proposals for a Scottish wealth tax

Create a new business rates band on properties valued at more than 1m, such as the Barclays and JP Morgan facilities in Glasgow

Four-day working week pilots for the public sector

Close the loopholes which allow the monarchy, foreign militaries and property speculators to pay nothing in land and buildings transaction tax

NHS and care

Nurse-to-patient ratios to prevent NHS staff from being overburdened

Scale up the detection and management of risk factors for heart attacks and strokes

A long-term, sustainable funding model for hospice care

Call on the UK government to remove its block on gender recognition legislation and update it with "international best practice"

Set up safe drug consumption facilities across Scotland, with Edinburgh and Dundee the priorities

Immigration

A pilot giving asylum seekers the right to work and ending the use of hotels to house them

Democracy

Scotland must be allowed to choose its constitutional future

Use citizens' assemblies in public decision making

Pilot a community wealth fund to support locally-owned green enterprise, including wealth generated from renewables

Housing

Require that all new homes meet net-zero standards, be connected to zero-carbon public transport, not be built in flood risk areas, and provide green spaces for residents and the local community

Deliver fully funded repairs or rehousing for those affected by RAAC

Remove licences from poor-performing property factors

Remove exemption for mid-market and build-to-rent properties from rent controls

Increase the notice period for eviction from a tenancy to four months, and ban evictions based on the landlord selling or moving themselves or their family into the property for the first 12 months of a tenancy

Restore the ban on most evictions between November and March

Justice

Expand the presumption against short prison sentences, for non-violent offenders in particular

Raise funding for rehabilitative alternatives to custody

Introduce a legal presumption against remand

Transfer mental health crisis responses from Police Scotland to community crisis services

Education

Raise the school starting age to seven and introduce a play-based kindergarten stage for three-to-six-year-olds

Free school meals for all primary pupils, and secondary pupils who receive the Scottish Child Payment, with the long-term goals of universal provision

End the routine use of homework in primary schools and reduce the use of exams in secondary schools

Personal and social education including consent-based sex education, LGBT+ inclusivity, mental health, and personal finances, co-designed by young people

Free breakfast clubs in every primary and ASN school

A legal cap on the cost of school uniforms

Environment

600m investment programme in onshore and offshore wind, tidal and solar

Pay for people to install heat pumps, solar panels with linked battery storage and other green heating technologies on their homes

Ambitious nature recovery targets

Reforest Scotland's hills and glens

Cancel the Scottish government's exclusive agreement with Flamingo Land to develop a site at Loch Lomond

Ecocide law criminalising severe environmental harm

Pause new salmon farms or the expansion of existing sites until the industry demonstrably improves fish welfare

Transport

Free bus travel for everyone in Scotland. Under-30s would get free fares immediately, with a 2 cap imposed for others during a transition period

Bring the bus network under local control, with members of the public to be given the chance to invest in bus bonds

Integrated ticketing system  ScotCard  setting zonal pricing with daily caps for all public transport journeys

A national Scottish Rail Card, providing discounts for everyone who is ineligible for the existing railcard schemes

Scrap first-class ScotRail tickets

Expand the rail network, including potential new stations in Newburgh, Tomatin, Halbeath and Hawick

Ensure every child leaving primary school has had the opportunity to learn to cycle and swim

Defence

Ensure coherence across all Scottish government activities to ensure ministers are not contributing to global crises they are trying to solve, for example by contributing to humanitarian support in warzones where the damage has been caused by arms dealers in receipt of Scottish government funding
Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch and his attorneys appeared in court on Monday to ask a judge for permission to drive his personal vehicle again.

Couch is currently suspended from his office after he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in February.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Monday, an Athens-Clarke County judge agreed to let Couch drive a personal vehicle with the use of a breathalyzer device. He will not be allowed to drive county or state-owned vehicles.

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The judge also ordered the sheriff to submit an alcohol treatment aftercare plan.

Attorney Blake Poole, who represents Couch, issued the following statement to Channel 2 Action News on Monday.

We are pleased that the Judge agreed with our proposal this morning. As part of our proposal, Sheriff Couch had already initiated use of the Remote Breath device prior to this mornings hearing  a voluntary step he took to demonstrate his continued sobriety and his unwavering commitment to public safety. The Courts order reflects that commitment. The Sheriff looks forward to resuming his full responsibilities to the citizens of Hall County."

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The 2028 Democratic primary has already begun  and this time, the candidates arent trying to hide it.

Potential contenders including former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom are openly embracing  or at least acknowledging  their interest in a White House run.

Its a departure from the political gamesmanship that once defined presidential politics, when would-be candidates sought to intentionally cloud their intentions out of fear that acknowledging them could backfire.

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It also reflects the wide-open nature of the race, with no clear front-runner  or anointed figure  for the first time in years.

The base of the Democratic Party is ready to not only think about winning in 2028 but also are eager to jump-start the process of rebuilding the party, said Democratic strategist Joel Payne, adding that 2028 hopefuls are running to outflank each other and plant their flags as early as possible.

That dynamic was on display last week at the Rev. Al Sharptons National Action Network (NAN) conference, where a parade of potential contenders took the stage to court Black voters, a major voting bloc in the Democratic Party.

Asked by Sharpton whether she would consider another run for the Oval Office, Harris abandoned the traditional hedging.

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I might, I might, Harris said, as the crowd cheered. Im thinking about it.

The remark echoed comments Harris made last fall, when she acknowledged she was weighing another bid, after losing to President Trump in the 2024 race.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg  who appeared at the event after Harris  also alluded to a potential run in 2028, without explicitly saying so.

During a fireside chat at the NAN event, Sharpton referenced Buttigiegs 2020 campaign, recalling how they met for lunch in New York when Buttigieg asked the civil rights leader for advice.

When you ran for president, you met me and we went up  to lunch at Sylvias Restaurant in Harlem, Sharpton said. Just so my calendar is clear, should I be reserving us a table at Sylvias?

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Are you going to run again? Sharpton pointedly asked.

You save me a seat. Ill be there, Buttigieg replied.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear took it a step further in his appearance alongside Sharpton on Saturday.

I walked off the stage in 2023 having won reelection by 5 points in Kentucky  which is like winning by 30 anywhere else  and I looked at my wife and I said, Woo, well never have to run a campaign again. And Im not sure thats true today, he said to a smattering of oohs from the crowd.

I dont have any announcement but I will not leave a broken country to my kids or anyone elses kids or grandkids. This is not, this is not the United States of America I grew up in, Beshear continued, delivering what sounded like a preview of whats to come.

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Even before the Sharpton event, other contenders have been clear about their intentions, through admissions and stops in early, must-win states.

Asked by CBS News last fall whether he would give a presidential run serious thought after the 2026 midterms, Newsom replied, Yeah, Id be lying otherwise.

Rahm Emanuel, a former congressman and ambassador, has described himself as a candidate in training while also making recent trips to early Democratic states, including New Hampshire, South Carolina  where hes made more than a dozen stops  and Nevada.

And while others have stopped short of openly declaring their intentions, their actions are doing the talking.

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At Sharptons event last week, presidential contenders including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro  all of whom are up for reelection in November  avoided direct discussion of 2028, instead fine-tuning messages aimed at a national audience.

Its something the governors have all done in recent months in interviews and speaking events.

I think no one should be looking past these midterms, Shapiro said on ABCs The View earlier this year, while promoting his new book. We have to focus on reining in the excesses, the chaos, the cruelty, the lawlessness of this administration. Ill be on the ballot. Ill be helping others on the ballot, and I think we need a national referendum, not just in Pennsylvania, not just in the swing districts, all across this country.

People need to show up. They need to vote and they need to send a clear message: This is not OK. And thats all Im focused on, Shapiro added.

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On Saturday, Beshear used the conversation with Sharpton to outline a path forward for Democrats and a vision for easing tensions across the country.

That message appeared to resonate with the crowd.

I surprisingly heard one or two pretty influential chapter leaders say to me, You know we may be looking at another 92 with this Beshear guy, Sharpton told The New York Times, invoking Bill Clintons rise to the presidency.

Sharpton told the outlet following the event that Harris came right up to the edge of an announcement.

And I was not looking for that, he said. Though Im glad she did if thats how she feels.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have posed for selfies and done gardening with hospital patients and medics and helped veterans' children make pottery on the first of a four-day Australian tour.

The couple - no longer working royals and visiting in a private capacity - will combine visits to charitable causes, which included a women's refuge on Tuesday, alongside money-making events.

The schedule also reflects the commercial aspect of the trip, with Prince Harry due to give a keynote speech at a summit where tickets cost up to A$2,400 (1,260) per person.

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Meghan will hold an "in-person conversation" at a women-only "girls weekend" in Sydney hosted by the producers of the Her Best Life podcast.

It is unclear how much Prince Harry and Meghan are being paid for the commercial events.

The couple landed at Melbourne airport around 06:30 on Tuesday (21:30 BST Monday) on a commercial Qantas flight from Los Angeles.

It is Harry and Meghan's first time in Australia since 2018 when they spent around nine days in the country as part of an intense tour just a few months after their marriage.

While that trip saw large crowds gather to greet them wherever they went, this time there are no events planned to meet members of the public.

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After stepping down as working royals in January 2020 and giving up their His and Her Royal Highness (HRH) titles, Prince Harry and Meghan are visiting as private citizens and say that the trip is privately funded.

But there are questions over whether Australian taxpayers are picking up any of the bill for policing during the visit.

The Sussexes met families on a visit to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne [Getty Images]

The visit will take in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney, and while charitable causes, issues and organisations close to their hearts are central to the visit, as private citizens, the couple are free to personally profit from the trip.

At the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, hundreds of people gathered in the foyer for a glimpse of Harry and Meghan on Tuesday.

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The couple talked animatedly to children being treated there, and their parents - posing for selfies giving hugs and shaking hands. The duke and duchess then met with other onlookers - mainly staff and patients with their families.

Among the crowd was Emily Burke and her three-year-old daughter Phoebe who had just been discharged from an overnight stay.

"We just found out they were coming so we hung around," Burke told the BBC, adding that "Meghan came and had a little chat with Phoebe... she was commenting on her Bluey slippers".

Emily Burke's daughter Phoebe got a compliment from Meghan on her Bluey slippers [BBC]

At the hospital, Harry and Meghan took part in a garden therapy session with patients, smelling plants and flowers.

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Asked if he would like to take some gumtree home, Harry joked: "I would, but I think I'd probably get arrested at some point."

Meghan also visited a women's refuge in Melbourne, where she served plates of frittata to people at the centre.

She later sat down and ate with them, remarking that "we landed here this morning so my jet lag hasn't quite hit yet".

Later on Tuesday, they attended the the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum in Melbourne, meeting veterans and their families and taking part in a pottery class.

Prince Harry is due to give a keynote speech at the InterEdge Psychosocial Safety Summit in Melbourne later this week, where tickets to attend cost from around A$1,000 up to A$2,400. Some profits go to the charity Lifeline. The BBC has asked organisers whether the Duke is receiving a fee.

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And though the official tour programme ends on Friday evening with a rugby match in Sydney, on Saturday the Duchess will hold an "in-person conversation" at a wellness retreat in a five-star Sydney beachside hotel.

Guests are paying up to A$3,199 to attend a "girls' weekend", with a VIP package including the opportunity to get a group table photograph with Meghan.

It is not known what the duchess will be paid for her involvement in the event, which has not sold out and is still advertising a "handful of additional rooms".

Meghan asked "is anyone else hungry?" while serving lunch at a women's refuge [Getty Images]

Later on Tuesday, the couple met with veterans at their families at the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum [PA Media]

There are also suggestions that Australia is being considered as a market for Meghan's As Ever lifestyle brand  which has featured prominently in a Netflix series made by the couple's production company.

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Last year it registered trademarks in 12 different product categories in Australia, according to a government intellectual property database.

It is understood the couple have opted not to do public meet-and-greets because they are keen to "minimise disruption" to the public and to host organisations.

Police in Victoria and New South Wales have confirmed they will have a presence, though neither police service would comment on whether Australian taxpayers would be picking up the tab.

"The New South Wales Police Force will conduct an operation to ensure public safety is maintained during the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex," a police spokesperson said.

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"The operation will require some additional security measures throughout their stay in New South Wales, while minimising any disruption to the community."

A spokesperson for Victoria Police said they were "aware two high-profile people are visiting Melbourne in a private capacity in April".

"Police routinely assess events and visits and will deploy resources as necessary to ensure community safety."

Security is a delicate subject for Prince Harry  who is fifth in line to the British throne  after he lost a court appeal against the downgrading of his protection while in the UK.

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The Australia trip will be his first public appearance since it emerged last week he was being sued for defamation by Sentebale - the African charity he co-founded.

Additional reporting by Lana Lam in Sydney.
In an emotional interview with Anat Davidov, Tsili shared how the sight of Omers smile in the hospital confirmed her belief in the miracle of his survival.

When Tsili Wenkert, aHolocaust survivor, saw her grandson, Omer, for the first time after his release from Hamas captivity, she knew he would recover.

Tsili was just a baby when her family was deported to a ghetto in Ukraine. She survived, made aliyah to Israel, and rebuilt her life until the arrival of October 7, which reopened deep, painful memories. In an emotional interview with Anat Davidov, Tsili shared how the sight of Omers smile in the hospital confirmed her belief in the miracle of his survival.

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"In the hospital, I hugged him. Im not the type to cry, I didnt cry, but my heart cried for what they did to this child, Tsili, 84, recalled with a trembling yet steady voice, describing the moment she first saw her grandson, Omer Wenkert, after his release from Hamas captivity.

Omer, who had been kidnapped from the Nova Music Festival, endured 505 long days of nightmares in Gaza. For Tsili, a Holocaust survivor who experienced the horrors of the war as an infant, Omer's abduction was not just a national tragedy; it was a personal wound that reopened distant memories.

When Tsili spoke about the emotions that have consumed her since October 7, she didnt hold back, using the harshest words. "It was the second Holocaust I went through, she said. This time, my heart worked, my head worked. It was my real Holocaust. The fact that Omer was there and we knew nothing; it was worse than war, worse than illness, worse than anything.

Released hostage Omer Wenkert speaks at a rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, April 5, 2025. (credit: Paulina Patimer)

The resilience that had defined Tsili throughout her life was now tested by the unknown that loomed over her family. "The fear ate away at our nerves, she said. "I'm not the type to be afraid, but when he was there, I was glued to the TV, thinking maybe Id hear something. I didnt hear anything until I saw him. It was hell for the whole family."

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"The first time I saw him on TV, I saw a child, not a 24-year-old man; a 13- or 14-year-old boy, small," she recalled of the moment of his release. "The next day, we got approval to go to the hospital. He was thin, just bones." Despite the heartbreaking sight, there was one small sign that gave Tsili hope. "When I saw him smile, I said, Blessed be God. A person who knows how to smile will recover.

Since then, Tsili has accompanied Omer in his lectures and meetings. "He tells his sad and emotional story, and I have been fortunate to hear it several times. Every time, I am grateful to the Creator for the miracle He gave us."

What did Tsili Wenkert see in the holocaust?

Tsili's story begins decades ago, in Ukraine and Romania. She was only a baby when the Germans expelled her family. "My first memory is from when I was three and a half, when the Germans left Ukraine, she told Davidov. "I remember images from returning to Romania after the war. I entered the house of a girl my age, and I saw three beds, just like we had as a family with the grandparents and aunts. That image of the house was something I missed very much."

Despite the horrific conditions, Tsilis family managed to survive almost entirely. "The grandparents, the aunts, the parents, they all survived. They all made aliyah." But the journey to Israel was not simple. Under communist rule in Romania, only adults were allowed to leave. Tsili and her parents had to wait another 20 years. "Only in '65 did we manage to make aliyah. I was already 23, married. Only my children were born in Israel."

Over the years, Tsili made sure to visit the memorial sites in Europe, from Auschwitz to Majdanek. "On every trip I made, wherever the Jews suffered, I was there," she concluded.
Warning: This story contains details that readers may find distressing

Mohammed Amin was eight when he died shortly after testing positive for HIV.

His fevers were so bad that he insisted on sleeping in the rain, and he writhed in pain "like he'd been thrown in hot oil", says his mother, Sughra.

"He used to fight with me, but he also loved me," 10-year-old Asma says as she kneels at her younger brother's graveside.

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Not long after her brother contracted the virus, Asma was also diagnosed with HIV. Her family believe both children contracted it from injections with contaminated needles during routine medical treatment at a government hospital in Taunsa, in the province of Punjab, Pakistan.

They are two of the 331 children that BBC Eye has identified as testing positive for HIV in the city between November 2024 and October 2025.

After a doctor at a private clinic linked the outbreak to the hospital, called THQ Taunsa, in late 2024, local authorities promised a "massive crackdown" and suspended the hospital's medical superintendent in March 2025  but a BBC Eye investigation can now reveal that dangerous injection practices continued months later.

During 32 hours of undercover filming at THQ Taunsa in late 2025, we witnessed syringes being reused on multi-dose vials of medicine on 10 separate occasions, potentially contaminating the drugs inside.

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In four of these cases we saw medicine from the same vial given to a different child. We do not know if any of the children were HIV-positive but this practice creates a clear risk of viral transmission.

"Even if they have attached a new needle, the back part, which we call the syringe body, has the virus in it, so it will transfer even with a new needle," said Dr Altaf Ahmed, a consultant microbiologist and one of Pakistan's leading infectious disease experts, after watching our undercover footage.

Despite signs on the hospital walls showing safe injection practice we filmed staff  including a doctor  injecting patients without sterile gloves 66 times, and a different expert told us our footage highlighted broader weaknesses in infection control training in Pakistan.

We also watched a nurse rummage through a medical waste disposal box without sterile gloves. "She is violating every principle of injecting medicine," said Ahmed.

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But when we showed our footage to the hospital's new medical superintendent, Dr Qasim Buzdar, he refused to acknowledge it was genuine. He claimed it could have been recorded before he took over or that "this footage could also be staged", and insisted his hospital was safe for children.

Dr Gul Qaisrani, a local private doctor, raised the alarm in late 2024 [BBC]

Dr Gul Qaisrani, a doctor at a local private clinic, was the first to spot the outbreak in late 2024 after noticing a rise in the number of children going through his clinic who tested positive for HIV.

Almost all of the 65 to 70 children he diagnosed had been treated at THQ Taunsa, he says.

He recalls one mother telling him that her daughter was injected with the same syringe as a cousin living with HIV, and that the syringe was then used on several other children. Qaisrani says a father told him he challenged syringe reuse at THQ Taunsa but was ignored by nurses.

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BBC Eye has pieced together data from the Punjab provincial Aids screening programme, private clinics, and a data set leaked by police to identify 331 children who tested positive for HIV in the city of Taunsa between November 2024 and October 2025.

Out of a sample of 97 children with HIV whose families were also tested, only four of their mothers tested positive. This suggests very few of these cases were caused by mother-to-child transmission. The mother of Mohammed Amin and Asma, Sughra, tested negative for HIV  her husband died two years ago in a road traffic accident.

The provincial Aids screening programme data lists "contaminated needle" as the mode for transmission in more than half of all these 331 cases, including Asma's  for the others, the mode is not listed.

The Punjab government intervened in March 2025, when it said the number of cases was 106. THQ Taunsa Hospital's medical superintendent Dr Tayyab Farooq Chandio was suspended, but BBC Eye can reveal that within three months he was working with children again as a senior medical officer at a rural health centre in Taunsa's outskirts.

Chandio says that as soon as he found out about a HIV-positive case he took "whatever measures were required" [BBC]

He told BBC Eye in an interview that he took "immediate" action after being notified of an HIV-positive case at THQ Taunsa, but he said the hospital was not the cause of the outbreak.

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Chandio was replaced by Buzdar, who told the BBC that HIV was his "main focus" when he took the job in March 2025 and that he had a "zero tolerance" policy for unsafe infection control.

"We conducted training programmes for the paramedics and staff nurses on how to prevent and defeat HIV. The most important part is our section on infection prevention control. They have been properly trained in this," he said.

BBC Eye's evidence, however, proves that unsafe practices continued eight months later.

BBC footage shows discarded needles alongside syringes and open containers [BBC]

Our footage from November and December 2025, filmed over several weeks, captured syringes and vials frequently left open alongside discarded needles on countertops that should be kept sterile.

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Most children we saw being treated at THQ Taunsa were given injections via a cannula  a tube inserted into a vein  which further increases the risk of infection. By entering directly into the bloodstream, contaminated medicine can bypass the body's natural defences.

We also filmed one nurse pull a used syringe from under a counter with liquid for the last patient still inside. Rather than discarding it she hands it to her colleague, apparently ready to be reused on another child.

When we showed Buzdar our undercover footage, he insisted it had been filmed before his tenure or that it had been staged.

When asked what he would say to local parents watching this footage, he said: "I can say to them with certainty, with confidence, that you should get your treatment done at THQ Taunsa."

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In a statement, the local government said that "no validated epidemiological evidence" had "conclusively established THQ as a source" of the outbreak.

It added that a joint mission between the children's charity Unicef, the World Health Organization and the regional healthcare department had highlighted "the role of unregulated private practices" and "the contribution of unscreened blood transfusions".

But BBC Eye has been leaked the joint mission's April 2025 inspection report into the city's outbreak, which found many of the same issues as our investigation into THQ Taunsa.

"Conditions were especially concerning in the paediatric emergency room," the report says  this is one of the departments BBC Eye filmed in.

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"Essential paediatric medications were missing, and unsafe injection practices were common. IV [intravenous] fluids were being reused, cannulas were unlabelled, and used IV sets were left hanging on stands. Hand hygiene was neglected  basins were blocked, and no sanitizers were available."

Our undercover footage shows a nurse rummaging through a medical waste disposal box with her bare hands [BBC]

Dr Fatima Mir, professor of paediatric medicine at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, says our footage highlights weaknesses in infection control training in Pakistan. "We must warn our injectors: 'You have become an active instrument for passing disease.'"

Our investigation suggests that unsafe practices are in part driven by systemic pressures including a reliance on, and cultural preference for, injections as treatment.

Pakistan has one of the highest rates of therapeutic injections in the world, many of them medically unnecessary. Members of the general public ask for them, including for their children, and doctors happily oblige, says Mir. "They should keep the threshold for injection practice very high. Only give injections for life-threatening illnesses. For mild to moderate illnesses, use oral medication."

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A shortage of medicines and supplies also fuels unsafe practices. The demand for injections can put a strain on resources, which are allocated in government hospitals through quota systems overseen by their superintendents. "They have a set number of supplies and are told they must make them last for the whole month," Mir says. "Are they seeing where corner-cutting is dangerous? And where the money should be spent?"

During our undercover filming we found that supplies were often missing on the wards, and that patients who could afford liquid paracetamol were told to bring their own. "They make us account for every little bit of medicine," one nurse said.

We filmed staff who failed to wear gloves and injected patients through clothing [BBC]

The practices documented in THQ Taunsa mirror those in previous outbreaks elsewhere in Pakistan.

In 2019, hundreds of children in the town of Ratodero, in Sindh province, tested positive for HIV, most of them with parents who tested negative. Local paediatrician Dr Imran Arbani told the BBC that he found repeated clinic visits and multiple injections in their medical histories, "so it must have been transmitted in one or other of these medical settings". By 2021 the number of HIV-positive local children had risen to 1,500  and even now, new infections are still occurring.

While we were filming in Taunsa a cluster of cases was reported in Karachi. In the SITE Town area, children treated at a local government hospital, Kulsoom Bai Valika Hospital, were later testing positive for HIV.

Among them was two-year-old Mikasha.

Mikasha, two, is one of the children in Karachi who has tested positive for HIV despite her parents testing negative [BBC]

A family member said hospital staff used the same syringe on multiple children: "They filled the same syringe and gave it to one child, then filled it again and gave it to another," they told BBC Eye.

The hospital's medical superintendent Dr Mumtaz Shaikh said in an interview that "qualified doctors will never reuse" syringes, "so we have no concept of such things happening in government hospitals".

The federal health minister, however, has confirmed publicly that the outbreak of 84 cases was triggered by the reuse of contaminated syringes at the hospital.

When we put the findings of our investigation to the national government, a spokesperson said that it had "acted promptly within its mandate to investigate concerns [and] implement infection prevention control measures", with guidelines sent to health facilities in March 2025.

Back in Taunsa, Asma's family say she is losing weight, and she now faces a lifetime of treatment for a virus she should never have been exposed to.

For those children like Asma who contract HIV, stigma can make life difficult [BBC]

The stigma associated with HIV means that neighbours often stop their children from playing with her, leaving her isolated as well as sick, her family say. She asks her mother: "What is wrong with me?"

Standing at her brother's grave, Asma says she misses him. "He's with God now."

She tells BBC Eye she works hard at school.

"When I grow up," she says, "I want to become a doctor."
Hundreds of Lufthansa flights were cancelled in Germany on Tuesday, the second day of a pilots' strike aimed at securing better pay and pensions.

Pilots at Lufthansa's core brand, as well as Lufthansa Cargo and Lufthansa CityLine, had begun their walkout shortly after midnight on Monday.

Germany's largest airline had to cancel more than 900 take-offs and landings on Tuesday at the Frankfurt and Munich hubs alone. Hundreds of flights had been grounded on Monday too.

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However, flights operated by Eurowings, Lufthansa's budget airline, resumed as scheduled at Berlin, Dusseldorf and other airports. The subsidiary had been affected by strike action for the first time on Monday.

The pilots' strike, organized by the VC union, centres on pay disputes, including the company pension scheme and remuneration at the regional subsidiary CityLine.

The flight situation is unlikely to change on Wednesday and Thursday, when Lufthansa flight attendants have been called to strike, marking the fifth wave of industrial action at the group this year.

It is likely to overshadow Wednesday's ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the original founding of Lufthansa.

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The unions are planning a rally outside the company headquarters at Frankfurt Airport. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder are among those expected to attend the anniversary event at Lufthansa's new visitor centre.

The negotiating parties remain entrenched in their positions.

While the pilots' union is demanding pension and income proposals, management is rejecting any cost increases for the loss-making core airline. The UFO cabin crew union is in a similar situation.

On Monday, Lufthansa's chief human resources officer Michael Niggemann warned unions against continuing their confrontational course, saying each day of industrial action weakens the airline.

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In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung daily published on Tuesday, Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr said the executive and supervisory board were sticking to their strategy: "We operate aircraft exclusively where they generate value."
Authorities in Atlantic County have identified the man who shot his estranged wife and then turned the gun on himself at a rehab facility on Monday morning.

The shooting happened around 6 a.m. at the Excelcare Center Facility in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

RELATED: Beloved nurse killed in domestic shooting at Egg Harbor Twp., NJ rehab facility

Investigators say 35-year-old Brandon Alexander shot and killed his estranged wife, 38-year-old Victoria Alexander.

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Victoria Alexander worked at the rehab center as a nurse.

Police say Brandon Alexander waited for her in the parking lot and tried to block her in with his car.

When she was able to run inside, he followed her into the facility and shot her several times.

She died at the scene.

He then turned the gun on himself. Authorities say he died at the hospital on Tuesday morning.

Brandon Alexander also reportedly left behind two suicide notes.

A motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
The total length of the destroyed tunnel routes was approximately 800 meters, with the structures including living quarters and weapons.

IDF troops from the 205th Brigade and Yahalom destroyed four underground Hamas tunnel routes in Gaza over the weekend, the IDF announced on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the total length of the tunnel route was approximately 800 meters, all of which was located east of the Yellow line.

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The soldiers, operating under the command of the 252nd Division, had discovered living quarters in the tunnels, along with equipment for prolonged stays, mines, and explosive materials.

IDF destroys four Hamas tunnels in Gaza over weekend, April 14, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

IDF kills armed Hamas terrorists

In addition, the IDF announced that Northern Brigade soldiers killed a terrorist in the area of the Yellow line on Tuesday after the terrorist began approaching the soldiers.

Additionally, Division 143 soldiers eliminated several Hamas terrorists in Gaza on Monday, the IDF said earlier on Tuesday.
By Ananda Teresia and Stanley Widianto

JAKARTA, April 14 (Reuters) - Indonesia's foreign ministry warned the defence ministry in an early-April letter that an American proposal to give its military "blanket" permission to fly over Indonesian territory risked entangling Jakarta in potential South China Sea conflicts, sources said.

While the two nations agreed on a defence cooperation partnership in a meeting on Monday, a Pentagon statement that followed it made no reference to overflights, although two Indonesian sources said the U.S. proposal had previously been slated to be signed there.

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The foreign ministry's letter - which has not been previously reported - was marked as urgent and confidential. It was delivered ahead of the meeting between Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and his U.S. counterpart Pete Hegseth in Washington, the two Indonesian sources said.

In its letter the ministry urged the defence ministry to delay any final agreement with Washington. It is not clear if Hegseth and Sjafrie in fact discussed the overflight proposal.

In its statement the Pentagon said the two countries had established a major defence cooperation partnership and listed a number of ways in which they would build defence ties.

Indonesian defence ministry spokesperson Rico Ricardo Sirait told Reuters that overflight clearance was not "a pillar of cooperation agreed upon within the partnership".

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A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that just because the overflights were not mentioned in the statement did not mean they were not discussed in private.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sirait said the U.S. proposal was being carefully reviewed by Jakarta, which had made a number of adjustments keeping in mind the country's sovereignty and national interests.

Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, is located on the southern entry point of the South China Sea where it controls the Natuna Islands. The country is non-aligned and aims to keep close ties with both China and the United States.

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China claims sovereignty over almost all the South China Sea, a waterway carrying more than $3 trillion in annual commerce, despite overlapping claims by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

RISKS

The letter from the foreign ministry said the U.S. proposal should be treated with caution because it would allow Washington to maximise surveillance and reconnaissance using Indonesian waters and territory, and could affect relations with other strategic partners in the region, including China.

It said an agreement with the U.S. would give "the impression that Indonesia is involved in an alliance with the implication of increased national security risks because it places Indonesia as a potential target in a regional conflict situation."

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It noted that a number of U.S. military aircraft had carried out surveillance operations in the South China Sea on 18 occasions from January 2024 to April 2025, which constituted a violation of Indonesias territorial waters and airspace.

Indonesias protests regarding this operation have never received a proper response from the U.S., it added.

Indonesia's defence ministry "respects the views and input of all relevant ministries and agencies... Any proposal cannot be interpreted as final decisions," its spokesperson said responding to Reuters' questions on reservations raised by the foreign ministry.

Spokespersons for Indonesia's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Indonesia is a member of President Donald Trump's Board of Peace initiative, and has committed the largest contingent of troops for the body's proposed stabilisation force in Gaza.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has also maintained close ties with Beijing. His first foreign visit as president in 2024 was to Beijing and he attended a military parade hosted by President Xi Jinping late last year, being photographed with Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The U.S. and Australia joined the Philippines for their second joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea this year, amid tensions with China in the disputed waterway.

(Addtional reporting by Idrees Ali in Washington; Writing by Gibran Peshimam; Editing by Neil Fullick and Hugh Lawson)
California arrested five people in connection with health care and hospice fraud last week, amid mounting allegations that the states medical aid programs are plagued by fraudulent behavior.

Californias Department of Justice, in collaboration with the states Department of Health Care Services, found that transnational criminal networks used stolen identities to enroll individuals in Medi-Cal, the states Medicaid program.

Fraudsters then billed the program, which is jointly funded by the federal government, for hospice services that were never provided.

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The fraud included 14 hospice providers, which collectively billed California more than $267 million.

Hospice door-knocking commences

On March 16, independent journalist Nick Shirley posted a 40-minute video on X, knocking on doors of registered hospices in Southern California.

The video garnered 42.8 million views, and three days later, CBS News followed up with a similar investigation.

The stations Shirley-styled video followed its investigation published March 10, which built off the states 2023 audit. The auditor had found a 1,500% increase in hospice companies since 2010.

Accompanied by Sheila Clark, a local hospice patient advocate, CBS reporter Adam Yamaguchi entered a building in Los Angeles with 89 licensed hospices to see if he could find any fraudulent behavior.

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In this particular building, I noticed ... how can there be that many licensed and certified hospices in this tiny little building? Clark told Yamaguchi.

Reports of fraud explode across Californias medical programs

An investigation for City Journal, led by Christopher Rufo and Kenneth Schrupp, reported that Californias In-Home Supportive Services Program costs the state $6 billion to $12 billion a year in fraud.

Meanwhile, Californias home-healthcare unions collect more than $149 million in membership dues, much of which is reportedly spent on political donations.

Rufo told Fox News on Saturday, The program is losing between 20%-40% of its entire budget to fraud.

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Its not just California taxpayers ... this is a federally subsidized program. If youre going to work every day, if youre paying your quarterly taxes, you should know that part of your taxes are going to fraudsters who are falsifying timesheets, who are pretending to take care of people, who may or may not be actually in need, and Gavin Newsom has done nothing except funnel more cash into the system, he said.

Fraud in the states in-home service program is nothing new. In 2009, the state estimated that 25% of IHSS claims were fraudulent.

Signing up for the state program is simple. Anyone disabled, blind or over 65 years old can file a prospective beneficiary application with the California Department of Social Services. Then a county social worker visits the applicants home, and if approved, the beneficiary can hire any caregiver of his choice to pay with tax money.

In more than 70% of cases, applicants hire a family member, which advocates say is a way for families to care for their loved ones.

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But, it can also give way to fraud. IHSS provider has become the largest low-wage occupation in California, beating out fast-food workers, cashiers, retail and waiters.

Newsom says California is leading the charge against fraud

Newsom is defending the states response to reports of fraud, posting to X: California is again leading the charge against large-scale identity theft and hospice fraud.

He continued, Today, were taking decisive action against 14 providers who tried using stolen identities to bill Medi-Cal for nonexistent hospice services.

The post racked up 7.3 million views.

Before the post, Newsom had maintained that a law from 2021, which focused on hospice fraud, sufficiently curbed the programs abuse in the state.

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But Republicans in the state argue that the law, while it imposed a two-year licensing freeze on new hospices, didnt provide strong enough enforcement or oversight systems.

Since 2021, California has revoked at least 280 hospice licenses, Newsom said. However, in Los Angeles alone, CBS reported that more than 700 of the active 1,800 hospices triggered multiple red flags for fraud.
American forces began their blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, even as allies scrambled to understand how it will work  and how the Trump administration will avoid sparking new showdowns with the move.

More than a dozen U.S. warships in the region are available to take part, according to one U.S. official, including the USS Tripoli, which has an embarked Marine unit aboard trained to interdict and board ships.

Additional details remain scarce  including how long the blockade will last and what its precise strategic goals are. But President Donald Trump said it will bar ships that have left or plan to enter Iranian ports, as well as any ships that paid Iranian tolls for safe passage.

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The maneuver threatens to kick off a dangerous new phase of the war that could see U.S. troops executing high-risk boarding operations of foreign ships in the busy Persian Gulf. And it raises the possibility of wider global conflicts if the U.S. moves to stop foreign-flagged vessels, such as those from China or Russia.

Some officials questioned how U.S. military commanders will actually enforce the blockade, especially if Iran decides to let more ships through  and not necessarily those that have paid tolls  to overwhelm the blockade," said one foreign diplomat from a nation with economic interests in the Middle East.

Is the U.S. Navy going to interdict every one of them, and do they have enough assets for this? And how would they verify who has allegedly paid tolls? added the diplomat, who, like others in this story, was granted anonymity to discuss sensitive issues.

At stake is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital gateway for the energy sector that Iran has effectively taken control of, causing oil prices to surge and driving up costs across the global economy. The White House appears to be betting that Tehran will capitulate and open the strait if the U.S. can cut off Irans ability to export its own oil via tankers.

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But the passage is vital to nations well beyond Iran, including China and Japan, which import oil from ships that traverse the strait. And some countries  such as Russia  use shadow fleet vessels that are controlled by Moscow or Tehran, even though they are flagged under third-party nations.

While the U.S. might seize shadow fleet vessels, doing the same with a commercial ship hailing from China, for example, could touch off an international incident.

If it's a flagged ship from India or a flagged ship from China that chooses to go run the blockade, or they bring a warship as an escort to protect them, now we're into a different scenario, said John Miller, a retired three-star admiral who previously commanded American ships in U.S. Central Command. And it remains to be seen whether we would want to force that blockade against a Chinese-flagged vessel, for example, or not.

Beijing flatly dismissed the American blockade, and asserted its right to trade with any country it sees fit without American involvement. Our ships are moving in and out of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun said in a statement Monday. We have trade and energy agreements with Iran. We will respect and honor those agreements and expect others not to interfere in our affairs. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz and it is open for us.

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The blockade could further expose American forces to new Iranian drone attacks, as well as fast attack boats. That means any U.S. naval presence would most likely be set up somewhere outside the relatively claustrophobic confines of the strait.

We don't have to go up into the strait to do this, Miller said, because it naturally funnels itself where we can get to them before they get that far into the northern parts of the Gulf of Oman, or in the Strait of Hormuz itself.

American vessels will likely sit at the bottom of the strait in the North Arabian Sea, where they can track maritime traffic through the area and possibly use Marines to board ships, according to Miller.

The farther those ships are off the Iranian coast, the less susceptible they might be to Iranian attack.

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The U.S. military also has Coast Guard teams that are trained to board ships under the Department of Homeland Security, although its unclear if those units are in the region or will be deployed there.

The Pentagon pointed to a Notice to Mariners about shipping in and around the Strait on Monday when asked for comment, as well as to a statement from the U.S. Central Command Sunday announcing the blockade.

The Navy will likely direct any ships leaving or scheduled to enter an Iranian port to dock at a friendly port  most likely Duqm in Oman  which has emerged as a critical logistical hub for the U.S. Navy, according to a person familiar with U.S. military operations in the region.

The U.S. would also be responsible for taking care of the crew of detained ships in seaport, although American officials have not yet described how that process would work.

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A blockade might also pose logistical challenges for the Pentagon and the Navy in particular, which is already facing significant strain from the Iran war and a separate monthslong effort to block suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean.

For now, American allies have shown little interest in participating in the Iran blockade.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer flatly declared on Monday that his country is not supporting the mission, telling the BBC that he was more focused on bringing countries together to keep the straits open, not shut.

Others were outright disdainful.

"Since the war began, everything has been senseless," Spains Defense Minister Margarita Robles told Spanish TV on Monday. "Nobody knows the reason why this war started, a war that was supposed to be quick. This is just another episode of the downward spiral we have been dragged into, and that they have tried to drag the entire world into."
Western democracies, including the UK, France, Canada and Australia, are facing backlash after allowing Iran and other authoritarian regimes to secure seats on influential United Nations (U.N.) bodies, with the United States standing alone in opposition.

The controversy stems from decisions by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a 54-member body that plays a central role in shaping U.N. policy and staffing key committees.

Critics warn the outcome could allow governments accused of human rights abuses to influence global policy and control which civil society groups are granted access to the United Nations.

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Terror Sponsor Iran Gets Un Leadership Overseeing Charter Principles

Members of the United Nations Security Council vote on a resolution to unblock the Strait of Hormuz during a meeting on Iran and the Middle East at U.N. headquarters in New York on April 7, 2026. (Getty Images)

ECOSOC nominated the Islamic Republic of Iran to the U.N.s Committee for Program and Coordination Wednesday, a body that helps shape policy on human rights, womens rights, disarmament and counterterrorism.

The nomination is widely expected to be finalized, as the United Nations General Assembly typically approves such recommendations without a vote.

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At the same session, ECOSOC elected China, Cuba, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia and Sudan to the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, which oversees accreditation and access for thousands of NGOs operating within the U.N. system.

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The United States was the only member state to formally break from consensus.

Mike Waltz Turns Tables On Iranian Envoy At Heated Un Meeting

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting, after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, Feb. 28, 2026.

In remarks delivered April 8, U.S. Representative to ECOSOC Ambassador Dan Negrea said the U.S. "disassociates from consensus" on both decisions, calling several of the countries involved unfit for such roles.

"The regime threatens its neighbors and has, for decades, infringed on the Iranian peoples ability to exercise their basic human rights," Negrea said, adding that "we believe Iran is unfit to serve" on the committee.

The decision drew sharp criticism from UN Watch, a Geneva-based watchdog group.

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Hillel Neuer told Fox News Digital: "By their cynical actions at the UN, major Western states have betrayed their own human rights principles, severely undermining the rules-based international order that they claim to support."

"We note that the EU states clearly had another option. They did take action in recent years to stop Russia from getting elected to similar bodies, and so we deeply regret that they failed to do the same now to stop the election of serial violators such as Iran, China, China, Cuba, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia and Sudan."

"We salute the United States for their moral clarity and leadership in objecting to the election of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other brutal regimes."

Neuer warned the composition of the NGO committee could allow authoritarian governments to influence which organizations are accredited, potentially sidelining independent human rights groups.

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"This means dictatorships will have a majority on the committee in order to deny United Nations accreditation to independent organizations that call out their human rights violations, and to accredit more fake front groups created by the regimes," he said.

Israels mission to the United Nations also pointed to political tensions surrounding the vote, saying Iran attempted to challenge Israels candidacy during the same ECOSOC session.

Ambassador Mike Waltz Lays Out America First Vision For Us Leadership At The Un

Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani attends a United Nations Security Council meeting, after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S. Feb. 28, 2026.

Israel was elected to several U.N. bodies, according to the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations, including the Commission on the Status of Women and the NGO Committee, despite opposition.

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"Iran also tried to turn the elections at the UN into an arena for incitement against Israel and failed," Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon said. "Those who oppress women and trample on human rights in their own country will not teach us what women's rights are."

Ahead of the vote, around 70 civil society groups warned that countries with poor human rights records could secure seats on key oversight bodies, but the elections proceeded without a formal vote, a process known as approval "by acclamation."

Critics argue that this procedure allows controversial candidates to secure influential roles with limited transparency or accountability.

The developments are likely to intensify scrutiny over how U.N. bodies are staffed and whether political considerations are outweighing human rights concerns.

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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting, after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S. Feb. 28, 2026. (Reuters)

Thida Ith, spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada, told Fox News Digital that, "Iran was nominated on April 8 to the UN Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), an Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) subsidiary body, by acclamation. ECOSOC members, including Canada, did not cast a vote, in accordance with established procedures for ECOSOC elections. The vote to elect nominated candidates to the CPC will take place in the UN General Assembly in November 2026, with all UN Member States voting. Canada works closely with partners to actively counter Iran's candidacies in UN bodies."

"Canada remains unequivocal in its view that the Islamic Republic of Iran is a principal sponsor of terror in the Middle East," Ith added, "Iran has a long-standing history of abhorrent conduct, both domestically and internationally. Canada does not support Iran for positions of influence in the United Nations or elsewhere."

Fox News Digital reached out to the UK, France, Australia and U.S. mission for comment but did not receive responses in time for publication.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations declined to comment.





Original article source: Iran secures UN role with backing from UK, France, Canada, Australia as US stands alone
Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sharply criticized German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over comments about Israel's settlement policy in the West Bank, drawing fire from Israel's ambassador to Germany.

"Mr Chancellor, The days when Germans dictated to Jews where they were permitted or forbidden to live are over and shall not return," Smotrich wrote on Monday evening on the X platform, alluding to the rule of the German National Socialists during the Second World War. Around 6 million children, women and men were murdered by the Nazi regime.

"You will not force us into ghettos again, certainly not in our own land," Smotrich added.

Merz warned against partial annexation of the West Bank

Smotrich linked to an English-language X post by the chancellor regarding a telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

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Merz wrote: "I am deeply concerned about developments in the Palestinian territories. In my phone call with Prime Minister @netanyahu, I made it clear: There must be no de facto annexation of the West Bank."

According to media reports, Israel's right-wing religious leadership had recently approved the creation of 34 settlements in the occupied West Bank, in the shadow of the war with Iran.

The approvals concern the construction of new settlements as well as the legalization of previously illegal settlement outposts, a number of media outlets including the Times of Israel reported.

Prosor contradicts Smotrich

The Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, told the Israeli broadcaster Kan that he condemned the remarks made by the Israeli finance minister.

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"It is possible and entirely legitimate to argue with the Germans  especially on this day, which is very emotional," Prosor said on Holocaust Remembrance Day on Tuesday.

However, remarks such as those made by Smotrich were "exactly what undermines the memory of the Holocaust and presents things in a completely distorted light," Prosor added.

He acknowledged that there is legitimate criticism of the rise of anti-Semitism in Germany and of the denial by some of Israel's right to exist. Compared to other European countries, however, Germany is Israel's "number one friend," Prosor said. He also described Merz as a "great friend of Israel."

Conflict over settlement expansion in the West Bank

In 1967, Israel conquered, among other areas, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where today more than 700,000 settlers live amidst some 3 million Palestinians. The Palestinians claim these territories for their own state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

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The United Nations regards the Israeli settlements as a major obstacle to a peace agreement because they would leave hardly any contiguous territory for the Palestinians in the event of a possible two-state solution.

A two-state solution means that Israel and an independent Palestinian state would exist peacefully side by side. Israel's government rejects this.
Italy has suspended a defence cooperation agreement with Israel, Italian news agency ANSA reported on Tuesday.

"In view of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel," ANSA quoted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as saying at an event in Verona.

The agreement set out a framework for defence sector cooperation, according to the news agency.

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Meloni and her right-wing government are among Israel's closest allies in Europe. Recently, however, Rome has stepped up its criticism of Israel's military activities in Lebanon.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani recently visited Lebanon and met President Joseph Aoun. He said he was there to express "Italy's solidarity after Israel's unacceptable attacks on the civilian population."

There was initially no official information on the possible impact of suspending the memorandum of understanding.

However, the Israeli news portal ynet cited security sources as saying the agreement was of little substance and the decision therefore had no practical significance.
(Repeats to additional subscribers)

By Angelo Amante and Alvise Armellini

ROME, April 14 (Reuters) - Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday her government had suspended a defence cooperation deal with Israel, reflecting frayed ties between previously close allies as the conflicts in the Middle East continue.

Meloni's right-wing government has been one of Israel's closest friends in Europe, but in recent weeks it has criticised its attacks on Lebanon, which have killed hundreds and injured thousands.

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Israel also fired warning shots last week at Italian troops serving in Lebanon under a U.N. mandate, causing damage to a vehicle.

"When there are things we don't agree with, we act accordingly," Meloni told reporters on the sidelines of a wine fair in Verona, northern Italy.

"In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defence agreement with Israel," she added.

Meloni's announcement marked another diplomatic realignment for her right-wing government, coming a day after she criticised another close ally, U.S. President Donald Trump, for his attacks on Pope Leo.

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A source close to the matter, who requested anonymity, said Meloni took the decision on Monday with her foreign and defence ministers, Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.

Israel's foreign ministry played down the consequences.

"We have no security agreement with Italy. We have a memorandum of understanding from many years ago that has never contained any substantive content. This will not affect Israel's security," it said in a statement.

MELONI CHANGES TACK

Meloni has been in power since 2022 and will face a general election by late 2027.

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"It's a repositioning," Lorenzo Castellani, political historian at Rome's Luiss University, told Reuters.

"She's afraid that a sizeable portion of the electorate, even among the centre-right, will become highly critical of Trump and Netanyahu and of the effects of this war on Iran on the economy," he added.

Italy's opposition parties had long called for a stop to the deal with Israel.

Signed in 2003 by the government of then Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, the memorandum entered into force in 2006 and was subject to automatic renewals every five years unless one of the parties withdraws.

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It spans fields including procurement, training and the "import, export and transit of defence and military equipment".

As diplomatic tensions have risen, Rome last week summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest over the incident involving Italian troops in Lebanon. Then on Monday, the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu summoned the Italian ambassador "to discuss the situation in Lebanon".

(Reporting by Angelo Amante and Alvise Armellini; additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell, Nayera Abdallah and Maayan Lubell; editing by Barbara Lewis and Keith Weir)
JD Vances terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week got even worse Monday night thanks to a terrible gaffe he made during his Fox News interview with Bret Baier.

At one point during the interview, the vice president tried to explain how Irans decision to block the Strait of Hormuz was economic terrorism while the U.S. blockade of ships at Iranian ports was a proportional response.

Politics: Critics Rip JD Vance Over 'Most Cartoonishly Evil Laugh' After Question About 2028 Election

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As the president of the United States showed, two can play at that game. And if the Iranians are going to try to engage in economic terrorism, were going to abide by a simple principle that no Iranian ships are getting out either. We know thats a big deal to them, Vance said.

Sadly for Vance, his response sure sounded like he was admitting that his fearless leader was also an economic terrorist.

VANCE: What they have done is engage in this act of economic terrorism against the entire world. As the President showed, two can play at that game. pic.twitter.com/pd9HIdamV7  Acyn (@Acyn) April 13, 2026

Vances response fits the definition of what media types call a Kinsley gaffe: A term devised by journalist Michael Kinsley that means a mistake where a politician inadvertently says something truthful.

And, yes, many people on social media were happy to point out Vances unforced error.

I like how Vance is dumb enough to go on national TV and admit the government policy they are currently perusing is economic terrorism. https://t.co/QBkApSGpGH  Carolina Lion (@CarolinaLion2) April 14, 2026

Does he realize what he just admitted lol https://t.co/MXimzOk08k  Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) April 13, 2026

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I dont want my country acting like Iranian despots and playing the "game" of "economic terrorism against the entire world."



I thought we were better than them, not like them. https://t.co/pZEoXFTdBM  Michael McFaul (@McFaul) April 14, 2026

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U.S. sanctions have deliberately crushed the economy of multiple nations, impoverishing millions of innocent people. Thats the definition of economic terrorism. https://t.co/mT8nxXqcFn  Assal Rad (@AssalRad) April 14, 2026

What? Were ALSO engaging in economic terrorism? What a stupid way to talk. Its two different things phrased in a very bad way. Come on JD. https://t.co/fgLcUoNL19  John Jackson (@hissgoescobra) April 13, 2026

The US condemning economic terrorism is yet another moment of madness when they are the biggest economic terrorists in the history of the world



The US has imposed sanctions on more than one in three people on Earth  restricting food, medicine & trade at a scale unmatched ever https://t.co/jOzCkSthRx  Tiberius (@tiberiusfiles) April 14, 2026

"I can be a terrorist too!" https://t.co/vuDz9nE12a  John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) April 14, 2026

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Vances Fox News gaffe comes at a touchy time for him.

Last week, he visited Hungary to campaign for autocratViktor Orban (an ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin), only for his preferred candidate to lose to opponent Peter Magyar.

In addition, he was also unable to negotiate a permanent ceasefire with Iran during meetings in Pakistan last week.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
Kamala Harris is urging Black voters to rethink how they approach elections  not just as civic duty, but as a form of leverage.

As a speaker at the National Action Network Convention in New York City, Harris delivered both a warning and a strategy to a room full of activists, lawmakers and rising political stars. The annual gathering, hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton, has increasingly served as an informal audition stage for potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders.

Harris message stood out, even without an official presidential bid announcement.

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Ive come to the realization that some people are purely transactional, Harris told the audience. Theyre in it for what they can get out of it and whoever is harmed in the process, so be it.

Harris pointed to differing voter priorities, contrasting individual economic concerns with broader policy goals. Reporting from the Associated Press following the 2024 presidential election found that many voters who supported Donald Trump were motivated by issues like gas prices and the cost of groceries. Meanwhile, according to the Los Angeles Times, many voters who backed Harris cited concerns about the future of democracy.

With that in mind, Harris suggested voters should be more explicit about what they expect in return for their support.

.@KamalaHarris on Republicans proximity to power: "I've come to the realization that some people are truly transactionThey're in it for what they can get out of it." pic.twitter.com/fGvWEiZCyG  CSPAN (@cspan) April 10, 2026

A suggested voting strategy

I think we need to be transactional voters, Harris said. Get yours. Vote and say, Im voting because I expect something out of this. Youre not gonna take for granted that Im gonna vote because Im a good citizen and its my civic duty to vote.

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Her comments mark a shift from traditional political messaging directed at Black voters, which has long emphasized civic duty, shared struggle, as well as the legacy of the civil rights movement. Harris did not reject that history, but argued it should no longer be the only framework shaping political participation.

Instead, she framed voting as a negotiation, where support must be earned through tangible outcomes, not assumed through loyalty.

A long tradition of collective voting

According to an analysis from Good Authority published just days before the 2024 presidential election, Black voters  particularly Black women  have long been central to democratic participation, often mobilizing around broader struggles for equality and protection of rights.

That tradition dates back to the suffrage era, when Black women organized politically even before they had the right to vote, treating the ballot as a tool for racial uplift and community advancement. It deepened during the civil rights movement, when voting rights became central to the fight for equality, culminating in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which expanded Black voter participation and reshaped American democracy.

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In many accounts of Black political history, voting has been described as sacredan honoring of those who sacrificed their lives simply for the right to cast a ballot.

What transactional voting could signal for the future

Harris comments come as attention continues to build around her political future. During her appearance, the former vice president did not rule out a 2028 presidential bid.

Within that context, her message of transactional voting may signal how she  and potentially the Democratic Party  could approach Black voters in the next two years, with more emphasis on tangible results and policy outcomes.

Her remarks offered a glimpse into how she may be positioning herself moving forward: more direct about political expectations and more focused on results than symbolism and catchy phrases on the campaign trail.

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Whether her messaging resonates beyond the convention could shape not only the upcoming midterms, but also Black political power as a whole in the years ahead.







The post Kamala Harris Says Black People Need To Be Transactional Voters  Heres What That Means appeared first on Blavity.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Local authorities announced Tuesday morning that a Kansas City woman has been added to the FBIs Top 10 Most Wanted list.

The FBI  Kansas City Division is offering a $1 million reward for 50-year-old KaShawn Nicola Roper, a woman accused of shooting and killing a 23-year-old mother of three, Jazmyn Henrion, in August 2020. She has been on the run ever since.

Roper is currently facing one count of second-degree murder, one count of flight from perpetration of a felony, two counts of armed criminal action and one count of unlawful use of a weapon. A state warrant has been issued for her arrest.

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See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

According to investigators, Roper previously lived in Kansas City, but has ties to Kansas, Missouri and Colorado. The FBI says she may have fled to Denver following the deadly shooting.

She is described as a Black woman with black hair and brown eyes. Roper is said to be approximately 5-foot-5 and weighs about 120 pounds.

Additionally, law enforcement says Roper has tattoos on her left arm, upper-left arm, upper-right arm, back, left calf, neck, right wrist, right breast and abdomen.

If you or anyone you know has information about Roper, authorities ask that you call your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy and Consulate.

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Todays announcement brings an important case to a national audience, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Berkebile said.  We feel like bringing the attention to the public right now can really assist us in trying to locate and apprehend her.

Berkebile said the list has had a 93 percent success rate in locating fugitives since its inception.

If you believe you have seen or interacted with Miss Roper in your city, your neighborhood, your friend group, you may be holding valuable information that a grieving family so desperately needs, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said. Dont stay silent.

Background

At about 3:30 a.m., on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, KCPD officers were notified that a car of four or five people had arrived at a hospital with two shooting victims inside.

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One victim was dead, police confirmed, while the other had non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators were told that the occupants had been inside the car and driving in the area of East 68th Street and Cleveland Avenue when the shots rang out.

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KCPD originally reported that a specific house in the area had been involved, and a person of interest had been taken into custody. It is unknown if the person of interest was Roper.

Henrion was later identified as the victim who died. She left behind three children ranging from a few months to 6 years old at the time.

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Since Henrions death, authorities have been searching for Roper.

Police released a photo of Roper in January 2021, stating they were searching for her. The following year, in February 2022, U.S. Marshals increased the reward for Roper from $2,500 to $5,000.

Now, after nearly six years, the search for Roper has gone national, with authorities offering $1 million for her capture.

Investigators say Roper has a criminal record and a history of violent behavior. They warn she may be armed and should be considered dangerous.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to FOX4 News for updates and information.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Police technicians conduct an on-site investigation following the shooting incident at the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in the Siverek district, southeast Turkiye's Sanliurfa province, on April 14, 2026. At least 16 people, mostly students, were injured in a school shooting in southeast Turkiye on Tuesday as a former student entered with a shotgun and opened fire randomly before committing suicide, local media reported. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

ANKARA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 people, mostly students, were injured in a school shooting in southeast Turkiye on Tuesday as a former student entered with a shotgun and opened fire randomly before committing suicide, local media reported.

The incident occurred in the morning at the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in the Siverek district in the southeastern province of Sanliurfa.

Sanliurfa Governor Hasan Sildak said that the gunman, born in 2007, had previously studied at the school before transferring to an open high school program. He had no criminal record and fired randomly in the corridor with a pump-action shotgun. His body had been removed from the school and sent to the morgue at the Sanliurfa Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy.

Among the injured were 10 students, four teachers, a cafeteria worker, and a police officer, Sildak said. Most of them were treated at a local hospital, while five seriously injured victims were transferred to a hospital in the provincial capital, he added.

The governor described the attack as an "isolated incident" and noted that the school, which has 743 students, was not considered high-risk and had no permanent police presence.

"We are investigating the incident extensively and will inform the public as quickly as possible," he said.

Citing Sanliurfa Provincial Director of National Education Asim Sultanoglu, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported that education at the school was suspended for four days. "Rehabilitation work will be carried out for the students and teachers," Sultanoglu said. 

Local police deploy armored vehicles to reinforce the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School's security following the shooting incident at the school in the Siverek district, southeast Turkiye's Sanliurfa province, on April 14, 2026. At least 16 people, mostly students, were injured in a school shooting in southeast Turkiye on Tuesday as a former student entered with a shotgun and opened fire randomly before committing suicide, local media reported. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

Sanliurfa Governor Hasan Sildak (front R) holds a press conference following the shooting incident at the Ahmet Koyuncu Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in the Siverek district, southeast Turkiye's Sanliurfa province, on April 14, 2026. At least 16 people, mostly students, were injured in a school shooting in southeast Turkiye on Tuesday as a former student entered with a shotgun and opened fire randomly before committing suicide, local media reported. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky (ACLU-KY) and its partners are urging law enforcement, prosecutors and judges to take immediate steps they say will reduce deaths at Louisvilles jail and address persistent overcrowding.

The state affiliate of the national nonprofit civil rights organization wants the Louisville Metro Police Department to expand its use of citations rather than arrests for lower-level offenses; prosecutors for the Jefferson County Office of the Commonwealth Attorney and the Jefferson County Attorneys Office to stop requesting bench warrants with cash bonds for people who do not pose a legitimate threat to public safety; and judges to release more people without paying bail, credit time served in custody toward bail, and decline to issue bench warrants for people who owe only fines or fees.

Despite new policies, procedures, a new jail director, a new healthcare provider, and new technology at the jail, overcrowding and understaffing continue to put lives at risk at LMDC, said ACLU-KY Executive Director Amber Duke, using the acronym for the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections.

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The list of demands comes about six weeks after corrections officers on the morning of Feb. 26 found a Cuban man, Juan Miguel Munoz Penalver, unresponsive in his cell. Munoz Penalver was declared deceased at the jail, where he had been booked 12 days earlier on charges of assault and criminal mischief after being accused of attacking a man.

Amber Duke, executive director of the ACLU of Kentucky, speaks during a press conference calling for reforms at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, citing concerns over inmate deaths, overcrowding and understaffing. April 14, 2026.

His stepmother, Ivelissa Ive Munoz, attended a news conference held by the ACLU-KY on April 14 and said that Munoz Penalver spent 12 days in isolation because officials said he was combative, a claim she does not believe. Officials also said he refused food, which she does not believe either.

Munoz said her stepson attempted suicide on Feb. 16, after which he was placed on suicide watch with required checks every 30 minutes. According to a preliminary report, a cell camera captured Munoz Penalver lying on the ground in front of the door at approximately 11:15 p.m. on Feb. 25, and he did not appear to move afterward. Corrections officers found him the next morning at 4:24 a.m. while serving breakfast, the report says.

He mattered. He was another human being, and he did not deserve to be treated like that, Munoz said, adding that she is speaking with attorneys about the possibility of a civil lawsuit.

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A spokesperson for LMDC did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The agency is investigating Munoz Penalver's death.

Louisvilles jail has struggled for years with deaths, most of which were overdoses or suicides. Since May 2021, 23 people, including Munoz Penalver, have died at the downtown facility, a former Metropolitan Sewer District office repurposed in 1999.

Deaths spiked in 2022, with eight deaths, and declined in recent years as LMDC Director Jerry Collins, whom former Mayor Greg Fischer hired in March of that year, introduced a slew of reforms.

Those reforms have included mental health evaluations upon entry to the jail; installing more high-resolution body scanners to detect contraband; eliminating physical mail, which was sometimes soaked or laced with drugs; installing Narcan in every dorm; locking food slots that had been used to pass contraband; expanding K-9 unit patrols for contraband; removing or retrofitting furniture used in suicide attempts, including installing plexiglass over window bars; installing cameras in every cell; and expanding specialized dorm programs.

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But those changes do not alter the fact that too many people are being unnecessarily housed in the jail and that there are not enough officers to supervise them, the ACLU-KY and its partners contend.

Duke said she and others meet regularly with Collins, and he recently told her the jail is 50 corrections officials short of optimal staffing for its rated capacity of 1,373.

The average daily population was above that threshold for much of 2025, and the trend has continued into this year. According to a population dashboard, the average daily population reached a four-year high of 1,607 on March 22 but has since fallen to around 1,500.

I remind folks in our community that the majority of those who are incarcerated at LMDC have not been convicted of a crime, Duke said.

Collins has publicly expressed concern about the jails population and said that reentry programs that require valuable space could be at risk.

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He and other stakeholders, including officials from the Jefferson County Public Defenders Office, the countys chief court administrator, and the director of the newly formed Metro Office of Behavioral Health, are meeting as a working group in part to study ways to reduce the population.

In the past two meetings, the officials discussed steps taken during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the population and whether those steps could be implemented again or new measures introduced, the meeting minutes show. A third, preplanned meeting was held just two hours after the ACLUs news conference.

Collins also recently implemented a new staffing plan to reduce mandatory overtime, which union officials said led to burnout among corrections officers.

Corrections officers interacted with inmates in the booking area inside the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections in Louisville, Ky. on June 5, 2024.

Duke called those steps encouraging but said officials need to act with greater urgency.

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Its great to have meetings, its great to have commissions and to review reports, (but) we have over 1,500 souls that are currently down the block at LMDC that are at risk of death, Duke said.

McKay Chauvin, Jefferson Countys chief court administrator and a member of the working group, a subcommittee of Metros Jail Policy Committee formed in the wake of a 2025 report recommending the construction of a new jail, said in a statement that serious and continuous efforts are underway to address the complex factors that lead to jail overcrowding.

You wont find anyone anywhere in favor of putting or keeping someone in jail who doesnt need to be there, Chauvin said, italics his own. While there may be widespread disagreement about who needs to be in jail, that determination is not and should never be made categorically, but by a judge according to law applied to the facts of the individual appearing before him or her.

Josh Abner, a spokesperson for the Jefferson County Attorneys Office, said in a statement that County Attorney Mike OConnell is a longtime supporter of bail reform and believes money should not be the reason someone is kept in jail, just as access to money should not allow a dangerous person to be released.

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OConnell believes that moving to a cashless bail system must include an opportunity for pre-release detention hearings, as in the federal court system, Abner said, adding, Prosecutors should have the ability to argue for detention when they feel a defendant is a danger to the victim or the community, with judicial review making the final determination.

The balance of public safety, attention to victims, and the rights of the accused is at the center of the issue of bail, Abner said. Our office reviews each case individually and advocates for bonds we feel are appropriate for public safety, using the guidelines of Kentuckys Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Spokespeople for LMPD and the Jefferson County Office of the Commonwealth Attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Monroe Trombly covers public safety. He can be reached at mtrombly@gannett.com or on Signal at MTromblyCJ.11.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: ACLU-KY urges action to reduce deaths, overcrowding at Louisville jail
One major analyst no longer classifies North Carolinas U.S. Senate race as a toss-up. The Cook Political Report announced Monday that it has shifted its rating of the race from Toss Up to Lean Democrat  increasing Democratic odds of taking back the Senate in November.

Its a big statement in a battleground state like North Carolina, which hasnt elected a Democratic senator since 2008, and a signal that a race that was expected to be the most expensive in the country and crucial to securing the Senate majority may not be as competitive as previously thought.

It might sound like a familiar story. After all, North Carolina has become national Democrats white whale. Every election cycle, they get their hopes up, only to lose by slim margins every time. But there is real reason to believe that 2026 is different. This appears to be the first time in at least a decade that the Cook Political Report has rated a North Carolina Senate race in Democrats favor. In 2022, 2020 and 2016, the ratings fluctuated between Lean Republican and Toss Up. But with former Gov. Roy Cooper leading in every poll so far, sometimes by a significant margin, Democrats can probably afford to be cautiously optimistic, especially if things dont change in the next few months.

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North Carolina wasnt the only race whose rating shifted on Monday, and it may not have even been the most significant. The Cook Political Report also shifted Ohios contest from Lean Republican to Toss Up. Ohio, which is considered more of a red state than a swing state these days, is holding a special election for the seat vacated by Vice President J.D. Vance. If that race becomes even more competitive than expected, Republicans could be forced to spend more to defend it, potentially siphoning resources away from places like North Carolina. The leading super PAC for Senate Republicans has already announced plans to spend the most money in the Ohio Senate race, with North Carolina coming in second.

So far, the Cook Political Report appears to be the only major outlet to shift its outlook on North Carolinas Senate race. Other outlets, like Inside Elections and Sabatos Crystal Ball, still classify the race as a toss-up. But if things keep trending in Democrats favor, perhaps those projections will start to shift, too.

Deputy Opinion Editor Paige Masten is covering politics and the 2026 elections for The Charlotte Observer and The News & Observer.
Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell announced this week that he's leaving Congress and the crowded contest for California governor following sexual assault allegations, which he denies, and a swift exodus of his supporters.

Days ago, the 45-year-old congressman was among a group of leading Democrats in the race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, who cannot seek a third term at the helm of the nation's most populous state.

Swalwell's campaign unraveled within about 48 hours after the San Francisco Chronicle reported allegations that he had sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him. Later Friday, CNN reported that other women accused him of various forms of sexual misconduct.

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He suspended his gubernatorial campaign on Sunday, saying in a social media post, I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made  but thats my fight, not a campaigns.

Former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter and billionaire financier Tom Steyer, a 2020 presidential candidate, are among other top Democrats seeking to snatch up Swalwells former backers as the primary nears with no clear front-runner.

Swalwell said Monday he would leave Congress on his own terms as lawmakers pushed for a bipartisan vote to expel him. The seven-term lawmaker officially resigned from the U.S. House on Tuesday as another woman accused him of sexual assault.

Here's what is known about the allegations against Swalwell and the possible political implications.

Allegations include sexual assault, nude photos and explicit messages

The Chronicle interviewed a woman who alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019, when he was her boss, and again in 2024. She said she was too intoxicated to consent to sex in both cases and did not go to police at the time because she was afraid she would not be believed.

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CNN reported allegations that appeared to come from the same woman. Neither outlet named her, and her lawyer declined to comment.

CNN also spoke to several other women who accused Swalwell of sending them inappropriate messages and nude photos.

A California woman then held a news conference Tuesday, identifying herself and saying she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell in 2018. She said she believes Swalwell drugged her before raping her, and she now plans to make a report to law enforcement

Swalwell has maintained that the allegations are false. He said it would be unfair to his constituents if he remained in Congress while hes distracted from his duties.

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Attorney Sara Azari released a statement Tuesday on Swalwells behalf saying he categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him.

California governor's race remains fluid

Swalwell's exit from the race presents an opening for his former rivals to pick up support ahead of the June 2 primary.

Democrats Steyer and Porter, and two leading Republicans, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton, who is endorsed by President Donald Trump, are among more than 50 candidates vying for just two spots on the November ballot.

Under California's primary system, only the top two vote-getters advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

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There are still seven established Democrats in the primary. Swalwells departure narrows the field of top contenders, but its too late for his name to be removed from the ballot.

Newsom has acknowledged fears within the party that the large field of candidates could split the Democratic vote into fractions small enough to open a path for a Republican to hold the top office in one of the nations most solidly Democratic states. It's still possible  though a long shot  that the two leading Republicans could lock out Democrats in November.

Special election set for this summer

Newsom on Tuesday set a special election for Aug. 18 to fill the House seat vacated by Swalwell.

Swalwell's announcement came as the House Ethics Committee said it had begun investigating whether he engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee. The future of the probe is uncertain, as the committee often stops investigating when lawmakers resign.

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Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas also announced Monday that he would retire from Congress after bipartisan calls to expel him. He officially resigned Tuesday.

Several lawmakers had suggested expelling both Swalwell and Gonzales simultaneously, in an even trade-off for the parties. Gonzales had already said he would not seek reelection after admitting to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide.

The rise before the fall

Swalwell, who is originally from Iowa, was first elected to Congress in 2012 and represents a House district east of San Francisco.

He launched a presidential bid in April 2019 but dropped out after just a few months.

Swalwell served as a House manager in Trumps second impeachment trial in early 2021. He also played a role in investigating ties between Trump associates and Russian officials as a member of the House Intelligence Committee.
Plans for Oklahoma City's Clara Luper Civil Rights Center have been approved by the City Council, with a groundbreaking scheduled for this summer and the center's opening scheduled for 2027.

Funded through MAPS 4, the $17.2 million project includes a new center and gathering space named in honor of the pioneering Civil Rights leader and educator who also served as a longtime advisor for Oklahoma Citys NAACP Youth Council. Luper led her students in nonviolent demonstrations to desegregate hundreds of establishments across Oklahoma during the 1950s and '60s.

Plans for the center were finalized just five months after the opening of the Clara Luper National Sit-In Memorial Plaza in downtown Oklahoma City. The plaza honors Luper and other student members of the NAACP Youth Council who sat down at the Katz Drug Store's whites-only counter on Aug. 19, 1958. The nonviolent sit-in led to other demonstrations and to the desegregation of Katz stores and other Oklahoma City businesses.

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More: Sit-inner finally gets to see his statue at plaza named after his mom

What to know about the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center

The planned 17,694-square-foot Civil Rights Center will be operated by the same organization that runs the adjacent Freedom Center.

Luper founded the Freedom Center to keep youth involved following the success of the sit-in movement, and it served as headquarters for the NAACP Youth Council for more than 40 years. The building was named a historic landmark by the Oklahoma City Historic Preservation Commission in 2018.

More: New Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail app is available for download

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt expressed his excitement about the expansion, describing it as a "community resolution to share in the city's civil rights story with future generations."

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Upon its opening, the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center will preserve our civil rights history that changed our city forever," Holt said in a statement. "It will inspire us to continue building a better city, and it will make a new investment in the heart of northeast OKC.

The new Civil Rights Center will include exhibitions that tell the story of Oklahomas civil rights history along with classrooms and an event hall for youth activities, public programs and community gatherings.

This artist's rendering shows the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center, which will be built in the northeast part of Oklahoma City at NE 24 and Martin Luther King Avenue. (Rendering courtesy Bockus Payne Architecture, City of Oklahoma City)

We are thrilled to move forward with development of the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center as an educational, community and tourism resource in the heart of northeast Oklahoma City, Freedom Center of Oklahoma City Executive Director Christina Beatty said in a statement. Together, the historic Freedom Center building and the new construction will create a beautiful, pedestrian-friendly five-acre campus spanning two and a half blocks that celebrates Oklahomas civil rights history indoors and out.

The new addition will continue the Freedom Center's priorities of education, empowerment and enlightenment to reflect on the Civil Rights movement in Oklahoma.

Design architects and community leaders met Thursday with residents of northeast Oklahoma City to share information and gather feedback on the upcoming Clara Luper Civil Rights Center as plans enter the early design phase." Jessie Christopher Smith/THE OKLAHOMAN

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Clara Luper Civil Rights Center expected to open in OKC in 2027
Class is in session for roughly 400,000 Los Angeles Unified students after a historic three-union strike involving 70,000 teachers, administrators and school support staff was averted early Tuesday morning.

The Los Angeles Unified School District and Service Employees International Union Local 99 reached a tentative agreement around 2 a.m. Tuesday Pacific Time.

United Teachers Los Angeles and Associated Administrators of Los Angeles agreed to tentative contracts Sunday night. If SEIU had not reached an agreement, all three unions would have walked out together for the first time in the nations second-largest district.

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We are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement in principle with SEIU Local 99 that will allow schools to be open, the district said in a statement. Los Angeles Unified and SEIU Local 99 teams will continue to work together to finalize the details of a tentative agreement.

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The union, which represents more than 30,000 bus drivers, teachers assistants, custodians and cafeteria workers, had accused the district of bad-faith bargaining and retaliation. The teachers union and its 37,000 members had planned to walk out with the SEIU local in solidarity, as it did when the union organized an unfair labor charge strike in 2023. This time, the administrators union, which represents more than 3,000 principals and assistant principals, had planned to strike in support as well.

Because of our members unity and readiness to take action, we secured major wins  including significant improvements to wages and hours; stronger protections against subcontracting; increased staffing; and we successfully stopped layoffs for (information technology) workers, Local 99 said in a Tuesday statement. This is what collective power looks like.

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Los Angeles, San Francisco Teachers Unions OK Strikes Over Pay, Staffing Demands

The union and the district have been bargaining for two years, said Blanca Gallegos, the unions communications director.

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Currently, the average wage in (our union) is about $35,000, which is below poverty for a family of four, she said before the agreement was reached. Were also looking to increase hours  because the district relies on a lot of part-time work  so about 80% of Local 99 members are working less than eight hours a day.

The district previously offered a 13% raise, but the union said it wasnt enough to provide a livable salary for its members. The union also wanted staff to be able to work more hours. Gallegos said many employees were restricted to a number of hours thats just under the threshold needed to qualify for health benefits  a reason why picketing would have been classified as an unfair labor charge strike. The district didnt respond to a request for comment about the unfair labor charge.

During these two years of negotiations, the district has taken a lot of actions that are retaliatory. One of them is they reduce the hours of thousands of members so that theyre not eligible for health care benefits  I mean, like 15 minutes short of being eligible, Gallegos said. We see that as undermining the contract.

Tuesdays tentative agreement includes a 24% pay increase over three years and minimum work hour schedules for specific positions.

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The district had told all three unions it cant afford huge raises, but bargaining leaders pointed to a $5 billion reserve fund. Los Angeles Unified has said the account is dwindling amid a projected $191 million deficit.

United Teachers Los Angeles announced Sunday that it agreed to a tentative two-year contract that increases the average salary by 13.86%, with a minimum raise of 8%. The union had rejected an April 1 offer that included a 10% raise over three years with a one-time 3% bonus for this school year.

The new contract, which will expire in 2027, also includes four weeks of paid parental leave; more psychologists, psychiatric social workers and counselors; lower class sizes; and stipends for teachers if class sizes exceed the limit.

The flexing of our collective power forced LAUSD to direct significant funding into critical priorities identified by UTLA members in the Win Our Future contract demands, the union said in a statement.

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United Teachers Los Angeles has been a key player in a statewide effort to improve pay and working conditions during contract negotiations this year. The We Cant Wait campaign, coordinated by the California Teachers Association, asked union locals in 32 districts to focus demands around wages, staffing, fewer layoffs and school closures. It also aims to pressure the state to increase school funding.

Related

San Francisco Teachers Strike Ends With Tentative Agreement on Raises, Benefits

Associated Administrators of Los Angeles was seeking 12% raises over two years, with a chance to renegotiate in the third year of its next contract. The district agreed to an 11.65% salary increase. Union members will also receive stipends if they work in a high-needs school or are a schools single administrator, and 40 hours a year of professional training.

This moment did not happen by accident. It happened because 90% of you voted yes to authorize a strike, union President Maria Nichols said to her members in a statement. It happened because you trusted our union. It happened because you stood firm, you stood together and you refused to be overlooked. Your courage at that vote changed the tone at the bargaining table. Your unity shifted the balance of power. Your perseverance made this moment possible.

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The unions havent announced a timetable for ratifying the contracts.

In case of a strike, the district had planned to supply meals at community food sites and offer classroom lesson packets. But some parents said loss of learning and other resources would have lasting negative impacts on their children.

Maria Palma, founder of the parent advocacy group Oleada, said the pandemic combined with other local school interruptions, such as immigration enforcement raids, have caused students to miss multiple days of school.

Many parents are very concerned about the learning loss that has happened, she said. Most recently, we had a protest where teachers were telling students that they should walk out of schools and protest against ICE. The loss of so many school days for some kids that are now, for example, in high school, over all these years, has been considerable.

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A strike would have been especially devastating for Indigenous and immigrant families, said Evelyn Aleman, founder of Our Voice, a local parent advocacy nonprofit. The district serves roughly 30,000 immigrant students, and 25% of them are undocumented, according to the teachers union.

Aleman said language barriers had made it difficult for immigrant parents to keep up with district updates about the strike.

Undocumented parents dont feel safe enough to pick up materials or food distributed by the district because of fears of deportation, she said. Many parents involved with Our Voice also work as street vendors and are the single guardians of multiple children, making it impossible to find child care.

When LAUSD says theres going to be food centers, some parents dont have vehicles. Its very frustrating, Aleman said. Some children will remain unwatched, because some of the parents will leave the children in the home and sometimes leave cameras. Thats how they monitor the children  thats what is happening when these situations arise.
ARCHBALD  Before testimony could begin Monday night on Archbalds largest proposed data center campus, lines of residents converged on a cardboard box at the front of Valley Views High School auditorium, filling it with hundreds of glossy flyers and booklets mailed throughout the borough last week in an effort to gain public support.

The display of opposition set the tone for the next three hours as more than 500 residents packed the room for Archbalds third public hearing on the Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus  the largest turnout yet for a Midvalley data center meeting.

Following Wildcat Ridges newly launched public relations campaign, impassioned residents loudly vocalized their stance on data centers throughout the night, cheering on anti-data center speakers while booing and heckling the developers representatives.

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Many in attendance wore bright yellow Stop Data Centers T-shirts, with even more in the crowd holding No Data Centers signs.

The Wildcat Ridge Data Center Campus proposes building 14 two-story data centers plus commercial and office space along 574.2 mountainside acres along Business Route 6 and extending up Route 247, or Wildcat Road. Each data center would be up to 80 feet tall with a 202,340-square-foot footprint. The campus would also have 316,000 square feet of commercial space, including a 50,000-square-foot grocery store with 1,800 square feet of retail space; two four-story, 85,000-square-foot buildings, with one mixed use and the other an office; and a 96,000-square-foot surface parking lot with about 360 spaces. The campus would have 41 backup diesel generators per data center, totaling 574 generators, each with a 2,000-gallon fuel tank amounting to 1,148,000 gallons stored on site.

Wildcat Ridge was the first proposed data center campus in Lackawanna County when representatives approached council during a January 2025 work session, and despite at least 12 more data center campuses proposed throughout the county since then, including five more in Archbald, it remains one of the most controversial developments due to its location, water demands and electricity needs.

The campus would use a maximum of just over 3.3 million gallons per day of water during the hottest summer weather while requiring 1.6 gigawatts, or 1,600 megawatts, of electricity, though Wildcat Ridge emphasizes it would need significantly less water during cooler weather, using about 53,553 gallons per day from October through April.

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Brooklyn-based Cornell Realty Management LLC filed a 777-page conditional use application for Wildcat Ridge on Dec. 15. Council held previous hearings on Jan. 28 and March 10.

The fourth public hearing will resume May 14 at 5 p.m. in the Valley View High School auditorium, 1 Columbus Drive, Archbald, Borough Solicitor Jay OConnor said.Mailer return

With its third hearing looming, Wildcat Ridge worked with Ryan Leckey Media, a local marketing agency, to distribute booklets and flyers to residents touting the campuses economic benefits and minimizing its impacts. A newly launched wildcatridgedatacenter.com shared the same messaging.

At the start of the hearing, Wildcat Ridge attorney Edmund J. Campbell Jr. of King of Prussia-based Campbell Rocco Law addressed the Wildcat Ridge Propaganda Mailer Return box, which was initially on the stage of the auditorium near where the developers representatives sit. Campbell said his client sent out the materials to explain that its cooling system would not draw water during a drought, and that the campus would not impact electricity use, calling electricity a much more regional, or even national, issue.

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I find it inappropriate for the decorum of the meeting, Campbell said of the box, speaking over boos from the crowd. Theres lots of social media out there discussing this application and others, and anytime anyone suggests or posts something on those forums that is in any way supportive of data centers or this application, those things are immediately stricken.

OConnor responded that council will consider Wildcat Ridges conditional use application based on the evidence they present. He then asked for the box to be removed from the stage, prompting residents to flock to the front of the auditorium to stuff it with their booklets and flyers.

Councilwoman Erin Owen said she and her fellow council members all received the same materials in the mail, but they did not ask residents to bring them.

The nearly 8,900-member Stop Archbald Data Centers group on Facebook set up the box and encouraged residents on social media to return the mailers.Traffic scrutiny

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Traffic drove Mondays hearing.

Traffic engineer Jerilyn Luben testified about a traffic generation report compiled by her engineering firm, Honesdale-based L&V Engineering LLC. Her report faced scrutiny during cross examination.

Luben projected a weekday average of 2,498 trips per day, with weekday a.m. peaks of 359 trips per hour and p.m. peaks of 342 trips per hour.

The project will need a Highway Occupancy Permit, or HOP, from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, but it is not yet required at this point in the process, Luben said through testimony elicited via questions from Campbell. The sole purpose of the HOP is to ensure safe and efficient traffic, and Cornell Realty Management assured them that, regardless of the lengths needed to mitigate traffic, they will construct the improvements required by the HOP, Luben said.

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Wildcat Ridge would accept as conditions of approval that it must have an HOP and that it would fund any necessary improvements, according to Luben and Campbell.

Attorney Justin Richards, who is representing residents challenging the boroughs data center zoning, quickly questioned the traffic projections.

Richards pointed out that the 16 studies used to calculate the traffic generation report were based on an average of 557,000 square feet  nearly 10 times smaller than Wildcat Ridges proposed 5.665 million square feet, which includes its 14 data centers and a 33,000-square-foot office building.

He asked Luben if she believes her firms report is accurate based on that disparity.

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This is the standard that is used, she said. There is no other data available.

Richards further questioned Luben about whether traffic from the commercial and office space, including a 50,000-square-foot grocery store, were included in her projections.

Luben said the additional commercial and office space were not included in the traffic projections. Wildcat Ridges conditional use application acknowledges development of the commercial zone is expected to significantly increase traffic along Business Route 6 but that it would create new high-volume intersections to address it.

Wildcat Ridge also included a community impact analysis by Honesdale-based Shepstone Management Company in its application. Planning consultant Thomas Shepstone presented the analysis during the March 10 hearing.

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Although the commercial and office space were not part of Lubens traffic generation report, Shepstones analysis frequently references their economic benefits for the borough.

Richards pointed out that the community impact analysis quotes about 500 fewer trips per day than Lubens report, writing, The projects total daily trip generation remains under 2,000 vehicle trips per day.

How do you reconcile your expert analysis with that statement? Richards asked.

I cant, Luben replied.

So one of them incorrect, Richards responded. Is it you, or is it the applicant? Which statement is incorrect?

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The applicants, Luben said as the crowd erupted in applause.

Opposition leader Tamara Misewicz-Healey, who founded Stop Archbald Data Centers in October with her husband, Justin, continued the cross examination. She noted that the traffic generation report characterized truck traffic as negligible and asked Luben whether she stands by that.

Yes, as a proportion of all the trips, Luben said.

Public opposition

Public comment normally occurs after all of an applicants witnesses testify, but with five-plus pages of speaker signup sheets, OConnor said council would begin listening to public comment on Monday, though commenters had the option to defer until Wildcat Ridge concluded its testimony.

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A dozen Lackawanna County residents took up the offer, including a retired longtime judge, a county commissioner and the countys controller.

Retired Lackawanna County senior Judge Thomas J. Munley, a Jessup resident, referenced his 19 years as a judge to criticize Wildcat Ridge.

After 19 years of seeing applications, I wouldve thrown this out in five minutes, Munley said. Its totally inadequate.

He decried the developers characterization that it would use an average of 50,000 gallons per day during most months.

You dont care about our environment here, number one. You dont care about what youre doing to our water system, number two. You dont care what youre doing to our electricity system, number three, Munley said. And number four, you dont care about the quality of life of these people.

He concluded his remarks with a warning.

Let me tell you something, unless you agree to a moratorium for a couple of years and let these people alone, or agree to put it on the ballot, pack your bags, Munley said to a standing ovation. Pack your bags, get out of this place and dont come back.

Lackawanna County Controller Gary DiBileo called on Archbald to make data centers a referendum for voters to consider on the ballot. DiBileo is a Scranton resident who has testified at previous data center hearings in Archbald and Dickson City following his experience opposing a data center proposal in Ransom Twp. just outside his neighborhood in Scrantons Keyser Valley section.

The developers and corporations should want this, because why would they come to a town where they are not wanted? he said, extending his call to municipalities throughout the county to consider data center referendums.

Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan, an outspoken critic of data centers who urged Gov. Josh Shapiro to enact a three-year moratorium on hyperscale campuses, took issue with Wildcat Ridges marketing campaign, including a flyer sent to Valley View taxpayers asking, Hey Valley View School District! What would you do with an extra $23 million a year?

When someone tries to buy your future, its because they cannot earn your trust.  Let them keep their pamphlets. Let them keep their fake checks. Let them keep their carefully crafted fantasies. We will not be tempted, tricked or traded, Gaughan said. Archbald is not a line item. Its not a projection. Its not a number on a postcard. Archbald is a place. Its a people, and its a promise, and Archbald is not for sale.

Gaughan also took aim at questions posed by the developer in its marketing that asked whos behind the data center opposition.

Who is behind the opposition? Have you not been paying attention? he said. Its the people who are sitting behind me tonight.

The same marketing questioned the source of funding for T-shirts and signs opposing data centers.

Megan Farrell answered those questions.

Its me, the fifth generation Archbald resident said. I place approximately $1,000 of signs on my credit card at a time.

Stop Archbald Data Centers recoups costs for signs $5 at a time, and she ordered about $1,800 worth of T-shirts, which the group recoups at $10 per shirt. A small group of family and friends donated to allow her to design and print flyers to distribute, she said.

We do it for our family, Farrell said. Our passion to protect this town and its residents, its something that you will not be able to afford or pay for from your employees.

Judy Quinlan, an Archbald resident, cautioned data center developers about opposition from residents.

Dont ever underestimate the power of the people, the power of conviction and the power of protest, she said. We wont back down, so if theres 70-, 80-year-old women standing at the construction site, dont be surprised. Well be there, and well stop it because were going to resist the billionaires.
Woman accuses Rep. Eric Swalwell of drugging and raping her in 2018 09:33

Washington  Another woman came forward with allegations against former Rep. Eric Swalwell on Tuesday, claiming the California Democrat drugged and raped her after he offered to help her career in 2018.

Swalwell announced Sunday that he would be ending his campaign for governor of California and said Monday he planned to resign from Congress. He officially resigned on Tuesday. Swalwell has called the prior allegations against him "false" and suggested they were politically motivated to hurt his gubernatorial bid.

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The woman, who identified herself as Lonna Drewes at the news conference with her attorneys in Beverly Hills, said Swalwell had invited her to a political event but they ended up at his hotel room because he said he needed to get paperwork.

"I believe he drugged my drink. I only had one glass of wine," Drewes said. "When I arrived at his hotel room, I was already incapacitated, and I couldn't move my arms or my body."

"He raped me and he choked me," she said. "And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness and I thought I died."

Drewes said she did not get a rape kit but disclosed the alleged assault to the people closest to her and recorded the events in her handwritten calendar. She said she also talked about the alleged rape during her therapy sessions at a sexual assault center in Connecticut. She said the delay in taking action was "driven by fear" of his political power and background as an attorney.

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"It had a profound impact on my mental health," she said. "I self-medicated in an unhealthy way."

Drewes said she had met Swalwell twice before the third encounter in which the alleged rape occurred and he had offered her connections to help with her software company.

"He was my friend," she said.

Drewes' attorney, Lisa Bloom, said they planned to immediately file a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Drewes suggested she came forward now to "stand with the other women who have come forward."

Later Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement that its Special Victims Bureau was investigating a case involving a female adult who reported being sexually assaulted by Swalwell in July 2018 at a business in West Hollywood. Once an investigation is completed, the sheriff's department said it would present the case to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration.

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In a statement Tuesday, Swalwell's attorney said the former congressman "categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him."

"These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent twenty years in public service," his attorney Sara Azari said in a statement. She called the allegations a "ruthless and shameless attempt to smear" Swalwell.

Several women have come forward in recent days after the San Francisco Chronicle published an account from a former staffer who alleged the California Democrat sexually assaulted her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent. Two women who accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, Annika Albrecht and Ally Sammarco, told CBS News that Swalwell allegedly sent them unsolicited explicit messages on Snapchat. A feature of the popular messaging app is that chats and photos automatically disappear soon after they're sent.

Swalwell's decisions regarding his political future came as he started shedding support from House Democratic leadership and key members of his party, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat. He faced an investigation by the House Ethics Committee and an effort to expel him from the lower chamber. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office also confirmed Sunday that it is investigating sexual assault allegations against Swalwell.

The accusations against Swalwell have reverberated across Capitol Hill. About an hour after the Democratic congressman announced he would step down, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas said he would be stepping down. Gonzales was also at center of a push to expel him from the House after it was revealed he sent sexually explicit text messages to a staffer who later died by suicide. Gonzales admitted last month to the affair and ended his reelection campaign under pressure from House GOP leaders. He officially resigned Tuesday.
BEIRUT, Lebanon, April 14 (UPI) -- Divisions among Lebanese over Iran, Hezbollah and state authority have intensified amid Israel's destructive war on the country, fueling distrust, suspicion, hatred and accusations of treason while heightening fears of sectarian violence -- or worse, another civil war.

Such strong sentiments have so far remained largely confined to social media, where an intense war of words between Hezbollah's supporters and opponents has reached an unprecedented level, with only limited incidents on the ground that have been quickly contained by security forces.

The increased tension reflects mounting discontent and growing rejection among many Lebanese of Hezbollah's influence over the country and its role in dragging it into pointless wars they neither want nor consider to be in Lebanon's interest.

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Hezbollah's supporters, meanwhile, have become more defiant in displaying their group's power and allegiance to Iran, refusing to surrender their weapons or submit fully to state authority.

It was, in fact, a struggle that has been developing over the past years between those who want Lebanon to be governed solely by the state, with the exclusive authority over decisions of war and peace and protection provided by the army, and those who strongly support Hezbollah and Iran, viewing them as essential for their security against Israeli threats.

This divide has increasingly taken on a sectarian dimension, often pitting many Christians and Sunnis against much of the Shiite community.

The breaking points came when Hezbollah decided to open a support front for Gaza on October 8, 2023, and more recently became involved in the U.S.-led war on Iran, firing missiles on Israel, to avenge the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and respond to continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

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Both wars proved devastating for Lebanon, already mired in crisis, as they triggered harsh and widespread Israeli retaliation, resulting in high casualties, large-scale displacement, extensive destruction and a weakening of Hezbollah.

The militant party -- whose military and security activities were recently outlawed by the Lebanese Cabinet -- and its Shiite community bore the brunt of these wars. They were specifically targeted by Israel's intensive airstrikes, forced displacement, the destruction of homes and flattening of villages in southern Lebanon.

Estimates indicate that, since October 2023, some 6,560 people have been killed and more than 23,000 wounded. The number of displaced has reached 1.2 million, while total war losses have exceeded $15 billion.

The new massive displacement -- the second in less than 30 months -- has triggered again a widespread humanitarian response and strong sympathy for the displaced, with hosting communities across Lebanon rushing to provide shelter and supplies, putting aside political differences.

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However, tensions and suspicion could not be concealed, particularly as Israel began to strike apartments and hotels in previously considered safe areas, reportedly targeting Hezbollah members and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operatives hiding there -- and endangering civilian lives and host communities.

Such attacks took a tragic turn Wednesday, when Israel conducted about 100 strikes that targeted residential buildings in the heart of Beirut and across Lebanon, killing at least 357 people and injuring 1,223 in a single day.

While Israel claimed that 300 Hezbollah members were among the dead, reports indicate that the majority of those killed were civilians, including entire families.

David Wood, a senior Lebanon analyst at the International Crisis Group, noted that domestic tensions "are worsening," as Israel has not only displaced approximately 1 in 5 Lebanese, but also has heightened fear and concern by regularly striking communities that host displaced Shiite populations.

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"This has led to increased criticism of Hezbollah and to communities asking displaced people to leave for fear of coming under attack from Israel," Wood told UPI, adding that Israel is not only targeting Hezbollah but also exacting "a disastrous toll on the Shiite community as a whole and on the Lebanese in general."

He called for Israel to "stop using collective punishment in this war" and to stop giving displaced people "no real options of anywhere to go."

Containing communal tensions became the top priority of Lebanese security forces, which increased their patrols in Beirut and other areas with large concentrations of displaced people.

The move was intended to reassure both the displaced and their hosts and to defuse tensions, according to a security source, who dismissed as "exaggerated" reports circulating on social media about weapons being found in displacement shelters or preparations for confrontation and armed clashes.

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"We are firm and confident as we are ready to impose security and contain any incident," he told UPI, noting that in times of war and crisis, people tend to exaggerate events, especially now with social media.

The first real test came Saturday, when hundreds of Hezbollah supporters took to the streets in downtown Beirut, gathering near the Government Palace, where they denounced Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, a Sunni, and called him "a Zionist" for endorsing direct talks with Israel.

The protesters, many of them on motorcycles, also toured the city chanting "Shia, Shia," prompting Sunni groups to warn that they would mobilize in support of Salam.

After strong warnings from senior officials and the Lebanese Army, Hezbollah and its main Shiite ally, the Amal Movement, quickly issued a statement prohibiting any such demonstrations.

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Lebanese people's utmost fear is the possible outbreak of another civil war; similar to the one that devastated the country from 1975 to 1990, with its repercussions still unresolved.

Monday not only marked 51 years since the outbreak of the civil strife, but also served as a reminder of what Lebanon could face if such a conflict were to happen again.

So far, digital platforms appear to be "a safer" tool, allowing people to express fear, resentment, humiliation and anger instantly, often before facts are verified, according to Ayman Mhanna, executive director of the Samir Kassir Foundation, a civic organization promoting freedom of expression.

"People are posting rather than physically attacking one another. But that should not be mistaken for harmlessness," Mhanna said in an interview with UPI.

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He said online speech can normalize dehumanization, expand the boundaries of acceptable hostility and lay the groundwork for offline acts, especially in a country with a long history of unresolved sectarian conflict.

He warned that multiple forms of hate are circulating at once from different directions, stressing that "one hateful campaign, whatever its source, is already one too many."

Mhanna said hostility toward Hezbollah often goes beyond criticism of its military role, political choices or regional alignment, turning into "broader sectarian language that targets Shiites as a community or assigns collective blame to civilians seen as part of its social environment."

On the other hand, he said, pro-Hezbollah rhetoric also "fuels hate in highly dangerous ways," especially through accusations of "treason, collaboration and betrayal" directed at political opponents, critical journalists and entire segments of Lebanese society.

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"Accusations of treason are especially widespread, as are insinuations that critics will have to 'pay the price' after the war," he said.

However, the scale of the national crisis, the risk of unwanted civil strife, reliance on the Lebanese army and security forces to preserve civil peace, and, most importantly, public exhaustion have so far curbed violence on the ground.
By Simon Lewis, Humeyra Pamuk, Laila Bassam and Alexander Cornwell

WASHINGTON/BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in decades on Tuesday and both sides said they held positive discussions although it was not immediately clear if they agreed to a framework for peace.

The meeting marked a rare encounter between representatives of governments that have technically been in a state of war since Israel was established in 1948. They entered the talks with conflicting agendas, with Israel ruling out discussion of a ceasefire in Lebanon and demanding Beirut disarm Hezbollah.

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The U.S. State Department released a statement after the meeting saying the two sides had "productive discussions on steps toward launching direct negotiations."

It set out each country's positions but did not say they had reached any common ground. "All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue," the statement said.

Speaking to reporters after the more than two-hour-long meeting in Washington, Yechiel Leiter, Israeli ambassador to the United States, said the Lebanese government made it clear during the talks that it will no longer be "occupied" by Iran-aligned Lebanese militia Hezbollah. He declined to say whether Israel would cease its attacks on Lebanon.

Lebanese ambassador Nada Moawad described the preliminary meeting as "constructive". In a statement to Reuters, she said in the meeting she called for a ceasefire and the return of displaced people to their homes and measures to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon caused by the conflict.

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The meeting comes at a critical juncture in the crisis in the Middle East, a week into a fragile ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran.

The wider conflict in the region began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Hezbollah opened fire in support of Tehran on March 2, sparking an Israeli offensive that has killed more than 2,000 people and forced 1.2 million from their homes, according to Lebanese authorities.

The presence of Rubio, President Donald Trump's top diplomat and national security adviser, signalled Washington's desire to see progress.

Trump has urged Israel to scale back attacks in Lebanon apparently to avoid undermining the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. The Middle East conflict has led to the largest oil supply disruption in history, piling pressure on Trump to find an off-ramp.

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Iran says Israel's campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon must be included in any agreement to end the wider war in the Middle East, complicating talks mediated by Pakistan aimed at averting further economic fallout. Washington has pushed back, saying there is no link between the two sets of talks.

CRITICAL JUNCTURE IN MIDDLE EAST CRISIS

Speaking at the start of the meeting, Rubio acknowledged that Tuesday's talks would not solve "all of the complexities" but he hoped they would help form a framework for peace.

Israeli ambassador Leiter later expressed hope but did not mention a concrete way forward.

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"What gives me hope is the fact that the Lebanese Government made it very clear that they will no longer be occupied by Hezbollah... This is an opportunity. This is the first time our two countries are sitting together in over three decades," Leiter said, adding that there may be further talks in the coming weeks.

The Lebanese government led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has called for negotiations with Israel despite objections from Hezbollah, reflecting worsening tensions between the Shi'ite Muslim group and its opponents.

The Lebanese state has been seeking to disarm Hezbollah peacefully since a war between the militia and Israel in 2024. Any move by Lebanon to disarm it by force risks igniting conflict in a country shattered by civil war from 1975 to 1990. Moves against Hezbollah by a Western-backed government in 2008 prompted a short civil war.

The current government banned Hezbollah's military wing after it opened fire on Israel last month.

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Lebanese officials have said Moawad only has authority to discuss a ceasefire in Tuesday's meeting while Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian said Israel would not discuss a ceasefire, underscoring how at odds the two sides are.

MORE TALKS POSSIBLE

In earlier remarks, Rubio said these talks were a process and not a one-off event. Leiter said there may be more talks soon but none of the participants mentioned a set time and a place.

"There were a few proposals, a few recommendations. We will of course bring these recommendations to our governments... and we will return in the next few weeks, we will continue to sit together. We will probably continue the talks in Washington," Leiter said.

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Rubio was hosting Tuesday's talks amid questions over his lack of in-person participation in talks with Iran, with the Republican president sending Vice President JD Vance to Islamabad over the weekend to lead the U.S. negotiations.

Rubio was with Trump in Florida watching a mixed martial arts event as Vance announced in Pakistan that talks with the Iranians had concluded with no breakthrough.

State Department Counselor Michael Needham, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, and U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, a personal friend of Trump, were also participating in the talks on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Simon Lewis and Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily in Beirut; Alexander Cornwell and Rami Ayyub in Jerusalem,; Additional reporting by Ryan Jones; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Alex Richardson and Nia Williams)
April 6

Brenden L. Gray, 33, Wapakoneta, pleaded guilty to obstructing official business. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended.

Dean Lawrence, 66, Lima, pleaded guilty to failure to file return (tax years 2016 and after). Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended.

Dennis M. Ebbeskotte, 59, Delphos, pleaded guilty to criminal trespass. Sentence: 30 days jail, 29 suspended, 1 credited, and remain off of premises of Mercy Health St. Ritas for one year, except for medical care.

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Erica R. Spears, 33, Lima, pleaded guilty to theft without consent. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, consecutive, remain out of Allen County Duke & Duchess for one year and complete a mental health evaluation. She also pleaded guilty to use, possession, or sale of drug paraphernalia. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended.

Owen D. Cox, 30, Lima, pleaded guilty to two counts criminal trespass. Sentence: 30 days jail, 19 suspended, 11 credited, consecutive to other case, remain out of Allen County Walmarts for one year and complete a mental health evaluation.

Brandon Rice, 35, Lima, pleaded guilty to OVI; Breath; .08 Grams  .17 Grams. Sentence: 6 points, 5 days jail, 5 credited upon program completion.

Natasha R. Owens, 49, Lima, pleaded guilty to real-personal property; hit skip. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended.

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April 7

Jonathon J. Steadman, 25, Lima, charged with failure to comply with a lawful order/signal of police, a felony, bound over.

Kristopher A. Martin-Dunn, 18, Lima, pleaded guilty to criminal trespass. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, pay $1,098 in restitution and have no contact with victim.

Robert D. Williams, 65, Lima, pleaded guilty to theft without consent. Sentence: 180 days jail, 90 suspended, 17 credited, and remain out of Allen County Walmarts for two years.

Naomi N. Brenneman, 51, Lima, pleaded guilty to use, possession, or sale of drug paraphernalia. Sentence: 30 days jail, 23 suspended, 7 credited, and complete an alcohol and drug assessment.

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Austin L. Parker, 29, Lima, pleaded guilty to violating a protection order. Sentence: 90 days jail, 89 suspended, 1 credited and complete a mental health evaluation.

Jason J. Warnement, 49, Lima, pleaded guilty to criminal trespass. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended.

Arthur M. Rogers, 57, Lima, pleaded guilty to use, possession, or sale of drug paraphernalia. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended.

Kyajsia D. Lewis, 24, Lima, pleaded guilty to OVI; 1 prior in 10. Sentence: 90 days jail, 80 suspended.

Dustin R. Hammons, 46, Lima, pleaded guilty to physical control of vehicle while under the influence. Sentence: 5 days jail, 5 credited upon program completion.

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Amanda L. Frantz, 53, Lima, pleaded guilty to OVI. Sentence: 6 points, 180 days jail, 90 suspended, 35 credited.

Kelvin A. Mitchell, 56, Lima, pleaded guilty to driving under suspension. Sentence: 2 points, 3 days jail.

April 8

Nikki D. Koon, 43, Lima, pleaded guilty to criminal trespass. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, and remain off of premises of Mercy Health St. Ritas for three years except for medical emergencies.

Joel G. Ream, Lima, pleaded guilty to return and payment of tax. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, and payment of $1,330 to the city of Lima tax department.

Marken D. Franklin, 53, Lima, pleaded guilty to obstructing official business. Sentence: 60 days jail, 45 suspended.

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Amanda R. Miller, 34, Lima, pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of property. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended and remain out of Allen County Walmarts for two years.

Vickie M. Wolber, 62, Ada, pleaded guilty to OVI  .08 Or Above, Less Than .17 In Breath. Sentence: 6 points, 3 days jail, 3 credited upon program completion.

Norman A. Montoya Sorto, 20, Lima, pleaded guilty to exceed speed limitation; 2 prior in 12 months. Sentence: 10 days jail, suspended.

April 9

Sammie W. Mason, 47, Lima, charged with aggravated burglary, a felony, bound over.

Andre D. Bell-Sanders, 21, Lima, charged with discharged weapon into occupied structure, a felony, bound over.

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Cody L. Matte, 37, Lima, pleaded guilty to criminal damaging or endangering. Sentence: 180 days jail, 165 suspended, 3 credited, and complete a mental health evaluation.

Juan E. Freeman, 48, Lima, pleaded guilty to theft without consent. Sentence: 180 days jail, 120 suspended, 20 credited, pay $67 restitution and remain out of Allen County Dollar General stores for five years and complete a mental health evaluation. He also pleaded guilty to obstructing official business. Sentence: 90 days jail, suspended.

Darren K. Webster, 57, Lima, pleaded guilty to failure to disclose personal information. Sentence: 30 days jail, 16 suspended, 14 credited.

Jayvin S. Jones, 32, Lima, pleaded guilty to OVI. Sentence: 6 points, 30 days jail, 13 suspended, 17 credited.

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April 10

Cole T. Rieman, 32, Ada, pleaded guilty to use, possession, or sale of drug paraphernalia. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended, and 80 hours of community service.

Kyle A. Moser, 29, Columbus Grove, pleaded guilty to violating a protection order. Sentence: 90 days jail, 89 suspended, 1 credit, have no contact with victim and complete a mental health evaluation.

James Sturgill, 49, Lima, pleaded no contest to criminal trespass and was found guilty. Sentence: 30 days jail, suspended.

Wendy C. Buckley, 36, Lima, pleaded guilty to physical control of vehicle while under the influence. Sentence: 110 days jail, 100 suspended, 80 hours community service and complete alcohol/drug assessment.

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Jordan T. Motter, 23, Lafayette, pleaded guilty to physical control of vehicle while under the influence. Sentence: 90 days jail, suspended and complete alcohol/drug assessment.

Markayla M. Taylor, 36, Lima, pleaded guilty to OVI; 1 prior in 10. Sentence: 6 points, 90 days jail, 80 suspended, and complete alcohol/drug assessment.
Romuald Wadagni casts his ballot at a polling station in Lokossa, Benin, on April 12, 2026. Romuald Wadagni won Benin's presidential election held on Sunday, according to preliminary results released Monday by the country's Autonomous National Electoral Commission. (Xinhua)

COTONOU, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Romuald Wadagni has won Benin's presidential election with 94.05 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results released Monday by the Autonomous National Electoral Commission.

More than 7.89 million voters were registered, with turnout reaching 58.75 percent. The results show Wadagni, the incumbent Minister of Economy and Finance, backed by the ruling coalition, defeated opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin.

Wadagni's running mate, Mariam Chabi Talata, will serve as vice president.

During the campaign, Wadagni pledged to build on reforms of the past decade and pursue a shift from a primary industry-driven model to a modern economy focused on industrialization, digitalization and regional integration. He said the emphasis would move from expanding economic scale to achieving higher-quality growth.

Political figures, electoral institutions and observers said the voting process was generally smooth and orderly. Benin's Constitutional Court is expected to announce the final results within five days. Under the electoral code, the president and vice president are elected by direct universal suffrage for a seven-year term.

Wadagni, 49, previously worked at Deloitte before joining the government after Patrice Talon was elected president in 2016. He has since served as Minister of Economy and Finance. Wadagni was reappointed in 2021 and promoted to senior minister, playing a key role in implementing Talon's economic policies. 
Five months after Calvin Duncan secured 68% of the vote to become the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court clerk, Louisiana Republicans want to abolish the office before he can be sworn in on May 4.

This clash over a Louisiana election stretches beyond just one mans job, as battles over who gets a voice in U.S. democracy  whose vote meaningfully counts, who gets to exercise power after triumphing in a race  test the durability of Black political power across the South.

Duncan was jailed in 1982, at the age of 19, in a New Orleans murder-robbery case that was built partly on shaky eyewitness testimony. He was sentenced to life behind bars, and during this time, he began studying the law and earned a reputation as a skilled jailhouse lawyer, helping other incarcerated people to overturn their convictions.

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Nearly three decades later, right before a hearing to consider more evidence in the case, prosecutors offered Duncan a deal: plead guilty to lesser charges and have his sentence reduced to time served. He did, and in 2011, after serving more than 28 years in prison, he was freed. In 2021, a judge tossed out his conviction, ruling it unconstitutional. He was exonerated.

That was the second best day of my life, Duncan told NPR in 2025. The first best day of my life was when I got out January the 7th, 2011. The second best day of life was August the 3rd, 2021.

But now, weeks before Duncan is supposed to start his new role, lawmakers in the largely white and Republican Louisiana State Legislature want to eliminate his office.

On April 8, the state Senate passed a bill  Senate Bill 256, which was written by state Sen. John Jay Morris, a Republican  that would combine two offices: that of the Orleans Parish Criminal District Court clerk, and that of the Orleans Parish Civil District Court clerk. The bill is now pending introduction in the state House. In its present iteration, it would take effect as soon as its signed by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, who has expressed support for the bill.

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Proponents of the bill maintain that theyre not motivated by race or politics. Landry, who didnt respond to Capital Bs request for comment, told the AP that abolishing Duncans office would boost government efficiency and help with cleaning up a system in Orleans Parish that has been plagued by dysfunction and corruption for years. And Morris told Verite News that the surviving clerk  Civil District Court Clerk Chelsey Richard Napoleon  is African American herself, and shes a woman.

Still, to opponents, those justifications ring hollow, and what they see playing out is a betrayal of Duncans journey  and of the will of the voters.

He inspired people to believe again  that their vote matters, that redemption is real, and that good people, even those who have been knocked down by the system, can stand back up and be chosen by their community, Louisiana state Rep. Alonzo Knox, a Democrat, told Capital B. SB 256 threatens to undo all of that. It sends a dangerous signal that even when the people speak  loudly and overwhelmingly  their decision can be set aside.

Others see history repeating itself.

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Ahead of the bills passage in the Senate, state Sen. Royce Duplessis, a Democrat, recounted the story of John Willis Menard. He seemed to have won a special election in 1868 and was slated to serve in the U.S. House and represent a district that included New Orleans, but he was prevented from doing so because of challenges to the election outcome.

I have never seen something so barbaric, Duplessis told his colleagues from the lectern, arguing that the bill wont improve efficiency. Just know that when were all done here and we go on with our lives, history has a record, and just like I read the record from 1868, this history, this will be recorded. A century from now, two centuries from now, what side are you on?

Duncan hasnt responded to Capital Bs request for an interview. But in an earlier press release, he framed the states actions as an attempt to neutralize votes.

Governor Landry and his lackeys want to overrule the voters and dictate what happens to us, Duncan said. Its a slap in the face not only to the people who elected me, but to every voter across Louisiana.

A power struggle echoing across the South

The push to dismantle Duncans office isnt developing in isolation. It comes as Black political power across the South faces fresh opposition.

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By the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to announce a decision regarding Louisianas congressional map. Lines were redrawn in 2024 so that the state would have a second majority-Black district. However, a group of non-African American voters sued, claiming that the new map discriminates against them.

Theres been this two steps forward, one step back feeling  the pendulum swinging forward and then rapidly backward, Alanah Odoms, the executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, which has represented Black voters during the saga, told Capital B last January. People all across the state were excited about the voting rights victory we had and about having the additional seat filled by someone the community trusts and respects.

Louisiana is hardly alone. The fight over the Bayou States map is taking place amid a wider redistricting battle. Maryland Democrats move to add an additional House seat failed this week due to disagreements within the party. And on April 21  following a campaign that involved divisive mailers that likened redistricting to Jim Crow schemes  Virginians will vote on a measure that could help Democrats to gain additional House seats.

The vote will come months after North Carolina Republicans approved a congressional map that increases their competitiveness in a district thats enjoyed Black Democratic representation since the 1990s. It will also arrive months after the Supreme Court gave Texas Republicans the green light to use a congressional map that had been challenged as racially discriminatory.

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Additionally, Duncans experiences mirror more local battles, including the one faced by Patrick Braxton. He was initially blocked from serving as the first Black mayor of Newbern, Alabama, but later was allowed to take office. He resigned in 2025 after his opponent, whos white, protested Braxtons residency and the election.

Failing to have access to a democratically elected position is violence. Its indirect relative to some acts of racial terror, but it sends a similar message, Christine Slaughter, a political scientist at Boston University, told Capital B in 2023, as Braxtons plight was starting to gain national attention. The types of suppression have changed, but it still has the intended effect of intimidating voters and officeholders.

Duncan has made clear that he refuses to buckle to intimidation: I wont quit until Ive done the job the people elected me to do, he said in the press release.

After spending nearly 30 years in prison advocating for his freedom and more than a decade rebuilding his life, he won the chance to serve his community. Now, hes being confronted with a new test  this one over whether his victory will endure.

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Still, despite it all, Knox said, if you listen to Duncan, you will not hear anger. You will not hear resentment. You hear grace. You hear commitment. You hear someone who believes deeply in this system  even after it failed him.

The post Louisiana Might Eliminate This Black Elected Officials Job Before He Can Start It appeared first on Capital B News.
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WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - Maine lawmakers have passed a bill that could make it the first U.S. state to put a moratorium on new data centers as opposition to the electricity-hungry facilities grows across the country over their impact on household energy bills and the environment.

The bill, which still needs final approval from Democratic Governor Janet Mills, would freeze approvals for data centers requiring more than 20 megawatts of power until October 2027, while a state-appointed council analyzes their impact on the local grid, electricity bills, air and water.

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The bill passed the House 79-62, clearing the Senate 21-13 later the same day. Governor Mills' office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on Tuesday.

Mills has insisted on an exemption for a smaller-scale project that has been under development, which reuses existing infrastructure that would not have a major impact on the electric grid or energy bills.

Maine will serve as a test case for other states that have been debating similar measures. So far, 11 states are weighing legislation that would halt or restrain data center development.

Following strong backlash against data center proposals by Big Tech firms, the Trump administration last month got those companies to sign a voluntary pledge at the White House that they would bear the cost of new electricity generation to power their data centers.

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While the question of how to handle the explosion of data centers does not fall under party lines, two Democratic lawmakers - Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - last month introduced legislation to halt all construction on data centers until Congress passes AI safety legislation.

Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri and Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal have also introduced legislation aimed at protecting ratepayers from data-center-related energy bill spikes.

(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici in Washington and Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai)
Editors Note: This article has been updated to report the outcome of the case

YATES COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM) A man who is a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and of Germany was acquitted of two felony rape charges in Yates County.

The verdict was handed down after a week-long jury trial that started on March 23, 2026.

Thomas Plan was arrested on August 15, 2025, and charged with Rape in the First Degree and Rape in the Third Degree, both felonies.

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Mr. Plan had turned himself in to authorities after he learned of a grand jury indictment against him.

The jury deliberated briefly before returning with the not guilty verdicts. In addition, the trial judge ordered all accusatory records against Mr. Plan sealed.

Mr. Plan told 18 News Digital: I am grateful for the jury, the jury system, my family and friends, and everyone else who came to trial to see where the truth is.

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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
A terrifying home invasion caught on a doorbell camera and circulating on social media shows a 30-year-old man in a trench coat terrorizing a California family, repeatedly screaming, Where is your daughter? as he attempts to kick down the front door.

The April 7 incident happened in the 1700 block of Burbank Court in Fairfield, a city in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, according to KTLA sister station KRON.

Investigators with the Fairfield Police Department said a woman and child were home at the time when the suspect, now identified as Jason Nichols, violently beat on the front door while screaming at the homeowners husband, who was not yet home, through the familys doorbell camera.

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Along with demanding to know where the mans daughter was, Nichols made ominous threats while referring to himself as Harry Dresden, an apparent reference to The Dresden Files novel series, which follows the fictional character Harry Dresden, Chicagos only professional wizard and a private investigator.

My name is Harry Dresden, mother****er, Nichols says into the doorbell camera. Open the door. This is my neighborhood. Open the f*****g door now or I will end you. Do you understand me?

Jason Nichols, 30, seen in doorbell video claiming to be a wizard while violently beating down a NorCal familys door during a home invasion on April 7, 2026. (Fairfield PD)

Nichols then ripped a chain attached to a mounted bell off the wall and began beating the front door with it. He eventually gained entry to the home through a sliding glass door.

As the suspect entered the home, the homeowner returned, armed himself with a shovel, and confronted Nichols, Fairfield police officials said in a news release. A physical altercation ensued, during which both the homeowner and Nichols sustained head injuries.

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Beloved figure in L.A. classic car community killed in tragic head-on crash

Officers arrived a short time later and found Nichols outside the residence, where he was arrested without incident, investigators said.

Nichols was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment and later booked into the Solano County Jail on multiple felony charges. He was being held on $35,000 bail, though it remains unclear whether he is still in custody.

It is also unclear whether the homeowner was hospitalized. His condition was not immediately available.

Police have not said whether Nichols had any connection to the girl inside the home. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
A man on the Floyd County Sheriffs Office most wanted list was captured in north Georgia on Friday.

Now, Channel 2 Action News is learning more about how police found and captured him.

James Cotton was wanted in Floyd County for charges including felony aggravated assault and giving a false identity to law enforcement.

Deputies had warrants out for his arrest since November 2025.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

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According to the Dalton Police Department, who assisted in the arrest, Cotton was found at his girlfriends home.

Dalton officers contacted the Floyd County Sheriffs Office after finding him at an apartment in the city.

When officers tried to enter the home, the girlfriend answered the door in a towel and did not initially let them in.

After allowing entry, deputies from Floyd County began calling for Cotton to come out.

Searching the apartment, deputies found Cotton in a bedroom and eventually were able to get him to come outside.

Cotton was taken into custody without incident, according to the Dalton police report.

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Maryland is moving to further curb local cooperation with immigration authorities, placing it at odds with Republicans and the Trump administration in a widening fight over federal enforcement efforts.

As its 90-day session wound down Monday, the General Assembly approved legislation restricting when local authorities can detain individuals they believe may be in the country illegally, and turn them over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The House passed an amended version Saturday night, and the Senate voted 32-15 Monday to approve it.

Because it is considered emergency legislation, the bill will go into effect as soon as it is signed by Gov. Wes Moore.

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Passage of the Community Trust Act could make the state a target of the Trump administration, which has threatened to identify states and localities as sanctuary jurisdictions and potentially cut off or suspend some federal funds.

In a fiscal note accompanying the bill, legislative analysts noted this risk, writing that the bill could cause a potential decrease in federal fund revenues if local governments are deemed out of compliance with federal law.

They have done such a disservice to the State of Maryland, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said in an interview Monday. It is [total] insanity by these people. Im going to tell you, Marylanders will regret this, and the people who voted for it will regret this, Jenkins said.

Democratic sponsors said the bill was needed to protect the due process rights of immigrants in Maryland. Democrats have accused ICE nationally of excessive use of force, mistaken or overbroad arrests, and harsh detention conditions.

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Baltimore City and some counties  Baltimore, Howard, Prince Georges and Montgomery  already have their own localized versions of the bill.

Democrats said they intended the General Assembly bill as a complement to legislation passed in February prohibiting certain formal agreements between local police and correctional officers and ICE. Afterward, Moore issued three directives clarifying that state and local agencies may still cooperate with ICE on criminal matters and immigration detainers.

After Moore signed the bill on 287(g) agreements, sheriffs gathered in Annapolis to speak against the measure.

The sheriffs vowed to continue working with ICE within a narrow framework, such as sending arrest sheets to ICE or holding individuals for up to 48 hours in local jails for ICE officials.

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Ending those legal, informal interactions with ICE was part of the impetus for sponsoring the Community Trust Act, Democrats said.

The immigration issue reaped political dividends for President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans in the 2024 election. Among other cases, Trump and others publicly raised the 2023 murder of Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old Harford County mother of five. The suspect had entered the United States unlawfully four times in early 2023 in Texas and New Mexico.

More recently, I feel those (political) dynamics have really changed, said Maureen Sweeney, a law school professor and director of the Chacon Center for Immigrant Justice.

She said there has been a disconnect between the administrations rhetoric, which was all about Were going to target dangerous people and the worst of the worst and the reality of who it is thats living here in our country  that is, many people who have lived here for decades who have many connections to our community.

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But Republicans said during House floor debate Saturday night that Marylanders wont like the Democratic-sponsored bill.

This is the Maryland Sanctuary State Act of 2026, and I will tell you that polling is against protecting criminal illegal immigrants, said Republican state Del. Kathy Szeliga of Baltimore County.

Asked about the Maryland measure on Monday, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told The Baltimore Sun: ICE officers act heroically to enforce the law and protect American communities  local officials should work with them, not against them.

She said the administration will not waver on enforcing federal immigration law no matter how much Democrat politicians try to obstruct us.

Have a news tip? Contact Jeff Barker at jebarker@baltsun.com
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is counting on close coordination with Ukraine to help Ukrainian refugees in Germany return home.

"We will coordinate closely to make it easier for Ukrainian citizens who have found refuge here to return to their homeland," Merz said on Tuesday during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin.

Merz said the German government would also support Kiev's efforts to reduce the number of men of military age leaving Ukraine, noting that this is "in the interest of both sides."

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Zelensky said many young people of conscription age had left the country in violation of Ukrainian laws. "Our responsible authorities or those of the respective countries must deal with this issue," he said.

The Ukrainian president referred to this as a matter of justice, as many soldiers on the front lines are waiting for relief. He said every Ukrainian citizen of conscription age who has the strength to do so has a constitutional duty to take responsibility.

Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, martial law and mobilization have been in force in Ukraine, meaning conscripted men are only allowed to leave in exceptional cases.

Last year, Kiev made it possible for young men under 23 to leave the country again.

Ukrainian Social Affairs Minister Denys Ulyutin recently estimated the number of young men between the ages of 18 and 23 who have left the country since August 2025 at around 400,000, based on EU data.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is counting on close coordination with Ukraine to help Ukrainian refugees in Germany return home.

"We will coordinate closely to make it easier for Ukrainian citizens who have found refuge here to return to their homeland," Merz said on Tuesday during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Berlin.

Merz said the German government would also support Kiev's efforts to reduce the number of men of military age leaving Ukraine, noting that this is "in the interest of both sides."

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Zelensky said many young people of conscription age had left the country in violation of Ukrainian laws. "Our responsible authorities or those of the respective countries must deal with this issue," he said.

The Ukrainian president referred to this as a matter of justice, as many soldiers on the front lines are waiting for relief. He said every Ukrainian citizen of conscription age who has the strength to do so has a constitutional duty to take responsibility.

Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, martial law and mobilization have been in force in Ukraine, meaning conscripted men are only allowed to leave in exceptional cases.

Last year, Kiev made it possible for young men under 23 to leave the country again.

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Ukrainian Social Affairs Minister Denys Ulyutin recently estimated the number of young men between the ages of 18 and 23 who have left the country since August 2025 at around 400,000, based on EU data.

Ulyutin said a new support centre in Berlin should help Ukrainian citizens with the return process, as well as with their lives in Germany, and help them to maintain connections with their homeland.

The so-called Unity Hub - the first of its kind in Europe - is due to open to the public on Wednesday. Similar centres are planned for the Czech Republic and Sweden, Ulyutin said.

Ukrainians can obtain identification documents or advice on the recognition of school and vocational qualifications at the Unity Hub. Those who wish to return to Ukraine can also receive help in finding work and housing, or support for starting businesses.
MEXICO CITY (AP)  The Mexican government on Tuesday protested the deaths of its citizens in U.S. immigration custody as President Claudia Sheinbaum pushes back against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies on multiple fronts.

The progressive Mexican leader has walked a careful line with Trump for more than a year, addressing provocations with a measured tone and meeting U.S. requests to crack down on criminal cartels more so than her predecessors, in an effort to offset threats of tariffs and U.S. military action against the gangs.

But in the wake of mounting deaths of Mexican citizens in custody of immigration officials and the Trump administrations decision to impose an energy blockade on Cuba  a key Mexican ally  Sheinbaum has taken a harder line.

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Weve seen the president raise her tone, said Palmira Tapia, an analyst for Mexicos Center for Economic Research and Teaching. Theres been a shift, and weve seen Sheinbaum be more vocal than before.

Deaths in ICE custody

Sheinbaum's latest rebuke came on Tuesday, a day after 49-year-old Mexican citizen Alejandro Cabrera Clemente died in a detention center in Louisiana of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, the fifteenth death of a Mexican citizen in U.S. custody in little over a year.

Mexico's government quickly called the deaths unacceptable and the ICE detention centers "incompatible with human rights standards and the protection of life.

During a Tuesday press briefing Sheinbaum added that she requested investigations into the deaths of the 15 migrants, and instructed Mexican consulates to visit detention centers daily.

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She said her government would raise the deaths in detention centers to Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and was considering appealing to the United Nations. Her government already said it would support lawsuits in the U.S. filed by detainees over poor conditions.

We are going to defend Mexicans at every level, Sheinbaum said, adding that there are many Mexicans whose only crime is not having papers.

The moves by Sheinbaum's government come on top of mounting disapproval in the U.S. of Trump's immigration enforcement. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Trump has gone too far in sending federal immigration agents into American cities, according to a February AP-NORC poll.

Growing dissatisfaction around ICE activities in the United States creates a more comfortable platform for members of the Mexican government to raise concerns about the fate of Mexican citizens, said Carin Zissis, vice president of content strategy for the Council of the Americas.

A cool head

Sheinbaum has maintained what she has described as a cool head to provocations by Trump, who has exerted more pressure on Latin America than any U.S. leader in decades. In just a few months, the Trump administration deposed Venezuela's president, imposed an oil blockade on Cuba and threatened military intervention against Mexican cartels.

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She has to balance maintaining a strong relationship with Trump while repeatedly stressing Mexico's sovereignty to appease her own base. Her measured responses resemble that of a lawyer rather than the head of Mexicos most powerful populist political movement.

Her government has come down harder on cartels than her predecessor and bolstered trade relations ahead of renegotiations of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, free trade agreement.

While Trump has taken public jabs at Sheinbaum  at one point suggesting cartels have greater control over Mexico than her government  he's also regularly made nods to their amicable relationship.

She is really a nice person, I like her a lot, he said last month, proceeding to imitate the Mexican leader in a high voice.

Divide over Cuba

But shifting geopolitics in the region, and the mounting deaths in ICE facilities, have also opened the door for Sheinbaum to take a firmer stance.

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The main point of contention between the two governments has been Cuba. Solidarity with the U.S. adversary has been a cornerstone of Mexicos political ethos since the Cuban revolution, which Fidel Castro, Ernesto Che Guevara and a group of exiles famously planned while in Mexico City. It's a particular sticking point with her progressive Morena party, whose founder ushered Sheinbaum into office.

The relationship hit a hurdle in late January, when Trump announced he would slap tariffs on any country that sends oil to Cuba. The move directly impacted Mexico, which for years has shipped oil to Cuba.

While Sheinbaum reluctantly paused oil shipments to Cuba, she has continued to challenge the Trump administration's push for regime change.

Mexico has every right to send fuel, whether for humanitarian or commercial reasons, Sheinbaum said earlier this week.

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She has described Trump's energy blockade of Cuba as unjust and accused the U.S. government of suffocating Cubans with sanctions. The Mexican leader has sent shipments of food and other aid, and even donated $1,000 of her own money to relief efforts in a symbolic gesture.

This is a Rubicon issue for her," said Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican ambassador to the U.S.

Even then, the moves by the Mexican leader have raised eyebrows in Washington.

Sheinbaum recently announced that her country would continue to have Cuban doctors work in the country, diverging from other nations in Central America and the Caribbean that have ended their programs in the face of U.S. pressure.

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It was met with veiled threats from the Trump administration, which pointed to visa restrictions imposed on Central American officials with ties to what U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio referred to as a forced labor scheme.

The White House offered no comment on Tuesday about Sheinbaum's tougher stances, nor did it comment on the rising number of deaths of Mexican nationals in ICE custody.

Greater leverage

Sheinbaum's recently bolder tone suggests a calculation that her administration can push back on some politically important fronts as long as they also are making progress on strengthening trade and meeting Trump administration requests on security and migration, Zissis said.

At the same time, surging energy prices due to the Iran war have made the U.S. more dependent on allies in Mexico, she and other analysts said, prompting Washington to walk back from any drastic moves against Mexican cartels or Cuba, at least in the short term.

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Were at a moment where, due to global events, were facing different economic uncertainties. That gives the U.S. and Mexico more reason to work together," she said.

At the same time, former Mexican ambassador Sarukhan said that Sheinbaum will have to be careful not to put at risk upcoming USMCA renegotiations, for which her government has made painstaking efforts to build a strong foundation.

"Whats going to be interesting going forward is whether she can continue to have her cake and eat it too, Sarukhan said.



Weissert reported from Washington D.C.
A 17-year-old girl missing from Orange County has been located safely after deputies found her hiding in a dwelling in Dundee, as reported by the Polk County Sheriffs Office.

The investigation started on Monday, April 13, 2026, when Orange County Sheriffs Office detectives informed Polk County authorities that a runaway teen was thought to be staying with a man in the Dundee area.

Deputies went to the home of 30-year-old Alexis Diaz-Toledo, a registered sex offender, on Shepard Avenue in search of the missing juvenile. Authorities report that Diaz-Toledo initially denied knowing the girls whereabouts and refused to allow a search of the residence.

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During the investigation, deputies also found that Diaz-Toledo did not fulfill sex offender registration obligations by neglecting to report two vehicles linked to his residence.

After further inquiry, detectives searched the home and located the missing teen hiding inside a bedroom closet. The girl was safely recovered and returned to her family.

Diaz-Toledo was detained and taken to the sheriffs processing center. He is charged with several offenses: two counts of failure to adhere to sex offender registration rules, interfering with a minors custody, hiding a minor without informing a parent, and giving false information to law enforcement during a missing person case.

Officials noted that Diaz-Toledo has been a registered sex offender since a 2014 conviction for lewd and lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 15.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A member of the 27th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone provides medical consultation for a villager of Rokel Village in the North West Province, Sierra Leone, April 12, 2026. The 27th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone has conducted its first free clinic in Rokel Village in the North West Province, providing medical services to nearly 300 villagers. (The 27th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua)

FREETOWN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The 27th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone has conducted its first free clinic in Rokel Village in the North West Province, providing medical services to nearly 300 villagers.

Doctors from various departments provided consultations during the free clinic on Sunday. Targeting common chronic and endemic diseases, the team prescribed medicines accordingly and offered recommendations for further surgery or hospitalization based on patients' conditions, helping address the challenges of accessing medical care in remote areas.

During the clinic, the team also successfully treated a seven-year-old boy with an incarcerated inguinal hernia and provided medical advice to several patients with eye conditions and hearing impairments.

Li Zheng, head of the medical team, said the outreach was not only a medical service but also a heartfelt dialogue between the people of China and Sierra Leone.

Mohamed S. Kagbo, a community elder of Rokel Village, expressed his gratitude to the medical team for providing high-quality medical services to local communities.

"Usually, we never get to see so many good doctors. We hope you can come again in the future," he said. 

A member of the 27th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone provides oral examination for a child in Rokel Village in the North West Province, Sierra Leone, April 12, 2026. The 27th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone has conducted its first free clinic in Rokel Village in the North West Province, providing medical services to nearly 300 villagers.

Doctors from various departments provided consultations during the free clinic on Sunday. Targeting common chronic and endemic diseases, the team prescribed medicines accordingly and offered recommendations for further surgery or hospitalization based on patients' conditions, helping address the challenges of accessing medical care in remote areas. (The 27th batch of the Chinese medical team in Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua)
Members of the Mississippi Legislature will meet in the capitol again on April 15, a week and a half after the scheduled end of the session. Leaders in both chambers have not indicated what actions the Legislature plans to take.

The end of the three-month session was set for Sunday, April 5, but Speaker Jason White passed a measure at the end of March that extended it for 10 days. At the time, legislators were in the midst of hustled discussions on the state budget.

The budget was wrapped up cleanly, despite concerns from some legislators about potentially needing a repeat of last year's special session, and legislators left Jackson according to plan.

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White's bill stood, though, calling lawmakers back to the capitol on April 15 unless the speaker and lieutenant governor, who serves as the president of the Senate, "jointly determine that it is not necessary to reconvene."

When will Mississippi Legislature reconvene?

The chambers are set to convene at 1 p.m. on April 15, according to the Senate schedule on the Mississippi Legislature website, meaning that leaders decided it was necessary to come back for more business.

What will Mississippi lawmakers do?

Lawmakers could do a number of things when they meet on Wednesday afternoon. They could attempt to override one of Gov. Tate Reeves' vetoes, which takes a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

The power of the pen: Which bills has Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves vetoed?

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Reeves has vetoed approximately 10 bills this session, taking aim at medical marijuana and certain requests from cities and counties for state money. Neither of the cannabis bills that Reeves vetoed passed with more than two-thirds support in both chambers, and it is unclear whether their proponents could garner the necessary support to pass them into law.

Legislators could also use the day as a last-ditch opportunity to reanimate major priorities that didn't cross the finish line earlier this year.

Speaker of the House Jason White asked Gov. Tate Reeves, right, to call a special session for pharmacy benefit manager reform, which White could address when the legislature meets again on April 15.

Check your knowledge: Think you know MS politics? Take our quiz on the 2026 legislative session

A bill reforming pharmacy benefit managers, for example, was applauded by senators and representatives alike, but it died at the tail end of the session. White asked the governor to call for a special session to address PBMs, though Reeves has not publicly spoken about White's request, and the speaker could try to push the legislation through on April 15.

Will Gov. Reeves call a special session?

Also, some advocates have pushed Reeves to call a special session on school choice, urging him to take one last swing this session and align the state with its Republican contemporaries. Reeves would not be the first governor to push the school choice issue, some proponents have argued, but it would be another uphill battle for the legislation in Mississippi.

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The first attempt passed the House very narrowly, with more than a dozen Republicans joining the Democrats in opposition, and died in a Republican-dominated Senate committee soon afterward. It is unclear whether the result would be any different a month later.

Legislators will meet at the capitol at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, likely for the last time this year.

Bea Anhuci is the state government reporter for the Clarion Ledger. She covered the Mississippi Legislature for the 2026 session. Email her at banhuci@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Legislature set to return to capitol Wednesday April 15
State Rep. Cathy Joy Loy, a Republican from Carthage, said her bill seeking to automatically retain Missouri third-grade students who are struggling to read is a tourniquet to stop the bleed of children who are not reading.

But speaking to the Senate Education Committee Tuesday morning, school administrators said literacy rates are showing improvement three years into the states implementation of a teacher training program on phonics-based reading instruction. Loys bill, they argue, could disrupt that momentum.

We are seeing progress, said Taneyville Superintendent Brandi Turner. However, meaningful, systematic change requires time, consistency and sustained support.

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In 2022, state lawmakers passed a bill to mandate evidence-based reading instruction with interventions for struggling readers. In response, the states education department launched its Read, Lead, Exceed initiative, with resources for educators and a teacher training program. In three years, over 10,000 educators have completed the training.

Turner said lawmakers should allow time to fully implement the 2022 law.

Retention does not address the root cause of reading difficulties, she said. It simply delays progression without guaranteeing improved outcomes. While the intent is to support struggling readers, the practice itself does not remedy the underlying challenges students face.

Many states have become interested in mandated retention following Mississippis adoption of the policy in 2013 as part of a larger literacy law.

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Since 2013, Mississippis fourth-grade reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress have improved from 49th in the nation to ninth. Educators have pointed to the data as a sign of, at least, short-term gains for students, but it is harder to discern whether the policy leads to long-range success.

While Mississippis fourth grade scores have leapt upwards over the past decade, eighth grade students have more modest gains. In 2013, the state scored 50th in the eighth grade reading assessment, compared to 41st in 2024.

Troy Lentz, superintendent of Mexico School District, told the committee he didnt see enough evidence that making students repeat 3rd grade will help them long-term. He worried about students who excel in some subjects while struggling with reading.

There are things that kids are good at, and theyre not able to advance forward (if retained), he said. I do believe that our schools provide intensive reading support for kids who are behind.

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But for the committees chairman, state Sen. Rick Brattin, a Republican from Harrisonville, letting struggling readers move to the 4th grade is a recipe for disaster.

Passing them on is not a help or benefit or anything, he said. It probably will lead to, in my opinion, more disastrous results.

Craig Carson, assistant superintendent of learning for the Ozark School District, said retention should remain an option left to a students guardians to decide.

We look at a kid holistically and help a parent decide, is this a good idea or not, he said. Sometimes it is the best idea, and when that happens, then I absolutely support it.

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I dont think the mandatory trigger is good, he added.

As it stands, the bill would automatically retain students who score at risk on a reading screener administered at the end of third grade. Students with disabilities, English language learners and those who have already been held back once can qualify for an exemption.

Otto Fajen, the Missouri National Education Associations director of legislative policy, said the bill should at a minimum have options for students to sign up for a program like tutoring or summer school to avoid being forced to repeat a grade.

It is difficult for us to see the law changed to take away parental agency in these decisions about retention, he said. Especially since, as it stands, it is basically going to rest on a single event score.

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WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (PIX11)  The moped driver who allegedly fled after a 7-month-old Brooklyn girl was fatally shot in the head by a stray bullet has been arrested, police said Tuesday.

Matthew Rodriguez, 18, was extradited from Pennsylvania to New York City and charged with murder, attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, tampering with a witness, and hindering prosecution, according to the NYPD.

Get ongoing crime and safety coverage on our homepage

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It was not my fault. I didnt pull the trigger. I promise I didnt know. I didnt know he was gonna do that! Rodriguez shouted just before detectives closed the door to the black sedan that was taking him to court for his arraignment.

The alleged shooter, Amuri Greene, 21, was previously arrested and charged in the death of 7-month-old Kaori Patterson-Moore. Greene was charged with murder, attempted murder, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon, authorities said.

Greene was riding on the back of a moped when he allegedly opened fire near Humboldt and Moore streets in Williamsburg at around 1:20 p.m. on April 1, authorities said.

Prosecutors said one bullet hit Patterson-Moore in the head while she was sitting in a stroller. Another shot grazed her 2-year-old brother in the back in a separate stroller, according to the criminal complaint.

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Greene allegedly told police he was shooting at the girls dad, according to court documents.

Sources said the babys father may have been targeted because of his ties to the MOE (Money Over Everything) out of the Bushwick Houses.

Authorities said Greene is associated with a gang out of the Marcy Houses, and the shooting may be linked to a possible beef between the Marcy Houses gang and MOE.

Rodriguez was allegedly driving the moped when Greene pulled out a gun and allegedly fired multiple shots into a crowd near the Bushwick Houses, prosecutors said.

Police released photos of the suspects sought in the shooting that killed a 7-month-old Brooklyn girl. (Credit: NYPD)

The suspects then fled and crashed, after which Greene was apprehended and hospitalized for injuries from the collision, police said. Rodriguez was later found in Pennsylvania.

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Greene was arraigned last week and is being held without bail. Rodriguez was also held without bail following his arraignment on Tuesday. Both suspects were indicted for murder last week.

Theyre beyond devastated, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said after announcing the indictment. Its not just the parents. Its the entire community. People are heartbroken by the violence.

Family, friends and neighbors gathered for the emotional funeral for the girl Monday night in Brooklyn. Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy for young Kaori.

The dozens that packed the venue said change is needed, including Sharpton.

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If you can look at a coffin that doesnt even need pallbearers and that doesnt shake you in your heart, or in your life, that somethings numb about you, Sharpton said.

Mira Wassef is an award-winning reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined the PIX11 News digital team in 2022. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Michigan State University is combining its two medical schools, bringing different approaches to educating doctors under one roof.

MSU's Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday, April 10, to approve the merger of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Human Medicine.

Learning to be a doctor: First-year medical student Kendra-Marie Garcia explains gastroesophageal reflux disease to Julianne Howe-Bouwens in a patient education exercise Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015 at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in Grand Rapids.

"One of the things that this unification allows us to do is bring together two very strong colleges with strong disciplinary identities into a unified college while retaining their identities with degree granting MD and DO programs," Provost Laura Lee McIntyre told the board before the vote.

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The process is expected to take about two years to complete, McIntyre said.

MSU is unusual in that it operates two medical schools, three if you count its College of Veterinary Medicine.

The College of Human Medicine teaches what's known as allopathic medicine, sometimes called conventional medicine. Its graduates become MDs. Its College of Osteopathic Medicine teaches the osteopathic approach and graduates there become DOs.

Combined, the two schools graduate about 500 physicians each year, making MSU one of the nation's largest training grounds for doctors.

Going forward the combined school will be known as Michigan State University Medicine.

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"With this unified and federated structure, it allows us to retain the unique elements of both degree granting programs while optimizing the shared resources and creating a shared set of student experiences that can be shared across both colleges," McIntyre said. "It will facilitate a singular front door for our clinical partners. It will facilitate opportunities for faculty research and clinical and instructional collaboration in a way that isn't present at current configuration."

The merger has been under consideration for more than a year. In February 2025, President Kevin Guskiewicz told the Free Press that the two schools were "siloed off" from each other and a new approach was needed.

More: Michigan universities tout $45B economic impact, push legislature for more funding

"I think that there, there has been competition over the years, just for resources," Guskiewicz said at the time "I think it's just natural this would ... create some economy of scale for us at the institution, when every university across the country is trying to find ways to, I don't want to say, reduce costs, but to manage expenses for running a large enterprise like Michigan State University. We're proud of the current physicians that we are able to prepare for Michigan and beyond, but there is a physician shortage, we need to attract even more to our program."

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The idea is not without critics.

Dr. Greg Glatz earned his degree from MSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1995. He said school leaders in his generation tried to merge the two schools and failed.

"It was a disaster from the two schools' approach, their teaching perspectives different, which I don't think they can meld at this time," Glatz told the Free Press last year.

He said the two schools take different approaches to teaching. One would focus on various systems in the body, like circulatory, respiratory and digestive. The other school would take what's known as a domain approach focusing on say, the chest, which would cover heart disease, lung cancer and other illness in that part of the body.

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Glatz said professors from the two schools would bicker and there were other problems was well. That whole experience could be helpful to today's leaders, but the institutional memory is gone.

"All the people who would have been involved at that time are pretty much dead now," he said.

Trustee Rebecca Bahar-Cook sounded a cautious note, too.

"I and other members of the board want to make sure that the two separate colleges that are going to be unified in the future understand that we respect the individuality of both of those colleges," she said. "There are certain metrics we've asked the administration to sort of start monitoring now, so over time we can sort of track what is working and what isn't and what might need to be in the future."

Contact John Wisely: jwisely@freepress.com. On X: @jwisely

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State University votes to merge its 2 medical schools
The Afghan Taliban government has developed closer ties with India while relations with Pakistan deteriorated, but footage circulating online showing a crowd gathering to watch the unfurling of an Indian flag was not filmed in Afghanistan. The person who took the video told AFP it shows students celebrating India's Republic Day in the northern Uttar Pradesh state.

"World War is going on, but Afghanistan hoists Indian Flag and the crowd sings India's National Anthem!!" reads an X post shared on April 4. "Some may call it Peak diplomacy, I would still call it a tribal call of brotherhood."

The attached video shows a crowd cheering as an Indian flag is unfurled, followed by a male voice singing the country's national anthem, Jana Gana Mana.

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"When World War is going on, Afghanistan plays Jana Gana Mana. A proud moment for India," text appearing on the video in a mix of English and Hindi reads.

Screenshot of the false X post, taken on April 8, 2026, with a red X added by AFP

India has long maintained strategic ties with Afghanistan while its relations with archrival Pakistan remain strained (archived link).

Islamabad has warily watched India cosy up to the Taliban government, as New Delhi deepened engagement with Afghanistan, culminating in the Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's arrival in New Delhi in 2025 (archived link).

At the same time, Pakistan's relations with Kabul have sharply deteriorated, with fighting between the two countries escalating into rare, bloody combat in October 2025. Pakistan has accused India of providing military support to Afghanistan, a claim that New Delhi denies.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said India had "incited" the Afghan Taliban, while Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif called Kabul a "proxy of India".

The clip has circulated elsewhere on X and Facebook, but the footage was filmed in India, not Afghanistan.

A reverse image search on Google using keyframes of the video found an identical Instagram clip published on January 26, 2026, with a caption saying it shows Indian national day celebrations at the Darul Uloom Deoband Islamic seminary in northern India (archived here and here).

Screenshot comparison of the false X post (L) and the Instagram video

Hasnain Alam -- the user who uploaded the video -- told AFP on April 10 via direct messaging that he had filmed the video during Republic Day celebrations in the northern Uttar Pradesh state on the day.

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"The video is being shared with a false claim. I filmed it on Republic Day at the Darul Uloom campus," he went on to say.

Images on Google Maps Street View of Darul Uloom also show that the footage was filmed at the seminary (archived link).

Screenshot comparison of the false post (L) and the Google Maps image with the same building highlighted by AFP

AFP has previously debunked misinformation about Afghan-Indian relations.
The National Park Service has quietly posted on its website the proposed new signage for the President's House, a Philadelphia site where George Washington once lived and where he kept nine enslaved people. The site's displays have been the subject of a legal dispute between the Trump administration and a coalition of activists and local officials over how to present the first president's role in the brutal institution of slavery.

First reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, the proposed panels are described on the President's House website simply as "New Exhibits." The U.S. Department of the Interior, in response to USA TODAY's request for comment, said the panels are meant "to engage in meaningful conversations about the moments and places that have shaped our country."

But critics, including the Avenging the Ancestors Coalition, which advocated for the recognition of the people enslaved by Washington at the President's House, called the renderings "deeply offensive" and said the changes represent "yet another attempt to distort and censor American history" in an April 9 news release.

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The decision: Who controls history? Judge hits Trump decision to pull slavery display

"At a site that stands as one of the only federal memorials acknowledging the lives of the nine enslaved African descendants held by George Washington in Philadelphia, any effort to dilute or reinterpret that truth is unacceptable," the coalition wrote. "The original exhibits were created to ensure that the full story of our nation  both its triumphs and its injustices  is told with honesty and integrity."

Visitors at the President's House in Philadelphia look at a display about what life was like for enslaved people at the residence used by George Washington while he was President. A display titled "History Lost and Found" explains how a researcher discovered remnants of the home where George Washington lived while he was President, as well as the enslaved people whom he kept there. Michael Coard (seated) talks with Charles Atkins and Kathy Ogle at the President's House in Philadelphia. Coard, a lawyer and activist helped bring attention to the site, where George Washington lived while he was President, and where he kept enslaved people. A display outside the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia explains what slavery was like in 18th century America. The exhibit is part explainer and part memorial to enslaved people who worked for George Washington while he lived in Philadelphia, then the nation's capital. The President's House exhibit outside the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia memorializes the enslaved people who lived and worked at the home where George Washington resided while he was President. Michael Coard stands in front of footprints meant to symbolize the path to freedom for Oney Judge, who was enslaved by George Washington but escaped in 1796. Carol Low (left) and Sharon Morton visited Philadelphia from Maryland and saw the historical sites around Independence Hall. Among them: The President's House, which memorializes the enslaved people who lived and worked at the home where George Washington lived. Sheldon and Brenda Rich stand next to a display with the names of the nine enslaved people whom George Washington kept in Philadelphia while he lived there as U.S. President. Michael Coard stands next to a stone display with the names of enslaved people kept by George Washington while he lived in Philadelphia. Jon McCann holds his grandson Kevin outside the Liberty Bell. McCann, a YouTube content creator, records videos in and around Philadelphia's historic sites. The President's House in Philadelphia exhibits the paradox of liberty and slavery 1 of 10 Visitors at the President's House in Philadelphia look at a display about what life was like for enslaved people at the residence used by George Washington while he was President.

A legal battle over who controls history

The original exhibits, in place since 2010, were taken down Jan. 22 as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration aimed at "ending DEI programs and gender ideology extremism" and "restoring truth and sanity to American history," according to the Interior Department.

But in February, a federal judge ruled the original signage should be restored. The Trump administration appealed that ruling, and the site currently has some of the original displays in place, while others remain blank and video screens are dark.

A display explains what daily life was like for the enslaved people who lived and worked at George Washington's Philadelphia residence. Washington lived in the city, then the nation's capital, and kept nine enslaved people at the site.

The original panels included information about "The Dirty Business of Slavery," the transatlantic slave trade; what life was like for enslaved people and the brutality inherent in the institution; and how Founding Fathers, including Washington, benefited from the unpaid labor of enslaved people.

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The Interior Department said at the time that it disagreed with the ruling, calling it "unnecessary judicial intervention" and adding that "The National Park Service routinely updates exhibits across the park system to ensure historical accuracy and completeness."

The President's House exhibit outside the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia memorializes the enslaved people who lived and worked at the home where George Washington resided while he was President.

The department also said that it planned to install "updated interpretive materials providing a fuller account of the history of slavery at Independence Hall" sometime "in the coming days," but no new signage is currently in place at the site.

Restoration or revision?

Avenging the Ancestors Coalition said it had not been consulted on the new mockup displays, which it called "both unacceptable and deeply concerning, particularly given our central role in bringing this memorial to life."

Signage from the President's House about the lives of enslaved people kept at the Philadelphia site by George Washington was removed on Jan. 22.

The proposed new panels are "an attempt to sanitize history and present a version of the past that is more comfortable, but far less truthful."

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Mockups on the President's House website show displays titled, "Celebrating Independence Throughout the Years" with a timeline marking milestones in 1876, 1926 and 1976; "The President's House" and "The Executive Mansion," which detail the history of the site at 6th and Market streets; and "History Lost & Found" panels that detail some of the archaeological discoveries at the site.

Marking America's birthday: More USA 250 coverage

Proposed panels dealing with the slavery and enslaved people include references to the Underground Railroad, the Civil War and activists and abolitionists, including Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. There is a proposed panel that explains George Washington's and John Adams' respective positions on the institution of slavery, and others that detail how the Constitution and the British each viewed slavery.

A section of one proposed panel includes the names and information about the nine enslaved people kept at the site, as well as acknowledgment that despite Washington's misgivings about the practice of slavery, "as a Virginia plantation owner, his wealth and livelihood were deeply tied to it." It also says that "slaves living in the President's House experienced a greater modicum of autonomy than elsewhere in the South," and were allowed to explore the city.

After the Trump administration removed displays about enslaved people at the President's House in Philadelphia, others took it upon themselves to fill in the gaps.

What comes next is unclear: The National Park Service and Interior Department did not respond to USA TODAY's questions about when or whether the renderings would be placed at the site.

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The emailed statement pointed to "President Trump's commitment to restoring truth and sanity," adding that "no piece of history should be washed away."

"The hard work and sacrifices of the men and women who built this nation deserve to be remembered and honored," the statement said.

Phaedra Trethan is a national correspondent for USA TODAY, writing about history and Americana. Contact her by email at ptrethan@usatoday.com, on X @wordsbyphaedra, on BlueSky @byphaedra, or on Threads @by_phaedra

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Possible President's House exhibit unveiled amid raging legal battle
Try to picture an assault on a fortified trench line. FPV drones scream in first, sounding like lawnmowers from hell, cratering dugouts and scattering defenders. As the ground stops shaking, armed robots roll into the defenders position, turrets scanning, machine guns ready. Russian soldiers burrowed in their hideouts stumble out with their hands up, surrendering to machines.



Also Read: Your standard rifle can now be an anti-drone weapon. Seriously.



No infantry crosses the line of departure. No medevac is called. No one dies on the attacking side. The position changes hands, and no human being on the Ukrainian side was ever in danger.



On Apr. 13, 2026, Ukraines Arms Makers Day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed what defense analysts had been tracking for months:



Ukrainian forces successfully captured a Russian-held position using only unmanned platforms, ground robots, and drones, without a single soldiers boot physically on the assault. The Russians surrendered. Ukraine reported zero casualties.



It is the first officially recognized seizure of enemy terrain by unmanned systems in the history of this war, and almost certainly the first in any war, ever.

Drones have been killing soldiers and civilians in Ukraine for years now. What makes this different is that machines didnt just hit a target and fly home. They advanced, applied pressure, forced a surrender, and then held ground. Thats terrain seizure, and its the one thing that has always required boots on the ground.



Not anymore, it would seem.



Zelenskyy framed the milestone in characteristically direct terms, stating that an enemy position was taken exclusively by unmanned platforms, that the occupiers surrendered, and that the operation was carried out without infantry and without losses. He listed the robotic systems by name: Ratel, TerMIT, Ardal, Rys, Zmiy, Protector, and Volia.



Those names represent an entire combat system, not just a single weapon.

The Stack

A soldier from the 46th Separate Air Assault Brigade loads ammunition into the .50-cal weapon system for a ground robot. This type singlehandedly held a position against Russian troops for 45 days. (Ukraine Ministry of Defense via X)

The layered system is what we call a combat stack, with each platform handling a specific phase of the assault. It starts with the eyes. Reconnaissance drones (Mavic and Autel quadcopters) establish persistent overhead surveillance. They find the position, map the defenses, and maintain constant visual pressure.



Every Russian soldier below knows hes being watched, and that knowledge alone starts degrading morale.



Next comes suppressive fire. FPV kamikaze drones and the Ratel S, a wheeled kamikaze ground robot packed with antitank mines, hit bunker entrances, trenches, and defensive hardpoints. The Ratel S can carry enough explosive to crack open a reinforced dugout. Its job is not subtle; its job is violent.



Time for the trigger pullers to move in. The Rys Pro, a multi-purpose unmanned ground vehicle equipped with a remote-controlled machine-gun turret, rolls into the trench line. The Zmiy does the same.



These are not toys; the Rys Pro mounts a 7.62mm machine gun and is operated remotely by a crew sitting safely behind cover, sometimes kilometers away. Some turrets use ballistic computers and AI-assisted tracking.



An operator sees through thermal cameras and engages targets with a precision that doesnt degrade when the bullets start flying back.



Behind them follow the logistics platforms. TerMIT, a tracked robot capable of hauling 300 kilograms, delivers ammunition to the shooters and can evacuate wounded soldiers on the return trip. Volia does the same, with a range of up to 12 kilometers under load.

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Protector, the largest of the group, recently completed testing with a Tavria-12.7 turret mounting the Browning M2 .50-caliber machine gun, giving it the firepower to engage armored vehicles and low-flying aircraft.



Layered together, its a full combined-arms assault conducted entirely by machines.

Historic Firsts

Zelenskyys April 13 statement called this the first time in the history of this war. But public reporting suggests earlier precedents at the tactical level. In July 2025, Ukraines 3rd Separate Assault Brigade reported that its drone and ground robot operators forced Russian troops to surrender in Kharkiv Oblast, entirely without infantry engagement.



FPV drones and a kamikaze ground robot carrying three antitank mines struck a bunker entrance. When a second robot approached the damaged position, two surviving Russian soldiers held up a cardboard sign reading We want to surrender in Russian. The brigade called it the first battlefield capitulation to robotic platforms in modern warfare.



Around January 2026, a DevDroid TW-7.62 unmanned ground vehicle captured three Russian soldiers in the Lyman area of the Ukraine front. By March, a larger cousin, the Droid TW-12.7, held frontline positions for 45 consecutive days.



So what changed on April 13? It appears that Ukraine has figured out how to develop, test, mass-produce, and deploy rapidly. Those earlier incidents were tactical, brigade-level actions, surrenders forced during robot-led assaults. This recent operation appears to be the first time Kyiv officially recognized a full position capture by unmanned systems as a war-level doctrinal milestone.

Clutch Timing

Ukraine faces acute manpower shortages along a front line stretching more than 1,000 kilometers. Meanwhile, aerial drone saturation has pushed the effective kill zone out to 2025 kilometers from the front, making traditional infantry advances a near-guarantee of casualties.



Every soldier is a precious rarity, and Ukraine needs to protect them or risk perishing as a nation, even if they win the war on the battlefield. Every assault squad that walks into that zone risks being shredded by an FPV drone that costs less than an ok laptop.



Robots solve that equation. As Maj. Oleksandr Afanasiev, commander of the K2 Brigades UGV battalion, told BBC News, Ukraine can absorb the loss of robots, but it cannot afford to lose battle-ready soldiers.



Ukraines defense ministry reported over 9,000 UGV missions in March 2026, and nearly 24,500 in the first three months of the year. The number of military units deploying ground robots grew from 67 in November 2025 to 167 by spring 2026. One manufacturer, Tencore, delivered more than 2,000 ground robots in 2025 and projects demand of roughly 40,000 units in 2026.

Your future sergeant major. (Tencore)

Infantry is not Obsolete

Before anyone starts writing the obituary for infantry, its important to remember these systems are not autonomous. Remotely operated, yes, with human operators in the loop making every firing decision. Nobody should be writing AI stormed the trench unless they have hard evidence to back that up, and right now, no one does.



Kyiv has not yet disclosed the location or the specific unit responsible, nor has it released a full operational timeline for the April 13 mission. Russian confirmation of the event is hard to come by (for obvious reasons).



The main claimthat a position was captured by unmanned systems with zero infantry and zero casualtiescomes from official Ukrainian leadership and is being corroborated by multiple outlets.



Durability is the major issue and question that remains. Robots can seize ground, sure, but holding it for extended periods raises new issues that machines still struggle with: maintenance, engineering, adaptation to changing conditions, and the hundred small decisions that an experienced squad leader makes by instinct (or pure BS).



Communications links can be jammed; if humans were easy to jam, these devices would be in every home. One weapon malfunction means the platform is useless until a human physically intervenes.



However, Ukraine has demonstrated that the most dangerous first phase of a trench assault, the part that kills the most soldiers, can now be outsourced to expendable machines. That does not eliminate infantry. It changes when and where infantry enters the fight.

In case you thought your gaming skills were useless in real life, this HUD looks like something out of CoD. (Devdroid)

Defense analysts are already calling this the new type of warfare, Drone Wall doctrine, a system where robotic systems handle attrition and seizure, while human soldiers are reserved for consolidation and holding on to territory.



You can bet the last of your trucks gas money that NATO is watching this closely. Gulf states are already rushing to buy Ukrainian drone expertise, with 10-year defense cooperation agreements signed with Saudi Arabia and Qatar in March 2026.



The broader appeal and evolution are easy to see, as well. In 2024, ground robots were mostly hauling ammunition and evacuating wounded. By mid-2025, they were forcing surrenders. By April 2026, they were taking terrain and prisoners. Pandoras box has been opened, and theres no putting back what spews forth.



Zelenskyy, ever the communicator, put the moment in terms any soldier would understand: robots entered the most dangerous areas instead of soldiers, saving more than 22,000 lives. Thats the real headline. Not that machines took a trench, but for the first time in history, a soldier didnt have to.



Until the next drop, stand easy.

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Residents of Ravenna, Ohio, united to stand up against Big Tech and its seemingly countless proposals to build new AI data centers.

What's happening?

On April 10, at a meeting of the Ravenna City Council, the town's planning committee advanced a year-long moratorium on new data centers after residents coalesced to show their concerns over their resource use.

Per the Record Courier, nearly 100 people filled the council chambers to show their discontent over these facilities, despite being held in the middle of the afternoon.

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In one five-minute-long video, shared on X with over 250,000 views, Ravenna resident Will Hollingsworth is shown passionately making a case against new AI data centers in his community.

A clear, well-articulated argument against a new data center in Ohio... worth watching pic.twitter.com/c4hfr3EaBf  non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) April 12, 2026

In his speech, Hollingsworth referenced many of the common arguments against the rapid expansion of data centers, including concerns over water use and pollution, in addition to fears over job losses.

During his time at the podium, Hollingsworth stated: "We are being asked to sacrifice the lifeblood of our city so a trillion-dollar company can save a fraction of a cent on its margins. We are being asked to drain our reservoirs so a chatbot can write a poem or so our sheriff can generate a picture of himself standing next to Bigfoot."

Unlike many opponents of AI and data centers, Hollingsworth isn't opposed to the technology, but rather how little oversight and regulation the tech companies promoting it are subjected to.



"I don't stand here as an enemy to progress," he said. " When I look at the data center proposal, I don't see progress; I see a gamble where the Big Tech companies get the gold while Portage County foots the bill."

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Hollingsworth was likely referencing the fact that Ohio offers generous tax breaks for tech companies that are constructing massive data centers in the state.

"We're told that we have to accept this because we need 'big employers,'" Hollingsworth continued to explain. "We're told that if we don't say yes, we're driving away the future. But that's a false choice. A big employer who uses the water of 50,000 people  [but] only hires about 10 people, is not an employer. They are an extraction."

What's next?

The Ravenna City Council will have a special meeting on April 20 for a vote on the moratorium.

But no matter which way the council chooses, it's clear that residents want protections against the downsides of AI data centers, whether they relate to job losses, higher electricity bills, or water extraction.

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.




Bandera County officials have declared a stretch of Texas Highway 46 "unsafe" and "inadequate," calling on the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to take action after years of crashes and fatalities on the two-lane road.

The Bandera County Commissioners Court unanimously passed a resolution during regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 9. A county employee who declined to give their name confirmed the vote. The minutes to the public meeting have not been posted by the county.

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The resolution demands that TxDOT improve road conditions on the two-lane highway that runs through both Bandera and Kendall counties. A Change.org petition cites TxDOT data that says there have been around 550 crashes, 13 fatalities and 44 serious injuries in the last 10 years. MySA has not been able to verify those numbers.

Residents in the area recently created the petition, which has gathered more than 850 signatures, to urge officials to widen the highway.

In the petition, residents say the rapid growth in the Boerne area has increased traffic on the highway, increasing the risk for head-on collisions.

"I drive Highway 46 between Pipe Creek and Boerne every single day, and my young daughter does too," said one petition signer under the user name "Yvie." "This road is extremely dangerous, narrow, one lane each way, sharp curves, blind hills, and no shoulder or safe place to pass ... Every day we drive it, we are taking a real risk."

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In March, a 21-year-old was killed in a crash on the highway, just west of Boerne, according to GoFundMe organizers.

Recently in Boerne, a 60-year-old man was just sentenced to 18 years in prison for killing a family of three in a 2024 head-on collision on the highway.

According to an update by Brad Dobson, who organized the petition, county officials repeatedly called the highway "totally inadequate" and made mention in the resolution that "TOO MANY LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST."'

Bandera County Judge Richard Evans was not immediately available for MySA's request for comment, and TxDOT has not responded to a request for comment.

This article originally published at Notorious highway near San Antonio deemed unsafe.' Here's the concern..
The News

Occidental Petroleum CEO Vicki Hollub said the war in the Middle East would be settled more quickly if NATO and European countries backed the US and Israels military strikes against Iran.

The war would end a lot sooner had we had NATO and the Europeans helping with the situation, Hollub said at Semafor World Economy in Washington, DC. Meanwhile she praised US President Donald Trump, saying he was pulling every lever he can think of.

Her comments come days after Trump again lashed out at NATO over members refusal to join its campaign against Iran. Hollub also said the UN had been useless.

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Occidental has avoided any major impact from the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, she told Semafor World Economy. Hollub put that down to a 10-year effort by the company to boost its domestic oil and gas production to more than 80% of its output to lower its geopolitical risk in the Middle East and other regions.

The impact of the war has not been really bad at all for our company, Hollub said. What we really focus on [is] our employees and making sure that their lives are not being too dramatically impacted by this.

Know More

Hollub is reportedly planning to retire after 10 years as one of the most powerful women in the male-dominated oil and gas industry, with an announcement expected later this year. Occidental COO Richard Jackson is set to move into the role, according to reports.

Warren Buffett, whose Berkshire Hathaway is Occidentals largest shareholder, has praised Hollub as someone who does know how to separate oil from rock and thats an uncommon talent, valuable to her shareholders and to her country.

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Last year, Berkshire Hathaway paid $9.7 billion for Occidentals OxyChem business in a deal that helped the oil and gas exploration and production company to pay down debt and focus on its US oil and gas portfolio.

Hollubs milestones include the companys Anadarko Petroleum purchase for about $55 billion in 2019  after outbidding oil major Chevron Corp. The company also acquired CrownRock in 2024 for $12 billion.

We have, now, decades of development opportunity in oil and gas, Hollub told CNBC last year. Our portfolio is the best its ever been.
PARIS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon and Israel should seize the opportunity for direct talks during the ongoing U.S.-Iran ceasefire, foreign ministers from 18 countries said in a joint statement issued Tuesday.

The ministers welcomed an initiative by Lebanese President Michel Aoun to open direct negotiations with Israel, as well as Israel's willingness to engage in U.S.-facilitated talks, according to the statement.

"Direct negotiations can pave the way for lasting security for Lebanon, Israel and the wider region. We stand ready to support these efforts," the statement said, urging all parties to urgently de-escalate and take advantage of the ceasefire window.

The ministers strongly condemned attacks by Hezbollah against Israel, calling for their immediate cessation. They also denounced large-scale Israeli strikes on Lebanon on April 8, which Lebanese authorities said killed more than 350 people and injured over 1,000. The statement stressed that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected in line with international humanitarian law.

Expressing full solidarity with the Lebanese people and authorities, the countries pledged readiness to provide emergency assistance to more than one million displaced people in coordination with the Lebanese government.

The participating countries include Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, as U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad over the weekend ended without agreement, regional mediators are racing to secure a second round of negotiations within days to prevent the collapse of the two-week ceasefire, the The Wall Street Journal reported. However, Israel expanded its ground offensive in Lebanon on Monday, a day before Israeli and Lebanese officials are due to begin direct talks in Washington. 
An off-duty firefighter from Massachusetts is being credited for helping evacuate two people who were unaware their house was on fire early Tuesday morning in New Hampshire.

The off-duty Massachusetts firefighter called Atkinson firefighters just after 8:30 a.m. after noticing a fire had begun in the Wood Drive home.

The firefighter quickly ushered the two residents out of the home and used a fire extinguisher to help contain the flames.

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When Atkinson firefighters arrived, they found that the fire, which had begun on the outside of the home, had partially spread inside.

Firefighters, with the help of the Plaistow Fire Department, quickly extinguished the fire.

The Atkinson Fire Department also took the time to thank the off-duty firefighter who assisted.

His swift actions directly limited the spread of the fire and ensured both residents were able to evacuate safely, the Atkinson Fire Department said.

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A drug dealer has learned her punishment for selling drugs in central Ohio.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Patricia Flesch, known as Panda, was sentenced to over 11 years in prison for the trafficking of large amounts of drugs.

Flesch was a well-known drug dealer in Ohio, according to the Department of Justice.

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Between September 2020 and June 2023, she sold fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

Flesch used houses and motels throughout the Columbus area to store and sell drugs.

At one time, she was coordinating the delivery of 10 to 15 pounds of meth weekly from a source in Texas, the DOJ said.

Law enforcement observed Flesch travel to different motels in Columbus and back to Helen Street nearly 440 times between March 16 and April 6, 2023.

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Judges and judicial candidates will be free to make political endorsements after the Ohio Supreme Court tossed out a long-standing rule that gagged them.

The court decided in a 5-1 ruling issued April 2 that the rule violated the First Amendment right to free speech.

"Judges do not give up their First Amendment right to engage in political speech simply by assuming office," Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy wrote in the majority opinion.

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The decision stems from a disciplinary case against long-time Clinton County Common Pleas Court Judge John William Rudduck. The judge used his Facebook account to support his son, Brett Rudduck, who was running in a three-way GOP primary for municipal court in May 2023.

The Ohio Supreme Court decided in a 5-1 ruling that a rule banning judges and judicial candidates from endorsing other political candidates violated the First Amendment.

A disciplinary panel recommended a public reprimand of Judge Rudduck but the supreme court instead said the rule was unconstitutional. The court makes the ultimate decisions on disciplinary cases.

Justice Patrick Fischer, writing the sole dissent, said the court shouldn't have waded into the constitutional question because neither side brought it up. Eliminating the rule could politicize the judiciary, Fischer warned.

Justice Jennifer Brunner did not participate in the case.

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Rudduck left the bench at the end of 2024 after 39 years as a judge. His son lost the municipal court race.

In the majority opinion, Kennedy said it would've been more prudent had Rudduck refrained from posting on social media about his son's candidacy.

"... judges must be cognizant of how their actions appear to the public. Thatmay mean that a judge should forgo making some public statements even if those statements would constitute protected free speech," Kennedy wrote.

Fischer said that amounted to a "hollow threat" that isn't backed up by the threat of disciplinary action.

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State government reporter Laura Bischoff can be reached at lbischoff@usatodayco.com and @lbischoff on X.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio Supreme Court says rule blocking endorsements is unconstitutional
Ohio will permanently ban synthetic kratom, starting as soon as May 14, while natural forms remain legal for now.

On April 13, a panel of state lawmakers approved a new rule to ban synthetic forms of kratom, an herbal extract from a Southeast Asian tree. That rule will replace a similar, temporary ban on synthetic kratom, which has been in effect since December.

Kratom is sold as an energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever and remedy for the withdrawal symptoms of quitting opioids, according to the Mayo Clinic. Kratom's supporters say the supplement has important health benefits.

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Kratom is sold in smoke and vape shops, gas stations and other specialty shops.

The rule does not ban kratom in its vegetative form, including natural kratom leaf and ground natural kratom leaf, according to documentation from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.

In August 2025, Gov. Mike DeWine asked the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to designate natural and synthetic forms of kratom as illegal drugs and an "imminent public health risk." Between 2019 and 2024, more than 200 individuals died from unintentional overdoses involving kratom.

But opponents say kratom is an easily accessible killer known as "gas station heroin." Susie and Roger Bullard, of Tipp City, asked lawmakers to ban kratom to prevent more deaths like their 27-year-old son Phillip's.

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"Phillip died in bondage," Susie Bullard told lawmakers during an April 13 hearing of the Joint Committee on Agency Rule. "He died to kratom. His brain was hijacked from kratom. He was shackled and bound to a toxic substance that children, adults and youth can purchase at a gas station and vape shops."

Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan, D-Parma, said there needs to be an ongoing and more complex discussion surrounding natural kratom. Ohio lawmakers have a bill to regulate the natural form, which is making its way through the legislative process.

This is a thoughtful and targeted step to protect Ohioans, especially our young people, from dangerous synthetic substances that are far more potent and unpredictable than their natural counterparts, Brennan said. I support this rule because it focuses on the most immediate and serious public health risks while allowing for continued, careful evaluation of the natural product.

Dispatch reporter Sam Hendrickson contributed to this article.

State government reporter Jessie Balmert can be reached at jbalmert@usatodayco.com or @jbalmert on X.

Tell us what you think
Olivia Troye, a first-term Trump administration staffer who emerged as a vocal critic of the president in 2020, is launching a run for Congress as a Democrat in Virginia.

In a Tuesday campaign launch video, Troye cast herself as the candidate best positioned to take on President Donald Trump, pointing to the president bypassing Congress in sending federal immigration agents to U.S. cities and starting a war in Iran.

Trump doesnt scare me, she said. I took him on when it mattered the most. And Im ready to do it again. Its time to send some real courage to Congress.

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Troye worked for then-Vice President Mike Pence during Trump's first term, advising him on counterterrorism and homeland security. She also served on the White Houses coronavirus task force before leaving the administration in a public split months before the 2020 presidential election.

Troye then became an active critic of Trump, slamming the president for minimizing the Covid-19 pandemic and sharing fears that Trump wouldnt accept the results of the election if he lost to then-Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

The evil I saw in that White House was staggering, she said in her launch video. In 2020, I finally said enough. And they came for me. Kash Patel, Stephen Miller, even Trump himself. They sent MAGA after me, tried to bankrupt me, threatened to kill me. They thought they could silence me.

Troye is planning on running in Virginias 7th Congressional District, should Virginia voters approve a ballot measure next week to allow Democrats to gerrymander the states congressional lines. Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), who represents the current battleground formulation of the 7th District, plans to run in the 1st District if the map is redrawn.

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The new 1st and 7th Districts would both be blue-leaning.

Virginia Democrats argue the redistricting move is necessary to keep up with Republicans aggressive mid-decade redistricting in Texas, Missouri and, perhaps soon, Florida.

Virginia voters will head to the polls on April 21. And while a slim majority of voters told a Washington Post/Schar School poll last week that they support the redistricting initiative, a sizable enthusiasm gap between Republicans and Democrats is sending alarm bells for Democrats that supporters might not be able to get it over the line.
The defeat of Orban in Hungarys elections opens a wide vista of geopolitical possibilities. Ukrainians in particular are delighted because it spells the end of Orbans veto on EU financial and other help to them. When that help duly follows, then Ukraines resistance to Putin firms up, Europes weight in geopolitical clout rises, and the global power balance tilts on its axis. In effect, Orbans loss is the beginning of the end of authoritarian populism around the world. So the argument goes.

That all rather depends on what aspect of the populist package you mean. (And, of course, what Orban does next). Peter Magyar, the new leader of Hungary, is no liberal. He will certainly start abiding by EU regulations and standards concerning governance, media freedoms, judicial independence and the like so his country gets the $21 billion of money the EU withheld from Orban. Roughly 10% of Hungarys already ailing GDP. Thus, Magyar will move to end the corruption side of the pop-auth formula. But, make no mistake, he is still something of a nationalist. He was a member of Orbans political party for many years before he couldnt stomach the corruption any longer.

As a result, hes not about to open the borders to immigrants or refugees in large numbers. Which possibly constitutes his most interesting challenge to the populist formula by absorbing its biggest political card - the protection of national identity. Recall that the influx of migrants to Europe and UK was consciously abetted and weaponized by Moscow and its allies to destabilize Europes governing elites at home. Magyars formula will show the way to defang the pro-Putin populist parties of European countries if the latter have the good sense to emulate his synthesis of policies.

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Then theres the question of what Orban does next. He could flee to Moscow. Plenty of precedent for that, as in Ukraines Yanukovich after the Maidan massacres. But Orban has not massacred anybody and he did concede lawfully when the time came. Ironically, the new constitution he created worked against him because it multiplies parliamentary numbers of the a significant win party and minimizes those of the loser. Nevertheless, over the 16 years of his self-dealing leadership he has packed the bureaucracy and economy with his supporters. Hungary now faces the prospect of a contentious and divisive purgation of his minions at all levels of society.

Orban must know that legal proceedings against his long years of alleged corruption will follow. And his adherents know full well that any prosecution launched against his conduct in office will ultimately target the beneficiaries of his patronage. From the judiciary to the media to the intelligence services, they will resist and obstruct. Draining the swamp, for Peter Magyar, Hungarys new leader, will not be an easy task.

This struggle against institutionally entrenched resistance is hardly a new story in the region. We saw it played out repeatedly in Eastern Bloc countries as Soviet power faded. Rumania could do nothing but wait a couple of decades for its Caucescu-era elites to retire after the dictators fall. Conversely, in Georgia, the pro-western leader, Mikheil Saakashvili, literally fired 15,000 policemen overnight to end their bribe-taking habits.

But he paid a high-price for his speedy approach to reforms. The displaced elites, backed by the countrys richest oligarch, by Russian money, dark ops and threats of war, beat Saakashvili electorally in 2012. His pro-Moscow rivals dug in and created the first post-liberal state as such regimes are sometimes called. They still run the country and have kept him in prison since he returned to fight for democracy on October 2021. Georgians have demonstrated in massive numbers almost daily for over 400 days since the regimes dubious victory in the last election. Magyars counter-victory in Hungary will only embolden them.

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Both Orban and Magyar doubtless know the regional scenarios well, along with the implied stakes. Orban can make Hungarys revival so grinding that Magyars tenure will be associated with grim struggles and anxiety - amplified by a constant Tiktok barrage of negative disinformation spread online from Moscow. For every attempt to displace an Orban media baron or oligarch, one can expect saturating disinformation and invocations of state bullying, Magyar cronyism or threats to Hungarian autonomy from the EU. Dark ops, sex tapes, hacking attacks on state bodies, leaked confidential or high-security calls. As happened before the election, relentless sinister adversities will batter Magyars team.

If you dont think such campaigns can obliterate the memory of Orbans long misrule, consider how often post-Soviet countries have been persuaded to re-embrace the Kremlin line a couple of decades after being joyously liberated from it.

In Georgia, Saakashvilis tenure of free-enterprise, open media, and liberal democracy was successfully smeared with just such dark ops. It was the first of such dominoes to fall with Moscows help in its favor. It has taken this long for the West to catch up with recognizing and pitching in against the post-liberal network. The horrendous conduct of Russia in Ukraine has served to awaken Europe in this regard.

Having substantial spoiler threats in hand, not least supplied by Moscow, Orban is certain to propose deals where he and his circle avoid justice in exchange for giving Magyar an easier time. This too has precedent. Recall that Putin made a deal with his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin, in exactly this way. Ukraines oligarchs, now mostly gone, enjoyed similar immunity for keeping their parliamentarians on side. None of which Magyar can begin to emulate, having promised to restore the rule of law, which in some ways adds to his adversities and ties his hands in the short-term.

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In Orbans case, his adherents need him to stay and fight for their protection. Magyar promised to reduce term limits to two terms, which effectively blocks Orban in the next election. He will likely move backstage and run his party through a front-man as Georgias Ivanishvili has done. Either way, tough years of negotiated progress lie ahead. Hungary alone cannot overcome Orbans institutional weapons of obstruction especially if pro-Putin regimes conspire with him. Sustained help from European allies to will be essential in ways they failed, too often, to do in the past.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Three weeks after introducing an identical $53.2 billion spending plan to Gov. Josh Shapiros proposal, state House lawmakers passed the unaltered budget Tuesday, sending the bill over to the Senate for further consideration.

A handful of Republicans joined all 102 Democrats to advance the measure on a 107-94 vote, which calls for funding part of the 5.4% increase over last years plan through taxes on legalized recreational cannabis and electronic skill games  which have been included in previous budgets and rejected annually by Senate Republicans.

This budget continues our investment in public education, support for law enforcement, and strengthening Pennsylvanias economy, all while returning money to working families and not raising taxes, said House Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) in a statement. Our focus remains clear: getting a responsible, balanced budget done on time that makes Pennsylvania more affordable and continues to deliver on our commitments to communities across the Commonwealth.

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Though Democrats hold the governors seat and House  the latter with just a one-seat majority  Republicans hold a slim majority in the Senate, meaning all parties must come to a consensus. Negotiations stretched past the June 30 deadline last year  as they have for six of the last ten years  and the budget was finalized 135 days late, leaving counties, schools and nonprofits in a financial lurch.

Harris previously vowed to avoid a delay this year, emphasizing the need for an on-time budget in his statement.

Republican feedback

But the majority of Republicans are critical of the proposals spending, warning that a day of reckoning would be coming to the Keystone State, pointing to a $6.7 billion structural deficit, or the gap between the states predicted revenues and expenses.

That number doesnt include new taxes included in Shapiros proposal. Of particular concern for Republicans was a bid to use dollars from the states $7.5 billion rainy day fund to balance the budget.

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If last years budget process was a fiscal crisis, this years budget process has the potential to be a fiscal nightmare, said Rep. Tim Bonner (R-Mercer). (Shapiro) now proposes a budget that will deplete 60% of the rainy day fund, depleting it to approximately $3 billion. Our reserves will be totally exhausted by the end of the next fiscal year, and we will then be asking our citizens to support a tax increase.

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) at a press conference responding to Shapiros budget proposal on Feb. 3, 2025. (Photo by Ian Karbal/Capital-Star)

In a release shortly after the bills passage, Senate Republican leadership panned the proposal in a joint statement from Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (Westmoreland), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (Bedford) and Appropriations Committee Chair Sen. Scott Martin (Lancaster).

We continue to have profound concerns about the level of spending in the budget proposed by Governor Shapiro and passed by the House today. Moving a budget plan forward is an important step in the process, but much work remains to reach a final agreement which respects taxpayers both now and in the future. We will continue to fight for a more fiscally responsible spending plan that better positions our Commonwealth to grow and prosper, without placing unreasonable financial burdens on Pennsylvania families and taxpayers.

Senate leaders will now have the opportunity to introduce their own version of the budget for the next fiscal year.

Nearly 80% of the budgets expenditures are dedicated to just two state agencies: the Department of Human Services with $21.9 billion and the Department of Education with $20.6 billion. Roughly $1 billion of the increase to DHS will fund Medicaid increases, which Democrats said will shrink if the state increases the minimum wage from $7.25 per hour  the federal minimum  to $15.
Four people, including a three-year-old child, died in an Israeli air attack on a car operated by Hamas police in Gaza City, Palestinian medical sources reported on Tuesday.

The Israeli military did not respond initially to the report.

Separately, the official Palestinian WAFA news agency reported one person killed by Israeli fire in the north of the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military said that an armed person had approached an area controlled by the army and had presented a threat to them. This person had been killed, it said.

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Since a ceasefire was declared in October last year, Israel has controlled around half of the Gaza Strip, while Hamas has largely re-established control in the remainder.

Disarmament of Hamas under a US-led peace plan has not been implemented.
The long-running pay raise dispute between the Palm Beach County School District and its teachers became more heated on Monday, April 13, when the head of the teachers union blasted the district for scheduling the decisive meeting on the topic at 2 p.m.  a time when teachers can't attend.

"Quite honestly, I'm appalled that a meeting is scheduled to take place when teachers must be at work," Gordan Longhofer, president of the Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association said during a press conference. "Teachers feel that the superintendent has turned his back on them by rejecting the neutral special magistrate's recommended decision. Now, on top of that, it seems he wants to silence them at the final hearing, not to mention prevent them from being present when the school board considers its most consequential decision in this entire process."

The district did not say why the pay raise decision will be made at a meeting that begins at 2 p.m. on May 6. It did note that school board members will hear from district staff and a representative of the teachers union at that meeting.

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In November, after the union declared an impasse in its pay raise negotiations with the district, the issue was put before a special magistrate, who rejected both the union's push for a 4.8% raise and the district's offer of a 1.5% raise with a one-time bonus of 1.5%. The magistrate recommended a 3.5% raise, but the district rejected that recommendation, putting the final decision before the school board.

At its May 6 meeting, the school board could decline to have the district offer a raise or have it offer one of any size.

Longhofer said teachers should be able to attend a meeting where their pay is being determined.

"Most teachers work until 3 p.m. at least, with many on the job until just after 4 p.m.," Longhofer said.

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The school board is holding its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 15, at 5 p.m., and teachers are expected to show up en masse to urge board members to offer a raise of at least 3.5%.

The teachers union and the school board have been negotiation since last summer, and teachers have not had raise during that time.

What teachers want

Teachers, citing Palm Beach County's high cost of living, initially sought a raise of 5%.

Beginning pay for teachers in the district is $53,000 per year, higher than the starting pay in most other school districts in Florida but not nearly enough to comfortably and independently live in Palm Beach County, where apartment rents typically top $2,000 per month. Including enhancements for additional education and for taking on extra curricular duties, the average pay for the teaches in the district is just over $69,000 per year.

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That salary is also higher than the statewide average of about $55,000 per year, but it still presents financial challenges for teachers in some parts of the county.

The teachers union said it was prepared to accept the special magistrate's recommendation even though it fell short of the target it initially set.

What the district wants

The district has argued that its finances are constrained by declining state funding brought on by a unexpected and sharp decline in enrollment.

District officials said they have provided educators with generous raises during years when that was financially feasible, but that the current financial climate makes a raise of 3.5% "fiscally unsound."

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Responding to Longhofer's criticism on April 13, the district for the first time spelled out some of the consequences of it said would follow if the district offered a raise of 3.5%.

"Accepting the special magistrate's recommendation would result in 250 employees losing their jobs and students losing support programs due to the recurring cost added to the budget," said Sean Cooley, the district's chief of communications.

It costs the district $10 million for every raise of 1%, district officials said. By that calculation, the special magistrate's 3.5% raise would cost $35 million.

The teachers union has noted that the district's budget is $5.9 billion and that district officials could readily find $35 million.

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The state did provide school districts with money for teacher raises, but the district's share of that money was only enough to offer a raise of 0.6%.

"The school district worked hard to go further, proposing a raise package for teachers five times that amount," Cooley said. "That effort comes as we are managing a $66 million revenue shortfall driven by a loss of more than 7,000 students."

What's next?

School board members will make the final decision on whether or how much of a raise teachers receive.

That decision will come during a special meeting scheduled for May 6 at 2 p.m.

Teacher Karen Brazil is greeted by The School District of Palm Beach County Superintendent Mike Burke in her classroom at Tradewinds Middle School on the first day of the new school year in Greenacres, Fla., on August 11, 2025. Tradewinds Middle School is rated a B school by the state, up from previous years' marks.

District staff members and representatives of the teachers union will make presentations before board members make their decision.

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While Longhofer and the teachers union are unhappy that teachers won't be free to attend the meeting when a final decision is being made about their pay, they are expected to show up on for the school board's regular meeting on Wednesday, April 15, to make their voices heard.

Wayne Washington is a journalist covering education and Riviera Beach development for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach County teachers union rips district over pay raise meeting
The parents of a child who remains missing and is presumed dead after flood waters struck Texas' Camp Mystic are fighting to stop renovations as their lawsuit against the owners continues.

At least 27 campers and counselors from the all-girls summer camp, including 8-year-old Cecilia "Cile" Steward, were killed along the Guadalupe River when deadly flash floods ripped through the area on July 4, 2025. The camp's owner and director, Richard "Dick" Eastland, also died in the flood, reportedly while trying to save campers. Camp owners on Sept. 22 said a portion of the camp would reopen for the summer 2026 season.

Cile's parents, CiCi and Will Steward, said they were "devastated" by the reopening plans and sued the camp, members of the family that have run it for decades and other owners in February, claiming they were negligent in the care of their daughter and intentionally inflicted emotional distress. The family asked the court to stop the defendants from further remodeling to preserve evidence and "from utilizing the Camp Mystic site for any commercial purpose" while the lawsuit proceeds.

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"Defendants prioritized reopening Camp Mystic and preserving their profits over the dignity of the deceased children and the emotional well-being of their families," the suit said. "Despite pending recovery efforts, active lawsuits, and ongoing governmental investigations, Defendants launched a coordinated public-relations campaign designed to rehabilitate Camp Mystics image and solicit future campers."

In March, District Court Judge Maya Guerra Gamble ordered camp officials not to alter the property near the Guadalupe River, but did not block the reopening of its neighboring Cypress Lake site, the Texas Tribune reported. Attorneys for camp owners appealed her decision, and Gamble is expected to decide whether to keep the temporary injunction in place after the hearing, which began on April 13, the Washington Post reported.

Camp director gets emotional in court

Edward Eastland was emotional in court on the first day of the hearing as he described his attempts to grab campers and escape the floodwaters. He said he doesn't know what happened to Cile.

Eastland said he wished things had been done differently in hindsight, but denied neglecting the campers and counselors.

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"I wish we had never had camp that summer," he said.

"But you wish to reopen it here in six weeks," the Stewards attorney, Brad Beckworth, said.

"We want to open the camp, the campus that's on the other side," he said. "That's not this camp."

The portion of the camp that owners are seeking to reopen is about a half mile from the section affected by the flooding. More than 800 girls are registered to attend sessions this summer, according to a statement from Camp Mystic.

In a message to families, the camps operators previously said their "planning and procedures will reflect the catastrophic 1,000-year weather event that occurred on July 4, including never having campers return to cabins that had floodwaters inside them."

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Beckworth presented photos of the camp at different points after the flooding, and Eastland acknowledged that some structures have been cleaned and repaired, with high water and debris marks removed. He agreed that evidence needs to be preserved as the investigations continue.

Legal troubles mount after deadly Camp Mystic flood

The Steward family is seeking more than $1 million in damages in their suit. But that case is just part of the ongoing fallout from the deadly flooding.

In February, families of nine campers and counselors sued health officials, claiming they failed to enforce an evacuation plan required by state law. A group of families of campers who died also sued the camp and its owners and operators for negligence in November.

The Texas Rangers are still searching for remaining flood victims in Kerr County and assisting the Texas Department of State Health Services in an investigation into complaints of neglect during the floods, according to Sheridan Nolen, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

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Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has urged the health services department not to issue a 2026 camping license to Camp Mystic, citing the Rangers' investigation. State lawmakers are also investigating the tragedy, according to court documents.

Contributing: Jeanine Santucci, Thao Nguyen and Marc Ramirez

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Parents fight Camp Mystic renovations after flood deaths
GAZA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Four Palestinians, including a child, were killed on Tuesday in an Israeli airstrike targeting a police vehicle in Gaza City, according to Palestinian security and medical sources.

Security sources said an Israeli drone fired at least one missile at the vehicle in central Gaza City.

Medical sources at Al-Shifa Hospital confirmed receiving four bodies, one of which was a child.

In a statement, the Hamas-run interior authorities said Israeli warplanes struck the vehicle on al-Nafaq Street, causing multiple casualties.

The Israeli military has not commented yet.

In recent weeks, Israeli forces have carried out strikes on security checkpoints and police vehicles across the Gaza Strip, claiming they target armed elements or potential threats.

Tuesday's attack comes amid ongoing tensions and reported violations of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that began on Oct. 10 last year.

Gaza-based health authorities reported Tuesday that hospitals in the enclave received three bodies and 11 wounded people over the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll since the ceasefire to 757, with 2,111 wounded. Total Palestinians fatalities since Oct. 7, 2023 have risen to 72,336, with 172,213 others injured. 
A Republican removed from the Harford County Council will get his seat back, after the Appellate Court of Maryland said he had been wrongfully removed last year.

The unreported ruling by a panel of the Appellate Court of Maryland reversed a February 2025 circuit court ruling that said Aaron Penman was could not serve on the council while also also working as a deputy in the Harford County Sheriffs Department.

Im extremely happy that the Appellate Court got the decision correct, Penman said in an interview. We felt very strongly about the case.

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The ruling does not automatically restore Penman to his council seat. A Harford County judge must still sign off on that request, which was filed Friday.

I thought it would have happened by now, Penman said. My hope is that the order is signed by tomorrow (Tuesday),which allows me to serve tomorrow night at the county council meeting. Thats my hope. Well see if that comes to fruition.

A spokesperson said County Executive Bob Cassilly, whose administration sought Penmans ouster, will seek a review of the ruling.

The County Executive respectfully disagrees with the courts opinion as it overrides the clear intent of the charter, which seeks to prioritize the general interests of the taxpayers and citizens over special interests, like government employee unions, the spokesperson, Matthew Button, said in a statement to Maryland Matters.

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The ruling allows government union members who are also serving as council members to prioritize funneling tax dollars to please their employers, rather than adhering to a sole obligation to serve the citizens. We will be filing for a review of this decision.

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The Cassilly administration filed an ethics complaint last February against Penman, arguing that his employment as a sheriffs deputy violated a county charter provision that prohibits a county lawmaker from being employed by a county or state government entity.

That ethics case quickly morphed into a lawsuit in Harford County Circuit Court early last year. Harford County Circuit Court Judge Richard S. Bernhardt Sr. sided with Cassilly, ruling Penman could not hold both jobs.

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But the three-judge Appellate Court panel, in its opinion last week, wrote that while the position of sheriff is a constitutional office, its role as a state or county government entity is tricker.

In the absence of clear textual guidance or definitive legislative history, we must apply the presumption favoring eligibility, Judge Jeffrey Geller wrote for the panel.

In this case, a county council member who also serves as a deputy sheriff and the sheriff who employs them both ultimately answer to the voters, Geller wrote. When statutory text leaves the question open, the ultimate judgment belongs not to this Court, but to the ballot box.

Cassillys pursuit of Penman was seen by many as an extension of an intra-party squabble between the county executive and Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler (R) and a Republican-majority council.

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The Appellate Court relies heavily on a previous case involving Cassilly and Jacob Bennett, a Democrat who was a middle school science teacher when he was elected to the council four years ago. Cassilly sought to keep Bennett from being sworn in, saying his teaching job made him ineligible.

Bernhardt, the judge in Penmans case, was also the judge for Bennett. Bernhardt also sided with the county against Bennett, but that ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court of Maryland.

This is the second time weve been through this, said Council President Patrick Vincenti, who is running against Cassilly in this summers GOP primary for executive.Its been a tremendous waste of time and energy and treasure. It wasnt like this in the beginning but it went south very fast. The disrespect for the council is at a new high.

But Cassillys spokesperson said the Bennett ruling highlighted an issue the council should have fixed.

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In this case, a county council member who also serves as a deputy sheriff and the sheriff who employs them both ultimately answer to the voters. When statutory text leaves the question open, the ultimate judgment belongs not to this Court, but to the ballot box.

 Judge Jeffrey Geller, in his opinion in Penman v. Harford County

The appellate courts ruling in the Penman case is a result of Council President Vincentis refusal to clarify the Harford County Charter as the Supreme Court suggested, and as the County Executive requested, nearly two years ago after the ruling in the Bennett case, Button said in a statement. Mr. Vincenti chose to cater to public employee unions rather than protect the tax-paying citizens.

Penman, if ultimately reinstated, would likely be entitled to back pay. The Appellate Court order does not address the pay issue. Penman would likely have to go to court again to secure an additional judicial order. Bennett was eligible for back pay when he was eventually sworn in.

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Currently, council members in Harford make slightly more than $52,000. Penman would be in line for more than a year of back pay.

Its a discussion my legal team is exploring, Penman said. I dont know what that looks like but I was wrongfully removed, thats my position.

Case affects 2026 election

After his removal from council in February 2025, Penman was replaced by Alison Imhoff. Now, Imhoff will be removed and Penman reinstated.

In the interim, both Penman and Imhoff filed to run for the seat this year, but Penman eventually withdrew his candidacy when the court did not issue a ruling. Now, its too late for the seat.

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I am disappointed in the timeline of how this all transpired, Penman said. I filed for re-election but had to withdraw. It just wasnt conducive to me staying in the race.

Penman said he is backing Imhoff in the 2026 election.

Im really thankful for Alison Imhoff, Penman said. Shes done a great job in an impossible situation.

Guthrie decision remains

The Appellate Court has yet to rule in the case of another council member who was removed, Dion Guthrie.

The Democrat was removed from the council after pleading nolo contendere to felony theft charges in Baltimore County. Guthrie was charged in connection with the theft of funds from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1501, which he led for five decades.

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After Guthries Nov. 14 plea, Vincenti announced the seat was vacated by operation of law as a result of the plea. A Harford County Circuit Court judge denied Guthries request to be reinstated, sparking Guthries appeal.

In the meantime, Guthrie has filed to run for his old seat. He faces Nolanda Roberts in the Democratic primary. She was picked to fill the vacancy on the council created when Guthrie was removed from office.
The Philippines has accused Chinese fishermen of dumping cyanide in waters around the Spratly Islands, a fiercely contested area in the South China Sea.

Manila described the alleged poisoning as an act of "sabotage" on Monday, intended to "kill local fish populations" and deprive Filipino troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal of a crucial food source.

China dismissed the claim as a "farce". The allegation follows years of tense stand-offs and occasional violent confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed waters.

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The South China Sea is at the centre of a territorial dispute between China, the Philippines and other countries.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakin said the accusation was "completely unbelievable and not even worth refuting".

"The Philippines has illegally harassed Chinese fishing vessels engaged in normal fishing activities," he added.

The Philippine National Security Council (NSC) said the alleged poisoning began last year around Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly archipelago in the South China Sea.

The reef is home to a small Philippine military outpost aboard the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusting World War Two-era ship deliberately grounded there in 1999 to assert Manila's claim to the territory.

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NSC assistant director-general Cornelio Valencia said the use of cyanide was intended to "kill local fish populations, depriving Navy personnel of a vital food source".

He told a press conference on Monday that it also posed health risks to troops by contaminating the water and fish, and could damage the coral reefs that help support the vessel's structural foundations.

Valencia added that Manila had raised the alleged poisoning with Beijing at a recent meeting but had received no formal response. The NSC intends to submit a report to the foreign ministry that could form the basis of a diplomatic protest.

The navy and coastguard have been ordered to increase patrols in the area.

[BBC]

Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Adm Roy Vincent Trinidad said Filipino troops had seized 10 bottles of cyanide from sampan boats allegedly launched from Chinese fishing vessels in February, July and October last year.

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He said military personnel had spotted another Chinese sampan crew poisoning waters near the shoal last month, and that samples later tested positive for cyanide.

Cyanide fishing has historically been used in parts of Southeast Asia to stun or kill fish, often for the live reef trade. It is illegal under Philippine law and widely banned across Southeast Asia because of its destructive impact on marine ecosystems.

The South China Sea is at the centre of overlapping territorial claims by China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

It is a vital shipping route, and home to rich fishing grounds that support the livelihoods of millions of people across the region. More than half of the world's fishing vessels operate in the area.

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The Paracel and Spratly Islands are also believed to sit atop stores of natural resources and potential energy reserves.

China claims the sea nearly in its entirety, despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that found its sweeping claim had no legal basis. Beijing rejected the decision.

The Philippines invokes its geographical proximity to the Spratly Islands as the main basis of its claim for part of the grouping.

Both the Philippines and China also lay claim to the Scarborough Shoal (known as Huangyan Island in China) - a little more than 100 miles (160km) from the Philippines and 500 miles from China.

Chinese coastguard vessels patrol near the marooned BRP Sierra Madre [Reuters]

Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated sharply in recent years.

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In June 2024, Chinese coastguard personnel armed with knives and sticks boarded Philippine navy boats near Second Thomas Shoal in a violent clash that injured several Filipino sailors.

China has repeatedly attempted to block Philippine resupply missions to the grounded Sierra Madre warship.

Last week, the Philippines held joint maritime exercises with the United States and Australia in the disputed waters, ahead of the annual Balikatan war games. Japan will also join this year as a full participant.

Beijing has repeatedly criticised such drills, saying they raise regional tensions.

In March, the Philippines signed a military deal with France that will see Paris send a contingent of 15 to 20 troops to join the Balikatan exercises on 20 April.

More on this story
New York State Police on Monday identified the erratic driver shot by a trooper after the driver struck and killed a 79-year-old woman during a chaotic encounter in LaFayette, Onondaga County, early Sunday morning.

The erratic driver

Troopers were called to Shute Road in LaFayette around 1:35 a.m. Sunday, April 12, as it was reported that an erratic driver was traveling through residential yards at a high rate of speed, according to State Police.

That driver on Monday was identified as Irene McIntyre, 46, of East Syracuse, Onondaga County, troopers said.

Woman struck by car

McIntyre is accused of hitting a woman with her car before police arrived at the scene.

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A man attempted to stop McIntyre by moving his car into the path of her car. McIntyre, according to police, rammed her car into his stopped vehicle. The man was still inside.

A trooper at the scene saw McIntyre "operate the vehicle in a manner that endangered individuals on scene," which included again running over the already injured woman on the ground, as well as striking a second man who was trying to help the inured woman, according to State Police.

Driver shot by trooper

Despite repeated orders from troopers to stop, McIntyre did not. A trooper fired a division-issued firearm and struck McIntyre - who was alone in her car. She was taken to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, where she was pronounced dead, according to State Police.

Trooper, slain woman identified

State Police also identified the man who shot and killed McIntyre as Trooper Michael A. Sharshon. He has been a trooper for more than four years and is assigned to the State Police barracks in LaFayette. He was placed on "critical incident leave" after the fatal shooting, which is routine when a trooper's actions while on duty result in the serious physical injury or death of another person, according to State Police.

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The woman who was twice struck by McIntyre's car before she died was identified as Cheryl Miron, 79, of Fayetteville, Onondaga County.

Investigation continues

The incident was recorded on responding troopers body-worn cameras, according to State Police. The department did not release the footage due to the ongoing investigations underway by both the New York State Police and the New Your Attorney General's Office.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Police identify driver shot, woman killed in chaotic NY incident
Police are investigating a suspicious death in Laconia, New Hampshire.

According to authorities, the Laconia Police Department went to conduct a welfare check at South Main Street in Laconia, New Hampshire, this morning when they discovered an adult male resident deceased inside his home.

The cause of his death is under investigation. The name of the man will be held pending notification of next of kin.

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Anyone with information regarding this incident, is urged to call the New Hampshire State Police tip line at 603-MCU-TIPS (603-628-8477).

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Police are still searching for a man who went missing two weeks ago in Burlington County.

Richard Beckett, 50, of Pittsgrove, was last seen around 12:30 p.m. on March 29 at Bass River State Forest in Burlington County near Lake Absegami, according to a statement from the New Jersey State Police.

A woman who identified herself as Becketts sister wrote on her Facebook page Monday that his car was found abandoned at the state forest along with a tent he had recently purchased.

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Beckett was described by police as being 5-feet 11-inches tall and weighing about 280 pounds with a gray beard. Two photos of Beckett were released by police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Troop A Bridgeton Station at 856-4510101.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
NEW YORK  In an unexpected reversal, lawyers for the Trump administration on Monday said the federal government would fly the rainbow Pride flag at the Stonewall National Monument in Greenwich Village.

The governments decision was included in a proposed settlement to voluntarily dismiss a Manhattan federal court lawsuit brought by the Gilbert Baker Foundation, whose namesake created the flag that symbolized LGBTQ equality, and various advocacy organizations, including Village Preservation and Equality New York.

The groups filed the suit against Trumps Interior Department and National Park Service in February after the flag was taken down from the site widely recognized as the cradle of the gay liberation movement, alleging the move was part and parcel of an effort to erase LGBTQ history.

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The proposed resolution, which a judge must sign off on, says the Pride flag will fly high at Stonewall save for maintenance and other practical purposes, court filings show. The National Park Service has agreed to hang three flags of equal dimensions  the American flag, the National Park Service flag, and the Pride flag  within seven days.

A spokesman for the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office, which is defending the government in the case, declined to comment. Attorneys for the civil rights groups that brought the lawsuit could not immediately be reached.

The Trump administration on Feb. 8 removed the rainbow flag from Stonewall, where a 1969, uprising sparked by a police raid on an underground gay bar, catalyzed the gay rights movement and led to the first march for gay equality in the U.S. in 1970.

The government had claimed the flag violated Department of Interior policies mandating that only the agencys flag, the American flag and the POW/MIA flag could be flown in public spaces controlled by the National Park Service.

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The move drew fierce backlash and prompted New Yorkers to turn out in the hundreds to hoist an unofficial Pride flag back up the pole. The flag removal followed similar efforts by the Trump administration to wipe both the historical record and the present day of any acknowledgment of LGBTQ Americans and otherwise roll back diversity initiatives promoted by Democrats.

Since Trumps return to office, National Park Service websites documenting LGBTQ history have been deleted, a Justice Department employee lost his job for displaying a Pride flag and the federal government banned the inclusion of gender pronouns in email signatures.

President Barack Obama designated Stonewall a national monument in 2016, and President Joe Bidens National Park Service installed the Pride flag beside Old Glory at the historic site in 2022.

________
By Alasdair Pal

SYDNEY, April 14 (Reuters) - Britain's Prince Harry and wife Meghan landed in Australia on Tuesday for a four-day visit with engagements covering sport, mental health and veterans' affairs.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex began their trip at the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne, where they took part in an activity in the hospital's therapeutic garden spaces.

"It was a genuinely meaningful visit for our staff and for the young people receiving care," said Dr Peter Steer, the hospital's CEO.

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Harry, wearing a navy suit and white shirt, spoke to children and posed for photographs with patients in the foyer of the hospital, calling one of the handmade signs welcoming the couple "beautiful".

Meghan, who wore a matching A$1,250 ($885) navy dress by Sydney-based designer Karen Gee, later helped serve food at a women's domestic violence shelter in the city.

The Sussexes stepped down as working members of the British royal family and moved to the U.S. in 2020, citing a desire to be financially independent and to escape what they characterised as media intrusion into their private lives.

They last visited Australia in 2018 while still working royals, announcing Meghan's first pregnancy hours after arriving in Sydney.

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MEGHAN TO LEAD WELLNESS RETREAT

Their latest visit has captured public attention in Australia, where Britain's King Charles is the head of state, though a sizeable minority supports becoming a republic.

But there was little sign of the ecstatic reception that greeted them on the 2018 trip. Television networks aired footage that they said showed the couple arriving in Melbourne on a commercial flight from Los Angeles, before being taken from the tarmac in a vehicle convoy.

The couple's travel is being privately funded, though local media reported some policing costs associated with the visit would be paid by Australian taxpayers, sparking a protest petition signed by more than 45,000 people.

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The couple will travel to the capital, Canberra, on Wednesday to meet military veterans, attend a mental health summit in Melbourne on Thursday and round off the joint leg of their trip with sailing and rugby events in Sydney on Friday.

In contrast to their previous visit, the Sussexes will also undertake commercial activities while in Australia, with Meghan remaining in the country to host a wellness retreat at a luxury beachside hotel in Sydney over the weekend.

Tickets for the event, which includes yoga, manifestation and sound healing, start at A$2,699 ($1,912) per person.

($1 = 1.4114 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Kate Mayberry and Thomas Derpinghaus)
Health care workers, union members, students and small business owners are holding a rally at the Connecticut State Capitol on Tax Day, calling on lawmakers to create a more fair tax system for middle class earners.

The Connecticut For All coalition is hosting the event on on April 15 to bring together workers and students from across the spectrum for a press conference and rally aimed at greater tax fairness. Also known as Tax Day, that date is the deadline for individual income tax returns to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service without penalty.

Connecticut For All is a statewide coalition of labor, community and faith organizations representing hundreds of thousands of people and workers, according to the coalition. We want to send a message to Governor (Ned) Lamont and CT leadership: fund families, not billionaires, organizers said.

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The rally will begin at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday on the from lawn of the Connecticut State Capitol. The press conference will include several attendees dressed as Mr. Moneybags with Tax Me signs, who will lead a march from the steps into the Capitol, where the group will deliver thousands of postcards from people across the state urging Lamont to make the rich pay their fair share.

This year all but the richest people in Connecticut will pay higher taxes and receive fewer services for their hard-earned tax dollars because Donald Trump and Republicans put billionaires over families  and because Connecticut state leaders choose to protect the bank accounts of a few ultra wealthy individuals and corporations at the expense of everyone else, said Connecticut Working Families Party state director and Connecticut For All Legislative co-chair Sarah Ganong.

It doesnt have to be this way. We can choose a fairer tax system, guaranteeing that the richest 1% will pay more to fund our public schools, colleges, roads, bridges and public transit without the other 99% having to pay a penny more. We need Governor Lamont and Connecticut leaders to make that choice, loudly and publicly, right now, she said.

Organizers said speakers will include a worker who doesnt mind paying taxes, but is frustrated with a system that isnt fair, a small business owner struggling to compete with a rigged system, a working class student who has seen the impact of cuts to schools first hand and a coalition leader calling on Lamont and lawmakers to tax the ultra wealthy to fund Connecticut.

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Several advocacy groups will be represented at the rally, including Connecticut For All, Connecticut Working Families Party, CT Students for a Dream, Connecticut Alliance for Retired Americans, SEIU Local 1973 The 4Cs, Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance, Hartford Federation of Teachers, Husky for Immigrants Coalition, UConn and CSU American Association of University Professors, AFT Connecticut, Comunidades Sin Fronteras, New Haven Federation of Teachers and New Britain Racial Justice Coalition.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com.
Rep. Tony Gonzales said Monday he will retire from Congress, after the Texas Republican faced bipartisan heat for having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.

There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all, Gonzales wrote on X. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas.

News: Husband Of Deceased Staffer Tears Into GOP Congressman's 'Family Values' After Reported Affair: 'A Sick Man'

Gonzales did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

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Gonzales, who is married with six children, initially claimed the allegation was part of a coordinated political attack against him. However, the husband of the staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, provided HuffPost and other news outlets with text messages from her cellphone that suggested the opposite.

In the May 2024 exchange, Gonzales and Santos-Aviles discussed **** pictures:

You dont really want a hot picture of me, she wrote.

Politics: Trumps DoorDash Stunt Accidentally Highlights His Biggest Political Problem

Im just such a visual person, Gonzales responded in part.

This is going too far boss, she replied.

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Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

Rep. Tony Gonzales announced on Monday that he will retire from Congress. The Texas Republican faced bipartisan heat for having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. Tom Williams/Pool photo via AP, File

Bobby Barrera, an attorney for Santos-Aviles husband, Adrian Aviles, told local outlet KSAT that Aviles and Santos-Aviles separated in June 2024 after Aviles learned about the monthlong affair. However, the couple did not file for divorce.

The text messages clearly support that Tony was pushing her to send photos, pushing her to communicate, pushing her into this relationship, Barrera told KSAT. So much so that she began to question why Tony even hired her... if the communications were always centered around her attractiveness.

Politics: Texts Show GOP Rep Asked For Sexy Pic From Now-Deceased Aide

Barrera also told the news outlet that he believes the affair played a role in her death.

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Regina taking her life is a result of the collateral consequences of the discovery of that affair. And then, after the discovery of the affair, she began to receive different treatment at work, Barrera added. All of that was because Tony Gonzales encouraged, manipulated and induced her into this ****** affair as her employer.

Santos-Aviles, who had been the regional director for Gonzales in his Uvalde office since 2021, died by suicide in September 2025. She was 35.

After the news of the alleged affair broke in February, lawmakers called for Gonzales resignation and for an end to his House campaign. Gonzales insisted he would not resign and that the public did not know all the facts.

Politics: GOP Lawmaker Claims Hes Getting Blackmailed Over Staffers Death

In a unanimous decision on March 4, the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Conduct said it had a substantial reason to believe that Gonzales engaged in the affair, a House violation, Politico reported. The House Ethics Committee then launched a ****** misconduct investigation into Gonzales.

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In a podcast interview with conservative radio and TV talk-show host Joe Pags, uploaded the same day, Gonzales acknowledged the affair.

I made a mistake and I had a lapse in judgment, Gonzales said. And there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions.

Gonzales retirement announcement was posted just one hourafter Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) said he would resign from Congress following bipartisan backlash over multiple ****** assault allegations.

Politics: JD Vance Accidentally Says The Truth Out Loud With Fox News Gaffe

On Saturday, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said she planned to file a motion to expel both lawmakers. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.) also planned a similar move against Gonzales.

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We have successfully drained part of the swamp this week with the resignation of two very corrupt members of Congress, Luna said in an online post. She also called for Gonzeles resignation.

Leger Fernandez pushed for the same.

He has until 2PM tomorrowwhen we will file his expulsion, she said in a social media post. He better write that resignation effective immediately.

In a separate post, Leger Fernandez said public outrage and the threatened resolutions from her and Luna were effective in holding powerful men accountable for indiscretions and abuse against women.

Accountability can happen. We can hold men accountable when they abuse women, and were gonna do more of it, she said.

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If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for mental health support. Additionally, you can find local mental health and crisis resources at dontcallthepolice.com. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

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Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, announced Monday that he is retiring from Congress after the House Ethics Committee launched a probe into him over a romantic relationship with a former staffer who later died by suicide.

There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas, Gonzales said on X.

He did not specify when he plans to step down. Gonzales had announced last month that he was dropping his re-election bid.

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His announcement came shortly after Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., announced his own plans to resign amid sexual assault and misconduct allegations. Calls from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to expel Swalwell and Gonzales grew louder over the weekend.

Two separate measures to remove Swalwell and Gonzales were set to be introduced in the House this week. After Swalwell announced his plans to resign, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., said she would introduce the resolution to expel Gonzales.

Leger Fernandez said in a separate post following Gonzales' announcement that he "has until 2PM tomorrow" to clarify when he will leave Congress.

"He has until 2PM tomorrowwhen we will file his expulsion. He better write that resignation 'effective immediately,'" she wrote.

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Gonzales did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., who had said that she would support Leger Fernandez's resolution to expel Gonzales and that she would introduce another measure to expel Swalwell before his announcement, celebrated Monday's announcements.

"We have successfully drained part of the swamp this week with the resignation of two very corrupt members of Congress," Luna wrote on X.

Gonzales and Swalwell were two of four members of Congress facing potential expulsion votes. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., and Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., are both facing ethics investigations.

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"Two down. Two to go," Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said in a social media post Monday night following the announcements from Swalwell and Gonzales.

A House Ethics subcommittee found Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of 25 ethics charges last month following a federal indictment on charges that she stole $5 million in federal relief funds and made illegal contributions to her 2022 congressional campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick has said she is innocent and pleaded not guilty in her criminal case.

Mills is facing allegations of campaign finance violations, sexual misconduct and dating violence, as well as alleged abuse of his position regarding a federal contract. Mills has denied any wrongdoing and said in a speech on the House floor last year that "all the accusations and false things being said will be proven to be absolutely false in many ways."

Gonzales, who was running for re-election, announced last month that he would drop that bid after it was reported that he exchanged sexually explicit texts with a staffer who later died by suicide.

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NBC News previously reported that Gonzales and the former aide, Regina Santos-Aviles, exchanged sexual texts in 2024. Santos-Aviles' widower, Adrian Aviles, verified the texts.

Gonzales acknowledged that he had had a relationship with a staffer in a podcast shortly before he dropped out of the race.

Later, a second former staffer told NBC News that Gonzales had exchanged sexually explicit texts with her while she worked for him.

Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, in Washington in January 2023. (Bill Clark / AP file) (Bill Clark)

Under Texas law, its too late for Republican Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special election in time for the regularly scheduled May elections, which typically means the next election for a vacant seat would take place in November during the general election.

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But in 2018 Abbott called an emergency special election after Republican Rep. Blake Farenthold resigned in April, arguing the election was needed to ensure the congressional district would be represented during discussions about hurricane relief.

Its not clear whether Abbott would be able to do the same in this situation. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday about the timing of a potential special election for Gonzales seat.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
MEXICO CITY, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Monday it has activated consular assistance protocols following the death of a Mexican national while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.

The individual died on Saturday at the Winn Correctional Center in the U.S. state of Louisiana, with the cause of death still under investigation, the ministry said in a press release.

Mexico's consulate in New Orleans, in coordination with the Mexican Consulate General in Atlanta, has contacted the victim's family to provide legal support and assistance.

The ministry said it is in communication with U.S. authorities to clarify the circumstances of the death and assess possible next actions.

It also expressed concern over repeated deaths in ICE detention centers, calling them "unacceptable" and indicative of serious deficiencies incompatible with human rights standards.

Mexico has instructed its consular network to increase visits to ICE facilities and urged Mexican nationals in the United States to contact consulates if detained.

The case adds to at least 14 deaths of Mexican nationals amid immigration enforcement operations in the United States since early 2025, prompting legal and diplomatic actions by the Mexican government. 
WASHINGTON  Both Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, resigned from Congress in disgrace Tuesday, pre-empting a push by their House colleagues to expel them from office.

Both lawmakers were facing unrelated House Ethics investigations into alleged sexual misconduct, in some cases with women who had worked for them, a violation of House rules. Their resignations mean that those investigations effectively come to an end, since the Ethics Committee only has jurisdiction over sitting members of Congress.

Investigations by law enforcement agencies can continue; and the Manhattan district attorneys office has said it has launched a probe into Swalwell focused on an alleged assault that took place in New York.

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On Tuesday, another woman alleged that Swalwell drugged, raped and choked her in a California hotel room in 2018. Her lawyers said she was going to report the incident to law enforcement later in the day.

Congressman Eric Swalwell categorically and unequivocally denies each and every allegation of sexual misconduct and assault that has been leveled against him," his lawyer, Sara Azari, said in a statement. "These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive  a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent twenty years in public service."

"We are confident that the truth will prevail, and we will pursue every available legal remedy against those responsible for orchestrating this reprehensible campaign of lies," Azari continued.

Swalwell previously apologized for making "mistakes" but called allegations of sexual assault "false."

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Swalwell's resignation was effective at 2 p.m. ET. Gonzales' will be effective at 11:59 p.m. ET. Tuesday.

With Swalwell and Gonzales gone, Republicans would have a 216-213 majority over the Democrats. However, Republicans gained one seat Tuesday night, when Clay Fuller of Georgia was sworn in to succeed former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who resigned earlier this year. That brought the GOP majority to 217-213.

The unceremonious departure of Swalwell and Gonzales on the same day closed a dark chapter on Capitol Hill.

Gonzales, first elected to Congress in 2020, had been dogged by rumors and allegations of sexual misconduct since last September, when one of his staffers, Regina Santos-Aviles, died by suicide.

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Text messages obtained by NBC News and confirmed by the womans husband show that Gonzales had sent Santos-Aviles sexually explicit messages in May 2024. And Gonzales later admitted he had an affair with her while she was his subordinate.

A second woman who had worked for Gonzales told NBC News that he had also sent her sexually explicit text messages, including repeatedly asking for sex and nude photos. A spokesperson did not respond to that allegation. Gonzales said in March he would not seek re-election, but after the Swalwell scandal, Gonzales said he would quit Congress early, heading off an expulsion vote.

Swalwells fall from grace happened much quicker. Last week, the Nancy Pelosi ally and vocal Donald Trump foe had been a leading contender in the crowded California governors race.

But on Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle published a bombshell story, featuring a young woman who said tat she had a sexual encounter with Swalwell while she worked for him and that he later, on two occasions, sexually assaulted her when she was too intoxicated to consent. CNN also spoke to the woman and three others who accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct.

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A source familiar with her account confirmed to NBC News that the reporting by CNN and the Chronicle was accurate and spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the ongoing legal matter.

Swalwell conceded hes made mistakes but denied that woman's allegations of sexual assault. He dropped out of the governors race Sunday, then said Monday he would resign.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday called a special election, scheduled for Aug. 18, to fill the seat left vacant by Swalwell's resignation in the 14th Congressional District.

It's unclear whether Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will do the same for Gonzales' seat.

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Returning to the Capitol on Tuesday after a two-week recess, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he thinks both Swalwell and Gonzales made the right decision by resigning.

My views have been made known about the terrible allegations that were made and obviously the facts that they both admitted to, Johnson said. And I think it was the appropriate thing.

Attention on the Hill now shifts to alleged bad behavior by two House members from Florida, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat, and Rep. Cory Mills, a Republican.

Johnson said he thinks it will be the consensus of the House that Cherfilus-McCormick should be expelled after a special bipartisan House Ethics subcommittee found her guilty of 25 violations related to allegations she stole millions in federal relief funds that were used in her congressional campaign. She has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty in a related criminal case.

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Asked if Mills should be expelled, as well, Johnson said he was not sure the status of the Ethics Committee investigation, and thats one of the things Ill be looking into today.

Mills has been under investigation by the committee in connection with several allegations, including financial and sexual misconduct. Mills has denied wrongdoing.

Mills said in an interview with NewsNation Tuesday that he didn't think he fell into the same category as Swalwell and Gonzales.

"One, I'm not married, so there's one thing. Two, I've never sexually harassed and or had any complaints by any staffers or interns on the Hill. It's just not even a fair comparison," Mills said. "This is obviously a political, Democratic tit for tat, so I'm not even gonna entertain it."

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Swalwell made the right decision in resigning. When asked if he pushed Swalwell to resign, Jeffries said his conversations would remain private.

Asked if he would be OK with expelling Cherfilus-McCormick, Jeffries said he would have that conversation subsequent to the Ethics Committee recommendation.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., told reporters "yes" when asked if she believes that Cherfilus-McCormick should be expelled if she does not resign.

"If the Ethics Committee found her guilty, then I would vote in accordance with that," Ocasio-Cortez said.

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Ocasio-Cortez's office did not immediately respond to a request for further comment Tuesday night.

The Ethics panel is set to announce its recommended sanctions for the congresswoman at an April 21 hearing, after which the full House could act.

It requires a two-thirds vote to expel a member of Congress  an extremely rare occurrence but one that happened in late 2023, when the House voted 311-114 to oust Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., following a scathing Ethics report and a 23-count criminal indictment.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
State, city and county inspectors have cited Iowa restaurants and stores for hundreds of food-safety violations during the past several weeks, including offenses related to moldy food, expired meat, cockroaches and rodents.

The findings are reported by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, which handles food-establishment inspections at the state level.

Listed below are some of the more serious findings that stem from inspections at Iowa restaurants, stores, care facilities and other businesses between Feb. 28, 2026, and April 3, 2026. (Last year, DIAL began withholding from public disclosure all food-safety inspection reports for eight days past the date of inspection.)

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The inspections department reminds the public that its reports are a snapshot in time, and violations are often corrected on the spot before the inspector leaves the establishment. For a more complete list of all inspections, along with additional details on each of the inspections listed below, visit the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensings website.

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Gog Dynasty Buffet, 5388 Elmore Ave., Davenport  During an April 2 visit, a Scott County inspector cited this establishment for 16 risk-factor violations, an exceptionally high number that included several repeat violations. The inspector concluded management of the establishment was not ensuring that food was cooked and held at safe temperatures, and was not ensuring that employees were trained in how to use time and temperature controls to ensure food safety.

Staff observed not washing hands after returning to the kitchen after taking out the trash, the inspector noted. Staff observed transporting raw shrimp in a strainer and trailing raw shrimp liquid onto the floor. Staff observed taking plastic wrap from the garbage and then going to place it back on chicken wings. Inspector intervened.

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The restaurant was not keeping shell-stock identification tags that are used to trace the origin of shellfish in the event of contamination or an outbreak, workers throughout the restaurant were seen failing to change their single-use gloves between tasks or when leaving their work stations, and raw shrimp was coming off of the wok cooked to 128 to 130 degrees rather than the minimum of 145 degrees.

In addition, chicken wings, wontons, dumplings, and chicken skewers on the hot buffet line all measured below 135 degrees, which was not hot enough to ensure their safety, and cooked chicken was left sitting out at room temperature and then measured at 78 to 82 degrees.

The inspector also noted there were two refrigeration units holding various food items at temperatures above the maximum of 41 degrees, while a walk-in cooler used to store ready-to-eat products was holding food at 48 degrees. The food from the coolers was discarded. In addition, all of the sushi products were measured at above the maximum of 41 degrees, and the restaurant was not recording the time at which sushi rice and rolled sushi products were either prepared or needed to be discarded  a repeat violation.

The inspector also observed that the dishwashing machine was operating with no detectable levels of chlorine sanitizing solution and some of the handwashing sinks were not equipped with soap. The inspector also reported that the plastic bins used to store various packaged, powdered sugary items contained dead insects.

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The visit was in response to a non-illness complaint from a customer who alleged they had found a worm in their food. The owner of the restaurant confirmed the incident occurred, the inspector reported, adding, There are no signs of other worms, nor did the inspector find worms in other food or dry-storage area.

Steak n Shake, 5229 Elmore Ave., Davenport  During an April 3 visit, a Scott County inspector reported the staff at the restaurant could not verify the presence of any certified food protection managers. The inspector also noted that food stored in a cooler near the grill measured 48 degrees, which was too warm to ensure the foods safety, and so the tomatoes and lettuce stored there were discarded.

Also, several buckets of sanitizing solution that were in use did not have a sufficient concentration of sanitizing fluid, and several metal pans stored as clean had visible leftover food debris on them, as did a produce dicer.

Shelving in the walk-in cooler has excess grime and debris, the inspector reported. Metal cups on the ice cream/shake station had leftover shake residue. In addition, a handwashing sink near the grill was leaking water onto the floor.

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Trattoria Fresco, 511 4th St., Sioux City  During an April 2 visit, a Siouxland District Health Department inspector noted that rice cooked days prior to the inspection had yet to cool to 41 degrees, was measured at 52 degrees, and had to be discarded. Also, mozzarella cheese, raw chicken and raw veal were stored at 51 to 62 degrees and had to be discarded.

Several cooked and prepared dishes had no date-markings to ensure freshness and safety, and there was no detectable amount of sanitizing solution being used in the dishwashing machine. Also, the ice machine was visibly soiled, and there was a can of Raid insect killer on hand, despite it not being approved for use in commercial establishments.

Comfort Inn & Suites, 1630 W St., Grinnell  During an April 1 visit, a state inspector cited this business for nine food-safety violations  an unusually high number for a hotel with limited food service. The inspector noted that several items that required refrigeration were held at temperatures well above the maximum of 41 degrees, including chocolate waffle mix at 73 degrees, regular waffle mix at 61 degrees, and dairy-based whipped toppings at 64 degrees. All of the items were discarded.

In addition, the product being used to sanitize items had no detectable level of sanitizing solution in it, the interior of the beverage dispenser was reported to be not clean, and there was no soap or paper towels at the handwashing sink. Also, the doors and interiors of the cupboards used for food storage were described as not clean, and the hotel had failed to post its previous inspection report.

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Maloneys Pub, 239 N. 2nd St., Eldridge  During a March 31 visit, a Scott County inspector noted that raw eggs were stored in direct contact with lettuce inside a walk-in cooler, risking cross-contamination. Also, baked chicken was being maintained in a hot-holding unit at 108 to 111 degrees, which was too cool to ensure safety, and macaroni and cheese was being held at only 98 degrees. Both the chicken and the macaroni were discarded.

In addition, multiple food products had no dates of preparation to ensure freshness and safety, and several food products had been held past their seven-day discard date. Also, the fryer cabinets, the floor below the fryers, and the walk-in cooler were all marred by what the inspector described as dust, debris and gunk.

Subway, 801 S. Riverside Drive, Iowa City  During a March 30 visit, a Johnson County inspector reported the restaurant was not employing a certified food protection manager as required. Also, the inspector observed an employee who failed to wash their hands before donning gloves and handling food, and noted that multiple items in the food-preparation cooler  including cheese, chicken, deli meats, tuna mixture and sliced tomatoes  were all holding at 45 to 50 degrees rather than 41 degrees or colder.

The inspector also reported that the chemical dishwashing machine had no detectable levels of sanitizing solution in it and the handwashing sink in the food-serving area was not supplied with hot water. In addition, the current food license and the most recent inspection report were not posted as required.

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Ohana Grill, 207 E. 2nd St., Ottumwa  During a March 27 visit, a state inspector concluded the person in charge was not fulfilling their duties as evidenced by the number of risk-factor violations related to employee training, cross-contamination risks, the date-marking of food items, hot-holding temperatures of food, and the cleaning and sanitizing of food-contact surfaces.

The inspector observed that Spam and rice wraps were being held at 88 degrees, not hot enough to ensure their safety, and had to be discarded. In addition, flan that was being held at 68 degrees had to be discarded.

There does not appear to be a date-marking policy in place at this time as no product was observed with a date, the inspector reported. In addition, the kitchen handwashing sink had no soap and no paper towels, chicken was left to thaw inside a sink, and the hot-holding unit and the reach-in coolers had no thermometers for temperature monitoring.

The inspector also reported that the condenser inside the reach-in cooler was dripping water, leaving the shell eggs that were on the bottom shelf standing in water. In addition, the dry-storage area was being used as a sleeping quarters, and the ceiling above the stove was soiled. Establishment does not have a ventilation system for their stovetop, new fryer and flat-top grill, the inspector added. The eatery was given to July 2, 2026, to have a certified food protection manager on staff.

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Acapulco Mexican Bakery #2, 1937 Keokuk St., Iowa City  During a March 26 visit, a Johnson County inspector determined that not all of the people in charge were certified food protection managers as required. Also, the inspector concluded the person in charge was not fulfilling their duties or asserting active managerial control of food-safety practices as evidenced by violations related to handwashing, sanitizing, and inadequate food-safety training for the staff.

Cooking time and temperature controls were not effectively overseen, the inspector reported. Eggs were stored at room temperature near the cashier counter, with an ambient temperature 72 degrees.

Also, chicken and pork tamales were prepared and stored on racks and were measured at 57 degrees and 53 degrees, and none of the food containers in the cold-holding units were marked as to their dates of preparation, opening or discarding.

In addition, two containers of pork feet were observed thawing in standing water  one on the floor, and another in a sink. The inspector also noted that the establishment did not have a working, thin-tipped probe thermometer to measure the temperature of any of the cooked, cooling, cold, and hot-held foods.

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Rudys Tacos, 3111 Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf  During a March 26 visit, a Scott County inspector observed a worker handling ready-to-eat tacos with their bare hands. Also, several food items in the coolers had no date-markings on them to ensure freshness and safety, and the high-temperature dishwashing machine was not working.

The interiors of the microwave ovens and regular ovens were marred by excess food debris, as was the exterior of other kitchen equipment, the speed rack in the kitchen, the ceiling tiles and vents, and the flooring under all of the kitchen equipment.

The visit was in response to complaint from a customer who alleged they became ill after eating at the establishment. The complaint was deemed unverified.

F B & Company, 4185 Whittier Road, Central City  During a March 25 visit, a Linn County inspector noted the staff failed to wash their hands between tasks the restaurant had eggs on hand from an unapproved source. Also, there was homemade, canned barbecue sauce on hand, and the handwashing sink was blocked by fly swatters. Rodents observed in traps in kitchen area, the inspector noted.

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Azteca #4, 3566 N. Brady St., Davenport  During a March 19 visit, a Scott County inspector reported seeing one live cockroach in the bar area; one live, juvenile cockroach on the wall behind an oven, and a number of dead roaches in the vicinity of the dishwashing machine and in the storage room.

The inspector also noted that sugar and various spices were being kept in large buckets without lids in the storage room. An employee failed to wash their hands and change gloves after returning to the kitchen from taking out the trash, and one cooler was keeping food at 44 to 55 degrees  too warm to ensure the safety of the food inside. Also, cheese was left sitting in a container at room temperature and was measured at 52 degrees, and cilantro, onions, and limes were sitting in containers without enough ice, and were 57 to 64 degrees.

In addition, raw chicken was left sitting out at room temperature and was measured at 43 to 46 degrees; salsa in the designated salsa cooler was measured at 47 degrees; and several pans of queso, along with several large plastic containers of various salsas, had no date-markings to ensure freshness and safety.

The inspector also observed that the fountain-drink machine and the knives stored on the knife rack were marred with debris of some kind. Also, fish in vacuum-sealed packaging had not been removed from the package prior to thawing, increasing the risk that any spoilage would go undetected.

Kitchen and bar floors each (marred) with debris and gunk, the inspector reported. Three-compartment sink faucet is leaking in several areas.

The visit was in response to a complaint about cockroaches in both the bar and service areas. The complainant also alleged there were mouse and rat droppings all over the facility. While the inspector reported no evidence of mice or rats, the complaint was deemed verified.

Basil and Vine, 1025 Utica Ridge Road, Bettendorf  During a March 19 visit, a Scott County inspector observed an employee slicing ready-to-eat meats on a slicer using their bare hands. Also, meat products placed in the hot-holding unit were measured at only 85 degree  too cool to ensure their safety  and so the products were reheated to 165 degrees before being placed back in the hot-holding unit.

The inspector also reported finding several containers of pizza sauces and minced garlic that were not refrigerated as required and which had to be discarded. Also, all of the food stored in a cooler that was operating at temperatures of between 48 to 50 degrees had to be discarded, as did several pounds of butter that was left unrefrigerated and which was measured at 70 degrees.

Several food items in the coolers and walk-in cooler not date-marked, the inspector reported. Meat slicer had dry food debris on it.

El Fredo Pizza, 523 W. 19th St., Sioux City  During a March 18 visit, a Siouxland District Health Department inspector found a half-eaten doughnut above a toaster in the kitchen and discovered mold growing on ravioli in the reach-in cooler with a date-mark of Jan. 31.

The kitchen staff discarded the ravioli. In addition, the inspector reported finding prepared lasagna sitting on a counter at 56 degrees. The lasagna was then placed back inside a cooler for storage. One cooler had an ambient temperature of 45 degrees  too warm to keep the contents safe  and there were sliced tomatoes and mayonnaise-based salads in the walk-in cooler that were measured at 54 to 56 degrees.

Also, the restaurant was not discarding food items that had been held seven days or more, the inspector reported, adding that he had found lasagna and commercially processed ham dated March 7, as well as ravioli dated Feb. 17. In addition, the inspector reported finding homemade garlic butter dated Feb. 22 inside the walk-in cooler.

Ware-washing room has flying bugs around the clean dishes, the inspector reported. Discussed insect control. Facility is working with a pest control company. That company did provide the facility with a spray to use down the drains. Person in charge stated the spray was helping the situation.

Los Portales #2, 1012 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport  During a March 11 visit, a Scott County inspector found a container of moldy sauce stored inside the walk-in cooler, as well as a container of standing tomato water. The moldy sauce and the tomato water were discarded.

The inspector also reported finding raw shrimp stored above cheese, and raw beef stored above vegetables, inside a cooler, risking cross-contamination.

Multiple foods uncovered in the establishment, the inspector reported, adding that several food items were also being held outside acceptable temperature ranges. Rice sitting on a table was measured at 106 degrees, and pork was hot-holding on a grill at 88 degrees.

Knives, knife rack, can opener, can-opener holder, and pop dispensers in the bar (marred) with debris and gunk, the inspector reported. Raw beef thawing on prep table in the back room.

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While NASA sends astronauts around the Moon ahead of near-future landing missions and China races to catch up, the once-mighty Soviet space infrastructure has fallen far behind. Russia has admitted it has no plans for manned missions beyond low Earth orbit for the next decade. Problems with its launch facilities have also led to a dramatic drop in its rocket launch cadence. It's now launching as many (or as few) orbital rockets a year as the island nation of New Zealand.

The space race between America and the Soviet Union was a major backdrop to the 20th century and a proxy for the economic and military rivalry between those twin superpowers. But since the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 90s and Russia's disastrous invasion of Ukraine, Russia has fallen far behind. Where other countries are looking at building lunar colonies and next-generation space stations, Russia is barely able to get astronauts into orbit and has no plans to go beyond it.

As reported by United24, the scientific director of the Russian Academy of Sciences' Space Research Institute, Lev Zeleny, recently said that Russia has no plans for manned deep-space or lunar missions over the next decade. Although he did talk up the construction of a new orbital station, this was recently revealed to be mostly made up of reused ISS components.

Baikonaur cosmodrome launch pad damage.

Russia's Baikonaur launch pad was damaged in 2025 when someone forgot to close the blast doors during a Soyuz launch. Credit: Roscosmos

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Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov reported earlier this year that Russia made just 17 orbital launches in 2025. That was the same number it made in 2024 and matches New Zealand's total for the same period. In comparison, the United States and its range of commercial aerospace companies made 181 orbital launches in 2025up from 145 the year before. China's launches jumped to 91 from 68 in 2024.

Excluding the pandemic years, Russia is at its lowest launch cadence since the early 1960s. This is partly down to reduced funding, with the largest majority of Russia's budget being invested in the ongoing war effort in Ukraine, where it loses over 30,000 soldiers a month and has been reduced to buying ammunition and mercenary soldiers from impoverished North Korea.

Although Russia has some hope of increasing its orbital launch cadence in 2026, it's not off to a good start. With 20 planned launches this year, several have already been delayed due to technical reasons, including damage to its only major manned launch facility at Baikonur.

With Russia's economy stagnating, it's hard to imagine the country becoming a major space launch provider again anytime soon.
April 14 (Reuters) - Russian drones attacked Ukraine's Izmail port in the southern Odesa region and struck two civilian foreign-flagged vessels overnight and early on Tuesday, Ukrainian officials said.

Russia has repeatedly targeted maritime export routes during its four-year-old war with Ukraine, striking ports vital to foreign trade and the wartime economy.

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba said strikes damaged a Panama-flagged vessel, as well as infrastructure and equipment.

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"The enemy is once again deliberately striking critical infrastructure and logistics in the Odesa region," Kuleba said on the Telegram messaging app.

IZMAIL IS USED FOR WARTIME LOGISTICS

Izmail lies on the Danube at the southwestern tip of Ukraine and faces Romanian territory on the other riverbank. It has become an important and frequently hit logistical area for wartime Ukraine.

A Liberian-flagged civilian merchant vessel travelling through the maritime corridor to load corn was hit in a separate Russian drone strike, Ukraine's Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories said.

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Despite the attacks, it said port operations were stable.

Without naming the port or the vessel, the ministry said the crew quickly extinguished the fire, no one was injured and that the vessel had reached a port.

The Ukrainian navy named the vessel as the "Lady Maris" that was on its way to the Black Sea port of Chornomorsk.

In the surrounding region, strikes destroyed a car repair shop and triggered a fire that consumed two passenger buses and seven cars, Regional Governor Oleh Kiper said, also speaking on Telegram.

He said six private buildings suffered damage to their roofs and that an ambulance was also damaged.

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Regional prosecutors said in a later statement that a 51-year-old man was hospitalised as a result of the attack.

Ukraine's air force said Russia had launched four missiles and 129 drones at the country since Monday evening. The air defence units downed or neutralised one missile and 114 drones, the air force added.

(Reporting by Anna Pruchnicka; Editing by Jamie Freed, Thomas Derpinghaus and Barbara Lewis)
Even on a sunny spring Sunday, the glittering exhibition in Moscow devoted to Russias war against neighbouring Ukraine is bustling with activity.

Groups of children, families and senior citizens move past military hardware, reconstructed battlefield scenes and raw footage from the front. Inside the pavilion at Moscows VDNKh exhibition grounds, soldiers are portrayed as heroes.

This and similar propaganda exhibitions across the country are designed to foster acceptance of returning soldiers - even as experts warn of the challenges they may bring home.

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As hundreds of thousands of men with experience of violence and post-traumatic stress disorders return to civilian life, they are meeting residents for whom death and destruction are far away.

Social tensions are inevitable, says Moscow journalist Andrei Kolesniko during an online conference "Homecoming with Horror" organized by the German Sakharov Society. Kolesniko writes for the Kremlin-critical platform newtimes.ru.

The returnees are used to comparatively high earnings from their war service and to privileges. Russia's labour market often offers neither, experts say.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose war is now in its fifth year, also knows this and is demanding special attention for the war returnees.

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By early April, there had been 1,500 days of war. There is still advertising everywhere in Moscow and in many places, such as the metro, recruiters for voluntary service at the front can be found.

The question of how soldiers can find their way back to a normal life after the war has long been present. "We must help them acquire new skills, knowledge and abilities," Putin said recently at an event.

He has instructed officials to draw up recommendations for the reintegration of war returnees by July 1. They need social support and further training, he stresses.

Fears of rising crime and conflict

Russian society partly supports the war and partly endures it. But those who stayed at home have a sense that the return of hundreds of thousands of men could become a problem, despite all the propaganda about proud defenders of the fatherland.

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The independent polling institute Levada Center found last year that three out of five respondents view veterans with respect. Asked what things would look like after the war ends, 44% - mostly supporters of the government - say there would be more security and social peace, while 39% fear an increase in conflicts and crime.

The negative expectation is based on experience.

When the Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989 after being defeated, army veterans returned to a poor and disintegrating country and many became criminals.

In the 1990s, ordinary Russians did their best to steer clear of such thugs with links to organized crime.

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The difference is that in Afghanistan and later against the breakaway Russian Republic of Chechnya, conscripts fought.

Putin is waging his current war against Ukraine primarily with contract soldiers. The signing bonus for recruitment, the monthly pay and compensation in the event of injury or death are high.

For many families in Russia's provinces, it pays off if a father, brother or son fights.

Tens of thousands of criminals deployed in the war

In addition, tens of thousands of prisoners were recruited. Even the most violent offenders were granted amnesty if they volunteered for service.

It is still unexplored how the length of wartime service affects returnees, says journalist Ivan Filippov, who reviews internal discussions among Russian supporters of the war.

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Neither Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan nor US soldiers in Vietnam fought for such a long time.

It is "only a matter of time" before the pardoned convicts reoffend after returning home, a 2025 study by the police academy in Yekaterinburg said. There are repeatedly headlines in Russia about brutal murders committed by former front-line fighters.

According to an overview by the newspaper Novaya Gazeta, since 2022 around 7,000 former participants in the war against Ukraine and 1,000 still active participants have been convicted.

Of those, 900 received sentences for grievous bodily harm, manslaughter or murder. In 52 cases, deadly violence struck someone in the family: their own wife or girlfriend, their mother, sister or children.

Crimes spill over into society

In most proceedings, however, the cases involve minor bodily harm, drugs, theft or traffic offences. The experts also found that verdicts against veterans are often more lenient than those against civilians.

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Participation in the war against Ukraine is considered a mitigating circumstance.

The crimes spill over into society and shape the awareness of many people.

In a Ural city of more than a million people, journalist Olesya notes that women often opt for more expensive taxis, as cheaper rides are frequently driven by war veterans - who are widely seen as unpredictable and potentially violent.

People do not want them as neighbours either, Olesya reports. Estate agents advise landlords not to tell prospective tenants if a front-line returnee lives in the building, as that would push down the rent for a flat.

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But even if the Russian population has a different impression, there have not yet been any major spikes in the crime statistics.

The number of returning war veterans is too small for that to happen, Russian sociologist Kirill Titayev writes on the portal Istoriya i Fakty. However, he cautions that once the war in Ukraine ends, Russia could face a spike in crime.
To Julia Eubanks, it makes no sense that there are such limited shelter, supportive housing and addiction treatment options for couples experiencing homelessness in Utah that allow them to stay together.

Theres no couples shelters. None, Eubanks told Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd on Monday.

Eubanks said she and her husband have been trying to find housing that would allow them to stay together and get help at the same time, but its been impossible. In Utah, the states strained homeless shelter system is largely segregated by sex-specific facilities, while family shelters, like one in Midvale, are reserved for families with children.

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Like if it was you and your wife, and you were told, Oh, well  you guys have to be completely separate for the next six months while you go to treatment, and thats if its only six months, and then after that you guys are going to have to stay separate. You cant snuggle. You cant hold each other, she told the chief. Would you do it? Like, nobody would. Its unbearable.

Julia Eubanks and David Chim listen during a discussion with Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd at a downtown office space in Salt Lake City on April 13, 2026. (Annie Knox/Utah News Dispatch)

Eubanks was one of about a half dozen people with lived homeless experience who met with the police chief in a downtown office space in Salt Lake City as part of a candid conversation hosted by the Nomad Alliance, a Utah-based nonprofit that helps the states unsheltered.

Eubanks said theres so many couples out there who want shelter or help, but the only thing holding them back is they cant go together.

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Maybe if we could fix that, then I think there would be a lot more hope on the streets, period, she said. You would have a lot less drug problems.

She questioned that if one of Utahs core values is family, why is it so hard for couples?

We are families. We do the best that we can to take care of each other because theres so little resources, she said, adding that people who live on the streets dont do it because they want to. Its not fun for us. Its not a lifestyle that I choose to have.  I want a better life. But theres no bridge to get the resources that they claim are out there.

She called for more social workers, more mental health treatment, and more services in general because If we all showed up we would overflow the entire system.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd meets with people who have lived on Utah streets during a discussion hosted by the Nomad Alliance at a downtown office space in Salt Lake City on April 13, 2025. (Annie Knox/Utah News Dispatch)

Through the course of about an hour, Redd spent most of the time listening.

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David Chim, who held a guitar in his lap while he spoke, urged Utahs leaders to consider allowing sanctioned camping  something Kseniya Kniazeva, executive director of the Nomad Alliance, echoed as something shes heard over and over again from people experiencing homelessness begging us for sanctioned camp grounds.

Thats really common in the surveys weve done, she said. We have plenty of land and parking lots that we can use for this purpose.

Dwight Smith urged more action to help people stay stable in housing and prevent evictions.

The problem starts way before we become homeless, he said.

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And Brian Drown said he has two unresolved traffic tickets with outstanding warrants that are blocking him from getting his drivers license back so he can go back to work. But when he has tried to take care of the warrants, he said hes been told theyre not important enough for any officer to take me in on.

People with experience living on Utah streets meet with Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd during a discussion hosted by the Nomad Alliance at a downtown office space in Salt Lake City on April 13, 2025. (Annie Knox/Utah News Dispatch)

Ive even asked them to (take me in) before so I can get this done, taken care of.  Ill go do my time. Or give me community service, he said. But, you know, saying its not important enough to arrest me for  but important enough to ruin my life over  I mean, were wasting everybodys time and money at that point.

Kniazeva also listed off suggestions that other members of the Nomad Alliance wrote on a poster board  from allowing access to medical cannabis in order to prevent them from turning to hard drugs to allowing a space for people who are living in their vehicles to park overnight. She also suggested assistance for people who are struggling to pay car registration or insurance, because the second that they miss a payment, their car gets impounded.

Theres got to be a way that we can take a parking lot, put in bathrooms, put in trash receptacles, showers, and give people that little bit of leeway so that they can get back on their feet, get their jobs, get their registration and insurance, and then move on and out of there, she said. Theres better ways than just taking peoples possessions.

People with experience living on Utah streets meet with Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd during a discussion hosted by the Nomad Alliance at a downtown office space in Salt Lake City on April 13, 2025. (Annie Knox/Utah News Dispatch)

Kniazeva also said members of the Nomad Alliance urge police to stop giving us camping tickets because they can block people from accessing housing assistance.

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I know that you want people to get off the streets, but the more camping tickets you give, the harder it is, the more entrenched they become in the legal system, she said.

After nearly an hour of talking, Redd thanked those who spoke for sharing their thoughts, telling them, I just want you to know, we do care about you, and we could be in your shoes just as quickly as maybe it happened to you.

Youre part of our community. We want to see you successful, Redd said, while adding, We also have to balance your success with how the public feels.

Redd said police have to respond to complaints and enforce the law, so he said theyre not going to stop enforcing anti-camping ordinances. But he said he welcomed the ideas  in particular, he said Eubanks call for more resources for couples was a great suggestion that well take back and well talk about.

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While echoing a sentiment that Utahs top Republican legislative leaders and Gov. Spencer Cox have expressed while calling for improvements to the states homeless system, Redd said there needs to be a focus on accountability both from the system and from the people it serves.

Where theres no accountability, people dont change, right? he said. So some of the suggestions around sanctioned camping or unsanctioned camping, you know, theres got to be balance.

Redd added that while the states system needs to commit to better processes and accountability and results, the people who are struggling also need to, at some level, commit to accountability, especially when it comes to drug addiction.

Redd also acknowledged that weve got to increase the capacity for all of you.

I know that, he said. But we have to strike that balance with the need for accountability.

People with experience living on Utah streets meet with Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd during a discussion hosted by the Nomad Alliance at a downtown office space in Salt Lake City on April 13, 2025. (Annie Knox/Utah News Dispatch)

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Saudi officials appear to be weighing not only the direct risks in the Gulf, but also the possibility that Iran could respond through allied forces elsewhere in the region.

Saudi Arabia is pressing the United States to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and return to negotiations with Iran, Arab officials told the Wall Street Journal, according to a report published on Monday.

Riyadh fears the situation could trigger a broader regional escalation, such as threats to Red Sea shipping routes and Saudi oil exports, the report noted.

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The kingdom is especially concerned that the Islamic Republic could use the Houthis in Yemen to threaten the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a critical Red Sea route. Such a move would put additional pressure on Saudi export routes and deepen disruptions already affecting global energy markets.

Arash Azizi, an Iranian-American historian who has authored multiple books on Iran, told The Jerusalem Post that the Houthis were likely planning to close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait in the next round of conflict, should escalation continue.

However, Azizi stressed, Theres a strong desire on the part of Iran to avoid that and to, in fact, de-escalate and seek a deal. So thats not something theyre actively planning for. They see it as contingency planning, but their general direction is toward a deal, not escalation.

Gulf states have already faced Iranian missile and drone attacks on energy infrastructure, airports, and urban centers during the current confrontation, sharpening fears that any escalation around Hormuz could quickly spread.

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Bahraini analyst Ahmed Alkhuzaie explained to the Post that the Gulf states view the Strait of Hormuz as a supply lifeline, and any disruption casts a negative shadow on their core economic existence.

They also believe that the Iran situation must reach a solid and lasting conclusion soon, as prolonged uncertainty undermines regional stability and global energy security. For Saudi Arabia and its neighbors, the Strait is not just a geographic chokepoint  it is the artery through which their economies breathe, carrying nearly a quarter of the worlds seaborne oil trade.

A US blockade would paradoxically harm its allies more than Iran, destabilizing markets and eroding the Gulfs credibility as reliable suppliers.

Trump announced on Sunday that the United States would begin blockading vessels entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, framing the move as a response to Irans conduct and its refusal to make sufficient concessions in talks.

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He also said the US Navy had been instructed to interdict vessels in international waters that had paid tolls to Iran.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, US, November 18, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/EVELYN HOCKSTEIN)

Sanctioned Chinese tanker exits Gulf amid blockade

The effects on shipping were visible by Tuesday, when a sanctioned Chinese tanker became the first vessel to exit the Gulf through Hormuz since the blockade began, according to shipping data cited in recent coverage. Separate reporting also highlighted warnings that traffic through the Strait may not fully return to previous levels if the crisis persists.

For Riyadh, the issue is not only oil prices, but strategic exposure. Saudi Arabia has maintained some export resilience through Red Sea routes, but renewed insecurity around Bab al-Mandeb would threaten one of its main alternatives to Hormuz.

Their preferred response to Iran is not escalation through closure but deterrence and stability. Iran has repeatedly threatened to obstruct the Strait in retaliation against sanctions or military pressure, and Gulf states want Washington to counter these threats without triggering a wider conflict, Alkhuzaie outlined.

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The desired approach is a mix of diplomatic pressure, international legitimacy through bodies like the UN, and, if necessary, limited military measures to guarantee safe passage. This ensures that Irans coercive tactics are contained, while the Strait remains open to global trade.

Both Washington and Tehran may still be open to renewed diplomacy despite the confrontation. For Saudi Arabia, that possibility appears preferable to a prolonged crisis in which pressure on Hormuz simply shifts the threat to another maritime chokepoint, while the Strait remains central to global energy flows.

Ultimately, Gulf states want the US to act as a guarantor of maritime security rather than as a disruptor. The balance they seek is clear: strong enough to deter Irans provocations, yet restrained enough to avoid punishing Gulf exporters themselves. In essence, Saudi Arabia and its allies want Washington to secure freedom of navigation, preserve stability in energy markets, and prevent Iran from using the Strait of Hormuz as a geopolitical weapon, Alkhuzaie concluded.
There's Air Force One, Air Force Two and Marine One  all nicknames for aircraft the U.S. president and vice president use while traveling.

But have you heard of Shepherd One?

It's the nickname used for the plane the pope uses during official Vatican business.

Pope Leo on April 13 embarked on a nearly two-week trip to Africa to visit the countries of Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. It marked his first major international trip since becoming pontiff last year.

Pope Leo XIV disembarks the papal plane (ITA Airways) upon his arrival at "Houari Boumediene" International Airport to begin his apostolic journey to Algeria, Angola, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, in Dar El Beida, Algiers, Algeria, April 13, 2026.

So how does the bishop of Rome and spiritual leader travel by air? What airplane is he using to go Africa? Here's what to know about the aircraft he uses when traveling the world.

Pope Leo addresses ITA Airways employees at Clementine Hall at The Vatican on March. 26, 2026, thanking them for the airline's service.

Does the pope have a private plane?

The pope does not have his own plane. Nor does the Vatican.

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He usually travels by charter on Italy's flagship airline, ITA Airways, according to information from The Vatican.

During a March 26 speech to employees of the Italian national flag carrier at Clementine Hall at The Vatican, the pope confirmed he is using the airline for his Africa trip.

The history of popes traveling by air began with Saint Paul VI, when he flew Alitalia, which ceased operations in 2021 and was replaced by state carrier ITA Airways.

Pope Leo XIV looks on from aboard his helicopter upon departure from Monaco Heliport in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on March 28, 2026. Pope Leo XIV heads to the Mediterranean principality of Monaco on the French Riviera that is the pontiff's surprise pick for the first western European trip of his papacy. The US-born pope, a former missionary critical of the wealthy elite, will helicopter in for a day in the world's second-smallest state, best known for its casinos, luxury yachts and Michelin-starred dining.

"My Predecessors and the collaborators who accompanied them on their international journeys found in the personnel of Alitalia and ITA not only qualified and experienced professionals, but also people capable of creating a serene, I would say almost family-like, atmosphere, where respect goes hand in hand with devotion," the pope said, thanking the airline's professionals for their service.

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A timeline: What's going on with Donald Trump and Pope Leo?

What airlines does the pope fly?

In addition to ITA Airways, the pope has also flown American Airlines, according to the airline's website.

In September 2015, American transported Pope Francis on a Boeing 777-200 from Washington, DC, to New York, Philadelphia and back to Rome on his first trip to the United States.

At the time, the airline reported, it was the seventh time it had transported a pope.

Pope Leo XIV steps from the aircraft for an official welcome ceremony at Esenboga International Airport on Nov. 27, 2025 in Ankara, Turkey. Pope Leo XIV is making his first foreign trip on a six-day visit to Turkey and Lebanon. During his trip, the Pope is scheduled to meet with faithful from local Catholic communities, as well as political and religious leaders, drawing attention to regional issues.

The crew of the 2015 papal charter including American pilots and flight attendants, who represented different faith backgrounds.

The seat used by Francis was later removed from the aircraft, according to the airline, and transported to the C.R. Smith Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.

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Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Does Pope Leo have his own plane? What to know about 'Shepherd One'
CHICAGO  In downtown Chicago, people have been spotting Googles Waymo automated vehicles testing and mapping the Windy Citys streets. For now, the autonomous vehicles must be driven by a human, as the industry seeks the endorsement of state lawmakers.

For the last year, legislators in Springfield have been trying to work through a variety of issues raised by skeptics of the autonomous vehicles, known as AVs. Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, said AV legislation has a long road ahead to address constituent concerns over safety, insurance and job losses for rideshare and cab drivers.

In January, he introduced the Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act, which would open counties in Illinois with over 1 million residents, as well as the counties of Sangamon, Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe, to automated commercial vehicles. But the bill has since been held up in the Rules Committee, an early step in the process that means its far from passage, especially in the current legislative session. Other bills supporting the industry also have yet to get the necessary support.

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While Waymo has started testing its vehicles with safety drivers in Chicago, the company has not yet announced plans to bring the robotaxis to counties other than Cook, according to Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli.

A Waymo vehicle drives through Chicagos Near North Side on March 20 as the company begins testing and mapping the city.

Automated Vehicle legislation in Illinois

Waymo only fully operates in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia and Texas  warm weather states where concerns about handling icy conditions are not as big an issue.

The company has faced significant questions over the safety of its vehicles and fully automated taxis. A subsidiary of Alphabet, Waymo is under multiple federal investigations for traffic violations, including illegally passing stopped school buses. Company vehicles have also made headlines for blocking emergency vehicles and hitting a child near an elementary school.

In a statement, Bonelli said Waymo is committed to continuous improvement, adding, While rare incidents will occur over the more than four million miles we drive every week, our entire fleet can learn from these events and continue to make our roads safer.

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According to company data, Waymo vehicles are involved in 92% fewer crashes with serious injuries compared to an average human driver in the same city.

Among some legislators and observers, it seems a matter of time before legislative compromises eventually produce a bill that will pass to allow AVs to operate without the safety drivers.

Rep. Brad Stephens, a Republican who is also the mayor of suburban Rosemont, introduced his own AV bill last Spring. He said he sees a bright future for AVs in Illinois, but he acknowledged that it might not pass this session.

Its going to be a challenging two-and-a-half months with a lot of other issues, Stephens said.

Still in the negotiation phase

P.S. Sriraj, director of the Urban Transportation Center at University of Illinois Chicago, outlined a host of challenges for AV safety in the state, but he also said he believes the vehicles eventually will become part of life here.

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State officials, he said, should look for ways to implement new automations responsibly.

The public benefit of AVs includes widening options for people who live in areas where there are few rideshare drivers or taxis. People with mental or physical disabilities around the state also could greatly benefit from AVs.

All of the mobility needs of a population are so diverse that these types of technological advancements could play a role, Sriraj said.

But, like others, he said he understands there are real concerns about safety, especially if AVs are to be allowed in smaller towns and counties.

If the infrastructure is not set up to support this kind of a technology, for example, if there is no lane marking visible, at least to the naked eye, on a rural road, then what will happen to the technology? he said.

A threat to driver, laborer jobs

Labor lobbyist groups are at the forefront of opposition to Waymo, arguing that automation will threaten driver and laborer jobs.

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Ronnie Gonzalez, a representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said its vital that labor is part of the conversation before any legislation is passed.

In labor, throughout the industrial revolution, weve been watching technology replace workers year after year, and its only sped up in the recent decade, Gonzalez said. The realization is its going to happen, so having a seat at the table lobbying for legislation that implements the use of autonomous vehicles responsibly, that is mindful of workers, mindful of safety, is what labor is pushing for.

His association is part of the Illinois Drivers Alliance, a coalition of thousands of rideshare drivers across the state fighting for unionization. He said he hopes to engage in conversations with Buckner about specifics in the bill.

We are still in the negotiation phase, Buckner said, walking and talking through what the issues may be, what the concerns may be, and trying to find a way to arrive at a version of this bill that works for everybody.

On a bigger scale than just driverless taxis

Across labor unions, there is agreement that AVs could threaten some of the estimated 100,000 rideshare drivers. Marc Poulos, executive director of labor management operations at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, said Waymo operations are just a step toward further automation of labor jobs.

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We need to be thinking of this on a bigger scale than just driverless taxis, he said. Meaning it can impact whole industries like operating engineers and Teamsters and a whole bunch of others. Every time we just move to a technological advancement, we need to take into consideration, what does that mean to the overall economy?

Sriraj said plans must be made to counteract any impact on the labor market: If jobs are going to be reinvented, people will have to be retrained, and the corrective actions will always happen within society on their own, he said.

At least until the 1970s, elevators had an elevator operator, and then people became accustomed to just punching a button and riding in an elevator on their own, he said. Now there is no elevator operator job anywhere to be found. Did that mean that that section of population actually starved to death?

Resistance to AVs in Illinois also includes two groups with differing constituents but similar concerns about safety.

Safety, insurance concerns

Tim Cavanagh, the president of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, has spoken out about the need for requirements that AV operators have adequate insurance to cover any injuries or damage involving the cars.

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The current legislation doesnt speak to financial responsibility, Cavanagh said. All it talks about is that they shall have at least the minimum requirement of insurance coverage.

But, he said, the minimums should be far higher for AVs, and the well-financed companies behind them, than they are for individuals.

Josh Witkowski, the president of the Illinois motorcyclist rights organization ABATE, also has voiced strong opposition to AV deployment in the state because of the risk he says they pose to motorcycles.

He also points to icy conditions and low visibility in Illinois, as well as poorly lit roads and street markings downstate as challenges for AV technology, which relies on cameras and sensors to safely navigate roadways.

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In response to weather concerns, Bonelli said Waymo already serves in cities that receive annual snow with freezing temperatures.

The Waymo Driver has proven it can generalize to new cities, and well continue to validate our performance for harsh winter weather conditions, such as those well experience in Chicago, Bonelli said.

He added, Waymo has invested in weather testing since its earliest days as Googles Self-Driving Car Project, and weve regularly tested in various conditions from coast to coast, building our technology for all-season operations.

The past two winters, Bonelli said, Waymo has tested and validated its systems in multiple winter markets, including Detroit, New York City and Buffalo.

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Witkowski said more work needs to be done to ensure a proper rollout of AVs, with an oversight panel and publicly available data.

Jacques Abou-Rizk is a graduate student in journalism with Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism, Media and Integrated Marketing Communications, and is a fellow in its Medill Illinois News Bureau working in partnership with Capitol News Illinois. Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Could Illinois be the next state to allow self-driving vehicles?
OKLAHOMA CITY  Many of Oklahomas retired public employees could receive cost of living adjustments between 3% and 6% under a series of bills advanced by the state Senate on Tuesday.

Those slated to receive increases include teachers, police officers, firefighters, judges and other public employees.

Those who have been retired between 10 and 20 years will receive a 3% COLA and those who retired more than 20 years ago will receive 6%.

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Cost of living adjustments were included in a $12.8 billion budget deal agreed upon by Republican state leaders.

The last time the Legislature approved COLAs for public employees was in 2020. The adjustments are paid for out of the pension systems, not state appropriations.

Senate Bill 1144, in addition to granting a COLA, would end legislative apportionments to the Teachers Retirement System Dedicated Revenue Revolving Fund when the account is at least 100% funded or in 2036, whichever comes first. The bill advanced 43-1.

This would come at a $306 million cost to the pension system.

Lawmakers currently spend about $550 million a year to help fund the Teachers Retirement System. In addition to employee and employer contributions, lawmakers allocate about 5.25% of income, sales and use tax collections to pay for the system, which is more commonly known as TRS. It is 80% funded and experts have said the pension system is on track to be fully funded within nine budget years.

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Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said he supports apportionment reform for all public retirement systems but the Legislature needs to take reform one bite at a time.

Retirees who participate in the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, or OPERS, would also receive the 3% to 6% COLA under Senate Bill 1145, which passed 41-4. The adjustment is expected to cost the pension system about $132 million.

The Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 1146 which offers the COLA to participants of the Police Pension and Retirement System. This is expected to cost the pension system $56 million.

Senate Bill 1147 would give the Firefighters Pension and Retirement System the 3% to 6% COLA adjustment and provide a monthly pension to retired volunteer firefighters who retired before Nov. 1. The measure advanced 45-2.

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The total cost is estimated to be more than $72 million to the pension system.

The Uniform Retirement System for Judges and Justices would also have the same COLA adjustment under Senate Bill 1148, which advanced 38-10. This adjustment is expected to cost $4.2 million.

Senate Bill 1149 would give pensioners in the Firefighter Pension and Retirement System and the Police Retirement System who retired before 1989 a $25,000 one time stipend. Paxton said this covers a few hundred people who have been left behind between systems and past COLAs.

The bill, which passed unanimously, would cost the firefighter pension $5.8 million and the police system $3.5 million.

All of the bills must be approved by the House before being sent to Gov. Kevin Stitt for consideration.

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Canada is stepping up its presence at the 6th China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou as the guest country of honor, bringing its largest-ever delegation of nearly 40 companies. For many, the expo is more than a showcase -- it's a gateway to partnerships, growth, and long-term opportunities in one of the world's most dynamic markets. #CICPE
OKLAHOMA CITY  Far right Republicans joined Democrats in the Senate to block plans to put major changes to Medicaid expansion on Augusts low voter turnout ballot.

The decision potentially sets the stage for two dueling legislative questions regarding the future of Oklahomas Medicaid program to appear on Novembers general election ballot.

Voters could be asked to consider House Bill 4440, which seeks to remove Medicaid expansion from the Oklahoma Constitution and put it in state statute, allowing lawmakers to alter it.

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They could also be asked to vote on House Joint Resolution 1067, which would allow lawmakers to end coverage for an estimated 200,000 lower-income Oklahomans if the federal match were to drop below the current 90% matching rate.

Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, the author, said of the 41 states with Medicaid expansion, only three put it in their state constitution.

He said the measure does not repeal Medicaid expansion.

Voters narrowly approved a citizen-led state question in 2020 to expand Medicaid and enshrine it into the state Constitution. Lawmakers for years declined to expand Medicaid.

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Supporters of removing the measure from the Constitution said it was necessary after the Oklahoman Health Care Authority, the states Medicaid agency, said it needed nearly $500 million in additional dollars.

Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, speaks at a Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee meeting Feb. 23, 2026, at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Do you find it interesting that suddenly there was a huge increase in costs right before leadership began pushing a state question to end Medicaid expansion, asked Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City.

Lawmakers began discussions about a Medicaid state question before the figures were released and the figures validated the need for it, Paxton said.

The measure would also allow lawmakers to impose work requirements on some recipients.

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The 90-year-old thats in a wheelchair that is blind gets treated exactly the same by Medicaid as the 25-year-old who is able bodied and can work and chooses not to, Paxton said. This would allow that to come out of the Constitution and let us simply have the management authority over the way Medicaid would work in Oklahoma.

It passed by a vote of 30-8.

But it failed to secure the needed 32 votes to qualify for the Aug. 25 primary runoff ballot because members of the far right Freedom Caucus and Democrats didnt vote in favor of it.

Oklahomas primary runoff elections typically have the lowest voter turnout rates.

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Paxton asked for another vote on the Aug. 25 date, but that also failed to get the needed votes.

Without the votes, the measure would be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, which has the highest voter turnout.

But the Senate also passed a second state question, House Joint Resolution 1067, that asks voters on Nov. 3 to repeal Medicaid expansion in its entirety if federal funding drops below 90%.

Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, listens to a bill in the Senate chamber on Monday, May 5, 2025. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice)

Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, said if both state questions pass in November, the measure removing Medicaid expansion from the Constitution would take effect because that is the preferred option.

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It would be highly unusual for lawmakers to put two state questions on the same topic on one ballot.

Its clear youre rigging the rules when you have to run two bills to create two state questions on the same topic, Kirt said. Its clear you dont trust voters if youre putting two measures forward to try to make sure youve covered all your angles.

Kirt called it a legislative power grab.

Daniels said it was not a power grab, but an appeal to voters to help elected lawmakers manage the budget, which is a constitutional responsibility.

Both measures must return to the House for consideration.

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BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Serbia will jointly make combat drones with Israel, populist President Aleksandar Vucic was reported as saying Tuesday, as the Balkan country seeks to boost its military and weapons production.

Vucic said that we will have the best drones in this part of the world, according to the Tanjug news agency. He added that the drones won't be cheap but will be highly efficient in destroying armored vehicles, the report said.

Vucic didn't specify details of the future production, according to the report.

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We don't know how to make drones as Israel does, he said. I am proud of that (plan,) we will do it together, it will be half-half, 50-50.

Serbia will get innovation and (educate) our people who will be able to do it in the future, Vucic said.

The Balkan country's Yugoimport SDPR state arms producer will open a drone plant with Elbit Systems, according to Serbias BIRN news service. The report said the Israeli company will own 51% of the future plant.

Vucic's government has sought to strengthen its military. Serbia ordered 12 French-made Rafale jets in 2024 in a bid to modernize its fleet.

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Belgrade also has acquired military equipment from China and Russia, maintaining close ties to those two countries despite formally seeking membership in the European Union.

Serbia has pledged to stay out of NATO, which bombed the country in 1999 to stop a war in Kosovo following a decade of wars in the volatile Balkan region.
Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop across parts of the Midwest Tuesday, April 14, and could reach Ohio with damaging winds, large hail and a potential for tornadoes as conditions become more unstable through the afternoon and evening.

The Storm Prediction Center has outlined an enhanced risk for severe weather from Iowa into the southern Great Lakes, with Ohio on the southeastern edge of a corridor where storms could organize into stronger clusters or supercells.

Forecasters say that a combination of a stalled frontal boundary across the region, a strengthening low-level jet and increasing instability during the day could support storm development by early to mid-afternoon, especially across the western Great Lakes and nearby portions of the Midwest.

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More: Tornadoes, thunderstorms threaten central US amid back-to-back storms

In the broader Midwest, conditions appear more favorable for severe storms, especially across Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, where higher instability and wind shear could support supercells capable of producing very large hail and strong tornadoes.

Storms are expected to grow into clusters later in the day and evening, which could carry a damaging wind threat into portions of the southern Great Lakes as they track east.

In Ohio, forecast confidence remains tied to how morning storms evolve and how quickly the atmosphere recovers. If early convection weakens or shifts timing, stronger afternoon heating could increase storm intensity later in the day. If clouds and morning storms linger, severe potential may be more limited.

Storm Prediction Center map shows severe weather risk Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Will Ohio get tornadoes?

If storms hold together as they move east, Ohio could see a window for stronger thunderstorms between late afternoon and evening.

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The main threats would be damaging straight-line winds and large hail, though forecasters note that any discrete or rotating storm that can develop ahead of a larger storm line could briefly carry a tornado risk.

"With this round, damaging wind gusts will be the primary hazard but large hail and a few tornadoes cannot be ruled out given the wind field and lapse rates," the National Weather Service in Cleveland wrote.

Storms continue Wednesday afternoon into Thursday

Severe weather chances will continue mid-week as the same storm system responsible for Tuesdays outbreak potential slowly shifts east and keeps parts of Ohio and the surrounding region in an active pattern through Wednesday and Thursday, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

A stronger round of storms is expected Wednesday afternoon and evening as a shortwave upper trough moves from the central Plains into the Great Lakes.

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In Ohio, the main window for storms appears to be Wednesday afternoon into evening as temperatures rise and the atmosphere destabilizes. Forecast guidance suggests enough energy for thunderstorms to develop along and ahead of a front, especially across northern and western portions of the state.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of eastern Ohio into Pennsylvania under a slight risk for severe storms, signaling the potential for organized storms capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail and a couple of tornadoes.

Early-day storms could limit how quickly the atmosphere recovers, but forecasters say any areas that see stronger heating could become more supportive of severe storm development later in the day. Storms that form may initially be discrete, with a risk for hail and brief tornadoes near boundaries where wind shear is stronger.

By evening, storms are expected to organize into clusters or a line as they move east. That evolution would shift the main threat toward damaging wind gusts as the system pushes into the southern Great Lakes.

Storm Prediction Center map shows severe weather risk Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

By Thursday, the system begins to weaken as it moves toward the Appalachians, but enough moisture and wind energy remain for isolated strong storms across the Ohio Valley.

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The Storm Prediction Center outlines a marginal risk for severe weather across the region, including parts of Ohio, meaning a few storms could still produce gusty winds or small hail, especially during peak daytime heating.

Forecasts show cooler air aloft and modest instability developing across the state, with enough wind shear for storms to organize into small clusters or lines. However, weaker surface moisture and lingering cloud cover from earlier rounds of storms should limit how widespread severe weather becomes.

Most storms Thursday are expected to be scattered and less intense than Wednesdays setup, but forecasters caution that any storm that can tap into stronger heating could briefly intensify.

Storm Prediction Center shows severe weather risk Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Ohio weather radar

Ohio weather watches and warnings

Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text

Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com. Find her on Facebook here.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Midwest storms track toward Ohio. Are tornadoes expected? See maps
A Middlesex County borough has quietly settled two sexual harassment lawsuits for a combined $1.1 million that police officers filed against the municipality and police officials.

South Rivers $1,158,000 settlement with Sgt. Jonathan Minacapelli and Officer Joseph Guiamano, who both worked for the South River Police Department, was first reported by Transparency NJ, a news website, in early April.

The site obtained the settlements through the states Open Public Records Act.

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Minacapelli was slated to receive $558,000 from South Rivers insurer under a settlement agreement dated Dec. 27, 2025, according to Transparency NJ.

Guiamano was set to receive $600,000 from the boroughs insurer under a settlement agreement dated Jan. 31, 2025, according to Transparency NJ.

Minacapelli and Guiamano both alleged a police lieutenant who creeped them out had sexually harassed and groped them while on duty, according to the two lawsuits filed in June 2021 in the Superior Court of Middlesex County.

Lt. John McKenna  the lieutenant accused of sexual harassment  headed the police departments internal affairs unit until he was placed on administrative leave in 2020 when the accusations came to light, according to the lawsuits.

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The lawsuits named McKenna, South River Police Chief Mark Tinitigan and South River elected officials as defendants. Those in charge knew of McKennas alleged proclivity for abusive behavior and did nothing, according to the lawsuits.

Minacapellis and Guiamanos attorneys did not respond to a request for comment.

Attorneys listed for the defendants did not respond to a request for comment. Tinitigan and McKenna  who is now listed as the departments deputy chief, according to the websites organizational chart  also didnt respond to a request for comment.

Minacapelli alleged McKenna touched him in 2017 after he pulled up on a police motorcycle at the back of police headquarters, according to his lawsuit.

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While plaintiff was still on the motorcycle, Lieutenant McKenna reached down and rubbed plaintiffs crotch area, the lawsuit alleged.

Guiamano claims McKenna grabbed his private area with a cupped hand in the detective bureau in 2020 and squeezed until the officer felt pain, according to his lawsuit.

Both men alleged McKenna leered at them in the mens room when they tried to urinate, asked about their penis size and made comments about his own genitalia, according to the suits.

McKenna told the men his penis was a grower, not a shower, they claim in the lawsuits.

On one occasion, McKenna saw Guiamanos wife after she finished a yoga class and made sexual comments about her to Guiamano, his lawsuit said.

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You might want to take that home and hit that, McKenna allegedly told him. Shes all hot and limber.

Both officers say they suffered embarrassment and were creeped out and humiliated by McKennas behavior, according to the lawsuits.

They were initially reluctant to report him to higher ups because they feared retaliation, as he was the commander of the Internal Affairs Department, according to the lawsuits.

But the officers eventually went together to speak with Tinitigan in June 2020, their lawsuits say.

I know how (McKenna) is, Tinitigan allegedly told the men before ordering them out of his office, according to their lawsuits.

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Minacapelli also alleged he was treated differently than other officers because he is Hispanic. His lawsuit alleged violations of New Jerseys Law Against Discrimination.

NJ.com staff writer Anthony G. Attrino contributed to this report.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Months after Congress voted against the Trump administrations brutal NASA budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, the White House has renewed its efforts to deal the space agencys science directorate a devastating blow.

Earlier this month, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released its proposed 2027 top-line request, which would eviscerate NASAs science budget by a whopping 47 percent and slash the agencys overall funding by 23 percent. The move highlighted the Trump administrations persistent and staunchly anti-science agenda, once again drawing outraged reactions from space advocacy groups.

Worse yet, as The Planetary Society chief of space policy Casey Dreier told Space.com, the latest document is incredibly vague, failing to identify which space science missions would land on the chopping block. It even refuses to list prior-year funding levels, a baffling departure from 60 years of institutional history.

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There are two things: the astonishing lack of transparency and the abject refusal to acknowledge political reality, Dreier said. This is the least transparent NASA budget request Ive ever seen  and Ive literally looked through every single one since 1960.

Dreier also pointed out that the White House was allocating $438 million to Mars Technology without providing any further cost breakdowns.

The 2027 request also appears to largely ignore Congresss insistence on keeping NASA well funded. Lawmakers resoundingly rejected the White Houses proposed 2026 budget, which Dreier described as an extinction-level event for space science and exploration in the United States, last year.

In other words, the Trump administrations latest request comes off as a copy-paste budget from its last attempt, as Dreier told Space.com, calling it out as sloppy and unprofessional.

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The document even includes egregious errors that couldve easily been caught, with Dreier noting that it lists the Mars Sample Return mission as a line item even though it was canceled last year, and misstates the fiscal year for the funding of NASAs groundbreaking James Webb Space Telescope.

While funding for future missions to the Moon including NASAs signature Artemis program remains largely intact, space science  which relies on long-term public funding  could take a massive hit.

Its the essence of why we have public investment in basic science, Dreier told Space.com. Just because SpaceX is very good and launching rockets does not then mean that its now easy to get high quality science data at Mars.

The two activities are very different, but they often get conflated together, he added.

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Despite the errors and vagueness of the document, NASAs leadership is firmly behind the Trump administrations attempts to largely dismantle the agencys science mission. Administrator Jared Isaacman defended the 2027 budget proposal, telling CBS News that the agency would still have enough resources to get to the Moon.

He also told CNN in a separate interview that NASAs science budget is greater than every other space agency combined across the world.

I strongly support the Presidents fiscal policies and mandate to drive efficiency, Isaacman wrote in an April 3 memo to NASA employees, as quoted by SpaceNews.

The fate of NASA is once again in the hands of lawmakers. Considering how its 2026 proposal fared, theres a good chance a bipartisan group in Congress will once again strike down the White Houses request.

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Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice and Science chair Jerry Moran (R-KS) argued in a statement this week that it would be a mistake to gut funding for science missions.

Im going to try to lead the subcommittee and the whole committee to put us in a position where we are funding NASA, NOAA and our other agencies in a way that is pretty similar to what we did last year, he said.

However, the upcoming midterm elections could soon complicate matters even further, delaying an almost guaranteed revision.

In short, the OMBs latest budget request is seemingly little more than a clumsily constructed document designed to obstruct, not support, NASAs operations, underlining the White Houses flagrant disregard for anything not related to sending astronauts to the Moon and Mars.

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Members of both parties understand that dismantling the US space science program is a short-sighted, wasteful, strategic blunder, Dreier told Space.com.

More on NASAs budget: The White House Is Still Desperately Trying to Slash NASAs Budget
A South Carolina murder suspect is behind bars after police tracked him down in Union County.

Police say they arrested Reggie Ivey Monday at the Icemorlee Apartment complex in Monroe.

ALSO READ: Anna Kepners stepbrother charged as adult with murder, sexual abuse

The Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office says Ivey shot and killed Daniel Carter in the Pageland area just before 8 a.m.

Investigators say they tracked Ivey down by using flock cameras to get his license plate.

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According to the sheriffs office, investigators believe a fight in a McDonalds parking lot may have led to the deadly shooting two days later.

Deputies say video from Saturday afternoon shows a man with an AR-15 making threats toward other people.

Officials arrested six people in connection with the fight. Deputies have not said if Ivey was involved in that altercation.

VIDEO: Inmates charged with murder accused of attacking another inmate in jail
By Joey Roulette

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, April 14 (Reuters) - After the safe return of four astronauts from a historic flyby of the moon last week, NASA is shifting focus to its next challenge: putting competing lunar landers from Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin through a series of rigorous tests ahead of future crewed landings.

NASA's nearly 10-day Artemis II mission marked the first crewed flight of the agencys multibillion-dollar return-to-the-moon program and sent astronauts farther from Earth than ever before. The mission was designed as a dress rehearsal for later flights, validating the systems needed to carry crews into deep space.

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But the milestone has also sharpened attention on what many officials see as one of the program's biggest remaining risks. The commercial lunar landers must demonstrate that they can perform a complex final descent to the moon and bring astronauts safely home, a feat NASA has not attempted since 1972.

NASA aims to put astronauts back on the moon by 2028 as it faces growing competition from China, which plans a crewed lunar landing by 2030. To hedge against delays, the agency selected both SpaceX and Blue Origin to develop competing landers, hoping competition and private investment would accelerate progress.

"They both look at this as a competition, and that's a great thing," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in an interview on Monday.

Isaacman spoke days after welcoming back the Artemis II astronauts, who splashed down on Friday following their mission around the moon. The flight marked the first crewed launch of NASAs Space Launch System rocket, built by Boeing and Northrop Grumman, and the Orion capsule, built by Lockheed Martin.

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While SLS and Orion are traditional, government-owned vehicles designed to ferry astronauts from Earth to lunar orbit, NASA has turned to commercial companies for the final leg of the journey: landing on the moon's surface.

MUSK VS BEZOS IN BILLIONAIRES' MOON RACE

SpaceX is developing a Human Landing System based on its massive Starship rocket, a stainless-steel vehicle far larger than any moon lander built before. Blue Origin is building its own Blue Moon lander, relying on a more traditional design philosophy.

Blue Origin aims to land an uncrewed version of Blue Moon on the moon this summer, according to two people familiar with the plan, marking the company's first attempt at a soft lunar landing. The test, known as Mark 1, would be a critical milestone after years of development.

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I will just say that this Mark 1 landing is going to be very important, Isaacman said.

SpaceX, meanwhile, is preparing to launch a new iteration of Starship, known as Version 3, as soon as May, following a months-long hiatus. The rocket, first unveiled by Musk in 2016, has suffered repeated delays and test failures as SpaceX pushes the limits of launch, landing and reusability.

After 11 test flights since 2023, some ending in explosions, SpaceX says the new version incorporates dozens of upgrades requested by NASA.

That's the version that HLS is going to be based on, said Kent Chojnacki, NASA's deputy manager for the Human Landing System program. That's going to become the workhorse version.

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Before Starship can land astronauts on the moon, SpaceX must first put the vehicle into orbit and demonstrate controlled reentry of its upper stage, a step it has not yet achieved. The company must then show that two Starships can dock in space and transfer propellant, a capability NASA considers essential for lunar missions.

NASA has pressed both companies to accelerate their work, though officials acknowledge the challenges are formidable.

MOON LANDER DESIGNS CHANGING

Unlike Apollo, which landed six crews on the moon within a few years, Artemis is designed to be a long-term program, with landers that can be reused and adapted for sustained exploration. That ambition has added complexity and increased testing demands.

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Asked whether SpaceX had proposed an accelerated plan that avoids Starship's demanding in-space refueling sequence, Isaacman said both companies "have taken an approach that brings down the technical risks significantly."

NASA officials say they expect the designs to further evolve.

"I don't have any faith that the design today is going to be the design that lands on the moon," Chojnacki said.

Blue Origin has reworked parts of its original architecture after NASA pushed for faster progress. People familiar with the company's plans said it has simplified early missions, shelving more complex refueling concepts for its initial moon landings in favor of designs that reduce near-term risk.

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Despite the uncertainty, NASA insists the dual-provider strategy gives it the best chance of success.

"I don't think it's lost on either one of them the importance of getting to the moon and doing so before our big rival, Isaacman said, an apparent reference to China.

(Reporting by Joey Roulette; Editing by Joe Brock and Bill Berkrot)
Spain's government has approved plans to give legal status to 500,000 undocumented migrants, allowing them to be integrated formally into the workforce.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez described his government's decision as both "an act of justice" and a necessity for Spain.

In a letter to Spaniards posted on social media, Sanchez, a socialist, said the mass legalisation sought "to acknowledge the reality of nearly half a million people who already form part of our everyday lives".

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Spain's conservative opposition People's Party (PP) has pledged to attempt to block the legalisation, which it said rewards illegal migrants and would encourage more to come.

The government's plan will offer a one-year, renewable residence permit to undocumented migrants. In order to be eligible, applicants must prove that they have already spent five months living in Spain and have a clean criminal record. They have between 16 April and the end of June to apply.

Sanchez said migrants helped "build the rich, open and diverse Spain that we are and to which we aspire".

The prime minister said these migrants are needed to sustain the economy and public services in a country whose population is ageing. He also said it was the right course of action for a nation which in the past had seen many of its own nationals emigrate in search of better opportunities.

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The Funcas think-tank estimates that there are around 840,000 undocumented migrants in Spain, the vast majority of whom are Latin American.

"This is going to benefit a lot of people, give them access to work and to a better quality of life," said Ricardo, a Bolivian graphic designer who has been unable to maintain stable employment and plans to apply for the scheme. "And it means more money for the Spanish state and more workers will be legally available for employers."

The opposition has said that the government's estimates are wrong and that about one million migrants could apply for the scheme, with PP describing the plan as an "outrage".

The Catholic Church, by contrast, has supported the government's legislation.

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The scheme comes as many of Spain's European neighbours tighten controls on immigration.

Both Socialist and PP governments have implemented migrant amnesties in the past. The most recent one was in 2005, when 577,000 people received residency under a Socialist administration.
Spanish authorities have transferred a high-profile criminal complaint by German actress and presenter Collien Fernandes against her celebrity former partner, actor Christian Ulmen, to Germany after a judge deemed the case falls outside Spanish jurisdiction.

A judge in Palma decided the case should not proceed in Spain, a spokesman for the judiciary on the Spanish island of Mallorca told dpa on Tuesday, confirming earlier reporting by local media.

Fernandes has accused Ulmen of spreading pornographic deepfakes of her using social media profiles he created in her name, in a case that has prompted public debates and demonstrations across Germany about sexualized violence. The presumption of innocence applies.

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Ulmen's lawyer subsequently announced legal action against the initial coverage of the accusations by news magazine Der Spiegel.

The judge in Palma found insufficient indication that the alleged offences were predominantly committed in Spain. She said the key elements in the case were allegedly committed on German territory or via German-language digital platforms.

She also pointed to the fact that both Fernandes and Ulmen are German nationals, as are potential witnesses, who are based in Germany and do not speak Spanish. Any submitted communications would therefore require translation.

The judge therefore ordered the complete transfer of the files to the Itzehoe public prosecutor's office in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein.

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Separately, prosecutors in the city of Potsdam said they had taken over the German investigations into the allegations from the Itzehoe office, as Fernandes previously lived in the surrounding state of Brandenburg.

It is not yet known whether Potsdam will also take over Fernandes' criminal complaint against Ulmen submitted in Mallorca, a spokeswoman for the public prosecutor's office said.
Some half a million undocumented migrants living in Spain are to be legalized through a royal decree, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's left-wing minority government announced following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

The conservative opposition People's Party (PP) led by Alberto Nunez Feijoo has criticized the measure as "scandalous," and the national conservative and populist Vox has announced a campaign of resistance.

The reform does not require a vote in parliament, as it concerns an amendment to existing law. It goes into effect following publication in the government gazette, which is expected shortly.

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Speaking while on a visit to China, Sanchez defended the decision, saying it was not merely a question of "justice" towards people living in Spain, but also necessary to alleviate a labour shortage. The step has been welcomed by the Catholic Church and employers' associations.

The reform was "good for Spain, for the pensions of current pensioners and for all of you when you go on pension," he told Spanish journalists.

The Spanish economy is one of the fastest growing in the European Union, and the Sanchez government takes the view that migrants make a large contribution to this.

The decree will benefit asylum-seekers who made application before the end of last year, along with economic migrants in the country for at least five months before the end of last year.

Under its terms, residential and work permits will be issued for one year on condition of possession of a certificate of good conduct. The minor children of applicants can be legalized at the same time and will receive a five-year permit.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing on Tuesday.

Zhao stated that President Xi Jinping held a meeting with Prime Minister Sanchez this morning, and the two sides had reached significant consensus, providing guidance for the development of bilateral relations in the next phase.

China is willing to work with Spain to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, consolidate political mutual trust, promote all-around mutually beneficial cooperation, and build a comprehensive strategic partnership that is more strategically resilient, more dynamic, and of greater international influence, Zhao said.

The NPC of China stands ready to work with the Spanish parliament to strengthen exchanges between the legislative bodies, deepen experience sharing in legislation, supervision and governance, and create a favorable legal environment for pragmatic cooperation between the two countries, Zhao noted.

Spain firmly adheres to the one-China principle, Sanchez said.

He said Spain hopes to enhance cooperation with China in trade, investment, culture, education, tourism and other fields, promote exchanges between legislative bodies, uphold multilateralism, and facilitate the healthy and stable development of Spain-China and Europe-China relations. 

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao)
A suspect has been arrested in connection with a violent mansion invasion in Beverly back in March.

Emajae Brown was charged with home invasion, kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, witness intimidation, armed assault in a dwelling, larceny over $1,200, breaking into a building at nighttime with the intent to commit a felony, larceny of a motor vehicle, and armed burglary.

He was taken into custody in Gloucester was classified as a danger to the community by the prosecution.

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On Saturday, March 28, officers responded to a 911 call from a neighbor of Rock Edge on Paine Avenue in Beverly just before 9 a.m. and learned two-armed suspects had broken into the mansion and assaulted and tied up one person who was inside.

One of the suspects then fled the scene with several stolen items, including gold, silver, watches, and United States currency, including a Porsche.

As an investigation continued using surveillance cameras, they put the Porsche into Flock cameras where it was tracked to a cemetery in the city of Lynn.

Ring cameras of the area were able to locate Brown, who was followed through phone surveillance to New York, where he was allegedly meeting with a jewelry dealer in New York City.

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With assistance from the FBI and New York, they eventually located over $300,000 and numerous gold items in his car.

Neighbors on Hollis Road in Lynn watched as several police cruisers swarmed their small, quiet neighborhood.

They had a van, they had a regular cruiser, and then they had three or four unmarked cruisers, said Edward Palmariello.

He said he would often see Brown in the area.

I didnt think it was this guy. The kids quiet... Minds his business. Hell drive by and gives a wave, and thats about it, Palmariello added.

For this neighborhood, yeah, its crazy, he said.

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The victim of the home invasion was taken to Beverly Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.

Browns next court date is April 21 for a dangerousness hearing and was held without bail. He was also ordered to have no contact with the named witnesses.

The other suspect involved in the home invasion is still on the loose.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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The two suspects charged with second-degree murder in the deadly shooting of a 7-month-old baby girl in Brooklyn are being arraigned this week.

Suspects Amuri Greene and Matthew Rodriguez are accused of killing 7-month-old Kaori Patterson-Moore in her stroller in East Williamsburg.

Rodriguez was arraigned Tuesday and Greene is expected to be arraigned Wednesday.

As Rodriguez was walked out of the 90th Precinct on Tuesday morning, he professed his innocence 15 times.

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"I didn't do it, I didn't know it was going to happen...it's not my fault, I didn't pull the trigger," he told awaiting reporters.

Matthew Rodriguez

The 18-year-old could also be heard yelling from inside a police vehicle, essentially admitting he was driving the scooter as Greene allegedly started firing recklessly.

"We're going to serve notice, of all his statements, we're going to make sure that, that his statements said he identified himself as being a part of this crime," said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.

He continued to explain himself as he hung his head low and looked anguished as he entered the Brooklyn courtroom.

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When prosecutors said the baby's name, Rodriguez dropped his head further, appearing to sob as the details of the crime were presented to the court.

Rodriguez is facing the same second-degree murder charge as the alleged shooter.

"The theory is that they acted together to commit this crime, that he assisted by driving him," Gonzalez said. "He assisted by taking off after the shooting. He assisted because after the crash, he picked up the firearm. And that firearm has not been recovered."

There was a large turnout Monday night for the baby's funeral where Reverend Al Sharpton gave her eulogy.

On Tuesday morning, a white horse-drawn carriage carried the baby's remains in a Minnie Mouse casket from her home to her final resting place, leading a 30-vehicle procession.

"It's a painful day, I was at the funeral yesterday and one thing that I have to say is it's heartbreaking that we're burying a baby today," Gonzalez said. "We are going to hold people accountable for this crime and we're going to get justice for this family."

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The suspects are also charged in the shooting of the victim's 2-year-old brother, who was grazed by a bullet.

Greene was taken to the hospital and into custody after the shooting and Rodriguez got away but was later found, arrested and extradited to New York.

ALSO READ | Mother of 7-month-old baby shot and killed in Brooklyn wants to set record straight

Darla Miles spoke with the mother of 7-month-old Kaori Patterson-Moore.

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By Florence Tan, Mariko Katsumura and Jonathan Saul

SINGAPORE/LONDON, April 14 (Reuters) - The first full day of a U.S. blockade on vessels calling at Iranian ports made little difference to Strait of Hormuz traffic on Tuesday, with at least eight ships including three Iran-linked tankers, crossing the waterway, shipping data showed.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the blockade on Sunday after weekend peace talks in Islamabad between the U.S. and Iran failed to reach a deal.

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The blockade has created even further uncertainty for shippers, oil companies and war risk insurers. Traffic remains at only a fraction of the 130-plus daily crossings before the U.S. and Israel's war on Iran began on February 28, industry sources said on Tuesday.

"During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade," the U.S. Central Command said on X, adding that six vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port.

The three Iran-linked vessels that transited the strait were not heading to Iranian ports and were not affected by the blockade.

Panama-flagged Peace Gulf, a medium-range tanker, is heading to Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates, LSEG data showed.

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The vessel typically moves Iranian naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock, to other non-Iranian Middle Eastern ports for export to Asia, Kpler data showed.

Prior to this, two U.S.-sanctioned tankers passed through the narrow waterway.

Handy tanker Murlikishan is heading to Iraq to load fuel oil on April 16, Kpler data showed. The vessel, formerly known as MKA, has transported Russian and Iranian oil.

Another sanctioned tanker, Rich Starry, would be the first to make it through the strait and to exit the Gulf since the blockade began, data from LSEG and Kpler showed.

The tanker and its owner, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co, were placed under U.S. sanctions for dealing with Iran. The company could not be reached for immediate comment.

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Rich Starry is a medium-range tanker carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol, according to the data. It loaded the cargo at its last port of call, the UAE's Hamriyah, the data showed.

The Chinese-owned tanker has Chinese crew on board, the data showed.

China's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports is "dangerous and irresponsible", warning that it would only aggravate tensions. The ministry did not mention whether Chinese ships were passing the strait.

FURTHER SAILINGS THROUGH THE STRAIT

Five other vessels had sailed through the strait since the blockade began at 1400 GMT on Monday. These comprised two other chemical and gas tankers, two dry bulk vessels and the Ocean Energy cargo ship that docked at Iran's Bandar Abbas port.

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A U.S. military note sent to mariners and seen by Reuters said that humanitarian shipments would be exempt from the blockade.

"The United States does not need to block every type of ship or enter the Strait of Hormuz; it can carry out an intermittent blockade," said Fabrizio Coticchia, professor of political science at Italy's University of Genoa.

"Ships will not be attacked, but rather diverted," Coticchia said, adding that U.S. warships would be located outside of the strait in the Gulf of Oman.

While the cost of war-risk insurance has not increased since the blockade began, it remains at hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional weekly costs, with cover typically reviewed by underwriters every 48 hours, industry sources said.

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"A return to normality in the Middle East arguably now appears more distant than it did one week ago, especially given that the U.S. navy has started a blockade," ship broker BRS said in a report.

"It is anticipated that there will be little or no commercial traffic in the strait for the foreseeable future."

(Reporting by Florence Tan in Singapore, Mariko Katsumura in Tokyo, Jonathan Saul in London, Arathy Somasekhar in Houston and Francesca Landini in MilanEditing by Himani Sarkar, Jamie Freed, Sharon Singleton and David Goodman)
Ten days after an escape from the Hampton County Detention Center made alarming headlines, South Carolina Lowcountry authorities apprehended the fugitive inmate in neighboring Allendale County.

On Monday, April 13, the Hampton County Sheriff's Office announced that escaped inmate Juwann Eady had been apprehended in Allendale County following a coordinated law enforcement effort.

At approximately 9:30 a.m. that day, Eady was taken into custody with the assistance of the Allendale County Sheriffs Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), said a HCSO release.

On April 13 law enforcement agents apprehended escaped Hampton County inmate Juwann Eady in nearby Allendale County.

Eady is currently being held at the Allendale County Detention Center.

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From the moment this individual escaped, we were committed to locating him and ensuring he was taken back into custody," H.C. Sheriff Anthony Russell said in a statement. "Our investigations team worked diligently alongside our partner agencies, and todays outcome reflects that determination. I want to thank the Allendale County Sheriffs Office and SLED for their swift assistance.

The HCSO also stated it appreciates the cooperation and vigilance of the public during this incident.

SLED is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape and is conducting a thorough review to determine how the incident occurred.

While the HCSO led the manhunt, it is not the agency that manages or maintains the Hampton County jail. While the HCSO is located inside the same law enforcement complex, the H.C. Detention Center functions as its own law enforcement agency independent of the HCSO.

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When Eady escaped from the HCDC on April 3, the HCSO issued a widespread public warning, notifying citizens that Eady was to be considered "dangerous" and advised anyone who spotted him not to approach but to notify police or call 911.

According to South Carolina court records, Eady was convicted of grand larceny and burglary in November 2025 and received a sentence that included time served and probation, and was currently being detained in the HCDC on two weapons charges dating back to March 4, 2026: pointing and presenting a firearm and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony.

Additional charges related to the escape may be forthcoming pending the outcome of the investigation, say police.

This article originally appeared on Bluffton Today: Hampton County Sheriffs, SLED apprehend escaped inmate in Allendale County
The Tennessee House voted narrowly Monday to expand the states private-school voucher program, capping it at 35,000 for next year but putting it at odds with the Senates proposal.

Led by Republicans, the House voted 52-43 to adopt an amended voucher bill that nearly doubles Gov. Bill Lees main initiative in its second year but falls short of the governors request, cutting expenses by $38 million.

After nearly two hours of debate, the margin was two more than constitutionally required for passage.

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This is about creating an opportunity for our students to excel, said Republican Rep. Scott Cepicky of Culleoka.

House Bill 2532, sponsored by Republican Majority Leader William Lamberth, adds a total of 15,000 vouchers, 5,000 fewer than the Senate plan, which matches the governors proposal and is to be taken up Wednesday.

Lamberth, a Portland Republican, justified the expansion, in part, by saying the state is rocking when it comes to funding public schools by pushing starting teacher pay to $50,000 and adding $3.5 billion to K-12 education over the last decade.

Weve had school choice in this state forever, as long as youve got a big bag of cash at home, Lamberth said.

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Differences in the bill are expected to push the bills into a conference committee where members from both chambers could work out a compromise.

Lee put some $305 million in his budget plan to fund the expansion up to 40,000 vouchers, worth about $7,500 each.

Weve had school choice in this state forever, as long as youve got a big bag of cash at home.

 House Majority Leader William Lamberth

The bill ran into opposition from Republicans and Democrats.

GOP Rep. Monty Fritts of Kingston, a gubernatorial candidate who is not seeking reelection to the House, said the state is required to provide a public education but noted he believes the voucher program is unconstitutional.

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House Minority Leader Karen Camper told lawmakers they were moving too quickly to expand and predicted more money will go into vouchers at the expense of schools such as those in Memphis, forcing them to shut down.

The economic engine will go away, Camper said, asking for a chance to absorb the impact of the programs first year before nearly doubling the number of vouchers.

Other Democrats were more emphatic.

Democratic Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville described Lamberth and House Speaker Cameron Sexton as snake oil salesmen trying to sell a scam.

And Democratic Rep. Caleb Hemmer, who represents an affluent area in southern Davidson County, said a friend who lives in Belle Meade and sends his children to private school thanked him for helping fund a summer vacation with the funds.

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The state has received 56,442 applications for vouchers in 2026-27, according to Rep. William Slater of Gallatin, former headmaster at Hendersonville Christian School.

Slater argued that even with 35,000 slots, the program would fall far short of the number of families wanting to use it.

House Minority Leader Karen Camper, a Memphis Democrat, said expansion of private school vouchers is moving too fast to be economically sound. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

Under the bill, new recipients for next year would come from lower income brackets at 100% to 300% of the federal poverty level, about $94,000 for a family of four. Students from families with higher incomes are to follow those categories.

In addition to limiting the increase, the House bill changes a provision designed to keep school districts from losing state funds when students transfer.

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Under the new plan, the state would inject funds when districts lose students who take the vouchers, rather than the current guideline that provides funds to districts that experience enrollment decreases for any reason. The latter was designed to sweeten the pot for local educators who opposed the programs passage in 2025.

Republican Rep. Jody Barrett of Dickson, who has criticized the programs lack of transparency, tried to pass several amendments, including one that would maintain the current plan to maintain state funding for school districts that lose students for any reason.

Fifteen months later, were completely changing the deal, Barrett said, adding school districts will see the same costs when they lose students.

House members did adopt one amendment by Barrett, preventing voucher funds from going to schools that teach students to threaten the United States. But that was wiped out when lawmakers adopted a final amendment that rewrote the entire bill.

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The amended House bill also tracks students who leave public schools for the private-school voucher program. Even though the state estimated 66% of the students receiving the funds last year were enrolled in private schools already, the Department of Education declined to provide information showing the number leaving public schools.

Under the new House measure, the department would be required to publish a yearly report on applications from counties, the number attending a public school and information on household income.

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As usual when it comes to academic rankings, the University of Texas at Austin delivered  this time with its graduate programs.

Each year, U.S. News & World Report releases analyses of colleges and universities across the country. Its graduate school rankings include data on schools like business, law and engineering as well as the programs and specialties within them. In total, over 10,000 graduate programs and specialties were included in the 2026 data.

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Rather than standard rankings, the medical schools are analyzed on a four-tier system in which overall scores were calculated based on percentile performance compared to all rated schools.

Here are how programs at the biggest Central Texas graduate schools ranked nationally.

Hook Em fires up the crowd at The Hook Em House at Antones during SXSW on Friday, March 8, 2024. UT-Austin took over Antones for two days of live music, expert panels and Longhorn pride. (Jay Janner / American-Statesman)





Education: No. 6

The following programs in UT Austin's School of Education rank in the country's top 10: educational administration and supervision; special education; curriculum and instruction; educational psychology; elementary teacher education; secondary teacher education; and education policy.

Engineering: No. 6

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The Cockrell School of Engineering offers the following top 10-ranking programs: petroleum engineering, civil engineering, environmental/environmental health engineering, aerospace/aeronautical/astronautical engineering, computer engineering and chemical engineering.

Computer Science: No. 10

The Department of Computer Science's artificial intelligence, programming language, systems and theory programs rank in the top 10 nationally.

Law: No. 16

Of the law schools analyzed, the UT Austin School of Law had the seventh-highest number of graduates in federal clerkships.

Business: No. 18

Within UT Austin's McCombs School of Business, programs ranking in the country's top 10 include information systems, accounting, business analytics and real estate. It also landed No. 6 for part-time MBA programs.

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Other

UT Austin ranked among the top 10 in several other programs, including earth sciences, library and information studies, pharmacy, social work

Also read: New UT student government leaders vow to push back against top-down changes

Texas State fans hold a university logo flag during the game against Nicholls State at Texas State University on Saturday, Sep. 20, 2025 in San Marcos, Texas. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman)





Unlike UT Austin, Texas State University did not have any programs ranking among the top 10 in the U.S. Only four made it into the top 100 lists:

No. 26 (tie) in criminology

No. 53 (tie) in health care management

No. 97 (tie) in physical therapy

No. 98 (tie) in MBA (part-time)

Texas A&M students react to a play during the Sept. 7 win over McNeese State at Kyle Field. (Dustin Safranek/USA TODAY)





Engineering: No. 14

The Texas A&M University's College of Engineering had some programs land among the country's top 10, including petroleum engineering, nuclear engineering, biological/agricultural engineering and aerospace/aeronautical/astronautical engineering.

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Law: No. 22

The School of Law's dispute resolution program ranked No. 5 in the nation.

Other

Texas A&M University's veterinary medicine program ranked No. 4 in the U.S.

The Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine's research and primary care programs landed in Tier 2, which covers the 50th through 84th percentile.
Tony Gonzales resigned from the US House of Representatives on Tuesday after admitting to an affair with a staff member who later died by self-immolation.

Pressure had been mounting for the Texas Republican to step down after sexual misconduct allegations against another congressman, Democrat Eric Swalwell of California, became public over the weekend.

As criticism of Swalwell swirled in the wake of the revelations, lawmakers opened an ethics investigation and began discussing taking action to oust him and Gonzales from Congress.

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To avoid being expelled, both lawmakers submitted their resignations, effective on Tuesday. The move allows them to retain pension benefits after their departure.

Gonzales had said last month that he would not run for re-election in November, but faced pressure to leave sooner as more details emerged about his alleged wrongdoing and he faced a congressional ethics investigation.

After initially denying any misconduct, the married father-of-six confirmed he had had a relationship with married staff member Regina Santos-Aviles.

Gonzales had previously dismissed the allegations as "blackmail" and a "co-ordinated" attack to unseat him.

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Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire near her home in Uvalde, Texas. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News.

After Gonzales admitted to the affair last month, Congress took a two-week break. Lawmakers returned this week, and swiftly began taking action against colleagues accused of wrongdoing.

On Monday they opened an ethics inquiry into the allegations against Swalwell, which range from sexual harassment to assault of a former staff member.

Swalwell dropped out tof the race for California governor on Sunday and announced his resignation on Monday, even as he denied "each and every" sexual misconduct claim against him.

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"These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive - a calculated and transparent political hit job," his attorney Sara Azari said.

In his resignation letter submitted on Tuesday, he said he was "deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgement I've made in my past".

Gonzales submitted his resignation the same day.

"It has been my privilege to serve the residents of Texas's 23rd congressional district," his brief letter stated.

Their resignations - one from each party - do not change the balance of power in Congress, where Republicans hold a controlling majority.




Getting into Texas A&M University is getting tougher, and wanna-be Aggies are increasingly finding themselves on the outside looking in.

In the most recent application cycle, Texas A&M's acceptance rate was reportedly the lowest it's been in years.

Roughly 68,000 applications were submitted for Fall 2026, with the university admitting about 30,000 students-a 44 percent acceptance rate, according to a TexasAgs Academics forum post citing a recent presentation by Christopher Reed, vice president of enrollment management. Reed did not immediately respond to Chron's request for comment.

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RELATED LINK: Gigantic $200M Texas A&M Space Institute to turn Texas into center of Mars

A Texas A&M spokesperson told Chron Monday afternoon that the 44 percent figure refers only to freshmen applicants to the university's main College Station campus and is based on unofficial numbers.

Still, that number is 5.8 percentage points lower than the Fall 2025 acceptance rate of 49.8 percent at the College Station campus, an official figure shared on the A&M website.

Overall, the university's acceptance rate has steadily fallen in recent years, falling from 59.4 percent in 2021 to 51.3 percent in 2025. The Battalion-the student newspaper of Texas A&M-largely attributed the ongoing decline to a growing application pool.

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"Within the last five years, A&M experienced a 34.78 (percent) increase in overall applications," Sam McMahan with The Battalion wrote earlier this month. "Reed stated that what people are seeing in these admissions statistics are not a decrease in the number of students accepted, but a dramatic increase in the overall applicant pool."

Department of International Studies, Academic Building, located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station. (Esteban Alejandro/Getty Images)





Texas A&M also guarantees automatic admission for Texas students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school class, in line with other public universities statewide.

The recent presentation from Reed reportedly indicates that 55 percent of admitted students in the most recent cycle came from this pool-a growing share that is reshaping the landscape for applicants undergoing holistic review.

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In Fall 2025, 41.2 percent of admitted applicants were Texas residents, ranking in the top 10 percent of their class-about a 13.8 percent difference from the unofficial 2026 figure.

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For the latest and best from Chron, sign up for our daily newsletter here.

This article originally published at Texas A&M acceptance rate falls again as competition reaches new peak.
Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas announced Monday he is stepping down as he faces an expulsion vote in the coming days stemming from his affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.

"When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office," Gonzales said.

Under pressure from House GOP leadership, Gonzales ended his campaign for reelection in March after he admitted to the affair.

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Texts between the woman, Regina Santos-Aviles, and Gonzales that were viewed by CBS News showed Santos-Aviles saying, "This is going too far boss" after he asked for a "sexy pic" in 2024. In another text exchange with a colleague that was viewed by CBS News, Santos-Aviles wrote, "I had affair with our boss and I'm fine."

Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire.

Gonzales faced bipartisan calls for his resignation earlier this year when the details of the relationship with one of his aides came to light. But GOP leaders, who have been operating with a razor-thin majority, stopped short of calling for his resignation.

But sexual misconduct allegations against Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California also renewed attention on Gonzales' behavior. Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico said she would put forward a measure to expel Gonzales as Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida spearheaded a resolution to remove Swalwell.

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Gonzales' retirement news came shortly after Swalwell announced he would be leaving Congress amid sexual assault allegations. The House was expected to vote on whether to expel both congressmen later this week. If their colleagues had voted to remove both from office  which would have required a two-thirds majority vote  it would not have changed the balance of the House.

Neither Gonzales nor Swalwell gave a precise timing of when they would vacate their seats. Leger Fernandez had warned that Gonzales had until 2 p.m. Tuesday to make his resignation "effective immediately" or she would move ahead on his expulsion vote.

Their resignations also effectively put an end to the respective House Ethics Committee investigations into their alleged misconduct, as the panel does not have jurisdiction over former members of Congress.

"There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all," Gonzales said Monday.

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Pope Leo responds to Trump following his criticism over the Iran war

Swalwell accusers detail their accusations and share why they were afraid to speak out

Swalwell accusers describe how they see justice as the Democratic rep. says he'll resign
April 13 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, said he will resign his seat in Congress after admitting that he had an affair with a former aide who died by suicide.

Several members of Congress, across party lines, had said they were going to pursue votes to throw both Gonzales and Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., out of the House of Representatives over allegations they had sexual relationships with members of their staffs.

Swalwell on Monday, after a weekend of ratcheting up calls for him to resign, decided to leave Congress after already having suspended his campaign for governor of California, as well.

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"There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all," Gonzales said in a statement posted to X.

"When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office," he said. "It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas."

The House Ethics Committee on March 5 opened an investigation into an alleged affair he had with a woman on his staff who later died by suicide after lighting herself on fire.

Gonzales had for months denied that he'd had the affair but acknowledged the affair on a podcast, noting that both he and the staffer had been married to each other at the time of the affair and denied that he had anything to do with her death.

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The next day, after a Republican primary which was going to lead to a runoff for the nomination, Gonzales pulled out of the race "after deep reflection and with the support of my loving family."

Gonzales pulled resigned from Congress just hours after Swalwell resigned over investigations into his own inappropriate relationship with a staffer, as well as other allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse by multiple women.

The Congressional investigations into both Gonzales and Swalwell both will end when they officially retire from the Congress because the House Ethics Committee only has jurisdiction against people currently serving in the House of Representatives.
KABUL, April 14 (Xinhua) -- A driver lost his life and seven others sustained injuries due to a head-on collision in the northern Afghanistan's Samangan province on Tuesday, a news release of the provincial police office confirmed.

A total of 50 cattle were also killed in the accident after a truck collided with a gas tanker coming from the opposite direction on the main road early this morning, the news release asserted.

Blaming reckless driving for the accident, the news release called upon drivers to respect the traffic rules and regulations as part of precautionary measures to avoid road accidents. 
The Justice Department says a 20-year-old man tried to firebomb the San Francisco home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, one of the most prominent out officials in Silicon Valley.

Daniel Moreno-Gama has been charged in federal court with attempted destruction of property by means of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Northern District of California.

Prosecutors allege Moreno-Gama traveled from Texas to San Francisco and threw a Molotov cocktail at Altmans residence in the early morning hours, igniting a fire at the propertys gate before fleeing. There were no injuries, according to the Washington Post.

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Authorities say Moreno-Gama later went to OpenAIs headquarters, where he attempted to break in and told security he intended to burn down the building and kill anyone inside, according to court records. He was arrested at the scene, and investigators say they recovered incendiary materials, including a jug of kerosene and a lighter.

Related: Have the gay tech titans turned their backs on us?

Related: Gay CEOs Tim Cook and Sam Altman look to be already cozying up to Donald Trump

Related: Tim Cook and Sam Altman refuse to condemn Trump admin after Alex Prettis killing

The complaint also describes a multi-part document in Moreno-Gamas possession that outlines opposition to artificial intelligence and names tech leaders. The writings frame AI as an existential threat tied to our impending extinction, and include statements advocating violence.

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If I am going to advocate for others to kill and commit crimes, then I must lead by example and show that I am fully sincere in my message, the document states, according to court filings.

The alleged firebombing came just days before a separate incident involving gunfire near the same property. Early Sunday morning, a shot was fired from a moving vehicle outside Altmans Russian Hill home, and two suspects were later arrested on suspicion of negligent discharge of a firearm, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Police recovered multiple firearms during the investigation. No injuries were reported

Altman, the creator of ChatGPT, has become a polarizing figure in Silicon Valley and beyond, as debates over artificial intelligence grow more urgent and more contentious. He previously criticized President Donald Trumps policies as terrible, but later said the president will be incredible for the country in many ways."

Related: Sam Altman on AI, queerness, and being grateful for the journey hes on (exclusive)

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Related: Sam Altman said he wants queers to be comfortable in his industry; supporting Trump goes against that

Related: Sam Altman, the gay OpenAI CEO who once called Trump 'terrible,' is the latest tech titan to bow to him

That evolution placed him on a recent cover of The Advocate alongside fellow gay CEOs Tim Cook and Peter Thiel, in a piece about the political alignment of powerful LGBTQ+ business leaders.

Authorities have not identified a clear partisan motive, and the complaint suggests the alleged attack was driven primarily by Moreno-Gamas anti-AI ideology.

Altman has increasingly become the public face of the U.S. debate over artificial intelligence. He co-founded OpenAI and returned to lead the company after a brief ouster, with backing from a major investment from Microsoft. He was later named Times CEO of the year.

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We want to keep pushing on the frontier of AI research and figure out how to build this great technology and then also figure out how to make it useful to people and get it into their hands, Altman told The Advocate in a previous interview.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Texas suspect charged in firebombing of OpenAI CEO Sam Altmans San Francisco home

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SIOUX FALLS  Three men who want to be governor of South Dakota vowed to do things differently than the current administration on topics including Medicaid, agriculture, taxes and education, while the governor said his results justify keeping him in the job.

The four candidates for the Republican nomination met in their second televised debate Monday evening, aired by South Dakota Public Broadcasting in partnership with South Dakota News Watch. Early voting is scheduled to begin Friday for the June 2 primary election.

Gov. Larry Rhoden, of rural Union Center, was elevated from lieutenant governor in January 2025 when then-Gov. Kristi Noem resigned to take a job in President Trumps administration. Since then, Rhoden said, his successes have included working with the Legislature to pass property tax reduction plans and resolve a standoff over prison construction with the approval of a project in Sioux Falls.

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[2026 Primary Election Voter Guide: The information and tools you need to cast your vote.]

Youre going to hear a lot of talk tonight about plans, Rhoden said. Weve delivered results.

When a moderator asked the candidates what they would do to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson of Mitchell pledged to create a state surgeon general position. He said the state needs somebody who can think in an innovative way about how to better deliver care. He also pledged to move the management of government-funded health care for low-income people, known as Medicaid, from the state Department of Social Services to the state Department of Health so it could be treated like a health care program instead of a welfare program.

Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden reiterated his pledge to phase out property taxes, saying he would do it through a combination of spending cuts, growing the economy, and eliminating waste, fraud and abuse of government programs.

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State House Speaker Jon Hansen, of Dell Rapids, pledged to create education grants with public funding so parents could send their children to the school of their choice, whether public, private or homeschooling. He also pledged to undo the merger of the former state Department of Environment and Natural Resources with the former Department of Agriculture, which created the combined Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Hansen said agriculture deserves its own department.

An April 13, 2026, Republican gubernatorial debate. (Courtesy of South Dakota Public Broadcasting)

Economic development

Doeden promised he would be the most pro-business governor this state has ever seen, but said major projects must have local support.

I will never use taxpayer money to subsidize multi-billion-dollar, out-of-state development projects, Doeden said.

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Hansen also rejected using taxpayer dollars to incentivize and recruit large corporations to the state.

Im not going to take the tax money of our South Dakota entrepreneurs and give it away to big companies, Hansen said.

Johnson said South Dakota should focus on helping homegrown entrepreneurs succeed and that the state is not as business friendly as it should be.

He criticized Rhoden for signing three bills into law during the recently concluded legislative session that allow for new or higher sales taxes: an increase in the statewide sales tax from 4.2% to 4.5% that will go toward property tax reduction for homeowners, a new and optional 0.5% county sales tax that will also go toward homeowner property tax reduction, and a new and optional 1% city sales tax (on top of existing city sales taxes up to 2%) that could be imposed temporarily to pay for special projects.

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For a state where affordability is our biggest problem and higher costs are the biggest barriers to those small business startups, those higher taxes are not going to help you, Johnson said.

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He called the sales tax increases the largest in state history.

Rhoden called Johnsons criticism D.C. B.S. and described the new property tax reduction laws as the largest tax cut in state history. Rhoden also said weve had the three largest economic development projects right here in South Dakota but did not identify the projects.

Agriculture

Johnson said high input costs are hitting farmers and ranchers hard, and sales tax increases could make things worse.

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If we think that tools and grain bins and fencing are expensive now, just wait until those additional sales taxes hit, Johnson said.

Rhoden, a rancher, called that criticism baloney and said his own focus on foreign trade missions has grown international markets for South Dakota agricultural commodities and products.

Hansen focused on property rights, saying he stood on the frontlines against failed efforts by Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions to run a pipeline through farm and ranch land via the legal power of eminent domain. He also shared his plan to separate agriculture into its own state department.

Doeden said farmers and ranchers tell him South Dakota remains overregulated and unaffordable. He is committed to phasing out property taxes, he said, not only for homeowners but also for farmers and ranchers.

Education

Johnson said he supports most of the literacy reforms recently used successfully in Mississippi, and said South Dakota also needs bolder action, including investing more into improving education outcomes.

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If you are promoting third-graders into fourth grade who cant read, youre not doing them any favors, Johnson said.

Rhoden said more spending alone would not solve the problem. He said his administration is reforming education standards and moving reading education back to a phonics focus.

Were getting away from Common Core, Rhoden said, in reference to an education initiative supported by the Obama presidential administration, adding that the state is moving to common sense.

Hansen pledged to create publicly funded education grants.

Parents ought to have the freedom and the financial freedom to choose the best education option for their kid, Hansen said.

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Doeden said South Dakotas education budget has grown, but too much money has gone to the bureaucrats and the administrators instead of classrooms and teachers.

Our teachers need to get paid more money, Doeden said, noting the states rank of 47th in average teacher pay.

In closing

Rhoden said he was the only candidate who has served as governor and worn a military uniform  he was in the National Guard  and said he is focused on keeping South Dakota strong, safe and free.

Doeden said voters do not need another 20-year politician as our governor.

Im going to win this race, and Im going to Pierre to fight for you, Doeden said. The people of South Dakota.

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Hansen said he has been in the trenches on property tax reduction, ending abortion, and protecting private property rights. He asked voters to back a candidate rooted in biblical truth and conservative values.

Im sick of people who are obsessed with big money and power, and tip over to the special interests and the big money lobbyists, he said. Im done with all that.

Johnson focused his closing statement on future generations.

I want my kids, I want your kids here, Johnson said. I want them to choose South Dakota because South Dakota is the best place for them to build their futures. They deserve a South Dakota that doesnt settle. They deserve a South Dakota whose leaders aspire to more than steadiness.

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The winner of the June 2 Republican primary  who needs at least 35% support to avoid a top-two runoff  will advance to the Nov. 3 general election. The only other certified candidate for governor so far is a Democrat, Dan Ahlers.

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The possibility of rain Saturday could put a damper on Thunder Over Louisville, one of the nation's top fireworks displays leading up to the Kentucky Derby.

The fireworks were canceled in 2025 because of historic flooding. Could bad weather do the same to this year's popular event? Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Louisville as of Tuesday are predicting a 60% chance of showers April 18. Thunderstorms are possible, too.

That doesn't necessarily mean the show will be canceled, however.

No official word about the weather has been mentioned as of early Tuesday morning on Thunder Over Louisville's official website. So if you're headed out to Waterfront Park on April 18, here's what meteorologists say can happen with fireworks should it rain or pour.

Can you shoot off fireworks in the rain? Depends, say meteorologists

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Tom Kines says rain and wind are the two major factors that get in the way of launching fireworks. Strong winds, he said, can pose a safety hazard because they can push fireworks and smoke toward the crowd.

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On the other hand, he added, a calm wind isnt great, either  lingering smoke can obscure your view of an otherwise breathtaking spectacle. There's some good news then for Louisville this weekend.

"The afternoon hours will be windy on Saturday, but the wind should diminish at least a little bit during the evening," Kines said. "Fireworks can usually go on as planned with light rain, but some fireworks wont go off in a heavy rain."

Cold front Saturday in Louisville could come at 'worst possible time' for fireworks

Kines indicated Saturday's weather for watching fireworks is highly dependent on an approaching cold front headed for Louisville.

"Right now, we think the front will come through Saturday evening, which is the worst possible time, since showers or thunderstorms will accompany the front," Kines said, adding the "best-case scenario" is if the front arrived earlier in the day, April 18, or later that night.

Fireworks cast a glow over downtown Louisville. The show began late because computers timing the music and fireworks weren't in sync. April 19, 1997.

"Both of those scenarios would result in a better chance of dry weather," he said.

AccuWeather forecast for Louisville, Kentucky

Saturday, April 18: Saturday afternoon will be breezy and warm, according to Kines. The breeze will average 15-20 mph with gusts of 30-35 mph. A thunderstorm is possible during the late afternoon.

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Saturday evening / early night: Warm and breezy with a thunderstorm possible. The breeze will average 15 mph. Winds can be strong and gusty in the vicinity of storms.

Commonwealth citizens are encouraged to keep a watchful eye on the weather this week. In addition to NWS, AccuWeather provides both a daily and an hourly forecast which you can check leading up to Thunder Over Louisville.

Courier Journal reporter Marina Johnson contributed.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Thunder Over Louisville 2026 forecast shows rain at 'worst possible time'
A Michigan man who was arrested in the Bahamas after his wife disappeared during a nighttime boat trip has been released from custody as authorities continue to investigate what happened in the waters off the Abaco Islands.

Lynette Hooker, 56, of Onsted in Lenawee County, was reported missing after she vanished during a dinghy trip with her husband, Brian Hooker, on April 11. According to Bahamian authorities, the couple had departed Hope Town around 7:30 p.m. for Elbow Cay when, Brian Hooker told investigators, his wife fell overboard with the boats keys, shutting off the engine as strong currents carried her away.

More: Neighbor of Michigan woman lost in Bahamas describes stormy marriage

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Hooker said he paddled the disabled boat for hours before reaching the Marsh Harbour Boat Yard around 4 a.m. the next morning, where he alerted a bystander who contacted police. A large-scale search effort followed, involving divers, drones and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, though officials later described the mission as a recovery operation.

On his Facebook page, Brian Hooker said he is heartbroken over his wife's disappearance.

Brian Hooken taken into custody

Four days after Lynette Hookers disappearance, authorities took Brian Hooker into custody in Marsh Harbour. Family members, including Lynettes daughter, questioned his account and described the circumstances as suspicious, while neighbors in Michigan said the couple had a turbulent and sometimes violent marriage.

While in custody, Hooker was involved in an incident during a police transport in rough seas, according to his attorney, who said he fell overboard while handcuffed and had to be rescued, suffering minor injuries. He continued to be questioned by investigators in the days that followed.

The latest development with Brian Hooker

On Monday night, Bahamian police announced Hooker had been released after consulting with prosecutors, who said no charges would be filed at this time pending further investigation. Authorities said he remains a suspect. Lynette Hooker remains missing as the investigation continues.

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The couple, described as avid travelers who had been living aboard their boat in the Caribbean for about a month, frequently documented their trips on social media.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Brian Hooker released: Timeline of what happened in the Bahamas
Democrat and ICU physician Dr. Tina Shah raised close to $1 million in her bid to take on Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. (R-N.J.) in November, which included $650,000 that she personally loaned to her campaign, according to figured first shared with The Hill.

We know that we have the best message to reach voters across NJ-7 and stop Donald Trumps assault on our Democracy and our economy, Shah said in a statement, touting that she is starting the second quarter with close $1.4 million in the bank.

Our countryand our healthcare systemare in crisis, and I am the only candidate in this primary with the policy experience to address these challenges and deliver for the people of our district, she added.

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Shah, a former senior adviser to the U.S. Surgeon General whos served in the Obama and Biden administrations, is one of four Democrats looking to challenge Kean in New Jerseys 7th Congressional District.

Former Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett; Michael Roth, who served in the Small Business Administration during the Biden administration, and businessman Brian Varela are also running in the June 2 Democratic primary.

Kean is seen as one of the most vulnerable Republican members up for reelection. President Trump narrowly won Keans district by just over a point in 2024, according to The Downballot.

Shah and Varela have both been able to inject personal money into their congressional bids. Campaign finance filings filed in late January for Varela show he had given $1.15 million to his campaign since his launch.

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Her campaign also touted internal polling suggesting that some voters were more likely to back Shah when they were informed of her ICU background.



Bennetts campaign said it had raised over $700,000 in the first quarter of 2026, with over $1.4 million cash on hand. Her campaign said she has not self-financed nor received corporate PAC money.

The latest fundraising numbers for Roth and Varela have not yet been released. Candidates have until Wednesday to report their fundraising hauls for January, February and March of this year.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Drake Universitys Cowles Library will soon become the home for documents donated by former Iowa governor and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

The Des Moines private university announced in a news release Tuesday that Vilsack and Drake University President Marty Martin signed an agreement for the university to acquire both professional and personal documents spanning Vilsacks 40 years of state and national public service.

I thank Drake University for the willingness to house and preserve these papers, Vilsack said in the release. As a history major in college I appreciate the important role researchers have in recording history. I hope this collection aids them in that important task.

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Vilsacks first political role came in 1987, when he was elected mayor of Mt. Pleasant, according to the National Governors Association, followed by election to the Iowa Senate in 1992. He served as Iowas governor from 1999-2007 and twice as U.S. secretary of Agriculture, from 2008-2017 and 2021-2025.

Documents provided by Vilsack will range from political to personal, according to the release, and come from his time in local, state and national politics. The release stated that once cataloged, the entire collection from Vilsack will be accessible for in-person research at the library, with certain documents planned for digitization as well.

Other collections housed in the universitys nonpartisan archive, according to the release, come from leaders including Gov. Robert Ray, U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, U.S. Rep. Neal Smith, state Rep. Wayne Ford and state Rep. Ed Bittle.

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One of the hallmarks of a Drake education is the ability to engage directly with the people and ideas that move our world, Martin said in the release. To have Secretary Vilsacks personal and professional history on our campus is a gift to our students. As aspiring lawyers, policymakers, or historians, they will have access to a treasure trove of primary sources that will bring their studies to life in a way few other institutions can offer.

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President Donald Trumps White House is in the midst of an exodus as yet another top aide has ditched the administration for a new job, according to a new report.

White House Director of Cabinet Affairs Lea Bardon, a powerful figure in the background of the MAGA machine, will become executive vice president at Washington, D.C. public affairs firm The Sovereign Advisors, Politico reports.

The firm was founded by Trumps influential former deputy chief of staff, Taylor Budowich, who joined the growing line of staff leaving the White House when he fled last fall.

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Budowich helped craft Trumps public voice, running communications, cabinet affairs, and speechwriting.

Bardon has linked up with former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Bardon is the vital link between Cabinet chiefs of staff, through which Trumps directives emanate throughout the executive branch. She was profiled in the Washingtonians D.C. female power list last year.

Budowichs exit followed a flurry of high-profile departures from the White House. Alex Pfeiffer quietly walked in September last year, having only joined the administration in January. Pfeiffer joined public relations firm Watchtower Strategy.

Pfeiffer worked at Tucker Carlsons Daily Caller before switching to Fox News, where he helped produce Carlsons show. He then went on to work in the MAGA Inc. super PAC in 2022.

Trump has fired his attorney general, Pam Bondi, and his Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem, in recent weeks. / JIM WATSON / AFP via Getty Images

The new year has continued in a similar vein, with the White House exit experiencing considerable footfall. James Blair, the White House deputy chief of staff, is tapping out temporarily to run Trumps political operation for the midterms, the president announced on Friday.

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James will be taking a short leave of absence to lead the charge from the outside against the Radical Left, Country Destroying Democrats. He will do a fantastic job, and then, after the Election, return again to the White House, so we can finish the job and, KEEP AMERICA GREAT! Trump said.

Blair and his superior, Susie Wiles, have reportedly grown concerned that Trumps war in Iran has threatened his already wavering chances of success during the elections in November.

James Blair will temporarily leave the White House. / Brian Snyder/REUTERS

When youre at war, that is 75 percent of your time. This is what [chief of staff Susie Wiles] is gonna be doing, this is what [deputy chief of staff] James Blair will be doing. This is what senior staff will be dealing with. And that is a problem, an insider said last week, adding that the episode threatens to become a f-----g nightmare.

Top Trump allies Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi have been ousted this year, too. Noem, the former Homeland Security secretary, was booted first. She was fired by Trump on March 5 after a controversial 14-month stint at the helm of the department. Noems replacement, Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin, 48, was confirmed by the Senate last month.

Trump fired Bondi, his attorney general, about a month later, apparently in part because she failed to indict and convict his political enemies.

The White House has been contacted for comment.
An online fundraiser is seeking $50,000 to pay for the medical expenses of a 45-year-old Minnesota woman reportedly left paralyzed after an SUV struck her as she competed on Sunday, April 12, in a triathlon at Okeeheelee Park.

Ashleigh Whitton, one of two bicyclists injured at the second annual Bill Bone Olympic Triathlon, is paralyzed from the neck down, according to a GoFundMe post created on Monday, April 13, by her husband and a friend.

It said she was in a medically induced coma that day at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach and that she had emergency surgery to stabilize her spinal cord while battling brain swelling and bleeding. An update on her condition was not immediately available.

The money will pay for medical and intensive care unit expenses, long-term care and rehabilitation, travel for her family and unexpected costs, the GoFundMe page said. Fundraising organizers raised nearly $31,000 as of midday on Tuesday, April 14.

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Doctors do not yet know if Whitton will regain her ability to breathe on her own, the GoFundMe page said.

"While the situation is incredibly serious, there has been a small but meaningful moment of hope Ashleigh was able to briefly wake and respond to her husband Patrick by blinking on command, showing that she can hear and process his voice," the page said.

Whitton's husband, daughter and stepdaughter are with her at St. Mary's, the GoFundMe post said.

PBSO says triathletes' crash with truck was 'unavoidable'

Ashleigh Whitton of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, sustained critical injuries during the Bill Bone Olympic Triathlon at Okeeheelee Park near Greenacres on Sunday, April 12, 2026. A truck struck her as she pedaled her bicycle along Forest Hill Boulevard.

Whitton and her fellow athletes were pedaling west along a closed lane of Forest Hill Boulevard just before 9 a.m. April 12, a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office crash report said, when a nearly two-ton 2025 Hyundai Tucson heading northbound across the boulevard into Okeeheelee crashed into her and another cyclist.

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Neither the driver or the cyclists saw each other until the crash was "unavoidable," the PBSO report said. Medics flew Whitton and another cyclist, 46-year-old Miguel Junior Gomez of Oakland Park, to the hospital aboard Trauma Hawk helicopters, the report said.

PBSO listed Whitton's injuries as serious, and Gomez's as minor.

No charges were pending as of April 14 against the driver, a 75-year-old suburban Boynton Beach man, according to the sheriff's report. It did not say how fast the truck was traveling at the time of the wreck.

Email news tips and article ideas to Chris Persaud at cpersaud@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Triathlete paralyzed after truck crash near West Palm Beach
President Donald Trump has called it quits on one of his former allies.

The 79-year-old publicly hit back at conservative activist Riley Gaines after the former swimmer criticized the presidents post depicting himself as Jesus Christ. Gaines wrote on X that she was stumped by the presidents move and suggested Trump seek humility.

Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why hed post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this? Gaines, who gained fame in the MAGAverse for her loud opposition to transgender athletes in womens sports, said.

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Either way, two things are true, she continued. 1) a little humility would serve him well 2) God shall not be mocked.

The president posted, and later deleted, an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ. / Donald J. Trump/Truth Social

In the face of mounting backlash, including from his own supporters, the president deleted the post and claimed that he thought it depicted him as a doctor, not Christ.

When asked by CBS Norah ODonnell if he deleted the post because of the negative response from Gaines and other conservatives, the president replied, I didnt listen to Riley Gaines. Im not a big fan of Riley, actually.

Gaines was quick to respond to the presidents dismissal, writing on X that despite his public rebuke, she would continue to support his agenda.

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I love the President and Im so grateful hes in the Oval Office, she wrote. At the end of the day, I do nothing for the approval of man. Our purpose on this earth is to glorify Him in all we do.

Riley Gaines watches as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks before signing the No Men in Womens Sports executive order in the East Room at the White House on February 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

The truth social post missed the mark, she continued. Its now deleted. Amazing! Were imperfect people. I know I am. I dont get my feelings hurt easy and I know with the President its really not personal.

Gaines, who is a devout Christian, added that she wants to spend eternity in a real place called Heaven and that she would love for Trump to be there too.

The Daily Beast has contacted the White House for comment.

Gaines responded to the president's comments on X. / Riley Gaines/X

Gaines ingratiated herself with MAGA and caught Trumps attention when she began speaking out against trans athletes in womens sports after competing against a trans swimmer.

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In March 2022, Gaines, who was swimming for the University of Kentucky, tied for fifth place with transgender competitor Lia Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle at the NCAA Championships.

Despite Gaines apparent shortcomings in the water, her star grew as her messaging developed in lockstep with the presidents crusade against trans people in sports.

After the race, Gaines, who never went pro as a swimmer, hit the conservative podcast circuit to rail against rules that allowed transgender people to compete against biological women.

University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas and Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines react after finishing tied for 5th in the 200 Freestyle finals in 2022. / Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

She became a frequent fixture on the airwaves, appearing on TV shows hosted by MAGA thought leaders like former Fox News star Tucker Carlson. She was even a speaker at the Conservative Political Action Conference in 2022, where she was introduced by Trump.

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Indeed, Trump praised her as a tremendous athlete and a brave swimmer.

Riley is just a tremendous athlete, Trump said while signing an executive order targeting transgender athletes in February 2025, with Gaines in attendance.

I want to thank Riley, he continued. She really has been in the forefront. People that arent that well-versed in this would say that she was the leader. And great job, Riley. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

The president posted the AI-generated image of himself as Christ shortly after unloading on Pope Leo XIV for criticizing him in an inflammatory 334-word rant.

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I dont want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because Im doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History, the 79-year-old wrote on Truth Social.

The president was incensed by the Chicago-born pontiffs repeated calls for an end to the Iran war and pleas for peace. In addition, he confirmed to CBS News that he had watched Sunday nights episode of 60 Minutes featuring three American cardinals criticizing his policies prior to his posting spree.

Responding to the presidents attacks, the pope said, I have no fear of the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do.

Asked about Truth Social specifically, the pope said, Its ironic  the name of the site itself. Say no more.
A new budget proposal from the Trump administration seeks to increase federal counterterrorism funding targeting what it describes as domestic terrorism, including a focus on gender extremism.

President Donald Trump submitted a fiscal year 2027 budget request to Congress earlier this month, seeking a $166 million increase for the Federal Bureau of Investigations counterterrorism efforts. The proposal pairs that funding increase with language urging federal authorities to scrutinize ideological movements the administration casts as threats to national security.

The proposal claims that anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity constitute emerging national security concerns. It includes domestic terrorists who practice extremism on migration, race and gender, or who oppose traditional American views on family, religion and morality.

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Related: Pam Bondi wants FBI to offer bounties for radical gender ideology groups, leaked memo shows

Related: The Heritage Foundation wants transgender people and allies designated as terrorists

Under the proposal, addressing those categories would become a stated priority for FBI counterterrorism spending.

The budget also calls for creating a new federal hub to address political violence in America, which it positions as focused in part on leftist ideology, according to the Washington Blade.

That center, referred to as the NSPM-7 Joint Mission Center, follows a directive issued by the Trump administration last year to prioritize investigations into perceived political threats from the left, as previously reported by independent journalist Ken Klippenstein.

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Civil liberties advocates have warned that the approach risks conflating political dissent with national security threats. Several public interest groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have raised concerns that the policy could target Americans based on their beliefs.

Related: Trump administration scrubs LGBTQ+ questions from federal surveys

Related: Trump administration announces anti-trans investigations team to fight 'gender ideology' in schools

NSPM-7 is a deliberate attempt to sow fear and intimidate and silence opposition to the presidents abuses, Hina Shamsi, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions National Security Project, wrote in October 2025.

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The proposal now moves to Congress, where lawmakers will negotiate spending levels ahead of the federal budget deadline of October 1.

This article was written as part of the Future of Queer Media fellowship program at The Advocate, which is underwritten by a generous gift from Morrison Media Group . The program helps support the next generation of LGBTQ+ journalists.

This article originally appeared on Advocate: Trumps new budget turns the FBI into the gender police

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WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Central Command said Tuesday that its forces are executing the mission to blockade ships entering and departing Iranian ports, impartially targeting vessels of all nations.

"During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the U.S. blockade," it said on X, noting that over 10,000 sailors, marines and airmen, along with over a dozen warships and dozens of aircraft, are executing the blockade.

It added that six merchant vessels complied with the direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman.

The blockade covers Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, it said. 
President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued full-throated re-election endorsements for the incumbent lieutenant governors of Nevada and Idaho.

"Stavros Anthony has been a fantastic Lieutenant Governor for the Great People of Nevada!" the president declared in a Monday Truth Social post.

"Stavros Anthony has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election  HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" he asserted.

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Trump-backed Governor Announces Bid For Third Consecutive Term

U.S. President Donald Trump waves to the media after walking off of Air Force One at Miami International Airport on April 11, 2026, in Miami, Fla.

Anthony thanked the president for his backing.

"Thank you, President Trump, for your support for my re-election and for your support for Nevada. I look forward to seeing you this week in Las Vegas," the state official wrote in a post on X.

Read On The Fox News App

Republican Governor Targeted By Democrats Launches Re-election Bid In Key Battleground

Nevada Lieutenant Gov. Stavros Anthony delivers remarks during the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on the West Front Lawn at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Trump also gave his stamp of approval to Idaho Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, declaring that he "has been a tremendous Lieutenant Governor of Idaho, a place I love and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024!"

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"Scott Bedke has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election  HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" the president declared in a Truth Social post.

24 States Back Challenge To Transgender Inmate Surgery Ruling With Nationwide Stakes

Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke addresses Idaho's 2025 state budget as he kicks off a conference hosted by Associated Taxpayers of Idaho in Boise on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.

Click Here To Download The Fox News App

President Trump previously issued posts in which he endorsed Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo and Idaho Gov. Brad Little for re-election last year.





Original article source: Trump endorses neighboring state lieutenant governors for re-election
President Donald Trump has stepped on a political hornet's nest with his attacks on Pope Leo XIV that have infuriated Catholics worldwide. The rift with the Vatican could exacerbate an already challenging 2026 election season for congressional Republicans as Trump risks alienating a key constituency.

The president castigated the world's first American pontiff as "weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy" in a long Truth Social post April 12, then told reporters he was "not a big fan" of the religious leader.

Several conservative-leaning Catholic leaders have publicly called on Trump to apologize  which the president rebuffed  saying they shouldn't have to choose between their faith and their country. "There is no doubt that President Trump's post insulting Pope Leo crossed, again, a line of decorum that plays an important part in diplomacy," Kelsey Reinhardt, president and CEO of CatholicVote, a political advocacy group, said April 13 in a post on X.

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Catholics are the single largest religious denomination in the United States, accounting for one-fifth of the population, according to the Pew Research Center. Catholics are 10 percentage points more likely to lean toward Republicans than Democrats, Pew found in 2025.

Trump lost the Catholic vote to Joe Biden 52%-47% in 2020, according to CNN exit polls. He won over Catholics 59%-39% against Kamala Harris in 2024.

2026 is expected to be a tough year for the GOP as forecasters shift more races in Democrats' favor.

Republican pollster Brent Buchanan said his polling firm Cygnal has been tracking Catholic voters since the 2022 midterms. He said that American Catholics have repeatedly shown their independence from the Vatican's policy guidance but that if Trump persists in squabbling with the pope, it could spell trouble for the GOP this fall.

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"The papacy is an institution that has existed for thousands of years," Buchanan said. "Even if you don't ascribe to Catholicism, you know who the pope is and you have an idea what the pope stands for, and it's usually broad, positive, moral things.

"Catholics tend to be one of the swingier groups in the country, and pretty much whatever direction Catholics go politically, the country goes politically. They're almost like a bellwether of sorts. So it's unnecessary noise for an important swing group."

Leo, who leads roughly 1.4 billion Catholics, clapped back at the president, saying he had "no fear" of the administration. He affirmed that he would continue speaking out against the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and defend migrants against the Trump administration's intense deportation campaign.

Political scientists note that Washington and the Vatican have been at odds over policy before, but this war of words is uniquely bitter.

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"There's never been anything this public, this personal or this partisan," David Campbell, a political science professor at the University of Notre Dame, a Catholic institution, told USA TODAY in an interview.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, indicated in comments April 14 that the Trump administration won't be backing off and takes issue with Leo's antiwar comments.

"I think it's very, very important for the pope to be careful when he talks about matters of theology," Vance said at an event hosted by the conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA.

Conservative Catholics plea for cooling off between the two

Pope Leo XIV blesses a child on the day of the Mass for the Jubilee of the Missionary World and Jubilee of Migrants in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Oct. 5, 2025.

U.S. presidents have for decades courted a relationship with the papacy because of the growing influence of Catholic voters since 1959, when Dwight D. Eisenhower had an audience with John XXIII.

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But it has often been a difficult political terrain to navigate for presidents in both parties. Republicans such as Trump are often at odds with the Catholic Church's teachings on war, social justice, immigration and the death penalty, and Democrats have struggled with Catholic opposition to their support for abortion rights and gay rights.

The pope is often viewed as an honest broker in international diplomacy, such as when Pope John Paul II implicitly criticized President George W. Bush over the war in Iraq.

An NBC poll in March found Leo is more popular than Trump, which made his explicit denunciations of the war against Iran over the past few weeks harder to ignore. It became particularly relevant as administration officials evoked Jesus and other references when asking for the country's support of the U.S. mission.

Even conservative Catholics who support Trump's policies are wary of his tone. Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, a group closely aligned with the White House, said the two men "ultimately want the same thing" for the United States and Iran, and that is peace.

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"As a serious Roman Catholic and a proud supporter of President Trump, I believe the world would benefit from more direct dialogue between these two leaders, modeled after the fruitful relationship between Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II," Roberts told USA TODAY in a statement.

"While I believe there are more constructive ways for the President to engage with the church on policy disagreements, I fully share the presidents goal  along with most Americans  of bringing this conflict in Iran to a quick and lasting end."

Reinhardt, the CatholicVote leader, said too many people are trying to turn a "public disagreement into a grand showdown" between Trump and Leo. "That is false, and Catholics should reject it," she said.

Bishop Robert Barron, who serves on the president's Religious Liberty Commission, said in an April 13 post on X that "serious Catholics" within the administration, such as Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, should meet with Vatican officials to start a dialogue, which is "far preferable to the statements on social media."

A rainbow is seen above the White House in Washington, DC on April 1, 2026. US President Donald Trump will deliver a prime-time address on April 1, 2026 on the Iran war in the face of plunging approval ratings, economic jitters and spiralling diplomatic fallout. President Trump speaks to the nation on Iran from the White House A rainbow is seen above the White House in Washington, DC on April 1, 2026. US President Donald Trump will deliver a prime-time address on April 1, 2026 on the Iran war in the face of plunging approval ratings, economic jitters and spiralling diplomatic fallout.

Campbell, the Notre Dame professor, said those comments are indicative of how little can be gained for Trump and the Republicans in fighting with a popular religious figure such as Leo, who has been calm and measured in his criticism.

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He said Republican candidates vying to hold on to their congressional seats this fall will probably try to duck the dispute altogether.

"There really is no benefit to picking a fight with the pope," Campbell said. "More broadly, I think you should expect to see Republicans, particularly in swing districts that have a large Catholic populations, will not want to be portrayed as in any way hostile to the church or to church leadership."

Trump's polling problem among Catholics

President Donald Trump holds up a Bible in front of St. John's Church across from the White House in Washington, DC, on June 1, 2020.

Some conservative leaders are confident Trump's tie to his religious base will overpower any reservations about his disrespect for the pontiff.

Ralph Reed, a prominent Christian conservative activist who sits on the presidents faith advisory board, told The Associated Press that Trump holds a "deep reservoir of appreciation" among faith-based voters that can withstand disagreement over a social media post.

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That is particularly important on the political right given the resurgence of faith among younger voters, particularly Gen Z men, born in the years 1997 to 2012, who are taking a greater interest in religion.

"As young people seek out the Catholic faith today in droves, it is important for the church and American voters alike to recognize that the Trump administration' policies are a great benefit for people of faith in America, and we are on the cusp of America's Golden Age because of them," said Roberts, the Heritage president.

Trump showed no signs of heeding conservative activists calls for an offline summit between the two. Instead he called out Leo again over the pontiff's objection to the war in a late night April 14 post on Truth Social.

"Will someone please tell Pope Leo that Iran has killed at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months, and that for Iran to have a nuclear bomb is absolutely unacceptable," Trump said.

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Buchanan, the GOP pollster, said that events in April rarely affect the November elections but that Trump and his allies must be careful given how Catholics are swinging against the administration.

Polling shows a majority of Catholics, like most Americans, believe that Trump is doing a poor job as president and that they agree with Leo in opposing the Iran war.

A survey in March conducted jointly by Republican pollster Shaw & Co. Research and Democratic pollster Beacon Research before Trump's squabble with Leo erupted showed 52% of Catholics disapprove of Trump's performance as president. The poll showed 60% of Catholics disapprove of the war.

Asked how Republican contenders who hope Trump backs off while they seek reelection should talk to voters about the back-and-forth, Buchanan said they should change the subject: "My response would be: 'How about them Yankees?'"

This story has been updated to include new information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's attack on Pope Leo XIV may hurt GOP with Catholic voters
Words are one thing; actions are another. It is one thing for Erdogan to fulminate regularly against Israel. But talk of invasion?

The Turkish-initiated war of words with Israel, which ebbs and flows depending on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans moods and domestic political situation, risked spilling overboard when The Telegraph reported that he had threatened to invade Israel.

The only problem with the story is that the threat was not carried out, at least not yet. According to the report, Erdogan indicated that Turkey could use military force against Israel over its actions in Lebanon, citing past Turkish interventions in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh and saying there was no reason not to act.

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But the story was apparently based on an old quote, something Erdogan reportedly said in 2024 about Gaza, not in the current context. That distinction, given the ongoing war in the Middle East, is not trivial. It is crucial.

Equally telling was the response.

The Center for Combating Disinformation  a name that sounds like something out of a Monty Python sketch  a bureau within the office of Turkeys presidency, quickly issued a statement rejecting as unfounded claims that Erdogan had suggested Turkey might invade Israel.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attends a signing ceremony during his official visit at the National Palace in Addis Ababa on February 17, 2026. (credit: Marco Simoncelli / AFP via Getty Images)

The assertions in these posts do not reflect the facts and constitute narratives intended to undermine regional stability, the statement said, adding that manipulative content that seeks to distort Turkiyes efforts and humanitarian stance should not be given credence.

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What is striking here is not only the denial itself, but the fact that such a denial was deemed necessary. Erdogan  who regularly compares Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hitler, calls Israel a terrorist state, and accuses it of genocide  is not exactly known for rhetorical restraint.

Words over actions

Yet here, the Turkish government moved quickly to draw a line. Words are one thing; actions are another, the statement effectively suggested. It is one thing for Erdogan to fulminate regularly against Israel. But talk of invasion?

That crosses into a different category  one with potential consequences.

Turkey is not the only country that maintains such a body to address misinformation and false reports, but governments typically do not mobilize these units or issue formal statements in response to a single media report unless they perceive a risk.

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And in this case, Ankara clearly did.

The primary risk is misinterpretation, which can lead to escalation. If Erdogan were understood to be issuing an actual threat, Israel could treat it as signaling and respond accordingly. Others  including the US  might also feel compelled to react.

The combating disinformation units intervention, therefore, appears less about correcting the record in a narrow sense and more about preventing a narrative from becoming perceived policy.

That risk was not theoretical.

The narrative was already gaining traction, prompting a feature in Israel Hayom on Tuesday asking, Could Turkey Really Invade Israel?  a question that, once posed, begins to shape perceptions regardless of the underlying facts and one that cuts against Ankaras effort to position itself, alongside Pakistan and Egypt, as a mediator in the current crisis with Iran.

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The timing only heightened those concerns. The report surfaced just days after a Turkish court indicted Netanyahu and 35 other Israelis, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, for the naval interception of the Sumud Gaza flotilla last year that included Greta Thunberg.

Netanyahu, Katz, and Ben-Gvir all responded sharply on social media to the indictments. Netanyahu accused Erdogan of accommodating terrorists and massacring his own Kurdish citizens.

Katz called him a paper tiger who failed to respond to Iranian missile fire on Turkish territory and said he would do well to sit quietly and shut up. Ben-Gvir dispensed with all subtlety: Erdogan, do you understand English? F*** you.

Ankaras response only deepened the rhetorical clash.

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The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a statement describing Netanyahu as someone who has been described as the Hitler of our time  a striking claim, particularly coming from a ministry that houses a bureau dedicated to combating disinformation.

Netanyahus 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 statement read.

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.

That escalation was evident elsewhere as well.

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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Monday that Israel cannot live without an enemy and was now trying to cast Turkey in that role  a sign that, even as Ankara moved to tamp down interpretations of military intent, the rhetorical temperature between the two countries continued to rise.

Fidans comment is also more than a little ironic, given that it is Erdogan who, for much of the past two decades, has cast Israel as an adversary  a posture that has served both to elevate his standing in the Arab and Muslim worlds and to score points at home when politically expedient.

All of this formed the backdrop when The Telegraph published the story  one it later removed, with a senior editor acknowledging on X/Twitter that the quotes were either old or possibly fabricated, and issued an apology.

Turkey has long walked a tightrope: on the one hand, extremely harsh rhetoric toward Israel; on the other, a consistent avoidance of direct military involvement. The rhetoric bolsters its standing in parts of the Muslim world, but it has not translated into any move toward direct military confrontation with Israel.

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This is not the first time Erdogans rhetoric has edged toward implied action without crossing into it.

In the aftermath of the Mavi Marmara flotilla incident in 2010, he warned that Turkey could send naval escorts to future ships, signaling a willingness to challenge Israel at sea. That, too, stopped short of implementation.

The pattern is familiar: threatening language implying capability without committing to it  strong enough to resonate and win points for Erdogan among the publics he is courting, but non-committal enough to walk back.

With this latest denial, Ankara is not so much retreating from its rhetoric as clarifying its limits.

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Despite all the incendiary language, Turkey has been careful not to cross the line from words to deeds.

Ankaras concern this time seemed to be that the line might blur, that rhetoric could become perceived intent, and that this perceived intent could then lead to miscalculations that would only add fuel to a region already in flames  and that at a time when Turkey, no less, wants to play the role of mediator in the current crisis with Iran.
April 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. military on Monday conducted another strike of an alleged drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing two people, U.S. Southern Command said.

The boat was the 50th that the Trump administration said it has attacked with use of the U.S. military to combat drug crimes since operations began in early September, according to a Pentagon posture statement from mid-March and subsequent SOUTHCOM releases.

With two killed, the known death toll rises to 170, according to UPI's tally of the available figures.

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As has been the case with previous strikes, little information about the Monday attack was made public.

Without providing evidence, SOUTHCOM alleged in a statement that the attacked vessel was operated by unidentified designated terrorist organizations and that intelligence confirmed it was "transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations."

On social media, SOUTHCOM released an 18-second black-and-white video of the attack. The aerial footage shows a small boat appearing at rest on the ocean. A series of explosions disrupt the quiet of the scene, engulfing the vessel in flames. As the flames dissipate, smoke emanates from the vessel.

Applying total systemic friction on the cartels. On April 13, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations. Intelligence confirmed the... pic.twitter.com/zZQKEPiSoI U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) April 13, 2026

On Saturday, the U.S. military killed five people on two alleged drug-trafficking boats, leaving one survivor, who SOUTHCOM said was to be rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

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UPI has contacted the U.S. Coast Guard for confirmation.

The survivor's condition was unknown.

The U.S. military has been conducting what it calls "lethal kinetic strikes" targeting alleged drug-trafficking boats since Sept. 2 as part of President Donald Trump's anti-drug trafficking agenda.

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has designated 10 drug cartels and gangs a terrorist organizations and has defended the use of the military by claiming the United States is in "armed conflict" with them.

Democrats, human rights organizations and United Nations experts have repeatedly condemned the strikes as unlawful or extrajudicial killings, arguing the Trump administration is using the military to conduct what are ostensibly law enforcement operations and then executing suspects without due process.

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In early November, about a month after the U.S. conducted its first strike, a group of U.N. experts condemned the attacks as "unlawful killings carried out by order of a government, without judicial or legal process allowing due process of law."

President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has separately accused the U.S. government of murdering a fisherman in one of the U.S. military's early strikes.

Monday's attack was the fifth publicly acknowledged attack on boats in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean since the U.S.-Israel war against Iran began on Feb. 28.
The U.S. Postal Service has been in financial trouble before. But after almost two decades of running at a loss, real changes might be needed.

Postmaster General David Steiner warned lawmakers in March that without congressional intervention, USPS will run out of cash in less than a yearand may be unable to deliver mail.

The agency has reported net losses of $118 billion since 2007, driven by a steady decline in first-class mail. It funds itself through stamps and service fees, not tax dollars. Without congressional action, service cuts and slowdowns are increasingly on the table.

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For most Americans, that might sound like a distant political problem. But homeownership generates a surprising amount of mail dependency. And in rural areas, where homeownership rates are higher than the national average and older residents make up a larger share of the population than in cities, the potential consequences are significant.

If USPS runs out of money, we may see reduced delivery days, slower service windows, and post office closures in lower-volume areaschanges that would fall hardest on the communities least equipped to absorb them.

Documents can be more mail-dependent than you think

For most Americans, bill payment has moved onlineand that trend is only accelerating. But homeownership still generates a meaningful stream of physical documents that haven't fully followed: property tax assessments, legal notices, deed transfers, and certified HOA correspondence among them. Many of these carry deadlines, and delays or missed delivery can result in late fees, lapses in coverage, or compliance issues.

The mail dependency is more pronounced among older homeowners. According to a USPS survey, households headed by someone 55 or older paid 18% of their bills by mail, compared to 7% for younger households.

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"Homeowners will suffer with current mail services," says Ben Mizes, a real estate agent and president of Clever Real Estate. "Checks, insurance documents, tax documents, legal documents, along with multiple other time-sensitive documents can be delivered delayed, be lost, and be destroyed."

Mizes adds that business owners who ship products, send invoices, or handle contracts by mail may face delays that hurt both customer trust and cash flowand for a one-person operation running out of a spare bedroom, there's little wiggle room to absorb the hit.

Who's most at risk

The homeowners with the most to lose from USPS disruptions are older residents in rural areas. Adults 65 and older make up about 21% of the rural population, compared to 17% in metro areas, and more than 80% of rural households in that age group own their homes.

An older homeowner who no longer drives, or who lives far from the nearest town, may depend on mail delivery for things that younger or more urban residents handle digitally or in person: prescription medications, utility bills, legal documents, correspondence with government agencies. Lose the mail, and the workarounds that everyone else takes for granteddrive to the pharmacy, swing by the bankaren't always available.

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USPS delivers an estimated 1.2 billion prescription drug shipments a year, and the number of pharmacies in rural communities declined by 5.9% between 2018 and 2023. For older rural residents without broadbandmore than 20% of the population in seven of the 15 most rural states lacked access in 2024mail is also the primary channel for bills, correspondence, and deliveries that everyone else handles online.

There's also a less visible service that USPS provides in rural areas that no private carrier replicates: informal welfare checks. Rural mail carriers visit the same addresses six days a week and often know their routes intimately. For elderly residents living alone, that kind of regular human contact has real safety value that's difficult to quantify or replicate with digital connection.

The on-the-ground perspective is more complicated

That said, todays reality is more nuanced than the headlines suggest. Claudia Zucker, a real estate agent who works extensively in the Catskills region of upstate New York, says USPS service hasn't come up as a meaningful concern among the buyers she works with.

"The big question has always been, does it have internet?" she says. "Most people do everything online."

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Zucker, who is 77, notes that even among older buyers and residents in her market, digital adoption is high.

Still, Zucker doesn't dismiss the loss of the postal service as inconsequential.

"It's such a traditional, historical institution," she says. "It would be a shame to see it go."

The postal service has operated continuously since the founding of the country, and post offices have long functioned as community anchors in small towns, particularly in areas where other public services are scarce.

Not all rural markets are equal. Areas within reach of major metros, with improving broadband and an influx of remote workers, are a different story than more remote communities in Appalachia, the Mississippi Delta, or the Great Plains, where geographic isolation is more severe and the postal service has fewer substitutes.

What it could mean for property values

The longer-term question for homeowners is whether sustained USPS service cuts could eventually affect property valuesparticularly in areas where mail service is already thin. Mizes thinks the risk is real.

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"Less USPS service means less accessibility and connection for an area," he says. "If a region has sparse mail service, buyers will determine less value in homes in that area." He frames it as a quality-of-life signal: buyers weighing two otherwise comparable homes will factor in the reliability of local services, and mail is one of them.

Zucker is more skeptical that it would move the needle for buyers right now, but doesn't dismiss the longer-term concern. "I just see it as an issue for the future," she says. "As sad as I think it is to see an institution disappear, I don't know that people care enough about it right now."

Perhaps what makes a lack of USPS service so hard to quantify for agents like Zucker is that its hard to imagine a world without it. For millions of Americans, particularly in low-density and rural communities, the mail remains essential and consistent infrastructuredelivering prescription medications, ballots, and online purchases, and supporting local small-business activity. Whether a financial collapse actually translates into meaningful service cuts, and how quickly homeowners feel the effects, depends largely on whether Congress actsand on which side of the services gap you happen to live.
Ukraine has been secretly conducting air-based space launches while at war with Russia, a lawmaker said.

He said two rockets launched from 26,000 feet in Ukrainian airspace crossed the Karman line.

Fedir Venislavskyi said the tech could help pave the way to counter Russia's Oreshnik missile.

A senior Ukrainian lawmaker said his country quietly launched two rockets into space some time ago using a flying carrier, touting it as a potential means to one day counter Russia's hypersonic missiles.

Fedir Venislavskyi, the head of the Ukrainian parliament's subcommittee on state security, defense, and defense innovations, told local media outlet RBC Ukraine that the space launches were conducted while Kyiv was actively fighting Russia's invasion.

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"During the war, Ukraine launched a rocket launcher from a transport aircraft at an altitude of approximately 8,000 meters, which could potentially also be used to launch various types of spacecraft into orbit," Venislavskyi said in the interview, published Monday.

The lawmaker didn't say exactly when the launches occurred, but that they were carried out under Kyrylo Budanov when the latter was head of Ukraine's intelligence services, or GUR. Budanov led GUR until early January, when he was appointed to run Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's office.

Air-based space launches aren't new, but are a largely niche concept. Northrop Grumman, for example, has been developing the Pegasus rocket, which is launched from an aircraft at 39,000 feet.

Between 2017 and 2023, Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit also experimented with launching payloads into low-Earth orbit from a Boeing 747, with four successful missions.

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Per Venislavskyi, one Ukrainian rocket reached an altitude of about 62 miles, while a second reached 124 miles. The 62-mile mark is generally known as the Karman line, widely accepted by scientists as the boundary of space.

Launching the rocket from 8,000 meters, or 26,000 feet, allows it to expend less fuel because it would partially avoid denser parts of the atmosphere, Venislavskyi said.

He added that Ukraine aims to soon establish an initial network of about seven to 10 satellites for surveillance and communications.

"We have created an air system that can become an air spaceport in the short term. It can be used for peaceful purposes as well as to counter "Oreshnik." That is, launch missiles not from the ground, but from the air," Venislavskyi said.

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Oreshnik is an experimental Russian hypersonic ballistic missile that travels in the upper atmosphere, making its trajectory difficult to detect or intercept. It's also believed to use a Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) payload, meaning it splits into multiple targets for air defense systems upon re-entry into Earth's lower atmosphere.

Russia has hailed the Oreshnik as "unstoppable," first using the missile against Ukraine in November 2024, though the attack was reported to have contained dummy explosives.

While widely seen as a move by Russia to flex its tech, the launch has heightened pressure on the West and Ukraine to develop ways to counter such missiles. China is also known to field an arsenal of missiles that use similar or even more advanced hypersonic technology.

If feasible, air-based space launches may be useful for rapid or cheaper launches of air defenses or detection systems. The US has been prototyping space-based interceptors that, in theory, would spot and shoot down hypersonic missiles in the upper atmosphere.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Ariba Shahid and Mubasher Bukhari

ISLAMABAD, April 14 (Reuters) - Negotiating teams from the U.S. and Iran could return to Pakistan later this week to resume negotiations to end the war in the Gulf, Pakistani and Iranian officials said on Tuesday, days after the first peace talks ended without a breakthrough.

There was no immediate confirmation from U.S. officials about the plans, which the Iranian and Pakistani officials discussed on condition of anonymity.

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A source who has been involved in the talks said a proposal had been sent to Washington and Tehran for the delegations to return to Islamabad to resume discussions. No date had yet been decided but both countries could return as early as the end of this week.

An official at the Iranian embassy in Islamabad said: "The coming rounds of talks can come sometime later this week or earlier next week. But nothing is finalised as of now."

Earlier, a senior Iranian source told Reuters: "No firm date has been set, with the delegations keeping Friday through Sunday open."

A senior Pakistani official said Islamabad had reached out to Iran "and we got a positive response that they will be open to a second round of talks".

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The official and a second Pakistani source said Islamabad was communicating with both sides about the timing of the next round, and the meeting would be likely to take place over the coming weekend.

Last weekend's meeting in Pakistan's capital to resolve the conflict between the U.S. and Iran, held four days after the announcement of a ceasefire, reached no breakthrough. It was the first direct encounter between U.S. and Iranian officials in more than a decade, and the most senior engagement since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Pakistan's foreign ministry, military and prime minister's office did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The White House also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf led their respective delegations in the last round of talks.

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Issues under contention include the Strait of Hormuz, a major transit point for global energy supplies that Iran has effectively blocked but the U.S. has vowed to reopen, as well as Iran's nuclear programme and international sanctions on Tehran.

Vance told reporters after the talks ended: "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."

(Reporting by Ariba Shahid and Asif Shahzad in Islamabad, Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore; Writing by Saad Sayeed and Shilpa Jamkhandikar; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Sharon Singleton, Peter Graff)
By Andrea Shalal

WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday China had been an unreliable global partner during the Middle East war by hoarding oil supplies and limiting exports of some goods, mirroring its actions with medical goods during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bessent told reporters he had spoken with Chinese officials about the issue. He declined to answer a question about whether the dispute would derail U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to visit Beijing in mid-May, but said Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had a very good working relationship.

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"I think the message for the visit is stability. We've had great stability in the relationship since last summer; that emanates from the top down," he said. "I think that communication is the key."

But Bessent took China to task for its actions during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which has sent oil prices up by as much as 50% and triggered supply chain disruptions.

"China has been an unreliable global partner three times in the past five years; once during COVID, when they hoarded healthcare products, second on rare earth," Bessent said, referring to Beijing's threat last year to curb rare earth exports.

Now it was stockpiling more oil instead of helping to ease the global demand shortage caused by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of the world's oil, he said.

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China already had a strategic petroleum reserve that was roughly the same size as that of the entire reserve held by the 32-member International Energy Agency, but it was continuing to purchase oil. "They continued buying, and they've been hoarding, and they have cut off exports of many products," Bessent said.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said the shortages facing the global energy market were rooted in "the tense situation in the Middle East" and called for an immediate end to military operations there.

"The pressing task is to put an end to military operations at once and prevent the turmoil in the Middle East from further impacting the global economy," Liu said, adding that China had been working actively to end the conflict and would "continue playing a constructive role."

The International Monetary Fund, World Bank and International Energy Agency on Monday urged countries to avoid hoarding energy supplies and imposing export controls that could worsen what they called the biggest shock ever to the global energy market. They did not identify specific countries.

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The U.S. military on Monday began a blockade of ships leaving Iran's ports and Tehran threatened to retaliate against its Gulf neighbors' ports, after weekend talks in Islamabad on ending the war broke down. Oil prices jumped back over $100 per barrel, with no sign of a swift reopening of the strait.

Bessent told reporters earlier that the blockade would ensure that no Chinese ships or others would be allowed to pass the strait. "So they're not going to be able to get their oil. They can get oil. Not Iranian oil," Bessent said, adding that China had been buying more than 90% of Iranian oil, which constituted about 8% of its annual purchases.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Katharine Jackson and Andrea Ricci)
Vice President Vance on Monday said he was sad about Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans reelection loss, but he defended his last-minute visit to the nation to show support for the key ally of President Trump.

The Hungarian leaders 16 years in power came to a close after center-right Tisza Party leader Peter Magyar won the majority of votes on Sunday. Orban conceded, with the far-right prime ministers Fidesz Party also losing control of Hungarys parliament.

We didnt go because we expected Viktor Orban to cruise to an election victory, Vance told Fox News on Monday evening. We went because it was the right thing to do to stand behind a person who had stood by us for a very long time.

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The vice president called Orbans legacy transformational, adding that he stumped for the prime minister knowing there was a good chance that Viktor would lose that election.

We did it because hes one of the few European leaders weve seen who has been willing to stand up to the bureaucracy of Brussels, he said.

Vance held a rally in Budapest last week to boost Orban, defending his immigration policies and defiance toward the European Union. Vance himself also went after the European Union at the rally, accusing its members of holding down the people of Hungary because they dont like the leader who has actually stood up for the people of Hungary.

Trump did not attend the rally but made remarks to the crowd by phone. He also praised Orbans immigration policies and told Hungarian voters that their prime minister kept the country strong, Politico reported.

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An unnamed political ally of Vance told the outlet that the vice president has to be aware of the parallels between what led to Orbans ousting and Trumps dropping poll numbers in the U.S. following the start of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. They said it was a setback for him and for a leader they really thought would be there for a long time.

But I dont see them rethinking the philosophical underpinnings that are at the core of the [National Security Strategy], the ally told Politico. Euro-scepticism isnt going anywhere.

Orbans support from the administration drew criticism from Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who accused U.S. conservatives of falsely believing that the outgoing prime minister made Hungary stronger as an oasis of traditionalism.

To be clear, it is a myth, McConnell wrote in a Fox News opinion piece on Monday. Orbans champions on this side of the Atlantic may well consider his illiberal court-packing, crony capitalism or restriction of free speech an acceptable price for their desired social utopia.

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He added, Yet for all the talk of reviving faith and family through statist intervention, Hungarys religious participation and birth rates under his rule have declined right alongside the rest of the West.

The Kentucky Republican also slammed Orbans fealty to Moscow, referring to his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and opposition to the European Unions support for Ukraine and imposing of sanctions on Russia.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.




Theres too much on the line to do nothing. Amid a raft of federal, state and local funding cuts, Austins SAFE Alliance faces having to cut essential services and facilities for domestic violence victims, including a shelter, supervised visitation and most of Travis County's sexual assault forensic exams.

The current political climate has not been favorable to social services. Organizations like SAFE Alliance are seeing funding sources dry up from all levels of government. Other health care institutions are not responsible for keeping SAFE Alliance afloat amid the drought. But for the benefit of the community  not to mention the added burden that would shift to hospitals without SAFE Alliance services  we urge Central Health and the hospitals serving Austin to extend support to this vital nonprofit.

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In our view, Central Health, Travis Countys taxpayer-funded hospital district, should lead the way. Providing funding to SAFE Alliance would align with Central Health's mission of building a health care ecosystem sustained by compassion, dignity, and transparency by sustaining a lifeline for victims in the county.

City leaders have been in talks with Central Health and several private hospital systems, including Ascension Seton, St. Davids, Baylor Scott & White and Texas Childrens, to seek contributions that would allow SAFE Alliance to continue providing crucial services to survivors.

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SAFE Alliances Eloise House performed 600 sexual assault forensic exams last year, Chief Executive Officer Pierre Berastain told the Statesmans Austin Sanders. Thats 95% of all exams in the county. If SAFE Alliance can no longer meet that need, the demand will shift to Texas hospitals, which are required by law to provide sexual assault forensic exams to any victim who requests one.

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Importantly, Eloise House offers these exams in a setting with less wait time and greater victim support than a hospital ER  meaning more compassionate care for survivors and a greater chance they will seek the exams that are crucial for prosecutions.

A spokesperson for Central Health said that while no formal funding request to support SAFE Alliance has been made, it is coordinating with city and community partners to better understand the impact of the funding challenges it and other social services organizations face. State law and the Texas Constitution put restrictions on how Central Health can use public funds. Any funding would need to be approved by the Central Health Board of Managers and the Travis County Commissioners Court.

SAFE Alliance's services are vital to the health and well-being of Travis County residents, and Central Health strongly supports its mission and the critical work they do for survivors across our community, the spokesperson said.

SAFE Alliance has lost $2 million in state funding and $1.4 million in federal funding, on top of a $313,344 budget cut from the city after Austin voters last year rejected the Proposition Q property tax hike. Another $3 million in federal funding is uncertain  part of the tax reform and budget cuts that the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive think tank, said would have dire consequences for low-income Americans.

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Theres little chance well see that turn around under the current administration. President Donald Trumps recent budget request to Congress includes what the Center for American Progress called historic cuts in domestic funding. The city of Austin still provides nearly $4 million to SAFE Alliance, but amid the funding cuts from other levels of government, the community faces a painful choice: step up with necessary funding or watch vital services slip away.

We recognize this moment represents an unusual ask of Central Health and the private hospital systems. But we urge them to invest now in SAFE Alliance and the victims who depend on it.
ISLAMABAD, April 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams could return to the Pakistani capital Islamabad for peace talks later this week, Reuters quoted multiple sources as reporting on Tuesday. 
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR)  The mayor of Blacksburg is urging Virginia Tech officials to delay a proposed housing policy change, warning it could strain the towns housing market and public services while accelerating student enrollment growth.

In a letter dated April 9, Mayor Michael Sutphin raised concerns about a resolution under consideration by the universities Board of Visitors that would reallocate on-campus housing to prioritize first-year and transfer students. The change would effectively eliminate the universities Living-Learning Programs as currently structured and free up additional residence hall spaces.

Sutphin says the proposal, while framed around affordability and efficiency, could lead to a significant increase in freshman enrollment without a corresponding long-term housing strategy. The mayor warns that such growth would push more upperclassmen into Blacksburgs private housing market in later years.

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Taken at face value, the resolution suggests the university may substantially increase its freshman class size. Any such increase would generate corresponding off-campus housing demand in later years as those students move into the community for their sophomore, junior, and senior years, Sutphin said, adding that the shift could take away from previously approved enrollment plans, known as the Student Life Village framework. This framework had been intended to add substantial on-campus housing capacity.

The letter from Mayor Sutphin states Virginia Tech currently maintains more than 10,500 on-campus beds and has previously approved an additional 1,200. The university enrolled more than 7,000 first-year students and over 1,000 transfer students last fall, according to Blacksburgs mayor.

Sutphin argues that fully utilizing newly available beds would likely require continued enrollment increases in future years. Additionally, there is a particular concern about the downstream effects on housing availability, transportation, utilities and public safety.

First-year students may occupy newly available beds for only one year, but absent a commensurate expansion of upper-class housing, many of these students will enter Blacksburgs limited private housing market for the remainder of their time at Virginia Tech. That pattern would place growing pressure not only on rental supply but also on transportation, utilities, and public safety services planned and financed by the Town rather than the university, Sutphin said in the April 9 letter.

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The letter also pointed out the statewide implications of the proposed policy. Sutphin says the decision could shift financial and infrastructure burdens to local governments and influence enrollment patterns across Virginias higher education systems.

Sutphin says, The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), the Governors Office, and members of the General Assembly should understand this not simply as a campus program decision, but as a policy choice with consequences for local infrastructure and the distribution of students among Virginias public institutions.

The mayor called on the Board of Visitors to defer action on the resolution until the university provides clearer data. Adding, the data needs to answer whether the additional beds would increase enrollment, projections of off-campus housing demand and include a plan for coordinating with local and state agencies.

The Town of Blacksburg also requests a formal consultation process before any decision is made.

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Despite the concern, Blacksburg Mayor Sutphin emphasized the towns partnership with Virginia Tech. He calls the university an essential institutional partner and urges transparent planning to ensure long-term sustainability for both the campus and the surrounding community.

WFXR has reached out to VT for a statement and has not received a response at the time the story was published.

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 WFXRtv.
Vista Maria, a child welfare agency in Dearborn Heights, is facing a civil lawsuit in which five women and one girl claim the Dearborn Heights nonprofit that was supposed to protect them became a "house of horrors."

The lawsuit  which was filed Monday, April 13, in Wayne County Circuit Court  accused the nonprofit of more than two decades of psychological, physical and sexual abuse, as well as ongoing neglect and trauma.

"All plaintiffs were minors at the time they were placed into Vista Maria," the announcement from the two firms filing the suit  Grewal Law in Okemos, and Moose Law in Farmington Hills  said the plaintiffs had "no reason to suspect the facility would become a house of horrors" or that others "would cause them injury."

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The lawyers said there were more cases, and that they were seeking police reports of criminal investigations. But in many other cases, they the firms said, too much time has passed for them to be pursued in court.

The Free Press left a phone and two email messages with Vista Maria, which traces its origins in metro Detroit back more than a century to the late 1800s. The agency has been under increasing scrutiny by news outlets in recent months.

A message was also left with Dearborn Heights police.

In November, Police Chief Ahmed Haidar said at a news conference that problems at the agency came to light in May, and, at the time, said police had received 500 calls in just one year.

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Many of the calls, he said, were connected to conflicts between residents and staff.

Ayanna Neal of Grewal Law framed the lawsuit as an effort to seek justice.

"The claims laid out by each survivor were hard to believe at first," Neal, who publicly raised the allegations at a news conference in February, said. But the attorneys found "their stories were too similar to be made up."

Vista Marias residential program closed amid challenges

Vista Maria announced in October that it was ending its residential youth treatment program, which had dwindled to just 11 girls, who were being relocated to other facilities. It also said that about 150 staff would be laid off.

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Vista Maria blamed a combination of factors, which it identified as "social, systemic and regulatory," that had "made it increasingly challenging to care for youth whose mental health needs have grown more acute and complex."

At the time, though, it emphasized it is not closing.

More: Vista Maria in Dearborn Heights ending youth residential program, 150 staff face layoffs

But, the agency clarified, it would "continue to strengthen our community-based programs, such as foster care, independent living, and juvenile justice services, which serve hundreds of young people and families each year."

Vista Marias long history in metro Detroit

A fixture in the metro Detroit community for years, five Sisters of the Good Shepherd established the home on Fort Street in Detroit in 1883 as a place for young girls and women who were struggling.

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By the turn of the century, more than 200 were being cared for by the sisters. The Ford family later deeded the 50 acres on West Warren Avenue in Dearborn Heights to the agency for $1 and helped build residence halls, a school and auditorium.

In 1942, the House of the Good Shepherd became Vista Maria.

Allegations range from humiliation to sexual abuse

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs detailed abuse ranging from suffering, from embarrassment and humiliation to emotional distress, depression, and psychological harm and physical injuries requiring medical treatment.

The plaintiffs and other survivors mentioned in the suit were placed at Vista Maria by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services through family court orders in a juvenile or neglect and abuse case or through a foster care placement.

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Of the six in the lawsuit that was filed, five are now adults and one is a teenager.

They said they were sexually assaulted, given marijuana, stripped naked and locked in a room, denied food, encouraged to fight as staff watched, smacked with rulers, and threatened with punishment if they told anyone what had happened.

In many cases, the statute of limitations had lapsed for bringing a suit, but for one of the plaintiffs, who is now 40, ongoing therapy recently uncovered previously suppressed memories of abuse that occurred at age 13 while living at Vista Maria, which is an exception to the time limitation.

Attorneys say more victims may come forward

The two firms bringing the lawsuit also claimed there are more victims and more lawsuits could be filed, a threat that is often used as a settlement strategy. Fifty-five former Vista Maria residents, the firm said, allege "sexual, emotional, and physical abuse while living as children at the facility."

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More survivors, the firms added, could come forward.

"This is not just about what happened to a few individuals," said Moose Scheib of Moose Law, adding that the women were abused for years. "This is about a system that failed the vulnerable young women it was entrusted to protect."

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Vista Maria child welfare agency faces civil lawsuit alleging abuse
Five months before Arielle Fodor, better known on social media as Mrs. Frazzled, helped set in motion the downfall of Rep. Eric Swalwell, she was singing his praises on Instagram.

You know how I love to tell you when I meet a politician who acts like a normal human and not a robot! she posted the day after the California Democrat launched his campaign for governor. Eric is that.

It was a fairly anodyne post for Fodor, a prodigious professional poster. But it drew an unusual response: Three people privately warning her that Swalwell was no good.

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Those messages were the embers of a firestorm that in short order incinerated Swalwells campaign, and is now engulfing what remains of his political career.

Swalwell suspended his campaign Sunday, days after multiple news outlets reported on allegations that he sexually harassed women, had sexual relationships with subordinate staff and, in two cases, committed sexual assault. Swalwell has denied accusations he had nonconsensual sex with anybody, though he acknowledged personal failings.

The broad contours of Swalwells alleged behavior, if not the specifics, did not come as a surprise to many working in and around politics, especially in Washington. The 45-year-old cable news darling and Trump antagonist had developed a reputation for unsavory and sometimes unwanted behavior toward women. Those warnings were shared in whisper networks but rarely traveled outside the circle of political insiders.

That is, until Swalwell sought a promotion to lead the nations most populous state and a pair of content creators worked to spill that open secret into public view. His breakneck undoing is a testament to the striking power of a new media ecosystem in which influencers with huge audiences can not only publicize politicians, but control the political conversation. Their growing clout has thrust campaigns into a new digital Wild West, where long-buried allegations and unsubstantiated rumors can find their earliest stages of vetting, a warning for politicians at all levels, including in the run-up to 2028.

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On paper, it was a lopsided matchup. Swalwell had a national profile and support from many in the Democratic Party apparatus. Fodor and another content creator, Cheyenne Hunt  along with behind-the-scenes help from Hunts friend, a woman who alleged she had been personally harassed by Swalwell and still remains anonymous  had their keyboards and iPhone cameras.

People were saying, Theyre paid. This is [backed by] a billionaire. This is Roger Stone. This is MAGA, Fodor said. In the end, it was three women in a group chat trying everything in our power. It really has just been us.

Swalwell did not respond to a request for comment on a detailed list of questions. This account is based on 20 interviews with campaign staffers, content creators, lawmakers, and people from major labor and business organizations. Many were granted anonymity to speak candidly about private discussions.

Together, they tell the story of Swalwells political implosion  and a political establishment now confronting its own role enabling his rise.

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Were we willing to delude ourselves or not ask questions that should have been asked? One thousand percent, said one veteran Sacramento lobbyist who worked with interests backing Swalwell. Did people see what they want to see or hear what they want to hear or not ask the questions they didnt want the answers to? One thousand percent.

::

Endorse at your own peril people

Through his ubiquitous cable news hits and prominent roles in President Donald Trumps two impeachments, Swalwell had made himself a national figure in Democratic politics. But when he launched his campaign for governor on Nov. 20, he was essentially a stranger in Californias political circles.

He was so unfamiliar with his states capital city that, while gazing at the view of the Capitol dome from a nearby high-rise, he pointed at the construction for the sprawling, $1.1 billion state office overhaul alongside it and asked if they were building condos, according to someone who heard the comment.

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But as he courted political insiders, Swalwells blank slate became the pitch. People could see what they wanted to see  to progressive labor unions, he was an anti-Trump warrior, to business groups, he was a moderate ex-prosecutor. His campaign strategists would acknowledge to lobbyists he was light on policy, but argued that just meant he was still malleable.

The something for everyone pitch arrived precisely when Sacramento power players were feeling especially gloomy about the governors race. Many had waited to see if Kamala Harris would jump in and then pinned their hopes on Alex Padilla; both opting out of the race threw the contest wide open. Now it was November, and practically none of the major interests had chosen a candidate. Operatives were getting antsy.

The top three contenders  Swalwell, Katie Porter and Tom Steyer  were all relative outsiders to the insular world of the Capitol. Swalwell relied on two of his House colleagues, Reps. Adam Gray and Jimmy Gomez, who both served in the state Legislature, to introduce him around town. Gradually, key members of Gavin Newsoms circle joined his campaign, and the governors chief consulting firm Bearstar Strategies stood up a pro-Swalwell independent expenditure committee. Newsom never endorsed in the contest, but having his team on board boosted Swalwells credibility.

But as Swalwell was cruising into the upper echelons of the political class, he was dogged by a social media post that Mike Trujillo, a longtime political consultant, had dashed off in early December.

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I guess Swalwell can enjoy today but folks know he slept with many of his interns while he was married, sexually harassed others while engaged, has a ton of weird texts late at night saved on former interns phones still, he gets he will have to answer for his [sic] later in the campaign, right? Endorse at your own peril people. Yo [sic] have been fully warned, just doing my public service today, he wrote.

Swalwell had been on Trujillos radar since 2017, after he said he heard a story  which has not been independently confirmed by POLITICO  about a friend of a friend who had a negative experience with the congressmember. Throughout the years, he had collected similar accounts, especially during Swalwells short-lived presidential campaign in 2019. When Swalwell went back to being one of 435 members of Congress, he found women who had been willing to talk lost interest in sharing their stories. But now, Swalwell was seeking a more powerful job.

Trujillos post went viral, getting more than 140,000 views. And it caught the attention of the Swalwell campaign, which sent him a cease-and-desist letter. Trujillo complied, but figured it was inevitable that Swalwells behavior would come to light.

I thought, Holy shit, everyone knows this is a thing. Thisll be the easiest story ever, Trujillo said. He continued to pitch reporters on what he knew.

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Swalwells allies were quick to discredit the source, as Trujillo is known for his social media bomb-throwing. He is also a longtime aide to Antonio Villaraigosa, who is running for governor, and was working on an outside committee to support the former Los Angeles mayor.

Still, the rumors circulated enough that power brokers were compelled to bring them up to Swalwell directly. In endorsement interviews and over meals, he was asked if there was anything to the chatter, anything in his past that could damage not only him, but his supporters. Swalwell insisted there was not. He told people he was one of Trumps favorite targets; surely, if there were any skeletons in his closet, the presidents MAGA legion would have found them.

I asked Eric a lot of questions, and people that were close to him questions: Is there anything? You dont have to tell me what, said Ian Calderon, a former state lawmaker who ended his own campaign for governor in March and endorsed Swalwell. I told him, There are no secrets in politics, and if there is something, it will come out. He was indignant and adamant.

Swalwells campaign aides encouraged Sacramento insiders to ask him directly about the rumors. Surrogates and staffers amplified his denials, passing the message along: Theres nothing to worry about. Allegations circulating are just rival campaigns looking to drag Swalwell down.

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I told him, Theyre going to ask some really tough questions. He answered them all perfectly. Everyone called back and said, He denied this, denied that. Were satisfied, a senior campaign leader said. The dude deserves a fucking Academy Award for liar of the year.

To Sacramento insiders used to politicians hedging their language, the flat denials sounded definitive.

Were so used to the qualifiers  and [he said] I have never had any kind of relationship with anybody that I work with, said one influential operative. I feel so fucking stupid.

Members of Congress said they also took Swalwell and key surrogates at their word. Two dozen of his colleagues endorsed him, lending his campaign credibility and a veneer of establishment backing. They have all since pulled their endorsements while voicing shock at the allegations.

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These members, if they thought there was anything  do you think they would have endorsed him? said one lawmaker who supported Swalwell.

Many players took his assertions at face value or put perfunctory effort into digging around themselves. Meanwhile, the money was beginning to flow, and both pro-Swalwell and anti-Steyer outside groups were hitting the airwaves.

He was about to be the next governor, said the senior campaign leader. He was a week or two shy. You could feel the momentum. Everybody believed it.

A horrible rumor

The messages Fodor got after her enthusiastic Swalwell post disturbed her. She said one warned her not to give him her personal number, claiming he had a penchant for late-night sexts. Another alleged he slept with an intern. The third just sent up a vague flare: uh oh.

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Fodor, an elementary school teacher, had made her name as an education influencer on TikTok and Threads, but she was increasingly establishing herself as a political force. She interviewed Newsom about his Proposition 50. She would travel to D.C. to interview lawmakers on the Hill.

She began asking her contacts in Washington if they heard similar rumors. They had. But few expected Swalwell to be called out publicly for his behavior.

People were so downtrodden by what they had experienced in D.C.  to the point where people were like, Listen, Ive been broken. This is how men are. This is like what Ive experienced in politics, this is what its like up there, she said.

That resignation only fueled Fodor further, especially, she said, when she heard from a sitting member of Congress that there was some truth behind the chatter. (Fodor declined to name the lawmaker). She posted a vague comment in February expressing disappointment in a member of Congress, catching the attention of both Swalwells campaign and his opponents.

In mid-March, Fodor got a text message from Yardena Wolf, who was then Swalwells campaign manager and former chief of staff, saying she heard Fodor had concerns. Wolf attributed the chatter to a horrible rumor started by a now deleted tweet from an opposing candidates staffer and offered to reach out.

I reached out to better understand the claims being circulated and to question their accuracy, Wolf told POLITICO on Monday. I had worked with him for many years and at the time believed his assertions to be true.

Fodor was unsettled by the outreach and never responded. Instead, she escalated, calling out Swalwell by name in posts and drawing backlash from people online accusing her of doing Republicans dirty work. But she also started to hear from women with their own stories about Swalwell. She became an unlikely clearinghouse for the allegations, figuring out how to proceed as she went.

While Fodor was waging her lonely crusade, Hunt, a lawyer and former Democratic congressional candidate, got a text from a close friend who was distraught. The friend alleged she had been harassed by Swalwell years ago and could not fathom that he could be the next California governor (her story was later reported on by NOTUS ). Hunt had also heard the whispers about Swalwell during her time on the Hill, and at her friends request, she agreed to post a video online calling him out. Fodor heard about Hunts plan through the content-creator grapevine and messaged her about it the night before. They had never met or interacted before.

Hunts video was like a splash of gasoline on Fodors slow-burning campaign. They said they heard from more women, with allegations ranging from unwanted DMs to more serious charges. Both women thought they were collecting stories about a sex pest, as they both called him; neither expected this would veer into criminal accusations. They worked to find pro bono legal counsel for the women and decided to direct them to a single news outlet, CNN.

Media outlets have infrastructure to support such investigations  experienced reporters and editors, newsroom lawyers, resources to fend off lawsuits. The content creators had none of that. Both women said they independently took out umbrella insurance policies to protect their houses and other assets in case they got sued.

At one point Fodor, feeling increasingly overwhelmed, sent a message to Hunt: I think we have bitten off more than we can chew here.

The influencers agreed that specific allegations needed to be broken in a news story. While reporters dug into the allegations, they kept up a public drumbeat, insisting that Swalwell was a shady character and promising the details would come out soon. The tease infuriated many on social media, who accused the influencers of being irresponsible by lobbing accusations without backing them up.

But the threat of a soon-to-drop news story was enough to dry up Swalwells fundraising and unnerve supporters. Political operatives of all stripes were disconcerted watching the influencers play by their own set of rules, different from the norms of media outlets, and wondered if this would become a new normal in campaigns  a prospect that even unsettled the influencers.

I have a lot of fears about the blurred lines between content creators and journalists, Hunt said. She knew her personal familiarity with Swalwells reputation would never have been sufficient basis for a reporter to write a story.

It was enough for me to feel confident in not getting sued, and to want to let other women know that they werent alone, and only from that place would we be able to break his story in a traditional news media outlet, she said. I dont want this to be a green light to creators who think that they should be breaking sensitive news.

These campaigns will come for our necks

Swalwells campaign, which had tried to ignore the crescendoing online chatter, decided last Monday they could no longer stay quiet. Endorsers were getting increasingly worried. The swirl had migrated from the Democratic social media ecosystem to conservative influencers. The Daily Caller, a right-leaning outlet, published an article based on Hunts posts.

The campaign statement, released the next day and since retracted, was a blanket denunciation of a false, outrageous rumor that, it said, was stoked by Swalwells campaign opponents and MAGA enemies. It specifically said Swalwell had never had staff sign non-disclosure agreements, which the influencers had said was a reason victims had not spoken out before. Hours later, Swalwell reiterated the denial , stating unconditionally that he never had sexual relations with a staffer or intern.

The disavowal made some Swalwell allies worry that he boxed himself in if any allegations did surface. But to others, its definitiveness was reassuring. Besides, Swalwell himself was making the rounds in Sacramento that day, projecting confidence. Supporters seized on the smallest signals to reassure themselves.

People were like, Oh, he was happy, he had a smile on his face. He didnt look stressed about any of that stuff, the veteran lobbyist said. Its nonsense, but I heard that from multiple people.

Behind the scenes, the Swalwell campaign moved to undermine Hunt and Fodor, suggesting to reporters and allies, without evidence, they were being paid by rivals.

Some opposing campaigns were read into the influencers efforts; Fodor said she had texted every staffer Ive ever known in my life, which included those working for Swalwells competitors. But, she said, the campaigns kept her at arms length. Both women said they had not been paid by anyone for their efforts.

Watching Swalwells team release a press release about me and invite my friends to a Zoom call to try to discredit me  I think a lot of creators will look back on that, including myself, as a moment where we realize that were in a place now where these campaigns will come for our necks personally, Fodor said. They will personally try to discredit us if we do something they dont like, and thats very scary.

All week, Swalwell and his team were calling supporters, insisting there was nothing to be nervous about. The influencers had embarked on a parallel lobbying effort, urging celebrities, elected officials and donors to hold off from supporting Swalwell, warning them something was coming.

Hunt and Fodor were kept out of CNNs editorial processes, but they had a sense the story would run on Friday and set their alarms for 3 a.m. PST, prepared for news to drop as soon as the East Coast started its day. They woke up to see nothing online  and learned that Swalwells attorney had sent cease-and-desist letters to multiple women (whose identities had not been disclosed) in the dead of night.

Swalwell held a Zoom call with senior staff Friday morning  a team dominated by women who asked him questions for nearly an hour. He did not waver from his denials. The team prepped call lists of supporters he should check in with and sent a staffer to scout locations for an afternoon press conference in Los Angeles.

Then CNN sent over a list of the assertions it was planning to report. Upon reading it, one adviser resigned on the spot and encouraged others to do the same. Soon after, the San Francisco Chronicle published a story about a former staffer who claimed Swalwell had sexual encounters with her when he was her boss and alleged he sexually assaulted her twice when she was too drunk to consent.

It was one of the most surreal moments of my life, Hunt said, who at the time was on a Zoom call with Fodor and some celebrities and their PR teams planning how to get resources for the women coming forward. Her close friend had flown in to sit with her in person. They all began to cry.

This whole time we knew that we felt pretty confident that we would be able to get it to break, Hunt said. But there was also this sense of  if people have been investigating it for [years]  what are we going to be able to do thats going to change that?

CNN followed soon after with a story that featured the same accuser, as well as three other women. The stories had been anticipated for weeks but they still left the political world stunned. However ugly the rumors had been, they had not prepared people for allegations of sexual assault.

Within an afternoon, Swalwells assiduously-built political foundation fell out from under him. Politicians retracted their endorsements immediately. Labor unions and business groups convened emergency meetings to withdraw their support. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whom Swalwell had called his work mom, told him that afternoon to drop out.

The breathtaking fall was nudged along by the influencers, who had blasted the stories to a network of creators that collectively had a reach of over 200 million people. They went so far as to craft talking points in advance of publication of reports they had never seen.

We didnt know exactly whats going to be in it, Hunt said. Turns out, we were spot on.

Swalwell kept up his defiant posture, insisting he was innocent of the alleged assaults. He abandoned the other assertions  that he never had relations with a staffer, that he never made use of NDAs  that had been undermined by news reports, including by POLITICO . He refused to immediately drop out, though within 48 hours, he would officially suspend his campaign.

The aftermath is still unfolding. The Manhattan district attorney opened an investigation into one of the alleged assaults. Swalwell still faces calls to resign from Congress or potentially face an expulsion vote.

Meanwhile, the social media warriors are still digesting what just happened.

Im just in awe thinking about the fact that it took five years to break the Cesar Chavez story, Hunt said. And through  the parasocial relationships that get built on social media, and the volume and the reach that you can get, Arielle and I were able to build that trust with an incredible number of women so quickly.

The influencers continue to hear from women who said they had negative experiences with Swalwell. But now they see their cause as something larger  finding support networks for women who spoke out, forcing a reckoning on a political culture where open secrets flourish.

I am absolutely committed to this moment, Hunt said. And the team is not disbanding. Were just getting started.

Blake Jones and Dustin Gardiner contributed reporting.
The wife of a former town highway superintendent convicted in the 2025 shooting of a DoorDash delivery driver has pleaded guilty to two evidence tampering charges after initially facing 19 counts in the deletion of doorbell camera footage. On April 10 in Orange County Court, Selina Nelson-Reilly, the wife of former Chester highway superintendent John Reilly III, pleaded guilty to tampering with physical evidence, a felony, and attempted tampering with physical evidence, a misdemeanor.

Orange County Court Judge Craig Stephen Brown said the courts intention is that she be sentenced for only one of the charges. For the felony charge, Nelson-Reilly could face up to four years in prison.

Selina Nelson-Reilly and her attorney Andrew Jason Proto in Orange County Court on April 10, 2026, after a guilty plea.

Nelson-Reilly, 46, was initially charged with hindering prosecution and 17 counts of tampering with evidence, plus an amended tampering with evidence charge. She pleaded guilty in court to having deleted 17 Ring doorbell video files on May 3, 2025, related to the shooting of Alpha Oumar Barry the night before at the Reilly home in Chester.

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On May 2, 2025, Barry, a recent legal immigrant from Guinea, was lost with a dead phone battery while out on a food delivery when he approached the Reilly household on Valerie Drive and asked to charge his phone. After a brief interaction at the door with John Reilly  the two versions of which varied during the trial  Barry was shot in the lower back while trying to drive off in his Toyota Corolla and later lost over two feet of his intestines due to the injuries.

We were able to achieve a just conviction of John Reilly notwithstanding this defendants calculated actions to delete video footage of the crime, said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler in a statement. We will not be thwarted from our pursuit of justice by those who seek to undermine the efforts of law enforcement to uncover the truth. To the contrary, we will relentlessly follow the evidence and the law to hold accountable those responsible for violent crime.

Plea agreement

Nelson-Reilly waived her right to a jury or non-jury trial and entered an interim plea, which included admission to felony conduct and placement on interim probation supervision by the Department of Probation for one year  while her sentencing will be adjourned.

She will also need to complete 200 hours of community service at a not-for-profit entity approved by the Department of Probation, such as a soup kitchen, warming center, church, synagogue or a library.

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Orange County Senior Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Mangold required that she waive the right to appeal.

More: Advocates rally to end ICE contract with Orange County jail; Neuhaus responds

Whats next?

Under the terms and conditions of release under supervision, Nelson-Reilly is required to keep the promises to the court and not get arrested. Interim probation is pending until a pre-sentence investigation is completed, according to Brown.

Assuming that she does all of that, then in a year, she will be able to come back to court and have the felony condition vacated," said Ryan Greenbaum, Orange County executive assistant district attorney. "And she'll be sentenced on the misdemeanor condition.

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The next date to monitor status with Judge Craig Stephen Brown is scheduled for July 1.

Reillys attorney, Andrew Jason Proto, a partner at Proto, Sachs & Brown, LLP, did not respond to a request for comment.

Contact reporter Vandana Saras at vsaras@usatodayco.com and @orangecountynyreporter on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Former town official's wife pleads guilty in NY DoorDash driver shooting
Wisconsin lawmakers agree on the importance of providing public access to state government meetings through livestreams, but they finished their work this year without an agreement on a short-term or long-term plan to fund the Capitol livestreaming service WisconsinEye. The nonprofit organization faces an uncertain financial future. Jon Henkes, president and CEO of WisEye, now says the organization is hoping for further action in a special or extraordinary session.

Henkes, who was not available for an interview, said in a statement that WisconsinEye remains hopeful of some level of support from the state, but right now thats a big question given both houses of the legislature adjourned without agreement on a plan to be supportive.

WisconsinEye was started as an independent nonprofit in 2007 to livestream and archive government meetings and legislative sessions. For most of its history, WisconsinEye has relied on donations and is run independently from the state Legislature, but since the pandemic, Henkes has said the organization has had trouble raising funds for its operations. It has a budget of about $900,000 a year.

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The organization, which shut down it operations and pulled its archives offline for several weeks in December and January, turned to state lawmakers for help at the end of last year, but the path to a solution reached a halt as lawmakers deadlocked on what to do.

On March 23, WisconsinEye released a public statement saying that access to the WisconsinEye archive may be curtailed to facilitate needed preparations for a possible permanent shutdown of the network. It also said on its GoFundMe that coverage of upcoming events is being reduced due to funding constraints.

There was much hope as leadership of both parties and houses energetically expressed support and gratitude for the mission and work of WisconsinEye, Henkes wrote in his April message. Bringing their good intentions across the finish line can still happen but its going to take an extraordinary or special session of the legislature, and the support of Governor Evers to come through for us. And by us I mean all citizens who care about transparency and access, and who appreciate the networks 18 years of exceptional public service.

Gov. Tony Evers and lawmakers have talked previously about taking additional action in a special or extraordinary session this year, but those discussions have been centered around property tax relief and school funding, not WisconsinEye. Its unclear whether additional issues could become wrapped up in those negotiations, though one Republican leader previously said a bill would focus on taxes and wouldnt be a mini budget.

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There were two legislative efforts to address the crisis at WisconsinEye leading up to the final regular floor session this year.

A bipartisan Assembly bill would have placed $10 million, which had already been set aside in the form of matching funds for WisconsinEye, in a trust fund to accrue interest that the nonprofit would then be able to use for its operational costs, without the requirement that it match those funds. WisconsinEye still would have needed to raise a few hundred thousand dollars each year for its operations.

The Wisconsin Senate passed a separate bill, which was amended to provide some stopgap funding for WisconsinEye and would have opened up the possibility of replacing WisconsinEye with another streaming service, launching a request for proposals (RFP)  or a bidding process for the job of livestreaming government proceedings.

Neither body took up the other bodys proposal.

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Other states have also navigated conflict over livestreaming government proceedings, including disagreements over funding, what is shown and how it is shown, according to a 2016 Stateline report. There are two legislative chambers in the U.S. that dont livestream floor proceedings: the North Carolina Senate and the Missouri Senate. The latter has been debating allowing video livestreaming.

Its unclear whether there is enough of an appetite from Wisconsin lawmakers for further action this year to ensure continued streaming into the future. The state Legislature finished its regular session business this year in March, meaning that action from lawmakers will be limited for the remainder of the year as many turn their attention to running for reelection.

Sen. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit), who voted for the state Senate proposal, told the Wisconsin Examiner in an interview that he is open to exploring a long-term solution over the next nine months.

Were not back in session till 2027 and so the opportunity really to implement the results of an RFP wouldnt really be there, and so I have no objection to spending the next nine months exploring, what might be out there to provide this service through an RFP, Spreitzer said, The real question is what are we doing between now and next January? Are we providing some funding to keep WisconsinEye going?

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Spreitzer voted for the Senate proposal after amendments addressed some of his key concerns including providing stopgap funding to WisconsinEye to get it through the next year and the inclusion of some accountability measures. He said the sense of urgency to come to a solution faded after the session came to an end.

I mean to be really blunt there was a sense that perhaps the only reason that they got stopgap funding for the month of February was that [Assembly] Speaker [Robin] Vos wanted his farewell address to be on WisconsinEye, Spreitzer said. I think once the legislators, who want their own speeches to be televised arent in session anymore, even though there are other government meetings, I think the urgency does fade, which is a problem.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester), who is retiring at the end of his term, said at a WisPolitics event last month that he prefers having an independent organization responsible and that he thinks the Assembly proposal is the better option.

The idea that were going to go out to bid for a money-losing proposition that requires you to cover every hearing for free doesnt seem to be one thats workable, Vos said. I dont think thats going to happen, but I dont know.

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The bills lead author Sen. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin) did not respond to requests for an interview. Spreitzer noted that Bradley has said he is open to providing state funding, but it would be open to those submitting proposals to speak to that.

Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg), who is also retiring at the end of his term, also did not respond to a request for comment.

Vos said that while he hopes WisconsinEye will survive and make it to the next budget cycle, after that, frankly, Im gone next session.

Spreitzer said there should be some urgency attached to the recent update provided on March 23 from WisconsinEye. He said maintaining access to the archives is important, even when there are fewer legislative meetings going on to be livestreamed.

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People dont just want to watch meetings live. They want to be able to go back and see what happens, Spreitzer said. Theres an election coming up, and voters want to see what their elected officials were actually saying and doing during the session, and to not be able to go back and do that and have that accountability, I think would be a huge loss.

In February, the Joint Committee on Legislative Organization voted to provide $50,000 to WisconsinEye to resume coverage, but the organization hasnt received additional funds in the following months despite saying that it needed them.

Spreitzer said he would support providing a minimal monthly amount to WisconsinEye to keep operations going until at least 2027, whether that has to be done through committee action or through a special session as suggested by WisEye. The Senate bill would have set aside over $580,000 and, if approved by JFC, the money would be paid out to WisconsinEye in monthly payments of about $48,000.

Thats, you know, obviously up to Republican leadership, Spreitzer added.

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Spreitzer said taking the time to think through the long-term solutions is important, especially with a number of concerns about WisconsinEye and how it has navigated its advocacy efforts. He noted that the organization appears incapable of doing the fundraising that it has done in the past.

I did not feel like they were as up front or direct in communicating about that as they should have been, particularly with the Legislature, Spreitzer said, adding that he received no direct communication and only saw press releases and messages posted to WisconsinEyes website. I just found that really inappropriate. Wed go on their website and wed see  if we dont get money by this date were going to turn the archives off, then they did turn the archives off. It felt more like extortion than somebody actually coming forward and saying, Heres our business model, heres whats not working, please help us. I just am not a big fan of handing a check to somebody that acts that way, at least not without accountability measures to make sure that doesnt happen in the future.

Ahead of the temporary shutdown in December and January, WisconsinEye said it had raised no funds for the year. It then launched a GoFundMe for small-dollar donations, and as of April 13, the nonprofits GoFundMe has raised over $94,000. The amount is less than half of WisEyes $250,000 goal, which would cover three months of its operating budget.

The organization has said that coupled with a solid state commitment that raising the additional funds for its operating budget would be achievable, and donors view that approach with confidence.

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While he wants to see a short-term solution to continue access, Spreitzer said he thinks the conversation about a long-term solution should not be led by LeMahieu or Vos.

Speaker Vos and Majority Leader LeMahieu are not going to be the two people in charge next session, Spreitzer said, adding they have been running point on the issue and were incapable of finding an agreement. We should let them provide some gap funding to get us to next year, but I dont see any reason why they should be part of a long-term conversation here when theyre not going to be here next year.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who would need to sign off on any legislation, is also on his way out of office at the end of his term.

Spreitzer said he thought his bill was a good starting point for the conversation, but he didnt know whether he would pursue creating a state-run public affairs network next year. Democrats are putting their efforts towards winning the Senate majority, which would put them in a better position to shape legislation.

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Thats a conversation we would all need to have as Democrats if were in the majority again  whether you do something fully public, or you do something that is more similar to the Assembly bill this session [and] WisconsinEye makes some changes to its board and how it operates in order to get public money, Spreitzer said.

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The Artemis II mission was inspiring, moving, occasionally funny and, more than anything, a reminder of how magical space exploration can be. As joyful as it was to see the crew splashdown safely in the Pacific Ocean last week, that was soon followed by the sobering realization that their record-breaking journey had come to an end.

A new documentary premiering on Discovery on Thursday will provide a brand new look at the extraordinary voyage.

The completion of Artemis IIs mission doesnt mean that theres nothing going on with space to be excited about. In fact, we are in the midst of an extraordinary period of interplanetary progress that will redefine humankinds relationship with the solar system.

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These are some of the biggest reasons to keep your eyes on the skies in the near future.

Whats next for Artemis?

Although it was groundbreaking and inspiring in its own right, Artemis II was a test flight. Its primary objective was to allow NASA to try out the systems it will need as it pursues far more ambitious goals: putting humans back on the moon and, eventually, on Mars. The astronauts will tell us more about their experience when they hold their first press conference since returning to Earth on Thursday. One of the things they are bound to discuss is how their mission set the stage for the next one  and all the missions after that.

Artemis III, which is scheduled to launch in mid-2027, was originally intended to be the mission that brought astronauts back to the lunar surface, but NASA changed its plans earlier this year. Artemis IIIs new mission will be to connect the Orion spacecraft with the lunar landing system that itll need to safely land on the moons surface, and Artemis IV will land on the moon.

Two companies, Elon Musks SpaceX and Jeff Bezoss Blue Origin, are developing their own lunar landers in a multibillion-dollar competition to be the one to put NASA astronauts back on the moon. Currently, NASA is planning to test one or both companies landers during the Artemis III mission.

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Assuming all goes well, NASA is planning to launch Artemis IV on its return mission to the moon in early 2028. Artemis V is scheduled to go to the moon as well later that year. The agency hopes those missions will serve as a stepping stone toward sending humans to Mars at some point in the 2030s.

More moon exploration

Blue Ghost lunar lander.

NASA isnt the only space agency with plans to explore the moon. China has launched a series of increasingly ambitious missions over the past decade as part of its Change program, named after the Chinese goddess of the moon. Its next mission, Change 7, is planned for the second half of this year. It will take four separate spacecraft  an orbiter, a lander, a hopping probe and a rover  to conduct the first on-the-ground search for water (in the form of ice) on the moon. China has set a goal of putting its own astronauts on the moon by 2030. If theyre successful, they would be the first non-Americans to walk on the lunar surface in history.

Several private companies have also set their eyes on the moon, vying for the opportunity to become NASAs partner in its future lunar missions. More than a dozen companies are developing spacecraft that could one day deliver supplies, scientific tools and technology for NASA astronauts on the moon. Blue Ghost, a lunar lander by Texas-based Firefly Aerospace, became the first commercial spacecraft to successfully land on the moon early last year. At least four more similar launches are planned before the end of 2026, including a second Blue Ghost landing.

Visits to other planets

A Martian Moons eXploration spacecraft.

Humankind is still many years away from traveling to any other planet in person, but robots are able to make those trips now. For example, Japans space agency is planning to launch a probe later this year that will land on Phobos, the largest of the two moons orbiting Mars. The probe will collect samples from the surface before returning to Earth. If successful, it will be the first time that material from the martian satellite has been brought back to our planet.

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Another probe thats being developed by the company Rocket Lab and a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is scheduled to launch as soon as this summer will be heading to Venus. The Venus Life Finder will send instruments into Venuss toxic atmosphere to search for signs of organic molecules, which could be signs of life.

Later this year, the space probe BepiColombo is finally expected to settle into Mercurys orbit, bringing its eight-year journey through the inner solar system to an end. Once it arrives, the probe will split into two orbiters that will send back data to shine new light on one of Earths least-understood neighbors.

Meeting meteors

Hera and its asteroid target.

A Chinese probe is currently hurtling toward a small asteroid orbiting the Earth known as a quasi-moon, with the expectation that it will arrive there this summer. Like Japans Mars probe, Chinas spacecraft will send samples to Earth to help scientists understand more about the asteroid, which is believed to be a chunk of our moon that was blasted off by some sort of lunar impact.

Then, around November, a probe from the European Space Agency will reach the asteroid Dimorphos to study the aftermath of humankinds first ever attempt to change the path of an object in space.

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Dimorphos was struck by a NASA spacecraft in 2022 in a test of a new planetary defense strategy that could one day theoretically redirect an asteroid that poses a major threat to Earth. The new probe will provide data on the results of that test, which changed Dimorphoss trajectory by more than 25 times its minimum requirement.

Brand-new views of the galaxy

Two powerful new telescopes are expected to provide unprecedented views of the cosmos within the next year or so. One is the Xuntian telescope from Chinas space agency, currently scheduled to launch in late 2026. With a field of view thats 350 times as wide as the Hubble Space Telescopes, Xuntian will be able to photograph up to 40% of the sky over a 10-year period.

NASA is planning to launch its own telescope by May 2027. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, named for the agencys first chief astronomer, is designed to provide new insight into some of spaces biggest mysteries, including the nature of dark matter and essential questions about astrophysics.
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TEHRAN, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that any threat against the security of the Strait of Hormuz will have large-scale consequences for global trade.

He made the remarks in a phone call with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent threat of imposing a blockade on the strait to prevent ships traveling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway, according to a statement published on his office's website.

Pezeshkian said Iran has always sought to ensure the sustainability of ships' movement through the strategic waterway, and "any threat against the security of this region will have large-scale consequences for global trade."

Iran is fully ready to face any scenario within the framework of its national interests, he added.

On the recent peace talks between Iran and the United States in the Pakistani capital Islamabad, Pezeshkian highlighted Iran's seriousness and goodwill to reach a lasting agreement.

He noted that despite the achievement of certain agreements between the two sides, the U.S. officials' "excessive demands and lack of political will" prevented the finalization of an agreement.

Pezeshkian stressed that Iran is ready to continue the peace talks solely within international law and to protect the Iranian people's rights, adding that Europe can play a constructive role and encourage the United States to comply with those frameworks.

He said approaches based on threats, pressure, and military action not only fail to solve the problem but also add to the complexity of the issues, emphasizing that Iran considers diplomacy to be the favorable path for the resolution of differences.

Regarding Iran's nuclear issue, Pezeshkian noted that his country has previously reached specific agreements with European countries, and their frameworks are completely clear. "Iran has never sought to act outside international regulations and remains ready to continue negotiations within the same framework," he said.

Macron, for his part, pointed to his consultations with Trump, highlighting the necessity of including the Lebanon issue into the initial ceasefire agreement between Iran, the United States and Israel.

He also shared his views on Iran's nuclear issue and the developments concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

Delegations from Iran and the United States held lengthy negotiations on easing tensions in the Middle East in Islamabad on Saturday and early Sunday, without achieving an agreement. 
WELLINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's international visitor numbers continued to rise toward pre-pandemic levels, with strong growth from China over the Chinese New Year, latest statistics showed Tuesday.

Stats NZ data show 408,100 overseas visitors arrived in New Zealand in February 2026, 53,700 more than the same month last year, with the largest increase coming from China, which rose 214 percent year on year.

The 61,100 arrivals from China in February 2026 was the highest for a month since the record 68,900 in February 2018, according to the statistics department.

The increase partly reflects the later Chinese New Year in February and new travel rules allowing eligible Chinese passport holders to enter from Australia with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority instead of a visa, said Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.

Annual foreign arrivals reached 3.58 million in the year to February, 92 percent of pre-COVID figures, statistics showed.

"More international visitors mean more customers for our businesses and ultimately more jobs," Upston was quoted as saying in a press release. She noted that her ministry continues to work with tourism operators to sustain momentum amid global fuel price volatility over the Middle East situation. 
GAZA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Hamas-run media office said on Tuesday that the Israeli army has committed 2,400 violations, resulting in 754 Palestinians deaths and 2,100 injuries, six months after the ceasefire in Gaza took effect.

In a statement, the office said that from Oct. 10, 2025, when the ceasefire began, to April 14, 2026, the Israeli army has committed "serious violations of the agreement, constituting a blatant breach of international humanitarian law and a deliberate undermining of the essence of the ceasefire and the provisions of the attached humanitarian protocol." During this period, the Israeli army also arrested 50 people, added the statement.

Regarding the operation at the Rafah border crossing, the office said that only 2,703 travelers crossed the border in both directions since its reopening in February, far below the expected 36,800.

Concerning the humanitarian aid, the office reported that during the same period, 41,714 trucks carrying aid and fuel entered the Gaza Strip out of a total of 110,400 that were expected.

The media office also accused Israel of failing to withdraw from agreed lines, blocking infrastructure materials, heavy equipment for removing rubble and recovering bodies, aid and fuel trucks, tents, and mobile homes, and refusing to operate the power plant.

The office called on U.S. President Donald Trump, ceasefire sponsors, mediators and guarantors, and the international community to compel Israel to fully implement its obligations without exception. 
People celebrate the traditional Thingyan water festival in Yangon, Myanmar, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

YANGON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Crowds across Myanmar continued to celebrate the traditional Thingyan water festival on Tuesday, the second day of the festivities, reuniting with family and taking part in traditional activities.

Throwing water at each other is a key part of Thingyan, symbolizing a fresh start and the cleansing of the past year.

Beyond the festivities, Myanmar's Thingyan also emphasizes good deeds. These include offering charity feasts, paying respect to elders, washing the hair of elders, freeing animals, and preserving traditional dances through festival performances, Arkar Kyaw, director at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, told Xinhua.

Thingyan marks the Myanmar New Year, bringing together people of all races and religions across the country to celebrate this cherished tradition, he said.

The festival has been observed since the Bagan era and continues to be passed down from generation to generation, he added.

"I wish all Myanmar people a peaceful New Year, with renewed hearts and minds, as they welcome it with the cleansing waters of Thingyan," he said.

Amid the celebrations, many people shared their experiences while visiting pavilions and taking part in "walking Thingyan" in Yangon.

Thin Thiri Paing, 21, said she has loved celebrating Thingyan since childhood because she enjoys throwing water with others. "Even if we don't know each other, we can connect through splashing water," she said.

She added that the festival marks the Myanmar New Year, which is why she participates every year. She also noted that Thingyan is inscribed on the UNESCO cultural heritage list, making it important to preserve the tradition.

Aung Myo, 36, said he came to the festival with his family and felt especially joyful this year. "We haven't been able to fully enjoy Thingyan for a long time, so I feel very happy now," he said.

"In Myanmar, we celebrate Thingyan by visiting pavilions, applying Thanakha, a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from the bark of the thanakha tree, eating at charity feasts, and walking around to enjoy the festivities," he added.

Yamin Thu, 23, said, "What is unique about our Thingyan is the blooming Padauk flowers before the festival and the performance of Yein dance, which is our traditional dance, at the pavilions."

As Thingyan continues, people across Myanmar celebrate with joy, tradition, and a spirit of togetherness, welcoming the New Year. 

A child plays with a toy water gun during the Thingyan water festival in Yangon, Myanmar, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People celebrate the traditional Thingyan water festival in Yangon, Myanmar, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People celebrate the traditional Thingyan water festival in Yangon, Myanmar, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

People celebrate the traditional Thingyan water festival in Yangon, Myanmar, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
DHAKA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- At least seven paddy harvesters were killed as a truck veered off a road early Tuesday in Bangladesh's Cumilla district, some 96 km east of the capital Dhaka, a police official said.

"The accident left seven laborers dead on the spot," Daudkandi Highway Police Station's Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Iqbal Bahar Majumdar told journalists.

He said the truck laden with rice and carrying the paddy harvesters went off the road and ended up in a canal at about 2:45 a.m. local time.

Besides the seven fatalities, six other people were hospitalized with injuries from the accident, he added. 
CANBERRA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Researchers in Australia have successfully tested a new type of portable atomic clock at sea, using technology that could help power the next generation of navigation, communications and scientific systems.

The portable optical atomic clock, once trialed aboard a Royal Australian Navy vessel in July 2024, uses laser-cooled atoms of the element ytterbium to keep time with extreme precision, according to a statement released Tuesday by Australia's Adelaide University.

Atomic clocks are the world's most accurate timekeepers, vital for satellite navigation and telecommunications, but they usually require controlled lab conditions. The new device overcomes that limitation and can be achieved in a portable system that operates outside the laboratory, it said.

By cooling the atoms with lasers and measuring a very specific atomic transition, the clock can track time far more accurately than conventional systems, said researchers from Adelaide University's Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS).

The goal was to take cutting-edge laboratory technology and make it usable in the field, said Professor Andre Luiten, IPAS chief innovator and lead researcher of the study published in the journal Optica.

Despite the motion and environmental changes typical of a maritime environment, the clock maintained the same high level of performance observed during laboratory testing, the researchers said.

"The marine environment presents vibration, movement and temperature changes that are very different from a controlled laboratory. Successfully running the clock in those conditions shows that the technology is robust and ready to move closer to real-world applications," Luiten said. 
BEIRUT, April 14 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 people were killed and five others injured in Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon since early Tuesday, according to local reports.

In the south, Israeli warplanes hit multiple areas, killing three in the coastal town of Adloun, two people in the municipality of Arab Salim, one person in the village of Shabriha, and another two in a drone strike targeting a car shortly after midnight near Nabatieh. Three more were killed in a pre-dawn strike in the Bint Jbeil district.

In eastern Lebanon, three members of the same family were killed and another wounded in a pre-dawn airstrike on the town of Sohmor in the western Bekaa. The strikes continued into the early morning hours, destroying more than 10 homes.

An Israeli warplane also struck residential buildings in central Housh, near Tyre, causing extensive damage to homes, electricity networks, and shops. Ambulances and civil defense teams rushed to the site.

Hezbollah said that it carried out multiple drone and rocket attacks on Israeli troop positions and gatherings along the border.

Cross-border fighting has continued along the Lebanon-Israel border since March 2, when Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire on Nov. 27, 2024, triggering intensified Israeli airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon. 
MOGADISHU, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Somali National Army, backed by Jubaland State security forces, killed 27 al-Shabaab militants during operations across Lower and Middle Juba in southern Somalia, authorities said on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Defense said the joint forces also seized a significant cache of weapons and equipment, including machine guns, RPGs, AK-47s and landmines that the terrorists had planned to use to stage attacks in the region.

"During the course of these operations, airstrikes supported by international partners were carried out in parallel, effectively intensifying the targeting of al-Shabaab militants hiding in those areas," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry reaffirmed that operations will continue until the region is fully secured.

The allied forces have intensified operations against al-Shabaab insurgents in south-central Somalia in recent months. 
BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan students studying on the mainland said the recent visit by a delegation of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun had sent a positive signal to both sides across the Taiwan Strait, highlighting shared ties and renewed prospects for closer engagement.

During the delegation's visit, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met Cheng on Friday in Beijing, marking the first meeting between the leaders of the two parties in a decade.

The two leaders stressed that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the Chinese nation. They also called for joint efforts to promote cross-Strait peace and oppose "Taiwan independence."

Chang Hsuan-chi, a Peking University student from Taiwan, expects that the two sides of the Strait, as demonstrated by the meeting, will pursue a broader path of peaceful development by adhering to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus.

Taiwan students studying on the mainland have been a major part of cross-Strait exchanges since mainland universities began admitting students from Taiwan in 1985.

Eligible students from Taiwan can pursue studies at mainland universities through multiple channels, with favorable policies on access to scholarships, the mainland's basic medical insurance, internship opportunities, and career guidance.

"Over the years, I've deeply felt the close ties between people on both sides, and benefited from supportive policies and development opportunities on the mainland," said Lin Ching-mao from Hsinchu in Taiwan, who is now a PhD student of international relations at Peking University.

Through her visit, Cheng has brought expectations for peace from Taiwan to the mainland, and conveyed goodwill back to the island, which can help reduce misunderstandings, Lin said.

From April 7 to 12, Cheng and the KMT delegation toured Jiangsu Province, Shanghai and Beijing, visiting various sites from historical landmarks to technology companies.

Wu Hao-wen, a doctoral student at Tsinghua University, said the meeting between the two party leaders had shown sufficient goodwill from the mainland toward Taiwan, which may encourage people from Taiwan to participate in more exchanges that ease misunderstandings and foster better mutual understanding with the mainland.

"The trip showed many young people in Taiwan that cross-Strait exchanges are not a 'forbidden zone,' but an opportunity," said Lin Yu-hao, a master's student in chemical engineering at Tsinghua.

Lin Yen-chen, a PhD student in international relations at Peking University, said Cheng's trip has also shown the huge potential for complementary industrial cooperation across the Strait, as the mainland enjoys large market and supply chains and Taiwan has advantages in high-tech sectors such as semiconductors.

"Cross-Strait cooperation benefits both sides, and we should work together and share in the fruits of national development," Lin Yen-chen said.

Huang Po-shen, an undergraduate in computer science at Tsinghua, said he sees strong potential for technological collaboration. "Combining strengths through more exchanges is mutually beneficial," he said.

Multiple regions on the mainland have launched measures to create a more favorable environment for young people from Taiwan developing on the mainland. For example, Taiwan residents working in Beijing are entitled to equal treatment in areas such as social insurance, professional title evaluation, and salary and welfare benefits. Fujian has provided job openings specifically for talent from Taiwan, spanning sectors such as education, healthcare, science and technology, and finance.

In addition to these, as the KMT delegation wrapped up the visit on Sunday, the Chinese mainland also rolled out a package of 10 policies and measures to boost cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, including promoting the full resumption of regular direct passenger flights across the Strait, and establishing an institutionalized platform for two-way exchanges between young people on both sides.

Lee Chou-hsi, a medical student at Tsinghua University, said the policy package demonstrated the positive momentum of deepening cross-Strait integrated development and will surely attract more people from Taiwan to the mainland for development opportunities.

Li Zhi-yang, a doctoral student at the School of Marxism of Tsinghua, said the platform for two-way exchanges among young people is especially important in the long term.

"I hope that more young people from Taiwan will have opportunities to come to the mainland, better understand it, and integrate into life here," Li said. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Beijing on Tuesday.

Xi said that the UAE is a comprehensive strategic partner of China, and China has always attached great importance to developing relations with the UAE.

Through joint efforts of both sides, China-UAE relations have maintained healthy and stable development, and witnessed deepened political mutual trust, growing practical cooperation and rich people-to-people exchanges, Xi said.

Noting that consolidating and enhancing China-UAE relations is a firm consensus of both sides and meets the expectations of the people of both countries, Xi said China is willing to join hands with the UAE to build a more stable and dynamic China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership.

Both sides should continue to support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, maintain high-level exchanges and consolidate strategic mutual trust, Xi said.

He called on both sides to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, and tap the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in energy, investment, trade, science and technology and other fields.

The two countries should promote greater progress in cooperation in education, civil aviation, tourism and other fields, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and consolidate the foundation of public support, Xi added.

He called for enhancing coordination and cooperation in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations (UN) and BRICS, leveraging the stability of China-UAE relations to cope with the uncertainties in international and regional situations, and jointly promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The two sides exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Xi emphasized China's position on promoting peace and talks, and reaffirmed that China will continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

Xi put forward a four-point proposal on promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Xi called for adherence to the principle of peaceful coexistence. Countries in the Middle East and Gulf region are interdependent and inseparable neighbors. Efforts should be made to support these countries to improve their relations, and it is imperative to promote the building of a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture for the Middle East and the Gulf region.

He urged adherence to the principle of national sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as a foundation for all countries, especially developing countries, to survive and thrive, and it must not be violated. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region should be fully respected, and the safety of personnel, facilities and institutions of all countries should be effectively safeguarded.

On adherence to the principle of international rule of law, Xi said the authority of international rule of law should be upheld, rejecting selective application to prevent the world from falling back into the law of the jungle. He called for firmly upholding the international system with the UN at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

He said development and security should be coordinated. Security makes development possible, and development helps maintain security. All parties should work together to create a favorable environment for the development of countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region. China is ready to share with these countries the opportunities brought about by Chinese modernization to strengthen the foundation for regional development and security.

Noting that the UAE attaches great importance to developing relations with China, Sheikh Khaled said his country is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen cooperation in various fields, open up broader prospects for bilateral relations, and benefit the people of both countries.

Sheikh Khaled said the UAE appreciates China's responsible and constructive role in international affairs and its active efforts to seek political solutions to the current crisis in the Middle East.

The UAE is committed to maintaining close communication and coordination with China to promote a ceasefire among the parties concerned, restore regional peace and stability at an early date, safeguard international shipping security, and prevent further impact on the global economy and energy security, he said.

He added that the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions will be effectively protected. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)
DOHA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Qatar on Tuesday called for intensified regional diplomacy to stabilize the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States, stressing that dialogue remains the only viable path to lasting stability.

In a media briefing, Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the current ceasefire remains fragile and requires sustained international attention.

"The priority now is to consolidate the ceasefire and prevent a return to escalation," he said, warning that without a comprehensive political framework, the region risks renewed confrontation.

Al-Ansari stressed that the ceasefire should not be seen as an end to underlying tensions, noting that unresolved disputes require structured negotiations and a long-term political roadmap.

He confirmed Qatar's support for mediation efforts led by Pakistan, describing them as a key channel for de-escalation.

While Qatar is not acting as a formal mediator, the spokesman said that it maintains close coordination with all parties and supports broader regional engagement under the Gulf Cooperation Council framework.

Al-Ansari added that the Strait of Hormuz crisis must be resolved through a regional mechanism involving all coastal states, warning that external solutions would not be effective.

Any disruption to navigation in the strait, he noted, would have serious global consequences for trade and economic stability.

"The solution must be regional, and there should be no preconditions for freedom of navigation," Al-Ansari said. 
Artists perform during a traditional New Year greeting at the Wat Phnom historical site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 14, 2026. Cambodia on Tuesday started to celebrate its traditional three-day Lunar New Year -- the Year of the Horse. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

PHNOM PENH, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Tuesday started to celebrate its traditional three-day Lunar New Year -- the Year of the Horse.

In a New Year message to the compatriots, Prime Minister Hun Manet extended his best wishes to all Cambodian people, vowing to defend peace and territorial integrity, while accelerating deeper reforms to keep the economy stable and society resilient in an increasingly uncertain world.

He said that in the face of a series of challenges, both external and internal, with high uncertainties and risks, the world has been learning to live in a new situation and is looking for a new normal.

"For Cambodia, the best option is to strengthen itself and its ownership over important and necessary bases in order to increase its capacity to respond to problems and crises with resilience," he said.

Hun Manet, who has been in office for nearly three years, said that more vigorous reforms would be implemented in 2026 and beyond to respond to the requests, needs, expectations and aspirations of the people of Cambodia.

"The Royal Government of Cambodia will continue to vigorously carry out its historic mission with a strong, relentless and energetic commitment to deeper and broader reforms in all areas," he said.

The traditional New Year is the largest holiday in the Southeast Asian country. On the occasion, people prepare food, fruits and soft drinks on altars and light candles and incense sticks to greet the New Year's angel.

Besides, they bring food, cash gifts and praying stuff to offer to Buddhist monks at pagodas in order to dedicate to their ancestors and pray for longevity, good luck, happiness and prosperity in the New Year.

The New Year is also the time for young girls and boys to gather and play a variety of traditional games, dancing and singing in the vicinity of pagodas and tourist resorts throughout the kingdom. 

Artists perform during a traditional New Year greeting at the Wat Phnom historical site in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 14, 2026. Cambodia on Tuesday started to celebrate its traditional three-day Lunar New Year -- the Year of the Horse. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)
SHENZHEN, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Xu Jiayin, former chairman of China's property developer Evergrande Group, stood trial in Shenzhen on a range of crime charges, a local court said Tuesday.

The Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court held public trials from Monday to Tuesday, during which Xu pleaded guilty and expressed remorse.

He was charged with offenses including illegally absorbing public deposits, fraudulent fundraising and illegally granting loans.

Prosecutors also accused Evergrande Group and Evergrande Real Estate Group of multiple offenses, including fraudulent issuance of securities.

The verdict will be announced at a later date. 
WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that talks with Iran could resume in Pakistan within the next two days, according to media reports.

"Something could be happening over the next two days, and we're more inclined to go there (Pakistan)," Trump told a New York Post reporter. 
KIEV, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Russian strikes targeting the city of Dnipro in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday killed five people and injured 24, Ukraine's regional authorities reported.

The wounded sustained blast injuries, shrapnel wounds, lacerations and fractures, said the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration.

Ukraine's State Emergency Service said that the Russian rocket attack hit an infrastructure facility, sparking a fire which was later extinguished.

The Ukrainian Air Force issued a missile alert for Dnipro shortly before the attack. It said Tuesday on Telegram that the Russian side had launched four missiles and 129 drones in its strikes on Ukraine since Monday evening.

Ukraine's air defense units downed or neutralized one missile and 114 drones, it added. 
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, meets with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and president of Vietnam, in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese President To Lam in Beijing on Tuesday.

Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), welcomed To Lam's visit to China, saying that in recent years, the top leaders of the two parties and countries have maintained close strategic communication, providing fundamental and strategic guidance for the development of China-Vietnam relations.

China is willing to work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the general secretaries of the two parties, carry out in-depth exchanges and mutual learning of theories and experiences in party and state governance, promote the development of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and advance the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations, said Wang, adding that the CPPCC National Committee is willing to make contributions in this regard.

To Lam said Vietnam has always followed and sincerely congratulated China on its theoretical explorations and practical achievements in reform, opening up and socialist modernization.

In the new era, Vietnam stands ready to deepen political mutual trust, strengthen strategic alignment, and consolidate traditional friendship with China to help both sides achieve new development goals, he added. 

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, meets with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and president of Vietnam, in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Orange and pomegranate trees are pictured with the SHUBAO devices at the China-Africa Green Technology Park in Mauritania, Dec. 16, 2025. (Xinhua)

TAIYUAN, April 14 (Xinhua) -- In a remote stretch of the Sahara Desert, rows of young fruit trees are taking root in shifting sands, an unusual sight in one of the world's harshest environments.

Planted by teams from China and Mauritania, the orange and pomegranate trees are part of a pilot project under the China-Africa Green Technology Park. Local residents say the trees require minimal maintenance and could begin bearing fruit as early as next year.

The project has been described as a potential model for tackling desertification and promoting green development across sub-Saharan Africa.

At the center of the effort is a device known as SHUBAO, developed by 67-year-old Chinese inventor Zhao Shuhai. Buried near plant roots, it collects and stores moisture from the surrounding environment, releasing it gradually during dry periods to sustain growth with minimal irrigation.

The technology has already shown results in China, offering a glimpse of its potential abroad.

In Yuncheng, a city in north China's Shanxi Province, trees planted five years ago at a former mining site using the same technology are now thriving, helping restore degraded land.

"One water charge in SHUBAO can sustain a tree for three to four months," Zhao said. In places like Yuncheng, which receive around 400 to 500 millimeters of rainfall a year, he said, natural precipitation alone can significantly improve tree survival rates when combined with the device.

China's broader efforts to curb desertification have increasingly relied on technological solutions, providing a foundation for innovations like SHUBAO.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China launched major programs to protect and restore key ecosystems, with desertification and sandification areas continuing to shrink.

A total of 549 million mu (36.6 million hectares) of land underwent afforestation, over 4.34 million mu of wetlands were restored, and 152 million mu of desertified land were treated during the period, official data showed.

The technology has also gained wider international recognition.

SHUBAO was showcased at the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in 2024 as one of China's selected solutions for desert control.

Following the event, Zhao was invited to Saudi Arabia to present the technology to local stakeholders.

The Saudi Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees, equivalent to rehabilitating 40 million hectares across the country.

"Our region is arid and receives little rainfall, so we rely on drip irrigation, and even groundwater is scarce. SHUBAO is highly suitable for our conditions," said a farm manager who observed the device in use.

Zhao said the technology's applications go beyond tree planting. "It has delivered promising results in promoting fruit tree growth and greenhouse cultivation," he said. "The device can also help reduce groundwater extraction and cut down on fertilizer use, which is significant for developing organic dryland agriculture and increasing farmers' incomes."

Before retiring, Zhao worked at the power supply bureau in Yuncheng, where he developed a habit of solving practical problems through hands-on experimentation. Over the past three decades, he has filed a total of 90 patent applications.

SHUBAO has applied for patents in over 70 countries, including China, the United States, Canada and parts of Africa.

"I will continue promoting this technology around the world," Zhao said. "I hope it can support greening efforts, especially in arid regions." 

Zhao Shuhai (front, R) demonstrates a SHUBAO device at the China-Africa Green Technology Park in Mauritania, Dec. 16, 2025.(Xinhua)

People plant trees on barren hills using the SHUBAO devices in Daning County, north China's Shanxi Province, April 1, 2026. (Xinhua)
SEOUL, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife appeared in court together on Tuesday for the first time in nine months, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The Seoul Central District Court held a hearing on charges that Yoon violated the Political Funds Act. His wife, Kim Keon-hee, attended the hearing as a witness. It marked the couple's first meeting since July 2025, when Yoon was taken into custody.

Yoon is accused of conspiring with his wife to receive illegal public opinion poll results free of charge from a political broker on 58 occasions ahead of the 2022 presidential election and using them to influence campaign activities, in violation of the Political Funds Act.

Kim appeared in court in the afternoon but refused to answer most of the prosecution's questions, except confirming her identity as Yoon's spouse.

In January, Kim was sentenced in a first-instance ruling to 20 months in prison on bribery allegations, with only one of three charges upheld. The court dismissed allegations of violations of the Capital Markets Act and the Political Funds Act. Prosecutors have appealed the ruling and sought a 15-year sentence in the appellate trial.

Yoon is currently facing eight criminal cases. In February, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced him to life imprisonment in a first-instance ruling on charges of leading an insurrection.

The emergency martial law was declared by Yoon on the night of Dec. 3, 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly. 
BOGOTA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Colombia's Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development on Monday launched a plan to cull the country's hippopotamus population for the first time in 40 years.

The government has earmarked some 7.2 billion Colombian pesos (about 2 million U.S. dollars) to carry out the plan starting in the second half of 2026, Environment and Sustainable Development Minister Irene Velez told a press conference in Bogota.

Officials aim to reduce the population of hippos, currently estimated at 200, by at least half, and to manage herd growth in areas conducive to reproduction, she added.

"Today, we are issuing a euthanasia protocol so that environmental authorities, who are directly responsible for carrying out these actions, can do so in collaboration with institutes that support the view that this is a necessary measure to reduce the population," Velez said.

According to the ministry, hippos, first introduced in the 1980s by Colombian drug chief Pablo Escobar Gaviria, were officially declared an invasive alien species in 2022 due to their negative impacts on ecosystems, including deterioration of water quality and harm to native species.

Without euthanasia, "it would be impossible to control the population," which could reach at least 500 by 2030, said Velez. 
BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to import more high-quality products from Spain and encourages more capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Spain, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday.

Li made the remarks when holding talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China.

Li said China is willing to work with Spain to better leverage their complementary economic advantages, deeply explore cooperation potential, and promote the expansion, quality improvement and balanced development of bilateral trade.

China is willing to enhance cooperation with Spain in areas such as new energy vehicles and energy storage to create more highlights of cooperation, Li said, adding that China supports universities, research institutions and enterprises from both sides to strengthen joint research and development, enhance scientific and technological innovation capabilities, and work together to seize future development opportunities.

Li said China is willing to enhance the level of transportation cooperation with Spain, promote the high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express, and jointly build an international green shipping corridor.

It is hoped that Spain will continue to play an important role within the European Union (EU) and promote the healthy development of economic and trade relations between China and the EU, Li noted. 
HANOI, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Ministry of Health has warned that dengue infections may continue to rise, noting that the country has recorded 31,927 cases, including four deaths, since the beginning of the year, local daily Nhan Dan reported on Tuesday.

Most cases have been concentrated in southern localities, the report said.

The warning comes amid an early onset of hot and humid weather, irregular rainfall and favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

Vo Hai Son, deputy director of the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention, said infections could continue to increase in the near future if prevention and control measures are not implemented strictly and consistently.

The health sector is working closely with local authorities to monitor and contain outbreaks, while stepping up public communication on disease prevention, according to the report. 
KABUL, April 14 (Xinhua) -- A child was killed as a mine left over from the past wars went off in eastern Afghanistan's Kapisa province on Monday, provincial police spokesman Abdul Fatah Faiz said Tuesday.

The deadly incident took place in Tagab district on Monday afternoon after the child found a toy-like object and began playing with. The device exploded, killing the child at the scene, the official added.

Earlier, a similar incident injured a child in Haska Mina district of Nangarhar province on Sunday.

The post-war Afghanistan reportedly is among the top mine-contaminated countries in the world as the blasts of unexploded ordnances continue to pose a serious threat to civilians, killing or injuring dozens of people, mostly children. 
HANOI, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The "Red Study Tours" project is a platform to carry forward the historical legacy of the Vietnam-China friendship, helping transform shared revolutionary memory into lasting people-to-people bonds, a Vietnamese scholar said.

The Vietnam-China friendship, built by leaders of the two countries, is an invaluable asset that must be transformed into a positive social foundation and mutual understanding between the two peoples, particularly among the youth, Nguyen Minh Hoan, head of the Faculty of Philosophy under Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Hoan said youth exchanges, particularly through activities like the "Red Study Tours", are a long-term investment in mutual trust, cooperation potential, and sustainability of the friendship between the two countries.

Around 200 youth representatives from various sectors of Vietnam are currently in China on study tours as part of the "Red Study Tours" initiative, which has drawn more than 1,000 Vietnamese adolescent participants since last year.

Hoan said that a great friendship does not emerge on its own but begins with countless "small streams," from daily interactions, mutual visits and shared classrooms to youth exchange programs, cooperative projects and genuine bonds between the peoples of the two countries.

The "Red Study Tours" initiative, he said, helps connect the youth with the historical origins of the friendship and understand that it was shaped through shared struggles, adding that the program not only preserves historical memory but also passes on ideals, responsibility and confidence in the future of bilateral relations.

When Vietnam and China launched the project last year, Hoan, who watched the moment, felt something deeper than a mere ceremony, seeing history extending its hands to the future.

"This was not a symbolic gesture but carried a political, historical and profoundly humanistic message," he told Xinhua.

He described the program as a continuation of the revolutionary bonds forged in the early 20th century when Vietnamese revolutionaries worked side by side with Chinese comrades based on a shared ideal of national liberation.

One of the most valuable outcomes of the project is enabling the Vietnamese youth to understand the history through their first-hand experience and emotional engagement rather than through textbooks alone, he said, highlighting that by visiting historical sites and learning about Vietnamese revolutionaries' activities in China, they will better appreciate the profound and genuine historical foundation of the friendship.

"The project also broadens young people's view of contemporary China with dynamic development, while drawing lessons from national construction and social progress. This is significant as youth exchange should go beyond emotional connection to become a platform for mutual learning and practical cooperation," he told Xinhua.

Youth exchange plays an important role in consolidating Vietnam-China relations as young people inherit and shape the future of bilateral ties, he underscored, affirming that the traditional friendship will only endure if it is properly understood, embraced and developed by younger generations.

From his perspective as an educator and researcher, Hoan said his role is to help students understand the historical, theoretical and practical dimensions of the Vietnam-China friendship.

As future educators, scientists, businessmen, journalists and managers, the youth of both sides, with positive sentiments and understanding of each other, will provide a strong and lasting social foundation for the bilateral relations, he stated. 
Women attend a procession in celebration of the Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 14, 2026. Bangladesh celebrated Bengali New Year 1433 on Tuesday with processions, traditional food and cultural events in the capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the South Asian country. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

DHAKA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh celebrated Bengali New Year 1433 on Tuesday with processions, traditional food and cultural events in the capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the South Asian country.

Thousands of people clad in traditional new clothes gathered at a major venue around the Dhaka University at sunrise as celebrations kicked off with a musical performance by cultural organization Chhayanaut.

Apart from this, a lively procession featuring people from all walks of life, particularly students from colleges and universities, marched with large bamboo replicas of birds and animals.

The first day of the Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh, is a national holiday in Bangladesh.

Many Bengalis begin the day with a traditional breakfast of panta-bhat (leftover rice soaked in water) and fried hilsa fish.

Fashion houses and boutiques in Dhaka saw brisk sales of traditional dresses, which people buy not only for their families but also for relatives and friends.

Across Dhaka, and elsewhere in the country, Boishakhi fairs showcased rural Bengali life through folk songs, plays, and crafts such as clay dolls and jute items.

In a national address on the eve of Pohela Boishakh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended greetings to Bengali-speaking people worldwide, calling the festival a unique emblem of ethnicity and culture.

He said the occasion inspires renewal and the casting off of "old decay and gloom."

The Bangla calendar and the celebration of Pohela Boishakh were introduced by Mughal Emperor Akbar, marking the advent of the Bengali New Year -- now an integral part of Bengalis' cultural heritage and tradition. 

People attend a procession in celebration of the Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 14, 2026. Bangladesh celebrated Bengali New Year 1433 on Tuesday with processions, traditional food and cultural events in the capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the South Asian country. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)

People attend a procession in celebration of the Bengali New Year, known as Pohela Boishakh, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 14, 2026. Bangladesh celebrated Bengali New Year 1433 on Tuesday with processions, traditional food and cultural events in the capital Dhaka and elsewhere in the South Asian country. (Photo by Habibur Rahman/Xinhua)
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to import more high-quality products from Spain and encourages more capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Spain, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday.

Li made the remarks when holding talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China.

Noting that China and Spain are major economies in the world, Li said the two sides should jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade, and firmly promote openness and cooperation, injecting impetus into the development of both countries and the world at large.

The more volatile and turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more China and Spain should strengthen practical cooperation, empower each other and achieve mutual success, Li said.

Li said China stands ready to further align its development strategies with Spain, promote the continuous deepening and solidification of all-round cooperation, and achieve a higher level of mutual benefit and win-win results.

Li said China is willing to work with Spain to better leverage their complementary economic advantages, deeply explore cooperation potential, and promote the expansion, quality improvement and balanced development of bilateral trade.

China is willing to enhance cooperation with Spain in areas such as new energy vehicles and energy storage to create more highlights of cooperation, Li said, adding that China supports universities, research institutions and enterprises from both sides to strengthen joint research and development, enhance scientific and technological innovation capabilities, and work together to seize future development opportunities.

Li said China is also willing to enhance the level of transportation cooperation with Spain, promote the high-quality development of the China-Europe Railway Express, and jointly build an international green shipping corridor.

It is hoped that Spain will continue to play an important role within the European Union and promote the healthy development of economic and trade relations between China and the EU, Li noted.

Sanchez said the Spanish side is willing to maintain close and high-level political dialogue with China, enhance strategic communication, increase mutual understanding, expand cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, renewable energy, education, culture and other fields, expand tourism and people-to-people exchanges, continuously enhance the stability and sustainability of bilateral relations, and better benefit the two peoples.

Spain is ready to enhance multilateral communication and coordination with China and firmly support the United Nations and multilateralism, Sanchez said, adding that the Spanish side supports strengthening dialogue and communication between the EU and China, and is willing to play an active role in handling economic and trade differences properly, and in promoting trade and investment cooperation between the EU and China.

After their talks, Li and Sanchez witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in areas such as economy and trade, education, science and technology, and agriculture and food. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Gerry Brownlee, speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026 (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Gerry Brownlee, speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, in Beijing on Tuesday.

Wang said China is willing to work with New Zealand to implement the important consensus reached by the two countries' leaders, solidify the political foundation of bilateral relations, and maintain the correct direction of cooperation for mutual benefit.

China will also work with New Zealand to jointly practice genuine multilateralism, and promote the continuous development of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership, said Wang.

The CPPCC stands ready to play an active role in this regard, he added.

Noting that China's rapid development and transformation is impressive, Brownlee said New Zealand adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in trade, science and technology, environment, climate change, tourism, and education, among others.

The New Zealand parliament is ready to deepen exchanges with the Chinese side, enhance understanding of China, tighten cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and promote the development of New Zealand-China relations, Brownlee noted. 

Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Gerry Brownlee, speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026 (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)
BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- A group of Chinese researchers has reported the discovery of a new pulsar, which exhibits an exceptionally high spin-down rate, two orders of magnitude higher than that of other known millisecond pulsars, according to a recent research article published in the journal Nature Astronomy.

In terms of traditional theory, millisecond pulsars are formed via ordinary pulsars in binary systems that "accrete" matter from their companion stars, much like a spinning top being continuously whipped. This process leads to accretion-driven acceleration.

However, such acceleration is not without limits. Once millisecond pulsars reach the "spin-up line," their rotation periods gradually stabilize, achieving a precision that even surpasses that of atomic clocks.

All previously observed millisecond pulsars are indeed below the "spin-up line," in perfect match with theoretical predictions, said Wang Na, a professor at the Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory (XAO) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

This newly discovered millisecond pulsar resides in a binary system with an orbital period of approximately eight days, and of which the companion star is a white dwarf with a mass greater than 0.29 times that of the sun. Its spin period is 3.2 milliseconds, yet exhibiting an extremely high period derivative, placing it far above the "spin-up line."

This suggests that it is an exceptionally young millisecond pulsar with unusually intense energy loss.

All these features stand in contrast to the traditional perception of millisecond pulsars as being old, magnetically weak and rotationally stable.

This study, conducted by researchers from the XAO, Xinjiang University and Tsinghua University, imposes stringent constraints on the classical theories of accretion-driven spin-up in millisecond pulsars. 
ISLAMABAD, April 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams could return here later this week for further talks, Reuters quoted multiple sources as saying on Tuesday, after the two sides ended their latest round without a breakthrough.

U.S. officials told the Associated Press that Islamabad and Geneva have been considered as possible venues for the new round of U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Disputes over Iran's nuclear program persist, with Washington pressing Tehran to freeze uranium enrichment and give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while Iran is seeking the release of frozen funds and broader sanctions relief.

Meanwhile, the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, and U.S. President Donald Trump warned that U.S. forces would "eliminate" any Iranian vessel approaching the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye are working to revive negotiations before the current ceasefire expires, according to reports.

"We are not in a complete deadlock. The door is not closed yet. Both sides are bargaining. It's a bazaar," a regional source told Axios, a U.S. online media outlet. 
SYDNEY, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Scientists in Australia have formally identified a new, critically endangered lizard species found only in Mutawintji National Park in the state of New South Wales.

Known to Wiimpatja Aboriginal Owners as Kungaka -- "the hidden one" -- the lizard has been scientifically described as a new species: Liopholis mutawintji, according to a statement released Tuesday by the Australian Museum.

With fewer than 20 individuals of the species known to exist, the lizard is also now one of Australia's most threatened reptiles.

The species was previously considered an isolated population of the widespread White's Skink (Liopholis whitii). Genetic analysis and examination of variation across its wide distribution have now confirmed it is one of three distinct species and the only one restricted to Mutawintji.

It is around 500 km from its closest relatives, surviving in a tiny pocket of humid, rocky habitat surrounded by hot saltbush and gibber plains, the statement said.

The scientific description of the Kungaka is just the first step, said Australian Museum researcher Tom Parkin, lead author of the study published in Zootaxa.

"The Kungaka represents an ancient lineage that likely originated earlier when the environment was quite different. Today, it survives in a tiny, isolated pocket of sheltered gorge in Mutawintji. Through this research, we not only better understand a species, but also the history behind the surrounding environment," Parkin said.

Scientists warn that feral goats have been identified as a key threat to the skinks' survival because they degrade the local habitat through overgrazing and trampling, reducing food availability and shelter, exposing lizards to predators and extreme temperatures. 
* As a major event showcasing the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) after it fully launched island-wide special customs operations in December last year, the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) kicked off on Monday in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, attracting more than 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions.

* The sixth CICPE has expanded in scale, with an exhibition area of 143,000 square meters, up 13,000 square meters from the previous edition. International exhibits account for 65 percent of the total, an increase of 20 percentage points from last year. More than 200 new products are expected to make their debut, double last year's number and spanning fields including healthcare, jewelry and digital technology.

* As China's first national-level exhibition centered on consumer goods, the CICPE is not only a window into new consumption trends, but also a gateway to the vast opportunities in China's large market.

HAIKOU, April 14 (Xinhua) -- As a major event showcasing the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) after it fully launched island-wide special customs operations in December last year, the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) kicked off on Monday in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, attracting more than 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions.

This photo taken on April 13, 2026 shows a scene at the launch event for the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo and 2026 "Shopping in China" International Consumption Season, in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

Themed "Opening Up Drives Global Consumption, Innovation Empowers A Better Life," this year's expo runs from April 13 to 18. Meanwhile, the 2026 "Shopping in China" International Consumption Season was launched simultaneously.

The sixth CICPE has expanded in scale, with an exhibition area of 143,000 square meters, up 13,000 square meters from the previous edition. International exhibits account for 65 percent of the total, an increase of 20 percentage points from last year.

Last week, China launched the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in north China, further refining the country's opening-up landscape. Days after the CICPE's launch, the 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, is set to open, with its exhibition scale surpassing previous levels. These successive initiatives and grand events convey to the world China's unwavering resolve and commitment to expanding high-level opening up.

SETTING NEW TRENDS

Since its launch in 2021, the CICPE has become an important platform for multinationals to stay abreast of consumer trends in China's gigantic market, with over 3,800 enterprises and more than 12,000 brands from 92 countries and regions participating over the past five editions.

At this year's expo, more than 200 new products are expected to make their debut, double last year's number and spanning fields including healthcare, jewelry and digital technology.

People learn about robot products during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

The Taobao and Tmall Group, notably, is taking part in the event as both an exhibitor and a buyer. According to Yan Jia, the group's general manager of public affairs, the group will highlight its AI-driven innovations in smart consumption and industrial empowerment.

"Through the CICPE platform, we aim to collaborate with global partners to drive the deep integration of technology, ecosystems and consumer scenarios, helping bring more smart products to market," Yan said.

More products of intelligent manufacturing in China have entered the global spotlight at this year's edition. Among the exhibitors, Chinese motorcycle maker ZXMOTO stands alongside global giants like Aston Martin and Bombardier, demonstrating the rising technological prowess and overall competitiveness of made-in-China products.

This photo taken on April 13, 2026 shows a product of Chinese motorcycle maker ZXMOTO during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

Health consumption and the "experience economy" have also emerged as highlights of this year's CICPE. These trends are reflected beyond the main venue in Haikou, with a health exhibition area in Hainan's Boao featuring 120 international pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and a yacht show in Sanya, also in Hainan Province, hosting over 200 yachts.

"The CICPE serves as a fast track for global quality consumer goods into China's market, while injecting sustained new momentum into consumption upgrading and unlocking the potential of China's enormous market," Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping said.

SHARING NEW OPPORTUNITIES

As China's first national-level exhibition centered on consumer goods, the CICPE is not only a window into new consumption trends, but also a gateway to the vast opportunities in China's large market.

Canada, this year's guest country of honor, has organized its largest-ever delegation, with around 40 companies participating in sectors including cosmetics, agricultural products, health products and pet food.

People visit the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

"China is Canada's second-largest trading partner," said Maninder Sidhu, Canada's minister of international trade, at the launch event of the sixth CICPE. "It has what Canada's businesses want: skill, ambition, and a growing consumer class that is sophisticated and looking for top quality Canadian products and services."

Russia and Bulgaria are among nations setting up national pavilions for the first time, while official delegations from 12 countries and regions, including Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Ireland, are attending the 2026 event.

Last year, China's total retail sales of consumer goods topped 50 trillion yuan (about 7.28 trillion U.S. dollars). In the period from 2021 to 2025, the country's cumulative imports of consumer goods had exceeded 9 trillion yuan.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan outline, released last month, includes a special section on expanding high-level opening up and forging a new landscape for win-win cooperation.

People promote products via livestream at the booth of Malaysia during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

Singaporean massage chair brand OSIM has participated in the CICPE for six consecutive years. Deserine Lim, OSIM general manager of HQ Management and East China, said that in OSIM's global strategy, the Chinese market "has always held an irreplaceable core position."

"China has long transcended the role of a major sales market. It has become a source of inspiration and a strategic high ground for global innovation," Lim said. "Many of our deep insights into family health scenarios and product innovations stem from a profound understanding of Chinese consumer needs."

Lim added that the company is very optimistic about the potential of China's consumer market. "We believe that a Chinese consumer market pursuing higher quality of life and greater focus on physical and mental health will bring the brand long-term and stable growth opportunities," she said.

Sheng noted that the expo has become a "bridgehead" for high-level opening up, with over 230,000 domestic and overseas buyers participating in the five expos to date.

This edition, for the first time, has set up a buyer service center on site, providing exhibitors and buyers with full-process, all-round supply-demand matchmaking services. Additionally, an online supply-demand matchmaking platform has been established, leveraging digital technology to enable one-click matching of needs.

"An estimated 65,000 professional buyers will attend this year's expo, a 10-percent increase from the previous edition," said Lu Min, director of the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development. "We also plan to hold more than 10 supply-demand matchmaking events to effectively enhance the sense of fulfillment for both buyers and exhibitors."

A TWO-WAY BOOST

On Dec. 18, 2025, the Hainan FTP fully launched island-wide special customs operations. "It signifies a new phase for the CICPE, one that is more international, professional and market-driven," Sheng said.

With the continuous release of policy dividends from the Hainan FTP, exhibits are able to benefit from fast-track customs clearance, bonded exhibition, instant sales at the expo and duty-free sales, effectively transforming exhibits into goods. In turn, the CICPE's "spillover effect" is also being felt, with over 70 leading companies having set up operations in Hainan after taking part in the expo to date.

People learn about an agarwood product during the sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

"The sixth CICPE is an incredibly important event for our company and underlines our commitment to Hainan as a critical hub in the global travel retail sector," said Matthew Growdon, president for Asia-Pacific and Travel Retail Worldwide at the Estee Lauder Companies, a six-time CICPE exhibitor. Since opening its first store in Sanya in 2009, the company has seen steady growth and expansion.

OSIM opened its first directly-operated store in Haikou after the inaugural CICPE. "The customs clearance operation of the Hainan FTP is expected to bring greater convenience in trade, investment and the movement of people, creating broader development space for international brands including us," Lim said.

Avolta, a world-leading travel retailer with more than 16 years of presence in the Chinese market, is making its debut at this year's expo. "We are highly confident in Hainan's development prospects and have a clear intention to ramp up our investment in the region," said Michael Wong, the company's managing director for North Asia. "This is exactly why we are taking part in the CICPE."

Bateer, executive vice governor of Hainan, said the province will aim to build a high-standard free trade port and take more proactive steps to advance reforms in six key areas, namely trade, investment, cross-border capital flows, personnel movement, transportation, and secure and orderly data flow.

(Reporting by Cui Enhui, Zhu Shaobin, Zhong Qun and Zhou Huimin; Video reporters: Zhou Yang, Sun Biao, Xu Siyuan, Zhao Yuhe, Guo Liangchuan and Pu Xiaoxu; Video editors: Hong Ling, Zhu Cong, Zhang Mocheng and Liu Yutian) 
JERUSALEM, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said on Tuesday that a reservist was killed in southern Lebanon.

The reservist was identified as Ayal Uriel Bianco, a 30-year-old firefighting vehicle driver from Katzrin in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. The military said that he was killed "during combat," without elaborating.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that Bianco died in a Humvee rollover accident. In the same incident, another reservist was moderately injured, and two reservists were lightly injured.

Israeli ground forces made an incursion into Lebanon in early March after Hezbollah fired rockets toward Israel amid the U.S.-Israel-Iran war. 
COLOMBO, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's official remittances rose 17.5 percent year-on-year to 814.8 million U.S. dollars in March 2026, continuing the upward trend seen since 2024, according to the latest data from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL).

The CBSL data showed that remittances from Sri Lankan workers abroad increased 26.5 percent year-on-year to 2.3 billion dollars in the first three months of 2026.

In 2025, Sri Lankan workers sent home a record 8.08 billion dollars.

Worker remittances are one of Sri Lanka's top sources of foreign exchange earnings. 
NEW DELHI, April 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by telephone on Tuesday, confirmed the latter in a post on social media.

According to Modi's post on X, the duo discussed bilateral cooperation in various sectors, and also the current situation in the Middle East, stressing the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open.

"Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas," Modi said. 
CAIRO, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) on Tuesday dispatched a new humanitarian aid convoy to the Gaza Strip, carrying food, relief supplies, and winter essentials, as deaths continue to be reported in the enclave despite an ongoing ceasefire.

The shipment included more than 155,000 food baskets, about 185 tons of flour, over 1,435 tons of relief materials and medicines, and around 1,055 tons of petroleum products to operate hospitals and other vital facilities in Gaza, according to a statement by the ERC.

Winter supplies comprised more than 14,400 clothing items, about 1,000 blankets, 375 mattresses, 10,370 tarpaulins, and 2,055 tents, the statement added.

This marks the 176th convey sent from Egypt since the ERC launched its Gaza aid initiative in late July 2025.

The ERC said it has delivered more than 900,000 tons of aid through more than 65,000 volunteers since the outbreak of the crisis in late 2023.

It also continues to facilitate the entry and return of injured Palestinians and their escorts at the Rafah crossing.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in October 2025. Since then, 757 Palestinians have been killed and 2,111 others wounded by Israeli army fire, bringing the total number of casualties to 72,336 dead and 172,213 wounded, according to figures released by Gaza's health authorities on Tuesday. 
This photo taken on April 14, 2026 shows the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. The coming rounds of peace talks between the United States and Iran to end the war can come anytime and anywhere, but nothing is official as of now, according to a source with the Iranian embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan. (Xinhua/Zhang Jingyao)

ISLAMABAD, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The coming rounds of peace talks between the United States and Iran to end the war can come anytime and anywhere, but nothing is official as of now, according to a source with the Iranian embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Hadi Golriz, head of the press section of the embassy, told Xinhua that some media reports on the next round of talks are "baseless."

Earlier on Tuesday, Reuters quoted multiple sources as saying that the U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams could return to the Pakistani capital later this week for further talks after the two sides ended their latest round without a breakthrough.

Disputes over Iran's nuclear program persist, with Washington pressing Tehran to freeze uranium enrichment and give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while Iran is seeking the release of frozen funds and broader sanctions relief.

Meanwhile, the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, and U.S. President Donald Trump warned that U.S. forces would "eliminate" any Iranian vessel approaching the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Turkiye are working to revive negotiations before the current ceasefire expires, according to reports.

"We are not in a complete deadlock. The door is not closed yet. Both sides are bargaining. It's a bazaar," a regional source told Axios, a U.S. online media outlet. 
People walk past the press center for the talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)

UNITED NATIONS, April 13 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls on U.S.-Iranian negotiations to continue, said his spokesman on Monday.

While no agreement was reached at the talks hosted by Pakistan between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, the discussions themselves underscored the seriousness of their engagement and constituted a positive and meaningful step toward renewed dialogue, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, in a statement.

"Given the deeply rooted differences, an agreement cannot be reached overnight, and the secretary-general calls on the talks to continue constructively for an agreement to be reached," he said.

After weeks of destruction and distress, it is clear that there is no military solution to the current conflict, said the spokesman.

At the same time, the ceasefire must absolutely be preserved. All violations must cease, said Dujarric.

The secretary-general stresses that all parties to this conflict must respect freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law, he added.

Disruptions in the maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz have already had a direct effect well beyond the immediate region, with increased global economic fragility and insecurity in many sectors, noted the spokesman.

The disruption of fertilizer and its inputs further exacerbates food insecurity for millions of vulnerable people around the world, adding to the rising cost of living due to impacts from fuel, transportation and supply chain disruptions, he said. 
MOSCOW, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Russian forces struck Ukrainian energy facilities and military-related targets, the Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

According to the ministry, the raids targeted Ukrainian energy and transport infrastructure, drone storage sites and fuel depots. Temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries were also hit in 142 areas.

Russian air defense systems shot down 14 guided aerial bombs, six U.S.-made HIMARS rockets and 391 fixed-wing drones over the past day. In the Black Sea, two Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels were destroyed, it added. 
A technician debugs a humanoid robot at a company in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 26, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

HANGZHOU, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Along China's eastern seaboard, the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in Zhejiang Province is barely ever quiet. Ships come and go around the clock, and inland, factory floors maintain a similar rhythm.

This combination helps explain Ningbo's prominent role in China's industrial landscape. It is not just a major port, but also one of the country's most important manufacturing hubs.

Here, traditional industries still make up about 55 percent of its industrial base, roughly in line with the national structure. Its industrial reach is strikingly wide, spanning 36 of China's 41 major industrial categories. More than 90 percent of its manufacturers are privately owned, though large state-backed firms also remain part of the picture.

All these features make Ningbo a revealing microcosm of China's manufacturing sector in transition.

"Transition" is certainly the right word. In recent years, the city has steadily upgraded its manufacturing base, using digital tools, industrial internet platforms and AI to make production smarter, more efficient and more precise.

The pace has quickened this year. In the first two months of 2026, the value-added industrial output of enterprises above designated size in Ningbo rose 9.3 percent year on year, 4 percentage points faster than the full-year rate for 2025. Of the city's 36 major industries, 27 expanded. Output in carmaking, computers and communications equipment, as well as general equipment manufacturing, all posted strong growth during this period.

Yet the more revealing story lies not in the headline numbers, but in the changes unfolding on the factory floor.

At an interactive display area run by Ningbo Puzhi Future Robotics Co., Ltd., humanoid robots sway to music while wheeled machines stack goods on supermarket shelves. Streams of data from touch sensors, robotic-arm movements and video feeds are then fed back into model training.

For Zhou Xingyou, chairman of the embodied intelligence business and vice president of Joyson Holding Co., Ltd., a globally oriented smart-manufacturing company with operations ranging from automotive systems to embodied intelligence robotics, Ningbo's edge lies in its abundance of real-world industrial scenarios.

Ningbo's manufacturing base is both broad and dense, providing robotics firms with the structured real-world environments they need. Demand from sectors such as car parts, optics and electronics serves as practical proving grounds for new technologies.

This pattern runs through much of the city's industrial upgrading. In Ningbo, smart manufacturing is less about futuristic displays and more about integrating new tools into established production systems.

At the production base of Ningbo GP & Sonluk Battery Co., Ltd., intelligent manufacturing permeates most of the operation. The plant has an annual capacity of up to 5 billion batteries, with a single line producing 600 a minute. Across 40 production lines, raw materials are fed in automatically, while batteries are moved by automated guided vehicles, inspected by AI systems, packaged and warehoused with little human intervention, then loaded into containers for export.

Zhu Xiangkui, the company's president, said the advantages are most evident in quality control. Each battery must undergo a full visual inspection for defects in six major categories and 18 subcategories, including scratches and leakage.

"That is exactly where intelligent inspection proves its worth," he said. In the past, workers inspected around 1,000 trays of batteries a day, a heavy workload that made occasional missed defects almost unavoidable. AI quality inspection has completely changed this.

Such examples are no longer rare. In industries such as green petrochemicals, new energy vehicles and electronic information, and life sciences and healthcare, AI is increasingly becoming a routine part of production. Among industrial enterprises above designated size, the adoption rate of AI has surpassed 36.7 percent.

Still, Ningbo's strength lies not only in its use of smart technology. It also lies in the type of firms it has fostered: manufacturers that stay close to the shop floor, specialize in niche areas and build strength in critical links of the industrial chain.

Ningbo Yongxin Optics Co., Ltd. is one such firm. Founded in 1997, it has long specialized in optical microscopes and optical components. Its products are used in life sciences, medical optics and industrial inspection, while its core components also feed into autonomous driving, industrial automation, AI and professional imaging equipment.

According to the company, its core customers include international brands such as Zeiss, Leica and Nikon. In recent years, it has also participated in major national projects, including developing China's first space microscopic experiment instrument for the country's space station and manufacturing optical lenses for the Chang'e lunar exploration program.

Yongxin Optics is part of a larger industrial cluster. Ningbo is now home to 119 national-level manufacturing champions in single segments, more than any other Chinese city for the eighth consecutive year. Such firms tend to dominate narrow but important niches, pairing technical depth with strong market positions.

The upgrading can also be seen in industries once thought too traditional to change significantly.

At Youngor Group's 5G smart factory, an automated hanging system runs across the workshop ceiling, carrying semi-finished garments from one workstation to the next. Workers take each piece down, complete their task and place it back on the line for the next stage. According to data from the workshop, the system has cut the production cycle for batch-made garments from 45 days to 32, shortened the lead time for high-end bespoke orders from 15 days to five, and increased overall production efficiency by 40 percent.

"For traditional manufacturers, intelligent transformation is the only way forward," said Li Rucheng, chairman of the group.

Li's view is shared by local manufacturers. One of them argues that in "smart manufacturing," the key word remains "manufacturing," not "smart." Intelligence can boost efficiency, improve quality and open up new possibilities. But without a solid industrial base, the technology risks drifting free of practical use.

Ningbo's experience shows that the shift from "Made in China" to smarter manufacturing is not driven by technology alone. It depends just as much on dense industrial ecosystems, real-world applications, specialized firms and a willingness to keep improving, often over many years, through the unglamorous work of production itself.

Wang Yidong, director of Ningbo's bureau of economy and information technology, believes that the level of a city's manufacturing intelligence depends on steady accumulation, long-term planning and sustained effort.

This helps explain why patience is a recurring theme in Ningbo's development story. Wang Shu, deputy director of the city's science and technology bureau, makes a similar point: in Ningbo, many entrepreneurs start with little more than a backpack, but it typically takes more than a decade to build a substantial business.

"Without patience, those ten years would be unimaginable," Wang said, noting that in the AI era, as intelligent technologies iterate ever faster, the need for strategic long-term thinking is even greater. 

This photo taken on March 27, 2026 shows a view of a 5G digital workshop of a company in Ningbo, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
A Lijian-1 Y12 carrier rocket carrying eight satellites blasts off from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, April 14, 2026. The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) and successfully sent the satellites into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Haixia/Xinhua)

JIUQUAN, April 14 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday launched the Lijian-1 Y12 carrier rocket to send eight satellites into space.

The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China. It successfully sent the satellites into their planned orbits.

This launch marked the 12th flight mission of the Lijian-1 carrier rocket series.

The Lijian-1 carrier rocket series was developed by CAS Space, a commercial spaceflight company founded by the Institute of Mechanics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The Lijian-1 rocket was developed to serve the microsatellite launch market, providing diversified launch services for varying numbers of satellites, according to Lijian-1 chief designer Shi Xiaoning.

To date, the rocket series has successfully sent more than 90 satellites into space, with a total orbital payload mass exceeding 12 tonnes.

By now, Lijian-1's annual production capacity exceeds 10 rockets, and the assembly and testing cycle has been shortened to 1 month. Its launch frequency will continue to increase, and its first sea-based launch is also being planned, according to the developer. 

A Lijian-1 Y12 carrier rocket carrying eight satellites blasts off from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, April 14, 2026. The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) and successfully sent the satellites into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Haixia/Xinhua)

A Lijian-1 Y12 carrier rocket carrying eight satellites blasts off from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, April 14, 2026. The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) and successfully sent the satellites into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Haixia/Xinhua)

A Lijian-1 Y12 carrier rocket carrying eight satellites blasts off from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in northwest China, April 14, 2026. The rocket blasted off at 12:03 p.m. (Beijing Time) and successfully sent the satellites into their planned orbits. (Photo by Wang Haixia/Xinhua)
A vendor sells vegetable and fruit on a street in Havana, capital of Cuba, Feb. 23, 2026. (Photo by Joaquin Hernandez/Xinhua)

WASHINGTON, April 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened again on Monday that Cuba would be Washington's next target following attacks on Venezuela and Iran.

"We may stop by Cuba after we're finished with this," Trump told reporters at the White House, referring to the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran which started on Feb. 28.

Trump also repeated his previous assertions that Cuba is a "failing nation."

Days after launching the war with Iran, Trump threatened that Cuba is going to "fall pretty soon" but his administration will focus on the ongoing war with Iran "right now."

"Cuba is next, by the way, but pretend I didn't say that," Trump told an investment forum in Florida late last month.

Cuba has been facing a severe economic and energy crisis since the U.S. military raided Venezuela and took Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by force on Jan. 3. The U.S. operation on Caracas has heavily disrupted Cuba's oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico afterward. 
PARIS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Global oil demand is now projected to decline by 80,000 barrels a day (80 kb/d) on average in 2026, from prior expectations of 730 kb/d of growth, as the Iran war upends our global outlook, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Tuesday.

According to IEA's latest Oil Market Report, oil demand is forecast to decline by 1.5 million barrels a day (1.5 mb/d) in the second quarter of 2026, marking the sharpest drop since COVID-19 slashed fuel consumption. As scarcity and higher prices persist, demand destruction is expected to spread.

Global oil supply plummeted by 10.1 mb/d to 97 mb/d in March, the report said, adding that continued attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East and ongoing restrictions to tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz led to the largest disruption in history.

Global crude throughputs continue to struggle with disruptions to feedstock supplies and infrastructure damage that are tightening global product markets, the agency said, projecting that global crude runs will decline by 1 mb/d on average in 2026 to 82.9 mb/d.

Global observed oil inventories fell by 85 million barrels in March, with stocks outside of the Middle East Gulf drawn down by a significant 205 million barrels, as flows through the Strait of Hormuz were choked off. Oil prices posted their largest-ever monthly gain in March following the most severe supply shock on record, the report said.

The IEA noted that a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States provided some respite to global oil markets, but it remains unclear whether it will translate into a lasting peace and a return to regular shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Resuming flows through the Strait of Hormuz remains the single most important variable in easing pressure on energy supplies, prices and the global economy, the IEA said.

After U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Sunday to block ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said that U.S. forces will begin implementing a blockade of "all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports" on Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (1400 GMT). 
JAKARTA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- TikTok said Friday that it will continue its self-assessment process in close collaboration with the Indonesian government regarding the directive to restrict access for users under the age of 16 and comply with age guidelines as required based on the result.

"We deeply respect the guidance from the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi), which establishes that digital platforms, including TikTok, must be clear that they are for people aged 16 and older, unless they are classified as low risk after a risk assessment process," the company said in a press release.

TikTok also uses the most innovative technology to detect accounts that violate its minimum age rules and suspend accounts identified as non-compliant, read the company's statement, adding that in addition, teen accounts on TikTok have more than 50 preset safety, privacy, and security settings automatically turned on, so they can safely express their creativity, discover new interests, and learn on TikTok.

The regulation came into effect on March 28 and applies to eight platforms categorized as "high-risk," including TikTok, YouTube, Roblox, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X and Bigo Live. The rules are intended to protect minors from harmful online content and mitigate risks associated with excessive screen time. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed the need for China and Spain to strengthen cooperation in fields including trade, new energy and intelligent economy, and to encourage exchanges in culture, education, scientific research and sports.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China.

Noting that China and Spain should seize opportunities and seek innovation-driven development, Xi told Sanchez that the two countries should promote their comprehensive strategic partnership to yield more results and bring more benefits to their people.

Xi noted that despite a shifting and turbulent international landscape, China and Spain have maintained a steady relationship, forging ties with strategic determination, and that an important lesson learned is the significance of making correct decisions based on common interests.

Facts have proved that deepening cooperation is in the interests of the two peoples, conforms to the overarching trend of the times, and enhances the strength and confidence of both sides in following a path of independence and self-reliance, Xi said.

He urged China and Spain to place the development of bilateral relations in an important position in their respective foreign policies and support each other's efforts to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"China is firmly resolved to advance Chinese modernization and has a broad vision to share development opportunities with the world through high-standard opening up," Xi said, adding that China will inject confidence and momentum into global economic growth through its own development.

Noting that the world today is in turmoil, confronted with the contest between the rule of law and the rule of power, Xi called on both China and Spain, as countries of principle and moral integrity, to enhance communication, consolidate mutual trust and strengthen cooperation to oppose the world's regression to the "law of the jungle," and jointly uphold true multilateralism.

He emphasized that both countries should safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
SYDNEY, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The government of the eastern Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) on Tuesday announced plans to roll out more electric vehicle (EV) chargers to keep up with demand amid record-high sales.

Chris Minns, premier of NSW, committed 100 million Australian dollars (about 70.82 million U.S. dollars) in funding for the state's 2026 EV Strategy, 45 million Australian dollars of which will go towards new public EV chargers.

The state government said that the strategy will deliver 1,000 new EV chargers over the next five years and ensure that fast charging stations are no more than 100 km apart on major roads and highways across NSW.

The strategy was announced after Australian EV sales hit a record high in March as fuel prices soared due to the oil supply crisis in the Middle East.

According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, battery EVs accounted for 14.6 percent of all new vehicle sales in Australia in March, up from 7.5 percent in March 2025.

The NSW government said on Tuesday that EV sales make up 15.6 percent of new vehicle sales in the state.

"Families are feeling the pressure every time they fill up. We want to give more families the option of taking up EVs," Minns said in a statement. "This is about giving people a real alternative, one that's cheaper to run and with this rollout, easier to access."

The strategy also includes funding to provide grants for businesses that electrify their delivery and service fleets and to train 2,000 mechanics in regional NSW to service EVs and charging infrastructure. 
WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Israel and Lebanon laid out different expectations on a peace deal during talks here on Tuesday, with Israel insisting on Hezbollah's disarmament and Lebanon calling for a ceasefire and concrete measures to ease the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department.

All sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue, said the statement.

The meeting marked the first major high-level engagement between the governments of Israel and Lebanon since 1993, it said. 
UNITED NATIONS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Tuesday adopted a resolution to extend the ban on the illicit export of petroleum, including crude oil and refined petroleum products, from Libya.

Resolution 2819, which won the unanimous support of the 15-member council, re-authorizes the measures contained in Resolution 2146 of March 2014 related to the illicit export of petroleum from Libya, for 15 months, until Aug. 1, 2027.

The resolution also extends the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the Libya Sanctions Committee until Aug. 15, 2027. 
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (L) speaks to the press at the UN headquarters in New York, April 14, 2026. Guterres said Tuesday that the resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran is highly probable. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UNITED NATIONS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday that the resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran is highly probable.

"The indication we have is that it is highly probable that these talks will restart," Guterres told reporters at the UN Headquarters.

He said that he met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, without giving further details.

Pakistan hosted the latest round of U.S.-Iranian negotiations in Islamabad over the weekend, although the parties were unable to reach an agreement.

"I consider essential that these negotiations go on," said Guterres, noting that it would be unrealistic to expect that such a complex, long-lasting problem could be resolved in the first session of a negotiation.

"So we need negotiations to go on, and we need a ceasefire to persist as negotiations go on," the UN chief said, adding that there is no military solution to the crisis and peace agreements require persistent engagement and political will.

"Serious negotiations must resume. The ceasefire must be preserved -- and extended as necessary. ... It is time for diplomacy over escalation. It is time for a renewed commitment to international law," said Guterres. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press at the UN headquarters in New York, April 14, 2026. Guterres said Tuesday that the resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran is highly probable. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (at podium) speaks to the press at the UN headquarters in New York, April 14, 2026. Guterres said Tuesday that the resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran is highly probable. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (at podium) speaks to the press at the UN headquarters in New York, April 14, 2026. Guterres said Tuesday that the resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran is highly probable. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to the press at the UN headquarters in New York, April 14, 2026. Guterres said Tuesday that the resumption of talks between Washington and Tehran is highly probable. (Xinhua/Xie E)
WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Israel-Lebanon direct talks at the ambassador level are underway on Tuesday at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C.

"All of the complexities of this matter are not going to be resolved in the next six hours, but we can begin to move forward and create the framework for something can happen, something very positive, something very permanent," U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in short opening remarks.

"This is a process, not an event. This is more than just one day," Rubio added.

Rubio described the meeting as "a historic opportunity" since it is believed to be the most high-level direct meeting between Israel and Lebanon since 1993.

Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Nada Hamadeh and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter took part in the talks, along with Rubio and other U.S. officials.

Israel and Lebanon laid out different expectations on Monday, with Israel insisting on Hezbollah's disarmament and a peace agreement, and Lebanon voicing hope for a ceasefire and the launch of direct negotiations, according to reports.

At least 35 people have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon in the past 24 hours, the Lebanese Health Ministry said Tuesday in a daily update.

Hezbollah entered the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran on March 2, launching rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel for the first time since the 2024 ceasefire. Israel responded with a ground offensive amid an intensified military campaign targeting multiple areas across the country, killing more than 2,000 people. 
TEHRAN, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Fars News Agency reported Tuesday that during a U.S. attack on Iran's central Isfahan Province, a "significant" amount of U.S.-made communications equipment in the country suddenly stopped working.

The report did not specify which attack it was referring to. However, a photo published with the report showed wreckage of an American aircraft destroyed during a U.S. military operation earlier this month that was said to be aimed at rescuing the pilot of a downed fighter jet.

Citing field observations, the report said the equipment included products made by Cisco, Juniper Networks and Fortinet. It said the devices failed at the same time as the attack.

The report described the timing as "suspicious" and said Iran had no international internet access at the time, with global gateways blocked or unreachable.

Fars said the simultaneous failures showed signs of "deep-seated sabotage" embedded in the equipment. It quoted cybersecurity sources as saying Iran's cyber laboratories would soon release technical details and evidence of "coordination" between the manufacturers and U.S. and Israeli "enemies."

"This attack showed that the backbone of a country's cybersecurity cannot depend on foreign equipment," the report said.

The 40-day U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, starting Feb. 28, killed Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and more than 3,000 civilians. 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 April 8. Lengthy talks between Iranian and U.S. delegations were later held in Islamabad, but failed to produce an agreement. 
TRIPOLI, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Forces from Libya's eastern and western-based administrations took part in U.S. Special Operations Forces training activities in the central Libyan city of Sirte on Tuesday, marking the first such joint exercise for the rival sides in years.

Deputy Minister of Defense of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Abdul Salam Al-Zoubi appeared alongside Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander of the "General Command" of the Libyan National Army (LNA), while overseeing preparations for the exercise in Sirte, in the presence of local and international military personnel, local media reported.

The event is the main annual special operations exercise overseen by the U.S. Africa Command, bringing together more than 30 countries, with this year's activities distributed between Libya and Cote d'Ivoire, reports said.

The exercise includes integrated land, air, and maritime training operations aimed at enhancing combat readiness and strengthening coordination among participating countries in addressing security challenges.

The participation of forces from both eastern and western Libyan administrations in a single military exercise marks the first such occurrence in years, as the rival Libyan sides were previously engaged in armed conflict during the civil war in 2014.

The development is seen as an indication of growing military and security contacts between the two sides.

Since the 2011 fall of longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has been split between the UN-recognized GNU in Tripoli and the eastern administration backed by the LNA.

The Libyan High National Elections Commission said late last year that presidential elections are scheduled for April 2026. 
JOHANNESBURG, April 14 (Xinhua) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Roelf Meyer as the country's ambassador to the United States, local media reported Tuesday.

Citing Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported that Meyer is to take up the post in Washington after the position remained vacant since March 14, 2025, following the expulsion of former ambassador Ebrahim Rasool.

Rasool was declared "persona non grata" by the United States after he publicly criticized the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, leaving the diplomatic post unfilled for more than a year.

Following Rasool's departure, Ramaphosa appointed former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy to the United States in April 2025. However, according to media reports, the U.S. government denied Jonas a diplomatic visa, citing past critical remarks in which he branded Trump a "racist, homophobe and narcissistic right-winger" in 2020.

Meyer, 78, is widely regarded as an experienced negotiator who played a key role in South Africa's transition to democracy in the early 1990s. Following the release of Nelson Mandela and the unbanning of liberation movements in 1990, he participated in the landmark Groote Schuur talks between the apartheid-era government and the African National Congress, an early step toward ending apartheid. 
by Xinhua writers Wang Zhuolun, Pang Xinyi

JERUSALEM, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Israeli and Lebanese representatives are holding direct talks in Washington on Tuesday, following more than a month of deadly fighting between the two neighbors and just one week after a U.S.-Israel-Iran ceasefire.

Although both Lebanon and Israel have expressed a willingness to pursue peace through negotiations, analysts caution that three key questions could ultimately determine the outcome of the Israel-Lebanon negotiations.

QUESTION 1: IS ISRAEL REALLY SEEKING A CEASEFIRE?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the talks aim to address the disarmament of Hezbollah and the establishment of "peaceful relations" between Israel and Lebanon, following "repeated requests" from Lebanese -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had reportedly sought the "demilitarization of Beirut."

Israel and Lebanon have no formal diplomatic relations, and Hezbollah has long been viewed by Israel as a "proxy" of Iran. Since the Gaza conflict broke out in October 2023, Hezbollah has launched intermittent attacks on northern Israel in support of Hamas, prompting Israeli airstrikes and artillery responses in southern Lebanon and the capital city of Beirut.

Although a ceasefire was reached in November 2024, Israel has continued strikes, claiming Hezbollah violations. Following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon front intensified further.

Analysts see the current diplomatic move as parallel to, not a replacement for, military operations.

Former head of Israeli military intelligence Amos Yadlin noted that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire has not fundamentally changed Israel's security calculus, as Iran's nuclear program and "regional proxy" networks remain unresolved for Israel.

An article published by The Jerusalem Post also suggested Israel's willingness to engage in talks reflects tactical considerations under international and domestic pressure, not a genuine intention to halt military operations.

QUESTION 2: CAN THE LEBANESE GOVERNMENT INFLUENCE HEZBOLLAH'S DECISIONS?

The negotiating party with Israel is the Lebanese government, not Hezbollah. While Beirut has sought to curb Hezbollah's influence and pursue diplomatic engagement with Israel, Israel's strikes have weakened support for the Lebanese government's stance among parts of the Shiite population.

Maha Yahya, director of the Beirut-based Malcolm H. Ker Carnegie Middle East Center, wrote in Foreign Affairs that Israeli strikes have reinforced Hezbollah's narrative of "armed resistance," which the group said is necessary to defend Lebanon.

Michael Young, a political analyst at the same center, warned that any attempt to forcibly disarm Hezbollah could backfire -- the Lebanese government remains too weak.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz highlighted a structural dilemma of "chicken-and-egg": Israel demands disarmament of Hezbollah before any agreement, while Lebanon argues that progress in negotiations is needed before it can address the issue domestically.

Moreover, Hezbollah's stance of refusing to disarm and continuing to fight is closely tied to public support, particularly in southern Lebanon, where it is still seen by some as a force of resistance as long as Israeli troops remain on Lebanese soil.

QUESTION 3: CAN THE U.S. RESTRAIN ISRAEL?

Analysts expect that the Washington negotiations will focus more on technical issues, such as border security and limited ceasefire arrangements, rather than on addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Yadlin said that the talks were largely initiated under U.S. pressure, not entirely driven by the warring parties. While Washington supports weakening Hezbollah, it favors a gradual approach tied to Lebanon's internal political process. Yet Israel has made Hezbollah's disarmament a core demand.

Moreover, Washington is eager to prevent the Lebanon front from being subsumed into broader negotiations with Iran, particularly amid renewed tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

Some experts note that while U.S. President Donald Trump seeks a swift exit from the conflict with Iran, the Israeli government aims to continue fighting to neutralize what it perceives as an existential threat. This highlights that U.S. and Israeli interests are not fully aligned.

Therefore, despite tactical differences, how far the United States can persuade Israel to accept its agenda will directly determine the outcome of the Israel-Lebanon talks. 
PARIS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Investigators from French judicial police on Tuesday searched the Elysee Palace as part of an inquiry into public contracts awarded for ceremonies held at the Pantheon, according to French media reports.

Officers from the Paris financial and anti-corruption unit attended the palace at dawn, the French newspaper Le Figaro said.

The probe focused on contracts awarded by the French presidency to an event management company, Shortcut Events, which was notably responsible for organizing the ceremonies for memorial ceremonies at the Pantheon between 2002 and 2024, the weekly Le Canard Enchaine said.

Allegedly, the company had consistently secured the contracts over more than two decades, with each ceremony costing the state around 2 million euros (about 2.4 million U.S. dollars).

The French presidency had not commented on the matter at the time of reporting, Le Figaro said. 
LISBON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese government has disbursed 835 million euros (984.9 million U.S. dollars) to companies affected by storms that struck the country earlier this year, Goncalo Regalado, chief executive of Portuguese Development Bank (Banco Portugues de Fomento), told Parliament on Tuesday.

Speaking to the Budget, Finance and Public Administration Committee, Regalado said the funds have so far reached 4,260 companies, while a further 1.46 billion euros (1.72 billion dollars) in loans are awaiting approval.

The support scheme consists of two credit lines. One is aimed at financing reconstruction of storm damage in municipalities where a state of emergency or calamity was declared, while the other provides liquidity support, including working capital and essential operating costs, according to the bank.

Assistance has been extended to businesses across a range of sectors, including industry, transport and logistics, construction, agriculture and retail. 
MOSCOW, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia plans to deliver the first batch of its domestically developed MC-21 medium-range passenger jets in 2026-2027, a senior industry official said Tuesday.

Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Gennady Abramenkov said 18 aircraft have already been contracted, with deliveries scheduled within the stated timeframe.

Abramenkov noted that two prototype MC-21 aircraft have completed 76 certification flights out of a planned 232, along with 112 development flights.

According to the deputy minister, serial production has already begun under preliminary documentation, with adjustments being made as needed during the certification process.

The MC-21 has a designed capacity of up to 211 seats, with a maximum range of 3,830 km. The MC-21 project started out as international, but it later turned to the substitution of imported systems and components due to sanctions. 
WARSAW, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese humanoid robots are becoming the "top choice" for global partners, thanks to their high availability, rapid technological progress, and competitive pricing, a Polish industry expert has said.

Radoslaw Grzelaczyk, co-founder of MERA Robotics, a Polish company involved in humanoid technology, highlighted China's leading role in the fast-developing humanoid robotics sector in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Grzelaczyk is one of the creators of "Edward," a humanoid robot that recently went viral after videos showed it chasing boars on the streets of Warsaw. Edward is based on the Unitree G1 humanoid robot from China, integrated with MERA's operating system and adapted for local use. Videos shared by the MERA team attracted millions of views online, turning Edward into a social media sensation.

After visiting China last year to study the commercialization of humanoid robotics, Grzelaczyk and his team combined Chinese hardware with domestically developed software to create solutions tailored to European users.

He noted that, compared with Western counterparts, Chinese robots are more accessible and cost-effective, while maintaining high performance and technological sophistication.

"China is moving very fast in the humanoid market - perhaps two years ahead of any other country," he said.

Although the humanoid robotics market is still relatively small, Grzelaczyk expects it to grow rapidly and become one of the largest global markets in the near future.

Looking ahead, MERA Robotics plans to import around 100 humanoid robots from China by the end of July to expand its operations.

Grzelaczyk said the company will continue to localize these robots through its own software systems and promote solutions that combine Chinese and Polish technologies. He added that closely following innovations in China has become a key part of his daily work, as he seeks to introduce more advanced products to the European market. 
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and Russian foreign ministers on Tuesday compared notes on the preparations for the meeting between the two heads of state within the year, and exchanged in-depth views on international and regional issues of common concern, including U.S.-Iran conflict, the situation in the Asia-Pacific, and the crisis in Ukraine.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing, saying that the current international situation is experiencing severe turbulence, the harm of unilateral hegemony has intensified, the global governance system is undergoing profound adjustments, and the cause of human peace and development is facing severe challenges.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that facing a complex and volatile external environment, under the personal care and strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Russia relations have stood firm, and cooperation in various fields has remained strong and resilient.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, said Wang, adding that this year also marks the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period.

He said that China and Russia should implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, and promote the bilateral strategic partnership of coordination and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields to a higher level.

Both sides should enhance cooperation under multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, said Wang, adding that taking the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization as an opportunity, the two sides should implement the consensus reached at the Tianjin Summit and support Kyrgyzstan in hosting this year's summit successfully.

The two countries should jointly maintain the momentum of unity among BRICS countries and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South, he added.

Wang called on the two sides to continue to maintain strategic coordination on major international and regional issues, join hands to practice multilateralism and international morality, and jointly advance the process of world multi-polarization.

For his part, Lavrov said Russia is willing to work with China to maintain close high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.

The current international situation is facing severe challenges, and some countries are attempting to form "small circles" to contain Russia and China, said Lavrov.

Lavrov called on both sides to align well with the series of global initiatives proposed by the Chinese side and the vision of the Greater Eurasian Partnership and the Eurasian security architecture proposed by the Russian side, maintain coordination and cooperation on the multilateral platform and in international and regional affairs, safeguard their respective national interests, and jointly maintain the security and stability of the international system.

After their talks, the two sides jointly signed the 2026 consultation plan of the foreign ministries of the two countries. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)
JOHANNESBURG, April 14 (Xinhua) -- South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile said Tuesday that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) could deepen existing inequalities unless its development is managed inclusively.

Speaking at the launch of a digital innovation lab at Gert Sibande TVET College in Mpumalanga, Mashatile said the digital divide, limited access to education, and high unemployment risk leave many South Africans behind.

Mashatile cautioned against repeating the mistakes of past industrial revolutions, urging the construction of systems that "ensure technology serves people, creates opportunities and strengthens social cohesion."

Praising Gert Sibande TVET College, he said the new lab directly links education to industry needs.

"The work beginning here will ripple outward, motivating communities, empowering youth, and strengthening South Africa's voice in the global dialogue on technology and human progress. AI is reshaping cognition, operations, and problem-solving at a pivotal moment in history," he said.

The deputy president said successful AI adoption in South Africa depends on building a workforce with data literacy and cloud computing skills, and on embedding AI into artisan training to better prepare students for the workplace.

While AI is set to displace millions of jobs, it will also create millions more, said Mashatile, stressing that AI should be embraced as a tool to improve productivity, expand opportunities, and drive innovation. 
DAKAR, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Senegalese government on Monday honored all members of the 20th Chinese medical team to Senegal with the National Order of the Lion and certificates of honor in recognition of their contributions to the country's healthcare development.

The 20th Chinese medical team, composed of 14 members, arrived in Senegal in April 2024 for a two-year mission. During their stay, the team treated more than 20,000 outpatients at Diamniadio Children's Hospital and carried out 29 free medical outreach activities across the country, benefiting over 10,000 local residents.

At the ceremony held in the capital of Dakar, Senegalese Minister of Health and Social Action Ibrahima Sy presented the honors and certificates to the team members. He said the Chinese medical team helped strengthen local capacity in pediatric care and made positive contributions to medical training, clinical practice and professional exchanges.

Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Li Zhigang said the team has brought not only advanced medical expertise and much-needed medicines, but also demonstrated the compassion and humanitarian spirit of Chinese medical workers, making important contributions to deepening the traditional friendship between China and Senegal and advancing bilateral cooperation in the health sector.

Yang Yiguo, head of the 20th Chinese medical team, said the group has introduced more than 30 new medical techniques and programs at Diamniadio Children's Hospital during its mission, including neonatal deep venous catheterization, phacoemulsification for cataracts, and systematic traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation therapies.

More importantly, Yang noted that through hands-on mentoring and training, these techniques have gradually been mastered by Senegalese medical workers and incorporated into the hospital's routine clinical practice.

Members of the 21st Chinese medical team to Senegal also attended the ceremony. 
BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Mozambican president's visit to China will promote the in-depth development of China-Mozambique comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told a news briefing Tuesday.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President of the Republic of Mozambique Daniel Francisco Chapo will pay a state visit to China from April 16 to 22.

When asked to introduce relevant arrangements of Chapo's visit, spokesperson Guo Jiakun said it is President Chapo's first visit to China since he took office.

Guo said that President Xi will hold a welcome ceremony and a welcome banquet for him, and the two presidents will have talks.

Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji will meet with Chapo, respectively, the spokesperson said, adding that Chapo will also visit Hunan and Qinghai provinces.

Noting that China and Mozambique enjoy long-standing friendship, Guo said for over half a century since the establishment of diplomatic ties, facing the changing international landscape, China-Mozambique friendship has been growing stronger.

"Now, political mutual trust between the two countries is deepening with fruitful outcomes in cooperation in various fields and close cooperation in international and regional issues," he added.

It is believed that this visit will also make contributions to building the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era and reinforcing the solidarity and cooperation in Global South, Guo noted. 
JUBA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- When Najaa Al-Fadl fled the Sudan conflict, she hoped that crossing into South Sudan would offer her children a chance to rebuild their lives.

However, three years after its outbreak in mid-April 2023, the turmoil lingers, with hopes for security remaining fragile.

Al-Fadl, now working at a small local restaurant, still struggles to put food on the table, while her children remain out of school and live in a transit center in Upper Nile State.

"We are living in peace, but other things are not in place," she said, citing the lack of education and stable income.

Nearby, Nyawal Chok, a South Sudanese returnee who came back from Sudan in 2024, faces a similar reality. In the same transit hub, her children show signs of hunger, and the future remains uncertain as new waves of displaced families continue to arrive.

The ripple effects of the Sudan conflict have extended far beyond its borders, turning Renk County in Upper Nile State into a critical entry point for refugees fleeing violence and returnees heading home. For many, displacement has become a prolonged struggle rather than a temporary setback.

Children have borne the brunt of the crisis. Many have missed years of schooling as families move between countries or remain stranded in transit centers.

In Renk, the education system is struggling to cope with the surge in enrollment.

"We received a very large number of children, and this put great pressure on schools to absorb them," said Alier Kur Chol, Renk County's education director.

At Abukadra Primary School, which reopened in February after years of closure due to insecurity, overcrowding is evident.

Puot Biel Nyak, a primary school teacher, said his classroom has about 200 learners, most of them returnees from Sudan.

"It is too much for one class. It is not easy to manage them or ensure they all understand the lessons," Nyak said.

Shortages of desks, learning materials, and uniforms further complicate the situation, while many families cannot afford even the most basic school requirements.

Despite these challenges, Nyak said teachers continue their work, even as some go unpaid.

Humanitarian efforts, though stretched and fragile, are underway. With support from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and partners, the county has introduced additional classrooms, evening sessions, and alternative learning programs to ease the strain.

Beyond education, health and nutrition services are also under increasing strain. At Abukadra Primary Health Care Centre, UNICEF-supported programs are treating a growing number of malnourished children.

Jansuk Alex, a nutrition specialist with UNICEF in Renk, said the facility is overwhelmed. "We have a number of mothers and children being enrolled for treatment, including those with severe acute malnutrition," Alex told Xinhua.

According to UNICEF, more than 1,200 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition receive treatment each month across the county, through health facilities and outreach programs, supported by health workers, community volunteers and mother-to-mother networks.

Alex warned that continued support is critical. "If funding is not maintained, the condition of these children could worsen, and some may not survive."

Despite ongoing humanitarian efforts, many families say assistance remains insufficient, forcing them to rely on informal work, community support, and personal resilience to get by.

For Al-Fadl, Chok, and many others, life in Renk remains a delicate balance between safety and hardship, a place where conflict may have been left behind, but its consequences endure. 
Pedestrians walk past the Catholic Museum Zanzibar in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania, March 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Stone Town, the historic core of Tanzania's Zanzibar City, is undergoing a wide-ranging restoration program to preserve its architectural and cultural integrity, according to a local official.

Suhad Sultan Alawi, director of Control and Monitoring at the Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority, told Xinhua that this year alone, the government has allocated about 11 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 4.31 million U.S. dollars) to the effort.

The initiative, which also includes the upgrading of streets, roads and public spaces, reflects a renewed commitment by authorities to safeguard the island's heritage.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of East Africa's most treasured cultural landscapes, Stone Town is defined by its maze of narrow streets, coral rag architecture, intricately carved wooden doors, and a living heritage shaped by African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences.

Alawi told Xinhua that restoration progress has been steady, despite the inherent complexity of restoring historic structures. Around 20 buildings have already undergone major renovation, including five funded directly by the government, while development partners and private investors are supporting others through public-private partnerships.

Among the most prominent projects is the restoration of the iconic House of Wonders, which is now about 60 percent complete, Alawi said. Other notable efforts include the Old Fort and the historic High Court building in Vuga, which is nearing completion.

Several smaller buildings have already been successfully restored, he added, noting that the process has not been without challenges.

"Many of the specialized materials required for restoration, particularly for Grade 1 heritage buildings, are not available locally and must be imported, often resulting in long delays," he said.

For example, key structural elements for the House of Wonders, such as cast iron columns and beams, have had to be sourced from abroad, with shipping timelines of up to six or seven months. Alawi said that even traditional materials like mangrove poles can be difficult to procure consistently.

Despite these logistical hurdles, restoration work is progressing steadily, with local community involvement serving as a cornerstone of the initiative. As most properties in Stone Town are privately owned, residents are actively engaged through awareness programs, restoration campaigns and access to free technical consultations.

The government's role, Alawi emphasized, is primarily to regulate and monitor, while ownership and stewardship remain with the people. The goal is to ensure that Stone Town remains a living heritage site, authentic, resilient and enduring.

"In the years to come, visitors will once again walk through Stone Town's winding alleys and vibrant spaces, discovering a heritage that has been carefully preserved and thoughtfully renewed," Alawi added. 

This photo taken on March 24, 2026 shows the Old Fort under renovation in Zanzibar, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

This photo taken on March 24, 2026 shows the House of Wonders under renovation in Zanzibar, Tanzania. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
Abdelkrim Tafraghni, director of the Cabinet of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, addresses the first International Symposium on Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Learning between China and Arab African countries in Algiers, Algeria on April 14, 2026. The symposium was held on Tuesday in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, with topics ranging from civilizational exchange to economic and trade cooperation. The symposium brought together more than 60 experts and scholars from universities and research institutions in 13 countries, including China, Algeria, and Egypt. (Xinhua)

ALGIERS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The first International Symposium on Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Learning between China and Arab African countries was held on Tuesday in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, with topics ranging from civilizational exchange to economic and trade cooperation.

In his address, Dong Guangli, Chinese Ambassador to Algeria, stated that the friendship between China and Arab African countries has endured for millennia, characterized by mutual respect, equality, openness, and inclusiveness.

In 2026, China and Africa jointly host the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, and the second China-Arab States Summit will be held in China. He hoped this symposium would build academic consensus for the upcoming summit and energize cooperation.

Abdelkrim Tafraghni, director of the Cabinet of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, said that Algeria and China value cultural exchanges and have sought to build a fruitful partnership. This event will provide an excellent opportunity to deepen cooperation and exchanges between the two countries in higher education, scientific research, media, and communication.

During the symposium, "Algiers Consensus on Strengthening Mutual Learning Among Civilizations and Cooperation in the Global South" was released, calling for respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, cultural diversity, and multiple development paths, strengthening international security cooperation, and deepening global cooperation.

The symposium brought together more than 60 experts and scholars from universities and research institutions in 13 countries, including China, Algeria, and Egypt. Five institutes jointly organized the event, including Northwest University in China, the University of Algiers III in Algeria, and the Chinese Embassy in Algeria. 

Dong Guangli, Chinese Ambassador to Algeria, addresses the first International Symposium on Civilizational Exchange and Mutual Learning between China and Arab African countries in Algiers, Algeria on April 14, 2026.

The symposium was held on Tuesday in Algiers, the capital of Algeria, with topics ranging from civilizational exchange to economic and trade cooperation.

The symposium brought together more than 60 experts and scholars from universities and research institutions in 13 countries, including China, Algeria, and Egypt. (Xinhua)
People take part in the celebration of the Lao New Year in Vientiane, Laos, April 14, 2026. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

VIENTIANE, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Laos ushered in the first day of the Lao New Year on Tuesday with a lively atmosphere and vibrant nationwide celebrations that reflected the country's cultural traditions and festive spirit, while offering an occasion for families and friends to gather during the most important festival in the Lao calendar.

As the first day began, celebrations unfolded with vibrant cultural and traditional festivities across the country. Temples and monasteries nationwide brought out Buddha images for ritual ceremonies, creating a lively atmosphere while preserving peace, security, and Laos' cultural heritage.

In the Lao capital Vientiane, Buddha images were paraded along designated routes, allowing the public to take part in traditional water-pouring rituals to receive blessings.

In line with tradition, families across the country also gathered to pay respect to parents and elders, expressing gratitude and strengthening family bonds through water-pouring ceremonies during the nation's most important annual festival.

"For me, the Lao New Year is always about family. Every year, before going anywhere, all family members gather at home to pour water on our parents and elders. It is our way of showing gratitude and asking for blessings for the new year," said Lou, a Vientiane resident.

Beyond the ceremony, he said the atmosphere at home is filled with warmth, laughter, and togetherness.

After the family celebrations, he added, the holiday continues with a short trip planned with relatives. "We usually travel together after the New Year rituals. The trip allows us to relax and enjoy the holiday," he said.

Lou added that the festival is also a special time that helps families reconnect and start the new year with a fresh and positive feeling.

"I started the Lao New Year by joining the water-pouring ceremony with my colleagues at the office," said Touny, an office worker in Vientiane.

She said the celebration is a simple but meaningful tradition, where colleagues prepare flowers and scented water and take turns paying respect to one another, especially to senior staff.

"This year, I plan to visit nine temples to make merit and take part in water-pouring rituals in the afternoon. In the evening, I will meet my friends so we can celebrate together, share food, and enjoy the festive atmosphere," she said.

She added that the Lao New Year is not only an important festival in the Lao calendar, but also a time many people look forward to, as it brings a lively and refreshing atmosphere, especially with traditional water splashing that fills the streets with joy.

For many people who leave their hometowns to work in other provinces, the Lao New Year holiday is an important opportunity to return home and celebrate with family.

"I came back to my hometown in Luang Prabang to spend time with my family," said Khammy, an office worker in Vientiane who originally comes from northern Laos' Luang Prabang province.

This year, he also brought friends from Vientiane to join the celebrations in his hometown, hoping to share local traditions with them. Beyond family gatherings, he said the trip became a meaningful cultural experience shared between friends and relatives.

"During the festival, we will visit temples and walk around the town to join the celebrations," he said.

He added that the Lao New Year is not just a holiday, but a time to return home, reconnect with family, and share happiness with the people he cares about.

Lao authorities have introduced a wide range of measures to maintain public order, preserve traditions, and enhance safety during the Lao New Year holiday period, which will last from April 14 to 16. 

People take part in the celebration of the Lao New Year in Vientiane, Laos, April 14, 2026. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

People take part in the celebration of the Lao New Year in Vientiane, Laos, April 14, 2026. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)

People take part in the celebration of the Lao New Year in Vientiane, Laos, April 14, 2026. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
NEW DELHI, April 14 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and many others injured Tuesday in a boiler explosion at a power plant in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, multiple local media reports said. 
ISLAMABAD, April 14 (Xinhua) -- At least one policeman was killed and five others were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a police vehicle in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Monday, official sources said.

The incident took place at around 0850 hours local time (0350 GMT) in Hangu District, where the police team was en route to perform security duties for the anti-polio campaign, the sources told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

The attackers ambushed the police mobile and opened indiscriminate fire, leaving six personnel injured.

The wounded were shifted to a nearby hospital, where one of them later succumbed to injuries, the sources added.

Security forces rushed to the scene, cordoned off the area, and launched a search operation to track down the assailants.

No group has claimed the attack yet. 
SYDNEY, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The government of Western Australia (WA) said on Tuesday that it has secured four million liters of diesel for a strategic stockpile that will be reserved for remote communities and the agriculture sector.

WA's Premier Roger Cook and Minister for Energy and Decarbonization Amber-Jade Sanderson announced that the state government has struck a deal with local fuel supplier Cambridge Gulf to purchase four million liters of diesel.

Cook and Sanderson said in a joint statement that the fuel would be fully state-owned so the government can direct it where it is most needed.

"It's diesel that will be 100 percent state-owned and reserved for those who need it most such as remote communities and the agriculture sector, allowing us to act quickly when we need to," Cook said.

The federal energy minister Chris Bowen said on Monday that Australia had 31 days' worth of diesel in the national stockpile compared to 38 days' of unleaded petrol and 28 days' worth of jet fuel.

He said that there were 205 service stations across the country without any diesel. 
TOKYO, April 14 (Xinhua) -- A total of 236 measles cases have been recorded in Japan since January, roughly 3.6 times the number for the same period last year, a national health research body said Tuesday.

According to the Japan Institute for Health Security, 34 cases were reported during the week through April 5. While the first 100 cases were confirmed in the period through March 8, the next 100 were logged in the four following weeks.

Japan was declared measles-free by the World Health Organization in 2015. Patients in Japan who have not traveled abroad are therefore believed to have been infected by a virus that was brought into the country.

The institute released a report this month analyzing the risks of measles, noting that reports of measles cases have been increasing worldwide since 2023, and that active international travel is making it more likely that the virus would be brought in from abroad.

The highest annual number of measles cases in Japan in the past decade was 744 in 2019, while 265 were recorded in 2025 on a provisional basis. 
MADRID, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish government on Tuesday approved a Royal Decree that will allow around half a million migrants living in Spain without legal status to apply for residence permits and work authorization.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday that the move shows his government is recognizing the rights of people already living in Spain.

"We recognize rights, but we also demand obligations," Sanchez was quoted by the Spanish media as saying, adding that the move is supported by employers because labor is needed to sustain economic growth.

Having an additional half a million people contributing to Spain's Social Security system will benefit both the country's economy and its pension system, Sanchez said.

According to the decree, the measure applies to people who were already in Spain before Jan. 1, 2026, and have lived in the country continuously for at least five months, with no criminal record or security-related concerns.

The Spanish government has said that foreigners account for around 14.1 percent of Social Security contributors by the end of 2025, and immigration has been a key driver of Spain's economic growth in recent years.

Institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission and Spain's Independent Authority for Fiscal Responsibility have said Spain needs between 200,000 and 250,000 migrants each year to offset a declining birth rate and an aging population. 
ROME, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday she was suspending the country's defense agreement with Israel, which involves the exchange of military equipment and technology research, media reports said.

The Italian news agency ANSA reported that Meloni made the remarks to the press while attending an event in Verona. "We have decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel in consideration of the current situation," she said.

The report said Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto had informed Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz of Italy's request to suspend the agreement.

Meloni also called on the international community to continue efforts to advance peace talks, stabilize the situation, and ensure the resumption of key supplies, including energy.

According to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the agreement entered into force around 2005, and is renewed every five years. It covers defense cooperation, including the exchange of military equipment and technological research. 
China to improve community healthcare, expand rehabilitation care services: official

Xinhua) 08:13, April 14, 2026

The State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a policy briefing about the measures on accelerating the development of the tiered medical service system in Beijing, capital of China, on April 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Pan Xu)

BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- China will step up efforts to strengthen community-level medical and health services and expand rehabilitation care, in a bid to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for the public, according to the National Health Commission (NHC).

Jiao Yahui, an NHC official, made the remarks at a press conference held by the State Council on Monday, explaining newly issued measures to accelerate the development of a tiered diagnosis and treatment system.

The tiered diagnosis and treatment system is designed to ensure that common and frequently occurring illnesses are treated at local clinics, while more complex and severe conditions are handled by higher-level hospitals, the NHC said.

Currently, more than 1.1 million medical and healthcare facilities nationwide serve both urban and rural communities, and over 90 percent of residents can reach the nearest healthcare center within 15 minutes. The network of primary healthcare services is being steadily enhanced, according to the press conference.

To further boost the capacity of community-level medical services, efforts will focus on developing specialized departments at the grassroots level, particularly for common and chronic diseases, improving the supply and coordination of medicines, and exploring the use of technologies such as AI-assisted diagnostics and pre-prescription review systems in primary care, Jiao said.

Officials at the press conference also stressed the need to strengthen the management and support of patient referral services.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
PARIS, April 14 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the resumption of the stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations, urging both sides to clear up misunderstandings and avoid further escalation.

In his post on the social media X on Tuesday, Macron stressed "it is essential, in particular, that the ceasefire be strictly respected by all parties and that it include Lebanon."

The United States and Iran announced a ceasefire on Wednesday after weeks of conflict, which erupted on Feb. 28 following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

During his post, Macron also said he spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.

Meanwhile, Macron said "It is equally important that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened unconditionally, without restrictions or tolls, as soon as possible." The strait, which handles about 20 percent of global oil shipments, has been effectively closed amid rising tensions, sending energy prices significantly higher.

Macron noted that France and Britain will host a conference in Paris this Friday, bringing together by videoconference non-belligerent countries willing to contribute to a multilateral and purely defensive mission aimed at restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when security conditions permit.

Earlier on Tuesday, there are media reports saying that the U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams could return to the Pakistani capital Islamabad later this week for further talks after the two sides ended their last round without a breakthrough.

However, a source at the Iranian embassy in Islamabad said the next round of U.S.-Iran peace talks could take place at any time and in any location. Nothing has been officially confirmed so far. 
OSLO, April 14 (Xinhua) - Norway and Ukraine agreed on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation in defense and security, including closer collaboration in defense industries to develop new technologies, expand production, and enable Ukrainian drones to be manufactured in Norway.

The agreement was reached during talks in Oslo between Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store and visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to a statement from the Norwegian government.

Under a joint declaration, Norway committed to supporting drone production in Ukraine, while Ukraine agreed to share operational experience, data, and technological insights with Norway.

Store said Norway would assess how Ukrainian technology and its drone industry could help strengthen Norway's long-term defense capabilities, adding that the establishment of Ukrainian drone production in Norway was essential.

He also noted that the two sides plan to expand cooperation in the production of anti-aircraft systems and ammunition. 
MOSCOW, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The United States and Israel may use peace talks to prepare for possible ground military action against Iran, Russian media reported Tuesday, citing the Russian Security Council.

According to reports by TASS news agency, the council said this could happen as the Pentagon continues to build up the U.S. troop presence in the region.

The council warned that if U.S.-Iran talks fail to achieve their intended goals, hostilities may resume with greater intensity after two weeks.

The council also said the Iranian government remains in control of the domestic situation, with no signs of the unrest expected by Washington and Tel Aviv, and various political and social groups in Iran have rallied around the central authorities. 
OTTAWA, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Preliminary results from Canada's federal byelections released by Elections Canada on Tuesday showed the governing Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, won all three contested seats.

The victories lift the party to 174 seats in the House of Commons, above the 172 needed for a majority, shifting the government from a minority to a more stable majority position.

In last year's federal election, the Liberals won 169 of 343 seats, securing a fourth consecutive term since 2015 but falling short of a majority.

In Canada, a majority government allows the ruling party to pass legislation and control House committees without relying on opposition support, providing greater stability. 
by Elena Chuquimarca

QUITO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Sociologist and international political analyst Decio Machado has warned of a shift in U.S. policy toward Latin America, marked by growing political, economic and military interference that could threaten regional sovereignty.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Machado said the trend reflects a move away from isolated interventions toward a more systematic approach that combines political pressure, strategic economic agreements and military cooperation.

"We are seeing a 'modus operandi' repeated across countries to interfere in internal politics and electoral processes," he said.

Machado, a Spanish analyst based in Ecuador, cited Venezuela, Honduras, Ecuador and Argentina as examples of this pattern of external pressure. He also pointed to a growing U.S. military presence in the Caribbean, including naval deployments, as a factor that could heighten tensions.

According to Machado, Washington is seeking to consolidate its sphere of influence in the Americas, which he attributes to a perceived decline in its global power.

"The United States no longer feels capable of managing the entire planet and is instead delimiting what geopolitics defines as its 'vital space,'" he said.

He added that this strategy aims to limit the presence of other powers in the region and reflects an updated interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine.

Machado also expressed concern over expanding U.S. military involvement in countries such as Mexico and Ecuador, particularly in anti-narcotics operations, which he thought could enable broader use of surveillance technologies.

"This represents a real risk to the sovereignty of Latin American countries," he added. 
WASHINGTON, April 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will host a meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors in Washington on Tuesday, U.S. online media outlet Axios reported.

The meeting, which will be the highest-level direct engagement between Israel and Lebanon since 1993, is expected to focus on the possibility of a ceasefire, the longer-term disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah, and prospects for a peace deal between the two countries, the report said.

"Israel is at war with Hezbollah, not Lebanon, so there is no reason the two neighbors should not be talking," a State Department official was quoted as saying.

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, U.S. State Department Counselor Michael Needham, Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, and Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Nada Hamadeh Moawad will attend the meeting, the report said.

Israel and Lebanon laid out different expectations on Monday ahead of their upcoming talks in Washington, with Israel insisting on Hezbollah's disarmament and a peace agreement, and Lebanon voicing hope for direct negotiations and a ceasefire, according to reports.

Fierce fighting continued Monday between Hezbollah and the Israeli army in the border city of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency.

Hezbollah entered the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran on March 2, launching rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel for the first time since the 2024 ceasefire. Israel responded with a ground offensive amid an intensified military campaign targeting multiple areas across the country, killing more than 2,000 people. 
China's booming exports have helped offset weak consumer demand (-)  -/CN-STR/AFP

China's economic growth likely picked up in the first three months of the year, according to analysts surveyed by AFP, boosted by exports now impacted by the Middle East war, while domestic demand remains weak.

Leaders in the world's second-largest economy have struggled since the pandemic to rely on overseas shipments to support gross domestic product as a long-running property market crisis forces consumers to crimp on spending.

That has also come amid a trade standoff with the United States that played a role in last year's growth reading coming in at its lowest level in decades.

Still, analysts expected the economy to have expanded 4.8 percent in the first quarter of this year, up from 4.5 percent in the final three months of 2025, according to the median forecast of an AFP survey before official results are published Thursday.

That is at the top end of the 4.5-5.0 percent target set by officials last month, though that figure is the lowest since 1991, excepting 2020 during the pandemic.

Sarah Tan of Moody's Analytics told AFP the headline economic growth in the range targeted by Beijing "masks underlying imbalances, with external demand driving growth as domestic momentum remains weak".

China's trade surplus last year reached an eyewatering $1.2 trillion, the largest on record.

The boom in shipments offers a key lifeline for Beijing, while persistent woes in the vast domestic real estate market weigh on investment and consumer moods.

- Middle East warning -

Dan Wang, a director on the Eurasia Group's China team, told AFP that "global dependence on Chinese exports increased (since the war) as China's full supply chain and energy security are less affected than other industrial nations".

Skyrocketing oil prices have also boosted demand overseas for Chinese electric vehicles, with official data last week showing shipments of those and hybrids rose 140 percent year-on-year in March.

"China's exports of green technology and products got a lift" last quarter, Gene Ma, Head of China Research at the Institute of International Finance, told AFP.

While figures Tuesday pointed to a slowdown in shipments last month, the surge in exports held up in the first quarter -- despite the Iran war, which "seems to be doing little to dent exports", wrote Zichun Huang of Capital Economics in a report on Friday.

Critical to withstanding pressure from the Middle East war is a long-term push by Beijing to ensure energy security, which experts say is now bearing fruit.

"China is unlikely to face significant direct impacts from the Middle East conflict," Sarah Tan of Moody's Analytics told AFP.
The News

The majority of people have remained in Dubai despite heavy bombardment from Iran amid the ongoing US-Israel war, and domestic spending has nearly recovered, according to the CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation.

While an unsurprising statement from the man charged with attracting investment to the UAEs largest city, Hadi Badri acknowledged the surreal moment the UAE has found itself in after being targeted by Iran before a ceasefire took hold on April 8.

The UAE eliminated 2,800 aerial threats with very little physical damage ensuing, Badri said. Its more psychological than anything.

What makes it even more unusual is the fact that weve been going about our daily lives, he added.

Around 500 flights are coming in and out of the city every day, with Emirates operating about two-thirds as many as before the war, according to Badri.

Our leadership are going to the malls, engaging with people, demonstrating that things are safe  My wife and I are still able to order pizza and get it delivered in 15 minutes, he said.

Know More

The economic development body is focused on the here and now, Badri said, when asked about the future of the emirate, which over the last two decades has built its economy on financial services, tourism, real estate, logistics, and retail. These sectors have been challenged amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and widespread flight disruptions to the region.

A question driving the governments decision-making is continuing Dubais transformative prewar trajectory, Badri said, adding that the city has a track record of coming out of challenges.

He noted that domestic spending has largely recovered from an initial shock after the first missiles and drones were launched by Iran at the UAE on Feb. 28, and is now only a few percentage points shy of pre-conflict levels.

Half a million Iranians live in Dubai. Theyre still here. Theyre still participating in the economy. Theyre still safe, Badri said, when asked if they are still welcome in the UAE.

This week, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed visited China, where he met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The UAEs relationship to China represents a long-held foreign policy philosophy to not choose sides, Badri said.
Watches displayed at the stand of Swiss manufacturer H. Moser & Cie at the Watches and Wonders salon in Geneva (Fabrice COFFRINI)  Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP/AFP

The Geneva watch fair, the watchmaking industry's biggest annual showcase, opened Tuesday with the impact of the Middle East war throwing up challenges for the luxury goods sector.

The Watches and Wonders salon, which runs until April 20, sees 65 major watch brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe and Cartier display their latest creations.

Organisers are expecting around 60,000 visitors during the week -- up from 55,000 last year -- despite the Middle East war casting doubts on the travel plans of retailers from the Gulf states and East Asia.

The conflict is "an additional challenge for the watchmaking industry", Yves Bugmann, president of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, told AFP.

The sector already had a lot on its plate, including the US tariffs blitz, China emerging from a long real estate crisis, the strength of the Swiss franc and the price of gold, he said.

Before the war began, Jon Cox, an industry analyst with Kepler Cheuvreux financial services, was forecasting a rebound in Swiss watch exports in 2026, expecting growth of around five percent, he told AFP.

But the uncertainties triggered by the conflict are now likely to leave the Swiss watch industry facing "weak growth" in exports, he said.

Jean-Philippe Bertschy, an analyst at Swiss investment managers Vontobel, was forecasting four-percent growth at the start of the year, but is now leaning "more towards stagnation".

Bertschy said he would revise his estimates for 2026 after gauging the mood at Watches and Wonders.

The Middle East accounts for just under 10 percent of the watch market.

That "is not insignificant", Bertschy told AFP, especially since the region has witnessed "strong growth in recent years", with particular enthusiasm for top-end watches.

- Attracting younger buyers -

With the demise of the Baselworld salon following the Covid-19 pandemic, Watches and Wonders in Geneva has established itself as the chief display event for watchmaking in Switzerland.

Within less than five years, the number of exhibitors has almost doubled, with 2026 welcoming 11 new brands, including Audemars Piguet, a leading name in Swiss watchmaking.

The fair is "an important opportunity to interact with other brands, engage with the public, and showcase our expertise", the brand's managing director Ilaria Resta told AFP.

Inside the Palexpo convention centre, brands compete to show off their new products on lavish exhibitions.

Tag Heuer had Formula 1 racing cars, Van Cleef & Arpels featured delicate water lilies and reeds, while IWC went for space exploration.
Jatco's Sunderland factory was expected to create 183 jobs but only 20 people have been hired [Jatco]

A 50m factory will no longer provide car manufacturer Nissan with the parts it was created to build.

The Japan Automatic Transmission Company's (Jatco) Sunderland site opened last year to make Nissan's three-in-one powertrain, which is used to propel the company's electric vehicles.

The plant's development received a 12m grant from the government and was expected to create 183 jobs, although only 20 people have so far been hired.

Nissan, which owns 75% of Jatco, said there would be "no immediate" job losses and the parts maker was reviewing whether the factory could design other types of powertrains.

A Nissan spokesperson said the change had been made as part of its ongoing global recovery plan, known as RE:Nissan.

"As part of this, the decision has been taken not to localise production of the three-in-one electrified powertrain to the UK," they said.

"There is no immediate impact to jobs as Jatco are continuing to study global production capacity."

Changes 'disappointing'

Jatco's factory is based at the International Advanced Manufacturing Park (IAMP), which contains a cluster of manufacturing businesses.

The plant was to begin manufacturing powertrains this year and was expected to produce 340,000 units a year.

Its opening was praised by Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, who said the factory would "secure hundreds of jobs" across the region and provide a boost to the automotive industry.

The UK was the fourth country where Jatco had established an overseas production plant, following facilities in Mexico, China and Thailand.

A government spokesperson said the change in the factory's use was a "commercial decision" and it would "continue to support the company and their staff where possible".

"The UK automotive industry is vital to the North East. That's why through our Modern Industrial Strategy we're delivering nearly 1bn of DRIVE35 capital and R&D funding to strengthen manufacturers and local supply chains in the region," they said.

Labour North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said she was "disappointed" the Jatco plant would not be going ahead as planned.

"I am seeking a meeting with partners on this as soon as possible as well as continuing to call for more government funding to help support further growth and development of the EV sector," she said.

"However, we remain ambitious with our plans for EV manufacturing."

Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
By Jonathan Stempel

April 14 (Reuters) - A new antitrust lawsuit on Tuesday accuses Google of shutting out rival Android app stores by monopolizing app distribution and billing, violating U.S. antitrust law.

Aptoide, a Portuguese company that specializes in mobile games and calls itself the world's third-largest Android app store, said it would have exerted substantially more pressure on Google's pricing and policies but for Google's "anticompetitive chokehold" that shuts out smaller rivals.

More from Yahoo Scout What legal remedies is Aptoide seeking against Google? How does Google's alleged monopoly affect rival app stores? What anticompetitive practices is Aptoide accusing Google of? What previous antitrust cases has Google faced recently?

Google, a unit of Alphabet, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Based in Lisbon, Aptoide brands itself "the alternative Android app store," with about 436,000 apps in its catalog and more than 200 million annual users by 2024.

It said it offers lower commissions to developers and lower costs to users, yet suffers from irreparable harm because Google deprives rivals of exclusive content from top developers, and steers developers to Google Play and other "must have" services.

The lawsuit filed in San Francisco federal court seeks an injunction against alleged anticompetitive practices, plus unspecified triple damages. Aptoide filed a separate complaint against Google with European Union antitrust authorities in 2014.

Last November, Google agreed to make Android and app store changes to settle a five-year-old antitrust case by Epic Games, maker of the popular Fortnite video game.

A jury found in 2023 that Google unlawfully stifled competition, and the trial judge ordered sweeping reforms the following year.

Google has also defended against a U.S. government case in which a judge in August 2024 found its internet search engine an illegal monopoly.

The judge later ordered the Mountain View, California-based company to share search data with rivals, but did not require a sale of its Android operating system or Chrome browser. Google and the government appealed.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has widened the mandatory applicability of its Audit Quality Maturity Model (AQMM), the Economic Times (ET) reported.

According to the news report, the ICAI has extended the scope of its AQMM to companies that audit subsidiaries as well as associates and joint ventures (JVs) of listed entities, banks or insurance companies that are subject to peer review.

The change was announced through a public communication by the institute.

In a peer review, an independent auditor usually verifies the audit processes, procedures and documentations, followed by the auditor of a company, and issues a report.

Such reviews are intended to strengthen audit quality and enhance the credibility of the auditors involved.

Until now, auditors handling subsidiaries, associates, JVs or holding structures of specified entities were not obliged to apply the AQMM.

The AQMM is designed as a self-assessment matrix that allows companies to assess their stage of audit maturity and pinpoint areas where systems and controls require strengthening.

The ICAI has also suggested that the regulator overseeing partners that hold majority control in a multidisciplinary partnership (MDP) should also be responsible for regulating that company, the ET added, citing sources.

MDPs are structures in which professionals from accounting and consultancy disciplines operate within a single company.

They form an important element of the governments plan to encourage the rise of large domestic companies that can rival the 'Big Four'.

Shaktikanta Das, Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister, has held talks with senior finance and corporate affairs ministry officials on ways to enable the growth of large homegrown operators, according to the ET.

Last year, the Corporate Affairs Ministry issued an office memorandum seeking stakeholder feedback on the introduction of MDPs in India.

The ICAI recently deferred the implementation of its Standards on Quality Management for audit and assurance companies.

"ICAI expands audit quality model scope in peer review framework" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand.




Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh would be the richest chair in history by far, if he is confirmed, according to financial disclosure forms.

Warsh is President Donald Trump's nominee to succeed Jerome Powell, whose term expires in May. The banking executive has holdings worth approximately $131 million to $209 million, according to a recently released financial disclosure report.

Additionally, his wife, Jane Lauder, granddaughter of cosmetics mogul Estee Lauder, disclosed hundreds of millions of dollars in assets, while Forbes puts her net worth at $2 billion.

In the 69-page document, Warsh disclosed that he made $10.2 million as a consultant to investor Stanley Druckenmiller and raked in millions as an adviser for companies ranging from GoldenTree Asset Management to Stanford University.

Warsh noted in the filing that his advisory business, Vicarage, would be inactive during the appointment.

According to the disclosure, Warsh has hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash kept in multiple bank accounts, up to $5 million in a money market fund, and UPS stock worth between $1 million and $5 million.

If confirmed, Warsh has pledged to divest many assets, including equity in venture capital funds Bessemer Venture Associates VIII and DCM Investments IX.

Warsh is also a prolific investor in cutting-edge tech, AI, blockchain, and crypto, with holdings in dozens of companies, including Elon Musk's SpaceX.

Given that he would oversee future central bank regulatory decisions on digital currency, Warsh would likely have to divest of most of these investments, according to CoinDesk.

While the couple reportedly have owned homes in Manhattan, Palm Beach, and Washington, DC, the only real estate holding mentioned in the filing is "undeveloped land" in Suffolk County, NY, worth between $5 million and $25 million.

A "mortgage on personal residence" with an enviable 2.875% rate was taken out in 2013, and between $1 million and $5 million is still owed to the bank.

If Kevin Warsh, worth $131 million to $209 million, is approved as Fed chair, he will be by far the richest man to occupy that position. (Photographer: Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Will Warsh's extreme wealth affect the housing market?

At a time when the average American feels that homeownership is out of reach, what will an ultrawealthy chair of the Federal Reserve mean for the market?

"There will be much hand-wringing about someone with that wealth and background running the Federal Reserve," Richard Redmond, real estate financier and CEO of Redmond Mortgage Capital, a private lending firm, tells Realtor.com.

"While I don't think proximity to that much affluence will directly affect any of his decisions, I think it may affect the way that he understands the application of the Fed's dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices. Lived experience is very important," says Redmond. "He may struggle to fully grasp how his decisions will ripple through the lives of those without financial stability or a safety net."
Sumer, a mid-market accountancy practice in the UK and Ireland, has appointed two coheads to oversee its tax services across the UK.

Lisa Wilson and Jason Fayers will assume the new roles from this month.

Wilson is a partner and head of tax at Sumer company Cowgills, while Fayers serves as managing partner at the companys regional hub Scrutton Bland.

Wilson and Fayers are described by the group as longstanding leaders within their respective practices, with experience in advising smaller and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) and leading tax teams.

The appointments are aimed at broadening support for Sumers reported base of around 60,000 SME clients.

Both have held senior roles within Sumer group companies for many years and are experienced in SME tax advice and leading tax teams.

Wilson said: I am incredibly proud to take on this role. We have fantastic talent across Sumer, and by working more closely together we can deliver even more value to our clients.

The company said the new structure is intended to make it simpler for clients to access the groups full tax capability.

In the coming months, the two coheads are expected to work with tax leaders across the group to coordinate and develop services in areas including valueadded tax, corporate tax, private client advisory, innovation taxes, and broader tax compliance and advisory work.

Fayers said: Stepping into this role at such an exciting time for Sumer is a real privilege. Our priority is to give clients clear, practical advice to help them make confident decisions and achieve their ambitions.

In February this year, Sumer Northern Ireland announced promotions across its innovation tax relief and forensic accounting functions.

"Sumer appoints two joint national tax heads" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




Nissan (NSANY) announced its new long-term vision. The beleaguered Japanese automaker said it will unveil AI-defined vehicles (AIDV) that will offer electrification technologies, but the company still promises gas-powered options as well.

The transformation begins with the return of the Xterra SUV and an all-new Rogue.

This is the right moment to articulate Nissans longterm vision as we move beyond the Re: Nissan recovery plan and set a clear path for the future. Our vision defines where Nissan is headed, with customer experience as our guiding priority, CEO Ivan Espinosa said in a statement.

The 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid e-POWER.  Nissan

Read more: 6 steps to find cheap car insurance in 2026

Part of that means addition by subtraction. Nissan will streamline its model lineup from 61 to 45 models, exiting low-performing models and reallocating reinvestment to growth areas.

But the company will increase powertrain options for most models, giving customers choices, it said.

While AI will help power its advanced driving assistance systems, Nissan said new electrification efforts are just as important. The key is its new hybrid system.

The 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid e-POWER.  Nissan

Read more: Bought a new car last year? Here's how to qualify for a car loan interest deduction.

Nissans Hybrid ePOWER platform creates a natural bridge to fully electric vehicles. It pairs an electric motor that propels the vehicle using electricity stored in a battery with a gas-powered engine that can activate to charge the battery when needed.

More from Yahoo Scout When will the new Xterra return to market? How does Nissan's e-POWER hybrid system work? What models is Nissan adding or removing? What is Nissan's new AI-defined vehicle strategy?

The first car to get this powertrain tech in the US will be the all-new Rogue crossover. Nissan said the new powertrain will provide smooth, responsive acceleration and confident performance, characteristics that plagued the old Rogue, which was powered by an underpowered 4-cylinder engine and sluggish transmission.

Nissan also confirmed the return of the Xterra, a popular, go-anywhere SUV that fans loved for its simplicity and off-road ruggedness.

A teaser of the upcoming return of the Nissan Xterra.  Nissan

The company teased the new Xterra with only an image, but Nissan said it will be produced in the US, with a targeted launch of late 2028. The vehicles will be powered by a V6, a rarity these days, as well as a V6 hybrid. Nissan said the new body-on-frame truck platform underpinning the Xterra coil expands across new vehicles, including pickups and other SUVs.

Nissan said a new EV, dubbed the Juke EV, is also in the works, as well as a Skyline performance vehicle, which will be music to the ears of Nissan Nismo and GT-R fans, though the Skyline is only destined for Japan.

StockStory aims to help individual investors beat the market.

Pras Subramanian is Lead Auto Reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on X and on Instagram.
A2Gold has signed a binding letter of intent (LoI) to acquire full ownership of 26 lode mining claims (the RT/JO claims) in the US from Lodestar Management Group.

These claims are situated within A2Golds Taylor Silver-Gold-Antimony Project in White Pine County, Nevada.

The acquisition involves 12 RT claims, 13 JO claims and 1 TKO claim.

This transaction aims to consolidate a central section of the Taylor land, eliminating fragmentation and progressing the project as a unified, district-scale operation.

Under the LoI terms, A2Gold has agreed to purchase these claims through a payment of $225,000 (C$309,752) in cash and issuing 316,377 common shares.

The sellers will maintain a 1% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on the claims, with A2Gold reserving the right to buy back 0.5% of this royalty for $500,000 within three years.

The transaction is subject to standard conditions including satisfactory title due diligence, transfer of technical data, execution of a definitive asset purchase agreement and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.

These acquired claims cover a notable region for expanding silver resources, exploring gold in Carlin-style formations, and developing antimony, a mineral of growing importance in the US.

The addition of these claims enhances A2Gold's capacity for systematic exploration and development, removing operational barriers and improving geological continuity.

The Taylor Project itself has exhibited potential as a substantial critical metals system, offering opportunities for significant silver, gold and antimony mineralisation across its expanse.

A2Gold CEO Peter Gianulis said: The acquisition of the RT/JO claims represents an important consolidation of strategically located ground within the Taylor Project. These claims sit in a highly prospective portion of the district and are directly relevant to the continued expansion of our silver resource, as well as our broader gold and antimony exploration strategy.

Importantly, this transaction removes internal land constraints and allows us to advance Taylor as a cohesive, district-scale system. With silver, gold and antimony mineralisation occurring across the project, we believe Taylor has the potential to emerge as a significant multi-metal system in Nevada.

Last month, the company expanded its land holdings at the Eastside Gold Project in Nevada, adding 24 new unpatented lode mining claims.

"A2Gold to acquire RT/JO claims in US" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




By Kylie Madry

SANTIAGO, April 13 (Reuters) - Chilean state copper miner Codelco was fined by labor authorities after last year's deadly collapse at its El Teniente mine, while three contractors whose workers were killed or injured were sanctioned more heavily, according to inspection records obtained by Reuters through public-records requests.

More from Yahoo Scout How were Codelco and contractors fined differently? What impact did the accident have on production? What safety changes has Codelco implemented since? What caused the deadly El Teniente mine collapse?

The previously unreported sanctions were imposed in the months following the July 31 underground seismic event that triggered a rock burst at El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine, killing six contract workers and injuring others.

Reuters obtained the files from Chile's labor ministry through open-records requests. In Chile, such fines are notified directly to employers and can be challenged or reduced administratively, but are not typically disclosed in public announcements.

At the time of the accident, then-Labor Minister Giorgio Boccardo said that his office and the mining regulator, Sernageomin, would investigate the causes of the incident and whether any labor-safety rules had been breached.

The quake, measured at about magnitude 4.3, led to a halt in all underground operations at the sprawling mine complex amid rescue efforts and safety inspections.

The collapse carried a significant production cost for Codelco. The company has said the shutdown of underground operations at El Teniente and a slow restart cut copper output by tens of thousands of metric tons, disrupting shipments at a time of tight global supply.

The disaster also underscored the geotechnical risks facing Chile's aging underground mines.

CONTRACTORS FINED MORE THAN CODELCO

The records show the three contractors were fined the equivalent of about $87,000 combined, versus roughly $20,000 for Codelco, a gap that reflects Chile's split-liability framework for subcontracted work.

While the principal company - Codelco - can be penalized for overarching safety failures, contractors remain directly responsible as employers for accident reporting, risk assessment, worker assignment and other compliance duties, under Chile's labor code.

In one sanction, labor inspectors said Codelco lacked a complete, written procedure showing how seismic warnings were used to decide whether work should stop or be restricted.

After the accident, regulators also found that Codelco violated labor rules when workers were found entering, or preparing to enter, underground areas while the mine-wide suspension remained in force, according to a separate sanction record.

Under Chilean labor rules, some serious or fatal-accident violations can be fined at up to 150 UTM, an inflation-linked Chilean tax unit, or about $11,000 at current values, per infraction. The regulator levied a 340 UTM penalty, roughly $26,000 in today's terms, on a company after a fatal construction-site collapse in a 2007 case.
Soybeans are trading with front months down 1 to 2 cents, with deferred contracts up 1 1/2 cents. Futures closed the Friday session with contracts 5 to 10  cents higher, as meal took control. May was up 12  cents on the week, with November up 3 3/4 cents. Open interest was up 6,717 contracts on Friday. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was up 11 cents at $11.08. Soymeal futures rallied $7.50 to $14.20 on the day, with May up $16.60 last week. Soy Oil futures were down 24 to 61 points on the day, with May down 185 points last week.

USDA reported a private export sale of 100,000 MT of soybean meal to Italy on Friday morning.

More News from Barchart

Crude oil is back up $7.71 this morning, as risk is being put back in the market following the breakdown of US/Iran negotiations this weekend. The US is now expected to have their own blockade of the Strait of Hormuz starting this morning to try and cut off the flow of oil out of Iran.

CFTC data was released on Friday, showing spec traders cutting 23,777 contracts from their net long position in soybean futures and options as of 4/7. That net long stood at 189,630 contracts. In bean oil, managed money extended their record net long 14,873 contracts to 150,682 contracts.

Export Sales data from Thursday has export commitments at 37.905 MMT, a 18% drop from the same period last year. That is now 90% of the new USDA estimate and behind the 95% average pace. Shipments at 30.52 MMT are 73% of the USDA number, lagging the 84% average pace.

Brazils soybean harvest according to AgRural was estimated at 87% as of Thursday,

May 26 Soybeans closed at $11.75 3/4, up 10 1/2 cents, currently down 1 1/4 cents

Nearby Cash was $11.08 0/1, up 11 cents,

Jul 26 Soybeans closed at $11.91 1/4, up 10 1/4 cents, currently down 1 1/2 cents

Nov 26 Soybeans closed at $11.57 3/4, up 5 1/4 cents, currently up 1 1/2 cents

New Crop Cash was $10.96 1/4, up 5 1/4 cents,

On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com
An early projected plantings report showed an overall decrease in farmers acreage plans this year, and those farmers who choose to apply less fertilizer than normal will likely be stuck with a smaller yield at the end of the crop year. And it wont just harm crops  nitrogen to fertilize corn, the primary feed stock for beef, poultry and dairy cows, meaning meat and dairy prices could climb further.

The lack of fertilizer inputs comes just as most U.S. farmers are preparing for the spring planting season.

Weve got to get crops in the ground now, he said. We can't wait until that strait gets opened and fertilizer and diesel prices come down. Mother Nature doesn't wait on you, it's time to plant.

In Texas, many farmers are feeling the pressure as the planting season is well underway, said Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, a close Trump ally.

The good news is that about 80 percent of our farmers actually last fall locked in their fertilizer, so as were moving into planting season, its only about 20 to 25 percent of our farmers that didnt lock that in, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters at the White House last week.

The Trump administration has insisted that the majority of farmers have already purchased or secured their fertilizer needs for this year.

Even if the strait reopens in the near future, fertilizer inputs such as urea, ammonia, phosphates and sulfur would take about a month to reach the United States, according to Veronica Nigh, senior economist at The Fertilizer Institute, the industrys trade association. Other economists and agriculture industry insiders say the supply chain backlog could take years to fully recover.

With gas prices hovering at $4.13 per gallon, according to AAA , adding in persistently high grocery costs is a one-two punch for Republicans ahead of a midterm election that was already expected to be tough.

Irans chokehold on ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz was already crimping global supplies  about a third of global fertilizer and helium supplies transit through the strait annually  but the continuing stalemate between the U.S. and Iran comes at arguably the worst time for agriculture, threatening to drive up food prices possibly for months to come even in the best case scenario.

President Donald Trumps decision to blockade Iranian ports is spiking oil and gasoline prices  but it also threatens to intensify shortages of key commodities such as helium and fertilizer.

Story Continues

That means less food produced, which means higher food prices for everybody, Nigh said. The ripple effects are substantial.

But two farm industry lobbyists, who were granted anonymity to candidly critique the administrations messaging, say that discounts the roughly one fifth of farmers who are likely to be younger and just starting out, who dont have the deep pockets to pay for fertilizer that far in advance. And even those who can, the two people said, are still concerned that they wont be able to secure all the supply they typically expect to use this time of year.

Industry groups like the National Corn Growers Association have sounded the alarm about farmers switching to crops like soybeans that require less fertilizer than corn. That could have longer-term ramifications for the myriad products in grocery stores that include corn syrup or other byproducts.

A poll conducted by Farm Journal and analyzed by NCGA of 1,000 corn farmers showed that their anxiety about affording or obtaining fertilizer is even higher for next year. More than 30 percent of farmers said they were more concerned about the price and availability of fertilizer this year, and nearly 60 percent said they were more concerned about 2027.

Added market stress due to the Strait of Hormuz closure has only intensified an already difficult situation, particularly as we look towards 2027, Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and NCGA president, said in a statement.

Miller, the Texas state agriculture commissioner, said its not all doom and gloom for farmers. In Texas, some farmers are already shifting away from crops such as cotton and corn that heavily rely upon fertilizers, to soybeans, watermelon and cantaloupe.

Medical tests and semiconductors also impacted

Beyond crops, helium supplies are also hurt  and that means impacts to everything from semiconductors to MRI tests and even rocket launches. Thats because helium is used to cool a wide range of superheated things such as electronic chips, and MRI machines superconducting magnets.

Spot prices for helium, which is derived from natural gas, have more than doubled since the war began. The shortages are only just now beginning to hit some of the more vulnerable regions now in Asia.

The blockade will ensure that the global helium shortage lasts longer and becomes more difficult to manage through normal logistics, said Aleksandr Romanenko, founder & CEO of the market research firm IndexBox.

Allocation tightens, spot volumes become harder to find, lead times stretch, and refill economics worsen, he said. In helium, that is what a real shortage looks like before it shows up as visible shutdowns.

And while the U.S. produces the majority, or 44 percent of the worlds helium, according to the Energy Policy Research Foundation, Qatar is the second largest at 35 percent. Already, some helium-producing facilities in Qatar have been damaged in the war, and could take years to come back online.

Similar to crude oil, the world has largely been running on existing volumes of helium that were in transit or storage since the war started, said Anish Kapadia, CEO of AKAP Energy. That means the real price increase, and potential shortages, have not begun to hit. For now, the world has not experienced the real pain of a challenged helium market, but that is coming very soon, he said.

Even if the straits were to open up as of tomorrow, it's going to take a couple of months for things to get closer back to normal, he said. You're probably not seeing it as much at the moment, but it's something that is going to creep up and bite people.

Medical research facilities are already feeling the loss of helium, said Jeffrey Hoch, director of the Gregory P. Mullen NMR Structural Biology Facility at the University of Connecticut. Hoch said his lab  which uses equipment that relies on helium-cooled supermagnets to conduct invaluable research on new drugs, prosthetic limbs and cancer  has already had contracts cancelled with a Qatar-based supplier. Hoch, who spoke from the sidelines of a medical conference in California where the loss of helium supply was being addressed, has replaced some of the lost helium volumes from a Texas-based supplier, but at twice the cost.

A new piece of essential equipment that just arrived from Germany is now sitting idle because of the helium market pressure, he said.

The cost of cooling it down and getting this instrument into service in support of our research has basically doubled in the last few weeks, Hoch said.
Key Takeaways

Saylor doubles down on extreme long-term bullishness.

Financing model aims to avoid forced liquidation risk.

Bitcoins price remains volatile.

Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Bitcoin-buying company Strategy, said Bitcoin could eventually rise to $21 million per coin, again underscoring his long-term bullish view even as the crypto trades well below its recent peak.

His comments came after Strategy said it had acquired 13,927 BTC for around $1 billion at an average price of roughly $71,902 per token, lifting its total holdings to 780,897 BTC as of April 12, 2026.

The company said those holdings were acquired for about $59.02 billion, or an average price of $75,577 per Bitcoin.

Why Saylor Says Bitcoin Price Can Keep Climbing

Appearing on the Bankless podcast on Monday, Saylor said he sees Bitcoin appreciating at a decelerating but still strong annual rate over a multi-decade period.

He said Bitcoin had grown faster in recent years but could still deliver blended long-term returns high enough to support a far larger market value over time.

I think eventually its going to 21 million a coin, Saylor said.

However, he explained that several developments would need to occur for Bitcoin to reach the kind of valuation he envisions.

First, he said, major economies including the United States, China, Europe and Japan would need to more fully recognize Bitcoin as a legitimate long-term capital asset and store of value.

Second, Saylor said broader acceptance by the banking system would be critical.

He argued that existing capital rules discourage banks from holding Bitcoin as collateral, limiting the extent to which traditional financial institutions can extend credit against it.

Third, he pointed to the continued securitization of Bitcoin through products such as exchange-traded funds and other financial instruments, which he said could channel larger pools of capital into the asset.

He also argued that the growth of bank credit networks around Bitcoin could meaningfully tighten supply.

In the interview, Saylor said every additional $10 billion of credit created against Bitcoin collateral could effectively absorb roughly a years worth of newly mined supply at certain price levels, magnifying demand pressure.

Another factor, he said, is the reduction of so-called rehypothecation in the crypto market, where the same Bitcoin is repeatedly used as collateral and can ultimately support short selling.

Saylor said that if more holders pull Bitcoin out of those arrangements and place it in long-term custody, it could force short sellers to buy back the asset and push prices higher.
What happens when the country that controls 20% of the worlds oil supply suddenly starts demanding Bitcoin as payment?

Bitcoin goes to $1 million, according to Bitwise chief investment officer Matt Hougan.

Getting there, however, isnt exactly a straight shot. Especially because Bitcoin trades today at nearly $75,000, meaning it needs a fourteenfold rally for that forecast to come to fruition.

But its on its way, analysts say, thanks to Iran.

Just last week Iran announced it would be collecting a $1-per-barrel toll from ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz  payable in Bitcoin.

The announcement, reported by the Financial Times last week, meant that for the first time ever a sovereign nation legitimised Bitcoin as a tool for international commerce.

If the toll holds, it would mean a windfall for Iran. One-fifth of the worlds liquid petroleum flowed through the strait before the war. But the US recently imposed a blockade in hopes of squeezing the Iranian economy.

For Hougan, Irans decision is proof that Bitcoins apolitical currency thesis  long derided as fantasy  is becoming reality. And when layered on top of its digital gold narrative, the sky is the limit.

"If Bitcoin takes on a dual role as a store of value and a currency then $1 million per Bitcoin begins to look like a starting point, Hougan wrote.

Bitcoin has rallied 12% since US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran began February 28, while the S&P 500 fell 1% and gold dropped 10% over the same period.

The Overton Window

Hougan isnt the only one reckoning history just happened.

Even if no agreement is reached, this feels like a watershed moment for Bitcoin and is a huge shifting of the Overton Window, the London Crypto Club wrote in a research note this week.

Named after Joseph Overton, a political analyst, the Overton window is the range of ideas or policies that are considered politically acceptable or normal in mainstream public discourse at any given time. Its also known as the window of discourse.

The researchers drew parallels with Russias exclusion from the financial system following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Back then, global central banks accelerated gold purchases after realising that the money spigot could be turned off at will by the US and its allies. Russias exclusion provided a rationale for stockpiling non-sovereign reserve assets. And now Iran is strengthening it.

The game theoretic incentives to hold Bitcoin in reserves have just increased significantly," they wrote. Our long-term bullish thesis for Bitcoin continues to unfold perfectly and even more rapidly than we anticipated. Its a matter of when, not if, Bitcoin becomes a globally held reserve asset.
Kraken, a popular crypto exchange based in the U.S., has revealed that it has been facing extortion threats from a group of criminals.

Nick Percoco, chief security officer at Kraken, disclosed on Apr. 13 that a criminal group is extorting the crypto exchange by threatening to release videos of internal systems which allegedly contain client data.

Related: Kraken Prime to offer prime brokerage services to institutional clients

Percoco reveals 2 similar incidents at Kraken

Percoco said the company identified and shut down "two instances of inappropriate access to limited client support data."

The first incident took place in February 2025 when a video apparently revealing client support systems was circulating on a criminal forum and an investigation identified the individual as a member of its support team.

The access of the identified member was revoked immediately, additional security controls were activated, and "a limited number" of affected clients were notified, Percoco revealed.

Another incident, with a similar chain of events, came to light recently, and Kraken notified the "small number" of affected clients, he added.

Only a "very small" number of client accounts were potentially exposed, the chief security officer said and claimed approximately 2,000 in total, accounting for 0.02% of Kraken's clients, got affected.

More on Hacks:

Kraken faces extortion demands

Following these incidents, Kraken began to receive extortion demands from criminals who threatened to release videos from both incidents to media outlets and social media if the exchange didn't comply, he shared.

Kraken is working with federal law enforcement across multiple jurisdictions to pursue those involved and believes there is sufficient evidence to support the identification and arrest of these criminals, the executive underlined.

He said he can't reveal more details right now due to the ongoing investigation but encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact Kraken directly.

Percoco tried to reassure the Kraken users by claiming that the systems were never breached, and funds were never at risk. Neither will Kraken pay these criminals, nor will it ever negotiate with bad actors, he added.

Founded in 2011, Kraken is a U.S.-based crypto exchange that offers spot and derivatives trading services to both retail and institutional clients. Last month, it became the first crypto company to be granted the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's master account.
Quick Read

The U.S. and Iran peace talks in Islamabad lasted over 21 hours, and the two countries couldnt reach an agreement

The news led to crypto liquidations of over $277 million in 24 hours, and major assets like bitcoin and XRP dropped to $70,000 and $1.32, respectively.

Bitcoin and other crypto assets could soon hit a negative gamma zone if the peace talks fail to resume, or the ceasefire timeline isnt extended.

The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks. Get them here FREE.

On April 11, the U.S. and Iran held talks in Islamabad, which were brokered by trusted Pakistani officials, on the possibility of a peace deal. This follows both parties announcement of a two-week ceasefire on April 7. However, after 21 hours of negotiations, neither the U.S. nor Iran could reach an agreement.

The market reacted sharply to the news of the breakdown in peace talks, with Bitcoin dropping from $73,000 to around $70,000 and XRP falling from $1.36 to $1.32. Although the two countries could still reach an agreement, the damage has been done againcrypto liquidations over the last 24 hours have crossed $277 million. As the bearish market pressure intensifies, the most important question right now is how much worse could it get?

READ: The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks

How Geopolitical Risk Is Driving the Crypto Sell-Off

QQMinh88 / Shutterstock.com

In 2026, geopolitics has become cryptos biggest driver, and the two are now directly connected. The markets performance has been tied to war news since the first set of bombs hit Iran on February 28. Within 72 hours of the first attack, over $128 billion in liquidations were recorded.

When U.S. President Donald Trump suggested at the start of Q2 that the conflict could be over in three weeks, the market reacted positively. Bitcoin reached $70,000, and XRP regained its $1.35 support. But the positive sentiment didnt last as fears of further escalations weakened its momentum.

The collapse of the Islamabad talks on April 12 delivered the latest blow to the already fragile sentiment in the crypto market. It was the first sit-down since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which transformed Iran into a religious state, making the talks a big deal. Vice President JD Vance has said that the breakdown happened because Iran has refused to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Within hours of the news, the U.S. military announced that it would begin blockading Iranian ports, throwing the ceasefire into serious doubt.

Many fear that the recent tensions could lead to another closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of the world's oil supply passes. This hasnt helped the market since it is already trading in extreme fear territory. The recent market sell-off seems to come from a cycle that has been in place since February. During this time, the war news has shocked the market, triggered oil price surges, and tightened monetary conditions.
PayPal has added Pix to PayPal Complete Payments (PPCP) for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Brazil.

The update will allow merchants to offer Pix at checkout, aiming to support faster payment confirmation and reduce checkout friction.

According to a PayPal statement, Pix instant payment method and is used by more than 170 million people in Brazil. With the new integration, SMBs using PPCP can present Pix alongside other payment options within the same checkout experience.

PPCP launched in Brazil last year. The platform is positioned as a single integration for cards, local payment methods and business tools. With Pix added, businesses can offer a payment method that is already widely used in the domestic market while also accessing PayPal services within the same platform, the payments firm added.

PayPal Brazil general manager Brunno Saura said: By bringing Pix into PayPal Complete Payments, were giving entrepreneurs a high-conversion way to get paid that combines a payment method Brazilians know with the trust, security, and global reach that PayPal is known for.

Since its creation in 2020, Pix processed around 196 billion transactions through to September 2025, moving roughly $16trn.

In January 2026, the system recorded more than 7 billion transactions.

Last month, Banco do Brasil launched a service to enable Brazilians in Argentina pay for their purchases using Pix. The service is available to all Pix users, including those who do not bank with Banco do Brasil.

Notably, Latin Americas digital commerce market is projected to approach $944bn by 2026, with Brazil cited as a major online market.

PayPal said the Pix addition is part of a broader approach focused on local payment methods, partnerships and commerce tools for SMBs. The company is set to mark 15 years of operations in Brazil in 2026.

"PayPal integrates Pix into PPCP for small businesses in Brazil" was originally created and published by Electronic Payments International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Lockheed Martin (LMT) is the worlds largest defense contractor and a premier global security and aerospace titan. The company operates through four primary segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Space, and Rotary and Mission Systems. The company is the architect of the F-35 Lightning II, hailed as the worlds most advanced fighter jet. At present, Lockheed Martin is focusing on integrating advanced digital networking and AI into its traditional defensive platforms.

Founded in 1995, the company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

More News from Barchart

LMT Stock Outperforms

Lockheed Martin has begun 2026 with a powerful start after closing 2025 on a positive note. LMT stock has surged 28% year-to-date (YTD), significantly outpacing the broader equity markets. This rally is driven by a favorable geopolitical climate and increased U.S. military budget projections, pushing LMT toward a market capitalization of roughly $135 billion. Despite trading near its 52-week highs and ceasefire news slightly pressuring it the last week or so, the stock remains a staple for value-oriented investors, supported by a consistent dividend and a massive backlog that provides long-term revenue visibility.

In comparison to the S&P 500 Industrials Index ($SRIN), Lockheed Martin has delivered significant outperformance against the indexs 10.5% YTD gains. While the broader industrial sector, encompassing manufacturing, logistics, and construction, has maintained steady growth, Lockheeds defense-specific catalysts have allowed it to decouple from typical industrial cycles.

www.barchart.com

Lockheed Martin Results Shine

Lockheed Martin announced its fourth-quarter 2025 results on Jan. 29, 2026, reporting net sales of $20.3 billion, a 9% increase year-over-year (YoY). The company achieved a non-GAAP diluted EPS of $5.80, a staggering 161% jump compared to the prior years $2.22, which had been impacted by classified program charges.

A primary driver of this success was the Aeronautics segment, where F-35 sales volume pushed revenue to $8.5 billion. For the full year, Lockheed generated $6.9 billion in free cash flow, surpassing expectations and allowing the firm to return $3.0 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
7-Eleven plans to close 645 locations over the next year. Seven & i Holdings, the stores parent company, shared the latest development in recent earnings documents, according to C-Store Drive.

Despite closing 645 stores across North America, 7-Eleven will open at least 200 new locations

For the past five years, 7-Eleven has continued to open new locations while still closing many of its stores. The 645 locations that will be closed in the next year mark the highest total in recent years, Parade reported.

The mass closures, which will continue to happen until Feb. 28, 2027, will focus on shutting down underperforming locations. Some of the stores will be converted to wholesale fuel stores, according to Seven & i Holdings documents.

7-Eleven, which opened in 1927, still operates 13,000 locations in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. There are 86,000 7-Eleven stores across 19 different countries.

Why is 7-Eleven closing so many stores in 2026?

7-Eleven has grown in popularity over the years for providing a quick and easy stop for snacks, drinks and other essentials. Moving forward, however, the company is looking to focus more on the food aspect of the business. Recently, EMarketer Senior Retail Analyst Blake Doersch spoke about the planned changes in a podcast, per TheStreet.

I think I dont really see it as much of an expansion as it is sort of a transformation of their business model because while they are continuing to open new stores, theyve also, I think, closed more stores than theyve opened the past two years and planned to do the same this year, Doersch said. And I think its really because they are completely shifting their business model from just convenience store to convenience store, plus restaurant or food service outlet plus grocery.

Doersch also noted how 7-Eleven is pivoting away from solely being a convenience store in order to offer a restaurant experience while operating more like a grocery store. According to TheStreet, other convenience stores have been making similar changes in recent years. Instead of simply serving quick snacks, small items and fuel, they are focusing on offering more food and coffee bars.







The post 7-Eleven To Close Over 600 Stories In 2026, But Will Open This Many appeared first on Blavity.
Altria (NYSE:MO) and Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) both reported full-year 2025 earnings, exposing a widening gulf between two companies that once shared the same corporate DNA.

Philip Morris is executing a credible transformation; Altria is defending a shrinking core while absorbing costly failures. The dividend headline looks attractive for both, but the stories underneath differ sharply.

Quick Read

Altria (MO) took $2.2B in impairment charges on NJOY in 2025 with the ACE device facing an ITC exclusion order, while on! lost 2.3 share points to fall to 16.7% of the nicotine pouch market.

Philip Morris (PM) reported smoke-free products at 41.5% of revenue with ZYN shipping 196M cans in Q4 (up 19% year-over-year) and IQOS heat-not-burn volumes growing 12% in Q4. Philip Morris guides to 11.1%-13.1% adjusted EPS growth in 2026 versus Altrias 2.5%-5.5% guidance.

Philip Morris is executing a credible transformation with smoke-free revenue already at scale and geographic diversification across 106+ markets, while Altria remains dependent on U.S. Marlboro pricing power with a shrinking combustible base and limited smoke-free optionality. READ: The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks

The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks. Get them here FREE.

NJOY Collapses While IQOS and ZYN Keep Climbing

Philip Morris delivered genuine momentum. Full-year revenue surpassed $40 billion, with close to $17 billion generated by the smoke-free business. Smoke-free products now represent 41.5% of total net revenues.

ZYN, the nicotine pouch brand acquired through Swedish Match, shipped 196 million cans in Q4 alone, up 19% year over year. IQOS heat-not-burn volumes grew 12% in Q4, and VEEV e-vapor volumes more than doubled for the full year.

Altria moved in the opposite direction. The company took $2.2 billion in total non-cash impairment charges on NJOY in 2025, and the NJOY ACE device now faces an ITC exclusion order making a U.S. comeback in 2026 essentially impossible.

The on! nicotine pouch brand grew within a growing category but lost share, falling to 16.7% of the pouch market, down 2.3 points. Marlboro saw domestic cigarette volume fall 10.0% for the full year, and full-year share slipped to 40.5%, down 1.2 points.

Business Driver Altria (MO) Philip Morris (PM) Smoke-Free % of Revenue Small/nascent 41.5% Key Smoke-Free Brands on!, NJOY (impaired) IQOS, ZYN, VEEV 2026 EPS Growth Guide 2.5%-5.5% 11.1%-13.1% Geographic Reach U.S. only 106+ markets

bmcent1 / iStock

One Is Transforming. One Is Maintaining.

Philip Morris restructured its entire organization in January 2026 into three segments: International Smoke-Free, International Combustibles, and U.S. This signals leadership fully committed to transition.
RBC Capital lowered the firms price target on Autoliv (ALV) to $137 from $141 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares as part of a broader research note previewing Q1 for Global Auto names. U.S. OEMs and suppliers have recently pulled back amid macroeconomic concerns tied to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, though while elevated fuel prices may support EV adoption in Europe, the firm sees limited mix shift in the U.S., where government incentives have been the primary demand driver for EV sales, the analyst tells investors in a research note. RBC notes however that the USMCA trade agreement  United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement  resolution could be delayed as a result of the Iran conflict.

Unlock hedge fund-level data and powerful investing tools for smarter, sharper decisions

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Amazon founder Jeff Bezos once asked former Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett why more people don't copy his investing strategy.

During the 62-year-old's talk at the last America Business Forum (1) in November, Bezos told then-Miami Mayor Francis Suarez that playing the long game is not a difficult principle to understand.

Must Read

"(Buffett) said, 'Jeff, that's easy, my approach is a get-rich slowly scheme. And people don't like those'," Bezos recalled, with a laugh. "But there's a lot of truth in that for everything."

He pointed to a simple example, suggesting that investors who think in terms of seven years rather than three can gain an edge over their contemporaries in the investment game.

What the 'get-rich slowly' mindset means for investors

When Bezos brought up Buffett's line, he wasn't just talking about patience in the abstract. He was highlighting a competitive advantage most investors ignore.

The Blue Origin founder was in Miami in November 2025 discussing his latest project, but his answer to Suarez's question tracked directly back to what made Amazon successful in the first place: customer obsession, an eagerness to invent, taking pride in operational excellence and, above all, long-term thinking.

That last point was where Buffett's patience comes into play. Both men have built fortunes by resisting the urge to chase quick wins. Instead, they focus on decisions that may take years to pay off but compound over time.

Bezos started Amazon in July 1994 in his Bellevue, Washington, home's garage with just $10,000 (2). Buffett has amassed his $150-billion net worth (3) through value investing, which is buying undervalued companies and holding onto them for the long term, and living a frugal lifestyle.

"If you can defer gratification and think long term, that will give you a head start against all of your competitors because most people can't do that," Bezos said.

Read More: How to apply Dave Ramseys 7 Baby Steps to your own life

How to apply Warren Buffett's long-term strategy

Bezos' pivot from thinking in the short-term to the long-term allows investors to extend their own timelines. Instead of thinking within three years, the longer your plan, the less short-term volatility matters. That's the strategy Buffett has employed throughout his career.
Tencent, which operates the ubiquitous WeChat messaging platform, has been a step behind its rivals when it comes to AI. The company launched ClawBot in March, which appears as a contact within WeChat, allowing its over one billion monthly active users to connect directly with OpenClaw and execute tasks through the messaging interface.

Unlike Alibaba, ByteDance has largely kept its AI models proprietary, instead leveraging its product design and consumer experience strengths to win users. The companys chatbot, also called Doubao, is Chinas most-used AI app, with 100 million daily active users over the Chinese New Year holiday in February.

Alibaba, the e-commerce giant, has invested in open-source models, which can be downloaded and modified freely by developers. That low barrier to entry has made its Qwen models a compelling option for startups unwilling to pay for proprietary models from OpenAI and Anthropic. Qwen has won over developers from Southeast Asia to the Middle East, and its also convinced Western users too: Metas most recent model, Muse Spark, is trained partly off of Qwen.

Chinas goal is now to build a token economy, backed by a proliferation of efficient, open-source models and a push into real-world AI applications. Yet like their U.S. peers, Chinese firms are grappling with expensive research costs and heavy capital expenditure pledges, while also fending off Washingtons export controls, designed to keep them one step behind in the chip race.

We believe that China is the big winner in this tech war for a number of reasons: valuation, wider adoption of AI, an advantage in power generation, Mohit Kumar, Jefferies global macro strategist, told Fortune in mid-March at the banks Asia Forum in Hong Kong.

Investors have bought into the AI boom. IPOs in Hong Kong are at a five-year high thanks to a steady stream of Chinese AI and tech startups, including AI labs MiniMax and Zhipu AI, and chip designer Biren.

The National Data Administration disclosed that China now processes 140 trillion tokens every day, up from just 100 billion at the start of 2024 . Chinese AI models have now surpassed U.S. models on OpenRouter, a popular marketplace for AI models.

Liu Liehong, the administrator of Chinas National Data Administration, the countrys main data regulator, unveiled the term at a State Council press conference in March, explaining that tokens were now the settlement unit linking technological supply with commercial demand.

Story Continues

Competition is fierce within Chinas tech sector. Last week, Alibaba revealed its newest video generation model, Happy Horse, which performs better than the current leader, ByteDances SeeDance, according to some analyses.

And theres still potential for another big tech company to shake things up. Xiaomi and Meituan, better known for smartphones and food delivery respectively, have launched their own large models.

Smaller startups

A new generation of Chinese AI startups are also winning converts in Silicon Valley.

When vibe-coding startup Cursor launched Composer 2, its latest coding service, eagle-eyed users discovered that the model had been built on Kimi K2.5, an open-source model from Beijing-based Moonshot AI. Cursors co-founder later acknowledged it was a miss to not mention the Kimi basefrom the start.

Two other startupsKnowledge Atlas, better known as Z.ai, and MiniMaxhave already listed in Hong Kong, giving some rare visibility into the economics of a frontier AI lab.

MiniMax reported $79 million in 2025 revenue, a 159% year-on-year jump, with 70% coming from overseas markets in an early signal of global appetite for Chinese foundation models. Yet it also posted an adjusted net loss of $250 million. Zhipu AI generated 724 million yuan ($104.8 million) in revenue, 132% higher than the year before, but its total losses ballooned to 4.7 billion yuan ($680 million), driven by R&D spending that jumped 45%.

Investors dont seem to mind the massive losses. Zhipus shares are up more than 570% from its IPO price; MiniMax has risen more than 470%, at one point briefly exceeding the market cap of Baidu. Still, both stocks have swung wildly, rising and falling by double-digit percentages in single sessions.

Moonshot AI, backed by Alibaba and HongShan, is reportedly weighing a Hong Kong IPO, coming just a few months after a January funding round that valued the startup at $10 billion.

One startup thats been notably quiet this year is DeepSeek, the Hangzhou-based lab that reset the whole AI conversation last year with its V3 and R1 models. Developers are eagerly awaiting the public release of V4, the latest version of its model.

Physical AI

China is also surging ahead in physical AI, backed by supply chains that can cheaply manufacture advanced technology.

Unitree Robotics, perhaps Chinas most prominent humanoid robot startup, has filed for a 4.2 billion yuan ($610 million) IPO on Shanghais STAR Market. Unlike many of its robotics peers in China and overseas, Unitree doesnt lose money, posting an adjusted net profit of roughly 600 million yuan ($87 million). Other major Chinese robotics startups include Agibot and UBTech.

Chinese companies are also pushing hard in automated driving. Pony AI launched Europes first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia in early April, in partnership with Uber and Croatian operator Verne. WeRide has also partnered with Uber to offer fully commercial robotaxis in Dubai.

Governments, consumers get on board

Chinese users are far more comfortable with AI than their Western counterparts. An Edelman survey from October found that 87% of Chinese respondents trust AI, against 32% in the U.S.

The countrys short drama industry is just one example of consumer comfort with AI. Video platforms launched roughly 470 new dramas every day in January, thanks to plummeting production costs. A short drama can now be generated with AI tools for around 100,000 yuan ($14,600), about ten percent of the conventional cost, with the production window shortened from 1530 days to under five.

Chinese consumers are also embracing AI agents, with a series of major tech companies hosting workshops to walk potential users through the process of installing OpenClaw on their personal devices.

Local governments are amplifying the push, offering subsidies to one-person companies, solo entrepreneurs building AI agent businesses.

Beijings approach is more measured, both pushing AI as a strategic priority while also proactively moving to ward off some potential risks, such as by warning against security vulnerabilities in OpenClaw-based agents and proposing regulations for AI companion apps.

Yet the most significant policy advantage may not be directly connected to AI at all. China has aggressively expanded its power generation and transmission capacity in recent years. Goldman Sachs estimates that China will have approximately 400 gigawatts of spare power capacity by 2030, roughly three times projected global data center demand.

Constraints at home and abroad

Still, Chinese AI companies face numerous headwinds that constrain what they can do, particularly compared to the leading U.S. AI developers.

Due to U.S. export controls limiting the sale of the most advanced AI chips to China, domestic companies are forced to rely on domestically made chips, primarily from Huawei; overseas data centers; or on U.S. hardware sourced through grey markets. Chinese chips are getting better: on April 8, Alibaba unveiled a new data center run entirely on its own home-designed Zhenwu chips. Yet production yields and performance still remain far behind the U.S. chip supply chain.

Chinas venture capital ecosystem is also thinner than Silicon Valleys. Unease with Beijings tech regulation and U.S. regulatory pressure lead many global investors to avoid Chinese startups. Moonshot AI, at an $18 billion valuation, commands mostly China-based investors. Anthropic, by contrast, raised $30 billion in a Series G round in February 2026, at a $380 billion post-money valuation, backed by a global consortium of deep-pocketed institutional investors including GIC, Coatue, Founders Fund, and ICONIQ.

That funding pressure forced some founders to take radical action, with some going as far as skipping the Chinese market entirely. Manus AI, which launched a buzzy AI agent last year, reincorporated as a Singapore entity; Meta later acquired the agentic AI startup for roughly $2 billion in late 2025.

Beijing has taken a dim view of the deal. Two Manus co-founders, CEO Xiao Hong and chief scientist Ji Yichao, are now subject to an exit ban, according to the Financial Times.

The token economy

Yet the biggest unresolved question in Chinese AI is much the same as in the U.S.: How to turn tokens into profits.

Alibaba spent 123 billion yuan ($17 billion) on capital expenditure in 2025, which helped contribute to a 66% plunge in net income. Tencent hasnt spent quite as much money, with capex of just 79 billion yuan ($11.6 billion). ByteDance, as a private company, faces less pressure from shareholders about profitability, but the Financial Timesreported late last year that the TikTok owner expects to spend $23 billion on AI infrastructure.

Thats still a lot smaller than what U.S. giants are spending. Alphabet spent $94 billion on capital expenditures last year; Meta spent $75 billion. Both companies plan to spend even more this year.

But monetization pressure may already be pushing some of Chinas tech companies to rethink their strategy. Both Alibaba and Z.ai have released some of their most recent models in a closed format, at least at first. Both companies, as well as others like Baidu, are also hiking prices for their models and cloud services.

Going forward, Chinas tech companies are going to put AI at the center of their business. Last month, Alibaba reorganized its entire AI operation into what it calls the Alibaba Token Hub, which consolidates five previously separate units, including Tongyi Laboratory (its foundational model research arm), Qwen, and an enterprise AI division called Wukong, under CEO Eddie Wus direct oversight.

ATH is built around a single organising mission: create tokens, deliver tokens and apply tokens, Wu said in a letter announcing the reorganization.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Rewards programs can be a bit of a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, when executed well, they can go a long way in bringing in repeat business. Some 47% of customers report using loyalty programs multiple times a month, according to a report from Deloitte.

On the other hand, when they offer very little value to the consumer, they can actually turn customers away. A full 38% of consumers avoid participating in retail loyalty programs because they dont feel as though they offer enough, says a report from CFI Group and Radial.

Consumers are hip to the fact that loyalty programs benefit the retailer," business consultant Liz Crawford told Forbes. "Some are wary of feeling used to fuel the profitability of the business. Others feel the benefits of the loyalty program simply arent worth the hassle of getting spammed.

For restaurants in particular, its important to get those loyalty programs right. About 67% of restaurants currently offer rewards programs, the National Restaurant Association says. Additionally, 78% of consumers say they are more likely to visit a restaurant where they can earn points, even if that restaurant is not the most convenient option.

This is why Chipotle is revamping its entire rewards program, offering more value to diners and making it much easier to use.

Chipotle relaunches its rewards program

On April 13, Chipotle unveiled its all-new rewards program, Rewards on Repeat, introducing new benefits and enhancing existing ones.

The fast-casual chain also revamped the rewards experience within its mobile app, centralizing rewards content and improving visibility into points balances and redemption.

The updates are meant to create a more intuitive and engaging experience while enabling Chipotle to deliver more personalized interactions at scale, the company said.

In all, the company made six major upgrades to the rewards experience:
RBC Capital analyst Tom Narayan lowered the firms price target on Dauch Corporation (DCH) to $9 from $10 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares as part of a broader research note previewing Q1 for Global Auto names. U.S. OEMs and suppliers have recently pulled back amid macroeconomic concerns tied to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, though while elevated fuel prices may support EV adoption in Europe, the firm sees limited mix shift in the U.S., where government incentives have been the primary demand driver for EV sales, the analyst tells investors in a research note. RBC notes however that the USMCA trade agreement  United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement  resolution could be delayed as a result of the Iran conflict.

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This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL) shares fell about 3% in early Tuesday trading after Nvidia (NVDA) dismissed market speculation that it was pursuing a deal involving a major PC manufacturer.

The pullback erased most of Monday's gains, when Dell stock had climbed roughly 6% on unconfirmed chatter that Nvidia could be eyeing an acquisition in the PC space, with traders positioning Dell as a potential candidate. A spokesperson for Nvidia said the company has no such plans, calling the rumors unfounded.

The reversal comes despite a more constructive backdrop for Dell's core business. Bank of America recently lifted its price target on the stock to $205, pointing to firming demand for enterprise AI infrastructure and early signs of a rebound in corporate PC spending. Dell has also been broadening its footprint in AI systems, including a recent agreement with a Middle Eastern government entity to modernize digital infrastructure.

While the takeover premium appears to be fading, the underlying story around Dell's role in AI-driven enterprise upgrades remains intact, though investors continue to weigh valuation levels against the pace of sustainable growth.
Quick Read

First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) had a strong start to 2026.

Here is a closer look at what is driving the returns, as well as what the ETF is missing.

The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks. Get them here FREE.

First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (NYSEARCA: FDL) is up 12.3% year-to-date, moving from about $44 to nearly $50. That is a strong start to 2026 for a fund built around steady dividend payers, and it outpaces the comparable iShares Select Dividend ETF (NYSEARCA: DVY), which is up 8.0% over the same period. The one-year return is even more striking at 26.2%. But a closer look at what is driving those returns, and what the fund is missing, tells a more complicated story.

Energy Did the Heavy Lifting

Our January thesis leaned on energy as a catalyst, and it delivered. Oil prices surged from around $57 per barrel in early January to over $114 by early April, a run that lifted this ETF's largest holdings. Energy is the fund's top sector at 28.6% of the portfolio, anchored by Exxon Mobil at 11% and Chevron at 9%. Those two positions alone represent nearly 20% of the fund, and both benefited directly from the commodity rally. Venezuela-related supply constraints contributed to the tightening market that drove prices higher, validating the original energy thesis.

The Income Picture Is Solid but Uneven

The fund pays quarterly, and the most recent distribution was $0.4005 per share, paid March 31, 2026. That sits on the lower end of the recent range, which has run from roughly $0.36 to $0.55 over the past several years. The trailing yield is 3.7%, which compares reasonably well against the 10-year Treasury yield of 4.3%. Retirees who bought earlier in the year at lower prices are earning a higher effective yield on cost, which is how dividend investing is supposed to work. The fund's expense ratio is just 0.4%, keeping costs from eating into distributions.

READ: The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks

Dividend amounts fluctuate quarter to quarter because the fund passes through what its holdings actually pay, rather than targeting a fixed payout. That variability is worth understanding before relying on this ETF for predictable monthly income.

The Catch: Almost No Technology Exposure

Seeking Alpha recently downgraded the fund to Hold, citing the fund's near-total absence from the technology sector. Information technology represents just 1% of the portfolio, while sectors like healthcare (17.1%), consumer staples (14.2%), and financials (14.2%) dominate alongside energy. In a market where technology drives a large share of index returns, this fund structurally cannot keep pace with broad-market benchmarks during tech-led rallies. The fund's methodology screens for dividend consistency and yield, which filters out most large-cap tech names that either pay no dividend or pay tiny ones.
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) is one of the top consumer defensive stocks to buy now. On April 7, Reuters reported that the founding families of Spanish firm Puig and The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) are poised to meet to negotiate terms of a potential merger.

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (EL) and Puig Merging to Create Largest Premium Beauty Player

The talks come on the heels of Puig and Estee Lauder confirming last month that they were exploring the prospects of creating the worlds largest premium beauty player. The combined company will own some of the most sought-after brands, including Tom Ford, Carolina Herrera, and Clinique.

A potential merger would be structured as a cash-and-share public takeover by Estee Lauder for Puig. The merger is also expected to dilute Lauders family control, bringing it closer to the Puig familys stake. The combined company would be listed on the New York Stock Exchange and would have revenue of over 20 billion euros. It would also make it the worlds number one premium beauty group, ahead of LOreal Luxe.

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL) is a global leader in high-end prestige beauty, manufacturing and marketing skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products. It operates 20+ brands, including Estee Lauder, Clinique, La Mer, MAC, and The Ordinary, selling in 150 countries.

While we acknowledge the potential of EL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 10 Undervalued Large Cap Stocks to Buy and 9 Best Gold Mining Companies to Buy With High Upside Potential.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
By Howard Schneider

WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - Holdings in Elon Musk's SpaceX company and predictions platform Polymarket are among dozens of future-oriented assets that Federal Reserve chair nominee Kevin Warsh lists on a newly filed financial disclosure that shows dozens of apparently small bets on a wide array of emerging and almost science fiction-sounding ventures.

Warsh's major holdings put his assets at well over $100 million, including two $50-million-plus holdings in the Juggernaut Fund LP, apparently part of Warsh's work advising for the Duquesne Family Office, the private investment firm of Stanley Druckenmiller.

But it is in dozens of other holdings, listed as part of something called DCM Investments 10 LLC with a market value of no more than half a million dollars, that Warsh's stylings as a traditionalist central banker morph into an emerging future of digitized AI avatars doling out advice, AI-driven art, new vaccines for herpes and longlasting reversible male contraception, and decentralized derivatives trading.

SpaceX may be well known for Musk's business blanketing the globe with internet satellite coverage and ambitions for a manned journey to Mars.

But the relatively small half-million-dollars spread across dozens of firms suggests early stage bets on less well-known companies that may make it, may not, or may make it big.

There's "Recraft," described in Warsh's filing as an "AI vector art platform."

There's Volt, an "AI physical security software" company, and 11x, an "autonomous AI workforce platform."

A company called Outpace Bio is involved in protein engineering, a field considered to have enormous potential through the use of AI; Partiful takes human welfare in a different direction offering a "social event planning platform"; Cafe X could provide synergy there with its "robotic coffee bar platform."

Crypto and fintech are other focuses, including Tenderly, an "ethereum developer platform," Stashfin, described as a "consumer lending neobank," and Lemon Cash, described as a crypto financial services platform.

The holdings run on to other health items including a firm developing a herpes vaccine, one developing a "reversible male contraceptive" currently in clinical trials, and a "bionic" clothing company that assists movement.

There's also a "digital cloning platform" called Delphi AI, whose website says it will "turn your knowledge into an interactive profile people can talk to. Showcase your expertise, answer repetitive questions, and discover what people want to know next," a tool Warsh might find useful at Fed press conferences.

(Reporting by Howard Schneider; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama )
US-based tax, audit and risk advisory practice Frazier & Deeter (FD) has picked Michael Cohn as its new chief financial officer.

Cohn has more than 15 years experience in senior finance and investment roles.

In the new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the companys financial operations and supporting its strategic development.

FD managing partner and CEO Jeremy Jones said: Michael brings seasoned financial leadership and experience navigating growth.

His perspective will be invaluable as we continue to scale the firm and enhance the exceptional value we deliver to clients.

Cohn joins from Alvarez & Marsal, where he worked in the Private Equity Performance Improvement  CFO Services Group.

In his most recent assignment, he held an interim senior finance position at a private equity-backed technology company, leading the finance function through a transition period, supervising core finance activities, and tightening risk controls and processes.

Over his career, Cohn has concentrated on financial strategy, execution and investment management.

His previous posts include portfolio manager at Korea Investment Corporation, along with positions at Golub Capital and Bank of America.

Cohn said: Frazier & Deeter is at an important stage in its evolution. I am looking forward to partnering with the leadership team to support the firms financial discipline and long-term strategic goals.

In April last year, FD secured investment from General Atlantic. The investment also saw the participation of PSP Capital Partners and Aksia.

"Frazier & Deeter appoints Michael Cohn as chief financial officer" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




Iron ore billionaire Gina Rinehart at her Roy Hill mine in Western Australia. Photographer: Philip Gostelow/Bloomberg  2014 Bloomberg Finance LP

The most significant challenge to the $25 billion fortune of Gina Rinehart, Australias richest person, will reach its climax in a Perth courtroom tomorrow.

Justice Jennifer Smith is expected to hand down her decision in a Western Australian Supreme Court case which has been running for 16 years and while unlikely to significantly affect Rineharts extensive business interests a loss will be a personal blow.

At the heart of a complex dispute is the breakdown of a partnership which Rineharts father, the late Lang Hancock, forged with lifetime friend Peter Wright to develop mines in WA.

The Hanwright Joint Venture

Their Hanwright agreement covered discoveries made while exploring in the remote Pilbara region of the State in the 1950s, including an asbestos mine and vast tracts of iron ore.

Too big for Hancock and Wright to develop, their discoveries also faced the hurdle of an Australian Government ban on exporting iron ore, a hangover from the second world war.

That led them to London-based Rio Tinto, one of the worlds biggest mining companies, which agreed to examine what they had found and pay a permanent 2.5% cash royalty on the value of all iron ore sold.

Rio Tinto, then trading in the Pilbara as Hamersley Iron, started mining high grade ore on the Hanwright tenements in the 1960s, initially exporting to Japan.

Hamersley Iron train leaving the Paraburdoo mine. Photo by Fairfax Media via Getty Images) Fairfax Media via Getty Images

In its early years the royalty was not the bonanza it has become mainly providing for a comfortable lifestyle for Hancock and Wright who had attended the same school in Perth, going on to live a few streets apart in the leafy riverside Perth suburb of Dalkeith.

The royalty was certainly not enough for Hancock who was keen to develop his own mines, investing heavily but unsuccessfully in ventures that included an attempt to ship iron ore to Romania, taking payment in railway rolling stock which turned out to be sub-standard.

Tension in the Hanwright partnership led to an attempt to equally divide the assets before the two men died to prevent a legal brawl between future generations but those efforts which started in the early 1980s were overtaken by Wrights death in 1985 and Hancocks death in 1992.

Rinehart, as Hancocks only child inherited an estate in poor condition and despite the unstoppable cash inflow from the Rio Tinto royalty she was forced to undertake a major overhaul of the family business.

Her greatest early success was to do what had eluded her father, develop a Hancock family iron ore mine, the 50/50 joint venture Hope Downs project named after her mother.

But its in Hope Downs that the core of the long-running legal dispute lies because the Wright family is not involved despite the original 50/50 joint venture which Rinehart argues has ended. The Wright family disagrees.
Grupo Herdez has agreed to hand over operational control of its Nestle-licenced ice-cream business in Mexico to Froneri.

In a statement yesterday (13 April), the Mexico-based food group said the ice-cream operation will be integrated into a new partnership, with each company holding a 50% stake.

Herdez has operated the ice-cream business under an exclusive licence from Nestle since 2015.

In a separate statement, Froneri, a joint venture between Nestle and private-equity firm PAI Partners, confirmed the transaction.

As part of the agreement, Froneri will support the venture through a "capital contribution", which it said, is intended to strengthen the financial structure of the business and support its growth. The company will also have full operational control.

However, Froneri added the deal "does not represent a cash inflow for Grupo Herdez".

Froneri CEO Phil Griffin said: The business operates under a portfolio of much-loved brands which we plan to invest in to further develop the business. We look forward to working with the Grupo Herdez team.

After completion, Grupo Herdez will no longer consolidate the units results in its financial statements and will instead recognise its share as equity investments in associated companies.

Hector Hernandez-Pons Torres, the chairman and CEO of Grupo Herdez, said: "This alliance marks the next step in the configuration of our portfolio, and we are proud to share the potential of this business with a global expert like Froneri. The focus of this alliance will remain on long-term value creation."

The deal comes after Nestle unveiled plans in February to exit the remaining ice-cream business that does not sit within its Froneri joint venture.

Addressing analysts at that time, Nestle CEO Philipp Navratil said that its remaining ice-cream business, though strong, is a distraction.

This business is a great fit for Froneri and we have agreed to sell the business in a phased way, Navratil added at the time.

As one of the worlds largest ice-cream companies, Froneri is present in more than 25 countries, with revenue of more than 5bn ($5.9bn).

Meanwhile, Grupo Herdez said the partnership will pair Froneris global ice-cream expertise with Herdezs local market knowledge, to back a portfolio that includes Helados Nestle, Haagen-Dazs, Mega and Carlos V.

Brand licencing in Mexico will be aligned with Froneris global framework with Nestle.

The completion of the transaction is subject to clearance from Mexicos National Antitrust Commission (CNA).

The companies expect the deal to be finalised later this year.
While outlining the rationale, Lacroix emphasized that no decision has been taken yet and that we are just announcing the start of the review. Asked by Goldman Sachss Suhasini Varanasi about sale versus demerger and whether a U.S. listing could be considered, Lacroix said those were among the options available and that the company would evaluate alternatives with the goal of maximizing value and certainty, but it is too early to say.

Management said the review will examine whether a more focused structure could improve outcomes via:

Lacroix framed the move as an attempt to unleash the full potential of Intertek and said it reflects a view that the companys long-used generalist portfolio model might be reaching its potential. In response to questions from UBSs Rory McKenzie on why now, Lacroix said the decision stems from a strategic inflection that management had been considering for quite a long time, rather than a short-term shift.

Chief Executive Officer Andre Lacroix said the company has initiated a strategic review to evaluate whether separating the group into two specialist scale global ATIC businesses could accelerate growth and create additional shareholder value. The two proposed businesses are Intertek Testing & Assurance and Intertek Energy & Infrastructure , with the review expected to be concluded and implemented by mid-2027.

Intertek Group (LON:ITRK) used its strategic review and 2026 first-quarter trading update call to announce a review of its corporate structure alongside reporting a strong start to the year and reaffirming full-year guidance.

Management plans ongoing investment and M&A supportwith planned capex of 150160m and recent acquisitions performing welland will begin providing quarterly trading updates for the March and September quarters.

Q1 trading delivered a 5.4% like-for-like revenue increase and reported revenue of 838.5 million , driven by volume and pricing, with continued margin progression, strong free cash flow and management reaffirming full-year guidance of mid-single-digit like-for-like growth.

Intertek has launched a strategic review to assess splitting into two specialist global businesses Intertek Testing & Assurance and Intertek Energy & Infrastructure with any separation targeted to be concluded and implemented by mid-2027 ; no final decision has been made and options include demerger, sale or alternative listings.

Story Continues

On potential separation complexity and costs, Lacroix described Intertek as operating a decentralized and coordinated model with a small London head office (about 50-60 people), with resources largely in the market. He said management believes potential dissynergies should be limited, though this will be assessed during the review. In response to Joe Brent of Panmure Liberum on incremental costs, Lacroix said cost outcomes would depend on the structure chosen (demerger and separate listing versus sale) and are part of the work ahead.

Segment considerations: CEA transfer and customer overlap

 GPU Prices Are Surging3 Ways to Play the AI Chip Shortage

During the Q&A, J.P. Morgans Victoria Chang asked whether all business lines within Industry & Infrastructure and World of Energy would remain in the proposed Energy & Infrastructure business. Lacroix said that CEA, described as Interteks solar assurance business, would move into the electrical business and therefore move from the World of Energy into Consumer Products, because it is managed today by the global electrical business. The rest doesnt change, he added.

On overlap between the two proposed entities, Morgan Stanleys Annelies Vermeulen asked whether limited customer overlap reduces the risk of revenue dis-synergies. Lacroix agreed, responding, Yeah, you said it right.

Chang also asked about assurance activities within Energy & Infrastructure. Lacroix distinguished between industry specific assurance solutions managed by business lines (citing examples such as Building & Construction and Caleb Brett) and industry agnostic assurance solutions housed in Corporate Assurance. He said nothing would change in terms of the ATIC solutions sold by business lines today. On quantifying industry-specific assurance activity, he pointed to group disclosures and suggested estimating it by taking group assurance revenue minus Corporate Assurance revenue.

Q1 trading: 5.4% like-for-like growth and revenue of 838.5 million

Lacroix reported group like-for-like revenue growth of 5.4% at constant currency in the first quarter, calling it a robust performance supported by demand for assurance, testing, inspection, and certification (ATIC) solutions across divisions and geographies. Reported revenue rose 6.7% to 838.5 million.

He said growth was driven by both volume and pricing, and added that the company saw continued margin progression supported by divisional mix, operating leverage, cost control, and productivity improvements. He also said Intertek delivered a strong free cash flow and maintained a strong balance sheet.

By division, Lacroix highlighted:

Consumer Products : 6.5% like-for-like growth, with mid-single-digit growth in softlines, high-single-digit growth in hardlines and electrical; Government and Trade Services (GTS) posted mid-single-digit negative performance due to Middle East-related trading disruptions.

Corporate Assurance : 10.8% like-for-like growth, driven by double-digit growth in Business Assurance; Assurance was low-single-digit negative due to a baseline effect from large contracts that lapsed at the end of June last year.

Health & Safety : 5.9% like-for-like growth, with double-digit growth in one area referenced by Lacroix, mid-single-digit growth in Food and CMP, and stable performance in AgriWorld.

Industry & Infrastructure : 5.5% like-for-like growth, including low-single-digit growth in Industry Services, double-digit growth in Minerals, and low-single-digit performance in Building & Construction.

World of Energy: stable like-for-like performance, with low-single-digit growth in Caleb Brett and CEA; Transportation Technologies posted negative double-digit performance due to reduced client R&D investment in a challenging automotive environment.

Several analysts asked whether Q1 reflected any catch-up from a slower late-2025 period. Lacroix rejected that interpretation, saying turnaround times in Interteks services mean customers cannot wait, and that Q1 performance represented underlying trading rather than delayed fulfillment. He also told Barclays analyst James Rowland Clark there was no catch-up in Assurance.

Middle East disruption: impact and offsets

Questions focused on the operating environment following the Middle East conflict and its implications for oil and gas-related activity. Lacroix said the Middle East accounts for about 6% of group revenue. He identified Caleb Brett, Industry Services, and GTS as Interteks three largest business lines in the region.

He said the Middle East business was slightly down in March (low single digit), but up double digit in Q1. Within the region, he noted Caleb Brett was double-digit negative in March and that GTS was impacted by trading disruption.

Lacroix also discussed shifts in global flows, saying reduced Middle East production and exports in March could take time to affect clients due to shipping lags, and that Asia could be most impacted if conditions persist. At the same time, he said Intertek was seeing a very strong acceleration of production and export in the Americas, where the company has significant exposure.

ODDO BHF analyst Geoffroy Michalet asked about positive effects outside the Middle East. Lacroix said Intertek saw a very strong performance for Caleb Brett in the Americas in Q1, attributing it to Europe importing more from the U.S. and Latin America.

Guidance reaffirmed; investments and M&A continue

Intertek reaffirmed its 2026 outlook. Lacroix said the company expects mid-single-digit like-for-like revenue growth at constant currency for the year, with high-single-digit like-for-like growth in Corporate Assurance; mid-single-digit growth in Consumer Products and Industry & Infrastructure; and low-single-digit growth in Health & Safety and World of Energy. He said the company is targeting further margin progression, strong earnings growth, and strong free cash flow, alongside ongoing cash discipline.

Planned capital expenditures were cited at about 150 million to 160 million, and Lacroix said the company expects to continue delivering an excellent ROIC. On currency, he added that average sterling rates over the last three months, applied to full-year 2025 results, would be broadly neutral at both revenue and operating profit levels.

Lacroix also said Interteks acquisitions completed in 2025TESIS (Brazil), Envirolab (Australia), Suplilab (Costa Rica), and PTL (U.S.)are all performing very well. He noted two more recent deals: Aerial PV in Europe to expand its solar energy position and QTEST in Colombia to expand its electrical business in Latin America.

In Q&A, Bank of Americas Virginia Montorsi asked about M&As contribution to Health & Safety in Q1. Lacroix pointed to Envirolab as the main driver of the difference between organic and total revenue.

Looking ahead, Lacroix said the company will remain laser-focused on executing its AAA strategy during the review period, and added that Intertek will begin providing quarterly trading updates for the three months ending March and September.

About Intertek Group (LON:ITRK)

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains. Intertek is a purpose-led company to Bring Quality, Safety and Sustainability to Life. We provide 24/7 mission-critical quality assurance solutions to our clients to ensure that they can operate with well-functioning supply chains in each of their operations. Our Customer Promise is: Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently, with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.

The article "Intertek Group Q1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat.
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) is among the stocks on Jim Cramers game plan as he shared his take on the market post Iran-U.S. ceasefire talks. Cramer highlighted Goldmans specialty during the episode, as he said:

Lets get to our game plan for next week. Alright, my Charitable Trust has a very big, long, very big position in, well, in Goldman Sachs. Okay, thats my alma mater. And when it reports on Monday, barring some serious Iranian action that causes a spike in the price of oil this weekend, I think youll see a solid set of numbers and a good reaction to the numbers that Goldman Sachs prints. Now, Ive gotta tell you, this judgment does stem a little bit from my time at Goldman. Why? Because thats where I learned to manage and profit from risk. Its what the firm does best is manage risk. And this volatile market, like the one we are having, thats Goldmans specialty.

Photo by Joshua Mayo on Unsplash

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) provides financial services, including investment banking, asset and wealth management, and banking solutions. During the April 8 episode, Cramer noted that there are multiple reasons to own this stock, as he remarked:

How about this Goldman Sachs? Alright, there are multiple reasons to own this stock once you think the coast is clear. I know theres plenty of money there that could be destined for takeovers now. I think therell be a rush of deals as this administration is incredibly pro-deal-making. They never met a merger they didnt like unless it involves the Presidents political enemies, that is. And it represents a lot of advisory business for the investment banks. Now, Goldman reports next week. I think it should be a good one, as we told members of the CNBC Investing Club. Weve owned the stock for a long time.

While we acknowledge the potential of GS 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.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is among the stocks on Jim Cramers game plan as he shared his take on the market post Iran-U.S. ceasefire talks. Cramer noted that it has become his favorite drug stock instead of Eli Lilly, as he said:

Now, my favorite drug stock reports next week, too, and thats not Lilly anymore. Its Johnson & Johnson. We own this one for the Charitable Trust, and I think were going to hear that it has the most blockbusters and the best pipeline in the industry. This is a company transformed, shedding slower, growing divisions, focusing on research that can produce lifesaving drugs. I eagerly await this one. Now, word to the wise, its really important. JNJ has a habit of getting hammered on the news release when it comes out in the morning, okay, and then rallying, once the conference call starts. If it gets blasted, try to get some.

Photo by Adam Nowakowski on Unsplash

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) develops and sells healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, with treatments in immunology, oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular care, and infectious diseases.

While we acknowledge the potential of JNJ 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.
Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is among the stocks on Jim Cramers game plan as he shared his take on the market post Iran-U.S. ceasefire talks. Cramer expects solid results from the company, as he said:

Alright, now, more banks, Wednesday, Morgan Stanley, and Bank of America Bank of America will be solid. I like solid. You can do worse than solid.

A stock market data. Photo by AlphaTradeZone on Pexels

Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) provides banking, investment, and financial services, including lending, wealth management, trading, and advisory solutions. A caller asked for Cramers opinion on the stock, and he responded:

Okay, I think Bank of America is an excellent bank. I think that the financials right now have taken such a severe decline. Bank of America at $47. Could it go down to $40? Maybe. All the financials are under pressure in part because of Iran, but also because of private credit. I would stick with Bank of America. Thats the kind of company at 10 times earnings that I think is going to give you a long-term good return. Think longer term. You must do that.

While we acknowledge the potential of BAC 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.
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is among Jim Cramers recent stock calls as he urged investors to stand by the defense sector. Toward the end of the lightning round, a caller asked about the stock, and heres what Cramer had to say in response:

Exxon Mobils fine, but Chevrons a better company. I mean, you know, I think about this all the time, honestly, and I just decided, just go with Wirth, and its been the right call. Im sticking with it.

Exxon, Gas

Photo by Raymond Kotewicz on Unsplash

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is an oil and natural gas exploration and production company that also manufactures fuels, petrochemicals, and specialty products. A caller asked about the stock during the April 2 episode, and Cramer responded:

Well, look, I think, you know, first of all, Chevron I like more than Exxon. I think theyre more forward-looking. So I would not, I dont want you to cash out of Exxon for Chevron, but Im just telling everybody else thats the case. I think that, Im going to speak as a portfolio manager myself for my Charitable Trust. I sold my oil, and it was a mistake, and it was clearly a mistake because we forget how important oil is to our country. We spoke to ONEOK today, just shows you the value of it. I think you should have one. Ive been trying to go back and forth with Jeff Marks about what to do. I would encourage you to stay in Exxon if you, if someones watching and listening and they dont own one, go for Chevron. These are known as E&P plays, and I think you just own it, and take it from me as someone who wishes that he had not sold his one oil. Its really good to have one. To be up 34% year to date is great Just hold on. And new people who are thinking, wow, Jim really likes to own an oil, the oil that I like to own is Chevron.

While we acknowledge the potential of XOM 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.
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) is among the stocks on Jim Cramers game plan as he shared his take on the market post Iran-U.S. ceasefire talks. Cramer expects the stock to rise in the coming days, as he commented:

Tuesdays the first chock-full day of earnings season. Its got three major banks: JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup. Now, they each have their own characteristics Citi is now love, love, love by everybody on Wall Street, and its the stock that I think is probably the most likely to jump higher next week. Its like a, yeah, its, its like a trained rabbit I dont know how that happens. It keeps happening. The estimates are always too low. People like the stock of Citi.

A woman reading and analyzing stock market data. Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) provides financial products and services across banking, markets, and wealth management. Cramer discussed the company during the January 14 episode, as he stated:
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is among the stocks on Jim Cramers game plan as he shared his take on the market post Iran-U.S. ceasefire talks. Cramer praised the companys CEO during the episode, as he remarked:

Tuesdays the first chock-full day of earnings season. Its got three major banks: JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup. Now, they each have their own characteristics As for Wells Fargo, we own it for the Charitable Trust. This is not an earnings story; its a long-term turnaround story, orchestrated by CEO Charlie Scharf, a fantastic bank exec who wants that stock price higher, is willing to buy back a lot of stock to do so.

Wells Fargo, Building

Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) provides financial services, including banking, lending, investment, and wealth management solutions. Cramer highlighted the companys integration of AI during the February 25 episode, as he commented:

My favorite, the banks, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs. The former because its doing the best job of integrating AI. Just hired a wiz from Amazon Web Services. The latter because its the closest we have to a pure play of investment banking at a time when investment banking is on fire. These are entrenched companies. Theyre not going to blow up. Many of these will use AI to cut costs, perhaps better than a Salesforce, or a ServiceNow, or Workday could. Maybe not, though. Maybe these software companies can do it cheaper to stay competitive and just make less money in the process.

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: 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.
At the core of its operations is the Electron rocket, a lightweight launch vehicle widely used to deploy small satellites into low Earth orbit. With over 250 satellites launched and more than 1,700 already in orbit carrying its technology, Electron has built a strong reputation for reliability and frequent launches.

Rocket Lab, founded in 2006 and headquartered in Long Beach, California, has evolved into a full-scale, end-to-end space company serving both commercial and government clients. It designs, builds, and launches rockets while also offering spacecraft and broader space systems, making it a one-stop shop for space missions.

For investors looking skyward, this may be the moment to snag these stocks while the runway for growth is still expanding.

This momentum is being fueled by rising demand for next-generation capabilities, ranging from launch services to drones and autonomous systems, alongside supportive geopolitical tailwinds, reinforcing their position as key growth drivers in an increasingly strategic and fast-evolving space and defense landscape.

But according to the analyst, investor enthusiasm is increasingly tilting toward emerging space and defense tech players, and companies like Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) and AeroVironment (AVAV) are gaining traction. Both stocks have delivered solid returns over the past year.

According to Bank of Americas (BAC) analyst Ronald Epstein, this is not just a scientific milestone, but an economic signal. Behind the scenes, an entire industrial web is at work, from legacy giants like Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Boeing (BA) to a new wave of agile players. Yet, the road ahead is not without friction. High costs, execution risks, and the urgent push toward reusability are redefining the sustainability of this space race  especially with China accelerating its own lunar ambitions.

When Artemis II successfully carried astronauts around the Moon, it did not simply mark a return to deep space after decades. It reignited the markets fascination with the business of space. Slated as the first crewed lunar flyby in over five decades, the mission is a critical test of life-support systems and deep-space capabilities that could shape humanitys return to the Moon and, eventually, the path to Mars.

Story Continues

Rocket Lab is now aiming bigger with Neutron, its upcoming medium-lift rocket designed for large constellations and deep space missions, capable of delivering a payload of 13,000 kgs. Alongside launch services, the company also focuses on satellite manufacturing and mission management, expanding its reach across the space value chain. With a market cap of about $38.6 billion, Rocket Lab is positioning itself as a key player in the growing space economy.

RKLB stock has seen a lot of ups and downs recently. It got a boost after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire eased market worries, helping aerospace stocks move higher as overall sentiment improved. Better outlook for aviation and stable trade routes also supported the trend.

The stock had hit a high of $99.58 in January, but is now about 29% below that level, and in 2026, RKLB is up only marginally at 0.06%. Still, looking at the bigger picture, the stock has delivered strong gains of 255.58% over the past 52 weeks.

This rise has been backed by solid business growth, increasing revenue, and a strong backlog. The company is also benefiting from rising defense demand and expanding through acquisitions. Even with some recent pullback, the overall story still looks positive.

www.barchart.com

Rocket Lab continues to build strong momentum, with its financial results showing steady growth across the board. In Q4 2025, the company reported revenue of $179.7 million, up 35.7% year-over-year (YOY), though it posted a loss of -$0.09 per share. For fiscal 2025, Rocket Lab delivered record revenue of $602 million, marking a solid 38% annual increase.

Operationally, 2025 was a milestone year. The company completed 21 launches across its Electron and HASTE vehicles, achieving a 100% success rate. At the same time, it made meaningful progress on its next-generation Neutron rocket, reaching key development milestones. Also, Rocket Lab secured its largest contract to date  an $816 million award from the U.S. Space Development Agency to design and manufacture 18 satellites. In addition, it successfully launched two spacecraft for NASA and the University of California, Berkeley, for the ESCAPADE Mars mission, showcasing its deep-space capabilities.

The company ended the year with a record backlog of $1.85 billion, up 73% YOY, providing strong revenue visibility. And, it is expanding its space systems segment through acquisitions like Optical Support and Precision Components. With this momentum and a strong pipeline, management expects a solid start to 2026, supported by continued demand across launch and space systems.

Looking ahead to Q1, management expects revenue to come in between $185 million and $200 million, with both the Space Systems and Launch segments set to grow annually. However, margins are likely to ease a bit, with non-GAAP gross margins projected in the 39% to 41% range, compared to 44.3% in Q4.

Meanwhile, Wall Street analysts tracking the company anticipate losses to be about -$0.07 per share in Q1, while revenue is projected to be around $190.8 million. Looking further ahead to fiscal 2026, confidence builds further. Losses are anticipated to narrow by 52.6% annually to -$0.18 per share, and further shrink by 44.4% YOY to -$0.10 per share.

Overall, analysts are upbeat on RKLB, with a Moderate Buy consensus. Of the 17 analysts tracking the stock, 10 have a Strong Buy, one advises a Moderate Buy, and the remaining six are on the sidelines with a Hold rating.

RKLB has an average price target of $87.21, implying roughly 24% upside potential from current levels. On the bullish end, the Street-high target of $120 points to even sharper gains of 70.6%.

www.barchart.com

www.barchart.com

Stock #2: AeroVironment

Founded in 1971 and based in Arlington, Virginia, AeroVironment is a defense technology company focused on autonomous and robotic systems for military and government clients. Its portfolio spans unmanned aircraft systems (drones), loitering munitions, counter-drone and directed energy solutions, as well as space, cyber, and communication systems. The company also develops advanced robotic platforms, positioning itself at the center of modern defense innovation. AeroVironment has a market capitalization of about $9 billion.

AeroVironments stock has had a volatile run in 2026, moving more sideways than trending up. It started strong, climbing close to its all-time high of $417.86 in October, but then saw a sharp pullback, dropping 54.3% from that peak. The stock briefly bounced during a defense-sector rally in March, moving into the mid-$200s, but now sits below $200.

There have been sharp swings along the way. On March 2, for instance, shares jumped to around $303, only to fall back to nearly $196 by the end of the same session. Overall, AVAV is down about 21.6% year-to-date (YTD), largely due to the cancellation of the SCAR contract with the U.S. Space Force.

Still, the bigger picture shows some strength. Over the past 52 weeks, AVAV stock is up roughly 29.6%, supported by strong drone demand and contract wins, even as recent uncertainty and profit-taking have weighed on momentum.

www.barchart.com

AVAV stock may look expensive at first glance, priced around 60.40 times forward adjusted earnings, well above its peers and historical average. But digging a little deeper, its price-to-sales ratio of 4.76 times sits below past historical median, hinting that the premium may be partly justified by its growth story.

AeroVironment delivered a mixed Q3 earnings report for fiscal 2026 on March 10, generating a revenue of $408.04 million, up 143.3% YOY, while non-GAAP EPS rose 113.3% annually to $0.64. On the surface, the quarter looked disappointing, as both top and bottom lines came in below expectations. But the headline miss does not fully capture whats going on underneath.

The shortfall was largely due to timing issues in revenue recognition and some adjustments in its Space segment. Despite that, demand for AeroVironments solutions remains strong. Order flow stayed healthy, and the funded backlog continued to grow. Management is also staying disciplined, ramping up manufacturing ahead of demand and pushing commercialization efforts to improve margins and speed up delivery.

A key boost came from the BlueHalo acquisition, which added $85.1 million in product revenue and $91.4 million in service revenue this quarter. Segment-wise, Autonomous Systems (AxS) revenue amounted to $278.7 million, while Space, Cyber, and Directed Energy (SCDE) revenue came in at $129.3 million. Funded backlog, as of Jan. 31, 2026, climbed to $1.1 billion, up significantly from $726.6 million as of April 30, 2025.

Nevertheless, cash flow remains a concern. Operating cash outflow widened to $173.9 million for the nine-month period, compared to just $1 million a year ago. Still, with about $290 million in cash and relatively low short-term debt, liquidity is not a near-term issue.

The numbers set the company up for a potentially record Q4 and a strong start to fiscal 2027. For fiscal 2026, management expects revenue of between $1.85 billion and $1.95 billion, while non-GAAP EPS is anticipated to be between $2.75 and $3.10.

Wall Street monitoring AeroVironment anticipates its revenue for fiscal 2026 to be $1.9 billion, while EPS is projected to be $2.94. Looking further ahead to fiscal 2027, profit is expected to surge 26.9% annually to $3.73 per share.

Analysts are confident, with AVAV stock having an overall Strong Buy rating. Of the 20 analysts tracking the stock, 15 recommend a Strong Buy, two have a Moderate Buy, two are cautious with a Hold rating, while the remaining one analyst takes a bearish stance, advising a Strong Sell.

AVAVs average target of $314.06 suggests an upside potential of 64.6% from the current price levels. The Streets highest $450 price target hints the stock could rally as much as 135.9%.

www.barchart.com

www.barchart.com

On the date of publication, Sristi Suman Jayaswal 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
The world's leading luxury goods conglomerate, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, saw its organic revenue rise by 1% in the first three months of 2026, reaching a total of around 19.1 billion.

This result landed slightly below the 2% growth anticipated by analysts, signalling a consolidation phase for the industry leader.

At the time of writing, LVMH shares are trading over 2% lower on the news.

The Middle East has emerged as a significant headwind for the group, with sales in the region dropping by double digits predominantly due to the Iran war.

According to the company's earnings call, this regional downturn accounted for a 1% drag on total group growth during the quarter.

While local spending in several other areas is showing signs of recovery, losses in both European and Japanese markets also offset stronger gains in the US and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

The overall performance suggests that even top-tier brands are vulnerable to global economic and political volatility.

Related

Mixed performance across core divisions

LVMH's vital fashion and leather goods sector experienced a 2% decline in organic sales, totalling roughly 9.2 billion. This drop was deeper than the flat growth many analysts had forecast.

However, the division saw continued resilience from its flagship Louis Vuitton brand and strong improvements at Dior.

The high-end label Loro Piana managed to achieve double-digit growth, highlighting a persistent appetite for "quiet luxury" among ultra-wealthy clients.

Conversely, the wines and spirits division provided a positive surprise with a 5% increase in organic revenue. This growth was bolstered by the strategic timing of cognac shipments ahead of the Chinese New Year and a stabilisation in the champagne market.

The watches and jewellery sector also maintained robust momentum, posting a 7% rise in organic sales, driven by the ongoing transformation of Tiffany and the continued strength of BVLGARI.

Market outlook and strategic shifts

Analysts have responded to these results with a cautious yet supportive stance.

Deutsche Bank has adjusted its outlook, lowering its price target for LVMH shares to 600 from a previous 620, while maintaining a "Buy" recommendation.

The bank also reduced its earnings per share forecast for the full year 2026 by 3%, citing the weaker fashion performance and tighter profit margins.

Looking ahead, management is placing a renewed focus on cost control across all regions, although they have stated this will not come at the expense of future growth.
LVMH recorded revenue of 19.12bn ($22.4bn) in the first quarter of 2026, delivering 1% organic growth despite disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The group said reported revenue fell 6% year-on-year from 20.31bn.

However, organic growth remained positive, supported by strong trading in Asia (excluding Japan) and steady demand across Europe and Japan.

The US experienced a good start to the year while the Middle East saw reduced organic growth by around one percentage point last month as a result of the regional conflict.

Across divisions, wines and spirits delivered 5% organic growth, aided by champagne sales in Europe and a favourable Chinese New Year timing effect for cognac.

Fashion and leather goods declined 2% on an organic basis, reflecting the impact of geopolitical disruption.

Perfumes and cosmetics recorded flat organic performance while watches and jewellery rose 7%, driven by brands, including Tiffany & Co. and Bvlgari.

Selective retailing increased 4%, supported by continued expansion at Sephora.

Fashion and leather goods generated 9.24bn in revenue, compared with 10.10bn a year earlier.

Wines and spirits contributed 1.27bn, perfumes and cosmetics 2.04bn, watches and jewellery 2.44bn, and selective retailing 4.05bn.

Within watches and jewellery, Tiffany broadened its product offering and retail footprint while Bvlgari introduced new high jewellery collections.

In selective retailing, Sephora continued to expand internationally, including in the UK.

During the quarter, LVMH's DFS entered agreements with China Tourism Group Duty Free to divest its Greater China operations and with Duty Free Americas to sell its US airport concessions.

LVMH said it remains vigilant yet confident in a geopolitical and economic environment disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East, and will continue to prioritise innovation, investment and brand development throughout this year.

In its statement, the company said: The group remains focused on the development of its brands, driven by a sustained policy of innovation and investment, as well as by a constant quest for quality in its designs, their desirability and their selective distribution.

"LVMH posts modest organic growth amid Middle East disruption" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMHF) is entering the year under more pressure than expected, as weakness in its core fashion and leather goods division points to a softer demand backdrop across key luxury markets. Organic revenue in that segment declined 2% in the first quarter, coming in below expectations, while overall group organic sales rose just 1%, also missing forecasts. The shortfall appears tied in part to the Iran war, which disrupted spending in major Middle Eastern shopping hubs like Dubai, offsetting more encouraging trends seen in China and the US.

The Middle East, which accounts for around 6% of total sales and is typically a highly profitable region for the group, saw demand weaken after what management described as a strong start to the year. LVMH indicated the conflict reduced organic growth by about one percentage point in the quarter, suggesting performance could have been closer to flat without that impact. CFO Cecile Cabanis noted that demand in the region remains very much down, reinforcing the idea that geopolitical uncertainty may continue to weigh on near-term results. Shares fell as much as 3.2% in Paris following the release, adding to a difficult start to the year that has already seen the stock decline 28% in the first quarter.

Outside the Middle East, performance trends were more mixed and could be somewhat constructive. The US and China both delivered stronger-than-expected growth, with organic revenue increasing 3% and 7% respectively, supported by solid New Year shopping activity in China and improving momentum at Sephora. Europe and Japan, however, lagged, partly due to softer tourism flows. Within the portfolio, more exclusive brands such as Loro Piana posted double-digit growth, suggesting higher-end consumers may still be spending despite broader weakness. Management also pointed to a good start at Christian Dior Couture under its new creative direction, but emphasized that the overall environment is likely to remain highly volatile in the coming months.
LVMH's wine-and-spirits division saw its sales bounce back in the first quarter after sliding back in the final three months of 2025.

The group's Moet Hennessy unit saw its organic revenue grow 5% in the first three months of 2026 to 1.27bn ($1.49bn). Sales declined 2% on a reported basis.

In the third quarter of 2025, the divisions sales rose 1% on an organic basis but, in the last three months of the year, they fell 9% organically, which contributed to an annual decline of 5%.

In the opening three months of this year, revenue from Champagne and wines rose 5% on an organic basis to 663m.

LVMH said Champagne had seen "a good start to the year," particularly in Europe, while Provence rose also "maintained their positive momentum".

Revenues from Cognac rose 5% on an organic basis to 610m. It benefitted from "a favourable calendar effect for Chinese New Year with respect to 2025", the group said in its statement.

Speaking to analysts yesterday (13 April), CFO Cecile Cabanis said LVMH had seen "solid growth" in wine-and-spirits, with "good stabilisation" in Champagne and a "good performance of wine".

Reflecting on Cognac, Cabanis said the group had seen "a good Chinese New Year" in the quarter but warned analysts that the positive performance for Cognac was not expected to continue.

She said: "The shipment enabled to count the growth for the start of the year. This helped to mitigate a demand in the US that is still soft and that we don't see moving a lot.

"Q2 will not be repeating Q1, overall, given this impact but we are already quite pleased that Champagne has stabilised and that wine[s] are doing great."

LVMH's group sales grew 1% organically and declined 6% on a reported basis to 19bn in the first three months of 2026.

The company said the ongoing war in the Middle East had a negative effect of 1% on organic growth in the quarter, with the region being "strongly affected" by the conflict.

"LVMHs wine-and-spirits sales rebound in first quarter" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.




(Photo: The Finnish Long Drink)

Mark Anthony Brands has agreed to acquire The Finnish Long Drink, adding one of the fastest-growing spirits-based ready-to-drink brands in the U.S. to its portfolio, according to Shanken News Daily.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition is expected to close in the coming weeks.

The Finnish Long Drink, a gin-based sparkling cocktail brand, has seen rapid growth in recent years. The brand, which is co-owned by actor Miles Teller, increased 22% to 3.3 million nine-liter case equivalents in the U.S. last year and has more than tripled in size since 2022, according to Shanken.

Founded in 2018 by Evan Burns alongside Finnish partners Mikael Taipale, Sakari Manninen and Ere Partanen, the brand offers a range of flavors including citrus, cranberry, peach and pineapple, as well as zero-sugar and higher-ABV variants.

The acquisition strengthens Mark Anthonys position in the fast-growing RTD category, where it already operates leading brands such as White Claw, Mikes Hard Lemonade and Cayman Jack.

Phil Rosse, CEO of the Mark Anthony Group of Companies, said the deal will expand the companys footprint in spirits-based RTDs and reinforce its broader category leadership.

Company executives also pointed to distribution scale as a key growth driver. David Barnett, U.S. president of Mark Anthony Brands, said the company sees an opportunity to increase the Long Drinks reach and visibility in the U.S. market.

The Finnish Long Drinks leadership echoed that outlook, noting the partnership would help introduce the brand to a wider audience.

Mark Anthony currently ranks among the largest beer and flavored malt beverage marketers in the U.S., with approximately 110 million cases annually, according to Impact Databank. The addition of The Finnish Long Drink further deepens its presence in premium RTDs as competition intensifies across the segment.

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Luxury online retailer Mytheresa plans to increase investment in the Middle East despite geopolitical instability, as CEO Francis Belin focuses on long-term regional expansion.

Belin told the Financial Times the company will step up spending on marketing, personal shopping services and client events across Gulf markets, where affluent shoppers already contribute just under 10% of total revenue.

In a statement to the news outlet, Belin said: What is happening now is very sad, but we are very long-term in the way we approach opportunities, so I think it is probably an area we should continue to invest in. We are already quite successful in the Middle East. How we move it to the next chapter is on my mind.

The move comes amid disruption linked to Iranian missile strikes affecting countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have impacted tourism and led some wealthy residents to leave.

Belin previously worked at Christies and held senior roles at Swarovski and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

His appointment came amid wider disruption in the luxury retail sector, after Saks Global filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and platforms Matchesfashion and Farfetch collapsed in 2024.

Mytheresa faced temporary shipping interruptions in the region at the beginning of the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, but has since restored normal delivery services for Gulf customers.

It operates under the LuxExperience group, established following the acquisition of Richemonts Yoox Net-a-Porter (YNAP) division, with former CEO Michael Kliger now heading the wider group.

According to the report, the company continues to rely on a selective wholesale approach and a focus on high-spending repeat clients, supported by gross margins of 50%.

It also uses exclusive events to maintain close ties with its core customer base.

For the quarter ending 31 December 2025, Mytheresa reported net sales of 242.7m ($283.8m), an increase of 8.8% year-on-year, while adjusted EBITDA rose to 22.6m, up by nearly one-third.

Alongside its Middle East plans, the retailer is preparing to expand further in Asia, particularly China, where it currently accounts for a single-digit share of sales but is delivering double-digit growth in certain areas.

"Mytheresa targets Middle East growth despite regional tensions  report" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.




What Happened?

Shares of drilling services company Nabors Industries (NYSE:NBR) jumped 4.1% in the morning session after news of a planned U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz sparked concerns over significant oil supply disruptions.

The potential military action in the critical shipping lane for oil exports sent crude prices soaring. Both Brent crude, the international benchmark, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude jumped over 7%, climbing above $102 a barrel. This surge was in direct response to the U.S. plans to block ships to and from Iran via the Strait, a move that could severely restrict oil exports and tighten global supplies. Consequently, investors flocked to energy stocks, anticipating that sustained higher oil prices would translate into increased revenues and profitability for producers.

More from Yahoo Scout What is Nabors Industries' recent stock performance? How do oil price changes affect drilling companies? How volatile has Nabors Industries stock been lately? Why did Nabors Industries stock jump today?

After the initial pop the shares cooled down to $83.78, up 4.4% from previous close.

Is now the time to buy Nabors Industries? Access our full analysis report here, its free.

What Is The Market Telling Us

Nabors Industriess shares are extremely volatile and have had 56 moves greater than 5% over the last year. In that context, todays move indicates the market considers this news meaningful but not something that would fundamentally change its perception of the business.

The previous big move we wrote about was 7 days ago when the stock gained 3.6% on the news that President Trump held a press conference reaffirming his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on its power plants and bridges. Crude oil prices rose, pulling energy equities higher as markets priced in the risk of prolonged conflict. Iran's rejection of a proposed 45-day ceasefire deepened that anxiety.

Nabors Industries is up 51.2% since the beginning of the year, and at $83.78 per share, it is trading close to its 52-week high of $89.60 from March 2026. Despite the year-to-date gain, investors who bought $1,000 worth of Nabors Industriess shares 5 years ago would now be looking at only $974.14.

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Nir Zuk, the founder of Palo Alto Networks, has struck a deal to acquire California-based Liberty Bank, reported The Wall Street Journal, citing sources.

The transaction is intended to provide a base for developing AI tools for the financial sector, the sources said.

Financial terms of the deal were not available.

Zuk has applied for approval from US regulators to buy the biggest holding in Liberty from private-equity groups Stone Point Capital and Reverence Capital Partners, they said.

Fintech investor Betsy Cohen and her son Daniel Cohen are also expected to invest in the transaction.

Liberty, which is based in Irvine, California, has roughly $440m in assets and provides banking services to consumers and companies across Southern California and the Bay Area.

Its chief executive, Don Griffith, left another regional lender in the late 1980s and later worked with private-equity firm KKR to identify possible acquisitions among banks disrupted by a credit crisis.

The acquisition brings together several of the investment areas Zuk has pursued beyond his position at Palo Alto.

He co-founded eOS, an AI-agentic platform, and introduced the start-ups technology at Esh Bank, an Israeli lender in which he has also invested.

Esh recently agreed to sell itself to Isracard, Israels largest credit-card company.

In September 2025, Esh Bank revealed plans to launch a revenue sharing model with its customers, starting in early 2026.

The banks equal sharing model will allocate 50% of the interest revenues generated from customer deposits back to their accounts on a weekly basis.

People familiar with Zuks views said he had been looking to back the US banking sector as it moves towards wider use of AI.

The move would place Zuk among a broader group of technology and crypto entrepreneurs entering parts of the conventional financial system.

A bank started by Palmer Luckey, founder of weapons maker Anduril, received a national charter from US regulators in February.

Zuk founded Palo Alto two decades ago and remained the companys chief technology officer until his retirement last year, when he also stepped down from the board.

"Palo Alto founder Nir Zuk enters deal to buy Liberty Bank  report " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Perella Weinberg Partners has agreed to acquire Gleacher Shacklock, a UK-based boutique advisory firm.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Founded in 2003, Gleacher Shacklock provides strategic and financial advice, including M&A and strategic financial advisory, defence advisory and capital markets advisory.

The firm serves corporates, financial sponsors, sovereign wealth funds and institutions across multiple sectors.

It has about 30 advisory professionals and primarily covers clients in the UK and Europe.

Andrew Bednar, CEO of Perella Weinberg, said: What sets Gleacher Shacklock apart is not simply the quality of their advice  it is the trust they have earned with clients over more than twenty years, providing highly tailored, independent advice to corporates through all market environments.

They have the expertise, relationships, and judgment that the most sophisticated clients seek when the stakes are highest. Combining Gleacher Shacklocks UK and European franchise with Perella Weinbergs global industry platform creates something special: deep industry, product, and regional expertise, seamlessly delivered whenever and wherever our clients need us most.

Tim Shacklock, chairman of Gleacher Shacklock, said: For over two decades, we have built Gleacher Shacklock with a single conviction  that clients are best served by advisors who are wholly independent, deeply experienced, and personally invested in their outcomes. Perella Weinberg shares that conviction.

Gleacher Shacklock CEO Dominic Lee added: Perella Weinbergs global reach and industry expertise will allow us to bring meaningfully more to our clients together, particularly as cross-border activity continues to accelerate. The ability to offer genuinely integrated, senior-led advice on both sides of the Atlantic  across M&A, capital markets, and restructuring  is something our clients have long asked for, and something we can now deliver.

Perella Weinberg is a US-based independent advisory firm providing strategic and financial advice to corporations, financial sponsors, governments and sovereign wealth funds. It has about 700 employees and offices including New York, London, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, Chicago, Munich, Palm Beach, Denver, Calgary and Greenwich.

The firm has completed other acquisitions in recent years, including funds advisory group Devon Park last year and energy advisory Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co in 2016.
Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) is one of the top consumer defensive stocks to buy now. On March 17, Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) announced plans to invest $50 million to establish a business solutions center in Tampa, Florida.

Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) Commits $50M For Expansion in Florida

Copyright: nomadsoul1 / 123RF Stock Photo

The investment underscores a pivotal expansion of US operations as the company also seeks to consolidate key functions and business solutions. The facility is also expected to bolster the companys distribution operations and customer service. Philip Morris International is also exploring ways to enhance operational efficiency across key functions.

The $50 million investment also underscores Philip Morris Internationals commitment to supporting the Florida business community by creating 180 direct and indirect high-skilled jobs. It has committed $600 million to a ZYN nicotine pouch manufacturing facility in Aurora, and it also plans a $232 million expansion of its ZYN production site in Kentucky.

Since 2022, the company has invested more than $1 billion in American manufacturing operational capabilities and people costs.

Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) is a leading international consumer goods company transitioning from traditional cigarettes to smoke-free nicotine products. Its also investing in heat-not-burn technology (IQOS), e-vapor (VEEV), and nicotine pouches (ZYN), aiming to generate over two-thirds of revenue from smoke-free products by 2030.

While we acknowledge the potential of PM 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.

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Shenzhen Hemei Group Co., LTD. has recently become profitable, marking a significant turnaround with earnings growing by 22% annually over the past five years. The company is debt-free, with short-term assets of CN511.2 million exceeding both its short-term and long-term liabilities, indicating strong liquidity. Despite having a low return on equity at 5%, the firm maintains high non-cash earnings quality. Recent corporate governance changes include the election of new directors and amendments to its articles of association, reflecting ongoing strategic adjustments within the companys management structure.

Operations: No specific revenue segments are reported for Shenzhen Hemei Group Co., LTD.

Overview: Shenzhen Hemei Group Co., LTD. operates in the sale of clothing and accessories both in China and internationally, with a market cap of CN4.59 billion.

We're going to check out a few of the best picks from our screener tool.

As global markets experience a renewed optimism following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement, investor sentiment has improved significantly, with major indices in Asia reflecting this positive shift. This environment provides a backdrop for exploring investment opportunities beyond the mainstream, particularly in penny stocksan area that continues to intrigue investors due to its potential for significant returns. While the term "penny stocks" may seem outdated, these smaller or newer companies can offer unique growth prospects when supported by solid financials.

Story Continues

SZSE:002356 Debt to Equity History and Analysis as at Apr 2026

Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: 

Overview: Hubei Guochuang Hi-tech Material Co., Ltd operates in the real estate service sector and specializes in the research, development, production, and sale of modified asphalt in China, with a market cap of CN3.18 billion.

Operations: The company's revenue is primarily generated from Mainland China, amounting to CN915.07 million.

Market Cap: CN3.18B

Hubei Guochuang Hi-tech Material Ltd. operates in the real estate service sector, specializing in modified asphalt production with a market cap of CN3.18 billion and revenue of CN915.07 million primarily from Mainland China. The company is currently unprofitable, with a negative return on equity of -7.81%, but has managed to reduce losses by 58% annually over the past five years, suggesting potential for improvement. Despite high net debt to equity at 61.8%, its short-term assets exceed both short-term and long-term liabilities, indicating manageable liquidity risks and no significant shareholder dilution recently observed.

SZSE:002377 Financial Position Analysis as at Apr 2026

Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: 

Overview: Hunan Mendale Hometextile Co., Ltd operates in the home textile industry both within China and internationally, with a market cap of CN3.10 billion.

Operations: The company's revenue segment is primarily focused on textiles, with a reported figure of -CN95.26 million.

Market Cap: CN3.1B

Hunan Mendale Hometextile Co., Ltd, with a market cap of CN3.10 billion, has demonstrated robust earnings growth of 161.8% over the past year, significantly outpacing its 5-year average growth of 7.9%. The company's debt is well managed, with operating cash flow covering 41.7% and interest payments covered by EBIT at 3.9 times. However, short-term liabilities exceed short-term assets by CN200 million, posing potential liquidity concerns despite satisfactory long-term liability coverage. Recent financial results were impacted by a one-off gain of CN11.6 million, while net profit margins improved to 1.9% from last year's 0.6%.

SZSE:002397 Financial Position Analysis as at Apr 2026

Make It Happen

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 SZSE:002356 SZSE:002377 and SZSE:002397.

This article was originally published by Simply Wall St.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) is one of the top consumer defensive stocks to buy now. On March 31, Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) reached an agreement to merge its food business with McCormick. The merger, structured as a Reverse Morris Trust, is to result in a flavor powerhouse that brings together aligned food businesses with strong momentum, superior top-line growth, and enhanced value creation.

Unilever PLC (UL) Transition to Pure-Play HPC Company on Food Business Divestment

The combined company will house iconic brands including McCormick, Knorr, and Hellmanns, as well as high-growth potential brands with about $20 billion in revenue. The divestment is poised to position Unilever as a leading pure-play HPC company.

Following the divestment of Unilever Food, the company is to shift its focus to beauty, wellbeing, personal care, and home care products. It will also focus on fast-growing geographies and channels through a portfolio of innovative brands.

The divestment also underscores Unilevers focus on becoming a simpler, sharper, and higher-growth company.

Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) is a global consumer goods company that produces and sells household products, foods, refreshments, and personal care items. It operates in over 190 countries with popular brands like Dove, Knorr, Hellmanns, Ben & Jerrys, and OMO.

While we acknowledge the potential of UL 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.

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Verizon has deep strength and incredible potential, but the blunt truth is we haven't captured the customer growth opportunities this strong foundation enables. Verizon is at a critical inflection point. For years, our priority was clear: build the best and most reliable network. With that foundation firmly in place, our next chapter is about serving and delighting customers by building the industry's best overall value proposition and the best customer experience on top of it. We must shift to a customer-first focus and redefine our trajectory. This is not a course correction. It is a fundamental change in our strategic approach to customers.

And of course, I've served on the Board of Verizon for the past 7 years. So while I am only a few weeks into my tenure as the company's CEO, I've had a front row seat into the company's evolution since 2018, and therefore, come into this role with a rich perspective of where Verizon is coming from and what the opportunities are. For many years, Verizon has led the industry with our reliable and scalable network, and we will continue to advance our network leadership. As you know, we're significantly investing in cyber and in the power of convergence with our acquisition of Frontier, which we expect to close early next year.

As most of you know, I come to this role with extensive experience in the technology, telecommunications and wireless industries. In fact, I began my career as an assistant account executive at New Jersey Bell and then spent 18 years at&T eventually becoming the President of its consumer division. So I have deep roots in the telecom sector and in many ways, this is like coming home for me. In the years since I've had the privilege to help lead and grow some of the most iconic consumer brands in the world, including AT&T, priceline.com, Virgin Mobile, American Express, PayPal and now Verizon. Those experiences have provided me with a strong perspective on customer-centric growth.

Daniel Schulman: Thanks, Brady, and good morning, everyone. On behalf of the Board and everyone at the company, I want to start off by thanking Hans for his leadership and passion and his many contributions to Verizon over the past 8 years. Hans executed a series of technology-related investments that have positioned Verizon for success. By building an enviable network and a strong foundation we can leverage going forward. Hans has been a friend for many years, and I appreciate your support as we enter this new chapter. Personally, I could not be more excited about the future of Verizon, and I am honored to be its next CEO.

Story Continues

The only way we can drive sustainable value for our shareholders is by significantly raising our game and winning responsibly in the market. This is about financially disciplined growth, winning with the right customers at the right economics. Volume growth and profitability growth can go and will go hand-in-hand. We are fully committed to achieving both simultaneously. Before I elaborate on my vision for a revitalized Verizon, I'm going to hand it over to Tony to cover our third quarter performance.

Anthony Skiadas: Great. Thanks, Dan, and good morning. Before I begin, I just want to take a moment to congratulate Dan on his appointment as CEO of Verizon. The leadership team and I are excited to work with him in creating this new chapter for our company. First and foremost, we remain on track to deliver our full year financial guidance, which includes our previously raised expectations for adjusted EBITDA growth adjusted EPS growth and free cash flow. In Consumer Mobility, we delivered strong postpaid phone gross adds up 8.4% from the prior year. However, gross add growth was offset by churn of 0.91%, which resulted in postpaid phone net losses of 7,000 in the quarter.

We continue to see healthy retention benefits from our converged customers. At the end of the quarter, more than 18% of our consumer postpaid phone base took a converged offering more than 200 basis points above last year. We see significant opportunities to increase convergence in the Frontier footprint after we close the transaction. Importantly, converged customers on fiber have a mobility churn rate that's nearly 40% lower than our overall mobility base. We also saw a 16% year-over-year increase in consumer upgrades in the third quarter tied to our best value guarantee, which is resonating with customers. Moving to core prepaid, we delivered 47,000 net adds, our fifth consecutive quarter of positive subscriber growth.

The strength of our key brands as well as the continued expansion of total wireless distribution positions us to continue to grow our prepaid business. Verizon business delivered 51,000 phone net adds. As expected, we continue to see disconnect pressure in the public sector, in part from ongoing government efficiency efforts. This was more than offset by strong demand from small and medium businesses and large enterprise customers as we continue to be the provider of choice for businesses. Shifting to broadband. We once again delivered solid results with 306,000 net adds. Our broadband base is up 1.3 million subscribers from a year ago and is now over 13.2 million subscribers.

Fios internet delivered 61,000 net adds, our best quarterly result in 2 years. Given the demand for Fios, we're working to bring it to more and more premises within our footprint. In addition, we recently announced an initiative with Tillman that will enable us to bring our best-in-class Fios broadband offerings to even more households and businesses. The agreement combines Tillman's network design, build and operations capabilities with Verizon scale, distribution strength and brand power. We will focus on markets outside of the Verizon and Frontier footprint, expanding our Fios business to new places across the country and driving more convergence in these markets. Fixed Wireless Access net adds were 261,000 for the quarter.

With approximately 5.4 million FWA subscribers, our annualized revenue has surpassed $3 billion and continues to grow. We believe FWA can be a long-term sustainable business. In addition, we recently announced an agreement to acquire Starry, which will enhance our MDU capabilities, combining our scale and resources with Starry's technical and go-to-market expertise. Moving to financials. Our third quarter performance keeps us on track to deliver on our financial guidance for the year. Third quarter consolidated revenue was $33.8 billion, up 1.5% from the prior year period. We delivered over $400 million of year-over-year wireless service revenue growth in the quarter. Wireless equipment revenue was 5.2% higher than the prior year, driven by higher gross adds and upgrade rates.

Wireless service revenue was up 2.1% from the prior year, driven by continued ARPU growth from targeted pricing actions and further adoption of fixed wireless access and add-on services. Perks continued to provide a high-margin revenue stream, and we look forward to offering additional benefits for our customers. Additionally, prepaid revenue grew year-over-year for the first time since the TracFone acquisition. As expected, we faced the promo amortization headwind in the quarter, and we expect this headwind to continue. However, our underlying customer economics remain healthy. On the expense side, we have work to do to further reduce our cost of services and SG&A.

As Dan will outline, we will be looking at cost with the new lens and will be focused on driving significant cost savings across all aspects of our business. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $12.8 billion, up 2.3% year-over-year. Year-to-date, we have generated almost $1.3 billion more in adjusted EBITDA compared to 2024, driven by a combination of pricing actions and cost reduction. Our adjusted EBITDA growth of 3.5% through the end of the third quarter is at the top end of our guided range. Adjusted EPS was $1.21 in the quarter, up 1.7% year-over-year, driven by growth in adjusted EBITDA. The cash generation of the business continues to be strong.

Cash flow from operating activities was $28 billion for the first 9 months of the year, up over $1.5 billion or 5.8% compared to the same period a year ago. CapEx through the end of the third quarter totaled $12.3 billion compared to $12 billion in the prior year period. We're on track to meet all of our investment goals for the year and deliver within our guided range or better. The combination of our continued CapEx efficiency and our ability to drive profits to the bottom line resulted in third quarter free cash flow of $7 billion. This represents a nearly 17% improvement year-over-year and the highest reported in our industry by nearly $2 billion for the period.

For the first 3 quarters of the year, we have generated $15.8 billion in free cash flow, an increase of 9% compared to the same period a year ago. In September, we raised the dividend for the 19th consecutive year reflecting our continued commitment to shareholder returns. Net unsecured debt at the end of the quarter was $112 billion, a $9.4 billion improvement year-over-year. We continue to make meaningful reductions to our debt throughout the year, resulting in our net unsecured debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA ratio dropping to 2.2x as of the end of the third quarter. This puts us inside of our target leverage ahead of schedule and before the Frontier closing.

We're focused on generating strong cash flow and committed to paying down our debt. We also remain committed to our long-term net unsecured leverage target range of 2.0 to 2.25x. This is not going to change. Looking ahead, we remain on track to close the Frontier deal in the first quarter of 2026. We have received approvals from 11 of 13 states and are making good progress in the remaining jurisdictions. Integration planning is on track. And through the third quarter, based on their public disclosures, Frontier is performing extremely well across both their fiber build and customer growth. While we continue to execute within the parameters of our financial guidance, we recognize there is significant opportunity ahead.

And with that, I will turn the call over to Dan.

Daniel Schulman: Thank you, Tony. When I look at our performance objectively, Verizon is clearly falling short of our potential. And as a result, we are not delivering the shareholder returns our investors expect. Despite investing significantly in network leadership, we have not been able to translate that into winning in the market. And consequently, we are not generating the financial profile necessary for share price appreciation. Our stock performance reflects this reality. My mandate from the Board is clear: unlock the growth potential of our platform while delivering strong financial results. Today, I intend to discuss my priorities and areas of focus. Our plan will not be about incremental change.

We intend to aggressively transform the culture and financial profile of our company operating under the principles of being bold, customer-centric and executing with financial discipline with a focus on shareholder value. For the past few years, our financial growth has relied too heavily on price increases, a strategic approach that relies too much on price without subscriber growth is not a sustainable strategy. Every year, it gets harder to grow as we lap past price increases and experience higher churn. This cannot continue, and there is no question that meaningful change is needed.

As we shift to a customer-first culture, we will simultaneously drive a much more efficient cost structure, that fully supports our incremental investments in delighting our customers. I reject the premise that delighting customers and winning in the market means that margins will decrease. I think this industry and clearly, Verizon are only scratching the surface of increased bottom line performance. My top strategic imperative for Verizon is to grow our customer base profitably across our mobility and broadband subscription businesses. I strongly believe that growing volumes is essential to drive sustainable long-term revenue and adjusted EPS growth. We are going to compete and grow responsibly across all market segments.

And over time, meaningfully increase our share of net adds, particularly in postpaid. We aim to win fairly by having the best overall value proposition and delighting our customers across all elements of the marketing mix. This is not going to be about promotional activities that can be quickly imitated. It is about true innovation, not easily replicated by our competitors. We will leverage our network excellence to drive growth, but we cannot rely on it exclusively. Network quality is now foundational. Winning in the marketplace demands a revamped and superior customer value proposition and requires full attention to the entire customer experience. We will significantly elevate our game across multiple dimensions.

We will work relentlessly to serve our customers, ensuring that every customer is fully satisfied with their Verizon experience. We must make it much easier to do business with us. You should expect bold execution powered by sophisticated and smart marketing, actions that strengthen loyalty and the elimination of practices and processes that detract from the customer experience. Raising rates without corresponding value rarely, if ever, delights customers. Our primary objective is to build loyalty and drive significant improvements in retention to optimize the lifetime value of our customer base. Verizon will no longer be the hunting ground for competitors looking to gain share. We are reinventing how we operate to make Verizon more agile and efficient.

You should expect disciplined execution across marketing, operations and service. We will invest significantly across all elements of our marketing mix and customer experience to drive mobility and broadband growth, and we will fund these investments by aggressively reducing our entire cost base. We will be a simpler, leaner and scrappier business. This work is overdue and will be multi-year and an ongoing way of life for us. In addition, as some of you know, I am a strong believer in the growing power and resulting opportunities created by AI. We have barely scratched the surface of how AI-powered innovation can transform our customer experience.

I intend to use AI as a key tool to simplify offers, improve the customer experience and reduce churn through smart, consistent and more personalized marketing and offers. And we will leverage AI throughout the company to make it easier for our employees to delight our customers and to dramatically improve service of reducing cost and complexity across the vast majority of our business processes. While we narrow our focus to invest in key growth areas, we will also aggressively sunset or exit legacy businesses where we don't see a clear path, profitable market leadership. We have a large opportunity to unleash meaningful margin improvement by doing so. And we will talk about this in more detail in January.

Convergence is one of our most significant near-term growth opportunities. The pending acquisition of Frontier will enable us to serve approximately 29 million fiber passings, creating a massive cross-sell opportunity. Our wireless share significantly under-indexes in Frontier's territory, and we intend to address this on day 1. This will create a significant runway to capture mobility volume from our broadband customers and cross-sell broadband to our existing mobility base, driving meaningful revenue synergies. I recently met with the Frontier senior leadership team. Their focus and performance is impressive. The results are trending above the expectations when we signed the deal, and I am looking forward to having them join the Verizon team.

We will continue to expand our fiber footprint through our own build and with strategic partnerships. I expect the actions we are taking will enable us to generate higher free cash flow in 2026 and 2025, even when we include Frontier. Our business is generating strong cash flow today, but I believe it can be even stronger. I am committed to prioritizing the customer experience, while maximizing returns for our shareholders and doing both in a fiscally responsible manner. I am closely examining not just our operating expenses, but also our capital spend, and our capital allocation framework. I believe that elements within our framework can change to optimize our capital structure and shareholder returns.

This includes an ironclad commitment to our dividend, continued debt repayment and value-creating capital return. In short, we will be much more deliberate in how we allocate our spend to execute our strategy. Of course, we'll continue to invest in the business and we will do so with a critical eye towards growth areas. You can expect our capital envelope to support the completion of our C-band build-out and our long-term objectives for fiber expansion, while preserving our financial capacity and flexibility for strategic investments as the landscape evolves. To summarize, we understand changes needed, and we are aggressively making those changes. Our goals and our priorities are clear.

First, delighting our customers to meaningfully increase our share of industry net adds. Second, cost transformation, fundamentally restructuring our expense base. Third, capital efficiency, optimizing how and where we invest and fourth, accelerating shareholder returns by increasing our bottom line growth, and a steadfast commitment to our dividend. You can expect to see a tangible difference in the way Verizon competes. Going forward, we will aggressively compete and fundamentally redefine what it means to be a Verizon customer. I'm confident in our strategy, our assets and the team's ability to execute. We have the network, the scale, the brand and now the strategic clarity and commitment to drive sustainable growth.

We are planning to win, and this will be a different Verizon than the market is used to. This will not happen overnight, and there's no one silver bullet. It will require hard work, strategic focus and thoughtful execution. Importantly, much of the critical planning and evaluation is already well underway. We will provide 2026 guidance during our January earnings call and we will report progress against these objectives quarterly. Our shareholders and our customers have been patient. It is now time for us to deliver. Thank you, and Tony and I look forward to your questions and comments.

Brady Connor: Brad, we're ready for questions.

Operator: We will now begin the question-and-answer session. [Operator Instructions] Your first question will come from John Hodulik of UBS.

John Hodulik: Great. And good to talk to you again, Dan. Dan, can you expand on your vision of the company and what you expect to accomplish, say, over the first 100 days? And specifically, if possible, can you touch on or provide more details in terms of how you expect to turn consumer volumes?

Daniel Schulman: Nice to hear from you, John, and good to work with you again. Look, let me take just a quick step back. I'm extremely excited about Verizon's potential. We are building off tremendous assets. We've got an excellent network. We have got an iconic brand. You've got tens and tens of millions of loyal customers. We have a really talented team, but it's clear we need to enter a new chapter. The existing status quo is not acceptable for us. And I wouldn't be here if I wasn't fully confident in our ability to pivot. The vision has 3 pillars basically to it. The first pillar is about shifting from being a technology centric to being a customer-centric company.

This is about delighting our customers. This is about growing through retention basically. My aspiration is I want us to have the lowest churn rate in the industry. And when you talk about growing through retention, it is about creating the best value propositions segmented by the various segments in the market looking at all elements of our marketing mix quite thoughtfully and looking at creating the best customer experience possible. This is the full reboot of what Verizon means in the marketplace. And this is not about onetime noneconomic promotional activities. That's not how you're going to win over the medium and long term in this marketplace.

It's about being thoughtful across all elements of the value proposition and marketing mix and winning responsibly. And that's kind of what we intend to do, and we are well underway throughout the organization in making that shift. But I don't want to underestimate or underplay how big a shift that is for us, but it is the way that we win over the long term. Second pillar that happens simultaneously with delighting customers because we want to drive shareholder return simultaneously. I want to deliver sustainable revenue growth, accelerated bottom line adjusted EPS growth. And as I mentioned in my script, the dividend is sacrosanct to us.

We are going to examine every element of our OpEx and our CapEx, and we are going to fully fund all of our initiatives with OpEx savings and drop them to the bottom line so that we can accelerate EPS growth as well. And finally, the third pillar kind of supports all of this is a full review of our CapEx spend and our capital allocation. You can expect us to continue to invest heavily in growth areas with the path to profitability, whether that be completing our network, expanding our network, fiber aspirations, other opportunities as they become available to us in the ecosystem. We have a tremendous amount of financial flexibility on the balance sheet.

We're going to do a hard look at portfolio rationalization and divest and exit legacy businesses where we don't see a clear path to profitability. As Tony mentioned, we'll continue to pay down debt. We'll continue to be steadfastly committed to our dividend. And we will review, frankly, other opportunities to return capital to shareholders. And so I think just to summarize, we want to win responsibly in the market. We're going to do that through, let's call it, kind of growth through retention, looking at all elements of how we delight customers and at the same time drive shareholder returns. We think we can do both, and we're committed to that.

Operator: The next question comes from Ben Swinburne of Morgan Stanley.

Benjamin Swinburne: Dan, thanks for all the helpful commentary in your prepared remarks. I had 2 questions sort of tied back to your comments. You made the point, Dan, that you think the reliance on price increases has been misguided or were not productive and not sustainable, I think it was your phrase. I think there's a view in the market that Verizon's back book is overpriced relative to sort of where the consumer is. And I'm curious if you agree with that probably oversimplified generalization?

And more specifically, how do you drive share for Verizon higher in -- particularly in consumer without going through sort of a painful kind of back book repricing exercise, which I'm hearing from your financial commentary about accelerating earnings growth and free cash flow that you're not expecting. And then I just was curious, you guys were very clear on your balance sheet and leverage targets. But would you be open to flexing the leverage higher if the right opportunities presented themselves. There's a lot of spectrum in the market, more coming from the FCC down the road, you have this Tillman agreement.

So just curious if you could talk a little bit about the potential to take leverage higher, at least temporarily if the opportunities were there.

Daniel Schulman: Ben, thank you for all of your questions. I hope I remember a couple of them at least. Look, I think my view on our approach into the market is to be quite thoughtful and financially disciplined. I think that we need to look at the reasons why customers are leaving us. And there are basically 4 that customers there are more, but these are the top 4 are price increases that we've done that customers run into some friction in the experience with us and we need to fix that. There's a value perception. I think I call it a value perception, not pricing. Because the value is all about price to value.

And I feel we offer good value and -- but there's a value perception. And then there's obviously competitive intensity. There are a lot of offers in the industry. Our game plan is going to address all of those pain points for our customers. We want to have the best-in-class experience. I want to leverage things like convergence. I want to create segmented and targeted value props and offers. I want to think carefully across all of the marketing mix. The are marketing 4 Ps. I always throw a fifth one in there, which is [ prayer ]. But I think like pricing is the last refuge of the marketing desperate.

It is what you pull when you have nothing else in your quiver. And frankly, we have a ton of things to pull in terms of creating incremental value for our Verizon customers. And so although I won't go into specifics on how we're thinking about this because it's still early days and I'm actually never going to go into specifics because I don't want to tip off our competitors on what we're trying to do in the marketplace.

But I think that we can begin to take our fair share of the new to the industry, postpaid adds, we're going to start off by increasing it because today, we take somewhere between 0% and some very low percent of the new-to-industry postpaids. We're clearly losing share, and that's not a sustainable path for Verizon. So we'll win eventually, our fair share of industry net adds going to reduce our churn to being the industry best. I want to responsibly win in a fiscally prudent manner. So hopefully, I hit a couple of your questions, at least there, Ben, anything else that you want me to hit on? Tony?

Benjamin Swinburne: No, that was really helpful, Dan. I appreciate it. Just I was curious on the balance sheet, any openness to flexing up if you had the opportunities?

Anthony Skiadas: Sure. Hi, Ben, it's Tony, good morning. So a couple of things there, very comfortable with the long-term leverage target. And as you know, we've had a long and demonstrated track record of execution with the balance sheet. The target is very appropriate for the company of our size, and the way we expect it to perform in the future. And I think you heard Dan talk about that. We have strong cash flows, as you've seen, we reiterated our guidance for the year at $19.5 billion to $20.5 billion for 2025. And as you heard Dan in his prepared remarks, we expect to have higher cash flows in '26 versus 2025.

And that leverage target gives us the ability to invest for growth. And it also gives us a lot of flexibility and balance sheet capacity to be opportunistic should the need arise from a strategic standpoint. As we talked about, the deleveraging is on track. We're now inside of our long-term leverage target at 2.2x. We have Frontier coming in, as we said previously, that will add about 0.25 turn to the metric and that will be for a short period of time. So we are going to operate outside of it for a period of time. But the overall goal is not going to change.

The focus is generating strong cash flows and execute across the entire capital allocation framework, and that includes continuing to pay down debt.

Operator: The next question will come from Michael Ng of Goldman Sachs.

Michael Ng: Good to be reconnected with you, Dan. I just have 2. First, are there any parallels between Verizon and PayPal that informs your view of the opportunity for improvement? Where in the Verizon business, do you see the biggest need for a change agent. And then second, Verizon's Perks and MIPlan seems like a strategy where it puts it closer to a super app strategy relative to peers. Is this something that is important to your strategic blueprint? Any opportunities or key benefits that you would call out?

Daniel Schulman: Nice to hear your voice again, Mike. I look forward to seeing you again as well. I think when I think about kind of when I first started at PayPal and now first starting here with Verizon, there are definitely some similarities. One of the big things that we did at PayPal when I first came on was declare that we were going to be a customer champion. And declaring you're going to be a customer champion kind of easy words. But if you're really going to be a customer champion, it takes hard work and it takes challenging your business model as well.

It means doing what customers expect and addressing all of their pain points and then figuring out how to delight and surprise them going forward. At PayPal, that was giving customers full choice on how they could pay, not by forcing them to pay with what was the highest margin funding instrument that they had in their wallet for us. And that unleashed a huge amount of growth for the company. And I think the same thing can happen here. We're going to invest heavily in our value proposition. We're going to fund all of that cuts in our cost structure. We have a tremendous amount of opportunity to be more efficient to be scrappier.

In many ways, this is a turnaround for us and making sure that, culturally, we're ready to make that move from being technology-centric to being customer-centric. It takes some time, but there is no question that what I saw on PayPal, I see here in Verizon too. The team here wants to reclaim their market leadership. And they will do anything that they can. Big companies are extraordinarily good at responding to a crisis. They're not necessarily good at day-to-day, but responding to a crisis, they're amazing. And this is really a clarion call to the company to refocus, regain our leadership by focusing on customers, delivering what they want, not doing things that don't delight customers.

And so there are a lot of similarities, obviously, very different industries, different ways of thinking about it. And when you talk about the value prop and things like super app versus how we might think about that. Just give us a little bit of time to develop our thoughts more from where we are at a full effort underway right now, and you'll hear more about that as we go into January and beyond.

Operator: The next question comes from Mike Rollins of Citigroup.

Michael Rollins: Dan, welcome back, and congratulations on taking over as CEO. You mentioned a few times the importance of convergence. I'm curious to get your perspective on where you would like convergence to go over time in terms of the physical fiber footprint, how many passings you want to see that get to and the path potentially to get there as well as how you're looking at fixed wireless and whether it's time to incrementally invest in fixed wireless as also a way to drive more broadband business for the company. And then just secondly, following on your comments about accentuating the growth side of the business and deemphasizing or exiting legacy businesses.

Curious if you could put more context around that as -- when you look at the Verizon portfolio in totality, how much of Verizon do you view today as strategic and growing versus legacy. And what are the ways you're trying to better frame that internally as well as externally for shareholders?

Daniel Schulman: Yes. Mike, it's great to hear from you again. You've been around this industry for a long time, and I appreciate your thoughts and your questions. I'm a very big believer in conversions. I think it is extremely powerful. I think it offers not just meaningful revenue synergies, but as Tony mentioned and as we see, when you combine mobility with fiber, you see churn rates that are almost 40% less than what we see with our traditional mobility.

And I think thinking innovatively about how we bundle together broadband writ large, and that includes both fixed wireless and fiber with our mobility to drive both incremental broadband revenues as well as incremental mobility revenues will definitely be on the plate. So expect us to continue to invest in our broadband footprint and our fiber footprint as well as our fixed wireless as well, but also expect us to think about that innovatively as I mentioned, because I think there's a ton of opportunity in that. And as I mentioned in my opening remarks, we'll continue to invest appropriately and aggressively in that expansion.

In terms of kind of portfolio optimization, I think that's what you were talking about, kind of legacy versus broadband and mobility. Clearly, we're focusing on broadband and mobility. There are other areas, by the way, that I think we can focus that are maybe potentially large opportunity areas. Clearly, AI infrastructure is booming, and we can be a part of that and should be a part of that. But we have parts of our business that are costing us billions of dollars of margin. And I think we can think much more clearly about how do we invest in growth areas and divest or exit those that are not that for us and are actually hemorrhaging margins for us.

We'll spend more time on that in January and lay that out for you in more detail, but you can probably imagine what we're thinking about and talking about on that. But I'll be more specific about that, and Tony and I will both be more specific about that as we get into early next year.

Operator: The next question comes from Sebastiano Petti of JPMorgan.

Sebastiano Petti: Dan, congratulations on the role. I look forward to working together. Just maybe following up on the 2026 free cash flow. I mean, we're -- I understand the cost efforts will help -- basically help fund a lot of the growth initiatives that you're discussing here today and the pivot and your vision for the company. But relatedly and basically to Mike's question, and it's about the longer-term fiber footprint. How do we square 2026 free cash flow growth? I mean it sounds like CapEx is coming down this year, implication would be free cash flow probably trends towards the higher end of the range. And as you -- and Frontier is burning $1 billion of cash today.

And so just trying to help understand that, the question we've been getting incoming from investors this morning. And then secondarily, I guess, just maybe thinking about the accounts growth in the -- accounts decline in the quarter on the consumer as well as on the total wireless segment. Anything to help square there? It was the highest losses we've seen since the first quarter of 2020, rather, the pandemic quarter. So just helping us understand the trajectory there, and how we should be thinking about that trend over time as you kind of focus in on convergent.

Anthony Skiadas: Sebastiano, just on your question on free cash flow. So look, in the prepared remarks, we said we expect free cash flow growth to 2026 year-over-year. And that's all in, including Frontier. So some points on that, but that gives us confidence in that statement. So first, we have a very good starting point. The cash flow generation of the business continues to be very strong, and we have the strongest free cash flow in the industry. So we start there. And then in terms of actions, and I think Dan covered this multiple times, you should expect to see significant cost transformation. Dan talked about running leaner. Those plans are already underway.

In terms of the portfolio, we're looking at everything and everything is on the table for us. So -- and it also entails being very efficient with our capital spend. And what we said in the prepared remarks that we expect 2025 to get all our initiatives completed and will be likely at the lower end of the range or better, and that's the goal. And then as we look ahead, we said prioritizing investments focused on both mobility and broadband and being very efficient with our capital spend. We know how to do this, and that includes maintaining network excellence and also making sure we deliver on the promise for customers.

And as Dan said, areas not aligned to growth will be deemphasized. And those actions are underway, and we're acting with a sense of urgency. So we'll be back in January with the full view of that, Dan?

Daniel Schulman: Yes. Look, on account growth, I mean it just plays basically into what I was talking about before. The status quo doesn't work for us. We're going to be much more aggressive in delighting customers, and that has to happen. Look, it's a competitive industry, and all attractive and great industries are competitive. That's why people come into them because they're super important industries and most industries follow the rule of 3, and wireless is no different in that. I think about competition, a little bit how I think about gravity.

When I get out of bed in the morning, I don't think, oh my gosh, gravity is pulling me down, it wasn't around, I could jump 20 feet high in the air, same way about competition. If it wasn't around, I'd have 100% share, but it is. And both AT&T and T-Mobile are excellent companies. And with strong leaders with John and Srini, I have a ton of respect for both of them and their companies. But I feel like there's still plenty of room for growth in this industry. And on how you count it, somewhere between 5 million and 8 million new postpaid subs that enter into the industry every year. There's obviously switcher pools that are available.

There's new and growing services, whether that be convergence or AI-powered infrastructure that can come in. So there's a lot of opportunity in the industry. The key here for us is to win smart and responsibly, focus on what our customers want, not on our competitors. I feel like we can win this fight the right way. We earn it every single day. There's no need to ratchet up high promotional spend. We want to be competitive. Obviously, we want to be consistent, but there's no reason for us to be rationally aggressive to win our fair share out there.

So we'll focus heavily and you'll see that on creating the best value propositions, they'll be very different than what you see today, make sure that we have the very best customer experience, and we are going to do everything in our power to make sure we delight customers. And again, thoughtful around all elements of the marketing mix. Look, we want to be so good that prospects want to come to Verizon, and our Verizon customers never want to leave us in. So a lot of work to do underway with that, but we feel good that we've got a head start on that, and we know what we want to go do.

Operator: The next question comes from Michael Funk of Bank of America.

Michael Funk: Dan, welcome back and congratulations to you. So Dan, I heard you loud and clear on growing through retention. So curious to hear from you, what strategies or tools you think best for reducing churn? And then how we should think about these as being proactive versus reactive when you think a subscriber might be on the verge of churning. And a couple more, if I could. So curious to hear if you think about utilizing AI to address the efficiency offers you laid out for us in retention as well. And then you threw in your comments about AI infrastructure is booming and love to know what that means for Verizon as an opportunity?

Daniel Schulman: Bunch of good questions on the -- as I mentioned, we have a pretty good idea of what's driving churn. And so we have a pretty good idea on how to address all of those. In many ways, this is a multipart complicated business. And otherwise, it's pretty straightforward, honestly. And so we just need to hit these things one by one to reduce churn, continue to grow by retention, but also we'll have the right offers in the marketplace. We'll be competitive. And I think -- you'll start to see evidence of that even beginning this quarter. But as I mentioned, this will take some time as well.

When you want to turn around your entire offering to the marketplace, when you want to redefine the culture, financial profile of a large company like Verizon, we need to do it in a very thoughtful, prudent manner, but with a nod to urgency and moving as fast as we can. We're going to be a much scrappier company than we've been before. We have a lot to do, and we're going to go out and do that. On AI, I have spent a lot of time before I got here within the AI community help advise some of the CEOs in the AI community. So I haven't really keen understanding of where it's going.

I think AI is the only technology I've seen in my lifetime where it does a step function improvement every 2 to 3 months the models that we have today are by far and away the worst models we're ever going to have. You can see anywhere between 300% and 600% improvement in those models over the next year. And obviously, they are becoming more and more powerful, and they are able to do more and more things. The other thing that AI is doing is clearly shifting the way the internet operates on its head. The internet is much more of a wide cast broadcasting and AI is much more narrow cast, much more individualized to you.

I think that, as I mentioned, we are just scratching the surface of how we use AI inside Verizon. AI can obviously be used to be more efficient to do things and satisfy customers in ways that we can't do today and do so at a much lower cost, and that goes for across multiple functions inside any organization, including Verizon. But really importantly, AI can be used to dramatically improve the value proposition that we put in front of customers.

To your point, we can anticipate when customers want to upgrade when they have an issue, what that might be proactively address it before it happens, tailor and customize offers at micro segment levels that can radically change kind of where Verizon is today and frankly, where our industry is as well. And so I think that AI is today, a very large opportunity. And as the years go on, will be an increasingly large opportunity for not just Verizon, but American industry.

Brady Connor: Great. Thanks, Mike. Brad, we have time for one more question.

Operator: Your last question will come from Peter Supino of Wolfe Research.

Peter Supino: Dan, nice to meet you in this way. I wanted to ask you 2 questions. One about costs and the other about fiber. On costs, I wonder if you could discuss the nature of the cost opportunities you see if there are some common threads or themes through them. Verizon looks productive on a headline sort of benchmark to peers level? And then on fiber, Verizon is on course this year to pass about 650,000 homes incrementally with fiber organically. And at the same time, it's laying out $10 billion to buy Frontier. And the 2 seem somewhat inconsistent in the sense that it's a rather slow organic fiber expansion in a rather aggressive external fiber expansion.

I wonder if you could sort of reconcile those and let us know what you think an ideal organic expansion rate for Verizon's ILEC footprint for the organic fiber extension might be over time?

Anthony Skiadas: Yes. So Peter, on fiber, I'll start there, and I'll hand it to Dan on the cost. So on few things here. So number one, I mean, fiber is not new for us. I mean we've been at it for 20 years, and there's plenty of room out there in our combined -- outside of the fiber footprint that we have today and with Frontier to be first on fiber. And as you saw recently, we signed a deal with Tillman to further expand our broadband build and maybe just some aspects of that deal.

It's a capital-light partnership and it gives us the opportunity to go outside -- in markets outside of the pro forma footprint that we have and Frontier has and to increase the convergence opportunity. And look, in this case, the fiber is going to be built to our standards, leveraging the Verizon brand and bringing Fios to more and more locations. It's a long-term deal, and it gives us a lot of optionality in the footprint to go in the future and really to go outside the footprint with good economics, and we did not have that ability before.

And to your point, we're on track with our 650 (sic) [ 650,000 ] in terms of premise passed and Frontier, as you saw the results last night. We're also pacing to their fiber build. So we're not stopping. So -- and I think you see that in the results in the quarter and where we're heading and with the deal with Tillman, we have a lot of runway ahead with fiber. And then I'll hand it to Dan on the cost.

Daniel Schulman: Yes, thanks for the question. First of all, our goal is to reclaim our market leadership. It's as simple as that. And we need to invest to be the best in the marketplace. And that's going to take significant investment to go and do that, and we're fully committed to that, and we're fully committed to covering all of those investments through cost reductions, and redeployment of those cost reductions into our value proposition. Cost reductions will be a way of life for us here. Honestly, I'm not that interested in comparing our productivity ratios to others and looking at how productive can we be as a company?

What is the right place for us to invest, where are the right places for us to be leaner than we have, how do we use technology to do so. This is all about satisfying our customers, but there's tremendous opportunity for us to be a more nimble and agile organization. Thank you, everybody inside the company knows that we need to invest in our value proposition, that we need to be customer champions, and that there's a lot of area for us to find efficiencies. We'll talk more details about that as we're working through our plans, but we see plenty of opportunity to be the most efficient company in the industry.

Again, we're looking at every element of our OpEx and our CapEx spend to make sure that we invest wisely that we capture the growth areas in front of us and that we drive bottom line performance for our shareholders.

Brady Connor: Yes. Great. Thanks, Peter. Brad, that's all the time we have today.

Operator: This concludes the conference call for today. Thank you for your participation and for using Verizon Conference Services. You may now disconnect.

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Verizon (VZ) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool
BSTZs monthly distribution reached $0.22305 in March 2025 before declining to $0.1625 by November 2025, where it has stayed through early 2026. That shift represents a reduction of about 27% from the peak, and at the current rate, the annualized payout is $2.64 per share, yielding roughly 8% at a share price near $23.92. The higher 9.3 percent figure sometimes cited reflects earlier distribution levels that are no longer in place.

The covered call strategy is sensitive to volatility. Higher volatility produces richer option premiums and more income; calmer markets compress premiums and squeeze distributions. Tech sector volatility can simultaneously pressure NAV while inflating reported income.

This infographic details BlackRock Science & Technology Term Trust (BSTZ)'s structure as an AI private equity hybrid, outlining how it generates yield and its recent distribution history, including its shift to a level-rate plan.

BSTZ generates most of its cash flow from covered call premiums on its public equity holdings and from realized gains when private positions are sold. BlackRock notes in its managed distribution plan that monthly payouts may include a return of capital, meaning that part of the distribution can represent a return of principal rather than portfolio earnings.

BlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust ( NYSE:BSTZ ) has gained 57.79% over the past year, with shares recently touching $23.92. The fund combines monthly income from covered call options on public holdings with exposure to private AI companies like Databricks. The question is whether that combination supports the current yield, or whether the income stream is more fragile than the price rally suggests.

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Rising private equity allocations reduce the pool of public securities available for covered call strategies, while option premium income depends on tech sector volatility, creating sustainability concerns for distributions that may include returns of capital rather than earned income.

BlackRock Science & Technology Term Trust (BSTZ) yields roughly 11% at $23.92 per share through covered call premiums on public holdings and realized gains from private tech companies like Databricks, which comprises 16% of the portfolio, but the monthly distribution was cut 27% from its March 2025 peak to $0.1625 in November 2025. The fund trades at a 9% discount to NAV of $26.35, reflecting market skepticism about valuations of its 30%+ illiquid private holdings that cannot generate call option income.

Story Continues

A special distribution of $0.517116 in December 2025 lifted the fullyear total to $2.517116, compared with $1.80701 in 2024. That special payment likely came from realized gains on private holdings rather than recurring income and should not be used to project future yield expectations.

Private Holdings Reduce Income Generation

BSTZ holds over 30% of its portfolio in private, illiquid technology companies, with Databricks as the largest holding at 16%. Private positions are valued using internal models rather than live market prices, so the stated NAV is partly an estimate. Seeking Alpha noted in December 2025 that the fund "outperformed major market indices over the past six months despite having over 30% private holdings, which raises valuation and liquidity concerns."

Private holdings do not generate covered call premiums. Call options can only be written against publicly traded securities. As private allocations grow, the covered call engine's funding of monthly distributions shrinks proportionally.

NAV Discount Signals Valuation Concerns

BSTZ's price of around $23.92 compares to a NAV of approximately $26.35, representing a discount of roughly 9%. A persistent discount often reflects market pricing amid uncertainty about the stated NAV, particularly when a significant portion of the valuation rests on private-company valuations.

Activist investor Saba Capital disclosed a 7.94% beneficial ownership stake in March 2026, having acquired approximately 5.46 million shares for roughly $93.8 million between January and March 2026. Saba specializes in closed-end fund activism, typically pushing for the elimination of discounts through tender offers or liquidation. The fund's term structure sets a 2031 liquidation date, at which point shares would be redeemed at NAV.

Total Return Context

The one-year price gain of nearly 58% dominates returns, while year-to-date, shares are up about 8.1%, and one-month gains are nearly 12%. Over five years, the total price return is about 5%, meaning the fund spent much of its history returning capital through distributions while the share price stagnated. Q3 2025 NAV total return was 11.6%, which depends on private valuations that cannot be independently verified.

Distribution Sustainability Depends on Three Conditions

The current $0.1625 monthly distribution is more stable than it was a year ago, but it depends on conditions that may not hold indefinitely. Option premiums need to remain supportive, privatecompany valuations must remain intact, and the publicequity sleeve must remain large enough to sustain the coveredcall program. The payout has already been reduced once, and BlackRocks disclosure that distributions may include a return of capital means that part of the monthly amount may reflect a return of principal rather than portfolio earnings.

The fund blends technology exposure with the illiquidity risk tied to its private holdings, which account for roughly onethird of assets. The 2031 term date provides a defined point at which the discount to NAV should close, but returnofcapital mechanics and the uncertainty around private valuations mean the economic yield may differ from the headline figure.

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Globally, the IMF said the worst-case scenario would be that oil, gas and food prices spike and remain high this year and next, resulting in global growth falling below 2% in 2026.

UK inflation is seen heading towards 4% at points, before returning to the BoE's 2% target by the end of 2027.

The UK is forecast to see inflation of 3.2%, the joint highest inflation in the G7 with the US, falling to 2.4% in 2027.

Slower growth is expected because the impact of higher energy prices is expected to linger into next year, while also resulting in the Bank of England postponing interest rate cuts it was thought likely to make this year.

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Globalstar already powers emergency features on Apple iPhones and watches, with the tech titan also owning a 20% stake.

The acquisition will allow Amazons low-Earth orbit network, Amazon Leo, to add services that connect directly to mobile phones, enabling voice, text and data coverage beyond traditional cellular networks.

Earlier, Amazon agreed to buy Globalstar in a deal aimed at expanding its satellite telecommunications connectivity.

Story Continues

"This would mean a close call for a global recession which has happened only four times since 1980," the report said, with the last time being during the Covid pandemic.

1.50pm: Hormuz tanker watch

Three or more tankers have entered the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, shipping data shows.

One Panama-flagged ship heading for the UAE, following two tankers earlier passing through the narrow waterway unaffected by the US blockade as they were not heading to Iranian ports.

Other reports on the BBC suggested two of the vessels turned off their tracking devices while they visited Iranian ports.

1.17pm: Housebuilders downgraded

Analysts at Morgan Stanley have turned more cautious on UK housebuilders, downgrading Barratt Redrow and Berkeley Group as the escalation of the Iran conflict reverses expectations of near-term interest rate cuts and amplifies both inflation and affordability risks.

The US bank cut price targets across its coverage by an average of 21%, with Persimmon, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry also caught up in the scissor-work.

The note's central argument is that rising geopolitical risk has pushed oil and energy prices higher, driving swap rates up and removing the prospect of imminent rate cuts that had underpinned cautious optimism about a housing demand recovery.

12.46pm: US futures mixed

US stocks are pointing to a mixed open as investors weigh fresh developments in US-Iran talks alongside the start of a busy earnings week.

Futures for the Dow Jones are slightly in the red, while S&P 500 futures are up 0.2% and those for the Nasdaq-100 have gained 0.4%.

US oil prices have remained softer, with West Texas Intermediate crude down 1.4% at $97.71 a barrel, while Brent continues to edge higher.

Back in London, the FTSE has crawled back onto dry land.

12.03pm: FTSE dip

The FTSE 100 has dipped 10 points into the red, as several of the index's largest companies are sitting below water at present.

This includes Imperial Brands, down over 6% now, rival BAT, down 3.9%, plus consumer facing groups Tesco, Unilver and Sainsbury's; defence giant BAE Systems; oil giants Shell and BP; and utilities National Grid, Vodafone and Airtel.

"Markets are sending a somewhat counterintuitive signal this week," says market analyst Daniel Hathorn at Capital.com, "with risk assets holding firm, and in some cases rallying, despite a renewed deterioration in the geopolitical backdrop".

The breakdown in ceasefire talks at the weekend and US blockade initially pushed oil higher and have seen a relatively muted reaction, "suggesting investors are increasingly looking through near-term volatility".

There seems to have been a shift in how markets are interpreting the conflict, she says.

"Previously, the narrative was straightforward: the longer the war dragged on, the worse the outlook for growth, inflation and risk assets.

"Now, the dynamic appears to have flipped. With a ceasefire framework still loosely in place and the US attempting to control the Strait, the absence of escalation, rather than the presence of conflict, is being treated as a positive signal. In other words, each day without a major disruption to Gulf energy infrastructure is being read as incremental progress toward stabilisation."

She says equities have been able to partly now "decouple, at least temporarily from oil".

However, she says, this "raises questions about complacency" as we get deeper into earnings season on both sides of the Atlantic.

11.48pm: JPMorgan shares down on earnings

Shares in banking giant JPMorgan are down 3% in premarket trading despite it reporting first-quarter results ahead of Wall Street expectations, with strong trading and investment banking activity lifting profits.

The US lender revealed net income rose 13% to $16.5 billion, with earnings per share up 28% to $5.94 per share, on net revenue of $49.84 billion.

Analysts had expected EPS of about $5.30 and revenue of roughly $48.8 billion, according to consensus estimates.

Shares had risen almost 10% over the past month, which may explain the premarket fall, echoing that from Goldman Sachs yesterday.

11.40am: European leaders plan Hormuz meeting

Oil prices are creepiong higher again, with Brent crude now just under $99 a barrel, up from below $97 earlier.

UK and French leaders Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron will host a summit in Paris on Friday focused on efforts to reopen the strait of Hormuz.

Newswires report that senior diplomats will hold video call talks tomorrow ahead of a leaders meeting.

Earlier, Irans President, Masoud Pezeshkian, held a call with Macron where he urged Europe to play a more active role in pushing the US toward a lasting ceasefire deal.

Pezeshkian said Iran was ready to continue peace talks.

"Despite expert-level understandings between the sides, excessive demands and a lack of political will among senior US officials have prevented a deal from being finalized, he said, per Iran state media.

"Approaches based on threats, pressure and military action are not effective and will only add to the complexity of the issues."

Last night, US vice-president JD Vance said the US delegation left Pakistan without a deal as their counterparts were "unable to cut a deal and they had to go back to Tehran, either from the Supreme Leader or somebody else and actually get approval to the turn".

He said: "whether we ultimately get to a deal, I really think the ball is in the Iranian court because we put a lot on the table. We actually made very clear what our red lines were."

President Trump, he added, has said "he would be very happy if Iran was treated like a normal country".

10.58am: IEA: oil demand to shrink for first time since Covid

Global oil demand will contract this year for the first time since the pandemic, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned in its latest report, as the Iran war reshapes the energy outlook.

The April IEA report says global supply collapsed by 10.1 million barrels per day in March  the largest disruption in history  as attacks on infrastructure and blockades through the Strait of Hormuz choked off flows.

Physical crude prices surged to nearly $150 a barrel, while North Sea Dated crude was trading around $130 at the time of the report  some $60 above pre-conflict levels.

The IEA's base case assumes Middle East flows partially resume by mid-year, though it acknowledges that could prove too optimistic.

"Resuming flows through the Strait of Hormuz remains the single most important variable in easing the pressure on energy supplies, prices and the global economy," the reoport says.

10.12am: Small cap movers

Among the small cap movers, TheraCryf PLC has jumped 23% after the addiction-focused biotech said it had rejected a bid for its lead neuropsychiatry assets.

The board unanimously concluded that the approach, which targeted the company's Orexin-1 receptor blocker and dopamine transporter programmes, did not reflect the current or future value of the assets and was not in the best interests of shareholders.

Block Energy has leapt 27% after the development company signed a binding farm-out deal with China's Zhijiang Sanning Energy for its Georgia gas assets in a deal carrying up to $75 million in fully carried costs.

Under the agreement, Sanning will acquire a 51% interest in Project III, with Block retaining a 49% stake and continuing as operator throughout the appraisal programme.

hVIVO rose 11% after the clinical development specialist announced a new influenza human challenge trial contract and unveiled a unified brand identity on the same day.

The contract announcement coincided with the launch of hVIVO's new brand identity, which consolidates its operating companies, including recently acquired Venn Life Sciences, CRS and Cryostore, under a single hVIVO name.

Elsewhere, AIM-listed Forgent, the company formerly known as EQTEC, fell 26% after the company agreed the acquisition of a 51% stake in the Peak Hills gold-copper exploration project in Western Australia and a placing to raise 1.3 million at a 35% discount to the prevailing market price.

9.28am: PageGroup reports further fall in profits

PageGroup shares wobbled in early trading, down 6%, but have quickly recovered back to parity as the recruiter reported a fall in first-quarter profit as weaker hiring conditions in the UK and Europe offset growth in the Americas and Asia Pacific.

Following an 8.7%% fall in gross profits last year, the FTSE 250 group said 2026 started with profit falling 4.9%, reflecting "ongoing subdued levels of client and candidate confidence" amid heightened geopolitical and macro-economic uncertainty.

Chief executive Nicholas Kirk said the group "produced another resilient performance despite a backdrop of heightened geopolitical and macro-economic uncertainty", with performance uneven across regions.

Strong growth in the US and Asia Pacific marked a sixth and fourth consecutive quarter of expansion, respectively, while France and the UK saw the lowest levels of confidence.

9.12am: FTSE edging higher, mid-caps rallying

After just over an hour, the FTSE 100 has edged its way up 34 points to 10,617.

Its 0.3% gain is outdone by the FTSE 250, which is up 203 points or 0.9% to 22,480.

Intertek and the miners are continuing to lead the way for the blue-chips, offset by falls for oil and tobacco heavyweights.

On the mid-cap index, top risers are THG (JPMorgan has increased its EPS forecasts as part of a sector note), Ceres, Aston Martin, Oxford Nanopore and Wizz Air.

Mainland European stock markets are in the green too, with Germany's DAX up 1% and France's CAC up 0.5%.

Market analyst Victoria Scholar at Interactive Investor says the trading positivity is "reflecting hopes that the US and Iran will resume peace talks. US Vice President JD Vance said there was progress in the negotiation, helping oil push back below $100 a barrel despite the further uncertainty created by the US blockade of Irans ports and the breakdown of peace talks over the weekend."

US futures are pointing to gains of 0.1-0.3%.

"What war?" cries Saxo's Neil Wilson, back from his Easter hols and flagging that the S&P 500 has now "clawed back all of its losses since the war began on 28 February" after last night's rally saw it close above the 27 Feb closing price before the shooting started between the US and Iran.

The Nasdaq Composite also rising above its pre-war closing level, but the Dow Jones has a little further to go to achieve the feat.

In the mood for rhetorical questions, he goes on. "Why the resilience? Basically, its a P/E story. A forward PE for the broad market of around 20 is not excessive.

"On the one side of this is the fact rates havent spiked. Whilst we saw [government bond] yields rise through the month of March, theyve since cooled and we have not seen any aggressive moves leading to dislocations."

After rising from around 3.95% to above 4.4% from when the war started at the end of Febuary to the end of March, the US 10-year Treasury yield has since pulled back to around 4.25% today.

US earnings is the other key element, with Wall Street analysts expecting EPS growth of 19.3% this year.

"This seems a very high bar to clear. As we enter earnings season this assumption will be put to the test," says Wilson.

8.44am: Intertek merger might surprise

The Intertek de-merger "may come as a surprise," says analyst Joe Brent at Panmure Liberum, as the company "has typically not sold businesses, unlike others (e.g. Eurofins who have announced the sale of their electrical operations to UL Solutions today for 575m)."

However, he notes that consumer products and corporate assurance are the two highest-margin divisions, and both have strong growth outlooks, so a successful de-merger "would therefore increase the quality of that part of the group".

Brent adds three key points on the macroeconomic backdrop to the potential split: 1) There are concerns around Oil & Gas, but consumer and US construction seem robust; 2) Intertek is exposed to high-growth geographies; and 3) AI presents opportunities for productivity improvements and growth.

He flags that the shares are trading on a PE of 14.2x, which is a discount to peers and its historic average.

"A de-merger may be earnings dilutive, as overheads are increased, but we would expect the Consumer Products and Corporate Assurance businesses to trade on a much higher rating."

8.24pm: Let's get this Strait

The US and Iran will send negotiation teams back to Islamabad in Pakistan later this week to resume peace talks, according to a Reuters report.

Talks will focus on easing tensions and exploring steps toward a broader agreement, the sources said.

Meanwhile, some maritime traffic has made it through the Strait of Hormuz in the face of the US blockade.

A Chinese-owned tanker under US sanctions passed through, data from Kpler and MarineTraffic showed earlier today.

President Trump posted last night that 34 ships traversed the Strait yesterday, "by far the highest number since this foolish closure began".

Data from Kpler suggested the actual number of ships that transited the Strait yesterday was four.

8.15am: FTSE inches higher at open

The FTSE 100 has inched higher in Tuesday's opening trades, led by gains for miners, airlines and various others.

Testing and inspection group Intertek Group has jumped over 13% to top the early leaderboard after it launched a strategic review that could lead to a break-up of the business.

Next come miners Fresnillo, Antofagasta, Endeavour and Anglo American, all up arond 2-3%, with British Airways owner IAG and commodities and mining giant Glencore not far behind.

On the other side of the coin, Imperial Brands is leading the fallers, down 5.3%, as its trading update does not appear to be well-received.

Sector rival British American Tobacco is down 1% as investors read across.

Defence group BAE Systems is down 1% on potential lowering of heat from the Middle East conflict.

BP is down 0.65% as its bullish trading update is offset by a fall in the price of oil futures. Shell is down 0.5%.

8am: Imperial Brands backs outlook

Imperial Brands has kept its full-year guidance unchanged as pricing in its core tobacco business continues to offset volume declines, while investment in next-generation products (NGPs) weighed on profits.

The FTSE 100 tobacco group said it expects low-single-digit growth in tobacco and NGP net revenue in the first half, with adjusted operating profit slightly higher year on year.

Growth is expected to accelerate in the second half, in line with previous guidance, as earlier price increases feed through and investment phasing supports performance.

Tobacco pricing remains the main driver of growth, while newer categories such as heated tobacco, vaping and oral nicotine continue to expand, though losses from NGPs are likely to increase slightly.

7.43am: Food sales values lifted by higher prices

Total UK retail sales were up 3.6% last month compared to a year ago, up from 1.1% growth in February, according to the British Retail Consortium.

Like-for-like sales rose by 3.1% year-on-year in March, up from 0.7% in February, well above the consensus forecast of 0.9%.

Food sales increased 6.8%, above the 2.9% growth in February and the 12-month average of 4.3%.

Non-food sales edged up 0.9%, improving from 0.4% the month before but below the 12-month average growth of 1.1%.

Helen Dickinson, the BRC chief executive, said it was an earlier Easter that "provided a much-needed boost to food sales as families came together over the long weekend".

Inflation was the "key factor" for driving the value of food and drink sales higher, according to Linda Ellett at KPMG.

(As a Deutsche Bank analyst pointed out yesterday, as demand for food is relatively resilient, grocers are "largely able to pass through cost inflation", ie raise prices to maintain their margins.)

Dickinson says non-food was "more uneven", with robust demand for computers, toys, and homeware, but clothing and footwear continued to struggle.

"The disruption to international travel caused by the Middle East conflict also hit sales of travel-related goods."

She said the outlook is "uncertain" for the sector, as the Gulf war has damaged supply chains, with rising costs for shipping, fertiliser, insurance and commodities.

7.30am: BP hails 'exceptional' quarter for oil trading, but higher costs

BP says its first-quarter results will be shaped by volatile commodity markets, with stronger trading and refining margins partly offset by higher costs.

The oil major has released a trading update ahead of full first-quarter results later in April, with the big difference from the previous quarter being that Brent crude oil averaged $81 a barrel in the period, up from $63.73 in the previous quarter.

It expects upstream production to be broadly flat compared with the fourth quarter of 2025, with slightly higher gas output offset by a small decline in oil production.

Oil trading is described as "exceptional" compared with a weak prior quarter.

7.17am: Flat FTSE predicted as US and Iran plan more talks

A flat start for the FTSE 100 is predicted on Tuesday, as oil prices eased on renewed optimism that the US and Iran might still reach a peace deal.

London's blue-chip share index has been called around two points higher on the futures market, having dropped almost 18 points at the start of the week to close at 10,582.96.

US stocks reversed a negative start to finish higher overnight, with the Nasdaq climbing 1.2% and the S&P 500 rising just over 1%, while the Dow Jones added 0.6%.

Asian markets are mixed this morning, with the Nikkei and Kospi are storming 2.2% and 3% higher in Tokyo and Seoul, while in Mumbai the Sensex has dropped 0.9%.

Brent crude is back down to $98.40 a barrel, having topped $103 on Monday.

"The market optimism has continued this morning," says macro analyst Henry Allen at Deutsche Bank, saying the drop in crude prices is "easing fears about a stagflationary shock".

"So as far as markets are concerned, the expectation remains that this is still likely to be a temporary conflict, with the oil futures curve heavily downward-sloping."

He notes that the mood steadily improved after Donald Trump said: I can tell you that we've been called by the other side. They'd like to make a deal very badly".

The US and Iran are in discussions about another round of negotiations, Bloomberg has reported, with the goal being to hold those talks before the two-week ceasefire expires in a weeks time, echoing a similar a story from Axios earlier in the day.
By Sheila Dang, Marianna Parraga and Deisy Buitrago

CARACAS/HOUSTON, April 13 (Reuters) - Chevron signed two agreements on Monday to expand operations at Venezuela's vast Orinoco Belt, including an asset swap adding an extra heavy crude area to its main project while returning an offshore gas and a crude area, executives and officials said at an event.

The agreements are among the first big expansion deals https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/chevron-shell-closing-first-big-oil-production-deals-venezuela-since-us-captured-2026-03-10/ since the U.S. launched a $100 billion reconstruction plan for Venezuela's energy sector after capturing President Nicolas Maduro nL1N3Y4092, and a sweeping reform of the country's main oil law was approved in January, encouraging foreign investment.

The pacts, which would allow the U.S. major to boost crude output and participation at coveted regions in the OPEC country, were signed by company executives led by Javier La Rosa, head of Chevron's Base Assets and Emerging Countries, and officials from state-owned company PDVSA in the presence of acting President Delcy Rodriguez.

The deals include the increase of Chevron's stake at one of its joint ventures with PDVSA in the Orinoco, Petroindependencia, to 49% from a previous 35.8%.

The company also agreed to relinquish the Loran offshore gas field and its stake at a small field in western Venezuela, while receiving a new oil area, Ayacucho 8, as part of its existing Petropiar project also in the Orinoco.

Chevron's asset swap with PDVSA and its subsidiaries is "a mutually beneficial agreement, which will consolidate all parties' focus on strategic assets in the country," the company said in a release after the event.

Chevron executives said in January the firm could increase output in Venezuela by about 50% in the next two years within its existing footprint. The company's joint ventures with PDVSA are producing 260,000 barrels per day of crude, about a fourth of the country's total output.

(Reporting by Sheila Dang, Marianna Parraga, Deisy Buitrago and Curtis Williams; Editing by Julia Symmes Cobb, Paul Simao, Rod Nickel)
WASHINGTON, April 13 (Reuters) - United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby raised the potential of merging with American Airlines in a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in late February, two sources told Reuters.

United declined to comment. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Kirby's comments came at the end of a scheduled White House meeting on the future of Dulles airport, the sources added.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
Gasoline prices are likely to jump this week as oil briefly surged above $100 on Monday.

The national average price of gasoline hovered at $4.12, according to AAA data, up roughly about $0.53 from a month ago.

The surge in prices are expected after President Donald Trump said the US would move to block all maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of weekend negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

More from Yahoo Scout How are refiners responding to the supply disruptions? How might Strait of Hormuz blockade affect gasoline prices? What are JPMorgan's predictions for nationwide gasoline costs? Why are oil futures and Brent crude surging?

Patrick De Haan, the head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy said "gasoline prices are likely to jump again this week, with diesel expected to follow, until there is a meaningful restoration of shipping through the Strait."

Gasoline futures rose 3% on Monday pointing to a surge in wholesale prices to retailers.

JPMorgan analysts recently predicted gasoline prices could hit $5 per gallon nationwide if traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a focal point of the Iran war, remains effectively at a standstill for much longer.

On Sunday President Trump announced a blockade of the energy chokepoint, aimed at cutting off Irans oil export route, and ending its practice of demanding toll payments from 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, Trump wrote in a social media post.

US crude benchmark West Texas Intermediate (CL=F) trimmed earlier session gains to hover near $98 per barrel on Monday. Meanwhile Brent (BZ=F) crude also rose more than 1% to trade above $98.

A pump handle sits in a cradle at a QuikTrip gasoline station Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Greenwood Village, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

"Signs are emerging that the system may be coming under increasing strain," JPMorgan's Natasha Kaneva and her team wrote on Sunday night.

European and Asian refiners are competing aggressively for cargoes, driving spot physical Brent prices to record highs.

On Friday, dated Brent was priced at $126 per barrel, according to Platts data, after hitting a record of $144 per barrel earlier this month.

Historically, the spread between the physical market and Brent futures contracts is modest, typically $1-$2 per barrel.

"Todays much wider gap signals a market struggling to source barrels for delivery now, even if it still assumes supply will normalize later," wrote Kaneva.

Ines Ferre is a senior business reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @ines_ferre.

Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
By Anmol Choubey

BENGALURU, April 14 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell in early Asian trade on Tuesday as signs of potential U.S.-Iran dialogue to end their war reduced concerns about supply risks stemming from the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent futures declined by $1.86, or 1.87%, to $97.50, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $2.25, or 2.27%, to $96.83 by 0003 GMT.

Both benchmarks had risen in the previous session, with Brent climbing more than 4% and WTI nearly 3%, after the U.S. military began a blockade nL6N40V09S of Iran's ports.

The U.S. military said nL1N40W0DH on Monday that its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would extend east to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, while ship-tracking data showed two ships turned around in the strait as the blockade went into effect.

Iran, in response, threatened to target ports in Gulf-bordering nations following the collapse of weekend talks in Islamabad aimed at resolving the crisis.

"Despite the breakdown of peace talks in Pakistan over the weekend, Trump has managed to take some steam out of the oil price again dangling carrot of a possible deal," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

Sources familiar with the negotiations said dialogue nL4N40W0L7 between Iran and the U.S. was still alive, while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif affirmed ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions. Trump said on Monday that Iran "wants to make a deal" nL6N40W11B.

ANZ analysts estimate L1N40W154 that about 10 million barrels per day of crude supply have been effectively removed from the market, adding that a prolonged U.S. blockade could curb an additional 3 million to 4 million bpd of crude shipments.

"The oil market no longer needs a worst-case escalation to justify higher pricing levels. Tight balances alone are sufficient to sustain the price of Brent near or above recent threshold levels," ANZ said in a client note.

NATO allies, including Britain and France, refrained nL8N40W0OM from joining the blockade, advocating instead for reopening the vital waterway.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright suggested nL1N40W11Y oil prices could peak in "the next few weeks" once shipping resumes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the International Energy Agency urged countries nL1N40W0Y8 to avoid hoarding energy supplies or imposing export curbs amid what they described as the most significant shock ever to the global energy market.

IEA chief Fatih Birol said nL1N40W0TE on Monday that while further strategic oil releases might not yet be necessary, the agency remains prepared to act if needed.
April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres on Tuesday wrote to U.S. market regulators pushing for an investigation into large oil trades placed just hours before the announcement of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire that Reuters first reported last week.

Torres, who wrote to regulators last week to push for a probe into lucrative recent trading activity on oil markets back in March, on Tuesday urged Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins and Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael Selig to open a joint investigation into the trades.

More from Yahoo Scout What oil trades sparked the Congressional investigation request? Which regulators are being asked to investigate? How did the Iran ceasefire announcement affect markets? What impact has the Iran war had on oil prices?

* Reuters on April 8 reported that in the space of oneminute, investors placed trades the previous day that bet on afall in the oil price worth roughly $950 million a couple ofhours before U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-weekceasefire with Iran, which knocked crude futures down by some15% at the start of regular trading on April 8. * "If accurate, the timing and scale of these trades warrantimmediate scrutiny," Torres said in his letter. * Other Democrats have also raised concerns about timelytrades around major U.S. policy events. Democratic senatorsElizabeth Warren, the top Democrat on the Senate BankingCommittee, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, in a letter releasedon Friday, called upon regulators to investigate unusually largecommodity and equity trades that closely preceded major WhiteHouse decisions on Iran, Venezuela and tariffs. * Oil prices have shot up in hugely volatile trading byaround 40% to above $100 a barrel since the start of the Iranwar that has effectively shuttered the Strait of Hormuz, throughwhich some 20% of global daily energy supplies usually flow.

(Reporting by Amanda Cooper; Editing by Michelle Price and Keith Weir)
Venezuelan authorities confirmed an agreement Monday that raises Chevrons stake in the joint venture Petroindependencia to 49% from 35.8% , giving it greater control over operations in an area where extra-heavy crude is produced. File Photo by John G. Mabanglo/EPA

April 14 (UPI) -- The government of Venezuela signed an agreement with U.S. oil company Chevron Corp. that will allow it to increase its participation in key projects and expand production in the Orinoco Belt, the country's main oil-producing region.

Venezuelan authorities confirmed the agreement Monday, and it raises Chevron's stake in the joint venture Petroindependencia to 49% from 35.8% , giving it greater control over operations in an area where extra-heavy crude is produced.

In addition, the company obtained rights to develop the Ayacucho 8 block, an area near existing operations that could help facilitate increased production.

"This agreement expands Chevron's position in heavy crude in two key projects in Venezuela," said Javier La Rosa, president of Chevron Base Assets and Emerging Countries.

As part of the deal, Chevron will transfer to the Venezuelan state its stake in several lower-priority projects, including offshore gas fields and an oil field in the west part of the country. The operation aims to concentrate investment in areas with higher production potential.

Joint ventures between Chevron and state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela produce about 260,000 barrels per day, roughly one-fourth of the national total. The company expects to increase that output by 50% over the next two years.

The agreement was signed after the government approved a reform to the hydrocarbons law that allows greater participation by private and foreign companies in the sector, with the goal of attracting investment and restoring oil production.

During the event at Miraflores Palace, acting President Delcy Rodriguez said the new legal framework offers guarantees for investors and will help boost production, Infobae reported.

"We expect to make significant progress in production," she said.

Also attending the ceremony were the U.S. charge d'affaires in Caracas, Laura Dogu, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy Kyle Haustveit, in a sign of renewed cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector.

The agreement is part of a broader process of opening Venezuela's oil sector. In recent days, other U.S. companies such as ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil have visited to assess potential investments.
Tims view

Leading CEOs and officials spent the opening day of Semafor World Economy grappling with how to hardwire more resilience into the global energy system at a moment of unprecedented risk.

There are a lot of chokepoints in the energy market these days, from trade routes under threat of drone attack to maxed-out electric grids and Chinas stranglehold on critical minerals. One lesson from Iran, several leaders said, is we cant afford to sleep on these issues any longer. The first solution is build, baby, build.

We are stupid in our industry, you know, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne told me on stage. We spent billions, we made plenty of risk maps identifying the possible Strait of Hormuz closure. None of us have built enough pipeline capacity to avoid it. The reason the Iran war has been so disruptive, Pouyanne said, is that there is zero spare capacity in the fossil fuel supply chain.

But that may be changing. Infrastructure investors are increasingly willing to put near-term profits as a secondary consideration to redundancy and security, Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli told me. Another necessity is more adaptive insurance that can price in novel risks without completely freezing up, as has happened in the strait.

Neither of those things matter, however, without the rule of law.

Energy security is a game that takes decades to play out, and the best players want a clear view far into the future before making a move. New infrastructure cant solve the problem if its not matched by durable good governance; replace the Strait of Hormuz with a new pipeline network, and someone could still blow it up if the region is unstable. Reflecting on Venezuela, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said theres declining risk and massive reserves on the ground, so thats a pretty fruitful environment for investment. Pouyanne  whose company lost a lot of money in both Venezuela and Iran in the past  isnt convinced: We need to have an ecosystem in a country where we feel comfortable, because the billions we will invest need to deliver returns over the course of 20 years.

A final lesson is to accelerate the clean energy transition. I was in Egypt this month to report on how Chinese wind firms are rewiring the countrys grid to be more resilient to successive fossil fuel price shocks. Unlike Washington, Cairo cant afford to be hawkish in its relationship with Beijing, and although Egypt poses numerous barriers to private investment, I found the energy community there to be refreshingly pragmatic and nonideological in its embrace of renewables.
Prices are holding steady statewide after the U.S. Navy began blocking Iranian ports on Monday, but some fear the costs of goods like groceries and gas could increase.

Channel 2s Tom Regan spoke with a supply chain and logistics professor at Georgia Tech, who says that rising prices are just the beginning of the impact that will be felt across Georgia.

Its going to show up in almost everything we consume and what we do, professor Chris Gaffney said. We are talking about disruption of trade lanes...a lot of pharmaceuticals come from further east than the Mideast, and India is a big source of pharmaceuticals.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

He says that the costs of anything that depends on oil to be made will rise, pushing up the price of goods, including groceries.

All of our plastic packaging comes from fuel, and even some of the aluminum packaging, Gaffney said. I worked at Coke, and the cost of a can of Coke is going to be going up.

Iran is the biggest exporter of urea, which is used to make fertilizer, the price of which has gone up more than 25%.

There has also been a spike in the price of helium imported from Qatar. A third of the worlds helium supply is now off of the market because of the conflict.

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We started down a path where these costs are creeping in, and the time to correct it is not going to be immediate, Gaffney said.

Montrae Waters with AAA says you should expect to see gas prices rise.

Unfortunately, when we see crude oil trend a trade over $100, expect gas prices to go up, Waters said.

Currently, Georgia has some of the lowest gas prices in the country because of the suspension of the state gas tax, which is set to expire next month.

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A corn field in Augusta County. (Photo by Charlie Paullin/Virginia Mercury)

Virginia farms are feeling the ripple effects from the uncertainty over the Iran War and the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a major international shipping artery.

As local farmers plant corn and other crops, theyre spreading their first rounds of fertilizer, which has seen prices skyrocket an estimated 40% in recent weeks, according to the Virginia Grain Producers Association.

With the conflict and peace talks unsettled, farmers fear the impact could carry over into the 2027 planting season.

The Straits closure is limiting commerce and driving up the cost of fuel and the transport of fertilizer. The National Corn Growers Association reported last week that about a third of the worlds seaborne fertilizer passes through the Strait of Hormuz  making it a critical choke point.

Virginia farmers were sitting on the edge of their seats wondering whats gonna happen. The supply chain is a very real thing, said Mike Ellerbrock, a professor of agricultural economics at Virginia Tech.

Fertilizer production relies on fossil fuels. Many farmers had already secured their fertilizer caches before this planting season, but about a quarter are still purchasing it. Virginia hosts an estimated 305,000 acres of corn, 600,000 acres of soybeans, and 60,000 acres of wheat.

Since the war began, were seeing producers report increases of anywhere from $100 to $300 per ton increase, Taylor Hubbard with the Virginia Grain Producers Association said. We had one member that reported a $45 per acre increase for pre-plant fertilizer application.

This is not the first time that farmers have seen military conflict hit fertilizer prices in recent years. When the Ukraine war kicked off, the price of fertilizer also shot up. But at that time bushels of corn were going for about $7 a bushel; now that has dropped to $4.50.

So if you take a $700 average, producers need 165 bushels to the acre of corn to break even, Hubbard said. The average yield for corn is 170 bushels per acre. So theyre not making a ton of money right now. So an increase of $50 per acre is actually substantial.

The cost of corn bushels has been decreasing over the last few years and is not tied to the conflict. Still, the new war adds another layer of challenges to an already-strained industry.

Farmers cannot control the price of fertilizer, they cant control the price of equipment, Hubbard said. They cant control any other input costs and they also cannot control the output costs thats set by what the folks who are buying their commodities are willing to pay them.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) is pushing further into international shale as the company secures an exclusive, multibillion-dollar contract from YPF to provide bundled hydraulic fracturing services in Argentina's Vaca Muerta formation. The agreement outlines a multi-year collaboration that could deepen Halliburton's presence in one of the largest unconventional oil and gas basins globally, while also reflecting how US-based fracking capabilities are increasingly being deployed outside domestic markets. Shares rose 1.7% as of 11:27 a.m. on Monday in New York following the announcement, indicating an initial positive reaction from investors.

A key element of the contract is the planned international deployment of Halliburton's Zeus electric-powered fracturing technology, which the company said will be used outside the US for the first time. This technology could improve efficiency during well completion, widely considered the final and most expensive phase of oilfield development, where high-pressure fluids are injected to enable oil and gas to flow more freely. The adoption of more advanced systems may suggest that operators in Vaca Muerta are focusing on optimizing costs and productivity as development activity continues to scale.

The broader opportunity in Vaca Muerta remains significant but capital-intensive. The formation spans about 11,600 square miles in Patagonia and currently produces roughly 600,000 barrels of oil per day, with a target to exceed 1 million barrels per day by 2030. Wall Street bankers have indicated that much of the required infrastructure buildout will likely depend on foreign capital, which could support continued demand for oilfield services providers over time. For investors, the contract may point to a gradual shift where international shale development, supported by external funding and new technology, could become a more meaningful contributor to future growth.
April could prove a tougher month than March for energy markets and the global economy because of the Middle East war, the head of the International Energy Agency said on Monday in Washington while speaking at the Atlantic Council.

While March saw the delivery of cargo from the region "loaded well before the crisis started," IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol emphasised that "during the month of April, nothing has been loaded".

Oil prices do not yet reflect the severity of the unprecedented supply crisis caused by the Iran war, he added.

"I think soon we will see that they will converge, which is, of course, an extremely sensitive issue for the global economy," he said.

Birol warned that "as of today, we lost 13 million barrels per day. Tomorrow may be bigger. In terms of gas, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, we lost about 75 [billion cubic meters], and today we are much higher than that".

He called the Iran war and its implications the largest ever energy crisis.

"The longer the disruption lasts, the more severe the problem becomes," he told reporters after a meeting at the International Monetary Fund.

Birol added that the IEA is "ready to act" with additional releases of reserves if needed.

His comments came as he met leaders of the IMF and World Bank as part of a group recently established to coordinate responses to the economic fallout from the war.

Birol said the agency was monitoring energy facilities in the region, noting that of more than 80 affected facilities, more than a third have been severely damaged. Getting them back online could take up to two years.

He reiterated that the world is facing a major energy security challenge, adding that "no country is immune to this problem".

Related

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Monday that there is a need to understand the full scale of the impact from infrastructure damage caused by the war.

World Bank President Ajay Banga said the institutions are preparing for different scenarios depending on how long and how severe the conflict becomes.

The IMF has made up to $50bn (42.5bn) in financing available, while the World Bank is ready to put forward up to $25bn (21.25bn), both institutions previously said.

Banga added on Monday that if hostilities persist, the bank could make available as much as $60bn (51bn) in total over the coming six months.

US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran, beginning on 28 February, triggered Tehran to retaliate by virtually blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for energy and other shipments.
Oil prices declined on 14 April as potential discussions to resolve the US-Israel conflict with Iran appeared to reduce supply risks linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade, reported Reuters.

By 08:28 GMT, Brent crude had decreased by $0.62, around 0.6%, to $98.74 per barrel (bbl).

Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) had dropped by $2.30, or 2.3%, to stand at $96.78/bbl.

In the earlier session, both benchmarks had gained, with Brent increasing by more than 4% and WTI close to 3% following the US military's initiation of a blockade on Iranian ports.

Last month, oil prices saw a record 50% increase.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that attacks on Middle Eastern energy infrastructure and Iran's closure of the strait caused the most significant oil supply disruption recorded, with a loss of 10.1 million barrels per day (mbbl/d) in March.

Despite the blockade extending to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, Nato allies including Britain and France opted not to join the blockade, advocating instead for the reopening of the waterway.

Meanwhile, Iran threatened retaliatory actions against ports in neighbouring Gulf countries following unsuccessful talks in Islamabad.

According to five sources cited by the news agency, the US and Iranian negotiation teams may return to Islamabad later this week.

A US official mentioned ongoing efforts to reach an agreement and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that attempts are still in progress.

The IEA updated its global oil supply and demand outlook, projecting that demand will be 80,000 barrels per day lower, while supply will fall by 1.5mbbl/d by 2026.

Shipping data revealed that a third Iran-linked tanker entered the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the first full day of the US blockade on vessels bound for Iranian ports, according to Reuters.

As these three vessels were not destined for Iranian ports, they were exempt from the blockade.

LSEG data indicated that the Panama-flagged Peace Gulf, a medium-range tanker, was heading to the port of Hamriyah in the United Arab Emirates.

According to Kpler data, this vessel typically transports Iranian naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock, to other non-Iranian Middle Eastern ports for export to Asia.

"Potential US-Iran talks lead to oil price decline" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




Resolution Minerals advances antimony processing at Horse Heaven project Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML, OTCQB:RLMLF, FRA:NC3) has produced high-purity antimony trioxide from its Antimony Ridge deposit in Idaho, a key step forward in its metallurgical program and broader US-focused critical minerals strategy.

Conventional pyrometallurgical test work has successfully produced an intermediate antimony trioxide product grading 99.38% SbO from stibnite samples sourced from historical open pits.

This work was completed by Kingston Process Metallurgy in Canada and represents an early validation of a conventional processing pathway for the project.

Test work continues, with further refinement underway and final product results expected in the coming weeks.

The initial pyrometallurgical results from processing Antimony Ridge samples are very encouraging with few impurities. This is a great start and Im looking forward to discussing the final results in the coming weeks," Adam Roper, PhD, Resolutions in-house senior metallurgist, said.

Resolutions goal is to develop a processing hub in Idaho for stibnite and Im relishing the opportunity to bring this to fruition, from mine to product.

The Johnson Creek Mill site, at the base of Antimony Ridge, is being considered as a fast-track option for potential development of a local processing site, given it has the necessary infrastructure on site, with power and water, and is on 10 acres of private land owned 100% by RML.

Antimony Ridge  As part of Resolutions larger Horse Heaven Antimony-Tungsten-Gold-Silver Project  Relationship of Antimony Ridge (Sb) with Golden Gate (Au) and Golden Gate Tungsten (W).

Processing pathways progressing

Resolution is advancing multiple processing routes in parallel:

Pyrometallurgy identified as the base-case processing option, with third-party groups already engaged

Hydrometallurgical test work underway at ANSTO in Australia

Concentrate optimisation studies ongoing at IMO laboratories in Perth

The company is also targeting development of a domestic US processing hub in Idaho, highlighting the current lack of modern antimony processing capacity in the country.

With the recent US Government Permitting Council provided via FAST-41 coverage to accelerate permits, Resolution is in parallel developing further local processing plans to enable antimony and tungsten supply for US demand. Our unique combination of critical minerals assets makes us well placed to deliver, RMLs managing director, Ari Zaetz, said.

Strong underlying mineralisation

Metallurgical work is supported by high-grade mineralisation at Antimony Ridge, with previous results showing:
TotalEnergies, via its subsidiary TotalEnergies EP Congo, has made a hydrocarbon discovery in the Moho licence area off the coast of the Republic of Congo following drilling of the MHNM-6 NFW exploration well.

The Moho licence is operated by TotalEnergies EP Congo with a 63.5% stake, while Trident Energy holds 21.5% and Societe Nationale des Petroles du Congo retains 15%.

The discovery was made in the Moho G structure and revealed a hydrocarbon column measuring around 160m within Albian reservoirs.

A detailed data acquisition and sampling campaign has been conducted to aid future development decisions.

The Moho G discovery, alongside the earlier Moho F structure find, constitutes estimated recoverable resources of nearly 100 million barrels.

These are expected to be developed as a tie-back to the current Moho facilities.

TotalEnergies exploration senior vice-president Nicola Mavilla said: This new discovery on the Moho licence benefits from its proximity to existing production infrastructure, allowing a short cycle, cost-effective tie-back development.

By leveraging our technical expertise and existing infrastructure, we are creating the conditions for future value-accretive production for the company.

Operated by TotalEnergies EP Congo, the Moho field lies 75km offshore Pointe-Noire and has recorded strong production growth since the Moho Nord project began in 2017.

Current production utilises two floating production units, Alima and Likouf, achieving a combined output of around 90,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd).

In a related development, TotalEnergies has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Turkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklg (TPAO) focusing on exploration prospects.

The agreement outlines a framework for technical cooperation involving a joint evaluation of exploration opportunities in Turkiye's Black Sea region and globally.

Mavilla said: We are pleased to launch this cooperation with TPAO, leveraging the technical expertise of both companies to evaluate exploration opportunities in the Black Sea region and internationally on a mutually beneficial basis.

Last month, TotalEnergies and NEO NEXT Energy completed the merger of their UK North Sea upstream oil and gas assets, resulting in the formation of NEO NEXT+. The deal was previously announced in December 2025.

NEO NEXT Energy is a joint venture between HitecVision and Repsol.

"TotalEnergies finds hydrocarbons in Congos Moho licence" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.
A GlobalData survey suggests insurance uptake among gig economy taxi drivers is low, with a sizable minority either opting out, not considering cover, or assuming it is provided by an employer or platform. This creates a material risk of unmet protection needs. Meanwhile, Admiral Business has entered the UK taxi insurance market through a partnership with specialist broker Patons.

GlobalDatas 2025 UK Insurance Consumer Survey asked gig economy taxi drivers whether they have taken out (or plan to take out) an insurance policy to protect themselves against accidents while carrying out their second job or other additional work. 37.8% of respondents stated that they had either done so or planned to do so. However, engagement remains uneven. 16.3% of respondents had considered taking out cover but decided against it, while 12.6% said it had not crossed their mind that they may need insurance. Misconceptions around responsibility for coverage also persist, with 10.4% assuming insurance would be provided by their employer or platform and a further 8.1% claiming that it is provided, indicating that a meaningful proportion of drivers may be underinsured or incorrectly insured.

Against this backdrop, Admiral Business has entered the UK taxi insurance market through a partnership with specialist broker Patons, aiming to deliver products tailored to taxi drivers. Broker-led models may be particularly effective in this segment, given the evidence of uncertainty and misattribution of coverage responsibility, as advisory support can help validate what is and is not covered and guide drivers to appropriate protection.

GlobalDatas UK Top 25 General Insurance Competitor Analytics shows that in 2024, Admiral led the UK private motor market but did not feature among the top ten for commercial motor. The Patons partnershipalongside Admirals acquisition of Flock in February 2026signals a deliberate push to build scale and capability in commercial motor, using targeted distribution to access specialist sub-segments such as taxi drivers.

For insurers, the data highlights both a growth opportunity and a distribution challenge. Demand exists, but purchase behaviour is inconsistent, and misconceptions persist, which suggests direct-to-consumer alone may be insufficient. Broker distribution, coupled with clearer product positioning and education at the point of sale, is likely to be important in improving coverage and reducing underinsurance.

"Admiral moves into taxi insurance with broker-led Patons partnership" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand.
A strike has been averted at a B&G Foods manufacturing facility in Wisconsin after a wage agreement with the union.

Teamsters Local 120 said workers at the Stoughton plant had overwhelmingly ratified a strong new contract, which includes wage increases and improved working conditions.

Staff at the site voted to take industrial action in March as they sought fair wages, affordable health care, and better working conditions. The union described the plant as an understaffed facility.

In a statement yesterday (13 April), the union said the new three-year contract includes a 19% wage increase and maintains high quality health care and improves working conditions.

Shaun Mullikin, the local representative for Teamsters Local 120, added. "Workers at B&G Foods made it clear they deserved fair pay, strong benefits, and respect on the job. Just as important, they protected the health care they rely on. This contract delivers and sets a strong foundation moving forward.

The Stoughton plant manufactures B&G Foods products including Cream of Wheat cereal, Skinnygirl salad dressing and Ortega taco sauce.

Just Food has asked B&G Foods for comment on the settlement.

When the planned strike action was announced in March, with no date had been set at that time, the company said it was continuing to bargain in good faith in an effort to reach a new labour agreement that is beneficial to our employees as well as the business.

Teamsters Local 120 said yesterday the new contracts also include better workplace protections, along with an improved vacation system.

The union confirmed with Just Food in March that 59 workers are employed at the plant and had voted by a 98% margin to strike.

Headquartered in New Jersey, B&G Foods produces and distributes shelf-stable and frozen foods across the US.

The company has recently been reshaping its portfolio, including selling another Green Giant asset to Seneca Foods.

It also acquired Del Monte Foods broth and stock brands this year for around $110m in cash.

"B&G Foods strike averted as new contracts agreed at US plant" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand.




GLP-1 giant Novo Nordisk partners with OpenAI as pharma industry's AI race accelerates Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

The Danish drugmaker becomes the latest major pharmaceutical company to embed AI across its entire drug development pipeline, from discovery to commercial operations.

Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO), the Danish pharmaceutical giant best known for its diabetes and obesity treatments, has formed a partnership with OpenAI that will apply the artificial intelligence company's most advanced capabilities.

It will deploy the technology across its global operations, from early drug discovery through to manufacturing, supply chain and commercial functions.

The partnership will use AI to analyse complex datasets, identify drug candidates and reduce the time required to move from research to patients, with pilot programmes launching across research and development, manufacturing and commercial operations and full integration targeted by the end of 2026.

OpenAI will also assist Novo Nordisk in upskilling its workforce and improving AI literacy across the organisation.

Mike Doustdar, president and chief executive of Novo Nordisk, said the partnership would allow the company to analyse datasets at a scale previously impossible and test hypotheses faster than ever, with the goal of discovering new therapies and bringing them to market more quickly.

Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, said the collaboration would help Novo Nordisk accelerate scientific discovery, run smarter global operations and redefine the future of patient care.

The tie-up reflects a broader and accelerating shift across the pharmaceutical industry, where AI is moving from isolated experiments to core infrastructure embedded throughout the research and development process.

Novartis has described using generative AI to design 15 million potential drug compounds computationally before narrowing laboratory work to around 60 molecules, dramatically compressing what was previously a far longer process.

The Swiss drugmaker has also used AI-driven simulations to identify gene candidates for rare kidney disease.

This is a task, it said, would have been prohibitively slow without the technology and has a collaboration with Isomorphic Labs, the AI drug discovery company spun out of Google's DeepMind.

French pharmaceutical group Servier has signed a strategic partnership with AI drug design firm Iktos covering more than one billion euros in potential multi-target drug discovery programmes across oncology and neurology.

Takeda, the Japanese drugmaker, has partnered with Arrayo to use machine learning to pre-screen antibody candidates for stability, affinity and manufacturability, accelerating a design process that previously relied heavily on manual chemical intuition.
Since the Trump Administration reclaimed the White House a little over a year ago, several changes with global consequences have been enacted, including President Trumps imposition of tariffs and the USs withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as shifts in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which pharma companies and biotechs are continuing to navigate.

Industry professionals will gather at the Outsourcing in Clinical Trials (OCT) East Coast 2026 conference on 13 and 14 May in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to discuss the broad-ranging difficulties currently being faced by the industry.

Whats on the agenda?

The OCT East Coast conference is divided into two streams: Stream A - Clinical Operations and Outsourcing and Stream B - Clinical Technology and Innovation.

On day one, sessions will include a keynote panel including Revati Tatake, global head of Pharma Research, Analysis and Competitive Intelligence for GlobalData Healthcare and Meghan Dierks, executive director of Advanced Analytics and Technology Assessment, Harvard Medical School on strengthening trial resilience by navigating FDA volatility and global uncertainty.

The first day will also feature a presentation by Mindy Hurd, vice president and general partner of ICON, on the next evolution of outsourcing models, touching on a move to more integrated partnership models, mitigating operational unpredictability, and how CROs fall into this.

In the afternoon, there will be a large panel discussion about rebuilding trust across sponsors, CROs and sites by addressing the human factors behind operational success.

There will also be sessions on artificial intelligence (AI), accelerating start-up development, site relationships, and wearables.

On the second day, there will be a session headed by patient advocate Mel Mann about navigating the process between trials and commercialisation to better understand patient expectations.

Panels will also feature discussions on ownership and risk sharing between sponsors and vendors, AI and automation, and the implementation of ICH E6(R3).

John Gregg, chairman and CEO at BalinBac Therapeutics, will also host a session about rebuilding patient recruitment in the US amid trust, access, and site constraints.

The event will close following roundtable problem-solving discussions focused on topics including outsourcing and vendor models that fit todays trials, strengthening sponsorsite relationships in 2026, making digital tools work for real teams, and fixing the hidden bottlenecks throughout a studys startup phase.
The distilled spirits industry had a disappointing year in 2025, as spirits supplier sales declined by 2.2% to $36.4 billion, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

While total U.S. spirits sales edged down 2.2% in 2025, the spirits industry remains resilient, driven by innovative products that continue to spark consumer interest, said Chris Swonger, CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council.

"Against a challenging backdrop of weakening consumer confidence and persistent economic pressures, American adults continue to choose distilled spirits, with ready-to-drink cocktails standing out as a clear favorite," Swonger said.

The decline in sales led some distilleries to close facilities or close down their business.

In the case of Deep Eddy Vodka, however, the distillery is closing a tasting room and visitors' center in Dripping Springs, Texas, in a "consumer-facing shift, as part of an active effort to bring our experiences closer to Austin, where the brand was founded and where we see the greatest opportunity," according to a company spokesperson's update to the story.

Deep Eddy Vodka is closing its tasting room and visitors' center in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Deep Eddy Vodka closes tasting room

Distilling company Deep Eddy Vodka will close its facilities in Dripping Springs, Texas, on June 13 and transition the facilities in a sublease agreement to another Texas distillery not affiliated with Deep Eddy, Goodnight Loving Vodka, The Spirits Business reported.

Deep Eddy was founded in Austin, Texas, in 2010 and opened a distilling operation at the Dripping Springs facility in 2014. The company upgraded the facilities to include a tasting room and visitors' center, and shifted all distilling to its larger Buda, Texas, operation in 2017.

Heaven Hill owns Deep Eddy Vodka

Huge whiskey producer Heaven Hill Distillery, which also distills the Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Five Brothers, Old Fitzgerald, and Larceny brands, acquired Deep Eddy in 2015.

Heaven Hill invested almost $1 million in upgrades to the Dripping Springs facilities in 2019, which included adding a 38-foot bar, an innovation bar built around the original Deep Eddy column still, a new bottling line, a performance stage, a new merchandising area, and seating for 200 people.

Dripping Springs had Deep Eddy's only tasting room. The company has not indicated whether it will open a tasting room and visitors' center at the Buda facility, which will continue to be Deep Eddy's distilling facility.

"Our vodka continues to be crafted in Buda, and we're more committed than ever to Austin, the place where it all started," Deep Eddy said in a website message. "You'll keep seeing us around town through local events, partnerships, and plenty of good times."
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.
By Deborah Mary Sophia and Akash Sriram

April 14 (Reuters) - Amazon.com said on Tuesday it will acquire Globalstar in an $11.57 billion deal, bolstering its fledgling satellite business as it tries to catch up with Elon Musk's Starlink.

Tech companies are pouring billions of dollars into capturing the lucrative market for satellite-based connectivity, but it will be a tall order to match Starlink's 10,000-unit-strong network. Through the deal, Amazon adds Globalstar's two dozen satellites to its existing network of more than 200.

Amazon has been working to ramp up its network by deploying about 3,200 satellites in Earth's low orbit by 2029, with roughly half required to be in place by a July regulatory deadline. It is also preparing to roll out its satellite internet services later this year.

Globalstar's satellite network is designed for reliable, low-data connections directly to mobile devices, or Direct-to-Device (D2D). The technology removes the need for devices to connect to ground-based cellular towers, making them crucial in powering emergency services and delivering connectivity in areas with limited cellular coverage.

The deal will help Amazon deploy D2D from 2028, the companies said.

Meanwhile, Starlink already serves more than 9 million users globally. The SpaceX unit, which provides high-speed broadband through user terminals, is also developing D2D services through partnerships with telecom operators such as T-Mobile.

"Amazon has been falling behind Starlink on satellite broadband. Acquiring Globalstar allows them to catch up on their D2D spectrum position, and leap ahead on D2D deployment," said Armand Musey, president & founder of Summit Ridge Group.

Shares of Louisiana-based Globalstar rose more than 10%, after gaining over 6% in the past two weeks on media reports of deal discussions. Amazon stock rose 3%.

MDA Space, the primary contractor for Globalstar's next-generation constellation, also jumped 9%.

APPLE-GLOBALSTAR PARTNERSHIP INTACT

Globalstar currently powers satellite-based safety features such as Emergency SOS and Find My for Apple's iPhone and Apple Watch users. Amazon said that it has signed an agreement with Apple to continue providing those services.

Apple invested about $1.5 billion in Globalstar in 2024 to fund the expansion of its iPhone communication services, in a deal that also gave the tech giant a 20% equity in Globalstar.

Globalstar said late last year that a new, Apple-backed network under development would expand its footprint to 54 satellites, including a small number of backups, from the two dozen currently.
Contoro, a 36-person startup, builds robots that can load and unload heavy cargo from trailers and shipping containers. The Austin-based startup is partnering with the ecommerce company Coupang to bring its robots to Korea. (Provided by Contoro)





An Austin artificial intelligence startup is about to scale up operations, thanks to a new partnership with a global e-commerce company.

Contoro Robotics has secured an investment from Coupang Inc., a Fortune 150 company specializing in online retail, which plans to bring the Austin-based companys robots to warehouses in Korea through a pilot program.

Its a very strong investor from Korea, and that means a lot of things like we can now look into expanding our service to overseas, said Mincheol Kim, Contoros director of technology and automation. Were also getting a lot of insight from different perspectives because Coupang is the largest logistics company in South Korea. So their view is helping us develop our core roadmap as well as what we need to do in the near future.

Contoro was founded by CEO Youngmok Yun in 2022, branched off from the robotics lab at University of Texas at Austin. The company builds robots that load and unload trailers and shipping containers. Its robots are currently only in warehouses in the U.S., primarily in California.

The company just finished its 22nd robot, said Isaac Gomez, manufacturing manager. But with the new investment, Contoro is preparing to ramp production to build from 50 to 65 robots per year.

To accomplish that, Gomez said the company is looking for a new production facility and plans to triple its workforce.

Contoro plans to triple its workforce and move facilities as it readies to double its production operations thanks to its new partnership with Coupang. (Provided by Contoro)





Unlike other Austin-built robots being deployed in warehouses, Contoros are not humanoid. They're designed specifically for the logistics industry.

The robots use both artificial and human intelligence. A human operator can remotely control them to unload trucks and containers, a job that can be slow, tiring and potentially dangerous for humans alone. Corobots are also looking to address the global worker shortage in logistics operations. About 70% of logistics operations worldwide have reported moderate to severe staffing challenges, driven by an aging workforce and high turnover rates. Contoros robots can replace those missing workers and perform tasks that are historically difficult to perform.

ROBOTICS NEWS: Austin-based humanoid robotics startup raises $520 million to ramp up production

We want to be the best box unloading company, and not just stop there, Kim said. We know a lot of warehouses suffer from not automating many of their internal procedures. Box unloading is one of them. Quantitizing, staging, sorting, all of that can be automated. Were hoping Contoro can do that so warehouses dont have to worry about them.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP)  As Ben & Jerrys celebrated its annual Free Cone Day on Tuesday, one of the brands co-founders was focused on a different sort of freedom.

On the corner where his first ice cream shop opened in 1978  and where the first Free Cone Day was held a year later  Ben Cohen called on Ben & Jerrys owner The Magnum Ice Cream Co. to sell the brand. Cohen said Magnum is stifling Ben & Jerry's social activism and he wants to see the brand sold to a group of socially-minded investors.

Magnum prevented Ben & Jerrys from putting out a post supporting Black History Month," Cohen said. "(Ben & Jerry's) wanted to come out with a post calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Magnum prevented that. We wanted to support the student protesters. Magnum wouldnt allow that.

The longer this goes on, the more theyre destroying the brand equity, Cohen added.

Ben & Jerry's other half, Jerry Greenfield, resigned from the company in September 2025, calling it a painful decision after nearly 50 years with the brand and bemoaning in his resignation letter the disappearance of its independence. Cohen is still a paid employee of the company, but said he has no authority or responsibilities.

Cohen believes Ben & Jerry's is now worth between $1.5 billion and $2 billion. He wouldn't name any of the investors who are interested in buying the brand, but said they're eager to talk to Magnum, which is based in Amsterdam.

However, Magnum said Tuesday that Ben & Jerry's is not for sale.

Ben & Jerrys is a proud and thriving part of The Magnum Ice Cream Company," Magnum said in a statement. We remain fully committed to the Ben & Jerrys model and its three-part mission  product, economic and social.

Tuesday's protest was Cohens latest action in a years-long campaign to make Ben & Jerrys an independent company again. Here's the scoop on Ben & Jerry's evolution:

Unilever acquisition

Unilever, a London conglomerate that also owns Dove soap and Hellmanns mayonnaise, acquired Ben & Jerrys in 2000 for $326 million, or the equivalent of $625 million today. At the time, Cohen and his co-founder, Jerry Greenfield, said the partnership would help the progressive Vermont-based ice cream company expand its social mission globally. As part of the deal, Unilever agreed that Ben & Jerrys independent board would be free to pursue its social mission, including longstanding support for causes like racial justice, campaign finance reform and fair trade.
A mega merger between Chicago's two largest airlines may be in the works.

Scott Kirby, the CEO of Chicago-based United Airlines, has floated the idea of a merger with American Airlines to senior government officials, according to a report from Bloomberg. However, right now, it is unclear if the airlines are in the process of exploring a deal.

If this possible merger has legs and is eventually approved by regulatory authorities, it will create the world's largest airline and significantly change the competitive landscape in U.S. aviation. Reports of a merger between United and American drew mixed reviews from travelers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on Tuesday.

"I don't like it. I mean, it'll reduce competition," said traveler Steve Nied. "Higher fares, and maybe less availability."

Traveler Xavier Hale also weighed in, saying, "Smooth out some of the chaos, help both airlines, both employees for each company. I'm all for it."

ABC7 reached out to representatives from both airlines on Tuesday, and they each declined to comment. DePaul University Aviation Expert Joe Schwieterman says a combination of these airlines would control more than one-third of the U.S. market.

SEE ALSO | Expert suggests book airfare now as United CEO warns prices will keep rising due to cost of jet fuel

"It is a bold, ambitious, and somewhat provocative proposal. There's just going to be furious opposition. There was not groundwork laid for this. So, I think it's got an uphill battle," Schwieterman said.

The U.S. airline industry has a long history of consolidation. However, some deals have stalled, including JetBlue's recent attempt to acquire Spirit Airlines, which was blocked on antitrust grounds.

"I think it's surprising on the numbers, as we do them in the antitrust world, to think that two of the four largest carriers could merge," said UChicago Law School Professor Randy Picker.

Picker teaches classes in antitrust.

"Market by market. How does it affect consumers? How is it going to affect labor? How will it matter for pilots and the mechanics on the ground and the flight attendants in the air?" Picker said.

Surprise talk of a merger comes as airlines deal with rising fuel prices brought by the war in Iran and as United and American's competition for more gates at O'Hare forced the Federal Aviation Administration to step in and demand the carriers reduce their summer schedules.

"The times don't feel right for a bold move like this, that would really shake up an industry with some potentially big negative effects," Schwieterman said.
Chery Automobile plans to expand its vehicle production in Europe through a new partnership with an existing vehicle manufacturer, according to a Reuters report citing top executives at the company.

The Chinese automaker has already invested in a former Nissan assembly plant in Barcelona, Spain, through a joint venture with local automotive company Ebro. The company aims to produce 200,000 vehicles annually at this facility by 2029.

Chery is now understood to be looking for a new partner in Europe, with the aim once again of making use of existing surplus production capacity to expand its manufacturing base in the region. This strategy helps reduce up-front investment costs, by providing the company with readily available vehicle production infrastructure.

Cherys chairman, Yin Tongyue, told reporters at a recent launch event for the companys Omoda and Jaecoo brands in France that the company prefers to use existing production capacity instead of investing heavily in a new assembly plant. I hope we will have news to share with you in the coming months.

Lionel Keogh, Cherys chief commercial officer for France, told reporters on the sidelines of the event that Chery is looking for other production capacities in Europe, adding that the company is currently holding confidential talks with a number of European automakers without disclosing any names, saying only that France is on the list of potential production locations.

Chery is one of a growing number of Chinese automakers to have entered the European vehicle market in the last few years, putting pressure on existing manufacturers volumes. Last year, the company saw its European sales surge more than sixfold to over 120,000 vehicles.

"Chery to expand its vehicle production capacity in Europe" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




In the 1950s when people imagined what the future would look like, they thought about automatic dinners and flying cars.

What they maybe didnt expect was how normal AI use would look.

Nearly every American industry has embraced AI, using it for everything from chatbots to automating tasks and writing articles, and even shopping.

And no industry has embraced it more than the banking sector. Next time you talk or chat with someone at your bank, it might not be with a person, but a robot.

Banks are embracing AI use

Large banks have been quick to embrace AI use to increase efficiency. And they are spending billions to try and keep up with the latest trends.

JP Morgan, for example, has an annual technology budget of almost $20 billion, while Bank of America spent around $13 billion in 2025.

Banks have found a way to include generative AI in nearly every aspect of their business. Many use it to help with customer service, but is also being incorporated into trading and software engineering.

Related: Lower rates may unleash massive dealmaking wave for investment banks

AI usage by banks surges

JP Morgan has made generative AI a core part of its focus, with half of its employees using AI tools every day, according to JP Morgans chief analytics officer Derek Waldron.

Wells Fargo uses Googles conversational AI for its virtual assistant chat.

PNC also regularly uses AI to automate tedious tasks, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Capital One uses AI to help with customer service and to drive personalization.

Bank of America has an AI financial assistant to help customers manage their accounts.

AI use is not without its controversy

U.S. government officials have warned banks that a new AI model from Anthropic could increase cyberattacks, The New York Times reported. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency has warned that demand for AI and data centers could increase climate change risks.

The latest bank to fully embrace AI is Citibank. But it wont just use AI to automate simple tasks.

It plans to use AI to help clients make investment decisions.

Citibank is making AI a key feature for its wealth clients. Shutterstock

Citibank expands AI products for client portfolios

Citigroup already uses AI in its operations. The banks head of technology, Tim Ryan, told Reuters that it uses AI to help with account openings and retire old software.

Now the banks wealth clients will receive a more customized experience thanks to AI.

Citi Wealth aims to set the industry standard for client advice and service, Andy Sieg, head of wealth at Citigroup said in a statement. Our objective is to create an ecosystem of AI-powered tools that scale the identification of investment opportunities, spot risks and provide guidance for next steps.
Chad Rigetti has devoted his career to quantum computinga phrase youve perhaps most recently encountered in Marvels Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Superhero movies aside, quantum computing is somewhere between reality and moonshot. In the most rudimentary terms (all I feel remotely qualified to give you), a quantum computer uses counterintuitive rules of physics to compute some information exponentially faster than classical computers. Its realthough its so far failed to scale or find widespread commercial useand it holds an air of science fiction, even in how an expert like Rigetti thinks about it.

Take his new companys name. Its drawn from Patrick Rothfusss sci-fi novel The Name of the Wind.

In the book, sygaldry is a discipline that involves inscribing runes or letters on different objects to govern heat or light flow, Rigetti told Fortune. Its also an engineering discipline with some degree of precision to it. If you do it wrong, you can blow things up.

Sygaldry is the company Rigetti cofounded in 2024 after leaving Rigetti Computing, the developer of quantum computer circuits that he founded in 2013 and went public via SPAC in 2022. Sygaldrys been quiet for years, but recently spoke to Fortune, exclusively revealing for the first time that it raised funding. Sygaldry has raised a total of $139 million, including a $105 million Series A led by Breakthrough Energy Ventures that closed in March. The companys $34 million seed round was led by Initialized Capital and closed back in August.

At Sygaldry, Rigetti and cofounders Idalia Friedson and Michael Keiser are looking at one of AIs central questions: How are we going to power all these data centers? Rigetti believes that quantum can offer answers, as Sygaldry designs servers for AI data centers that include both quantum hardware and classical chips.

The idea is this: work with multiple quantum hardware types that help run AI workloads faster than Nvidias GPUs can. Rigettis goal: To have machines in commercial production that are providing speed up for these AI workloads around the end of the decade.

Quantum is going to be a fundamentally more efficient way of translating power into intelligence, said Rigetti.

This is key to the investing thesis, Carmichael Roberts, Breakthrough Energy Ventures managing partner, told Fortune via email, that the energy intensity of large language models continues to grow at a rate that is unsustainable and that theres a path to breaking this paradigm Sygaldry can capitalize on. It wont happen all at once, Daniel Dart, Rock Yard Ventures founder and Sygaldry investor, said. AI added new capabilities, and quantum will remove limits, Dart said. Think of the move from the horse and carriage to the automobile and the airplane.
April 14 (Reuters) - Chinese chipmaker Yangtze Memory Technologies (YMTC) aims to build two more factories in addition to one that will be completed this year, which will more than double its production capacity when all three are up and running, people familiar with the plans said.

China has been keen to wean itself from foreign technologies such as semiconductors - a critical sector that the U.S. has sought to limit Chinese advancements in. This month, a cross-party group of U.S. politicians proposed imposing further restrictions nL6N40M0EZ on exports of chipmaking tools to China.

The three new plants will each have the capacity to produce 100,000 wafers per month when fully operational, said three sources who were not authorised to speak to media and declined to be identified.

Unlisted YMTC, China's largest maker of NAND flash memory chips that store data in smartphones and computers, currently has two fabs which can produce a combined 200,000 wafers per month, they added.

Its plans for the two new plants as well as details about the factory that is close to completion are being reported by Reuters for the first time.

YMTC, one of many Chinese companies that the U.S. restricts sales of goods to, did not respond to a request for comment.

STRONGER TIES WITH DOMESTIC SUPPLIERS

YMTC's third factory, which like its first two plants is located in Wuhan, should start operations late this year and be capable of producing 50,000 wafers per month by 2027, according to two of the sources.

The building has been completed and the company is currently installing equipment, they said, adding that more than 50% of equipment has been sourced from domestic companies including critical tools used for vertical stacking of chip layers.

YMTC has intensified collaboration with local suppliers such as Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment (AMEC) since the U.S. Commerce Department added YMTC to its Entity List in December 2022, they said.

AMEC also did not respond to a request for comment.

Reuters was not able to learn target operational dates for the two factories being planned or where they might be located.

RAPID PROGRESS IN TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW

Founded in 2016 in Wuhan with strong backing from local government and major state-backed chip investment funds, YMTC has made relatively quick strides in know-how, and analysts say its latest Xtacking 4.0 architecture is on par with products from sector leaders like Samsung Electronics.

Although most of its sales are in China, YMTC accounted for 11.8% of the global NAND flash market last year, according to a UBS report. While Samsung commands 30.4% of the market, YMTC has the same share as Sandisk and is not too far behind SK Hynix, Kioxia and Micron which hold 16%, 15.9% and 13.3% respectively.
April 14 (Reuters) - Meta (META) will work with chip designer Broadcom (AVGO) to produce several generations of custom artificial intelligence processors under an expanded deal as the social media giant races to build out the computing capacity needed to power AI features across its apps.

Tuesday's announcement extends the tie-up until 2029 and includes an initial commitment of over one gigawatt of computing capacity, enough to power roughly 750,000 U.S. homes on average.

As part of the deal, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan would leave Meta's board and move to an advisory role on its custom chip strategy, the companies said in a joint statement.

As AI drives a surge in computing demand, big technology companies such as Meta, Google and Amazon are designing their own chips to reduce reliance on Nvidia's costly processors.

That custom chip boom has made Broadcom one of the biggest winners of generative AI. The company works with clients to develop custom processors and supplies infrastructure software.

Its shares were up 3.5% in extended trading, while those of Meta were little changed.

The tie-up helps "build out the massive computing foundation we need to deliver personal superintelligence to billions of people," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.

The company, which last month unveiled a roadmap of four new chips, said the initial capacity commitment with Broadcom was "the first phase of a sustained, multi-gigawatt rollout."

Broadcom's Ethernet networking technology will also be used to connect Meta's rapidly growing clusters of AI computers.

The first chip from Meta Training and Inference Accelerator (MTIA) program, called the MTIA 300, already powers Meta's ranking and recommendation systems, with three more due through 2027. The later generations are designed for inference, the process by which AI models respond to user queries.

Separately, Meta said on Tuesday Tracey Travis, who has been on its board since 2020, would not stand for re-election at the company's annual shareholder meeting.

(Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Maju Samuel)
Jeff Bezos-backed electric vehicle startup Slate Auto has raised another $650 million as the company prepares to put its first affordable pickup trucks into production by the end of 2026.

The carmaker said Monday that the Series C funding round was led by TWG Global, a firm run by Guggenheim Partners chief executive (and Los Angeles Dodgers owner) Mark Walter and investor Thomas Tull. Slate Autos press release thanked visionary investors but the company did not name any others who were involved in the fundraise.

More from Yahoo Scout What makes Slate Auto's approach different from competitors? Who are the key Amazon executives behind Slate Auto? How much funding has Slate Auto raised in total? What challenges face the electric vehicle market currently?

The new round means Slate Auto has raised roughly $1.4 billion to date. Previous investors have included General Catalyst, Jeff Bezos family office, VC firm Slauson & Co., and former Amazon executive Diego Piacentini, as TechCrunch first reported last year.

The company is also loaded with Amazon DNA. Beyond its investors, it was co-founded by Amazons former Consumer CEO Jeff Wilke. The heads of Slates mobility, user experience/user interface, e-commerce, fleet sales, and HR teams all used to work at Amazon. And, the company recently installed former Amazon Marketplace VP Peter Faricy as CEO. (Former CEO and Chrysler veteran Chris Barman moved to a new role as President of Vehicles.)

Slate Autos Series C comes at a turbulent moment for the electric vehicle market in the United States. Major automakers are pulling back plans to launch electric vehicles here, especially after the loss of the $7,500 federal tax credit last year. Teslas overall sales have declined two years in a row. Newcomers like Rivian and Lucid Motors have struggled to reach scale, though both of those companies are launching new, more affordable models this year.

Founded in 2022, Slate Auto is taking a different approach than pretty much any other automaker. The company is targeting the extreme low-end of the market with a bare-bones electric truck that is expected to start in the mid-$20,000s. Customers will be able to customize the truck in various ways for more money, including adding an SUV conversion kit for around $5,000.

The company originally planned to price the truck around $27,000, and shortly after it emerged from stealth in 2025 was promoting a starting price of under $20,000 with the federal tax credit applied. Final pricing is now coming in June, according to the company.

Slate Auto has drawn a fair amount of interest even with the loss of the federal tax credit. The company has racked up more than 160,000 refundable reservations for its EV. The company recently said that it tapped Faricy as its new CEO in part to get working on converting these reservations into paid orders. Slates also spending a few hundred million dollars renovating a former printing factory in Indiana where it plans to build the EVs.
The global retailer IKEA operates under a dual structure that combines Swedish brand identity with Dutch corporate ownership. This model supports its international franchise system and long-term retail expansion, while maintaining a consistent global image rooted in its origins.

Founded in 1943 in Almhult, Sweden, the company is widely associated with Scandinavian design and culture. Yet its intellectual property and franchise operations are managed from the Netherlands, reflecting a corporate structure developed to support global growth and governance.

Swedish roots shape brand identity

IKEAs connection to Sweden remains central to its retail proposition. Product design and development are led by IKEA of Sweden AB, based in Almhult, the companys original home.

Founder Ingvar Kamprad established the business with a focus on affordability and functional design. These principles continue to define IKEAs product range and store experience.

The company highlights its Swedish heritage through product naming, design language and in-store communication. Many items carry Swedish names, reinforcing brand consistency across markets and strengthening its identity with international consumers.

IKEA describes its approach as democratic design, aiming to combine form, function, quality and sustainability at accessible price points.

Dutch ownership enables global franchising

The IKEA concept and brand are owned by Inter IKEA Systems B.V., headquartered in Delft, Netherlands. This entity is responsible for franchising the IKEA brand and ensuring consistency across markets.

It sits within Inter IKEA Group, which manages the overall concept and strategic direction. This Netherlands-based structure allows IKEA to oversee intellectual property, licensing and expansion at a global level.

Most IKEA stores are operated by franchisees rather than the brand owner itself. This model enables local market adaptation while maintaining standardised store formats, product ranges and customer experience.

The company states that the franchise system helps balance central control with operational flexibility.

Hybrid model supports global retail growth

IKEAs combination of Swedish heritage and Dutch corporate governance has underpinned its growth into one of the worlds largest home furnishings retailers. The structure allows the company to scale internationally while preserving a clear and recognisable brand identity.

Separating brand ownership from retail operations enables IKEA to expand through partnerships without diluting control over its concept. This approach also supports long-term planning and investment across markets.
Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) manufacturer Xpeng Group has confirmed that it is currently carrying out a feasibility study to establish a vehicle assembly plant in Thailand, after sales of zero-emission vehicles in the country surged by 88% to over 140,000 units last year.

Chinese BEV manufacturers are hoping that surging oil prices due to the war in Iran will translate into higher demand for non-internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the region such as BEVs. Xpeng is looking to establish a plant that would support the companys regional expansion drive, as well as supply vehicles for the local market.

Xpeng entered the Thai market a year ago with completely built up (CBU) imports from its main manufacturing hub in Guangzhou, China, with sales amounting to around 2,800 units last year  split between the G6 and X9 models. A final decision on the investment is expected to be made in the next year.

Apiwan Singthaweesak, CEO of Xpeng Thailand, confirmed that "Xpeng is assessing and discussing investment opportunities in Thailand, including talks with a local company, adding that Thailand offers good BEV sales opportunities, helped by government incentives.

"Xpeng considers building BEV assembly plant in Thailand" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.




Putin holds talks with Indonesian president in Moscow on trade, geopolitics

Xinhua) 09:10, April 14, 2026

MOSCOW, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Moscow on bilateral trade and the current geopolitical situation, the Kremlin said in a statement.

Putin noted that Russia-Indonesia trade turnover grew by 12.5 percent in 2025, expressing confidence that Russia and Indonesia will be able to find solutions to maintain stable trade dynamics.

According to Putin, energy, space, agriculture and pharmaceuticals are among the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

He added that Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS, which represents yet another opportunity for cooperation, similar to cooperation between Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union.

Subianto expressed gratitude to Russia for its support in helping Indonesia join BRICS in such a short period of time.

"One of the goals of my visit today is to consult with you on the current geopolitical situation," Subianto told Putin. "We see Russia's undeniably positive contribution to modern geopolitical development amid ongoing geopolitical processes marked by high uncertainty."

According to Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilyov, Russia has received a request from Indonesia for the supply of petroleum products and the parties have already started working on long-term contracts.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Chaldean Synod Elects New Patriarch of Baghdad to Succeed Cardinal Sako

Archbishop Amel Nona, new Patriarch fo the Chaldean Catholic Church. The Synod of the Chaldean Catholic Church elected Archbishop Amel Shamon Nona as the new Patriarch of Baghdad.

After meeting in Rome on 9 April the Synod elected Nona on Sunday, the second day of voting. He took the patriarchal name Paul III and will be enthroned on 15 May.

The 58-year-old previously headed the Eparchy of St Thomas the Apostle in Sydney, to which he was appointed in 2015.

His election as patriarch followed the resignation on 10 March of Cardinal Louis Raphael I Sako, who issued a message on Sunday offering Nona "sincerest congratulations and best wishes for a reign filled with achievements, progress, and joy".

Nona also received congratulations from Iraqi officials and politicians, the leaders of other Eastern Catholic Churches and from the heads of the other major Churches in Iraq -- Patriarch Awa II of the Assyrian Church of the East and Patriarch Gewargis III Younan of the Ancient Church of the East.

The Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe SDB, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference of which Nona was a member, said the new patriarch was "a shepherd formed by prayer, unwavering commitment to his people and great courage in the face of the challenges facing the Church in his homeland".

"In a world scarred by conflict and division, the ministry of Patriarch Amel Nona will be a call to communion -- within the Church, across cultures and among all who seek peace rooted in justice and faith," Archbishop Costelloe said.

Born in Aqlosh, in the Nineveh Plains of northern Iraq, Nona was ordained a priest in 1991 and in 2009 was appointed Archbishop of Mosul aged 42, after terrorists murdered his predecessor Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho.

In 2014, Nona joined the evacuation of Christians from Mosul during attacks by Islamic State militants, taking shelter in Erbil in northern Iraq on the invitation of Archbishop Bashar Warda. Nona and Warda were among the five bishops who refused to attend the Chaldean Synod in July 2024, accusing Cardinal Sako of canonical irregularities in his conduct as patriarch.

A biography of the new published by the Chaldean Patriarchate said he was "known for his theological depth, human closeness to his people and courage in witnessing the faith amid challenges".

In an address to the bishops meeting for the Synod in Rome on 10 April, Pope Leo said they were "called to elect the patriarch in a delicate and complex, and sometimes even controversial, period".

"In the light of events that have marked your Church in recent years, I feel with particular intensity the responsibility of the moment that you are living," he said.

Pope Leo said the new patriarch should be "a man of the Beatitudes" who was "called not to extraordinary gestures and to cause uproar, but to a daily sanctity made by honesty, mercy and purity of heart".

He continued: "I recommend that you be observant and transparent in the administration of goods, sober, measured and responsible in the use of mass media, and careful in public declarations, so that every word and deed helps to build -- and not harm -- ecclesial communion and the witness of the Church."

The Pope's address also acknowledged the contributions of Cardinal Sako "and the remarkable efforts he made" for the Chaldean Church.

The cardinal published a "farewell message" on 9 April ahead of the Synod in Rome, praying that the bishops would elect "one who embodies their unity and ensures their vitality" while affirming his decision not to attend.

"My absence from this assembly is an expression of respect for the bishops' conscience in making their choice," he said.

Sako's message included a defence of his 13 years as head of the Church, arguing that they had seen a "qualitative transformation" expressing both "the beauty of tradition" and "the necessity for renewal", referring to his efforts to reform the Chaldean liturgy.

"Tradition is not mummification, but a living spirit that continues with time in new forms. Unfortunately, this is what some people have failed to realise," he said.

Through work with other Churches, dialogue with Islam and engagement with the state to protect the rights of Christians, the Chaldean Patriarchate "has become a religious, national, and social reference, and I really hope this will continue", Sako said.

"I have refused to submit to blackmail, bribery or compromise and never ever bowed my head except for God in order to remain free and true to my conscience and my mission," he said, adding a note to his message detailing his personal means and possessions alongside the financial condition of the patriarchate.

Sako's resignation in March was announced on the same day as that of Bishop Emanuel Hana Shaleta of the Eparchy of St Peter the Apostle of San Diego, who faces allegations of financial misconduct.
More than $1 billion in additional dairy plant investment has been announced in recent weeks. These publicly announced investments, combined with private data, bring the total U.S. dairy processing plant investment to over $13 billion. The top states for new investments include New York, Texas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Idaho, and Iowa. As more cows, and therefore milk and component production, have flowed into these areas, dairy product manufacturing has exploded.

Dairy cows are moving across the states

All of the top six states for dairy processing investments have expanded their dairy cow herds since January 2023, with Texas (up 68,000; 10.5%) and Idaho (up 60,000; 9%) leading the pack. Michigan (up 27,000; 6.2%) and New York (up 23,000; 3.7%) followed suit, while Iowa (up 5,000; 2.1%) and Wisconsin (up 20,000; 1.6%) posted smaller gains.

Wherever the milk is flowing, the money to invest often follows. It is likely, though, that New York in particular, with over $3 billion of the total $13 billion, may be short on milk as the processing plants come online. The competition for components, namely butterfat and protein, will be significant in that region until supplies are more balanced to fill the plants. Since no plant runs at full capacity on opening day, that leaves some time for the herds to expand as the processing capacity does as well.

Of course, it should be mentioned that the entire U.S. dairy herd has grown to its largest size in over 30 years at 9.615 million cows, largely due to farmers keeping cows longer to make more dairy-beef calves. Replacement heifers also are hard to find and expensive to purchase when found. The U.S. dairy industry has been laser-focused on making elite replacements and breeding the rest of the herd to beef semen to capture record-high dairy-beef calf prices, which recently topped $1,800 per head on average in March, according to USDA Pennsylvania Livestock Auction data. Dairy cow slaughter has picked up over the past eight months but remains below the long-term average, keeping the herd size running on the high side.

Supply and utilization of dairy products have expanded as processing has come online over the past three years, with the most influential being cheese production. In 2025, a record 14.66 billion pounds of cheese was produced, 2.9% or 409 million pounds more than the year prior, according to USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) data. Even compared to two years ago when some of these processing assets were first announced, cheese production has grown by over half a million pounds. Butter has followed a similar trend, up 5.8% year-over-year to a record 2.37 billion pounds produced in 2025.

Both domestic and international markets have had to develop further to take on this added U.S. dairy product production. U.S. dairy exports had a near-record year in 2025, most notably in the cheese and butter segment, posting records of 1.3 billion and 269 million pounds, respectively. Demand for dairy is exceptionally strong and continues to grow, prompting more investment to take place here in the U.S.

To comment, email your remarks to [email protected] .
Nearmap today announced the next phase of its evolution as a global property intelligence company, bringing together geospatial data capture, AI-derived analytics, and verified building materials data to create a single, trusted source of truth for property decisions.

Across insurance, government, and the architecture, engineering, construction and operations industries, understanding property conditions has traditionally required piecing together information. Imagery may come from one provider, analytics from another, and materials data only after a loss occurs. This fragmentation slows decision-making and leaves organisations working with incomplete insight.

Nearmap property intelligence connects visual data, AI analytics, and verified materials insight to create a comprehensive understanding of properties at scale, turning what was once disparate information into clear, actionable evidence. While most providers specialise in individual layers of property data, Nearmap brings capture, analytics, and materials intelligence together in one platform.

Organisations have long been forced to make important property decisions without having the full picture  an image here, a dataset there, and a lot of manual interpretation between, said Andy Watt, Chief Executive Officer at Nearmap. Nearmap connects capture, AI-driven analysis, and materials intelligence into a single, reliable source of truth. When organisations can clearly understand what exists on a property and how its changing, they can reduce uncertainty and make better decisions at scale.

Nearmap imagery is one source of truth that allows us to understand many attributes about a property that standard data sources may not catch, said Adam Sturt, SVP of Data and Analytics at Kin Insurance. Recent imagery from Nearmap allows us to review the insights against the analytics and truly understand the propertys condition.

Nearmap controls the full property intelligence value chain, from patented camera technology that captures high-resolution aerial imagery to AI-derived insights about structures, conditions, and change over time. When combined with building materials intelligence, the result is a consistent and verifiable understanding of properties at scale.

A key step in expanding these capabilities came with the acquisition of itel in 2025, a leader in building materials intelligence. Integrating itels verified materials data and pricing expanded what Nearmap can deliver to insurers and property professionals, particularly when evaluating repair-versus-replace decisions and improving claims accuracy within a single platform.

Nearmap has been a part of our business for as long as I can remember. Witnessing the evolution of the product - and the insights it now delivers  has been truly remarkable, Ben Marsonet, Chief Executive Officer, Altus Traffic Australia.

Another milestone in the companys growth was its acquisition by leading software investment firm Thoma Bravo in 2023, which accelerated investment in capture technology, artificial intelligence, and data innovation.

Organisations are under increasing pressure to understand property risk, cost, and change with far greater precision, said Peter Hernandez, Principal at Thoma Bravo. The Nearmap approach to combining capture, analytics, and materials intelligence creates a differentiated platform that addresses those needs. Were excited to support the company as it continues to scale that vision.

As risks tied to climate, infrastructure, and development continue to evolve, organisations need clearer insight into the properties and assets they manage. Nearmap helps replace uncertainty with evidence so teams can see truth, assess risk, and act with certainty.

Founded in Australia in 2007, Nearmap has grown into a global technology company supporting customers across North America, Australia, and beyond. For more information, visit www.nearmap.com.

About Nearmap

Nearmap is a global property intelligence company redefining how organisations understand and act on the built environment. By owning the entire intelligence value chain  from high-recency geospatial capture powered by patented camera technology to accurate AI-derived analytics and guaranteed building materials data  Nearmap delivers a single, trusted source of truth for property decisions. Insurers, government agencies, and AECO organisations rely on Nearmap to transform property uncertainty into evidence, helping organisations move beyond fragmented data and manual processes with verified, frequently updated insight. These proprietary insights enable faster, more confident decisions across underwriting and claims, assessment and response, and planning and construction so teams can see truth, assess risk, and act with certainty. Founded in Australia in 2007, Nearmap stands as the definitive source of truth that shapes the livable world. For more information, visit www.nearmap.com.
COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT: Australian technology company Ion Video (ASX IOV) is in discussions with two of the worlds largest tech companies  Meta and Alphabet  about its ground-breaking video technology.

In an ASX announcement today, Ion told the market that it has had initial discussions with senior executives across different departments within Meta Platforms and Alphabet.

These conversations have been substantive in nature. Ion has responded to requests for further detailed information in respect of the company's intellectual property, the announcement said.

In addition, Ion said it has held initial meetings with senior executives of a number of other major global technology organisations.

The announcement said these organisations span a broad cross-section of the content and technology ecosystem, covering social media platforms, enterprise technology providers, streaming and broadcast infrastructure, and consumer electronics. This breadth of engagement reflects the genuinely cross-industry applicability of Ion's patented technology.

The interest in Ions technology by such large companies is important as it shows the potential of Ions technology which it says solves one of the biggest structural limitations of the internet: videos incompatibility with AI.

The issue for AI is that it can analyse a video and identifying objects, scenes or timestamps but in a major limitation it cannot easily assemble new video experiences from existing content. Any modification requires editing and re-rendering, which creates new files and drives significant storage, compute and workflow costs.

Ions breakthrough centres on treating video as a single, fixed file, with its patented technology separating the internal structure of the video from the raw audio and visual data that make up the content.

Basically, it turns video from a static file into a programmable data format. It means AI can treat video more like text or code enabling it to compose, personalise and generate dynamically.

Ion Chief Innovation Officer Finbar OHanlon stressed in the announcement that no commercial agreements, licensing arrangements or partnership contracts have been signed or agreed.

These engagements are at an early stage and there is no certainty that they will result in any formal arrangement, he said.

He said during talks, organisations have:
23:58 Youth assaulted in Raj, forced to drink urine over WhatsApp chat with a girl File image A man was allegedly assaulted, humiliated, and forced to drink urine by a group of men in Rajasthan's Barmer district over suspicion of a WhatsApp chat with a girl, police said on Tuesday. The two accused have been detained, and a search is on for others.The incident took place on... Read more >

23:52 Mossad chief: War with Iran not over until its 'extremist regime' falls A damaged building in Tehran./Image courtesy IRIB/ANI video grab Outgoing Mossad Director David Barnea said Israel's campaign against Iran will not be considered complete until the country's ruling system is replaced, delivering one of his clearest statements yet linking the ongoing conflict to the future of the Islamic Republic itself.Our commitment will be... Read more >

23:46 Imran Khan's sisters again denied meeting their brother at Pak jail Jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's sisters were again denied a meeting with their brother at Adiala Jail on Tuesday.The sisters were not allowed to enter the jail in Rawalpindi by the authorities, following which they returned to the checkpost where they are typically stopped by... Read more >

23:38 Factory workers protest in Faridabad for 2nd day; 23 held File image Workers of an automotive components manufacturing factory protested for the second day at Sarai Khawaja area here on Tuesday to press for the implementation of the minimum wage hike announced by the Haryana government last week. According to the police, 23 protesters were detained when they... Read more >

23:32 Two children killed, three injured as soil mound collapses at brick kiln in UP Two children were killed on Tuesday and three others seriously injured after a mound of mud collapsed on them while they were playing at a brick kiln in Saharanpur, the police said.The deceased have been identified as Javed, 8, son of Naseem, and Amiya, 11, daughter of Haroon.The three injured... Read more >

23:31 Pune: Music student found hanging at institute hostel Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff A 25-year-old woman flautist pursuing a postgraduate course in music at an institute in the district was allegedly found hanging in her hostel room. No suicide note, however, was found, said a police official. Renuka Likhite, a resident of Indore, was found hanging in her room at the spiritual... Read more >

22:56 Kharge to host key Oppn huddle before Parl sitting on women's quota law Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will hold a key opposition huddle here on Wednesday to formulate a joint strategy ahead of the special Parliament sitting this week, during which bills related to women's quota law and delimitation will be taken up.There will be an important internal meeting... Read more >

22:33 15 collapse at Vijay's Tiruppur rally, campaign cancelled File image A major election rally for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay was abruptly cancelled in Tiruppur district on Tuesday after at least 15 supporters collapsed due to severe heat and overcrowding.Following the incident and severe congestion, a scheduled six-kilometre roadshow by the... Read more >

22:26 Ladakh LG hopeful of positive outcome of Centre and LAB-KDA talks File image of arson and violence in Leh after a statehood protest in September 2025./ANI Photo Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday expressed confidence that the ongoing dialogue between the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) with the Centre will lead to a resolution, asserting that he remains available to support the process whenever required. I... Read more >

22:01 Modi, Trump discuss Hormuz blockade; energy deals on the table Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held discussions with US President Donald Trump on bilateral co-operation, including several big-ticket deals, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said. Some big-ticket deals, including on energy, are expected between India and the US in the next few days and... Read more >

21:43 India projected to grow at 6.5% in FY27: IMF Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com India's economy is expected to grow a tad faster at 6.5 percent in 2027 despite escalating tensions in West Asia, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday.The 6.5 percent growth projection makes India the fastest-growing major economy in 2026.For 2026, growth is revised upward... Read more >

21:14 Ambedkar Jayanti: Tension in Agra after miscreants climb Parshuram Chowk File image Tension prevailed briefly in parts of Agra on Tuesday after some unruly elements allegedly tried to disturb the atmosphere on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, the police said. According to officials, a few youths carrying blue flags climbed atop Parshuram Chowk in the Sikandra police station... Read more >

20:43 Samrat Choudhary to take oath as new Bihar CM tomorrow Outgoing Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pats deputy CM Samrat Choudhary in Patna on Tuesday./ANI Photo Bihar deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary will take oath as the new CM of the state on Wednesday, a senior minister said in Patna.His statement came after Choudhary was elected the leader of the NDA legislative party on Tuesday.Nitish Kumar, who heads the Janata Dal-United and became a Rajya... Read more >

20:33 Woman kills teenage daughter before taking own life in Bengaluru Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com A 45-year-old woman allegedly smothered her 13-year-old daughter before taking her own life at their residence in the Whitefield area of the city on Tuesday, the police said.The deceased were identified as Suvarna, a homemaker and her daughter Tarunya, they said.The incident occurred around 11... Read more >

19:49 BJP, TMC workers clash during poll campaign in Kolkata File image Workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Trinamool Congress clashed in the Dhapa area of east Kolkata on Tuesday, the police said.The incident happened when BJP's Entally candidate Priyanka Tibrewal was campaigning in ward 58 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, they said.An altercation, which... Read more >

19:25 Chikungunya cases reported in Kerala; surveillance stepped up Health authorities on Tuesday urged people to remain vigilant after cases of chikungunya were reported from parts of Ernakulam district in Kerala.According to officials, clusters have been identified in Kunnukara and Chengamanad panchayats.So far, nine cases have been confirmed, while 19 are... Read more >

19:19 Samrat Choudhary meets guv, stakes claim to form govt BJP's Samrat Choudhary mets Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday/ANI Photo/BJP on X Just In: Bharatiya Janata Party's Samrat Choudhary has met Bihar Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday and staked claim to form the government in the state.More details soon. Read more >

18:58 Non-domicile candidates cannot claim reserved category seats: Raj HC In a significant ruling on the scope of reservations in postgraduate medical admissions, the Rajasthan high court has affirmed that candidates belonging to other states cannot claim reserved category seats in Rajasthan. The decision came on a petition moved by the Federation of Private Medical... Read more >

18:29 Nirav Modi case to be heard in secret as extradition nears Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi has been granted anonymity by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in France's Strasbourg, taking away his case from public scrutiny, officials said.The court will treat his case as confidential, and proceedings in the matter will be conducted away from the... Read more >

18:11 Seven-year-old Asiatic lion dies at Vizag zoo after illness File image A seven-year-old male Asiatic lion died due to illness at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (Vizag Zoo), officials said on Tuesday.Curator G Mangamma said the lion died this morning despite continuous veterinary care, monitoring, and treatment.In a statement, she said the male Asiatic lion, named... Read more >

17:45 TVK chief Vijay assures waiver of crop loans for farmers if voted to power TVK chief Vijay on Tuesday assured waiver of crop loans for farmers and slammed the DMK government over the alleged closure of MSMEs in the state.Addressing an election rally here, Vijay promised full waiver of crop loans for small farmers, owning less than 5 acres and 50 percent waiver for those... Read more >

17:30 'New govt will have my full cooperation': Nitish Kumar Rajya Sabha MP and Janata Dal-United chief Nitish Kumar tendered his resignation as the Bihar Chief Minister to the Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd) on Tuesday, marking the end of his over two-decade-long career as the CM. Following Kumar's resignation, Samrat Choudhary was elected as the... Read more >

17:17 Two MBA students die of suspected drug overdose at music concert; 6 held Two MBA students, including a woman, died due to suspected drug overdose during a music concert in the western suburbs here, police said on Tuesday.The police on Monday arrested six persons, including the event organiser, a suspected drug supplier and two students, in connection with the... Read more >

17:03 Four killed, 15 hurt in blast at Chhattisgarh power plant File image Four workers were killed and 15 others injured in an explosion at a power plant in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district on Tuesday, the police said, adding that some workers are feared trapped at the site.According to preliminary information, the blast occurred in a boiler tube at the Vedanta Limited... Read more >

17:01 SC stays Raj HC relief to gang-rape accused; victim cites threats to life The Supreme Court has stayed the operation of a Rajasthan High Court order granting ex parte interim bail to accused persons in a gang rape case, observing that such relief in a serious offence required consideration after hearing all parties.The apex court also issued notice to the respondents,... Read more >

16:48 China reveals Xi's 4 points for Middle East peace File image Chinese foreign ministry on Tuesday listed out a four-point proposal given by President Xi Jinping for lasting peace in the Middle East. Spokesperson of ministry of foreign affairs of Mao Ning said that the proposal was based on the principle of peaceful co-existence, sovereignty, among... Read more >

16:44 Modi likely to visit Karnataka on April 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Karnataka on April 15 as part of a one-day tour that includes an official programme in Mandya district.The Prime Minister is likely to depart from Delhi at 7.15 am aboard an Indian Air Force B-777 aircraft and arrive at HAL Airport in Bengaluru at... Read more >

16:28 Cong slams Shiv Sena MP Deora over Asha Bhosle funeral remark The Maharashtra Congress on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, accusing him of shamelessness and ingratitude after he apparently targeted the party for not sending representation at legendary singer Asha Bhosle's funeral.In a stinging post on X, the Congress said... Read more >

16:05 Samrat Choudhary will be Bihar's first BJP CM Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has been picked as the new CM at the BJP legislative party meeting. He will be the first Bihar CM from the BJP. This comes after Nitish Kumar submitted his resignation at the Lok Bhavan in Patna. During a meeting of the council of ministers... Read more >

15:52 Marathi mandatory for auto, taxi drivers from May 1 Knowing Marathi will be mandatory for all licensed rickshaw and taxi drivers in Maharashtra from May 1, and a statewide campaign will be conducted through the offices of the Motor Transport Department, cabinet minister Pratap Sarnaik said on Tuesday. In a statement issued by his office,... Read more >

15:20 Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar CM Nitish Kumar resigns as Bihar Chief Minister. Ahead of the resignation, Nitish demanded the dissolution of his cabinet as he met Governor Syed Ata Hasnain to submit his resignation from the CM post, state minister Ram Kripal Yadav said.Kumar, the state's longest-serving chief minister,... Read more >

15:10 Hate-filled thinking of BJP, RSS destroying Constitution: Rahul Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a two-pronged attack in poll-bound West Bengal, accusing the BJP and the RSS of destroying the Constitution with their hate-filled thinking, while claiming the ruling TMC has failed in fulfilling its promise of providing jobs to the state's... Read more >

15:01 Iran demands compensation from 5 Arab nations Iran has called for compensation from five Arab countries, accusing them of enabling US-Israeli aggression by allowing their territories to be used for attacks against the country, the Iranian state media, Press TV, reported. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio... Read more >

14:57 Ashaji gifted me the soundtrack to my success: Zeenat Aman Calling Asha Bhosle the soundtrack to her success, veteran actor Zeenat Aman said it was a privilege that the legendary singer sang many of the hits in her career.Bhosle, who died on Sunday at the age of 92, was the voice behind several songs featuring the actor, including Dum Maro Dum from the... Read more >

14:43 John Cena remembers late Asha Bhosle Actor and former wrestler John Cena has paid tribute to legendary singer Asha Bhosle with a post.Cena shared a picture of the late singer on his Instagram handle on Monday, which featured Bhosle performing on stage.Priyanka Chopra Jonas, his co-star Heads of State, left a comment under the post,... Read more >

13:50 Israel FM, Jaishankar discuss Iran, Hormuz, Lebanon Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Gideon Sa'ar on Tuesday discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Sa'ar said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure... Read more >

12:57 Nitish recommends cabinet dissolution before meeting Guv to resign as Bihar CM Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday recommended dissolution of his cabinet before meeting Governor Syed Ata Hasnain to submit his resignation from the CM post, state minister Ram Kripal Yadav said. Kumar, the state's longest-serving chief minister, informed his cabinet colleagues... Read more >

12:39 US-sanctioned tankers continue passage through Hormuz A Malawi-flagged, Chinese-owned vessel has reportedly, on Tuesday (local time), passed through the Strait of Hormuz despite an ongoing US blockade targeting Iranian-linked shipping, according to MarineTraffic data cited by CNN. The vessel, identified as Rich Starry, is owned by Full Star... Read more >

11:50 Iran willing to engage in economic terrorism: Vance US Vice President JD Vance in an interview with Fox News said on Monday (local time) that Iran was willing to engage in economic terrorism around the world. Vance said he seconds US President Donald Trump and said Iran cannot have nuclear weapon. I 100% agree with US President Donald Trump on... Read more >

11:22 Picture abhi baaki hai... Iran on navy being finished Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai on Tuesday quoted a famous dialogue by actor Shah Rukh Khan Abhi toh sirf trailer hai, picture abhi baaki hai (meaning that only a glimpse has been shown, the real fight or the story is yet to come out). The Consulate said that US President Donald Trump... Read more >

10:38 Next round of Iran-US talks expected soon: Pak Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the next round of Iran-US negotiations was expected soon.The 21-hour talks between the US and Iran on Saturday were the first of their kind since 1979 due to the involvement of top-level officials from both sides. The two sides, however,... Read more >

09:44 Iran calls US naval blockade gross violation of sovereignty Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Amir Saeid Iravani has strongly condemned the United Nations over a naval blockade on Iranian ports, calling it a gross violation of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to Iranian state media Press TV.In a letter sent Monday to UN... Read more >

08:56 Won't be pleasant: Trump warns Iran over ceasefire deal Pic courtesy: Iran Consulate - Hyderabad US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran over the future of the ongoing ceasefire, saying the consequences of failing to reach a deal would be severe while reiterating that Tehran will not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon.Answering questions on what would happen if no... Read more >

08:19 Rubio to join Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate in talks between Israel and Lebanon on Tuesday (local time) in Washington DC, a US State Department official said. The negotiations, set to take place at the United States Department of State, will also include US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel... Read more >

08:04 Nearly 32K PNG Consumers Give Up LPG Connections More than 31,700 piped natural gas (PNG) consumers have surrendered their liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections until April 12 as the government pushes adoption of natural gas in the country due to cooking gas shortage triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict.About... Read more >

07:58 Honouring Pope Leo's fearless stand: Iran Speaker Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf on Tuesday praised Pope Leo XIV for his strong remarks against war and violence, hailing the pontiff's message as a moral stand against the killing of innocents and describing his slogan, I have no fear, as an inspiration for those opposing... Read more >

07:49 Made lot of progress, ball in Iran's court: Vance US Vice President J D Vance said Iran has moved in the direction of the US during the peace talks in Islamabad to end the war and it was for Tehran to make the next move on taking the discussions forward. The US and Iran failed to reach an agreement in the 21-hour marathon peace talks in... Read more >

01:02 Only women leaders to represent BJP in TV debates for a week The BJP has decided to depute only women leaders, including MPs, in television debates for a week starting Monday as it seeks to send across a strong message ahead of discussions in Parliament on bills that seek to implement a provision for 33 per cent reservation to women in the Lok Sabha and... Read more >

00:19 DRI seizes cocaine worth Rs 4.26 cr from woman train passenger File image The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has seized 50 capsules containing 853 grams of cocaine, having an estimated illicit market value of Rs 4.26 crore, from a woman travelling in Rajdhani Express at Nagpur station, officials said on Monday.Acting on specific intelligence, officers of... Read more >

00:16 Next round of Iran-US negotiations expected soon: Pak Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Monday said that the next round of Iran-US negotiations was expected soon.Asif made these remarks on Monday, a day after the Islamabad talks failed to clinch a deal.The 21-hour talks between the US and Iran on Saturday were the first of their kind since... Read more >
An explosion on board Apollo 13 has caused one of the most critical situations in American space history and put the lives of the three astronauts on board in severe jeopardy.

The explosion happened in the fuel cells of the spacecrafts service module approximately 56 hours after lift-off.

This resulted in the loss of Apollo 13s main power supply which means oxygen and water reserves are now critically low.

The safety of the three astronauts, Captain James Lovell, Jack Swigert and Fred Haise, is uncertain although Nasa is hoping emergency contingency plans will ensure their safe return.

The cause of the explosion is not yet clear although it is understood it could have been the result of a meteorite crashing into the service module.

It is unlikely the exact cause will ever be ascertained as the service module will burn up before the spacecrafts re-entry into the earths atmosphere.

The crew are currently surviving on the emergency battery power supply of the lunar module, Aquarius.

If the accident had occurred after the lunar module had been detached for the moon landing, the astronauts would have faced certain death.

The spacecrafts main computer has now been switched off to conserve what little power remains in the command module, Odyssey, as this part of the spacecraft will be required for re-entry into the earths atmosphere.

Plans have been made to slingshot Apollo 13 around the Moon and fire the spacecrafts last remaining booster engine to take it away from the Moons orbit and bring it back on course to Earth.

This is a highly risky operation and there is no back-up should anything go wrong.

If all goes to plan Apollo 13 is due to splash down at approximately 1900 BST on Friday 17 April.

The Apollo 13 mission was to have been mans third Moon landing. The spacecraft was due to land in the Fra Mauro area of the Moon on Thursday 16 April.

Captain Lovell and Mr Haise were due to carry out geological experiments on the Moons surface as part of an ongoing project to establish the true age of the Moon.

Rock samples taken from previous missions have been dated as being 4,500 million years old. []

Courtesy BBC News

In context

Apollo 13 successfully returned to Earth on Friday 17 April 1970.

The spacecraft entered the atmosphere 400,000 ft (121,920 metres) above the Earth and hurtled towards Earth at 25,000 mph (40,234 km/h).

The command capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 1907 BST. The lunar module and the service module had been jettisoned before re-entry into the Earths atmosphere.

Within three minutes of the capsule landing helicopters were on the scene.

The three astronauts were airlifted onto rescue boat Iwo Jima where they spent the night before flying to Samoa to be reunited with their families.

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is in China again this week, his fourth trip in as many years to the worlds number two economy as Spain seeks to strengthen its political and commercial ties with Beijing.

His visit comes at a complex geopolitical moment as European leaders try to influence an end to the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, and as Spains relationship with the U.S. has been strained by Sanchezs vocal disapproval of the conflict.

Sanchez urged China to assume a larger role in a multipolar world, speaking at Beijings Tsinghua University a day before he is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China can do more. For example, by demanding  that international law be respected and that the conflicts in Lebanon, Iran, Gaza and the West Bank and Ukraine cease, Sanchez said.

Heres what to know about the Spanish leaders visit.

Sanchez is back in China, again

Spain says it wants to diversify its political relations with the worlds large powers, including Beijing.

Spanish officials have said the government wants to shore up more Chinese investment, and boost exports to the country, even though trade is conducted by the European Union, which negotiates on behalf of all 27 member states.

The southern European nation, which generates more than half its electricity from renewable sources, needs Chinese critical raw materials, solar panels and green technologies  similar to other European countries transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Politically, the trip comes as Spain has stuck its neck out in Europe as the continents loudest critic of the U.S. and Israels military actions in the Middle East, with the Sanchez government recently declaring its airspace closed to U.S. planes being used in Iran, and refusing the U.S. the use of jointly operated military bases in southern Spain.

Given the increased frictions with the U.S. administration, these annual meetings have taken on an increased importance, said Eric Sigmon, a Madrid-based political analyst and a former U.S. national security adviser, about Sanchezs latest trip to China.

Sanchez is in China from April 13-15, and will hold talks today with Xi, Premier Li Qiang and Chinas top lawmaker, Zhao Leji, the third-ranking leader of its ruling Communist Party.

Spain seeks to balance trade

Spain, the eurozones fourth-largest economy, has been less adversarial toward China than other EU countries in recent years. It has sought to reposition trade relations with China, whose exports to Spain are far greater than those of the Iberian nation of 49 million people to China, which has a population of more than 1.4 billion people.

Sanchezs government has had little success, with China accounting for about 74% of Spains overall trade gap.

This repeated annual pilgrimage by Sanchez  his fourth in four years  highlights an increasingly one-sided and unbalanced relationship, said Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia Pacific at the French investment bank Natixis.

For China, Spain serves as a relatively soft, conciliatory partner that advocates for dialogue over tougher EU measures, Garcia-Herrero said.

Sanchez, speaking in Beijing yesterday, said the EU had done its part to balance trade, and urged China to follow suit.

We need China to do the same. To open up so that Europe doesnt have to close itself off, he said.

Spain wants ties with global powers

As a mid-size political power, Spain under Sanchez has said it wants to seek stronger bilateral ties with the worlds large powers and economies, including China and, increasingly, India, in addition to its relationship with the U.S.

Spains King Felipe VI also made an official visit to China last November, the first time in 18 years that a Spanish monarch did so, demonstrating the nations interest in bolstering its ties with Beijing.

Sanchezs last visit to Beijing ruffled feathers in Washington and took place shortly after the Trump administration announced sweeping global tariffs. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the time warned Spain about cutting your own throat.

Yesterday, Sanchez encouraged China to play a larger role alongside the EU to fight climate change, promote global health and control the development of responsible artificial intelligence as well as nuclear weapons.

Especially now that the U.S. has decided to withdraw from many of these fronts, Sanchez said. SUMAN NAISHADHAM, MADRID, MDT/AP

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The U.S. military vowed to blockade all Iranian ports starting yesterday, part of efforts to force Tehran into agreeing to open the crucial Strait of Hormuz and accepting a peace deal. Iran responded with threats on all ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, taking aim at U.S.-allied countries.

That set the stage for an extraordinary showdown that posed serious risks for the global economy and raised the specter that a ceasefire that is currently holding could collapse and the war could resume. Talks aimed at permanently ending the conflict  which began Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran  failed to reach an agreement this past weekend, and there has been no word on whether negotiations will resume.

It was not clear if the blockade had started when the designated time of 10 a.m. EDT (2 p.m. GMT) arrived. Minutes earlier, a notice to mariners issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency, which monitors maritime security, said the restrictions included the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure.

The notice added that transit through the strait to or from non-Iranian destinations is not reported to be impeded by these measures, but it added that ships may encounter military presence in the strait.

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The Trump administration revived rhetoric built on the idea of a world divided into spheres of influence, echoing the Monroe Doctrine and reasserting ambitions over the Americas. Chinas position on this concept has been consistent: it rejects it. While traditional powers such as the United States and the former Soviet Union historically divided the world into blocs, Beijing views that model as outdated and counterproductive. Although China seeks to expand its global influence and is wary of foreign presence near its borders, it does not share a worldview based on rigid territorial control.

One reason lies in the decline of Marxism-Leninism as a unifying global ideology. The fall of the Soviet Union ended a coherent ideological bloc opposing capitalism. Even China has evolved toward a hybrid system, blending Leninist political control with elements of Confucian tradition and nationalism. Today, Beijings foreign relations are not driven by ideological solidarity. The Communist Party maintains ties with a wide range of political actors worldwide, including those once seen as adversaries, reinforcing a pragmatic, interest-based diplomacy.

History also shapes Chinas stance. The notion of spheres of influence is closely associated with imperialism, when foreign powers carved China into zones of interest during the century of humiliation. As a result, Beijing strongly defends sovereignty and non-interference. Supporting spheres of influence would legitimize the idea that major powers can dictate the fate of smaller nations  something China rejects, in part to prevent similar pressure being applied to itself.

Rather than formal alliances, China promotes flexible strategic partnerships. Unlike the United States, which relies on extensive defense treaties, Beijing avoids binding commitments that could drag it into unwanted conflicts. This flexibility allows China to maintain relations across geopolitical divides, engaging with countries that may be rivals. By prioritizing trade and investment over military alignment, it preserves autonomy.

China has also shown restraint in exercising power beyond its region. Its sovereignty claims focus mainly on nearby areas such as the South China Sea, the East China Sea, and Taiwan. Despite assertive actions in disputed waters, it has generally avoided military interventions abroad, with the notable exception of the brief 1979 war with Vietnam. In dealing with fragile neighboring states, China has favored economic cooperation and investment rather than direct control.

At a broader level, China advocates for a multipolar world order in which power is more evenly distributed. By rejecting spheres of influence, it presents itself as a leading voice of the developing world, contrasting its approach with what it calls U.S. hegemonism. This positioning is tied to its economic strategy. Chinas rise has been built within global trade networks, and closed regional blocs would limit its access to markets and technology.

Initiatives such as the Belt and Road and the expansion of BRICS reflect this approach. Instead of building a bloc of dependent states, China seeks influence through infrastructure, logistics, trade, and investment. As a major industrial and trading power  and still a net importer of food and energy  it depends on diversified global supply chains.

Ultimately, a world divided into spheres of influence would constrain Chinas ambitions and economic model. While some analysts argue that Beijing is pursuing regional primacy in Asia, its strategy operates on a global scale. From Chinas perspective, recent U.S. rhetoric on spheres of influence is less a structural shift than an attempt to contain its rise internationally.

linkedin.com/in/jorgecostaoliveira

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African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) announced that it is supporting Dangote Group, as it seeks to expand its operations and grow its turnover to US$100 billion by 2030.

The Groups leadership presented its long-term growth strategy Vision 2030: Supercharging Dangote Group for Long Term Success to the Afreximbank Board of Directors and its executive team on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The strategy outlines a twophase expansion programme spanning 20252028 and 20282030.

During the presentation, Dangote Group outlined plans to scale and optimise its existing platforms and expand capacity across all active sectors. Key initiatives include increasing the capacity of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery from 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 1.4 million bpd. Additionally, the Group intends to quadruple its Fertiliser production from 3 million tonnes per annum to 12 million tonnes per annum, a move that would position the Group as the worlds largest producer of urea fertiliser.

The expansion strategy encompasses rapid growth across other business lines, including cement, rice, and broader food production. Beyond its current portfolio, the Group identified new investment opportunities in infrastructure  including ports and pipelines  as well as gas, mining (as a gateway for semiprocessed and valueadded mineral exports), data centres to support Africas digital transformation and enterprise resilience, and power, described as the engine of Africas industrial transformation.

To drive the growth over the five years, the Dangote Group predicts that it will require at least $40 billion in new investments to realise its continental ambitions.

Recognising the strategic value of the partnership with Afreximbank, Mr. Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited said:  Our partnership with Afreximbank is more than financial support; it is about a shared dream for the continent. When we set out to build a 650,000 barrel-per-day refinerythe largest of its kind in Africathe Bank believed in our vision when others were sceptical. Without their leadership and trust, the development of the African continent would not be where it is today. We are joined at the hip with the bank because we share the same mission: to drive local capacity, eliminate our dependence on imports, and ensure Africas industrial growth is led by Africans. 

On his part, Dr. George Elombi, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, noted that the engagements demonstrated a strong convergence of purpose to free Africa from dependency and to ensure the continents resources are used to the benefit of its people. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would lead to a formidable bond of partnership to make large-scale investments that will accelerate the changes we desire, changes that have gained urgency amid increasing global fragmentation and protectionism.

Dr. Elombi recalled that at the onset of COVID 19 pandemic in 2020, Africa struggled to secure even the basic protective materials due to limited production capacity, adding that even when financing was available, we could not access these essential items.

He further pledged the readiness of Afreximbank and its Board of Directors to support the realisation of Dangote Groups aspirations. This is the very purpose for which our institution was created. As is deeply rooted in our DNA, we do not only listenwe execute and convert aspiration into action,

The event also featured the signing of the agreement for US$2.5-billion facility underwritten by Afreximbank as part of a US$4-billion senior syndicated term loan in favour of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.
Le Premier ministre, le Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, a annonce le 14 avril 2026 a lAssemblee nationale la mise en place de la National Accountability Enforcement Authority (NAEA).

Cette nouvelle instance vise a eradiquer le gaspillage des fonds publics et a sanctionner les comportements irresponsables au sein du secteur public.

Une reponse ferme au rapport de lAudit 2024-2025

Interroge sur les manquements souleves par le Directeur de lAudit pour lexercice financier 2024-2025, le Chef du gouvernement a precise que le ministere des Finances a deja effectue une revue exhaustive des irregularites. Des directives strictes ont ete emises aux ministeres pour identifier les causes profondes de ces failles et appliquer des solutions immediates.

Les missions de la NAEA

La NAEA aura pour mandat de :

Examiner les recommandations du National Audit Office et du Public Accounts Committee.

Enqueter sur les manquements aux legislations et procedures par les officiers publics.

Assurer la conformite avec la future Fiscal Responsibility Act, pour laquelle une assistance technique du FMI a ete sollicitee.

 Le gouvernement prendra des mesures decisives pour corriger les lacunes de maniere durable , a declare le Dr Ramgoolam.

Il a egalement annonce des amendements legislatifs permettant au Directeur de lAudit de soumettre un rapport additionnel ciblant les conclusions majeures pour faciliter limposition de sanctions.

Parallelement, le Budget axe sur la performance (PBB) restera loutil cle pour exiger une efficacite maximale et une prestation de services optimale de la part des departements gouvernementaux.

English Resume

Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced the creation of the National Accountability Enforcement Authority (NAEA) in the National Assembly on April 14, 2026. This new body is designed to eliminate public resource waste and enforce strict sanctions against irresponsible behavior in the public sector. Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam announced the creation of the National Accountability Enforcement Authority (NAEA) in the National Assembly on April 14, 2026. This new body is designed to eliminate public resource waste and enforce strict sanctions against irresponsible behavior in the public sector. Following a review of the 2024-2025 Audit Report, the PM outlined the NAEAs core mandates: Oversight: Monitoring recommendations from the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee.

Investigation: Probing legislative and procedural breaches by public officials.

Compliance: Ensuring adherence to the upcoming Fiscal Responsibility Act, supported by IMF technical assistance.  Government will take decisive measures to address shortcomings in a durable manner,  stated Dr. Ramgoolam. To strengthen accountability, legislative amendments will allow the Director of Audit to highlight major findings for easier legal sanctioning. Furthermore, Performance-Based Budgeting (PBB) will remain the primary tool for ensuring efficient service delivery across all government departments.
The collision that snuffed out 11 lives on Monday morning on the Rayate bridge along the Kalyan-Murbad road was not the first accident on that stretch. Ten years in the making, the road was opened to traffic just a month ago and has already seen a number of mishaps, claim locals.



None of those matched the scale of Mondays tragedy, when an overloaded Eeco minivan headed to Murbad collided with a cement mixer truck. Among the 11 dead were three siblings who were travelling back home from a family event.







Eyewitnesses said that the trigger for the accident was the closure for one flank of the under-construction road, leaving traffic from both directions jostling for space on one narrow stretch. According to police, the Eco driver was trying to overtake another vehicle when it crashed into the truck.



Narrow stretch, high speeds



The vehicle was flattened and we could barely tell it was an Eco. The victims were trapped inside the twisted metal, and it took hours to pull them out. Even with help from police, we had to struggle to remove the bodies, said local villager Sharad Kamble, who was part of the rescue effort.



Officials from Murbad police station confirmed that the driver of the cement mixer truck had been taken into custody. Prima facie, it appears that the cement mixer climbed the narrow bridge at a high speed. The collision happened as traffic was moving in a single lane from both sides. We are investigating all angles, including negligence and road conditions. The driver has been detained, a police officer said.



Mohpe family in mourning



The tragedy has been compounded by the loss of three siblings from Pahe villageSneha Mohpe (22), Mansi Mohpe (20), and Prathamesh Mohpe (17). The trio was travelling home to Murbad after a engagement event in the family. Having lost their father over a decade ago, they were living with their mother in Dive. Their demise has left the entire village in mourning, with residents describing it as an irreparable loss for the family and community.



Gajanan Mohpe, a relative who was at Titwala Government Hospital, broke down and said, After we lost my brother, the family lived for the children and their future. We were planning Snehas marriage, but now everything is shattered. Their mother is in complete shock  we dont know what she will live for now.



Road known as killer stretch



According to Sachin Podar, a resident of Murbad, the road is known to be dangerous and has seen multiple accidents over the years. This time, the highway authorities had assured us that they would reduce the number of sharp turning points. However, they may not have received permissions because this stretch falls within a forest area. The road stretch has multiple sharp curves, and once a vehicle picks up speed, the chances of losing control are very high.



This bridge is located at a crucial junction, connecting routes to Pune, Gujarat, and other areas. During monsoons, the Rayate bridge often goes underwater, which may be why authorities opened a single lane on the bridge with traffic operating from both directions. Additionally, kali-peeli taxi drivers tend to speed up in trying to get ahead in the traffic, making the road even more dangerous, Podar added.



Anger at authorities spills over



Residents also raised concerns over private Eco vehicles operating with too many passengers. These vehicles carry double or triple the permitted number of passengers. People are packed inside like animals. Everyone knows this is happening, but there is no strict action, a local resident alleged.



There is also growing anger over alleged inaction by authorities. Locals claim that despite open violations, the police have failed to curb illegal transport and reckless driving. The newly constructed cement concrete road, instead of improving safety, is now being blamed for encouraging high speeds.



Trasport minister offers condolences



We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred on April 13on the KalyanMurbadMalshej highway, where 11 innocent lives were lost. This heartbreaking incident has brought immense grief to their families and to the entire state. Preliminary information indicates that the vehicle was carrying passengers far beyond its permitted capacity, which is a serious concern. While strict action against illegal passenger transport continues, we urge citizens to act responsibly, avoid overcrowded vehicles, and prioritise safe and lawful travel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time, Pratap Sarnaik, Transport Minister, Government of Maharashtra



THE DECEASED



Prashant alias Bablu Rupesh Chandane (21) from Devgaon, Murbad



Bhushan Ghorpade (49) from Andheri



Jija Govinda Kembari (50) from Tembhare, Murbad



Ananta Pawar from Sakhare, Murbad



Deepak Gavli from Kalyan



Ganpat Jainu Madhe (32) from Devaralwadi, Murbad



Sneha Mohape (22), Mansi Mohape (20), and Prathamesh Mohape (17), all residents of Narayangav, Murbad



Rinku Lodhi (40), a labourer from Madhya Pradesh



Ganesh Gurav (40), a labourer and resident of Kurla




The Charkop police recently uncovered a gang of scamsters, allegedly running a government job racket in Kandivali Wests Charkop area, duping over 10 job aspirants of Rs 1.54 crore by promising direct setting into government departments. The gang allegedly sold coveted government service positions on the basis of a full-fledged rate card system with fixed prices for each post.



Police investigation revealed that the gang went so far as to sell Naib Tehsildar-level positions at a staggering Rs 60 lakh. Charkop police on Saturday registered an FIR and launched the search for the 13 absconding accused, including Nashik-based Satish Wankhede and his associates.



Officials said the scale and structure of the operation clearly indicate this was not a meagre fraud but an organised racket specifically designed to exploit aspirants who are desperately seeking government positions.



The issue came to light when complainant Sushil Patil  a government service aspirant  met key accused Wankhede in 2016, and their acquaintance gradually turned into a friendship, with Wankhede gaining Patils trust. In 2018, the accused allegedly offered Patil a sure-shot government job through internal management, claiming strong connections within the Mantralaya, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Income Tax Department, Railway Department and the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).



Investigators said that the gang scammed victims using a fixed payment pattern  they demanded 50 per cent advance and the remaining amount in instalments from the victims for fixing the job. Trusting in Wankhedes promises of an assured post in the Excise Department, between 2019 and 2020, Patil allegedly paid around Rs 20 lakh.



When that failed to materialise, he was assured of a junior engineer position in a civic body. To make the racket appear legitimate, the accused allegedly created a parallel ecosystem of forged documents, including appointment letters, joining orders and medical fitness certificates.



Investigators said that victims were also introduced to officials and intermediaries to strengthen credibility. Police said the scam expanded in a pyramid-like manner, with victims themselves being encouraged to bring in more candidates. Trusting the network, Patil introduced friends and acquaintances to the accused, helping the racket grow.



Patil grew suspicious after repeated delays in the job placement. Upon verifying with government departments and as the accused went incommunicado, victims realised that no such recruitment drive existed and that all the documents were fake.



Police said all accused are currently absconding. We are probing whether the network operated beyond Mumbai and if there was any internal collusion, an officer said. Financial transactions and digital links are also under scrutiny.




With a US naval blockade taking effect on Monday, oil prices again surging past $100 a barrel and a fragile ceasefire set to expire in nine days, the United States and Iran began the week locked in a standoff after historic peace negotiations in Pakistan collapsed over the weekend.



Washington, Tehran and anxious capitals around the world are not sure how a cascade of urgent questions will resolve: Does the fighting resume when the truce runs out on April 22? What will US Navy operations in the Strait of Hormuz actually entail? And is there any conceivable path to an agreement on an Iranian nuclear programme that has now survived not only two decades of international diplomacy seeking to curtail it, but also more than five weeks of the most intensive military assault ever launched against Iranian territory?



Strategic gamble in a narrow waterway



Financial markets were not reassured. Oil futures jumped above $103 a barrel as traders reacted to President Donald Trumps announcement that US warships would block traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. But just how tight a grip the Navy would impose remained unclear.



Trump, in a Truth Social post on Sunday, declared a sweeping embargo on any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz. But US Central Command implied a more limited blockade, saying it would begin stopping all traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports starting at 10 am Eastern time Monday  early evening in the Persian Gulf.



Analysts warn the blockade could face serious military obstacles; the narrow strait forces US warships into a confined channel where Irans sea mines, shore-based missiles and swarms of cheap drones could neutralise American military advantages. The strategic logic, however, is straightforward: Cutting off Irans oil exports would sever access to the hard currency keeping its war economy afloat.



The economic blowback could be double-edged: With roughly 7 million barrels of crude and 4 million barrels of refined product already trapped in the Gulf, blocking Iranian oil threatens to push global prices even higher. The strait is also a choke point for other supply-chain commodities, including aluminium, helium, and fertiliser.



The blockade is Trumps latest expression of frustration with Irans continued stranglehold on the shipping lane. The presidents public views have vacillated, from claiming in a national address on April 1 that the Strait didnt matter, to threatening to obliterate Irans entire civilisation if it didnt allow ships to pass, to now imposing his own blockade on the already blockaded passage.



Irans warning and limping diplomacy



Iran said it would strike back hard at the US blockade. If Irans ports are threatened, NO PORT in the region will be safe, the Iranian military central command said in a post on X Monday.



But some experts said the US blockade could effectively push Iran and its oil-dependent allies into a more conciliatory position and was preferable to deploying ground troops to disrupt Iranian exports by occupying key facilities, such as the processing and shipment facilities on Irans Kharg Island.



The blockade always made more sense than seizing Kharg Island, longtime US diplomat Dennis Ross said in a social media post. It stops Irans exports, its revenues, and is a counterpoint to their closing the Straits. They may attack Gulf oil facilities, but it puts greater pressure on Iran. It also puts great pressure on China to pressure Iran.



What comes next, most analysts agree, is more uncertainty. Pakistan, whose mediators were still meeting with the Iranian delegation hours after Vice President JD Vance departed from Islamabad, has pledged to keep bridging efforts alive. Both sides have left just enough diplomatic daylight to suggest that back-channel talks will continue even as military pressure escalates.



The likelier scenario is not immediate war, but a volatile period of pressure, signalling and last-minute attempts to prevent a wider conflagration, Ali Vaez, an Iran expert at the International Crisis Group, told the Associated Press. So far, neither side shows signs of budging from core positions, particularly on the issue of Irans determination to maintain the nuclear research that it says is intended for legal civilian applications but that Israel and the US insist is destined to provide Tehran with a nuclear weapon.



The meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not, Trump wrote in a post on Sunday.



Despite repeated US and Israeli strikes on Irans nuclear facilities, hundreds of kilograms of highly enriched uranium - enough for as many as 10 weapons - remain stored in tunnels that the bombing left at least partially intact, their exact location now unknown even to international inspectors.



George reported from Islamabad, Pakistan. Mohamad El Chamaa contributed from Beirut and Lior Siroka from Tel Aviv.




Fresno, CA  The court case for charges of hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter is nearing an end as Dr. James Comazzi entered a plea of no contest to one count of hit and run resulting in permanent injury or death and vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence.

Comazzi will return to court for sentencing June 10, 2026.

The plea was entered in Fresno County Superior Court last week during a continuation of a preliminary hearing. Preliminary hearings happen after an arraignment when a case is not settled by attorneys or dismissed by a judge. At the hearing, the judge is focused on deciding whether there is enough evidence against Dr. Comazzi, and if so, it would go to a jury trial at a later date.

The high-profile case against the longtime cardiologist of Tuolumne County began in 2021. The crime occurred in Fresno County, when Juliana Ramos, a 26-year-old nurse, pulled her vehicle over on Highway 99 to assist a victim of a traffic accident. She was struck and killed by a vehicle passing through the area. After a multi-month investigation, and an anonymous tip to Valley Crime Stoppers, Dr. Comazzi surrendered himself at the Fresno CHP office as the alleged suspect in October of 2021 as detailed here.

In December of 2021, Dr. Comazzi, who was 68, entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. In January of 2022, a Fresno Judge denied a request by the state medical board to restrict his medical license. Information released about the case has been limited. Central Sierra Broadcasting reached out to the Fresno County District Attorneys Office Spokesperson Taylor Long who confirmed, The sentencing is set for June 10th in Dept. 32 at 1:30 p.m.
Sonora, CA  In a special open-to-the-public meeting on Friday, April 10, three new board members were sworn in to the Sonora Elementary School District Board of Trustees. The new members are Craig Pedro, Tyler Piche, and Rachel Beckham. They will serve along with Paige Caudle and Kathy Francis. Two of the seats are for terms that expire this December and are up for election this November, one seat is for a term that wouldnt have expired until December 2028. All three seats will be on the November Ballot, two for 4 year terms and one for the remaining 2 years of the term and then the seat will be up for election again in 2028.

Six people expressed interest in joining the school board to fill three empty seats.

Tuolumne County School Board President Steven Treat, and Board Members Cyndi Simonson, and Jerry Whitehead volunteered to serve on the SES board temporarily and have been serving since a March 11 SES meeting. The volunteer board voted during last weeks regular Wednesday meeting to explore sharing a Superintendent with the Columbia Elementary District. If approved by Columbias School Board, its current Superintendent, Dr. Nicolas Wade, would serve in the joint role as detailed here.

Three members of the Sonora Elementary Board, Steve Roos, Cody Ritts, and Reed Schoedl, resigned in February as reported earlier here. Twila Tosh is currently serving as the SES Interim Superintendent after Cheryl Griffiths contract was terminated without cause. Griffiths and former Vice Principal Kristaine Quinn were charged with a misdemeanor related to failing to report an assault of a student by a speech therapist as reported here.
Jamestown, CA  Jane Kim, a former member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, is running for California Insurance Commissioner.

She toured parts of Tuolumne County on Monday and met with some local leaders to learn more about the regions growing insurance challenges.

The day included a tour of the Chinese Camp burn scar impacted by the TCU September Lightning Complex Fire, a visit to the Heartwood Biomass facility on OByrnes Ferry Road, and a stop at a private property off Jamestown Road where ongoing fuel reduction work is underway. Related to the latter, organizers of the tour say that it offered a closer look at the realities facing homeowners. Local contractors and other partners outlined the costs and logistical challenges of mitigating fire risk, and emphasized the gap between available public funding and the burden placed on individual property owners.

Later in Twain Harte, Kim attended a small business roundtable with members of the Twain Harte Chamber of Commerce, and then hosted a town hall meeting at the Twain Harte Community Center attended by around 30 people. Those on hand shared personal stories about challenges faced in navigating the insurance market.

Kim, a Democrat, is one of eight candidates running to replace term-limited incumbent Ricardo Lara. The top two vote-getters in the June Primary will move on to the November General Election.

She states among her campaign priorities, We need to make insurance affordable and available to all, or millions of people will be shut out of our economy. But the current insurance system is failing us. We see it in rising premiums and canceled coverage, and we feel it when insurance companies fight our claims.
Knights Ferry, CA  A coordinated multi-jurisdiction operation has successfully shuttered a suspected drug house on the border of Tuolumne and Stanislaus Counties.

The investigation, which relied heavily on intercepted audio from the Tuolumne County jail phone system, culminated in a high-stakes raid on April 8.

The Tuolumne County Narcotics Team (TNT), supported by the Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office SWAT and the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 18000 block of Kennedy Road.

Upon entering the property, detectives uncovered a sophisticated distribution hub. Seized evidence included 70 grams of fentanyl and 20 grams of methamphetamine. In addition, there were digital scales, various packaging materials, $2,900 in cash, and three stolen vehicles (identified and recovered by the Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force).

The investigation targeted five primary suspects believed to be responsible for the flow of fentanyl into Tuolumne County. In total, eight individuals were taken into custody.

TNT Detectives identified the following suspects responsible for distributing and selling fentanyl in Tuolumne County: Shon Randall Cormack (41), Paige Alysse Stump (35), Casey James Worley (43), Ashlee Olivia Okelsrud (32), and homeowner Garrett Robert Hunter (36).

Amanda Christine St. Clair (36) and Lonni Renee Deschler (56) were arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and visiting a drug house. William James OConnell (57) was arrested for visiting a drug house, conspiracy, and additional charges related to the stolen vehicles recovered on the property.

Due to the significant volume of fentanyl seized, four of the primary suspectsCormack, Stump, Worley, and Okelsrudare facing a three-year sentencing enhancement under California Proposition 36. This provision allows for increased prison time based on the total weight of the narcotics intended for sale.

The Tuolumne County Sheriffs Office is grateful for our partnership with the Stanislaus County Sheriffs Office and StanCATT, the department states.

The successful operation makes a notable dent in local narcotics trafficking, removing some synthetic opioids and recovering stolen property.
ISLAMABAD (AP)  Diplomats worked through back channels Tuesday to arrange a new round of talks between the United States and Iran after Washington enacted its blockade of Iranian ports, while Tehran threatened to retaliate by striking targets across the war-weary region.

U.S. President Donald Trump said a second round of talks could happen over the next two days, telling the New York Post the negotiations could be held again in Islamabad.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concurred, saying its highly probable that talks will restart. He cited a meeting he had with Pakistans deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar.

Meanwhile in Washington, the first direct talks in decades between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors to the U.S. concluded on a productive note, according to the U.S. State Department.

Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the two countries are on the same side of the equation in liberating Lebanon from the militant Hezbollah group. Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh Moawad called the meeting constructive but urged an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Since March, that war has displaced more than 1 million people in Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon have technically been at war since Israel was established in 1948, and Lebanon remains deeply divided over diplomatic engagement with Israel.

First round of talks failed to end conflict

Last weekend in Pakistan, an initial round of talks aimed at permanently ending the U.S.-Iran conflict failed to produce an agreement. The White House said Irans nuclear ambitions were a central sticking point.

I think they want to make a deal very badly, Trump said in an excerpt from an interview with Fox Business Networks Mornings with Maria scheduled to air Wednesday morning. He added: I view it as very close to over.

A U.S. official said Tuesday that fresh talks with Iran were still under discussion and that nothing has been scheduled. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss sensitive negotiations.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistans finance minister, told The Associated Press that our leadership is not giving up on efforts to help the U.S. and Iran end the conflict.

Though the ceasefire appeared to hold, the showdown over the strategic Strait of Hormuz risked reigniting hostilities and deepening the regional wars economic fallout.

The war, now in its seventh week, has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as shipping has been cut off and airstrikes have torn through military and civilian infrastructure across the region.

The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,100 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Thirteen U.S. service members have also been killed.

Tankers turned around after blockade took effect

The blockade is intended to pressure Iran, which has exported millions of barrels of oil, mostly to Asia, since the war began Feb. 28. Much of it has likely been carried by so-called dark transits that evade sanctions and oversight, providing cash thats been vital to keeping Iran running.

U.S. forces enforcing the blockade will operate in the Gulf of Oman, a U.S. official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations. Ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz must cross the Gulf of Oman to reach the open sea.

The official said the move will allow the U.S. military to observe vessels subject to the blockade leaving Iranian facilities and clearing the strait before they are intercepted and forced to turn around.

U.S. Central Command said Tuesday no ships made it past the blockade in the first 24 hours, while six merchant vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and reenter Iranian waters.

Tankers approaching the strait Monday turned around shortly after the blockade took effect, though one reversed course again and transited the waterway.

The tanker Rich Starry had been waiting off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, according to shipping data firm Lloyds List, which cited data from the energy cargo-tracking firm Vortexa. It was not immediately clear whether the tanker had earlier docked in Iran. Yet it was listed by the U.S. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control as linked to Iranian shipping.

Lloyds List, citing ship registry and tracking data, reported that the vessel is owned by a Chinese shipping company and was ultimately bound for China with a stopover in an Omani port, south of the strait. The vessel updated its broadcast signal on Tuesday evening to no longer show it was headed for Sohar, Oman, according to tracking data reported by maritime analytics firm MarineTraffic.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Chinese tankers will not be allowed passage through the strait. So theyre not going to be able to get their oil, he told reporters Tuesday.

In a comment seemingly seemingly directed at Trump without naming him, Chinese President Xi Jinping said nations should oppose the worlds retrogression to the law of the jungle.

Since the war began, Iran has curtailed maritime traffic, with most commercial vessels avoiding the waterway. Tehrans effective closure of the strait, through which a fifth of global oil transits in peacetime, has sent oil prices skyrocketing, pushing up the cost of gasoline, food and other basic goods far beyond the Middle East.

Israel and Lebanon conclude talks

The Israel-Lebanon talks in Washington were productive, the U.S. State Department said in a statement, adding that all sides agreed to launch direct negotiations at a mutually agreed time and venue.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who facilitated the talks, had downplayed expectations for any immediate agreement.

Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S, said after the talks that both countries saw eye-to-eye in several areas.

The Lebanese government made it very clear that they will no longer be occupied by Hezbollah, he said.

Moawad, Lebanons top U.S. envoy, said in a brief statement that she had called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and the return home of Lebanese displaced by the fighting.

After the ceasefire in Iran, Israel pressed ahead with its air and ground campaign in Lebanon. It has, however, halted strikes in Beirut, the countrys capital since April 8, after a deadly bombardment that hit several crowded commercial and residential areas in central Beirut and killed more than 350 people in one day.

The deaths sparked an international outcry and threats by Iran that it would end the ceasefire.

Lebanese officials have pushed for a ceasefire. Israel has framed the negotiations around Hezbollahs disarmament and a potential peace deal, without publicly committing to halting hostilities or withdrawing its forces.

Israel wants Lebanons government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much as was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades and said on Monday that it will not abide by any agreements that may result from the talks.

___

Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank. Associated Press writers Aamer Madhani, Matthew Lee, Fatima Hussein, Collin Binkley, Chris Rugaber, Will Weissert and Konstantin Toporin in Washington; Sylvie Corbet in Paris; Toqa Ezzidin in Cairo; Natalie Melzer in Jerusalem; Edith Lederer and Farnoush Amiri at the United Nations, and Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this report.

By MUNIR AHMED and SAM METZ

Associated Press
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Many of the young Hungarians who came of age during Prime Minister Viktor Orbans 16 years in power have never known life outside his political system. Yet it was they that were at the forefront of Sundays earthquake election that ejected him from office.

As hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to celebrate the historic win by pro-European candidate Peter Magyar, music from some of Hungarys most popular  and most Orban-critical  performers filled the air. Teenagers scaled Budapests iconic Chain Bridge and blasted revolutionary anthems by artists whose songs captured young peoples frustrations with the regime.

On the citys trams, buses and subway cars, young people led chants and played AI-generated fan music dedicated to Magyar.

In front of Hungarys neo-Gothic parliament building, a group called More Techno to Parliament! celebrated Orbans defeat with a rave.

Such scenes underscored the important role young people played in the push to end Orbans autocratic rule.

Before the election, a poll by 21 Research Center showed that 65% of voters under 30 supported Magyars Tisza party, while only 14% backed Orban, 62.

Marcell Szabo-Temple, a 26-year-old architect, grew up on the outskirts of Budapest in a family where adults didnt talk about politics in front of the children. In the 2018 election  the first in which he could vote and which Orban won easily  he felt ambivalent about the political process.

But then Szabo-Temple entered university and experienced a political awakening. Although he went to the countrys top engineering school, he said the state of higher education shocked him. Studying under what he described as an outdated curriculum in a crumbling building made him wonder: Was this really all they could achieve in 12 years of governance? If so, we need something better.

More difficulties were to come. In 2022, more than 20 Hungarian universities were disqualified from the European Unions Erasmus exchange program as a consequence of an Orban scheme to place control of universities in the hands of public foundations headed by political appointees.

Critics warned Orbans move was an attempt to take control of academia and stifle critical thought. Many university students and leadership protested the overhaul, but it was carried out anyway.

No longer able to study abroad, and disenchanted by another overwhelming victory by Orban in the 2022 election, Szabo-Temple said he felt like the world went silent for the next few years.

I stopped caring about politics, again, he said. It was like being back in high school: I didnt even want to hear the news.

But when Magyar, 45, broke into Hungarian politics in 2024, Szabo-Temple felt a greater hope for change than he ever had before.

Once an insider in Orbans Fidesz party, Magyar campaigned heavily on repairing Hungarys relationship with the EU, and restoring its Western orientation that had drifted increasingly close to Russia under Orban.

He frequently addressed young people at hundreds of rallies held across the country during his campaign, urging them to take the countrys future into their own hands.

Meanwhile, a new generation of musical stars, many of whom grew to fame on the internet, began producing more political content. While outlooks for young people looked increasingly dire due to economic crises and deep social divisions, the music became openly critical of Orbans regime.

Audiences broke out in anti-government chants during concerts at summer festivals. Government officials scolded young people for the signs of disrespect.

The musical movement reached its apex two days before the election when over 100,000 people packed a sprawling square in Budapest for a system-breaking concert. Over 50 artists performed, and urged young people to vote for change.

After Orbans defeat, Szabo-Temple said he plans to move back to Hungary from Portugal, where hes on a work exchange.

There was a growing sense among young people that if we cant change the regime now, we might not want to live in Hungary for the rest of our lives. I certainly felt like that, he said.

Like many of Hungarys youth, he has high expectations for Tisza.

We put our faith in them and we expect them to deliver, he said. If they do, I will settle down and build a family in Hungary.

___

Ivan L. Nagy contributed.

By JUSTIN SPIKE and PETR DAVID JOSEK

Associated Press
President William Ruto has brushed aside his political rivals, asserting that no opposition leader possesses the necessary qualifications to challenge him in the 2027 general election. During a development tour of Nyamira County, the president argued that his opponents lack the political influence, vision, and track record required to mount a formidable campaign against his administration.

Do they really know me? If you weigh them, do you think there is anyone among them who is my size? Ruto asked.

The president took aim at opposition figures for what he characterized as a lack of a clear roadmap for the country. He argued that genuine political contests should revolve around concrete ideas and policies rather than mere rhetoric.

The opposition should have an agenda, a plan, and a vision for the country, and then we can compete, he said. As things stand now, we cannot compete because they have no agenda, plan, or manifesto.

The president pointed out that the ultimate power to choose leadership lies with the voters rather than the political elite. He urged Kenyans to prioritize development records when electing representatives at every level of government, from the grassroots to the presidency.

It is the people who will decide who the governor, MCA, Woman Rep, MP, Senator, and President will be, he said. It is not those leaders in the Opposition who will decide but you people.

The president added that voters should prioritize actual performance over personality or political theatrics. He argued that the electorate should judge candidates based on their tangible results rather than their appearance or their ability to criticize opponents.

When you will be electing leaders, you will look at their track records and not at how good-looking one might be. You will elect someone due to the work they have done and not the insults they have hurled at their rivals.

During the tour, Ruto highlighted his administrations development agenda, pledging to showcase completed projects as the foundation of his re-election bid. He promised to return to the region to account for the markets, roads, electrical connections, and hospital equipment delivered under his leadership.

I will come to show you the markets I have built, the roads I have constructed, the power I have connected, and the hospitals I have equipped, Ruto said.

In a pointed critique, Ruto accused opposition figures of relying on intimidation and empty threats, asserting that such tactics would fail to unseat him. He further challenged his critics to present their development records, questioning whether they had contributed anything meaningful to the local community in Nyamira.

And they will not intimidate anyone in our country. They cannot tell us that they will remove the president, he said. Right here in Nyamira, is there a church they have built? Is there any road they have constructed here or even a classroom? They should stop intimidating people.

The president promised to shield citizens from political harassment, pledging to maintain democratic values and ensure every Kenyan feels included. He argued that the nation belongs to its entire population rather than a select group of political elites.

And as president, I will not allow anybody to intimidate fellow citizens. Kenya does not belong to a few people but all people, not a few of the political class, he said.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has rejected demands for his resignation regarding the Sh4.8 billion substandard fuel importation scandal. He insists that no legal or procedural grounds exist for him to vacate his office while investigations remain active.

During a Monday session with the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Energy, Wandayi stood by his performance and argued that he still holds the authority to carry out his ministerial duties.

When all is said and done, in the final analysis, clearly there is no reason to stop me from continuing to discharge my duties as CS for energy and petroleum. There is nothing that stops me from performing my duties as CS when all is said and done, he said.

Wandayi informed lawmakers that the shipment in question arrived in Kenya outside the government-to-government (G-to-G) framework. He clarified that administrative channels managed the importation, bypassing the need for his personal sign-off. According to the CS, a technical committee recommended the procurement, and senior officials, including Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, authorized the process.

Procurement of the consignment was recommended by a technical committee. The PS (Mohamed Liban) approved it in his wisdom. On the 30th of March, it emerged that this consignment came from G2G, and I swiftly briefed the president. His Excellency advised me to stop the second vessel, which was coming in, he told the committee.

Wandayi further noted that any departure from the established G-to-G framework would have necessitated authorization from the highest levels of government. He stated that his office never received a request for such an approval; had he been consulted, he would have brought the matter directly to the president.

Such a deviation should require a higher approval. The approval of CS was not sought. If it did, I would have escalated to the president, he said.

The Cabinet Secretary also revealed that the shipment bypassed standard safety protocols, leading to the entry of fuel that failed to meet specific quality requirements. According to Wandayi, the State Department for Petroleum even sought a waiver from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) after realizing the consignment fell short of national specifications.

Concerning this particular consignment in question, from the documents provided, certain parameters were off the specifications, and from records, a waiver was sought from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) by the State Department for Petroleum, he said.

Despite the controversy, the CS reassured the public that Kenya possesses sufficient fuel reserves. He shifted the blame for any local supply interruptions to the behavior of private oil marketers rather than a genuine national deficit.

There is no shortage of fuel in the country. If there is any shortage, it has been caused by oil market players, he said.

The Acting Director General of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) informed lawmakers that the agency has initiated enforcement actions to curb malpractice within the sector. Dr. Eng. Joseph Oketch revealed that intelligence reports pointed toward specific players hoarding fuel to profit from anticipated price hikes. In response, the authority has already issued 25 show-cause letters to the suspected parties.

We have done much to ensure fuel is enough. We got intelligence that some players are hoarding fuel in anticipation of a price increase. 25 show cause letters written, he said.

CS Wandayi corroborated these claims, confirming that EPRA targeted 12 oil marketers for allegedly creating artificial shortages. However, the CS chose to distance himself from the recent exit of three senior energy officials, claiming he remains unaware of the specific motives behind their departures. He maintained that ongoing investigations continue and denied any evidence of forced resignations.

As to why three or so officers have resigned, I cannot say because I do not know why they resigned. What I know is that investigations are ongoing, he said, adding that there was no evidence of coercion.
Hear national contracting, cybersecurity, innovation funding experts at SouthernTECH2026

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Businesses and university researchers can gain practical insights into government contracting, cybersecurity compliance and innovation funding at SouthernTECH 2026: Harnessing Technology for Government Contract Success.

The hybrid event, hosted by the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is set for 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on April 29 at SIUs Gower Translational Research Center, 1785 University Press Drive in Carbondale. Participation is available both in-person and virtually at no cost.

The event will feature national experts who have helped businesses secure billions of dollars in federal contract awards and they will provide practical strategies for competing and growing in todays evolving government marketplace, including navigating cybersecurity/Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements. SouthernTECH 2026 will also offer university faculty, staff, administrators and graduate students valuable insights for translating research innovation to commercialization and real-world impact.

Much to gain at SouthernTECH 2026

The 2026 SouthernTECH will incorporate a variety of sessions featuring national experts:

Government Sales and Artificial Intelligence Strategy. Michael LeJeune of RSM Federal opens the program with a session focusing on how contractors build more predictable, repeatable pipelines. He will share ways businesses are using AI and modern market intelligence tools to identify opportunities, strengthen sales strategies and compete more effectively in the marketplace. He will also highlight the critical role human judgment and relationships play. LeJeune is a triple Amazon No. 1 bestselling author whose work has helped thousands of contractors transition from inconsistent wins to structure, scalable growth. All who attend will receive a free e-book by LeJeune, Im New to Government Contracting, which provides practice guidance for businesses that are new to government contracting.

Cybersecurity and CMMC: A Fireside-Chat-Style Discussion. Cybersecurity expert Leslie Weinstein will lead the discussion designed to clarify CMMC requirements as she explores when CMMC applies, how the Levels 1-3 differ and how businesses can avoid common and costly mistakes. Participants will get practice insights into building a right-sized compliance program and preparing for self-assessments and future certification requirements. There will also be a question-and-answer session.

Innovation Funding and Research Commercialization. Jerry Hollister of BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting LLC will focus on how ideas move through the research-to-impact pipeline, from early-stage innovation to funded projects to real-world application. He will discuss why promising innovations can fail during the transition, how government agencies buy new ideas and how to identify true buyer and funding sources. The session will be especially valuable to university researchers, startups and technology developers seeking to turn ideas into funded opportunities as he will also highlight practical pathways through programs and awards including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Other Transactional Authority (OTA) and Broad Agency Announcements.

In addition, those attending in person will have the opportunity to connect with contractors, researchers and partners during a working lunch provided by the Office of Innovation and Economic Development

Register soon

While there is no cost to attend, pre-registration is required and space is limited for in-person participation. Sign up now online.

For additional information, visit the website, email APEXaccelerator@siu.edu or call 618-536-2355.
The Indian pharmaceutical industry must enter a dedicated "innovation phase" over the next five years if it is to meet its long-term global ambitions, said Namit Joshi, Chairman of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), on the sidelines of the India Pharma 2026 event organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). "We have to leapfrog from a particular value by 2030, and if we want to achieve the ambition of 2047, then these are five years, in which we must enter the innovation phase," Joshi said. He stressed that relying on generics alone is no longer sufficient for growth. Because we have seen that in the generic space, it is not helping us. We are not getting any help. So, this is not a need to have, it is a must to have, innovation. Joshi noted that competing nations have already moved ahead on the innovation curve. "Our competing nations have moved ahead, and we should. In this meeting, it was decided that we must innovate and leapfrog in value," he said. "All efforts are being made in this discussion." While India is the third largest globally by volume in pharmaceutical exports, it ranks only 14th by value. "We sell volumes. We are third largest in volume, in export. But we are 14th ranked in value. So, how can we come in 10th rank, 5th rank, and then top 5 value-wise ranking. All efforts are in this discussion," Joshi added. Addressing the impact of the West Asia conflict and global supply chain disruptions, Joshi drew parallels to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. "When COVID struck in 2020, a similar challenge arose. And you may know that the PLI scheme for the pharmaceutical and health sectors was implemented in 2020," he said. "The Prime Minister's vision of India's need for self-reliance was evident, and we are now seeing its fruits." He credited the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme with making India self-reliant in key raw materials. "If we had been dependent on raw material imports, which were won in PLI, then our situation would have been like COVID. We wouldn't have had raw material. We wouldn't have been able to make bulk drugs. We wouldn't have been able to formulate with it." "I think the thinking of 2020 has kept India very stable in this crisis situation, which was not possible before. Today, we can proudly say that PLI has made us very self-reliant, that no matter what happens... India's own pharmaceutical model will remain robust and stable," Joshi added further. On challenges from crude and gas allocation, he acknowledged government support. "The small challenge that came to us, came from crude or gas, which is still in allocation. Thank you very much to the Indian government. They helped the pharma industry in a timely manner. In which, as per the allocation, we are getting certain petrochemical products, which are necessary for pharma." He confirmed that the situation remains under control. "Right now, our situation is under control. We don't have any panic, because of which we can say that everything has gone haywire. Other nations have problems. But, due to self-reliance, a large portion of pharma is secured," Joshi said. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], April 14: Tattva Wellness Spa, India's premier wellness spa brand, is thrilled to announce its new opening at Voco by IHG, Amritsar. IHG's stylish upscale property situated close to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. In a city that draws millions to the Golden Temple each year, Tattva arrives with a simple but powerful offering: a place to find solace from the city's busy streets.

Amritsar's energy is unlike any other Indian city - deeply spiritual, endlessly vibrant. This new spa is designed for every kind of visitor, from the pilgrim seeking quiet after a long journey to the local Ambarsariyas in need of a genuine reset.

What's Inside

The spa located near the poolside, is a cosy space for relaxed time. It features three private therapy suites, complete with steam and shower amenities. Guests can choose from Swedish, Deep Tissue, Abhyanga, and Potli massages, as well as VILASA signature facials - Shine, Rejuvenate, and Pure - each personalised through a one-on-one skin consultation.

60-minute therapies start at INR 3,800. For the launch month, guests enjoy up to 50% off on 60- and 90-minute therapies, Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Memberships & More

Tattva's membership plans - SIMPLI Spa, Peace, Serenity, and Tranquility - spanning 6 to 18 months, make consistent wellness easy and rewarding, with family-sharing options available on select plans.

Commenting on the launch, Shipra Sharma, Founder & Director, Tattva Wellness Spa, said:

"Amritsar has a soul that's hard to describe - it moves you. We wanted to create a space here where that feeling of peace guests experience at the Golden Temple can continue a little longer. This launch means a great deal to us."

About Tattva Wellness Spa

With 100+ locations and 13+ years of expertise, Tattva Wellness Spa delivers holistic wellness experiences inspired by the balance of five elements - Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vaayu, and Akash and guided by its philosophy: "Live More - Do More."

Book your experience at https://tattvaspa.com/

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
PNN New Delhi [India], April 14: In the ever-evolving world of fine jewellery--where heritage meets modern elegance--Urmil Jewellers Gold & Diamond India Limited stands tall as a symbol of trust, quality, and timeless craftsmanship. With a rich legacy spanning over four decades, the Urmil Group has transformed from a modest family-run business into one of the most trusted jewellery brands in East and North Delhi. A Journey Rooted in Trust Since 1978 The story of Urmil began in 1978, when visionary entrepreneur Mr. Phool Chand Soni laid the foundation with Urmil Bartan Bhandar. Built on strong values of honesty, dedication, and customer relationships, the business quickly became a household name. By 1980, the brand had already established a strong presence in the local retail market. As customer trust deepened, so did their expectations--leading to a natural transition into the jewellery segment. From Small Beginnings to a Trusted Jewellery Brand Responding to growing customer demand for high-quality jewellery, the Soni family entered the jewellery industry with a clear vision and unwavering commitment to excellence. What started with just three employees has now grown into a thriving organization with 350+ professionals, serving millions of satisfied customers. Second Generation: Building the Brand Identity Under the leadership of Mr. Vinod Soni, Urmil Jewellers was formally established in 2000, marking a significant milestone. The brand quickly earned recognition for:* Premium gold & diamond collections* Authenticity and transparency* Customer-first approach Further strengthening trust, Mr. Suresh Soni introduced advanced gold purity testing systems and ensured the sale of Hallmark-certified jewellery, setting new industry benchmarks. Digital Transformation & Modern Retail Expansion Embracing the digital age, Mr. Dinesh Soni led the brand's technological evolution by launching its official website and mobile app, offering customers a seamless and modern shopping experience. Third Generation: Innovation Meets Tradition The legacy continues with Mr. Shubham Soni, who joined the business in 2018. Representing the third generation, he brings:* Fresh retail strategies* Contemporary design innovation* A modern customer experience approach While driving innovation, he remains deeply rooted in the core values of trust, dedication, and customer satisfaction. A Brand Trusted for Generations For countless families, Urmil is not just a jewellery brand--it is a symbol of "bharosa" (trust). From weddings to festivals, Urmil Jewellers has been a part of life's most cherished moments for generations. Strong Presence Across Delhi Urmil Jewellers currently operates multiple successful showrooms in Delhi, including:* Ram Nagar, Shahdara* Yamuna Vihar (Flagship Showroom)* Durgapuri* Madhu Vihar The Yamuna Vihar showroom is widely recognized as one of the largest jewellery destinations in East & North Delhi, offering premium collections and an unmatched shopping experience. Grand Openings & Celebrity Presence Strengthening its brand presence and public appeal, Urmil Jewellers has marked key showroom launches with renowned personalities:* The grand opening of the Madhu Vihar branch and Urmil Fashion Studio (Ram Nagar, Shahdara) was graced by Bollywood actress Zareen Khan* The Yamuna Vihar flagship showroom was inaugurated by Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela along with Hon'ble Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari These high-profile inaugurations highlight the brand's growing recognition and strong market presence. Expansion Plans: Strengthening Delhi-NCR Presence Continuing its growth journey, the Urmil Group is set to launch new modern showrooms, including:* A grand flagship showroom in Durgapuri* A new showroom in Indirapuram (Uttar Pradesh)* An upgraded modern showroom in Ram Nagar, Shahdara* An additional showroom in Ram Nagar, Shahdara These expansions reflect the brand's vision to bring premium jewellery closer to customers while enhancing accessibility and overall shopping experience. Diversification into Luxury Fashion In 2023, the group expanded into the luxury segment with the launch of Urmil Fashion Studio--a premium bridal and designer wear destination offering bespoke wedding collections and high-end occasion wear. A Legacy That Continues to Shine With three generations of leadership, decades of craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Urmil Jewellers Gold & Diamond India Limited continues to redefine trust and elegance in the jewellery industry. https://urmiljewellers.in/ Crafted with Passion. Worn with Pride. Trusted for Generations. For Media Queries & Information:Mr. Santosh Tandon(P.R.O., Urmil Group) (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
New Delhi [India], April 14: The 5th VGU Ranka Moot Court Competition 2026 has concluded successfully at Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, strengthening its position in legal education in India. This prestigious national-level moot court competition saw participation from 64 teams, making it a landmark event for aspiring legal professionals from law colleges across India.

Focused on an environment and constitutional law moot problem, the competition encouraged students to engage with pressing issues like environmental protection, fundamental rights, state obligations, and sustainable development. The event served as a platform to showcase legal research skills, advocacy skills, and courtroom experience.

The three-day event began on 10 April 2026 with the preliminary rounds, followed by the inaugural ceremony, quarter-final rounds, research test, and social media round on 11 April. The competition culminated on 12 April with the semi-final and final rounds, ending in a grand valedictory ceremony.

The ceremony was graced by Justice Narendra Kumar Jain, Former Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court, as Chief Guest, along with Prof S C Shastri, Director of Jaipur National University, as Guest of Honour. Justice J K Ranka, Chairman of Ranka Public Charitable Trust, also motivated participants.

Highlighting the importance of moot court competitions in India, Justice Jain stated that such platforms provide real courtroom exposure and are essential for building a successful legal career. Prof Shastri emphasised the value of practical legal education alongside theoretical knowledge.

Dogra Law College, Jammu, emerged as the winner, while the Institute of Law, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, secured the runner-up position. The Army Institute of Law, Mohali, won the Best Memorial award. Shri Gaur was awarded Best Researcher, and Loria Sharma of Jaipur National University received the Best Speaker award.

Prof. N.D. Mathur, President of VGU, reiterated the university's commitment to quality legal education and experiential learning, noting that participation from 64 teams reflects its growing reputation among law colleges in India.

The event concluded with the distribution of trophies, certificates, and mementos, celebrating excellence in moot court advocacy and legal scholarship. The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting practical legal training and moot court competitions for future legal professionals.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
The Government of India launched a massive, multi-sectoral response to the evolving situation in West Asia, focusing on stabilising domestic fuel supplies, expanding natural gas infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of Indian nationals abroad. In a comprehensive update released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of External Affairs detailed a series of "rationalisation measures" designed to counter the impact of the ongoing blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. To mitigate the shortage of LPG, the government has shifted its focus to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and targeted supply for vulnerable groups. To prevent dry-outs, booking intervals for domestic cylinders have been increased to 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas. Meanwhile, the supply of 5 kg FTL (Free Trade LPG) cylinders for migrant labourers has been doubled. Since March 2026, approximately 4.40 lakh new PNG connections have been gasified, with nearly 5 lakh more customers registered. The government is incentivising states to transition from LPG to PNG by offering additional commercial LPG allocations to those who show progress. Despite rising global crude prices, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by 10 per litre and increased export levies on diesel and ATF to ensure domestic availability. "Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchasing... the Government is taking all efforts to ensure 100% supply to domestic needs," read the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas press release. The government has empowered states under the Essential Commodities Act to curb hoarding. On April 13 alone, over 2,950 raids were conducted across the country, including a major seizure of 500 illegal cylinders in Kerala. On the maritime front, India reports that port operations remain normal with no congestion. The DG Shipping Control Room has facilitated the repatriation of over 2,262 seafarers, while maintaining constant contact with Indian-flagged vessels in the Gulf. Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held high-level discussions with counterparts in Kuwait, Israel, Singapore, and Australia to monitor the regional conflict and the welfare of the Indian diaspora. 2,313 nationals moved to Armenia/Azerbaijan for travel to India from Iran. Travel from Kuwait and Bahrain is facilitated via Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia. Travel from Israel and Iraq is being facilitated through Jordan and Egypt, while limited commercial and non-scheduled flights continue to operate from UAE and Qatar. Since February 28, nearly 9.55 lakh passengers have successfully travelled from the West Asia region back to India. Indian Missions continue to operate 24/7 helplines to assist the community and crew members on regional vessels. (ANI)
PNN Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], April 14: Kolkata's urban landscape is undergoing a profound transformation as the "Silver Economy" redefines the concept of ageing. India currently enjoys a young demographic advantage. However, this landscape is rapidly changing. In the 2011 census, people aged 60 and above accounted for 8.6% of the total Indian population, numbering 103 million elderly persons. By 2050, the country's elderly population is expected to reach 300 million, forming nearly 20% of the total population. Rising life expectancy, changing family structures, and shifting disease patterns are creating a growing demand for both medical and non-medical senior care. To ensure healthy and dignified ageing, India needs a strong policy framework, sustainable care financing, and an inclusive elder welfare ecosystem that brings together public, private, and community stakeholders. Countries across the globe are increasingly promoting home- and community-based care, supported by private participation and technology-driven solutions such as digital health, AI-enabled monitoring, and smart home safety tools. These innovations are improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing quality of life for the elderly--offering valuable direction for the ageing transitions. For the Elders, housing now moves beyond basic shelter to offer a life of dignity and purpose. These developments prioritise the following: * Holistic Wellness: Integrating on-site healthcare and preventive therapy specifically tailored for Senior Citizens. * Safety & Accessibility: Utilising universal design principles to ensure every corner of the environment is navigable and secure. * Social Connectivity: Fostering community engagement through shared intellectual and cultural spaces The Silver Economy in India is experiencing a paradigm shift, transitioning from a niche segment to a major economic driver. As life expectancy rises, the demand for specialised services tailored to Senior Citizens has skyrocketed. This growth is fuelled by an increasing preference for Senior Living Homes that offer more than just a roof; they provide a "care-first" lifestyle. Investors and developers are now prioritizing Retirement Homes that integrate advanced healthcare, age-tech, and hospitality. For Elders, this means access to high-quality supportive care and social engagement, transforming ageing into a period of active consumption and specialised wellness. Jagriti Dham Senior Living, a flagship social initiative by the Infinity Group, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), hosted a landmark symposium titled "Silver Economy and Healthy Ageing" at The Park Hotel, Kolkata. The event served as a high-level convergence point for healthcare institutions, geriatricians, senior living developers, and technology innovators to architect a sustainable ecosystem for India's ageing population. As India witnesses a demographic shift, the "Silver Economy" has emerged as a critical sector requiring urgent infrastructure and policy focus. The event's primary objectives were centered on developing integrated models that harmonise housing, healthcare, and social engagement. Experts engaged in deep-dive deliberations regarding: * The Future of Geriatric Care: Analysing the scaling of senior living infrastructure in India. * Community-Based Ecosystems: Integrating safety and long-term care within residential frameworks. * Technological Innovation: Showcasing design and service breakthroughs that enhance elderly mobility and independence. The inaugural session featured powerful addresses from industry stalwarts Sonali Ghosal, Managing Director of Nightingale Group of Companies and Co-Chair of the FICCI West Bengal State Council, and Rajagopal G, Group CEO of Serene Communities and Chairman of the Association of Senior Living India (ASLI). A highlight of the day was panel sessions - "Bridging Gaps through Technology, Services & Partnerships" & "Evolving Geriatric Care - Institutional Frameworks, Care Models & Community Linkages" - moderated by Aninda Das, Vice President - Marketing, Infinity Group - Jagriti Dham Senior Living. The panels featured a multidisciplinary group of experts - Reema Nadig (KITES Senior Care), Prateep Sen (Tribeca Care), Arunansu Talukdar (Medical College, Kolkata), Dhires Kr. Chowdhury (Banchbo Healing Touch Foundation), Nilanjana Maulik (ARDSI), Suparna Sengupta (HP Ghosh Hospital), Jaison Jose (Xelpmoc Design & Tech), Manoj Maity (Maity's), Sharat Sattur (Portea), Esha Chakravarty (Lonza Biologics & Calcutta Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology), Suresh Kumar, Secretary (LIC), and Mihir Kanti Goswami (LIC). Jagriti Dham was honoured as the "Senior Living Housing Project of the Year" for the fourth consecutive year at the 18th Realty+ Excellence Awards 2026 - EAST. Held at Fairfield by Marriott, this accolade at Eastern India's largest real estate gathering underscores Jagriti Dham's unwavering commitment to providing a gold standard in senior care. By bridging the gap between infrastructure and empathy, Jagriti Dham and FICCI have set a new benchmark for how India perceives and prepares for its silver years. About Jagriti Dham Jagriti Dham is Kolkata's most luxurious senior living community, offering a lifestyle that blends comfort, dignity, culture, and community engagement for its residents. It is a thoughtfully designed senior living community dedicated to providing a safe, dignified, and fulfilling lifestyle for elderly residents. Located in a serene and accessible setting, Jagriti Dham combines compassionate care with modern infrastructure to address the evolving needs of senior citizens. The community offers a holistic living experience with 24/7 medical support, wellness-focused amenities, nutritious dining, and engaging social activities that promote both physical and emotional well-being. With a strong emphasis on independence, respect, and community bonding, Jagriti Dham creates an environment where residents can age gracefully while staying socially connected and mentally active. Backed by a commitment to quality care and ethical service, Jagriti Dham, a CSR initiative of Infinity Group, Kolkata, has emerged as a trusted destination for senior living, offering peace of mind to both residents and their families. For more details, contact: Website: www.jagritidham.comEmail: contact@jagritidham.comPhone: +91 89618 96167 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.)
India's pharmaceutical sector is witnessing rising cost pressures due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, with increased freight, insurance, and input costs impacting the supply chain, said Sudarshan Jain, General Secretary, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA). In an exclusive conversation with ANI on Tuesday, talking about the impact of the crisis, Jain said there has been a definite increase in freight costs, along with a rise in insurance expenses and solvent prices, which are critical inputs for pharmaceutical manufacturing. "Yes, there has been a definite increase in the freight cost. There is an insurance cost which has gone up and there is a cost increase in the solvent. We are working very closely with the government and the primary task at the moment is to ensure that the products are available because we owe a lot to the world that we supply to more than 200 countries and the patients around the world depend on us," he said. Despite these challenges, Jain emphasised that the primary focus of the industry and government is to ensure the uninterrupted availability of medicines, both domestically and globally. He added that multiple government departments, including the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the Ministry of Commerce, are working in coordination with the industry to ensure that critical inputs remain available and supply chains function smoothly. "The Department of Pharmaceuticals, Commerce Ministry, and the industry are working together to ensure that inputs are available and products are supplied on time to patients globally," Jain noted. Highlighting the importance of the sector, Jain also said the pharmaceutical industry is a strategic pillar of the Indian economy, contributing USD 30 billion in exports and USD 30 billion to the domestic market. India supplies medicines to more than 200 countries and has the highest number of USFDA-approved manufacturing plants, reinforcing its position as a key global supplier of pharmaceuticals. Looking ahead, Jain said the industry has set an ambitious target of contributing USD 450 billion by 2047, with innovation playing a central role. "The sector can be a very great contributor to the country. What will play an important role going forward is innovation, especially affordable innovation at scale," he said. Jain further said that industry leaders have aligned on a vision to develop more than 100 products by 2047, with a focus on strengthening regulatory frameworks and making India a global benchmark in pharmaceuticals. (ANI)
Actor Alec Baldwin has opened up about the emotional and physical challenges he endured following the 2021 'Rust' set tragedy, revealing that he suffered from a severe medical condition that left him bedridden for eight days and caused multiple blackouts, according to People. Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, Baldwin described the aftermath of the incident as "unspeakably difficult to deal with." The actor was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, though the charges were dismissed with prejudice in 2024. Reflecting on the period, Baldwin said, "That was unspeakably difficult to deal with. I wound up staying home a lot. I was home with my kids for three-and-a-half years, I hardly worked at all," according to People. He added that the ordeal significantly altered his outlook on life and career. "I don't want to leave my house anymore. I don't. I don't want to work anymore. I don't. I really don't. I want to retire and stay home with my kids," he said, according to People. Baldwin also spoke about the challenges of completing the film 'Rust' as part of a settlement with Hutchins' husband, Matthew Hutchins, who had filed a wrongful death lawsuit in February 2022. "We had to go back and finish the movie Rust in Montana as a component of the settlement with her husband," Baldwin said, adding that the process "impacted me in every way, financially, career-wise, my wife, my kids, my health." The actor revealed he suffered from orthostatic hypotension, a condition linked to blood pressure fluctuations that can cause fainting. "I was really sick, I had a nerve condition that you get when you take blood pressure medication, orthostatic hypotension, where you black out," he said. Describing the severity, Baldwin shared, "I blacked out three times during the St. Patrick's Day weekend of that year, and fell on top of my wife once. It was crazy. It was horrible." He further said the condition left him bedridden. "So I get into bed. I'm in bed for eight days. I can't get out of bed. I can't walk. I had to go to physical therapy for two weeks," he added, as per the outlet. Despite his health struggles, Baldwin completed the film under pressure. "I had to get up on a horse and go back there to Montana to finish the film, or they were going to sue the ... out of me. So I make it, I get there, and I don't give the performance I want to give because I'm sick, but I did the best I could," he said, according to People. Baldwin also credited his wife, Hilaria Baldwin, for supporting him through the difficult period. "I told them if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have survived all of the Rust situation, so thank you," he said during the podcast. (ANI)
"Effortless" humour resonates most with audiences, says actor Rajkummar Rao, who detailed his approach to comedy ahead of the April 15 release of the upcoming Netflix film 'Toaster' Headlined by Rajkummar Rao and Sanya Malhotra, the dark comedy has been directed by Vivek Daschaudary and produced by Rao and his actor wife Patralekhaa under Kampa Films. 'Toaster' revolves around Ramakant, essayed by Rao, a man whose extreme frugality leads to a series of chaotic and humorous events. It also stars Sanya Malhotra, Abhishek Banerjee, Archana Puran Singh, Farah Khan, Jitendra Joshi and Upendra Limaye in pivotal roles. "It has to be right on paper," Rao tells ANI, emphasising that comedy is deeply rooted in writing and authenticity. "And then, of course, actors come and at least do that much... The more effortless it is, the more natural it is," he said. Elements like editing and sound design also play a crucial role in enhancing humour, says the actor famed for balancing intense dramas with lighter roles in films like 'Bareilly Ki Barfi', 'Ludo', and 'Stree'. While being naturally inclined towards serious roles the actor says he enjoys switching to comedy for relief. "My favorite genre is always drama... dramas tire you emotionally and physically. Then I feel like I should do a comedy, a light one," says Rao. The actor also spoke about working closely with his wife as a producer on the project. "We have spent a lot because my wife is a producer... bahut dildaar hai. And since we have been actors ourselves, we know exactly what all problems come up on set," he says, adding, "Of course, we both look after the expenses at home... but in life, we both are not stingy... Patra is way more sharper with money than I am." Co-star Abhishek Banerjee highlights the effort behind performance preparation, especially for intense roles. Recalling his experience of playing Hathoda Tyagi in 'Paatal Lok', he says, "It happened on that shoot. I didn't talk to anyone for the first three days," noting that he later created a trigger mechanism using music, "The minute that music piece plays in my head, I'm basically that character." Meanwhile, Archana Puran Singh reflected on the challenges of comedy, particularly when scripts fall short. "Till the script is not good... you have to overcompensate. You do something funny," she says adding that she enjoys finding humour in everyday situations. "I enjoy doing any kind of comedy... everything in real life has some humor element... even a simple fall can be the funniest thing in this world." Sanya Malhotra, who is part of the film, reflected on her acting journey and training, saying, "I didn't take training... I did workshops after 'Dangal'... I'm learning while working." She also expressed interest in a dance-based film, adding, "Of course. Please cast me." Netflix dropped the official trailer of 'Toaster,' offering a glimpse into a chaotic narrative where frugality spirals into absurdity. In the trailer Rao is introduced as a meticulous and uncompromising Ramakant, a self-proclaimed "kanjoos" who believes every rupee saved is a victory. The story kicks off with a seemingly trivial incident, Ramakant gifting a toaster at a wedding. However, when the wedding is abruptly called off, his fixation on retrieving the appliance triggers a chain of increasingly complicated and chaotic events. What begins as a simple mission soon escalates into a series of messy situations, pulling in everyone around him. The film blends dark humour with situational chaos, leaning heavily on its ensemble cast, which includes Archana Puran Singh, Abhishek Banerjee, Farah Khan, Upendra Limaye, Vinod Rawat, Jitendra Joshi, and Seema Pahwa. Each character contributes to the film's escalating confusion, adding layers to its fast-paced narrative. With a screenplay by Parveez Shaikh, Akshat Ghildial, and Anagh Mukerjee, Toaster promises a sharp, character-driven narrative where a minor obsession leads to major consequences. (ANI)
Directed by Deepti Pillay Sivan and written by Sanjeev Sivan along with Anirban Bhattacharya and Umesh Nair, the film stars Mohan Agashe and Aadinath Kothare in key roles.

'Achappa's Album' explores family relationships and intergenerational dynamics, blending a rooted slice-of-life narrative with touches of fantasy, as per the press release.

Prakash Magdum, Managing Director of NFDC, said the film reflects the Corporation's continued commitment to meaningful storytelling. "What stood out to us in Achappa's Album is how it uses a very simple premise to open up deeper emotional truths. It's the kind of film that doesn't rely on scale, but on sensitivity, something we believe audiences are increasingly connecting with across languages," he said in a statement.

Sharing her thoughts, director Deepti Pillay Sivan said, "The film explores relationships through a simple yet engaging time-travel narrative" and acknowledged NFDC's support in bringing the story to life."

The cast also includes Anjana Appukuttan, Priyanka Nair and Sidhanshu Sanjeev Sivan.

The film's technical team features cinematography by Manoj Pillai, editing by Sreekar Prasad and music composed by Gulraj Singh.

The film to release in Kerala and other states across India, is produced by NFDC and is being distributed by Dream Big Films.(ANI)
The film has opened to strong reactions from movie buffs, with many appreciating its performances and gripping storyline.

Taking to X on Tuesday, Ram Charan shared that he had "thoroughly enjoyed" the film and praised the lead cast for their work. Sharing his review, he wrote, "Watched #Dacoit and thoroughly enjoyed it.@AdiviSesh delivers a solid and memorable performance as Hari.@mrunal0801 is terrific and brings great depth to her role.@anuragkashyap72 Garu and the entire cast stand out with strong performances."

The actor also appreciated the makers for project with "absolute conviction" and for presenting it with high technical quality. He wrote, "#SupriyaYarlagadda Garu & @AnnapurnaStdios have backed this film with absolute conviction and presented it with high technical standards. Congratulations to the entire team."

https://x.com/AlwaysRamCharan/status/2043979111136407754?s=20

'Dacoit' also features Prakash Raj, Sunil, Atul Kulkarni, Zayn Marie Khan, and Kamakshi Bhaskarla in key roles.

The film follows the story of an angry convict who wants revenge on his ex-girlfriend who betrayed him. As he plans to trap her, the story turns into an emotional journey of love, betrayal, and revenge. Shot in both Hindi and Telugu, the film's story and screenplay have been written by Adivi Sesh and Shaneil Deo.

Ram Charan will be next seen in 'Peddi'. Written and directed by Buchi Babu Sana, the film, also stars Shiva Rajkumar, Janhvi Kapoor, Divyendu Sharma, and Jagapathi Babu.

Produced by Venkata Satish Kilaru under his banner Vriddhi Cinemas, in collaboration with leading production house Mythri Movie Makers, the film is scheduled for release on April 30. (ANI)
The makers unveiled the title and first look of the third instalment of Jumanji at the CinemaCon 2026 in the Las Vegas. The film is titled 'Jumanji: The Open World', reported Variety. It stars Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black in the lead roles. Sony Pictures unveiled a first look at 'Jumanji: Open World,' the long-gestating, latest entry in the action-comedy franchise, at CinemaCon on Monday as part of its presentation to theater owners. According to the outlet, in the film heroes find that the boundaries between a fantastical game and the real world have blurred. This time, the three leading actors will play three different characters. Johnson's Dr. Bravestone, for instance, is Spanish, while Hart and Black's characters are "stuck in demo mode" and still working out a few kinks. The trailer that Sony shared included plenty of scenes of jungle beasts rampaging through a pastoral New England town, reported Variety. Earlier this month, the actor Dwayne Johnson has officially announced the production wrap of the latest installment in the blockbuster 'Jumanji' franchise, marking a major milestone for the adventure series that has spanned over a decade. Taking to his Instagram handle, Johnson described the filming experience as one of the "most fun and pure creative joy experiences" of his career, reflecting on the journey of bringing the beloved franchise back to life for a new generation of audiences. The upcoming film, produced in collaboration with Sony Pictures, is scheduled for a theatrical release on Christmas Day this year. 'Jumanji' is one of the most successful series at Sony, but seven years have passed since 2019's 'Jumanji: The Next Level' opened and nearly a decade since 2017's 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle' debuted in theatres. The movies were inspired by the 1995 Robin Williams hit 'Jumanji,' which Hart, Johnson and Black said will be celebrated in the new film with an Easter egg. This film includes the original dice used in the first 'Jumanji.' Jake Kasdan, who helmed the previous 'Jumanji' films, is back behind the camera again. Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner and Danny DeVito reprise their roles from the previous films. The latest 'Jumanji' opens on December 25, 2026. (ANI)
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on the eve of the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, extended her greetings to fellow citizens and paid tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution. In a message, the President has said, "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Doctor Bhimrao Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution and the great social reformer, I pay my respectful homage to him." Describing Ambedkar as a jurist, economist, profound thinker, legal scholar and a strong advocate of an egalitarian social system, President Murmu highlighted his lifelong contribution to nation-building and social justice. The President further added, "He dedicated his life to the upliftment of the deprived and vulnerable sections of society and made historic contributions in their favour. He not only showed the path to eliminate inequalities but also played a leading role in strengthening India's democratic values and constitutional rights. Ambedkar prioritised women's education and their rights. His multifaceted contributions will continue to inspire future generations to play an active role in the service and development of the country." "On this occasion, let us pledge to imbibe the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar in our lives and contribute towards building a just, inclusive and progressive nation," she said. B R Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India. Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights. He died on 6 December 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. (ANI)
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Tuesday paid floral tribute to Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary in Lucknow. Mayawati was joined by a large gathering in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow to mark Ambedkar Jayanti. In an X post, the BSP chief noted Dr BR Ambedkar's contribution in uplifting the Bahujan Samaj and hailed him for enshrining the principles of equality in the Constitution. She wrote, "In our India country with its vast population, the 'Bahujan Samaj'--that is, the messiah of the Bahujans--Bharat Ratna Bodhisattva, the most revered Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar--today, on his birth anniversary, I offer my profound salutations, floral tributes, and boundless flowers of reverence in the morning, and along with that, heartfelt thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to all the people of the BSP who, across the entire country, along with their families, pay him deeply emotional tributes and flowers of reverence with complete missionary spirit." "It is well known that the entire life of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was spent in extremely arduous struggles for the protection, respect, and upliftment of the 'Bahujan Samaj,' including the country's poor, the neglected, the exploited, and women afflicted by casteism and feudalism, and ultimately, he accomplished the historic task of ensuring its guarantee in the Constitution, becoming immortal, and for which the nation will always remain grateful to him," the post read. As the BSP was formed for the upliftment of the Bahujan Samaj, comprising the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and religious minorities, Mayawati took a dig at other parties and alleged that despite being in power, they did not succeed in achieving Dr Ambedkar's objective. In the run-up to the 2027 UP Assembly elections, Mayawati said, "But alas, if only the parties in power at the center and in the states here could properly succeed in achieving the sacred objectives of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's supremely humanitarian, all-people-serving, and Bahujan-welfare-oriented Constitution, then India would by now have become a self-reliant/Atmanirbhar and developed nation, certainly able to provide the crores of Bahujans here with lives of equality and justice, free from immense poverty, unemployment, casteist hatred, exploitation, and oppression and atrocities, etc." "If this has not been possible, then why? Upon seeking the answer to this, the caravan of Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's 'social transformation and economic liberation' in the country will surely advance toward its goal, even achieving electoral success. Jai Bhim, Jai Bharat," she added. Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. His life was marked by struggles, with the biggest barrier being the caste system under which his family was considered 'untouchable'. Gaining an education, he led a movement against untouchability. In 1927, he led the Mahad March at the Chowdar Tank at Colaba to give the untouchables the right to draw water from the public tank. On September 24, 1932, Dr Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi agreed to the Poona Pact, according to which reservations were provided for untouchables in government jobs and legislative assemblies. His biggest contribution was the Constitution of India, as he served as Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He laid down the principles to ensure social justice for the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and backward classes. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said that Saharanpur is set to witness a "historic moment of development, trust and connectivity" as Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicates the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor to the nation, calling it a "bridge to New India". In a post on X, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of the project, stating, "Today, the land of Saharanpur is about to bear witness to a historic moment of development, trust, and connectivity. The honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji will dedicate to the nation today the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor, connecting Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, built at a cost of 12,000 crore. This is not merely a road project, but a bridge to the new momentum, new connectivity, and new possibilities of 'New India.' This new route between Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand will reduce travel time, accelerate industrial activities, and establish new dimensions in tourism." According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday. At around 11:15 am, he will visit Saharanpur to review the Wildlife Corridor on the elevated section of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor. Following the review, the Prime Minister will perform darshan and pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun. Later, at around 12:30 pm, he will inaugurate the corridor at a public event in Dehradun and address the gathering. The 213-kilometre-long, six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore. The project spans Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand and is expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours to approximately two and a half hours. The corridor includes 10 interchanges, three railway overbridges, four major bridges, and 12 wayside amenities. It is also equipped with an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to ensure safer and more efficient travel. Keeping ecological concerns in mind, the project features a 12-km-long wildlife elevated corridor, along with animal passes, elephant underpasses, and a tunnel near the Daat Kali temple to facilitate safe wildlife movement. The PMO said the project will boost regional economic growth and enhance connectivity across key tourism and economic hubs. (ANI)
In a major case related to a terror conspiracy, an NIA/ATS Special Court in Lucknow has sentenced three terrorists linked to Al-Qaeda to life imprisonment. The convicts -- Minhaj, Masruddin, and Tauheed -- were associated with the Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind module, officials said on Monday. According to the case details, on July 11, 2021, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Minhaj from the Dubagga area. Based on his disclosure, Masruddin and Tauheed were subsequently apprehended. According to officials, a cooker bomb was recovered from Minhaj's residence, while explosive materials and a pistol were seized from the other accused. Investigating agencies said that the trio was planning serial blasts in Uttar Pradesh around August 15, 2021. They were also allegedly preparing for a major attack using a human bomb. During interrogation, it emerged that the accused were acting on the instructions of Umar Halmandi, a handler of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, who was actively involved in recruitment and strengthening the terror network in India. Agencies further stated that the conspiracy was aimed at spreading unrest in the state and across the country following the Ram Mandir verdict. The arrests took place based on information shared by one Al-Qaeda member, Umar Halmandi, who had himself identified and recruited some persons in Lucknow for raising the Al-Qaeda module in the region. He had further informed the police about the Al Qaeda affiliate 'Ansaar Gajwatul Hind' (AGH), an outfit raised to carry out a series of terrorist acts before August 15, 2021, in various cities of UP, especially Lucknow. Special Public Prosecutor Mithilesh Kumar Singh detailed the investigation and prosecution of the case. Speaking to ANI, Special Public Prosecutor Mithilesh Kumar Singh said that the Uttar Pradesh ATS had received inputs about Umar Halmandi, an Al-Qaeda associate operating along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, who had been tasked with establishing links in India. "The ATS had information that Umar Halmandi, who is associated with Al-Qaeda, was working on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and was given the responsibility of linking Al-Qaeda in India. In this context, he contacted Tauheed, and Tauheed contacted Minhaj in Lucknow. Minhaj then involved Masruddin, and through Masruddin, three others - Muied, Mustaqueem, and Shakeel - were added," he said. He further said that the accused primarily communicated online due to restrictions during the COVID-19 period, which initially made evidence collection challenging. "It was 2021, the time of COVID. So at that time, physical contact was difficult. All contacts were being made online. And online itself, Tauheed contacted Minhaj. After that, it was difficult to gather evidence at that time. And when these people were caught based on information, the mobiles recovered from them had a lot of chatting... and through that, the whole case came out," he added. The prosecution's side presented 42 witnesses and 149 documents. Apart from that, 109 material exhibits were proved. From the defence's side, 5 witnesses were presented, the SPP said. The court's verdict is being seen as a major success for the security agencies. Several Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists were arrested and jailed in November last year, too. In November, a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) convicted two more accused, sending them to jail for a period of 20 months in the Al-Qaeda terror conspiracy case linked to Al Qaeda. Mohd. Mustaqueem and Shakeel, both residents of Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), were convicted by the NIA court under section 25 (1B) (a) of the Arms Act, read with section 120B of the IPC. The Special Court at Lucknow sentenced the duo to 20 months' imprisonment. A fine of Rs. 5000 each has also been imposed against them. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday paid tributes to BR Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, remembering his role in shaping India's Constitution and championing social justice. In a post on X, Amit Shah highlighted Ambedkar's contribution to democracy and national unity, stating, "Babasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji laid the strong foundation of our democracy by giving us a Constitution that grants equal rights and opportunities to every class. He staunchly opposed Article 370 for the sake of the country's integrity. Babasahib, who gave the mantra to society to become educated and stay organized, teaches us through his life that when the resolve is for national service and the welfare of the people, every obstacle becomes small. Salutations to the pioneer of social justice, the architect of the Constitution, Babasahib Bhimrao Ambedkar Ji, on his birth anniversary." https://x.com/AmitShah/status/2043864913018532331 Rajnath Singh also paid homage, underscoring Ambedkar's lifelong commitment to equality and nation-building. "On the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, a great social reformer, and a staunch advocate of social justice, we offer him our humble tribute! Babasaheb dedicated his entire life to fostering equality and harmony in society. His whole life was devoted to securing equal rights for the people of deprived sections. Babasaheb was also a great thinker and the architect of many of the nation's institutions. Even in adverse circumstances, Babasaheb achieved extraordinary accomplishments and made an indelible contribution to nation-building," Singh said. https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/2043879681276125260 Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu also paid tributes, recalling Ambedkar's contributions to nation-building, social justice, and constitutional values. BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India. Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights. He died on 6 December 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. (ANI)
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Uttarakhand on Tuesday, all preparations have been finalized in Dehradun city, including at the Jaswant Singh Army Ground, the main venue for the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor. The Rs.12,000 crore project is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Uttarakhand. According to officials, extensive arrangements have been put in place at the venue to ensure the smooth conduct of the main ceremony, which will mark the formal launch of the corridor. The Jaswant Singh Army Ground has been developed as the central venue for the inauguration event, where the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the programme. The entire city has also been decorated ahead of the high-profile visit, with large cutouts, banners, and ceremonial welcome arches installed across key locations in Dehradun. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in the state, highlighting how the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor would mark a new era of growth for the state. In a post on X, CM Dhami said the Prime Minister's leadership has elevated India's global stature and inspired millions across the country. He also called him a "development icon and karma yogi." He wrote, "A heartfelt welcome and felicitation to the development icon and karma yogi, the revered Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, upon his arrival in the land of the gods, Uttarakhand--whose saga of glory has elevated India's stature on the global stage and instilled faith and inspiration in the hearts of millions of countrymen." Highlighting the significance of the infrastructure project, he said the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor would significantly boost connectivity and development in Uttarakhand. He added, "The inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor by your lotus hands marks the dawn of a new era of development, connectivity, and prosperity for Uttarakhand." Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, where he will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Dehradun. According to the Prime Minister's Office, at around 11:15 am, the Prime Minister will visit Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh to undertake a review of the Wildlife Corridor on the elevated section of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor. Following this, he will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun. (ANI)
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar at Prerna Sthal in the parliament premises on the occasion of 135th Ambedkar Jayanti. Alongside Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju, and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders also paid tribute to Babasaheb. During the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge shared a light-hearted moment. Sharing an X post, PM Modi said that his efforts towards nation-building are "deeply motivating". "Tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation-building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society," PM Modi wrote. Furthermore, on the eve of Ambedkar Jayanti, President Droupadi Murmu also extended greetings to fellow citizens and paid tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution. The President has said, "On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Doctor Bhimrao Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution and the great social reformer, I pay my respectful homage to him." Describing Ambedkar as a jurist, economist, profound thinker, legal scholar and a strong advocate of an egalitarian social system, President Murmu highlighted his lifelong contribution to nation-building and social justice. The President further added, "He dedicated his life to the upliftment of the deprived and vulnerable sections of society and made historic contributions in their favour. He not only showed the path to eliminate inequalities but also played a leading role in strengthening India's democratic values and constitutional rights. Ambedkar prioritised women's education and their rights. His multifaceted contributions will continue to inspire future generations to play an active role in the service and development of the country." "On this occasion, let us pledge to imbibe the ideals of Babasaheb Ambedkar in our lives and contribute towards building a just, inclusive and progressive nation," she said. BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India. Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights. He died on 6 December 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Maithili Thakur on Tuesday said that the name of the next Chief Minister of Bihar will be decided in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting today. Speaking to ANI here on the announcement of the Chief Minister of the state, she said, "Today everything will become clear. Whatever decision is made will be presented with clarity." On the 20th year of CM Nitish Kumar's journey, she added that the people are able to live independently in Bihar because of Nitish Kumar. "Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is known to everyone by the name of Vikas Purush. If today we are able to live independently in Bihar, it is because of Nitish Kumar," she added. Earlier on Monday, Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi said that a meeting of the BJP Legislature Party will be held at 3 pm on April 14 at the party office to elect its leader, with Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attending as the central observer. He added that an NDA meeting will follow at 4 pm in the Central Hall of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, where the leader of the Legislature Party will be finalised. "A meeting has been convened at 3 PM tomorrow at the BJP office for the selection of the leader of the BJP Legislature Party. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be present as the central observer. The NDA meeting has been called at 4 PM in the Central Hall of the Bihar Legislative Assembly, in which the selection of the leader of the Legislature Party will take place,'' he told ANI. Meanwhile, outgoing 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 will step down after the Cabinet meeting. 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)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday paid tributes to Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary, highlighting his contribution to social justice and nation-building. He noted that Ambedkar's lifelong struggle for the upliftment of the deprived, oppressed, and marginalised sections of society remains a constant source of inspiration. "On the birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution and a pioneer of social justice, Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, I pay my humble and profound tributes. Through education and equality, you accelerated efforts towards women's empowerment. The foundation you laid for a strong India based on equality, justice, and rights continues to pave a way for the nation-building process even today," CM Yadav said in a post on X. He further added, "Your struggles and ideas for the upliftment of the deprived, oppressed, and those standing at the last row remain an eternal source of inspiration for all of us." Additionally, the birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, will be celebrated at his birthplace in Mhow, Indore with deep devotion and great enthusiasm today. A grand gathering will be held at the magnificent memorial built at his birthplace. Chief Minister Yadav will be attending the event along with multiple dignitaries. According to an official release, a large number of people across Madhya Pradesh and other states are arriving for the program, and the influx of people began on the evening of April 12. For smooth management, the event area has been divided into seven sectors and teams comprising officials from various departments have been deployed in each sector. Three control rooms have also been set up on the Tehsil premises. Special arrangements for emergency medical services have been made at six locations in Mhow. The Health Department has deployed teams of doctors on duty. Sanitation arrangements have been ensured by the Indore Municipal Corporation and local bodies, and fire safety arrangements have also been put in place. BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India. Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights. He died on 6 December 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. (ANI)
Uttarakhand BJP President Mahendra Bhatt on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that whenever he visits the state, he comes bearing "incredibly special gifts" like the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway worth Rs 12,000 crore set to be inaugurated today. "PM Modi is visiting Uttarakhand today. We are ready to welcome him. People across the State are coming today just to listen to PM Modi. He has given Uttarakhand an incredibly special gift in the form of the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway worth Rs 12,000 crore. He is coming to inaugurate it. Whenever he visits our State, he always comes with a gift. The people of the State are excited to welcome him. The way PM Modi keeps Uttarakhand in his heart, each visit to the State turns out to be important. I welcome him on behalf of the people of the State," he said. Meanwhile, preparations have been finalised in Dehradun city, including at the Jaswant Singh Army Ground, the main venue for the inauguration of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor. The Rs 12,000 crore project is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Uttarakhand. According to officials, extensive arrangements have been put in place at the venue to ensure the smooth conduct of the main ceremony, which will mark the formal launch of the corridor. The Jaswant Singh Army Ground has been developed as the central venue for the inauguration event, where the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the programme. The entire city has also been decorated ahead of the high-profile visit, with large cutouts, banners, and ceremonial welcome arches installed across key locations in Dehradun. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, where he will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Dehradun. According to the Prime Minister's Office, at around 11:15 am, the Prime Minister will visit Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh to undertake a review of the Wildlife Corridor on the elevated section of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor. Following this, he will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Constitution and ideals of BR Ambedkar are under attack, asserting that he would "fight with all his strength" to protect them. In a post on X on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, Gandhi said, "Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar did not just give us the Constitution; he gave us the dream of a strong India founded on justice, equality, and dignity. But today, certain forces are systematically working to weaken Babasaheb's legacy and our Constitution--democratic institutions are being hollowed out, rights are being trampled, and the idea of equality is under attack." Gandhi further added, "This country is built on Babasaheb's ideals--I will fight with all my strength, until my last breath, to protect them. Together, we will bring back to life the India of Baba Saheb's dreams. Heartfelt wishes to all on Ambedkar Jayanti." https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2043906972853121486 Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also paid tribute, urging people to defend the Constitution and uphold social justice. Quoting Ambedkar, Stalin said, "I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved," and emphasised that India's strength lies in pluralism, not imposed uniformity. Congress MP Manickam Tagore also invoked Ambedkar's warning, alleging that a special Parliament session scheduled for April 16 was being rushed. "This is not democracy. This is bulldozer governance," he said, adding that Parliament "is not a rubber stamp" but the foundation of people's voice. Tagore further raised concerns over delimitation, calling for wider consultation, consensus and transparency, particularly regarding representation for backward class women. Senior Congress MP P Chidambaram also paid tribute, stating, "We remember Babasaheb Ambedkar today on his birthday! We also remember his precious gift to the people of India -- the secular democratic Constitution of India!" Dr BR Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb, was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a key figure in India's social reform movement. Born into a Dalit Mahar family, he dedicated his life to securing equal rights for marginalised communities and promoting social justice. Ambedkar served as independent India's first Law and Justice Minister and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his contributions to the nation. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday paid tribute to BR Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary as he urged people to defend the Constitution, uphold social justice and protect the voices of the oppressed. In a post on X, Staling invoked Ambedkar's vision on social progress and equality, stating, "'I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.' - Ambedkar. On the birth anniversary of revolutionary Ambedkar, let us strengthen our resolve to protect the Constitution, establish social justice, and safeguard every oppressed voice! India's strength lies in our pluralism; not in imposed uniformity." https://x.com/mkstalin/status/2043901861904953628 Emphasising inclusivity, Stalin further said, "If progress is the measure, let us reject uniformity and hierarchies, choose pluralism and equality; let us establish justice! "I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved." - B. R. Ambedkar. On the birth anniversary of Babasaheb, let us strengthen our resolve to defend the Constitution, uphold social justice, and protect every oppressed voice. India's strength lies in its pluralism, not in imposed uniformity. If progress is the measure, let us reject uniformity and hierarchy; choose pluralism and equality, and uphold justice." The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's remarks came as leaders across the political spectrum remembered Ambedkar's contributions to India's democratic and constitutional framework on his 135th birth anniversary. Meanwhile, Congress MP Manickam Tagore also invoked Ambedkar's warning on the functioning of the Constitution, alleging that a special session of Parliament scheduled for April 16 was being rushed. He said the move was turning parliamentary democracy into a "mere formality." Tagore stated, "A special session of Parliament is being rushed on April 16, right at the peak of election campaigning in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. A reasonable demand for an all-party meeting after the elections has been rejected... This is not democracy. This is bulldozer governance." He also raised concerns over delimitation, calling for wider consultation and transparency, and emphasised that Parliament "is not a rubber stamp" but the foundation of people's voice. Senior Congress MP P Chidambaram also paid tribute to Ambedkar, saying, "We remember Babasaheb Ambedkar today on his birthday! We also remember his precious gift to the people of India -- the secular democratic Constitution of India!" Dr BR Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb, was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and a key figure in India's social reform movement. Born into a Dalit Mahar family, he dedicated his life to securing equal rights for marginalised communities and promoting social justice. Ambedkar served as independent India's first Law and Justice Minister and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990 for his contributions to the nation. (ANI)
The meeting comes as the nation marks Puthandu, a significant cultural festival celebrated by Tamil communities, symbolising the beginning of the Tamil calendar year.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday also paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar at Prerna Sthal in the parliament premises on the occasion of 135th Ambedkar Jayanti.

Alongside Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju, and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders also paid tribute to Babasaheb.

During the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge shared a light-hearted moment.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, where he will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Dehradun.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, at around 11:15 am, the Prime Minister will visit Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh to undertake a review of the Wildlife Corridor on the elevated section of the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor. Following this, he will perform Darshan and Pooja at Jai Maa Daat Kali Temple near Dehradun.

At around 12:30 pm, PM Modi will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor at a public event in Dehradun and will also address the gathering on the occasion.

The 213 km long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore. The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hours. (ANI)
Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and MP Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday alleged that the maximum number of statues of BR Ambedkar were vandalised during the BJP's ten-year rule. He also claimed that the government is now trying to send a "false message" ahead of elections by announcing budgetary support, while discrimination against Dalits and backward classes continues in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing reporters in Lucknow, Yadav said, "The most statues of Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar have been vandalised during the BJP government's ten-year rule, and today, the same people responsible for the vandalism are trying to send a false message before the elections by providing budgetary support. But the people of Uttar Pradesh are wise and cautious. Even today, discrimination against Dalits, backward classes, and especially against the PDA continues." Today is the 135th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar. Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. His life was marked by struggles, with the biggest barrier being the caste system under which his family was considered 'untouchable'. His biggest contribution was the Constitution of India, as he served as Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He laid down the principles to ensure social justice for the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and backward classes. Further, Yadav blamed the Uttar Pradesh government for the unrest in Noida because of workers' protests, alleging that authorities failed to prevent the situation despite being aware of it. He said that if the incident was a "conspiracy," then the Chief Minister and the BJP are responsible. "...What happened in Noida happened because of the failure of this government. The government knew about it, and despite that, they allowed it to happen. If this is a conspiracy, then the Chief Minister and the BJP are responsible for this," Yadav said. "The BJP is going to be removed in 2027, and we will all work together to establish the rule of social justice," he said. His remarks come amid ongoing workers' protests over minimum wage demands, which turned violent on Monday with stone-pelting and vehicles being set on fire after an altercation with police. (ANI)
Remembering the contribution of Dr Ambedkar, the Chief Minister highlighted his lifelong commitment to social justice, equality, and national unity.

Dhami said, "His entire life was dedicated to establishing the ideals of social harmony, equality, and justice. His visionary thoughts continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for building a strong, inclusive society."

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday also paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar at Prerna Sthal in the parliament premises on the occasion of 135th Ambedkar Jayanti.

Alongside Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju, and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders also paid tribute to Babasaheb in Delhi.

During the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge shared a light-hearted moment.

Sharing an X post, PM Modi said that his efforts towards nation-building are "deeply motivating".

"Tributes to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. His efforts towards nation-building are deeply motivating. His life and work continue to inspire generations to build a just and progressive society," PM Modi wrote.

BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India.

Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights.

He died on 6 December 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in a veiled attack, terming the Opposition party a "Bangla-Birodhi Zamindars" who "strip away democratic rights." Sharing a video of her election rally on X, Mamata Banerjee appealed to electors in Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, and Bankura to vote for the Trinamool Congress candidates for a fourth consecutive government. The TMC chief wrote, "My brothers and sisters are my greatest asset. The source of my strength. The backbone of everything we have built together over these fifteen years. Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, and Bankura have bound me in a debt of love and blessings. I am filled with confidence that our Maa-Mati-Manush Sarkar will return for a historic fourth consecutive term." She accused the BJP of conspiring to "divide and humiliate" the people of West Bengal. "I give you my word. As long as I breathe, I will let no harm befall this land or its people. I will fight to the very last to protect Bengal and every soul within it. Those conspiring to divide our people, malign our state, strip away democratic rights, and exploit and humiliate the people of Bengal will not succeed. Not while we stand together. I call upon every caste, every creed, every class, every religion to rise as one immovable force against the Bangla-Birodhi Zamindars who threaten everything we stand for," she said. "I call upon you to repose your faith in Ujjal Chatterjee from Suri, Chandranath Sinha from Bolpur, Asish Banerjee from Rampurhat, Abhijit Sinha (Rana) from Labpur, Shyamaprasanna Lohar from Ausgram, Alok Kumar Majhi from Galsi, Pradip Mazumdar from Durgapur Purba, Kavi Dutta from Durgapur Paschim, Moloy Ghatak from Asansol Uttar, Hareram Singh from Jamuria, Narendranath Chakraborty from Pandabeswar, Anup Mondal from Bankura, and every single Maa-Mati-Manush candidate across Bengal," the X post read. Polling will be held in two phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29, and the results of the assembly polls will be announced on May 4. West Bengal will witness a high-voltage clash between the incumbent TMC, looking for a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP is aiming to form a government after making a mark in the last polls. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday paid floral tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, calling for his legacy and revolutionary ideas to be honoured. Taking to X, the Chief Minister said, "Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar gave millions of oppressed people the path to dignity, self-respect, and equal citizenship through the Constitution. On Ambedkar Jayanti, let us honour not just his birth, but the revolutionary ideas that transformed India.Warm wishes to all on Ambedkar Jayanti." https://x.com/siddaramaiah/status/2043928258845270195 Meanwhile, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar, along with Chief Minister Hemant Soren, also paid tribute to Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar at Ambedkar Chowk on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Speaking to the media on the occassion, Soren said, "Today's auspicious day is a moment of pride for a vast democratic country like India. Baba Saheb's contribution is neither hidden from anyone nor will it be. The entire country is proud of him. As long as the country and the world exist, his contribution will be remembered." Dr BR Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb or the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, was a key figure in India's social reform movement. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. His life was marked by struggles, with the biggest barrier being the caste system under which his family was considered 'untouchable'. Gaining an education, he led a movement against untouchability. In 1927, he led the Mahad Satyagraha at the Chowdar Tank at Colaba to give the untouchables the right to draw water from the public tank. On September 24, 1932, Dr Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi agreed to the Poona Pact, according to which reservations were provided for untouchables in government jobs and legislative assemblies. His biggest contribution was the Constitution of India, as he served as Chairman of the Drafting Committee. He laid down the principles to ensure social justice for the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and backward classes. He also served as independent India's first Law and Justice Minister and was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990. Leaders across the country paid tributes to Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, highlighting his role in shaping modern India. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said Ambedkar gave India the vision of a nation built on justice, equality and dignity, while urging the protection of constitutional ideals. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also paid homage, calling for strengthening the resolve to defend the Constitution and protect the voices of the oppressed. He emphasised that India's strength lies in its pluralism and inclusivity. Meanwhile, Congress MP Manickam Tagore invoked Ambedkar's warning on the functioning of the Constitution, alleging that parliamentary processes were being undermined. He stressed that Parliament is the foundation of people's voice and called for greater consultation and transparency. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram also remembered Ambedkar's contribution, describing the Constitution as his "precious gift" to the nation. (ANI)
The firefighters in Haryana on Tuesday have gone on a strike to press for a 20-point charter of demands, including the granting of 'martyr' status to the personnel who lost their lives in the Faridabad steel factory fire incident. Consequently, they have alleged that fire services in the state have been left entirely to the mercy of fate. The firefighters have stated that if the government does not take heed by April 17, their strike could well become indefinite. The strike comes at a time when the farmers' crops ripen and are ready to harvest, a prime time for a fire incident to occur. The statewide strike by the Fire Department at such a critical juncture serves as a grave warning for the farming community. Earlier, two firefighters lost their lives during a blaze at a steel factory in February; in response to this tragedy, fire department personnel across the entire state have gone on strike. The employees are demanding that the personnel who perished during the incident be accorded 'martyr' status and that their families receive financial compensation of Rs 1 crore, along with a government job. Furthermore, they are demanding the formulation of a comprehensive policy to ensure adequate assistance in the future for any personnel who suffer physical injury or lose their lives while on duty. During the course of this strike, three rounds of negotiations were held with government representatives. However, all three rounds proved unsuccessful, and the strike has now been extended until April 17. If the government fails to accede to their demands, the strike could escalate into an indefinite protest. Meanwhile, a fire incident occurred on a scrap-laden truck in Karnal on Monday, prompting fire tenders to rush to the spot and bring the blaze under control. According to officials, the vehicle was travelling from Delhi to Chandigarh when it suddenly caught fire, resulting in damage to the cargo. However, no loss of life was reported in the incident. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Karnal Highway Police, Darshan Singh, said that an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. The SHO told ANI, "An investigation will be conducted. The fire has been brought under control. There is no report of any loss of life. The truck's cargo has been damaged. This truck was travelling from Delhi to Chandigarh. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined." (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav paid floral tributes and garlanded the statue of Bharat Ratna, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar at Board Office square in the state capital Bhopal on the occasion of his 135th birth anniversary on Tuesday. CM Yadav highlighted Babasaheb's immense contribution to nation-building, stressing his vital role in shaping modern India remains unparalleled. The Chief Minister also noted that by drafting the Indian Constitution, he safeguarded the rights of all citizens to facilitate the creation of an egalitarian society. The CM also recited the Preamble of the Constitution and raised slogans of "Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Amar Rahe" (Long live Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar). CM Yadav also stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has developed Babasaheb's birthplace, place of education, place of initiation, place of Mahaparinirvan (final resting place), and Chaitya Bhumi as the 'Panchteerth' (Five Pilgrimage Sites) to preserve his legacy. Highlighting Babasaheb's contribution to women's empowerment, the Chief Minister said that he made significant efforts for women's education and protection of their rights. He further noted that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the Centre is moving towards granting 33 percent reservation to women in Parliament and state assemblies through the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, calling it a major step toward empowering women in the 21st century. Additionally in a post on X, CM Yadav said, "On the birth anniversary of the Architect of the Indian Constitution and Bharat Ratna, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, I paid floral tribute by garlanding his statue located in Bhopal on Tuesday. The State Government is committed to realising Babasaheb's vision of social harmony." BR Ambedkar, fondly known as 'Babasaheb', was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution and is thus also called the 'Father of the Indian Constitution'. Ambedkar was also the first law and justice minister of independent India. Babasaheb was born into an impoverished Dalit Mahar Family in Madhya Pradesh. He fought tirelessly for the equal rights of marginalised sections of society. Later, he was revered as a 'Dalit Icon' for his contributions towards their rights. He died on 6 December 1956. In 1990, Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that the long-awaited implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which ensures 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, should be carried out before 2029, calling it the "sentiment of the nation" and the "desire of Nari Shakti." He also urged all political parties to support the proposed amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, expressing confidence that by 2029, women will have stronger representation and greater rights in legislative bodies. The Parliament is set to meet on April 16, 17,18 in a special sitting of the budget session to discuss amendments to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 and a proposed Delimitation Bill to implement the one-third reservation for women legislators. Addressing the pubic in Dehradun, PM Modi said, "After four decades of anticipation, Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This has ensured 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. All parties came forward to support this important law. The rights that women have now received should not face any delay in implementation. It should be implemented now. Lok Sabha elections will be held in 2029, followed by the ongoing state assembly elections. It should be implemented before 2029. This is the sentiment of the nation. This is the desire of Nari Shakti." "In homage to this resolve of maternal power, a special discussion has been scheduled in Parliament from April 16. Let all political parties come together and advance this work concerning the rights of the country's sisters and daughters with a unanimous consensus," PM Modi said. Prime Minister said he has written a letter addressed to the women of the country, inviting mothers and sisters to actively participate in the ongoing efforts related to women's reservation. "Today, I have written a letter in the name of all the sisters of the country. With great earnestness, I have invited the mothers and sisters of the country to become partners in this endeavor. I am firmly confident that the mothers and sisters of my country will certainly read this letter. Today, from Devbhoomi, I will once again appeal to all parties in the country to definitely support the amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandana Act. In 2029, we will ensure that 50 percent of our country's population receives their rights," he said. PM Modi inaugurated the six-lane Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Uttarakhand, calling such projects "new doors of progress" that will boost trade, business, and industrial growth in the region. "These Economic Corridors are new doors of progress, gateways, doors. Hopes are also tied to their threads. These Economic Corridors, besides roads, create new paths for trade and business, prepare the foundation for warehouses and factories. The Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor too is going to transform this entire region," he said. Prime Minister said that while earlier villagers in Uttarakhand had to wait for generations for roads, the "double-engine government" has now ensured better connectivity, bringing life back to once-isolated villages. "Earlier in Uttarakhand, generations would pass while waiting for roads in villages. Today, due to the efforts of the double-engine government, roads are reaching even the villages. Villages that were once deserted are becoming lively again," PM Modi said. "In the past decade, our government has made unprecedented investments in the country's infrastructure development. Let me give you a figure. Nitin Gadkari has just shared many figures related specifically to Uttarakhand. Until 2014, less than Rs 2 lakh crore was spent per year on infrastructure across the entire country. I am referring to the whole of India," PM said. He also called for making the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Haridwar a grand, divine, and clean event. "The piles of plastic bottles and garbage harm the sanctity of Devbhoomi. Therefore, it is crucial that we keep the places of Devbhoomi, our pilgrimage sites, clean and beautiful. The Kumbh Mela is also scheduled to be held in Haridwar next year. We must leave no stone unturned in making this confluence of faith divine, grand, and clean," he said. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, hailing the abrogation of Article 370 and the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand. PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the six-lane Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Dehradun. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the Prime Minister also apologised to the gathering for being late to the occasion. PM Modi said, "Today is also the birth anniversary of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar. I pay my heartfelt tributes to Babasaheb. The policies and decisions taken by our government over the past decade have worked towards restoring the dignity of the Constitution. After the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, the Constitution of India is now fully applicable across the entire nation. Even Maoist-affected districts are now working constitutionally. Our Constitution expects us to implement the Uniform Civil Code. Uttarakhand has taken this forward and shown a way to the nation." "Babasaheb spent his life giving social justice to the deprived and exploited, and our government is also engaged in delivering social justice. That is why Babasaheb strongly advocated for modern infrastructure and industrialisation," he added. Article 370 was abrogated on August 5, 2019, withdrawing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir with a constitutional amendment. While Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code, fulfilling the BJP's long-standing promise. Acknowledging the delay in the event, the Prime Minister said, "I apologise that I was late by more than an hour. I left on time, but the 12-kilometre-long roadshow, there was so enthusiastic that it was difficult to move the car quickly. The huge crowd in the 12-kilometre-long stretch, even under this heat, shows the love and blessings. I will take a new inspiration from Uttarakhand." Further, he said that the six-lane Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor will accelerate Uttarakhand's progress while strengthening connectivity. Extending greetings for festivities, "The new year has arrived, I extend greetings for Baisakhi, Puthandu and Bohag Bihu. Badrinath and Kedarnath Yatras will also begin in a few days. I got an opportunity to offer prayers to Maa Daat Kali. Maa Daat Kali's blessings have been instrumental in completing the Delhi-Dehradun Corridor." "After offering prayers at Baba Kedar, I had expressed that the third decade of this century would belong to Uttarakhand. I am very happy that through the double-engine government's policies, the state is moving forward on the path of development and strengthening connectivity. This project will further accelerate Uttarakhand's progress and give new momentum to its development," the Prime Minister said. PM Modi inaugurated the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in Dehradun. The 213 km long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore. The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two and a half hours. (ANI)
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Tuesday assured that the Tanakpur-Lipulekh road via Pithoragarh will be completed within the next year. Speaking at a public function in Dehradun, Gadkari said that the project, worth Rs 5,200 crore, has approximately 200 kilometres of the road already constructed out of the total of 370 kilometres. He stressed that the remaining 129 kilometres will be completed very soon "We have great reverence for Mansarovar. Today, we have to go there via Nepal and China, and under the leadership of our Prime Minister, we have undertaken a challenging task. A road is being built from Tanakpur to Lipulekh via Pithoragarh at a cost of Rs 5200 crore. Of the 370 kilometres, approximately 200 kilometres have been completed, and the remaining 129 kilometres face significant obstacles. Despite this, we will strive to complete it within the next year," he said. At the event, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed PM Modi and committed to making Uttarakhand the best State in the country. He further exuded confidence in the BJP's victory in the 2027 Assembly elections. "Prime Minister, today, under your leadership and guidance, Uttarakhand is working in every field in accordance with the concept of both development and heritage to fulfil its unwavering resolve to become the best state in the country. I assure you that under your leadership, we will certainly succeed in achieving this goal. Also, like the 2022 assembly elections, in the 2027 elections too, we will succeed in forming the government in the brave land of Uttarakhand," he said. Moreover, PM Modi inaugurated the six-lane Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor in the capital city of Uttarakhand. The 213 km long six-lane access-controlled Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor has been developed at a cost of over Rs 12,000 crore. The corridor traverses through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from over six hours at present to around two-and-a-half hours. (ANI)
Nearly 60 pct of Canadians support joining EU: poll

Xinhua) 09:14, April 14, 2026

OTTAWA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Nearly three in five Canadians support Canada becoming a full member of the European Union (EU), a new The Globe and Mail/Nanos poll showed Monday.

The survey, conducted by Nanos Research for the national newspaper, showed that around 57 percent of respondents either support or somewhat support Canada's accession to the EU. In contrast, about 32 percent expressed opposition or somewhat opposition.

"Canadians are re-examining their place in the world," said pollster Nik Nanos. He said that while Canadians still value free trade with the United States, they want to have closer relations with the EU. "In an ideal world, they'd have both," Nanos added.

The survey also highlighted that 84 percent of Canadians believe strengthening economic ties is the most viable path forward for Canada-EU relations.

"When the United States is experiencing such political turmoil and its President is threatening Canadian sovereignty, European countries that are long-standing partners look a lot more appealing," Roland Paris, a professor of international affairs at the University of Ottawa, was quoted as saying.

The poll results reflected "a snapshot of public sentiment," said Paris.

U.S. President Donald Trump's occasional threats to use "economic force" against Canada have unsettled its northern neighbor, particularly as the future of the North American free-trade agreement remains under negotiation.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Top sources within the Uttar Pradesh Police have revealed that the violence in Noida on April 13 was no spontaneous protest but a meticulously orchestrated conspiracy. The revelation come amid ongoing Workers' protests over minimum wage demands, which turned violent on Monday with stone-pelting and vehicles being set on fire after an altercation with police. According to top sources in the police, over 350 suspects have been rounded up so far, while more than 200 individuals have been formally arrested, including several accused of carrying out arson in a "methodical and pre-planned manner." Officials further claimed that around 5 to 6 individuals have been identified as key perpetrators who allegedly executed the core incidents of violence. Sources said preliminary investigation indicates the involvement of a "trained militia" which is suspected to have hijacked a workers' protest and deliberately escalated it into violence. The same network is also believed to have expanded its activity across multiple locations, including Faridabad in Haryana, suggesting a wider coordinated operational footprint. Investigators further allege that members of this group transported petrol from different locations to execute targeted arson at identified hotspots. According to sources, the movement of individuals and materials appeared "structured and coordinated," with operatives allegedly shifting from one location to another in a manner resembling a "trained militia." A senior source involved in the probe said the violence was not random but followed a planned sequence of actions aimed at creating disruption at multiple points. "The pattern suggests coordination and intent rather than spontaneous outrage," the source indicated. Sources said multiple fake WhatsApp groups were created to circulate rumours, including false claims of casualties, with the intention of triggering panic and escalating tensions further. However, police cyber units intervened and began tracing the origin of such posts, identifying the groups involved and preserving digital evidence for further action. According to sources, the police social media monitoring cell was able to disrupt several of these online networks before they could amplify further unrest. Workers' protests continued on Tuesday in the Hosiery Complex in Phase 2 in Noida, despite the state government announcing a wage hike for workers. Police personnel were deployed at the spot. The workers have been demanding an increase in minimum wages. On Monday, the protests turned violent after an altercation with the police. The protesters pelted stones and torched vehicles, and were set on fire after an altercation with police. (ANI)
Farmers at Kallair Balla village in Punjab's Amritsar celebrated Vaisakhi on Tuesday with great joy and enthusiasm. On this auspicious day, wheat was harvested by the farmers with sickles in the traditional way as they enjoyed the drum beats. Before harvesting, Ardas was performed by them as a way to thank God for a good harvest of Rabi crops, especially wheat. The festival marks the Punjabi New Year and symbolises prosperity and gratitude for a good Rabi harvest. Ranjit Singh, a farmer from Kallair Balla village, said with great enthusiasm that Punjab is celebrating the festival of Vaisakhi, which holds immense cultural and religious significance. He said that this day is remembered for the historic moment when Guru Gobind Singh Ji established the Khalsa Panth and initiated the tradition of Amrit Sanchar. Ranjit Singh further explained that this is also the time when the wheat crop in Punjab ripens, and harvesting begins. He highlighted that farming has always been a major source of livelihood in Punjab, providing employment to both farmers and labourers. Despite the advancement of modern machinery and technology, many farmers still begin the harvest manually as part of tradition, before large-scale cutting is carried out using combine harvesters. Across Punjab, a vibrant harvesting atmosphere can be witnessed during this time. He added that it is a long-standing tradition in Punjab to begin any new work, especially harvesting, with prayers and Ardas, seeking blessings from God. Following the same tradition, farmers have started the harvesting season today. Ranjit Singh emphasised that the wheat crop is crucial, as it fulfils the food requirements of people for the entire year. He also recalled that there was a time when India had to import wheat under the PL-480 Act from the United States to feed its population. However, the farmers of Punjab played a key role in making the country self-reliant in food production and filled the national granaries. Today, even though challenges remain, Punjab's farmers continue to be the backbone of India's food security While speaking, farmer Kawardeep Singh said that today they are standing in village Kalerwala, where a wave of happiness can be seen among farmers. He said that this joy is not limited to just one village, but is being felt across the entire state of Punjab as people celebrate the festival of Vaisakhi. The day holds great historical as well as cultural significance. A farmer, Daljit Singh, said that today marks the festival of Vaisakhi, which is a significant day for the farming community. He stated that the wheat crop has now fully ripened and is ready for harvest. On this occasion, farmers have begun the cutting process after offering prayers (Ardas) and taking the name of God for blessings. He added that there is a strong sense of happiness and excitement among farmers, as this crop is extremely valuable to them, just like a precious possession that one brings home with pride. For farmers, this harvest represents the reward of nearly six months of hard work, dedication, and patience. Today is the day when that long wait finally comes to an end. He further said that this festival brings immense joy and satisfaction, as the crop they have nurtured with care is now ready to be harvested and taken home. Kawardeep Singh explained that for farmers, this is a very special occasion because it marks the beginning of wheat harvesting. After nearly six months of hard work, where farmers nurture their crops like their own children and face various weather challenges, this day brings the reward of their efforts. He added that this is the time when the crop reaches its final stage, bringing income, happiness, and stability to farmers and their families. Many household needs and future plans depend on this harvest. Across Punjab, the harvesting season officially begins on this day. As per tradition, farmers start the process by offering prayers (Ardas) and seeking blessings for a successful season. A festive atmosphere can be witnessed, with dhol beats and celebrations adding to the spirit of the occasion. The beginning of the harvest is being marked with great enthusiasm and energy. He further said that just like any business reaches its final stage of returns, for farmers, this is that crucial moment when their "golden crop" finally comes home. This harvest not only fulfils present needs but also helps them prepare for the next cropping season. (ANI)
In a major push to protect the capital from the Yamuna's recurring floods, the Delhi government has approved the construction of a flood protection wall along a vulnerable stretch of the Ring Road. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that a 4.72-kilometre-long wall will be built from Majnu Ka Tila to the Old Railway Bridge (ORB), with a target to complete the project before the next monsoon season. The Chief Minister said the decision, formally cleared as part of the budget, is rooted in the city's repeated experience with severe flooding. She underlined that the government is now moving decisively towards a permanent solution, rather than relying on temporary or stopgap measures. Once in place, the wall will act as a robust barrier, preventing the Yamuna waters from spilling into residential areas. It is expected to provide a strong layer of protection to vulnerable localities such as Civil Lines, Kashmere Gate, Yamuna Bazaar and Majnu Ka Tila areas that have historically faced the worst impact whenever water levels rise. For decades, floodwaters have entered the city through low-lying pockets around Majnu Ka Tila, often submerging stretches of the Ring Road and bringing normal life in Delhi to a standstill. From the devastating floods of 1978 to more recent episodes in 2023 and 2025, this stretch has remained particularly exposed, CMO said in a release. Gupta noted that the existing embankments are no longer adequate to deal with future challenges, making it imperative to adopt a durable, long-term solution. Official data shows that the Yamuna touched a record level of 208.66 metres in 2023, surpassing the previous high of 1978. In 2025 as well, the river crossed the danger mark of 205.33 metres, rising to 207.48 metres. Warning that such extreme situations could recur, the Chief Minister said the proposed wall offers a strong and lasting safeguard. Gupta also pointed out that no concrete decision was taken by the previous government, leaving these areas repeatedly vulnerable to flooding. Explaining the broader impact, she said the wall will serve as a protective shield between the river and the city, preventing overflow onto roads. It will also help check riverbank erosion, thereby safeguarding nearby roads and building foundations. In addition, the structure is expected to curb illegal dumping of waste along the riverbanks, helping preserve the floodplain and protect the Yamuna's ecosystem. Reaffirming her government's intent, Gupta said the project will be executed on a war footing, with a target to complete the entire stretch before the 2027 monsoon season. She stressed that the initiative goes beyond flood control, aiming to strengthen urban infrastructure, support environmental protection, and improve the quality of life for residents. Once completed, the wall is expected to provide Delhi with long-term relief from the annual threat of Yamuna floods. (ANI)
The Supreme Court has stayed the operation of a Rajasthan High Court order granting ex parte interim bail to accused persons in a gang rape case, observing that such relief in a serious offence required consideration after hearing all parties. The apex court also issued notice to the respondents, returnable in four weeks. A bench of Justice Manoj Misra and Justice Manmohan passed the order on April 13 while hearing a Special Leave Petition filed by the survivor challenging the High Court's April 7, 2025, order. The delay in filing the plea was condoned at the outset. Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Mayank Jain argued that despite a named FIR alleging gang rape, the High Court granted interim protection to the accused without recording any reasons, effectively shielding them from arrest in the grave offence. The Supreme Court noted the grievance and directed that the effect and operation of the High Court's order granting ex parte interim protection in connection with the FIR registered at Udaimandir Police Station, Jodhpur, shall remain stayed. However, it clarified that the High Court may consider a fresh application for a stay after hearing both sides. According to the contents of the petition, the case pertains to allegations of intoxication and gang rape, where the accused allegedly secured blanket interim protection under proceedings initiated under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (corresponding to Section 482 CrPC). The plea contends that the High Court's order was a single-line direction passed without assigning any reasons, despite the seriousness of the charges. The petition further claims that the investigation yielded crucial forensic evidence, including DNA analysis linking one of the accused to the offence. It is stated that DNA samples obtained during the investigation matched with biological material collected from the survivor, as well as with the foetus conceived following the alleged assault, thereby establishing a direct link between the accused and the crime. It is also alleged that despite such evidence, the accused have remained at large for over a year due to the interim protection, while the survivor has faced intimidation and threats. The petition refers to alleged instances of coercion, including threats to her safety and attempts to pressure her into silence, along with claims of inaction by the investigating agency in taking the case to its logical conclusion. The plea relies on settled law that powers under Section 528 BNSS cannot be used as a substitute for anticipatory bail and cites precedent to argue that criminal investigations should not be stalled without cogent reasons. It asserts that the impugned order has adversely affected a fair investigation and deprived the survivor of meaningful justice. (ANI)
Addressing the reporters here, Yadav said, "I will go on an indefinite hunger strike until justice is delivered to the BC community. The government must act on our long-pending demands."

President Bode Ramachandra Yadav said that he will undertake an indefinite hunger strike for the welfare of BCs.

He stated that the government must fulfil five key demands for the BC community, including. Enactment of the BC Protection Act.

Allocation of 1,000 acres of land for BCs in the capital region. 44% reservation for BCs in education, jobs, and legislative bodies.

He alleged that in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is allocating capital region lands to benamis and distributing large extents of land to family members. He also accused the government of acquiring land from farmers in the name of the capital.

"We demand a comprehensive BC Protection Act to safeguard the rights of backward classes. Additionally, 44 per cent reservation must be ensured across education, jobs, and legislative representation," he told ANI.

Yadav also levelled allegations against the Andhra Pradesh government, claiming irregularities in land allocation in the capital region.

"In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is allocating capital region lands to benamis and distributing vast extents to family members. Lands are being taken away from farmers in the name of capital development," he alleged.

He further asserted that the BC community has been neglected and warned of intensified protests if their demands are not addressed. (ANI)
The government has proposed increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850 as part of its intention to implement the Women's Reservation Act from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, with 815 seats proposed to the states and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories, according to sources. The Lok Sabha has 543 seats at present. The government intends to move a Constitution amendment bill for the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha from 2029 in a special sitting of Parliament on April 16, 17,18. The special sitting of the budget session will discuss amendments to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 and the proposed Delimitation Bill. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged all political parties to support the proposed amendment bill, expressing confidence that by 2029, women will have stronger representation and greater rights in legislative bodies "After four decades of anticipation, Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This has ensured 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. All parties came forward to support this important law. The rights that women have now received should not face any delay in implementation. It should be implemented now. Lok Sabha elections will be held in 2029, followed by the ongoing state assembly elections. It should be implemented before 2029. This is the sentiment of the nation. This is the desire of Nari Shakti," he said at an event in Dehradun. "Let all political parties come together and advance this work concerning the rights of the country's sisters and daughters with a unanimous consensus," PM Modi said. Opposition parties have expressed their concerns about the proposed delimitation bill, alleging that it will limit the representation of the southern states in the Lok Sabha. Opposition parties have also objected to the government's "rushing" of the bill before the general census. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin alleged that the Union government intends to "bulldoze" a Constitutional amendment without proper consultation with states. He said Tamil Nadu would launch a massive agitation if the state's interests are harmed or if southern states are disproportionately affected. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the Metropolitan Surveillance Unit (MSU) at Boileauganj in Shimla on Tuesday. The Metropolitan Surveillance Unit (MSU) is a specialised urban health system established for Rs 1.56 crore and equipped with modern technologies. The Chief Minister said that the Metropolitan Surveillance Unit will serve as an early warning system for Shimla and will ensure timely action. In the event of any disaster or outbreak, this unit will become active, analyse the situation and alert the hospitals. This type of modern surveillance unit has been established in only 20 cities of India, and Himachal is the first and only hill state to have this technology. The Metropolitan Surveillance Unit has been established through a tripartite agreement involving the National Health Mission, the National Centre for Disease Control and the Shimla Municipal Corporation, said the Chief Minister. This initiative marks a historic step towards making Shimla a safe, healthy and responsive city. He said that MSU's functions include generating and verifying alerts on health-related events and supporting the collection and analysis of samples for water, food, vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. The MSU will also facilitate planning and coordination of response by stakeholders such as civic bodies and health, food safety and animal husbandry departments and build the city's capacity to respond to disease outbreaks.The Chief Minister visited the operational area, including the laboratory of the MSU. MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, DC Anupam Kashyap, SP Gaurav Singh and Commissioner Municipal Corporation Bhupender Attri were also present on the occasion. (ANI)
BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal on Tuesday said that the work carried out under the leadership of JDU chief Nitish Kumar will be taken forward by Samrat Choudhary as Bihar Chief Minister. Speaking to ANI on the development, Jaiswal said, "The work that Nitish Kumar did as an NDA leader will be carried forward by NDA's new leader, Samrat Choudhary." Union Minister Giriraj Singh also welcomed the leadership transition and expressed gratitude to Nitish Kumar. "Firstly, I want to thank Nitish Kumar, who made up his mind to come to the centre and Samrat Choudhary was elected unanimously," Singh told ANI. BJP National Secretary Rituraj Sinha called Choudhary's move as CM a "historic moment in the politics of Bihar". "On one hand, Nitish Kumar will not be our CM anymore. Bihar has great respect for him in their minds, and there is also a little pain. But on the other hand, a good leader like Samrat Choudhary has been elected to fulfil the dreams of PM Modi and Nitish Kumar," he said. On Samrat Choudhary being elected as the leader of the Bihar BJP Legislative Party, Bihar Assembly Speaker Prem Kumar said, "We welcome this decision. He will do excellent work. In the times to come, he will work towards realising the vision of Bihar envisioned by the Prime Minister and Nitish Kumar. A beautiful and developed Bihar will emerge in the future." Samrat Choudhary was unanimously elected as the leader of the Bihar BJP Legislative Party, paving the way for a new phase of leadership in the state under the NDA. Earlier, Samrat Choudhary was elected on Tuesday as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party in Bihar, paving the way for his elevation as the state Chief Minister following the resignation of Nitish Kumar. Nitish Kumar, who has been Chief Minister for the past 21 years, tendered his resignation earlier in the day, which was accepted by Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (retd). Samrat Choudhary will be the first Chief Minister of the BJP in Bihar.BJP ally Upendra Kushwaha, in a post on X, congratulated Samrat Choudhary, who is the Bihar Deputy Chief Minister, for his "new responsibility".In a long post after tendering his resignation, Nitish Kumar listed the works done under his rule, and also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI)
Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai on Tuesday stressed that development in India cannot be considered sustainable unless it is rooted in substantive equality, cautioning that economic progress without social justice risks deepening existing inequalities. Delivering the inaugural Ambedkar Memorial Lecture at NALSAR University of Law on the occasion of Dr B R Ambedkar's 135th birth anniversary, he called for a constitutional approach that integrates environmental sustainability with inclusive growth. Speaking on the theme 'Sustainable Development and Substantive Equality: A Constitutional Dialogue,' Justice (retd) Gavai highlighted that while development is often measured through infrastructure and growth, equality remains a constitutional promise tied to dignity and inclusion. He posed a central question--whether development can truly be sustainable if it excludes large sections of society--and argued that both concepts must be understood together rather than in isolation. Drawing from BR Ambedkar's Constituent Assembly speech, the former CJI underlined the continuing contradiction between political equality and social and economic inequality in India. He said structural inequalities persist in access to resources, opportunities, and basic dignity, making it essential to move beyond formal equality toward substantive equality that actively addresses historical disadvantages. The lecture highlighted how environmental challenges disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Citing examples from Maharashtra, Justice Gavai pointed to droughts, farmer distress in Vidarbha, extreme heat conditions, and the plight of Adivasi communities, noting that climate and environmental impacts are not experienced equally. He observed that vulnerable populations bear the harshest consequences due to limited access to resources and institutional support. He further emphasized that sustainable development must go beyond environmental conservation to address social hierarchies. "Development must not deepen existing inequalities or impose disproportionate burdens on the vulnerable," he said, adding that policies must be evaluated not only for efficiency but also for their ability to reduce vulnerability and redistribute opportunities. Justice Gavai also called for a rethinking of governance and policy design, particularly in areas such as climate adaptation, disaster response, and urban planning. He noted that one-size-fits-all approaches often reinforce inequality and stressed the need for targeted measures that reach marginalized groups, including informal workers and those outside formal systems. Focusing on urban development, he questioned the disparity between well-developed areas and neglected settlements inhabited by the poor. He pointed out that workers who sustain urban economies are often excluded from basic amenities like housing, sanitation, and clean environments, describing this as a failure of inclusive planning. Gavai suggested that universities can act as "laboratories of constitutional governance" by implementing inclusive practices on campuses. He proposed measures such as better working conditions for contractual staff, access to healthcare and nutrition, and educational opportunities for workers' families, stressing that sustainability must include social justice. Concluding his lecture, the former CJI Gavai warned that a model of development that leaves large sections of society behind is inherently unsustainable and risks perpetuating the contradictions highlighted by BR Ambedkar. He urged policymakers, institutions, and society at large to align development with the constitutional vision of equality and justice. The event also marked the launch of initiatives under the BR Ambedkar Chair at NALSAR, including research projects, annual lectures, and proposed academic programmes focused on anti-discrimination law and marginalized perspectives, aimed at advancing constitutional dialogue in the years ahead. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, asserting the party's firm stance against the construction of Babri Masjid in Murshidabad. Amit Shah alleged that Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder Humayun Kabir, who has vowed to construct Babri Masjid in Murshidabad, is an "agent" of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and following the latter's "signal". Addressing a rally in Gangarampur, Amit Shah said, "Didi (Mamata Banerjee) wants to build a Babri Masjid here by keeping Humayun Kabir by her side. Didi, the BJP government is coming to Bengal, and we will not allow Babri Masjid to be built on the soil of Bengal." "Humayun Kabir is Didi's own agent, and on Didi's signal, he is building the Babri Masjid, but Didi, your time is up. The BJP government is coming here, and a Babri Masjid cannot be built here," he added. Humayun Kabir was expelled from TMC over the Babri Masjid controversy. Later, he formed the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, vowing to contest against the TMC and the BJP in the poll-bound West Bengal. Later, Amit Shah addressed a rally in Malda where he slammed Mamata Banerjee's opposition to Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, accusing her of "supporting" illegal immigration in the state. "The election commission is doing the SIR. Names of infiltrators are being removed, and Mamata Banerjee is crying for them. Didi's time is over. People are saying bye-bye. BJP will deport every infiltrator from the country," Shah said. To tackle the issue of infiltration, Amit Shah assured that the BJP government, if elected, will allocate the 600 acres of border land for fencing. "We have decided that once the BJP government is formed, within 45 days, the 600 acres of land which is needed for the fencing, we will give that to the Indian government and complete the work of the fencing on the borders," he said. Shah also promised Malda's farmers to build a cold storage in every block, which he said the Mamata Banerjee government failed to do. "In Mamata Banerjee's rule, the cold storage was needed for the prosperity of mango farmers, but Mamata Banerjee did nothing. Form a BJP government, and we will do the work for you, making the cold storage in every Madal (block)," he said. Polling will be held in two phases in West Bengal on April 23 and 29, and the results of the assembly polls will be announced on May 4. West Bengal will witness a high-voltage clash between the incumbent TMC, looking for a fourth consecutive term, while the BJP is aiming to form a government after making a mark in the last polls. (ANI)
Following the announcement of Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party, state Minister Dilip Jaiswal on Tuesday announced that a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) legislative meeting will be held soon to declare his new role. According to him, Samrat Choudhary will assume the post of the new Chief Minister following the meeting and become the first CM from the BJP in the state. "A meeting of the NDA legislative party will be held soon. Samrat Choudhary's will be formally announced during this meeting, and he will assume the office of Chief Minister," Jaiswal told reporters. Bihar BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi asserted that the Bihar CM post has belonged to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) when asked about why a BJP leader was elected following the resignation of JDU leader. "The (Bihar CM) was an NDA leader and will be an NDA leader even now," he said, suggesting this decision is about alliance loyalty, not just a single party. Earlier today, Samrat Choudhary was elected as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party in Bihar, paving the way for his elevation as the state Chief Minister following the resignation of Nitish Kumar. He spoke to ANI following the ceremony, stating, "In my life, the BJP gave me several opportunities to serve." He assured the party's top leadership og prioritising India's development above everything else. "We will continue to take up the work of considering India before everything else and considering it the best, and prioritising the party," he said. Samrat Choudhary is set to be the first Chief Minister of the BJP in Bihar. He has been working as a political worker for about 30 years, working with the BJP since 2015. This development comes after the longest-serving CM of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, who has been Chief Minister for the past 21 years, tendered his resignation to Governor Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) at Lok Bhavan in Patna. He took oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha on April 10. Kumar's ways of manoeuvring alliance politics have been crucial for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) being in power in Bihar. "Nitish Kumar has taught a lot of things - how the govt is run, how good governance will be established in Bihar and what is good for democracy in Bihar...The vision of Viksit Bharat of PM Modi and that of prosperous Bihar by Nitish Kumar - together we will make Bihar prosperous and make the country developed," said Choudhary. Kumar's 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)
In a breakthrough for regional security, the Punjab Police have solved the recent grenade attack on the Bhindi Saida Police Station with the arrest of six individuals. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav confirmed on Monday that the module was orchestrated by Pakistan's ISI and directed by a foreign-based handler. Those arrested have been identified as Baljit Singh, a resident of village Chak Dogra in Amritsar; Prabh Singh, a resident of Chota Fatehwal in Amritsar; Rajbir Singh, a resident of Baba Gum Chak Ballarwal in Amritsar; Sukhpreet Singh, a resident of Thehra Rajputan in Amritsar; Ajaydeep Singh alias Ajay alias Gazni, a resident of Lopoke in Amritsar; and Sahib Singh alias Saba, a resident of Sarangdev in Amritsar. The operation was a coordinated effort between the Amritsar Rural Police, District Faridkot Police, and Counter-Intelligence Ferozepur, following the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to purge terror elements from the state. Investigations revealed a meticulously planned operation designed to strike at the heart of state law enforcement: Accused Baljit Singh and Prabh Singh reportedly retrieved two hand grenades from a drop point near Gharinda. On the day of the strike, the group approached the rear of the police station on foot through agricultural fields to evade detection. While Baljit and Prabh hurled the grenades, a third accomplice, Rajbir Singh, recorded the attack to provide "proof of execution" to their handlers. The perpetrators hid in wheat crops for several hours and disposed of their clothing in a nearby drain to destroy forensic evidence before fleeing at dawn. DGP Gaurav Yadav stated that the module members were radicalised through digital contact with a Pakistan-based handler. "The module had been radicalised and motivated to target police establishments with promises of substantial financial rewards. However, investigations reveal that eventually, only a paltry amount was actually delivered by the Pakistani handler," said DGP Gaurav Yadav. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Border Range Sandeep Goel said that during the investigation, it has come to light that the accused Baljit Singh and Prabh Singh had retrieved two hand grenades from a location near Gharinda. Investigations have also revealed that the accused were promised a large amount of money, but eventually, only a paltry amount of money was given by the Pakistani handler for carrying out the attack, he said. Sharing operational details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Faridkot Dr Pragya Jain said that in an intelligence-led operation with Amritsar Rural Police, police teams arrested the two accused persons involved in the PS Bhindi Saida grenade attack case from Faridkot. Later, during investigations, four more were arrested from Amritsar, she said. Sharing more details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amritsar Rural Suhail Qasim Mir said that on the day of the incident, all three accused--Baljit Singh, Prabh Singh and Rajbir Singh--proceeded towards Police Station Bhindi Saida on a motorcycle. They parked their motorcycle approximately 1-2 kilometres away from the police station in nearby fields and approached the rear side of the police station on foot through agricultural fields, he said. He further said that the accused Baljit Singh and Prabh Singh hurled hand grenades at the police station, while the accused Rajbir Singh recorded the entire incident. After executing the attack, the accused again moved through the fields and remained concealed in wheat crops for approximately three to four hours, he added. The SSP added that the accused later disposed of their clothes in a drain nearly one kilometre from the police station to destroy evidence, and at around 5 AM, retrieved their motorcycle and fled from the spot. In this regard, a case FIR no. 56 dated 30.03.2026 under sections 3, 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act; sections 13, 16, 18 and 19 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act; sections 109, 61(1), 61(2), 3 (5) and 324 (4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS); and section 25 of the Arms Act had been registered at the Police Station Bhindi Saida. (ANI)
According to the statement, Somanathan emphasised the critical need to develop sovereign Artificial Intelligence models and underscored the importance of resilient supply chains to safeguard national interests amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

He also stressed the necessity of stronger civil-military cooperation and observed that a whole-of-nation approach remains essential for achieving optimal outcomes in both conflict and peacetime.

Speaking on Atmanirbharta, the Cabinet Secretary described it not merely as a policy objective, but as a national mindset in which every sector, every institution and every citizen contributes towards building a self-reliant and resilient India.

The interaction formed part of the ongoing Army Commanders' Conference deliberations focused on strengthening national security, preparedness and institutional synergy.

On Monday, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi addressed military officers, highlighting key aspects of the prevailing security situation with emphasis on the maritime domain. He underscored the critical importance of safeguarding sea lines of communication and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of energy and trade, reaffirming the Indian Navy's proactive role in securing vital shipping routes, according to a statement.

The CNS also emphasised the evolving nature of threats, including the growing use of emerging technologies in modern warfare and the need for enhanced preparedness. He highlighted that an effective response to contemporary security challenges demands greater synergy among the tri-services, which will be further strengthened through theaterisation.

The conference is an institutional platform for conceptual deliberations, culminating in making important policy decisions for the Indian Army. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased in the boiler blast in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district, which claimed the lives of at least 9 people and injured at least 15. The Prime Minister has also announced that the injured will be provided Rs 50,000 from the PM National Relief Fund. In a post on X, the Prime Minister expressed condolences towards the incident and stated that the local administration is assisting those affected. "The mishap at a power plant in Sakti district, Chhattisgarh, is tragic. I extend my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," PMO wrote in the post. https://x.com/PMOIndia/status/2044061638001856819 Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh's former Deputy Chief Minister TS Singh Deo called the incident "heartbreaking and distressing." He expressed prayers of peace for the departed souls and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. "The news of the horrific accident at the Vedanta Power Plant located in Singhitrai, Sakti, is extremely heartbreaking and distressing. Reports of the unfortunate deaths of several workers due to the boiler explosion and the serious injuries of many others are deeply troubling the heart. I pray to God to grant peace to the souls of the departed and provide strength to the affected families to bear this sorrow. Along with wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured, I express my deepest condolences to the grieving families during this difficult time," he wrote in the post. https://x.com/TS_SinghDeo/status/2044033677399834719 This comes after nine people died, and 15 others sustained injuries in a boiler blast at Vedanta Power Plant in Sakti district on Tuesday, the police said. Raigarh SDM, Mahesh Sharma, said that a proper investigation is being done in the incident. "A heartbreaking incident has taken place at the Vedanta Power plant today in which some workers have been injured, and their treatment is underway. Our investigation is ongoing," he said. On the incident, a spokesperson from the power plant said, "An unfortunate incident occurred at one of the boiler units at our Singhitarai plant on the afternoon of 14 April 2026, involving personnel from our sub-contractor, NGSL, which operates and maintains the unit. Our immediate priority is to ensure the best possible medical assistance and treatment for all those affected. We are extending full support to the injured and are closely coordinating with medical teams and local authorities. We are in the process of ascertaining details, and a thorough investigation has been initiated in coordination with our partner and relevant authorities. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families of those affected during this difficult time." Further details are awaited. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday launched an all-out attack on BJP, alleging it is "going too far to capture Bengal", names of lakhs of people have been deleted from voters list and the NDA government "has stopped Bengal's money". Addressing an election rally here, Mamata Banerjee alleged that atrocities have been committed against Bengali-speaking people in BJP ruled states and "revenge (of people) will be in the box of democracy". She expressed apprehensions about EVM machines and said she had "never seen anyone play such a dirty game as the BJP". "This time the fight is different. BJP is going too far to capture Bengal. It has cut the names of millions of people. It has stopped all our Bengal's money... The VVPAT machines, including EVM machines, will be checked carefully. They have planned by looking at our seats; if the machines get damaged, they will not change them, but will insert a chip in the machine. They will ask people to wait until the new machine comes... I have never seen anyone play such a dirty game as the BJP," she alleged. "I have been a seven-time MP and a four-time Union Minister. I have seen many Prime Ministers but I have never seen a BJP party government that is so shameless, autocratic, corrupt, a government of robbers, thieves, killing people, and rioting," she added. The Trinamool Congress leader also expressed opposition to Delimitation Bill being brought by government during the special sitting of budget session of Parliament. Referring to workers' protest in Noida, she hit out at the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "Nowadays, Uttar Pradesh is burning. Yogi Babu comes here and gives a speech, and says that bulldozers will continue in Bengal. Bulldozers do not work in Bengal, Bengali salutes, says Pranam, says Jai Hind, says Vande Mataram... From here, when boys and girls go to the BJP state, they are killed. They are tortured. When they speak Bengali, they are called intruders," she said. "Their revenge will be in the box of democracy. This very month, the Delimitation Bill is being brought. It will cut you into pieces. It will divide Bengal. Then it will do NRC," she added. The RMC leader said that despite financial constraints, her government has continued major development projects. Banerjee claimed that there were instructions to arrest Trinamool booth agents ahead of polling. She urged voters to defend their democratic rights. "I have gone to the Supreme Court for you. Today or tomorrow, I will include your names in the voter list. I will try till the end," she said. "Why have you cut so many names? Because you are afraid of people. There was no logical discrimination in Bihar, why here? The Honourable Supreme Court also said this yesterday. Then why in Bengal? Because the fat brother has come from Delhi. ED and CBI have come with him. Cut as many names as you can and do terror. Because it is not that easy to capture Bengal, you will never be able to capture Bengal," the Chief Minister said. Polling in West Bengal will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29 and votes will be counted on May 4. (ANI)
TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday accused the BJP of "using agencies to threaten" over the arrest of Vinesh Chandel, co-founder of I-PAC. Speaking at the internal meeting with party workers, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said, "BJP is using agencies to threaten us, but these things will make us stronger." Furthermore, Banerjee claimed that the BJP will face another defeat, affirming that the TMC vote share will "shatter all records" in the upcoming West Bengal assembly polls. "Despite doing everything, the BJP has realised they are not winning Bengal. The same things happened in 2021. I am putting this on record, TMC's vote share will shatter all records and cross the 2021 tally," he said. Banerjee hit out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged deletion of genuine voters from the SIR of electoral rolls, and said, "Gujarat's goon is threatening Bengalis." "Amit Shah is threatening that on the 23rd (day of polling) will send them back to their houses. Gujarat's goons are threatening Bengalis. We didn't bow down to the British; who are these Bohiragotos? Whose names have been cut, we will ensure all names are added," Banerjee said. Earlier in the day, a Delhi court sent Indian PAC Consulting Pvt. Ltd. director Vinesh Chandel to 10 days' Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the alleged coal pilferage case. Chandel was produced before the court late at night, with proceedings continuing into the early hours of April 14, after which the court granted ED custody, his legal team said. Chandel was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement's Headquarters Investigation Unit in Delhi on April 13 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. He is the founder, director and a 33 per cent shareholder of Indian PAC Consulting Pvt. Ltd. The ED initiated its investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Delhi Police. According to the agency, the probe has so far revealed multiple instances of alleged financial irregularities and different modes of money laundering involving the company. (ANI)
The Avanashi Assembly constituency, a Scheduled Caste reserved segment in the Tiruppur and Coimbatore districts, is gearing up for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly polls. The AIADMK fortress, represented by the incumbent MLA P Dhanapal since 2001, has transformed into a high-stakes battleground which now features a Union Minister and a surge of political entrants. This is because the AIADMK ceded this seat to its ally, the BJP, introducing a significant shift in political dynamics ahead of the 2026 polls. L Murugan, the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, represents the BJP, bringing the weight of central government influence to the campaign. On the opposing side, the DMK has fielded Dr V Kokilamani, a young first-generation doctor from the Arunthathiyar community who resigned from her government medical post to enter politics. Beyond this direct contest, the entry of actor-turned politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) with candidate S Kamali and the presence of V Menaka from the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) have created a multi-cornered fight. The political importance of this constituency is further heightened by its demographic makeup. While Avanashi is a reserved seat with a significant Scheduled Caste population, with the Arunthathiyar sub-sect being the most politically influential, the Kongu Vellala Gounders make up roughly 20-25% of the electorate, and the Naidu community and other backward classes account for the remaining 8-10%. The DMK is leveraging this by promoting Dr Kokilamani as a beneficiary of the 3% internal reservation policy introduced by their party, while the BJP highlights L Murugan as the first member of the community to serve as a Union Minister. Meanwhile, TVK is emerging as a significant disruptor with a young contender, Kamali, to attract the young voters. The key issues in the Avanashi constituency centre heavily on water security and bus transport facilities. The people here demand a regular water supply as supplied to corporations. Meanwhile, an effectively operative bus transport facility is required to travel to the interior parts of the constituency. In the 2021 election, the AIADMK's P Dhanapal secured a commanding victory with 1,17,284 votes, defeating the DMK-led alliance's Athiyamaan Raju by a massive margin of over 50,000 votes. This followed a strong performance in 2016, where Dhanapal won with 93,366 votes against the DMK's 62,692 votes. The 2026 election will determine if the AIADMK's legacy can be successfully inherited by the BJP or if the combined pressure of a young professional candidate and a popular celebrity-led party will breach this traditional stronghold. Tamil Nadu polls are scheduled to be conducted in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
Shiv Sena, in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, extended the party's support for an amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for the effective implementation of women's reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies before 2029. Shiv Sena has 7 MPs in Lok Sabha, and with Shinde's support, the BJP finds itself in a comfortable position to pass the Constitution amendment bill that the government intends to move in a special sitting of Parliament on April 16-18 for the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha from 2029. In the letter to PM Modi, Shiv Sena Chief Eknath Shinde stated that "bill will pave the way for the effective implementation of women's reservation in legislatures and the Lok Sabha, marking a golden chapter in the journey of Indian democracy." "This initiative is not merely a legislative reform, but a transformative step towards ensuring the decisive participation of women in governance and nation-building. It reflects your (PM Modi's) unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and women's empowerment, further strengthening the foundation of our inclusive democracy," he said. Emphasising on the importance of the bill, Shinde said, "I extend my full and unwavering support to this reform. We remain fully dedicated to your vision of a strong, inclusive, and developed India." The Government has planned two major amendments, including a separate Delimitation Bill. Both bills need to be passed as Constitutional amendments. The government has proposed increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850 as part of its intention to implement the Women's Reservation Act from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, with 815 seats proposed to the states and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories, according to sources. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged all political parties to support the proposed amendment bill, expressing confidence that by 2029, women will have stronger representation and greater rights in legislative bodies "After four decades of anticipation, Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This has ensured 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. All parties came forward to support this important law. The rights that women have now received should not face any delay in implementation. It should be implemented now. Lok Sabha elections will be held in 2029, followed by the ongoing state assembly elections. It should be implemented before 2029. This is the sentiment of the nation. This is the desire of Nari Shakti," he said at an event in Dehradun. "Let all political parties come together and advance this work concerning the rights of the country's sisters and daughters with a unanimous consensus," PM Modi said. Opposition parties have expressed their concerns about the proposed delimitation bill, alleging that it will limit the representation of the southern states in the Lok Sabha. Opposition parties have also objected to the government's "rushing" of the bill before the general census. (ANI)
Ahead of the 3-day special parliamentary sitting on the Women's Reservation Bill and Delimitation, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has written a letter to the Chief Ministers of four southern states, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Keralam, along with the Union Territory of Puducherry, calling for a unified front against the Centre's proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. In his letter on Tuesday, Reddy urged the southern leaders to join forces to fight the proposed "pro-rata" model, which he warns will lead to political under-representation for southern states that have managed population growth effectively. As an alternative, the Telangana CM proposed a "hybrid model" that allocates half the seats based on population and the other half based on performance criteria like GSDP, aiming to protect the representation of progressive states. He also proposed this alternative to PM Modi in an open letter today. "Southern States have invested heavily in population stabilisation, public health, education, and economic development, thereby contributing significantly to India's growth story. However, under a population or pro rata model, these very achievements are rendered inconsequential in determining political representation. The consequence of this approach is a systematic dilution of the political voice of southern states," he wrote. Under this proposed model, Reddy claimed that Uttar Pradesh would see its seats jump from 80 to around 120, while the expansion for southern states would be disproportionately lower: Tamil Nadu (along with Puducherry) would rise from 40 to only about 60, Kerala from 20 to 30, and Karnataka from 28 to 42, with AP increasing to roughly 38 seats from 25 at present. "Southern states, despite their substantial contribution to the national economy, will witness a relative erosion of their voice in Parliament, while states with higher population growth in a northern-central belt, will gain disproportionately. This effectively translates into a scenario where progress is penalised and demographic expansion is rewarded," he said. Explaining Hybrid Model, he suggested that only half of the additional seats be allocated on a pro-rata (population) basis, while the remaining half would be distributed based on economic contribution, measured by Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), and other performance criteria. "Let us all join to launch a coordinated effort with unity to address this issue. India's strength lies in its diversity and the equitable representation of all its regions. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this balance is preserved," he said, calling for support before the parliamentary sitting. He penned a similar letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, warning that a "pro-rata" increase to 850 seats would penalise states for successful population control. Chief Minister emphasised that Women's Reservation, National Delimitation, and Seat Expansion are distinct issues that the BJP government is "mischievously" trying to interconnect. He maintained that the Indian National Congress fully supports the Women's Reservation Bill and its immediate implementation in the Lok Sabha. However, Reddy urged the government to implement the 33% Women's Reservation immediately within the existing 543 seats, rather than waiting for the 2029 polls or a seat increase. Framing it as a question of equity, fairness and integrity, rather than numbers, he said that the framework that overlooks the southern states' contribution to the national exchequer "risks creating a perception of systemic imbalance, with serious negative implications for national unity. "Reddy concluded by calling for an all-party meeting and the formation of an expert committee, asserting that national unity depends on a framework that is "politically, and not just arithmetically, equitable. "The special sitting of the budget session will discuss amendments to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 and the proposed Delimitation Bill. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged all political parties to support the proposed amendment bill, expressing confidence that by 2029, women will have stronger representation and greater rights in legislative bodies. (ANI) The government has proposed increasing the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850 as part of its intention to implement the Women's Reservation Act from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, with 815 seats proposed to the states and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories, according to sources. The Lok Sabha has 543 seats at present. The government intends to move a Constitution amendment bill for the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha from 2029 in a special sitting of Parliament on April 16, 17,18. The special sitting of the budget session will discuss amendments to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 and the proposed Delimitation Bill. (ANI)
Congress leader Karti P Chidambaram on Tuesday criticised the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 which will be discussed during the special three-day sitting of the budget session of Parliament and said it is grossly unfair and will "disenfranchise the states which have implemented population control". The MP said that Tamil Nadu will be one of the most affected states. The three-day special sitting of Parliament on the constitution amendment bill related to the implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls set to begin on Thursday. Sources said the government intends to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 850. "A cursory reading of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, to be introduced in the parliament this week is grossly unfair. It will disenfranchise the states which have implemented population control. Tamil Nadu will be one of the most affected states," Karti Chidambaram said in a post on X. Ahead of the three-day special sitting of Parliament, a meeting of opposition parties is slated to be held on Wednesday at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The opposition parties will discuss their stand on the proposed amendment to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and the government's move on delimitation. Opposition leaders have said that there are three distinct issues - women's reservation, national delimitation and increase in seats in Lok Sabha - and these are being "deliberately mixed up" by the government to create confusion in the minds of people. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had said earlier that there will be a meeting of leaders of opposition parties ahead of the special sitting of the budget session of Parliament. There is expected to be a separate meeting of opposition floor leaders ahead of the special sitting of Parliament. The meeting at Kharge's residence is expected to begin at 3 pm. With opposition parties expressing strong reservations to the proposed delimitation bill, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he is not going into the politics of which party is saying what. "No party is opposing the women's reservation in the Parliament and Assemblies. When we passed this Nari Shakti Adhiniyam in the last Lok Sabha, no political party opposed it. So, in principle and in spirit, every body is together. In Nari Shakti Vandan dhiniyam, every party is together," he said. "There may be some statements for political purpose, but the primary objective of providing reservations to women in the Parliament of India and the Assemblies of the states, no political party will oppose it. PM has expressed its gratitude to all political parties for coming together in the national interest. Because women's reservation cannot be a political issue," he added. Rijiju said it will be "extremely painful" if there is delay in women's reservation process. "We have waited for 40 years, we can't afford to wait for another year or another decade. It will be extremely painful if we further delay women's reservation process," he said. Ahead of the three-day special sitting of Parliament beginning April 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday again pitched for implementing 33 per cent quota for women from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, calling it the "sentiment of the nation" and the "desire of Nari Shakti." The government has called a special sitting of the budget session of Parliament on April 16,17, 18 for amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, that was passed by Parliament in 2023 and provides for implementing the 33 per cent quota for women in Lok Sabha and assemblies following a census and delimitation based on it. The government also intends to bring a Delimitation Bill in the special sitting of Parliament and is keen to implement quota for women starting from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. The government intends to increase the number of Lok Sabha seats to 850 as part of its intention to implement the Women's Reservation Act from the 2029 Lok Sabha polls, with 815 seats proposed to the states and the remaining 35 for the Union Territories. "After four decades of anticipation, Parliament passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. This has ensured 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. All parties came forward to support this important law. The rights that women have now received should not face any delay in implementation. It should be implemented now. Lok Sabha elections will be held in 2029, followed by the ongoing state assembly elections. It should be implemented before 2029. This is the sentiment of the nation. This is the desire of Nari Shakti," PM Modi said at an event in Dehradun. "Let all political parties come together and advance this work concerning the rights of the country's sisters and daughters with a unanimous consensus," he added. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense on Tuesday detected the presence of 9 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, 6 naval vessels and a 3 official ship operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Tuesday. Sharing the details on X, the MND said that, "9 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Today, 8 out of 9 sorties entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern parts of the ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2043856765406617819?s=20 China's claim over Taiwan is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a viewpoint embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements. Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its own government, military, and economy. Taiwan's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India. China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating 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)
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf on Tuesday praised Pope Leo XIV for his strong remarks against war and violence, hailing the pontiff's message as a moral stand against the killing of innocents and describing his slogan, "I have no fear," as an inspiration for those opposing alleged war crimes by Israel and the United States. In a post on X, Qalibaf wrote, "Honouring Pope Leo's fearless stand! "I have no fear" echoes as he condemns the war crimes of Israel and the US. This slogan lights the path for all who refuse to stay silent on the killing of innocents. @Pontifex leadership inspires millions - thank you for this light!" https://x.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2043764933700047019?s=20 The comments came after Pope Leo XIV reiterated his commitment to peace and spiritual advocacy, stating that he has no intention of engaging in a political confrontation with the United States administration. When questioned by reporters during his flight to Algeria, the Pontiff said, "I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions: I am not a politician, I have no intention of entering into a debate with Donald Trump." He further asserted his focus on peace and reconciliation, adding, "Rather, let us always seek peace and put an end to wars. I am not afraid of the Trump administration." The Pope maintained that his mission is rooted in faith rather than political engagement, emphasising that the message of the Gospel should not be used for political purposes. "I speak about the Gospel; I am not a politician. I do not think the message of the Gospel should be abused in the way some people are doing," he said. Emphasising his role as a global advocate, he stated, "I will continue to speak out loudly against war, to try to promote peace and multilateral dialogue between states in order to seek the right solution to problems." Reiterating the Church's stance, he noted, "The message of the Church is the message of the Gospel: blessed are the peacemakers. I do not see my role as that of a politician; I do not want to enter into a debate with him. Too many people are suffering in the world." The Pope described his journey to Africa as "truly a blessing for me personally, but I believe also for the Church and for the world." He noted the necessity of the mission, stating, "because we must always seek bridges to build peace and reconciliation." Highlighting the historical significance of the visit, Leo XIV spoke of St. Augustine, a native of modern-day Algeria, who he believes "serves as a vital bridge in interreligious dialogue and is deeply loved in his homeland, as we shall see." The Pope, who famously identified himself as "a son of St. Augustine" upon his election last May, is the first Pontiff to visit the saint's homeland. Characterising the 10-day African tour as "a precious opportunity to continue with the same voice and the same message," the Pope reaffirmed his objective to "promote peace, reconciliation, and respect and consideration for all peoples." The visit to Algeria marks the initial phase of his third international apostolic journey. In a nation where the Catholic community comprises only a few thousand individuals within a population of 48 million Muslims, the mission is expected to focus on the themes of fraternity and interfaith encounter. These calls for peace from the papal plane stand in sharp contrast to the domestic political climate in the United States. On Sunday (local time), the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) criticised President Donald Trump for his recent social media remarks targeting the Pope, asserting that the Pontiff is "not his rival" and should not be viewed through a political lens. (ANI)
Marking the start of Bikram Sambat 2083, people across Nepal are celebrating the New Year on Tuesday. Baishakh 1, the first day of the Bikram Sambat calendar, is widely observed across the country as the Nepali New Year. The day holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, with people celebrating the new year. According to the solar calendar, Baishakh 1 marks the start of the year, while in the lunar calendar, the New Year begins on the first day of the bright fortnight of Chaitra. The Bikram Sambat calendar, based on the Hindu Panchanga, the official calendar system in Nepal. On this occasion, people exchange greetings and best wishes. The eve of the New Year is often celebrated with friends and family, as people welcome the coming year with joy and hope. Many visit temples and monasteries to offer prayers, while also reflecting on the past year. Individuals set new goals and resolutions, aiming to overcome past shortcomings and begin the year with renewed energy and determination. President Ram Chandra Poudel has emphasized the need to set common national goals and renew collective commitment toward achieving them. Extending his best wishes for happiness, peace, prosperity, good health, and longevity on the occasion of New Year 2083 BS, the President emphasized that success does not come by chance but through determination, discipline, and consistent effort. He stressed the importance of upholding laws and maintaining civilized conduct to achieve national aspirations. Highlighting the significance of traditional calendars, he noted that they reflect Nepal's history, civilization, and social values, while also inspiring citizens to move toward a prosperous future. He added that the New Year has long been regarded as a time to reflect on the past and make meaningful resolutions for the days ahead. President Paudel also said that the recent parliamentary elections have helped steer the country out of political uncertainty and led to the formation of a new government with a fresh public mandate. He noted that the people have expressed their aspirations for rule of law, sustainable peace, good governance, development, and social justice under the federal democratic republican system. He called on citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to these ideals, emphasizing the need to prioritize citizens, strengthen good governance, and uphold inclusion and social justice without compromising national sovereignty. The President expressed hope that the New Year would reinforce unity, mutual trust, tolerance, and cooperation among Nepali, while inspiring collective efforts toward national progress. (ANI)
The visit comes after German Chancellor Fredrich Merz visited India in January 2026.

In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Berlin said, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrives in Berlin for India-Germany Foreign Office consultations. The visit follows Chancellor H.E. Fredrich Merz's successful visit to India in January 2026 and reflects continued regular high-level exchanges between India and Berlin."

https://x.com/eoiberlin/status/2043808805096435958?s=20

In Berlin, the Foreign Secretary will co-chair the India-Germany Foreign Office Consultations alongside Geza Andreas von Geyr, State Secretary of the German Foreign Office. The discussions would cover diverse domains of bilateral co-operation including trade and investments, defence and security, technology, green energy, development co-operation, education and people-to-people ties as well as global and regional matters of mutual interest. The Foreign Secretary is also expected to meet other dignitaries and senior government officials in both places.

Earlier on Monday, Misri co-chaired the India-France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martin Briens.

In a post on X, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri co-chaired the India-France Foreign Office Consultations with Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs Martin Briens, holding discussions on a wide range of issues including civil nuclear energy, defence & space, cyber & digital cooperation, AI & innovation and people-to-people & cultural ties, along with global and regional developments."

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2043708181092905433?s=20

Misri also called on French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Nol Barrot.

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called on the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Nol Barrot. Discussions covered key areas of bilateral cooperation, ongoing global challenges including the situation in the Middle East."

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2043677670500901169?s=20

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri embarked a visit to Paris and Berlin from 12-14 April 2026. (ANI)
Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai on Tuesday quoted a famous dialogue by Actor Shah Rukh Khan "Abhi toh sirf trailer hai, picture abhi baaki hai" (meaning that only a glimpse has been shown, the real fight or the story is yet to come out). The Consulate said that US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran's Navy was finished, but the fast missile boats are warming up. In a post on X, it said, "Hormuz- "Red bees of the Persian Gulf" yeah, the fast missile boats are warming up. Funny how Trump kept claiming Iran's navy was "finished"... now they're about to find out how a swarm can pin you down real quick. Abhi toh sirf trailer hai, picture abhi baaki hai." https://x.com/IRANinMumbai/status/2043716599803449392?s=20 This comes as US President Donald Trump said that Iran wants to make a deal. Earlier in the day, when Trump received a DoorDash delivery, he made remarks on Iran, praising US Vice President JD Vance, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for their talks with Iran. "Well, he's done a good job, and Steve and Jared, they've all done a very good job. And I can tell you that we've been called by the other side; they'd like to make a deal very badly. Very badly," Trump said. "It was over nuclear, very similar, yeah. Very good, I guess you're listening. It's over the fact that they will never have a nuclear weapon. Iran, you mark it down, Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. And we agreed to a lot of things, but they didn't agree to that. And I think they will agree to it, I'm almost sure of it. In fact, I am sure of it. If they don't agree, there's no deal; there'll never be a deal. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon and we're going to get the hostages back. We'll get it back either way; we'll get it back from them or we'll take it," he added. (ANI)
Indian Consulate General in Houston and Seattle on Tuesday extended Baisakhi greetings. The Consulate in Houston said in a post on X, "Greetings on the joyous occasions of Baisakhi, Vishu, Vishuv, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi, and Puthandu. Consulate General of India, Houston extends warm wishes for happiness, peace, good health, and prosperity to all. May these vibrant festivals bring renewed hope, harmony, and joy to every home." https://x.com/cgihou/status/2043884110498713780?s=20 https://x.com/IndiainSeattle/status/2043763780153421949?s=20 The French Embassy in India noted that these celebrations reflect India's rich cultural diversity. In a post on X, it said, "Warm wishes to all our Indian friends celebrating spring harvest festivals & welcoming the New Year! Happy Baisakhi, Vishu, Rongali Bihu, Naba Barsha, Vaishakhadi, Pana Sankranti and Puthandu-Pirapu. These celebrations reflect India's rich cultural diversity." https://x.com/FranceinIndia/status/2043839730064994758?s=20 Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to Indians on the eve of Baisakhi, Vishu, Vishuv, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu, which are being celebrated on April 14 and April 15. In her message, President Murmu said, as per a statement from the President's Secretariat, "On the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, Vishu, Vishuv, Bohag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Meshadi, Vaishakhadi and Puthandu, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad." "These festivals are celebrated in various forms across the country to mark the harvest season. Through these festivals, we express gratitude towards Mother Earth and our Annadata farmers. Our country's rich cultural heritage, agricultural traditions and unity also find expression through the celebration of these festivals", as per the statement. "I wish that these festivals bring happiness and prosperity in the lives of all and inspire us to make significant contributions towards the development of our nation and society". Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, marks the beginning of the Punjabi and Sikh New Year and is mainly celebrated in North India, especially in Punjab. It also signals the start of the harvest season. The day marks the anniversary of the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh in the year 1699. On this day, Guru Gobind Singh abolished the distinction between higher and lower caste communities. The festival is widely celebrated with traditional music, dance, and community gatherings, with devotees visiting gurudwaras to offer prayers and express gratitude for a bountiful harvest season. (ANI)
Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, Representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, lauded India for its support. Ilahi, held a conversation with ANI on the sidelines of Yad-E-Shohada Programme organised at Imambara Jawahar Ali Khan with the participation from the Shia Community. He said, "I'm very thankful to all my dear brothers and sisters in India. I am affected by their emotions, their feelings. And never, ever I was expecting such emotions, such feelings towards oppressed people, towards justice, towards humanity and dignity. Wherever you go in India, you will find the kindness from the people, honesty from the people, dignity from the people, and humanity and loyalty. I can say I cannot get such emotion and such virtues in any other nation. And I'm thankful to all of them," he said. Ilahi said that India and Iran have been bound by civilizational ties, and the relations are good even now. "Yes, the relationship between Iran and India is very, very good. And as you know, the relationship between Iran and India and also friendship between Iran and India, rooted to more than 5,000 years by civilization, cultural education and humanity, economy. At the moment also the relationship between Iran and India is very good, very strong," he said. Ilahi further said that India and Iranian leadership have had successful conversations. "As you know, the Prime Minister of India called the President of Iran sometimes, I don't know, three times or more, I don't know. And it was very successful conversation between both sides. And also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of India also. We had several successful conversations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran. And the relationship is very good, and we hope that it will be more strong and be expanded in different more fields also," he said. This diplomatic backdrop coincides with significant maritime movements, as the Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker Jag Vikram became the ninth Indian vessel to navigate the conflict-ridden Strait. Currently being escorted toward Indian shores, the vessel is scheduled to arrive at an Indian port on Tuesday, marking the first successful passage of an Indian ship through the strategic waterway following a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran. (ANI)
The proposal, as per Xinhua, includes adherence to the principle of peaceful coexistence, national sovereignty, international rule of law, and the coordination of development and security.

Xi talked about the proposal in a meeting with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in Beijing.

As the world watches the events unfolding in the Middle East, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in China on Tuesday on an official visit. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that Lavrov will be in China from April 14-15.

https://x.com/mfa_russia/status/2043871788481032230?s=20

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Monday in a post on X, "On April 14-15, FM Sergey Lavrov will pay an official visit to China and hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. They are expected to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, along with pressing international & regional matters."

https://x.com/mfa_russia/status/2043607850732187937?s=20

Earlier, during his phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that "provocative" actions by the United States could have "dangerous consequences" for global peace and security.

During the conversation, Araghchi reviewed the latest regional developments following the announcement of a ceasefire and subsequent Iran-US talks held in Islamabad (April 11-12).

He "warned of the dangerous consequences of provocative US actions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz for regional and global peace and security," Iran's foreign ministry said, reported CNN.

On April 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Iranian counterpart President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed the latest developments in the Middle East. Pezeshkian shared his assessment of the Iran-US talks held in Islamabad on April 11 and expressed appreciation for Russia's principled position, including at international platforms, aimed at de-escalating the situation. (ANI)
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Gideon Sa'ar on Tuesday discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Sa'ar said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India. In a post on X, Sa'ar said, "A good conversation, as always, with my friend, India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. We discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. I said that the firm American stance in the negotiations on conditions that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons (no enrichment in Iran, removal of enriched material from Iran) is critical for the entire international community," he said. https://x.com/gidonsaar/status/2043953614327095474?s=20 "I also said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation and the global economy through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India and our friends in the Gulf," he added. The call comes after Jaishankar concluded his official visit to the UAE. 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." India on Friday expressed deep concern over the rising number of civilian casualties in Lebanon amid continued strikes by Israel despite the two-week ceasefire imposed to halt the month-long conflict in West Asia, reiterating that the protection of civilians remains its foremost priority. Addressing an Inter-Ministerial Briefing on recent developments in West Asia in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the current situation is "very disturbing", particularly given India's longstanding commitment to peace and stability in the region. He further said that there are about 1000 Indian nationals living in Lebanon. "We are deeply concerned by reports of a large number of civilian casualties that have been reported in Lebanon. As a troop-contributing country to United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)--which is invested in Lebanon's peace and security--the trajectory of events is very disturbing," Jaiswal said. On March 24, highlighting the strategic depth of the ongoing bilateral dialogue, Ambassador of Israel to India, Reuven Azar, has underscored that both nations are maintaining high-level communication regarding the current regional operations. Azar noted that Israel remains committed to ensuring India is fully briefed on the security dynamics shifting across West Asia. (ANI)
Robinder Sachdev, Foreign Expert, on Tuesday said that China's reaction to US President Donald Trump's 50% tariffs are what a self-respecting nation would do. Sachdev, in a conversation with ANI, said that Trump is using the tariffs as his bargaining chip against China. "The statement by China regarding the threats by Trump of a 50% tariff are I think what any self-respecting sovereign state would say. Bilateral relations between any two nations are between those two nations. There is no reason for a third nation to intervene and especially threaten what each of these two actors does," Sachdev said. The comments were in reference to the fact that Trump threatened China of 50% tariffs if it traded weapons to Iran. "Secondly, Trump is due to go to China next month, tentatively. By using this threat, he also creates a new bargaining chip for himself. When he goes, okay, he may not impose a tariffs right now, but when he goes for the meetings, then he could threaten them or add this as one more bargaining chip. Okay, you buy some more soybean oil from me then I will not impose these tariffs on you, or you do this and you do this, so this becomes one more arrow in the quiver of negotiations for Trump," he said. Sachdev said that European-American relations are in a low phase. "I think European-American relations have started a period of divorce which started, or let's say the notice of divorce was served at Davos when Trump made all of those statements. Though the matter of Greenland was withdrawn to some extent, that is, I would say, the equivalent of serving divorce papers. Europe is going through intense soul-searching in terms of its own values, core values, because that is what is at odds with what America wants," he said. Sachdev said that Trump administration blames Europe for being too liberal and not spending much on defence. "America and the Trump administration blame Europe for being too liberal, too much focused on human rights, too much focus on governmental regulations, environmental concerns and they consider them totally woke and of course also on top of it low expenditure on their defense. That is the core. The Europeans have to now figure out their own matrix of their defense. Their worry is let's say Russia. So their security versus what change or compromise in their core values should they do," he said. Sachdev said that Europe is nevertheless adhering to what Trump wants though very reluctantly. "That is the challenge for the Europeans and that is why we are seeing the differentiated response coming from various European countries. Spain is on one end of the spectrum completely denying etc. England wavers sometime here, sometime there. France sometime here, there. But so far still in some senses they are very much following up and adhering to what Trump wants though very reluctantly complaining but still they are adjusting with America also that is what we see happening in this theater," he said. Sachdev further said that Iran-US talks revealed that the real issue for the US is the enriched Uranium, which it wants Iran to surrender. "I think the negotiations in Islamabad what they revealed was that the core issue for the Americans is not a nuclear weapon. The core issue is the 900 pounds or so of the 60% enriched uranium and that that uranium should be taken away from Iran or handed over to the Americans or some third non-Iranian entity or country. I think that is the core one. America wants a clear win to be able to say that I have taken out that uranium. People are conflating and mistaking between the uranium and a nuclear weapon. That is one clarity which should be there," he said. Sachdev said further that Iran offered to reduce the or dilute the 60% enriched Uranium, but the US is not having that either. "The second is that, yes, the Iranians offered a 5 year period, Americans wanted or Vance wanted a 20 year period. So there is that difference of opinion which is there. So the core issue is now this 60% enriched uranium. The Iranians actually offered that they could dilute this 60% enriched uranium so that its enrichment of the total mass is reduced. That is also coming out, right? They offered to reduce the or dilute the 60% enriched," he said. Sachdev also said that the US wants that Uranium to be out of Iran, so that it can claim a visible victory. "But I think where it was basically a deal breaker was the fact that Americans want that 60% to be out of Iran so that they can claim a visible victory. Plus, they wanted, they've been wanting or asking also for demolition of several other nuclear facilities of Iran. We do not know how much of that was agreed between the two at Islamabad talks, but I think even that the Iranians will not allow," he said. Sachdev said that Iran will obviously not bomb its own nuclear facilities because it's a matter of your national pride. "They will not go and bomb or dynamite away their own nuclear facilities because once again it's a matter of your national pride, national dignity. You're not going to blow up your national, let's say nuclear research laboratory because the Americans have forced you into it. No country will," he said. The comments come as US Vice President JD Vance in an interview with Fox News said on Monday (local time) that Iran was willing to engage in economic terrorism around the world. Vance said he seconds US President Donald Trump and said Iran cannot have nuclear weapon. "I 100% agree with US President Donald Trump on the fact that Iran can't have a nuclear weapon... If they're willing to engage in economic terrorism on the entire world, what would it mean -- what leverage would they have -- if they had a nuclear bomb in Tehran?" he said. (ANI)
President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday ahead of his two-day visit to UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Costa said that he came with a message of "full solidarity in the face of Iran's indiscriminate, unjustifiable, and unlawful attacks." In a post on X, he said, "I am in Abu Dhabi ahead of a two-day tour of the UAE, KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), and Qatar, today and tomorrow. I come with three messages for our Gulf partners: We stand in full solidarity in the face of Iran's indiscriminate, unjustifiable, and unlawful attacks; We are a reliable partner for the Gulf countries and are ready to contribute; By working together, we can support a comprehensive strategy for lasting peace in the Middle East through negotiation and diplomacy." https://x.com/eucopresident/status/2043939052211118419?s=20 Earlier on Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has underscored the critical need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, describing the restoration of maritime access as a top priority for the international community. Highlighting the severe economic and logistical consequences of the current blockade, the EU President stated, "The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is greatly damaging." As regional tensions continue to impact global trade routes, von der Leyen called for immediate efforts to ensure the unhindered movement of vessels through the strategic waterway. "The restoration of the freedom of navigation is of paramount importance for us," she said. This call for maritime stability comes as the crisis escalated sharply after US President Donald Trump declared a naval blockade on all vessels entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows the collapse of negotiations between American and Iranian delegations. Issuing the directive after the talks failed, Trump stated, "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." (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday discussed the evolving security situation in West Asia during a conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. In a post on X, he said that the two leaders exchanged views on the conflict in West Asia. "Appreciated the exchange of views today with @SenatorWong of Australia on the West Asia conflict." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2043968800140542335?s=20 Earlier today, EAM also spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and discussed several aspects of the situation in West Asia with him. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2043966004607496588?s=20 Sa'ar said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India. In a post on X, Sa'ar said, "A good conversation, as always, with my friend, India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. We discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. I said that the firm American stance in the negotiations on conditions that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons (no enrichment in Iran, removal of enriched material from Iran) is critical for the entire international community," he said. "I also said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation and the global economy through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India and our friends in the Gulf," he added. The call comes after Jaishankar concluded his official visit to the UAE. Speaking on the primary focus of his high-level discussions, the External Affairs Minister told ANI, "..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." (ANI)
The East Turkistan Government-in-Exile has strongly criticised Kazakhstan over the conviction of 19 of its citizens, calling the move a suppression of dissent and an act of compliance with Beijing, as stated in a press release issued by the organisation. According to the ETGE press release, the individuals were convicted for protesting and demanding the release of a Kazakh detainee in what it referred to as "Occupied East Turkistan," the homeland of Uyghurs and other Turkic communities. The group alleged that Kazakhstan charged its own citizens under "inciting ethnic hatred" laws after they burned a Chinese flag and an image of Xi Jinping, whom the organisation accused of being responsible for actions against Uyghurs, Kazakhs, and other Turkic populations. The press release further claimed that while Kazakhstan has taken legal action against its own citizens, it has remained silent on what ETGE described as widespread abuses by China, including detention, torture, forced labour, and other violations against Turkic groups in the region. Referring to protests held on November 13, 2025, ETGE stated that these demonstrations were a "call for justice" rather than an act of incitement. However, it is alleged that following objections from Beijing, Kazakhstan invoked Article 174 of its Criminal Code against the protesters. The organisation also criticised the government in Astana, stating that such actions undermine national sovereignty and reflect external influence. It argued that penalising citizens for raising concerns about ethnic and humanitarian issues contradicts the principles of an independent state. In its statement, ETGE called on Kazakhstan to release all 19 convicted individuals, withdraw charges, and lift restrictions imposed on them. It also urged the government to take a stronger stance on the treatment of Turkic populations in East Turkistan and to raise the issue at international platforms such as the United Nations and the Organisation of Turkic States. The press release further appealed to Kazakhstan's leadership, including President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to prioritise national and regional interests and address concerns related to human rights and sovereignty. The ETGE concluded by warning that continued inaction could have broader implications for the region, while emphasising the need for governments to respond to public concerns and uphold the rights of their citizens, as noted in the press release. (ANI)
Amid the West Asia crisis and a tightening US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met in Beijing, marking their first in-person meeting this year. The discussions come amid escalating geopolitical tensions across multiple regions, including Ukraine, West Asia, Taiwan Strait, and the Korean Peninsula. Opening the talks, Lavrov underscored the continuity of dialogue between the two sides, noting that while this was their first face-to-face meeting of the year, they had already maintained "several telephone conversations" that were "always substantive and detailed." "This is our first in-person meeting this year, although we have already had several telephone conversations. They are always substantive and detailed." He added confidence that both sides would continue high-level exchanges throughout the year to prepare for further decisions ahead of upcoming leadership engagements between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I do not doubt that we will have many more opportunities to speak again this year and thus prepare additional decisions ahead of new contacts between our Leaders. These contacts are already scheduled." The meeting underscored the growing strategic "no-limits" partnership between the two superpowers as they navigate a volatile global landscape and coordinate their responses to Western interventionism in the Middle East. During his opening remarks, Lavrov said the global order was facing "the most serious trials," pointing to crises in Latin America, Venezuela, and Middle East. He further claimed that the Ukraine conflict had been "manufactured" by Western nations and was now being used to justify the creation of a new "aggressive bloc" in Eurasia aimed against Russia. "The Ukrainian crisis, which the West sought to manufacture artificially in order, as it claimed, to inflict a 'strategic defeat' on Russia, is now being used, above all by the Europeans, to begin hatching plans for the creation of a new aggressive bloc in the west of the Eurasian continent." Lavrov also raised concerns over what he described as destabilising developments in Asia, including tensions over Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula. He warned that longstanding cooperative frameworks in the ASEAN-centred space were being undermined by bloc politics. "Attempts are being made to dismantle it by creating small-group and bloc-based structures to contain both China and Russia." Reaffirming alignment between Moscow and Beijing on regional and global security frameworks, Lavrov said both sides would focus on practical cooperation linked to Chinese President Xi Jinping's Global Security Initiative and Russian proposals for a broader Eurasian security architecture led by President Vladimir Putin. "Our vast continent as a whole requires constant attention. I am confident that today we will be able to discuss in practical terms our concrete steps." Lavrov concluded by describing the meeting as timely and expressing readiness for "concrete and productive work." The talks between Lavrov and Wang Yi are expected to cover bilateral cooperation, coordination in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, BRICS, SCO, G20, and APEC, and ongoing consultations on major international conflicts, including Ukraine and the Middle East. (ANI)
As the conflict in West Asia intensifies, the Government of India has launched a massive diplomatic and logistical operation to ensure the safety of its citizens. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is leading a high-level outreach, coordinating directly with counterparts in Kuwait, Israel, Singapore, and Australia to navigate the rapidly evolving regional security landscape. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Tuesday that since late February, nearly one million Indian nationals have successfully returned to India, even as several regional airspaces remain restricted or closed. Indian Missions and Posts across the Gulf and West Asia have transitioned to a crisis footing, providing proactive assistance to both residents and maritime workers. Helplines are operating round-the-clock, with missions actively engaging Indian community associations and professional groups. Special focus is being given to Indian crew members on vessels in the region, with missions facilitating consular access and repatriation requests for seafarers caught in the maritime standoff. The MEA maintains a direct line with State Governments and Union Territories to manage the influx of returnees and share real-time information. With airspaces in flux, India has established a series of bypass routes and non-scheduled flight corridors to maintain the flow of passengers. 2,313 nationals (including 1,028 students) moved via Armenia and Azerbaijan from Iran. Citizens are being transported by road to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, for flights to India from Kuwait. Travel is facilitated via land routes through Jordan and Egypt. Iraqi Airways has resumed direct flights; land transit via Jordan/Saudi Arabia remains active. Approx. 110 flights (scheduled and non-scheduled) are expected to operate today from UAE and Qatar. The government reiterated that for those remaining in the region, the primary directive is to follow local government guidelines and stay in constant contact with the nearest Indian embassy. "Our efforts remain focused on the safety, security, and welfare of the Indian community. Since February 28, approximately 9,55,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India," said MEA. As of Tuesday, the Embassy in Tehran has successfully facilitated the movement of a significant block of vulnerable citizens, including over 600 fishermen. The MEA continues to issue regular updates on flight availability and safety protocols as the "security conditions" in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding territories fluctuate. The External Affairs Minister spoke with the Foreign Minister of Kuwait, during which they discussed the regional situation and the welfare of the large Indian community in the Gulf nation. He also held discussions with the Foreign Minister of Israel, covering various aspects of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. In addition, conversations were held with the Foreign Ministers of Singapore and Australia, where both sides shared assessments and concerns related to the broader regional instability. The Government has stated that it remains in close coordination with State Governments and Union Territories to ensure seamless information sharing and coordinated response mechanisms for the movement and safety of Indian citizens abroad. Indian Ministry continues to operate emergency helplines and are actively assisting nationals, including coordination with local governments, community organisations, Indian companies and other stakeholders. Updated advisories are being regularly issued, covering local regulations, travel disruptions, flight availability and consular assistance measures. Special attention is also being given to Indian seafarers and crew members on vessels in the region, with Missions extending consular support and facilitating arrangements for their return to India wherever required. On the travel front, flights continue to operate from countries where airspace remains open. Since 28 February, around 9,55,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India, reflecting sustained evacuation and travel facilitation efforts. In the United Arab Emirates, airlines are operating limited non-scheduled commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 100 flights expected today. Services are also continuing from airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to India. With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 10 flights to India today. In Kuwait, where airspace remains closed, Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia, facilitating the movement of Indian nationals to India. Bahrain's airspace remains open, and Gulf Air is expected to begin limited operations soon, while continuing non-scheduled services via Dammam. In Iran, the Embassy has facilitated the movement of 2,313 Indian nationals to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India, including students and fishermen. In Israel, travel is being facilitated through Jordan and Egypt due to partially open airspace. Iraq has resumed limited operations with Iraqi Airways restarting flights to India, while evacuation and transit routes via Jordan and Saudi Arabia remain active. The Government has reiterated that ensuring the safety of Indian nationals abroad continues to be its top priority, with diplomatic missions remaining fully engaged on a 24x7 basis. (ANI)
In a characteristically blunt critique of transatlantic energy policy, US President Donald Trump lashed out at the United Kingdom's refusal to expand North Sea oil production, calling the situation "tragic" and "absolutely crazy." Taking to Truth Social on Tuesday, the President argued that the UK is sitting on one of the world's greatest energy fields while allowing its economy to be "choked" by high import costs and green energy mandates. President Trump highlighted the stark economic contrast between the UK and its neighbour, Norway, which has seen record profits from its maritime resources during the ongoing West Asia energy crisis. Trump claimed that Norway is "making a fortune" by selling North Sea oil back to the UK at double the cost. He renewed his long-standing opposition to renewable infrastructure, explicitly stating, "NO MORE WINDMILLS!" as he urged the UK to pivot back to fossil fuels. "Europe is desperate for Energy, and yet the United Kingdom refuses to open North Sea Oil, one of the greatest fields in the World. Tragic!!! Aberdeen should be booming. Norway sells its North Sea Oil to the U.K. at double the price. They are making a fortune. U.K., which is better situated on the North Sea for purposes of energy than Norway, should, DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! It is absolutely crazy that they don't... AND, NO MORE WINDMILLS! President DJT" The President lamented that Aberdeen, once the undisputed oil capital of Europe, should be experiencing an economic golden age rather than the current stagnation caused by environmental regulations. The President's comments come as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that the UK could be among the hardest-hit advanced economies if the Strait of Hormuz standoff continues to drive up global energy prices. While the UK government has faced internal pressure to approve fields like Rosebank and Jackdaw to bolster domestic security, the current administration has remained hesitant, citing climate commitments. The White House has not yet clarified if these remarks signal a formal shift in how the US will pressure its NATO allies regarding energy independence, but the post has already ignited a fierce debate in Westminster over the future of the North Sea and the viability of the UK's "Net Zero" roadmap in a wartime economy. (ANI)
Marking his first Yom HaShoah as the 112th Mayor of New York City, Zohran Kwame Mamdani issued a stirring call for vigilance on Tuesday as the city paused to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Standing in a city that remains home to the largest population of Holocaust survivors in the United States, Mamdani, in a post on X, emphasised that the "fragile flame" of memory must be protected against a modern tide of rising antisemitism. "As we light the yahrzeit candle, let us come together to protect its fragile flame -- and shield it from the cold winds of hate and cruelty. 'Never again' is a promise. And it is one we must fight to keep," NYC Mayor posted. The Mayor's statement moved beyond traditional mourning, framing the act of remembrance as a moral obligation to confront contemporary hatred. Mamdani highlighted that the "systems of dehumanisation" that fueled the Nazi regime continue to echo in today's world, requiring "courage and clarity" from all New Yorkers. "On Yom HaShoah, we pause to remember the six million Jewish victims of the Nazis' systematic program of mass murder, along with the millions of others murdered by the Hitler regime. We remember the scale of this horror, and the systems of hatred and dehumanization that made it possible -- and that still echo in our world today," he said. Mamdani noted that the resilience of survivors is "woven into the very fabric" of New York, serving as a permanent call to action against injustice. "In New York City, home to more Holocaust survivors than anywhere else in this country, that memory lives among us and shapes who we are. The resilience of survivors is woven into the very fabric of this city, and it calls on all of us to act with courage and clarity in the face of injustice," he said. The Mayor concluded by reinforcing that the phrase "Never Again" is not a passive slogan but a "promise we must fight to keep." "Today, as antisemitism rises once more, we are reminded that remembrance alone is not enough. We must confront hate wherever it appears," he said. The Mayor's address comes at a pivotal time for New York City. Since taking office on January 1, 2026, Mamdani--the city's first Muslim and first South Asian Mayor has frequently spoken on the importance of interfaith solidarity. His Yom HaShoah remarks follow a series of city-wide events, including a major remembrance ceremony at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, where local officials and survivors warned that 34% of young New Yorkers currently lack basic knowledge of the Holocaust's scale. By framing "Never Again" as an active battle, the Mamdani administration signals a shift toward more aggressive city-wide education and anti-bias initiatives aimed at safeguarding the city's diverse religious communities. (ANI)
A massive search and rescue operation is underway in the Andaman Sea after a trawler carrying approximately 250 people, including Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals, capsized in treacherous waters on Tuesday. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) issued a joint statement expressing "deep sorrow" over the incident, which occurred as the region marks the Bengali New Year. The vessel, which departed from Teknaf in southern Bangladesh, was reportedly bound for Malaysia when it succumbed to heavy winds and severe overcrowding. "This tragic incident reflects the dire consequences of protracted displacement and the absence of durable solutions for the Rohingya. Ongoing violence in Rakhine State has faded hopes of safe return in the near future, while shrinking humanitarian assistance, challenging living conditions in refugee camps, and limited access to education and livelihoods are pushing refugees to take such dangerous sea journeys in search of safety and opportunity. The promise of better wages abroad, often coupled with misinformation spread by smuggling networks, drives individuals, Rohingya and Bangladeshi nationals, to take significant risks. These factors create conditions in which smugglers and traffickers can exploit vulnerabilities, placing lives at grave risk. The Andaman Sea continues to claim the lives of people undertaking these perilous journeys," the statement said. The agencies further emphasised that the missing passengers are believed to include families, women, and children, highlighting the growing humanitarian crisis faced by displaced communities in the region. They noted that such sea crossings have become increasingly frequent despite repeated warnings about the extreme dangers involved. "We urgently call on the international community to step up solidarity and sustain funding to support lifesaving assistance for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as well as support for the Bangladeshi host communities. As Bangladesh marks its new year, this tragedy is a reminder of the efforts urgently needed to address the root causes of displacement in Myanmar and create conditions that would allow Rohingya refugees to return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity," the statement added. "Without collective action, more lives will be lost at sea and on desperate journeys through deadly routes," it further warned. The Rohingya crisis, which escalated following violence in Myanmar in 2017, has resulted in large-scale displacement, with hundreds of thousands taking refuge in Bangladesh. Many remain in overcrowded camps with limited access to long-term livelihoods, making them vulnerable to exploitation by human trafficking and smuggling networks. Officials and humanitarian agencies have repeatedly cautioned that unsafe maritime routes through the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea continue to be used by desperate migrants despite the high risk of shipwrecks, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated international action. (ANI)
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter declined to commit to a ceasefire in southern Lebanon after calling his meeting with Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh a "wonderful two-hour exchange" in Washington, DC, CNN reported. "As for a ceasefire, we are dealing with only one thing, and I made this very clear, we are focused on the security of the residents of the State of Israel," Leiter said. The Israeli envoy noted that both Israel and the Lebanese government are effectively on the "same side of the equation" regarding Hezbollah, and hinted at the possibility of formal and friendly ties between the two countries in the future. However, he stressed that Israel has no plans to halt its military campaign against the militant group, which he said is "as weakened as they've ever been." "Israelis don't wake up in the morning and look to fire missiles across the border," Leiter continued, "The missiles are being fired at our civilians - that will be put a stop to. We will not allow (Hezbollah) to continually fire missiles into our population centres," CNN quoted. Leiter further revealed that the discussions produced "several proposals and recommendations," adding that both sides are expected to present these to their respective governments and may "reconvene in the coming weeks to continue the discussions" in Washington. These peace talks unfolded amid the West Asia crisis, coming a week after a fragile ceasefire was reached between the United States, Israel and Iran. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the meeting between the Israeli and Lebanese representatives in Washington on Tuesday, expressing hope that both sides could reach a framework for a peace process, even as Israel continued its military campaign against Hezbollah. Calling the engagement a "historic opportunity," Rubio said the effort sought to address decades of instability driven by Hezbollah's influence. "This is a historic opportunity. We understand we're working against decades of history and complexities that have led us to this unique moment. And the opportunity here - I know some of you were shouting questions about a ceasefire. This is a lot more than just about that. This is about bringing a permanent end to 20 or 30 years of Hizballah's influence in this part of the world and the not just the damage that it's inflicted on Israel, but also the damage that it's inflicted on the Lebanese people. We have to remember the Lebanese people are victims of Hizballah. The Lebanese people are victims of Iranian aggression. And this needs to stop," he said. Rubio further stated that the Lebanese population had been impacted by both Hezbollah and Iranian actions, stressing the need for a durable solution. He acknowledged that progress would take time, describing the initiative as a "process and not an event." "All of the complexities of this matter are not going to be resolved in the next six hours. But we can begin to move forward to create the framework where something can happen, something very positive, something very permanent so that the people of Lebanon can have the kind of future they deserve, and so that the people of Israel can live without fear of being struck by rocket attacks from a terrorist proxy of Iran," he added. Rubio further asserted that, "This is a process, not an event. This is more than just one day. This will take time. But we believe it's worth this endeavor, and it's a historic gathering that we hope to build on, and the hope today is that we can outline the framework upon which a permanent and lasting peace can be developed so that, as I said, the people of Israel can live in peace, and the people of Lebanon can live not just in peace but the prosperity and security that they deserve." Israel is aiming to use the meeting to discuss the disarmament of Hezbollah along with an eventual peace treaty with Lebanon, while Beirut's top priority is to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon, something Jerusalem has ruled out, leading two officials involved in the meeting's planning to temper their expectations for what can be accomplished, Times of Israel reported. (ANI)
A sessions court has sentenced a 10-year prison sentence to a young man after convicting him of raping a teenage girl, Dawn reported. After hearing arguments and reviewing evidence from the prosecution and defence, Additional District and Sessions Judge (Central) Mirza Tauseef Ahmed declared Zeeshan alias Shani guilty of raping the teenage girl while she was at home by herself. The court further ordered the convict to pay Rs 1,00,000 as compensation for the mental trauma and distress suffered by the survivor. In case of non-payment, he will undergo additional imprisonment. "The maximum punishment for the offence of rape under Section 376, PPC is death penalty, or imprisonment of not less than ten years and up to twenty-five years, and the offender shall also be liable to fine. However, since the convict is a first offender, having no previous criminal record and is a young man aged 22 years, who needs to be integrated in the society after serving out his sentence, he deserves leniency in sentencing," the judge wrote in the verdict reported by Dawn. The survivor testified in court, according to state prosecutor Hina Naz Shams, that in June 2024, when she was by herself at her Golimar home after her family had left, the tenant's brother allegedly broke in and committed the crime by force. If she told anyone about the assault, he also threatened to hurt her and her family. She added that her family learned about the incident after she later confided in her elder sister. She further asserted that the convict's brother had left to visit his in-laws in Hyderabad with his wife, therefore, he was not at home at the time. The defence attorney contended that the FIR was filed after a four-day delay and refuted the accusations made against the prisoner during the trial. He asserted that the convict's refusal of the survivor's marriage proposal and some tenancy conflicts were the reasons behind the convict's involvement in the fake case. He also emphasised the survivor's statement and the dispensaries in the FIR. Prosecutor Hina, on the other hand, gave an explanation for the FIR's delay while claiming that the victim and complainant fully supported the prosecution's case and that the accusation was supported by DNA and medical records. She said that the defence plea of tenancy conflict and refusal of marriage proposal was baseless, and that the survivor had recognised the accused. Regarding the delay plea, the court noted that, "the FIR was lodged with a delay of four days, the victim explained that it was due to her honour and threats to her and her family, as well as emotional blackmail by the accused that he would kill himself." It was also observed that the accused had taken the defence plea that "there was a tenancy dispute between the complainant and his brother, and the complainant wanted to marry the victim to him." Such defensive pleadings contradict each other." The court noted that the accused failed to present substantial evidence to back up his assertions, which was his job after the prosecution proved its case with corroborative evidence. The case was filed at the Rizvia Society Police Station under Section 376 (rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code, Dawn reported. (ANI)
TOKYO, Apr 13 (News On Japan) - The number of Tokyo University students pursuing careers as government bureaucrats is declining, even as rising wages in skilled trades and shifts driven by artificial intelligence are reshaping perceptions of high-paying jobs.

Tokyo University held its entrance ceremony on April 13th, with new students beginning their academic journeys amid changing views on career paths.

While the university has long been associated with producing large numbers of elite bureaucrats, the trend appears to be weakening. The number of Tokyo University graduates passing the national civil service exam for elite administrative positions has steadily declined, falling from 560 in fiscal 2015, or about 30% of successful candidates, to 338 in fiscal 2025, roughly 15%.

Instead, many students are now opting for careers in consulting, trading companies, and finance. According to a survey by the University of Tokyo Newspaper, top destinations for 2024 graduates included consulting firms such as Accenture, EY Strategy and Consulting, and McKinsey & Company, as well as trading houses like Mitsubishi Corp. and Mitsui & Co., and financial institutions including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.

Salary considerations are increasingly influencing career decisions, and similar shifts are being observed overseas. In the United States, the term blue-collar billionaires has gained attention, referring to highly skilled manual workers who earn exceptionally high incomes.

The term blue-collar originates from the blue work uniforms traditionally worn by manual laborers, while white-collar refers to office workers in white shirts. Advances in AI have begun to reduce demand and wage growth in some white-collar professions, such as legal and engineering roles, making it harder for workers in those fields to see income increases.

In contrast, skilled trades such as plumbing and air-conditioning repair are seeing rising demand, with some workers earning more than their white-collar counterparts. These high-earning tradespeople are increasingly being referred to as blue-collar billionaires.

Similar signs are emerging in Japan, where certain manual occupations are experiencing faster income growth. Data from Recruit Works Institute shows that average annual earnings for taxi drivers rose from approximately 3 million yen in 2020 to about 4.15 million yen in 2024, a 38.3% increase. Carpenters and construction workers saw earnings rise from roughly 3.74 million yen to 4.92 million yen over the same period, an increase of 31.7%.

By comparison, administrative and human resources roles saw more modest growth, rising from around 4.23 million yen to 4.69 million yen, an 11% increase. Planning and product development roles also posted smaller gains, increasing from approximately 5.76 million yen to 6.3 million yen, or 9.4%.

Makiko Nakamuro, an education economist, noted that the relationship between technological progress and wages has long been studied in economics. Research by MIT labor economist David Autor suggests that technological advances do not uniformly eliminate jobs, but instead affect occupations differently.

Some roles are replaced by technology, while others are complemented by it, leading to higher productivity and wages. Professions such as doctors and engineers, for example, may benefit from generative AI by becoming more efficient and increasing their earning potential.

Nakamuro emphasized that workers who can engage in roles that complement new technologies, rather than being replaced by them, are more likely to generate value and secure higher incomes in the evolving labor market.

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Apr 13 (News On Japan) - A large number of hangers have been spotted on an elevated section of the Shuto Expressway in Tokyos Shinjuku area, where crows appear to be using them to build nests, prompting concern among nearby residents.

Footage shows numerous hangers placed along the elevated roadway, with crows arriving and skillfully manipulating them with their beaks as part of nest construction.

The hangers are believed to have been brought in by so-called spring crows, which become more active during the breeding season.

Residents in the surrounding area reported missing items from their homes, with one saying, Our hangers disappeared quite some time ago, and we had no idea why, suggesting the birds may have been taking them from balconies.

There were also instances of hangers falling onto the road as crows took flight, raising the risk of potential accidents if they were to strike passing vehicles.

On April 13th, as temperatures rose to summer-like levels in parts of the Kanto region, spring scenery was also drawing attention elsewhere.

At Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture, visitors were seen hurrying through the grounds to catch a glimpse of nemophila flowers now in full bloom.

Many arrived early in the morning to avoid crowds, with one visitor saying, Its my first time here, and its incredibly beautiful. I want to take lots of photos.

Meanwhile, in central Tokyo, the warmer spring weather has further energized crows, with more sightings of them actively building nests using hangers stacked one by one with their beaks.

Passersby expressed surprise at the unusual sight, with comments such as Thats incredible, and They actually bring hangersthere are so many of them.

Authorities are urging caution during this period, as crows become more aggressive and territorial during their breeding season.

Source: FNN
NAHA, Apr 14 (News On Japan) - Yonaguni Town Mayor Tsuneo Uechi met Defense Minister Koizumi on April 13th and conveyed his intention to accept the deployment of a missile unit at the Yonaguni garrison, marking a shift in his previously neutral stance on the issue.

The Ministry of Defense had held a residents briefing in March regarding the missile unit, outlining plans to deploy it by fiscal 2030 at the Yonaguni base, Japans westernmost Self-Defense Forces installation.

Uechi, who had until now refrained from expressing a clear position, stated during the meeting that he does not oppose the deployment. While there are some opposing views within Yonaguni Town, many residents do not object to the deployment of the medium-range surface-to-air missile unit, Uechi said.

At the same time, Uechi acknowledged that some residents remain concerned about the presence of the missile unit and emphasized that he will continue to request the Defense Ministry to provide information to the local community.

During the meeting, Uechi also asked whether there were plans to deploy additional missile units in the future, to which Koizumi responded that no such plans exist at this stage.

Source: OTV
AKITA, Apr 14 (News On Japan) - In a traffic safety class held at a certified childcare center in Akita, Ronald McDonald made a special appearance, teaching young children how to cross the street safely.

The event took place at Keyaki Childcare Center in Iijima, Akita City, where the :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} partnered with :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} to host a hands-on traffic safety workshop for preschoolers.

Ronald McDonald, the mascot of the global fast-food chain, joined the session to engage children in learning essential road safety habits. Together, they practiced checking traffic before crossing by looking right, then left, and then right again, ensuring no cars, motorcycles, or bicycles were approaching before stepping onto the crosswalk.

The children were also taught to raise their hands while crossing to make themselves more visible to drivers, reinforcing the importance of being seen at pedestrian crossings.

In addition, all McDonald's locations across the prefecture are registered as designated safe havens where children can seek help in emergencies. During the session, participants learned to call out loudly for help if approached by strangers and to run to these safe locations if they feel in danger.

One child commented that while Ronald McDonald seemed a little scary at first, they quickly found him cute, along with other characters who appeared during the event.

Police officials said they will continue organizing similar traffic safety classes across the region to help protect children from accidents and crime, while also urging drivers to prioritize pedestrians at crosswalks.

Source: ABS Akita Broadcasting
Researchers at Mohammed VI Polytechnic Universitys College of Chemical Sciences and Engineering have published a significant review in Green Chemistry  one of the British Royal Society of Chemistrys flagship journals  examining a method for converting lignin, a renewable biomass component, directly into laser-induced graphene (LIG). The research positions Morocco at the frontier of a globally competitive field: the development of sustainable carbon materials that bypass the fossil-fuel-derived precursors and energy-intensive processes that dominate current graphene production, commented the publication as reported by the news outlet moroccoworldnews.

Lignin, the structural polymer that gives plant cell walls their rigidity, is produced in enormous quantities as a byproduct of the paper and pulp industry and is largely underutilised. The UM6P teams review demonstrates that, under precisely controlled laser parameters, lignin can be converted into porous, electrically conductive graphene structures under ambient conditions, without solvents or chemical catalysts. The process is direct, scalable and leaves a significantly smaller carbon footprint than conventional graphene synthesis routes.

The practical implications of this work span several industries. Lignin-derived laser-induced graphene has demonstrated strong performance in electrochemical energy storage  relevant to batteries and supercapacitors  biosensing applications and environmental remediation interfaces. In each case, the UM6P review shows that the biomass-derived material compares favourably with synthetic alternatives on both performance metrics and environmental cost, while offering the additional advantage of being derived from widely available agricultural or industrial waste streams.

For Morocco, the strategic resonance of this research is considerable. The country is the worlds largest phosphate exporter and is investing heavily in building downstream chemical value chains. An ability to position Moroccan institutions  and potentially Moroccan industry  at the cutting edge of advanced materials science derived from agricultural biomass aligns with the OCP Foundations rationale for establishing UM6P itself: to translate natural resource advantage into intellectual capital and industrial capability.

The publication adds to a growing body of internationally recognised scientific output from UM6Ps materials science cluster, which has over recent years attracted Fulbright researchers, formed partnerships with institutions including MIT and Paris Cite University, and hosted the Nobel Prize-winning chemist Omar Yaghi at its 2026 Science Week. Moroccos emergence as an African research hub is increasingly backed by peer-reviewed evidence, not just institutional rhetoric.
Recent rainfall and snowfall in Morocco have had a very positive impact on water resources, securing drinking water and supporting agriculture across the country for years to come thanks to replenish underground water and dam filling rate improving to 75%, Water and Equipment Minister Nizar Baraka said.

Speaking at the House of Representatives, Baraka said dam reservoirs are at a level that guarantees drinking water supplies in all regions for the next two to five years.

These rainfall levels mean that drinking water is secured nationwide, Baraka said.

He added that Morocco now also has sufficient water resources to ensure irrigation for agriculture, helping safeguard food security after years of drought.

Groundwater levels have also improved significantly, rising by between one and 20 meters, which Baraka described as a major development that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture.

On hill dams, Baraka said the program had been revised, with a new plan calling for the construction of 155 structures. Each dam will be no more than 15 meters high and will have a storage capacity of up to one million cubic meters, he said.

The program has already been launched, and the ministry plans to start construction of 30 dams in 2026, covering all provinces of the kingdom, Baraka added.
As Pope Leo XIV Pays was starting Monday a visit to Algeria, the first ever by a Pope, two individuals, wearing explosive belts, tried to target separate locations in Blida, located about fifty kilometers south of Algiers.

Initial reports indicated that the two suicide bombers attempted to carry out separate attacks in the heart of the city. One targeted the central police station, while the other headed toward a food processing facility.

The fatal attack against the security facility reportedly killed two police officers, while the two other attackers were fired at by the police before they could reach their target. They then detonated their explosives, according to press reports.

The casualties and death toll have not yet been disclosed by Algerian official media, while images circulating on social media show the dismembered bodies of the suicide bombers.

The attempted attacks came as Pope Leo XIV was on a visit to Algeria, which is striving to promote the image of a country committed to religious tolerance and coexistence.

The Popes 11-day tour that will also lead him to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea tour is meant to promote Christian-Muslim coexistence.
Rabat is set to come alive with an exceptional cultural season. Under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan capital will officially launch, on April 24, 2026, the festivities of Rabat UNESCO World Book Capital 2026, a major event that will coincide with the 31st edition of the International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), scheduled from May 1 to May 10.

This dual event highlights Rabats growing role as a major cultural hub at the crossroads of knowledge and creative industries. The UNESCO designation recognizes a long-standing commitment to culture, education, and access to books. With more than fifty publishing houses and an expanding network of bookstores, the city now stands as a key driver in the dissemination of knowledge across Morocco.

A central highlight of this momentum, the SIELorganized by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communicationconfirms its status as a must-attend event on the African cultural calendar. This edition is fully integrated into the annual program of Rabat World Book Capital, developed in partnership with UNESCO and various national stakeholders.

In total, 342 activities structured around 12 themes will shape this cultural year, with a clear objective: to take reading beyond traditional spaces and bring it closer to the public. Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, orphanages, public spaces, and transport networks will all be engaged to make books more accessible to everyone.

The 31st edition of SIEL also promises an ambitious program. Nearly 890 exhibitors from 60 countries will showcase over 130,000 titles. France, as the guest of honor, will play a central role in the exchanges, while a special tribute will be paid to the 14th-century Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta, placing travel literature in the spotlight.

The fair will feature more than 200 conferences, meetings, and debates, bringing together around 720 intellectuals and creators. These gatherings will provide opportunities to explore evolving reading habits and the new dynamics shaping cultural and creative industries in a rapidly changing world.
Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have severely disrupted global fertiliser markets, triggering supply shortages and rising prices that threaten agricultural production and food security, particularly in emerging economies. In this context, Morocco, a global fertilizer market mover, has been approached to plug in the deficit.

Concentration of key fertilizer ingredients in the Gulf region, combined with maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, has sharply curtailed supplies and driven up costs.

Around 30% of global nitrogen fertiliser shipments transit through the strategic waterway of Hurmuz.

Gulf countries, which account for nearly half of global sulphur production, one third of urea output and a quarter of ammonia supply, have seen several industrial facilities suspend operations following military strikes.

Major exporters including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have reduced deliveries, exacerbating shortages, the magazine said.

At the same time, China, another key player, has maintained export restrictions to protect its domestic market, further tightening global supply.

Against this backdrop, Morocco has emerged as a reliable alternative supplier. Backed by phosphate reserves representing about 70% of known global resources and a geographic position outside conflict zones, the kingdom has increased fertiliser exports to the United States, Latin America, Europe and Africa.

The American think tank Middle East Forum said Morocco now plays an indispensable role in securing US supply chains, particularly after Washington classified phosphate and potash as critical minerals.

This strategic recognition has translated into concrete agreements. India has signed a long-term deal to import 2.5 million tonnes of Moroccan phosphate fertilisers to offset reduced Chinese exports.

However, Moroccos fertiliser production remains partly dependent on key inputs such as ammonia and sulphuric acid, of which about 40% and 48% respectively are imported from the Gulf, exposing it to geopolitical risks.

To reduce that vulnerability, Morocco is investing around $14 billion in green hydrogen and green ammonia projects at Jorf Lasfar and Tarfaya, aiming to secure supplies and limit exposure to external shocks.

Reflecting the urgency to secure fertilisers amid turbulent markets, more than 40 US agricultural organisations in March 2026 called for the removal of countervailing duties on Moroccan fertilisers, arguing the measures were counterproductive during a period of global shortage.

US corn, wheat and soybean producers said the tariffs artificially inflate prices and hurt farmers, highlighting the pressure on Western countries to diversify supply sources.
Despite the Algerian regimes silence and cover-up attempts, the British Foreign Office has issued a travel warning for Algeria following the two suicide bombings that rocked on Monday Algerian city of Blida as Pope Leo XIV started a visit to the country.

British nationals in the area should remain vigilant at all times and follow the advice of the local security authorities, said the Foreign Office. Press reports say at least two police officers were killed and several civilians were injured in the two suicide bombings which sparked a widespread panic across Algeria.

The first explosion reportedly targeted the security directorate in the centre of Blida city, followed by a second suicide bombing near a food industry company in the same province.

The British authorities advise against all travel to within 30km of Algerias borders with Libya, Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Tunisia  in the provinces of Illizi and Ouargla and in the Chaambi mountains area.

The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to within 30km of the rest of Algerias border with Tunisia.
Gabons Foreign minister Marie-Edith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny has reaffirmed her countrys steadfast backing to the Moroccanness of the Sahara and hailed the historic UNSC 2797 endorsing the Autonomy plan under the Kingdoms sovereignty.

The supportive stand was expressed by Gabonese top diplomat during a meeting held Tuesday in Rabat with Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.

Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny described the Moroccan Autonomy Plan as the only credible and realistic solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara, recalling the opening of a Gabonese Consulate in Laayoune in January 2020, a move confirming its recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara.

In their joint press release, the two officials lauded the excellent ties of cooperation binding the two countries and the friendship between the two Heads of State, King Mohammed VI and Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

They agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, agribusiness, infrastructure, digitization and artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of the private sector in economic partnership between the two countries.

The two ministers also voiced shared commitment to advance Morocco-Gabon strategic partnership on the basis of solidarity, mutual trust and shared prosperity.

During the meeting, the Gabonese official expressed her countrys full support for the initiatives launched by the King for the emergence and development of the African continent and commended the momentum generated within the framework of the Process of the Atlantic African States (PAAS) and the Royal Initiative to facilitate access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel countries.

In this connection, the two officials welcomed the momentum generated within the framework of the Process of the Atlantic African States to transform the African Atlantic region into a geostrategic framework offering significant opportunities for synergy in strategic areas such as the environment, food security, health, energy, logistics interconnectivity, resource pooling, the exchange of experiences, which can serve as a zone of shared development and stability.

They further welcomed the royal initiative to facilitate access of Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean and underscored the strategic importance of this Initiative, which forms part of Moroccos active solidarity with its African brother nations.

Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny praised in this context the Leadership and commendable contribution of the Monarch to the international Communitys efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in Africa.
French drone maker Delair has chosen Morocco as the base for its continental expansion, announcing plans to establish Delair Africa  a dedicated subsidiary headquartered in Rabat. The company, led by CEO Bastien Mancini and employing around 250 staff at its Toulouse headquarters, is targeting 75 million euros in revenue for 2026. The Rabat office will initially operate with around ten employees and will focus primarily on providing logistical and after-sales support to regional clients, substantially reducing response times compared with servicing them directly from France.

The choice of Rabat is deliberate. Moroccos capital is the seat of government ministries and the nexus of major defense and security contracting decisions. Its proximity to Casablancas Mohammed V International Airport  approximately one hour by road  also gives it direct air connectivity to the continents key destinations. These factors make Rabat not simply a convenient address but a strategic nerve center for any company seeking to grow a pan-African business in the security and intelligence sector.

Delairs footprint in Africa is already substantial. The companys DT-26 drone was first exported to the continent in 2019, when three units were delivered to Nigers National Forces for Intervention and Security. Since then, the client list has grown progressively. Cote dIvoire has deployed Delair drones for surveillance of its northern border as part of counter-terrorism operations. Nigeria and Chad have integrated the companys systems into the Multinational Joint Task Force operating around Lake Chad. Mauritania and Benin have both been equipped with the DT-46 variant.

Morocco itself has an existing operational relationship with Delair, having used its drones for monitoring missions. The creation of Delair Africa is therefore not a cold-start venture but a formalization and deepening of a partnership that already has proven field applications. The subsidiary is expected to consolidate this relationship while opening pathways to new collaborative projects across civil and security applications.

The announcement continues a broader trend of international defense and technology companies anchoring their African operations in Morocco. The Kingdoms stable institutions, skilled workforce, strategic geography and increasingly sophisticated defense ecosystem  which now encompasses Apache attack helicopters, agreements for Israeli Spy-X drone manufacturing and the first US drone training center on the continent  make it a compelling location for companies seeking both access to Moroccan programs and a reliable platform for continental business.
Libya, the United States and Italy have issued Monday a joint statement announcing the launch of Flintlock 2026 military exercise, scheduled to officially begin later this Week.

The exercise, part of the annual program led by the United States Africa Command, brings together forces from more than 30 countries, including Libya, and will involve coordinated air, land, and maritime training aimed at improving operational readiness and counter-terrorism capabilities.

According to the joint statement, the exercise marks a significant milestone in Libyas security cooperation, highlighting participation from both the Government of National Unity in Tripoli and forces aligned with Khalifa Haftar in the east. The drills are being co-hosted in Sirte, symbolizing rare military coordination between rival Libyan factions.

Officials emphasized that Italy played a leading role in planning and supporting the exercise, while the initiative is framed as part of broader international efforts to strengthen Libyas unified military institutions and promote long-term stability in North Africa.

The announcement underscores growing international engagement aimed at supporting Libyas fragile security landscape through structured cooperation and multinational defense training initiatives.
OSHA, MSHA to Honor Fallen Workers at National Workers Memorial Program

Families will gather in Washington, D.C., on April 23 for the Department of Labors annual Workers Memorial program, honoring lives lost on the job and reinforcing the commitment to preventing workplace fatalities.

On April 23, the U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration will gather with families from across the country to honor loved ones who have lost their lives on the job during its national Workers Memorial program.

Families who have lost a loved one  whether recently or in years past  are invited to the departments Washington headquarters to attend this years ceremony recognizing our fallen workers and serving as their voice to help prevent other families from experiencing such a loss.

This years featured speaker, Christopher Pabon, will share the story of his stepfather, Angel Luis Rivera of Orlando, Florida. In 2023, Rivera was fatally injured in a workplace incident after he fell less than six feet while working on a generator exhaust system.

Rivera was a devoted husband, father, and friend who lived with empathy and unwavering love for his family, and who found great joy in fishing, cooking, and traveling with those closest to him. Memories of his life, like those of thousands of workers who are fatally injured from a job-related incident, reflect the lasting toll these losses take on families and communities  and remind us that we must continue to work together to ensure everyone returns home safe each day.

The Workers Memorial program will begin at 1 p.m. EDT on April 23, at the departments headquarters. Following the event, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony in Veterans Plaza on the departments grounds. Both programs will be livestreamed for those who are unable to join in person.

The days events will conclude with OSHAs first candlelight vigil at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The war in Iran has evolved into a global economic crisis, driving up energy prices and forcing major shifts in shipping and trade routes. Ongoing military strikes have caused significant disruptions at critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, forcing governments to urgently secure alternative supply sources and reevaluate supply chain resilience. Previously, we reported that the conflict has exposed Japan's vulnerability due to extreme energy dependency on Asian producers. Japan relies on the Middle East for over 90% of its crude oil and roughly 11% of its LNG, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocking the route for ~95% of these imports. Asias second-largest economy is now frantically diversifying its oil supply and securing alternative sources, including from the United States, Central Asia, South America, and Canada.

China is similarly recalibrating its strategic focus toward Central Asia to mitigate mounting geopolitical risks in the Middle East and Russia. Road transport now accounts for over 50% of China's trade with Central Asia, up from less than 20% just a few years ago.

Beijing is accelerating the development of land-based connectivity to reduce its heavy reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, which currently carries roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas. China is increasingly relying on the Middle Corridor (aka the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or TITR) that connects China to Europe via Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea, bypassing both the conflict-prone Middle East and the politically sensitive Russian northern routes.

Related: Trump Signals High Gas Prices Through November Midterms

TITR offers a shorter alternative to the Northern Corridor via Russia by ~2,500 km, bypassing Russian territory to improve supply chain resilience and security. TITR has gained immense popularity in the post-2022 era as China looks to skirt sanctions and geopolitical risks in the Northern Corridor.

Upgrading the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, a key Middle Corridor route, has increased its annual capacity from 1 million to 5 million tons following major modernization completed in early 2024. The line features 105 km of new track between Kars and Akhalkalaki (29 km in Georgia, 76 km in Turkey), featuring a 4,070-meter tunnel at the Turkish border. A major, year-long rehabilitation of the Georgian section (Marabda to Kartsakhi) was completed in early 2025, involving upgrades to infrastructure. Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) and Georgian partners created a joint venture in 2024 to manage infrastructure and optimize transport along the 184 km Georgian section. The line is projected to handle 17 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2034, with long-term goals targeting up to 50 million tonnes.

Meanwhile, unlike the distant Middle East, China shares direct borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, allowing for more secure, state-to-state infrastructure projects. Kazakhstan, in particular, has moved to the centre of Beijing's regional thinking due to its stability and ample resources. As a significant oil producer and the worlds leading producer of uranium (over 40% of global supply), Kazakhstan offers a more stable investment environment than the volatile Gulf region. Bilateral trade between China and Kazakhstan reached a record $48.7 billion in 2025, representing an 11% year-on-year increase, cementing China's position as a top trading partner. The surge was mainly driven by increasing investment and energy cooperation, helping to transform the economic relationship between the two countries. The collaboration is shifting from traditional oil/gas to include significant investments in machinery, automobiles, green energy, and agriculture. Kazakhstan is now the largest recipient of Chinese capital in the region, with over 200 joint projects.

Further, Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is shifting away from a single integrated system to fragmented "mini corridors" that prioritize stability over sheer volume. The BRI is increasingly breaking down into specialized, smaller-scale regional initiatives rather than monolithic, continent-spanning projects. This encompasses increased reliance on alternative routes such as the Central Asia-Russia corridor, coupled with a focus on smaller, high-visibility projects in Myanmar and South Asia.

BRI is actively pivoting towards soft infrastructure, prioritizing digital connectivity, technology, and green energy over traditional hard infrastructure through initiatives such as the Digital Silk Road (DSR) for 5G, fiber optics, and AI, alongside sustainable energy projects designed to build a Green Silk Road.

The shift away from massive trophy projects toward sustainable investments with clearer economic returns is helping reduce the exposure to risky, unstable regions and focuses on securing supply chains in areas where China has a stronger influence, such as Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Africa. Indeed, Africa has become a key beneficiary of Chinas BRI engagements, with the continent recording a 283% surge to $61.2 billion in 2025.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
The message given by Ursula von der Leyen to electrify the European economy is strategically coherent, politically appealing, and, on the surface, even unavoidable. It will be the real deal to decarbonize industry and power transport, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and anchor Europes competitiveness. The latter is especially valid in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical order. Electrification is presented as the backbone of Europes future prosperity and security.

However, beneath this clear vision lies a far more uncomfortable reality. Brussels is not only pursuing an energy transition but also transforming its industrial base, transport systems, infrastructure networks, and geopolitical posture. All of this needs to be done while facing an increased financial, physical, and strategic strain. Electrification is not failing at present because the overall idea or strategy is wrong, but because the system required to support it is already overstretched. At the same time, and maybe even more important, the bill to fix that system is only beginning to emerge.

The real core problem of Brussels is not its ambition, but the sequencing of it all.

Europe is already accelerating the electrification of demand, mainly in the industrial, transport, and heating sectors, while simultaneously pushing to expand renewable supply at an unprecedented speed. One pivotal issue, however, seems to be constantly forgotten: the infrastructure that must connect the two is lagging dangerously behind. Policymakers and advisors should realize that electricity systems are not abstract constructs, but physical networks with hard limits. Throughout Europe, these limits have already been reached.

The prime example of this situation is the Netherlands.

Throughout the continent, the Dutch energy transition has been presented as a model: one of the highest per-capita deployments of offshore wind in the world, widespread solar adoption, aggressive electrification policies, and a political consensus around decarbonization. If Brussels overall strategy were working as intended, the Netherlands should be its showcase.

In reality, however, it is its warning.

At present, the Dutch electricity grid is no longer able to keep pace with the pace of change. The countrys grid congestion has become structural, not incidental. An ever-growing list of thousands of companies, some even stating 15,000+, are already on waiting lists for grid connections or capacity upgrades. In several Dutch regions, industrial clusters cannot expand, while new investments are delayed or diverted. The most shocking issue is that even residential developments are hindered or blocked by the lack of electricity.

The paradox is striking. At certain moments, especially when there is a positive combination of wind and sun, the Netherlands produces more renewable electricity than it can use. At other times, the country cannot supply enough electricity to meet demand. The Dutch system is increasingly hit by a system that needs to deal with a simultaneous suffering of surplus and scarcity. Related: IEA Chief Issues Stark Warning on Oil Prices

This is not a temporary imbalance but the predictable outcome of a system in which generation has outpaced infrastructure. It is also where Europes electrification narrative begins to unravel.

The ECs strategy again assumes a relatively smooth scaling of supply, demand, and infrastructure. Reality, however, is much more complex. At present, infrastructure development lags due to permitting constraints, investment bottlenecks, and physical construction timelines. At the same time, demand does not scale linearly, especially when industries hesitate amid uncertainty about costs and grid access. The system itself introduces frictions, such as congestion, curtailment, and volatility, all undermining efficiency.

Across Europe, an increasing number of grid operators are issuing urgent warnings as connection queues grow while investment pipelines stall. All are looking at a situation where the congestion costs are rising. And yet the policy response remains focused primarily on accelerating renewable deployment and electrification targets, as if infrastructure will inevitably follow.

It will not.

Right now, now is that electricity grids cannot be expanded at the pace of policy ambition. Building high-voltage transmission lines takes years, often more than a decade. At the same time, distribution networks require massive upgrades to handle decentralized generation and electrified demand. Local opposition, environmental regulations, and supply chain constraints slow all of this.

Brussels dramatically underestimates the scale of investment needed, which should motivate industry leaders to develop innovative financing strategies and advocate for substantial capital allocation to meet the 660 billion annual target and beyond.

To be clear, this is not incremental spending, but a structural reallocation of capital on a scale rarely seen outside wartime economies.

Given the 1.2 trillion investment requirement for electricity grids alone by 2040, policymakers should explore innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and EU-level funding instruments to mobilize the necessary capital efficiently.

Addressing electrification requires a collective effort to rebuild Europes entire energy backbone, highlighting the importance of coordinated strategic planning among policymakers, industry, and investors to prevent economic inefficiency and political fragility.

That is where the Dutch case becomes valid. The Netherlands has already demonstrated that high levels of renewable penetration do not automatically translate into effective electrification. Without grid capacity, renewable energy cannot be fully utilized. Without certainty about the connection, industrial electrification stalls. Without system flexibility, volatility increases.

In other words, the transition becomes economically inefficient and politically fragile.

Another major constraint is that the financial challenge does not exist in isolation. It is unfolding within a rapidly deteriorating geopolitical environment.

The European Union is simultaneously being forced to increase defense spending, support Ukraine, and respond to renewed instability in global energy markets. The war in Ukraine has already triggered a structural shift in defense priorities, with European defense spending reaching hundreds of billions annually and new EU-level instruments targeting up to 800 billion in mobilized resources.

Since the last two months, tensions in the Middle East, especially in Hormuz, have reintroduced energy security risks that Europe had hoped electrification would mitigate. Roughly a fifth of global oil and LNG flows through Hormuz. Even partial disruptions immediately translate into higher prices, increased volatility, and renewed dependence on external suppliers.

This strategic contradiction is compounded by geopolitical risks, such as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and increased defense spending, which threaten to undermine Europe's energy security and complicate the transition to electrification despite its intended benefits.

Brussels attempts to invest heavily in electrification to reduce energy vulnerability, while simultaneously being forced to spend heavily on defense and absorb the costs of ongoing fossil fuel dependence. The energy transition does not replace one system with another, but it layers new costs on top of old ones.

This is the fiscal collision at the heart of the European project. The real question right now, which needs to be answered honestly, is: who is going to pay?

Most European governments are already fiscally constrained, as public debt levels remain elevated following the pandemic and energy crisis. They also need to deal with increased defense spending, while social pressures are rising. The idea that national budgets alone can finance the electrification of the economy is no longer credible.

Again, private capital is often presented as the solution. Brussels strategy relies heavily on mobilizing institutional investors, de-risking projects, and leveraging capital markets. However, private capital is not a substitute for public strategy. Private capital flows where risk-adjusted returns are predictable. Grid infrastructure, industrial electrification, and system flexibility often do not meet these criteria without significant public guarantees.

Moreover, the scale required goes far beyond what current mechanisms can deliver. Even ambitious instruments such as the Innovation Fund or the proposed Industrial Decarbonization Bank, targeting tens or even hundreds of billions, remain small relative to the annual investment gap.

Europes uncomfortable truth is that it will need to adopt a fundamentally different financing model. Electrification at this scale clearly requires something closer to a strategic investment doctrine than a collection of policy instruments. Brussels will need to deal with a reality that requires prioritization, coordination, and, for all parties, critical acceptance of trade-offs.

First, Europe will need to elevate energy infrastructure to the same strategic level as defense. If joint borrowing and coordinated financing can be justified for military capabilities, the same logic applies to cross-border electricity grids, storage systems, and industrial electrification corridors. These are not optional climate investments; they are the foundation of economic resilience.

Second, existing revenue streams, particularly from carbon pricing mechanisms, must be more aggressively redirected toward infrastructure. The current allocation is insufficient relative to the scale of need.

Third, public financial institutions, the European Investment Bank and national development banksmust significantly expand their role, particularly in areas where private capital remains hesitant.

All the above, however, will eliminate the need for prioritization.

The current reality shows that Europe cannot fund everything simultaneously. It cannot electrify all industries at once, build all infrastructure at once, and meet all geopolitical commitments without making choices. It is a political illusion to believe that coordination and efficiency gains will eliminate trade-offs.

The Dutch experience already demonstrates what happens when these trade-offs are ignored. Infrastructure constraints begin to shape economic outcomes. Investments are delayed or redirected. The energy transition loses momentum not because of political opposition, but because of practical limitations.

If we scale the Dutch experience to the European level, the consequences could be far more significant. Industries that depend on reliable, high-capacity electricity, especially chemicals, steel, and data infrastructure, will look beyond Europe if energy systems cannot deliver. Investment flows may shift to regions with more robust infrastructure. And Europes industrial base could erode at precisely the moment it seeks to strengthen it.

This is the risk embedded in the current electrification narrative.

Brussels assumes that more renewable energy and more electrification will automatically lead to lower costs, greater security, and enhanced competitiveness. Facts on the ground, however, show that without the infrastructure and financing to support it, the opposite may occur: higher costs, increased volatility, and reduced competitiveness.

The greatest danger is not a failure of electrification, but that it will proceed in an unbalanced way. There is a huge risk of too much generation without infrastructure, too much demand without connectivity, and too much ambition without sequence.

This is already happening.

The Netherlands shows that even a highly advanced energy transition can hit hard physical limits. These limits are not theoretical. They are visible in grid congestion, curtailed renewable output, delayed investments, and constrained economic growth.

Europe as a whole is now approaching the same inflection point.

Von der Leyen is right that electricity will define Europes future. However, to define the future is not the same as building it. Brussels needs to understand that building requires infrastructure that takes decades, capital that runs into trillions, and political choices that are far more difficult than current rhetoric suggests. We are not only looking at an energy strategy when pursuing electrification, but also at a test of Europes ability to align ambition with reality.

At present, that alignment is missing.

The physical limits of a grid need to be confronted by Europe, including the financial scale of its ambitions, and the geopolitical pressures shaping its choices. If not, the electrification agenda will remain incomplete. Again, the vision is not wrong, but the system required to deliver it is not yet ready. At the same time, the willingness to pay for it has not yet been fully acknowledged.

By Gisele Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

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Just as oil prices on the futures market slip again on hopes for a quick end to the war in the Middle East, the head of the International Energy Agency issued a warning: prices are going to go higher yet.

Prices are already high, but they are not reflecting the severity of the problem  I agree there is a disconnect, Fatih Birol said at an event this week, as quoted by Bloomberg. But I think soon we will see they will converge, which is an extremely sensitive issue for the global economy.

The war has so far cost Middle Eastern producers as much as 13 million barrels daily in lost output, and that is just crude oil. Exports of crude plus refined products have slumped by an estimated 20 million barrels, the head of the IEA said. He added that more than 80 oil and gas facilities in the region have been damaged, contributing to the severity of the situation.

Meanwhile, the longer the war continues, the more oil production will be lost. Nomura this week warned that it expected an additional loss of 2.3 million barrels daily for March. Compared to a year earlier, Middle Eastern oil production is down by 9.3 million barrels daily, equal to a rather concerning supply squeeze of 57%.

Despite these developments, oil benchmarks were down today, after topping $100 per barrel earlier this week following President Donald Trumps latest move on Iran, involving a stated full blockade on vessel traffic to and from Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf. Analysts explained the decline with hopes that the ceasefire agreed at the end of last week would not be canceled despite the blockade.

Related: Iran Showing Signs of Capitulating Over Strait Of Hormuz

Supply, however, remains constrained, as evidenced by the latest surge in physical oil prices. These hit an all-time high of $150 per barrel for oil for immediate delivery in Europe and Africa. The surge comes as parts of the world, notably Europe and Asia, scramble for fresh oil supply as the last tankers that left the Middle East before Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz approach their final destinations at receiving refineries.

It will hit the west in a month when all the Asian cargoes bought leave the Atlantic basin, Energy Aspects analyst Nic Dyer told the Financial Times. Refineries in Europe and the US will also have to cut runs from next month to share the pain of the shortage, Dyer noted.

In Asia, refiners are already ramping down, despite draws from strategic and commercial stockpiles, suggesting the crude oil supply squeeze is more serious than many futures traders might assume, echoing Birols expectations about much higher prices down the road.

Signs are emerging that the system may be coming under increasing strain, JP Morgans Natasha Kaneva told the FT. European and Asian refiners are competing aggressively for the remaining cargoes, driving spot Brent price  more directly tied to prompt physical delivery than Brent futures  to record highs.

Earlier this month, the IEAs Birol said that the current oil crisis is worse than all oil shocks from the 20th and 21st centuries so far taken together. The world has never experienced disruption to energy supply of such magnitude, Birol told French newspaper Le Figaro in an interview. The IEA last month announced it would coordinate an emergency release of 400 million barrels from OECD stocks to tackle the crisis. This is the largest emergency oil release in the agencys history.

The abrupt change in the tone of the agency that has for two years been predicting a slump in oil demand that was causing a massive glut is telling enough. It is evidence that a glutmassive or not so muchcould flip into a shortage very quickly, shattering a lot of assumptions, including about oil demand.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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A US naval blockade on ships entering Iranian ports and coastal areas has come into effect, following failed peace talks between US and Iranian negotiators over the weekend.

And it already poses a dilemma: risk attack from Iranian assets near the Strait of Hormuz or hold back and hope to catch vessels breaking out into the open seas.

The move is the latest attempt by US President Donald Trump to force Iran into making concessions, including a commitment not to seek a nuclear weapon or the means to build one.

It follows more than a month of air strikes and long-standing economic sanctions.

Military Aspect

Washington has substantial naval and air forces in the region which could be expected to enforce the blockade. For some, it would mean a switch from carrying out air strikes to interdicting civilian vessels.

Attempting to do this from in or near the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which Iranian seaborne exports pass, could put US naval assets at risk from attack by Iranian drones, missiles, or small fast attack ships.

Several weeks of US and Israeli air strikes have severely degraded Iranian capacity, but the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has its own naval units composed of these small craft, which have continued to attack shipping in the Persian Gulf.

If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, wrote Trump on social media shortly after it came into force.

The risks could be minimized.

Given that, for example, some 90 percent of Iranian oil shipments go to China, US forces could conceivably sit back and police the blockade from a distance where they would be less vulnerable.

They could choose to position themselves outside the Persian Gulfwithout physically controlling the Strait [of Hormuz] itself, Mohammad Farsi, a former Iranian naval officer, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda after Trump announced the blockade. They dont need to sit inside the Strait.

But Farsi said he doubted such an approach would be effective. It would mean patrolling a wider stretch of sea than the 30-kilometer-wide waterway.

Jeremy Stoehs, a naval expert at the Austrian Center for Intelligence, Propaganda and Security Studies (ACIPSS), agreed it would be difficult.

"A blockade at distance would pose quite a significant challenge for US forces in the theater, especially as civilian vessels go dark to evade being stopped," he told RFE/RL.

"The US Navy notoriously lacks smaller surface combatants, such as frigates, and would have to release its Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and other higher-end assets into such taskings," he added.

Economic Impact

The decision to target Iranian-linked shipping has a clear economic logic, laid out in a recent US policy note.

Oil revenue from China accounts for about 45 percent of Irans government budget, said a factsheet published by the US Congress on March 16.

In recent weeks, Irans near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping other than its own has been described as a chokehold on the world economy, shutting it off from oil, gas, and other crucial commodities.

The US blockade aims to strangle the Iranian economy, which has continued benefiting from oil exports despite the war that began with US and Israeli air strikes on February 28.

Iran actually was able to export quite high quantities of its oil, basically the same as last year in the same month, Isaac Levy, an analyst at the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), told RFE/RL on April 13.

If the US do block that, it would prohibit the Iranian regime from adding a lot of money from this, but it would have upward pressure on global oil prices taking off54 million barrels [per month] when there's currently a huge supply constraint, he added.

This danger was already evident in the hours after the blockade was announced, as physical crude oil prices in Europe surged to record levels around $150 per barrel. Benchmark Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel, adding to price pressures that extend across the globe.

The decision Mr. Trump has taken could have serious effects both on the US economy and on overall social cohesion -- particularly in terms of the burden on American consumers at the gas pump, Mohammad Ghaedi, a lecturer at George Washington University, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda on April 13.

Iranian countermeasures might add to the economic damage, he said, adding that attacks by the Tehran-backed Houthis in Yemen to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait -- another crucial Middle East shipping route -- could remove about 12 percent of global energy supply from the market.

China

There are also potentially major diplomatic repercussions to the blockade.

Its not clear if Chinese-flagged ships are visiting Iranian ports. Historically, shadow fleets of rusting oil tankers used by Iran, Russia, and Venezuela have mostly flown flags of convenience from countries such as Sierra Leone, Gabon, or the Marshall Islands. These would be likely targets of US enforcement action.

However, earlier Trump comments suggested the blockade would also extend to vessels paying a toll to Iran to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

"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," he said.

According to marine intelligence company Windward, two Chinese vessels, the He Rong Hai, a tanker, and the Jin Hai Hua, a bulk carrier, exited the strait on April 10. They both began their voyages in the United Arab Emirates, not Iran.

Its not clear if they paid a toll that Iran has been demanding  at $2 million per ship  to enable a trickle of traffic through the once-busy waterway. If such a payment were made in a cryptocurrency, it might be nearly impossible to trace.

Its also worth noting that the CENTCOM announcement of the blockade says it will be applied to vessels entering Iranian coastal areas. This would include the path taken by many vessels that have, so far, transited the strait with Tehrans blessing.

In any case, the US Navy seizing or boarding a Chinese-flagged vessel could cause major diplomatic tensions, just as Trump is expected to visit Beijing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month.

Economically, while China relies on Iran for oil supplies, it might be shielded from an immediate hit by the large stocks of oil it built up before the current conflict started. It is also able to tap into relatively large quantities of Iranian oil at sea, much of it already off the Chinese coast.

Furthermore, Iranian supplies make up some 8 percent of Chinas seaborne oil imports. China can source this elsewhere.

However, obviously China is buying a lot of this sanctioned oil due to the purpose that it's sold at a significant price discount, said Levy, adding that replacement oil would be much more expensive, impacting small Chinese refiners that work on razor-thin margins.

RFL/RE

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Chinas natural gas imports dropped sharply in March amid the tanker traffic paralysis in the Middle East. Oil imports also fell on an annual basis, but were up in February.

Natural gas imports were down by 11% last month, Bloomberg reported, citing official customs data. At 8.183 million tons, the March total brought Chinas year-to-date gas imports 4% lower than they were in 2025. Imports of liquefied natural gas, according to preliminary data, may have plummeted by 22% on the year in March to 3.74 million tons.

In crude oil, China imported 2.8% less in March than a year earlier, at a total of 49.98 million tons. Since the start of the year, Chinas crude oil imports have been up by a substantial 8.9%, thanks to Beijings continued stockpiling drive that began in 2024.

Recent reports indicate China is turning away from Middle Eastern crude and seeking more volumes from Central Asian producers, and more specifically, Kazakhstan. Saudi oil volumes, meanwhile, are set for a sharp decline. May shipments from the kingdom to China could be only half of what the country is set to import this month, unnamed traders told Bloomberg earlier this week. The April total is seen at 40 million barrels.

Apart from purely physical supply constraints, the Saudi crude sales to China will also suffer in May from the hike in prices the Kingdom announced last week.

Saudi Arabia hiked the price of its flagship Arab Light crude loading for Asia in May to a record-high premium over the Middle Eastern benchmarks as the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz upends oil flows and roils markets and prices.

Aramco has raised the price of Arab Light that is going to Asia next month to a premium of $19.50 above the average Oman/Dubai benchmark, off which supply to Asia is typically priced.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Iran may halt its own oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz for several days.

Tehran is weighing a short-term pause to avoid testing the U.S. naval blockade just days before another round of ceasefire talks. The objective is to get through the next week without a maritime incident that derails negotiations before they start.

Iran has been one of the only countries still moving crude through Hormuz during the conflict. Most non-Iranian shipping has already pulled back, with U.S. naval enforcement tightening the choke point. That leaves a thin stream of barrels still moving.

If those flows stop, even briefly, the physical market tightens further, as there is no slack in the system right now.

Futures didnt trade it that way. Brent fell about $1.55 to just below $98 per barrel on the headline. The paper market is focused on the possibility that talks hold and flows normalize, not on the immediate loss of supply. Australia-based ANZ bank said Brent will remain above $90 for the rest of the year, saying that the worst-case scenario was no longer needed to justify these higher price predictions.

That split is widening and physical barrels are scarce. The forward curve is leaning on the assumption that scarcity wont last.

Irans calculus is not fixed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could still test the blockade to show it can be challenged without consequence. That could tighten flows immediately and push risk premiums back into the front of the curve.

For now, Tehran appears to be prioritizing control, and a pause lowers the chance of escalation while talks are still on the table.

The market is tracking tanker movements cargo by cargo. Every cargo that doesnt move shows up in balances. And right now, balances are already tight.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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China saw its lithium battery exports jump by 50% in the first quarter from a year earlier as global demand for green technologies surged amid the worst disruption to oil and gas supply due to the war in the Middle East.

Exports of all green technologies manufactured in China surged in March and in the first quarter, making Chinese clean energy manufacturers winners in the war-induced oil shock.

Chinas exports of lithium batteries soared by 50.4% between January and March, compared to the same quarter of 2025, Wang Jun, deputy director of Chinas General Administration of Customs, said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

Exports of electric vehicles also surged, by 77.5% on the year in the first quarter, the official said. Chinese overseas sales of wind turbine parts and equipment jumped by 45.2%, according to official Chinese customs data shared by Wang at the press conference.

Chinas lithium battery sales abroad were also helped by manufacturers front-loading shipments to take advantage of higher rebate rates on the export tax. The rate was reduced on April 1 to 6% from 9% previously, and is planned to be eliminated from 2027.

Still, demand for green technology amid the crisis was the key driver of soaring battery, EV, and wind technology exports out of China during the first quarter.

Export growth will likely accelerate in the second quarter, considering the fact that the first quarter included only one month of the Middle East conflict, while countries scramble to replace oil and gas use with clean technology wherever possible amid uncertainties when the Strait of Hormuz will reopen to some kind of normal vessel traffic.

In March alone, Chinese electric vehicle exports soared by 140% to a record high as the fuel price shock drove consumers back to EVs.

China exported as many as 349,000 electric vehicles last month, a record high number of any month ever, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association cited by Bloomberg.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Oil supply from the Middle East could drop by another 2.3 million barrels per day (bpd) if the U.S. were to completely block the Strait of Hormuz, according to bank Nomura.

"We estimate around 2.3mbpd loss of incremental oil supplies versus March 2026, and nearly 9.3mbpd loss versus March 2025 in the event the US were to completely block the SoH," analysts at Nomura wrote in a research note carried by Business Standard.

"A complete blockade of the SoH may also impact LPG supplies for India, as over the past month India managed to have several LPG tankers (at least eight) safely crossed through the strait," Nomura analyst Bineet Banka wrote.

Some Indian tankers carrying LPG have cleared the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks despite the de facto closure of the critical oil and gas chokepoint.

India has also imported its first Iranian crude cargo in seven years, as the U.S. last month allowed purchases of Iranian oil already loaded on tankers.

In recent weeks, India has negotiated with Iran the safe passage of some energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, especially cargoes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is widely used for cooking in India.

However, it is highly uncertain how the U.S. blockade and the move to block Iranian ports would impact the oil flows through the worlds most important energy flow chokepoint that used to handle 20% of global daily oil and gas flows before the war.

Even if the Strait of Hormuz opened today without any restrictions and risks, oil and gas supply from the Middle East faces recovery of several months well into the late summer, according to Wood Mackenzie.

But this is contingent on an operating Strait of Hormuz.

Goldman Sachs last week warned that Brent Crude prices are set to average above $100 per barrel this year if the Strait of Hormuz remains mostly shut to tanker traffic for another month.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The Philippines, one of Southeast Asias biggest economy which is grappling with an energy crisis due to the Middle East supply shock, has asked the United States to extend the one-month waiver on purchases of Russian oil on tankers that expired on April 11.

We are awaiting their response, but we are very positive on getting this other window, the Philippines Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said on Tuesday, as quoted by Reuters.

Last month, when oil prices hit a four-year high of $118 per barrel, the Trump Administration allowed the sale of Russian oil that was already loaded on tankers before March 12.

The move shielded some Asian buyers, predominantly India, from the supply shock in the Middle East in the immediate term.

Indias imports of Russian crude oil jumped by 90% in March versus February, following the major supply disruption in the Middle East and the U.S. waiver of purchases of Russian crude already loaded on tankers.

Some supply from the Middle East did reach India, thanks to Saudi Arabia and the UAE re-routing exports to ports sitting outside the Persian Gulf and not necessitating transit through the Strait of Hormuz. These workarounds, however, are insufficient to compensate the supply lost to the de facto closed critical oil chokepoint.

As the waiver expired, reports emerged that the U.S. is likely to extend this particular waiver as Middle Eastern supply remains severely disrupted.

The Philippines, which sourced 98% of all its oil from the Middle East before the war, finds itself in a position to try to avoid fuel shortages.

We wanted to open the Russian window because we want more options. We need diversification, the countrys energy secretary Garin said.

The Philippines, one of the Asian nations worst hit by the Middle East supply squeeze and where a national energy emergency was put in place in March, has now imported its first cargo of Russias Far Eastern crude grade ESPO for the first time in six years.

The Philippines is also looking to buy oil from South America, the United States, and Canada, the official said.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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A Chinese-owned tanker under U.S. sanctions has passed the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports that began on Monday.

Citing data from Kpler and MarineTraffic, Reuters reported that the vessel had traversed the chokepoint earlier today. Owned by Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co Ltd., the vessel, Rich Starry, became a target for U.S. sanctions because it was used to transport Iranian crude.

The Rich Starry is loaded with 250,000 barrels of methanol that it loaded at the Emirati port of Hamriyah, according to the data. It could be that fact that has ensured the unobstructed passage of the vessel, despite the sanctions. The U.S. Central Command said the blockade would only cover Iranian ports and traffic to and from them.

Another tanker, also under U.S. sanctions, entered the strait today as well, Reuters also reported, citing data from Kpler and LSEG. The Murlikishan is heading for Iraq, where it would load fuel oil, Kpler said. The tanker has been previously used to transport both Iranian and Russian oil.

President Trump on Sunday said the U.S. Navy would begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade was set to start at 10 am Eastern Time on Monday and would not, in point of fact, target any and all ships, but only those heading for or setting off from 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, the U.S. Central Command said in an X post on Sunday. CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports, the authority added.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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By Lars Larson

NW and national radio host,

The Northwest Nonsense

If you thought the woman who won the Governors office with stolen cryptocurrency cares about serving you, think again.

Tina Kotek just signed eight brand new laws into effect this week, and, unless youre an illegal border hopper, none of them does anything for you.

Even the Daily Dead Fishwrapper, Oregon Live, which takes Koteks side most of the time sums it up this way Kotek signs new immigration bills to push back on Trump.

So, forget about 5 dollar gasoline Kotek could help with, or schools that fail the majority of students and housing she promised to double that fell in half instead, these bills dont hit any of those hot topics.

Kotek says they protect illegal alien criminals who dont have any right to live or work in Oregon at all.

They ban ice agents from wearing masks so they and their families wont be doxxed.

One law lets you sue ice agents if they enter private property without a warrant.

Another law tells public schools to aid and abet illegals by alerting them when ICE shows up.

One new law tells state agencies to hold back more information used to find criminal illegals.

So, if you expected Tina Kotek to look out for your interests as law abiding, tax paying Oregonians, forget it.

She thinks if she opposes the evil Orange Man on his signature issue enough, youll vote for another 4 years of Kotek. Prove her wrong.

Thats the Rose City Rap. Join me at noon on KXL for First Amendment Friday. Im Lars Larson
Firemen are hoping to finally put out blaze burning four days

Jose Maria Morelos, Q.R.  Firefighters continue their battle with a blaze that has been burning four days. The fire that started at the municipal landfill over the weekend continues to burn.

Municipal personnel say emergency services are working continuously to control the blaze that is spreading among the layers of waste.

German Pineda Castillo April 13, 2026.

German Pineda Castillo, the Fire Department and the Municipal Emergency Unit Director, reported that from the first moment the alert was received, a strategy was defined to contain the fire.

The large blaze originated within the layers of garbage accumulated in the landfill and continues not only to burn, but spread.

He explained that this type of fire requires a planned approach, as the fire remains active beneath the waste. To combat it, water is used continuously while heavy machinery removes the garbage allowing firefighters to extinguish any hotspots that reignite when exposed to air.

As the waste is removed, the fire reignites in some areas so emergency personnel remain on constant alert to extinguish it and stop the continued spreading.

Once the fire is out, they will work on determining an official cause for the fire, which to date, remains unknown.
Government of Mexico forgives 5 million mortgages where the only beneficiaries were the owners of the construction companies

Mexico City, Mexico  President Claudia Sheinbaum has forgiven five million home loans the government has found to be unpayable. The mortgages were forgiven by the government this week and deeds sent to the homeowners.

Sheinbaum handed out deeds and debt forgiveness certificates in the state of Morelos Saturday as part of the restructuring of five million unpayable loans.

During the ceremony, she highlighted the recent approval of Plan B for the Electoral Reform, which reaffirms the principles of the Fourth Transformation where there cannot be a rich government with a poor people.

A woman is presented with a forgiven debt certificate and a deed to her home by President Sheinbaum April 11, 2026.

On Saturday, she led the delivery of 828 certificates of loan settlements from the Housing Fund of the Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers (Fovissste) and 250 deeds from the National Institute of Sustainable Land (Insus).

The settlements are part of the restructuring, forgiveness and removal of the Housing for Well-being program to five million unpayable loans that were granted in the neoliberal era.

Today we are celebrating a substantial change, a reality: they no longer owe anything, they no longer owe anything. That anguish has been lifted from them. Why? Because it is only right that their debts be forgiven because they had already paid enough.

This is the case for five million families in our country and this is how we will continue to govern, regardless of who it may offend. We will continue to govern for the people of Mexico because the people of Mexico elected us, she stated.

Sheinbaum recalled that during the neoliberal governments, Fovissste and the National Workers Housing Fund Institute (Infonavit) granted unpayable housing loans and the only beneficiaries were the owners of the construction companies that built houses that ended up uninhabited.

President Sheinbaum says Mexico cannot have a rich government with poor people. April 11, 2026.

She reported that at the beginning of her administration, the Ministry of Agrarian, Territorial and Urban Development (Sedatu), Infonavit, the Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (ISSSTE) and Insus began working on a plan to incorporate debt forgiveness, loan reductions and restructuring into the Housing for Well-being program, aiming to improve the living conditions of homeowners.

She emphasized that one of the principles of the Fourth Transformation is that there cannot be a rich government with an impoverished population.
Mexico receives first batch of 160 repatriated cultural assets this year

Mexico City, Mexico  The Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico has received a batch of 160 repatriated cultural assets. This batch makes up the first restitution carried out in 2026.

The assest were received through the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). They arrived in Mexico from the Legal Consulting Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).

The assest have been added to the 3,556 heritage objects recovered during the current administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The Secretary of Culture of the Government of Mexico, Claudia Curiel de Icaza, stated that the repatriation of these assets is the result of constant work, cooperation between institutions and sustained action by the Mexican State in the international arena.

Each recovered object represents a part of our countrys history that returns to be studied, safeguarded, and recognized in its true context.

The 157 archaeological pieces are mainly made of ceramic, The three historical pieces were determined by experts from the Directorate of Public Registry of the INAH and to correspond to different cultural areas. They include Central Highlands, West, Bajio and the Mayan area.

Their temporalities range from the Mesoamerican Preclassic period (2500 BC-200 AD) to the viceregal era.

The legal advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pablo Arrocha Olabuenaga, pointed out that most of these items were voluntarily returned by private individuals, but also include pieces recovered thanks to cooperation with foreign judicial authorities.

All are returning to national territory thanks to the efforts of our countrys network of embassies and consulates in the United States, Canada, Argentina and France.

Alejandro Bautista Valdespino, Deputy Director of the Registry of Movable Archaeological Monuments at the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), acknowledged the work of the Legal Counsel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) and the National Coordination of Legal Affairs at INAH.

He reported that the objects are in good condition and will soon be registered in the Institutes Public Registry. Should any require conservation or restoration, specialists from the National Coordination of Cultural Heritage Conservation will be consulted.

As part of the diplomatic, legal, academic and ethical process inherent in each repatriation, the assets, once registered, will be gradually transferred to the museums of the INAH network, based on their characteristics and cultural affiliation, so that they can be exhibited and enjoyed by society, he said.

Among the archaeological objects, 140 pieces were voluntarily handed over to the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle, United States. They include clay figurines from the Central Highlands dating from the Preclassic period.

Also, others of Teotihuacan origin from the Early Classic period (200-600 AD) and various female anthropomorphic sculptures from the Chupicuaro, Shaft Tombs, Chinesco and Tala-Tonala traditions.

Also, through voluntary delivery to the Mexican Consulate in Raleigh, United States, there is the case of 12 pieces, including anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurines, as well as vessels from the Central Highlands, the West and the territory that today occupies Oaxaca, which date from the Classic period (200-900 AD).

One piece, delivered to the Mexican consulate in New Brunswick, Canada was part of the catalog of an auction held in 2011 and was recovered after being secured by the Customs and Border Protection Service of the neighboring country.

From Paris, France, two anthropomorphic figurines and a zoomorphic effigy vessel from the West, of the style known as San Sebastian (on the borders of Jalisco and Nayarit), were repatriated, whose temporality is located between the years 300 and 600 of our era.

Regarding historical artifacts, two 18th-century Baroque-style wooden doors, likely originating from the Central Highlands or the Bajio region, were recovered in the North American city of Atlanta. They were carved in high relief with scenes of saints, angels, scrolls, and floral motifs.

The book Manual Summa de las Ceremonias de la Provincia del Santo Evangelio de Mexico segun el orden del Capitulo General de Roma, printed in 1703 in Mexico City and seized by the Argentine Federal Police, was also returned to our country.

The preliminary assessment, based on images provided to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was conducted by Baltazar Brito Guadarrama, head of the National Library of Anthropology and History.

This handover confirms the ongoing commitment of Mexican institutions to the identification, recovery, and enhancement of cultural heritage that forms part of the identity of our peoples.
Tulum collects over 1,200 tons of sargassum so far in 2026

Tulum, Q.R.  Tulum continues to battle the arrival of sargassum on its beaches noting a significant increase this year over others. Municipal officials say to date, more than 1,200 tons has been removed by Zofemat personnel from the coast.

On Monday during a press conference, David Buchanan, the Tulum Director of the Federal Maritime Land Zone (Zofemat), reported that so far this year 1,224 tons of sargassum has been collected.

David Buchanan

That collection work is in addition to 349 trips to empty the sargassum containers placed throughout the Tulum Hotel Zone. He explained that they currently have 17 containers, 10 of which are located in the Hotel Zone, serving more than 25 hotels.

The collected sargassum is transported to a final disposal site lined with a geomembrane where it is left to dry. Once completely dried, it is sifted so the municipality can retain the sand and return it to the beach.

Buchanan noted that given the increase sargassum arrival this year, daily logistics are in place with the goal of keeping the beaches in the best possible condition.

Buchanan added that also includes waste removal. On Monday he reported that personnel have also conducted general beach cleaning which has resulted in over 15,000 kilos of collected garbage.

Tulum April 2026.

According to the Mexican Navy (Semar) who are in charge of sargassum removal with Zofemat, there has been a a significant increase in seaweed on the Tulum coast.

In January 2024, 36 tons was collected, while in January 2025 79.64 tons was removed. In January 2026 that amount skyrocketed to 235 tons. A similar trend was recorded in February.

In 2024, 50 tons of sargassum was removed from the Tulum coast. In 2025, 59.10 tons was collected and in February 2026, the figure reached 243.75 tons. By the middle of March, 173 tons had been collected compared to 93 tons in 2024 and 324 tons in 2025.
IWC Schaffhausen's new watch can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations in space: between roughly 150 degrees Celsius/-238 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade and more than 100 degrees Celsius/212 degrees Fahrenheit in direct sunlight. - IWC Schaffhausen

Our Earthly concept of time looks very different in space. For astronauts on board a space station orbiting our planet roughly every 90 minutes, there are multiple sunrises and sunsets within 24 hours.

What watch then, should an astronaut wear? One Swiss maker has a new solution. Luxury brand IWC Schaffhausens latest watch  the Pilots Venturer Vertical Drive  is its first specifically designed and engineered for timekeeping in space.

Unveiling at the worlds most high-profile watchmaking show  Watches and Wonders  in Geneva on Tuesday, it has received spaceflight qualification from the California-based space station developer Vast for use on Haven-1. This is expected to be the worlds first commercial space station on its planned launch next year.

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An extreme environment demanded an innovative approach. The watchs minimalist design does not have a crown (the small knob typically found at the three oclock position that is used to wind a watch and set the time). This means the watch cannot catch with any other elements in the space station or around your pressurized suit, said Christian Knoop, IWCs chief design officer.

Instead, there is a system with a rotating bezel (a moveable ring around the dial) to control the functions. These include: additional winding of the automatic movement; setting the missions reference time (indicated by the central hour and minute hands on the matte black dial, plus another hand on an outer scale with the 24-hour format); moving the hour hand, if needed, to display a second time zone such as that of the astronauts home on Earth; and setting the date.

The wearer uses a switch on the side of the case at the nine oclock position to change between these functions.

The advantage of this system is that it can be operated with gloves, said Knoop, who explained that many of the watches previously selected or qualified for space were designed for use on Earth.

An extreme testing environment

For watchmakers, creating a piece that can survive in space is a hefty engineering challenge. Having watches that can perform so well in that environment makes them the toughest watches you can buy, said Paul Boutros, head of watches for the Americas at leading auction house Phillips.

The sleek watch will also be available to non-astronaut buyers. - IWC Schaffhausen

IWCs new design is made from white zirconium oxide ceramic and Ceratanium (a dark-finish material developed by IWC that combines the lightness of titanium and the hardness of ceramic). It has a white fluorinated rubber strap. These materials can withstand the UV radiation and temperature fluctuations in space (between roughly 150 degrees Celsius/-238 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade and more than 100 degrees Celsius/212 degrees Fahrenheit in direct sunlight).

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The watch underwent testing at Vasts headquarters in Long Beach, California, including exposure to forces of up to 10g, exceeding the vibrations typically experienced by astronauts during rocket launch. The pieces resistance to changes in pressure was also assessed, along with the compatibility of the materials with the Haven-1 environment. The space station will cater for missions by government astronauts, private astronauts and businesses seeking to carry out microgravity research and manufacturing.

But while it was designed for astronauts, IWC is also hoping its new watch will have terrestrial appeal  for those who can afford it. It is priced at CHF 24,000 CHF ($28,200).

Time and space to learn

IWC became the official timekeeper of Vast in 2025, a role which followed a couple of other cosmic collaborations. The watchmaker provided modified Pilots Watch Chronograph pieces to the crews of SpaceXs Inspiration4, the first all-civilian private mission to orbit Earth, in 2021, and the Polaris Dawn commercial spaceflight in 2024.

Knoop said the brand learned from those experiences that its watch movements and cases could withstand the conditions of space, but it wanted to improve the ergonomics and the interaction with the watch. As a result, the new model, made for the demands of human spaceflight, has a distinctly different look to watches the brand previously sent into orbit.

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But in this age of advanced technology, does an astronaut need a mechanical wristwatch at all? Hillary Coe, chief design and marketing officer at Vast, said timekeeping is critical to operating in space and an analogue timepiece is a simple but powerful way to stay grounded in the moment.

The crew of the Artemis II mission wore Omega Speedmaster X-33 watches, attached with special straps to be used on top of space suits. - Steve Nesius/Reuters

As an astronaut, your schedule is packed with important activities down to the minute, she said. Having quick, easy access to the time on your wrist keeps you focused and planning for what is next, whether it is conducting the measurements of a microgravity science experiment or checking on the stations operational status.

In addition to your mission schedule, you are also operating in an environment without a naturally occurring sense of day and night like Earth. Haven-1 will include circadian lighting to help ground the crews sense of time, but the timekeeping piece is another tool for helping the crew understand where they are on the 24-hour cycle.

A sprinkling of stardust for collectors

Beyond IWC, the watch world has long had links to space exploration. The Omega Speedmaster Professional, which had been qualified by NASA in 1965 for manned space missions and extravehicular activity, became the first watch worn on the moon when Buzz Aldrin wore it on the lunar surface in 1969. Earlier this month, astronauts on NASAs Artemis II mission, who travelled further from Earth than any humans previously, wore Omegas Speedmaster X-33.

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Boutros said watches with clear connections to space are sought-after and perform well at auction due to their rarity. Phillips sold a Breitling Navitimer Cosmonaute (Ref.809), a model with alterations for spaceflight requested by Scott Carpenter for his Mercury-Atlas 7 mission in 1962, for $156,250 in 2019. Boutros said this is the second-highest auction result for a Breitling watch. The piece had belonged to another US astronaut, John Glenn.

The Prada and Axiom Space spacesuit on display in downtown Milan in October 2024. - Claudia Greco/Reuters

This year marks the 90th anniversary of IWCs first watch tailored to the demands of aviation. Knoop said that, just as some people who dont hold a pilots license are fascinated by pilots watches and carry the spirit of aviation with them when they wear them, so a watch designed to spaceflight requirements can be happily worn in a more earthly setting.

That said, space seems to be the next frontier for luxury brands. Prada has already collaborated with Axiom Space on NASA spacesuits for the Artemis III lunar mission due to launch next year.

Meanwhile, space tourism company Virgin Galactic last month opened sales for a limited number of $750,000 spaceflights. If space travel becomes more prevalent you can bet that watchmakers will be trying to design pieces that cater to that very elite market, said Boutros.

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Expect more watches that are out of this world  or at least designed to be worn there.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
At the invitation of President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou-NGuesso, President Xi Jinpings Special Envoy and Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference Shao Hong will attend the inauguration of President Sassou-NGuesso in Brazzaville on April 16.

Phoenix TV: According to reports, U.S. Central Command announced that it would begin implementing a blockade against all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas from 10 p.m. April 13 Beijing time. Irans Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has said that the country will not bow to any threats. Meanwhile, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned military vessels not to approach the Strait of Hormuz. Tracking data by monitoring groups show that commercial shipping through the Strait ground to a halt on the night of April 13. Whats Chinas comment?

Guo Jiakun: With the temporary ceasefire agreement still in place, the United States ramped up military deployment and resorted to a targeted blockade. This will only aggravate confrontation, escalate tension, undermine the already fragile ceasefire and further jeopardize safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. It is a dangerous and irresponsible move. China believes that only a complete ceasefire can fundamentally create conditions for easing the situation. We urge relevant parties to honor the ceasefire agreement, stick to the direction of peace talks and take concrete actions to deescalate the situation so that normal traffic via the Strait will be able to resume as soon as possible.

Xinhua News Agency: The Chinese side announced that President of the Republic of Mozambique Daniel Francisco Chapo will visit China. Could you share the arrangements and Chinas expectations on this visit? How does China view its relations with Mozambique?

Guo Jiakun: It is President Chapos first visit to China since he took office. During President Chapos visit, President Xi Jinping will hold a welcome ceremony and a welcome banquet for him. The two presidents will have talks. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Zhao Leji will meet with President Chapo. He will also visit Hunan and Qinghai.

China and Mozambique enjoy long-standing friendship. For over half a century since the establishment of diplomatic ties, facing the changing international landscape, China-Mozambique friendship has been growing stronger. Now, political mutual trust between the two countries is deepening with fruitful outcomes in cooperation in various fields and close cooperation on international and regional issues.

It is believed that this visit will promote the in-depth development of China-Mozambique comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and make contributions to building the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era and reinforcing the solidarity and cooperation in Global South.

AFP: U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in an interview yesterday that it is now up to Iran to make the next move towards restarting talks. What is Chinas comment on this? And what does it think should be the next step to resolving the war?

Guo Jiakun: The current ceasefire is highly fragile and the regional situation has come to a critical stage. The pressing priority is to prevent by all means a relapse in fighting and maintain the momentum for ceasefire that did not come easy. Relevant parties should adhere to the temporary ceasefire and stick to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means. China will continue working with the international community for peace, bring parties to the table and strive for the early return of peace and stability to the Middle East.

China Daily: On April 10, Chinas Ministry of Civil Affairs published the sixth batch of names that should be used for places in Zangnan region. Two days later, the spokesperson for Indias Ministry of External Affairs expressed rejection to China assigning names to places in Arunachal Pradesh, adding that these actions detract from ongoing efforts to stabilize bilateral ties. What is Chinas response?

Guo Jiakun: Zangnan region is Chinas territory. China does not recognize the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India. It is fully within Chinas sovereign rights for the Chinese government to issue standard names for some of the places in Zangnan.

China-India relations are generally stable at the moment. Chinas commitment to improving and growing China-India relations has not changed. We hope the two sides will work in the same direction and act more in ways conducive to bilateral relations.

The Paper: Its reported that the U.S. military is planning to build a fuel depot in the Davao region of the Philippines. Some commented that it aims to strengthen U.S. fuel replenishment and logistics capacity in the Western Pacific, and serves as an important part of its Indo-Pacific defense strategy and the consolidation of the first island chain operational system. This could be in preparation for a potential conflict. Whats your comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: The world is witnessing intertwined transformation and turbulence, and is being battered by unilateralism and military bullying. The hard-won overall development and stability in the Asia-Pacific region brooks no disruption from any party. Certain country is setting up military bases, building up arms and fuel storage, and making combat preparation across the world. This has heightened the risk of regional military confrontation and has triggered high alert among regional countries. If certain country in the region continues to seek support from external countries regardless of the consequences, it will only backfire. We urge the relevant countries to earnestly respect the common aspiration in the region for peace, development, and stability, and do more things conducive to regional peace and stability, rather than undermining them.

Peoples Daily: Its reported that China has provided military support to Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that if China is found to be supplying weapons to Iran, the U.S. will impose an additional 50 percent tariff on China. Whats your comment on this?

Guo Jiakun: China always acts prudently and responsibly on the export of military products, and exercises strict control in accordance with Chinas laws and regulations on export control and due international obligations. Relevant media reports are purely fabricated. If the U.S. goes ahead with the tariff hikes on China on the basis of these accusations, China will respond with countermeasures.

China News Service: The spokesperson for the ROK foreign ministry said this afternoon that the ROK government has consistently reaffirmed its respect for the 1992 joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the ROK and the subsequent joint communiques, in which the government promised to respect the Chinese position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of China, and the ROK government remains unwavering in its respect for the one-China position. The measures related to the electronic entry form this time are merely administrative and technical measures aimed at simplifying the immigration management system to enhance convenience for visitors and aligning the paper and electronic entry declaration forms. A few days ago, ROK media reported that an official from the ROK foreign ministry said the ROK decided to remove the previous departure place and next destination fields from its e-arrival card system, adding that this is aimed at simplifying the immigration management system, and unifying the forms between paper and electronic declarations. Some ROK media also reported that the Taiwan authorities expressed displeasure over the ROKs practice of listing the Taiwan region as China (Taiwan) in the previous departure and next destination fields. What is Chinas comment?

Guo Jiakun: We would like to reiterate that the joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the ROK explicitly states that the government of the Republic of Korea recognizes the government of the Peoples Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and respects Chinas position that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China. ROK President Lee Jae Myung clearly expressed his respect for the one-China position in his interview with Chinese media during his state visit to China early this year.

Taiwan is part of China. It is only right to list it as China (Taiwan). Chinas position on the Taiwan question is clear and consistent. The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and a prevailing international consensus. It is also the political foundation for all countries, including the ROK, and for relevant international organizations to establish and develop relations with China. We hope the ROK government fully recognize that the Taiwan question bears on the national sentiment of over 1.4 billion Chinese people, uphold the spirit of the joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the ROK, adhere to the one-China principle, oppose Taiwan independence in any form, and work with China to promote the sound and steady development of China-ROK relations through concrete actions.
On the morning of April 14, President Xi Jinping met with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, who is on a visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping noted that the UAE is Chinas comprehensive strategic partner, and China always attaches high importance to growing this bilateral relationship. With the concerted efforts of both sides, China and the UAE have maintained sound and stable development of bilateral relations, kept deepening mutual political trust, steadily advanced practical cooperation, and enjoyed vibrant people-to-people exchanges. To cement and elevate China-UAE relations is the firm commitment of both sides and meets the aspiration of both peoples. China stands ready to work with the UAE toward a more solid, resilient and dynamic China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership. Our two countries should continue to provide mutual support on issues concerning each others core interests and major concerns, maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen strategic mutual trust. We should enhance synergy between development strategies, tap into the potential and deepen win-win cooperation in such areas as energy, investment, trade, science and technology. We should strive for greater progress in education, civil aviation and tourism to foster closer people-to-people exchanges and strengthen popular support. We should enhance coordination and cooperation in multilateral platforms such as the U.N. and BRICS, counter international and regional uncertainties with a stable China-UAE relationship, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.

The two sides exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region. President Xi Jinping stressed Chinas principled position of promoting peace and facilitating talks, and reiterated Chinas readiness to continue playing a constructive role in this regard.

President Xi Jinping made four propositions on safeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. First, stay committed to the principle of peaceful co-existence. The Gulf states in the Middle East are close neighbors that cannot move away. Its important to support the Gulf states in improving their ties, work to build a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security architecture of the Middle East and the Gulf region, and consolidate the foundation for peaceful co-existence. Second, stay committed to the principle of national sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as a foundation for all countries, especially developing countries, to survive and thrive, and it must not be violated. The sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the Gulf states should be earnestly respected, and the safety of their personnel, facilities and institutions vigorously safeguarded. Third, stay committed to the principle of international rule of law. We should safeguard the authority of international rule of law, reject selective application, and prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle. It is important to firmly uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. Fourth, stay committed to a balanced approach to development and security. Security is a prerequisite for development, and development serves as a safeguard of security. All sides should work to create a sound environment for and bring positive energy to the development of the Gulf states. China stands ready to share with the Gulf countries the opportunities through Chinese modernization, and work with them to nurture a fertile ground for regional development and security.

Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted that the China-UAE relationship is long-standing and built on deep roots. The two countries have always respected and trusted each other, and shared extensive common interests. The UAE attaches great importance to growing its ties with China, and stands ready to work with China to implement the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state and deepen cooperation in various fields, so as to open up a broader prospect for the bilateral relations and deliver tangible benefits to both peoples. The UAE commends Chinas responsible and constructive role in international affairs, and Chinas efforts on promoting political settlement of the crisis taking place in the Middle East. The UAE is committed to staying in close communication and coordination with China to facilitate ceasefire between the relevant sides, restore peace and stability in the region as soon as possible, maintain international shipping security, and prevent further impact on the global economy and energy security. The UAE will earnestly protect the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in its territory.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.
On the morning of April 14, President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping noted that despite the changing and turbulent international landscape, China-Spain relations have developed steadily, forging a relationship with strategic resolve. An important experience of this lies in the ability to make the right decisions based on common interests. Facts have proven that deepening cooperation serves the interests of both peoples, aligns with the prevailing trend of our times, and bolsters each others strength and confidence in pursuing an independent path. The two sides should always prioritize the development of bilateral relations in their respective foreign policies and support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China combines its long-term strategic goals with phased objectives, and acts with historical patience to draw up and carry out five-year plans generation after generation. China has firm resolve in advancing Chinese modernization and the broad-mindedness to share development opportunities with the world through high-standard opening up. China will inject confidence and momentum into global economic growth through its own development. The two sides should seize opportunities, jointly pursue innovation-driven development, strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, new energy, and smart economy, and encourage exchanges in culture, education, scientific research, and sports, so as to bring about more outcomes in the comprehensive strategic partnership and deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

President Xi Jinping emphasized that todays turbulent world faces the struggle between right and might. How a country approaches international law and the international order reflects its views of the world, order, and values, and its sense of responsibility. China and Spain are both countries that value principle and justice. We need to strengthen communication, consolidate mutual trust, and work closely together to reject any backslide into the law of the jungle, jointly uphold true multilateralism, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and foster the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Sanchez noted that his four visits to China in four years demonstrate the high importance both sides attach to Spain-China relations. Investment and cooperation by Chinese businesses in Spain have strongly boosted Spains economic development. Spain firmly adheres to the one-China principle, highly values Chinas status as a major country, and is deeply committed to developing a Spain-China partnership with strategic resolve. Spain hopes to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, new energy, and other sectors, as well as to enhance people-to-people exchanges. Faced with a complex and challenging international situation and multiple recurring conflicts and disputes, only by adhering to multilateralism and fostering a multipolar world can lasting peace be achieved for humanity. Spain actively supports the four major Global Initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and stands ready to maintain close communication and coordination with China to jointly address challenges related to international geopolitics, trade protectionism, and climate change, while upholding international law and multilateralism. Spain opposes a new Cold War and attempts to decouple and sever supply chains, and supports enhanced communication, understanding and cooperation between Europe and China. The sound development of EU-China relations serves the common interests of both sides and contributes to world peace and stability.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.
Good Job is Slates advice column on work. Have a workplace problem big or small? Send it to Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir here. (Its anonymous!)

Dear Good Job,

I am a health care professional. Eleven years ago, I was in bad spot in my life. Instead of turning to drugs or alcohols to deaden my misery, I turned to escorts. I was arrested for solicitation. This was my rock bottom. I received a deferred sentence with three years of probation and court-ordered therapy. I did my time and all of my probation requirements . My sentence was vacated, and my case file was sealed. However, my board disciplined me for this and unfortunately, these records are available to the public. And, even though the case was vacated and sealed (i.e., will never show up on a state or federal criminal background check), it does still appear on the boards website. How can I answer questions about this in job interviews? (Why is there a three-year gap in your resume? or Have you had any disciplinary actions brought against your license?)

Rehabilitated

Dear Rehabilitated,

First, let me just commend you on turning your life around. Not everyone is able to come back after hitting rock bottom and get their life together. Now, to your questionwhich I think is actually two separate questions. You can answer Why is there a three-year gap in your resume? by saying that you were going through a significant personal crisis and took time off to focus on your mental health and general well-being, and that the outcome of that has been reflected in your exemplary work since then.

The second questionHave you had any disciplinary actions brought against your licence?is one that I would urge you not to try to obfuscate. As you point out, the information is readily available on the boards website, so anyone who looks for it is going to find it, and this is really a case where the cover-up would be worse than the crime. You need to own it. I would come up with a script that touches on how you were in the worst place in your life 11 years ago, you had a big lapse in judgment, you completed all probation and therapy, and youve had a clean record since. Hopefully any prospective new employer will see this as a positive and will respect you for your honesty.

Doree

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Classic Prudie

Bertie is my sisters mother-in-law. She is a fabulously wealthy, three-time divorcee who is larger than life. She is loud, opinionated, and extremely generous. Since her son married my sister, Bertie has flown them, my parents, and me (plus several of my friends) on all-expenses-paid vacations for Christmas around the world. We spent two weeks in Rome last year. I love her. My mother doesnt, and she made the mistake of detailing exactly why to my pregnant sister (it was over baby gifts) and accidentally sent it to everyone on her mailing list. Including Bertie.
For most of the 2010s, everything was Lena Dunhams fault. She was responsible for the failures of feminism, of millennials, of white people, of white women, of nepo babies (before we even had the term), the oversexualization of women on television, for hipster racism, and of course, for Taylor Swift. She was a writer and an actor, but was instead treated with the same righteousness you may reserve for a war criminal. Only in hindsight does it seem like Dunham was perhaps given too much credit.

In the 15 years that Dunham has been in the public eye, her work has taken many forms but is always imbued with an aggressive and profitable controversy. Its been a little less than a decade since Dunhams HBO show Girls ended its six-season run, and a little more than a decade since she published her first book, Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What Shes Learned. She launched a newsletter before everyone started doing it, she made another, less beloved HBO show, and then, for a while, mostly disappeared from day-to-day press. Dunham was still working and perfectly accessible, through her Instagram and Twitter back when it was called that, but after a decade of unbearable overexposure, she moved to London and got quiet.

This week, Dunham returns to the confessional with a new memoir, Famesick, which follows her while she seeks and eschews fame, while also becoming more and more physically and mentally ill. The book starts with Dunham making Tiny Furniture, the film that kick-started her career, all the way through the production of Girls, the release and death of Lenny Letter, her several cancellations (some deserved, some deeply stupid), a Klonopin addiction, countless surgeries, some of the worst men that New York and Los Angeles have to offer, through to her current life in London. Its a memoir about a woman insistent on slamming her body and spirit into a brick wall in the name of capitalism and commercial artistic success, someone who couldnt bring herself to say no to a single work opportunity while her health was steadily deteriorating. Forever overpromising and underdeliveringto her friends who needed her attention, to her co-workers who needed her presence, to her family who was steadily tiring of her refusal to take care of herselfDunham, in Famesick, recasts many of her public controversies in the context of her raucous illnesses, a bloodthirsty tabloid press, and an unforgiving audience.

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Famesick is an ideal celebrity memoir with the added bonus of being written by someone who can actually write. Both the memoir and Dunham remain lightly enamored with celebrity, name-dropping just enough (Oprah, Scott fucking Speedman, Judd Apatow, and Bruce Springsteen, who essentially tells her to get a grip at a dinner party) to keep you drooling for more. But its also a shocking and funny read, clear-eyed and contextualized, a testament to what made her so interesting in the first place and why her work has always been so compelling. But most importantly, Famesick is an attestation to the value of slowing down, going home, and shutting the fuck up so you have something to say again.

If youve hated Dunham this whole time and resented her success, well, good news: Famesick will tell you just how awful all that success made her feel. There were always new people to disappoint, new ways to fail, new bars not to clear, she writes. I wanted, I know now, to be loving and loved, to be needed and necessary, to be so generous that I was above censure and so kind that I was above being subjected to anyones cruelty. Impossible, and so instead Dunham let everyone run over her. Her body and brain had no value without a show, without being invited to the right parties, without being a name. She ignored her own instincts, rapacious for visible success instead of unseen peace.

Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support.

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In retelling her story, Dunham is no longer the 25-year-old responsible for the entire context of the midaughts. Shes shrunken down to regular size, a young woman working with people who didnt particularly care for her. When she loses weight while taping Girls, her co-showrunner and best friend Jenni Konner tells her she needs to gain it back. Its not funny if youre too thin, Konner tells her. Its not that hard. Just put food in your mouth. At the time, Dunham was juggling an eating disorder that would continue to rule some of her life for the next decade. When Konner catches her eating pizza, she praises her with Good girl. Konner is, throughout the book, a modest bad guysomeone who helped Dunham get where she is today but who took advantage of her desire to keep Konner content.

Because thats what Dunham wanted to be: endeared and praised, told she was doing a good job while it was literally killing her. Even if mired in constant drama, she always wanted to be liked, approved of, maybe adored, even to her own detriment. Sometimes, Im sure, I was straight up begging for an ounce of praise to erase the ache that came from filling my head with other peoples disdain, she writes. She wanted to be seen, like everyone does, but in that pursuitVogue shoots, hosting Saturday Night Live, promotion for Girls on late-night television, pawing at men for approval when they didnt give a shit about hershe stopped seeing herself. It makes me laugh now thinking how much trouble I must have cooked up in my twenties by being radically myself, when in reality, I was universes away from my own body, she writes. Its easy to set fires in a life that seems like a simulation.

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Her commodification, perpetrated by agents and networks and friends and, of course, Dunham herself, served only to make her sicker. Most gutting are Dunhams description of her endless medical catastrophes, including a hysterectomy and an Ehlers-Danlos syndrome diagnosis. Doctors find more than 30 lesions in her body during a surgery, which impact her ability to walk or even live without pain. She writes about the chocolate cyst doctors find in her ovaries, she breaks her elbow during a Girls shoot and throws her arm in a shitty sling to make it through the shoot, she pops pain pills just to make it through her endless workdays. I had nothing to offer, she writes. I was tapped out, drained, emotionally mined until all the oil dried up and the drillers had moved on to a new continent. Her rewards, though enormous, paled in comparison to her physical pain, her emotional distress, her constant alienation. She just couldnt get out of her own way. She kept offering to the altar of public attention, hoping to explain herself enough to make us love her.

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Dunham is still happy to tell you pretty much everything, with two small exceptions. Even now, she refuses the nepo baby label, arguing that her parents are obscure New York City artists and not television bigwigs who shuffled their untalented daughter to the HBO offices. True, but not entirely honest: When Dunham needed representation in her mid-20s after she pitched Girls, her mother called an old friend to ask for help. The friend was an original founder of United Talent Agency, one of the big three talent agencies in the country. Dunham is unavoidably connected, a city kid with access to people with real connections. Her former babysitter? Zac Posen.

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The other gap is from 2017, when one of the writers of Girls was accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl. Konner and Dunham released a statement defending him, calling the accusations one of the 3 percent of assault cases that are misreported every year. It is a true shame to add to that number, as outside of Hollywood women still struggle to be believed. Dunham writes now that, at the time, she was high, hiding an opioid and benzodiazepine addiction, allowing Konner and the other grown-ups in the room to draft much of that response. On this, Dunham is roiling with regret, so deep in her shame that she cant even tell you what it is she did; youll have to Google it yourself. Maybe its because she remembers so little of that timeshe was popping Klonopin and Percocet, floating above reality, unwilling to fully confront the worst thing shes ever done (her words). Konner and her are now estranged; that breakupand not the ones with any menis the soft, sad thrum of lamentation running through the memoir.

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Famesick doesnt have heroes or villains, just several people trying their best and still failing. Konner takes most of the heat, a representative of all the work Dunham had to do while fighting for her life in hospital beds between New York and Los Angeles. Her ex-boyfriend, Jack Antonoff, is sometimes a charming, supportive partner who sees Dunham clearly and adores her. Eventually, he becomes a disinterested boyfriend who cant put up with her medical bullshit anymore. (She does, however, mention the infamous PowerPoint presentation about how he was perhaps having an emotional affair with Lorde, a delicious reminder that celebrities are just as vulnerable to gossip as the rest of us.) Her heartbreak is palpable, her loneliness vibrational. Theres a reason why people loved Girls even when they hated it: No one can encapsulate the ego-crushing and spirit-deflating and heart-shattering that comes with a guy who cant give you what you so desperately need, want, deserve like Dunham.

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Near the end of Famesick, Dunham admits that the invites to the Met Gala have ceased. Shes less popular among famous people, and less sought-after. In exchange? People are inviting her to their weddings again. We get less of her, and she gets less of us. What would happen if I took some time not at my rock bottom, or during a health crisis, but just because it was an important thing to do? she writes. A crisis only arises if youre expecting a smooth journey. I was still reaching for the idea that some things could just be.

In 2021, when she won an Emmy for I May Destroy You, actor and writer Michaela Coel gave an acceptance speech mostly about the value of quietude. In a world that entices us to browse through the lives of others to help us better determine how we feel about ourselves, and to in turn, feel the need to be constantly visible, for visibility these days seems to somehow equate to success, she said, do not be afraid to disappear. From it, from us, for a while, and see what comes to you in the silence.

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Dunham never fully disappeared; she was always making something, always quietly industrious, and always chipping away at herself here and there in the process. But she has learned to give us less of herself, to keep the pieces for her own use instead of our projection. In leaving, she made more room to come back with a firmer sense of self, less shaken by a sometimes-vicious and sometimes-honest public, and more capable of giving herself the silence that lets her make good art. In returning, she gives us another chance to exercise some compassion, some restraint, and a bit of understanding that we helped make her sick too.
But Why, Saratoga Raceway's 2025 Horse of the Year, made his return to the winners circle for the first time in 2026 when he scored a wire-to-wire win in the $22,917 Open Handicap Trot on Monday, April 13 at the New York half-mile oval.

Jimmy Devaux was the regular driver for But Why last year for trainer Scott Mongeon and has piloted him in all three of his seasonal tries. Following a third and second-place finish, respectively, in his two Open starts back, the five-year-old Crazy Wow-Porque gelding was the even-money favourite in Mondays edition.

Devaux powered the tracks defending champ out to the top between rivals, clearing past a :28.1 first quarter with a wide 6-5 second choice Send It In Hanover (Kyle Swift) left parked out for the long haul while early leader Dewey Arnold (Jacob Cutting) tracked in the pocket. But Why held firm through a half in :57.2 and three-quarters in 1:27 before holding off the upset-minded Dewey Arnold at the inside to win by a neck in 1:56.4. There was a three-across finish for show 1-1/2 lengths behind the winner with In A Tiny Way (Aaron Byron) and Malibu Kid (Leon Bailey) dead-heating for third just ahead of Send It In Hanover.

A 14-time winner in 2025, But Why is owned by Steve and Laura Stewart of Petersburgh, New York.

Live harness racing continues on Tuesday with a first post time of 12 p.m.

(With files from Saratoga Casino Hotel)
Applications are now open for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association's 2026 Scholarship Program, offering more than $59,000 USD in financial support to deserving students as they pursue their next level of education.

The Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) stated that it is committed to investing in the future of its community by supporting students with strong academic performance, character and ties to the harness racing industry. The 2026 scholarship lineup reflects the generosity and continued dedication of individuals and organizations who believe in empowering the next generation.

The following scholarships are available for the 2026 application cycle:

$30,000 USD Bob Key Memorial Scholarship, donated by Patty Key

$7,400 USD Greenshoe Scholarship, donated by Hanover Shoe Farms

$5,000 USD MSOA Scholarship

$5,000 USD Burke Racing Scholarship, donated by Burke Racing

$5,000 USD In Memory of Mickey Burke Scholarship, donated by Sylvia Burke

$3,800 USD Heston Blue Chip Scholarship, donated by Winbak Farm

$2,500 USD Amulet Rehabilitation and Conditioning Scholarship, donated by Tom and Janet Svrcek

$1,000 USD Meadows Scholarship, donated by Hollywood Casino at The Meadows

"These scholarships represent an incredible opportunity for students to achieve their educational goals," said Dawnelle Johnston, MSOA Executive Director. "We are deeply grateful to our donors whose generosity continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people."

Applications are now being accepted, and eligible students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline is Friday, May 22, 2026.

For more information on eligibility requirements, application deadlines and how to apply, contact the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association.

(MSOA)
UN launches project to boost urban green transformation in Kenya

Xinhua) 09:17, April 14, 2026

NAIROBI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) have launched an initiative worth 5.2 million U.S. dollars to transform Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, into a hub for climate resilience, nature-positive growth and circularity.

Funded by the Global Environment Facility, the five-year project will pilot integrated green neighborhood approaches in the Kamukunji suburb, aiming to improve living conditions for more than 85,000 residents.

The initiative, titled "Supporting the shift toward Integrated, Low-Carbon and Nature-Positive Neighborhoods in Nairobi," will be implemented by UNEP, UN-Habitat and Kenyan state agencies.

"This initiative shows how integrated, neighborhood-level action can deliver cleaner air, restored ecosystems and better lives for urban residents, while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future," UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said in a statement.

During its implementation, the project will showcase practical solutions such as climate-resilient infrastructure, green public spaces, ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, sustainable mobility and waste management.

In addition, the project will focus on mobilizing finance to scale impact and engaging public and private partners, alongside local communities, to develop incentives for replicating green neighborhoods across Nairobi and other Kenyan cities.

UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach said the project demonstrates how cities can lead through integrated planning, innovative design and targeted investments to deliver inclusive, resilient and thriving urban communities.

Alice Wahome, Kenya's cabinet secretary for lands, public works, housing and urban development, said the initiative aligns with the country's goal of building cities that are more inclusive, resilient and future-ready.

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: Future

Earlier this week, we heard an interesting rumor about Apple's iPhone Fold and how it may not be called the iPhone Fold after all. A new report claims that Apple may be dusting off the fabled "iPhone Ultra" moniker, once thought to be the name of an ultra-premium non-folding iPhone, and bestow it on its foldable phone.

The more I think about this change, the more it seems to make sense. The name iPhone Fold may be fitting, in a literal sense, but it also comes with other connotations. Not only does it remind you that other foldables exist and are fairly well established, but it doesn't actually tell you much about the phone beyond its design. For people not clued into the inner workings of the smartphone industry, which is probably most people, "Fold" only tells you so much.

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But "Ultra" is an entirely different story altogether.

Apple's most premium iPhone is deserving of the Ultra name

Credit: Tom's Guide

If there's one thing we know for sure about iPhone Ultra, it's that it's going to be the most expensive iPhone ever made. Not only have rumors suggested a starting price between $2,000 and $2,400, but the price of rival foldable phones shows us that these devices are not for the budget-conscious buyer.

I have always maintained that the high cost of foldable phones prevents them from gaining mass appeal. Foldable phone users do seem to be a loyal bunch, which shows that they offer more than a gimmicky-looking design. But with the cost of entry being so high, people are far less likely to risk finding out they actually hate the foldable design.

Emphasizing the premium aspect of the foldable iPhone, you're already showing people what kind of phone this is. It's an Ultra iPhone, pushing beyond what's on offer in an iPhone 18 Pro or iPhone 18 Pro Max. The foldable screen is just another thing that this phone can do, but Apple isn't going to tether the device's entire identity to the fact that it has a different kind of screen.

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Psychology can play a huge part in whether consumers actually part with their money. Just last year, it was rumored that Samsung would rename its entry-level Galaxy S26 to Galaxy S26 Pro. The idea was reportedly that it would help push sales of the cheapest model, which honestly felt like Samsung was trying to trick people into thinking the S26 was better than it actually was  so I'm glad that never happened.

I'm not saying that renaming the iPhone Fold to iPhone Ultra is a malicious tactic on Apple's part. All the leaked specs suggest that the foldable iPhone will have hardware fairly close to that of a Pro Max iPhone. It's a tactical move that would highlight the fact that this is the best iPhone, emphasizing the phone's strengths without forcing users to do a bunch of research into specs and features. That alone could help make a sale that wouldn't have otherwise happened.

iPhone Fold sounds too similar to every other foldable

Credit: Future

The other thing you need to remember is that there are already countless foldable phones on the market that use the word fold in their name. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, Google Pixel Pro Fold, and the Motorola Razr Fold, to name just a few.

Apple is already fairly late to the foldable phone business at this point; they've been around for almost eight years at this point. Not only does Apple want to avoid highlighting the fact that it's quite late to the party, but it's also the kind of company that doesn't want its products associated with other non-Apple devices. Not only to help Apple stand out from its rivals, but also to avoid any accusations that it's copying ideas from others.

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Apple is not the kind of company that is first onto the field anymore, and it often takes the slow and steady approach to new mobile technology. Reports have already suggested that the first-generation foldable iPhone won't offer much that you can't already find on other foldable phones. So it makes perfect sense that Apple would want to put some distance between its foldable phones and the rivals that are several generations old.

Not to mention the fact that "iPhone Fold" is about as basic a name as you could come up with. It's pretty far removed from the kind of names Apple gives a lot of its other products, many of which do have a little bit of ingenuity behind them. The iPhone Air may not be perfect, but it's at least an original and Apple-focused name.

Ok, I'll admit, iPhone Ultra isn't exactly an original choice either. Countless other phones use the word Ultra as part of their branding  including at least one other foldable. But when it comes to descriptive names, there are only so many options available  and the sheer number of premium phones out there means all the good options are gone. At least Ultra means something that people understand.

Plus, you have to remember that this is a name that the foldable iPhone is going to bear for several years  possibly longer. Highlighting one singular feature when you're in it for the long haul is only going to detract from everything else future generations might be able to do.

Bottom line

Credit: Bob Obba / YouTube

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While some people may prefer the name iPhone Fold, or even iPhone Flip, a switch to a different name is in Apple's best interests. Renaming the foldable as the iPhone Ultra may seem a little generic, especially since we've heard rumors about the phone bearing the name for over two years, but it's arguably one of the best things Apple could name its first foldable phone.

Apple products have often prided themselves on their simplicity and ease of use. Following that philosophy in their marketing, even on something as mundane as a device name, ensures people have a better understanding of what they're looking at. This isn't just an iPhone that can fold; it's the ultimate iPhone with the hardware and name to match.

With reports suggesting that Apple wants to produce between 6 and 8 million foldables, and what feels like a truly extortionate price tag for a smartphone, every little thing that makes the foldable iPhone more appealing will only be good for business.
As artificial intelligence (AI) systems grow larger and more expensive to run, the technology industry is searching for new ways to improve efficiency. That pressure is drawing renewed attention to quantum computing.

Rather than focusing only on the long-standing idea that quantum computers might one day outperform classical machines, researchers are beginning to explore how the two technologies could complement each other.

AI tools are already helping developers design and optimise quantum software, while some researchers believe quantum processors could eventually act as accelerators for certain AI workloads.

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One driver for renewed interest in quantum ideas is the growing pressure on AI infrastructure. Large language models and other generative AI systems require enormous computational resources. Training and running these models can require vast amounts of memory, energy and specialised hardware, pushing organisations to explore ways to make AI systems more efficient.

Some companies are already applying techniques developed in quantum research to tackle that challenge. Multiverse Computing, for example, has developed an AI model compression technology based on tensor networks, mathematical tools created to simulate quantum systems.

The approach analyses the internal structure of neural networks to identify which parameters are most important for specific tasks.

Especially in large language models, you have massive matrices with a lot of parameters, says David Montero, director of AI research at Multiverse Computing.

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By analysing correlations between inputs and outputs, we can understand which weights are important and which are not, he adds.

The company says this allows redundant parameters to be removed while preserving most of a models capabilities, an approach it argues is becoming increasingly important as AI moves beyond large data centres and into edge devices.

Were talking with customers across industries who all have the same problem, Montero says. AI models today are not designed to fit into devices. Energy consumption and memory requirements become major constraints.

AI helping developers build quantum software

While quantum-inspired mathematics is already influencing AI engineering, the reverse relationship is also beginning to take shape. A growing number of companies are exploring how AI tools might help accelerate the development of quantum software itself.

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There is no clear line of sight yet to commercial-scale quantum computing. However, it is likely to begin by 2027, according to soundings taken by research and analysis company GlobalData among quantum industry executives and corporates readying themselves to deploy the technology when feasible.

One of the biggest barriers to practical quantum computing today is the complexity of programming quantum systems, which requires highly specialised expertise.

Classiq, a quantum software company, is using AI to simplify that development process. It recently introduced an AI-assisted coding interface designed to help developers generate and refine quantum programs more quickly.

At Nvidias GTC conference, it presented a broader strategy built around hybrid computing stacks that combine classical AI systems with quantum processors.

The main thing were showing is what AI can do for quantum coding, says Simon Fried, vice president of corporate communications at Classiq. Its essentially about the front end of developmenthelping developers get up and running much faster.

The system allows developers to describe a problem in natural language or reference an academic paper, after which the platform generates a quantum program based on that description.

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Its not that different from the co-pilot tools people are used to in classical development, Fried says. Youre basically not coding anymore. Youre editing.

The approach could significantly reduce the time required to prototype quantum applications. Even experienced developers within the company now start projects using the AI interface, Fried says, because it allows them to move from concept to working code far more quickly.

What might previously have taken days or weeks of experimentation can now be done in minutes or hours, he adds.

Bridging the quantum skills gap

AI-assisted development could also help address the persistent skills gap in quantum computing. Quantum programming remains a highly specialised discipline, and organisations often struggle to find developers with the required expertise.

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AI tools could make it easier for domain specialistssuch as chemists, physicists or financial analyststo contribute to quantum projects without needing deep knowledge of quantum programming.

If you have a domain expert who can clearly express the problem they want to solve, the AI can help translate that into quantum code, Fried says. That allows them to engage with quantum teams where previously they might have been speaking completely different languages.

The technology is not a complete replacement for experienced quantum engineers. AI-generated code still needs to be reviewed and refined by experts, particularly for complex applications.

Its very similar to what we see in classical AI coding, Fried says. Your first result may be usable a large percentage of the time, but there will always be cases where you need experts to check and improve the output.

Hybrid computing architectures emerge

The intersection of AI and quantum computing is also influencing how organisations think about computing infrastructure. Rather than replacing classical systems, quantum processors are increasingly being positioned as specialised components within larger hybrid computing environments.

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Many quantum algorithms are first developed using classical simulations before being deployed on quantum hardware, with GPUs well-suited to the complex linear algebra involved.

Companies such as Nvidia are investing heavily in software environments designed to support these hybrid workflows. Classiq has integrated its development platform with Nvidias CUDA-Q environment, enabling quantum algorithms designed on its platform to run inside GPU-based simulation environments.

The goal is to make the transition from development to execution as seamless as possible, says Fried.

Its really about speed and flexibility, he says. How quickly can you go from generating an idea with AI to actually running the simulation and seeing the results?

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The broader computing infrastructure that could support this kind of hybrid workflow is also beginning to take shape.

IBM recently published a reference architecture for what it calls quantum-centric supercomputing, describing how quantum processors could be integrated into high-performance computing environments alongside GPUs and CPUs.

Today, hybrid quantum-classical workflows are often assembled manually by researchers, who must coordinate job scheduling, data transfers and orchestration between systems.

Our architecture shows how quantum and classical resources can interact across application, orchestration and execution layers, says Antonio Corcoles, head of quantum and HPC at IBM Quantum. Todays hybrid workflows are still fragmented and often assembled by hand.

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The proposed architecture combines quantum processing units with classical compute clusters, high-speed networking and shared storage, enabling hybrid algorithms to divide tasks between quantum circuits and classical processing.

Researchers are already experimenting with these systems in areas such as molecular simulation and materials science.

Quantum computing as a potential AI accelerator

While AI tools are already helping quantum developers today, the reverse relationshipquantum systems accelerating AI workloadsremains largely experimental. Quantum processors could eventually improve parts of machine learning pipelines, says Richard Murray, co-founder and CEO of photonic quantum computing company ORCA Computing.

We see quantum as an accelerator for AI, Murray said at a recent industry event in London.

The idea is not to replace existing AI infrastructure but to augment it. You take what youre already doingGPUs, classical modelsand you put a quantum system alongside them, said Murray.

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Quantum systems have unique mathematical properties that may allow them to handle certain computational tasks more efficiently than classical machines. In particular, quantum processors are well-suited to problems involving correlations between large datasets. Those properties could potentially be useful in areas such as optimisation, sampling and generative modelling.

However, researchers caution that the path to practical applications is far from straightforward.

Quantum plus AI sounds easy, but its really hard to do in reality, Murray said.

Early experiments point toward hybrid AI-quantum systems

For now, the intersection between AI and quantum computing remains largely exploratory. AI tools are already helping developers work more effectively with quantum systems, while quantum ideas are influencing how AI models are designed and optimised.

The possibility that quantum processors could eventually enhance AI workloads adds another layer of long-term potential. Rather than competing technologies, the two fields may evolve together as part of a broader shift toward hybrid computing architectures.

As organisations continue to push the limits of AI infrastructure, that convergence could become one of the most active areas of experimentation in next-generation computing.

"Quantum and AI begin to converge in hybrid computing experiments" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.




A Japanese company is proposing building a massive ring of solar panels around the Moon and using it to power Earth. Like literally turning the Moon into a power station.

It sounds like something pulled from a sci-fi pitch deck. But its being framed as a serious long-term solution to the question of powering the planet without fossil fuels. Lets unpack the idea.

How energy would be collected and transmitted to earth

The concept is built around one key advantage: the Moon doesnt have weather. There are no clouds blocking sunlight. There are no storms and no night cycle in the same way we experience on Earth.

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So, instead of building solar farms that depend on conditions here, Shimizu Corporation wants to place them where sunlight is far more consistent.

The plan is to stretch solar panels across the Moons 11,000 km equator, forming a continuous energy-generating ring.

But collecting power on the Moon is only half the story. The real trick lies in sending it back to earth. The proposal involves converting solar energy into microwave or laser signals on the Moon, then transmitting those beams to receiving stations on Earth, known as rectennas.

Those stations would convert the signal back into electricity and feed it into the grid.

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The concept traces back to Japans push for safer energy after the Fukushima disaster.

Instead of relying on traditional power sources, the efforts shifted toward solutions that are cleaner, more stable, and less vulnerable to environmental risks.

The Moon as a Giant Remote Control?

The real secret sauce is the transmission. Shimizu Corporation doesnt plan on running a very long extension cord, but they want to beam the power down using microwaves and lasers.

It sounds like a Bond villains weapon, but here, the target is a rectennaa receiving station on Earth that turns those beams back into the juice that charges your iPhone.

Its a tough idea to execute but its rewarding

This isnt something to be assembled on Earth and launched all at once. The plan leans heavily on in-space manufacturing.

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Lunar materials like sand would be processed into construction components. Robots would handle most of the assembly, operating remotely from Earth.

At the end of all the work lies a massive payoff. At full scale, the system could generate up to 13,000 terawatts of power continuously. Thats more than enough to cover global electricity demand.

However, the cost is staggering, from the logistics to the risks like damage from space debris or maintaining precise energy transmission. Reliability also has to hold under real-world conditions.

As Shimizu Corporation put it, it is a long-term vision that depends on future breakthroughs.

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Source: The Jerusalem Post

Read the original article on GEEKSPIN.

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1 min read 367 Views

As search rapidly evolves from keywords to conversations, brands must rethink visibility. Today, its not just about ranking on search enginesits about being present inside AI-generated answers. Here are five platforms helping brands stay discoverable in this new AI-first ecosystem:

Tech News Of The Day

ChatGPT (OpenAI)

One of the most widely used AI assistants, ChatGPT is shaping how users discover information through conversational queries. Brands need to optimise for context-rich, authoritative content to increase the likelihood of being referenced in AI-generated responses.

Google Gemini

Googles AI-powered search experience is redefining traditional SEO. With AI Overviews and conversational search, Gemini prioritises structured, high-quality content that directly answers user intentmaking semantic optimisation critical.

Neurorank

Indias first comprehensive LLM SEO platform, Neurorank is designed specifically to help brands optimise for AI search visibility. It enables businesses to understand how AI models interpret their content, identify gaps, and improve their chances of appearing in AI-generated answersmaking it a critical tool in the shift from traditional SEO to LLM SEO.

Microsoft Copilot (Bing AI)

Integrated across Microsofts ecosystem, Copilot delivers AI-powered answers within search and productivity tools. Visibility here depends on strong content signals, domain authority, and alignment with user queries in natural language.

Perplexity AI

A fast-growing AI answer engine, Perplexity blends search with real-time citations. It favours credible sources and well-structured content, making it important for brands to focus on clarity, accuracy, and topical authority.

Conclusion

As AI assistants become the primary interface for information discovery, brands must move beyond link-based visibility to answer-based presence. Leveraging the right platformsand optimising content for how AI understands and respondswill define the next era of digital visibility.
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

From K-dramas and K-pop to food, fashion and film, South Koreas cultural exports have reshaped global taste over the past decade. The so-called Hallyu, or K-wave, accelerated during the pandemic as audiences around the world streamed Korean shows in record numbers. Flawless complexions became part of the allure, sparking curiosity about the skincare behind the look.

What began as a niche interest has become a global obsession. Known as K-beauty, South Koreas skincare and makeup industry is now defined less by quirky ingredients and cutesy packaging than by sleek, clinical-grade formulations promising the coveted glass skin.

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Fuelled by innovation and a relentless focus on results, South Koreas approach to skincare has become one of its most powerful economic and cultural exports. Last year, the country surpassed France for the first time to become the leading exporter of cosmetics to the US, according to a report by Bloomberg  a milestone that confirmed K-beautys shift from cult favourite to global powerhouse.

For ardent enthusiasts, however, simply adding another serum to their bathroom shelf is no longer enough. Instead, theyre travelling to South Korea to experience the treatments, clinics and rituals that have cemented the countrys reputation as the worlds beauty capital.

According to the Korean Ministry of Health, 1.2 million people travelled to South Korea in 2024 for aesthetic reasons. This growing influx of beauty-focused visitors is projected to generate 21.13bn by 2030, a boom thats firmly caught the governments attention. Aesthetic tourism has become a key cultural asset and growth driver, and, as such, is actively supported through visa assistance, tax incentives and national promotion. President Lee Jae-myung has even named K-beauty as one of the nations big five soft power pillars, part of a plan to make South Korea one of the worlds top cultural powers by the end of the decade. So, whats inspiring the global glow-chasing pilgrimage and where should you go?

In spring, Seoul's Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden comes alive with cherry and azalea blossoms. Prasit photo; Getty Images

One of K-beauty's core promises is a clear, smooth and well-hydrated complexion. whyframestudio; Getty Images

A competitive market

The nations capital, Seoul, is perhaps the best regarded for aesthetic skin treatments because of its advanced expertise, rapid adoption of the latest technologies and ability to give customers strong results at a reasonable cost, says Shin Young Park, CEO of Skin Angella Clinic in the capital.

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Indeed, the city lives up to its reputation. Packed with clinics, Seoul offers travellers treatments that can be 30-50% cheaper than in the US or Europe without compromising on quality. In such a competitive market, high standards are simply the norm, making the city a playground for beauty devotees.

Navigating the options can be overwhelming, which is where beauty concierge services like Aneue come in. With so many clinics offering similar treatments, specialisation is what sets doctors and practices apart, says Jennifer Seo, founder of Aneue. She works with clients from around the world, helping them find the latest treatments and bespoke wellness experiences in Seoul.

Among visitors, the most sought-after treatments include skin-brightening lasers, lifting and sculpting facials and skin boosters such as Rejuran, a non-surgical treatment in which polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA are used to rejuvenate the skin. Known for improving texture while stimulating collagen production, its one of the innovations thats helped cement Seouls reputation as a global beauty destination.

Cocory's world's first skintone measurement cube is used to analyse brightness, redness and undertone. Cocory

Beauty beyond skincare

Yet treatments are only part of the story. At the heart of Seouls beauty scene are the products that underpin these clinics. In one of the worlds most competitive cosmetics markets, brands compete not only on innovation but also customer experience, creating striking flagship stores that blur the line between shop and beauty laboratory. For example, at Amore Seongsu  an immersive beauty store in Seouls trendy Seongsu neighbourhood  you can have your skin analysed with AI to create a custom serum. Theres also the option to have a robot colour match your perfect foundation shade and formulate a personalised BB cream.

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And South Koreas beauty boom doesnt stop at skincare. In Seoul, the same innovation also extends to haircare and body treatments. Located on Myeongdong Street, Juno Hair has a signature scalp and hair ritual made up of no fewer than 18 steps. Think deep cleansing, exfoliation, massage, steam therapy and relaxation rituals, all performed by a specialist.

Many overseas visitors know K-beauty treatments, but Korean scalp care is still relatively new outside Asia, says branch director Bong Goo. This treatment focuses not just on scalp health, but also on stress relief and wellbeing. Its both a beauty treatment and a uniquely Korean cultural experience.

(Wellness travel in 2026here's what's trending.)

A smart start

Before embarking on a K-beauty pilgrimage, a little planning goes a long way. Start by deciding where your interests lie  are you keen to focus on skincare, haircare, body treatments or perhaps all three? Once decided, set a budget and scan reputable clinics and reviews. Many practices specialise in certain treatments depending on the doctors expertise, and the best clinics will offer a one-on-one consultation with a dermatologist to tailor procedures to your skin type.

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That said, half the fun lies in dipping into the sheer range of experiences on offer. K-pop idol makeovers at Hautbeaute in Cheongdam and personalised skin tone analyses at Cocory in Hongdae sit alongside perfume-making at Proust, tucked within the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village. Together, they capture the spirit of K-beauty  playful, precise and endlessly inventive.

Top three experiences to try

1. Head spas

Scalp and haircare treatments are becoming increasingly popular in South Korea. First, your scalp is analysed under a microscope to determine its condition, then you relax while the exfoliating, steaming, cleansing and massaging begins. Expect to leave the salon with squeaky-clean skin and luxuriously shiny tresses. The most popular English-speaking salons offering this are Eco Jardin and Juno Hair Myeongdong Street in Seoul.



2. Personalised facial treatments

Whatever your skincare concern, Seoul has a facial designed to tackle it. Medicube  the brand behind the viral Age-R Booster device favoured by Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner  operates a clinic in Gangnam, where visitors can receive in-depth skin analyses and treatments using its famous products. Sulwhasoo Spa draws on heritage ingredients such as ginseng, while clinics like D&A and Individuel Geneve specialise in tech, including skin boosters and laser treatments. Those chasing a sculpted, camera-ready face often head to Cclime, a favourite among K-celebrities for its non-invasive contouring techniques designed to reduce puffiness and lift the skin.



3. Traditional Korean spas

A familiar backdrop in many K-dramas, traditional Korean spas offer one of the countrys most unique experiences. These communal bath houses are a cornerstone of Korean wellness, where families and friends gather to soak and unwind across a maze of pools and heated rooms. Bathing areas are gender-segregated, and for the brave, theres the famous seshin scrub  an invigorating full-body exfoliation using a rough mitt that leaves the skin soft. Spa Land Centum City in Busan is the largest in country, while the sleek, modern Cimer at Paradise City, near Incheon Airport, is ideal for easing tired muscles after a long-haul flight.

Published in the Spa & Wellness Collection 2026 by National Geographic Traveller (UK).



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The Canadian province of Saskatchewan has more to offer visitors who expect to only see prairies and wheat fields. There is rich Indigenous heritage and culture here, shared through cuisine, museums, events, art, and more. One of the best ways to experience it for yourself is with a visit to Wanuskewin Heritage Park, just outside Saskatoon, the hip prairie destination of Saskatchewan.

Located near the South Saskatchewan River and the Opimihaw Valley, Wanuskewin is a National Historic Site, and is seeking UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The institution aims to share the history and culture of the First Nations people of the area, and it's the longest-running archaeological dig in Canada, with 20 different sites. UNESCO commends the site, saying that "no other locale contains the breadth of features or diversity of resources that define Wanuskewin  all within close walking proximity ... and on the edge of a major urban center." Visitors can witness bison in the grasslands, learn about Indigenous culture, and walk scenic trails, all in one place.

One of the most exciting features of Wanuskewin is the herd of 29 bison that call the heritage park home. Bison roamed this area before being hunted to near extinction in the 1800s, and now assist in the restoration of native grasses. The herd here includes American bison with ties to Yellowstone National Park. While you're not guaranteed to see bison since they are wild animals and roam freely, hopefully you'll spot them from the trail at some point during your visit.

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Read more: Flight Attendants Actually Hate These Seemingly Polite Passenger Acts

Discover fascinating Indigenous history at Wanuskewin

Interior rotunda with displays of Indigenous people and benches in Wanuskewin Heritage Park - RY Yan/Google

The visitor center at Wanuskewin features permanent exhibits about the local Indigenous peoples of the area. The area was home to multiple groups, and the center showcases their cultures, languages, and ways of life. Two galleries feature the work of local and international Indigenous artists. But cultural history isn't confined to four walls here. Some of the most interesting sites are out in the open. Excavations at Wanuskewin date back 6,400 years, and have found tipi rings, buried campsites, bison kill sites, and even a medicine wheel. In fact it's the northernmost medicine wheel in North America. As the medicine wheel is a spiritual site, there's a viewing station to admire it from an appropriate distance.

The on-site restaurant and gift shop offer even more opportunities to engage with Indigenous culture. Sample local, modern dishes like bison burgers, bison stew, wild rice salad, and freshly baked bannock at the restaurant, and browse authentic and handmade products from Indigenous artisans at the gift shop. Book in advance to experience Han Wi Moon Dinner  where an Indigenous chef creates a tasty multi-course meal using traditional, organic ingredients  or stay overnight on the site at a Tipi Sleepover. One TripAdvisor reviewer offered high praise for Wanuskewin, saying it was the "best Indigenous history, cultural and art museum I have seen."

Explore the scenic trails around Wanuskewin

Metal cutout sculptures of bison near trail through grassland at Wanuskewin Heritage Park - GeGiGoggle/Shutterstock

To see some of the outdoor attractions  such as the medicine wheel and tipi rings  you'll want to set off on one of the five trails at Wanuskewin and explore the pretty natural surroundings. There are about 4 miles of trails here, offering fantastic panoramas along with lots of history. The site is also connected with the Meewasin Trail, a 65-mile trail system around the city of Saskatoon. The 0.8-mile Circle of Harmony Trail, which brings hikers to the medicine wheel, is a top pick. There are also scenic views as you walk the grassland paths. You can combine this with the Trail of the Buffalo for a 2.4-mile route. One Google reviewer summed up their experience at Wanuskewin nicely, saying, "Enjoyed my visit here during my trip through Saskatoon. The displays were very informative and educational about Indigenous people and their history. The museum is also surrounded by some lovely trails with beautiful views. Definitely worth visiting if you're in the area."

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Wanuskewin Heritage Park is just a short 15-minute drive from Saskatoon, and a 20-minute drive from the closest major airport, Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE), which is Canada's best-rated airport with great dining and a comfy lounge. It's best to travel to Wanuskewin by car, as there is no public transport available to the site. See more bison in Saskatchewan at the wildly underrated Grasslands National Park, which is a four-and-a-half hour drive from Wanuskewin.

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The Employers Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ECA) has raised concerns about the Retrenchment and Severance Benefits (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that aspects of the proposed changes could affect business stability, job creation and the ease of doing business.

Minister of Labour, Small and Micro Enterprise Development Leroy Baptiste brought the Retrenchment and Severance Benefits (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to the Senate on Friday.
Gallery: The Boys S5 Sydney Launch

Star Karl Urban joined some 500 fans and media at Luna Park Sydney, last night.

Prime Video last night turned Luna Park Sydney into the world of The Boys for a S5 launch.

Star Karl Urban joined some 500 fans and media with activations adopting the power of Butchers tentacles and A-Trains super speed, to drinking questionable shots from the Milk Bar and an installation of Laser Babies.

The night culminated in a special Q&A with Karl Urban out the front of the amusement park, hosted by Smallzy, before Karl Urban lit up Luna Parks iconic face with a suped-up projection takeover in true The Boys style.
Vice chair of the National Assemblys Committee for Culture and Social Affairs Ta Van Ha.

Authorities said the large-scale network distributing contaminated pork was uncovered after an investigation. Hundreds of tons of infected meat failing food safety standards had been slaughtered, transported, and sold on the market over an extended period.

Alarmingly, part of this supply is believed to have reached institutional kitchens, including schools. The case sparked public outrage, as students, among the most vulnerable groups, were directly affected.

Disregard for public health

Ta Van Ha, vice chair of the National Assemblys Committee for Culture and Social Affairs, said the case shows not only serious violations but also broader concerns over food safety.

He said that distributing diseased pork shows blatant disregard for public health, especially dangerous when such food enters school environments.

Consumption of contaminated food can cause immediate issues such as food poisoning and digestive disorders, while also posing long-term risks to childrens physical development and overall health.

Bui Thi An, former National Assembly deputy, condemned both the violations and the lack of business ethics in supplying unsafe food to collective kitchens, including schools.

Children go to school to study but also to be cared for physically and mentally. Since the scandal broke, many parents have become deeply worried about their childrens meals and health, she said.

Business ethics, authorities oversight

Explaining why unsafe food continues to find its way into schools, Bui Thi An pointed to business ethics and oversight failures as key issues.

She highlighted accountability gaps across the supply chain, including veterinary control. Pork infected with African swine fever should have been destroyed under regulations, raising the question of how it was able to reach the market.

Recalling the issue of food safety and hygiene that has been reflected many times by National Assembly delegates, voters, and the press, Ha noted that although functional agencies have regularly inspected and handled cases, even applying administrative and criminal sanctions, this incident shows that violations remain complex.

Not a few people, for immediate profit, disregard their conscience and the health and lives of the people, Ha said.

He pointed out a worrying loophole in supervision, especially across the entire supply chainfrom farming and slaughtering to the distribution and consumption of food.

If one link is neglected, the entire system will be affected, creating conditions for dirty food to slip into the market. A comprehensive review is needed to identify where the weaknesses lie, in order to find corrective solutions; at the same time, it is necessary to handle violations strictly in cases of intentional violations for profit.

Many opinions suggest that the process of controlling food entering schools must be scrutinized most stringently.

Ha emphasized the role of the education sector in ensuring school food safety, as it involves a large number of students. He argued that schools must place the issue of food safety on par with the task of education, building a strict control process from the stages of reception, sample storage and preservation to processing.

Schools cannot rely solely on trust in the catering unit but need to coordinate closely with health and agricultural agencies to increase periodic and unexpected inspections.

Additionally, according to Ha, current food safety management is gradually shifting from pre-inspection to post-inspection, but for sensitive areas like food entering schools, one cannot rely only on post-inspection.

The incident that just occurred is a typical example. If there is no pre-inspection, and we allow it to happen before conducting post-inspection, the harmful effects are huge, Ha said.

Hanoi Mayor Vu Dai Thang has directed the Department of Education and Training to review the organization of semi-boarding meals, promptly overcome shortcomings, and ensure transparent food information. Additionally, he requested the Department of Science and Technology to complete and officially put into operation the food safety management and traceability system before April 15. The system allows management agencies, businesses, and household businesses to update data, making it easy for people to look up daily food supply sources.

N. Huyen
Da Nang city is setting out an ambitious long-term vision to become a smart, livable urban centre and a key national hub for logistics, start-up innovation, finance, free trade, and sea-based economic growth by 2050, with a further goal of evolving into a global eco-city and desirable destination by 2075.



The citys Master Plan for 205075, approved by the Government, aims to reshape the central city by merging with the former Quang Nam province, creating one of the largest urban areas among the countrys six centrally governed cities, with a total area of 11,859.59 sq.km.



The plan, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, projects space for a population of up to six million and envisions a network of economically strong urban centers.



These include Da Nangs downtown, the ancient town of Hoi An, Tam Ky township, the culturally rich Dien Ban town, and the logistics-focused Chu Lai open economic and industrial manufacturing zone. The Chu Lai area is expected to expand from 28,000 to 40,000 hectares in the coming decades.



Da Nang is accelerating construction of an international logistics center, underpinned by a growing transport network that includes the Lien Chieu deep-sea port, Tien Sa and Chu Lai ports, and the international airports in Da Nang and Chu Lai.



The central hub is also expected to strengthen tourism and cultural industries, positioning them as key economic drivers. The city is home to globally recognised attractions such as the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary, the Cham IslandsHoi An World Biosphere Reserve, and the Ma Nhai cliff inscription collection at Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountains), which is inscribed on UNESCOs Memory of the World Register for Asia and the Pacific.



The expanded Da Nang now includes around 500,000 hectares of protected natural areas across national parks and nature reserves. These include conservation programs for two critically endangered species, the saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) and the grey-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix cinerea), as well as endangered species such as the red-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix nemaeus) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).



Under a Government decision establishing the new administrative unit formed by merging Da Nang and Quang Nam, the city will comprise 94 local administrative units, including 23 wards, 70 communes, and a special administrative zone covering the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands.



The new Da Nang has attracted a total registered investment of 30.6 billion USD from domestic and foreign direct investment projects.



Authorities have launched Vietnams International Financial Centre in Da Nang (IFC Da Nang) and are moving ahead with plans for a free trade zone aimed at drawing global investment in high-tech industries, including semiconductors and artificial intelligence.



The planned 22-berth Lien Chieu Port is set to become a key logistics hub, linking northsouth rail and road networks with the EastWest Economic Corridor 2, which connects Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam through Da Nangs port system. It is expected to operate as an international gateway port, the countrys third after Lach Huyen Port in Hai Phong and Cai MepThi Vai.



The city has also proposed a 10 billion USD investment to upgrade Chu Lai International Airport to meet rising demand driven by tourism, investment, and logistics growth through 2050.



Twelve organisations and financial institutions have joined IFC Da Nang as members, including Makara Capital Vietnam Holding, Bybit Technology Vietnam, Da Nang Fintech Lab, Siglaw IFC, DTC Pay Vietnam, APEX Vietnam IFC Services, Valverde Investment Partners, Misa Novafinx, and Remi Tech.



Memoranda of understanding on cooperation have also been signed with Newtechco Group, Deutsche Bank Vietnam, United Overseas Bank, JP Morgan Chase, Terne Holdings, TMC Academy Singapore, Yuan Ze University in Taiwan, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and the Vietnam Blockchain Association to support the development of high-quality human resources for the IFC.



Da Nang has set a target of having at least five financial technology (FinTech) businesses with revenues of over 1 trillion VND (40 million USD) yearly, while the Free Trade Zone would contribute 17.9% to the citys gross regional domestic product (GRDP)./. VNA
Delivering a policy speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing on April 14 as part of his ongoing state visit to China, the top Vietnamese leader underlined that this consistent approach stems from the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries and aligns with the aspirations of their peoples, while significantly contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.



He highlighted that Vietnam and China are neighbouring countries sharing many cultural similarities and a long history of exchanges.



Geography has linked the two nations through mountains and rivers while history has bound them through thousands of years of interaction. The peoples of both countries have nurtured this relationship with sincerity and a shared aspiration for peace, stability and development, he said during the Vietnam  China Forum on Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, jointly organised by Chinas Ministry of Education and Vietnams Ministry of Education and Training.



General Secretary and President Lam expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in cooperation between Vietnamese universities and research institutions and Tsinghua University. Leaders of both sides have identified priority areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, science  technology, and the training of high-quality human resources  directions he described as appropriate and necessary to be further expanded.



He noted that currently, there are around 25,000 Vietnamese students in China, demonstrating the growing depth of educational exchanges between the two countries.



The leader noted that Vietnamese students in China, including those at Tsinghua University, act as bridges of friendship and cultural ambassadors who reflect the fondness for learning, openness, and ambition of Vietnamese youth. He added that Chinese students in Vietnam also help foster mutual understanding.



Looking ahead, he stressed the need to further strengthen the political and social foundations of Vietnam  China relations. For bilateral ties to develop in a stable, healthy and sustainable manner, they must be first built on political trust, mutual respect, mutual understanding between the two peoples, and the shared determination of successive generations of leaders of the two Parties and countries.



Alongside high-level mutual visits and cooperation between ministries, sectors and localities, greater attention should be paid to people-to-people exchanges, particularly youth, academic, cultural, educational and tourism exchanges, so that each people is aware of their responsibility for maintaining and enriching the bilateral friendship.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam delivers a policy speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing on April 14. (Photo: VNA)

The top Vietnamese leader called for stronger progress in substantive cooperation, with strategic connectivity as the focus, results as the yardstick, and the interests of the two peoples as the ultimate goal. Science, technology, innovation and digital transformation should become a new highlight and a new pillar of Vietnam  China relations in the new period.



General Secretary and President Lam noted that Vietnam is entering a new stage of development in which science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are the key driver for achieving its strategic goals for 2030 and 2045. He affirmed that Vietnam attaches special importance to cooperation with China in areas where the two sides can complement each other and develop together, particularly artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, semiconductors, automation, robotics, green technology, biotechnology, new materials, clean energy and other strategic technology sectors.



Given this, he voiced his hope that bilateral ties will become stronger in terms of not only trade or investment but also knowledge, technology, innovation, and the capacity of shaping the future.



In that orientation, education and training, together with the development of high-quality human resources, must be a priority among priorities, he said, noting that Vietnam hopes that more Vietnamese students, postgraduates and young scientists will have opportunities to study and conduct research at leading Chinese institutions, including Tsinghua University.



He also said he hopes that Tsinghua University will further expand cooperation with Vietnamese universities and research institutes through student and scholar exchanges, joint training programmes, collaborative research initiatives, co-supervised programmes and the establishment of joint research groups and laboratories in key areas.



The Party and State leader of Vietnam stressed the importance of further strengthening youth connectivity so that younger generations become both inheritors of bilateral friendship and pioneers in shaping the future. He encouraged young people of the two countries to learn from each other, innovate together and jointly address major development challenges in areas such as education, health care, the environment, energy, smart city building, green agriculture and the digital economy.



At the same time, he emphasised the need for both sides to maintain a peaceful and stable environment, enhance strategic coordination and properly handle differences.



Building on the legacy of friendship nurtured by previous generations, grounded in trust, driven by substantive cooperation, and propelled by breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation, with youth serving as a bridge of the future, the leader expressed confidence that Vietnam  China relations will continue to develop in a healthy, stable and sustainable manner, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples and contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.



On the occasion, he signed the universitys guestbook, expressing admiration for the dedication of its faculty members and the diligence of its students in building a high-quality educational environment, as well as appreciation for the Tsinghua spirit of Self-discipline and Social Commitment  a noble value shared by the peoples of Vietnam and China./.VNA
According to Vietnam Central Biofuels Joint Stock Company (BSR-BF), since resuming operations on January 20, technical issues have been addressed, with 462.7 cubic metres of ethanol already delivered to Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC, a unit of Petrovietnam, effectively restoring the productionsupply chain.



The plant operated at around 60% capacity in March to stabilise its systems before ramping up to full output from mid-April. This expansion is expected to curb reliance on imports, enhance energy self-reliance, and help stabilise biofuel prices.

Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung inspects ethanol production at Central Biofuels JSC. (Photo: VNA)

The Ministry of Industry and Trade estimates monthly ethanol demand for E10RON95 blending at roughly 100,000 cubic metres, while domestic supply currently meets only about 30%, leaving a significant shortfall.



To bridge the gap, BSR-BF and other producers have called for stronger policy support, including improved access to financing and preferential credit to sustain and scale up production. They also urged authorities to prioritise domestically produced ethanol, restrict imports to cover shortages, and consider tariff measures to safeguard the local industry.



BSR-BF Director Pham Van Vuong said the company is looking to expand into new areas such as biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), microalgae, and afforestation, opening up broader growth prospects and strengthening its position in the green energy value chain./. VNA
Liam and Sarah in Da Lat (photo: Two Peas Abroad).

Liam (30, British) was formerly a software engineer in London, while Sarah (30, Canadian), his girlfriend, studied psychology with plans to become a teacher.

The couple met online during the COVID-19 outbreak, and later began to look for a suitable place to live.

In 2023, the couple came to Vietnam with a plan to stay for one year so Sarah could experience teaching. They knew Vietnam had many beautiful landscapes, attractive food, and friendly people, but they did not expect to "adapt to local life so quickly."

Every day, the young couple is surprised by finding street meals that are "better than a restaurant" and learning simple Vietnamese words to connect with people.

Instead of feeling like strangers in a new land, Liam and Sarah have felt closer to the country. Vietnam "meets every criterion" they set when looking for a destination to live long-term, they said.

Not only is the cost reasonable, but it also has incredibly diverse scenery, from mountains, rivers, and seas to modern cities and a unique culture. "We feel happier living here. Each day starts with joy, excitement, and positive energy.

The couple says they will never forget their first time celebrating Lunar New Year in Vietnam. In Sa Pa (Lao Cai), a kind family invited Liam and Sarah into their home to celebrate Tet.

"We were invited to participate in all activities during the holiday, gathered with the family on a mat, enjoyed local meals, drank plenty of home-infused rice wine, received lucky money, and had the opportunity to learn deeper about Vietnamese traditions. We were immersed in the warm affection of the local people, enjoying happy days in a peaceful and beautiful land," the couple shared.

The experience made them feel "very welcome", and that Vietnam was not a "strange place." Finally, instead of staying for one year, the couple decided to commit long-term.

An unexpected new job

About six months after moving to Vietnam, the couple began recording their daily life and posting stories on TikTok and Instagram. Initially, they did this just to update friends and family on "what life in Vietnam is actually like."

However, from shares made "for fun," their content quickly attracted the attention of viewers around the world.

Currently, Liam and Sarah's platforms attract more than 300,000 followers, generating tens of millions of views each month. The couple said that every day, they answer a large volume of messages about travel and experiences in Vietnam.

"We have become busy but full of excitement.

This prompted them to shift toward becoming travel content creators. They want to spread the happiness they felt coming to Vietnam to as many people as possible.

In their exploring of Vietnam, Ha Giang (now part of Tuyen Quang province) and Da Lat (Lam Dong) are the two destinations that have left the deepest impression on Liam and Sarah.

Like many other international guests, the couple was overwhelmed when witnessing the spectacular scenery of Ha Giang with their own eyes, from winding mountain passes to stretching terraced fields and remote yet poetic villages. They loved it so much that they have returned 5-6 times and are planning further exploration.

"Unlike Ha Giang, Da Lat is an 'underrated' destination in the eyes of international guests. But when coming here, we were conquered by the cool, fresh climate, lush green pine hills, waterfalls, and peaceful space," the couple shared.

They are also "infatuated with the rich coffee" in Da Lat and consider it one of their favorite flavors in their journey through Vietnam.

Over the past years, Liam and Sarah have traveled through many provinces and cities, enjoying cuisine across all three regions. They said that in Vietnam, there are many delicious eateries "hidden" in small alleys.

For example, in the heart of bustling Da Nang, they found a small, simple Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup) shop where the flavor was "not inferior to high-end restaurants."

The meat was stewed so tender that it almost fell off the bone. The broth was rich and fragrant, Sarah shared.

Khanh Linh - Linh Trang
The Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hanoi on April 14 launched the 2026 fundraising campaign for the For Vietnams Sea and Islands Fund, an initiative reflecting the capitals enduring solidarity and responsibility towards forces who are safeguarding the nations maritime sovereignty.



Addressing the event, Chairwoman of the municipal Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Bui Huyen Mai highlighted that, in recent years, Hanoi has upheld its tradition of standing with the nation through a wide range of meaningful activities directed towards the countrys sea and islands. These efforts have included public awareness campaigns, mobilisation drives, and visits by delegations to encourage and support military personnel and residents stationed on islands.



Since 2016, the Party organisation, administration, and people of Hanoi have contributed more than 430 billion VND (16.3 million USD) to the fund, including over 76 billion VND raised in 2025 alone. This substantial resource has enabled the implementation of numerous practical and long-term projects, and supported soldiers and civilians in frontline maritime areas, reinforcing confidence and motivation in carrying out the mission of defending national sovereignty.



Under Plan No. 56-KH/TU issued on April 8, Hanoi will organise a delegation of 85 representatives to visit and encourage soldiers and residents in Truong Sa (Spratly) and personnel stationed at the DK1 offshore platform between late April and early May.



At the launch ceremony, 115 organisations, collectives, and individuals pledged more than 28 billion VND for the fund. The 2026 campaign will be implemented citywide, with contributions accepted until May 31, and is expected to resonate widely both domestically and among Vietnamese communities abroad./. VNA
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung

On April 10, the National Assembly discussed the socio-economic situation. Hung noted that "we have set a term goal of double-digit growth," so there must be unity in thinking and action.

He acknowledged that this is a big challenge, but when a goal is set, there must be determination to reach it. With the companionship of the National Assembly, Government agencies, ministries, sectors, localities, the business community, and the people, the Prime Minister believes it is achievable and there is a basis for implementation.

The Government has reported specific targets for each business field and locality to the National Assembly. To achieve growth, the Prime Minister outlined three strategic breakthroughs in the Resolutions of the 13th and 14th Party Congresses.

The Prime Minister said it is like a road that creates a clear corridor for Vietnams economic vehicle to develop. The Politburo has assigned the Central Policy and Strategy Commission to study and submit to the 3rd Central Conference a resolution on reforming the growth model.

Before that resolution is issued, we still continue our efforts, and Vietnams economic vehicle keeps moving. It is the same vehicle, but if institutions are synchronized, like upgrading the road to high quality, we can achieve higher speed. Therefore, institutional regime is the most critical factor, the Prime Minister said.

Many deputies raised concerns about obstacles in operating the two-tier local government model. The Prime Minister said this issue must also be thoroughly resolved so that the system operates effectively and smoothly.

For localities to achieve double-digit growth, the development-creating mission of commune-, ward-, and special-zone-level authorities plays a key role. The year 2026 is a year focusing on the grassroots, with the goal of consolidating and improving the quality of grassroots officials as the guiding principle, the Prime Minister said.

Regarding stalled projects, the Prime Minister emphasized the determination to complete definitive handling plans within the second quarter. For localities, provincial Party secretaries and standing committees have been requested to directly lead the removal of obstacles for projects in their areas.

Before talking about new resources and growth drivers, we should address a very large resource currently tied up in thousands of projects and land. If we unblock it, that itself is a very large resource contributing to todays growth, the Prime Minister shared.

Regarding special mechanisms mentioned by some deputies, the Prime Minister said each person wears a different size shirt, and so do localities. The legal system cannot fit all localities equally; regulations suitable for Hanoi and HCMC may not apply to other provinces.

The legal system has different regulatory frameworks; whichever locality meets certain conditions can apply the corresponding regulations.

The Prime Minister required cutting administrative procedures and business conditions, reducing both compliance time and costs.

The price to pay for hot growth

The Prime Minister said that in addition to transport infrastructure such as roads, airports, and seaports, energy infrastructure will also be developed. The eighth national power development plan (Plan 8) will be adjusted in response to changes in the international and regional context.

Along with national reserves for petroleum and essential goods, the Prime Minister mentioned developing power plants and baseload power, applying new science and technology to ensure environmental standards.

On human resources, the Prime Minister said the Ministry of Education and Training has been tasked with building programs to train high-quality human resources to meet the requirements of innovation and science and technology development.

Regarding resource allocation, the Prime Minister said the average total investment of society for the next five-year period is expected to be 40 percent of GDP, equivalent to VND38.5 quadrillion, while in the previous term it was about 33 percent. This shows the scale of pressure in this term.

Total public investment in this term is expected to exceed VND8 quadrillion, compared to VND2.87 quadrillion in the previous term. State budget mobilization must also reach VND6.5 quadrillion, 2.7 times higher than the previous term, which is also a major pressure.

About 80 percent of public investment is mobilized from other resources such as domestic enterprises, societys investment, and foreign investment (both direct and indirect).

The Prime Minister affirmed that growth must go hand in hand with stability and control of the economys major balances. We do not accept hot growth, high growth at the cost of macroeconomic stability, the Prime Minister stated, warning that the price to pay for macroeconomic instability is far greater.

Tu Giang
In her welcome remarks, Veronica Squinzi, Vice President for International Affairs of the Lombardy Business Association under the General Confederation of Italian Industry, emphasised that the official visit of NA Chairman Man to Italy marks an important milestone in the strong relationship between the two countries. It provides an opportunity to reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening political dialogue and deepening economic and technological cooperation based on shared values, mutual respect, and a forward-looking vision.



According to Veronica Squinzi, amid global economic instability, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing transformations in global value chains, cooperation among reliable partner countries is more necessary than ever. Enhanced VietnamItaly cooperation will foster innovation and support sustainable and inclusive development in both countries.



Italy and Vietnam have established diplomatic relations for more than 50 years and have maintained a Strategic Partnership for over a decade. Italy is one of Vietnams key partners in Europe, and bilateral relations have continued to strengthen following the entry into force of the EUVietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). For Italy, Vietnam serves as a gateway to the ASEAN market.



As Italys leading economic region, Lombardy is the heart of the countrys industrial and technological system. Milan, its capital, is Italys premier financial and business hub and a gateway to the European market for international enterprises and investors. Lombardy is also Italys leading region in trade relations with Vietnam. The launch of a direct flight between Hanoi and Milan has further enhanced connectivity and created new opportunities for economic and investment cooperation.

Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and delegates visit the booth of Vietnam Airlines (Photo: VNA)

Notably, she said many Italian companies operating in Vietnam originate from Lombardy. These companies are active in strategic sectors such as mechanical engineering, industrial automation, infrastructure development, renewable energy, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing. They not only contribute to strengthening trade and investment ties but also facilitate technology transfer, management expertise, and professional standards. At the same time, Lombardy offers Vietnamese businesses and organisations an excellent entry point into Italys industrial and innovation ecosystem in Europe.



Raffaele Cattaneo, Undersecretary of the Lombardy Region, stated that relations between Lombardy and Vietnam go beyond a conventional trade partnership, representing a historically grounded and strategically significant connection. Since 2003, Lombardy has identified Vietnam as a priority partner in ASEAN. The inauguration of the direct MilanHanoi flight stands as clear evidence of successful cooperation, not only to boost tourism but also to serve as a vital bridge for trade, cultural exchange, and the narrowing of geographical distance.



He stated that with strong technological capacity and expertise, Lombardy sees significant development opportunities in Vietnam - a country experiencing impressive GDP growth (over 8% in 2025). Lombardy-based enterprises are ready to support Vietnamese partners in high-tech expertise, particularly in mechanical manufacturing, green transition and renewable economy for sustainable development, education and workforce training cooperation, as well as the restoration of architectural and cultural heritage.



In the context of Vietnam streamlining its administrative apparatus, Lombardy has expressed particular interest in establishing cooperative relations with several Vietnamese localities, Cattaneo said, expressing confidence that with the visit by NA Chairman Man, ItalyVietnam cooperation will continue to strengthen, bringing practical benefits to businesses and people in both countries.



Speaking at the dialogue, NA Chairman Man stressed that the policy dialogue on enhancing VietnamItaly cooperation is of special significance as bilateral relations enter a new phase of deeper, more effective, and more substantive development.



He affirmed that the dialogue is not only an important occasion for enterprises from both countries to meet and explore investment and trade opportunities, but also a vivid symbol of over 50 years of traditional friendship and more than a decade of Strategic Partnership - nurtured by generations of leaders and people of both nations through trust, sharing, and sincere goodwill.



The top legislator noted that after four decades of renewal, door-opening, and integration, Vietnam has made remarkable progress. The country is currently implementing three strategic breakthroughs: developing strategic infrastructure; improving institutions and building a transparent, favourable investment environment; and developing high-quality human resources alongside innovation, science and technology application, digital transformation, and the advancement of green, circular, and knowledge-based economies.



As a result, Vietnam has risen from a poor, war-torn country to achieve significant accomplishments. From an economy of about 4 billion USD at the start of the reform period, it has grown to an estimated 514 billion USD today, ranking 32nd globally and 4th in ASEAN. Vietnams per capita income in 2025 hit 5,026 USD, placing it among upper-middle-income countries, while GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026 reached 7.83%.



According to the Vietnamese leader, Vietnam is among the top 15 developing countries attracting the largest foreign direct investment (FDI), with cumulative registered FDI reaching about 530 billion USD. In 2025, Vietnam remained a stable and sustainable destination for international investment flows, with total registered capital exceeding 38.4 billion USD.



Total trade turnover between Vietnam and its partners reached 930 billion USD last year, placing it among the worlds top 20 most open economies. Vietnam has signed 17 free trade agreements with over 60 countries and territories, including major global markets, while continuously diversifying markets, products, and supply chains. Energy and food security are firmly ensured.



On that basis, NA Chairman Man revealed that Vietnam aims for GDP growth exceeding 10% in 2026 and sustained double-digit growth during 20262030. The country is determined to successfully implement administrative reforms; address institutional, human resource, and infrastructure bottlenecks; and create a favourable environment for production, investment, and business. Efforts to combat corruption and negative practices are being strengthened to bolster investor confidence.



Vietnam is also striving for breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation to achieve two strategic goals: becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income country by 2045, he added.



To achieve these goals, he stressed that Vietnam will maximise internal strengths while effectively leveraging external resources through international integration and cooperation. Internal strengths include people, natural resources, and culture - the three fundamental pillars of national strength while external resources stem from international integration and the power of the times. The combination of these forces will create new momentum for national development.



Vietnam seeks not only to move fast, but to move steadily, go far, and move forward together, he noted.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man (right) and Undersecretary of the Lombardy Region Raffaele Cattaneo at the event (Photo: VNA)

According to the NA Chairman, Vietnam and Italy share a longstanding friendship built on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace, development and prosperity. In recent years, their Strategic Partnership has been steadily strengthened and expanded across areas including economy, trade, investment, cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges.



Italy is among Vietnams leading partners in Europe. Conversely, Vietnam ranks as one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic economies in the Asia-Pacific, with an improving investment climate, a young workforce, a large market and deepening global integration, providing favourable conditions for the two sides to expand complementary cooperation.



To date, Italian investors have poured capital into 167 projects in Vietnam, with total registered investment exceeding 633 million USD, ranking 31st out of 154 countries and territories investing in the country. Overall, while bilateral investment remains modest in scale, the potential for further cooperation is substantial.



Amid accelerating globalisation, green and digital transitions, Vietnam and Italy are well positioned to complement each other and optimise their respective strengths toward sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth.



On that basis, the leader urged both sides to translate cooperative intent into tangible outcomes, focusing on priority areas, including further refining institutional and legal frameworks to facilitate trade and investment, particularly as the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) is being effectively implemented.



He also called for stronger cooperation in areas where Italy has strengths and Vietnam has demand, such as manufacturing, high technology, green transition, renewable energy, infrastructure, supporting industries and food processing.



The chief legislator proposed enhancing business connectivity between the two countries, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to integrate more deeply into global value chains, and stepping up cooperation in innovation and digital transformation.



He also underscored the role of the two legislatures in overseeing and refining mechanisms and policies, and in fostering a stable, transparent and conducive legal environment for long-term cooperation.



He noted hope that building on strong political foundations, enduring friendship and clear direction, businesses from both countries would step up engagement and cooperation, translating bilateral friendship into concrete, practical and sustainable outcomes that benefit both peoples.



Following the event, businesses should meet, connect, sign agreements and move to implementation, with each project clearly defining inputs and outputs, workforce, technology and financing, alongside specific timelines and performance benchmarks, he suggested.



The NA Chairman said the legislature would continue to work closely with the government and the business community to build and refine institutions, and to foster a transparent, competitive and conducive investment and business environment, thereby supporting more substantive, effective and sustainable VietnamItaly cooperation.



At the dialogue, representatives of businesses, organisations and associations from both countries exchanged views, shared experience and proposed practical measures to advance bilateral cooperation in the next phase./.VNA
Chairman Man expressed delight at visiting Milan, a city of special significance to Vietnam as the place where late President Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked.

He praised Milans robust development as one of Italys and the European Unions leading hubs in industry, architecture, design, finance - banking, sci-tech, innovation and quality workforce training. He also congratulated the city on its preparations for hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Briefing Sala on the outcomes of Vietnams 14th National Party Congress, the recent election of deputies to the 16th NA and Peoples Councils for the 20262031 term, and the state apparatus reshuffle, he reaffirmed Vietnams consistent policy of valuing and deepening ties with Italy.

According to him, Vietnam - Italy ties have been growing over more than 50 years of diplomatic relations and more than a decade of Strategic Partnership, spanning politics - diplomacy, trade - investment, culture, education - training, and national defence - security, while expanding into new areas such as sci-tech, innovation, environmental protection and climate change response. He highlighted the launch of the direct Hanoi - Milan flight in July 2025 as a boost for stronger cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Noting the important role of localities, including Milan, in fostering bilateral strategic partnership, the top legislator called on local leaders to further boost cooperation with Vietnamese localities. He suggested expanding collaboration in areas of Milans strengths, including finance - banking, fashion, education and services; cultural, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Mayor Sala, in reply, said the visit would advance the bilateral Strategic Partnership across various sectors. He expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral ties and confirmed Milans interest in expanding cooperation with Vietnamese localities, including Ho Chi Minh City, in infrastructure, urban railways, fashion, education, services like airport management, energy and climate change.

He also expressed a desire to attract more Vietnamese residents and workers to Milan, contributing to closer ties between the two countries.

On the occasion, the guest urged Milan authorities to continue supporting the Vietnamese community, particularly students, in their daily lives, thereby enhancing the traditional friendship and cooperation./.VNA
Updating the community on Vietnams recent development, the NA Chairman said that despite difficulties and challenges, the country achieved notable results across many sectors in 2025. Macroeconomic stability has been maintained, social welfare ensured, national defence and security safeguarded, while Vietnams position and prestige on the international arena have continued to rise, creating a solid foundation for a new stage of development. He noted that these achievements were made possible thanks to the Partys leadership, the efforts of the entire political system and the unity and support of Vietnamese people at home and abroad, including the community in Italy.

The NA Chairman also shared information on major milestones such as the successful organisation of the 14th National Party Congress, the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and Peoples Councils for the 20262031 tenure, and the reform to streamline the political systems organisational apparatus.

Since late 2024, the Politburo has issued a series of strategic resolutions covering key areas including science and technology development, innovation, international integration, law-making and enforcement, development of both the private and state sectors, energy and infrastructure, education and training, healthcare, and cultural development.

He reaffirmed that the Party and State consistently place people at the centre of development, stressing that overseas Vietnamese are an inseparable part of the nation and an important resource for national growth.

Vietnam is also striving to build a national innovation ecosystem, promote start-up activities and develop research and training centres for high-quality human resources. In this process, overseas Vietnamese, including those in Italy, represent an important source of knowledge, experience and international connections. The NA Chairman encouraged Vietnamese students in Italy to continue studying and conducting research diligently so they can contribute to the countrys development in the future.

He also called on the Vietnamese community to comply with local laws, preserve the Vietnamese language and maintain national cultural identity. The Vietnamese Embassy in Italy was urged to continue strengthening citizen protection and community support activities so that Vietnamese people in Italy can live and work with peace of mind while remaining connected to their homeland.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Phuong Anh, the Vietnamese community in Italy currently numbers around 5,500 people living across the country, mainly concentrated in northern and central regions. Their lives are generally stable and they are gradually integrating into local society. The community also includes around 2,000 students studying at Italian universities and training institutions. In addition, about 500 clergy members and Catholic followers are studying at Vatican educational institutions, which is a distinctive feature of the Vietnamese community in Italy.

Representatives of the community expressed their appreciation for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the Party, State and National Assemblys close attention to overseas Vietnamese.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong, a lecturer and researcher in computer science and artificial intelligence (AI), praised recent policies issued by the Vietnamese National Assembly in the AI field, particularly the adoption of the AI Law by the 15th National Assembly, which, he said, opens up new opportunities for overseas Vietnamese intellectuals to contribute to the countrys development.

Pham Van Hong, Chairman of the Italy  Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, said the NA Chairmans visit would help deepen the Vietnam  Italy Strategic Partnership and expand cooperation opportunities in economic, trade and investment fields, especially in areas of strength such as manufacturing, high-quality agriculture and fashion./.VNA
The platform is expected to enhance connections between job seekers and employers, contributing to a modern, transparent, flexible, and efficient labour market while improving employment services, ensuring social welfare, and supporting sustainable socio-economic development. The initiative is part of efforts to implement the Party and Governments policies on science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, particularly Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW and Government Resolution No. 71/NQ-CP. The ministry assigned the Employment Department to coordinate with relevant agencies and the Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group to develop and complete the system, ensuring data connectivity and information security before its launch.



Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Manh Khuong said Vietnams labour force totals 53.6 million, representing a crucial resource for national industrialisation and modernisation. The country currently has around 1 million operating enterprises, tens of thousands of cooperatives, and over 6 million household businesses, creating a vast and diverse demand for labour.



The platform is expected to modernise recruitment and job searching by leveraging digital data and verified identities, helping reduce transaction costs, improve workforce allocation, and promote a more flexible and sustainable labour market.



Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh emphasised that the system has been developed in a comprehensive and rigorous manner, fully meeting requirements for data integration, connectivity, and information security.



He described the platform not only as a technological advancement but also as evidence of the ministrys proactive and determined approach to digital transformation. The launch comes shortly after the National Assembly finalised key government leadership positions, demonstrating the Governments strong commitment to reform.



The minister called on local authorities, employment service centres, businesses, and workers to actively participate in and utilise the platform. He stressed that enterprises and workers are central to the platforms effectiveness and sustainability.



Designed as unified digital infrastructure linking central and local levels, the platform allows users to create profiles, search and apply for jobs, and participate in online job fairs. Integrated artificial intelligence tools can suggest suitable job opportunities based on users skills and experience.



For employers, the system helps reduce recruitment costs and time by providing access to a nationwide talent pool. It also supports better labour market governance by standardising data and enabling authorities to monitor workforce trends more effectively./.VNA
According to reports, Vietnam now maintains 198 conditional business lines and 4,603 business conditions. Under the conclusion, ministries and agencies must cut at least 30% of existing conditional business lines, or about 60 business lines, while eliminating all redundant conditions. The target also includes a 50% reduction in both administrative processing time and compliance costs. At the same time, ministries are to handle no more than 30% of the total administrative procedures in their domains.

PM Hung said the conclusion lays out clear task groups to support Vietnams goal of achieving double-digit growth. Key priorities include improving the business environment and slashing compliance time and costs for citizens and enterprises, many of which fall within the authority of the Government, ministries and agencies and can be acted upon immediately.

Despite a second-quarter deadline, he demanded faster action. Ministries and agencies must move swiftly to complete the reforms as early as possible without compromising quality or timelines.

Drawing on a comprehensive report from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and inputs from other ministries, he instructed Deputy PMs, together with the MoJ, Ministry of Public Security (MoPS), the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government Office, to hold direct working sessions with ministries and agencies to finalise detailed administrative reform plans. These will cover cuts to administrative procedures, business conditions, conditional business lines and further decentralisation.

By April 20, ministries and agencies must submit reform proposals on administrative procedures, business conditions and conditional sectors to Government leaders. The Government Office and the MoJ will review them for approval within April, he said.

Ministers were required to personally oversee a thorough review of administrative procedures under their authority to streamline, cut and decentralise them, while also reducing the existing list of 198 conditional business lines and 4,603 business conditions.

The MoJ, in coordination with the Government Office, must strengthen its gatekeeping role in controlling administrative procedures and business conditions, holding ministers accountable for any failure to remove inappropriate ones. During the reform process, authorities should carefully consider and incorporate feedback from businesses and industry associations.

PM Le Minh Hung chairs a meeting on cutting unnecessary business conditions and streamlining red tape (Photo: VNA)

On decentralisation, the PM called for continued review of powers delegated from the central level to provinces and from provinces to grassroots authorities, in line with the conclusion.

He underscored the need to improve the quality of grassroots officials through targeted training and deploying staff from provincial departments to support local levels. This aligns with the Party General Secretary and State President To Lams designation of 2026 as the year of improving grassroots personnel quality.

Ministries were asked to finalise databases, particularly those related to businesses, citizens and economic management, and restructure administrative processes to maximise data reuse. The aim is for citizens and firms to provide information only once, with officials required to pull existing data from shared systems, backed by clear legal regulations.

Regarding the Politburos Resolution 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in sci-tech, innovation and national digital transformation, the PM instructed the MoPS to urgently submit detailed plans to ensure swift and effective rollout in line with the plenums conclusion and the directives of the Central Steering Committee in charge of the resolution./.VNA
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered that second campuses of Bach Mai and Viet Duc hospitals in the northern province of Ninh Binh become operational in the second quarter without further delay, as directed by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.

Chairing a working session between Government leaders and relevant ministries and agencies in Hanoi on April 14, PM Hung said the Government is moving aggressively to break long-standing bottlenecks and revive stalled projects, particularly in the health sector.

Stressing the need for clearly defined tasks, strict timelines, responsible units, and measurable results, as demanded by the top Party and State leader, he tasked the Deputy PMs with personally leading coordination efforts across ministries and agencies to tackle existing issues once and for all.

Regarding the second campuses of Bach Mai and Viet Duc hospitals, the PM pointed out that the remaining hurdles are largely coordination-related and fall within the purview of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and relevant ministries.

He requested the ministries of health, construction, national defence, and public security, within their respective functions, to pool maximum resources and adopt concerted, decisive, and effective action to clear the final obstacles. That means rushing through construction paperwork, fire safety approvals, environmental permits, and other pending procedures.

Specific mechanisms and policies for operating the two campuses must be finalised by the MoH no later than April.

The MoH was also ordered to conduct a thorough review of all tasks and projects assigned by competent authorities to follow key resolutions from the Party, Politburo, National Assembly, and Government, including conclusion No. 18 of the Party Central Committee and the Cabinets action plan, with particular focus on key tasks for 2026. The ministry must team up with other ministries and agencies to ensure both quality and progress, while keeping the PM informed with regular updates.

At the working session between Government leaders and relevant ministries and agencies. (Photo: VNA)

The ministry was also asked to urgently finalise the draft revised Food Safety Law and state management functions on food safety, craft a roadmap for periodic or free annual health check-ups for citizens from 2026, especially those in remote and disadvantaged areas. It must overhaul the pharmaceutical distribution system to make it more scientific and efficient.

Citing the Politburos Resolution 57, the PM demanded the MoH race to build comprehensive and up-to-date databases by the second quarter, covering children, healthcare environment, preventive medicine, persons with disabilities, medical examination and treatment, social assistance, and food safety.

At the same time, it must accelerate administrative reform by simplifying procedures and business conditions, cutting compliance time and costs for citizens and enterprises, and redesigning processes to reuse existing data so that citizens and businesses no longer need to resubmit the same information. Decentralisation and delegation of authority must also be accelerated in line with the conclusion No. 18, which limits ministerial-level agencies to handling no more than 30% of administrative procedures in their sectors.

Deputy PM Pham Thi Thanh Tra was assigned to directly oversee and work with the MoH on these tasks.

The Government leader also weighed in on a list of proposals, including payment for health insurance-covered medical expenses exceeding budget estimates from 20182022, preparation for public investment projects under the medium-term plan, adjustments to preferential and special allowances, the roadmap for hospitals to charge real full costs, a scheme to improve state management in food safety, and pilot policy mechanisms in the health sector, among others./.VNA
Bui Thi Quynh Van, member of the Party Central Committee and deputy head of its Organisation Commission, presented the decisions appointing 28 members to the Central Military Commission for the 20252030 term, including a nine-member standing board. General Secretary and President Lam was re-appointed as Secretary of the Central Military Commission, while Gen. Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence as Vice Secretary.

Appointment decisions are granted to officials (Photo: VNA)

The Politburo also named 29 members to the Central Public Security Party Committee for the same term, including an 11-member standing board. Gen. Luong Tam Quang, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security, secured re-appointment as Secretary, while Sen. Lieut. Gen. Le Quoc Hung, member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of Public Security, was appointed as Vice Secretary.

The Politburo also appointed 45 members to the Party Committee of Central Party Agencies, with 22 to its standing board for 20252030. Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committees Secretariat Tran Cam Tu was re-appointed as Secretary, while Nguyen Long Hai, member of the Party Central Committee, as Permanent Vice Secretary. Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, Do Viet Ha, and Nguyen Quang Truong were named Vice Secretaries.

The Politburo further designated 39 members to the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and central mass organisations for the 2025-2030 term, including a 14-member standing board. Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the VFF Central Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai was re-appointed as Secretary. Nguyen Phi Long, member of the Party Central Committee, retained his post as Permanent Vice Secretary, while Nguyen Thai Hoc and Ngo Van Cuong were appointed full-time Vice Secretaries.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam presents decisions appointing members to the Central Public Security Party Committee (Photo: VNA)

In his address, General Secretary and State President Lam demanded their absolute loyalty to the Partys goals and ideals, firm political mettle, and strict compliance with organisational discipline. He instructed the officials to lead by example, match words with action, and put the interests of the nation, Party and people above all else. Party committees must function as true hubs of leadership, uphold discipline, and ensure proper directions in their assigned areas.

The leader underscored the need to fortify Party building in every agency and unit, maintain strict discipline, elevate the quality of Party activities, and conduct rigorous self-criticism and criticism. He called for intensified inspection and supervision, along with early detection and prevention of violations, to stop minor lapses from snowballing into serious problems.

He also stressed building a strong contingent of officials through objective, comprehensive evaluations, correct personnel placement, and the outright rejection of factionalism, vested interests, responsibility avoidance and bureaucratic inertia. He urged protection of and encouragement for proactive, innovative and accountable officials, while grooming a capable, ethical and devoted younger generation of leaders.

In his speech, General Giang pledged to translate the directions into concrete action plans tailored to each Party organisations functions and responsibilities.

He reaffirmed unwavering loyalty to the Party, State and people, vowing to uphold unity, discipline and democracy while harnessing collective brainpower in following Party guidelines and State policies and laws.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam hands over decisions appointing members to the Party Committee of Central Party Agencies (Photo: VNA)

In the foreseeable future, he said, priority will be given to effectively realising the 14th National Party Congresss Resolution, the Party and State leaders directives, and resolutions of individual Party organisations, while continuing to build revolutionary, regular, elite and modern army and police forces. He also urged enhancing the strategic advisory capacity of central Party agencies and the core role of the VFF and socio-political organisations in pooling national unity and resources for development.

He expressed hope for continued leadership, coordination and support from the Party Central Committee, its Politburo and Secretariat, ministries, agencies and localities, as well as the contributions of officials, Party members and the public, to successfully fulfill all assigned tasks./.VNA
The visit is made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping and his spouse.

The delegation comprises Politburo members: Tran Cam Tu, Permanent member of the CPV Central Committees Secretariat; Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee; Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and head of its Organisation Commission; Gen. Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence; Gen. Luong Tam Quang, Minister of Public Security; Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, head of its Commission for Policies and Strategies; Le Hoai Trung, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Doan Minh Huan, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics; and Tran Duc Thang, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee; along with other ministers and senior officials.

This is the first state visit to China by General Secretary and President Lam in his capacity as the Party and States top leader. It comes one year after General Secretary and President Xis state visit to Vietnam in April 2025 and represents the third bilateral visit between the two countries top leaders in less than two years./. VNA
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam held phone talks with President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Prime Minister of Japan Takaichi Sanae on April 13, voicing his belief that Japan will continue to grow, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese leader congratulated the LDP on its February victory in the lower house election and Takaichi on her re-election as PM.

Takaichi, in turn, congratulated To Lam on his election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnams 14th Central Committee and State President of Vietnam. She affirmed Japans desire to foster cooperation with Vietnam across various fields.

Both leaders welcomed the strong and sweeping growth of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan and agreed to step up high-level exchanges and visits. They also pledged to deepen substantive cooperation in national defence and security, economy, science and technology, digital transformation, green transition, energy security, labour, health care, and local-level collaboration.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (Photo: VNA)

Amid rapid global changes affecting energy security and disrupting supply chains, the Vietnamese leader expressed a desire to increase coordination with Japan to address global and regional challenges, including energy security. He affirmed continued close collaboration with Japan on global and regional issues in the coming time.

Takaichi spoke highly of Vietnams role and position in the region, calling it a key partner to advance Japans Free and Open Indo-Pacific Vision. Japan greatly values Vietnams policy of independence and self-reliance and supports its development goals in a new era, she said.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese Party and State leader invited the Emperor and Empress of Japan, as well as PM Takaichi, to visit Vietnam at a mutually convenient time./.VNA
General Secretary and President Lam welcomed PM Fico on his official visit to Vietnam, hailing it as the first visit by a foreign leader to Vietnam following its National Assemblys election of new leadership positions in the State, Government and legislature.

He said the trip reflects the sincerity and importance the Slovak Government and people attach to the longstanding friendship between the two countries, marking a step toward a more stable and substantive phase in bilateral ties.

Vietnam values and remembers the invaluable and effective support, both material and spiritual, provided by the Slovak people during its national development process, he said. He also praised Slovakias recent achievements under Ficos leadership in both domestic and foreign policies, as well as its European integration efforts.

The Communist Party of Vietnam values and stays ready to foster ties with Slovak political parties, particularly SmerSD (Direction  Social Democracy) and other parties in the ruling coalition led by Fico, he said.

Welcoming the outcomes of talks between PMs Le Minh Hung and Fico, the host expressed satisfaction that the two countries had officially upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting a high level of political trust.

Fico, in reply, said he holds a special affection for Vietnam and its people. He expressed admiration for the countrys history of national liberation, its dynamic economic growth and global integration, especially its sound foreign policy amid complex global landscape.

Vietnam has been a source of inspiration for Slovakia in development and global integration, he said. He once again congratulated the host on his election as State President, calling it a clear reflection of the Party, State and public confidence in his capacity and prestige.

The Slovak PM briefed the Vietnamese leader on recent developments in Slovakia and highlighted the positive outcomes of his meetings with Vietnamese leaders, along with the VietnamSlovakia Business Forum.

At the reception (Photo: VNA)

Slovakia always considers Vietnam the most important partner in Southeast Asia and one of its top three partners in Asia, he said. He lauded the outcomes of his visit, particularly the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership and the signing of multiple cooperation agreements between ministries, agencies and businesses, which he said, would provide fresh momentum for collaboration.

Agreeing with the host, Fico said Slovakia would work closely with Vietnam to promptly realise the signed agreements, with a focus on breakthrough areas like economy - investment, sci-tech, national defence - security, industry, renewable energy, tourism, hi-tech agriculture and artificial intelligence.

The Vietnamese leader outlined key directions to advance Vietnam - Slovakia ties under their newly upgraded Strategic Partnership.

Accordingly, both sides should hold exchanges at all levels across Party, State and Government channels, plus people-to-people engagements, to further consolidate political trust. Economic, trade and investment ties should become the central pillar, with a focus on flagship projects in automotive industry, renewable energy, high technology, digital transformation and information technology, quality workforce training, labour cooperation, and local-level partnerships. Both countries should also leverage their respective gateway positions to access ASEAN and EU markets.

On global and regional issues of mutual concern, both sides underscored the importance of adhering to international law, respecting the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international relations. They stressed the need to settle disputes through peaceful means based on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect, contributing to an environment of peace and stability with conditions conducive to sustainable development and prosperity.

They highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges as a solid foundation and key driver for mutual understanding, thus tightening the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation.

The host expressed confidence that the elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership will propel Vietnam-Slovakia relations forward strongly, delivering concrete benefits to both nations and contributing to peace and development in their respective regions.

On the occasion, Fico conveyed an invitation from Slovak President Peter Pellegrini to the host to visit Slovakia. The Vietnamese leader accepted the invitation and said he would pay the visit at a mutually convenient time./VNA
At the meeting, held as part of the General Secretary and Presidents state visit to China, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh said the trip holds special significance in consolidating political trust, promoting the implementation of the common perceptions reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and countries, and guiding Vietnam  China relations towards stable, sustainable, and long-term development in the new period.



The ambassador noted that the Vietnamese community in China, numbering over 100,000, has a tradition of solidarity and strong attachment to the homeland, with a high sense of patriotism and active participation in common activities. They have also made efforts to preserve the national cultural identity and promote the image of Vietnam and its people in the host society.



The community, including more than 23,000 students, have always followed developments at home, take pride in the countrys comprehensive achievements, and maintain strong confidence in the leadership of the Party and State, as well as in the major orientations set at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which aim to usher the country into a new era of development.



They are also delighted at the positive and substantive progress in Vietnam  China relations, Binh noted.



He stressed that the visit serves as a great source of encouragement, demonstrating the Party and States deep care for overseas Vietnamese, who are an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation.



In a friendly talk with the community, embassy staff, and representatives of Vietnamese agencies, General Secretary and President Lam shared that upon arrival at Beijing International Airport, the delegation travelled to Xiongan New Area in Hebei province by high-speed train. He was impressed by Chinas modern transport infrastructure, particularly its well-developed railway system that connects provinces, cities, and major urban areas, facilitating fast, safe, and convenient travel.



Such infrastructure helps save time and labour, enhance productivity, and promote socio-economic development, he noted, highlighting the need for both sides to step up cooperation in transport infrastructure, especially in railway development.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse, and officials offer flowers in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the embassys premises on April 14. (Photo: VNA)

Informing participants of Vietnams notable socio-economic achievements and the implementation of strategic policies, the leader underscored the special importance of the visit. In addition to high-level talks and meetings with Chinese leaders, there will be important working sessions between the two Politburos, as well as between ministries, sectors, and localities of the two countries, aimed at advancing comprehensive and effective cooperation across all fields.



He commended the Vietnamese Embassy and agencies in China for their efforts in handling a large workload across a vast area, closely following the Partys guidelines and effectively carrying out tasks related to external relations, economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and overseas Vietnamese affairs.



He expressed his hope that the Vietnamese community in China will continue to stay united, support one another, integrate actively, comply with local laws, and contribute to the host countrys development, while always turning their hearts towards the homeland and making practical and effective contributions to national construction and development, as well as to Vietnam  China cooperation, particularly as both countries are entering a new stage of development./.VNA
The Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC  HCMC) and the Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank) have joined hands with the London Stock Exchange (LSE) to broaden Vietnamese enterprises access to international capital markets, marking a significant step in the countrys global financial integration.



The collaboration was announced at a high-level investment forum held on April 14 in Ho Chi Minh City, where a Fintech Hub was also officially launched.



Addressing the forum, Vice Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Cong Vinh described the initiative as a milestone in developing a modern financialtechnology ecosystem. He emphasised that cooperation with the London Stock Exchange - one of the worlds leading financial centres  will enhance Vietnams ability to tap global capital, improve governance standards, and promote transparency in line with international practices.



The newly launched Fintech Hub is expected to function as a sandbox for innovative financial models, fostering collaboration among banks, investors, and enterprises while helping Vietnamese firms access overseas markets.



Echoing this view, Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, noted that Vietnam is emerging as one of Asias most dynamic economies, with growing potential to attract international investment flows. She commended HDBanks role in strengthening market connectivity and supporting businesses in reaching global capital opportunities.



At the forum, HDBank and LSE signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish a long-term framework supporting Vietnamese enterprises in raising capital abroad. The partnership will facilitate cross-border fundraising activities, including equity and bond issuance in London, enhance connections with institutional investors, and promote higher standards of corporate governance and disclosure.



As part of this cooperation, HDBank announced plans to issue up to 300 million USD worth of international green bonds, marking an important step in its sustainable finance strategy and efforts to diversify long-term funding sources.



Chairman of the HDBank Board of Directors Kim Byoungho stated that beyond capital mobilisation, the partnership aims to help Vietnamese businesses adopt global best practices in governance, transparency, and sustainable development. Through Londons platform, HDBank expects to establish a long-term bridge between Vietnams financial market and international investors, he added.



The forum also witnessed cooperation agreements between HDBank, LSE, and leading Vietnamese corporations such as Hoa Sen, THACO, and Phuc Sinh, focusing on capital structuring, listing advisory, and investor connectivity.



Additionally, VIFC-HCMC signed a separate agreement with LSE to support the development of Vietnams capital market in line with international standards. HDBank also partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to promote sustainable and climate finance, support small- and medium-sized enterprises, and advance supply chain finance.



In the technology sphere, HDBanks collaboration with Temenos will enable the deployment of next-generation core banking platforms, laying a digital foundation for long-term growth and innovation./. VNA
Record hat-trick of 2 million visitors per month

According to data released by the National Statistics Office, foreign arrivals in March reached nearly 2.1 million, up 1.3% year-on-year.

In total, Vietnam welcomed an estimated 6.76 million foreign tourists in the first quarter, a more than 12% jump from the same period in 2025 and the highest Q1 figure ever recorded.

Notably, this marks the first time the domestic tourism industry has sustained three consecutive months with over 2 million foreign arrivals each.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) said the results underscore the sectors growing appeal, resilience, and solid footing amid global uncertainties.



Optimising visitor experience and spending

Lecturer Tang Thong Nhan from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology called the three straight months above 2 million arrivals a strongly positive signal, especially against a backdrop of global volatility.

Foreigners explore Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)

The first quarter is traditionally peak season for Vietnam, driven by major festivals, Lunar New Year, and favourable weather across key destinations. Geopolitical tensions and rising fuel prices only intensified in the latter half of March, leaving travel demand relatively stable through the first 2.5 months of the year, he noted.

However, the second quarter is shaping up to be far more challenging. Surging fuel costs have already driven airfares up 1025%, with some routes spiking as much as 40%, threatening to curb demand, particularly from price-sensitive markets.

To maintain momentum, Nhan urged a sharper focus on high-end tourism segments with stronger spending power, as these travellers are less deterred by higher travel costs and deliver considerably higher revenue per visitor. Vietnam should also capitalise on shifting travel patterns triggered by geopolitical instability, especially by drawing high-spending tourists from the Middle East seeking safer alternatives.

Sustaining growth in emerging markets such as Russia and India through expanded flight routes, easier visas, and tailored products will be critical. At the same time, traditional powerhouses like China and the Republic of Korea demand targeted strategies to retain and win back visitors, given their scale and stability, he added.

From a longer-term perspective, Dr. Duong Duc Minh from the VNATs Institute for Tourism Development Research argued that Vietnams tourism strategy must move decisively beyond chasing raw visitor numbers toward optimising the entire end-to-end consumer journey.

He pointed to a broader global economic shift, from supply chains in 19502000, to value chains in 20002010, and now to optimisation in the post-2019 era where maximising the full visitor experience is the new battleground.

A key bottleneck in Vietnam remains the final stage of consumption, particularly shopping and taking products home. Many local souvenirs and specialty goods are still too bulky or expensive to transport, discouraging purchases and leaving money on the table.

Encouragingly, some progress is visible at the local level. The northern province of Quang Ninh, for instance, has rolled out coordinated solutions, ranging from transport infrastructure upgrades to targeted demand stimulation at Van Don International Airport, including travel incentives and bundled services for visitors./.VNA
The event was jointly organised by the Slovak Embassy, the Ho Guom Opera, and the Sun Symphony Orchestra, marking PM Ficos official visit to the country.



It featured performances by renowned Slovak opera artists, alongside musicians from the Sun Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Olivier Ochanine.



In the near future, further artistic exchanges are anticipated, with Slovak orchestras and ensembles expected to perform in Vietnam, while Vietnamese artists will have opportunities to showcase their talents in Slovakia, thereby deepening bilateral cultural cooperation and people-to-people ties.

A view of the VietnamSlovakia friendship concert titled Aka Si Mi Krasna at the Ho Guom Opera in Hanoi on the evening of April 13. (Photo: VNA)

The concert was seen as a significant cultural milestone, heralding stronger exchanges between Vietnam and Slovakia following the formal establishment of their Strategic Partnership. Over the past 76 years, bilateral relations have developed steadily across political, diplomatic, and socio-economic spheres, with both sides attaching importance to their long-standing traditional friendship./. VNA
At the meeting, part of the Vietnamese leader's official visit to Italy, Chairman Man spoke highly of FAOs role in the United Nations development system, particularly in promoting agricultural cooperation, rural development, and global food security, especially amid the current challenging global context.



He welcomed the cooperation projects between FAO and Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities, including food systems transformation and the project on cultivating one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta by 2030.



Noting that Vietnam has established a new growth model to enhance economic competitiveness, with science  technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers, along with its efforts to ensure food security, the top legislator affirmed Vietnam's consistent promotion of sustainable agriculture and food systems transformation, and called on FAO to coordinate in and support these efforts.



Regarding future cooperation orientations, he proposed that FAO assist Vietnam in restructuring its agricultural sector towards higher added value, green, sustainable and smart development, and climate change adaptation; transforming food systems; controlling diseases, especially zoonotic ones; and accelerating digital transformation in agriculture.



For his part, the FAO Director-General expressed his pleasure at meeting Chairman Man and welcoming the first high-ranking Vietnamese leader to visit the FAO headquarters in many years. He recalled his positive impressions from previous visits to Vietnam and witnessing the countrys strong transformation over the years, from its past struggle for independence to its current development path.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (centre), FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu (fourth, right) and offficials at the meeting on April 14. (Photo: VNA)

Congratulating Vietnam on its remarkable socio-economic achievements, he said Vietnam has truly taken off and will continue to make development breakthroughs under the clear-sighted leadership of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam as well as other leaders, including Chairman Man.



Qu commended Vietnams efforts to streamline its apparatus and adjust policies to ensure sustainable development and improve peoples living standards, suggesting the country continue sharing its experience and development model with other countries and regions.



He affirmed that FAO considers Vietnam an important partner in the region and recognises its leadership role in agriculture. He also welcomed its initiatives such as the trilateral cooperation in Africa and the One Commune, One Product programme.



Sharing Chairman Mans concern over disease outbreaks and noting that this is also a priority for FAO at present, the FAO leader expressed his hope that Vietnam will continue to work closely with the organisation in these efforts.



The Director-General reaffirmed his willingness to promote cooperation with Vietnam in priority areas such as sustainable food systems transformation, green agriculture, and climate change adaptation.



At the meeting, the two sides agreed to keep boosting coordination, bring into play the effectiveness of existing cooperation programmes and projects, and broaden their work together in sustainable agriculture, innovation, and food systems transformation, thereby contributing to food security and sustainable development both regionally and globally./.VNA
Oasis are being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026.

Oasis are being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Britpop icons are among the illustrious group set to be honoured at the ceremony in Los Angeles later this year, leading the way in the performers category alongside Iron Maiden, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Sade, Luther Vandross and Wu-Tang Clan.

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher previously claimed the Hall of Fame was for "w*****s", but joked if Oasis ever got inducted he would change his tune.

After the news broke, he wrote on X: "I wanna thank all the people who voted for us its a real honour ever since I was a little kid and singing in the shower Id dream about 1 day being in the RnR hall of fame its true what they say anything is possible if you have a dream LG x (sic)"

After someone brought up he previous comments, he quipped: "Well I was speaking to my mummy last night when the news broke and she thinks I may have been a little hasty with my perception of the organization shes told me to stop being a d*** and go to the awards and behave and you never know you might enjoy it."

The announcement was made during American Idol on Monday (13.04.26), ahead of the ceremony on November 14 at LA's Peacock Theatre.

The early influence category has also been revealed, which this year features Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, MC Lyte and Gram Parsons.

In the musical excellence category, the 2026 group adds songwriter Linda Creed, alongside producers Rick Rubin, Jimmy Miller and Arif Mardin, while late chat show host Ed Sullivan will be honoured with the Ahmet Ertegun non-performer prize.

Several stars missed out this year despite being nominated, including Mariah Carey, New Edition, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Jeff Buckley, Shakira and Pink.

Speaking Billboard about the induction, Rebel Yell star Billy Idol said: "I cant believe it. Its incredible.

"Its just fantastic to think that something I was doing for the sheer love of the scene we were in back in the 70s, the punk rock scene. We were doing it for the love. We had no idea it was going to explode and lead to me doing this for 50 years.

"So its all really incredible and something I just couldnt have imagined when I was starting out.
Three in five Australian children are still on social media despite the ban imposed on under-16s in the country from using the platforms.

A poll has revealed that a majority of Australian children are still using social media despite a ban being imposed last year

A new survey has shown that 61 per cent of kids aged between 12 and 15 in Australia who had accounts before the ban came into force last December continue to have access to one or more accounts.

The major social media networks have retained the majority of their under-16 users, with 53 per cent of TikTok users. 53 per cent of YouTube users and 52 per cent of Instagram users still able to access an account on the respective platforms.

The poll of 1,050 children was conducted by British online safety charity the Molly Rose Foundation and Australia's largest online youth panel YouthInsight.

The Molly Rose Foundation - which was set up by the family of British teenager Molly Russell, who took her own life after viewing harmful social media content - is against imposing an Australian-style ban in the UK as they fear it will drive teens to less regulated platforms.

Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, said of the survey: "These results raise major questions about the effectiveness of Australias social media ban and show it would be a high-stakes gamble for the UK to follow suit now."

However, Julian Sefton-Green, professor of new media education at Deakin University in Melbourne, says patience is required before passing judgement on the effectiveness of the ban.

The expert, who sits on an advisory committee for online safety, said: "I dont think you can confidently draw the conclusion that the ban doesnt work at this stage. You might expect companies will need a bit more training both in terms of effort to close down accounts and to learn how to do that.

"Focusing energy on a ban may well be the wrong strategy but I still think it would only be fair to give Australia a few more years to see if it is actually feasible for the companies to take responsibility as partners in this kind of regulation."
(L-R) Tran Manh Hung, managing partner, BMVN and Alex Do, senior tech executive, BMVN

Two months later, Anthropic settled for $1.5 billion, an object lesson that the legality of AI training turns on provenance, and that each stage of the pipeline carries its own exposure.

Vietnam is watching from a different starting point. It has no fair use doctrine and is building its AI training framework from scratch, across three separate legal regimes.

Model training is not a single act but a pipeline, with each stage carrying its own regulatory implications. Lawmaking has followed this functional split. The Ministry of Science and Technology holds the pen on the AI Law; the Ministry of Public Security oversees personal data protection; and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism regulates copyright. As a result, it seems that each regulator exercises a different nuance of the full training pipeline.

Vietnams AI law, in force since March, explicitly defines a developer as someone who designs, builds, trains, tests, or fine-tunes all or part of an AI model, algorithm, or system. The law acknowledges training as a distinct activity. What it does not do is regulate that activity in any detail.

Substantive compliance obligations are weighted towards deployment. High-risk system providers must maintain risk management measures, administer training data to ensure quality, and retain technical documentation, all framed around the moment a system enters the market. Risk classification, transparency requirements, and accountability obligations attach primarily to systems being deployed and used.

For a developer who needs to know whether its training pipeline is compliant today, the AI law sets the frame but leaves the substance to other regimes.

The Law on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and its implementing Decree No.356/2025/ND-CP are explicit but incomplete on AI training. Decree 356 permits organisations to use personal data to research and develop AI systems, but requires compliance with personal data protection regulations throughout. That trailing condition carries the legal weight.

Several tensions remain unresolved. The PDPLs purpose limitation principle raises a secondary-use problem: data collected for one purpose, such as patient intake records or loan application data, then used to train a separate AI model, may require fresh consent that was never sought.

The framework treats de-identified data as falling outside the PDPLs scope, which would simplify training pipelines considerably, but neither the PDPL nor Decree 356 defines what technical standard of de-identification is sufficient where re-identification risks from model behaviour are material and well-documented.

Decree 356 adds another complication. Where inference outputs can be used to identify a specific person, those outputs are themselves treated as personal data. A model trained on lawfully de-identified data can, if it memorises or reconstructs personal patterns, generate outputs that fall back within the PDPLs perimeter. Who bears accountability for that outcome, and when, is not specified.

The upcoming decree amending Decree No.17/2023/ND-CP proposes a text-and-data mining exception implementing a recent amendment to the Intellectual Property Law. Because it remains a draft, its provisions may yet change, but the current text raises notable questions.

The amended law permits use of lawfully accessible works for AI training if such use does not unreasonably prejudice rights holders, without drawing a commercial or non-commercial distinction. Yet, the draft decree limits the exception to non-commercial purposes. If that reading survives, the decree would be more restrictive than the legislation it implements.

The draft also requires that AI system outputs not displace the market for the underlying training data, conflating two analytically separate questions: whether training data was lawfully used as input, and whether model outputs infringe copyright as output. Tying the legality of a training act to the character of future model outputs creates a practically unverifiable condition when training occurs.

Whether these provisions survive the drafting process remain to be seen, but their presence signals uncertainty that developers cannot yet plan around.

None of this operates in isolation, and the intersections are where the hardest compliance questions arise. A dataset satisfying the copyright exception may still contain personal data requiring a separate lawful basis under the PDPL. De-identifying data for PDPL purposes says nothing about the copyright status of the underlying content.

Meanwhile, the draft Decree 17 amendment requires trainers to maintain technical records in accordance with the AI Law, while that laws regulations on training-stage documentation remain unissued. A Vietnamese AI developer assembling training data today faces exposure across all three regimes simultaneously, with no single authority positioned to confirm its pipeline is clean.

The US experience offers a reference point rather than a standardised template. It would be a mistake to assume that approaches developed in the West should automatically be treated as universal models.

Vietnam is doing what jurisdictions building AI law in real time are increasingly forced to do: legislating ahead of full technical and commercial understanding, at speed, under competitive pressure, and with the knowledge that any framework adopted will be tested by factual scenarios no one can yet anticipate. That is the condition under which this law is being made.

Investors and developers operating in Vietnam need to understand this context clearly. Investment in Vietnam, particularly where digital transformation, AI, and intellectual property assets form the backbone of business models, is being actively encouraged by the government.

There is a discernible shift towards Vietnam as a destination for high tech investment. Vietnams legislative and policy efforts reflect an ambition to position itself as a regional hub for innovation anchored in sustainability, legal certainty, and long-term growth.
The visit forms part of the Landing Pad Vietnam Fintech and Regtech Immersion Programme 2026, aimed at connecting Australian solution providers with Vietnamese banks and financial institutions. The initiative builds on an MoU signed with the Vietnam Banks Association in 2025, underscoring Australias long-term commitment to Vietnams financial sector.

Running from April 14-16 in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the programme offers insights into Vietnams regulatory landscape, market opportunities, and banking trends, while showcasing Australian capabilities in fintech and regulatory tech.

A seminar in Ho Chi Minh City, held in collaboration with the Vietnam International Financial Center, focused on advancing the next phase of banking transformation and exploring international partnership opportunities. Key topics included cybersecurity, compliance, risk management, payment infrastructure, and digital assets.

Vietnam is emerging as one of the regions most dynamic fintech markets, driven by rapid growth in digital payments and increasing adoption of mobile financial services and data-driven banking. Government initiatives, including regulatory sandboxes and plans for international financial centres, are reinforcing this trajectory.

Emma McDonald, senior trade and investment commissioner to Vietnam and Cambodia said, The aim of this initiative is to facilitate in-market exchanges. We are confident this engagement will generate additional Australia-Vietnam commercial partnerships, contributing to a financial ecosystem that is resilient, trusted and globally connected, embedded with Vietnamese characteristics and Australian technology solutions.
Natalie Cassidy's eldest daughter is glad her mum's alter ego Sonia Jackson is not on EastEnders anymore.

Natalie Cassidy as Sonia Jackson

Eliza, 15, was not a big fan of the National Health Service (NHS) nurse, who Natalie played on and off for 32 years until April 17, 2025, when Sonia left Walford for Bali with her daughters Rebecca "Bex" Fowler (Jasmine Armfield) and Julia Fowler, and her sister Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer).

Natalie, 42, told the new issue of Closer magazine: "Eliza watches EastEnders. She always thought Sonia was a bit boring. That was always good for the soul!

"I wasn't her favourite character. She was a bit dull, I think, for Eliza."

Natalie - who has Eliza with her 45-year-old ex-partner Adam Cottrell, and Joanie, nine, with her fiance, EastEnders cameraman Marc Humphreys - feels liberated since she left the BBC soap.

She explained: "I love being myself. I feel very comfortable being me, and I think people are enjoying getting to see me. It's hard to do when people have watched me growing up on EastEnders."

But Natalie has not ruled out reprising her alter ego Sonia in the future.

She joked: "She's living it up in Bali, I don't know what she's getting up to! It is nice to have a little rest for now. I think it's important to rest characters."

Earlier this month, Natalie said her life may have taken a darker turn if it were not for being cast on EastEnders in 1993, aged 10.

Speaking to 54-year-old journalist James O'Brien on a recent episode of LBC's Full Disclosure podcast, Natalie admitted: "It's not good. I would've been down Islington Green Canal, ending up doing God knows what.

"I think I'm a bit of a wild spirit, and I think if I hadn't have gone down the path I had, who knows what might have happened?"

The Celebrity Big Brother 2012 housemate said that she mixed in with the wrong crowd as a youngster.

She continued: "There were a lot of people around me that were a little bit stupid, would I have just followed on with them?

"I don't know what I would've ended up doing."

Natalie also admitted feeling guilty for living her life and growing up quickly before her mum Evelyn died of bowel cancer in 2002 at the age of 64, and not spending as much time with her while she could.

And the entertainer thinks her mum would have blocked her from joining EastEnders if Evelyn "would've known she was going to lose Natalie so young.

The 2025 Cooking with the Stars champion said: "I struggle with guilt, and I'm getting much better at it, but the guilt I feel because I lost mum at 19.

"There's a lot of guilt around growing up a bit too quickly and wanting to be out all the time and living my life, and losing her so quick because you come back to your mum and dad.

"My brothers say it, we got the chance to come back, but it's a struggle."
At the company's AGM in Ho Chi Minh City on April 13, Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC (BSR) general director Nguyen Viet Thang said an emergency plan had been activated since the conflict began.

"We have formulated several scenarios ranging from some weeks to half a year based on market developments," said Thang. "The company closely follows the scenarios and ensures crude oil supply to operate at high capacity until early July."

"With the support of Petrovietnam, the company has purchased all crude oil produced locally for its Dung Quat refinery. The volume is sufficient to run the refinery at 90 per cent of its designed capacity," he said, adding that BSR has just signed long-term agreements with many partners from the United States and West Africa in a bid to increase crude oil supply.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East since late February have negatively impacted global energy security in 2026. However, BSR has implemented flexible solutions and achieved strong business results.

By the end of the first quarter of 2026, BSR had recorded a production output of 2.03 million tonnes, revenue of VND41.28 trillion ($1.59 billion), state budget contribution of VND3.81 trillion ($146.54 million), and after-tax profit of VND3.35 trillion ($128.85 million).

For the remainder of 2026, despite continued market volatility, BSR is targeting at least 10 per cent revenue growth, with full-year goals of approximately 7.76 million tonnes in production output, 7.71 million tonnes in sales volume, consolidated revenue of VND154.14 trillion ($5.93 billion), after-tax profit of VND2.16 trillion ($83.1 million), and state budget contribution of VND12.6 trillion ($484.62 million).

To achieve its targets, BSR has identified several key priorities for 2026 and beyond. The company will continue to ensure the safe, stable, and efficient operation of Dung Quat Refinery to maintain a reliable petroleum supply for the domestic market. At the same time, BSR will further optimise production and business performance through cost management, improved operational efficiency, and technological innovation.

Investment activities  particularly the Dung Quat Refinery Upgrade and Expansion project  will remain a priority to enhance long-term competitiveness. In parallel, BSR will continue to improve its corporate governance system in line with modern standards, strengthen risk management, and enhance internal coordination efficiency.

One of BSRs key strategic directions in the coming period is to advance green transition and sustainable development. The company aims to gradually reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and develop environmentally friendly products. Environmental, social, and governance factors will also be integrated into production, business, and investment activities  serving both as a requirement and an opportunity to enhance competitiveness.

Site clearance work launched for Dung Quat refinery upgrade Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC and Petrovietnam Construction JSC held a ground-breaking ceremony on February 2 as part of the site clearance package for the Dung Quat refinery expansion in Quang Ngai province.

US firms deepen energy engagement with Vietnam US companies are stepping up engagement with Vietnam's energy sector, underscoring growing bilateral cooperation across energy security, clean energy development and long-term sustainable growth.
According to a Vietcap Securities store visit report published on April 10, the chain had 212 stores as of the first quarter of 2026, up from five at launch in late 2022. Full-year 2025 revenue reached $148.2 million, implying a five-year compound annual growth rate of 41 per cent to the 2030 target.

EraBlue operates stores of 150 to 350 square metres, small enough to enter dense residential neighbourhoods. Revenue per store is 1.5 to 2.6 times that of comparable Dien May Xanh outlets in Vietnam, with around 40 per cent of sales completed through instalment financing.

Source: Vietcap

Dien May Xanh, a key subsidiary of Mobile World Group, is one of Vietnam's leading electronics retailers, offering a wide range of appliances and digital products nationwide. PT Erajaya Swasembada Tbk is an Indonesian distributor and retailer of mobile devices and electronics, partnering with global brands and operating an extensive nationwide retail network.

Vietcap attributed the outperformance to Javas population density of approximately 1,250 people per square kilometre, versus around 300 in Vietnam, which structurally supports higher foot traffic.

The chains ambitions are anchored in Indonesias underpenetrated market. The countrys combined ICT and consumer electronics market stands at $10.9 billion and is forecast by Statista to reach $20.4 billion by 2030 with no modern retailer currently holding nationwide coverage.

Existing chains such as Electronic City, with roughly 60 stores, and Hartono, with seven, operate large-format outlets of 1,000 to 4,000 sq.m inside shopping malls, effectively serving only the top 3 per cent of households by income.

Vietcap analysts drew a parallel between Indonesian consumer behaviour today and Vietnam's roughly 15 years ago, before Dien May Xanh accelerated market formalisation there.

In areas where the chain has operations for at least a year, offline consumer electronics market share has risen sharply, with long-term targets standing at around 50 per cent of the consumer electronics market and 10 to 20 per cent of the phone market in served areas.

The consumer electronics segment alone could expand to $4-8 billion, Vietcap said, as modern retail penetrates underserved residential areas and instalment-based purchasing grows.

An e-commerce channel is set to begin generating revenue from the second quarter of 2026, targeting 5 per cent of offline revenue, with the chain's expanding physical network serving as an omnichannel backbone.

Dien May Xanh, which holds a 45 per cent stake in the joint venture, has designated Erablue its fifth strategic growth pillar, projecting the venture's attributable net profit contribution at $13.6 million by 2030, or roughly 3 per cent of group net profit after tax.

Within the joint venture, Dien May Xanh leads store expansion and day-to-day operations, contributing its retail operating model, logistics design, service standards, KPI-based management culture and training systems.

Erajaya, which owns 55 per cent, provides the local platform, including real estate access, supplier relationships, legal execution and distribution infrastructure.

F88 partners with MB to transform over 850 financial stores into bank offices Military Commercial joint-stock bank (MB) and F88 signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement at MB's headquarters in Hanoi on December 16.

Meat samples from C.P. Vietnam stores test negative for disease following allegations The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MoAE) announced the results of pork inspections at the Fresh Shop chain of CP Vietnam Corporation in the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang on June 2, after information spread and caused panic on social networks.
The loan agreement, signed last December, lays the foundation for expanded long-term financing to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on rural areas. On April 13, the two sides held a closing ceremony to mark the successful completion of the Rural MSME Support Programme under Japan International Cooperation Agency's (JICA) Private Sector Investment Finance scheme.

The JICA loan amounts to $50 million. The loan is co-financed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which has committed funding of up to $120 million, alongside participation from commercial lenders. In addition, a portion of the ADB financing will be provided through the Canadian Climate and Nature Fund for the Private Sector in Asia, which was established within ADB by the government of Canada.

Under the project framework, the $50 million JICA loan will be channelled through BIDV, with $30 million allocated specifically to MSMEs in rural areas and $20 million designated more broadly.

The scheme will contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by supporting rural livelihoods, enhancing financial inclusion, and strengthening international development cooperation.

During the ceremony, stakeholders expressed their expectations that the financing would improve access to finance for MSMEs, particularly those in the agricultural sector, a key domestic industry, thereby contributing to the expansion of agricultural production and increased incomes in Vietnam.

The ceremony marked an important milestone in the initiative and underscored JICA's continued commitment to partnering with Vietnamese financial institutions to support private sector development and long-term economic resilience, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Vietnam pushes green transition with Japans $320 million ODA support On March 18, the Japan International Cooperation Agency Vietnam office and the Ministry of Finance co-organised a signing ceremony for a $320 million green loan programme.

JICA secures GCF funding for Vietnam forest conservation project A funding proposal submitted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in collaboration with Vietnam has been approved by the Green Climate Fund.
On April 10, Khanh Hoa People's Committee and the Trung NamSideros River investor consortium signed the contract to implement the Ca Na Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power plant. The project aims to supplement energy supply, ensure national energy security, and meet growth requirements.

The plant is designed to use the combined-cycle gas turbine technology with a capacity of 1,500 MW. It is expected to supply around 9 billion kWh per year to the national grid.

It will also feature an LNG storage and regasification system with a capacity of 1 to 1.2 million tonnes per year and a storage tank of 220,000 cubic metres. Other facilities include an LNG import terminal, a 2,400m-long eastern breakwater, and supporting infrastructure.

The site covers nearly 140 hectares of land and water surface, with total capital estimated at over VND57 trillion ($2.2 billion). The venture is scheduled to be completed and operational by 2030.

Trinh Minh Hoang, Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa Peoples Committee, said, This is a key venture in the energy sector. Once operational, it is expected to make a significant contribution to the local budget while creating employment and shifting the economic structure towards industry and energy.

At the event, Ca Na Port and Vietnam Development Bank signed a credit contract for phase one of the port project, with maximum mobilised capital of VND3 trillion (approximately $114 million) and a commitment to full disbursement by July 2027.

The port is planned as a deepwater facility capable of receiving vessels of 300,000 to 500,000 tonnes. It also aims to develop a multimodal logistics system and a transshipment centre serving import and export activities, particularly for energy sectors including wind power, offshore wind power, and super-long and super-heavy cargo.

Nguyen Tam Thinh, chairman of Trungnam Group, said, "By implementing these two ventures, we are committed to accompanying Khanh Hoa province in establishing an infrastructure chain of port, terminal, LNG power plant, and a green industrial park in the near future."

Trung Nam-Sideros River consortium wins bid for LNG venture A consortium between Trung Nam Group and Sideros River has won the bid for the Ca Na liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant venture, with a total investment of $2.2 billion.

Novatek eyes expanded LNG cooperation in Vietnam As Vietnam races to secure its energy future and meet the demands of its surging economy, a new partnership with a Russian energy giant is taking shape, signalling a deepening of the nations' long-standing ties.
Mibrand Vietnam on April 14 released the Vietnam Banking Brand Health Report 2025, marking the eighth consecutive year the study has been published using its proprietary Brand Beat Score index.

The report paints a notable picture of the sector: while leading banks have retained their positions, many recorded declines in overall branding, reflecting increased expectations and narrowing differentiation.

In the 2025 rankings, Vietcombank retained the top position for a fourth consecutive year, underlining its strong brand foundation and high level of market trust. MB Bank climbed to second place, highlighting the effectiveness of its technology-driven and digital experience strategy. BIDV, Techcombank, and VietinBank rounded out the top five.

Further down, TPBank moved up from ninth to sixth, while Sacombank and ACB stayed within the top 10.

Compared with 2024, several banks saw notable ranking declines: Techcombank dropped two places, ACB fell from sixth to eighth, and VPBank slipped from eighth to ninth. More broadly, brand health scores across the sector were significantly lower than in the previous year. Vietcombank scored 35 points (down from 42), while BIDV posted 33 points (from 36).

The findings suggest that brand strength is no longer primarily driven by awareness or scale, but increasingly by the ability to translate technology into tangible customer experiences and clearly perceived value.

Brand Image Index

One of the most striking shifts in the 2025 report comes from the Brand Image index. VIB surged from outside the top 10 in 2024 to lead the industry in 2025, with a 32 per cent vote share, indicating a stronger imprint in customers minds. VPBank also recorded sharp growth, rising from 10th place with 9 per cent in 2024 to the top 4, with 26 per cent.

After being absent from the top 10 last year, HDBank returned to seventh place, reflecting the impact of more consistent and recognisable brand-building efforts.

In terms of brand awareness and consideration, Agribank stood out by reaching third in awareness and second in consideration, while also re-entering the overall top 10.

For the Brand Love Index, TPBank delivered one of the most notable performances. From being unranked in 2024, it jumped into the top 5 in 2025, rising nine places.

Brand Love Index

Outside the top 10, OCB maintained solid momentum, with a score of 17.6, placing it among the top 15 strongest banking brands in Vietnam. The bank held stable positions across key metrics, including familiarity, value for money, perceived quality, brand love, recommendation, and willingness to pay premium. Notably, OCB climbed five places in brand love.

Among the leading banks, the report also highlighted distinct brand strengths. Vietcombank continued to perform strongly across multiple indicators, from top-of-mind awareness to perceived quality and brand affinity. MB gained traction through its digitalisation strategy and diversified ecosystem, leading among primary banking users. BIDV, meanwhile, was recognised as having the most effective communications in 2025, with 76.8 per cent of customers expressing positive impressions of its advertising.

The Vietnam Banking Brand Health Report research is carried out independently, with no external interference, based on more than 2,000 consumer interviews across the country and historical data accumulated since 2017. The report evaluates brand health across the full customer journey, from initial touchpoints and awareness to usage experience and long-term engagement.
Nguyen Cao Vien, deputy director of the Ministry of Construction's (MoC) Department of Urban Development, said the government issued Decree No.35/2026/ND-CP in January, detailing provisions on urban classification. The decree assigned the ministry to develop and implement the resilience criteria nationwide.

The Department of Urban Development has advised leaders of the MoC to issue a plan to draft a circular, and to coordinate with a group of experts to support the development of a set of indicators to assess the resilience of urban areas to climate change.

The department and a team of experts reviewed the Party's policies and guidelines; several legal documents and standards in climate change response and resilience; and international experiences.

Vien explained that the resilience assessment criteria comprise five groups covering urban development management policies, key urban infrastructure, ecological environment, social capacity, and economic and financial capacity.

Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van chaired the meeting. Photo: the MoC

The evaluation criteria ensure alignment with international trends, suitability to the realities of Vietnam, regional conditions, and urban types. The assessment of urban resilience to climate change is categorised into weak, medium, fair, and good levels.

Local people's committees organise the assessment for Type I, Type II, and Type III urban areas subject to assessment within their jurisdiction. The MoC publishes the assessment results of these urban areas on the ministry's database information system.

At a meeting to discuss the development of the draft circular on April 10, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van asked the drafting unit and research team to thoroughly review the current system of legal regulations, clarify the legal basis, and ensure that the implementation roadmap is consistent with reality.

The criteria should be developed based on the actual characteristics of Vietnam's urban system, with similarity with other relevant indicator sets.

The assessment content must focus in depth on the practical conditions of various types of natural disasters in Vietnam, such as flooding and landslides, tailored to each type of urban area and regional characteristics.

The deputy minister also requested the drafting unit to study the feasibility of piloting in several localities, from the plains and mountainous areas to coastal regions, to ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of the circular when put into practice.

Urban areas contribute more than 70 per cent of GDP and 90 per cent of new non-agricultural jobs in Vietnam, but are also the most vulnerable areas to natural disasters. Each year, the damage caused by climate risks is estimated at up to $3.75 billion. From the experience of climate-resilient urban projects in Can Tho, flooding time has been reduced by 60 per cent thanks to the application of climate-smart infrastructure.

According to experts, developing climate-resilient urban areas is an urgent and long-term task, requiring synchronous coordination between policies, finance, planning and science and technology. Putting people at the centre, strengthening governance, ensuring social equity and promoting international cooperation will be the foundation for creating safer, greener and more liveable Vietnamese cities in the future.

Takeda supports health resilience amid climate change challenges With world leaders having gathered at COP30 in Brazil in November, health was one of the central themes in the global climate dialogue.

Swedfund invests in MSME growth and climate action in Vietnam Swedfund announced on December 18 an investment in Vietnamese EVF General Finance JSC (EVF) through a loan of up to $20 million.

Australia contributing to Vietnams climate change responses Australia is balancing innovation, digital transformation, and economic development while ensuring green growth. Australian Ambassador to Vietnam GILLIAN BIRD talked to DUC HANH about the efforts of the Australian government in supporting Vietnam to implement sustainable development in key industries.
The Green Export Incubation and Acceleration Programme through Voluntary Sustainability Standards (GEVA) held its closing conference on April 5. Funded by the Swiss government and co-managed by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, the initiative was implemented by KisStartup JSC.

The event was attended by representatives from the Trade Promotion Agency, the ITC in Vietnam, experts, project partners, more than 10 businesses (representing 25 participating companies), and media agencies.

Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh, CEO of KisStartup, said, "After one year, participating businesses have demonstrated clear progress in both mindset and action. KisStartup aims to further develop green export support services to accompany Vietnamese enterprises over the long term."

Luu Trong Hieu, project coordinator of GEVA, said the initiative has delivered several notable results. "It launched three self-assessment toolkits on the greenexport.vn platform, covering green business models, VSS compliance, and green export readiness," he said. "Five training courses were organised in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre, Dak Lak, and Gia Lai, attracting 485 participants."

The programme also selected 25 businesses for the incubation and acceleration scheme, providing more than 270 hours of in-depth one-on-one consulting across seven thematic areas, along with field assessments conducted at 15 enterprises.

In terms of green export market connections, GEVA supported 17 businesses to participate in the Vietnam Sourcing Expo 2025, five businesses at the Taiwan Lunar New Year Fair 2026, and trade promotion activities at VIPO 2026, along with four online matchmaking conferences with partners from Taiwan, Canada, the EU, and Japan. These outcomes have enabled businesses to meet standards while building sustainable competitive advantages.

Bui Khanh Tung from the Centre of Organic Agriculture Development and Support said standards should be seen as a foundation for sustainable business growth, not a burden. Within GEVA, businesses were equipped with three practical tools to self-assess their level of greenness, resilience, and export readiness.

"Although Vietnamese agricultural products are present in many global markets, most high-value segments remain controlled by foreign distributors," he said. "Vietnamese businesses need to take a more proactive approach in enhancing capabilities and rigorously adopting sustainability standards to meet market requirements and gradually position themselves in higher-value segments."

Vu Thu Van, CEO of Richard Moore Associates (RMA)  the branding consultancy partner for the programme  said she fully understands the challenges businesses face in brand building.

"While many companies have refreshed their image, building a brand is a long-term journey," she said. "Many still struggle to differentiate between domestic and export markets and have yet to develop systematic strategies. RMA aims to bridge this gap by helping businesses redefine their brand stories and core values."

Nguyen Dang Tuan Minh, CEO of KisStartup

KisStartup's Minh noted that RMA experts identified two major limitations among businesses: weak digital export capabilities, particularly in websites and sales channels, and a lack of compelling impact stories.

"A Canadian importer once remarked that the market is saturated and in need of new stories," Minh said. "This is precisely the gap that GEVA has helped businesses address."

After a year with GEVA, participating businesses have seen tangible progress in both green export practices and sustainable development. Many have strengthened their export capabilities, refined brand positioning, and gained a deeper understanding of international market expectations, particularly around sustainability and green consumption trends.

For Detech Coffee, GEVA has played a key role in enhancing export readiness and market insight. "We now better understand customer requirements and green consumption trends, especially after participating in the Taiwan Lunar New Year Fair 2026," said Le Thi Hang, deputy director of Detech Coffee.

At Ede Cafe, the transformation has been more strategic. We have shifted our mindset towards green exports, clarified our core values, and built a more consistent brand story, Y Nie Pot, director of Ede Cafe, said. The company has since successfully exported coffee to the United States.

Meanwhile, Red River Spices reported concrete business outcomes. After joining the Taiwan Lunar New Year Fair 2026 through GEVA, the company successfully shipped its first export container to Taiwan, marking an important milestone in its green export journey.

For SAOLA, the initiative helped strengthen communication and market expansion efforts. "Field visits supported us in expanding our growing areas and building greater confidence in our export strategy," said Pham Nguyen Thanh, director of SAOLA.

At Pearl Group JSC, GEVA supported a more focused communication strategy and clearer sustainability narrative. According to deputy CEO Tran Phuoc Hau, the company is now better positioned to reach target customers and is preparing to expand into new product lines, including coffee and instant pho, with continued support from the project.

Beyond these examples, other participating businesses  including DACE, Essence Forest, RainCoffee, and The Cil Coffee  have also made significant strides, refining their brand stories, pursuing green certifications, and adopting more circular and sustainable business models.

GEVA marks not just the conclusion of a one-year initiative, but the beginning of a new phase for Vietnamese businesses on their green export journey. With stronger capabilities and clearer direction, participating businesses are now better positioned to bring sustainable products, authentic stories, and Vietnamese values to global markets.

KisStartup reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting a green export business community in Vietnam. "Starting with more than 20 purpose-driven businesses, we have begun shaping Vietnam's green export journey  and we will continue to build it together," Minh said.

Voluntary Sustainability Standards pave way for Vietnams agricultural exports A single rejected shipment can take years for an exporter to rebuild trust with international partners, and may even tarnish the reputation of an entire sector. By contrast, exporters that consistently meet required standards can benefit from green lane clearance, enjoying faster inspections and lower logistics costs.

From standards to strategy: building Vietnams green export capability Sustainability standards alone are not enoughVietnamese enterprises must integrate them into market-driven business models to unlock real export opportunities.
At the invitation of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico paid an official visit to Vietnam on April 12-14, during which both sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership between Vietnam and Slovakia.

Recognising the growing geopolitical, economic and technological importance of the Indo-Pacific, the two sides acknowledged the value of a stronger partnership between Vietnam and Slovakia in support of regional connectivity, open international trade and a rules-based international order.

Building on 75 years of bilateral relations, the prime ministers agreed to adopt the joint statement on upgrading relations. The strategic partnership aims to elevate bilateral relations to a new level, strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, and explore new avenues for deepening cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

According to the joint statement, the two sides identified economic, trade, and investment cooperation as one of the key pillars of bilateral relations. Based on existing bilateral and multilateral economic agreements and the complementary nature of the two economies, the two sides agreed to further deepen economic, trade and investment cooperation, while ensuring an open, fair, transparent, equitable and non-discriminatory business environment in each other's markets.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the role and effectiveness of the VietnamSlovakia Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation, co-chaired by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Economy of Slovakia, as a key mechanism for identifying and promoting areas of cooperation and discussing sectors with significant potential for further development.

The two sides also agreed to encourage the establishment of specialised subcommittees under the Intergovernmental Committee to review and assess the implementation of existing agreements and to propose measures to boost trade and investment, with a view to contributing to a more balanced bilateral trade relationship and further strengthening economic cooperation.

Collaborative efforts will also be made to facilitate private investment in each other's markets. This is achieved through relevant activities in both countries and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, taking into account the respective strengths and needs of both sides, including the automotive industry, electronics, transport, energy, including nuclear energy, green technologies, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, specialised machinery, science and technology, digital transformation, and AI.

Moreover, Vietnam and Slovakia emphasised the importance of an open, fair and transparent trade and investment environment based on international law and rules, and of maximising cooperation opportunities within the broader framework of VietnamEU relations.

They reiterated their support for the full and effective implementation of the EUVietnam Free Trade Agreement and acknowledged the importance of advancing the ratification of the EUVietnam Investment Protection Agreement, with a view to strengthening legal certainty and fostering a predictable and transparent business environment.

The two sides also expressed their readiness to further strengthen economic cooperation and promote stronger trade and business links with partners in the EU and ASEAN, while promoting sustainable fishery trade in compliance with international standards.

Under the strategic partnership, Vietnam and Slovakia also pledge to strengthen political and diplomatic cooperation and defence and security cooperation. This is coupled with boosting practical partnerships in science and technology, education, culture, tourism, labour, agriculture, climate, and healthcare.

Greece seeks to expand economic cooperation with Vietnam Greece is looking to deepen its economic ties with Vietnam by boosting cooperation in key sectors such as transportation, logistics, and agricultural exports.

European Commissioner Sikela to visit Vietnam From March 23 to 25, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela will visit Hanoi to look at EU investments in Vietnam to create jobs under the Global Gateway.
A Llangollen sandwich shop owner has applied retrospectively for permission to continue running his business at a former bookies  despite objections from other traders and neighbours.

Mr P Rowe of RL Frodsham Ltd has applied to Denbighshire County Councils planning department, seeking permission for a change of use to a salad bar and sandwich shop.

The building at 22 Castle Street was formerly Ladbrokes but is now run as Lets AvoCuddle, which is described as a cafe serving cold food, salads, and pre-prepared and pre-packaged sandwiches.

The shop also sells cold drinks, coffee, and organic teas, and the application is set to be approved.

The council received 34 letters from neighbours, including letters of objection from Sidals Sandwich Shop and Porters Deli.

There were concerns about an over-concentration of food shops and takeaways in the town, contributing to the dilution of existing established food places.

Instead, objectors said non-food retail should be encouraged to increase diversity and employment for local people.

Llangollen Town Council also raised an objection, issuing a statement that read: The development will not enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre.

The statement added: The development will exacerbate the current situation and will result in an unacceptable imbalance of retail and non-retail uses.

Planning officers said, if granted, the premises should not be open to customers outside of the hours 9am to 8pm Monday to Sunday.

The planning application is set to be discussed at Denbighshire County Councils planning committee at the councils Ruthin County Hall HQ on Wednesday, April 15.

By Richard Evans  Local Democracy Reporter

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
UN Chinese Language Day marked in Kenya with call for civilizational dialogue

Xinhua) 09:24, April 14, 2026

Artists stage a performance during the United Nations Chinese Language Day at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in Kenya, April 13, 2026. The 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Monday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with a call to foster dialogue among different cultures and civilizations. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

NAIROBI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Monday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with a call to foster dialogue among different cultures and civilizations.

Hosted at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) under the theme "Characters Endure, Civilization Shines," the event brought together diplomats, scholars, and students to promote global dialogue and mutual understanding.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said that Chinese calligraphy has a long history and is one of the most representative art forms of the Chinese language. Calligraphy embodies the value of "harmony in diversity," reflects a civilizational outlook of "equality and mutual learning," and conveys a worldview of harmonious coexistence.

Noting that 2026 is the Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges and that mutual learning among civilizations is vital for advancing modernization, she said that Chinese is becoming a "golden key" that unlocks opportunities in Africa and Kenya.

At Confucius Institutes and Luban Workshops in Nairobi, more African youth are not only learning to communicate technical knowledge in Chinese but also to express emotions through calligraphy, according to Guo.

UNON Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura said that Chinese Language Day, observed across the United Nations system, reaffirms the growing consensus on the need to harness multilingualism to strengthen the rules-based world order.

"As one of the six official languages of the United Nations, Chinese embodies a rich cultural and intellectual heritage and reflects values of harmony, mutual respect and shared responsibility, principles that resonate deeply with the mission of this organization," Bangura said.

"Today's observance therefore underscores the importance of cultural exchange in deepening relations between Africa, China, and the wider international community, and in advancing the spirit of partnership that underpins our work," she added.

The event also featured a blend of cultural showcases, ranging from poetry and martial arts to drumming and calligraphy.

People experience Chinese cultural activities during the United Nations Chinese Language Day at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in Kenya, April 13, 2026. The 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Monday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with a call to foster dialogue among different cultures and civilizations.

Hosted at the UNON under the theme "Characters Endure, Civilization Shines," the event brought together diplomats, scholars, and students to promote global dialogue and mutual understanding. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

Artists stage a performance during the United Nations Chinese Language Day at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in Kenya, April 13, 2026. The 17th United Nations Chinese Language Day was celebrated on Monday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, with a call to foster dialogue among different cultures and civilizations.

Hosted at the UNON under the theme "Characters Endure, Civilization Shines," the event brought together diplomats, scholars, and students to promote global dialogue and mutual understanding. (Xinhua/Liu Qiong)

(Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun)
Russia's air force is emerging from the war in Ukraine as a more dangerous fighting force than many Western officials believed in 2022, according to airpower analysts who say Moscow has used the conflict to sharpen tactics, improve weapons integration, and give pilots far more combat experience than they had before the invasion.

Those warnings, published in Business Insider, cut against one of the earliest impressions of the war.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, many military observers were puzzled by the poor early performance of its air arm. Reuters reported at the time that U.S. officials and analysts were surprised Russia had failed to establish the kind of air dominance many had expected, even as Ukrainian air defenses and fighter sorties complicated Moscow's campaign.

Four years later, experts say that initial underperformance may have encouraged dangerous complacency in the West. The report, citing air combat specialists, reported Friday that Russia's air force now poses a significantly greater threat to NATO than it did before the invasion because it has adapted under wartime conditions rather than collapsed under them. The outlet said Russian pilots are more seasoned, aircraft losses have been replenished in key fleets, and weapons and support systems have been refined through constant combat use.

One of the clearest examples involves the Su-35, one of Russia's most important fighter jets. Analyst Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute has warned that the aircraft has become more dangerous because Russia is increasingly arming Su-35 and Su-30SM2 fighters with the long-range R-37M air-to-air missile. Business Insider reported in February that the missile can reach far beyond the range of older weapons and gives Russian crews a stronger ability to threaten enemy aircraft before they can get close enough to fight back.

Bronk's broader January assessment, published by RUSI, was more measured than the headline-grabbing warnings now circulating, but it pointed in the same direction. He wrote that Russia's use of long-range missiles against Ukrainian aircraft has produced only a limited number of confirmed air-to-air kills, suggesting Moscow is not suddenly unbeatable. Still, his analysis underscored that Russia is fielding those weapons more regularly and learning how to use them in real combat, something NATO planners cannot ignore.

The war has also given Russia a laboratory for refining how it combines aircraft, missiles, drones, and air defenses. Reuters reported last week that Ukraine's air force said Russia is constantly modernizing its drones and changing attack routes and tactics. That matters because the danger from Russian airpower is no longer limited to fighter-versus-fighter combat. It is increasingly about the integration of glide bombs, long-range missiles, drones and layered air defense networks designed to stretch Ukrainian defenses and complicate Western planning.

Recent battlefield data points to the scale of that pressure. Reuters reported on April 1 that Russia launched more than 360 drones in a rare daytime assault, on top of hundreds more fired overnight. The Associated Press reported days later that Russia had launched more than 2,800 drones and over 1,300 bombs in a single week of attacks on Ukrainian territory. Those numbers do not prove that Russia has solved all of the weaknesses exposed in 2022, but they do show that its aerial campaign has become larger, more persistent and more technically adaptive.

For NATO, the warning is not that Russia suddenly has a perfect air force. It is that a military once mocked for stumbling through the opening phase of the invasion has had years to learn under fire. Analysts say that means Western planners should stop treating Russia's early failures as a permanent condition. A force that struggled to dominate Ukraine's skies in 2022 may still have serious limits, but in 2026 it is flying with more experience, longer reach and a deeper understanding of modern air war.

Originally published on Latin Times
Wrexham Councils planning committee must brace for a series of speculative development applications and appeals as the uncertainty over its Local Development Plan goes on.

Councillors who challenged the LDP in the High Court amid concerns over allocated land for a number of super-estates in Wrexham celebrated a victory earlier this year when the Welsh Government formally advised that the plan be withdrawn.

But on Monday (April 13) the planning committee heard that despite no longer having to consider the LDP, the reports it was based on would continue to have a significant influence on decision-making.

Thats because the fall-back option  Wrexhams Unitary Development Plan  was adopted in 2005 and expired in 2011 and is therefore significantly out of date.

The Minister has made a decision on the LDP which is it has been quashed, it has no place or reference in this council any longer, said Wrexham Council leader Cllr Mark Pritchard.

Are you saying that officers will take reference from previous decisions made with regards to the background papers? he asked Matthew Phillips, senior planning officer.

The only other planning policy that the council can rely on is the Future Wales strategy. But this national policy is high-level and sets out national housing need.

According to officers that opens the door for developments that deliver the volume of homes that Welsh Government require at a national level without specifying where those developments should go.

Councillors on the committee still have the power to veto plans, but if planning committee unreasonably dismisses the evidence in those LDP reports, the authority could face cost awards from Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

Senior planning officer Matthew Phillips said Cllr Pritchards assumption was correct  evidence used to support the LDP would continue to be used in planning despite the LDP being withdrawn.

The UDP is so out of date, he said. Its the oldest development plan in Wales  in terms of mainland Britain its the second oldest. Theres only one authority in England who has a development plan thats older as far as Im aware. That is a problem and it will make decision making more difficult going forward.

There will be cases where the UDP is out of date, where Future Wales doesnt set out detailed allocations or where locations of development take place and in that vacuum the LDP evidence base  its more up to date than the UDP in every way.

Those background papers will be being referenced by officers in certain circumstances, but they will also be being referenced by planning inspectors.

If we start to rack up the costs awards, it will be because planning inspectors have considered our actions unreasonable. Thats not to say that the members cant go against decisions or rather recommendations that officers make, but there has to be valid reasons to do so.

Committee chair Cllr Mike Morris said the authority should be ready to face a year of appeals and speculative planning applications as developers test the water and planning officers work out what the true effect of the LDP withdrawal is on PEDWs decisions.

Going forward its anybodys guess because what weve got is uncertainty,  he said. We might find that theres an increase in speculative applications coming forward, because Future Wales doesnt talk about sites, it talks about requirements for North East Wales.

So it will be a case of challenges on appeal and how theyre handled and how we have to react to that.

It is complex and not easy. The policies in the LDP are not referred to  new settlement limits, all that has gone. But the actual evidence base that was used to prepare that plan may still be valid.

Whether you accept it as a committee if it comes here is a different matter.

By Alec Doyle  BBC Local Democracy Reporter

Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com
The voices you hear in an emergency are rarely seen, but across Northern Nevada, they are always there when it matters most.

This week, agencies across the region are recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12 through April 18, 2026, honoring the people who answer emergency calls and coordinate responses behind the scenes.

The City of Reno says the week highlights the critical role dispatchers play in connecting people to help. The recognition dates back to 1981, when it was first established by Patricia Anderson of the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office in California.

In Reno, dispatchers handle a constant stream of calls. In 2025 alone, Reno Dispatch processed 179,211 calls to 9-1-1, with an average answer time of eight seconds. On a typical day, the center handles about 1,200 calls, including emergency, non-emergency, and administrative calls, working to process them in under three minutes.

"I am so proud of our dispatchers here in the Biggest Little City as they are answering calls at all hours of the day, ensuring our residents can get the assistance they need, said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. I thank every one of them for their dedication to the role and hard work to keep our community safe.

Reno Dispatch serves as the primary communication link for multiple agencies, including the Reno Police Department, Reno Fire Department, University Police Services, and the Reno Marshals Office. Calls range from fires and burglaries in progress to medical emergencies, domestic disputes, and missing people.

In Sparks, dispatchers are also being recognized, with this years theme, Dispatching Through the Decades, focusing on how the profession has evolved.

Sparks Police say the job has shifted from handwritten logs and radio-only communication to advanced 9-1-1 systems, mapping technology, and integrated emergency networks. Despite those changes, they say one thing has remained the same: the steady voice guiding people through emergencies.

Sparks emergency communications dispatchers answered more than 163,000 calls over the past year. The department says those calls often place dispatchers in a position to make a critical difference in emergencies.

The team includes a wide range of experience levels, from those just starting out to others with more than two decades on the job, including one dispatcher nearing 28 years of service.

Earlier this week, Sparks Mayor Ed Lawson issued a proclamation recognizing the week and honoring dispatchers for their work. The department is also marking the occasion with activities throughout the week to thank staff for their service.

Both Reno and Sparks officials say the week is a reminder of the role dispatchers play every day, often without recognition, helping ensure emergency responders can reach people when they need it most.

From 2 News Nevada, we thank these dispatchers for the work they do every day and the role they play in keeping our communities safe.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California announced Monday he will resign from Congress following sexual assault and misconduct allegations that prompted loud bipartisan calls for him to step down.

The decision caps a swift political fall for the seven-term lawmaker, who had been seen as one of the leading candidates in Californias gubernatorial race before dropping out Sunday after the allegations surfaced, claims he has continued to deny.

The San Francisco Chronicle, followed by CNN, first reported allegations that Swalwell had sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him. CNN also reported that three other women alleged various kinds of sexual misconduct by Swalwell  including sending them unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos.

I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment Ive made in my past, Swalwell said on social media. I will fight the serious false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.

The House Ethics Committee had begun an investigation into whether Swalwell engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee working under his supervision, the panel announced Monday. Other lawmakers were pushing for a quick vote to expel him from Congress.

Another lawmaker, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, said Monday that he would file his "retirement from office" when Congress returns Tuesday. Gonzales, who had already said he would not seek reelection, gave no further details on his plans to step down.

Gonzales had acknowledged an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide and was also facing renewed calls for an expulsion vote in the wake of the allegations against Swalwell.

Several Democrats had quickly called on Swalwell to resign in the days after the allegations came to light, including prominent allies such as Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego. California Sen. Adam Schiff, who withdrew his endorsement for Swalwell's gubernatorial bid, told reporters Monday that the whole thing is just shocking and deeply upsetting.

I think he made the right decision to resign, Schiff said.

Swalwell wrote in the statement posted to social media that he was aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote and that it was wrong without due process.

But it's also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress, Swalwell wrote. He did not provide a timeframe, saying only that he would work with his staff in the coming days to ensure their work can continue.

Swalwell, an Iowa native, was elected in 2012 and represents a House district east of San Francisco. He launched a presidential run in April 2019 but shuttered it a few months later after failing to catch on with voters.

Swalwell was one of Donald Trumps top Democratic antagonists in Congress, serving as a prominent member of the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees during the presidents first term and as one of several Democratic prosecutors for Trumps second impeachment after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

He was removed from the intel committee by then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in 2023 based on his contact with a suspected Chinese spy, Christine Fang.

Fang was reported to have come into contact with Swalwells campaign as he was first running for Congress in 2012 and participated in fundraising for his 2014 campaign.

Federal investigators alerted Swalwell to their concerns and briefed Congress about Fang in 2015, at which point Swalwell says he cut off contact with her. He was not accused of wrongdoing and a House Ethics Committee investigation that was opened in 2021 closed two years later without any action.

Swalwells planned departure from the House will trigger a special election in his district, which he won by over 30 percentage points in 2024. In California, the governor is responsible for calling a special election, which he must do within 14 calendar days of the occurrence of the vacancy, according to state election law.

The future of the House Ethics probe is uncertain, as the panel often ends its investigations when lawmakers resign. The Ethics Committee said the mere fact that it is investigating the allegations against Swalwell, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.



Associated Press reporter Mary Clare Jalonick in Washington contributed to this report.
A California man fatally shot a Tulare County sheriff's detective and was subsequently killed when police intentionally drove a BearCat armored vehicle over him following an hours-long standoff in Porterville on Thursday, Apr. 9, 2026.

David Eric Morales, 59, opened fire on deputies around 10:40 a.m. as they arrived at his residence near Newcomb Street and Grand Avenue to serve him a final eviction notice, authorities said.

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said Morales had not paid rent for 35 days and knew law enforcement was coming, having allegedly "laid in wait" with a high-powered rifle before the officers reached the door, according to People.

Detective Randy Hoppert, 35, a six-year veteran of the Tulare County Sheriff's Office, was among the deputies who responded to a radio call for help after the initial shooting. He was struck by gunfire and transported to Sierra View District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:57 a.m. Hoppert, a former U.S. Navy corpsman who served from 2010 to 2015, is survived by his wife, two sons, and an unborn child.

After the shooting, Morales barricaded himself inside his home while deputies from multiple agencies surrounded the neighborhood. He fired repeatedly at law enforcement during the standoff, shooting down a surveillance drone and striking at least one tactical vehicle.

Nearby residents were ordered to shelter in place, and three local schools  including Fairfield Elementary, Sequoia Middle School, and Monache High School  were placed on lockdown, Baker's Field Now reported.

Morales eventually exited the home through a window, dressed in camouflage, and lay in nearby brush while continuing to fire at officers. A Kern County SWAT team maneuvered a BearCat armored vehicle into the yard and drove over him, killing him. Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood confirmed Morales was firing .30-06 military-grade ammunition, which had penetrated the BearCat's windshield.

When asked at a press conference whether officers had intentionally run over Morales, Boudreaux confirmed they had. "Don't shoot at cops. You shoot at cops, we're going to run you over," Boudreaux told reporters. The Visalia Police Department was assigned to lead the investigation into the use of force to ensure transparency.

Morales had lived in the home since 2005, but property records show the house went into foreclosure the previous year and changed ownership in December. He had 18 firearms registered in his name, though the high-powered rifle he used during the standoff was not among them, Boudreaux said, as per ABC30.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
ANTIMONY RIDGE METALLURGY ADVANCING WITH ANTIMONY TRIOXIDE PRODUCED



Antimony Trioxide Produced from Antimony Ridge

Adelaide, April 14, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Resolution Minerals Ltd ( ASX:RML ) ( NC3:FRA ) ( RLMLF:OTCMKTS ) reported that an intermediate antimony trioxide product has been produced from large samples of stibnite from the Antimony Ridge open pits, by the respected lab, Kingston Process Metallurgy (KPM), in Ontario.



HIGHLIGHTS



Antimony Trioxide Produced: Antimony trioxide product has been produced from large samples of stibnite from the Antimony Ridge historical open pits, using the conventional pyrometallurgical process of volatilisation, producing an intermediate product, with 99.38 wt% Antimony Trioxide (Sb2O3wt%) content.



Further Antimony Trioxide Refining Test Work: Further refining pyrometallurgical test work is underway and final product results will be released in the coming weeks.



Conventional Pyrometallurgy: Pyrometallurgy would be the base-case, conventional technology for processing antimony, with initial tests conducted by KPM in Ontario to produce antimony trioxide. A number of third parties have been approached regarding this processing option.



Mineral Processing Test Work Progressing: Test work is advancing on Antimony-bearing stibnite veins, that have returned exceptionally high-grade Antimony (Sb) consistently above 30% up to 50% Sb in recent results, mined historically during World War I &II and the Korean War, from Antimony Ridge, within Resolution's Horse Heaven Antimony-Tungsten-Gold-Silver Project ("Horse Heaven") (ASX announcement 15 September 2025).



Concentrate Test Work: Test work is advancing on options to concentrate the antimony ore, tungsten and gold at IMO labs in Perth, Australia.



Hydrometallurgy Progressing: Test work on Antimony Ridge samples using hydrometallurgical processing is underway at ANSTO in Australia and results will be released once available.



Current Lack of US Processing Options: Resolution's goal is to develop a hydrometallurgy processing hub for antimony, as stibnite, in Idaho USA, due to the lack of modern processing options in the USA for antimony.



Numerous Vein Swarms: 3D modelling of numerous known antimony and silver bearing veins, veins swarms and stockworks, over a large area (1,000m x 700m) (170 acres), has revealed significant size and expanding scale potential at Antimony Ridge (ASX announcement 10 April 2026).



FAST-41: Horse Heaven wasselected for the U.S. FAST-41 Transparency Coverage by the US-based Permitting Council, expected to accelerate permitting timelines with an application for 250 drill holes and large-scale bulk sampling (ASX announcement 8 April 2026).



Antimony Ridge forms part of Resolution's broader Horse Heaven strategy, which includes recently acquired processing infrastructure, tungsten stockpiles and a major 2026 drilling program at Golden Gate starting in May.



Metallurgy test work is advancing on antimony-bearing stibnite veins, that have returned exceptionally high-grade antimony (Sb) consistently above 30% up to 50% Sb in recent results.



Conventional pyrometallurgy test work would provide the base-case data for processing antimony, with initial tests conducted by KPM in Ontario to produce antimony trioxide as an intermediate product. Final product results will be released in coming weeks. A number of third parties have been approached regarding this processing option.



Test work on Antimony Ridge samples using hydrometallurgical processing is underway at ANSTO in Australia and results will be released once available.



Test work is advancing on options to concentrate the antimony ore, tungsten ore and gold-bearing samples at IMO labs in Perth, Australia.



Resolution's plan is to develop a hydrometallurgy processing hub for antimony, as stibnite, in Idaho USA, due to the lack of modern processing options in the USA for antimony.



Adam Roper, PhD, Resolution's In-house Senior Metallurgist, stated: "The initial pyrometallurgical results from processing Antimony Ridge samples are very encouraging with few impurities. This is a great start and I'm looking forward to discussing the final results in the coming weeks.



"Resolution's goal is to develop a processing hub in Idaho for stibnite and I'm relishing the opportunity to bring this to fruition, from mine to product.



"The Johnson Creek Mill site, at the base of Antimony Ridge, is being considered as a fast track option for potential development of a local processing site, given it has the necessary infrastructure on site, with power and water, and is on 10 acres of private land owned 100% by RML."



Ari Zaetz, RML's Managing Director, stated: "With the recent US Government Permitting Council provided via FAST-41 Coverage to accelerate permits, Resolution is in parallel developing further local processing plans to enable antimony and tungsten supply for US demand. Our unique combination of critical minerals assets makes us well placed to deliver."



Results of recent 3D modelling of the numerous antimony and silver-bearing veins and vein swarms that are exposed over a large area (1,000m x 700m) in past mining pits, reveals the potential for a significant size antimony-silver deposit at Antimony Ridge, with an open-ended target and expanding scale potential.



This result follows the selection of Antimony Ridge for FAST-41 Transparency Coverage from the US Permitting Council, announced on 8 April 2026. Selection reflects the strategic importance of Antimony Ridge as a potential source of U.S. domestic antimony supply, a critical metal essential for defence, energy, and industrial applications.



Historical mining occurred at Antimony Ridge by the US Government during World War I, WWII and the Korean War. During World War II, the local District, including the adjoining Stibnite mine (Perpetua Resources), is estimated to have produced more than 90% of the US Antimony (Source: Perpetua Resources Stibnite Feasibility Study, Jan 2021). Antimony Ridge was a key source of Antimony for the US military. Antimony Ridge is located within Resolution's Horse Heaven Antimony-Tungsten-Gold-Silver Project in Idaho, USA, and immediately adjacent to Perpetua Resources' Stibnite Gold Project, a large, recently permitted Antimony-Gold project.



Future Plans



Resolution plans to commence a significant bulk sampling program of high-grade antimony ore and conduct an extensive drilling program up to 250 drill holes, once a Plan of Operations is approved (ASX announcement 8 April 2026). Antimony trioxide product has been produced from large samples of stibnite from the Antimony Ridge historical open pits. Further refining pyrometallurgical test work is underway and final product results will be released in the coming weeks. Antimony Ridge is expected to be a cornerstone of Resolution'sstrategy to supply critical metals, including Antimony, Tungsten and Gold, from central Idaho in the USA.



Resolution is initiating a major Phase 2 drilling program in May 2026, at the Golden Gate Project, of up to 45,000 ft (13,700 metres) of diamond core drilling located within the Company's larger Horse Heaven Antimony-Tungsten-Gold-Silver Project. The program is designed to define the scale of gold and tungsten mineralisation at Golden Gate and Golden Gate South and support progression toward a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/82MWZF8V





About Resolution Minerals Ltd





Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML) (OTCMKTS:RLMLF) (FRA:NC3) is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and battery metals - such as antimony, gold, copper, and uranium.

Resolution Minerals Ltd Listed on the ASX in 2017 and has a broad portfolio of assets, such as the Drake East Antimony-Gold Project in north-eastern NSW and George Project prospective for silica sand and uranium.

Related Companies


to Acquire Strategic Tenement adjacent to Yinnetharra Lithium Corridor

Sydney, April 14, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Voltaic Strategic Resources Limited ( ASX:VSR ) announced that it has agreed to acquire 100% of Industrial Metals Pty Ltd, the holder of granted exploration licence E09/2833, located immediately adjacent to the Company's Ti Tree project in Western Australia's Upper Gascoyne region. The acquisition is designed to strengthen Voltaic's regional land position around the Ti Tree-Yinnetharra corridor and add a further prospective tenure parcel within trucking distance of nearby lithium and tantalum resources.



HIGHLIGHTS



- Proposed acquisition of granted exploration licence E09/2833 immediately adjoining Voltaic's Ti Tree Project and contiguous with Delta Lithium's Yinnetharra tenure.



- Adds strategic tenure along the interpreted Volta Corridor in the emerging Gascoyne lithium province.



- Low-cost, script-based acquisition enhances strategic exploration optionality



- Regional geological setting includes Leake Spring Metamorphics intruded by the Thirty Three Supersuite and numerous pegmatite veins and dykes.



- Adjacent to Delta Lithium's Yinnetharra Mineral Resource of 21.9Mt @ 1.0% Li2O and 39.4Mt @ 102ppm Ta2O5, including the Jameson Resource of 0.8Mt @ 1.66% Li2O.



- Historical records indicate rare-element pegmatites and small-scale mica, beryl and tantalum/columbite workings within the new tenement.



Voltaic Chairman, Daniel Raihani, commented:



"The proposed acquisition of E09/2833 is a logical and highly complementary addition to Voltaic's Ti Tree Project portfolio. The tenement strengthens our position in the broader Yinnetharra district, adjoining our existing landholding and immediately adjacent to Delta Lithium's mining lease, in an area that has already demonstrated significant lithium, tantalum and associated critical minerals prospectivity."



"Importantly, this acquisition is consistent with our strategy of building a strategic land position in proven and emerging critical minerals corridors in Western Australia. We believe E09/2833 offers meaningful exploration upside and, subject to completion, will provide Voltaic with additional scale and optionality as we continue to assess and advance opportunities across the Ti Tree Project."



Strategic rationale and geology



E09/2833 is positioned to complement Voltaic's existing Ti Tree tenure by adding a strategically located block immediately west of the Yinnetharra development corridor. The Company considers the acquisition to be strategic because it consolidates land in a district where exploration success has been concentrated close to fertile granite margins and structurally prepared metasedimentary host rocks.



Public geological records for the Yinnetharra district describe the Leake Spring Metamorphics as a belt extending for approximately 60 kilometres across Mount Phillips and Yinnetharra. Geological Survey of Western Australia explanatory notes state that these rocks are intruded by granites of the Thirty Three Supersuite and by numerous pegmatite veins and dykes, which is consistent with Voltaic's district-scale lithium-tantalum targeting model.



A data review undertaken has confirmed that E09/2833 is situated within a highly prospective geological setting for lithium, tantalum, fluorspar, and other industrial minerals. The following key conclusions have been drawn:



- The tenement is located within the Proterozoic Gascoyne Province, which hosts the Thirty Three Supersuite granites and associated LCT-type pegmatites that are known to contain lithium (spodumene / lepidolite), tantalum, niobium, and other critical minerals.



- Historical exploration has demonstrated the presence of multiple mineral systems within and adjacent to the tenement, including tungsten skarns, rare earth element-bearing pegmatites, fluorite mineralisation, and base metal occurrences.



-Much of the historical exploration was focused on specific commodity targets (uranium in the 1970s, gold and base metals in the 1990s, lithium-tantalum in the 2010-2020s) and did not systematically evaluate the full multi-commodity potential of the area.



-Exploration data prior to the 2000s is largely in analogue format, and historical tenement locations are often poorly constrained. Significant opportunity exists to reinterpret and integrate this data using modern techniques.



Over the past few years, Delta Lithium Ltd ( ASX:DLI ) has systematically advanced the Yinnetharra district from discovery and step-out drilling at Malinda and Jameson into a defined mineral inventory, with its March 2025 update reporting a Yinnetharra Mineral Resource of 21.9Mt at 1.0% Li2O, including 74% of the Malinda resource in the Indicated category, which Delta stated supports progression toward feasibility work while regional drilling continues across the broader project area.



More recently, that same drilling and resource-definition work also confirmed that the LCT pegmatite system carries meaningful tantalum in addition to lithium, leading Delta to report in April 2025 a combined Yinnetharra tantalum Mineral Resource of 39.4Mt at 102ppm Ta2O5, including an independent tantalum-only resource of 17.5Mt at 136ppm Ta2O5 outside the lithium resource envelope.



Next Steps



Voltaic looks forward to undertaking a comprehensive tenure Project review on historical data provided; assessing surface geochemistry and regional data sets in order to generate regional targets to progress Heritage Agreement.



Envisaged synergy on granting of regional tenure E09/3011 (Ti Tree East); and E09/2522 (Ti Tree Central) are expected as Heritage Agreements are established.



Systematic exploration programme to include:



- Geological & structural reconnaissance of the tenement to ground-truth the desktop study findings and assess outcrop quality, regolith conditions, and access.



- Systematic rock chip sampling across the tenement, targeting pegmatite outcrops, fluorite occurrences, and areas of anomalous historical geochemistry.



- Acquire high-resolution satellite imagery and available airborne geophysical data (including remote sensing) to refine geological mapping and identify structural controls on mineralisation.



- Develop drill targets for testing of prospective mineralisation identified.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/J3DT1YBX





About Delta Lithium Limited





Delta Lithium Limited (ASX:DLI) is an exploration and development company focused on bringing high-quality, lithium-bearing pegmatite deposits, located in Western Australia, into production. With a strong balance sheet and an experienced team driving the exploration and development workstreams, Delta Lithium is rapidly advancing its Mt Ida Lithium Project towards production. The Mt Ida Lithium Project holds a critical advantage over other lithium developers with existing Mining Leases and heritage agreements in place. To capitalise on the prevailing buoyant lithium market, Delta Lithium is pursuing a rapid development pathway to unlock maximum value for shareholders.

Delta Lithium also holds the highly prospective Yinnetharra Lithium Project that is already showing signs of becoming one of Australia's most exciting lithium regions. The Company is currently undergoing an extensive 400 drill hole campaign to be completed throughout 2023.

About Voltaic Strategic Resources Ltd

Voltaic Strategic Resources Ltd (ASX:VSR) is a mineral exploration company that has assembled a portfolio of exciting battery and precious metals exploration projects in the Gascoyne and Meekatharra regions of Western Australia (WA), and in Nevada, USA. The company is led by an experienced corporate and technical team who have demonstrable success with exploration IPOs, M&A, and assembling highly prospective tenure.

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Joel Osteen offers spiritual support to Kanye West, citing the rapper's faith and sincerity despite recent controversies.

AceShowbiz - Joel Osteen, a prominent American pastor, is publicly offering spiritual encouragement to Kanye West despite recent controversies surrounding the rapper.

During an appearance on Logan Paul's "Impaulsive" podcast, Osteen revealed that he has been keeping Kanye West in his prayers, emphasizing his belief in the rapper's underlying faith. He stated, "I believe he has a heart for God and a heart to do the right thing."

The connection between Osteen and Kanye dates back to 2018 when the artist visited Lakewood Church in Houston and openly shared his dedication to Jesus. This encounter left a lasting impression on Osteen, who described Kanye West as respectful, kind, and sincerequalities that contrast with the negative headlines surrounding him.

In recent years, Kanye West has faced significant public backlash, especially following antisemitic remarks that sparked widespread criticism. Since then, the rapper has publicly apologized and spoken candidly about his struggles with mental health.

Joel Osteen acknowledged the reality of mental illness during the podcast, stating, "Mental illnesses are real, and they can throw you off." However, he also expressed hope by affirming, "I believe you can be healed and you can be restored."

Rather than distancing himself from Kanye West, Osteen consistently uplifts him through prayer. He shared, "I pray for him often because I know his heart. We need to pray."

Additionally, Osteen expressed willingness to reconnect with Kanye if given the chance, offering to assist in any way possible.

This message of support comes at a pivotal moment for Kanye West, who is currently experiencing a resurgence in his music career. His latest album, Bully, debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, and he has been selling out concerts worldwide, indicating that his music continues to resonate with fans.
Judge denies Smokey Robinson's bid to dismiss sexual harassment & labor claims from two accusers in ongoing lawsuit.

AceShowbiz - Smokey Robinson faced a setback on Monday when a Los Angeles County judge refused to dismiss sexual harassment and labor claims filed by two of the five Jane Doe accusers involved in a high-profile lawsuit. The case centers on serious allegations of sexual misconduct and workplace abuses during their time working for the Robinsons.

The Motown icon, aged 86, sought to have the claims of Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 5 dismissed on the grounds that the allegations were time-barred. These two women stopped working for the Robinsons in 2020 and 2011, respectively, which Robinsons legal team argued placed their claims outside the statute of limitations. The other three accusers left the Robinsons employment more recently, in 2024, keeping their claims within the allowable legal timeframe.

Smokey Robinson contended that the revived legal window, which permits previously time-barred sexual battery claims to be pursued, did not apply to the accusers separate charges of hostile work environment and unpaid wages. His attorney, Shir Davidovicz, emphasized at the hearing that the women had not demonstrated how they were specifically prevented from filing these labor claims within the required three-year period.

"There are no facts [in the complaint] indicating they were directly prevented from filing the employment claims specifically, which was their burden," Davidovicz argued. He further claimed that even if the court allowed an amendment to the lawsuit, it would amount to a fraud on the court given deposition testimonies. He described such a move as merely delaying the inevitable.

In strong opposition, the plaintiffs lawyer, Herbert Hayden, highlighted a pattern of coercion behind the scenes. "There was systematic sexual coercion, and that would have thwarted any reasonable investigation into wage rights," Hayden asserted. He maintained that the women had clearly alleged a culture of silence imposed by the Robinsons, effectively suppressing any workplace complaints.

Judge Kevin Brazile sided with the accusers, ruling that new California legislation extending the lookback period for sexual assault claims might apply to their case. He deemed it premature to dismiss the claims at this stage without further factual development.

Judge Brazile wrote in his ruling, "Plaintiffs correctly assert that [the new law] may revive these claims. This statute provides a revival window for sexual harassment and wrongful termination claims that arise out of the same underlying course of sexually abusive conduct as a predicate sexual assault offense." He also acknowledged the plaintiffs description of a pervasive pattern of coercive sexual abuse and found their allegations sufficient to potentially overcome the statute of limitations defense.

Following the decision, Christopher Frost, another attorney representing the Robinsons, stated that the defense was undeterred. He noted that the courts ruling only overruled the demurrer for now but reserved judgment until further facts are developed in a different motion. Frost emphasized that the Robinsons continue to vigorously defend themselves against what they describe as malicious allegations and are pursuing their own counterclaims.

The lawsuit, seeking $50 million in damages and filed last May, includes accusations from the first four Jane Does who claim they were sexually assaulted or raped repeatedly while employed by the Robinsons. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred at the Robinsons residences in the San Fernando Valley and Las Vegas, with the earliest claim dating back to 2007. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Special Victims Bureau has confirmed it is investigating the allegations.

Smokey Robinson and his wife have denied all allegations and filed counter-suits against the accusers for defamation and elder abuse. The legal battle continues to unfold as both sides prepare for further proceedings in this complex and closely watched case.
Stalker of Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham arrested in Indiana, faces extradition to California on felony charges including assault.

AceShowbiz - A woman accused of stalking and threatening Lindsey Buckingham for several years was arrested in Indiana following criminal charges filed in Los Angeles.

Michelle Dick, 55, was taken into custody in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Saturday, April 11, approximately one week after a judge in Los Angeles issued a warrant for her arrest. Court records reviewed by Billboard reveal that Dick is currently being held without bail in an Indiana jail while prosecutors prepare to seek her extradition to California.

During her initial court appearance on Monday, April 13, Dick requested a public defender. Her next scheduled court date is April 27.

Last week, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office formally charged Dick with multiple offenses, including stalking, making criminal threats, assault with a deadly weapon, and battery, encompassing both felony and misdemeanor counts.

According to prosecutors, Dick has been harassing Buckingham since 2021 through persistent stalking and threats of violence. The situation escalated last month when she allegedly physically assaulted the Fleetwood Mac frontman on two occasions in Los Angeles County. The charges claim she struck him with her vehicle and sprayed him with an unidentified substance.

Buckingham had previously secured a restraining order against Dick earlier in 2024. The court order required her to keep away from his family and cease all contact. In court filings related to the restraining order, Buckingham stated that Dick began calling both him and his family members in 2021, making disturbing claims that she was his child and threatening to kill them.

The restraining order petition also detailed incidents where Dick reportedly phoned venues where Buckingham was scheduled to perform in 2022, issuing threats. She reportedly ceased contact for some time but reemerged in 2024, showing up uninvited at the familys Los Angeles residence and continuing to make threatening calls.

In his declaration to the court, Buckingham described Dick as clearly mentally unfit and harboring delusions, making her unpredictable and frightening.

Representatives for Buckingham have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the arrest of Dick.

This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by public figures when dealing with persistent and escalating threats from individuals exhibiting concerning behavior.

Authorities in both Indiana and California are continuing their work to ensure proper legal proceedings as Dick awaits further court appearances and potential extradition.
One person was shot and killed, and six others were wounded after multiple masked gunmen stormed a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Union, New Jersey, on Saturday night, Apr. 11, 2026, and opened fire from behind the food counter.

No arrests had been made as of Sunday, though the Union County Prosecutor's Office stated there is "no immediate ongoing threat to the general public." The office confirmed the attack does not appear to be a random act of violence, indicating that the shooting was targeted.

Police responded to reports of gunfire at the restaurant on Route 22 near Gelb Avenue in Union Township at approximately 8:45 p.m. Officers arrived to find seven victims, one of whom was subsequently pronounced dead. The six remaining victims were transported to area hospitals with injuries not considered life-threatening, according to ABC News.

According to the New York Post, dashcam footage circulating on social media shows a masked individual brandishing a firearm while fleeing through the restaurant's parking lot, followed by several others running past a vehicle. A man who said his girlfriend works at the restaurant told CBS News New York that the masked suspects entered the establishment and immediately forced their way behind the counter before opening fire.

The father of one employee told ABC 7 that his son called him in a panic after several masked men entered with firearms. He drove to the scene and described it as a "warzone." Employees were kept inside the locked-down restaurant while police conducted their inquiry.

A 911 dispatcher's audio obtained by CBS News captured the immediate chaos at the scene: "I got an unconscious witness. I've got one shot in the face ... and I have at least two in the leg." A Lyft driver named Martin, who was finishing a trip nearby, said he heard more than seven gunshots from close range, the New York Post reported.

The Union County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force is leading the investigation. Lauren Farinas, a spokesperson for the Union County Prosecutor's Office, said the investigation is "active and ongoing" and that more information will be released as it becomes available. The identity of the deceased victim has not been publicly released, and no motive has been established.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill issued a statement Sunday saying she had been briefed on the shooting and that state officials were in close contact with local law enforcement.

"My thoughts are with those who were injured in the shooting, and with their families," Sherrill wrote. State Attorney General Jennifer Davenport also noted that Union County prosecutors were overseeing the investigation.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Edward Mack at 908-347-2212, Sergeant Jennifer Smith at 908-759-8254, or Detective Teon Freeman at 908-851-5033. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling 908-654-TIPS (8477) or online at uctip.org. Union County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an indictment and conviction, as per Fox News.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
Director Luca Guadagnino defends Timothee Chalamet's controversial opera and ballet comments, offering his perspective on the viral backlash.

AceShowbiz - Timothee Chalamet's recent remarks on opera and ballet stirred significant backlash earlier this year, but now his longtime collaborator Luca Guadagnino has offered a supportive perspective on the controversy.

In an interview with Italian newspaper La Stampa ahead of the Florence premiere of his new adaptation of John Adams 1991 opera, The Death of Klinghoffer, Guadagnino addressed the viral uproar caused by Chalamet's comment that "no one really cares" about ballet or opera. The statement had sparked widespread criticism and even became a punchline during Conan O'Briens opening joke at the 2023 Academy Awards.

Guadagnino admitted that Chalamet "could have spared himself" from such a polarizing remark. Translating his words from Italian, the director said, "I am not on social media and don't understand how one [single] comment can become a planetary polemic." He continued, "Maybe Timothee could have spared himself. But he's young, smart, sensitive, and he fears that cinema could become marginal. And that's exactly why every form of imagination should be nurtured. We must unite the arts, not separate them."

The two have not collaborated since the 2022 film Bones and All, which also starred Taylor Russell alongside Chalamet. Meanwhile, the actor was campaigning for his first Oscar nomination for his role in Josh Safdies film Marty Supreme, a ping-pong themed caper. However, the awards campaign faltered in early March, a downturn that some linked to the negative fallout from his comments on opera and ballet.

During a live conversation with Matthew McConaughey for Variety and CNN, Chalamet elaborated on his original statement with a touch of humor, saying, "I don't want to be working in ballet or opera where it's like, 'Hey! Keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore.' All respect to the ballet and opera people out there ... I just lost 14 cents in viewership. I'm taking shots for no reason."

The response from the opera and ballet community was swift. American opera singer Isabel Leonard expressed her disappointment, stating, "Honestly, I'm shocked that someone so seemingly successful can be so ineloquent and narrow-minded in his views about art while considering himself as [an] artist as I would only imagine one would as an actor." Similarly, Canadian opera performer Deepa Johnny called Chalamet's comments a "disappointing take." She emphasized, "There is nothing more impressive than the magic of live theatre, ballet and opera. We should be trying to uplift these art forms, these artists and come together across disciplines to do that."

Looking ahead, Chalamet will next appear in the highly anticipated December release of Denis Villeneuves conclusion to the Dune saga.
RM reveals how he defended Jung Kook's explicit lyrics in "Seven" against HYBE's concerns, marking a bold shift for BTS.

AceShowbiz - As the leader of BTS, RM holds significant influence over the bands creative decisions, including their solo projects. In a recent Rolling Stone cover story published on April 13, RM revealed how he advocated for the inclusion of explicit lyrics in Jung Kooks hit solo track "Seven," which features rapper Latto.

The songs suggestive line, And thats why night after night, Ill be f-kin you right, initially raised concerns among executives at HYBE, BTS' label. According to RM, some higher-ups were hesitant about allowing such NSFW content. However, he intervened, assuring the label that the lyrics should remain untouched.

"I told the label, 'Please don't change!'" RM recalled. "Why not? He's all grown up. He can sing an F-word."

This stance marked a notable shift from BTSs usual family-friendly image, as "Seven" contains more mature themes than the groups typical repertoire. Still, Jung Kook expressed no reservations about performing the explicit lyrics on his solo track. When asked about it, he said, "I wasnt embarrassed. I just felt, So what?" The confidence paid off, as "Seven" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2023.

This candid revelation comes shortly after BTS released their album ARIRANG, their first full-length project since 2020. The album has been a commercial success, spending its third consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. This achievement highlighted the groups dedication, especially considering the members had just completed their mandatory military service in South Korea before regrouping in the studio.

However, not all members were immediately on board with the albums musical direction. Jin, another BTS member, shared that he initially had reservations about ARIRANGs sound. Unlike their past chart-topping dance-pop hits like "Dynamite" and "Butter," this album leaned more into BTSs hip-hop roots.

"I actually didnt totally agree with the others on that issue," Jin told Rolling Stone. "Because with music, you see certain results, right? So I believed that our most beloved songs are our identity."

After considerable discussion, Jin was persuaded by the rest of the group that returning to the style that defined their earlier work was essential. "But not everyone felt that way," he added. "So after a lot of discussion, I was convinced by the opinion that our identity is in the music we used to make."

The interview offers a glimpse into the collaborative dynamics within BTS, showcasing how members support each others creative choices and navigate the challenges of evolving their sound. From RMs defense of Jung Kooks bold lyricism to Jins honest reflections on the bands artistic direction, the story underscores the groups commitment to authenticity and growth.

Fans can look forward to seeing BTS continue to push boundaries both collectively and through individual projects, as they balance mainstream success with personal expression. The success of "Seven" and ARIRANGs chart dominance demonstrate that BTS remains a powerful force in the global music scene.
Lil Jon's memoir "I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me" reveals the King of Crunk's journey from Atlanta to stardom. Get the full story on October 20.

AceShowbiz - Lil Jon has unveiled plans to share his extraordinary journey through the music industry in a new memoir titled I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me, set to be published on October 20 by Atria/Black Privilege Publishing.

The Atlanta-born artist, widely known as the King of Crunk, described the memoir as a project that required him to reflect deeply and look inward. "Y'all have heard my voice for over three decades, but here's a chance to read what I really have to say about it all, and catch a glimpse into the innermost circles of both my professional and personal worlds," he shared in a statement to People.

Lil Jon has long been a defining figure in the music scene, known for his energetic style and chart-topping hits. His memoir, co-written with Paul Cantor, promises to reveal the full spectrum of his experiencefrom his early days as a curious child in Atlanta discovering his passion for music, to forming his influential group Lil Jon & the Eastside Boyz, and becoming a pioneer of crunk music.

Throughout his career, Lil Jon has been instrumental behind numerous memorable tracks, including nine top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 such as Ushers "Yeah!," DJ Snakes "Turn Down for What," "Snap Yo Fingers," "Get Low," and Trick Daddys "Let's Go." The memoir is expected to provide an intimate look at how these successes came to be.

In addition to celebrating his accomplishments, the book also candidly addresses the challenges and hardships Lil Jon has faced. He opens up about moments of creative burnout and personal tragedies, including the devastating loss of his 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith, earlier this year. Nathans body was found in a pond near their Georgia home on February 6, a loss that profoundly affected the artist.

"We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him," Lil Jon said in a heartfelt statement. "He was loved and appreciated, and in our last times together, we're comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him."

The memoir promises to be a raw and honest account of a life filled with towering highs and deep lows, illustrating the complexities behind the public persona of one of hip-hops most recognizable voices. Lil Jon acknowledges the difficult journey that chasing dreams entails, stating, "This ride ain't been an easy one, but whoever said chasin' your dreams was easy?"

I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me is poised to offer fans and readers a rare glimpse into Lil Jons world, sharing stories that have never been told beforeboth the triumphs and the pain behind his multi-decade career.

The memoirs release on October 20 will mark a significant moment for the artist, providing an opportunity to connect with audiences in a new and meaningful way beyond his music.
Discover the hidden One Piece crossover in The Boys Season 5 premiere. See how the iconic manga is taking over mainstream pop culture.

AceShowbiz - One Piece has grown into a global phenomenon over the past few decades, and its reach just expanded further with a subtle but exciting crossover in the premiere of The Boys fifth and final season. The original manga by Eiichiro Oda has been a staple of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump for nearly 30 years, but the series popularity skyrocketed worldwide thanks in part to Netflixs live-action adaptation. However, many fans may not yet realize just how deeply One Piece is permeating mainstream pop culture today.

The momentum behind One Piece continues to build, especially as Netflix advances production on the third season of its live-action series. This surge in popularity was underscored by a clever nod from another hit comic book adaptation, The Boys. The Amazon Prime Video show, now in its final season, included a hidden reference to One Piece in its season 5 premiere episode, delighting fans of both franchises.

In the opening episode of The Boys season 5, viewers can spot the iconic Straw Hat crew logo subtly displayed in the background of a scene. This Easter egg appears within an abandoned school where Billy Butcher (played by Karl Urban) finds Starlights (Erin Moriarty) hiding place. The walls are decorated with various artwork, among which the emblem of the Straw Hat Pirates can be glimpsed, effectively bringing the world of One Piece into The Boys.

This crossover is more than just a fun visual; it highlights thematic parallels between the two series despite their very different tones. Both One Piece and The Boys revolve around characters endowed with extraordinary abilities living under oppressive global powers. In One Piece, Monkey D. Luffy and his crew seek freedom and adventure, often clashing with the authoritarian World Government. Meanwhile, The Boys portrays a darker battle, focusing on a resistance fighting against corrupt, superpowered beings and the oppressive forces controlling them. Both narratives explore rebellion and the fight for freedom on a grand scale.

Looking ahead for One Piece fans, there is plenty to anticipate. Eiichiro Oda continues to release new manga chapters weekly, while the anime series has resumed with episodes adapting the Elbaph arc. Netflix is actively working on the third season of the live-action adaptation, expected to debut next year. Additionally, Netflix has announced plans for a full anime remake of the series, slated for the future, along with an official spinoff anime set to premiere this summer. These projects promise to expand the universe of One Piece and bring its story to even wider audiences.

As for The Boys, the current season marks the conclusion of its main storyline on Prime Video. However, the franchise is far from over, with multiple spinoff series in different stages of development. While the original series wraps up its tale, fans can expect the world of The Boys to continue expanding through these new projects.

This clever crossover moment between One Piece and The Boys is a testament to the growing influence of both franchises and their ability to engage audiences across different genres and platforms. It also serves as a reminder of the shared themes of heroism, rebellion, and the fight against oppression that resonate deeply in both stories.

What are your thoughts on this unexpected nod to One Piece in The Boys? Join the discussion and share your reactions in the ComicBook Forum!
A fresh Netflix adaptation of the beloved classic Little House on the Prairie premieres July 9, 2026. Revisit the Ingalls family in this new Western series.

AceShowbiz - Netflix has officially unveiled a new adaptation of the beloved Western series Little House on the Prairie, originally created over four decades ago. The streaming giant released a teaser trailer for the upcoming show, which is set to premiere on July 9, 2026. This fresh take on the classic story is part of Netflixs growing roster of Western-themed content, adding to its previous productions like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, The Harder They Fall, and Godless.

The trailer opens with a young Laura Ingalls narrating, "Once upon a time, Pa, and Ma, and Mary, and Laura ...", immediately setting a nostalgic yet inviting tone. Showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine, known for her work on The Boys and The Housemaid, spoke to Tudum by Netflix about the adaptation, describing it as "a love story about a family. They're a family you want to be with, you want to know, you want to spend time with."

Alice Halsey has been cast in the leading role as Laura Ingalls. Joining her are Luke Bracey as Charles Ingalls, Crosby Fitzgerald portraying Caroline Ingalls, and Skywalker Hughes as Mary Ingalls. Their performances aim to bring new life to the cherished characters from Laura Ingalls Wilders original novels.

The Little House on the Prairie series is based on the childrens books written by Laura Ingalls Wilder between 1932 and 1943. These books recount the Ingalls familys journey across America during the late 19th century and have become an enduring part of American literary history. Since their publication, the series has sold over 73 million copies worldwide, translated into at least 27 languages, and has been enjoyed by readers in more than 100 countries.

The original television adaptation, which aired starting in 1974 and ran for nine seasons, continues to hold cultural significance. According to Nielsen data, the classic series garnered 13.25 billion minutes of viewing in 2024 alone, demonstrating its lasting appeal to audiences.

While Netflix has kept many details about the new series under wraps, Sonnenshine shared some insights into what viewers can expect from the first season. It will be inspired by the third book in the series, Little House on the Prairie, and will explore the characters lives before they arrived at the prairie. "We might meet a few characters from their past," Sonnenshine hinted, suggesting the series will deepen the backstories of the Ingalls family members.

This new adaptation promises to blend the warmth and family dynamics that have made the story timeless with a modern production approach. As Netflix continues to expand its catalog of original content, the Little House on the Prairie remake aims to introduce this classic tale to a whole new generation of viewers while honoring its rich heritage.

Fans of Westerns and family dramas alike can look forward to the series release on Netflix on July 9, 2026, marking a fresh chapter for one of Americas most iconic stories.
Kanye West's teenage art collection, once valued at $23K, is now appraised at $3.1 million after a shocking reassessment.

AceShowbiz - Kanye West has recently seen the value of his teenage art collection skyrocket from an initial $23,000 appraisal to an astonishing $3.1 million after a thorough reassessment by a professional appraiser.

The collection, consisting of five pieces created by Kanye West as a teenager while attending Polaris School in Chicago, was first appraised on PBSs Antiques Roadshow in 2020. At that time, appraiser Laura Woolley estimated the value to be between $16,000 and $23,000.

However, the story took a dramatic turn when art collector and DC-based entrepreneur and lawyer Vinoda Basnayake decided the initial valuation did not do justice to the works. In late 2025, Basnayake commissioned a new appraisal following the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which revealed the collections true worth.

One standout piece is a drawing of Wests late mother, Donda West, created around 1995, which alone is now valued at $335,000. The new appraisal highlighted a critical oversight in the original valuation: the initial assessment had treated the artwork as typical celebrity art, which generally does not command high prices, rather than recognizing it as an early chapter in the creative journey of a future multi-talented star.

Basnayakes pursuit of the collection began after spotting the artwork on Antiques Roadshow. Determined to acquire the pieces, he spent months investigating and tracking down the original owners. The show's refusal to share contact details forced Basnayake into extensive detective work, which led him to connect with Kanye Wests cousin and her husband, the current holders of the art after inheriting it following Donda Wests passing in 2007.

Initially reluctant to sell, the couple changed their minds within a week after recognizing Basnayakes serious intent. Although the sale price remains confidential due to a non-disclosure agreement, the dramatic increase in the collections valuation underscores its newfound significance.

This development comes amid Kanye Wests ongoing controversies, which have impacted his ability to perform and tour. Notably, the UK's Wireless Festival was canceled after several sponsors withdrew over his headliner status, and the British government denied him entry into the country.

Despite these setbacks, Kanye West continues to receive support from influential artists such as Dave Chappelle and Erykah Badu, who have appeared at his recent sold-out concerts. Their presence highlights his sustained impact and influence within hip-hop culture, regardless of current challenges.
Jay Electronica confronts booing fans at LA concert, jumping into the crowd to challenge hecklers after acapella performance sparks backlash.

AceShowbiz - Jay Electronica faced a tense moment at his Los Angeles concert when some fans booed his performance, prompting the rapper to jump into the crowd and confront the hecklers directly.

The incident occurred during his set at The Compound on Saturday, April 4, when attendees expressed displeasure about him performing "Exhibit C" acapella rather than over the Just Blaze beat. Video footage shared on social media captured Jay Electronica stopping his performance to address the crowd's reaction.

He firmly told the audience, "If you're with me, be quiet and listen to the bars!" He continued, asserting that anyone who booed was an enemy and a coward for not doing so to his face: "Whoever boos, we know you the enemy, and you a coward! 'Cause you won't boo in my face."

The rapper's frustration escalated as he leapt into the crowd and moved through the fans, challenging the hecklers to boo him directly. Jay Electronica shouted, "See how they get quiet!" but clarified that he was not speaking to his true supporters, emphasizing, "My fans know I ain't talking to them. We on the same team ... I came here to swing my sword at the enemy."

He acknowledged that being booed at concerts was not new to him but demanded more courage from those heckling him: "If you want to boo, that's fine; I've been booed at concerts before. But have some courage and boo in my face."

One notable moment from the confrontation showed Jay Electronica addressing a male attendee with his microphone in hand, delivering a reprimand in rhyme. The New Orleans native recited lines from his song "Abracadabra (A Written Testimony: Leaflets)," saying:

"Ms. Dorothy raised me up on the psalms of David / Plus worked her whole life, day and night on grave shift / So just know Jay Electronica ain't to be played with!"

These clips of the confrontation were widely circulated on social media, with users sharing multiple parts of the exchange under hashtags like #jayelectronica and #concert.

Jay Electronica is currently on his Nineteen Day Reconnaissance Tour, which began last month in Toronto. Following stops in Seattle, Portland, various Canadian cities, and Los Angeles, he is scheduled to perform in Las Vegas on April 8. The tour will then continue to Orlando, Miami, Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Virginia Beach before concluding on May 9 in Richmond, Virginia.

The tour supports a series of surprise projects Jay Electronica released last year, including A Written Testimony: Leaflets, A Written Testimony: Power At The Rate of My Dreams, and A Written Testimony: Mars, The Inhabited Planet.

During one of his recent songs titled "Four Billion, Four Hundred Million 4,400,000,000 / The Worst Is Yet To Come," Jay Electronica revealed that he had given JAY-Z nineteen albums in one day without receiving payment, though it remains unclear if any new projects from Jay Electronica are forthcoming.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2026 inductees: Oasis, Wu-Tang, Sade, Iron Maiden, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Luther Vandross, Joy Division/New Order. Plus special a...

AceShowbiz - The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has revealed its highly anticipated class of 2026 inductees, spotlighting an eclectic mix of influential artists across genres. The Performer category will welcome Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan into its prestigious ranks.

Alongside the performers, the Hall will honor several trailblazers with special awards. Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Gram Parsons are set to receive the Early Influence Award, recognizing their foundational impact on music. Songwriter Linda Creed and producers Arif Mardin, Jimmy Miller, and Rick Rubin will be celebrated with the Musical Excellence Award for their outstanding contributions behind the scenes. Television personality Ed Sullivan will be granted the Ahmet Ertegun Award, a tribute to his role in promoting rock and roll.

John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, emphasized the significance of the honor: "Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music's highest honor." He added that the upcoming ceremony promises to be memorable, celebrating the achievements of these legendary artists. The event is slated for November 14 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and will be broadcast on ABC and Disney+ the following month.

Despite the excitement, some notable artists did not make the cut this year. New Edition won the fan vote but fell short of induction. Popular acts such as Pink and Shakira, who placed third and fourth respectively in fan voting, were also absent from the final list.

Phil Collins returns to the Hall as a solo inductee for the first time, having previously been inducted in 2010 with Genesis. After concluding the Genesis Last Domino? farewell tour in 2022, he maintained a low profile but recently appeared in a BBC interview confirming he is now totally mobile and healthy following a tough period of health challenges.

Meanwhile, Billy Idol expressed his elation upon hearing the news. He told Rolling Stone, "We've been building towards this, and it's a perfect payoff." Idol described the induction as a dream come true and a meaningful acknowledgment from his peers, highlighting how such recognition reveals how one is truly regarded in the industry.

Iron Maiden will finally enter the Hall after three previous nominations. Their manager, Rod Smallwood, issued a statement thanking the organization and recognizing the contributions of all former band members as part of the group's history. He emphasized the bands strong connection with their fans over awards but acknowledged the honor of being recognized by the industry.

However, the bands frontman Bruce Dickinson has historically been critical of the Rock Hall. In 2018, he called it an utter and complete load of bollocks, criticizing its American leadership and dismissing the institutions credibility. He suggested that those behind the Hall should stop taking Prozac and start drinking beer.

Oasis have voiced similar skepticism. In a 2024 interview with The Sunday Times, Liam Gallagher openly criticized the Hall, stating, "Do me a favor and fuck off." He compared induction to being placed in a rap hall of fame, an association he rejects, and claimed he has contributed more to rock & roll than many on the Halls board. His remarks reflect a long-standing ambivalence some artists feel toward the institution.

Interestingly, many artists who initially disparage the Hall change their tune upon induction. For example, Cher famously dismissed the Hall in 2023 but attended and opened the ceremony the following year, demonstrating a shift in attitude after receiving the honor.

Questions remain about which inductees will attend the upcoming ceremony. Phil Collins, Oasis, and Iron Maiden have yet to confirm their participation. Similarly, Sade, known for her rare interviews and performances, and the members of Joy Division/New Order, who have long been estranged from bassist Peter Hook, have not made their intentions clear.

The 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class embodies a diverse spectrum of musical styles and legacies, from rock and metal to hip-hop and soul. Their induction underscores the evolving narrative of rock and popular music history, honoring pioneers and innovators who have shaped the cultural landscape for decades.
Charlamagne Tha God dissects the alleged Pooh Shiesty & Gucci Mane studio incident, questioning the dangerous mix of street code and music business.

AceShowbiz - Charlamagne Tha God has weighed in on the controversial situation involving rapper Pooh Shiesty and music executive Gucci Mane, raising concerns about underlying patterns in the industry.

During an episode of his Brilliant Idiots podcast alongside Andrew Schulz, Charlamagne Tha God discussed the January 10, 2026, incident at a Dallas recording studio that led to federal charges against Pooh Shiesty and eight others. The group allegedly held Gucci Mane and others at gunpoint to force the release of Pooh Shiesty from his contract with 1017 Records.

Charlamagne Tha God emphasized that these allegations remain unproven, stating, "This is all alleged. I don't know if Pooh Shiesty did any of this. I'm just going off the stories I heard." However, he also highlighted what he sees as a troubling trend in such cases. "I think, at some point, fuck the street code," he remarked. "These guys are businessmen, man."

Charlamagne Tha God suggested that racial dynamics may influence how conflicts like this unfold, noting that Pooh Shiesty would likely not engage in such actions against a white executive. According to him, it is usually Black executives who find themselves targeted in disputes involving Black artists.

The legal case against Pooh Shiesty, Big30, and six others began after their arrest in early April 2026. Prosecutors claim the groups plan was a coordinated takeover at Luminous Studios to pressure Gucci Mane to free Pooh Shiesty from his label contract.

Pooh Shiestys attorney, Bradford Cohen, has challenged the prosecutions case, pointing to a lack of physical evidence. Cohen noted that the case largely depends on allegations from five individuals, including a prominent figure cooperating with the government. Following a bond hearing, the judge denied Pooh Shiestys release, so he remains in custody awaiting trial.

In response to the allegations, Gucci Mane released a diss track titled Crash Dummy, addressing the situation through music rather than legal channels. This move sparked accusations of dry snitching against the Atlanta rapper.

The incident and its fallout continue to raise questions about power dynamics and racial factors within the music business, as the case against Pooh Shiesty develops.
Danny Boyle's 'Ink,' Paddington 4, and an Escape from New York reboot. Studiocanal's major film slate revealed at CinemaCon.

AceShowbiz - Studiocanal, Europes largest independent film studio, made a notable appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, presenting a lineup of exciting upcoming projects. The studio brought along acclaimed director Danny Boyle to unveil the opening scene of his latest film, Ink, which explores the story behind the British tabloid The Sun.

Alongside this exclusive preview, Studiocanal teased the development of a new installment in the beloved Paddington series, confirming that Paddington 4 is in the works. This announcement has sparked enthusiasm among fans eager to see more adventures featuring the charming bear.

In addition to these projects, the studio revealed plans to reboot the iconic 1981 film Escape from New York, originally directed by John Carpenter. This reboot aims to reimagine the cult classic for a new generation of viewers while honoring its legacy.

Furthermore, Studiocanal is working on a fresh take of the 1981 horror classic The Howling, promising to bring a modern spin to the original story. These announcements highlight the studios commitment to blending nostalgia with contemporary filmmaking.

The presentation featured key appearances by Guy Pearce, Jack OConnell, and Danny Boyle, who contributed to the excitement surrounding Ink. This slate of films demonstrates Studiocanals ambition to deliver compelling and diverse cinematic experiences in the near future.
The Pentagon spent months preparing to strike Iran. Nobody, it appears, spent much time working out how to get American civilians out of the blast radius.

A group of nearly 250 foreign service officers fired during last year's federal workforce reduction has now put that failure in writing. In a letter obtained by The Intercept, the officers accused the Trump administration of gutting the very expertise needed to protect up to one million Americans living across the Middle East.

'The expertise required to manage the current crisis has been systematically removed,' they wrote.

The officers lost their jobs on 11 July 2025, when the State Department terminated more than 1,300 employees in a reduction-in-force directed by the Department of Government Efficiency. In total, the department has shed over 3,800 staff since Trump took office, the Associated Press reported.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs, the arm of the department tasked with protecting citizens overseas, lost more than 150 positions. Its entire rapid-response consular officer team was eliminated. Among those terminated were 13 Arabic speakers and four Farsi speakers whose language training alone cost taxpayers roughly $200,000 (151,000) each.

Volunteers With Top Secret Clearances Turned Away

Many of these officers still technically work for the government. Their separation paperwork has not been processed. They retain active security clearances. When war broke out, they offered to come back. The State Department said no.

On 5 March, a former member of the rapid-response team volunteered for the Middle East consular task force and was told there were 'no opportunities' for officers affected by the July layoffs, according to the letter. Foreign Policy reported separately that officers who tried to help were redirected to a rarely monitored email inbox that went unanswered for days.

The sidelined group includes officers who ran evacuations from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the 2006 Lebanon crisis. One officer alone processed more than 34,000 Afghan evacuees.

'The U.S. Government is not trimming fat. It amputated capability, and Americans are now paying the price,' the officers wrote.

No Evacuation Plan Despite Months of Military Planning

Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine described Operation Epic Fury as 'the culmination of months, and in some cases, years, of deliberate planning.' President Trump, when asked days later why there was no plan for American civilians, said, 'it all happened very quickly.'

The US and Israel struck Iran on 28 February. The State Department did not tell Americans to leave until 2 March. When US Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed citizens to a government hotline the following day, callers got a recording telling them not to rely on the US government for evacuation.

The entire Massachusetts congressional delegation, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, wrote to Rubio on 5 March demanding answers. More than five weeks on, the State Department has not replied. Warren told The Intercept that Rubio's decision to purge experienced staff 'has threatened our national security and put US citizens in danger.'

The leadership vacuum runs deep. As of March, the US had no confirmed ambassadors in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Kuwait, Algeria, Libya, or Iraq. The assistant secretary overseeing Near Eastern Affairs remains unfilled, four of the bureau's five supervisors hold temporary titles, and the dedicated Iran office was merged with the Iraq desk, the AP reported.

The State Department has pushed back, saying the layoffs had 'no negative impact' on its crisis response. It has since organised more than 60 charter and military flights and says over 70,000 Americans have returned from the region.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was not reassured. The loss of experienced personnel, she said, 'has clearly undermined the Bureau of Consular Affairs' ability to fulfil its most important mission - to protect Americans abroad.'

Originally published on IBTimes UK
A prison thriller. Two cellmates. One drug empire. David Jonsson and Tom Blyth star in a gripping story of addiction and survival behind bars.

AceShowbiz - Wasteman is a gripping prison thriller that has captivated audiences and critics alike, thanks largely to its immersive production and compelling performances. Led by David Jonsson and Tom Blyth, the film explores the harsh realities of incarceration through the story of Taylor, a long-term inmate, and Dee, his volatile new cellmate.

The film is directed by Cal McMau, who took over the project after it was initially slated to be helmed by the Safdie brothers. Centering on Taylor, an inmate who has spent 13 years behind bars working as a cook, the story delves into his struggle with drug addiction and the fragile relationships he maintains with fellow prisoners. His hope for parole, earned through good behavior, is threatened when Dee arrives  a disruptive and dangerous figure intent on expanding a drug empire within the prison walls.

David Jonsson, known for his roles in HBOs Industry and Alien: Romulus, plays Taylor, bringing depth to the characters quiet resilience. Opposite him, Tom Blyth, fresh from hits like The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and the Billy the Kid series, embodies the chaotic and menacing Dee. The cast also includes notable talents such as Alex Hassell, Corin Silva, Paul Hilton, Neil Linpow, and Layton Blake, who contribute to the films intense atmosphere.

Premiering at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Wasteman quickly earned critical acclaim and holds a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. After its UK release in late February, the film is set to debut in the United States on April 17, bringing its stark depiction of prison life to a wider audience.

In a detailed interview with ScreenRant, David Jonsson and Tom Blyth shared insights into the making of Wasteman. They discussed how shooting in a real prison and collaborating closely with a charity focused on prisoner rehabilitation shaped their performances, creating a truly immersive experience that went beyond traditional acting.

The production took place in authentic locations, including the historic Shepton Mallet Prison, as well as settings in London and Somerset. This choice was pivotal in grounding the films portrayal of the justice system. Jonsson explained that the filmmakers aimed to present a truthful representation of incarceration that resonates with both those who have experienced the system firsthand and the general public, who contribute to it through taxes.

"We're talking about a justice system and a rehabilitation system," Jonsson said. "We wanted this film to be for everyonewhether theyve been victims of crime, on the wrong side of the law, or simply paying taxes." The actors focused intensely on locking into their performances, striving for authenticity over dramatization.

A unique aspect of the production was the involvement of the UK-based charity Switchback, which supports prisoners transitioning back into society. Many of the films extras and crew members had direct experiences with incarceration, offering invaluable insight and realism to the project. Both Jonsson and Blyth described the charity members as their consultants and co-stars, whose presence helped them avoid superficial acting and instead channel genuine emotions.

David Jonsson praised Switchbacks contribution, noting the honesty and experience they brought. He credited this collaboration with enabling him to reach a mental space where he was not really acting, but living the characters reality. Blyth echoed this sentiment, explaining that whenever he felt himself slipping into performative acting, the presence of those who had truly lived prison life reminded him to stay grounded, breathe, and be fully present in the scene.

Tom Blyth remarked, "Being in a real prison for most of the shoot kept us honest. You want to honor the people around you and tell their story truthfully." This immersive setting, combined with the guidance from Switchback, created an environment where the actors felt accountable to the authenticity of their performances.

The bond between Jonsson and Blyth was crucial to the films success. They emphasized that Wasteman demanded a high level of trust among cast and crew, describing their relationship as friends first, colleagues second. With a tight shooting schedule of only 18 days, there was no room for error, placing pressure on everyone to be fully committed at all times.

One particularly challenging scene tested their trust early on: the initial confrontation between Taylor and Dee. In this intense moment, Dee strips naked immediately upon meeting Taylor, establishing dominance and setting the tone for their fraught relationship. Blyth lightheartedly joked about this full-frontal scene, noting it came shortly after another nude scene in a different project, humorously lamenting how often his bums been out.

Despite the tension and vulnerability required, Jonsson and Blyth maintained professionalism by constantly checking in with each other, even while staying in character for most of the filming day. Blyth recalled how they would quietly ask if certain scenes were okay to proceed with, with Jonsson always reassuring him to continue. This careful communication helped them navigate emotionally and physically demanding moments.

"That first full-frontal scene was tough," Blyth said, "but it added bravery and rawness to the film." Their willingness to push boundaries contributed to the movies intense realism and emotional impact.

Among the films most memorable sequences is a riot scene toward the end, where Taylor, fueled by rage, attacks rival inmates and fights armored guards. Filmed during the last days of production, Blyth described this sequence as really cathartic, highlighting the physical and emotional release it provided. The riot showcases the films brutal energy and the consequences of life inside a prison system teetering on chaos.

Wasteman stands out not just for its storytelling but for how deeply it immerses audiences in the prison environment. The collaboration with Switchback, use of real prison locations, and the authentic chemistry between Jonsson and Blyth elevate the film beyond standard thrillers. The actors commitment to getting away from acting allowed them to portray their characters with a raw honesty rarely seen on screen.

As the film prepares for its American release, it promises to offer viewers a stark, unfiltered look at life behind bars, anchored by powerful performances and a production grounded in truth. Wasteman is poised to resonate strongly with audiences seeking both gripping storytelling and a meaningful exploration of the justice systems complexities.
Aaron Sorkin's Facebook sequel trailer debuts at CinemaCon. Jeremy Strong stars as Zuckerberg in a new David vs. Goliath story of societal impact.

AceShowbiz - At CinemaCon, acclaimed writer-director The Social Reckoning creator Aaron Sorkin presented the first trailer for his upcoming film, which serves as a follow-up to the 2010 hit The Social Network. The new movie revisits the story of Facebook, exploring the companys impact and controversies nearly two decades after its founding.

Sorkin addressed the audience, reflecting on the original films portrayal of a young college student who launched a website that connected millions worldwide. He noted, "There isn't a life that Facebook's algorithm hasn't touched, and that influence has reshaped everything." He emphasized the need to delve deeper into the complex effects Facebook has had on society, calling the new film a real David and Goliath story.

The trailer introduces viewers to a cast led by Jeremy Strong, who steps into the role of Mark Zuckerberg for the first time. Strongs portrayal captures an older, more seasoned version of the Meta CEO. In one courtroom scene, Strong delivers the line, "I am professional defendant," while later asserting, "I am a free speech absolutist."

Joining Strong in the cast are Mikey Madison, Jeremy Allen White, and Bill Burr. Madison plays Frances Haugen, a young Facebook engineer, and White portrays Jeff Horwitz, a reporter from the Wall Street Journal. Together, their characters undertake a risky effort to expose the social networks most guarded secrets.

In the trailer, Madisons character defiantly states, "I am here to help Facebook, not hurt it, OK?" Meanwhile, Whites character somberly reflects on the companys challenges, saying, "I know there are easier enemies to make." Strongs Zuckerberg asserts his authority with the line, "People understand that when I say no, that's the end of the debate."

Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed The Social Reckoning, building on his Oscar-winning screenplay for the original 2010 film, which was directed by David Fincher. The new movie focuses on events occurring 17 years after the timeline of The Social Network, which famously depicted Zuckerbergs early days creating Facebook, alongside legal battles with co-founder Eduardo Saverin and the Winklevoss twins.

Produced by Todd Black, Peter Rice, Stuart Besser, and Sorkin, the film aims to shed light on the modern complexities of Facebook, now Meta, and its far-reaching influence. This marks Strongs first time embodying Zuckerberg, portraying him as a more mature and powerful figure compared to Jesse Eisenbergs younger version in the earlier film.

The Social Network was a critical and commercial success, grossing $226 million worldwide and earning eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Sorkin won an Oscar for his screenplay, contributing to the films three total wins at the ceremony.

The Social Reckoning is scheduled for theatrical release on October 9 via Sony Pictures. The CinemaCon event, where the trailer debuted, is an annual gathering for exhibitors and Hollywood studios, held this year from April 13 to 16 as the official convention of Cinema United.
From the Duffer Brothers: Alfred Molina moves to a desert retirement community where a new lifeand supernatural mysteryawaits. Premieres May 21 on Netf...

AceShowbiz - Netflix has unveiled a teaser for its upcoming series, The Boroughs, set to premiere on May 21. This new show is produced by the acclaimed Duffer brothers, known for their distinctive storytelling style.

The trailer introduces Alfred Molina as Sam Cooper, who is seen traveling to The Boroughs, a desert retirement community in New Mexico. He is accompanied by his daughter Claire, played by Jena Malone, who drives him to this new chapter in his life. The series appears to blend elements of suspense and supernatural encounters, as hinted by the mention of monsters in the teaser.

The Boroughs promises to explore the dynamics of moving on and adjusting to new environments, framed within an intriguing narrative crafted by the Duffer brothers. The setting of a retirement community in New Mexico adds a unique backdrop that contrasts with the mysterious and possibly eerie events suggested in the preview.

The collaboration between Alfred Molina and Jena Malone brings together strong acting talent, enhancing anticipation for the series. With the Duffer brothers involved, known for their success in genre television, viewers can expect a mix of compelling character development and suspenseful storytelling.

As the release date approaches, fans eagerly await more details on the plot and supporting cast. For now, the teaser offers a glimpse into a story about change, family bonds, and confronting unknown threats. The Boroughs is positioned to be a notable addition to Netflixs lineup this spring.
Yuta Okkotsu takes center stage in JJK Season 3. Discover the growth of Gojo's most powerful student and his crucial role in the Culling Game.

AceShowbiz - Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is set to give long-overdue focus to one of its most powerful characters, Yuta Okkotsu. Introduced in the prequel film, Yuta has been recognized as a sorcerer whose strength is second only to his mentor, Satoru Gojo. Despite not being a special grade sorcerer officially, Yuta stands out among Gojos students as the closest rival to his teachers immense power, even at his young age.

While Yuta initially learned the fundamentals of Jujutsu sorcery in the prequel, his abilities have grown remarkably since his time in Africa. He returned to Japan a year later amidst the turmoil of the Shibuya Incident. Although he arrived too late to prevent the chaos, Yuta quickly allied with other sorcerers to help free Gojo, who was trapped in the Prison Realm.

Yuta also plays a crucial role in the ongoing Culling Game, a deadly battle royale masterminded by the antagonist Kenjaku. The third season of the anime is structured into two parts, with the first part scheduled to conclude on March 26th, 2026. This segment is building up to one of the most intense and significant fights in the entire series, featuring Yuta as a central figure.

In this arc, sorcerers are dispersed across different zones in Tokyo, and Yuta finds himself battling in the Sendai Colony. There, he confronts several formidable foes, including Kurourushi, a special grade cursed spirit, along with ancient sorcerers like Takaka Uro and Ryu Ishigori. Notably, Yuta effortlessly defeated Dhruv Lakdawalla, one of the most powerful ancient sorcerers resurrected by Kenjaku specifically for the Culling Game. Compared to other participants, Yuta faces a higher concentration of powerful enemies in this area.

The anime has released a teaser to generate excitement for this highly anticipated arc, which promises to be the best sequence of fights in the series so far. The upcoming episode will have an extended runtime of 27 minutes, adapting approximately seven chapters of the manga. This volume of content corresponds to about 150 manga pages, indicating that MAPPA is delivering its most ambitious episode to date.

The pacing in this episode is expected to be exceptionally fast, intensifying the fight scenes beyond what fans have seen previously. This collection of battles in the Sendai Colony is considered the peak of the arcs action, which is why the studio is dedicating significant effort to faithfully bring it to life in one installment.

Following the Sendai Colony fight, the Culling Game storyline will continue into the second part of Season 3. This next segment will shift focus to other characters, delivering more high-stakes battles and major plot twists as the story progresses toward its final arc.

Fans are invited to share their thoughts and join the discussion about the upcoming episodes on the ComicBook Forum, staying connected to the latest developments in the series.

In summary, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is elevating Yuta Okkotsu from a powerful background figure to the centerpiece of one of the animes most thrilling battles, promising an unforgettable viewing experience when it airs.
Hannah Montana's 20th anniversary special missed a key cast member. Emily Osment explains her absence and shares a heartfelt tribute to the iconic Disney show.

AceShowbiz - Hannah Montana marked its 20th anniversary with a special celebration on Disney+, but not all original cast members were present. Among the notable absences was Emily Osment, who portrayed Miley Stewarts best friend on the hit Disney Channel series.

Emily Osment did not attend the anniversary specials premiere, prompting her to address her absence on social media. She shared a heartfelt message reflecting on the impact the show had on her life and career. In her Instagram post, Osment expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing how Hannah Montana taught her valuable lessons in comedy, discipline, patience, and professionalism from a young age.

Alongside her message, Osment posted a video from the set of her CBS sitcom Georgia & Mandy's First Marriage, where she was working with co-star Montana Jordan. This update gave fans an explanation for why she could not participate in the anniversary festivities.

Meanwhile, other cast members like Miley Cyrus were present to commemorate the milestone, attending the specials premiere and sharing memories from their time on the show. The absence of some actors like Osment was felt by fans, but her thoughtful explanation provided clarity and underscored her continued dedication to her acting career.

The Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special remains a celebration of the shows lasting influence, even as some original stars focus on their current projects. Osments message highlighted the deep respect she holds for the series and the foundational role it played in her growth as a performer.
Seahorse: A moving drama about mental health & family estrangement. A chef's chance encounter with her homeless father forces a reckoning with their past. Pr...

AceShowbiz - The deeply moving Canadian drama Seahorse recently premiered at SXSW on March 13, marking an important milestone for its cast and crew. Directed by first-time filmmaker Aisha Evelyna, who also stars in the film, Seahorse explores themes of mental health, family estrangement, and housing instability through a sensitive and heartfelt lens.

At the heart of the story is Nola, a sous chef portrayed by Evelyna, whose life begins to unravel amid a mental health crisis. Following a particularly challenging workday, Nola suffers a bike accident and is unexpectedly found by her father, Cyrus, a homeless man played by Joseph Marcell. This chance encounter forces the estranged pair to confront their shared past and navigate the complexities of their fractured relationship.

Alongside Evelyna and Marcell, the cast includes Ruth Goodwin, Brett Donahue, and Alden Adair of The Expanse. The film was acquired by Mongrel Media for release in Canada following its SXSW debut as part of the Narrative Feature Competition.

In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Evelyna, Goodwin, Donahue, and Marcell gathered to discuss the inspiration behind Seahorse and the collaborative experience of bringing this story to life.

Evelyna explained that her inspiration for the film was deeply rooted in her real-life experiences living in Toronto, a city grappling with a significant housing crisis. She reflected on the many individuals she encountered who, despite deserving basic necessities like food and shelter, struggle to access them. This societal backdrop helped shape the narratives emotional core.

Additionally, Evelyna shared how her complicated relationship with her own father influenced the depiction of Nola and Cyruss estranged connection. While the film does not directly recount her personal story, she acknowledged that the emotional truths within the characters interactions are authentic and relatable.

Despite the films heavy subject matter, Evelyna emphasized that Seahorse is not solely a somber tale. She described it as a healing experience that invites audiences to engage with their feelings and recognize the humanity behind difficult issues. She encouraged viewers to watch the film with an open heart and reach out to her afterward to share their reactions.

Discussing the casting process, Evelyna revealed that recruiting Marcell was a unique and personal experience. Instead of the typical industry channels, she sent him a heartfelt and transparent email explaining why she believed he was perfect for the role. She described the message as kindly worded, and Marcell later referred to it humorously as a two-pager poem reminiscent of the Odyssey.

Marcell responded warmly to the email, appreciating its openness and sincerity. Their initial Zoom meeting confirmed their mutual respect and chemistry, which translated into a rewarding working relationship during the films production. He spoke fondly of his time filming in Toronto, calling it purely magical, and praised Evelyna as a formidable and talented force in filmmaking.

Other cast members, Goodwin and Donahue, also shared their perspectives on watching the film for the first time at SXSW. Goodwin described the experience as emotionally powerful, highlighting the slow burn of the story and the opportunity to witness Evelynas creative vision unfold on the big screen.

Donahue reflected on the contrast between being part of the production and seeing the finished film projected with professional sound and visuals. He noted how this allowed the cast to fully appreciate the collective effort behind the project and celebrate its completion together at the festival.

Interestingly, Marcell had yet to see the film at the time of the interview due to travel delays but expressed eagerness to view it soon. His anticipation underscored the collaborative spirit and excitement surrounding Seahorse as it prepares for wider audiences.

The cast and director also discussed the storys broader themes and the conversations they hope the film will inspire. For Evelyna, the goal was to hold space for people who are often marginalized and overlooked, portraying them as complex individuals striving to do their best despite lifes challenges.

Marcell echoed this sentiment, noting that the story invites empathy and challenges viewers to consider the impact of societal neglect. Together, the team hopes that Seahorse sparks meaningful dialogue about mental health, family bonds, and the urgent need for compassionate support systems.

With its thoughtful storytelling and compelling performances, Seahorse stands out as a powerful debut for Evelyna and a testament to the strength of independent Canadian cinema. The films release will provide audiences with an opportunity to engage with challenging issues through a narrative that is both intimate and universally resonant.

As Seahorse continues its journey from festival acclaim to Canadian release, viewers can look forward to a film that balances emotional depth with hope and healing, led by a passionate team dedicated to telling stories that matter.
Smokey Robinson faces a lawsuit as a judge denies his motion to dismiss sexual harassment and labor claims from two former employees, allowing the case to pr...

AceShowbiz - Smokey Robinson has faced a significant legal ruling as a Los Angeles County judge denied his motion to dismiss sexual harassment and labor claims brought by two former employees. This decision means the lawsuit against the Motown legend can move forward.

The ruling, delivered by Judge Kevin Brazile on Monday, sided with the accusers, identified only as Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 5, who had ceased working for Smokey Robinson and his wife in 2020 and 2011 respectively. The judge found that Californias recently extended statute of limitations for sexual assault claims could apply to their accusations involving hostile work environments and unpaid wages.

Smokey Robinsons defense team argued that the claims were too old to be considered due to the statute of limitations. His lawyer, Shir Davidovicz, contended that the women did not demonstrate they were prevented from filing their claims within the standard three-year period. However, the court rejected this argument.

The judge highlighted the presence of systematic sexual coercion and described a pervasive pattern of coercive sexual abuse occurring at the Robinson residences in the San Fernando Valley and Las Vegas. The ruling emphasized the power imbalance between the parties, concluding that the women had presented sufficient allegations to possibly overcome the limitations defense.

According to the court documents noted by Rolling Stone, the coercive sexual abuse claims may have obstructed the women from investigating their rights related to wages and working conditions in a timely manner. This factor was instrumental in allowing the case to proceed despite the elapsed time.

Despite this setback, Smokey Robinson and his legal team remain resolute. Christopher Frost, another attorney for the Robinsons, issued a statement affirming their intention to continue vigorously defending against what he described as malicious allegations. The Robinsons have also filed counterclaims against the plaintiffs, accusing them of defamation and elder abuse.

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department is actively investigating the claims. The judges ruling effectively keeps the legal path open for Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 5 to pursue their case, even though years have passed since their employment with Smokey Robinson ended.
Relive the top moments from Cardi B's explosive Little Miss Drama Tour. Pyrotechnics, 40+ songs, viral incidents & defiant energy. Read the recap.

AceShowbiz - The Cardi Bs Little Miss Drama Tour has captivated fans across the country, delivering an electrifying experience that has kept audiences talking. As this highly anticipated tour nears its conclusion, XXL has spotlighted nine standout moments from the nationwide run.

Launching on February 11, the tour marks only the second major headlining journey for Cardi B. The show features an extensive setlist of nearly 40 songs, complemented by impressive pyrotechnics, intricate choreography, and multiple costume changes, ensuring a dynamic performance from beginning to end.

The tour quickly gained viral attention with memorable incidents from the very first night in Palm Desert, California. During a brief pause in the show, Cardi B addressed the crowd with a defiant message aimed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stating, "If ICE come in here, we gon' jump they a*ses. B**ch, I got some bear mase in the back. They ain't taking my fans, b**ch."

Another highlight of the tour has been the surprise guest appearances that thrilled local audiences. Meek Mill joined Cardi B in Philadelphia, while Lil Kim appeared in New York City, and Fetty Wap performed in New Jersey, among others. These unannounced collaborations added an extra layer of excitement to the shows.

Fans have also played an active role during the concerts. Cardi B introduced the innovative Mute Challenge as part of her rendition of "Pretty and Petty," and each night included a lively twerk-off contest on stage where audience members competed for the spotlight.

With its mix of high-energy performances, unexpected moments, and fan engagement, the Little Miss Drama Tour continues to be a must-see event for hip-hop fans across the nation.
Cardi B questions the suicide ruling in influencer Ashlee Jenae's death in Tanzania. Explore the controversy and unanswered questions.

AceShowbiz - Cardi B has publicly expressed her doubts regarding the official ruling on the death of Miami influencer Ashlee Jenae, whose passing in Tanzania has sparked growing international controversy.

The 31-year-old lifestyle content creator, whose real name is Ashley Robinson, was found dead in her hotel room in Zanzibar on April 8, 2026. Tanzanian officials have ruled the death a suicide by hanging, but the circumstances surrounding her passing have raised numerous questions among family, friends, and social media users alike.

Cardi B took to social media to voice her disbelief in the official explanation, writing emphatically, "That girl did not off herself!!!!" Her message reflects the mounting skepticism that has circulated online since the news first emerged.

Ashlee Jenae was reportedly enjoying what should have been a joyful period in her life. She had recently celebrated her birthday and announced her engagement to fiance Joe McCann at a luxury resort in Zanzibar. However, just days after these happy milestones, she was discovered unconscious in her hotel room.

According to initial reports provided by McCann to authorities, Jenae had taken her own life. McCann subsequently returned to the United States, leaving Jenae's body in Tanzania while the investigation began. This sequence of events has contributed to the rise in suspicions and calls for further scrutiny.

Family members have been particularly vocal in challenging the suicide ruling. They point out that no note was left behind, and key details about the timeline of events remain unclear or contradictory. Her parents issued a public statement highlighting their confusion and grief over the sudden loss, emphasizing that the situation feels surreal.

In their first national interview since the tragedy, Jenae's parents described the emotional toll of both the unexpected death and the geographical distance separating them from their daughter during this difficult time. They expressed appreciation for the support and compassion they have received from the public while seeking answers.

The family also revealed conflicting information received from the hotel. Initially, they were told that Jenae suffered from alcohol poisoning, but this explanation was later replaced by the suicide determination. Her mother expressed disbelief that less than a week after celebrating Jenae's engagement, they would be facing such a devastating loss.

Social media platforms have become a hub for ongoing speculation, with many users questioning how someone who appeared to be celebrating major life events could abruptly take their own life without leaving any explanation. Friends and relatives have joined the conversation, challenging the official narrative and suggesting there may be more to the story than reported.

Tanzanian authorities continue to uphold their ruling of suicide, but the growing international attentionfueled by public figures like Cardi Bhas intensified pressure for a comprehensive and transparent investigation.

Jenae's family has indicated that they are exploring all possible avenues to uncover the truth about what happened to their daughter. Meanwhile, the investigation remains active as authorities and loved ones await further developments.
Meghan Markle reveals her preferred name during Australia tour with Prince Harry. Details on their royal engagements and her Sydney wellness retreat.

AceShowbiz - Meghan Markle recently addressed how she prefers to be called during her and Prince Harrys visit to Australia, as tickets remain available for her upcoming wellness retreat in Sydney. The duchess and her husband launched their Australian trip with a series of public engagements, including visits to a childrens hospital and a womens refuge in Melbourne.

On the first day of their visit, the couple was warmly welcomed by hundreds of supporters. They greeted patients at the Royal Childrens Hospital, posed for selfies, and received flowers and a welcome card amid cheers. Later, Meghan Markle visited a women's shelter before rejoining Prince Harry at the Australian National Veterans Art Museum.

During their time at the veterans museum, Steve Cotterill, Australias inaugural poet laureate, asked how the couple preferred to be addressed. According to The Telegraph, Harry responded, However you like, while Meghan added, Call me Meg? This indicated their relaxed stance on royal titles following their decision to step back from senior royal duties in 2020.

Hospital staff at the Royal Childrens Hospital were also informed by the couples aides that addressing them as Harry and Meghan was perfectly acceptable. This marks a shift from traditional royal protocol, where male royals are addressed as Your Royal Highness followed by Sir, and female royals as Your Royal Highness then Maam. Since stepping back, the couple no longer uses the HRH titles.

Alongside their public engagements, the Sussexes office confirmed that their four-day trip would emphasize mental health, community resilience, and support for veterans and their families, with private meetings and special projects included. They will also participate in private commercial events separate from public appearances.

A highlight of the visit will be Meghan Markles participation in a girls weekend wellness retreat in Sydney. Hosted by the Her Best Life podcast, the event is set at the five-star InterContinental Coogee Beach hotel. Tickets are priced at 1,400, with VIP options costing 1,670. The VIP package includes a group photo with the duchess.

Despite initial claims that the retreat had sold out, it has emerged that some tickets remain available. The Her Best Life podcasts Instagram page recently announced final last minute availability, contradicting earlier announcements of a full sell-out. Organizers revealed that the hotel had released additional rooms, encouraging interested guests to inquire via direct message.

The exclusive event, capped at 300 guests, requires attendees to obtain security clearance prior to attending. Mobile phone use will be strictly prohibited during the retreat to maintain privacy and exclusivity.

The retreats agenda promises a luxurious and empowering weekend for women, designed to foster reconnection, relaxation, and fun. Activities will include yoga classes, panel discussions, a fireside chat with Meghan Markle, and a disco party. The event aims to create a space for powerful conversations and memorable experiences by the ocean.

Meghan Markles involvement in the retreat was announced last month by Gemma ONeill, host of the Her Best Life podcast. The events promotional materials describe it as a girls weekend like no other, intended to offer an unforgettable experience for women seeking to recharge and connect.
President Donald Trump has ignited a fresh wave of public condemnation following the circulation and subsequent removal of an artificial intelligence-generated image depicting him in a messianic light. The digital artwork, which briefly appeared on social media, has drawn fierce criticism from religious groups and political opponents who have labelled it as sacrilegious.

This latest controversy highlights the growing debate over the use of synthetic media in political campaigns and the boundaries of religious iconography. Critics argue that the imagery crosses a line from traditional political branding into an exploitation of religious symbolism.

Trump Admits Post But Denies the Jesus Narrative

'I did post it, and I thought it was me as a doctor, and had to do with the Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support,' Trump told reporters outside the Oval Office. The president clarified that the picture did not depict him as Jesus but rather as a doctor associated with the Red Cross.

In a video shared by commentator Aaron Parnas, an attorney, independent journalist and TikTok creator, Trump was also reported to have blamed the media for the 'wrong narrative,' suggesting that only journalists would interpret the imagery as religious in nature. He insisted that the medical context was 'pretty evident,' despite the presence of traditional religious motifs found throughout the artwork.

The explanation failed to satisfy many observers who noted that the attire and lighting were consistent with classical depictions of Christ. Parnas noted that even some of Trump's own supporters were confused by the imagery.

Divine Imagery and Accusations of Religious Blasphemy

The AI-generated image featured the president dressed in traditional white robes layered with a striking red cloak. He was portrayed touching the sick and infirm, while an American flag served as a prominent backdrop to the scene. The complex composition also included soldiers, a nurse, a person in prayer, and an eagle soaring through a sky filled with ethereal light.

The public reaction was immediate and largely negative, with many viewers expressing shock at the religious parallels. One social media user responded to the post by stating that Trump was posting an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus. They further described the act as 'absolutely disgusting and 100% blasphemy.'

'If you are a conservative Christian still supporting Donald Trump you have a serious flaw in your moral character,' Cyrus Janssen, a speaker and YouTuber, wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

This is absolutely wild! I had to verify this was in fact an actual post from Trump and yes, it absolutely is 



President is posting AI generated images of himself as Jesus. This is absolutely disgusting and 100% blasphemy.



If you are a conservative Christian still supporting pic.twitter.com/ca9QybCGHh  Cyrus Janssen (@thecyrusjanssen) April 13, 2026

The backlash was not limited to political rivals, as some religious commentators argued that equating a political figure with a divine entity is fundamentally offensive. Many argued that such imagery trivialises sacred traditions for electoral optics and personal vanity.

Meanwhile, several Trump supporters also rallied to defend him. One clarified that when Trump shared the portrait and message in February, he never claimed to be Jesus or God.

we are commanded in Scripture to Lay hands on the sick and pray for their healing (Mark 16:18).



When Trump shared that image and message in Feb, he wasnt claiming to be Jesus or putting himself in the place of God  JackReacher (@DCjusticeseeker) April 13, 2026

Previous Controversial Post

This is not the first instance in which President Trump's social media activity has generated significant controversy over offensive or inflammatory imagery. A previous post featuring Barack and Michelle Obama as apes sparked widespread accusations of racism and led to international condemnation.

The fallout from that incident was severe, with many civil rights organisations calling the post a clear example of racial prejudice. At the time, the White House attempted to distance the president from the content, claiming that he had not personally shared the image.

Officials attributed the post to a staffer, but this explanation was met with deep scepticism from the public and media outlets. Critics argued that attributing controversial posts to a staffer had become a familiar pattern of deflection.

The AI-generated image has since been removed from social media. No formal White House statement has been issued regarding the post's origin or approval process. Trump addressed the image directly to reporters outside the Oval Office, maintaining it depicted him in a medical rather than religious context.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
Lisa Hochstein & Jody Glidden face criminal charges for allegedly recording Lenny Hochstein. Their attorneys deny wrongdoing amid the contentious divorce.

AceShowbiz - Lisa Hochstein and her former partner, Jody Glidden, have recently been implicated in a legal controversy involving allegations of secretly recording conversations of Lenny Hochstein.

According to court documents, the pair is accused of violating Florida law by intercepting private communications in March 2023, at a time when tensions between Lisa Hochstein and Lenny Hochstein were escalating amid their divorce proceedings. The recordings are said to include conversations between Lenny Hochstein and other individuals connected to the divorce case.

Last month, Glidden was briefly detained in Miami Beach in relation to these charges. Both Lisa Hochstein and Gliddens attorneys have denied any criminal wrongdoing, asserting that the matter should be handled within family court rather than through criminal prosecution. Their legal counsel stated, "This matter is part of a contentious divorce proceeding and does not belong in criminal court."

This latest development follows earlier accusations from Lenny Hochstein, who claimed that Lisa Hochstein had planted a listening device in his vehicle to gather information about their ongoing divorce. At that time, Lenny Hochstein argued these alleged recordings compromised the fairness of the legal process, while Lisa Hochstein publicly dismissed the claims as "nonsense" in 2023.

The couple finalized their divorce in late 2024 after a 12-year marriage. They share two children, a son named Logan and a daughter named Elle, and endured a lengthy and highly publicized legal battle before reaching their final settlement.

Subsequently, Lisa Hochstein began a relationship with Jody Glidden, which ended quietly earlier this year. The new charges have added another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation between all parties involved.
Porsha Williams removed from Delta flight after onboard dispute. FBI investigating potential federal charges. Details on the BravoCon incident.

AceShowbiz - Porsha Williams faced an unexpected and intense situation while returning from BravoCon when she was removed from a Delta Airlines flight on Sunday, November 16. The incident has since drawn the attention of the FBI, which is now conducting an investigation into the matter.

According to reports from TMZ, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star, 44, was seen walking off the plane accompanied by an officer and briefly speaking with law enforcement officials at the gate. An FBI Atlanta spokesperson confirmed their awareness of the incident, stating, "FBI Atlanta is aware of incident on a Delta flight on November 16th allegedly involving Porsha Williams and/or at least one other person." The spokesperson added that authorities are evaluating whether federal charges may apply.

Delta Airlines later released a statement confirming that two passengers were involved in a dispute onboard the flight. The flight continued as scheduled to Atlanta, where law enforcement was waiting to meet the plane. It was noted that the aircraft landed safely and without incident before officers boarded.

Porsha Williams had been attending BravoCon in Las Vegas over the weekend prior to the flight disruption. Following the news, her attorney, Joe Habachy, responded to the reports by defending her actions and contesting any blame placed on her.

Habachy explained that Porsha Williams exited the flight after being "verbally assaulted by an irate and unhinged passenger without provocation." He further emphasized that the accusations against her were contradicted by the accounts of multiple eyewitnesses. As is standard for incidents on flights, federal authorities are investigating all parties involved to identify any offenses that might have occurred.

The attorney also assured that Porsha Williams intends to cooperate fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation. He expressed confidence that the passenger who initiated the altercation would face charges.

In response to the ongoing situation, Porsha Williams addressed her mental health in an emotional video posted on Instagram the day after the incident. She expressed gratitude for the support from fans during a challenging time.

"Keep pushing! I thank God every day that I'm in my right mind and not only haven't lost myself but I've found and embraced a better me," she shared. She reflected on the positive energy she received from BravoCon, saying, "Leaving BravoCon I'm filled with all the love and warmth and support from our beautiful fans."

Porsha Williams continued her message with heartfelt thanks, stating, "I just want to extend a thank you from the bottom of my heart for not only your prayers but for being with me on this journey called life. I love me again & I love you all! Thank you mommy for being my backbone #RawRealLife No more survival mode we will thrive!! We are kicking depressions ass!! #Grateful #MentalHealthMatters."

This incident marks another intense moment in Porsha Williams' public life, but she remains focused on her recovery and cooperating with authorities as the investigation by the FBI continues.
Jennie Bond says Harry & Meghan's Australia tour will be ignored by royals, despite their charity work and historic family ties in Melbourne.

AceShowbiz - Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond recently shared her thoughts on the latest tour of Australia by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Despite the couples active engagements in Melbourne, Bond believes their visit will largely go unnoticed by the official royal family.

Harry and Meghan began their trip with several public appearances, including a visit to a childrens hospital in Melbourne. This hospital holds historical significance for the royal family, as it was opened by Harrys grandmother and visited by his parents 40 years ago. Nurses reported that the children and their families were excited and curious to meet the couple in person.

While their arrival prompted a mix of reactions, from welcoming crowds to criticism, Bond expressed frustration over the persistent negative commentary aimed at the couple. She questioned why people continue to disparage their visit, which combines charitable work with commercial activities. According to Bond, the couple has never labeled their trip as an official royal tour, and they are not engaging in formal duties such as walkabouts or high-level meetings with dignitaries or politicians.

The visit occurs during the Easter holidays in the UK, a time when other members of the royal family typically take a break from public duties. This timing means there is little conflict with the official royal calendar, which Bond suggests is why the Firm is unlikely to pay much attention to the trip.

Bond acknowledged that the scale of public interest is smaller than during the couples earlier visits when they were working royals and enjoyed widespread popularity. Nevertheless, a significant number of people turned out to see them on the first day, indicating they still have a degree of celebrity appeal. Bond emphasized that Harry remains a prince and that media coverage keeps them newsworthy.

One point of contention noted by Bond involves commercial aspects of the visit. She described it as a bit tacky that Meghan is offering paid photo opportunities at events such as a womens weekend retreat, linking this to her efforts to promote her As Ever brand. However, Bond framed this as a typical business strategy, implying that such moves are expected in their pursuit of commercial ventures.

Ultimately, Bond framed the Australia trip as exactly what the Sussexes intended when they stepped back from senior royal duties: combining income-generating activities with charitable work. She questioned the basis for ongoing controversy, suggesting that if there is any, it is unwarranted.

As the visit continues, it remains clear that Harry and Meghan are carving out a distinct path that blends philanthropy with entrepreneurship, even if it garners mixed responses from the public and the royal establishment alike.
Kacey Musgraves responds to Trump's AI Jesus image with a playful, viral twist: Dolly Parton as the savior in her own AI-generated masterpiece.

AceShowbiz - Kacey Musgraves took a sharp, humorous swipe at former President Donald Trumps controversial AI-generated image by creating her own version featuring country legend Dolly Parton as a Christ-like figure.

Trump sparked widespread backlash after posting an AI image of himself as Jesus healing the sick amid his conflict with Pope Leo XIV regarding the Iran War. The post, which he later deleted, drew criticism from across the political spectrumwith his supporters expressing disappointment and his opponents responding with ridicule.

Instead of a direct political rebuttal, Musgraves responded with a playful and culturally resonant twist. Late on the night of April 14, 2026, she shared an AI-generated image on X replicating the format of Trumps post, but replacing the central figure with Dolly Parton depicted as a savior, while Musgraves herself appeared as the ailing person being healed. The post was shared without any accompanying commentary, letting the image speak for itself.

This creative retort stands out because Parton is widely beloved not only in country music but also in broader pop culture, making her a rare figure who can be affectionately depicted in such a reverential manner without causing offense. The concept of Saint Dolly Parton has circulated among fans for some time, with admirers often celebrating her cultural impact in ways that skirt on the edge of playful blasphemy.

Musgravess image is part of a larger trend where artists and fans use humor and cultural icons to comment on political and social controversies in imaginative ways. The exchange highlights how technology like AI is increasingly being used in public discourse to create provocative and viral imagery.
New surveillance images released in the targeted shooting of rapper Offset. Officials reveal details of the assault, robbery attempt, and coordinated escape.

AceShowbiz - Federal authorities have released fresh surveillance images and details concerning the shooting involving Offset that occurred outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

According to officials, the incident was not a random act of violence but a targeted assault. A group reportedly attacked Offset, during which one individual drew a handgun and fired a single shot, injuring the rapper and sending him to the hospital.

The confrontation escalated as the suspects attempted to steal Offset's watch amid the chaos. This raises questions about whether the attack was a robbery gone wrong or a more premeditated act disguised as a theft.

The suspects fled the scene in two Chevrolet SUVs: one was a matte gray Tahoe heading toward Miami, while the other was a black Suburban traveling in the opposite direction toward Hollywood. This split escape route suggests coordination and planning rather than spontaneous flight.

Federal investigators are now deeply involved. The seriousness of federal involvement points to possible organized criminal activity behind the attack.

There has been no confirmation connecting Offset's shooting to fellow rapper Lil Tjay, who had been speculated as a suspect. The new surveillance images released by the authorities do not show Lil Tjay as part of the assailants, and officials have not clarified any relationship between him and the incident.

The unfolding details indicate this case is complex and layered, with more developments expected as federal agents continue their investigation.
Kerry Washington reveals the truth about her off-screen bond with Scandal co-star Tony Goldwyn and addresses fans' real-life "shipping" of their romance.

AceShowbiz - Scandal stars Kerry Washington and Tony Goldwyn have long shared a playful rapport that keeps fans entertained, especially those who root for their on-screen romance to extend off-camera. During an April 14 episode of the Good Hang podcast, Washington opened up about her relationships with the men she worked with on the hit drama, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual respect among the cast.

Kerry Washington, 49, expressed gratitude for the positive bonds formed with her male co-stars, mentioning both Scott Foley and Tony Goldwyn. She noted, I love their wives. They love my husband, emphasizing the friendly and supportive environment behind the scenes.

Podcast host Amy Poehler pointed out that despite Washington being married to Nnamdi Asomugha and Goldwyn to Jane Musky since 1987, fans continue to ship the pair romantically in real life. Washington confirmed this is something she and Goldwyn actively enjoy teasing their audience about. By the way, we like to f*** with people. I post stuff all the time with Tony, she admitted, revealing their shared sense of fun around the ongoing fan enthusiasm.

The affection fans hold for the fictional couple reflects the impact of Scandal, which aired for seven seasons from 2012 to 2018. The Shonda Rhimes-created series followed Washingtons character, Olivia Pope, a crisis manager navigating the complex political landscape in Washington, D.C. Goldwyn portrayed President Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III, Olivias on-again, off-again love interest, making their dynamic a central element of the show.

Washington spoke warmly about how much she appreciates that viewers continue to debate and engage with the romance between Olivia and Fitz. I love that people ship them. I love it. I love it so much, she said. I love that people get into arguments.  I love that we gave people romance, that we gave people escapism, that we made people think, that we made people feel. I love all of that.

Interest in a possible reboot of Scandal has remained high among fans and cast alike. Co-star Scott Foley, who played Olivias other love interest Jake Ballard, shared his perspective in a December 2025 interview with Us Weekly. He suggested that any revival would hinge on Shonda Rhimes enthusiasm and vision for where the characters might be in their lives now. Foley also acknowledged Washingtons busy schedule, citing her involvement in the new Knives Out sequel as a factor that could delay a return to the series.

Shonda Rhimes herself has reflected on the challenges she faced while creating Scandal, including network pushback on sensitive storylines like Olivia Popes abortion. In an October 8 appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Rhimes revealed that ABC initially wanted to reduce the impact of that storyline. She noted, I cant get in trouble now, but the network had a problem with it, highlighting the hurdles involved in pushing forward bold narratives.

Earlier in 2026, Washington reiterated that any decision to reboot would ultimately rest with Rhimes. During the same Call Her Daddy interview, Washington also joked about imaginary children shes been sharing selfies with around town. She was referring to actors Chase Infiniti and Tyriq Withers, whom fans have humorously dubbed as Olivia and Fitzs children, a joke that Washington said will not die and one she loves because of how much the young actors resemble her and Goldwyn.

Washingtons playful engagement with fans and her co-star Tony Goldwyn showcases the enduring connection the cast has maintained since the show ended. Their willingness to tease the ship while maintaining close friendships highlights a rare blend of professionalism and humor.

As the conversation around a potential Scandal reboot continues, the casts openness to revisiting their roles suggests that fans may one day see Olivia Pope and President Grants complicated relationship unfold again on screen. Until then, Washington and Goldwyns teasing keeps the romance alive in the imaginations of the show's loyal audience.
Google is investing $10 million to expand artificial intelligence education for manufacturing workers, aiming to train about 40,000 people across the United States.

The funding will support a new program developed with the Manufacturing Institute, a workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers.

The money comes from Google.org's AI Opportunity Fund and will help create new training courses focused on real-world factory work.

According to Maggie Johnson, global head of Google.org, the goal is to bring practical AI skills directly to workers.

"Through this initiative, our AI training courses will serve as the basis for MI's new AI curriculum for manufacturers," she said.

The program will introduce two main courses: AI 101 for Manufacturing and Advanced AI for Manufacturing Technicians, FoxBusiness reported.

The first course adapts Google's existing AI lessons for factory settings, while the second is designed specifically for workers who need deeper technical skills.

Employees will learn from Google experts, including engineers and data analysts, and then apply that knowledge to everyday tasks on the production floor.

 AI training that will apply to millions around the World beyond the US.

Google partners on AI training for thousands of American manufacturing workers https://t.co/eBmuTfXxnA #FoxBusiness  #TheRebelDemocrat (@ejnyamogo) April 13, 2026

Google Pushes Hands-On AI Training

Johnson explained that the training will be hands-on and easy to use in real jobs.

"This will enable manufacturing apprentices and workers to learn essential AI skills... tailored for scenarios they'll need in their day-to-day work," she said.

The initiative also includes expanding the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program into at least 15 new regions.

The advanced AI course will be added to all FAME chapters, helping more workers access the training.

According to LGM Corp, the partnership comes as the US faces a growing shortage of skilled manufacturing workers. Industry estimates suggest nearly 1.9 million jobs could go unfilled by 2033.

Carolyn Lee, president of the Manufacturing Institute, said the new training is designed to help close that gap.

"When manufacturers have a workforce that can effectively use these tools, they're able to adopt advanced technologies faster, operate more efficiently and stay competitive," she explained.

Lee also addressed concerns many workers feel about AI. She said fear often comes from not understanding how the technology works.

"The best way to combat that is with good communication and skills training," she said, adding that the program aims to show how AI can support workers rather than replace them.

Originally published on vcpost.com
Congress Slams Govt Over 'Secret' Constitution Bills, Calls It 'Mockery of Democracy' 2

The Congress on Tuesday accused the Centre of making a complete mockery of democracy by failing to share proposed Constitution amendment bills with Members of Parliament ahead of the special session scheduled this week.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that despite the session set to begin on April 16, MPs have not been provided with details of the bills they are expected to debate and vote on. He termed the move reflective of a bulldozer mentality by the government.

Ramesh also criticised the timing of the session, noting that it coincides with peak election campaigning in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. He said the government had rejected the Oppositions demand to hold an all-party meeting after the elections.

Echoing similar concerns, Congress Lok Sabha whip Manickam Tagore said rushing a special session without adequate consultation undermines democratic processes. He stressed that while the party supports womens reservation, issues such as delimitation require broader discussion, transparency and consensus.

Tagore further argued that the current approach could deny representation to backward class women if proper data and due process are not followed, adding that Parliament should not be reduced to a rubber stamp.

The criticism comes amid reports that amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, or Womens Reservation Act, are likely to be introduced during the three-day session from April 16 to 18 to enable its implementation by 2029.

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi had earlier raised concerns over delimitation, calling it extremely dangerous and an assault on the Constitution. She also alleged that the governments approach may delay the caste census and provide political advantage during ongoing elections.

The government has been urging Opposition parties to support the proposed amendments, even as Assembly elections continue in several states, including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
'No Quick Deal': UN Chief Urges Continued Iran-US Talks, Stresses Ceasefire in West Asia 2

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for sustained dialogue between Iran and the United States, stressing that a lasting agreement cannot be achieved overnight, even as recent talks ended without a breakthrough.

Negotiations between the two countries, held in Islamabad and led by US Vice President JD Vance, concluded after 21 hours without a deal to end the ongoing West Asia conflict.

In a statement, Guterres said that while no agreement was reached, the discussions reflected serious engagement and marked a meaningful step toward renewed dialogue.

He emphasised that given the deep-rooted differences between the two sides, continued constructive talks are essential to achieving a resolution. At the same time, he underlined that the ceasefire announced last week must be strictly maintained, warning that all violations must cease immediately.

The UN chief reiterated that there is no military solution to the crisis, which has already caused widespread destruction and distress across the region.

Guterres also highlighted the broader global impact of the conflict, particularly disruptions in maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded due to the situation, facing growing hardships.

He warned that interruptions in shipping routes and supply chains are contributing to global economic instability, affecting fuel prices, transportation and food security, particularly through disruptions in fertiliser supply.

The UN chief thanked mediators including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkiye for facilitating dialogue and urged the international community to support ongoing diplomatic efforts. He added that his envoy, Jean Arnault, continues to engage with stakeholders to push for a comprehensive and durable agreement.
In Donald Trumps America, many Americans think woke gender and sexual issues are settled. They should think again.

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Alaska proves it. The states lawmakers are currently advancing Senate Bill 238, which would protect Alaska librarians who promote sexually explicit books to children. The bill grants libraries -- represented by the American Library Association (ALA) -- sweeping power to stack kids shelves with pornographic material, even when parents object.

Oftentimes, conservatives stretch the definition of woke to include anything they perceive as liberal. But the Alaska debate has nothing to do with kids learning about different religions or the history of slavery. It has to do with exposing kids to topics like anal and oral sex, bondage, masturbation, and pederasty.

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What is pederasty? Sex between a man and a young boy -- yes, shown to little boys and girls. Seeing Playboy in a middle school would be bad enough, and this is even worse.

If SB 238 passes, it would become virtually impossible for parents to speak out against the ALAs most controversial books. These include Gender Queer: A Memoir, a recommended trans read that contains multiple pages of illustrations depicting oral sex. One scene shows the author masturbating with a sock, while another portrays the use of a strap-on harness. Such inappropriate images have been entered into the congressional record for all to see (buyer beware).

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To quote one Alaska father, [Librarians] have tried to draw children through posting flyers at our schools to come and check out these books. In the words of a mother: It is the parents responsibility to monitor what our children are allowed to view and experience at appropriate times.

How could the ALA possibly object? By labeling concerned parents as book banners. The worlds largest association of libraries claims that objectors simply oppose the freedom to read, a mantra echoed by pro-ALA legislators.

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In truth, no one wants to burn books. Titles like Gender Queer should be available to the public, and they are available on Amazon.com or in your local Barnes & Noble. But sexually explicit trans reads shouldnt be promoted in middle school libraries, just like we dont tell kids to scroll through Pornhub.

A s the ALAs chief critic, I am a firm believer in the importance of reading different books at a young age; I just dont want fifth graders reading about blowjobs and strap-ons. Most parents agree: Democrats, Republicans, and independents believe that schools and libraries shouldnt peddle porn to kids, and they believe in parental involvement.

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Alas, ALA agitprop is not just an Alaska problem. From Florida to New Hampshire and Texas, parents across the political aisle are speaking out against child grooming through reading. (I was sued in federal court by one ALA librarian for supporting them.)

To silence parents like myself, ALA activists argue that the Supreme Courts 1973 Miller test is the proper standard for inclusion in school libraries, allowing librarians to stock kids shelves with all materials that are not explicitly deemed obscene. Based on the Miller test, which determines whether material is legally obscene, even the most pornographic adults-only magazines and movies are difficult to challenge. As Sarah Lamdan, Executive Director at the ALAs Office for Intellectual Freedom, recently suggested, the Miller test is broadly applied to stifle parental dissent.

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While the Supreme Court ruled that obscene materials do not enjoy First Amendment protection if obscenity is proven (difficult to do legally), the case initially dealt with the mass mailing of adult porn. This is categorically different from a librarian telling a child to read about alternative sex. Yet the ALA intentionally applies the Miller test to kids books, knowing that any challenge will be bogged down by judicial process -- one book, one court case.

Under the Supreme Courts more applicable Pico standard of 1982, inappropriate books that are educationally unsuitable dont need to go to a judge. They can be contested by a school board or superintendent, with parents having a direct say. But that would require the ALA to respect parents in the first place.

From Alaska to Washington, D.C., the ALAs agitprop is a serious wake-up call to parents. Here is a new Miller test: Fear the worst when the ALA brings it up. If school policy names Miller or the as a whole test, it is safe to assume that foul play is afoot. We only hear about the Miller test or book banning or the freedom to read in cases where ALA librarians are handing out sexually explicit books to children.

Parents have no choice but to come together, and the rest of America has to wake up. We need support from institutions such as the mainstream media and influential leaders like Elon Musk or Robert Kraft, who have long championed free speech but can take a stronger stance on porn in school libraries. We also need the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to step in as a viable alternative to a fundamentally broken library association.

Against the woke ALA, parents need all the help we can get. Our kids future is at stake.

Dan Kleinman is the owner of SafeLibraries educational services. He is also executive director of the World Library Association, an alternative to the American Library Association.

Image: American Library Association
A popular early radio (19301954) crime-fighting program, The Shadow, began with a distinctive narrators voice uttering an iconic opening line, Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!

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In the aftermath of the arrest of a former US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) civilian employee, Courtney Williams, 40, for an act of betrayal against her country, we can only wonder what evil lurked within her heart.

To become a SOCOM contractor, Williams took an oath of secrecy for life. It was a condition she had to accept before being given access to a range of classified information. There was nothing complex about the arrangement. Williams simply agreed never to say anything about what she learned from being granted access to classified files and personnel and, in exchange, the government would allow her to learn whatever she did while undertaking her specific project requirement.

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Between 2010 and 2016, Williams held a top-secret clearance and worked on providing support for elite special operations forces, specifically a special military uniti.e., Delta Force. Under the SOCOM umbrella, she was an operational support technician responsible for Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) that were used both in preparation for and during sensitive missions. The work she generated was to support warfighters and, as such, was not only classified as secret, but also as too sensitive to be shared with any foreign country.

Clearly, the last person SOCOM wanted Williams feeding TTP details to was a member of the media. However, between 2022 and 2025 that is exactly what she did, giving them to journalist Seth Harp who was writing a book. The same day the book was publishedAugust 12, 2025Harp also published an article for Politico magazine promoting it, and letting the TTP cat out of the bag.

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An investigation was launched that reviewed over 180 messages and ten hours of phone calls between Harp and Williams, leading to the latter being charged with the unauthorized transmission of national defense information under the Espionage Act. Willliams was arrested on April 7, 2026.

The arrest date is telling. It occurred just two days after an intense high-profile race had ended, between Iranian search teams and Delta Force teams, to locate a second F-15E crewmember whose plane had been shot down in central Iran. Fortunately, the rescue was accomplished by Delta Force, but only after the crewmember had spent 36 hours on the ground evading his would-be captors. And, ironically, this occurred as he was following his evasion TTPs, not knowing the prior publication of Harps book had probably given the Iranians an edge on capturing him. Delta Force operators ended up extracting him from the country on April 5.

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Iranian special forces experts seeking details about Delta Force operations would have wanted a copy of the Harp/Williams book. If obtained, it would have played an undeniably helpful role for the Iranians racing to find the F-15E crewmember.

Titled The Fort Bragg Cartel (which is where, in North Carolina, Delta Force is stationed), much of the books focus was on Williamss personal experiencesdescribing them as a living hell and tossing in details of sexual harassment. While even publishing this information violated her oath, Harp suggests Williams was a justified whistleblower reporting on a toxic military environment.

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This is outlandish as whistleblowing provides absolutely no excuse for Williams releasing TTP details. It serves no purpose other than to create a needless risk for these elite warriors. Basically what Williams did was to tell our enemies how best to capture any of our special force personnel who might be caught behind enemy lines.

We are left to wonder what evil lurked within the heart of Williams, motivating her to assist an enemy, especially a terrorist one like Iran, in capturing her own countrymen. By her outrageous actions, she contributed to the increased fear factor the F-15E weapons crewman experienced during his 36 hour run for life. He had no idea a TTP blueprint for that run had been made available for enemy review.

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What could have motivated Williams to reveal TTPs critical to the survival of American special forces operating behind enemy lines? Was it fame? Was it greed? Was it a defiant act of retribution? Was it hatred for Trump?

Whatever it was, it involved callous thinking on her part. And there is no doubt she was fully aware of what she was doing. The complaint filed against Williams reveals concern she had expressed in messages to Harp such as, It feels like an entire TTP was sent out in my name. She was also forewarned several times about revealing information. In a later communication with her mother, Williams said she was probably going to jail for life for what she had done. The risk of a ten-year prison sentence now hangs over her head.

The motivations of other Americans who had knowingly transferred classified material directly to an enemy are well known.

Retired Navy Chief Warrant Officer John Anthony Walker sold secrets to the Soviets (19671985) strictly for money. What he provided them reflected a heartless soul. Had war erupted, his actions would have enabled the Soviets to destroy our submarine fleet, killing the vast majority of Walkers fellow sailors serving under the seas.

Another heartless American was Aldrich Amesa CIA case officer who spoke Russian and specialized in Russian intelligence services. His became perhaps the most damaging spy story in U.S. history. A man who held greed in higher regard than loyalty, he helped Moscow identify most of the spies the U.S. had operating there. It led to the termination of over 100 CIA operations and the executions of twelve U.S. spies. Ames was convicted of spying in 1994.

Nor can the list of spies ignore the contributions made to the Soviet Union by Robert Hanssen. He worked for the FBI, providing his Soviet handlers with devastating information. While Hannsen benefitted financially from this relationship, other traits such as profound personal narcissism and the high of risk-takingcombined with a sense he was underappreciated at the agencywere all contributors in his selling America out, making him feel superior and powerful by doing so.

Deservedly, all three of the above received life sentences, serving 29, 32 and 22 years respectively before dying in prison.

But it is difficult to understand why Williams decided, six years after serving SOCOM, to violate her lifes oath to her country. Perhaps at trial we will learn the source of the evil lurking in her heart. But whatever it was, she selfishly and needlessly chose to impose an even greater risk upon our Delta Force warriors, limiting the operational area within which they function while in peril behind enemy lines.

James Zumwalt is a retired Marine infantry officer who served in the Vietnam War, Panama, and Operation Desert Storm. He is the author of three books and hundreds of opinion pieces in online and print publications. He speaks frequently on foreign policy and defense issues as well as on the leadership of his famous father, after whom the worlds first stealth destroyer is named.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
FrontPage Magazines Daniel Greenfield reported today on a piece of newly proposed legislation (AB 2624) that would criminalize any sort of investigative journalism in California, particularly as it pertains to personsin the immigrant community.

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Read: Dont touch our Somalis, or anyone else running the same grifts. (Were apparently back on the transparency is a bad thing train.)

If you do, youre guilty of harassment, and the harassed is entitled to substantial financial compensation through a court of lawthe bill reads the awarded amount can be up to a maximum of three times the actual damages and never less than $4,000.

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Most ironic is that the bills name is Privacy for immigration support services providers. Privacy? Since when do Democrats ever care about privacy? I can think of one: the privacy to kill an in-utero child without any nosey outsiders asserting that murder is wrong.

Investigative journalism, is in effect, criminalized. Well, once Gavin Newsom signs the bill, after it undoubtedly passes through the state legislature, it will be. At one point, Newsoms press office even promoted additional state protections for the Somalis (and other third-worlders running suspicious, taxpayer-funded businesses), saying this: Pro-tip: Daycares arent content farms. If you show up demanding access to film children, dont be surprised when the cops show up.

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This is coming from a man whose entire existence is content farming, whether hes pretending to be on the sides of workers by posting Dolores Huerta contentbut then taxing workers to death and stringing up so much red tape its essentially impossible for the laboring classes to move up the ladderor whether hes using California tribespeople as props behind him to announce new, big government schemes. (Isnt there some relevant history here the Indians should probably reflect on?)

Anyway, like Greenfield says, Goodbye First Amendment, and equal rights for all, hello California.

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Image generated by ChatGPT.
There's no lack of blame to go around for the overnight spat between Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, and President Trump doing his late-night tweets.

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Following the heavily advertised 60 Minutes segment featuring the pope's three closest and wokest U.S. cardinals repeating their criticisms of Trump's Iran actions and work restoring U.S. immigration law, Trump put out these intemperate tweets:

B R E A K I N G 



President Trump SLAMS Pope Leo for catering to woke radical leftists..



 pic.twitter.com/5Ua04zcvuG  American AF  (@iAnonPatriot) April 13, 2026

The president posted this not long after attacking the Pope: pic.twitter.com/RlRhO63ZCo Advertisement April 13, 2026

He called Pope Leo "weak on crime," which he hasn't commented on, and "terrible on foreign policy" which it can be argued, is correct, given the scope of the threat from Iran, whose missiles reached Europe a few weeks ago and which brutally bombed many of its non-combatant neighbors.

Then he brought up the Church's COVID response in the U.S., which, while it was indeed bad, was irrelevant, given that Pope Leo was not pope at the time and even if he were, would not have had anything to do with it.

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He unwisely brought up the pope's brother, Louis, probably with good intentions as he likes the man, who is now going to get a flood of reporter phone calls goading him to choose between his love for his brother and his love for Trump, which is unfair to him.

Then he went into 'not wanting a pope' who opposed many different aspects of his foreign policy almost as if he had a vote at the conclave. For better or worse, we all get the pope we get.

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He mentioned that he was elected to do what he does, which is true enough, maybe obliquely remembering that a majority of Catholics voted for him, and didn't mention that the pope was elected for the same reasons.

Then he got into worst of his tweet, arguing that Pope Leo was only elected to Get Trump and if there were no Trump, there would be no Pope Leo, so I guess Leo was supposed to be grateful or something. It repeated the claim by lefty Vatican freelancer Christopher Hale who said he believes Pope Leo was specificly chosen to take down Trump. That was picked up by Liz Cheney, who bounced it around Washington, until Cardinal Robert McElroy, who voted in the conclave and witnessed the whole thing firsthand disabused her of the nonsense.

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The last part of his tweet, about Pope Leo meeting with Obama strategist and partisan political operative David Axelrod, and of that being a bad idea, was perfectly true, if bluntly said. A lot of us would like to know what that was about.

After that, he tweeted a Jesus-like photo of himself that probably wasn't meant that way, but which was taken that way, in a mistake he could have avoided.

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Suffice to say, this was not his best tweet, given the rough, unfocused character of it and the battlefield stance it revealed, which probably would alienate a sliver of the Catholic vote ahead of midterms. Leo XIV is very popular in spite of his woke statements.

Pope Leo wasn't any better. He had this response to the tweet as he headed out to tour Algeria:

UPDATE | This is the full and exact quote of Pope Leo, delivered in English to journalists aboard his flight to Algeria:

"I have no fear of neither the Trump administration nor of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel. And thats what I believe I am called to do and https://t.co/53Kn67UMAY  EWTN News (@EWTNews) April 13, 2026

Pope Leo said he wasn't afraid of the Trump administration, which was an obnoxious statement right out the gate, given that Trump never threatened him. It's awfully easy to not be afraid of someone who isn't threatening you. It's also a bona fide Democrat talking point to falsely claim that Trump is making threats. I see the hand of Axelrod clearly in that opener. One wonders if he coached the pope how to frame Trump in such talking points to bolster the Democrat narrative.

Pope Leo also said he wasn't a politician, which is true enough, but left out that he nevertheless likes to politick, which is hardly mutually exclusive from preaching the Gospel as he said he was about. He obviously thinks he's Gospel-informed as he makes his peace statements, which actually, is expected of him, but his other acts have gone way beyond what previous popes have done and extended into domestic meddling.

He waded into U.S. politics by urging Catholics to phone their leaders to complain about President Trump's acts in Iran. Presumably, he also wanted Iranians to call up their local mullahs and tell them to stop fighting. I wonder how that would work out for them. We all know the thrust of his statement was U.S. politics.

Then he met with David Axelrod, Obama's top strategist along with his 'entourage' which doeesn't sound like simple, humble Gospel preaching. What was that about? Since no information has been forthcoming, one can only assume it would be about what Axelrod is always about, which is winning power for left-wing Democrats.

Within days, 60 Minutes, an outfit he is likely well connected with, rolled out a platform for the three most Trump-hating cardinals to lob their criticisms at Trump. They obliged.

That provoked the reaction from Trump, which probably was exactly what Axelrod wanted, meaning, a trap for Trump which he unfortunately didn't avoid.

At the end of his statement, Pope Leo called for peacemakers and peacemaking, which is advice he would have well taken for himself, as he didn't in this series of political provocations.

Did he really believe he didn't have a political bone in his body? Did he really think we should believe this? He should have admitted he did because he could have looked erudite to say so, kind of like a Machiavellian prince, which would befit a Vatican pope. Aristotle, after all, said that man is a political animal, so if he admitted that, he would reveal a classically educated mind.

Then he could have thrown an olive branch to Trump and suggested a talk-it-over dialogue as he has been advocating on Iran, Cuba, and other hellhole tyrannies. Thus far, the Vatican has turned down all potential dialogue meetings with Trump, not wanting to 'give' him anything, as well as declined the White House's kind offer to visit the U.S. during its 250th anniversary in favor of a visit to illegal immigrants breaking into Italy. Peacemaking? Not on their watch.

As Christians, we really don't want to see this fight happening. We like them both, we know there are good things in both, we should not have to choose between them and there is no contradiction in liking both men for the different things they do. We know the pope is not the same kind of leader as Trump, but we also know that he's human and politicks like anyone else in a position of power. elected or not. Everybody politicks.

So we the Christians will have to be the peacemakers here if they won't, praying for this spat to get patched up because nothing good will come from continuous sniping and carping by two good leaders with their own strengths. Since the pope started it, the pope is in a better position to demonstrate the value of peacemaking and I wish he would.

He may be moving that way with this oblique tweet about peacemaking:

We need one another, and we need God. When we acknowledge our fragility, our hearts become open to supporting one another and to invoking the One who can grant what no human power can ensure: the profound reconciliation of hearts and, with it, true #Peace. #ApostolicJourney  Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) April 13, 2026

Maybe he is simmering down and thinking about this.

Meanwhile, Trump has gotten rid of that godawful 'artwork' tweet that sent the wrong message in a wise move.

Let's pray for peace to come between these two, the better for the pope to get the peace he wants in Iran and beyond and the better for Trump to not see a whole faith under the thumb of the partisan abortion- and euthanasia-promoting Democrats.

Image: Grok, ai-generated illustration
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, the air in New York feels different. We arent just looking back at 1776; we are watching the worlds most dangerous regime finally hit a brick wall.

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The war to dismantle the Islamic Republic of Iran is a necessity. For decades, Tehran operated on a trifecta of terror: nuclear extortion, ballistic missile expansion, and a genocidal obsession with erasing Israel from the map. But the Beautiful Hurricane that is Donald Trump saw what the diplomats wouldnt. He understood that you dont negotiate with a regime whose central organizing principle is the industry of hate. Yes, hate and evil. Thus, by backing Israels right to total victory, he started the cure for the region.

As a researcher who has walked the hallowed, horrific grounds of Auschwitz-Birkenau, I know what happens when the world ignores dehumanizing rhetoric. I spent fifteen years writing The Black Birds of Warsaw because I refused to let the lessons of the 1940s fade. When the mullahs cried, Death to Israel and Death to America, they werent just slogans; they were a blueprint for a second Holocaust.

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Today, that blueprint is in the shredder.

But as the smoke clears over Tehran, Washington must look beyond leadership change or regime change in Iran. If we want a Middle East that respects people over borders, we must confront and correct the structural and architectural injustices of the past  the decisions that shaped the region into its present form. The upcoming anniversary of American independence is the perfect moment to champion independence for the worlds largest stateless people: the Kurds. The valorous Kurds need not only our prayers, but also our support. For many decades, Bernard-Henri Levy has championed the Kurds, unlike any other intellectual in the West.

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A weakened Iran, stripped of its IRGC teeth, would create a power vacuum that should be filled by those who have actually fought our common enemies. Supporting an independent Kurdish state  carved from Kurdish majority regions in northwestern collapsing Iran and neighboring areas in northern Iraq, northeastern Syria, and southeastern Turkey  would be the ultimate strategic masterstroke. (These regions could first exist as autonomous entities within their countries, as is already the case in Iraq, with a concrete plan for eventual unification.) A sovereign Kurdistan would be a natural ally to the U.S. and Israel, serving as a democratic buffer against whatever radicalism tries to rise from the Iranian rubble.

Imagine a region where the Ring of Fire around Israel is replaced by a Circle of True Friends.

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The critics will call this further war escalation. I call it justice. For forty years, the Iranian people were held hostage by a leadership that preferred building missile bunkers to building schools. The Kurdish people were held hostage as well, alongside Iranians. By breaking the back of the Islamic Republic, we arent just securing Tel Aviv, Washington, or New York City; we are giving the Middle East a chance to breathe. We allow a Kurdish state to emerge at last.

To live in this historic moment is to witness the death of evil and the collapse of a deeply entrenched injustice.

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As we prepare the events for Americas 250th birthday day, lets ensure the flame of liberty extends to the Kurds and anyone else brave enough to stand against the dark. The architecture of confrontation is falling. Its time to build something better for everyone in that region, and never forget our friends, especially those who still have no country of their own. Should President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu help bring this state into existence, their names will be etched in history in golden letters forever.

Dimitris Eleas is a New Yorkbased writer and activist. He is currently completing a fifteen-year research project and manuscript on the Holocaust and antisemitism, The Black Birds of Warsaw. His e-mail is [email protected].

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Image via Pexels.
Andreas Wailzer at LifeSite News reports that the German government, through the Ministry of Construction, has just proposed a new bill that would give municipalities the right of first refusal if a potential buyer of property has anti-constitutional aspirations.

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But those with anti-constitutional aspirations arent to be confused with the third-world foreigners and hordes of Islamists who have decidedly not integrated and accepted the German constitution and government as authoritative, instead bringing sharia culture, customs, and pseudo-law to Germany and making no pretenses of hiding their intentionsthis is specifically in regards to right-wingers. Sure, the bills language includes a spate of other problematic identities (left-wing and religiously motivated extremist ideologues), but it singles out the right-wingers and elaborates thusly:

The proposed legislation states: They have long been well-documented as a right-wing extremist strategy for gaining a foothold in communities. Prominent examples have been, and continue to be, Dortmund-Dorstfeld and the village of Jamel. Their dominance in these areas is no coincidence, but part of a far-right strategy. Guidelines on preventing far-right extremism consistently emphasize the importance of involving and mobilizing the local population. However, at a certain point, civil society initiatives can no longer provide a sufficient counterbalance, which can further promote the segregation of the resident population. Advertisement

(If you didnt know any better, youd think they were literally talking about the Islamists currently conquering all of Europe.)

Now, the bills campaign is being led by a Verena Hubertz, of the Social Democrat party (SPD)whats interesting to note is that the SPDs very foundation is one of very strict Marxism. At one point, the SPD was the largest Marxist party in all of Europe, and consistently the most popular party in German federal elections in the modern era. Naturally, one could have guessed as much, based on the fact that this bill treads on the God-given rights of property ownership. Recall that The Communist Manifesto openly admits that their revolutionary upheaval cannot be effected except by means of despotic inroads on the rights of property.

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Its a grotesque bit of irony that there is actually a legitimate case for restricting property rights, but that group of people isnt anyone whos ethnically Germantheyd be the Islamists and other third-world miscreants pouring in from all the darkest corners of the world. But the government is too preoccupied with handing out taxpayer dollars to them, buying them houses! Yes, actually:

KfW loans are available to German citizens and eligible expats, including those with Blue Cards and those with temporary or permanent residency. KfW does not have separate criteria for citizenship. Advertisement

(KfW is the largest state-owned development bank governed by progressive goals and ideology.)

Too bad Germany never had Pat Buchanan:

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The seething racial resentment in the Third World against the West  decades after independence and trillions in foreign aid  should cause second thoughts about opening our borders to mass immigration from that world. Not everyone coming here brings in his heart the passionate attachment to America we attribute to the peoples of Ellis Island.

Not that the Germans would have listenedwe certainly arent!

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Hat tip: Bushie from Queensland.

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Costco is facing a class-action lawsuit filed by a California man who claims the retailer failed to properly notify customers before automatically renewing memberships and charging their accounts.

The lawsuit, brought by Russel George, alleges that Costco violated California's Automatic Renewal Law by sending a renewal notice outside the required timeframe.

Under the law, companies must notify customers between 15 and 45 days before charging them for another year of service, Yahoo reported.

George says he received his notice about 60 days before the charge, making it too early to be useful.

According to the complaint, George had been unsure about keeping his membership and would have canceled if he had received the reminder at the correct time. Instead, he only realized the renewal after Costco charged him $65 for his standard membership.

The case also highlights concerns about the company's cancellation process.

George's legal team argues that Costco does not offer a simple way to cancel memberships online, even if customers originally signed up through the internet.

Current options require members to either call a toll-free number or visit a warehouse in person.

California man hits Costco with class-action lawsuit over alleged sneaky membership charge https://t.co/p6188YJh2J pic.twitter.com/EaEybxdwJ4  New York Post (@nypost) April 13, 2026

Lawsuit Claims Costco Violated Subscription Laws

California law states that businesses must allow customers to cancel subscriptions using the same method they used to enroll.

According to the NYPost, the lawsuit claims Costco's system fails to provide a "straightforward" option, making it harder for customers to opt out.

The legal filing cites several state laws, including the Automatic Renewal Law, the False Advertising Law, the Consumers' Legal Remedies Act, and the Unfair Competition Law.

George is seeking damages and a jury trial on behalf of other customers who may have experienced similar issues.

The case comes at a time when subscription practices are under increasing scrutiny across the United States.

In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission proposed "click-to-cancel" rules that would have required companies to make cancellations as easy as sign-ups.

However, a federal appeals court struck down the rule in July 2025, saying proper procedures were not followed.

Costco, which has about 82 million paid members, has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

Originally published on vcpost.com
The marble halls of the Swedish Riksdag echoed with the footsteps of a man who carries the weight of a thousand-year throne and the hopes of a fractured nation.

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Reza Pahlavi did more than walk into a legislative chamber; he reclaimed a seat on the global stage.

While the clerical regime in Tehran trembles behind concrete walls and executioner squads, Pahlavi stands in the heart of European democracy to deliver a final verdict on the Islamic Republic. This visit marks the end of Western vacillation. It signals the birth of a new Iranian era.

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Reza Pahlavis presence in Stockholm shatters the myth of his irrelevance. For decades, the Ministry of Intelligence in Tehran spent millions of dollars to paint the prince as a relic of the past.

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They failed.

When Pahlavi addressed the Swedish Parliament, he spoke with the authority of a lineage that built modern Iran. He reminded the world that while the current occupants of the palace destroy, his house constructed the schools, the railways, and the legal codes that the mullahs now exploit.

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The Swedish legislators received him with the honors usually reserved for a head of state.

This reception acknowledges a simple truth: the Pahlavi name acts as the only glue capable of binding the diverse factions of the Iranian diaspora. From the secular liberals to the constitutional monarchists, the prince provides the center of gravity. His address focused on the "Zan, Zendegi, Azadi" movement, but he gave it a political backbone that the street protests lacked. He transformed a cry for help into a demand for power.

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Pahlavi defined the current unrest as a generational revolt, a term that carries profound sociological weight. He understands that the youth of Iran - those born long after 1979 - possess no loyalty to the revolutionary ideals of Ruhollah Khomeini. These citizens crave the Iran of their grandfathers: a nation that looked toward the sun, not the shadows of the mosque.

Historical data proves his point. Under the Pahlavi dynasty, Irans GDP grew at an average rate of 10% annually between 1960 and 1977. Today, Iran's currency, the rial, cratered to a value so low it serves better as wallpaper than currency.

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Pahlavi highlighted this economic devastation not as a tragedy, but as a crime. He spoke to the Swedish parliamentarians about the Generation Z Iranians who use VPNs to bypass the digital iron curtain. These youth do not seek reform; they seek the total erasure of the clerical class. Pahlavi stands as the architect of that erasure.

The princes most potent claim during his address centered on the rejection of foreign powers. He stated clearly that Irans future lies solely with its people. This statement decapitates the regimes favorite propaganda point - that the opposition serves as puppets for Washington or London. By asserting Iranian self-reliance in the heart of Scandinavia, Pahlavi reclaimed the mantle of nationalism.

He emphasized that the transition to a secular democracy must be an internal combustion. He demands that the West stop its engagement with a regime that hangs its citizens from cranes. Instead, he asks for the isolation of the mullahs and the recognition of the peoples right to self-defense. This is not the language of a supplicant; it is the language of a commander. He understands that the IRGC only respects strength, and his call for a national strike fund aims to paralyze the state apparatus from within.

To understand the weight of Pahlavis words, one must look at the impact of the weapons used against his people. The prince detailed the use of birdshot and paintballs aimed at the eyes of protesters - a systematic campaign of blinding orchestrated by the Basij. He described these acts as the death throes of a wounded beast.

His strategy involves the controlled demolition of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). During his Swedish visit, he pressed for the formal designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization across the European Union. This move would freeze the assets of the Bonyads - the corrupt charitable foundations that control 30% of Iran's economy. By stripping the mullahs of their wealth, Pahlavi ensures the collapse of their mercenary support. He targets the wallet to break the sword.

Pahlavis final sections in the Swedish Parliament outlined a roadmap for a transitional government.

He rejects the notion of a power vacuum. He proposes a pluralistic council that oversees a referendum on the future form of government. Whether the people choose a republic or a constitutional monarchy, Pahlavi offers himself as the bridge to that choice.

This vision terrifies the supreme leader. Ali Khamenei knows that Pahlavi possesses the one thing the regime lacks: legitimacy. The princes ability to move through European capitals and command the attention of world leaders proves that the shadow government is now the government in waiting. He is the personification of the Iranian Phoenix, rising from the ashes of a forty-year nightmare. The Swedish Parliament did not just host a speaker; they witnessed the return of a sovereign.

The Islamic Republic is a corpse that refuses to lie down. Reza Pahlavi is the one who will bury it. His trip to Sweden marks the transition from protest to politics. He has moved beyond the role of a symbolic figurehead and into the role of a strategic liberator. Every word he spoke in Stockholm hammered a nail into the coffin of the theocracy.

The world must now choose. It can continue to trade with the executioners, or it can stand with the Lion. Pahlavis message to his supporters is clear: the end of the occupation is near. The sun rises in the West today, but it will set over a free Tehran tomorrow. The prince has spoken, the people have risen, and the regime has failed. Victory is the only acceptable outcome.

Image: Screenshot from Arin Karapin video clip, via shareable TikTok social media
When I was a student at UC Berkeley in the early 1980s, I worked with a very nice, very radical young man from Argentina who had an interesting back story: Hed been a seminarian but had to leave when a bad LSD trip left him incapable of completing his studies. LSD in a Catholic seminary? It was the first time I realized that the priesthood had changed since Going My Way.

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However, it wasnt until 2013, when Pope Francis issued his Apostolic Exhortation Evangeli Gaudium of the Holy Father Francis, to the Bishops, Clerk, Consecrated Persons and the Lay Faithful on the Proclamation of the Gospel in Todays World, which attacks economic inequality, that I first heard the term Liberation Theology from Rush Limbaugh. He pointed out (accurately, because I read the document myself) that it was Marxist economic theory cloaked in religious language.

If you understand Liberation Theology, you will understand the schism between Donald Trump, who is a free-market constitutionalist, and Pope Leo, who, like Pope Francis before him, knowingly or not, got his ideas from the KGB.

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Liberation Theology began in Latin American seminaries in the 1950s and 1960s. According to Wikipedia, which gave a surprisingly honest evaluation of the movements values,

Liberation theology is a Christian theological approach emphasizing the liberation of the oppressed. The term originated among Latin American Catholic theologians in the 1960s, and it has increasingly been used to describe similar approaches in other parts of the globe. It often engages in socio-economic analyses, and emphasizes social concern for those marginalized due to their social class, race, ethnicity, gender, etc. Advertisement [snip] The movement's theoretical foundations draws heavily from Marxist social analysis, particularly its critique of structural inequality and class oppression. While liberation theology does not adopt Marxism wholesale, its use of concepts like class struggle and the critique of global capitalism has led to significant controversy within the Church. Advertisement

As even Wikipedia acknowledges, the Liberation Theology movement does not view the Church as an institution that moves individuals to care for the widow and orphan. Instead, it views the Church as a political instrument to shift entire governments toward the socialist model.

This is not a coincidence because the Liberation Theology was not an organic ideological shift within the Church. Instead, it was almost certainly a deliberate effort that the KGB originated to break the Churchthe guardian of Western civilizationfrom within.

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We know this because of Ion Mihai Pacepa, the former head of Romanias secret police, who defected to America in 1978. And while its entirely possible that his statement about Liberation Theology was disinformation intended to discredit the Church in conservative eyes, or was his own personal theory untethered to facts, the actual facts seem to bear it out. After all, Liberation Theologys core tenets align perfectly with Marxism draped in a priests cassock, suggesting that he was correct and not merely latching on to an amazing coincidence.

Heres what Pacepa wrote in 2015 about liberation theology:

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It was not invented by Latin American Catholics. It was developed by the KGB. The man who is now the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, secretly worked for the KGB under the code name Mikhailov and spent four decades promoting liberation theology, which we at the top of the Eastern European intelligence community nicknamed Christianized Marxism. Liberation theology has been generally understood to be a marriage of Marxism and Christianity. What has not been understood is that it was not the product of Christians who pursued Communism, but of Communists who pursued Christians.

The Soviet Union didnt officially approve of the policy of exporting Liberation Theology until 1960, writes Pacepa, but that was just rubber-stamping something that had already taken over the Latin American seminaries. Liberation Theologys trajectory in the Latin American church followed closely the growing reach of communism in the region, which began in earnest in the 1950s and reached a breakthrough with the Cuban Revolution. By 1959, with the church weakening as a bulwark against Marxism, it was no surprise that Cuba fell, followed swiftly by Nicaragua, El Salvador, Colombia, Chile, and others.

Currently, the Churchs most traditional adherents come not from the West or Latin America but from Africa. Just look at Cardinal Sarah. Had Sarah been elevated to the Papal Throne, the Church would have turned back to Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II. As it is, under Pope Leo, its continuing the Liberation Theology trajectory that Pope Francis began (a trajectory that does not align with the Vaticans historical hostility to Marxist ideology).

Whether Trumps attack on Pope Leo was wise or not remains to be seen. Theres no doubt that this offended Catholics, although many say that Trump wandered into a Democrat party setup intended to break Catholic support for Donald Trump:

The Democrat/Media Complex is going to try to use this post from President Trump as a wedge between Catholics and MAGA.



They will set it up so that you must "CHOOSE" and you are a bad Catholic if you do not "choose" to adhere to the Pope's X postings and condemn the President. https://t.co/QoHHyyljCm  Cynical Publius (@CynicalPublius) April 13, 2026 David Axelrod met with the Pope last week, a few days later the Pope attacked President Trump on Iran.



Then last night three liberal Cardinals attacked president Trump on 60 minutes



This was all coordinated by Barrack Obama to break Trump's catholic base before the midterms https://t.co/5dVAN5GOYo  Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) April 13, 2026 The Pope has cited the President by name in his remarks and urged voters to call their "Congressmen." Of course that's going to get pushback from the Administration. And it should.



Because that isn't simply voicing general principles of the faith. It's politicking.  Megan Basham (@megbasham) April 13, 2026

The Democrats knew two things were inevitable: (1) Trump, whose values are entirely Americanthe Constitution and the free marketwould clash with a man whose values are a mix of Liberation Theology and Chicago politics. (2) Trump, whose instinct is always to fight hard and openly against powerful people and institutions that he believes are harming America, would (admittedly, tactlessly) call out someone he believes is using his position as head of one of the most powerful institutions in the world to advance Marxist ideas to destroy Trumps presidency and undermine America.

UPDATE: You may find interesting this commentary from a Catholic writer.

UPDATE II: In 1984, The New York Times Magazine was still able to run this essay attacking the ideology as Marxist.

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There is a great wall protecting Vatican City. The wall is two miles long and 39 feet tall. It is made of thick, solid brick.

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Pope Leo IV ordered the construction of the massive barrier around the year 850 A.D. to shield the city-state from invaders. It was deemed crucial to keeping invaders out.

But the fortification, stout as it is, isnt stout enough to keep the staggering and repulsive hypocrisy emanating from Pope Leo XIV in.

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Ten Leos later, the current pope, an American, has largely shunned Biblical teaching on morality, truth -- and other Biblical concerns  to verbally harass an American president by weighing in on political matters and clearly picking sides.

Against that president.

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He is effectively opposed to a wall on Americas Southern border and does not believe the U.S. has a right to control immigration. (Theres your staggering hypocrisy.) Like the pontiff before him, this leftist Leo clearly has a political agenda, one he thinks trumps any religious obligation he might have.

The Holy See refused to join President Donald Trumps proposed peace initiative in the Middle East, and has continued Vatican cooperation with communist China, where state-approved bishops are now enforcing restrictions against unregistered Catholics. And state-approved surgeons are removing the organs of undead Uyghurs.

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Moreover, Leo XIV has approved sainthood for a bishop who admittedly slept with young men and engaged in disturbing acts with indigenous boys.

And he has seen to the opening of a Muslim prayer room in the Vaticans Apostolic Library. Which is apostasy, something that used to be frowned upon in the Christian religion, perhaps because the Biblical God stated You shall have no other gods before me, and Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you.

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But maybe Leo isnt a fan of Exodus or Deuteronomy. Or the Bible. Maybe he is a cafeteria Catholic. Or maybe he is a closet Muslim. Or maybe he really doesnt believe theres a difference.

One thing he isnt is a peerless moral authority.

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(Not that every pope who came before him was a paragon of virtue either, as a handful of popes allegedly engaged in orgies, assassinations, bribery, violence, worship of temporal power, the siring of illegitimate offspring, and assorted other vices. One even had the body of his predecessor exhumed, and, after a trial, had several of the corpses fingers cut off. Oh, and then the ex-popes remains were tossed into the Tiber river. This kind of immorality eventually led to the Protestant Reformation.)

Though the Trump administration -- and most Republicans -- fought against the baseless assault by the Obama-Biden administration on Catholic nuns, Catholics on school boards, in private businesses, the military, and those organizations being unfairly targeted by the IRS, etc., that apparently didnt resonate with or mean much to this pope.

Make no mistake: this pope  and some of his cardinals -- have taken the side of illegal immigrants, including rapists, pedophiles, and murderers  as opposed to those who have been assaulted by them. That alone is disgusting and reprehensible. But wait, theres more. So much more.

Pope Leo XIV didnt really have much to say about the Iranian mullahs and the IRGC murdering more than 40,000 of their own citizens in cold blood for daring to protest the regime. Or the hanging of people from lampposts. Or the butchering of them. He is, however, emphatically against the war that could potentially drive the mullahs from power and keep the madmen from acquiring nuclear weapons with which to wipe Israel from the face of the Earth and destroy the Great Satan, the latter being you and I. Not sure the God of the Bible would approve.

And, mind-bogglingly, he had nothing really to say about the ongoing genocide of Christians in Nigeria by Islamists. Even about the dozens upon dozens of men, women, and children who were slaughtered over Easter weekend while celebrating the Resurrection. Men, women, and children who were slaughtered by Mohammedans in various Christian communities and churches on the holiest weekend of the year. He is now touring the African continent, and has left Nigeria off his agenda. How is this possible?! Lord God, please help me to understand.

This Pope complies with the Chinese communist partys demands and is all-in for Islam. Even though the Muslim Mahdi may well be the anti-Christ.

But, hey, if the anti-Christ is not Trump, how bad can he be?! Right, Leo?

We are in need of another resurrection. He is risen. Of that there is no doubt. He did so for us. Now we must rise above the earthly tomb of immorality in which we have so cavalierly placed ourselves.

One would hope the pope would help us do so.

Well, theres always the next one.

Image: Edgar Beltran, The Pillar. via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed
Todays news brought stories of two thought leadersthe Pope and Tucker Carlsonshowing reverence for Islam. This differs from the lefts long-standing political allegiance with Islamic causes, something reflecting that the left and Islam share a common goal, which is the Wests destruction. Instead, this is a reverence for the Islamic faith. Thats new and, I must say, as someone who likes the Judeo-Christian worldview, disturbing.

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The way I see it, the Koran is a pastiche of random lessons from the Bible, with which Mohammed was clearly familiar, plus a lot of rules that worked well for Mohammeds personal advancement. Thus, Mohammed echoed such principles as a unitary god and the rejection of idolatry, charity to the poor, honesty in trade, respect for parents, mercy and forgiveness, and keeping ones word.

The problem is that he added other rules that were carve-outs for Muslims. Thus, Mohammed himself is idolized to the point at which he is indistinguishable from God, sharia laws are utterly merciless, and Muslims have no obligation to extend to non-Muslims mercy, honesty in trade, or keeping ones word.

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In addition, Islam has icky things layered over it. For example, because the 50-year-old Mohammed married a six-year-old and consummated the marriage when he was 53 and she was nine, thats a right given to all Muslim men. And because Mohammed veiled his wives because he was a prophet, Muslim women must wear tents.

Lastly, of course, theres the whole war thing. Mohammed mandated conquest and war against infidels. Some people counter this by pointing to the violence in the Bible but the Bible is both a religious book and a history book. It recounts battles. But there is no perfect man telling Christians and Jews that they must convert the world through fire and sword, nor that women are the sexual spoils of such wars.

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Whats disturbing is that two Western men who proclaim both their faith and hostility to Trump and the MAGA movement have lately become very supportive of Islam.

Take Pope Leo. Its political that he ignored Irans war against its own people while issuing mushy statements manifestly condemning Trumps war against an imminent nuclear Iran:

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Bill OReilly just put Pope Leo on the spot with the one question no one in the media will ask him.



And with it, he completely exposed the Popes double standard in the feud with President Trump.



OREILLY: I could mediate a settlement between the Pope and Donald Trump, I could pic.twitter.com/RUFRoDNJbg  Overton (@overton_news) April 14, 2026

However, Pope Leo, who is ten Leos removed from Leo IV, who built the Vatican walls in the mid-9th century to protect against marauding Muslim invaders, seems to have a genuine warm spot for Islam. How else can one explain that he carefully made an ecumenical statement condemning sectarian violence in Nigeria:

I think in Nigeria, in certain areas, there is certainly a danger for Christians, but for all people. Christians and Muslims have been slaughtered, he said, addressing a question from EWTN News about the safety of Nigerian Christians on Nov. 18. Advertisement

In fact, in addition to randomized violence in a broken country, there is a jihad taking place in Nigerias middle belt. Organized Muslim groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have been systematically slaughtering Christians, including the Yelwata massacre, when 100-200 people sheltering at a Christian mission were slaughtered. While there have been some revenge acts against Muslims, none of these are equal to this jihad. Pope Leo knew this, too, because just months before his careful ecumenicalism, he had acknowledged that massacre.

Pope Leo has not yet visited Nigeria, nor does he have any plans to do so. However, hes currently visiting Algeria, an officially Muslim country where 99% of the population is Muslim, and Christians are less than 1% of the population. In Algeria, while people may spontaneously convert to Christianity without violating the law, its a criminal offense to proselytize Muslims, churches need state authorization, and public Christian worship is tightly regulated. To date, Pope Leo has not challenged any of Algerias proscriptions against Christianity.

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While in Algeria, though, the Pope wandered in his stocking feet through the Grand Mosque. I didnt particularly like the optics:

The Pope visited Algeria mosque today.



Taking his shoes off to wander around.



Algeria was a Christian nation until Islam conquered through force, just like Europe now.



Christians have no rights now there.



Pope Leo hasn't even bothered visiting suffering Nigerian Christians. pic.twitter.com/MHT46dDTAy  Tommy Robinson  (@TRobinsonNewEra) April 13, 2026

And then theres Tucker Carlson, whose network has announced that Muslims are practically Christians, and has cited the president of Iran as proof. No, really:

The people in charge don't want you to know this, but Muslims love Jesus.



Islam reveres Him as a major prophet and messenger of the Lord, believes He performed miracles, and states that He will return to Earth to defeat the Antichrist. That's why Donald Trump's painting  Tucker Carlson Network (@TCNetwork) April 14, 2026

...depicting himself as the Son of God offended the president of Iran. It was an attack on his religion as well as Christianity. Today's Morning Note newsletter covers Masoud Pezeshkian's condemnation of Trump's desecration of Jesus, the Iran War's gutting effects on America's housing market, Colombia's plan to murder Pablo Escobar's hippopotami, and more. Read below.

That post neglects to mention that the Koran strips Jesus of his divinity and just turns him into a simple prophet. Except for the name, the Jesus of the Koran is not the Jesus of the Bible.

Its true that Trump may be tone deaf about the images he retweetsalthough to give him credit, this image doesnt show him with flowing hair or a beard, so its not entirely clear its even meant to be Christ (and, as a medieval art lover, I know my Christian iconography). However, what matters is that Trump hasnt killed any Christians lately, or at all. Nor has he aligned himself with people who declare jihad against Christians and have 1,400 years of war in their background to prove they mean it.

Its one thing to dislike Trumps policies. Its another thing entirely to let your dislike for his policies drive you into the arms of a religion that is doctrinally mandated to destroy you. Thats crossing the fine line between principles, such as they are, and insanity.

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McDonald's is expanding its drink lineup with new refreshers, crafted sodas, and upcoming energy drinks, as the company pushes deeper into the fast-growing beverage market.

The fast-food giant confirmed that the new drinks will begin appearing on menus across the United States starting in May.

Energy drinks are expected to launch later this year, with reports pointing to an August rollout.

The move marks a major step in McDonald's strategy to attract younger customers and boost sales through beverages.

"Our fans' love for McDonald's beverages runs deep," the company said, referencing popular past drinks and online trends, CBS News reported.

"We're building on that passion with a new era of beverages," it added, highlighting the nationwide launch of refreshers and crafted sodas.

McDonald's to add energy drinks, crafted sodas to US menus, WSJ reports https://t.co/o4jBwcycmC https://t.co/o4jBwcycmC  Reuters (@Reuters) April 13, 2026

New McDonald's Drinks Target Gen Z

Among the new items expected are a Dirty Dr Pepper and a Mango Pineapple Refresher.

These additions follow earlier tests of experimental drinks, including a Sour Cherry Energy Burst, which showed strong interest from customersespecially Gen Z.

McDonald's previously said it was "seeing real momentum in beverages," signaling that drinks are becoming a bigger part of its business.

This expansion comes about a year after McDonald's shut down CosMc's, a small chain of beverage-focused stores used to test new drink ideas. While the standalone concept ended, the company is now bringing those lessons into its main restaurants.

Pricing is also a key part of the plan. McDonald's is expected to offer its new drinks at lower prices than competitors like Starbucks, Dutch Bros, and Sonic.

This approach targets customers who are watching their spending as economic pressures continue.

The beverage push aligns with McDonald's broader value strategy. According to CNBC, earlier this month, the company introduced menu items priced at $3 or less and a $4 breakfast deal in the US.

Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski said there are signs the strategy is working, with more visits from lower-income consumers.

Originally published on vcpost.com
Products featured in this Yahoo article are selected by our shopping writers. We will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

7-Eleven will reportedly close more than 600 stores across North America this year as the company ramps up a multi-year restructuring of its business.

The move follows a period of steady downsizing for the retail giant. Convenience Store Dive reports 7-Eleven has shuttered a combined 700 locations through 2024 and 2025.

The closures appear to be part of a broader plan by parent company Seven & i Holdings to clean up its finances before a planned initial public offering in 2027.

According to its fourth-quarter earning report, the company is moving away from the small, traditional shops of the past, TheStreet reported. Instead, it appears to be betting on larger stores that focus heavily on fresh food and a wider variety of drinks.

Not every location on the list is disappearing though. Some will be turned into wholesale fuel stores, a specific category that the company keeps separate from its official retail store count.

The company has closed more stores than it has opened over the last two years. Analysts say this shows a focus on modern store design over total location count (AFP via Getty Images)

The shift reflects a broader change across the convenience store industry, as traditional profit drivers such as tobacco and fuel are being supplemented or replaced by high-margin prepared foods.

Data from NIQs 2024 State of Convenience report shows that while these classic categories still matter for the more than 150,000 stores across the country, actual growth is coming from locations that offer better quality and more variety in their food menus.

Regional chains such as Wawa and Sheetz have already proved this model works, successfully rebranding as places to grab a meal, rather than just a quick pit stop.

According to analysts, 7-Eleven is going through a total overhaul of its business model rather than just shrinking its size. On a recent podcast, eMarketer senior retail analyst Blake Doersch said that the company was moving toward a hybrid model that blends a traditional convenience store with a grocery store and a fast-food restaurant.

Doersch pointed out that while 7-Eleven is still opening new locations, it has closed more stores than it has opened over the last two years. This suggests the company is now prioritizing the quality and design of its stores over simply having the most locations.

The financial pressure on the brand has been building for several years.

In 2024, 7-Eleven announced it would shutter 444 underperforming stores, or about 3 percent of its North American base, to recoup costs. While only 227 of those locations officially closed by the end of that year, the rest were phased out through 2025. At the time, as reported by OPB.org, the company cited a combination of weaker foot traffic and shifting consumer behaviors influenced by economic headwinds.

Despite these challenges, the industry's move into food seems to be paying off.

According to the NACS 2023 State of the Industry Report, sales of prepared foods jumped 12 percent across the sector in a single year. Convenience Store Dive reported that 7-Eleven is leaning into this trend by swapping out its struggling older shops for new, food-focused designs that are better suited to how people shop today.

7-Eleven did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
Former Gladiators star Hunter has revealed he needed a change of pace after he annihilated his body in the hit TV series.

The bodybuilder, real name James Crossley, competed in the original UK series of Gladiators from 1993 to 2000, but now runs a sound healing teacher training school.

He told ITVs Good Morning Britain: I know its quite a contrast from Gladiators, strongman body building, but basically I run a gong practitioner teacher training school.

TV Gladiators Rhino and Hunter in 1997 (PA)

So I teach people to play gongs, and they can get certified. I also run a hand pan academy, so people play hand pans and Im a musician really now, and I do all this different music.

Asked by Ed Balls what a gong bath entails, Crossley said: You dont have to get wet. All youre doing is bathing in vibrations and sound gives the body a bit of a retune.

Its great for stress relief, for sleep, all that kind of thing. Its really, really nice to put you in a relaxed state.

For someone thats annihilated their body for so many years, had so many injuries, I needed to find a switch, a change of pace, and I found sound healing and music was a great change.

Gladiators returned to TV in 2023 and continues to be a ratings hit for the BBC, with a new generation of superhuman gladiators battling civilian contenders.

At its peak, the original series of Gladiators  broadcast from 1992 to 2000  drew huge audiences to its Saturday evening ITV slot as the famous call of Contenders Ready? Gladiators Ready? echoed across TV screens.

The likes of Trojan, Jet, Wolf and Hunter became household names and the format  which originated in the US  travelled to Australia, South Africa, Russia, Finland, Germany, Nigeria, Denmark and Sweden.

When it returned to Sky, airing between 2008-2009, Kirsty Gallacher and Ian Wright took up the baton of hosting duties from original hosts John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson  with original referee John Anderson also returning for the Sky revival.

The new BBC version  which features Gladiators including Nitro, Legend, Sabre, Diamond and Hammer  is hosted by Bradley Walsh and his son Barney.
Grand National Festival winner Laafi has been disqualified after jockey Patrick OBrien was found to have breached whip regulations.

The six-year-old, trained in Ireland by William Durkan, was a 20-1 winner of the Debenhams Handicap Hurdle at Aintree on Friday, a race restricted to conditional jockeys and amateur riders.

The British Horseracing Authoritys whip review committee found that OBrien had used his whip four times above the permitted level of seven from jumping the second-last hurdle and taking into account none of the uses were for safety purposes, Laafi was disqualified and his rider was given a 28-day suspension.

Laafi is the fifth winning horse to have been disqualified since the new rules were introduced in 2023 because of whip-related breaches from a total of well over 30,000 winning rides.

In the same race Toby McCain-Mitchell, the rider of the initial second and now placed first horse, Melon, was found to have used his whip twice above the permitted level and as this was his fourth suspension within six months for the same offence, he has been referred to the judicial panel.

OBrien and McCain-Mitchell were two of several riders to fall foul of the whip rules at Aintree, with Darragh OKeeffe and Jonjo ONeill Jr both found guilty of multiple breaches and Harry Skelton also picking up a ban.

OKeeffe was given a three-day suspension (May 2-5) for using his whip in the incorrect place aboard Manifesto Novices Chase winner Koktail Divin, and another four days (May 6-9) for the same offence on Hiddenvalley Lake, who was fifth in the Liverpool Hurdle.

ONeill was found to have used his whip once above the permitted level of second from the second-last hurdle on Wellington Arch, winner of William Hill Handicap Hurdle  and while mitigation on penalty was applied as the jockey had had more than 75 rides in Britain since his previous breach, the penalty was doubled due to the race being a class one event and he will be suspended for six days (May 2 and May 4-8).

ONeills second offence of the week came in the Randox Grand National itself on board the runner-up Iroko, where he again used his whip once above the permitted level from turning into the straight, earning him a further suspension of eight days (May 9-16).

Skeltons transgression came in the William Hill Handicap Chase on Grand National day, with the rider found to have used his whip down the shoulder in the forehand position with his hand off the reins on the winner Mr Hope Street. He will serve a three-day suspension (May 2, 4-5).
The Liberal party leader, Angus Taylor, delivers a speech on immigration to the Menzies Research Centre in Sydney. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP (Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP)

Labor has accused Angus Taylor of desperate dog-whistling and says millions of Australians will be asking why the Liberal party has a problem with their parents who dont speak English, amid a backlash to the oppositions new hardline immigration policies.

Immigration advocates, crossbenchers, and race discrimination commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, have all criticised a new speech by Taylor, with the Greens likening the Coalitions approach to a modern revival of the discriminatory White Australia policy.

Related: Australias immigration powers are already godlike. So why does Angus Taylor want them to be Trump-like too? | Abul Rizvi

In his first major policy announcement since taking over the leadership, Taylor on Tuesday said the existing Australian values test would become binding under a Coalition government, making it a requirement for any permanent visa holder to learn English.

English is necessary to live, work, and integrate into Australian society, he said in a speech to the Menzies Research Centre.

Central to these values is that citizenship is a privilege. Its not a handout. And permanent residency must reflect that same expectation, a genuine commitment to Australia, demonstrated through contribution, integration, and respect for our values.

The home affairs minister, Tony Burke, called the speech a diatribe that proved Taylor was trying to win back voters abandoning the Coalition for Pauline Hansons One Nation.

Millions of Australians will be asking why do the Liberals have a problem with their parents, who dont speak great English but are great Australians, Burke said in a statement.

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Hanson said she had no doubt whatsoever that One Nations surge in the polls had pushed the Coalition into adopting a hardline immigration policy.

They can see the rise in polls from One Nation, and thats what theyve jumped on board, because theyve got to try and get the voters back, she told radio station 2SM.

Since the 2022 census, Australia has been a majority migrant nation, with more than 50% of residents being born overseas or with at least one immigrant parent.

Taylor blamed Labor for losing control of immigration in the period since the Covid-19 pandemic, and said the Coalition would introduce Trump-style social media vetting for visa applicants.

He pledged new funding for law enforcement agencies to track down, arrest and deport non-citizens who have exhausted their legal appeals to stay in the country, including 65,000 people the Coalition say should be forced to leave Australia now.

Taylor said the more than 2,000 Palestinians issued visas after the 7 October Hamas terror attacks and Israels war in Gaza should be reassessed, and argued Australia had allowed people who reject our core values to settle here. The group has already been vetted by Asio and other agencies.

He invoked John Howards language about asylum seekers from 2001, saying, we will decide who deserves protection and the circumstances in which that protection is granted.

In a Q&A after his speech, Taylor spoke glowingly of his grandfather William Hudsons role in bringing great, great Australians to the nation in the 1940s from war-ravaged Europe  suggesting these refugees and their great cappuccinos were ideal migrants.

They were and are  great, great Australians. That is the immigration program weve got to get back to.

Pat Conroy, the minister for the defence industry, called on Taylor to explain which industries would lose skilled workers.

Were just seeing desperate dog-whistling from Angus Taylor, whos desperately trying to compete with One Nation in a race to the bottom, he said.

Greens senator David Shoebridge said the policy was a 2026 version of the discriminatory White Australia policy, the racist policy to limit non-British migration finally abandoned by Harold Holt in 1966.

The Greens know that immigration and multiculturalism makes us strong, Shoebridge said. We have experiences, talents and knowledge from across the world together here.

Sivaraman said the speech was disappointing. He told ABC news that migrant communities were a bit sick of being blamed for all of the problems that are occurring now.

There are real-world consequences for the words that politicians use, he said.

Related: Tourists to Australia would have social media accounts vetted under Trumpian Coalition plan

Victorian premier Jacinta Allan described Taylors ideas as straight out of the Donald Trump playbook.

Migration policy that would exclude people and families from China, from Vietnam, from Muslim countries, from Lebanon  this is not what standing for Australia and standing for Victoria looks like, she said.

Its being too weak to stand up to Pauline Hanson.

Jana Favero, deputy CEO of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, said politicians were trying to divide our communities for their own political gain, and this policy is no exception.

Angus Taylor has launched a hateful attack on migrant communities this morning, with no basis or evidence, she said. Hes made it clear the Coalition intends to copy Donald Trump, by blaming migrants for problems created by politicians, instead of fixing them.
A Haitian man accused of killing a convenience store clerk with a hammer in Fort Myers, Florida, faces deportation after being charged with second-degree murder and criminal mischief.

Police identified the suspect as Rolbert Joachin, 40, and said the attack happened on Apr. 2 at a gas station on Palm Beach Boulevard. Investigators said Joachin approached Nilufa Easmin outside the store, struck her once with the object in his hand, and then hit her six more times on her head and torso, leaving her with fatal injuries.

Witnesses told police they saw a man hitting a car and then attacking a woman with what officers described as a mallet, according to the arrest report. Fort Myers police said Joachin was identified after an extensive coordinated search and arrested later that day, according to CNN.

Authorities said police received a call at 7:19 a.m., and when officers arrived, Easmin was not responsive. She was later pronounced dead, according to reports.

Authorities said Easmin was working at the store when the attack occurred. Reports based on police accounts said the two had crossed paths before, though they were not personally known to each other.

Joachin was arrested after the attack and later described by federal immigration officials as a Haitian national living in the United States illegally. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents assisted Fort Myers police in tracking him down, according to the Department of Homeland Security, CBS News reported.

Court records and local reporting say Joachin is being held in Lee County Jail. Prosecutors have not yet said whether they will seek a harsher penalty, and the investigation remains open as detectives continue to review the circumstances of the killing.

Easmin was a mother, and reports said her family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover expenses tied to her death. She was also described in the reporting as an immigrant from Bangladesh, as per Gulf Coast News Now.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
Eleven more asylum hotels have closed as the government continues its programme of relocating individuals to alternative housing.

The closures, confirmed on Tuesday evening, include sites that previously drew public protests, such as the Britannia Hotel in Wolverhampton and the OYO Lakeside in St Helens.

This latest move is projected to save 65 million annually and brings the total number of hotels utilised for asylum accommodation below 190, a significant reduction from the peak of approximately 400 seen during the Conservative government.

Borders minister Alex Norris said hotels were meant to be a short-term stop-gap but had spiralled out of control, costing taxpayers billions and dumping the consequences on local communities.

He said: We are shutting them down by moving people into more basic accommodation, scaling up large sites, removing record numbers of people with no right to remain.

This is about restoring control, ending waste and handing hotels back to the community for good.

Ministers have pledged to end the use of hotels to house asylum seekers by the next election (PA)

The Home Office said further closures would be announced soon.

Ministers have pledged to end the use of hotels to house asylum seekers by the next election, with some people already being moved into sites such as disused army barracks.

Home Office officials said some 350 people had now been moved into the former barracks at Crowborough, in East Sussex, which opened to asylum seekers in January.

The number of people being housed in hotels stood at 30,657 at the end of 2025, down 15% on September but still above the record low of 29,561 just before the 2024 general election.

Figures had peaked in September 2023 at 56,018.

Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex, where hundreds of migrants are now housed. (PA)

At the same time, the number of people in dispersal accommodation rose by almost 3,000 over 2025.

Dispersal accommodation typically includes privately managed houses, flats or rooms in properties of multiple occupancy, and is only available to asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said: The truth is, the most recent figures show there are more asylum seekers in hotels than at the time of the election.

And thats despite the Government shunting people from hotels into residential apartments to hide what is going on. Those apartments are then not available for young people struggling to get on the housing ladder.

Most asylum seekers are illegal immigrants. Keir Starmer has let in more small boat illegal immigrants than any prime minster in history and numbers are 45% up since the election.

The Conservative plan is to leave the ECHR (European Convention on Human Rights) so that illegal immigrants are deported within a week of arrival  not put up in hotels to apartments. But Labour is too weak to do that.
The head of the British army has warned that the manosphere is making it harder to stop misogyny and sexual harassment within the military.

General Sir Roly Walker, chief of the general staff, told MPs in the Commons defence select committee on Tuesday that deepening rifts within young people, which are being accelerated through social media, were also contributing factors.

He said that makes it more challenging to ensure the safety of women serving in the armed forces.

Sir Rolys appearance before the committee follows an inquest in 2025, which found the army had failed to take action after Gunner Jaysley Beck was sexually assaulted by a superior in the months leading up to her death by suicide.

Asked by MPs why sexual harassment in the armed forces is still as prevalent as it was five years ago, Sir Roly said: My personal view is this gets harder before it gets easier, because of the trends in wider society.

The level of misogyny, the level of rancorous behaviour and belief systems, and the tension in wider society, is something we have to accept as the environment from which we attract.

Im well aware of what is going on with things like the manosphere and the sense of deepening rifts within young people, all of which is playing and accelerating through social media.

A lot of that generation are coming through into the armed forces.

Sir Roly Walker appears before the Commons defence committee for a hearing on Women in the Armed Forces (House of Commons/UK Parliament)

During the committee hearing, Labour MP Emma Lewell said that between 2021 and 2024 there had been 122 investigations into sexual offences against under-18s at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Of those, 80 were sexual assault.

In addition, Ms Lewell said, North Yorkshire Council had received 89 safeguarding notifications in the last five years concerning staff at the college.

The Army Foundation College is the sole military training unit for British army recruits aged between 16 and 17 and a half.

Sir Roly said he was not surprised that the sexual harassment figures have not fallen, despite a more focused approach within the army, and said there was a need to recognise the challenge young people have when they join the military.

Sir Roly said: The level of sexualisation in young people in society, the level of exposure to drugs, drink, alcohol, violence in wider society, it is not a surprise to me that when we take 10,000 civilians, generally between the ages of 17-and-a-half and 20, and train them to be soldiers, that in those early weeks and months of onboarding them into our organisation, we see the greatest correlation of behaviours which are at odds with our values and standards.

People are drawn to the armed services because they want to be something different, and it takes a while to transform them from being civilians, in my case, into being soldiers, and that is a journey.

It is not a cliff edge where you walk in the door and suddenly, youre a different person.

These have got to be learned behaviours and applied, and the guardrails are there to do that and do the very best for our people, so they can do the best for the nation.

Jaysley Beck died after being sexually assaulted by a superior (Family handout)

The Atherton Report, published in July 2021, found that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and armed forces were failing to protect female personnel.

On Tuesday, Sir Roly faced questions alongside Louise Sandher-Jones, minister for veterans and people, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, first sea lord, Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, chief of the air staff, and Sam des Forges, MoD director of conduct, equity and justice, about action taken since the reports publication.

MPs asked them about the mechanisms they are putting in place to implement cultural change within the services.

The head of the Royal Navy said his force was vulnerable to toxic leadership because of the way they assess potential leaders.

Sir Gwyn said: We are very vulnerable to toxic leadership within our system, and its very difficult to identify individuals who can actually create the environment that we want.

Traditionally, when weve looked at our leaders, we tend to assess the outputs that they manage to create. Were not very good at assessing how they got there in the first place.

This is really important, because I think the leadership at all levels is what will be able to implement the policies and create the environment for the teams to flourish.

Unless we can pick the right leaders at all levels within the armed forces, we wont be able to accelerate the cultural change that we try to engender.

The navy ran a trial for a new assessment model in the autumn which, Sir Gwyn said, highlighted some individuals who would be successful in the current system but would actually have a negative impact on their people.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
It was 10pm when my exhausted parents dropped me off at an addiction rehab in Wiltshire and sped off in their car, leaving me bewildered and wondering if I would ever be able to sort myself out. Granted, it wasnt as glamorous an arrival as that of Britney Spears  who, its reported, travelled by private jet to check herself into an out-of-state treatment facility in the US following her drink-driving arrest in California last month  but I am sure the terrified, deep and empty feeling will be exactly the same.

I fumbled my way into the lofty entrance hall, which featured a waterfall. It looked like the setting for a lovely country-house vacation, with rolling hills outside, but it was anything but. I can still remember that feeling of dread as I was led into my shared room to meet my detoxing roommate and to get to grips with the full-on programme of recovery. It would start bright and early the next morning typically, with a Just for Today meditation reading.

I was 22, and while Britney is 44, I know where shes at, having booked into many UK rehabs in my early twenties  more than six, to be precise  before I finally found sobriety at 24 from alcohol addiction, codependency and love addiction. That was 25 years ago now, but age doesnt matter, or background, when you are consumed with pain and arrive at a dead end in your life, mentally, physically and spiritually shredded.

I had this unforgettable crushing feeling. Like Britney, who reportedly realises she hit rock bottom, I had many wake-up calls. My final one was looking in the mirror and realising that if I didnt stop taking substances, I was going to die: in just one week, Id crashed my car and overdosed. Thats what brought me to my first rehab. I knew I had to change but in that moment, I felt torn between escaping the pain and going through it.

Id had many family interventions. According to TMZ, Britney finally listened to her inner circle, who have been urging her to check herself into a treatment facility to treat her issues with substances such as alcohol and the ADHD medication Adderall, before she appears before a judge on 4 May. Since the arrest, Spears has been diligently working through the AA programme, an insider told the Daily Mail last month.

This is not her first rehab rodeo, either. In Britney Spears book The Woman in Me, she claims she was secretly sent to rehab in 2014 and 2019, armed with a security guard, for her use of over-the-counter energy supplements. I probably shouldnt admit this, but I was hell on wheels. I was taking a lot of Adderall, she wrote.

Having struggled with a series of very public highs and lows since the early 2000s, when she was placed under a controversial conservatorship led by her father, Jamie Spears, Britney is now putting her mental health first. So, what does that look like behind those clinic doors?

She is likely to be in the full swing of group therapy, as well as one-to-one therapy; there are peer evaluations, where the other patients tell you exactly what they observe in you (often not your good qualities, but its lovingly done and constructive).

Britney Spears admission to a treatment facility follows an arrest for drink-driving last month (Invision/AP)

There is a big chance she will be doing therapeutic chores, which for me included mopping the kitchen floor and hoovering an entire rehab before breakfast  when we had to say the serenity prayer, popularised by Alcoholics Anonymous, before eating: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

There will be fun nights where you all get to do a group activity  although that might be different for somebody as famous as Britney. In-house meetings  or those secret celebrity AA meetings  will be needed. Its a huge culture shock to be thrown into recovery, and she will likely be feeling disoriented and very scared about what comes next.

Rehab programmes often last 30 days, but reports suggest that Britney could stay longer for a deeper recovery  as I finally did on my last stint, going on to a second-stage rehab for six months.

For me, it was a long process to recover from addiction. The first rehab in Wiltshire didnt work, because the cravings for drink got the better of me, and I bolted. For the next two years, until I was 24, I toured the UK rehab system, which is now seriously underfunded. I used my private medical insurance to fund my visits  until it ran out. By then, I had spent about 45,000.

The loneliest I ever felt was the day my bedroom door shut at the Priory in London. The room was lovely and light with a view across the lawn, but I may as well have been in a nuclear bunker. All I felt was emotional pain engulfing me  and a craving to dull it out with anything at all. It was Christmas, which made it even more depressing. My mum had sent me some gifts: Clarins skincare and a jumper.

For me, it was a long process to find recovery from addiction. The first rehab in Wiltshire didnt work  and I bolted

I couldnt even get myself off the bed to attend group therapy  and started to plot my escape again. They managed to get me to one group therapy session, and we all sat around in a circle saying Hello, my name is [...], I am an alcoholic/addict (or both) and how we felt.

It got to my turn, and I didnt know what to say. I had no idea what I felt, as I didnt know who I was. I just wanted to go home. I felt this deep feeling of homesickness that ate away at me  yet I had no home to go back to, as my parents had told me this was my last-chance saloon.

But it didnt work. I was released and went straight back to my old ways. I stayed at an aristocratic friends house in Holland Park, but he was giving his paintings to his dealer to fund his cocaine habit, so things just went from bad to worse.

Three months later, I arrived in an even worse state at the rehab in Wiltshire again, where I sat speechless in a lounge area while I was assigned new chores  this time, collecting all the coffee mugs every night and washing them up. It was a death knell as far as my mood was concerned. I was given tranquillisers to calm me down during an intense detox period for a few days  and then thrown into the real world.

Emotionally, I was gone. Even the friendliness of other patients (all different ages and stages, from young adults to middle-aged and older, including a few mums whose children had been put in care) and the welcome I was given, with tons of loving hugs, didnt help. I felt disconnected  and a sense of terror. I remember sitting in a therapists office and saying: I know I want to get better, but I just have to leave.

They gave me the train fare, and my half-siblings met me at Paddington Station, who persuaded me to check into another London rehab. This was different  perhaps because the more relaxed approach suited me in a hotel-like therapy setting and I had nowhere else to go. I stayed for six weeks and found a new sense of hope in being sober.

It has been reported that the star is working diligently in an Alcoholics Anonymous programme (PA)

But even then, I hadnt properly addressed my demons, and soon fell in love with another newcomer in a 12-step meeting once I was out of rehab. He relapsed  and I joined him. I didnt listen to the advice to stay out of relationships for one year, and I had no understanding then that falling in love was my primary addiction; to fix myself with something outside of myself.

Of course, the relationship was doomed to fail and only lasted three months. I found out a year later that he had died from his addictions.

It was only after our relationship ended that I truly faced the fact that no relationship could fix me. I was riddled with problems and insecurities that, if left unresolved, would take me out of the door again unless I worked on them. After that final relapse, I ended up desperate for recovery, which is the ideal place to find yourself if you want to do something about it.

So much time is spent in the denial phase  in my case, about six years. I remember wondering why everybody else was focused on me and making such a big deal out of everything. When I couldnt stop drinking and using substances  and by the end, it was for all my waking hours, and against my will, despite this newfound desire to quit  I learnt the true nature of the powerlessness faced by an addict.

I was so pummelled by addiction that I managed to stay sober for a week, to get into a day treatment centre in Earls Court. It was on my doorstep, but unlike the residential rehabs where I felt trapped, it felt more me. I didnt want to be wrapped in cotton wool somewhere remote. This was state-funded  there were no frills or bedside chats by a prominent psychiatrist, and I knew that it really was my last chance.

Through a lot of work on self and therapy, as well as attending support groups, I have been sober ever since.

The main issue is that an addict or alcoholic needs to really want recovery  and when you are in the grip of it, the windows of opportunity to break free are few and far between

But it took soul-searching  and deep understanding and honesty about my family dynamics. My parents had already been to a family support group to learn how best to support me  but they werent involved in any family therapy. Slowly, I started to learn how to love myself, establish boundaries, and accept the fact that one drink will do the damage.

But this is a lifetimes work. I still have to work on my recovery on a daily basis to stay sober. I go to AA at least once a week.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), roughly 48.5 million Americans now struggle with substance misuse, and approximately half are using substances to cope with an underlying mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD.

In the UK, there were 329,646 adults aged 18 and over in contact with drug and alcohol treatment services between April 2024 and March 2025, according to government statistics. That is a 6 per cent rise compared with the previous year (310,863) and only reflects those who are lucky enough to find their way to help and support, either through the courts or by securing funding for rehab.

The main issue is that an addict or alcoholic needs to really want recovery  and when you are in the grip of it, the windows of opportunity to break free are few and far between.

I got thrown out of a London rehab for creeping out with another inmate for a night off, which, as the psychiatrist pointed out, showed the depths of my worrying denial about alcoholism/addiction. This is the issue. Those like me who have suffered with it are often the last people to realise they have a problem. Thats why, by the time they get to rehab, whether they are living in a hostel or a millionaires mansion, its a wake-up call way beyond anything money or fame can fix.

Britney is lucky to have the resources to get the best treatment, but it wont work if she doesnt do the work. It just takes some hard internal work and honesty, a few chores, learning how to trust others, and becoming an expert in self-awareness. Good luck, Britney  I hope you make it to the other side.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
Yousef Salech headed home a stoppage-time Cardiff equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw and dent Huddersfields play-off hopes.

Bali Mumba thought he had opened the scoring two minutes in after racing onto Cameron Humphreys dink over the Cardiff defence, but his strike was ruled out for a marginal offside.

Huddersfield kept their positive start going but remained unable to break the deadlock early on, with Marcus Harness hitting the bar from the edge of the box and Bojan Radulovic seeing a header superbly saved by Nathan Trott.

Ryan Ledson finally got the job done on 27 minutes, however, scoring for a third game in a row with a well-struck volley from Lasse Sorensens cross to the edge of the box.

Cardiff dominated the second half but nearly slipped two goals down in injury time as Trott tipped Marcus McGuanes shot onto the crossbar.

But the visitors finally got their equaliser deep into added time as Salech stole in at the back post to head home Callum Robinsons flick-on from Ollie Tanners cross.
Vice President JD Vance said that a now-deleted post shared by President Donald Trump, in which the commander-in-chief appears to be dressed as Jesus, was a joke. 

Trump shared the widely condemned picture, which shows him clothed in white robes and placing a glowing hand on a sick patient, shortly after blasting Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social.

In a lengthy post, the president claimed that the pope was WEAK on crime and tore into the pontiffs criticism of the U.S.s war with Iran. 

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, told Fox News Special Report With Bret Baier on Monday that the presidents post was a joke. 

And, of course, he took it down because he recognized that a lot of people werent understanding his humor in that case, he said. I think the president of the United States likes to mix it up on social media.

Vance added that it was good that Trump is not filtered.

Vice President JD Vance says that President Trumps post, in which he appears to be depicting himself as Jesus, was a joke (Fox News)

I certainly think that, in some cases, it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality, Vance said. To stick to matters of, you know, whats going on in the Catholic Church and let the president of the United States stick to dictating American public policy.

When asked about Trumps claim that the Pope was catering to the Radical Left, Vance said that Trump has the prerogative to set the countrys immigration policy.

He has to look out for the interests of the United States of America, he added. 

Vance was shredded on social media for his comments, with journalist John Harwood claiming on X that the Trump administration is not interested in matters of morality.

Glad the Vice President clarified that he doesnt think waging war is a matter of morality, political commentator Jon Favreau wrote on X. 

Writer Polly Sigh took aim at Vances upcoming memoir about his conversion to Catholicism. 

Spoken just like a fake Catholic who confused a Methodist church with a Catholic one on the cover of his book, she wrote on X.

President Trump shared an image of himself dressed as Jesus on the same evening that he blasted Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social)

Vance was one of the last world leaders to meet with Pope Francis before his death.

The vice president had previously cited the concept of ordo amoris to justify his administrations deportation policies, while Pope Francis asserted his own interpretation of the theological idea in an open letter.

Trumps scathing Truth Social post came a week after the current pope described the presidents claim that an entire civilisation will die in the war with Iran as unacceptable.

The Pope had also suggested, without naming Trump or the war with Iran directly, that a delusion of omnipotence was fueling conflicts around the world. 

On Truth Social, the president claimed that he liked the Popes brother much better and suggested that, without his own election in 2024, the Pope wouldnt be in the Vatican.

Pope Leo XIV said that he has no fear of the Trump administration (Reuters)

Shortly after uploading that post, the president shared the image of himself in a white robe, bathed in light and placing his hand on a sick mans face. 

A nurse, a soldier, a man in uniform and a praying woman are all seated around the patients bedside in the image, while a huge U.S. flag, a pair of bald eagles, and a trio of military planes fly overhead. 

Responding to the Truth Social tirade, the Pope said that he has no fear of the Trump administration and that he did not want to debate Trump on the issue.

Trump has since claimed that the image depicts him as a doctor making people better, and has since deleted the picture.
Labours Rachel Reeves has criticised US president Donald Trumps folly in engaging in a war with Iran without a clear exit strategy.

Britains economic growth projections have been significantly downgraded in the wake of the hostilities, and the chancellor said that she was very frustrated and angry with Americas actions in the Middle East.

Her comments coincide with a stark warning from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday, which suggested a global recession could be a close call in a severe scenario linked to the conflict.

In its first set of forecasts since the global economy was rocked by the clashes involving US-Israeli and Iranian forces, the influential economic body predicted weaker than previously expected UK economic growth.

Speaking to the Mirror ahead of travelling to the IMF spring meetings in Washington DC, Ms Reeves said: This is a war that we did not start. It was a war that we did not want.

I feel very frustrated and angry that the US went into this war without a clear exit plan, without a clear idea of what they were trying to achieve.

At the Washington DC gathering, Ms Reeves is expected to urge coordinated action to tackle the global economic shock caused by the war.

The chancellor said: Obviously no sensible person is a supporter of the Iranian regime, but to start a conflict without being clear what the objectives are and not being clear about how you are going to get out of it, I do think that is a folly and it is one that is affecting families here in the UK, but also families in the US and around the world.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she is very frustrated and angry about the lack of an exit plan for the Iran conflict (Reuters)

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer will co-host a meeting of world leaders in Paris on Friday, alongside French president Emmanuel Macron.

There, the leaders will aim to come up with a plan to ensure the Strait of Hormuz can remain open to shipping after the Middle East war ends.

A No 10 spokesperson said: The summit will advance work towards a coordinated, independent, multinational plan to safeguard international shipping once the conflict ends.

Sir Keir told MPs on Monday that the UK-French initiative would involve military planning to provide assurance to shipping as well as diplomatic efforts.

Mr Macron has previously said the countries participating in the initiative would work on a strictly defensive mission, separate from the warring parties to the conflict, which is intended to be deployed as soon as circumstances permit.

He said the summit would bring together countries prepared to contribute alongside us to the peaceful multinational mission.

In Westminster, a new cabinet committee has been established to deal with the fallout from the Iran conflict.

The Middle East Response Committee was having its first meeting on Tuesday to consider the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the shipping route vital for global oil and gas supplies.

The prime minister established the committee to deal with the domestic and international impacts of the war, which has driven up energy prices, caused stock market turmoil and exposed deep divisions between the US and its traditional European allies.

No 10 insiders compared the new panel to the committees set up under Tory prime ministers to deal with Brexit preparations and the Covid-19 pandemic.

A source said the new central structure would focus on medium-term scenario planning to respond to developments in the region over the coming weeks and months.

Alongside the ministerial committee, whose full membership has not yet been disclosed, senior officials will meet under the chairmanship of cabinet secretary Dame Antonia Romeo.

The new structure is seen as an acknowledgement that the situation will continue to have an impact on the UK for some time, but meetings of the emergency Cobra committee will still be held to respond to immediate crises.

The first meetings focus on the Strait of Hormuz comes after Donald Trump announced a blockade of Iranian ports, and as the UK and France prepare to host a summit to consider options for securing the shipping route when hostilities cease.

Oil prices retreated back below $100 a barrel in Tuesday morning trading on hopes US-Iran negotiations may be revived and that an agreement could be reached over the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

Mr Trump defended his actions in the Gulf, saying: We cant let a country blackmail or extort the world because thats what theyre doing.

Iran has selectively closed off the strait since the US-Israeli bombing campaign began. Some tankers have been able to pass through, but only with the permission of the Iranians.

Mr Trumps blockade is aimed at starving Iran of revenue from those vessels.
Growing up, emperor penguins were probably one of your favorite animalsthe cute, waddling birds always looked somewhat magical against the endless white of Antarctica. But the heartbreaking reality is that these snow-loving creatures may not be around for much longer as their icy world continues to change at an alarming rate. In fact, Antarctica has been losing more than 100 billion metric tons of ice per year and that's drastically affecting the survival of their species and if they have a future or not.

This month, emperor penguins were actually placed onto the endangered list compiled by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for its Red List of Threatened Species, which is a list that evaluates animals and classifies them based on their risk of extinction, using scientific data like population size, trends and threats. When a species like the emperor penguin is moved to the endangered category on, it signals a high risk of extinction in the wild and often reflects serious environmental threats.

With their numbers rapidly declining, scientists say emperor penguin extinction risk is growing and by the end of the century, the emperor penguin population could decline drastically. As of now, the fate of these beloved creatures hang in the balance.

When Were Emperor Penguins Added to the Endangered List?

Emperor penguins stand on sea ice in Antarctica, a fragile habitat now threatened by climate change.Getty Images by wildestanimal (Getty Images by wildestanimal)

As of April 9 2026, the IUCN Red List has moved emperor penguins from near threatened to endangered.

Why Are Emperor Penguins Endangered?

Emperor penguins are now endangered animals and facing growing threats as climate conditions continue to change in their Antarctic habitat. According to the IUCN, the main reason behind the drop in emperor penguin populations is the early melting and instability of sea ice. You see, rather than miles and miles of sea ice being connected to the coastline where they can safely live and raise their family, penguins are now being met with unstable ice shards and breaking ice.

According to World Wildlife, ever since 2016, sea ice levels have dramatically declined. In fact, in 2022 alone, it was reported that four out of five known breeding sites in the Bellingshausen Sea collapsed, with thousands of penguin chicks sadly freezing or drowning as a result.

So, what's causing the ice to melt at such a fast rate? The IUCN claims its a result of climate change. After careful consideration of different possible threats, we concluded that human-induced climate change poses the most significant threat to emperor penguins," explains Dr Philip Trathan, member of the IUCN SSC Penguin Specialist Group who worked on the emperor penguin Red List assessment. "Early sea-ice break-up in spring is already affecting colonies around the Antarctic, and further changes in sea-ice will continue to affect their breeding, feeding and moulting habitat."

If there aren't any changes, the IUNC estimates in 50 years, half of the emperor penguin population could be gone forever. "Climate change in Antarctica is leading to changes in sea-ice that are projected to cause the emperor penguin population to halve by the 2080s," says the international organization.

How Many Emperor Penguins Are Left?

According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are 66 known emperor colonies (sometimes called rookeries) and there are around 595,000 adult emperor penguins in the wild. However, there used to be a lot more and over the years their population has been dwindling. In fact, using satellite imagery, the IUCN says that between 2009 and 2018 the number of adult emperor penguins dropped by 20,000, or 10% of their population.

"Penguins are already among the most threatened birds on Earth," notes Martin Harper, CEO of BirdLife International, which coordinated the emperor penguin assessment as the authority for birds on the IUCN Red List. "The emperor penguins move to Endangered is a stark warning."

Where Do Empire Penguins Live?

An endangered emperor penguin chick with its parents on thinning Antarctic ice.Getty Images Mike Hill (Getty Images Mike Hill)

Emperor penguins inhabit the water and ice surrounding Antarctica. The black and white birds call solid plates of fast ice home, which is sea ice that is attached to the land. They depend on there being nine months of stable ice cover so they can raise their babies as they use them as a safe platform to nest and raise their young for most of the year. If this sea ice becomes unstable or breaks apart, chicks can quickly become exposed to dangerous conditions, including freezing temperatures and have a higher risk of drowning.

How You Can Help Save Emperor Penguins

Taking action in everyday life can help reduce the effects of climate change, which is the biggest threat facing emperor penguins and Antarctica wildlife in general. Small choiceslike using less energy, cutting down on waste and supporting sustainable products can all add up to lower greenhouse gas emissions over time.

By reducing emissions, you can help slow down the warming that is causing Antarctic sea ice to shrink and become less stable. After all, protecting this ice is crucial, so even small steps, when taken by many people, can contribute to a healthier planet and a more stable future for wildlife like emperor penguins.

Sources:

IUCN

World Wildlife Fund

NASA

This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Apr 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Lonna Drewes, a fifth woman to come forward with allegations against California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, detailed a graphic account of an alleged sexual assault as she spoke out against the lawmaker during a Tuesday press conference.

The misconduct allegations against Swalwell were first published by The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN last Friday, prompting him to dismiss them in a social media video as absolutely false, insisting the incidents alleged never happened, and pledging to fight them with everything that I have.

More women have provided details of their alleged encounters with Swalwell and prompted a firestorm. He has since announced he is abandoning his bid for the governors mansion and is resigning from Congress after the Manhattan District Attorneys Office opened an investigation into the claims against him.

Represented by attorneys Lisa Bloom and Arick Fudali, Drewes alleged that the outgoing congressman drugged and raped her in 2018. Drewes stated that after meeting Swalwell for professional networking in West Hollywood, she became incapacitated following a single glass of wine.

She described a violent assault in a hotel room, telling reporters: He raped me and he choked me. While he was choking me, I lost consciousness and I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.

Lonna Drewes is the fifth woman to come forward with allegations against former California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell (Getty)

Bloom confirmed that her office was filing a formal police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office, shifting the focus of the scandal toward a criminal investigation.

The new allegations follow Swalwells abrupt exit from public life on Monday, April 13, when he announced his resignation from Congress and withdrew from the California gubernatorial race.

For the women who initially went public with accusations against the Democrat, Drewes testimony represents the receipts they said were forthcoming.

The three women  Cheyenne Hunt, Annika Albrecht, and Ally Sammarco  gave an interview to CBS News Nancy Cordes, in which they were asked whether they consider the Democrats sudden downfall justice.

California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has insisted the sexual abuse allegations against him are absolutely false but has abandoned his bid for governor and announced his resignation from Congress (AFP/Getty)

No, its just the beginning, Hunt answered Cordes in a preview of their exchange published before broadcast. Its just the very beginning, and I know personally that were not walking away from this fight.

For me justice wont be until he cant ever harm a woman ever again and he has faced the consequences for the women that he has harmed, said Albrecht.

I think, in regards to the governors race, he never should have run for governor to begin with knowing the kind of history and receipts that are out there, Sammarco said.

So thats a non-starter and then, in terms of Congress, I think he absolutely should have resigned.

I think we just prevented another 30 to 40 years, potentially, of him harming people if he were to stay in Congress so, in that sense, I think we have served justice for his future victims that wont exist anymore.

Sammarco also said she felt vindicated by Swalwell having to respond to their accusations.

Ally Sammarco, Annika Albrecht, and Cheynene Hunt  who have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct  discuss their ordeals with CBS News journalist Nancy Cordes (CBS News)

He was pushed into a corner, essentially, because they were planning to expel him So I think he did that to save face a little, she said of his resignation from the House of Representatives. But I also felt very vindicated that he realized it was over for him.

She and Albrecht denied any suggestion that they might have known each other before their shared ordeals were brought to light, rubbishing the idea that they might have come forward together as part of a coordinated plot to sabotage Swalwells gubernatorial chances.

We didnt know each other before, Sammarco said. I didnt know any of the other women. I knew nothing about them. We got connected through this process, and Im so glad we did.

Albrecht explained that the process began when she reached out to Hunt, a friend and social media influencer, to ask her about posting a video of her allegations against Swalwell because, she said, she felt physically sick and nauseous about the prospect of him becoming Californias next governor.

Eleven days is how long it took from when I reached out to her to make the video to when the dam broke and all the articles were published, Albrecht said, calling them the longest 11 days of our lives.

Swalwell accuser Ally Sammarco says he should never have run for California governor 'knowing the kind of history and receipts that are out there' (CBS News)

She said they were immediately slammed by messages from other women making allegations against Swalwell, many of which appeared to follow a similar pattern to their own experiences.

He thought he was untouchable, Sammarco said of the outgoing congressman. He acted with total impunity. He never thought that the consequences of his actions would follow him.

"As governor, he would have had even more power and more authority. And he would have felt vindicated too, you know, that he could run for higher office.

He ran for president [in 2019] and nothing came out about him. So I think that empowered him to continue doing what he was doing.

Later in the same interview, she said of Swalwell: He gave off this perception that he was a family man. That he was a fighter. That he was a defender of women. And that couldnt be further from the truth.

If these are the people that are out there championing women and, you know, protectors of women, and We need to hold people accountable, and then behind closed doors they're doing this, that is a huge discrepancy for anybody whos working in politics.

Rainn offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Right-wing commentator Candace Owens, who has made repeated conspiratorial claims about Charlie Kirks assassination, has claimed that his widow, Erika, was lying about skipping a Turning Point USA event in Georgia over security threats.

This is exhausting, she wrote on X. You pulled out because of bad ticket sales...Were there actually a viable threat, the Vice President would not have continued the event.

Videos posted on social media showed vast rows of empty seats in the arena where the event took place.

Erika Kirk was set to appear alongside Vice President JD Vance after receiving very serious threats, according to event organizers. Vance still appeared at the event, despite the alleged threats.

Kirks late husband was fatally shot in September during an appearance at a campus event in Utah.

Conservative activist Erika Kirk skipped a planned appearance with Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday in Georgia at a Turning Point USA event due to safety threats (Reuters)

Its a terrible reflection on the state of reality and the state of the country, Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet said onstage at the Akins Ford Arena in Athens, sitting beside Vance.

I was so looking forward to tonights event at the [University of Georgia] with our Vice President [JD Vance], but after all our family has been through, I take my security teams recommendations extremely seriously, Kirk wrote on X.

Vance said the threats ahead of Tuesdays event left Kirk, Turning Points CEO, worried. He also lashed out at those he said had been unfairly criticizing her in the wake of her husbands death. Erika Kirk has become the subject of conspiracy theories in some corners of the right.

Everybody is attacking her over everything, and theyre lying about her, and its one of the most disgraceful things that Ive ever seen in public life, Vance said.

The Independent has contacted Turning Point USA for comment.

Vice President Vance is close with the Kirk family.

During a December speech, Erika Kirk said the organization would back Vances long-rumored 2028 presidential campaign and get the Republican elected in the most resounding way possible.

Erika Kirk and Vice President JD Vance provoked a wave of ungrounded speculation in October when they shared a tender hug onstage at a Turning Point event last year (Getty)

In September, shortly after Kirk was killed, Vance hosted a memorial episode of Kirks podcast from the White House. Vance, joined by the second lady and Erika Kirk, flew on Air Force Two as it carried Kirks remains to the activists home state of Arizona.

Erika Kirk and Vance provoked speculation when they shared an affectionate hug during an October appearance together at a Turning Point USA event in Mississippi, where Kirk said she saw similarities between the vice president and her late husband.

Vance addressed the general scrutiny of Erika Kirk during Tuesdays event, though he did not specifically mention the gossip about his interactions with her.

This desire to go after her for the way shes grieving her husband, thats the most preposterous thing Ive seen in a long time, he said.

Why dont you stay in your own lane and mind your business, he added. Grief is complicated.

Second lady Usha Vance has dismissed insinuations of a relationship between the two as an ungrounded fever dream created by the media and has said the Vances consider such talk a joke.

Turning Point USA would support Vance in 2028 if he runs for president, Erika Kirk has said (AFP/Getty)

Id rather just sort of live in my marriage and in the real world and less in kind of the fever dreams that surround it, she told USA Today in December. So I mean, it is kind of a family joke, but also not something that I spend very much time thinking about.

Erika Kirk has also downplayed the speculation, describing the hug as a benign expression of her love language.

Whoever is hating on a hug needs a hug themselves, Kirk told podcaster Megyn Kelly. My love language is touch, if you will.

Vances appearance in Georgia comes after a string of controversies and setbacks on the world stage, including abortive negotiations in Pakistan to end the Iran war, the ongoing White House feud with the pope, and Vances unsuccessful bid to boost GOP ally Viktor Orbans reelection campaign in Hungary.

The vice president, who is currently promoting Communion, a forthcoming memoir about his Catholic faith, used the Turning Point event to address the clash with the Vatican. The pope has criticized the Trump administration over the ongoing war with Iran, telling a gathering of bishops in Iraq last week that God does not bless any conflict.

Vance, who previously said the Vatican should stick to matters of morality instead of policy following the popes comments, spoke onstage about how he respected the pope and welcomed good-faith dialogue but suggested the Catholic leader was mistaken.

Onstage, Vance, who is Catholic, said he respected the pope and welcomed his opinion on major issues, but argued the Catholic leader was mistaken for his recent criticisms of the Iran war (Reuters)

I like that the pope is an advocate for peace, Vance said. Thats certainly one of his roles. On the other hand, how can you say that God is never on the side of those who wield the sword?

The vice president said such views contradict more than 1,000 years of Christian just war theory, and he argued by way of example that American soldiers had God on their side during WWII as they fought the Nazis and liberated concentration camps.

As the vice president spoke about the administrations back and forth with the Vatican, a heckler criticized Vance over Israels recent war in Gaza, calling the conflict a genocide and yelling out, Youre killing children!

Vance responded by taking credit for the end of the conflict, which United Nations investigators concluded last year was a genocide against Palestinians.

Were the administration that solved that problem, Vance said of the war.

Large portions of the arena appeared empty during Vances appearance (Getty)

Right now, you see more humanitarian aid coming into Gaza than at any time in the last five years because we have taken that situation seriously, Vance added.

Hecklers werent Vances only challenge during the Georgia event.

Photos of the event showed major portions of the 8,500-person capacity arena with empty seats.

The venue appeared about 25 percent full during the event, a reporter for MS NOW estimated.

Despite the less-than-perfect turnout at the event, Vance sounded an upbeat note about the 2026 midterms, where Republicans are expected to lose at least the House to the Democrats.

Vance disputed predictions that the Republican Party would lose in the 2026 midterms, calling such claims cynical, pessimistic garbage (Getty)

The idea the midterms are gone is preposterous, Vance said, calling grim predictions of a GOP wipeout cynical, pessimistic garbage pushed by people who want us to completely give up.

The vice president framed the election as a life-or-death battle against a violent political left and said the Republican Party needed to focus on turning out low propensity voters in battleground districts to win.

The people who want to kill Donald Trump, the people want to throw Donald Trump in prison, the people who murdered our friend and then then people who celebrated it afterwards, those people are trying to achieve political power, Vance said. We cannot let them.
Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane has defended Formula 1s controversial new regulations  labelling some of the racing seen so far this season as immense.

New engine and chassis regulations this year, which see an almost 50/50 split between the internal combustion engine and electrical power, have divided opinion across the grid.

Issues with the nature of how F1 goes racing have reared their head, as well as problems with qualifying. Drivers are having to lift-and-coast at the end of straights to harvest energy, while thrilling on-track battles have been labelled artificial by reigning world champion Lando Norris. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has declared the new regulations anti-racing and like Formula E on steroids.

Yet Permane, who has been in F1 for over 35 years and has worked for teams such as Benetton, Renault and Alpine, believes some of the racing has been exciting yet acknowledged both the drivers and the audience need to be catered for going forward.

It's not an easy one, Permane said, in a media session on Tuesday. We obviously have to listen to the drivers. I think there are two groups. I think the die-hard fans are very upset about it.

But also the casual viewers actually find it very exciting. I have to admit, I think that some of the race battles have been immense. I got distracted myself on the pit-wall watching the Ferraris race each other in Shanghai, I thought it was great.

Even some of the stuff in Melbourne, I know those first laps, when you replay it and watch it back, you think he's using his energy there. But actually, when you watch it live, I found it quite exciting.

But we have to listen to our audience. We have to listen to our drivers as well. And there's lots of work going on.

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane (Getty)

Permane added that a very productive meeting about tweaks to the regulations, ahead of the next race in Miami on 3 May, took place last week. Two more meetings between stakeholders are planned for tomorrow and next week.

I know that there are two main focuses, he detailed. One is to make qualifying a bit more flat out, a bit more driver-focused and not power unit-focused.

And then the other objective is the safety, with the Ollie Bearman incident, to try and reduce those closing speeds.

But we need to be careful when we do so that we're not taking away some of the spectacle or too much of the spectacle. Because if you remove things like the boost mode, the overtake mode that will, no doubt, reduce those closing speeds, but it also likely reduces overtaking as well.

So we just need to be careful that we strike the right balance there.
A Florida gubernatorial candidate was arrested in Palm Coast after deputies said he assaulted two elderly relatives, threatened to kill them multiple times, and later made threats toward responding law enforcement.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office said deputies arrested 46-year-old Kevin Cichowski on Friday, Apr. 10, after responding to a domestic disturbance at a home on Cleveland Court in Palm Coast.

Authorities said one victim called 911 and reported that Cichowski had hit one person with a cane, thrown a cellphone at another, and threatened to kill them repeatedly, according to People.

Deputies said both victims were elderly and were found hiding inside the residence, with one described as bedridden and unable to leave on their own. Law enforcement said officers escorted the victims out safely before taking Cichowski into custody on the back patio.

The sheriff's office said Cichowski was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of battery on a person over 65, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, witness tampering, and two counts of robbery by sudden snatching. Reports also said he was placed under a Baker Act after making suicidal statements during transport, News Daytona Beach reported.

Cichowski's political background is part of the public record. A campaign finance filing shows he ran for Palm Coast mayor in 2021, and a Flagler Live report said he later dropped out of that race, citing a family member's health.

Reporting identified Cichowski as a Democratic candidate for Florida governor in the 2026 race. The current arrest has drawn attention in part because of his prior local campaign and the seriousness of the allegations against him.

The sheriff's office said the case is still active. Reporting also notes that Cichowski was previously tried in 2025 on domestic violence charges stemming from an incident involving his wife, and a jury found him not guilty on all counts, as per Flagler Live.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
File: A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 787-10 aircraft taxis after landing during the 2023 Sustainable Flight Challenge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles, California (AFP/Getty)

A court in India has directed the police to file a criminal case against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines after a two-year legal battle by a family that spent nearly 40,000 on business-class tickets to Peru but was denied boarding by Netherlands flag carrier.

The case dates back to June 2024, when the family of J S Sathishkumar, chairman of a medical institution in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, had purchased eight two-way business-class tickets to Peru, costing around Rs 4.9m (40,000).

They were scheduled to depart from the southern city of Bengaluru on 19 June and return on 3 July.

However, their plans for the 14-day holiday were cut short at the airport after the family was denied boarding. Airline officials said they did not have the appropriate visa to enter Peru, and after several hours of waiting they were told they would not be permitted to take the flight,

Mr Sathishkumar disputed the airlines assessment, arguing that it was based on a misreading of entry rules. He said Indian nationals holding valid visas or residency permits from countries such as the US, UK, Australia or Schengen states are permitted to enter Peru without a separate visa.

A spokesperson for KLM told The New Indian Express that the airline was obliged to comply with all applicable travel regulations. The airline reportedly urged customers to make sure they carry the required documentation and said it regrets that some passengers experienced inconveniences.

While held up at the airport, the family protested the decision not to let them board and threatened legal action. Mr Sathishkumar alleged they were then red-flagged by the airline following the confrontation.

He said the family has since faced heightened scrutiny at international airports. He alleged that his son was questioned in Singapore over a supposed deportation from Peru, a country he had never visited.

He said he himself encountered similar issues during a trip to Australia.

He later filed a case against the airline in a court in the southern state of Karnataka to demand a refund of the ticket price.

The court in Karnataka has now ordered the police to register a criminal case against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines after a two-year legal battle.

In its order, the magistrate directed the police to register a formal complaint against the airlines chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and other senior executives involved in the decision, and to proceed in accordance with the law.

Mr Sathishkumar said the courts intervention was aimed at ensuring accountability. Action should be taken. Otherwise, this can happen to anyone, he told The New Indian Express.

The Independent has reached out to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for comment.
Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez with his partner. Photograph: Courtesy of Patrick Kolasinski (Photograph: Courtesy of Patrick Kolasinski)

Federal officials have arrested a California man who was shot by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and charged him with assault on a federal officer.

Carlos Ivan Mendoza Hernandez, 36, was shot by ICE officers on 7 April in Patterson, a rural town in Californias Central valley roughly 80 miles south-east of San Francisco. He was hit by more than six bullets, including in the face, according to his attorney.

Hernandez is the latest person to be injured by immigration officers and then criminally prosecuted by the US Department of Justice. In the Los Angeles region, the justice department has consistently failed to win convictions against people accused of assaulting immigration officers, suffering a string of embarrassing dismissals and acquittals in recent months.

Related: French woman, 86, held by ICE after moving to US to marry 1950s sweetheart

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initially accused Hernandez of being a gang member wanted in connection with a murder, but his attorney has strongly denied those claims, and the justice department did not repeat those allegations in its complaint and press release on Tuesday.

Hernandez, who does work rehabilitating buildings damaged in fires, was pulled over on his way to a job. Dash-cam footage of the encounter, from a witness in a nearby car, showed Hernandez reversing away from the officers as two officers pointed firearms at him. The car then drove forward and jumped over a median.

The footage, with no sound, does not make clear when officers fired shots, but Hernandez, through his attorney, has insisted he moved his vehicle only after he was shot, to flee the bullets.

A second witness in another car released dash-cam footage last week and told reporters that ICE fired its first shot before the car moved.

In its initial statement, DHS alleged Hernandez weaponized his vehicle in an attempt to run an officer over, saying officers fired defensive shots to protect themselves. That statement did not include any claims the officers were hit by the car or injured, and the videos do not show the car colliding with agents, though the footage is grainy and partially obstructed.

In the complaint filed in federal court, for a single count of assault on federal officer with dangerous or deadly weapon, an FBI special agent wrote that the vehicle hit an officer identified as agent 1. The complaint does not allege the officer suffered injuries, saying Hernandez drove toward officers in a manner that would have caused serious bodily injury or death had the officers not taken evasive action.

Agent 1 and an officer identified as agent 2 both discharged their firearms, according to the complaint. But the complaint is not based on testimony from either officer, the FBI noted, writing: The FBI has not been able to interview Agents 1 and 2.

Todd Lyons, ICEs acting director, alleged in a statement last week that ICE was conducting a targeted stop to detain Hernandez, calling him an 18th Street Gang member wanted in El Salvador for questioning in connection to a murder.

Those claims were absent from the justice departments statements on Tuesday. The complaint said agents were engaged in an operation to locate and arrest Hernandez for immigration violations, and the justice departments news release said he was illegally present in the US.

Patrick Kolasinski, Hernandezs attorney, said on Tuesday it was notable that after a weeklong investigation, the FBI did not speak with the key witnesses, including the agent who is the alleged victim.

Kolasinski has said Hernandez appeared to be in the US without legal status, but has vehemently disputed the gang claim, noting the 18th Street group is associated with Los Angeles, a city Hernandez has no connection to. He also said El Salvador court records showed Hernandez was accused of murder there, but was acquitted.

The DoJ press release did not stick to the DHS narrative, which is striking. Maybe the DoJ decided not to overreach, said Kolasinski. They know hes not a gang member, which he is not  ICE did not do their due diligence.

DHS did not respond to inquiries about those claims and why ICE agents were not interviewed by the FBI. A spokesperson on Wednesday sent the same statement DHS had released last week, calling Hernandez a wanted gang member.

Lauren Horwood, a spokesperson for the US attorneys office prosecuting Hernandez, declined to say whether the justice department stood by the DHSs claims about Hernandezs record, writing in an email: The complaint is written to provide sufficient probable cause for the requested warrant. It does not need to include all the information.

Asked if agents were targeting him due to a murder or gang investigation, she responded: They were going to arrest him for immigration violations. This investigation is ongoing and I cannot confirm or deny other details that are not part of the public record, which at this point is the criminal complaint.

The DHS has repeatedly faced scrutiny for making false and unsubstantiated claims about people injured and shot by officers.

In a case in Oregon in January, the DHS said a man shot by a border patrol agent was a vicious member of a Venezuelan gang, but a justice department lawyer later directly contradicted DHS, saying in court: Were not suggesting  [he] is a gang member.

Hernandez has a two-year-old daughter with his partner, who is a US citizen. He is facing 20 years in prison.

She was living a happy life engaged to a wonderful caring family man, who was nearly killed, Kolasinksi said of Hernandezs partner. Her life has been turned upside down  her daughter is barely able to sleep because shes used to Daddy putting her to bed.
Georgia mom throws two children from balcony of burning home into arms of police officers waiting below

A Georgia mother dropped her children from an apartment building balcony to waiting police officers in order to save them from a major fire, police say.

The Chatham County Police Department said Sunday that officers Thomas Velte and Brandon Lowe had performed the dramatic rescue after being first to the blaze at the Georgetown Oaks complex in Savannah at around 4 a.m.

"Officer B. Lowe and Officer T. Velte ran towards a building where the upper floors were engulfed in flames," the department said in a Facebook post.

"They spotted a mother with her two children on an upper floor balcony. The mother signaled for the officers to catch her children, and dropped them down to the officers who caught them safely."

A total of five people were rescued from building, police said, with the two children taken to hospital for smoke inhalation treatment.

Part of the Georgetown Oaks apartment complex in Savannah, Georgia, ablaze during the small hours of Sunday April 12, 2026 (Chatham County Police Department via Facebook)

While fire officials investigate the cause, they are also trying to identify a heroic resident who knocked on every door and yelled at everyone to get out, according to local broadcaster WJCL 22.

The mother herself has not been named.

Fire crews were dispatched at 3:55 a.m., and arrived to find a fierce blaze. Footage from the scene showed flames reaching high into the night, encompassing the entire building and sending a thick plume of smoke into the sky.

After the children had escaped, two firefighters, John-William Farrell and Christopher Carter, placed a ladder against the building and rescued the remaining three people under "extreme" conditions.

Thomas Velte and Brendan Lowe were first on the scene while firefighters were still arriving, according to officials (Chatham County Police Department via Facebook)

By 5:44 a.m. the blaze was under control, with the building partially collapsed. Officials said 22 of the 24 units in the building had been destroyed.

Thirteen hours after the fire, Velte and Lowe were back on duty.

"This is the part of police work that is often forgotten  the quick turnaround and return to duty even after the most difficult of nights and heroic of moments," the police department said.

"But, it is the reality of first responders in all fields. B Watch gets their well-deserved 'weekend' when their shift wraps up just before dawn tomorrow. As always, we are proud to serve."
The nephew of convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell is standing for election as a London borough councillor in May.

Ted Maxwell, 39, is running as an independent candidate for the Bethnal Green West ward in Tower Hamlets in the May local elections.

The grandson of disgraced newspaper tycoon Robert Maxwell is campaigning on a pledge to make streets safer, and against what he calls the poisonous party politics in the borough.

The council was controlled by Labour for nearly 30 years before being taken over by Mayor Lutfur Rahman and the Aspire Party in 2022.

Ted Maxwells aunt Ghislaine with Jeffrey Epstein (PA Media)

The current council has been investigated for channelling funding to Bangladeshi community groups, and have previously been linked to allegations of family voting, the illegal practice of influencing a family member in casting their vote.

Maxwells candidacy has drawn attention because of his name, despite there being little evidence of a close relationship with his aunt, Ghislaine.

Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence in the US for sex trafficking related to the case of Jeffrey Epstein, her former partner, while Teds grandfather, Robert Maxwell, stole 400m from the pension funds of companies in his media empire.

Ted is the son of Kevin Maxwell, Roberts youngest son, and his ex-wife Pandora.

He grew up in an 11-bedroom mansion on the banks of the Thames, but has lived in the Bethnal Green area for 15 years, and he currently works as a project manager for the development of Londons Royal Docks.

Ghislaine and Robert Maxwell (Rex Features)

Ted Maxwell told the Telegraph: My aunts actions 20 years ago have nothing to do with me and, of course, I do not condone them. But not a single person has mentioned it or asked about it out of the few thousand people I have spoken to.

People are worried about black mould on their walls, bad maintenance in their building or anti-social behaviour on the streets and they are trying to evaluate whether I can help with that or not.

Maxwell says that he offers voters a clean slate, saying: Im properly independent with no party structure around me. I dont have a legacy of local decisions that people may not like. People are thinking of voting for me because its a way of trying something that is definitely different from other options.

He has led a successful campaign to overturn Tower Hamlets decision to remove three low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) schemes, his Save our Safer Streets campaign defeating the council in the Court of Appeal in January having raised 100,000.

He has said he would campaign to introduce more infrastructure that would allow people to walk and cycle more, and supports plans that restrict vehicle access near schools during peak hours.

On his campaign website, Maxwell said: Bethnal Green is home for my family. We have four children at local schools and becoming a parent has made me care more than ever about safety in our community.

As an independent councillor, I will do whats right, not what a party boss tells me to do.
Among the MPs is the former minister Anneliese Dodds, who says alliances should be based on a hardheaded assessment of which nations share our values. Photograph: Maja Smiejkowska/PA (Photograph: Maja Smiejkowska/PA)

A group of Labour MPs is to propose a series of new policies to defeat rightwing populism, including a Swiss-style deal with the EU, lower electricity prices, a robust defence of climate policies and a reduced dependence on Washington.

Among those contributing to a new collection of essays is the former cabinet minister Anneliese Dodds, who calls for a fundamental reappraisal of the UK-US relationship, saying alliances should be based on a hardheaded assessment of which nations share our values and goals.

Andrew Lewin, the Labour MP for Welwyn Hatfield who led calls for the government to accept the EUs youth mobility deal, said in his essay that the UK must now seek to forge deep new economic ties with the EU including greater freedom of movement.

The pamphlet  titled Common Endeavour  is set to be published by eight of the partys most ambitious MPs as ways to try to revive the governments currently bleak fortunes, with Keir Starmers party now polling behind Reform, the Conservatives and the Greens in the latest YouGov poll.

The MPs  who have written on challenges from climate, to the cost of living, to international relations  have been holding ideas salons in parliament called Labour Thinks to try to rewrite Labours offering.

The Loughborough MP Jeevun Sandher, who convened the initial group and has written the pamphlets essay on the economy, said there was a feeling among MPs that they wanted to make a bigger intellectual contribution to the partys direction.

You cant shrink away from it. Were in the middle of a hurricane. Weve got an affordability crisis and smartphone-fuelled hate thats tearing at us from within. Youve got war and great power politics threatening us from without. And you have to deal with that all at a singular moment. Thats what we have step up and do.

Lewin said it was right that a far bolder vision for a closer EU relationship was set out  including making the case for freedom of movement with a Swiss-style emergency brake.

Weve got to be confident enough as a party to at least have that debate now because we are in such a changed space from where we were two years ago  looking at migration numbers of almost net zero this year, he said.

This has a profound impact on growth and there is a case for more movement with the EU from principally young professionals thats good for the economy.

Among those who have authored the collection of essays are several with government roles  Sandher is parliamentary private secretary to the Department of Business and Trade, Luke Murphy has the same role in the Department for Transport, as does Anna Gelderd in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Liam Byrne is chair of the business and trade select committee. Two of the defence select committee  Calvin Bailey and Alex Baker  have also authored the pamphlets essay on security.

Byrne argues in his piece that Labour should not treat Reform as a protest vote but that rightwing populism is an American franchise operating on British soil  and that it should explicitly campaign on the idea that populism is a foreign import, funded and directed by US interests to undermine British social cohesion.

Sandher argued in his piece that a lack of affordability for basic pleasures has been fuelling frustration and fury among voters, particularly the low pay of non-graduate jobs.

He said the government should seek to vastly expand those jobs in the green transition and construction  which cannot be done by machines abroad  and seek to find more universal measures to give cost of living relief even to middle income families, such as the recent cuts to energy bills by removing some green levies.

Murphy, whose essay is on climate, argues for the government to look at faster ways to reduce bills by shifting more levies off bills and said the government should move quickly towards ending the system where fossil gas determines the price of all electricity.

But he also urged the government to be bolder in making the case for climate action and to stop underestimating public support.

Geldards essay, focused on AI and data, argues for the UK to build its own sovereign fund based on the wealth of data that the UK holds  rather than selling data piecemeal to corporations.

She urges government to build an AI model we own, running on infrastructure we control, trained on data we hold and governed under democratic oversight. Such a model need not compete on every benchmark with the largest American or Chinese systems.

It needs to be best-in-class in the domains that matter to national governance. The UKs advantage lies in data that private firms cannot currently access at scale.

The pamphlet, published by the Fabians, has the name Common Endeavour to echo the wording of clause four of Labours rulebook, which was controversially changed under Tony Blair during a 1995 party conference.

But the groups work will be seen by some as the mirror image of the efforts of the ambitious newly elected Conservatives who wrote the treatise Britannia Unchained in 2010  including Priti Patel, Dominic Raab and Kwasi Kwarteng  under David Camerons Conservatives, which urged their own party to be bolder in government.

Both Lewin and Sandher said they hoped the essays would help the party better make a positive case. The world is different in April 2026 than it was in July 2024, nobody is going to doubt that. The pace of change has been accelerated by the last couple of months in particular, Lewin said.

As a consequence of that, any governing party needs to think hard about what its priorities are and where we need to change and put extra emphasis. In some areas, that means we need to go further and faster. I dont think there are people in government who would disagree with that. But unless youre doing the thinking and saying: Look, this is how the world looks now, here are the new challenges, then you wont rise to it.
The boy was on holiday when he was thrown from the 10th-storey balcony of the Tate Modern in London. Photograph: Alex Segre/Alamy (Photograph: Alex Segre/Alamy)

The family of a boy thrown from the 10th-storey balcony of the Tate Modern seven years ago said it feels as though his recovery has taken a sad step backwards after surgery.

The unnamed French child was six when he was seriously hurt in an attack by Jonty Bravery at the London attraction in August 2019.

The child, who was on holiday with his parents, survived a 100ft fall but sustained life-changing injuries, including a bleed on the brain and multiple broken bones.

His family, who call him notre petit chevalier  our little knight  said in an update posted on a GoFundMe page on Tuesday that the youngsters rehabilitation is proving longer and more difficult than expected after surgery in January.

He is still hospitalised in a rehabilitation centre because he is still unable to walk, they said.

He has only been able to have weekend leave for the past three weeks, in a wheelchair, which frustrates him greatly: it feels like a sad step backward.

The family added: He is eager to be able to walk again and resume a normal life outside the rehabilitation centre, even if this normal life means spending half his time in treatment and only the other half at school.

The family said he is keen to get out of hospital because they have finally found a school perfectly suited to his needs, which he was able to try out before his operation.

In a very short time, he made new friends who have stayed in touch despite his extended absence, they said.

They encourage him and eagerly await his return. Its a warm welcome he hasnt received at school in a long time.

Bravery, who was 17 at the time, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years.

He was in supported accommodation at the time of the attack but allowed out unsupervised.

In January, Bravery, 24, was jailed for 16 weeks after he was found guilty of assaulting two nurses at Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital in Berkshire, in 2024.
The night before 31-year-old Red Cross paramedic Hassan Badawi was killed, he called his pregnant wife to tell her that Israeli bombing in Lebanon was everywhere, but that he could not leave the wounded behind.

In comments made to Al Jazeera, his mother, Ahlam Badawi, and his father, Ali, remembered their son as a selfless hero who in every war, used to be the first to go.

God used to be merciful on me and used to bring him to me safe, Ahlam said in tears at the funeral of her son on Monday. This time God took him from me.

While Israeli and Lebanese officials met for formal talks for the first time in decades in Washington on Tuesday, Hassan became one of 89 emergency workers who have been killed in strikes on southern Lebanon since 2 March and the second Lebanese Red Cross responder to be killed this month.

Hassan Badawi was reportedly killed while stretchering an injured person (Lebanese Red Cross)

The father of two is reported to have been carrying a patient out of an ambulance on a stretcher according to local reports when he was injured in a drone strike and later succumbed to his wounds. His colleague survived the attack.

The Israeli military told The Independent the incident is under review, adding that it had targeted a Hezbollah terrorist who operated adjacent to IDF soldiers in the Bint Jbeil area in southern Lebanon. Reports were received regarding a Red Cross team injured in the strike.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organisation said there had been more than 100 attacks on healthcare during Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) told The Independent that the scale and scope of military operations in southern Lebanon has reached devastating proportions and that health and medical care in the region is at risk.

Without continued and sustained support, medical facilities in southern Lebanon could face the risk of closing down, said Hashem Osseiran, ICRC spokesperson for the Middle East. The WHO had warned on 9 April that facilities could be days away from running out of supplies.

Ahlam Badawi (left), the mother of killed paramedic Hassan Badawi, receives condolences at her home in the town of Bchamoun, south of Beirut, on Monday (AFP/Getty)

Relentless strikes have forced nurses and medics to effectively move in to hospitals with their families in order to continue working and because they are considered sanctuaries safe from bombing.

Strikes on roads have also led to difficulty moving around the region, restricting access to medicine and essential aid support.

But the hospitals are not entirely safe. On Monday, a government hospital in Tebnine, southern Lebanon, was damaged in a nearby Israeli attack.

The situation in southern Lebanon is, to put it simply, a humanitarian catastrophe. There is an intensification of hostilities, severe constraints on access and movement due to security conditions. Southern Lebanon is mostly covered by evacuation notices but many civilians still live there.

Colleagues of Red Cross paramedic Hassan Badawi, who was killed in an Israeli strike on Sunday, mourn following his funeral, in Bchamoun, Lebanon (Reuters)

The Lebanese Red Cross has deployed 125 ambulances to support more tha 11,000 patients and provided health support to over 22,000 individuals.

The loss of those who dedicate their lives to saving others is deeply troubling, given the impact it has on civilians who depend on their assistance, said Agnes Durr, head of the ICRC delegation in Lebanon, in a statement.

Humanitarian and medical personnel must be protected and enabled to access and assist the wounded, and to return.

The British Medical Association previously called attacks on medical workers violations of medical neutrality and international humanitarian law, while Amnesty warned Israel was using the same deadly playbook as it did in Lebanon in 2024.
Indra Ove and Mithra Malek in Iphigenia (Ikin Yum)

Fragments of the grandeur of Euripides tragedy shine through in this earnest but ill-conceived production. Turkish director Serdar Bilis jarringly interlaces the tale of Agamemnons sacrifice of his daughter during the Trojan War with reminiscences of contemporary family life and filmed testimonials about male cruelty or violence.

The former are bittersweet  some sad, some warm and fuzzy  and ostensibly drawn from the memories of the shows three strong actors. The latter are from a series of unnamed women of different nationalities. They include tales of indifferent fathers and abusive husbands, horror stories of assassination or bombardment in Ukraine and Lebanon.

They come thick and fast, tonally uneven and shorn of context, projected onto the ruched curtain that dominates Mona Camilles meaningless set, and onto blank canvases held up by the actors. The tale of a murdered son by an unidentified regime sits alongside a reference to the Hindu/Persian tradition of placing an egg under each wheel of a new car (to symbolize the crushing of evil spirits as one drives away  I had to look that up).

Mithra Malek in Iphigenia (Ikin Yum)

The interviews therefore sit very uneasily with each other, with the ritualised emotion of the classical story and with the jokily meta overall tone. The sporadic deployment of pipe music and song by musician Kalia Lyraki feels similarly poorly thought through.

It begins with actor Simon Kunz stumbling on, apologising to us: it was his turn to pre-set the stage and he forgot. He fusses around, takes a phone call (apparently from his son, asking for money), and fills us in on the history of godly exploitation, caprice and jealousy that prompted Greeces war on Troy. This last bit is, at least, useful.

Greek drama invented Catch-22 long before Joseph Hellers 1961 novel. Every move of the gods places humanity in a recurring chain of no-win situations. In order to save his familys honour Agamemnon is compelled to murder his beloved child. Thereby saving himself from his armys anger  the sacrifice gives a wind to his becalmed ships - he makes a pitiless enemy of his wife Clytemnestra. Family atrocities resonate through the generations.

Part of the tragedy here is that there are glimpses of what the cast could do if they were just allowed to tell the story. The stentorian, mannered tone of the dialogue  adapted by Bilis from an English version by Stephen Sharkey  initially sounds overblown in this compact, bare space, but the three actors invest it with conviction.

Simon Kunz and Mithra Malek in Iphigenia (Ikin Yum)

Donning a formal uniform jacket, Kunz sloughs off the role of the bumbling thesp to harden into the hawkish general faced with impossible decisions. Indra Ove is a harried, sometimes histrionic, but striking presence as Clytemnestra, her silk-sheathed poise deranged by grief and horror. As Iphigenia, Mithra Malek emerges from the audience - a potent, dark-eyed presence in a shaggy coat and linen slacks. Speaking with measured emphasis she passes from joy to despair to acceptance, weeping hot tears on the way.

Her core performance here is as arresting as the one she gave in the wildly different role of a Hispanic ex-con butcher in the Meat Kings (Inc) of Brooklyn Heights at the Park Theatre in November 2025. Why, then, does Bilis require her to drop character and talk about childhood abandonment issues? Or Kunz to chunter about seaside shrimping outings with his dad and brother? Or Ove to relate how her Trinidadian grandmother cooked the goat shed been given as consolation for her parents divorce.

The actress is the daughter of British-Trinidadian film-maker Horace Ove, which makes me suspect that the personal stories are genuine. They add nothing to the central tale, though. And while the filmed interviews are undoubtedly legitimate, they represent a clumsy and unnecessary attempt to make Euripides relevant. Worse, their snippety, incomplete nature trivialises the experiences themselves. This is a well-intentioned mess.

Until 2 May, arcolatheatre.com.
The Irish government has survived a vote of confidence over its handling of recent fuel protests in the country.

The motion was triggered by the main opposition party, Sinn Fein, which criticised the coalition over its handling of the situation.

However, 92 Teachtai Dala (TDs) voted in support of the motion of confidence in the government, with 78 voting against.

Michael Healy-Rae notably voted against the government, having tendered his resignation as a minister of state shortly before the ballot.

The Irish government had been accused of arrogance over the way it handled fuel protests during a debate on confidence in the coalition, with Mr Healy-Rae saying the Irish premier should have listened to protesters.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called the governments response to fuel protesters brazen and said it was time for an election.

Irish premier Micheal Martin said it was dishonest for the opposition to suggest there are no hard choices on rising fuel costs.

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae waves to the crowds gathered outside Leinster House after resigning in the Dail as minister of state (Niall Carson/PA Wire)

Ministers also criticised politicians who backed the blockading of critical infrastructure last week by protesters and insisted work to help people with rising fuel costs was underway before the protests began.

The government announced a 505m (439m) package of support on Sunday to respond to rising fuel prices caused by the war in Iran, but the political fallout from the protests continued as the Dail returned from the Easter break on Tuesday.

The focus had been on how Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae would vote after his brothers earlier resignation. He also voted against the motion and left the coalition.

Speaking in the Dail on Tuesday, Mr Martin said it was manifestly untrue to suggest the government had done nothing to help people amid rising fuel prices, and that the coalition government had taken significant action that went beyond anything being done elsewhere.

Mr Martin said it would be dishonest for the opposition to suggest there are no hard choices to be made.

He criticised the destructive blockade of critical national infrastructure last week, which he said went far beyond past protests.

Angry protesters called for a no confidence vote on Tuesday (Niall Carson/PA Wire)

Everybody has a right to protest, but nobody has a right to appoint themselves as the voice of the people and to threaten the jobs and livelihoods of many thousands of families, Mr Martin said.

Nobody has the right to prevent people from getting to cancer treatment, to be visited by their carer, to distribute vital supplies  the House needs to face up to the fact that these actions were very directly threatening the basic fuel supplies of the country.

Mr Martin also said he condemned the sinister targeting of gardai and oil lorry drivers, and threats against politicians.

Parliamentary democracy is something we should all affirm and defend. The great majority of people who have protested have done so reasonably and democratically.

We all saw that this was not the case for some other elements  and everyone here should understand you cant share platforms with them, express your support for them, call them the voice of the people, and then deny your responsibility for legitimising them.

Irish deputy premier and finance minister Simon Harris said the Sinn Fein motion of no confidence was a stunt and if it succeeded, the financial measures announced by government at the weekend would fall away without parliamentary approval.

Mr Harris said Sinn Fein had decided on the motion before they ever saw the details of the governments package of supports, and that it was far more comprehensive and strategically responsive than anything they have proposed.
Joe Rogan poked fun at President Donald Trumps claim that a controversial image he posted depicted him as a doctor  not Jesus.

The AI-generated image, shared on Truth Social, portrayed Trump wrapped in robes and reaching out to heal a sick man, while beams of light streamed from his hands. After it triggered backlash from across the political spectrum, the president deleted the post and said he thought it presented him as a physician.

It came up in conversation during an episode of Rogans podcast on Tuesday, when he was discussing the power of artificial intelligence with guest Andy Stumpf, a former Navy SEAL.

AI god has to come alive and take over the system, Rogan said. AI god, the one that created that Jesus meme that Trump just posted.

Joe, I told you, he explained it. He was a doctor, Stumpf replied sarcastically.

Joe Rogan poked fun at President Donald Trump's claim that an AI-generated image he posted depicted him as a doctor, not as Jesus (The Joe Rogan Experience/YouTube)

This drew laughter from the podcast host, who endorsed Trump in 2024 but has criticized him several times in recent months, including over the Iran war.

Thats what they called him. Thats what AI god calls Jesus, Rogan shot back. Jesus is a doctor.

Their conversation then moved on to other topics.

The 79-year-old Republican president uploaded the AI image to his Truth Social page on Sunday, shortly after he posted a scathing attack against Pope Leo, whom he called WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy.

Outrage quickly followed, with a number of commentators noting that the image clearly resembled the Christian savior. They denounced Trumps behavior as beyond the pale and blasphemous.

The AI-generated image, shared on Truth Social, portrayed Trump wrapped in robes and reaching out to heal a sick man, while beams of light streamed from his hands (@realDonaldTrump/Truth Social)

On Orthodox Easter, President Trump attacked the Pope because the Pope is rightly against Trumps war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus, former Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X. completely denounce this and Im praying against it!!!

This is not only offensive, Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont Independent, wrote on X. It is deranged, egomaniacal behavior.

By Monday morning, the post had been deleted from the presidents Truth Social feed.

Speaking to reporters outside the Oval Office later that day, Trump confirmed he was the one who posted the image and defended his decision.

I viewed that as a picture of me being a doctor, he said. You know, as a little fun playing the doctor and making people better. So thats what it was viewed as. Thats what most people thought.

He said he took the image down because he didnt want to have anybody be confused, though he blamed the fake news for stirring controversy.

On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, an Evangelical Christian, applauded the presidents decision.

I talked to the president and told him I dont think it was being received in the same way he intended it, and he agreed, Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill. I dont think he thought it was sacrilegious at all.